Lord God there really is no other God but You! Jesus I give All the Glory that Your Name is due! Your name is above all names and before You all earth shall bow.
Adored and Hallowed Jesus we Glorify You!
Be Exhalted oh God of Wonders!
Magnificent God let Your love and mercy come down and cover us with Your Everlasting Grace and Spiritual Blessing, in Jesus name I pray with a heart full of Thanksgiving, knowing that You are Faithful to do so this day and everyday. Amen! I Love You my Jesus, My Lord, My King, My Saviour, My Best Friend, My Advocate, My Intercessor, My Redeemer.... glory glory glory glory glory glory glory glory glory
Thursday, 29 September 2011
LET THE REFINER DO HIS WORK
He will sit as a refiner... of silver... Malachi 3:3
It's hard watching someone you love going through the refiner's fire, but it's the only way to get pure silver. It's hard watching the refiner turn up the heat until all the scum on the bottom rises, every impurity is removed, and He finally sees His face reflected on the surface. But only then is the work complete. And that's God's goal for each of us. When we pray, 'Make me more like Jesus,' we're asking the Holy Spirit to do a work in us. Usually we don't change until the pain of staying the same becomes unbearable. For most of us, knowledge is not the bridge to growth - pain is. No matter how much you love someone, don't try to rescue them from God's dealings. The worst thing you could have done for the Prodigal Son was go down to the pigsty, clean it up and make it comfortable for him. That's called 'enabling'. Let the refiner do His work! For much of his life Jacob didn't think he needed God. He'd probably have told you, 'I'm doing just fine, thank you!' But the time came when he had to go home, stand before his father and face the wrath of his brother Esau whom he'd wronged. And that's when he became willing to wrestle with God and say, '..."I will not let you go unless you bless me"' (Genesis 32:26 NIV). Change usually comes when it hurts so much that you have to change, when you learn so much that you want to change, and when you receive so much that you welcome change.
It's hard watching someone you love going through the refiner's fire, but it's the only way to get pure silver. It's hard watching the refiner turn up the heat until all the scum on the bottom rises, every impurity is removed, and He finally sees His face reflected on the surface. But only then is the work complete. And that's God's goal for each of us. When we pray, 'Make me more like Jesus,' we're asking the Holy Spirit to do a work in us. Usually we don't change until the pain of staying the same becomes unbearable. For most of us, knowledge is not the bridge to growth - pain is. No matter how much you love someone, don't try to rescue them from God's dealings. The worst thing you could have done for the Prodigal Son was go down to the pigsty, clean it up and make it comfortable for him. That's called 'enabling'. Let the refiner do His work! For much of his life Jacob didn't think he needed God. He'd probably have told you, 'I'm doing just fine, thank you!' But the time came when he had to go home, stand before his father and face the wrath of his brother Esau whom he'd wronged. And that's when he became willing to wrestle with God and say, '..."I will not let you go unless you bless me"' (Genesis 32:26 NIV). Change usually comes when it hurts so much that you have to change, when you learn so much that you want to change, and when you receive so much that you welcome change.
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
PRAYER
LORD GOD To You belongs all the Universe and Everything in it! In Your Amazing Hands I today once again give my life Lord, and Commit to do Your Will only! I Commit to walk in Obedience and In Submission to The Purposes of the Kingdom of Heaven where You are seated On Your Glorious Place! Abba Father receive my Prayer in the Name of Your Beloved Son the Christ Whom You gave Up for a Sacrifice to Redeem Humanity from a walk of Sin and Destruction. In His name I pray that my heart and the hearts of those who already know You will melt in Compassion for those who don't know You yet My Lord and that the desire in Our hearts will grown through Your Spirit to do what You have called us to do which is to go out reaching out to the LOST and bringing them into the HOLY TRUTH of the GOSPEL. It is by the Power of the BLOOD of The LAMB, that I pray this prayer in the name of JESUS The Messiah, as His Branch that I am my Lord I pledge to bring forth much FRUIT in Jesus . I give Thee My LORD Holy Thanksgiving in My spirit for I know You answer the Prayer of a contrite heart, amen in Jesus .
Monday, 26 September 2011
WHERE IS GOD TAKING YOU?
