How To Be In A Right Relationship With GOD

God hates idolatry which belittles him and is an insult and an affront to him.

God’s glory is way beyond the power of human imagination, he himself made that clear when he spoke to Moses telling him - "I am who I am" Exodus 3: 14 and the Hebrew will also permit the translation - "I will be what I will be". In the first chapter of the book of revelation we read -

"I am the Alfa and the Omega," say the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty" - Revelation 1: 8

These are in effect euphemisms given by God to describe the indescribable and the eternal.

We are human beings - the dictionary describes "being" as a person who is alive/essential nature. Almighty God is described as the Supreme Being, but is would better to say the He is "The Being" it gives meaning to his enigmatic declaration to Moses - "I am who I am".

The Bible glorifies God and tells us that he is beyond all possible comparisons -

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? - Or weighed the mountains on the scales or the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the Lord or instructed him as his councillor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, or who taught him the right way? Who was it who taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? Surely the nations are like a drop in the bucket they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust -

To whom then will you compare God? What image will you compare him too? As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A man - looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy and spreads them out like a tent to live in -"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength not one of them is missing - Isaiah 40: 12 to 26

It is not surprising then that God feels insulted to be compared even to the most skilful and costly and revered of images - no matter what specious arguments are brought forth in their defence, they are idols.

To be in a right relationship with God one must come to Jesus Christ, there is no other way, Jesus himself said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No - one comes to the Father except through me - John 14: 6.

It means a radical change of outlook, a change of lifestyle and a forsaking of sin; it requires a personal decision and no religious ceremony or ritual can be a substitute for it. Have you done this, if not, why not now? Confess your sin, confess your need, and ask him in prayer to take control of your life.

The Bible says: To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God - John 1: 12 & 13.

The only true image of the Living God is his Son Jesus Christ and the Bible glorifies him in the same way that it glorifies God the Father. The amplified version (that gives all the nuances of the original Greek text) says this of him -

In many separate revelations - each of which set forth a portion of the truth - and in different ways God spoke of old to our forefathers in and by the prophets. But in the last of these days he has spoken to us in the person of a Son, whom he appointed Heir and lawful owner of all things, also by and through whom he created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time - that is, he made, produced, built operated and arranged them in order.

He is the sole expression of the glory of God - the light being, the out - raying of the divine - and he is the perfect imprint and very image of God’s nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by his mighty word of power. When he had accomplished our cleansing of sin and riddance of guilt, he sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high - Hebrews 1: 1 to 3

Let us bring glory to the Father and the Son through our changed lives, our witness and our worship as we live out God’s plan for our lives.

God bless you!!!
Pastor Gordon Guillermo Burgess
Alicante Church Of The Good Shepherd

Christ Said "No-One Can Enter The Kingdom Of God Unless He Is Born Again

How time flies, we are already well on in January, nevertheless we still have nearly the whole of 2012 to come. How do we anticipate what this year will bring for ourselves personally, for our families, for our nation and for the world in general?

Christians clearly see many Biblical prophecies in the process of being fulfilled, especially those made by Jesus Christ himself; he spoke of the days in which we live and said -

At that time many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved - Matthew 24: 10 to 12

The dividing line between people who are truly converted and are followers and disciples of Christ and those who are not is much clearer than it was say a century ago. It is true that church attendance varies from country to country but, even where attendance is still fairly high much of it is no more than cultural custom. However, throughout the world, the true church is growing as never before, in spite of increasingly powerful opposition.

The true Church is not Christendom with its multiple divisions, no. The true Church is made up of all who have been truly converted to Christ. It is not outward conformity but an inward reality!

It is not a respectable facade, but an inward conviction that produces an outward transformation, and it is the Lord Jesus Christ - who he is, and what he did that is fundamental to it. The apostle Paul wrote -

No-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ - 1 Corinthians 3: 11

The apostle John declares at the beginning of his gospel -

To all who received him,(Jesus Christ) to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or of a husband’s will, but born of God - John 1: 12

This speaks of relationship, the true believer becomes a child of God, with all that that implies, Jesus himself said -

"I tell you the truth, no-one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born again" - "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" - John 3: 3

To be born again means a radical change. It is God who brings about this new birth through the Holy Spirit. Our part is to repent, that is to admit our sinfulness, change the direction that our life is taking, change our way of thinking, and if necessary our life-style, the apostle Paul tells Christians that they should -

Not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will - Romans 12: 2

The apostle Paul describes this complete change of outlook - a new birth - as a new creation -

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God - 2 Corinthians 5: 17

In these days when ancient prophecies are being fulfilled and the return of Jesus Christ for his bride the Church is very close, my plea to those who read this article is to make your salvation and eternal destiny sure by receiving Christ now.

