Introduction and Ministry Overview

Speaker 1

Welcome 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 . We are so thankful to have so many people around the globe 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 . Also , you can find our latest books on Amazon under .

Speaker 1

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Speaker 2

Good morning

Joshua 3: Following the Ark

Speaker 2

. Jesus Christ is alive . He's the coming king . He is the great . I am Wherever you are today . Thank you for joining us on radio .

Speaker 2

I'll be Christian radio for those in the world of podcast , with us at this moment in time and wherever you may be , whatever your time zone is , whatever life looks like , we thank you for joining us and thank you for so many on this live stream on the other side of camera . May God bless you and strengthen you and guide you and lead you in paths of righteousness . We welcome you to coffee and prayer and for everybody that downloads these podcasts , we thank you too , for whatever nation , whatever city , wherever you are across this beautiful earth . May the Holy Spirit lead you today . You know , whatever life looks like , whatever you may be facing , you know life is good , life is powerful when we follow Jesus Christ . But the Bible says you must be born again . So we welcome you this morning , whether you're in faith , out of faith . You know people scroll onto certain platforms just trying to fill some time , but we welcome those , you know , wherever you are across the world , scattered far and wide , as we gather for prayer , as we just rest in the word of God , and I want to just open up the word this morning by his grace and his mercy , and just trust that the Lord is leading us and we are right now .

Speaker 2

We're in Joshua . We're in the book of Joshua , chapter 3 . And I want to pick it up from verse 3 . And it's about crossing the Jordan . You know , this is a really interesting scripture . We understand that . The Bible is completely interesting . But I just find that at this moment in time , I believe that the Lord is calling us to step aside , step outside of the crowd of everything that's going on . Because when you look at this and follow the ark , he said when you see it , when you see it , get ready to move out from your positions . And I feel that this is very relevant for us as Bible-believing believers . I find it very , very relevant , you know , that we step out from these positions that we're in and we follow Christ .

Speaker 2

I find we're at a critical part of time at this moment in time . You know time is very , very powerful . It can't be bought . You can't buy time , you can't get it back . You know it's critical . Time is so powerful . It can't be bought , you can't buy time , you can't get it back . You know it's critical Time is so powerful and I believe that , as Joshua , chapter three and from verse three onwards , it's just a short text that I'm going to read .

Speaker 2

Wherever you are at this moment in time , whether listening through radio , whether you're listening through podcasts , whether you're on this live stream broadcast service , across the world , we want to encourage you to follow Jesus , to be a Jesus follower , to follow Jesus , to step out , follow the Ark of the Covenant . That was the clear instruction from God . So when you follow this through , you might want to read it from verse 1 when you get time . But this was after three days of camping on the side . You know , and it's critical , that we get ready to cross , and where God led them was into an impossible situation . I find that absolutely amazing . I find that scary that God will lead us into situations where we need to see a miracle , every journey , journey that they had , god made a way . I want to encourage you at this moment in time that God is making a way for you . He might be leading you to the river's edge . You might be looking at the Jordan flowing at full flood stage . I want to encourage you this morning to be a Jesus follower . I want to encourage you this morning to step outside of the position that you're in and get ready and say Lord , I'm following you , lord , I'm going to follow you no matter what .

Speaker 2

So let's pick this reading up , let's pick this text up and we're in the book of Joshua , chapter 3 , and we are in verse 3 , giving orders to the people . When you see the ark of the covenant of the lord , your god , and the priests who are the levites carrying , carrying that you are to move out from your positions and follow it . Then it says in verse 4 let's just go a little bit further , then you will know which way to go , since you have never been this way before . But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark , do not go near it . When you look at those two verses verse four it says , then you will know which way to go , but you really haven't been this way before . Hang on , lord . That's confused me a little bit , because it's about following Jesus .

Speaker 2

When Jesus called those on the shoreline of Galilee , he said drop your nets , come and follow me . We've got to follow Jesus , we've just got to follow him , and then we all might sit around this table and you know across the mics and when you really go right down to the brass tacks of it all , it means that it's not church I follow . It's not ministry , it's not a man , it's not a woman , it's not a great preacher , it's not a teacher , it's not a theologian . It's not a social network group , it's not a WhatsApp group . I follow the word . We've got to be encouraging one another to follow the holy word of God again and again and again across your social networks , across your WhatsApp groups . Tell your family , tell your friends , tell your work colleagues . We've got to be Jesus followers . We've got to be Jesus followers .

Speaker 2

When you look across the platform of religion , when you look across the nation at this moment in time here in the uk , because that's where we're based you know we have got to follow jesus . I find this scripture really speaking to me . I find it's really speaking to all of us . To be fair , uh , so in verse three in joshua , chapter three , it says give orders to the people . When you see the ark of the covenant of the lord , your god , and the priests who are the levites carrying that , you are to move out from your positions and follow it .

