Peace Apostolic Ministries Weekly Messages Podcast

John Alley explores the meaning of the name “Jesus”, which in the Hebrew language means “Jehovah with us”. John goes on to ably illustrate from the Scriptures the origins of the name Jehovah, or Yahweh, drawing parallels between the attributes of Yahweh, or God, and Jesus. John makes mention of the fact that the Old Testament speaks of Yahweh but in every New Testament reference to the very same prophecies and scriptures it becomes “the Lord”. John shows from Bible references that Jesus Himself says that He is “I Am”. In fact, says John, the wonderful name of Jesus is the full revelation of the name Yahweh. In this message is a wealth of meaning and significance regarding Scripture fulfilled and the plurality and eternal nature of the Trinity.

David Alley speaks of the marvelous sign of God’s great love and blessing to all men that the Christmas season is, with all of the music and public display of the nativity. And yet, those who do not believe do not see the truth which is so rich in meaning for all people. David reads from Isaiah, Luke, and Matthew as well as 1 Corinthians which tells us that we are living in the days of the fulfillment of the ages. The Kingdom of God will never end, and yet it is invisible to those who do not look for it. David exhorts us to want and to seek more of the love and revelation of God. We can, David says, grow year by year in appreciation of the goodness of God. God has given us the greatest gift of all, says David, therefore it is fitting that we give Him all that we have – our very selves.

John Alley carries on the current them today, beginning by interviewing 2 members of the congregation about their experience of coming into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the effect that it had on them. Both of these people testified to the great love, the hunger for holiness, the peace and the life that accompanied the Baptism and remained. John then goes on to teach on the major 3 pillars of the baptism in the Holy Spirit: the Spirit of Power, the Spirit of Love and the Spirit of Holiness. For each of these “pillars” John introduces Scripture references to prove the point. We need to have faith for all three of these to live in us if we are to experience the full blessing of Pentecost, says John.

William Booth said, "Spiritual work can only be done by those who possess spiritual power." In this message John Alley interviews several key people at Peace in regards to their experiences of the Holy Spirit. John finished the message reading a letter written by William Booth to a church in Edinburgh Scotland, that contains great truth and encouragement applicable to us today. We need the power of God to live for God, and that power comes in the person of the Holy Spirit.

When a believer thinks they have already received the Holy Spirit, it quenches their hunger and they cease to receive more that God intends for them. Jesus said "Wait... and you will receive power." What happened to the waiting and tarrying that the Christians of one hundred years ago were so famous for? This message will remind you to remain hungry for God because you have not received everything yet. He wants to fill you and live through you. Let this message encourage you to seek a greater Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

“Salvation is free but discipleship will cost you your life.” Thus Philip Alley begins today’s message with this quote and others from Dietrich Bonheoffer, a man who knew what it meant to be a true disciple, wholly committed to Christ. He knew what it meant to serve God, love others and most of all to tell the truth, says Philip. Philip then goes on to list some of the things that are a threat to community. `These include criticism, resentment, jealousy and offense to name but a few. Philip then goes on to open up several passages from Scripture which give an antidote to such threats. Beginning with Galatians 6:14, Philip points out that not only is the world to be crucified to us, but that we must be crucified to the world. In other words, have we yet reached the point where the world has forgotten about us, ignores us because we are different and of no use to worldly people. A comprehensive list of Scripture verses follow, each one with deep meaning to be explored and put into place in our lives. It is not enough to contemplate the cross, says Philip. We need to allow the cross to do a work in us.