God bless you!!!
Pastor Gordon Guillermo Burgess
Alicante Church Of The Good Shepherd

The True Gift Of Christmas Is Christianity

Christianity celebrates two great festivals, both are joyous, but one speaks of humility and the other of horror, one takes place in a manger behind an inn while angels choirs rejoice, and the other takes place on a cross of wood stained with blood and in the triumph of an empty tomb.

We are about to celebrate the first great miracle of the Christian age when God united divinity with humanity in the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us make no mistake; Jesus Christ was wholly man and wholly God, the Bible makes this clear, the angel Gabriel said to Mary -

"You will be with child and give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus" - Luke 1: 31

The Bible tells us that -

Being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death - Philippines 2: 8

He experienced all that we experience as a human being, yet he did not falter, stumble, or sin, but the Bible also tells us he was God too -

In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form - Colossians 4: 9

So the apostle Paul could declare -

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all were created by him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together - Colossians 1: 17

All this began when the angel Gabriel said to a young pious Hebrew girl -

"Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son - He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most high - his kingdom will never end" - Luke 1: 29 to 33

Of all the Bible stories the miraculous conception and the birth of Jesus is perhaps the most beautiful of all. We can imagine Joseph trying to tidy the manger spread around clean straw and hay and fetching water for Mary as she washed the tiny child and wrapped him in cloths according to the custom of those days.

Think for a moment of the awe of the humble Bethlehem shepherds as they found themselves looking up at a great heavenly host praising God and saying -

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests" - Luke 2: 14

And how the shepherds hurried to the manger and found things just as the angel had told them, I am sure that they knelt humbly and worshipped him.

We are told that Mary treasured up all these things in her heart and meditated on them, and when she visited Elisabet John the Baptist’s mother she broke out in prophecy and declared -

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the mighty one has done great things for me - Holy is his name - Luke 1: 46 to 49

But it was not only the poor and humble Jewish shepherds who worshipped the Christ child, but learned strangers from a great distance away, journeying many weary miles, stage by stage, following a brilliant star, also came to Bethlehem; and so Matthew tells us -

On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh - Matthew 2: 11 & 12

Myrrh for his sacrificial death, incense for his priesthood and gold for his kingship!

Mary prophesied: "All generations will call me blessed". What a great a great example she is to us all: together with Joseph she played a decisive role in all that took place during the months before the birth of Jesus and the following months and years too until the call of the Father came to Jesus and he began the ministry which was to lead him to the cross, the resurrection, and home to heaven. The thing above about Mary is her joyful obedience and her response to all that the angel told her -

"I am the Lord’s servant - May it be to me as you have said." - Luke 1: 38

May this Christmas be a very special one for you? Will you respond to the Lord’s call as he did because Jesus is saying to you now? -

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light - Matthew 11: 28 to 30

The members of the "Church of the Good Shepherd" take this opportunity to wish all who read this article a very happy Christmas.

God bless you!!!
Pastor Gordon Guillermo Burgess
Alicante Church Of The Good Shepherd

True Christianity

Christianity and belief in the existence of God are inextricably linked. You can believe in the existence of God without being a Christian, and many do, but you can’t be a true Christian without believing in God the Father -

Anyone who comes to (God) must believe that he exists, and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him - Hebrews 11: 6

Behind the superstitions and the multiple gods of the pagan religions, there is always a vague, imprecise belief in some overall godlike figure. The false cults of Christianity believe in God too, but refuse to believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, however, the Bible is quite clear about who Jesus really is; he told his disciples -

You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God, believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on me - Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father - cause us to see the Father, that is all we ask; then we will be satisfied. Jesus replied: Have I been with you for so long a time and you do not recognise me yet Philip? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say then, show us the Father - John 14: 1, 8 & 9 Amplified Version