Speaker 2

I believe that there are many of us glued in a crowd , absorbed , connected to crowds , that we shouldn't be connected to circles that we're walking in , that we should not walk in whatsapp groups , social media connections . I believe god is calling us out of certain circles of culture , of life , maybe work . I believe that we all have serious , serious decisions to make in the time in which we have on this earth . I believe god is calling us to follow him . To follow all god said was give clear instruction . When you see that arc be lifted up and placed on the shoulders of the priesthood , when

Step Out from the Crowd

Speaker 2

you see that arc moving , follow that is the scripture from genesis to revelations . Follow the word . That is the only clear instruction that we have got . What does god say to joshua in this amazing book of joshua ? Do not let this book of the Lord depart from your mouth . Meditate on it day and night , then you will be ABCD .

Speaker 2

When you follow the word Ben , follow this scripture . Ben , do not let this word depart from your mouth . Ben , do not get engaged in the crowd of society and life . Ben , do not engage in the world . Ben , do not get caught in groups that will hold you back . Groups , social network groups , church , society , work certain areas of life can stifle our walk with God . It's time to step out , step outside . When you see that , move out from your position . That takes guts , that takes faith , that takes the boldness of a lion .

Speaker 2

Imagine this You're in a large audience somewhere . You're in a large crowd of work , the work culture . Think about the work culture . Think about culture itself . Think about education , think about areas where you are caught in a mass amount of people and actually the crowd starts to engage in many things , from about eight people upwards so it's not many people before suddenly it becomes a crowd and that crowd influences our lives . People in church , pastors influences our lives , music influences our lives , money , government , religion so much is an influence on us .

Speaker 2

And we're at a stage here now , every one of us , where we've got to say Lord , I've got to be a Jesus follower , I've got to get in this word like never before . I've got to get in this holy word and I've got to follow this word . God has given us instruction from Genesis to Revelation and as we pray now , let's pray that we will be word followers , that we're not following the culture . But every one of us has been birthed into a postcode . Every one of us has a national insurance number . We are branded from the womb to the grave . We are like cattle . We have been stamped . The government uses as a commodity . We are just machines to them that are money making robotic . We are a commodity . We are just machines to them that are money making robotic . We are a commodity , but you are not . You are unique . You are a child of the living god , from the womb to the grave . We've got a national insurance number . We're stamped . We might as well put a barcode on our back . We're tracked . But we've got to move out and we've got to be Jesus followers . It's critical .

Speaker 2

I actually believe God is breathing over this nation . I actually believe that this nation is being shaken . I believe that there is such a stirring in this nation . Let's pray , father , in the name of Jesus . We come before you and Lord , we thank you for everybody online , thank you for everybody on radio , thank you for everybody downloading this stuff . But , lord , as Joshua 3 , verse 3 and 4 says , follow the ark , move out from your positions . You know , think about that . We come from the womb to the grave and we have been given a number as soon as that breath and soon as we breathe , we have been given , we have been branded , we are registered in so many registers within government departments , but we've got to move out . We've got to move out and we've got to move out and we can't be controlled and herded .

Speaker 2

This nation is amazing in the way that it herds us . Church herds us , life herds us . Shopping , social media herds us , even though we might be in our bedroom and sitting on our sofa now at work scrolling . We think we're the only one looking at that , but we are being herded by the invisible machine is herding us to buy , herding us to look a certain way , herding us to stand a certain way , herding us to different areas of life . It will . It will point you to shops , it will point you to music things . It will point you to holidays . It herds . Social media points us because we are a commodity , we are an instrument where they want to draw money from us .

Speaker 2

But , brother and sister , it's really important now to step out , and what I mean by stepping out is to step out and to step up and to be as bold as a lion . Father , in the name of Jesus , give me boldness to be as bold as a lion . Father , in the name of Jesus , give me boldness to be as bold as a lion , to stand on the word of God and when the ark of the covenant moved , get ready to move from your position . Church , get ready , get ready . Are you ready for the coming of Jesus ? Are you ready for the coming of the King ? Are you ready ? Are you ready ?

Speaker 2

We are in the book of Joshua , chapter 3 , verse 3 and verse 4 . Joshua , chapter 3 , verse 3 to 4 . I'm going to read it one more time . And my brothers are going to clean up the mess that I've left . And my brothers are going to clean up the mess that I've left .

Speaker 2

Verse 3 says Giving orders to the people . When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord , your God , the priest , who are the Levites carrying you , are to move out from your positions and follow it . Then you will know which way to go , since you have never been this way before . But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between yourself and the ark , do not go near it . Get ready , stand up , stand out , step outside of the crowd .

Speaker 2

Brother and sister , please don't get absorbed in the social media crowd , don't get absorbed by the cultural crowd . Don't get absorbed by the cultural crowd . Don't get absorbed by the church crowd . Don't get drawn into the crowd scenario . Whenever you go to a crowd , be very vigilant of what is happening in the crowd . Be very careful what that crowd is asking you to do .

