You Blessed Assurance .
Speaker 1Blessed assurance , jesus is mine . Oh , what a foretaste of glory . Divine , divine , heir of salvation , purchase of God Born of .
Speaker 2His Spirit Washed in His blood .
Speaker 1Perfect submission . All is at rest . I am my Savior . I'm happy and blessed , watching and waiting , looking up above , filled with His goodness , lost in His love . Your smile
this is my story . This is my song , praising my Savior All the day long . This is my story . This is my song , praising my Savior all the day long . Oh , what a Savior wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior wonderful Jesus . Death could not hold you . You are victorious . Praise to the risen King . Death could not hold you . You are victorious . Praise to the risen King . Oh , what a Savior Wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior Wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior Wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior Wonderful Jesus . Oh , what a Savior Wonderful sin Sky , sky .
Speaker 3Welcome to Reverend Ben Cooper's podcast . We are a radio and podcast ministry based here within the UK . Your support is vital through prayer and through sowing a seed of faith , downloading and listening to our podcasts , whether you are on Spotify , apple Podcast , google , alexa , amazon Music and so many other platforms . For more information about our ministry , please find us on pastorbencoopercouk . We would love to hear from you as you partner with us as we reach the world for Jesus Christ . Please send us an email through our contact form on pastorbencoopercouk . Also , you can find our latest books on Amazon under hashtag one , hashtag two and hashtag three under Christian Straight Talk hard-hitting , real-life conversations taken from our podcasts .
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Speaker 4Good morning , good morning , good morning . Ben's good , he's fine . He's actually taken a funeral this morning that's why he can't be with us but where two or three are gathered together in my name . I am there , says the Lord , present by his Holy Spirit , and , as usual , we're hoping this morning is going to be led by his Holy Spirit . So , lord , we want to thank you for who you are and we want to thank you for your promises , and we want to thank you , lord , that you've not left us as orphans , but you're always with us , always , always , lord , so faithful in all your ways . So , lord , we do commit this morning to you , so faithful in all your ways . So , lord , we do commit this morning to you and we pray and we ask , lord , that you would give us the right scriptures , the right words to encourage , to be close
, to break chains , to bring your kingdom in , even in days like this , amen . And when we say days like this , isn't the world in turmoil , isn't it ? You know , every day you get a headline and you think what ? Now You've got all these world leaders all jostling for position , all having their eyes on other dominions to take over , and , oh , it could be a scary world . Actually , there are so many Christians who are facing severe persecution , so many if you put a number on it , it would at least equal the population of America . Hundreds of millions of Christians being persecuted across the globe for one reason they love Jesus . That is it .
Speaker 4But what does Jesus say ? John 14 , verse 1 . He says and I'm going to be reading from the NLT don't let your hearts be troubled . Trust in God and trust also in me . That's where our trust is .
Speaker 4We don't know what the future holds . Actually , we do a bit . You know we've got the book , it's all here . We know it ends amazingly . But our future ? We don't know where we are in the book . We know we're in the last days , we know we're nearer to the second coming of the Lord than we've ever been . So we don't know what the future holds . But we do know who holds the future , and his name is Jesus and all things were made by him , through him and for him , things in heaven and things on earth .
Speaker 4Now Jesus says in I'm going to be looking at John 14 , and I'm going to bounce down to John 14 , verse 15 . If you love me , obey my commands and I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate who will never leave you . He is the Holy Spirit who leads you into all truth . Oh , the church so needs the Holy Spirit . He leads you into all truth . If someone says , I have the Holy Spirit , we don't need the scriptures anymore , that's not the Holy Spirit . The Holy Spirit leads you into all truths . He's the one who inspired the word and he's the one who leads us deeper into the word he is the spirit of truth he is truth .
Speaker 4He is the holy spirit who leads into all truth . The world cannot receive him because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him . You even hear in the church nowadays things that are leading away from the truth . That's the spirit of the Antichrist , not the spirit of the Lord , but you know him because he lives with you now and later will be in you . No , I will not abandon you as orphans , I will come to you . This is one of the most lovely Trinitarian verses in the whole of scripture .
Speaker 4Jesus is saying another helper , the advocate , the spirit of truth . Now he brings it down to a bit more detail . He says I'm not going to leave you as orphans . I will send him the holy spirit . Then he says no , I will not abandon you as orphans . I will come to you . Who's coming ? The holy spirit , the spirit of jesus and the spirit of the father . Soon the world will no longer see me , but you will see me , since I live , you also live . When I am raised to life again , you will know that , yes , I am in the Father and you are in me and I am in you . Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me . Come on , there's a litmus test . Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me . I'm hearing so many voices from different quarters saying we love God , but we don't like the commandments , we don't like what he says . Well , how can you love him then ? If you have the Holy Spirit , he will lead you deeper into these things .
Speaker 4And remember Jesus doesn't condemn us . He comes alongside us , like the woman who was caught in adultery , and he said to her once this is the story . He says okay , anyone who's without sin cast the first stone . And jesus was writing on the floor when he said that . What was he writing ? Probably the laws . He was ignoring the accusers . Then he writes again and he was probably showing what each person there had broken when it comes to the commandments . Then he said okay , any of you without sin cast the first stone . And everybody left oldest to the youngest , until just jesus , and the lady was there . Then he says to her where are your condemners , where are your accusers ? So they've all gone . He said , said then , neither do I Depends what translation you've got , but neither do I condemn you or neither do I accuse you . Go and sin no more .