Finishing Strong
...I have finished my course... 2 Timothy 4:7
To finish strong, you must understand three things. First, that people will leave you. It may be because you've outgrown them, or to fulfil their own vision, or because they don't want to go where God's taking you. People left Jesus: '...many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more' (John 6:66 NKJV). Second, that challenges will come. Everybody God uses moves from one challenge to the next. Paul writes, '...People are watching us as we stay at our post ... when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honoured; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognised by God; terrifically alive, though rumoured to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all!' (2 Corinthians 6:4-10 TM). Finally, that satan will attack you. When he does, remember, attack is a sign of respect. It lets you know you're valuable to God. It also indicates the level of blessing that awaits you beyond the attack. Satan will attack when God is about to bring something to birth in your life. It may be the birth of a relationship, a career, a ministry, or even a child God will use. Your 'difficult child' may be a child of destiny; that's why they encounter more difficulties than your other children. They have an assignment the enemy has discerned. When the attack comes, stand on God's Word and say, 'Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ' (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV).
...I have finished my course... 2 Timothy 4:7
To finish strong, you must understand three things. First, that people will leave you. It may be because you've outgrown them, or to fulfil their own vision, or because they don't want to go where God's taking you. People left Jesus: '...many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more' (John 6:66 NKJV). Second, that challenges will come. Everybody God uses moves from one challenge to the next. Paul writes, '...People are watching us as we stay at our post ... when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honoured; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognised by God; terrifically alive, though rumoured to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all!' (2 Corinthians 6:4-10 TM). Finally, that satan will attack you. When he does, remember, attack is a sign of respect. It lets you know you're valuable to God. It also indicates the level of blessing that awaits you beyond the attack. Satan will attack when God is about to bring something to birth in your life. It may be the birth of a relationship, a career, a ministry, or even a child God will use. Your 'difficult child' may be a child of destiny; that's why they encounter more difficulties than your other children. They have an assignment the enemy has discerned. When the attack comes, stand on God's Word and say, 'Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ' (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV).
Friday, 23 September 2011
PRAYER TO THE MOST HIGH
Father God I pray Your Holy Presence upon us all in Jesus name. May we have a refreshment of the Holy Ghost in our lives, Father Grant us the Power to Rebuke what is evil and be a blessing to others in Jesus. Glory Lord unto You Oh God Most High!! Amen
LEARNING FROM THE PRODIGAL SON
When he came to his senses... Luke 15:17
Do you have a prodigal heart? The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that by listening to God we can avoid tragedy; that by living under His rule we're saved from our misguided tendencies. Jesus said, 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said... "Father, give me my share"... Not long after... [he]... set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine... and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out... to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything' (vv. 11-16). When God says no, heed Him. When He pulls back on the reins, thank Him. It's better to be alone and walk with God than be surrounded by those who'll hurt you. Prodigal, things won't improve until you start doing things God's way! Are you willing to repent and come back home? In three back-to-back parables, in Luke 15, Jesus pointed out that the shepherd went looking for his lost sheep, the woman went looking for her lost silver, but nobody went looking for the lost son. That's because he knew the way back. And it happened when 'he came to his senses'. The rebel who left home saying, 'Give me', humbled himself and came back saying, 'Forgive me.' When he did, his father embraced him and said, 'This son of mine was... lost and is found...' (Luke 15:24 NIV). Today your Heavenly Father is waiting to welcome you home.
Do you have a prodigal heart? The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that by listening to God we can avoid tragedy; that by living under His rule we're saved from our misguided tendencies. Jesus said, 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said... "Father, give me my share"... Not long after... [he]... set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine... and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out... to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything' (vv. 11-16). When God says no, heed Him. When He pulls back on the reins, thank Him. It's better to be alone and walk with God than be surrounded by those who'll hurt you. Prodigal, things won't improve until you start doing things God's way! Are you willing to repent and come back home? In three back-to-back parables, in Luke 15, Jesus pointed out that the shepherd went looking for his lost sheep, the woman went looking for her lost silver, but nobody went looking for the lost son. That's because he knew the way back. And it happened when 'he came to his senses'. The rebel who left home saying, 'Give me', humbled himself and came back saying, 'Forgive me.' When he did, his father embraced him and said, 'This son of mine was... lost and is found...' (Luke 15:24 NIV). Today your Heavenly Father is waiting to welcome you home.
Jesus the Messiah is come!!
The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed
Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor;
He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the
blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden,
bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity], To proclaim the accepted and
acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God
profusely abound]. (Luke 4:18, 19 AMP)
Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor;
He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the
blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden,
bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity], To proclaim the accepted and
acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God
profusely abound]. (Luke 4:18, 19 AMP)
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
The Importance of WORSHIP
"They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11, NLT).
Here is a revelation of the scripture above that we can apply to our daily lives in this manner of giving. Just like the wise men opened their treasure chests, when the treasure chest in our earthen vessel (body) begins to open up, the gifts of the spirit of God that are within us will begin to flow out.