Speaker 2

Praise God , father . In the name of Jesus , help us . Help us to be bold , to get ready to cross the river , to cross the river and to go into a land , a land that you have promised . Help us and give us boldness . In the name of Jesus , bless my brothers in the house , bless my brothers and sisters across the world today , everyone that is listening to our voice . Lord , we thank you for their lives , lives . We pray that you will bless them and they will be healed and they will feel the fire of god and they will be as bold as a lion and they will step outside of the crowd that is drawing them in . Protect them , wash them in the blood of Jesus . In the mighty name of the Father , the Son , the Holy Spirit , good morning and welcome wherever you are to coffee and prayer this morning . The Lord is good . His mercy endures forever . Glenn , andy , good morning .

Speaker 3

Good morning . Good morning , yeah . What a verse . It just reminds me of the instructions God gives .

Breaking Free from Cultural Constraints

Speaker 3

And the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom . It says that again and again and again . The fear of God . I'm sure many of us have found ourselves the lone voice in the crowd 100% .

Speaker 3

Yeah , many , many times . But you're not the lone voice , because Jesus said I'm with you always and he's left us his Holy Spirit to be with us always . Said I'm with you always and he's left us his Holy Spirit to be with us always . But those instructions that Joshua received , you know , don't go . Is it a thousand paces near the ark , it's like be led by the presence . It reminded me of a man called Uzzah .

Speaker 3

When David is coming in to take his kingdom , and as they're crossing this little fjord , the trolley that the Ark of the Covenant was on to wobble looks like it's going to fall . So Uzzah runs . He forgets the instructions . Caught up in the crowd , caught up in the joy , and he tries to steady the ark , steady god . As he puts his hand on the ark , bang , he drops dead . The fear of the Lord . He is God . Well , ben was going through Joshua . I was thinking of Isaiah 30 as well . Now Isaiah 30 from verse 20 , and the Lord , and though the Lord's , give you the bread of adversary in the waters of affliction . Yet your teacher will not hide himself anymore , but your eyes shall see your teacher and your ears shall hear a word behind you saying this is the way walk in it .

Speaker 3

This is the way walk in it when you turn to the right or to the left yes lord , what's the way ? Hosea ? I was led to this yesterday actually come on jesus prayer meeting , hosea , verse 12 .

Speaker 3

So , chapter 10 , verse 12 sow righteousness for yourselvesap the fruit of unfailing love and break up your unplowed ground , for it is time to seek the Lord until he comes and showers his righteousness on you . What gets me there is sow righteousness for yourselves and reap the fruit of unfailing love . Sow righteousness for yourselves . Sow . Sow what's sowing . Well , anyone grow anything . You sow seeds and you get plants . Sow righteousness for yourselves , for it is time to seek the Lord until he comes and showers his righteousness on you . You sow righteousness for yourselves and you reap God's righteousness .

Speaker 3

See , the Bible says when we draw close to God , he draws close to us . Jesus said blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness , for they will be filled Hunger and thirst when we realise we have none of our own . So we start to change what we do . We start to reset our values , we start to walk the way Jesus told us to walk as Ben prayed . We start to look what's influencing me . Am I being influenced by the world or am I influencing the world ? Do not become overcome by evil , that's correct .

Speaker 3

Now in Galatians 5 life by the spirit galatians 5 , verse 13 thank you , jesus but you , my brothers and sisters , were called to be free freedom but do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh oh , jesus rather serve one another humbly in love , for the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command Love your neighbour as yourself .

Speaker 3

If you bite and devour each other , watch out , you will be destroyed by each other . So I say live by the Spirit , come on . It says in Romans 8 , those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God . Jesus said in John 10 , my sheep know my voice .

Speaker 3

Isaiah , in verse 30 , said and then Amen , amen . The flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh ? They're in conflict with one another . So to the spirit , as it says in Galatians 5.16 , if you are led by the spirit , you're not under the law . Now , in chapter 6 , at verse 7 , paul gives an instruction here Do not be deceived . God cannot be mocked . A man reaps what he sows . Straight back to Hosea .

Speaker 2

Yes , Lord .

Speaker 3

Sow for yourselves righteousness .

Speaker 2

Come on .

Speaker 3

Start putting on the things of God .

Speaker 2

Amen .

Speaker 3

Start following his ways and you will reap .

Speaker 2

Yes , Lord .

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His goodness .

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Follow Jesus , his goodness .

Speaker 3

Follow Jesus , his goodness , come on . The fruit of the Spirit , as it says in Galatians 5.22 , is joy . Actually , it starts with love . The fruit of the Spirit is love , joy , peace , forbearance , kindness , goodness , faithfulness , gentleness and self-control . That's the fruit that the Holy Spirit bears in our life . Back to do not be deceived . God cannot be mocked . A man reaps what he sows . Whoever sows to please their flesh from the flesh will reap destruction . Holy Spirit , whoever sows to please the Spirit from the Spirit will reap eternal life . Let's not become weary of doing good , for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up .