As an introduction to his message, John Alley takes some time for testimonies from the congregation of healings and answered prayer, thus building an atmosphere of faith and expectation within the meeting. John follows up with prayer for the sick and then goes on to speak of spiritual truth, which is not discerned by the natural mind but with spiritual insight. Spiritual truth, says John, is not rationally understood, although it is certainly not irrational. Rather, a capacity for spiritual understanding is required. In Psalm 89, the moon is described as “the faithful witness in the sky”. It is always there, constant and reliable in all of its phases. John then speaks of Jesus, whom the Bible describes as “the faithful witness”. Antipas, an early Christian martyr is also described as a faithful witness. John’s challenge in closing is to consider our own lives. Are we faithful witnesses to the gospel? Do we stand ready to speak a word when the opportunity arises, and to pray for those who do not believe? Am I faithfully emulating Jesus’ way of life? These questions leave the listener with much to consider.

Beginning with Paul’s exhortation for the believers to join him in his struggles, (Romans 15:29-) John Alley speaks of the dangers of pride, arrogance and selfish ambition that sometimes rise up in the body of Christ. If these issues occur within the 5 fold ministry and are left unchecked, then this perverts the 5 fold ministry which is the most powerful force on earth. If the 5 fold ministry is out of order, says John, then difficulties arise that are very difficult to shift. In fact, says John, arrogance within the 5 fold ministry actually gives power to the beast and to demons, whose claims have established a succession of corrupt “thrones”. John goes on to request that the people of God support him is prayer in seven specific ways while he undertakes his current concentrated prayer effort over Central Queensland.

John Alley continues his series on what it means to be apostolic.

John Alley continues his series on what it means to be apostolic.

Many events are advertised as "apostolic and prophetic", says John Alley as he introduces his second message on the subject of the true meaning of the term “apostolic”. However, events being advertised in this way have nothing to do with being apostolic of prophetic. They are merely teaching on the subject. There are also networks known and apostolic networks, but they are in fact mini-denominations. John goes on to discuss the differences between the apostolic gift and apostolic purpose. It is all about the kind of heart, relationships and order that are found within a people, says John, who then goes on to speak of the nature of the body of Christ and of the Head, Jesus. If someone is to be an apostle, it is always a direct, personal and individual appointment by Christ Himself and is not initiated by the laying on of hands. God will bring man alongside to bless, but only if the initial appointment is of Christ. This message is full of insight and thought-provoking information that will help the people of God on the way to understanding the true nature of the apostolic

John Alley begins today’s message with Psalm 98, a call to worship which speaks of God’s faithfulness to Israel. John moves on to Romans 15:7-12, an exhortation to accept one another as Christ has accepted us. The New Testament, says John, is full of God’s promise to the Patriarchs that there is no distinction, neither Jew nor Gentile. Sociologists have said that the world is quickly moving towards Christianity. However, whereas once Western nations considered themselves the centre of Christianity, the incredible growth that we have seen in our lifetime has been centred largely in Africa, Latin America and Asia. John exhorts the people to pray, seek God and search the Scriptures so that the rest of the world does not leave us behind in the advance of Christianity. John’s message is full of exciting facts: for example, in 1979 the Bible had been translated into 100 languages, but just 37 years later in 2016, the Bible has been translated into 2,239 languages! The world is changing, as our Lord Jesus Christ rules the tide and times and the affairs of men. John exhorts those who hear this message to fight the good fight, to finish the race and to keep the faith, just as Paul said in 1 Timothy. John has brought forth many rich Scriptures in this inspiring message, further proof of the will and intention of God for this world.

Philip Alley gives a brief overview of his previous message on the life of Daniel before moving on to today's theme of living ready for service, just as Daniel did. Philip begins with a timeline of the outstanding events of Daniel’s life as recorded in Scripture, beginning with his challenge to eating the food offered as a very young man to his encounter with the lion's den when he was over 80 years old. Daniel lived a counter cultural life, says Philip, a way of life completely different to the accepted values of the society in which he lived. He was very clear about who he was – and we must be too. We must not allow ourselves to draw our nourishment from the world around us but to look to God for our sustenance in all things. We make our decisions, says Philip, but then those decisions make us. Today Philip focuses on Daniel 5, describing the city of Babylon and describing the handwriting on the wall that spelled the demise of the kingdom of Belshazzar after he took the sacred vessel from the temple to drink from in an unholy manner. Drawing a parallel, we are the temple of God, and we must not fill our vessels with unholy things but be filled with the Spirit of God. True joy comes from knowing that we are redeemed, says Philip. Happiness comes and goes and depends on circumstances, but true joy is a gift of God. Philip's message is rich with examples from Daniel’s way of life and decisions that we would all do well to emulate.

