Hope Central was two-years old on 21st September so, we celebrated with a social evening on 18th September. Followed by a gathering on 25th September with an all-age open invite, to all our local churches.
We had a great time at our social evening enjoying delicious pancakes, playing table tennis, pool and board games, along with loads of good conversation and the inevitable notices. It is so beautiful watching Jesus’ build and bind this community together in love.
Our gathering on the 25th was a completely different affair. We set up as normal but with an added viewing area for our guests. It was so pleasing see that around a dozen people from Epping Forest Community Church and St Mary’s joined us. Thank you all for your support.
After welcoming and advertising Taste & See (if this is our first time here welcome), we kicked off with some wonderful testimonies from the members of Hope Central, who shared openly how HC had impacted their lives. It was such a precious and encouraging time. All glory to you Jesus
One of our team then lead with some feedback from our resent team prayer and fasting day. How through His Holy Spirit Jesus had revealed that we now have all the elements in place at Hope Central I.e. Earth, Water, Air and Fire everything we need to flourish in the natural and the supernatural. Father God also reminded us of (1 Kings 19:11-12)
The Lord said (to Elijah), “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
So, God sent a low whisper “His voice and presence were in that, small still voice. We don’t need spiritual mountain top experiences (although they are good). We need to be quiet long enough so that the voice of God can speak louder to our hearts than the world around us.
We then moved into a time of sung worship being mindful to listen out for Gods small still voice.
After worship one of the team gave a talk called “Clean hands and pure hearts” They explained how the Holly Spirit had laid Psalm 24 on their hearts for Hope Central and particularly verse 6 which says
“This is the generation of those that seek him, that seek your face, O God of Jacob”
But before they unpacked this for Hope Central, they talked to everyone there about the Psalm that proceeds it. “Plasm 23” with particular reference to verse 6 and Ephesians 6:12
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil (P). For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (E)
They shared about the battle and the monthly attacks that the Hope Central Leadership Team have encountered over the past two years or so. And that they understood that many in the body of HC and the wider church family have experienced these kinds of hardships. Both leadership and congregation. Even the Church of England is in conflict!
They then mentioned that the Holy Spirit had revealed to them, that Jesus is doing something new and explained what has been going on using the metaphors of the crushing of grapes to make New Wine and the Garden of Gethsemane – “Olive Press”
They Explained that the pressure we all have been under is producing something New, which will be a new expression of Church. That Hope Central is an example of this.
That this “Spirit of Heaviness” is being allowed to produce oil for the anointing of many, for their salvation and healing. As well as producing; resilience and strengthening, like weight training, giving endurance and preparing us for a New Race.
That we are not to seek the easy way out. We are to look for the difficulty path’s, and not be put off by Giants or Mountains. Like Joshua we are commanded to be strong and courageous… God is with us, but we will have to fight to break strong holds
We are to resist this Spirit of Heaviness by praising and not to give up, as soon the pressure will be released. To continue to submit ourself, to God. Resisting the devil, and know he will flee from us.
They then went on to address Hope Central and unpack Psalm 24 with what the Lord had laid on my heart for them.
They started with the historical context Psalm 24 is that it was written by David, the king of the Jews, and sung for the occasion of the ark (where God dwelled) being brought into Jerusalem.
They then moved onto verses 1&2 it says: The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters
This reminds us of Genesis 1 – In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters
They then reassured us that was God was doing a new thing and spoke about a prophetic word they had written in their journal in January of this year entitled “Fire Giving Life”
Fire falling from heaven and resting on us, as it was in Acts when they waited in the upper room for the Holy Spirit. You will not only feel it but physically see it..!
BE PATIENT…! Yes I know you have been waiting for a long time, seeking and searching
Do not be deceived… I have heard you. Do you not know I hear the prayers of the saints… Do you not know that I give good things to those who ask in spirit and truth
My timing is perfect and made perfect in you
This reminded them of a resent talk given by another member of the team about pursuing Jesus. Where they shared a similar picture ‘fire hovering over HC ready to fall on us’
Exciting stuff…!
They then moved to verses 3&4 – Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or worship false Gods
They thanked Jesus for His great sacrifice on the cross and explained that for all those who (Rm 10:9) declare with their mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, will be saved. Before quoting (Heb 10:10) Our sins are washed away and we are made clean because Christ gave His own body as a gift to God. He did this once for all time.
If you have accepted Jesus as your saviour. Jesus stands before Father God in your place so, you have “Clean hands and a pure heart”
This is really good news….
But we must all be vigilant not to ‘trust in an idol or worship false Gods.
It’s time pursuie Jesus until we are all filled with an all-consuming fire
This is the generation of those that seek him, that seek your face, O God of Jacob (v6)
A generation with clean hands and a pure heart
A generation with baptised with fire
A generation who pursues and loves Jesus
A generation with a simple but powerful faith
A revival generation
Thank you, Jesus, for another year of Hope Central, You will build Your church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it…
Thank you Taste & See for your continuing prayer support please continue to do so it is vital
Can you hear those dry bones RATTLING as the Spirit of God is hovering over the waters, come rest on us….
Taste & See 
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