Speaker 3

Therefore , as we have opportunity , let us do good to all people , especially those who belong to the family of god . So , lord , I want to thank you that you tell us it's time to seek you , and you say in your words that everyone who seeks finds yes jesus , you don't give us false promises .

Speaker 3

You can't lie if you say everyone who seeks finds the truth is , everyone who seeks finds the truth is everyone who seeks finds . Lord , we're seeking you , we're seeking your ways , lord , like you said to the Father , your will be done . We say the same . You told us to pray your kingdom come . Your will be done . And we thank you for your promises that you say , lord , we will hear your voice . You say my sheep know my voice . They cannot listen to a stranger . As you said through your spirit to isaiah , you will hear a voice behind you saying amen , this is the way , come on , walk in it , walk in it . You say , lord , when we're walking by your Holy Spirit , we have peace . Yes , lord , we're led by peace . Though you lead us through the valley of the shadow of death , we need not fear Amen , for you are with us .

Speaker 2

Thank you Father .

Speaker 3

Lord , I want to thank you that , though we may seem like a lone voice sometimes , we're not alone . You're with us and we carry your authority . Amen , jesus , we're not alone . You're with us and we carry your authority . Amen , jesus , lord , when we speak out , things change . When we speak out , though the world may rage , you tell us not to fear them . Don't fear him who can take your life ? Then do no more , but fear him who , after taking your life , can throw you into hell please , father .

Speaker 3

Lord , you are God , and by your grace and your mercy you've called us to sow to eternity during this short life here on the earth .

Speaker 2

Hand it all over .

Speaker 3

It's brilliant . Lord , All by grace .

Speaker 2

Yes , Lord .

Speaker 3

All by your calling . We're your ambassadors , here on the earth , filled with your Holy Spirit , bearing your presence , carrying your presence , seeing your kingdom come and you use the likes of us .

Speaker 2

Yes .

Speaker 3

Lord Unschooled ordinary people .

Speaker 2

Thank you , Jesus , Thank you .

Speaker 3

Lord , you're good Amen .

Living by the Spirit

Speaker 2

Amen , hallelujah , father , we thank you . We are so blessed .

Speaker 4

That word grace , that undeserved favour from our Father . And the word says , doesn't it it's by grace that you are saved . Thank you , Father , for grace no one can boast about that because it's his undeserved favour that Jesus actually went to the cross to die in our place . It's a concept really difficult to grasp sometimes that someone would die in your place and you know we can have friends , we can have good friends but would they die in our place ?

Speaker 3

I think they draw the line there .

Speaker 4

Yeah , I think we would , wouldn't we ? But there's Jesus the . Son of God dying in our place . And you know we come and sit before these microphones every Wednesday and quite often we come and sit down and wonder what we have to say today , but it's the Holy Spirit that comes and gives us that appropriate word and

[Ad] mosaic: Exploring Jewish Issues

Speaker 4

I've been looking at Hebrews . Today , hebrews chapter 3

(Cont.) Living by the Spirit

Speaker 4

and it's warning against unbelief a warning against unbelief .

Speaker 4

So many people you come across today who have what we would call faith , they have no faith , they don't believe anything . Quite often , and it says here today if you hear his voice , do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion during the time of testing in the desert . You know the people of israel wandered for 40 years in the desert because , of their hardness , of holy spirit and it this verse is repeated several times in Hebrews Keep it sharp , Carrying on into chapter 4 , it says Today , if you hear his voice , do not harden your hearts .

Speaker 4

If you're hearing God's voice today , don't cast it aside , don't go on to something else Listen . Listen , because God will be speaking to to you and he draws you to himself . We all have our stories to tell , don't we , as those sitting around the table , how we come to know Jesus . I feel quite old sometimes when I look back and think , crikey , I have a completely different story from Glenn . I have a completely different story from Ben .

Speaker 2

We're all unique .

Speaker 4

We're all unique , and that's the beauty of fellowship as Christians . In fact , we all go to different churches .

Speaker 2

We're all sitting around here we all go to different churches , but we know each other and we have , uh , this , this bond , because , yes , we know jesus , because of the holy spirit and in the word of god .

Speaker 4

That's , that's all that counts .

Speaker 2

That's all that matters that's all that counts .

Speaker 4

We know jesus and he's in our lives and we've accepted him because we know where we're going . In fact , we were having a bit of a conversation beforehand about um , funerals and things like this . You know , do we know where we're going ? And , uh , what I would say to you this morning is do you know ? Know where you're going ? And if you don't , you need to do something about it . You need to sit down and maybe open the Bible . Open the book because this is God's word to us and I'm still in Hebrews , chapter 4 , and there's a well-known verse there that says For the word of God is living and active . Sharper than any double-edged sword , it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit , joints and marrow .

Speaker 2

Thank you , Jesus .