If we will worship God with our whole heart, mind, body, spirit and soul, his presence and power will move in our lives and we will see miracles happen, souls will be saved, bodies will be healed, lives will be delivered and set free . . . great things will happen when we bow down and worship him.
Here is a revelation of the scripture above that we can apply to our daily lives in this manner of giving. Just like the wise men opened their treasure chests, when the treasure chest in our earthen vessel (body) begins to open up, the gifts of the spirit of God that are within us will begin to flow out.
If we will worship God with our whole heart, mind, body, spirit and soul, his presence and power will move in our lives and we will see miracles happen, souls will be saved, bodies will be healed, lives will be delivered and set free . . . great things will happen when we bow down and worship him.
Monday, 19 September 2011
DO WHAT IS GOOD!!
Micah 6:8 "... the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.
9 It is wise to fear the LORD..."
9 It is wise to fear the LORD..."
Friday, 16 September 2011
Good News
ISAIAH 61:1-2 - "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn." ♥
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
I KNOW WHO I AM
[Sonya Crooks
The Bell: I Know Who I Am
Posted on December 13, 2007 by Pastor Tom THE BELL]
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God’s child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom.8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant ( Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God( Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God’s temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God’s workmanship(Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God’s child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are!?
(:Keep this bell ringing…pass it on:)
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine up on you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
The Bell: I Know Who I Am
Posted on December 13, 2007 by Pastor Tom THE BELL]
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God’s child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom.8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant ( Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God( Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God’s temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God’s workmanship(Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God’s child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are!?
(:Keep this bell ringing…pass it on:)
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine up on you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Monday, 12 September 2011
BECOME A CHILD OF GOD
>>>Your INVITATION to BECOME a SON/DAUGHTER of GOD!!<<<
"But to as many as did RECEIVE and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—" John 1:12
HOW DO I RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST??
1. I must Receive Christ as my SAVIOUR
"And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
2. I must Receive Christ as my SUBSTITUTE
"He personally bore our sins in His (own) body on the tree (as on an altar and offered Himself on it), that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24
3. I must Receive Christ as my MEDIATOR
"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." John 14:6
4. I must Receive Christ as my TEACHER
"Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls." Matthew 11:29
5. I must Receive Christ as my LORD
"For Christ died and lived again for this very purpose, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." Romans 14:9
6. I must Receive Christ as my EXAMPLE
"For even to this were you called (it is inseparable from your vocation). For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you (His personal) example, so that you should follow in His footsteps." 1 Peter 2:21
"But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name (through Who He is)." John 20:31
ACCEPTANCE OF THIS INVITATION ENTITLES ME TO :
1. Blessedness
"BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is he who has forgiveness of his transgression continually exercised upon him, whose sin is covered." Psalm 32:1
2. Peace
"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You." Isaiah 26:3
3. All Daily Needs
"And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19
4. Eternal Life
" For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." John 3:16
AS YOU WISH TO BECOME A CHILD OF GOD, PLEASE SAY THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:
"Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You, Confessing that i have sinned and broken Your laws. I am sorry for my sin, and believe that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for me and rose again from the dead that i too might have Eternal Life.
Please forgive me. I invite You into my Life, and give Jesus Christ the right to take control of the rest of my Life.
Please help me to be what You want me to be. I thank You for saving me and accepting me and i pray this in Jesus's name." Amen!
"But to as many as did RECEIVE and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—" John 1:12
HOW DO I RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST??
1. I must Receive Christ as my SAVIOUR
"And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
2. I must Receive Christ as my SUBSTITUTE
"He personally bore our sins in His (own) body on the tree (as on an altar and offered Himself on it), that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24
3. I must Receive Christ as my MEDIATOR
"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." John 14:6
4. I must Receive Christ as my TEACHER
"Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls." Matthew 11:29
5. I must Receive Christ as my LORD
"For Christ died and lived again for this very purpose, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." Romans 14:9
6. I must Receive Christ as my EXAMPLE
"For even to this were you called (it is inseparable from your vocation). For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you (His personal) example, so that you should follow in His footsteps." 1 Peter 2:21
"But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name (through Who He is)." John 20:31
ACCEPTANCE OF THIS INVITATION ENTITLES ME TO :
1. Blessedness
"BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is he who has forgiveness of his transgression continually exercised upon him, whose sin is covered." Psalm 32:1
2. Peace
"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You." Isaiah 26:3
3. All Daily Needs
"And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19
4. Eternal Life
" For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." John 3:16
AS YOU WISH TO BECOME A CHILD OF GOD, PLEASE SAY THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:
"Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You, Confessing that i have sinned and broken Your laws. I am sorry for my sin, and believe that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for me and rose again from the dead that i too might have Eternal Life.