Speaker 4He meets us in our time of need and he breaks the chains . He does not affirm us in them , he sets us free . Let's carry on with John 14 . And because they love me , my Father will love them and I will love them and reveal myself to each of them . Judas not Judas Iscariot , but the other disciple with that name said to him Lord , why are you going to reveal yourself to us and not the world at large ? Jesus replied all who love me will do what I say . My father will love them and we will come and make a home with each of them . Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me .
Speaker 4See , it's not a religion , it's relationship . God does not usurp our free will and he does not control us . It's all about surrendering to him . When we realize how good , how merciful that he is , the truth , that what he says is right , when we surrender to his ways , it's because we love him , and we love him because he first loved us . And when we know him , it gets easier to surrender him to him . Remember , my words are not my own .
Speaker 4What I am telling you is from the father who sent me . I am telling you these things now , while I am still with you . But when the father sends the advocate , who's sending the advocate ? I thought jesus said he was , but when the Father sends the Advocate , who's sending the Advocate ? I thought Jesus said he was . Come on , he is God . Father , son , holy Spirit , co-equal , co-eternal . Three persons , one God . How does that work ?
Speaker 4I've heard the non-Christians and the skeptics say how can God be in heaven and on the earth as a man at the same time ? Have you not heard of Louis de Sarsy ? Here's a bit of science for you . Louis de Sarsy is a starfish that lives from Norway to Portugal . Quite a small starfish , smaller than the size of my hand . Why am I saying that ? If you know your biology , you'll know that Lurida sarsi , when it's free , swimming as a nymph , just swimming around with all the plankton , being a little baby starfish growing into a teenager , will grow something on its face . This face is like a nodule and it grows and it grows and it grows . When it's fully developed , it's the adult version of itself which then separates from the juvenile and swims away and both coexist . Which one's the starfish ? Come on .
Speaker 4God , throughout creation , has left evidence of who he is . If a starfish can be in two places at the same time two entities , but one , starfish God . Who is God , who is incomparable ? Is Father , son , holy Spirit . One God , three persons . So when Jesus says I will send the Holy Spirit the advocate , he means that when Jesus says the Father will send the Holy Spirit the advocate , he means that when Jesus says the Father will send the Holy Spirit , he means that why ? Because I and the Father are one . If you want to know what God the Father is like , look at Jesus . He said to Philip don't you know me , philip ? If you've seen me , you've seen the Father . But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative , that is the Holy Spirit . He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you .
Speaker 4I love theology , I've been to Bible college , I'm a pastor . I love it . But I love the Holy Spirit more , because it's the Holy Spirit who brings these scriptures to life . It's the Holy Spirit who ? Because it's the Holy Spirit who brings these scriptures to life . It's the Holy Spirit who reveals who Jesus is . Jesus said no one comes to the father except through me . That's in John 14 . He also said no one comes to me unless the father draws him . If you know Jesus today , if he's your savior today , you know what it's because he's revealed himself to you through the Holy Spirit . It's through the Holy Spirit we cry Abba , father . We were dead in our transgressions and sins , but he opened our eyes , he opened our minds , he brought life to our dead spirit and he's
given us a new nature . We're born again . No wonder we feel like aliens in this world . Do you feel that Owen ? No , I don't .
Speaker 4Passing through , jesus goes on to say the Advocate , my representative , the Holy Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I've told you . I'm leaving you with a gift peace of mind and heart . Where does peace come from ? Jesus says my peace , I give you my peace . I leave you . It's Holy Spirit , and the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give . So don't be troubled or afraid . Remember what I told you I'm going away , but I will come back to you again .
Speaker 4If you really loved me , you would be happy that I'm going to the Father , who is greater than I am . I have told you all these things before they happen . So when they do happen , you will believe . I don't have much more time to talk to you , because the ruler of this world approaches . He has no power over me , but I will do what the Father requires of me so that the world will know that I love the Father . Let's be going , he says Now . This is before he descended . The Holy Spirit was among them . He told them that They'd witnessed many things . He actually gave them the authority to drive out demons .
Speaker 4Memory sent out the 72 , but there was a time coming when this promise would be fulfilled , when the holy spirit would come and live in you . They already believed , but they were not yet filled with the Holy Spirit . They already believed , but they were not yet filled with the Holy Spirit . Pentecost was coming , pentecost . We need another Pentecost .
Speaker 4So , jesus , we thank you that you are faithful .
Speaker 4You are truth .
Speaker 4You are the truth , the way , the truth and the life .
Speaker 4Thank you for your promise , your promise of your very presence living in us , lord . We thank you , lord , that you chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in your sight . You tell us , lord , to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness , not our own , because we know , apart from you , we are bankrupt . Let your righteousness live in us . You have made us righteous , you chose us , you called us in your foreknowledge , knowing everything about us , every detail , even down to our cellular structure . You know us completely . Even before a word is on our lips , you know it . You're for us , you're not against us , and you have made the way , the promise , that we can be filled with your presence . Ignite your church , ignite your people , send your Holy Spirit again and again and again . Empower us , remind us , give us your peace that transcends all understanding . Ride in the storms of our circumstances , lord , speak peace , carry us through it or part the sea that we may walk on dry ground in jesus name , amen amen .