Speaker 4

It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart . So when you get into God's word , it challenges you . God's word , it challenges you , um , there is no occasion when you pick up God's word , his , his holy book here , and it will challenge you . Just try that , um , try and read a bit every day and you will be surprised how God speaks to you . And you know , I tell the story of quite well-known personalities sitting down and reading God's Word . And Holy Spirit works in powerful ways through His , his word , and he can change people's hearts . And I know people who've come to faith just by sitting down and reading god's word . They weren't preached to , they didn't go into a church , they didn't , uh , sit in the pew for a week after week , but it was god's word that spoke to them and said to them you know there is more to life than this , and they became followers of Jesus .

Speaker 4

Come on , that's for you today .

Speaker 2

Yes .

Speaker 4

Become a follower of Jesus . That's my cry to you today Become a follower of Jesus . This is why we belong to our churches . This is why we talk the talk and speak about him . This is why Ben and Glenn are pastors of churches and speak the word of God .

Speaker 2

Thank you , Jesus .

Speaker 4

Every week they have to sit down and speak the word of God that is so powerful for them and they have such good relationships with God . Isn't it marvellous how the Holy Spirit comes and gives you inspiration ? Yes , Lord . Personally , I don't know how you cope and deal with this every week , but… we don't .

Speaker 2

No , we don't .

Speaker 4

It is God's Spirit within you .

Speaker 2

You said it is God's Spirit . It lifts you up , it challenges you . Yes .

Speaker 4

It changes your life .

Speaker 2

Amen .

Speaker 4

I was a follower of Jesus for quite a number of years and my Christian walk changed when I was filled with the Holy Spirit . Yeah , Phyllis it just flooded in and changed my whole thinking . It changed me in giving me certain gifts . You know , Scripture says that we've all got a gift we have . We've all got a gift .

Speaker 2

Yours might be preaching and leading .

Speaker 4

We've all got a gift . I think mine is evangelism . You know , pretty obvious actually . You go into your way with Andy and you could be in a cafe and the waitress is going to get the gospel .

Speaker 3

Pretty obvious , actually . You go anywhere with Andy and he could be in a cafe and the waitress is going to get the gospel she's going to get a Bible Wherever you go .

Speaker 4

But it's .

Speaker 2

Praise God .

Speaker 4

It is so powerful to think that if you're a follower of Jesus , if you are filled with the Spirit , you're going to be working for him , you're going to be reaching out , because God's Word says , doesn't it , that we're all witnesses .

Speaker 2

Yes .

Speaker 4

We're all witnesses for what God has done in our lives . Hallelujah .

Speaker 2

Hallelujah , God he's certainly changed mine .

Speaker 4

He's been with me , thank , you Father . He's been in difficult situations . When he's come through and we've broken through together , that's the thing you , you do it with him . And so I would say to you this morning if you don't believe in jesus , you've got to change your heart thank you for you have to change your ways , uh , and I challenge you this morning just sit down and open the book and see what happens . Hallelujah .

Speaker 2

Amen , amen . Father , we come to you this morning . Glenn's going to take us in two seconds . Father , we come to you this morning . It's very clear , it's evident this morning that you're speaking to every one of us , wherever we are . Lord , help us , lord , to understand that it's not the calling , as in what the church calls us , it's who you call us to be . So , father , we ask you , father , that the call will be loud . The call will be loud in our heart today , lord , in our spirit , in our innermost being . Lord , keep

Faith, Grace, and God's Word

Speaker 2

that call alive in the name of Jesus .

Speaker 2

Help us to not get sidetracked by family , by life , by money , by social media . Help us not to get sidetracked by pastors and leaders . Help us not to get sidetracked by church itself . But , lord , be sharp . Be sharp like an arrow , father , will you sharpen us ? Lord ? I pray for every one of us , whether we're on radio , whether we're on screen , whether we're listening to this podcast back .

Speaker 2

Lord , will you sharpen us ? Lord ? Will you give us wisdom , increase the godly wisdom . Help us to be wise , to be good stewards . Help us to be strong and to be bold like lions and not be intimidated by certain leaders , certain people in our lives cultural pressure , church pressure , family pressure , but lord to stand on the rock of all ages . Sharpen us today , lord , and we need to move out of our position and follow the word . We're there , we're coming to the table in a few moments . We've got about five minutes and we're going to come to the table . Glenn's going to carry on and we pray that wherever you are in this globe , across this world , on the other side of the world , now listening , god is calling you to be a Jesus follower . And that means what does a Jesus follower mean ? From Genesis to Revelations , because it's Jesus . The whole book is Jesus , every error . Follow the scripture , follow the word . That is the message .

Speaker 3

Follow him , glenn yeah , it's that following . I always find it amazing we never prepare for this . You know , it's one rule that we've got .

Speaker 3

The rule is you don't prepare , we just let holy spirit lead and god always brings a theme , you know he always gets us on a theme and the theme is following him , follow him . Hallelujah . Now for those who don't yet know him , but also those who do know him now , in hebrews 12 verse . End of verse 5 god says my child , don't make light of the lord's discipline and don't give up when he corrects you . Thank you , jesus , for the Lord disciplines those he loves , amen . And he punishes each one he accepts as his child .

