Welcome to Rev Ben Cooper's podcast , where faith meets real life and occasionally spills its tea on the carpet of your soul , just like the disciples probably did at the Last Supper . No judgment here . Before we dive in , we just want to say a massive thank you tea for your prayers , your support and your donations that keep this ministry going smoother than Nan's gravy on a Sunday . Honestly , if we had a pound for every kind word , we'd have enough to rebuild Noah's Ark . But with Wi-Fi , got a bookshelf with more dust than Genesis . Time to freshen it up . Check out Reverend Ben's books , full of encouragement , biblical truth and wisdom , so real even King Solomon would say . Now , that's good . Available now at rbchristianradionet . Yes , cheeky plug again . And while you're there , why not catch up on every podcast episode ? They're ready whenever you are , whether you're ironing your socks , walking the dog or pretending to pray while actually hiding in the loo with biscuits .
Speaker 1If this podcast has blessed you , challenged you or made you laugh louder than Sarah in Genesis 18 , leave us a review on your favorite platform . Your words help others find us and , let's be honest , we all need a bit more Jesus in our playlists . Want to support us further ? Click that little coffee cup on our homepage to buy me a coffee . Every cuppa keeps the gospel brewing strong , because even Paul probably needed a latte before writing Romans . Once again , thank you for listening , for praying and for being part of our slightly quirky , always loving gospel-sharing family . You're listening to RB , christian Radio , where faith doesn't just sit quietly on the pew . It sings , dances and might even quote psalms while doing the conga in your kitchen .
Speaker 2We're here for the Lord this evening .
Speaker 2Wherever you are across the world , we welcome you in the name of Jesus . Let's just be bowed in prayer before we go any further in the service this evening . We welcome each and every one of you , you know . May the lord bless you and strengthen you . For those who are in the house and for those that are online , we're going into the book of colossians . We're going to go to the book of one colossians one colossians no , sorry , we're talking about colossossians chapter 1 , verse 15 , verse 15 through to 20 . We'll use that as a , as a springboard tonight . We'll use that just as we gather our thoughts . But let's just be bowing in prayer for those that are taking notes . I think our brother's online and they Stewart's online . I think he's online for those that are looking to follow this through . Please , brothers and sisters , get , grab a bible . Grab a bible and let's get straight into the scriptures . We just rest in prayer , you know . Rest in the word tonight . Thank god for your lives , wherever you are . You know we don't need church , we need jesus . We don't need religion , we need jesus . He is the way , the truth and the life , and the bible says no one comes to the father , except through him . Jesus Christ is the way . He is the King of Kings , he is the Lord of Lords . And as we look at this book of Colossians , chapter 1 , verse 15 through the 20 , there is so much packed . There is so much packed in this text and as we try and unravel it , it's almost impossible . I think it's . You know , there's certain areas of the Word of God that are like forever texts . Do you know what I mean ? Like forever ? Yeah , the Word of God is forever , but there's some that are really just keep rising , keep rising , just keep rising . You know , and I believe that this is one of those texts as you look at these scriptures , as you just gather your thoughts , wherever you are across the world , may the fire of God be over you tonight . We are certainly living in last days , we are certainly living in end times , we are certainly living at times when we need the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords . And as we just gather for prayer , we welcome everybody online tonight , wherever you are across the world . But let's just pray a few moments . Let's just pray for the Holy Spirit to lead us and to guide us into paths of righteousness for his namesake and we welcome people wherever you are this evening , across the other side of the world , locally , in the house with me . So let's just be bowed and just gather our thoughts in prayer .
Speaker 2Father , in the name of Jesus , we come before you as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords . Father , we rest in the word tonight , lord , we're weary , we're tired , lord , life is exhausting . But , lord , we thank you that we don't go by emotions , we don't go by the feelings , we don't go by the skin that we walk in . We go by faith . So tonight , lord , we pray that our faith will rise in the mighty name of Jesus Christ , that we will rise on wings as of eagles , as we are gathered here , lord , for scripture , as we are gathered for the word , as we are gathered for the word , as we are gathered , lord , in the house of the Lord . We thank you for everybody that's gathered . We thank you for the vast numbers on radio tonight . We thank you for the vast numbers that are on social media , you know , capturing this broadcast wherever we are across the world .
Speaker 2Father , we pray for the love of God . We pray that the Holy Spirit will move in such a way tonight . But , father , we thank you , lord , for salvation . We thank you that salvation sits outside of the hands of religion , sits outside of the hands of the church and it sits directly in the heart of God . So tonight , lord , we thank you that we are born again . We thank you , lord , that we are spirit-filled , that the spirit of the living God is over us , that the glory of God is within us . And tonight , lord , as we read these scriptures , lord , as we just unravel , lord , just some of this text , lord , I pray , lord , that the fire of God will descend on each and every one of us , that we will feel your presence . But , holy Spirit , we pray for Israel tonight . We pray for peace around the Middle East . We pray , lord , that you will bless lives . We pray , dear God , for the church within England . We pray for the church across the globe , lord , that there will be revival , there will be such a move of your spirit . But , lord , we also pray for the gifts of the spirit , the fruit of the spirit . We pray , dear God , that Lord , that we will , dear God , just seek your face . Lord , we're not worried about church , we're fed up with church . Church is boring . Lord , we need Jesus , we need Jesus , father , we need you . So tonight , lord , wherever we are across the world , spirit of the living God , send your glory , send your favor to each and every one of us as we gather for scripture , as we gather around the holy word of God . But tonight , lord , make a way where there seems to be no way . Holy God that you are great King , that you are Savior of the world , come Lord , bless us as we gather in jesus glorious name . Amen .
