This week's meeting began with praise and worship led by Jackie Rodda singing and playing the piano, together with Debbie and Natalie, accompanied by Jon and Dave on guitars and Reg on drums.

It was a joyful time filled with thanks and praise to Jesus, for the victory He has won for us over both death and the works of our enemy Satan.

Pastor Jon Fiddy then reminded us of what was accomplished on the Cross, due to God's great love for us, motivating Him to step in and take action.

Before Jesus' blood had been shed, those who died could not actually enter heaven, but went either to Paradise or Hades, the latter being a place of torment for the unrighteous dead.

After His death, we understand that Jesus went to Paradise, sometimes referred to as Abraham's bosom. This is borne out by the fact that in Luke 23 v42 and 43, Jesus assured the robber hanging on the cross next to Him that, 'Today you will be with me in paradise.'

Jesus was also led into Hades. 1 Peter v19 tells us that He preached to those spirits in prison, demonstrating that their evil plans would never be accomplished.

These were the fallen angelic beings who had disobeyed God and in the days of Noah displeased Him by producing offsprings with humans. Thus we can have absolute trust in God that we shall ultimately see His plans come to pass.

Ephesians 1 v20 describes the great power God exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the Heavenly realms. Later in Ephesians 2 v6, we are told that God raised us (believers) up with Christ to be in a place of spiritual authority in Christ.

Colossians 2 v9 and 10 tells us that we have been given fulness in Christ who is the head over every power and authority.

We share in the total victory of Jesus and should be full of faith as to who we are in Christ and thus repelling negative thoughts. Colossians 3 v123 instructs us that as God's people we should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness and patience.

Colossians 3 v13-17 says that we must forgive one another as the Lord has forgiven us and let His love and peace rule in our hearts. Whatever we do, whether in word or deed, or even singing, we must do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Emmanuel Gospel Church meets every Sunday at 10.30 am, ending with an informal time of fellowship when tea coffee and biscuits are served. Bible study is on Monday at 7.30 pm.

For more information or a pastoral visit, please phone 01834 871975.

Recordings of meetings are available on CD or by visiting the website http://www.emmanuelgospelministries.org">www.emmanuelgospelministries.org.