Speaker 3

Come on , it's not time to give up Actually popping down to verse 11 . So this is Hebrews 12 , 11 . No discipline is enjoyable . While it's happening it's painful , but afterwards there will be a peaceful harvest again , sowing and reaping of the right living . For those who are trained in this way , verse 12 says and this is for so many this morning so take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees . Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong come on , come on and going back to chapter 10 , verse 36 patient endurance is what you need now .

Speaker 3

What do you need ? Strengthen your weak knees , yes , lord .

Speaker 3

Take a new grip . Patient endurance is what you need now , so that you will continue to do God's will , amen . Then you will receive what he has promised . Now , going right back to chapter 6 , verse 15 , it says Then , abraham , the father of faith , waited patiently and he received what God had promised . Actually , he is still receiving what God has promised . Still receiving . He received . He got the promise even though he considered himself dead to God's promise . And yet , against all hope , in hope , he believed and God credited it to him as righteousness . And he received the son of the promise . And then all nations blessed through him , still being blessed . The Messiah came from his lineage . Yes , father , and we're being added daily , that's right .

Speaker 3

Abraham is still receiving what God had promised daily .

Speaker 2

Thank you , Father .

Speaker 3

Lord , I want to thank you that you're far beyond what we could ever imagine , lord , so I pray right across this globe that your people will strengthen their feeble knees and take a grasp again of you . Lord , what can stand against you ? Nothing . Jesus , you said you will build your church . Come on , build it , and hell itself does not stand a chance .

Speaker 2

Yes , amen the victory is won .

Speaker 3

You cried out on the cross it is finished . That was a cry of triumph , not defeat . You didn't say I am finished . You said it is finished . You conquered everything , including death , and your promise is that when you ascended , you sent your very presence to be with us forever , until you return . So I want to thank you , lord , that your church is living in triumph , that we are seated with you in heavenly realms .

Speaker 2

Yes , Father .

Speaker 3

Lord , though the world rages , though empires war against each other , your kingdom endures forever .

Speaker 2

Amen .

Speaker 3

These other fleeting things will come and go . And thank you , lord , for the privilege of , during this short window of opportunity on the earth , we have the privilege of worshipping you , of praising you when it's hard . Thank you , because in eternity in heaven , there's no more hardship . So , lord , I want to thank you that you are ours and we are yours . Fill us with your presence more and more . Father , let us hear your voice . Lord , give us that instruction from behind what way to go , and we will strengthen our feeble knees and grasp on again to your staff and walk with you .

Speaker 2

Amen amen , father , we we're coming to the table , brothers and sisters , very , very soon . We've got about 16 , 17 minutes left of this service . So we want to encourage you , as we've been saying , as not , not , not . What we're saying is what , what we believe , which we absolutely believe of our heart . God is calling us all , god is calling to be Jesus followers . Us three around the mics , every one of you on radio and podcast and screen . Now follow Jesus . So , father , as we come to the table in a few moments , lord , please keep us sharp . Keep us sharp , father .

Speaker 2

Lord , I pray for those that feel a little bit blunt in their faith today . Father , will you sharpen them up ? Lord , you tell us that iron sharpens iron and if we are in a crowd , we become blunt . We become blunt because we just get absorbed in the mass and church does this to us . We can lose the sharpness in the church , at work , at home , in life , in school , education , the workplace . If you're working in an ivory tower , you know the devil wants to make us blunt . He wants to make us blunt .

Speaker 2

But let me tell you , god's created you for great things and as we come to the table , be bold as a lion today , be bold as a warrior for God when you think about David . Goliath bought a sword , david bought a rock . It don't go together . How can you defeat a giant with a small , smooth stone ? It wasn't the capabilities of david's skill that got that stone to be delivered to the perfect position of goliath's head . God guided you know , brother and sister , wherever you are . We can't , we can't emphasize this enough today . Drop everything but pick up the word seek ye first the kingdom of god and his righteousness , and everything else shall be added 16 minutes and we're out of here . So Andy is going to take us to the table , glenn , and however it rolls for the next , you know 16 minutes . May God bless every one of you . Believe for your healing , believe for your healing today , believe for your miracle today . I pray that God will draw you out of the crowd of society and sharpen you up . Please , lord , sharpen us all today . Amen .

Speaker 4

I've got a verse open in Philippians 3 , and this is Paul's letter to the Philippians , and it says here For , as I have often told you before and now say again , even with tears , many live as enemies of the cross of Christ . Their destiny is destruction . Their God is their stomach and their glory is in their shame . Their mind is on earthly things , but our citizenship is in heaven .

Speaker 2

Hallelujah , isn't that ?

Speaker 4

amazing that our citizenship , yes , lord , you know Ben was talking about identity and state , knowing all our national insurance numbers and all that sort of stuff but our citizenship is in heaven . Our passport is stamped .

