A Publication of The Church of God (England)   March/April 2008, Volume 3, Issue 2

It Is Finished

Philip C. Bennett

From the time we accepted Jesus as our personal Saviour, we became embroiled in a war between God and the devil. Satan hates those who choose to serve God and is determined in his efforts to destroy us. The twelfth chapter of the book of Revelation shows the unrelenting war that began in heaven and continues upon earth. The woman alluded to represents the nation of Israel. She is later transfigured into the Church, which is spiritual Israel.

Due to this continued enmity, Satan tempted man to sin in the Garden of Eden. However, it was in the plan of God to send mankind a Redeemer. God called and used Noah to build an ark for the saving of himself and his household. Along the way Noah failed God. From the line of Noah’s son Shem, God called Abraham and from his lineage came the nation of Israel. As we follow their progress, we read about Satan repeatedly tempting Israel, causing them to fail God. They were eventually led away into captivity. The promise that God had made to them however was a sure one.

“but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” [Galatians 4:4-5]

In an attempt to stop the last hope, Satan used a jealous king Herod to try to destroy the Christ Child. Almighty God was one step ahead and warned Joseph in a dream to take the Child to Egypt. This was in fulfilment of prophecy.

Jesus knew from an early age that He had a task to complete. In the temple at the age of twelve He said to His parents, “… wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”
[St. Luke 2:49]

Satan came to Jesus with various temptations at the start of His ministry when he thought He would be vulnerable. This is recorded in St. Matthew 4:1-11. In the first two temptations the devil posed the question “…if thou be the Son of God” knowing full well who He was. This was confirmed when Christ met the demon possessed man in Gadara. “When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.” [St. Luke 8:28]

When the devil saw that his temptations did not work, he tried his best to discredit Jesus and make His ministry ineffective. “And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” [St. John 1:46]

Again the Pharisees and the rulers argued in St. John 7:52: “…out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.”

When Satan recognises our potential he will try to belittle us before others as he tried with Jesus. The Lord would not succumb to distraction. He had a mission to do and saw it through to completion. In St. John 14:30, Jesus said, “…the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”

After all previous attempts failed, the devil tried to use the tactic of fear. In one instance Jesus had just rebuked the Jews for hypocrisy. He then received some news to make Him afraid, but would not take the bait.

“The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence; for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.”
[St. Luke 13:31-32]

The devil still uses these tactics today. People will cause us to fear if we listen to everything we hear. The devil tried the same thing with Nehemiah when God had sent him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah refused to give in to fear. [Nehemiah Chapter 6]

In St. John 12:27 as Jesus’ time drew near to be crucified and He became troubled, He said “…for this cause came I unto this hour.”

Jesus’ friends failed Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was forsaken, denied and betrayed by His own disciples. He had to win the victory alone.

“And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” [St. Matthew 27:12-14]

“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.” [St. Matthew 27-31]

Although Jesus’ character and reputation was defamed He did not defend Himself. Sometimes we are tempted to leave what we are called to do to fight private battles. Jesus was stripped of His clothing, scourged, mocked, spat upon and humiliated. He was then nailed to a cross like a common criminal. The devil thought that no one would want to associate themselves with Jesus after this. The taunts kept coming even whilst Jesus was hanging upon the cross:
“He saved others; himself he cannot save...” [St. Matthew 27:42]
“…If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” [St. Matthew 27:40]
“He trusted in God; let him deliver him now...” [St. Matthew 27:43]

Thank God Jesus did not come down. After some six hours on the cross John recounts Jesus’ last moments in St. John 19:28-30: “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

Jesus completed His task and so must we. The grave could not hold Him; He arose a victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with the saints to reign. He arose, He arose, hallelujah, Christ arose.