Please forgive me. I invite You into my Life, and give Jesus Christ the right to take control of the rest of my Life.
Please help me to be what You want me to be. I thank You for saving me and accepting me and i pray this in Jesus's name." Amen!
Prayer for Clearing of the Mind
Clear My thinking, Lord Jesus , with the light You shine within me. Chase all darkness from my mind. Check my wondering thoughts and fight for me. Enter into combat with these ugly beats(my body's appetites), so there may be "peace inside walls and safety in your palaces" (Ps. 122:7).
Command the stormy winds to cease; order the waves to be still. Create a great calm in me.
"Send Your Light and Your Truth;
may they lead me..." (Ps. 43:3).
For i am "formless and desolate" (Gen. 1:2), until You enlighten me. Lift up my mind. Make me so much at home with heavenly things that it will annoy me even to think of earthly things. In the name of Jesus i pray with thanksgiving in my heart,amen.
(The Immitation of Christ)- (Sonia)
Command the stormy winds to cease; order the waves to be still. Create a great calm in me.
"Send Your Light and Your Truth;
may they lead me..." (Ps. 43:3).
For i am "formless and desolate" (Gen. 1:2), until You enlighten me. Lift up my mind. Make me so much at home with heavenly things that it will annoy me even to think of earthly things. In the name of Jesus i pray with thanksgiving in my heart,amen.
(The Immitation of Christ)- (Sonia)
Sunday, 11 September 2011
BIBLE-The Word In Many Words
THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
Start Praying[ The Word for Today]
Start Praying!
...Noah, warned by God... [saved] his household... Hebrews 11:7
Are you close enough to God to hear His warnings when danger approaches? Noah was, and he saved his family. Are you close enough to your family for them to have confidence in what God has spoken to you? You can change the direction of your family without argument or discussion. How? Through prayer. Your loved ones need to be sheltered under the covering of your prayer life. If you don't have one, get down on your knees and say, '...Lord, teach me to pray...' (Luke 11:1). We are emotionally overwhelmed and spiritually depleted because we haven't learned the power of prayer. The lack of it has left us weak and anxious. We blindly make decisions for our businesses, our relationships and our ministries without taking time to talk it over with the Lord. The story of Noah teaches that you can't prepare for trouble without a warning from God. That means staying close to Him and hearing what He has to say. You can do great things after you've prayed, but you can do nothing of eternal value until you've prayed.'If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14). God promises to intervene on behalf of the person who prays in His will. '...if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him' (1 John 5:14-15 NIV).
...Noah, warned by God... [saved] his household... Hebrews 11:7
Are you close enough to God to hear His warnings when danger approaches? Noah was, and he saved his family. Are you close enough to your family for them to have confidence in what God has spoken to you? You can change the direction of your family without argument or discussion. How? Through prayer. Your loved ones need to be sheltered under the covering of your prayer life. If you don't have one, get down on your knees and say, '...Lord, teach me to pray...' (Luke 11:1). We are emotionally overwhelmed and spiritually depleted because we haven't learned the power of prayer. The lack of it has left us weak and anxious. We blindly make decisions for our businesses, our relationships and our ministries without taking time to talk it over with the Lord. The story of Noah teaches that you can't prepare for trouble without a warning from God. That means staying close to Him and hearing what He has to say. You can do great things after you've prayed, but you can do nothing of eternal value until you've prayed.'If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14). God promises to intervene on behalf of the person who prays in His will. '...if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him' (1 John 5:14-15 NIV).
Faithful Worship!
God will always do what's best for you as opposed to what makes you comfortable. Will you still worship?
Will you still be able to give the same commitment and reverence to the Father when things don't seem to go your way?
Faithfulness comes by seeking to understand that when we don't get the answer we expect when we expect, it is because a better blessing is coming our way Hand picked by the Lord Our Father who is in Control Absolute of Our lives,...
So today make the commitment to say : "My Lord, Almighty God I trust Your way is better than mine!Father God I put all My trust in You to do what I am not able to, and to give me the willingness to remain In Worship regardless of what happens around me or within me, I say this in the Mighty Name of Jesus Our Lord, The Messiah, Our Bright Shinning Morning Star! Amen!
Will you still be able to give the same commitment and reverence to the Father when things don't seem to go your way?
Faithfulness comes by seeking to understand that when we don't get the answer we expect when we expect, it is because a better blessing is coming our way Hand picked by the Lord Our Father who is in Control Absolute of Our lives,...