Speaker 5thanks for that , glenn . It's um really topical at the moment , isn't it about who we are and where we are and what we stand for ? While you're talking and taking us through the marvellous gift of the Holy Spirit , I had Romans 8 open and my Bible is headed life through the spirit . And you know , we can't do anything without god's spirit within us and he directs us and guides us and it gives us that power , isn't it when no one can say jesus is lord without the Spirit ? But what we're talking about here is being filled with the Spirit , overflowing , that power that gives us the power that we can do all things through God who helps us . And I've got a heading here also the future glory , heading here also the future glory . And when we get filled with the spirit , we just get that glimpse of what , uh , that future glory is going to be . And uh , here we . What uh , paul was saying here is that we're more than conquerors and because of in romans 8 and it's verse um 28 , I think it is and it says here and we know that in all things , god works for the good of those who love him , who have been called according to his purpose , god actually calls us , when we fall in love with jesus .
Speaker 5And I think most of us can actually pinpoint that time , can't we ?
Speaker 5When that happened , when we suddenly realise that actually there is a God and there is Jesus who actually died for us , and that was quite a few years ago for me , was quite a few years ago for me when , uh , when he said to me I can still hear these words echoing in my , in my brain are you for me or against me ? And uh , and I couldn't resist , I'm for you and uh . It's certainly my testimony that it's never been the same since , because I'm in a relationship with Jesus and that entails God and the Holy Spirit . And it was sometime later that there was an occasion when I was just filled with that power , and it was almost as if my body was shaking when the Holy Spirit came and kind of filled me up to overflowing . And that's when I realised that there are all these gifts available , these gifts are available to you , and I've never spoken like this to anyone before . That it was , I think God called me as an evangelist to actually go and speak to people .
Speaker 5Never had that confidence . But it's the confidence that Holy Spirit gives you and as it says in Romans 8 , we're more than conquerors . It's the confidence that Holy Spirit gives you and , as it says in Romans 8 , we're more than conquerors . When God is with us , who can be against us ? And I think that's what you have to take on board in your own life . Have that confidence to speak . What God is saying to you . It says here what , then , shall we say in response to this ? If god is for you , who can be against you ? Against you ? He who did not spare his own son , but gave him up for us and he died for us . You know , some of us might , might die for a good friend in in difficult circumstances , but god died . God sent his son who died for each one of us .
Speaker 4You're quite in scripture . Yeah , barely would a person die for a good man yeah . But God chose his love for us in this , while we were still sinners , enemies of God .
Speaker 5He died for us . He died for us , knowing , yeah , I'm always amazed and I'm puzzled , quite often how some folk can't get it .
Speaker 4But without the Holy Spirit you can't .
Speaker 5No , that's right and what I really love to see . I've spoken to folk on the street and suddenly they get it .
Speaker 5I've spoken to folk on the street and suddenly they get it and they are prepared to say , yeah , I want to follow Jesus . And my prayer this morning is that people , folk , men , women and children will get it and decide to make that decision to follow Jesus . And I've got Isaiah 53 open as well , and this is a powerful , powerful reference in scripture . Surely he took up our infirmities , carried our sorrows , yet we considered him stricken by God , smitten by him and afflicted . But he was pierced for our transgressions , he was crushed for our iniquities . The punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed . He was oppressed and afflicted , yet he didn't open his mouth . He was led like a lamb to the slaughter . That's Jesus . I always think it outstanding and amazing that how many years before Christ was this written ? 500 plus years .
Speaker 5Isaiah wrote this prophetic chapter of Jesus going to the cross and dying for us . Isn't this book amazing ?
Speaker 4Yeah .
Speaker 5It's this book amazing , yeah , it's the most amazing book in the world . And there it is . It's there before us that God sent his son because he knew that he had to have a remedy because the world that he created had fallen away from him and he had to bring them back . And uh , the one sacrifice , that supreme , supreme sacrifice , was his son , his one and only son , jesus , who would go to the cross . And he didn't complain . He was led like a lamb to the slaughter . And that's what Jesus has done for us .
Speaker 5How can you refuse that invitation to come before him and say Jesus , you are Lord , come into my life . I want you to be with me , because I can't do it on my own . And that's my prayer for each one of us this morning that Christ will renew us , will bring that power and ask for that Holy Spirit to come into your life to fill you to overflowing . And there will be that equipping that the Holy Spirit can only do , and that's our prayer this morning for each one . So we say come , holy Spirit , fill us to overflowing , come and let us experience those gifts that you have waiting for us . Scripture tells us what the gifts are . I've got one or two . I want more 1 Corinthians 13 .
Speaker 4And 14, .
Speaker 5Have a look around there .
Speaker 4While you're speaking , I was thinking why on earth would God come ? Why ? Why he's already God , he's already perfect , he has no needs . Jesus told a parable of a pearl of great price that there was this merchant who , while he was looking for things , he came across the pearl of all pearls , and when he saw it , he went and sold everything that he had so that he could possess that . We've already heard that . Well , god so loved the world , so loves so . So such a little word , s-o God so loves you . This is what it's all about . You are that pearl of great price that he sent his one and only son Everything .
Speaker 4The pearl of heaven came and lived the perfect life and died . Why ? So that you could be in relationship with God . That's how much he loves you . He spared nothing , he endured everything . He did what we could not do , because the Bible is clear All have sinned . Yes , my friend , even you . All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . We're in noble ruins , made in the image of God , but ruined , ruined , and God cannot even look on sin . So Jesus came and did what we could not Live the perfect life , Never sinned , did . He lived in total obedience to the father and emptied himself of God . He did this as a man .
