SANCTUARY
The sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, edging grey clouds in a blaze of pink and orange. Betty loved clouds and the awesome sunsets she enjoyed from her lounge window. Just perfect, after all this was a special evening.
She had scrubbed and dusted throughout the day having always been taught cleanliness is next to Godliness and her home was ready for the first gathering. Lee had arranged seven chairs around a small table covered with a spotless white cloth. The fire in the hearth crackled and sparked as he threw another log on the red hot embers, curtains had been drawn to avoid any external distractions.
Door bell chimes announced the arrival of Joel and Beth who exclaimed "what a beautiful evening just look at that sunset, can't wait until they switch the street lights off then perhaps folks will look up and realise how insignificant they are in the grand design" Phillip and Penny walked briskly up the path behind them. "Admission tickets and this way please" joked Lee. "Would the King James Bible be okay" Joel replied.
The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room. "Seven chairs" voiced Phillip. "Yes" said Lee "Matthew 18 - 20 - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them, so lets leave the chair in the middle for the Lord."
A respectful hush descended on the group. Lee rose to his feet and spoke. "Remembering the very reason we have gathered here this evening might I suggest we begin each fellowship with Revelation 18 - 4-5 "And I heard another voice from heaven saying, come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remember her iniquities."
"Joel would you like to lead us in prayer?" Phillip prompted. The firelight illuminated each bowed head. "Lord we are gathered together in Your holy name having rejected the direction of the established church and we humbly ask your blessing on this house fellowship. We will uphold your Word and speak Your truth. Strengthen us to stand against opposition and persecution . Help us to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves as we walk in the world but stand apart from its ways. Amen.
"Perhaps before we take the Lord's supper we should take a few moments to consider our stumbling humanity this week." said Lee as he moved to uncover the contents of the nearby table and they took the bread and wine remembering the sacrifice of their leader Lord and Saviour Yeshua HaMashiach. For a while the group sat in silent contemplation.
"Lets make our commitment" said Bethany interrupting the silence "Thank you Lord for the warning you so clearly gave through your prophets and disciples of the corruption and twisting of your Holy Word, we uphold the King James Bible in this fellowship and are committed to speaking the Truth.
Later that evening, nourished by the Word and a generous supper the conversation moved to a general discussion of the week's events. "How can people be so blind" asked Penny "or is it just a question of head in the sand syndrome. Apparently we are considered a nation of druggies and alcoholics playing t.v. bingo, glued to every depressing news channel, fearful of the next health scare or shortage" "They have no hope" said Phillip "not surprising people chuck themselves in front of trains and overdose. The alcohol and drugs will provide momentary escape, but there's always the morning after."
Lee threw another log on the dying embers - sparks flew in every direction. "I love your home Betty it has such a peaceful atmosphere" said Penny. "We did think of selling this year" replied Betty "and just move into a retirement apartment but we decided against" "Why was that" enquired Penny. "We saw an article in a newspaper about an apartment block where residents were told to remove a cross in the communal lounge as it was an offence to other residents and that was it as far as we were concerned. This is my house and if I want to place a cross on my door or anywhere else for that matter it stays.
"This is just the beginning" said Lee "we were always proud of the right to freedom of speech in this country, not any more, it is being selectively eroded. I just thank God my kids are grown and are not being infected with the dross they are teaching in schools. Just try and comment on that one, not acceptable, but remember Matthew 18 - 6 - Yeshua said "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Remove commandments and boundaries and they wonder why they face anarchy and lawlessness.
It was time to conclude the meeting. "Who is hosting the next gathering" asked Bethany "I'm happy to do that" replied Penny "and thank you so much for tonight Betty, it has been very special"
"Remember folks" added Joel "this is no prosperity gospel. Our brothers and sisters snatched in the Middle East and elsewhere continue to pay with their very lives and the worst they can do here is put you inside on a trumped up charge, but remember what the Lord said to Peter in Matthew 12.37 "Yes. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
As they gathered in the hallway Joel enquired after the vicar at their former church. "What's the latest development Phil" asked Joel. "He's gone, thanks to Satan's little helpers" said Phillip "that's it, a lifetime of commitment snuffed out because he spoke the Truth, but remember vengeance is the Lord's.
Perhaps I will be able to speak to him next week and invite him to bless us with his presence in a few weeks time, when he has settled in his new home. Remember him in your prayers please" concluded Joel.
"And those pushing Replacement Theology and circulating a corruption of the bible might like to consider Proverbs 13 - 13" said Lee "Whoso despises the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment will be rewarded." A fervent Amen followed.
Lee moved to close the garden gate. "Joel, a quick word" he whispered "they are picking people up and detaining them in America without any evidence and its happening here. I think it would be prudent to take Yeshua's warning seriously in Matthew 5 - 37 - But let your Yes be Yes and your No be No. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Don't express your opinions, use relevant scripture and keep off the internet. Those with deadly intent are just waiting to use any excuse to put people behind bars. God bless and keep you safe, and remember the battle is the Lord's.
Its not just the night that's dark, the days ahead will get even darker. IT IS WRITTEN. May the Lord make His light to shine upon you all, bless you and keep you safe until we meet again." SHALOM