So today make the commitment to say : "My Lord, Almighty God I trust Your way is better than mine!Father God I put all My trust in You to do what I am not able to, and to give me the willingness to remain In Worship regardless of what happens around me or within me, I say this in the Mighty Name of Jesus Our Lord, The Messiah, Our Bright Shinning Morning Star! Amen!
Thursday, 8 September 2011
… this is His name by which He will be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.'
… this is His name by which He will be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.'
Jeremiah 23:6
Jeremiah 23:6
To be righteous is to align with God’s holy character in every facet of one’s being. This is the requirement for being in relationship with God in this world and for gaining entry into Heaven. Awhile back, billionaire Warren Buffet transferred a huge chunk of his wealth to a charity started by billionaire Bill Gates. But in God’s economy, He transfers the immeasurable wealth of His righteousness to your “account” through Jesus Christ. Before Christ, you and I kept coming up short of God’s glory—His holiness. Now the treasure of His holiness is ours.
I am the LORD who sanctifies you
I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
Exodus 31:13
Exodus 31:13
Sanctification is setting apart something or someone for the exclusive use of something else. The bride and groom vow that they are “forsaking all others.” Being sanctified by and for God is the commitment of your whole being for Him alone. Sanctification is to be made holy, and is both an event and a process. The moment you receive Christ, you are holy in God’s sight, because you have the righteousness of His spotless Son. But the process of sanctification happens in the material world, as you progressively place more and more of yourself under His complete control. This leads to practical living consistent with your heavenly character.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Free To Be - Just a Christian
All over the world today, there is a vast renewal of interest in studying the Bible.
Thousands of people are reading the Bible to find the answers as to where they
come from, why they are here on earth, and where they are going after this life is
over. Searching the Scriptures with an open and honest heart toward God will
enable you to gain knowledge of God’s total plan for all of His people.
The Bible is divided into two major parts – the Old Testament and the New
Testament. The Old Testament tells of the beginnings of the earth, of man, of sin,
and of God’s way of salvation in Christ. Abraham was selected to become the
father of the Hebrew nation and these people, when they were about seventy in
number; they went into Egypt to live. There they grew, prospered, and became
great in numbers.
The Egyptians made slaves out of them, but God led them out of Egypt through
Moses, and after a while into the land of Canaan, which we know better as
Palestine. God gave them His laws, including the “Ten Commandments”, and they
became the chosen nation through whom Jesus Christ, the Son of God was born
into human flesh, came into the world.
The Old Testament also gives us the many words of men called “prophets”, who
foretold of the coming of Christ and of His spiritual kingdom on this earth.
The New Testament tells of the birth, life, death for our sins, and the resurrection
of Jesus Christ. In the fifth book of the New Testament, we read of the beginning
of Christ’s kingdom or spiritual body. This book is called the “Acts of the Apostles
“and shows us how men and women became Christians, or members of His body.
This means that when a person becomes a Christian, God adds that person to his
“church” or assembly: thus, he does not have to look for a church to join, for the
very same gospel obedience that made him a Christian makes him a “church”
member.
The rest of the New Testament is made up of letters written to help show people
how to live the lives that God would have them live. God would have every study
the Bible to learn of Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to come to know Him in a
personal way, as a friend and a savior.
Welcome to this study of the Bible. Remember that God speaks to each of us
through the Bible. This makes it possible for each of us to know Him if we will but
study and live what we learn.
My prayer for each of you is that you will be guided by the Bible and not by men.
May God bless you richly with wisdom and understanding.
Are you a Christian? Are you saved? Do you have a close relationship with God?
Are you willing to give up for Him the life of sin you now lead?
Questions
Someone is always asking us questions. The questions above are usually grouped
with others, such as:
“What church do you attend? “
“Have you been baptized? “
“What kind of baptism did you have? “
“Are you willing to join a church in order to be saved? “
It is my hope that the material presented here will take some of the pressure off
and allow you to deepen your relationship with God. Or, if you don’t know Him,
free you to begin to know Him as your Father.
At any rate. I hope you will give this information a fair hearing and if you find
yourself agreeing with it, use it to teach others and free them from bondage. You
will find these teachings quite a bit different from those you’ve seen in the past. I
pray that they help everyone to be free in Christ.
Are You Free?
This question is not asked very often, especially by church leaders. However, there
are several references to freedom in the Scriptures. Let’s look at a few of them:
(Luke 4:17-21) The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he
found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he
has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim
freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the
oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll,
gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue
were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is
fulfilled in your hearing."
(John 8:31-36) To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my
teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth
will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have
never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus
replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no
permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets
you free, you will be free indeed.