Speaker 2Sisters and brothers , let's get into the book of colossians , colossians , chapter one . You know we've spent a bit of time before in this and I just feel my spirit . Tonight we're just going to backpedal and just go back and just take our time . You know this is so deep theologically when you look at these scriptures , you know , yes , the Word of God is a theological book . Yes , it has certain depths , it is deep , it is beyond human mind . It is the greatest book the world has ever seen . You know it is packed with so much stuff . But I just want to draw our attention to these five verses . I really feel in my spirit that these five verses are very relevant for the atmosphere around the world , for what is happening around the world , happening around the globe , happening in your life , happening in my life , happening just in church , in church , out of church . You know , we are really , really blessed . But I just want to pedal up a little bit .
Speaker 2Actually , let's go to verse 13 . Let's go to verse 13 of Colossians , chapter 1 , and it says for he rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves , in whom we have redemption , the forgiveness of sin . He is the image of the invisible God , the firstborn over all creation , for by him all things were created , things in heaven and things on earth . Visible , invisible thrones , powers , rulers , authorities . All things were created by him and for him . He is before all things and in him all things hold together . He is the head of the body , the church , he is the beginning , the firstborn over all the dead , so that in everything we might have supremacy . For God was pleased to have the fullness dwelling in him and , through him , to reconcile to himself all things , whether things on earth , things in heaven , by marking peace through his blood on the cross at Calvary .
Speaker 2When you look at those scriptures , let's just pray , father , tonight , lord , this is a big scripture . Tonight , lord , these and father , we ask you , lord , that you will take us deeper . Lord , that we will go further in the word . Lord , you will give us revelational knowledge that the scripture will come alive and lord . We . Thank you that the word of god is sharper than a double-edged sword . In jesus name , amen . You know verse 13 .
Speaker 2It tells us each and every one of us has got a rescue story . Each and every one of us has got a story where we've been rescued . And it might only be one rescue story , there might be two , there might be three . He still might be rescuing us , you know . He still might be pulling us out of the mud , the mire . He still might be pulling us out of the clay bits . You know , I'm looking at the brother tonight , the front row , and I can tell from his face that God is rescuing him still now , even the many years , the many years following the word of God , because we always seem to get in a bit of mud and a bit of mire . You know it's just life , it's just the general run of life . You know God is always rescuing .
Speaker 2But the greatest rescue story , if I can put it like that , is when Christ went to the cross of Calvary and through the blood of Jesus . You know , we are rescued , we are healed , we are saved , we are rich in Christ Jesus . We are blessed beyond measure . You know , we are redeemed . Even that alone tonight , just thinking about that word redemption . You are redeemed . I am redeemed . Each and every one of us , everybody online and in the house with me tonight . We are redeemed , you know , and I pray that we will keep walking by faith , walking by the fire of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit , for you rescued us from dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves , in whom we have redemption , the forgiveness of sins . Let's just remind ourselves a moment that our history , our present and our future is already now to the cross of Calvary . It's already done , it's already a given . You are saved , I am saved . We are born again , spirit filled , blessed and highly favoured . We are rich in Christ Jesus .
Speaker 2And what I love about the word of God , what I love from Genesis to Revelation , it's missing something that we have today that gives us a lot of trouble , and that is church and religion . It is missing a lot of church and religion . It is about the kingdom of God , it is about the power of the Holy Spirit . You know it talks about redemption . Redemption is so beautiful we can't earn redemption . Redemption was given . Redemption comes through salvation . Redemption was given . Redemption comes through salvation . Salvation was given . When we get given salvation , we have justification . We got the mercy of God , we got favor over us , you got anointing . You're blessed , you're filled to the full measure of God .
Speaker 2Redemption is such a priceless word when you think about what it means to be redeemed , to be brought back . You know the word . We bring it kin to slavery . We look at it like that . But it's more than that . It's deeper than that . We were bought with a price , you know , from the blood of Jesus . You know the scriptures . It's profound . It's so amazing that the massive area of the Word of God talks about the kingdom of God . Yes , we know Jesus is the head of the body of the church . We get that , we understand that .
Speaker 2But when you look at this scripture here , straight out , straight out of the Word of God , this book that is so powerful , this book that is so alive , do you realize that the presence of God is in your life , that the King of Kings ? We are living in great days , we're living in very powerful days . We're living in days of exhaustion and weariness and tiredness , because that is the spiritual temperature and the atmosphere that's happening at this moment . We're waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ . Christ is alive . The power of the Word of God is moving in every area of life and I want to tell you tonight that you are redeemed , that you are saved by Jesus Christ through the blood of Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary .
Speaker 2And when we look at these scriptures and we just press a little bit further into verse 15 , and he says he is the image of the invisible God , when you take these scriptures , when you really analyze them , you just take time to walk yourself through them . He is the image of the invisible God , the firstborn over all creation , for by him all things were created Straight away . We know what we have here . We have creation , we have Genesis , we have Father , son , holy Spirit . We have the power of the word of God . You know , right in front of our eyes , within the New Testament , we are reading scriptures that apply to the creation of the heaven and the earth by the King of kings and the Lord of lords . He is the image of the invisible God , the firstborn over all creation , for by him . All things were created by him . This is Jesus . When you analyze all the other foreign gods , when you analyze all the world religions as I've said and as I've spoken very recently and very open , you know , and very honestly , every other god , every god that they call their god , is dead . It's dead . They're , they're , the gods are dead .
There's only one king that's alive , you know .
Speaker 2This is why , when we talk about church , church is actually irrelevant at the moment in time , because the fabric of church , the mechanism of church , the process of church , everything to do with church , every church , every one of us in church , thinks that we let me say it like this is better than that church down a road , bigger than that church over there . We've got things going on and we think that we're the only church . We need to erase that thought from our mind and we need to come to the position and the understanding that we don't just belong . Yeah , we might be under a roof at the moment in time , but we belong to something greater than Elim . We belong to something greater than the Methodist movement , something greater than the Catholics , something greater than the Church of England . We belong to something greater than any largest ministry across the world . We belong , we are grafted into the kingdom of God . So church is irrelevant . Yes , it has its place , but it actually is irrelevant . Church is irrelevant to the spiritual warfare that's happening at this moment . It is Jesus Christ that we need to seek . It is Christ that we need to find . Christ is there , christ is inside of you , Christ is around you .
Speaker 2What does your day look like today ? Has it been a treacherous day ? Has it been a hard day ? Has it been a stressful day ? Have you been like just caught back on your back foot ? Are you weary and tired ? The spiritual atmosphere is so strong . There are so many of us , people across the world , in this nation , that are absolutely tired and exhausted , not just because of the workload , but because of the spiritual atmosphere that is out there . We are living in the ancients of days . We are living , we are waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ . You are born again
. You are not a religious person , you are not a slave to religion and you're not
owned by the denomination . Jesus Christ is your king , he is the savior of the world , he is the great I am and he is the creator of heaven and earth .
Speaker 2And the Bible says in Colossians , chapter 1 , verse 15, . He is the image of the invisible God . That God , the God of all gods , the father of Isaac , jacob and Abraham , the God of Israel , the God that said let there be light and there was . The God that has saved you , the God that is calling you , the God that is stirring your heart , being inquiring into Christianity . What is this life about ? What is going on ? This is the God that we are speaking about . He is the image of the invisible God , the firstborn over all creation , for by him . When you look at verse 16 , we have such a great text there , we have such a powerful text , such a great theological creation text . This absolutely just flattens all the world religions , what they say , who they think Jesus is , because this tells us who Jesus Christ is , for by him all things were created , things in heaven and things on earth . So that actually tells us that Jesus was in heaven , is in heaven , was before heaven , as we understand heaven , as heaven was created . He is before all things . He is the image of the invisible God .
Speaker 2So suddenly we start to realize that church and the fabric of it and the mechanisms of it and the process of church is irrelevant to what we have going on in the world at this moment in time . Church is literally has got caught on the back foot . So I've got to get foot . So I've got to get out of church , I've got to get out of religion and I've got to get in the word of God . I've got to be found in the holy word of God . Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world . I've got to be found in this scripture . I've got to walk with Jesus . He is the creator of heaven and earth .
Speaker 2How can you say Jesus is the creator of heaven and earth ? Because the Bible actually tells me . When you look at the text that we are reading , it says for by him all things were created , things in heaven and things on earth , visible , invisible , whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities . All things were created for him and by him . And then it goes on a little bit further . Let's just press in a little bit . He is before all things and in him all things hold together and he is the head of the body , the church . So it tells us that this is jesus , this is the savior of the world . The ones that those gentlemen have beards and hats and scar , all that sort of stuff . You know what I'm saying six wives , you know four dogs , six cats , all that sort of things , that goes on . We understand saying six wives , you know four dogs , six cats , all that sort of things , that goes on . We understand what we are talking about .
Speaker 2When they talk about jesus , they try and tell us that jesus isn't who he is . We don't need to prove anything . All you need to do is to know this scripture , because this puts jesus where at the beginning of time , and it tells us that Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit have such authority through bringing the world into existence . All three , the Godhead , the Father , the Son , the Holy Spirit , not just God , not just Jesus , not the Holy Spirit . But when you look at it and the Bible says and God said let there be light . So when you , the Bible , says and God said let there be light . So when you look at that and God said let there be light , then we think to ourselves okay , god said let there be light . So what does the Bible say ? And it says they he was given a name Emmanuel , god with us . So what we have here is when it says God with us .