Speaker 2

That's where we're going .

Speaker 4

And with this man , this woman knows Jesus Stamp .

Speaker 2

Amen and that's it . The Lamb's Book of Life . That's it Come to the table .

Speaker 4

So , Father God , we just thank you that we can come and remember your supreme

Communion and Reflection

Speaker 4

sacrifice in sending your one and only son , jesus , to die on the cross , and we remember that now that he shed his blood , his body was broken , his bones were stretched . Oh , such a painful death on the cross , the worst kind of execution ever invented by man .

Speaker 2

Holy .

Speaker 4

Spirit , and that's what Jesus did for us , for each one of us . So we take our bread . If you've got bread at home , now this is a time to break the bread and come before Jesus .

Speaker 2

Yes , Lord .

Speaker 4

Ask him to wash you whiter than snow . All the things that you may have done wrong during this past week , things that you may have done wrong during this past week . Jesus says that if you come before him , he is faithful and just to forgive you your sin he will do that now , so we take the bread amen thank you jesus .

Speaker 3

In 1 corin , 1 Corinthians , verse 11 , verse 25 , he says in the same way , he took the cup of wine after supper , saying this cup is the new covenant between God and his people , an agreement confirmed with my blood . I always say through the blood , and that alone it's the sacrifice of Jesus , god and his people . An agreement confirmed with my blood . I always say through the blood , and that alone it's the sacrifice of Jesus , his death and his resurrection . For he died literally . The wages of sin is death . He died but he had no sin , so death could not hold him . But he paid the price , not for himself , for you and me , and our confidence , our covenant relationship is in the blood of Jesus . And it goes on to say for every time you eat this bread and drink this cup , you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again , thank you . It's also a prophetic practice .

Speaker 2

Yes .

Speaker 3

We're remembering our confidence and salvation is in him alone and we're announcing he's coming back . He's coming back . Let's drink together in assurance of that . Thank you .

Speaker 4

Jesus Amen .

Speaker 3

Thank you , jesus . We're saved through your blood . Literally saved , done , dusted , finished . Thank you , lord , that we are yours and you are ours , and there's nothing that can separate us from your love . Because of the blood , hallelujah , there's no height , no depth , no angel , no demon , nor the past nor the present nor the future Hallelujah Can separate us from the love of God . There's nothing in all creation that can separate us , because you've done it , amen , amen .

Speaker 2

Father , we come to you , lord , in these closing moments of this service and , lord , as we're here , lord , we just thank you , Lord , for everybody on the other side of the world , on the other side of technology . We thank you , lord , for those on radio . We thank you for those that are listening to the podcast . We thank you to those that are on visuals at this moment as we broadcast this around the world . We thank you for salvation . We thank you that our names are stamped in the Lamb's Book of Life and , lord , we thank you that we belong to Jesus , that you called us . So , lord , those that are out there this morning that just feel uncertain in their faith , feeling uncertain in their calling their identity , lord , again , I ask you , lord , extract them from the crowd of life . Extract them from the crowd of life . The bible says do not conform to the pattern of this world . If you look at sporting arenas , if you look at concerts , if you look at education , if you look at church , look at the pattern that they all follow . Look at the pattern of life . We are unique . You wasn't brought into this world to fit in to the crowd . You wasn't brought in to fit into the whatsapp group . You wasn't brought in to fit into the crowd of church .

Speaker 2

Yes , we understand what church is about , but what church is actually representing in representing , in the new testament church , the church of acts ? That is the difference . We're called to the kingdom , you are called to the kingdom of god . You are called to salvation and let's pray . Father , call me , call us out of the crowd because Lord , the crowd has crushed our identity . Do you know what Culture will crush your identity ? Do you know what Education will stifle and try to lose you ? In the crowd and through the power of education ? You know .

Speaker 2

Work wherever you work . If you work in a large organization , the larger the organization , the more controlling

Called to Be God's Masterpiece

Speaker 2

it is . If you work in a , in a company , where is jesus in that company ? Where is jesus in the school ? Where is jesus in the ministry ? And in the church ? Where is , where is jesus ? Sisters and brothers , step outside of the circle . Reduce your whatsapp groups , reduce the social media hours , reduce the way we think and we are programmed into the way of the world . You are not just a national insurance number . You are a child of the God . You are called , you are loved , you are blessed and highly favored . Shine for Jesus , andy , you're going to take us out .

Speaker 4

I've just got this open in Romans , chapter 12 , and I think it ties in with what you've been saying , Ben . Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is his good , pleasing and perfect will .

Speaker 2

Hallelujah , there we go . Sisters and brothers , we've just got about seven minutes . Let's just use this time for quick-fired stuff . Glenn , will you just pray ? Will you just bring us to a ?

Speaker 3

Yeah , ephesians 2 , verse 8 . God saved you by his grace when you believed , and you can't even take credit for this . It's a gift from God . Salvation is not a reward for the good things that we have done , so none of us can boast about it , for we are God's masterpiece . Amen , you know you want identity . We are God's masterpiece . He has created us anew . You've got to be born again .