The Bible abounds, directly and indirectly with proofs of the deity of Christ, I quote but a few. The title "the Son of God" is given to Christ forty times along with the expressions "my Son" and "his Son". That this name as used of Christ is a distinctly divine name is clearly seen from the Jews reaction to it -

Jesus said to them, "my Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working. For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God - John 5: 17 & 18

Jesus further said to them, "I tell you the truth - before Abraham was born, I am!"John 8. 58, "I am" was the description of himself that God gave to Moses from the burning bush. Both the divine titles - "The First and the Last" and "The Alfa and Omega" are given to Christ in the New Testament of the Bible - Revelation 22: 12, 13 & 16.

Thomas said to Jesus after his resurrection - "My Lord and my God". He called him "my God" and was gently rebuked for not believing it before.

Do you believe it? You can’t be a true Christian unless you do.

Believing in God the Creator of heaven and earth excludes belief in any other solution to the mystery of the universe and the astonishing variety of life on earth -

I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strength you though you have not acknowledged me, so from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know that there is none besides me. I am the Lord there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things - Isaiah 45: 5 to 7

Up until the 19th century is was hardly necessary to make a case for the existence of God, and so one could immediately challenge anyone with the gospel (the good news) about Jesus Christ. Today the increasing inroads of sin and unbelief, particularly in the western world, make the words of the Psalmist reverberate anew in our ears -

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God" - Psalm 14: 1 & 53: 1

Give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the lord’ - Proverbs 30: 9

It is interesting to note that while references to man’s wickedness and sin abound, there are few references to atheism in the Bible, because, until recently, such foolishness was rare, whereas today it is dogmatic and aggressive.

But to believe, as many millions do, that God exists, and is the Creator of heaven and earth does not save us, in fact it condemns us because, although we believe in his existence, we do not obey his commands but rather ignore them.

To be saved and on our way to heaven and not hell we must believe in and follow Jesus Christ. His words, either read in context or out of context are very clear -

"Trust in God; trust also in me - I am the way and the truth and the life. No - one comes to the Father except through me" - John 14: 1 & 6

The apostle Peter told the Jewish leadership -

Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved - Acts 4: 12

The apostle Paul states -

For no-one can lay any other foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ - 1 Corinthians 3: 11

So convinced was he that Christ and Christ alone is the only answer that he wrote this to the Corinthians -

I was resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified - 1 Corinthians 2: 22

Jesus Christ is the true Isaac the miraculous Son of Promise, The true Passover Lamb that delivered the Israelites from Egypt. He is the Eternal High Priest who leads us to God the Father and his kingly throne is everlasting.

So that all might be fulfilled he died for your sins and mine of the Cross of Calvary.

You believe in God? I hope so. Now believe in Jesus Christ and follow him as his disciple and you will be saved. Seek out an active church where he is loved and worshipped and the Bible is taught so you will grow in grace and knowledge of the truth.

God bless you!!!
Pastor Gordon Guillermo Burgess
Alicante Church Of The Good Shepherd

Christian Good Shepherd - We are the Alicante Church of the Living God the Pillar and Foundation of the Truth

We are often told that the Bible is not relevant to modern life, and that it seems to answer questions that no – one is asking. I believe that is very relevant and it may not answer some of the questions that are being asked, but it does answer the questions that ought to be asked – the greatest and most important being “What must I do to be saved” – Acts 16: 30


Regarding relevance: God does not have to be relevant to man, but man must come into line with God’s will, and do, and be, what is relevant to God. The Bible says this of the Church world – wide – “The church of the living God the pillar and foundation of the truth – 1Timothy 3: 15

It must declare Jesus Christ and live for Jesus Christ’s and proclaim the apostle’s teaching which does not change with the changing fashions and cultures of the world It must tell the world that Christianity is not so much a religion as a relationship with the unchanging God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul’s words have come to pass in many European countries – “The time will come when men with not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” – 1 Timothy 4: 3

If you are invited to a cocktail party, you can talk about Buddhism, esoteric new world teaching, the occult, even, with care, you can speak of certain aspects of Islam and you will have an interesting audience, and, of course, sex, providing the words used are witty and not too coarse, but mention Jesus Christ and the cross and you can guarantee not to be invited again.