Speaker 2We have also the gospel of John with this . In the beginning was the word , and the word was with God . He was with God in the beginning . And you look at that scripture , turn that over and have a look at that . But then also in John , chapter one , verse 14 , it says and the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us . So we understand the word is Jesus made his dwelling among us . So we understand the word is Jesus , jesus is the word . The word is God , god is the word . They are woven together through the tapestry of the scripture , through the 63,000 cross references that we have in the word of God .
Speaker 2You can't separate the old from the new , the new from the old . The new scripture , the old testament , it runs beautifully together . There might be a time gap where it says God was quiet . He was just cutting the grass and just tinkering around in his shed , but God was still around . All it is . It says God was quiet because he's omnipresent , he's omnipotent , he's in all , he's about all . He's the oxygen that we breathe , he's the air above our heads , he's in everything . God is in everything .
Speaker 2So when you have these certain demographics of people trying to say that Jesus was created by God . Actually , they don't know who actually Jesus is . They're talking about another Jesus . He probably that Jesus is playing football . You know , it's not that Jesus . It's not the Jesus . It's not the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords . There's many Jesuses . What does Jesus say ? There'll be many that will come in my name , but there's only one of me . There's only one King . There'll be many that will come and sounding and looking like There'll be many false .
Speaker 2See , they're talking about false prophets . They're talking about not the Jesus that we are talking about . They're talking about a different Jesus . We're talking about the King of the Jews . We're talking about the Savior of the world . We're talking about the great I am . We're talking about the living word and I love the fact that this Bible that I love , that I walk with , that I try to live my life by .
Speaker 2You know , if you want to give yourself a challenge , you know , if you want to give yourself a challenge in your life , tell the world around you that you're a Jesus follower . If you want a challenge , you know , tell the world that you are a Bible believing , believer , that you believe in the Word of God from Genesis to Revelations . My goodness , will you find people will try and ruffle your feathers when you start telling the world that you love God , that you love Jesus , that you love the Holy Spirit , and you believe . Do you believe ? From Genesis to Revelation , do you believe God said let there be light ? Yes , I do , ben . Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the saviour of the world ? Yes , I do believe that . Do you believe Christ come as a child ? Do you believe that Mary gave birth ? Yes , I believe Whatever the Bible says , from Genesis to Revelation . I believe in the holy word of God . I believe Christ was at the very beginning of time .
Speaker 2And when we talk about time , the time that we talk about is completely different to the time of the word of God . God's time is completely different to our time . God is outside of time , but God is in time because God is greater than time . God is greater than light . God is in light , but God is outside of light .
Speaker 2When you try to measure God , you cannot measure the creator of the heaven and the earth . When you talk about light , the power of light , the speed of sound , the speed of light , the way that it travels , they're always . They're always trying to measure light and they're always trying to capture the speed of sound . They're always trying to come up with mathematics , because if we can come up with mathematics , we've worked out that there isn't a creative God . But you can't catch time , you can't measure sound , you can't gather it . It is literally impossible through physics . They try to , they try every different which way ? But when you think about this , god is outside of time , god is outside of light , god is outside the sound , the speed of sound . He's sitting on the outside of everything . So how big is this God ? He can't be measured . It's impossible to measure this God . He is so big , it is outside the human mind , the concept , the focal point , the understanding of life itself .
Speaker 2That's why I need to get a grip of creation , because when I understand a little bit more of Genesis 1 , 2 , and 3 about the creation of heaven and earth , suddenly I find salvation , redemption , hope , power , the glory of God . I find everything wrapped up at the very beginning of the Scriptures . I need that because that will give me fundamental truths for when certain people come and ask me questions , because when I know about creation I can't be hoodwinked in a certain way , I can't be fooled in a certain way , because those certain men that challenge you and say that God created Jesus is not correct . The Bible doesn't tell us that . The Bible tells us that Jesus is the creator , along with God , however you depict that , however you unravel that , however you look at that . But God , through Christ , says to Philip Jesus stands in front of Philip and he says the father's in front of you , I'm here , that , but tell us , show us where the father is , philip . And they'd say where's the father ? He says I'm here , I'm here .
Speaker 2When you look at
these scriptures , they're profound , they're so powerful when you try to not when you try , but when you read this . It says verse 15, . It says he is the image of the invisible God , the firstborn over all creation , for by him all things were created , things in heaven and things on earth , visible and invisible . Work that one out ? Try and grapple with that , with the human mind .
Speaker 2If you give that to someone that is a lecturer in physics , quantum physics and science , they go what are you talking about ? What are you referring to ? For by him all things were created , things in heaven and earth , visible things , but what is hidden ? What does he mean ? Invisible , what is it ? If it's invisible , you can't see it , but he's a God that can see the invisible . What are you going on about , ben ? Have you had too much coffee today ? Have you got too much caffeine in your system ?