Speaker 2

Yeah .

Speaker 3

Jesus said you can't even see the kingdom of God unless you are born again . That's correct . You've got to be born again , not by works , no , not by works . And it says here to do good things . He's planned for us long ago . When you're born again , your heart has a desire for God's will . David when he faced Goliath , he ran to him .

Speaker 1

Ran .

Speaker 3

There's this giant of a man . Sounds like I can't miss him .

Speaker 4

Well , yeah .

Speaker 3

But can you imagine what an intimidating figure .

Speaker 2

Completely .

Speaker 3

He was a giant . You know , I've seen some tall people . I've seen a bloke who's over seven foot tall . To me he was a giant . You know , I've seen some tall people . I've seen a bloke who's over seven foot tall . To me he was a giant . Goliath would have dwarfed him , he was nine feet yeah .

Speaker 3

A giant of a man , trained in warfare , for evil warfare . He would have been special forces . Yes , he held a spear that you could pierce about five people on and David had a pebble . Yeah , and he ran to engage him . Come on , we have the Holy Spirit .

Speaker 2

Thank you , Jesus .

Speaker 3

We've been made for the kingdom . We're God's masterpiece . He finds us where we are . The day I cried out to Jesus 40 years ago nearly Come on , lord I was in a school field field 12 o'clock at night on LSD , with my best friend who was a Satanist . I was as lost as anyone can be and I cried out God , save me . Later on I found in the Bible a voice that came to me that night . It said everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved .

Speaker 2

Saved , washed in the blood .

Speaker 3

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved . I was saved in an instant . Took me a few years to work it out but I was saved in an instant . Hallelujah . Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved . The Lord's name is Jesus .

Speaker 2

Yes .

Speaker 3

Call on him and he will come to you . Seek him and you will find him . Knock and the door will be open wherever you are , because he's for you , he's not against you .

Speaker 2

Yes , lord . Thank you , Jesus , brothers and sisters , wherever you are across the world , andy is just going to share something about the gospel , that he always does , about the Bible , and then we'll have our closing prayer . We've got less than four minutes , I'm afraid , so may god bless you today , wherever you are . Thank you for joining us for coffee and prayer . We'll see you this evening for in-house . Uh . Thank you to everybody that comes in into the house of the lord for bible study and , uh , for the human beings that come into the house on a wednesday evening . We go live around about uh eight o'clock this evening on radio and also across the platforms that we are streaming , and uh , you can just capture this . You know many ways you can jump in to the building into the lord's house with us , or you can just watch online , wherever you are across the world . But may god bless every one of you .

Speaker 4

Andy , thank you very much yeah , I've got a copy of a new testament , psalms and Proverbs , which I give away quite regularly and there's a copy available for you . It's not just an ordinary New Testament . It's got lots of helps and guidance in it , from the listing every

Closing Prayer and Gospel Invitation

Speaker 4

issue in life that you might come across , and also at the back you can see about god's love , god's remedy , the fact that we are all sinners , and there's a simple prayer that you could say to become a follower of jesus . It's all for you if you want one there you go .

Speaker 2

That's it , brother and sister . We can see your messages . Well , I can see all the messages coming online today and sorry that I can't get to all the messages , um , but I I've been reading them and I just pray . Let's just pray for healing father . We pray for healing lord , for those that are putting messages up and those that are not putting messages up .

Speaker 2

Lord , I thank you that you are healing people in their bed now , for those are in hospital , those are in hospices , those are at home , those are working , those that are . Just pray Lord , for healing Lord that we will see the dead be raised , the blind will be seen , the deaf will be hearing Lord and the lame will be walking . We believe in miracles . We thank you for the testimonies that have come online today . We thank you for everybody across the world and Lord , we pray Lord as we go , as we go out , as we go , as we go out as warriors , as we go out , lord , filled to the full measure of the glory of god , for those that are listening at work , for those that listening at home , for those that are commuting , for those that are wherever you are at this moment . May the holy spirit lead you into the promised land . But , as the scripture that we started off in this morning was very simple and uh , through the power of the holy spirit , the brothers that I'm with and able to minister with through and to uh to each other , the lord has guided us through the scriptures and we honestly believe with all our heart .

Speaker 2

Today . The simple message is follow jesus . That is it , wherever you are across this world . Be that Jesus follower . Be that one that follows Jesus . Follow God . Let the Holy Spirit lead you . So , father , in this minute of close , I pray for my brothers in the house . I pray for everyone in this church today . I pray for everybody online visuals , audio that we will feel the fire of God and you will sharpen us up . We will be so sharp , so sharp . God , keep us sharp . Holy Spirit , lead us in paths of righteousness for thy name's sake . We love you , lord . God bless everybody . Take care , we'll see you this evening . Bye-bye .

Speaker 1

Thank 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 Thank you .