BFM - Bryngolwg Free Mission

16/06/2021

Suffering softens some, and hardens others — so, what’s the difference? Hope in God.

28/06/2020

My morning studies are ably aided by a Psalms and Proverbs volume received from Turning Points the David Jeremiah Ministries, which is designed to bring a systematic section of Psalms and then a chapter of Proverbs to aid structured study. And I have come across a beautiful pair of verses, 4 and 5, of Psalm 60. This Psalm is entitled (but is not original but has been included for our benefit), ‘urgent prayer for the restored favour of God.’ And, isn't that a topical title in the light of today's national and international problems? This is a reasonably short Psalm and is set amongst Israel’s arduous days of strife and is likely to refer to sometime in the earlier part of King David’s reign when he subjected some of the neighbouring nations.

2 Samuel 8:1-8 records David’s victories over Philistia, Moab, and Syria. 2 Samuel 10:1-19 tells of David’s victories over Ammon and Syria and 1 Chronicles 18:11-13 gives us David’s victories over Edom (and specifically in the Valley of Salt), Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek. We are not told in Samuel or Chronicles about any real difficulties but with war, there are always pros and cons, ups and downs. And David writing here first-hand from the heart should be commended for his honesty. The Scriptures record the good, the bad and the indifferent and this is something that has persuaded me of their validity and truth. The Psalm begins sombrely verses 1 to 3 and in verses 4 and 5 we find a reflective interlude and in verses 6 to 12 we find an answer and encouragement. That is an ultra-brief overview of the Psalm but it is verses four and five that have really spoken to my heart and we shall major on.

The fear of the Lord is something which we at B. F. M. - (Bryngolwg Free Mission) have been dealing with personally and as a whole for some time, so finding this Scripture and looking into banner has been quite something for me. Now, I realise that we must be very careful not to take Scripture out of context but one must question the timing and the circumstances, both personal, as a fellowship and indeed as a nation. The church as a whole is undoubtedly under pressure just like any other institution or indeed individual.

The Bible, Scripture, has never told us that we shall be exempted from any disaster or pestilence we live and die just like everyone else but David here has a great encouragement for himself, his nation and indeed we the readers-those who fear God.’ In the various pictures contained in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's progress, I remember one that really sticks in my mind and that is of a knight in armour standing on a river-bank sporting a lance, topped with a flowing banner. This, of course, is a depiction of the Lord Jesus standing in victory over sin, and death and hell; and His banner is the emblem of this victory, whilst the river represents the trials and tribulations of life; He stands in victory beckoning His people over, for He has triumphed and gone before! The coming to the Earth as the God-man was partly to experience and overcome life's deepest woes and trials for us, heaven can fully empathise with the creation and not just sympathise; friend Jesus knows!

So this word banner has a number of connotations, it can be a reminder, it is always visible, it can be a celebration and it can be an expression of thanks. In Scripture ‘the banner,’ always points to heaven, either to the Father or the Son - the Lord Jesus Christ. It is used twice in the Song of Songs 2:4 and 6:4, where it is described as love and impressive or awesome. It is also found in the Psalms 20:5 and 60: 4, where it is found to mean joy in gratitude and in our text, 16: 4, it is the promise of Father God's security for those who love Him. In Isaiah 5:26, 11:10 and 31:9. We find assurance, the direct prophecy to the Lord Jesus Christ (11:10) and the Lord's reputation for fighting for His people.

Finally, in the gospel of John chapter 12 and verse 32, we find the epitome, the crux, the whole matter, as it were; though the word ‘banner’ is not expressly found in the text, surely the previous texts and the inference they bring the point to a culmination which is the Lord Jesus Christ raised upon a cross, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” ‘This He said, signifying by what death He would die.’ When one examines the truth of the cross we find, love-agape – the deepest love; an incredulity-to the point of awesomeness that God should die for us; we find joy and deep gratitude for the sacrifice; we are safely vouched; we have blessing and assurance; we have the guarantee that the Lord God is for us and not against us and Isaiah, the Prophet some 700 years before the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ came, prophesied that man's saviour or in our context, ‘banner,’ would be found coming from the root of Jesse; from the lineage of David, the lion of Judah. Each and every aspect of the banner points to Jesus, whose banner over us is love.

So then, dear friends, let us all rally to the ‘banner’ which is Christ Jesus our Lord; even in the days of coronavirus and deep uncertainty He still stands, He still calls, He still beckons and He still reigns. Let us with David confess our faith in the Lord, for the banner is being flown and we who ‘fear’ God has nothing else to fear because Jesus stands in victory and is both holding the banner, and indeed, is the banner, the banner of life eternal and it is in Him we can truly trust– Amen.

22/06/2020

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16

On entering our third decade in the 21st century, 2020 was punned as a year of renewed vision!
On analysing world events, however, many could be justified into thinking that the hand we’ve been dealt this year has not been favourable.
Coronavirus, recessions, rioting, racial division, political tension to name a few, will forever mar the memory of 2020. Who would have thought in January that the world would go into worldwide isolation and potentially change the way we live our lives forever, not to mention the events that have followed!

