Last week's meeting started with a time of praise and worship led by Jackie Rodda.

Pastor Ed spoke on the subject of God being with us. We read in the gospel of John 16:7 'But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you'.

After Jesus' resurrection, which historically was witnessed by over 500 people, Jesus spent time with the disciples before saying those words in John 16:7, and ascending to heaven.

To anyone that receives Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour, they are promised the helper, the Holy Spirit.

It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to walk the Christian life, who gives authority to preach, to teach, and heal. It is the Holy Spirit that changes us as believers.

World religions are about changing you from the outside in, making you look different on the outside, but true Christianity is about being changed from the inside out.

The Holy Spirit does work in our hearts, which in turn then affects the way we live our lives, and the way we act.

Pastor Ed went on to talk about the importance of realising the reality that the Holy Spirit is always with us.

Sometimes we go through times where we really feel close to God, but there can also be times where we feel as though He is far away.

It is important not to judge it on how we feel, but to take the Lord at His word, that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Ed used examples of how it is often in these seasons that the Lord works most clearly through us.

We meet every Sunday at 10.30 am at Emmanuel Gospel Church, Station Road, Manorbier. If you would like more information, directions, or a free lift, either ring us on 871975, email us at [email protected]">[email protected] or you can check out our website at http://www.emmanuelgospelministries.org">www.emmanuelgospelministries.org