Many local churches are seeking prayerfully to reach the lost generations of the western world who are either ignorant of spiritual matters and have no time for it, or have been led astray into the stagnant waters of error. Christians are concerned for such people because they are very aware that the Bible says – “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement” – Hebrews 9: 27

Evangelical Christians everywhere long for others to enjoy the abundant life (that Jesus promised) and the assurance that their faith gives them, but they know that it cannot be done by surrendering to the ways and desires of the world around them.

The true church of Jesus Christ consists of people from every race, social category and nation, who have been born from on high when they believed gospel about the death and resurrection of Christ. And furthermore, the church is growing in many parts of the world, with the exception of Western Europe, and even here there are many green shoots springing up among the shrivelled remnants of dead stylised Christianity.

Do you know what it is to have something more than religion? Maybe you have been hostile because of something that happened in the past. Perhaps you have been indifferent to spiritual things through unbelief, or you just haven’t had the time, and I am sure that there could be other reasons too.

I appeal to you, who are reading this article, turn to Jesus Christ today, once you have come to him for forgiveness and received the new life that he offers you will see all the other aspects of Christianity from a new perspective; the change will be radical.

Jesus compared it to being born anew, and the apostle Paul to a new creation, and Christ is saying to you even as you read this –

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me – and you will find rest for your soul” – Matthew 11: 28 - 29

“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away”– John 6: 37

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” – Luke 11: 10

Come to Jesus now for forgiveness and a new life, then find a good local church and rejoice with others who have found him too.

God bless you!!!
Pastor Gordon Guillermo Burgess
Alicante Church Of The Good Shepherd

Jesus Christ - Believe His words Today And Be Saved!

I have been thinking of the extraordinary sweep of history that we find in the Bible - the Word of God - it goes right back to the beginning and takes us right through to the eternal future; it prophecies of things to come, it is history written before it takes place.

The Bible never tries to explain the inexplicable, and so it begins where we should always begin with God -

In the beginning God - Genesis 1: 1 and finished as it should with these words - Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

If we come to the Bible by faith, and read it for what is, the Word of God, we shall find that there is a unity of thought throughout, indicating that one mind inspired the Scriptures (as the Bible calls itself) and formed the series of books (39 Old testament/ 27 New Testament) so that they carry the seal of their author - Almighty God himself.

The Bible has been written by many men through many centuries. Men of many different vocations and callings and from different social statuses, nevertheless it is one single book; this in itself is a miracle and shows its supernatural origin.

Not only must we come to the Bible by faith, but we must depend on the Holy Scriptures for guidance, Jesus Christ promised his disciples that -

"These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" - John 14: 24 & 25

Both the apostle Paul and the apostle Peter testified that the Bible is inspired -

Paul -
You have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All Scripture is God - breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work - 2 Timothy 3: 15 to 17

Peter -
Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along be the Holy Spirit - 2 Peter 1: 20 & 21

Jesus said to the Jews -
"The Scripture cannot be set aside or cancelled or broken or annulled." - John 10: 34 Amplified version& 35

Jesus spoke very strongly against those who put tradition before the Word of God -
"You nullify the Word of God for the sake of your tradition. You Hypocrites!" - Matthew 14: 6

As the Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Bible so he will guide you as you read it. The Holy Spirit is God’s representative on earth to lead those who believe into the truth as it is in Jesus Christ.

But you must ask God the Father in the name of Jesus that he may give you the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself put it this way -

"If you then, though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" - Luke 11: 13

Have you come, personally (I can’t emphasize too much the need to do this personally- you yourself) and ask God to forgive you your sins for Jesus Christ’s sake, if you do this you will be saved for eternity and you will receive the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter gave this promise when the church was born in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost -

"Repent (that is change the direction of your life and believe) and be baptised (that is as a believer) every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far of - for all whom the Lord our God will call" - Acts 2: 38 & 39

Pray to the Lord now and ask his forgiveness and he will come into your heart by the Holy Spirit and your life will be changed for eternity; the Bible will then come alive for you and God will speak to you through it.

Jesus said the Jews -
"It is the Spirit that gives life - He is the life - giver; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever - there is no profit in it. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life" - John 6: 63 Amplified Version.

Believe his words today and be saved!