BREAKING NEWS! However bad things have developed this year, they are not humanity’s biggest problem.
The coronavirus is Not mans biggest problem. Racial inequality is not mans biggest problem. Economical uncertainty is not mans biggest problem. Political corruption is not mans biggest problem.
What is it? Many things will deviate our attention from the fundamental source of our problem. The heart of man!

Corruption is at the root of every human heart whether you want to admit it or not! It’s not a question about being a good person or doing more good things as opposed to bad. Man, in essence, has one fundamental problem and that’s his heart!

The bible says 'the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?' (Jeremiah 17:9)

What’s the cure? Fundamentally only God can provide the cure. Humanity cannot do it.

The answer to mans biggest problem is Jesus. There is so much that needs to be clarified on this vital and most important issue but to summarise, Jesus is Gods provision to humanity’s biggest problem, the human heart!

The cross on which Jesus died was where a transaction was being made between God and humanity. The Son of God was bearing the penalty for humanity’s sin and sick heart and exchanged our punishment with His life and forgiveness! Jesus, in essence, was a representative of man in the likeness of man by taking man's punishment; but more importantly, making forgiveness and restoration possible as God! He was both God and man.

God loves you so much that he would give the most valuable thing for you, His Son Jesus! God knew your greatest problem and answered it himself by diverting his just wrath from you onto Jesus!

Three days after his death however, Jesus rose again as a sign that gave a final answer to humanity’s biggest problem. By making guilty sinners free, the way is now open for anyone who puts their trust in Him; because of his death and resurrection, the promise of new life and the hope of eternal life after the life has come and gone!

Paul in Romans 6:23 puts it like this; 'For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The blood of Jesus has the power to cleanse any sick heart and renew our broken relationship with God the Father. The only thing that is required now is a response. Will you respond to Gods answer to your biggest problem!

Will you put your trust in Christ?

22/05/2020

(Written by Roy Davies)

In the midst of this global crisis with the spread of Covid-19, it is now time for Christians to rise up and lead this nation to the only answer and hope that there is - Jesus Christ! Now is the time for our faith to be made whole by our actions; true biblical Faith always requires action. We must walk the walk of Faith!

Our greatest mission is upon us as we lead our small nation back to God and His truth while helping lost souls find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our Faith is unwavering, our actions prayerfully prepared. The same God who’s blessed His work here at Bryngolwg Free Mission is the same God, I believe, who will guide us to victory. God has called everyone to know Him and take their stand - today!

Are you ready to help lead our nation back to God and His truth? Our time is now!

This past year I believe God has given us the vision to create a bold and visible outreach in our community to reach the lost and hurting for Christ and bring the Gospel into the market place. All true believers should come together as one body and our goal has never been earthly, only Heavenly.

Our two main proven and effective ministry tools are to lead this nation back to God and his truth while guiding the lost to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The spirit has shown me that our window of opportunity is very short and closing rapidly. It is only a matter of time I believe before God unleashes his final wrath and judgement on this once Godly nation for turning our backs on Him. I believe in my heart we can see one more great revival in this land of Wales and many souls will be saved before we face God's Judgement.

People who know me know I have a heart for lost souls. I am not interested in money or fame or power, or anything of this temporal world. I am 72 now and my life is winding down but my work is still not complete as long as I am fairly fit my work is for saving souls.

This current Covid-19 pandemic has shown people just how fragile life is as we know things can change so quickly. I am asking you to stand with me and help me. It is time for the church to stop sleeping and wake up and call this nation to repentance and call this nation to turn back to God and the biblical truth. Tell the lost and hurting their hope, a hope that is only found in having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

God bless

04/04/2020

I would say that nearly everyone in this whole wide world is waiting for something; at this moment in time, we as a family are waiting for the arrival of two grandchildren into the world. We are also together with you no doubt waiting and equally longing for this coronavirus to begin to wane from its deadly path. Many perhaps are waiting for those special numbers to turn up, in each and every household there is an element of waiting. You may say to me, but Clive, surely not every single person in the world is waiting for something; but you see dear friends, we are all waiting for one certain thing whether we like to admit it or not and that is our end. I know that this is not a cheerful thought in the light of the virus, but it is one that sooner or later we all have to face in this life. There are three categories that pertain to this thought pattern and they are: -

1. Those who will take their chances when the time comes.
2. Those who are waiting for an opportune time (when it suits them) to be saved.
3. And there are those who are waiting patiently for the Lord Jesus Christ to return.

The Bible says a great deal about each category of person and we would do well to heed the advice that it gives.
The first category is the most dangerous one to be a member of and is like playing Russian roulette with a full chamber. A typical example in the bible is the fate of the Egyptians in their treatment of the Israelite people; they believed that their Pharaoh was a god and that his decisions were final. The one true God had a plan for His chosen people and a clash soon ensued between God and demigod, and as you know there was but one outcome-God's people were released with interest. Pharaoh relented, chased after the Israelites and lost everything as the Red Sea closed over his prized army. There are a number of lessons to be learned from this but primarily it suggests that we must take God seriously and not take our chances. 2 Corinthians 6:2, gives us this advice, "behold! Now is the acceptable time, now the day of salvation." Grasp the Lord Jesus Christ's hand today for tomorrow may just be too late!