Speaker 2What are you talking about that ? He sees and he has created the invisible . See , there is a world outside of this world . There is a realm that is outside . So when the scriptures were written , they were being written for human beings , because humanity can't get outside of what we see in front of our eyes . But there is a world in the heavens . God is displaying his glory across the skies . At this moment in time . Signs and wonders are in the heavenly realms . We are watching and seeing things that we never thought we'd possibly see . So that invisible world is visiting this natural world and humanity is starting to understand that something isn't right in the temperature of this world .
Speaker 2What do you mean ? The spiritual realm is so strong . It is beyond this natural realm . The spiritual realm has been here . Before this natural realm , before this physical place , before this earth was brought into existence , there was a realm called the spiritual realm , and that's where God dwells . That is his presence . You know , god brought the globe , god brought the universe . He brought everything into existence , doesn't matter what science says , it doesn't matter .
Speaker 2What about mathematics ? Says what they say about the distance from here to there . I believe that the world , the globe , the universe , is around about 6,500 years old . That's what I believe . I cannot get because mathematics and the scripture doesn't add up to what science is saying about millions and billions and trillions because of the land settlement and this and a , b , c and d . It doesn't add up , it's theories , it's just calculations , it's stabbing into the dark . So what we have is the word of god and through the chronological time and through mathematics and what God says , we find out how this world was in existence .
Speaker 2So what we have in front of us in this sandwich in the book of Colossians , 1 , verse 15 , we have creation , we have God , we have salvation and we have the blood of Jesus and we have redemption , all squeezed into five packed Holy Spirit , redemption , filling spirit filled , revelational scriptures . We have so much depth in the realm of the theological understanding . So when you look at these scriptures it says for by him all things were created . So when someone from a different religion comes to you or you see it on social media and they say , well , god created Jesus and we understand and do you believe that Jesus is who he is ? What is going on ? All you got to say is look , I'll give you the scripture . You can find it on your phone , but just read this .
Speaker 2Colossians , chapter one , verses 15 to 20 , will tell you the real truth , who Jesus Christ of Nazareth is . It will tell you that he is before time . He created all things . He's before any God . Every other God is dead , but this God that you will read about , this God , is alive . This God is coming back in the image of Christ , because Christ is the image of the invisible God . So when Christ comes back , he's coming back as ruler and judge . But not only is he coming back as ruler and judge , he's coming back as God , because the Bible says Christ is the image . When you look at that , look at that he is the image of the invisible God . So wherever Christ is , you've got the deity . So when christ comes back , you've got god . When you got god , you got jesus . When you got jesus , you got the holy spirit . When you got god , you got the holy spirit . When you got the holy spirit , you got god . When you got the holy spirit , you got jesus , you got the Holy Spirit . When you got the Holy Spirit , you got God . When you got the Holy Spirit , you got Jesus . You can't have one without the other . It goes together . Father , son , holy Spirit .
Speaker 2When you look at these scriptures , they are profound and they are just so powerful . Yes , it's our go-to scripture . Yes , it's the scripture that we talk about a lot . Yes , it's the scripture that keeps rising because it's relevant in the days in which we live . Why is it relevant ? Because the world is searching for the answers of creation . What's next in life ? What happens when I die ? Is God real ? Who is Jesus ? Who was the creator ?
Speaker 2The world is looking for spiritual answers in the mechanisms of a plastic world . This world is plastic and as the temperature gets hotter , what happens to plastic in front of fire ? It melts . We are watching systems melt before our very eyes because they've been built by man and they are melting because of the spiritual temperature that is out there . We are watching systems collapse because they built and they've been built like plastic knives and forks and they can't cope with the heat that is out there at this moment . See , we need Jesus . We don't need church , we need Jesus , we need the Holy Spirit , we need the God that we serve . He is the King of Kings . Serve he is the king of kings and he is the lord of lords . So when you look at these scriptures , let's just press through a little bit . We're coming to the breaking of the bread and the taking of the cup in just a few moments .
Speaker 2I want to backtrack up to verse 15 and it says he is the image of the invisible god , the firstborn over all creation , for by him all things were created , things in heaven , things on earth , visible , invisible . Whether we have that question thrown in our face . What is going on ? He created it for him , by him , because he wanted to . The scripture says he created it because he's goodwill and his pleasure . It's up to God , to what to do , what he wants to do . And I ask you me , we will never fathom this God out , we will never work him out . Why , god ? Thank God that we can't work him out . If I work God out , he ain't God . I've got one brain cell and at the moment it's exhausted . So if my one brain cell , the size of a pea , could work God out , he ain't God . If science could measure God , he ain't God . If physics could measure God . He ain't God Because he sits in an approachable light . He's outside of light . He is light . He's the creator of heaven and earth .
Speaker 2This is why church don't cut it anymore , because of the spiritual temperature is so hot . Churches are melting because they are built out of plastic properties . It's fake , like knives and forks . As I said the other day , if you get a traditional knife and fork and they're made of metal , they can stand heat . The book of Acts church can stand the temperature of heat because it's like a metal knife and fork . But the plastic church that we got , as soon as the heat rises it's distorted as soon as the heat , the sun outside . If you took a plastic knife and fork , put it on the inside of your car and it was at one of the hottest days of the year you would find that that plastic knife and fork would have changed shape . Plastic cannot stand heat and I have to say this , I have to be honest and truth the majority of church is plastic . So now we are finding that church is buckling under the spiritual temperature that is out there .