Speaker 4You've only got to read Philippians three for this , sorry , philippians two who , being in very nature God , did not find equality with God , something to be used to his own advantage , something to be grasped , something to be held on to , but made himself nothing , taking on the nature of a servant . He surrendered himself to death , even death on a cross . Why ? Because that is significant . Because in the Old Testament laws as well , it says cursed is anyone who is hung on a tree , cursed is anyone who is hung on wood . And jesus paid the cursed death to break every curse , every sin , every hold the devil had on our lives , and he's made us clean and perfect . He's literally swapped his perfection for our sin-stained lives . That's how much god loves us . Why ? Because we are the pearl of great christ . To him held nothing back , and Jesus holds nothing back as well . He wants relationship with us now , not when we get into heaven . Where's the kingdom of God ? Where did Jesus say it is ? It's within you .
Speaker 4It's within you , it's not over there , it's not in America , it's not in Russia , dare I say , it's not even in earthly Israel . The kingdom of God is within you , and god comes and makes his home within you . Our identity is this we were made in the image of god . That's who you are , either male or female . He made them both in the image of him , and the height of transcendence is not in your sexuality , it's in being filled with the presence of God , being filled with his presence , and he has made the way through Jesus . For this , I've read John 14 , john 16 .
Speaker 4Jesus labours this . If Jesus labours this , look , jesus said to the Pharisees you diligently study the scriptures , thinking through them , you find eternal life . These are the very scriptures that point to me , and you refuse to come to me and have life . Jesus actually says about the Holy Spirit . We need it . Look , I'm going to read .
Speaker 4Read John 16 and hear what he says , starting at verse 5 . I am going away to the one who sent me and none of you is asking where am I going ? Instead , you grieve because of what I've told you , but in fact , it is best for you that I go away . This is what Jesus is saying it's best for you that I go and be with the Father , it's best for you that I ascend . Why didn't he choose to stay ? Sure , he could have done , couldn't he ? He'd conquered everything . He says it's best for you that I go away Because if
I don't here it is in John 16 , verse 7 , because if I don't , the advocate won't come . If he doesn't go away , if he does not ascend , the Holy Spirit won't come and dwell within us . That sounds pretty important to me , doesn't ?
Speaker 5it Yeran yeah absolutely .
Speaker 4If I do go away then I will send him to you . Read about revivals in church when the Holy Spirit comes and what happens . Read your church history , not the secularisation of the church history . That's just about people killing people and trying to get control . But when God moves and breathes life upon his church , when we end up in those times , like God's challenge to Ezekiel , when God takes him to that valley of dry bones and says can these bones live again ? And Ezekiel answers very wisely , he says only you know , o Lord , because he's looking at something dead , gone and forgotten . Then he said prophesy , over the bones , son of man , speak . And as Ezekiel cooperated with God and spoke those words , there was a great rattling and the bones came together . God's doing that today on the earth again , reviving his church . Then sinew came upon the great army and then the army was standing but God says now , prophesy the breath , the breath , the ruach of God , prophesy , the breath . God is saying today , ask for the breath .
Speaker 4Jesus said after the Lord's prayer . He said if actually he tells everyone to forgive , that's a command . Forgive people , oh dear . Do you realise if you don't forgive the person that you're holding things against is carrying on as normal . You're the only one suffering . It's like pouring out poison and drinking it on their behalf . You're the only one getting poisoned . Forgive .
Speaker 4Don't know why I'm saying that . I think someone online needs to forgive someone . Forgiveness is not saying it doesn't matter . Forgiveness means they owe me , they hurt me , what they did was wrong , but I'm choosing to let them off the debt that they owe me , just like God let us off Actually , a huge debt . There's a story about that . God wants us filled with his presence , with his Holy Spirit . I'm carry on reading in john 16 , verse 8 and when he comes , he will convict the world of his sin . And he was saying earlier and it's true . We read the bible to people and we think why don't they get it ? Because the god of this age has blinded them . It's like showing a blind man a poster . Can you see that ?
Speaker 4no , I'm blind they're actually dead in their transgressions and sins as well . Ever spoke to a dead man ? You don't get much back , actually get nothing back . When the holy spirit comes , he brings conviction of sin . When he comes , he will convict the world of his sin and of god's righteousness and of coming judgment . That's a move of the Spirit of God , a holiness revival . Righteousness is available because I go to the Father and you will see me . No more Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged . There is much more I want to tell you , but you can't bear it now . But when the spirit of proof comes , he will guide you into all truth . He's saying it again . He will not speak on his own , but he will tell you what he has heard . He will tell you about the future . He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me . All that belongs to the Father is mine . That is why I said the Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me .
Speaker 4Jesus said I said earlier at the end of the Lord's Prayer . He said which of you fathers , if your son asked you for an egg , would give him a stone . If he asked you bread or fish , you'd give him a scorpion ? We wouldn't , would we ? I'm'm a father , I've got six daughters . If they ask me for things , I'm not going to give them poison . He said how much more will the father give the holy spirit to those who ask if you , who are evil , know how to give good gifts , how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask how do we receive the Holy Spirit ? We ask , we desire ? You'll see both Peter and Paul read through the book of Acts . They come to believers and they ask did you receive the Holy Spirit when ?