(2 Corinthians 3:17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.
(Galatians 5:1) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and
do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Note that Jesus sets us free. Period. Sometimes real freedom is scary and men,
afraid of this freedom, tend to make limits for themselves and others in order to
regulate this freedom. God put only one limit on our freedom in Christ:
(1 Corinthians 8:9) Be careful, ho
(Galatians 5:13) You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your
freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
(1 Peter 2:16) Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;
live as servants of God.
See? We are not to use our freedom for evil purposes that would hurt others. In
many religions today, men tell us what to do or not to do in order to be pleasing to
God. God Himself tells us what is acceptable religion in James 1:27.
(James 1:27) Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to
look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being
polluted by the world.
It would seem that God wanted to keep the concept of religion simple so that all
people everywhere could understand it at once, without a lot of teaching.
Are you a Christian?
To be a Christian is to be “of Christ “or to be a follower of Jesus. The word
Christian is all inclusive. It needs no other word added to it for explanation or
definition. Men have created denominations (churches) in order to separate and
regulate those who profess to believe alike.
In reality, all faith is individual. No person believes exactly like another person.
We all have a unifying point of faith and brotherhood: the Lord Jesus. He calls us
to love and respect each other, but never to believe exactly alike. A person who has
accepted Jesus as his or her personal Savior has done so just like all other
Christians throughout history.
1. They have heard of Him.
2. They have come to believe He is who he says.
3. They have obeyed the condition he set down.
(Mark 16:15-16) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news
to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does
not believe will be condemned.
(Matthew 28:19-20) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age."
See how simple? As you go through this world, teach others what you have been
taught. Those who believe baptize (immerse) them making them disciples. Then
help each other to live a life pleasing to God.
What Church do you attend?
Is this question important? Is there scripture that supports one church over all
others, or does Scripture only speak of one church of which all believers are part?
Is there any such thing as a “church? “ To answer the last question, it will require
a short lesson in Greek.
In the original Greek in which the New Testament was written the word ekklesia
has been translated church. However, this word never had the meaning that is
meant by the word church as used today. Note the accepted definition as laid down
by all leading Greek scholars:
EKKLESIA – A calling out, ie. a popular meeting, espec. a religious congregation
(Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth, or saints in
heaven, or both): - assembly, church
Notice that the most accurate definitions are – congregation and assembly. The
least is church. The concept of the church today is that of a power structure with
its leaders and rulers. This also means that there are those who are ruled. In the
New Testament there are 114 passages that contain the word church. They are
listed here to make it easy for you to find them. Read each one in its context then
read them again, this time using the word assembly instead of church. Decide for
yourself which you think is most accurate.
Click here for a full article with all Bible Verses Added.
There are practices which almost all churches have in common – from the largest to
the smallest. Hers is a list. Search your Bible and see if they are tradition or if
they are found in Scripture.
1. Worship Services
2. The Collection
3. Placing of Membership
4. Sermons
5. Men only as Deacons
6. Deacon as an office
There are others to be sure, but I think this list will keep you busy for a while.
What do I do with my contribution?
I suppose that this will trouble most people at first. We are so used to placing
money in the plate that we hardly know what to do with it otherwise.
The Bible calls for us to help those in need. We are commanded to help the orphan
and the widow. (James 1:27). This can be done on an individual basis. To “ set
aside ” originally meant to “ keep by ones side. “ Usually at home. No where in
the New Testament is the concept found of Christians placing money in a church
treasury.
(1 Corinthians 16:2) On the first day of every week, each one of you should set
aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come
no collections will have to be made.
Money, like all things, was given to us, as Christians, to enjoy:
(1 Timothy 6:17) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be
arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their
hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
However, like all things, it was meant for our sole pleasure. God gives generously
and gets much pleasure from it.
(Malachi 3:10) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in
my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw
open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have
room enough for it.
In concept and example we are taught that more pleasure is derived from giving
than from receiving.
(Acts 20:35) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we
must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is
more blessed to give than to receive.' "
In 1 Corinthians, the collection being made was to help the poor and needy in
Jerusalem. It was not to be used for the pleasure of those saving the money. It
was also not to be used for a building or for salaries.
When you use the money you earn (by God’s grace), spend it well. Get your money’
s worth and remember that you are just God’s caretaker for all that you possess.
What works will I do?
Jesus listed one work when he was asked this question:
(John 6:29) Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has
sent."
Other “works “that we do today will not be considered work if we follow this
teaching. We will give to the poor, we will meet with other Christians often, we will
teach, we will love the brothers and sisters.