But the book of Acts church , the kingdom of God church , can stand the temperature because the church of Acts church , the kingdom of God church can stand the temperature , because the church of Jesus Christ is greater than any temperature that is happening around the world .
Speaker 2So when you look at these scriptures that we're in , they are key . These scriptures are key to literally flatten every other God across the world , because you can't get healed in any other God . You can only get healed through the God of Israel . You can't get salvation and eternal life through any other God , but through the God of Israel . You can't get redemption through anybody else's blood except the blood of Jesus Christ . Every other God that has claimed to be a God has a marker and has a date when they died , and every other God that has died .
Speaker 2Let me tell you this this don't take much of my brain to work this one out they're still dead . They are dead . They are as dead as Moses . They are as dead as the disciples . They are as dead as Mary , as everyone in the book . Everyone in this book has died and has not come back , except there's only one . Yes , you might tell me about Lazarus I know what you're saying , I get it but let me tell you there's only one . Lazarus died again , by the way , he's still not . He's not working in Asda . You ain't sitting down there and he's not working in Lidl . He actually died again . There's only one that came back from the dead . There's only one that came back and stayed alive and he will never die . And you can actually look at this a little bit like this Jesus died as the man , christ Jesus .
Speaker 2We understand that God is Jesus , jesus is God . So actually , when you look at it , jesus was still alive . It goes too deep . Yes , we understand , because the scriptures are written for my little pea brain mind to understand . If God wanted to write this word completely , as he would have done . If we understood to a certain degree , the book would be so greater and more powerful . The book is written so that we can get a bit of an understanding . The book is greater than this book because the book gets more and more revealed , because it's revelational knowledge and as you dig in it , the scriptures come out as you're hungry for it . It out when you look , when you look very carefully .
Speaker 2When christ was sitting around the world and that lady came up to jesus and she said move yourself a minute , son , I've got to draw some water . She said what are you doing ? There went just . I'm just just going on facebook , right , just got on my phone checking a few messages . She said what are you doing ? She said do you want some water ? I am living water . I'm paraphrasing a bit , we know that . So she comes up and she draws from Jacob's well . And Jesus looks at Jacob's well and he knows everything about Jacob's well because he created the well . He knows everything about the well , he knows the properties of the water in the well . He knew that she was going to because he is the creator of heaven and earth . And he's sitting by the well and he says what are you going to do ? She said I'm going to draw some water . Yeah , but that's really deep that . Yeah , but we've been coming here forever . This is what we do see . Jesus is going . The well's drying up , yeah , but we've got to come back to Jacob's well . We've got to come back .
Speaker 2Jesus says I've got something I can give you what's . He say what you got . He says I've got bottled water . It's better than what you got down there . He said I've got bottled water . Actually , he said I can give you living water . It's better than your tap water . It's better than your tap water . It's better than your Jacob's well water . It's better than the Evian bottle water . It's better than that amazing sparkling water that we're getting thrashed over when we pay three quid for a bottle of water . He says it's better than that water that Ben buys from Tesco's and from Marks and Spencer's that they just blow a few bubbles in . It's better than that water . The water that I've got is living water . What happened to Christ at the cross of Calvary when they punctured his side ? Blood and water flowed together . So he's not only talking about living water . Are you thirsty ? Yeah , we're thirsty . Well , I can give you something greater than Jacob's water that there Jesus will give you water that will never run out . Jesus will cover you in the blood that will keep you cleansed forever and eternity . Jesus is the redeeming king .
Speaker 2When you look at these scriptures that we've been in and I haven't done any justice tonight whatsoever we are in the book of Colossians , chapter one , verses 15 through the 20 . I haven't even got to that point and I want to get to that point just before we break it a bread . You know I haven't stopped talking for years . You know , sometimes my voice just gets absolutely so weak . My lips don't stop moving all day long . So you'd have to forgive me when I get a little bit tongue tied . And in verse 17 , I want to pick this up , and then we're going to go a little bit further . It says he is before all things and in him all things hold together , and he is the head of the body , the church .
Speaker 2Actually , god , I thought it was Elim . God , I thought the church was the Church of England . Have you got that right , god ? And you can hear God going ? Ben , the church wasn't even about as you know it . At that point , the church wasn't even in existence . Hang on a minute , god . What are you talking about ? Because I'm talking about a different church , ben . I'm talking about a church that is on fire .
Speaker 2I'm talking about a church that hasn't got pastors that are getting paid . I'm talking about a kingdom where you don't need no money . I'm talking about a kingdom where you don't need no money . I'm talking about a kingdom where it's only faith is required . I'm talking about a church and a kingdom where you don't need money . What do you mean , god ? I've been told by pastors and leaders that if I sow into their back pockets , I'll get a good return . And actually , lord , I'm skinning myself . I've given money to everybody else and , lord , I'm struggling to pay the electric .
Speaker 2Peter popoff on the other side of the pond is doing pretty well . Kenneth copeland is doing pretty well . I've sewed into his aircraft . Thank god , I've sewn into kenneth copeland's aircraft so he can get down the corner shop a little bit quicker . Hallelujah , jesus , I've got to crisscross the globe to share the gospel of Jesus Christ . I need 11 aircraft . I'll help you . I'll help you , kenneth . Come on , let me give you another 100 quid . I'll leave the kids hungry on my table , but I'll give you another 100 quid just to pay for your pilot , just to have another fag while he waits for you to fire up the aircraft .
Speaker 2Peter Popoff , I tell you what . Give me another couple of bottles of oil . And he shouts out to the stewards go down the chip shop and get them some oil . Them ones on the other side of the pond , they think that this is real oil . Don't be fooled , I'll have another prayer cloth . You might as well go over to Dartford , to B&M or Dan Liddell's and get a jay cloth , because it's got more power than the cloths that they're selling .
Speaker 2Don't get entwined in the prosperity cash for gospel . You don't need another bottle of oil , you don't need another prayer cloth , you just need Jesus . Because Jesus says I am the way , the truth , the life . No one comes to the Father except through me . So when you got Jesus , guess what you got you got oil . So when you got Jesus , guess what you got you got oil . When you got Jesus , guess what you got you got the power of prayer . When you got Jesus , you got everything .
Speaker 2Why do we want to sow into ministries on the other side of the globe that are selling us gifts , selling us gifts , and we're crazy enough to go yeah , I'll have another prayer cloth , yeah , I'll have another prayer shawl . Yeah , actually , peter Popov's selling T-shirts now , and they'll probably say kiss me quick , I'll have one . I'll have one of them because it's got to be anointed . Isn't it strange that we buy what they sell ? And the Bible says that salvation can't be bought , because it's been bought with something that is impossible to understand and that is the blood of Jesus .
Speaker 2So when we come to the table , when we just get to this last part of this text , and he is the head of the body , the church
, he is the beginning , the firstborn among all the dead , so that in everything he might have supremacy . God will not share his glory with no one . God will not share his glory with no pastor , no transatlantic preacher , no evangelist . God will not share his glory with me , with none . God will take his glory for himself . God is a jealous God . He's a God of love . He's a God of love . What are you talking about ? He's a God of fire and damnation and judgment . He wouldn't do anything to anyone , and damnation and judgment he wouldn't do anything to anyone .
Speaker 2I remember , back in the Old Testament of , there's a great biblical text when God got angry with humanity and he didn't mess around . He said it's going to rain . He said , Noah , get that ax out and start building . Why , god ? Because I'm tired of humanity , I'm weary , but God's a God of love and God would never do that to anybody . In the book of Exodus , chapter 12 , he said get yourself the blood , because when I pass over , if I don't see the blood , it's curtains . But he's a god of of love . The god that I read about got angry and tired of humanity and he went that's it wipe out .
Speaker 2God will not share his glory with no one . God will not share his glory with no one . Yes , and I know what it says that god said he will never destroy the earth again in the way that we know it . God is coming back . For those that are born again , spirit-filled believers , god is coming back and it will be known as the rapture of the church . God is is coming back in the image of Christ and as we come to the last tail end of the scripture , and it says he is the head of the body of the church , he is the beginning and the firstborn among the dead , so that in everything he might have supremacy , for God was pleased to have the fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile to himself all things .
Speaker 2You can't separate God and Jesus when you look at the scriptures , where the things on earth , things in heaven , by marking peace through his blood , shed on the cross . The blood of Christ has been shed . The redemption story has been written from Genesis to Revelationsations . And let's just break bread , let's just take this and just take a moment . More than more than we could ever imagine or ask . Church is irrelevant now . Religion is done and finished .
Speaker 2But the kingdom of god is that spiritual realm , that place , the kingdom of God , jesus says to Nicodemus you can't see , you can't enter unless you're born again . If he wanted church to be part of salvation , he would have made that extremely clear . See , salvation is outside of religion . Salvation is outside of pastors . Salvation is outside of everyone . Salvation is outside of pastors . Salvation is outside of everyone . Salvation sits in the hands of God and it is a gift that comes from heaven . And Jesus tells us that through the teachings of Christ . You can't buy salvation . It is given as a gift .
Speaker 2So , wherever you are tonight , across the other side of the earth , on radio , on live stream , wherever you are , I pray that the fire of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit will give you calm . I've tried to take my time . I've tried to do it a little bit different tonight . Just pedal slowly . Tonight I pray that the scriptures have been opened up by the power of the Holy Spirit , as you've listened . Of you , wherever you are across the world , as you sat in a house with me . Of you , wherever you are across the world , as you sat in the house with me . I pray that the presence of God , wherever you are tonight , will fill your house . I pray that the presence of God tonight will fill your innermost being . I pray that you will feel the glory of God . Maybe you just clicked in just to have a look and see what's that crazy reverend talking about . I'll have a bit of entertainment tonight . I'll watch him for half hour 45 minutes .
Speaker 2God is speaking to you wherever you are . I accidentally clicked into RB , christian Radio . What's he going on about ? It's not by accident . There's no word as coincidence . It's by divine intervention , which is known as predestination . God is calling you on the other side of the screen . God is calling you on the other side of the screen . God is calling you on the other side of the mic . God is calling you from the world of podcasts . God is calling you from the daily devotions that we do . God is calling you right now . It is not church that is calling you , it is not religion that is calling you . It is the power of the Holy Spirit . The Holy Spirit is calling you right now in the name of Jesus . So , father , we thank you for the bread that symbolizes the body of Christ . Bless this bread right now in Jesus' name . Amen .
Speaker 2The blood that brought reconciliation . The blood that was shed at Calvary's cross . The blood that the church don't really speak about in the depths of theological teachings . The blood of Jesus that was shed at the cross . This is just grape juice in itself , this is just wine . This mightn't be a fruit shoot tonight , whatever it may be , but what it symbolizes , it's what it reminds me ofizes , it's what it reminds me of , it's what it takes me to . It takes me to the scripture , it takes me to the cross , it takes me to jesus , it takes me to the great I am . It makes me realize that redemption is real . The church is plastic . Redemption is real . The glory is real . Religion is dead . It's dead and it's buried and it's gone . Religion is over . It's still acting because religious activities still go on .
Speaker 2But religion is lacking some major , powerful . What is it lacking ? The spirit of the living God . It will always be religion because it tries to control God . God will not be controlled by man or any human being . Religion makes itself up as it goes along . If you want to know who God is , itself up as it goes along , if you want to know who God is , read the scripture . If you're tired of going to a religious organization , leave the church and find Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior . He is the first , he is the last , he is the creator of heaven and earth . Jesus Christ is the creator of heaven and earth . Ditch religion , ditch the church , don't follow me . Follow Christ .
Speaker 2And as we take this cup tonight , I pray for each and every one of us that we will be found in the kingdom of God . So , father , will you cleanse me from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet ? Lord , I need the world to know that I'm not religious . I don't belong to a mechanism created by man . I belong to Jesus and Jesus belongs to me . So , lord , I want the world to know that Ben Cooper is a Jesus follower . No matter what the world says , I will not come away from my faith . It is impossible . Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus . Bless this cup right now , lord . Cover me and cleanse me in the blood of Jesus . Amen . May the Spirit of God lead you . May the Spirit of God carry you . May the Spirit of God lead you to the cross of Calvary .
Speaker 2I pray if you're searching online , calvary . I pray if you're searching online . However we are and however long we say we've been in church , I pray that we will be unchurched . I pray that the lord will undo the bootlace of church and I pray that lord will cut the umbilical cord to ministry , to church , to religion and to the ties that we tie ourselves up , and God will give us freedom . God will show us through the word of God that who the son sets free is free . Indeed , the church is . Yes , I understand , I get it , but God is bigger than the building . God is bigger than all the denominations put together
. He is the great I am .
Speaker 2So , wherever you are tonight , be a Jesus follower . Wherever you are tonight , follow the power of the Holy Spirit . Wherever you are tonight , follow the God of Israel . Give yourself to Jesus , because Jesus has already got you . Let's pray , father . We thank you for time in the house . We thank you for time online . We thank you for everybody that's watching , listening , capturing these recordings , wherever they are on the other side of the world .
Speaker 2Father , we pray tonight for the spirit of the living God . We pray that the Holy Spirit will bless everybody in the circle of our life , lord , all the people we come into contact with during a quarter of the day , lord . We pray for them today , lord , on the phone , through text , through life , through face-to-face . We pray for everyone , lord , that we have come into contact with one way , shape or form or another , that they will know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Sav , lord and savior , that you will bless humanity tonight , lord , and you will bring us lord , god , to the cross of calvary , because it's about the cross , jesus . So , lord , let us be bold , let us be braggadocious , let us talk about this king , this king , the king that is alive . So , father , increase our faith in jesus , precious name , amen .
Speaker 2May god bless you wherever you are , across the other side of the world . You know , we're just going to turn these mics off and we're going to disappear in a moment . You know , disappear in a bit of dust , because church is all about disney . You know , and , sister , wherever you are , as we just click out of online tonight , I pray with all my heart that you will be a Jesus follower , that you get right into the word , you get right into prayer , you get right into the scripture and you stand bold and you stand strong and you tell the world around you that I love Jesus Christ , I believe from Genesis to Revelation . So , god bless you wherever you are . May the spirit of the living God carry you and never give up . There is always a way forward in Jesus name .
Speaker 1Thank you for joining us on Reverend Ben Cooper's podcast . We hope you feel inspired and uplifted . Don't forget to support us by buying us a coffee . Your generosity keeps this ministry thriving . We'd also love to hear from you , so please leave us a review and let us know what you think . And , of course , for more inspiration , visit us anytime at rbchristianradionet . Until next time , stay encouraged , stay faithful and know this you are not alone .