General Headquarters address

P.O.Box 450
Charleston, TN 37310 USA
Phone: 001-423-339-8264

Website: www.thechurchofgod.org
Email: gotcog@bellsouth.net
Prayer Line:  001-423 339 8264
Fax Prayer Line: 001-423 339 8268
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001-423 339 8264 or onefold@gmail.com

National Office/National Overseer’s address

Philip C.Bennett
18 Murdock Grove,
Handsworth,
Birmingham, B21 OPN

Home phone:  0121-551 0119
Mobile phone:  :  079633 60513
Website: www.churchofgod.org.uk
Email: overseer@churchofgod.org.uk

What’s happening in
Handsworth Church

Handsworth Church Revival
16th-18th March 2008

The Spirit of God was truly with us during the three nights of the revival meeting. The theme was taken from Psalm 51:7:

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

Brethren from the churches in Northfield and Druids Heath were there to support and worship with the members in Handsworth.

On the Sunday evening, Pastor Beverley Anderson preached a wonderful message to a sizable gathering using the theme of the revival as her topic. She spoke about king David, the man after God’s own heart who fell into sin but humbled himself and asked for forgiveness. During the altar service one young lady that had been attending Church for a few months was saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost.

On Monday night there was an overwhelming spirit of worship as members danced in the Spirit. Our National Overseer, Pastor Philip C. Bennett preached on the topic, “Sanctification a second definite work of grace.” He told us that much of the problems in our personal lives and in the Church could be attributed to a lack of sanctification. After the message a number of seekers gathered at the altar to seek God in their lives.

On Tuesday evening Pastor Frances Prince of Druids Heath Church preached an almost identical message to that preached on the Sunday evening. Pastor Prince used the theme of the revival as her topic. She told us that if we found that our conscience was troubling us, we needed to go and make it right with God. Again members gathered at the altar to seek God for cleansing. This was like the old time days. To God be the glory.

National Overseer - Reporter

What’s happening in
Northfield Church

Northfield Church Revival
6th-8th April 2008

It was good for our mothers, it was good for our fathers, it was good for Paul and Silas and it was certainly good enough for us! We rejoiced in that old time religion at our revival, which ran from 6th-8th April 2008.
The soul-stirring theme was “Returning to the Old Path.” We thank God for the many blessings we received as we asked Him to take us back to the place where we first believed.

The revival was seasoned with anointed messages. Sister Angela Clarke set the atmosphere on the first night when she preached on the theme. The brethren were encouraged not to be like Israel who at one point refused to walk in the old path. We were reminded that we belong to God and not to ourselves. We should take example from king Josiah who restored Israel to the worship of the true and living God after 57 years of apostasy. Walking in the old path is a must!

Our theme song was “I am coming home” and brethren rejoiced as we sang other old favourites like “the good old fashioned way” and “take me back.”

In the devotion on the 7th April, Sister Julie Clarke encouraged the brethren that when we are building we must use the old materials, as they are hardwearing. We cannot afford to adopt the practices of the modern religious world because our ‘buildings’ will not stand. Sister Delzie Reid preached and reminded us that there cannot be any revival without repentance. Revival should bring about an inward change which will come when we obey God’s will. To God be the glory, for after the altar service Brother Reuel Clarke gave his heart to the Lord and showed by the raising of his hand that he wanted to give the Lord a chance in his life. There was sweet fellowship after service.

On the last night of the feast, brethren testified of their experiences within the revival. Pastor Beverley Anderson’s powerful message was already preached at least three times before she even stood at the rostrum. We thank God for the confirmation. There was no doubt that God wanted His people to hear about the prodigal son from St. Luke 15. Pastor Anderson highlighted that we are living in a world where people do not want the old path because it seems too tiresome. However we cannot allow modern times to cloud our judgement, nor should we take the wonderful gifts that God has given us and stray from the path into a ‘foreign country.’ Pastor Anderson went through some of the 29 prominent teachings of the Church under the anointing of the Holy Ghost and the presence of the Lord could be felt. The evening ended with brethren tarrying at the altar. Tears were shed as brethren worshipped the Lord and sought Him in prayer.

We thank the Lord for being with us during the three days of revival. Young and old were refreshed at the altar and we thank the Lord for visiting us. Our aim and determination is to keep the fire burning and to remain on the old path, as this is what our Lord requires of us.