All this will be what we are – not what we do. Can you see the difference?
Salvation, God’s gift to mankind
Spiritually, to be saved is the single most important thing that a person can desire.
To be with Christ for all eternity: to be with loved ones forever: to be in a place of
never ending love; is something that we have all dreamed of.
God made this possible when he chose to live and die in the person of Jesus Christ
on a Roman cross. By being lifted up, He drew all those to Him who are willing to
surrender their lives to His direction.
Those who willingly devote their lives to Him find that they are doing more than
just following His directions; they find themselves developing a loving relationship
with Him. They call upon Him as a friend in times of need and times of joy. He is
their constant companion.
Now, if you have felt that God has abandoned you and that probably everyone else is
enjoying this relationship but not you – don’t despair. God has promised never to
leave you.
(Hebrews 13:5) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with
what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake
you."
He is as good as his promise. We may not be aware of Him all the time, but He is
there. I hope that this lesson has helped you to grow closer to Him.
This closing section tries to simplify our understanding of faith. It is intended to
show you that you are not alone; and possibly ( hopefully) to strengthen your belief
in God.
The gift is accepted through Faith
The Bible tells us more about the gift of eternal life in Ephesians 2:8-9
“You have been saved by God’s gracious love through faith. Salvation does not
come from you: it is God’s gift. It does not come from human effort. If that were
true, someone could brag about earning it.”
Notice that this scripture does not say that we are saved by grace alone but that we
are saved by grace through faith. We must have enough faith in Jesus Christ to
obey Him or God will not save us by His grace (Unmerited favor.)
Salvation by grace does not exclude obedience.
To help us understand that being saved by God’s grace does not exclude the
necessity of obedience – the Bible declares in Hebrews 5:9 that:
“After Jesus was made perfect, he became the Source of eternal salvation for
everyone who will obey him”
What is saving faith?
Faith is your first step. If someone doesn’t believe in God, he cannot please God,
because the person who comes to God must believe that he lives. That person must
believe that God will give rewards to the people who are searching for Him.
(Hebrews 11:9) By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a
foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him
of the same promise.
Many people feel they have faith, without really knowing what faith is. It is not a
mere intellectual believing, for the devils do that. James 2:19 declares:
“You say that you believe there is one God? That’s fine. The demons also believe
this and shake with fear.”
Faith is trust and trust is faith. Webster defines faith this way:
1. Confidence or trust in another person or thing: faith in another’s ability.
2. Belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be
substantiated by fact.
3. Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of
the Pilgrims.
4. Belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: To be of the
same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. A system of religious belief: the Christian faith, the Jewish faith.
6. The obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.:
failure to appear would be breaking faith.
7. The observance of this obligation; fidelity to one’s promise, oath allegiance,
etc: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
8. Christian Theology – the trust in God and in His promises as made through
Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
9. In faith, in truth; indeed: In faith, he is a fine lad.
OK, now that we have that out of the way, let’s see just how a simple definition of
faith we can come up with. The major points of Webster’s definition are:
confidence, trust, and belief.
Confidence: 1. full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness or reliability of a
person or thing.
Trust: 1. reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc. , of a person or
thing; confidence.
Belief: 2. confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately
susceptible to rigorous proof.
It would seem that to have faith in God would be to trust Him and believe what he
says.
Learning to trust or have faith in something or someone always takes time. God
called you to Him and He wants you to take the time to know Him. As a friend.
Talk to Him about everything that happens to you.
You will find that He is very interested in your daily struggles and triumphs. He
gives you strength to live for Him everyday if you but ask. He delights in your
close walk with him (Psalms 149:4, Isaiah 65:19, Zephaniah 3:17.) Think about it:
don’t you enjoy the company of those who you love? Aren’t you happiest when with
them?
To have saving faith ask God. Then believe that he is concerned enough about you
to guide you in this walk of faith. He wants you to be saved (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:
9). He will work harder in your behalf than you can ever imagine. If you but give
Him a chance.
This does not mean that you will never have hard times. There will come the trials
that are a part of living in an imperfect world. God will teach you to act during any
crisis in a way that will bring Him the glory. Because it is from Him that your
strength comes. He will shoulder the cares of living if we will learn to have faith in
Him.
If we remember that without God, we would be nothing (Acts 17:28) then we will let
Him take the foremost place in our lives.
Written by Mike Foster. Copy and Illustrations by Greg McAbee.
http://www.godsmessageontheweb.net/ http://wheniwokeupthismorning.com
Thousands of people are reading the Bible to find the answers as to where they
come from, why they are here on earth, and where they are going after this life is
over. Searching the Scriptures with an open and honest heart toward God will
enable you to gain knowledge of God’s total plan for all of His people.