Speaker 4you believed and they say , no , we didn't even know there was a Holy Spirit or no , we were baptized into John . They then lay hands on them and they're filled with the Holy Spirit , but they already believed . Yes , you can't believe without the Holy Spirit opening your mind and bringing conviction of sin . But there's more . Let let's look at Acts 2 . Acts 2 . Yeah , you're already there .
Speaker 6I've got Acts 2 , verse 37 .
Speaker 4Yep , peter's words and yep , each of you must repent of your sins . But then , when he finishes it off , he talks about , he quotes Joel and he says look , this is the promise , this is the promise . And this promise Now , the promise is the promise of the Holy Spirit of God dwelling with his people . As Joel said , this promise is for you , your children , all who are far off , everyone who comes to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ . That's the promise . Oh , but I'm not worthy enough . No , you never will be . He comes and cleanses you because he's made you worthy .
Speaker 4I have a saviour in heaven . I'm saved because I have someone who's taken my place , not because I'm any good . If I didn't have a saviour , I'd be as lost today as the first day I cried out to him . What difference does the Holy Spirit make ? Huge difference , as Andy said . The courage and the boldness he goes out on the streets after this service just to tell people about Jesus . He's done it with Donny for how many years now ? 15 ? Amen to that right in , just to tell people about Jesus .
Speaker 6He's done it with Donny for how many years now ? 15 ? Yeah , got to be Approaching that . Yeah , yeah , amen to that .
Speaker 4Yeah , right in the lion's den . What difference did it make to me when I was baptised in the Holy Spirit ? Oh , I was struggling . I was struggling big time . Seven years of drug abuse had taken its toll . I was struggling with demonic oppression . My brains were frazzled because of the drug abuse too much LSD and all that sort of stuff when I was filled with the Holy Spirit , so overflowing . Three days later I walked in my doctor's office and he said what on earth's happened to you ? You're better . He was trying to stick me in rehabs for years . I said I've had some Christians pray for me and he said I don't believe in any of that for me . And he said I don't believe in any of that . He said but you better . What's happened ? So I said I've had some Christians pray for me and he went .
Speaker 4Don't believe in any of that , he said . But you better what's happened . I said well , I've told you twice . What difference does it make ? Oh , wow , huge difference . Suddenly , by the spirit of God , we cry Abba , father . That intimacy , that knowing him , that euphoric experience on the inside that God is my Father and nothing can snatch me out of his hands . He reminds us of everything . Jesus said everything . Oh , isn't he good ? Who wants to be filled with the Holy Spirit today ? Just ask and I'll pray with you . But I've been filled with the Holy Spirit . Good , be filled again Again .
Speaker 4The template of church is the Bible . They were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost . Just a little while later they're praying again . Peter andames have been arrested and suddenly they're released . They're all together praying and they say lord , consider their threats , stretch out your hand , and suddenly the room they was in shook and they're each filled with the holy spirit . Again , again , you'll see it again and again and again in the bible . They were filled with the Holy Spirit . Again , again , you'll see it again and again and again in the Bible . They were filled with the Holy Spirit .
Speaker 4Why do we need to be filled again and again and again ? Because we get so distracted , we drift . We go to church , we hear the gospel , we praise God in worship and we come out thinking I'll never doubt again . Then we get into the arena of life and we're doubting again , why ? Because we drift . And then his holy spirit comes and meets us in our circumstances and we're again filled with faith , we're put back on track , we hear his voice . As he said in John 10 , my sheep know my voice .
Speaker 4So , lords , we do pray for filling of your pray , for a filling of your Holy Spirit , a return of your church to knowing your voice , to be led by you , holy Spirit . In your inspired word in Romans 8 , you say those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God . Wake us up to being your children . Lord , we thank you for your grace , we thank you for your mercy and we thank you , lord , that you can reach us in whatever circumstance we're in right now . Come Holy Spirit , fill us to overflowing . Cause our attention to be on you , to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness . Give us gifts in abundance , lord .
Speaker 4I want to thank you that since being filled with your spirit , I've seen a brain dead girl of just three years old awake in hospital and all the staff said that's miraculous . Awake in hospital , and all the staff said that's miraculous I've seen a tumour , a cancerous tumour , disappear . Thank you for that recent miracle of baby George From that couple on Alpha , whose grandson was suddenly because of a traumatic birth and an induced coma . Now he's home . Thank you , lord . Thank you , lord , that you heal today , that you empower today , that you're the one who breaks chains of addictions . Holy Spirit , come and break addictions now . Set your people free . Let our addiction be on your kingdom and your righteousness . Through your word , wake us up , set us aflame for you and cause us to walk with you .
Speaker 6Amen yeah , amen to that amen .
Speaker 5There's a verse in 2 Timothy , chapter 3 . We've been quoting from Scripture all the time and it just came to me this verse , verse 16 . All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching , rebuking , correcting and training in righteousness , so that the man of god may be thoroughly equipped for every good work . So when we look at scripture , it's we've got to appreciate that god has breathed through all of scripture and that's why , as christians , we we need to get into god's word . We need to get into god's word and and try to get into the habit of reading every day yeah and reading apart every day , get a bible reading plan to do that
and it's , you know , it's something .
Speaker 5I try to read scripture every day so that by the end of the year I've read the whole Bible , and I've done that a few times now . So it's something that , and of course , scripture , sticks in your mind and it goes with you .