Claudine Brown
National Reporter

National Youth Convention
Saturday 26th April 2008

I count it a great privilege to be able to share the awesome blessings which the Lord bestowed upon us during our National Youth Convention. The theme was “The Finish Line: Racing to Glory” and the convention left us all raring to go! The presence of the Lord was undeniably with us from the first prayer until the benediction. It was clear that much prayer had been offered up to the Lord in anticipation of the gathering as the speakers; the prayers and the songs were anointed. The programme was jam-packed and we thank the Lord that under His leading, the convention was a huge success. Saints had come to the sanctuary with a mind to worship. There was no need for ‘praise pumping’ as our brethren lifted up holy hands and worshipped God freely. Despite it being a ‘youth’ convention, we had a taster of that ol’ time religion, and it was more than ‘good enough for me!’ Praise God!

The theme was explored through a variety of soul-stirring sermons and visual presentations. I thank the Lord for inspiring me to preach a message using the theme “On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!” - a theme which the Lord had laid heavily upon my heart. I encouraged the youth to make the proper preparation in order to see the race through to the end. I also encouraged the youth not to stay ‘on your marks’ too long as the enemy will deter us from getting up and running. Brother Joshua Anderson preached on “The Race is not for the Swift” highlighting that the race is an ‘endurance race’ as opposed to a sprint and that we need to keep on going, all the way to the end.

Our National Overseer, Pastor Philip C. Bennett also preached on the convention theme. He used the life of the Apostle Paul who after his conversion became a coach to young Timothy and other notable men of God. Paul encouraged them to be single minded, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, to have self-discipline, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and to persevere, Philippians 3:13-14. In conclusion, our Overseer stated that despite all that Paul endured he was able to run the race successfully and win the prize, 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Brother Jason Prince preached on “The Finish Line” visually demonstrating the need for us to ‘dip’ towards the finish line as runners do in literal races. Spiritually speaking, we have to make that extra effort in these last days if we are going to make it in. The moderator, Sister Angela Clarke preached a message about the responsibility of the elder members, or ‘coaches’ in the church. They are to lead by example and encourage the younger Christians in their walk with Christ. Sister Clarke used biblical examples and we thank the Lord for His anointing upon her sermon.

One of the highlights of the convention was a visual presentation where Coach Word and Coach Truth were instructing their runners how to make it to the finish line. One runner, Stuart paid heed to his coach and dropped off all necessary weights in order to run the race. Runner Jason would not heed his coach’s advice and thought he would be able to run the race laden down with unnecessary excesses. Whilst Runner Stuart took his time and was refreshed by the watering of the Word, Runner Jason became sidetracked by the Deceiver (Satan) and came off track altogether. Runner Stuart who listened to the advice of his coach made it to the finish line; whereas Runner Jason who did not listen could not be found at the end of the race. The visual play was humorous but conveyed a poignant message.

We thank the Lord for the songs, which included “We’re marching to Zion” and “I’m running for my life.” There was special singing from the local churches on the programme and we were blessed to be ministered to for the first time by the young men’s group from Northfield Church. There is a lot of musical talent in The Church of God in England!

The convention concluded with a fiery altar call. To God be the glory for the showers of blessings, which He poured upon us as we tarried for one another at the altar. At the end of the convention we were left wanting more! It was a marvellous day and we look forward to what the Lord has in store for the youth, and indeed the whole of The Church of God as we continue to serve Him!

Submitted by Claudine Brown – National Reporter

You are welcome to attend and to fill up on the blessings of God at The Church of God (England’s)
Annual National
Convention
4th-6th July 2008

Theme:
“Who is She?”
“Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?” [Song of Solomon 6:10]

Guest Speaker - Bishop Stephen E. Smith, General Overseer [Cleveland, Tennessee, USA]

Location:
Kings Heath and Moseley Baptist Church
80 High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ.
[The venue is on the number 50 bus route, road A435 and opposite Somerfield supermarket]
Don’t miss the blessings that God has prepared especially for you! See you there!