The Bible is divided into two major parts – the Old Testament and the New
Testament. The Old Testament tells of the beginnings of the earth, of man, of sin,
and of God’s way of salvation in Christ. Abraham was selected to become the
father of the Hebrew nation and these people, when they were about seventy in
number; they went into Egypt to live. There they grew, prospered, and became
great in numbers.
The Egyptians made slaves out of them, but God led them out of Egypt through
Moses, and after a while into the land of Canaan, which we know better as
Palestine. God gave them His laws, including the “Ten Commandments”, and they
became the chosen nation through whom Jesus Christ, the Son of God was born
into human flesh, came into the world.
The Old Testament also gives us the many words of men called “prophets”, who
foretold of the coming of Christ and of His spiritual kingdom on this earth.
The New Testament tells of the birth, life, death for our sins, and the resurrection
of Jesus Christ. In the fifth book of the New Testament, we read of the beginning
of Christ’s kingdom or spiritual body. This book is called the “Acts of the Apostles
“and shows us how men and women became Christians, or members of His body.
This means that when a person becomes a Christian, God adds that person to his
“church” or assembly: thus, he does not have to look for a church to join, for the
very same gospel obedience that made him a Christian makes him a “church”
member.
The rest of the New Testament is made up of letters written to help show people
how to live the lives that God would have them live. God would have every study
the Bible to learn of Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to come to know Him in a
personal way, as a friend and a savior.
Welcome to this study of the Bible. Remember that God speaks to each of us
through the Bible. This makes it possible for each of us to know Him if we will but
study and live what we learn.
My prayer for each of you is that you will be guided by the Bible and not by men.
May God bless you richly with wisdom and understanding.
Are you a Christian? Are you saved? Do you have a close relationship with God?
Are you willing to give up for Him the life of sin you now lead?
Questions
Someone is always asking us questions. The questions above are usually grouped
with others, such as:
“What church do you attend? “
“Have you been baptized? “
“What kind of baptism did you have? “
“Are you willing to join a church in order to be saved? “
It is my hope that the material presented here will take some of the pressure off
and allow you to deepen your relationship with God. Or, if you don’t know Him,
free you to begin to know Him as your Father.
At any rate. I hope you will give this information a fair hearing and if you find
yourself agreeing with it, use it to teach others and free them from bondage. You
will find these teachings quite a bit different from those you’ve seen in the past. I
pray that they help everyone to be free in Christ.
Are You Free?
This question is not asked very often, especially by church leaders. However, there
are several references to freedom in the Scriptures. Let’s look at a few of them:
(Luke 4:17-21) The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he
found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he
has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim
freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the
oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll,
gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue
were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is
fulfilled in your hearing."
(John 8:31-36) To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my
teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth
will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have
never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus
replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no
permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets
you free, you will be free indeed.
(2 Corinthians 3:17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.
(Galatians 5:1) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and
do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Note that Jesus sets us free. Period. Sometimes real freedom is scary and men,
afraid of this freedom, tend to make limits for themselves and others in order to
regulate this freedom. God put only one limit on our freedom in Christ:
(1 Corinthians 8:9) Be careful, ho
(Galatians 5:13) You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your
freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
(1 Peter 2:16) Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;
live as servants of God.
See? We are not to use our freedom for evil purposes that would hurt others. In
many religions today, men tell us what to do or not to do in order to be pleasing to
God. God Himself tells us what is acceptable religion in James 1:27.
(James 1:27) Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to
look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being
polluted by the world.
It would seem that God wanted to keep the concept of religion simple so that all
people everywhere could understand it at once, without a lot of teaching.
Are you a Christian?
To be a Christian is to be “of Christ “or to be a follower of Jesus. The word
Christian is all inclusive. It needs no other word added to it for explanation or
definition. Men have created denominations (churches) in order to separate and
regulate those who profess to believe alike.
In reality, all faith is individual. No person believes exactly like another person.
We all have a unifying point of faith and brotherhood: the Lord Jesus. He calls us
to love and respect each other, but never to believe exactly alike. A person who has
accepted Jesus as his or her personal Savior has done so just like all other
Christians throughout history.
1. They have heard of Him.
2. They have come to believe He is who he says.
3. They have obeyed the condition he set down.
(Mark 16:15-16) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news
to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does
not believe will be condemned.
(Matthew 28:19-20) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age."
See how simple? As you go through this world, teach others what you have been
taught. Those who believe baptize (immerse) them making them disciples. