As Rev. Jonathan Fiddy, pastor of Emmanuel Gospel Church, Manorbier, gave his message on Sunday, he used the book of Hebrews as a way of putting across the full nature of Jesus. He said that Jesus is God: omnipresent, all powerful, all knowing and everlasting, yet out of love he became a man, enduring every weakness and temptation, forgiving despite betrayal. "He has dominion over everything - it's the dominion that Adam lost when he disobeyed God," continued the pastor. "Now we don't see that the earth is under his control, but soon he will return to reign 'from shore to shore'". Jonathan reminded his listeners that the devil is no match for Jesus; he's vastly inferior to his creator, and his only power rests in lies. He probably thought that Jesus was defeated when he hung on the cross, whereas by that innocent and humble sacrifice Jesus defeated the devil and death itself, so that the faith of believers before and after his coming might be fulfilled. Quoting the words of the psalmist: "precious in God's eyes is the death of his saints," the pastor affirmed that bodily resurrection is a sure hope for those who live for Christ. He also quoted Job, who said (to paraphrase) "though my body will die and rot and be eaten by worms, yet in my body I will see God, my redeemer. "The truth sets you free," concluded the pastor, "so listen to God's word and the devil can't touch you." People went forward for prayer at the end of the service. For details of services and other special events, telephone 01834 871975.