Speaker 4And the Holy Spirit brings it back .
Speaker 5And the Holy Spirit helps you to recall it .
Speaker 4So if you haven't read it , how can he help you to recall ?
Speaker 5it . Yeah , that's right .
Speaker 4You can't recall something that you've never seen or read , although often you do get something in your head and you later find it .
Speaker 5Yeah , yeah , yeah , and there's some scripture in Philippians that reads like this but whatever was to my prophet , I now consider loss , for the sake of Christ . What is more , I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus , my Lord , and for whose sake I have lost all things . I consider them rubbish , and for whose sake I have lost all things . I consider them rubbish , and that word rubbish could be translated filth or something worse .
Speaker 4It's actually a strong word for excrement is the literal translation .
Speaker 5Absolutely . Yeah . So that is what you know . We consider everything . You know you might have everything you think , but if you haven't got Jesus , it's rubbish . It's right at the other end of the scale . So that's why we sit here , isn't it ?
Speaker 2Yeah .
Speaker 5This is why we sit here and try and sometimes badly to put over what the gospel is , what it is like to be in relationship with Jesus . And I gained Christ and he's found me . He called me . I'm always puzzled why he chose me . Yeah , that puzzles me . Why did he choose me ? We all thinkled me . Why did he ?
Speaker 4choose me . We all think the same . Why did he choose not Andy ?
Speaker 5We're not thinking why did he choose Andy ?
Speaker 4But we can understand why God loves someone else , but we can't understand why God loves us yeah , that's right .
Speaker 5And he knows us better than what we know ourselves , and he loves us . And so Philippians goes on to say you know , I press on towards goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus . Yeah , I just know where I'm going .
Speaker 4Life with Jesus . That's Abraham's promise .
Speaker 4You know this is . He is the father of faith , the faith that we now inherit . And God said to him I am one of the I am's of . Jesus said I am your shield and your very great reward . We're friends with God . Yeah , Jesus Christ is his name and I love it .
Speaker 4I'm looking at something that just dovetails with exactly , and it's in 2 Corinthians , chapter 4 , verse 15 . That is why we never give up . You know , we press on , andy was saying . We press on to take hold of the reason Christ took hold of us . That is why we never give up .
Speaker 4Though our bodies are dying , you know , outwardly we're decaying . Yeah , every time I look in the mirror I see that when did this old boy come from ? Though our bodies are dying , our spirits are being renewed . Every day we're changed from one degree of glory to another . It's not the opposite way round .
Speaker 4But we go through troubles , yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever . So we don't look at troubles we can see now . Actually , paul calls them momentary afflictions in verse 6 . And when you look at his momentary afflictions poor did he suffer we don't concentrate on them . We don't look at the troubles we can see now , rather and this is what you were saying as well in Hebrews it says this as well we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen . Fix your eyes on Jesus , for the things we see now will soon be gone , but the things we cannot see will last forever .
Speaker 4This is the Christian calling . I think we're going to have to go into communion soon , andy . This is the Christian calling to know Jesus Christ , to know him , to have him live by his spirit within you and one day to be with him forever in glory , where there is no suffering , no pain , no sin . We will be as he is sinless . Sinless we won't be able to sin . There'll be no sin . That's a temporary thing . God didn't create sin . That's why only the things he created last forever . It's a temporary situation , and look at the devastation of it . But we've had one who became sin a sin offering . Should we ?
Speaker 5go into community yeah , were you reading from 2 corinthians ? What chapter 3 was it ? Chapter 4 , chapter 4 ? There was a verse in chapter 3 , verse 18 , and it says and we who , with unveiled faces , all reflect the Lord's glory , are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory which comes from the Lord . Who is the Spirit ? Who's the Lord ? And first verse of chapter 4 .
Speaker 4Who is the Spirit ?
Speaker 5Sorry , sorry , I've got it yeah , therefore , since through god's mercy , we have this ministry , we do not lose heart . Um , I , oh , many years ago , I did a course , you know a church in london and um , it was quite . It's over a couple of years I did this course and this first was given to me , verse 1 of Chapter 4 . Since , through God's mercy , we have this ministry , we do not lose heart . So that's always stuck with me , that whatever I do for Christ , even when things don't work out as I thought they would , we don't give up .
Speaker 5We don't give up no , we don't lose up and we keep on going , keep on trying , keep , keep on persevering . And what qualifies you ? Says that , yeah , yeah , since through God's mercy .
Speaker 4It's mercy all . Yeah , that's what qualifies us . Yeah , when we stand before God , I've got one pure and perfect plea yeah , his name is Jesus , not , oh , I did this , I tried that , not at all . It's mercy . All we have received grace upon grace upon grace . Yeah , all we have received grace upon grace upon grace . Yeah , blessed is the person whose sins and transgressions will never count against them . Yeah , why ? Because we've got an advocate , the holy spirit . We've also got an advocate . His name is jesus . Yeah , who can bring any charge ? Those god has in ? God has chosen ? Yeah , no one . Jesus christ stands there declaring not guilty because I paid in full . It literally is a change . Someone has taken our place . We've been ransomed . Okay , if you was one of those kidnapped by hamas evil , then they're released . If someone paid for their release , if someone paid a ransom for them to come out , what do they pay ? Nothing . Jesus has paid our ransom in full . The evil one has no accusation or charge over us . Right , because if the Son sets you free , you're free indeed .
Speaker 5Yeah , he's our advocate .
Speaker 4You've got a legal background , explain .
Speaker 5Yeah , my legal background , you know , is someone who stands up for you and puts your case , and that's what Jesus does with the Father . Yeah , he's mine , yeah , yeah , he is mine and he will speak up for us .
Speaker 4It's good having a brilliant advocate and this is the plea . He's not going to look at you , he's not going to say , lord , they did better than what they used to . That's not what he's doing . He's pleading what he has done . So , when you look at and we will go into communion here because it's so relevant yeah , because what jesus did ?
Speaker 4He took the passover meal and made it about him . And this is all about judgment . See , the old testament is prophetic and it all points to jesus that he is the fulfillment of the prophetic views of the old when it comes to the new . So when it came to the bread , he said this is my body broken for you . And then , when he comes to the blood , he's saying he's referring . Remember , this is the Passover meal .
Speaker 4What happened at Passover ? The Passover is when judgment is coming on Egypt . Judgment's coming and it was coming that night and the only thing that would spare you from judgment was the blood of the lamb On the door , on your door , over the door , and when judgment fell upon that house , if the blood of the lamb was over the doorway , it would pass over to look at the next place . It couldn't knock on the door and say what are you all up to in there . It couldn't look on the window , it literally had to pass over . Because it was faith that the blood was enough for your salvation . It was an act of faith to put the blood over the door and to participate in what God said .
Speaker 4Jesus said trust in him , trust that he has done enough , trust in his blood . And literally , when he pleads , when he's the advocate , when he stands before us before the father , he says it's the blood , my blood is on them . Judgment passes over and we get a welcoming to heaven . But what did we do ? We put our trust in him , an act of faith . We're saved because let's get the bread . I'm saved . You're saved because Jesus Christ , his body was broken on a cross for you and me . He took the punishment of the sins we deserved brutally
mocked , beaten , tortured and crucified . That our sin has been paid for in full . He's taken our place . Let's take the bread in faith and celebration of that Amen .
Speaker 4Thank you , jesus knowing everything about us , past , present and future . You took us upon yourself . You took the punishment for our sins and what you've done publicly . He declares us free because you've paid it in front of you .
Speaker 5thank you , jesus , amen , thank you yeah , father , and we also take the cup .
Speaker 5And , as it says in one corinthians , this cup is the new covenant of Jesus , who you are , that you are our saviour and that it's your blood that was shed on the cross . You , you died for each one of us . How amazing is that that someone should die for someone else , but you , son of man , god , you actually died for us so that we could have life . And so , father , we drink this cup knowing that you died for us and that this is a witness that that's exactly what you did , so that we could have life , Not only just life , not any life . But you said that we could have life in fullness , in all fullness , that we could have an abundant life . And , father , I just pray that now , for all those who are grieving , who are suffering , who suffering from anxiety , that you will turn that around today . You will turn it around so that there will be hope , there will be abundance for them and for us here sitting around this table . And we ask you now , father , god , to do that as we take the cup . Amen .
Speaker 4Now before our friend on the sound closes us with a prayer from John 14 , 1, . Don't let your heart be troubled . Andy's going to tell us some good news .
Speaker 5Oh right , yeah , it's always good news and that's why I belong to good news for everyone . Yeah , formerly Gideons . But we give away scriptures and I've got a copy of New Testament p , psalms and Proverbs that you can have , and you know , I give these away to anyone who stretches out a hand to accept it . I'll get many rejections , of course , but I think last year our members gave away 900 of these into people's hands , 900 people who hopefully , when we pray , these scriptures will be opened and the word of God is powerful and active and , as it says , you know , it's a double-edged sword it cuts both ways to bone and marrow . That's what god's word is . And , uh , do receive one and just get in touch , your lives will be changed . And , uh , when I give people a copy of this word , I I warn them , I'll give them a warning . I say it's a dangerous book because it could change your life .
Speaker 4Yeah , yeah , um , one of the places those bibles go to . I can't say what prison it is , but I'm in there again tomorrow . And , um , it's such a joy because the last time I was in there , one of the inmates he said I'm so glad I went to prison because I've now found freedom . Freedom in Jesus , wow . Wherever you are , whatever circumstances , when you know Jesus , he's come to give us . Well , if the sun sets you free , you are free indeed , whatever your circumstances may be . So if we could close with John 14 , you've got a prayer from there .
Speaker 6Yes , you've got a prayer from there . Yes , the prayer is heavy . Father , thank you for your unfulfilling love and for the promise you have spoken over our lives . Lord , help us to trust in you completely , even when doubt tries to creep in . Strengthen our faith so that we may stand firm . Believe in your word and your purpose . You have for me . Jesus , you said do not let your heart be troubled . You believe in God . You believe also in me . That's in John 14 , verse 1 . Today I choose to believe in you with all my heart . I lay down my tears , my worries and all my strength , knowing that you are my rock and my salvation . Fill me with confidence in your plan . Remind me that I will never be alone , and let my faith be a light to those who are around me . In Jesus' name , amen .
Speaker 4Amen , what wonderful words . Out of the heart , the mouth does speak . Well , we've come to the end of this morning and we hope you'll join us again next week , where Ben will be here . So that's for now Goodbye , goodbye .
Speaker 3Thank you for listening to us today on Reverend Ben Cooper's podcast . We hope you found inspiration and guidance in today's audio . Remember the journey of faith is a continuous one and your questions and thoughts are important . You can send us a text or an email and we will get back to you . So , wherever you are around the world , thank you for listening to our podcasts and radio ministry . For more information about our ministry , please find us on pastorbencoopercouk . Please support us with prayer . Also , you can sow a financial seed into this ministry . You can also leave us a legacy to support and continue the work of this radio ministry . If you enjoyed this episode , please subscribe and share it with others who might benefit . Until next time , stay blessed .
Speaker 1Thank you , Night and the spirit of life .
Speaker 7Call Mamela and her voice with the fear of a child answers Hayamamela Wait . There's no mountain too great . Hear these words and have faith Whoa Whoa .
Speaker 1Have faith Whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa whoa , whoa whoa whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa , whoa whoa whoa . He watches over everything . We see Into the water , into the truth , in your reflection .
Speaker 6He lives in you . He lives in you .
Speaker 1He lives in you . He lives in you . He lives in you . He lives in me . He watches over everything we see Into the water , into the truth In your reflection . He lives in you . He lives in you . He lives in you . He lives in you . He lives in you . He lives in you . He lives in you . He lives in me . He watches over Everything we see Into the water , into the water , into the truth in your reflection . He lives in me . He watches over Everything we see Into the water , into the truth In your reflection . He lives in you .
Speaker 7I just want to speak the name of Jesus Over every heart and every mind . I know there is peace within your presence . I speak Jesus . I just want to speak the name of Jesus Till every dark addiction starts to break , declaring there is hope and there is freedom . I speak , jesus . Your name is power . Your name is power . Your name is healing . Your name is life . Break every stronghold . Shine through the shadows , burn like a fire . I just want to speak the name of Jesus Over fear and all anxiety , to every soul held captive by depression . I speak , jesus . Your name is power . Your name is healing . Your name is life is light . Break every stronghold . Shine through the shadows , burn like a fire . Shout Jesus from the mountains . Jesus in the streets . Jesus in the mountains . Jesus in the streets . Jesus in the darkness , over every enemy . Jesus for my family . I speak the holy name Jesus .
Speaker 1Shout Jesus from the mountains , jesus in the streets , jesus in the darkness , over every enemy . Jesus for my family , I speak the holy name . Jesus , your name is power , your name is healing , your name is life . Break every sorrow , shine through the shadows , burn like fire . Your name is power , your name is healing , your name is life .
Thank you , let's pray .
Speaker 1Nothing but the blood of Jesus . What can make me whole again ? Nothing but the blood of Jesus . Oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh .
Speaker 1Nothing but the blood of Jesus . Oh , precious is the flow that makes me white as snow . No other fount I know . Nothing but the blood of Jesus . This is all my hope and peace . Nothing but the blood of Jesus . This is all my righteousness . Nothing but the blood of Jesus . Oh , precious is the flow , jesus so good . Oh , precious is the flow that makes me white as snow . No other fount , I know Nothing but the blood of Jesus . Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow . No other fount , I know Nothing but the blood of Jesus . Oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh , oh . We all start on the outside , the outside looking in .
Speaker 2This is where grace begins . We were hungry , we were thirsty , with nothing left to give . Oh , the shape that we were in . And just when all hope seemed lost , love opened the door for us .
Speaker 1He said come to the table .
Speaker 2Come join the sinners who have been redeemed .
Speaker 1Take your place beside the Savior , sit down and be set free . Come to the table . Come to the table , come meet this mighty crew of misfits , these liars and these thieves .
Speaker 1There's no one unwelcome here and that sin and shame that you brought with you . You can leave it at the door and let mercy draw you near . So come to the table . Come join the sinners who have been redeemed . Take your place beside the Savior . We've been redeemed .
Speaker 1Come to the table . To the thief and to the doubter , to the hero and the coward , to the prisoner and the soldier , to the young and to the older , all who hunger , all who thirst , all the last and all the first , all the paupers and the princes , all who fail you've been forgiven . All who dream and all who suffer , all who loved and lost another , all the chained and all the free , all who follow , all who lead , anyone who's been led down , all the lost . You have been found . All who've been labeled , right or wrong . To everyone who hears this song , come to the table . Come join the sinners . You have been redeemed . Take your place beside the Savior . Sit down and be set free . Sit down and be set free . Come to the table . Come to the table , sit down and be set free .
Speaker 2Come to the table . Great is the Lord . He is holy and just . By His power we trust in His love . Great is the Lord . He is faithful and true . By His mercy he proves he is love . Great is the Lord and worthy of glory . Great is the Lord and worthy of glory .
Speaker 1Praise the Lord and worthy of praise . Praise the Lord Now . Lift up your voice . Now lift up your voice , praise the Lord .
Speaker 2Praise the Lord . Praise the Lord . Great is the Lord . He is holy and just . By His power , we trust in His love . Great is the Lord . He is faithful and true . By His mercy he boosts his love . Great is the Lord and worthy of praise .
Speaker 1Great is the Lord . Now lift up your voice . Now lift up your voice , now lift up your voice . Great is the Lord . Great is the Lord . Great are you , lord , and worthy of glory . Great are you , lord and worthy of glory . Great are you , lord and worthy of praise . Great are you , lord . I lift up my voice . I lift up my voice . Rain on you , lord . Rain on you , lord . Rain on you , lord . Rain on you , lord . Bye .