God bless you!!!
Pastor Gordon Guillermo Burgess
Alicante Church Of The Good Shepherd

Is Christianity declining in the UK?

A few weeks ago my son brought me a BBC 4 debate that he had recorded on his lap - top; it was very interesting. The subject was "Is Christianity declining in the U.K?" Well, let me say that I believe that what has often passed for Christianity in Britain is certainly on the way out and we should let it go and not bother to send any wreaths.

I once, together with my wife, attended a cathedral service, the nave was cold and damp and around twenty people, if that, were scattered around, seemingly trying to sit as far apart from each other as possible. The singing was less than half hearted, and the sermon. Well! Twenty minutes of waffle. The speaker had the whole of Scripture to choose from but his theme, as far as me and my wife could discern was, ‘in spite of what people say there must surely be something.’ No wonder churches are empty!

Now the interesting thing is that the Elim Pentecostal Church was a stone’s throw from that Cathedral and it was necessary to hold two Sunday morning services, as well as the evening service in order to get everyone in who wanted to come. Maybe many in Britain are looking in the wrong place, and possibly for the wrong reasons, in order to find out about the growth or decline of Christianity in the U. K.

Forget for a minute the epithets ‘happy clappy’ or ‘sad, sorrowful and traditional’. What you want to look for is a local church that exalts Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, worships in spirit and in truth as Jesus himself tells us that God requires - John 4: 23 & 24 - A church that expounds the Holy Scriptures with power and enthusiasm. Look for a local church where there is deep joy and a fellowship that is close and loving and drawn from a wide cross section of British society. Above all a church where lives have been, and are being, changed for all eternity.

In the programme that my son recorded the best defence of Christianity came, not from the platform, but from two fine young men who spoke and argued very positively with the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon them.

There was an interesting intervention at one point by the compare. He asked the Christians on the platform, "Why is it that there are more atheists in the most developed countries with better educational possibilities than in the less developed ones?" That question is of course open to debate, but even if true, I feel that the New Testament of the Bible gives the best answer to it. I therefore make no apology for the following very long quote from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth

"Christ - (sent) me to preach the gospel - not with clever words, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied (of its effect).

For those who are perishing the message of the cross is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is God’s power. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will set aside the understanding of the experts." Where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish?

For since in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached.

For the Jews seek a sign and the Greeks (gentiles) seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the gentiles. Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks (gentiles), Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom, because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

Brothers consider your calling: not many are wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen the world’s foolish things to shame the wise, and God has chosen the world’s weak things to shame the strong. God has chosen the world’s insignificant and despised things - the things viewed as nothing - so that he might bring to nothing the things that are viewed as something, so that no one can boast in his presence. But from him you are in Christ Jesus, who for us became wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification and redemption. In order that, as it is written: The one who boasts must boast in the lord.

When I came to you brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I was determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

And I was with you in weakness and fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with the demonstration of the Spirit and power, so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.

However, among the mature we do speak wisdom, but not a wisdom of this age, which is coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery which God predestined before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew it, for if they had known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But as it is written; "What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, and what has never come into man’s heart, is what God has prepared for those who love him."

Now God has revealed them to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the concerns of a man except the spirit of the man that is in him? In the same way, no one knows the concerns of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit who is from God. We speak these things not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.

But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually. The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. For "who has known the Lord’s mind that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2: 1 to 16

Holman’s Standard Bible Knowledge and a good education is not to be in any way despised, and a high IQ is a great blessing, but we can never know God and come to Jesus Christ and be saved through worldly knowledge and education, but by taking Jesus’ words seriously and having confidence in them; he said to his disciples -

"Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you" - John 14: 1 & 2 Holman´s standard Bible

This is an invitation to trust and many simple and uneducated people world - wide have done so and found Jesus’ words to be true, and life changing. If you who are reading this are well educated be thankful to God for it and for the gift of intelligence to benefit from it.

But come to Jesus Christ in faith confessing your need. for both the educated and the uneducated must come the same way and be saved. Afterwards the Lord will use that intelligence and that good education you have been blessed with for the extension of his kingdom.

Come now! Come to the cross! Begin a new life through the Holy Spirit...

God bless you!!!
Pastor Gordon Guillermo Burgess
Alicante Church Of The Good Shepherd