The second category is almost as dangerous as the first because no one knows when we shall be called away from this life. Many people say,’ I need to achieve this, do that, go there,’ etc. etc., ‘and then I will see what will happen.’ This is like playing spiritual ‘Russian roulette,’ you get away with it for a while but!!!!! The typical example in the Bible is the farmer who had a bumper crop and instead of benefiting others, he decided to build larger buildings to accommodate his super crop recorded by Luke 12:16-21. God says there, “you fool,” very strong language; he became self-sufficient, self- reliant totally ignoring God’s common grace for all. We all need to take stock and at least give God a chance to show Himself real to us, surely that is not too great a sacrifice to ask?

The final category is one in which it is best to be counted because the bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27,” it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” which strongly suggests that there is something after death! Now Jesus said that He would return, ok! that was 2,000yrs ago but the reason for His delay is quite simple, He is waiting for you to come to Him to ask for forgiveness and His salvation, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. You, me the whole shooting match have failed to live aright. Do think that He is calling loudly today for us to sit up and hear? PLAGUE, PESTILENCE, DISASTER, and DARKNESS may abound but friends, Jesus is the LIGHT of the WORLD and He has said that He will “never leave us as orphans,” and the Father has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. For the committed Christian, there is nothing to be overly worried about for whichever existence we find ourselves in we are blessed, absent from the body = presence with the Lord; it is a win/win situation, relationship here and now and after passing eternal relationship in heaven.

So dear friend what is it to be? Do you remember that harrowing scene from the 1979 film, ‘The Deer Hunter,’ where Christopher Walken said, ‘one last shot?’ If not allow me to refresh your memory, the gun goes off!!!! No-one is lucky all the time. I do not use that word because I fully believe’ luck’ dies when you put your faith in Christ Jesus because grace is now fully given and we can live an assured life, one that is guided by God.

We must make sure of our salvation this side of death if not then we can expect eternity in a place we would not want to be, ‘Hell.’ This is not my idea nor my wish but this is God’s word and my duty is to bring the appropriate warning, for me to fail to bring out the seriousness of this God’s word would be tantamount to euthanasia and I do not want anyone to tell me, ‘but Clive you never told me!’
Friends this Coronavirus is bad but not as bad as God is good, do not wait in vain or despair, be steadfast and certain that waiting for Jesus will end in glory and everlasting life for you if you choose Him.

Do not play spiritual Roulette bet on the real winner – Jesus. Amen.

30/03/2020

30/03/2020

I’ve noticed a lot of rainbows in people's windows with the slogan ‘KEEP SAFE’ as I’ve walked about our community. I was curious to know what these meant apart from spreading cheer and hope to people during this coronavirus outbreak. The only conclusion I came to was Noah’s Ark.

If any of you remembers this famous bible narrative, the rainbow signified Gods promise to never flood the world again. (If you want to read the full story, you can read Genesis chapter 6-8, or even better read the whole bible for your self). For most of us, this is a story we learnt in Sunday school with that famous image of Noah and his family surrounded by pairs of animals on a boat, floating in the middle of an ocean. Cute maybe, but the true significance of that ark goes beyond anything cute and nostalgic.

Amid this coronavirus crisis, our obligation to stay indoors and ‘Keep Safe’ holds many similarities to Noah’s Ark! The ark provided safety and shelter from the raging storm and judgment that was on the earth! No matter how horrific the judgment was outside, Noah and his family were guaranteed safety within the ark. I believe this story to be true and literal but this isn’t the point I’m trying to make here.

Noah's ark represents something greater, a signpost to something that would happen thousands of years later. The cross of Jesus Christ is that ultimate reality of the ark Noah built.

How can the pandemic of a worldwide flood provide such clarity to one man being crucified on a hill outside Jerusalem two thousand years later? Simply this, the death of Jesus Christ, whether we realize it or not, provides eternal security for those who take refuge in Him. Safety from the wrath of a righteous God who loved the world so much that he would allow His only son to take upon himself the punishment we deserve.

A flood was sent to destroy a world full of sin and rebellion. Though the earth was restored and a promise given to never flood the world again with a rainbow, the current condition of the world today has not changed since the days of Noah.

Just like the governments command to stay indoors and ‘Keep Safe’, God commanded Noah to build an Ark to ‘Keep Safe’. Likewise, God is still urging men and women around the world to take hold of his offer of salvation and ‘Keep Safe’ in His Son Jesus.

This virus has proven to have lethal consequences for tens of thousands around the world, and we know this will continue for the foreseeable future. The future for most people is uncertain. How can we guarantee tomorrow? None of us can! But passing from this life is not the end of the story. The ark provided a temporal solution and protection for Noah and his family. In this life they were kept safe from the judgment that was on the earth. The Death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides an eternal solution and protection for the judgment that we all must face when we pass from this life to the next.

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul wrote

'If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.' Romans 14:8

The hope we have in Christ transcends all world pandemics and whether we live or die, when our faith is in Christ alone, we know we have a permanent refuge in the storm.

Again it says in Romans 'But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' Romans 5:8

Keep Safe and trust in Christ.