John Alley begins his message today by commenting on a statement he has seen which states that we are living in a post-Christian society. This is not true, says John. Although some Western nations have slid in the area of Christianity, in the world as a whole the Kingdom of God is advancing rapidly. John goes to Romans 8 which speaks of the future for creation, which is presently in decay. However, it is clear from the Scriptures that the ultimate purpose of God is not to destroy the earth, but to liberate it. Our hope, therefore, is not only for the resurrection but also for the future liberated earth. There is a final judgement, says John, and heaven and hell are real. But meanwhile, the way that we live in the present is critical. John debunks the popular theory of a "rapture" when all believers are removed from the earth, pointing to Bible evidence that the just and the unjust are resurrected together. Then there is the judgement, and Jesus hands the Kingdom over to the Father. This message of hope is rich with insights into truth as revealed by the word of God.

John Alley speaks of the nature of Jesus, who was fully and properly man at the same time that he was fully and properly God. John describes in detail the historical deliberations of the Church elders on this subject and the origin of the Nicene Creed that we know today. The human race, explains John, owed a great debt of sin. Spiritual law demands that debts must be paid. God could not pay the price in the person of God, and so in order to carry out His plan of redemption He had to find a man who was sinless and who could pay the debt. In the person of Jesus, God became man and lived amongst us. John explains this reality in wonderful clarity and then challenges the listener to consider that although we might believe in Jesus, and may have prayed for forgiveness of our sins, unless we are surrendered to the lordship of Christ, the cross has no power for us. We must come to the place where we fully surrender our lives to Him.

Today John Alley gives a report of his recent ministry trip to Africa, complete with photos and video clips which bring the message alive to the listener. John goes on to speak from Daniel 7 which speaks of the kingdom of Christ which will never be destroyed and then from Revelation 5 which describes Jesus being received by the Ancient of Days, just as in Daniel’s prophecy. And Jesus will forever remain at the right hand of the Ancient of Days, ruling and reigning over all. It is because of Jesus, says John, that we are able to rule and reign in life. John encourages all those at Peace to be part of at least one prayer meeting each week, explaining that our prayers are changing nations.

When faced with many trials and tests, Daniel was uncompromising. Daniel shows us what our response should be in situations that we may be tempted to grumble or complain. Philip Alley continues his series on Daniel this week, reminding us the importance of prayer in response to situations that seem impossible.

The story of Daniel is full of examples of standing for God amongst a godless culture. In this message Philip Alley brings to light many things that we can relate to from Daniels experience.

Jonathan Maxwell begins his message by reflecting on times of spontaneity in our lives, when we are moved to dance, to laugh, to return a smile. We don’t have to think hard about these reactions, says Jonathan. And yet there are times in our lives when we should think seriously about our reactions and what they should be. Jonathan takes the three parables found in Luke Chapter 15 to illustrate the appropriate response of celebration over the one who is found. Jesus cares for the one, says Jonathan. The parable to the prodigal, in particular, shows us so clearly what the heart of the Father is – and yet, we so often react more like the older son when someone else does well or is received well. The Kingdom of God is described as a joyful banquet, a feast and a celebration. But joy and resentment cannot coexist in our hearts. If we harbour resentment in our hearts we are robbed of the joy that should be ours. We are all invited to this place of joy, but if we allow resentment to build up it hinders us both in our relationships with others and in any effort to step out into something new. Jonathan concludes his message with an exhortation to the listener – we must deal with any resentment in our lives.

Recorded at Gate Ministries Sandton South Africa - 3rd July 2016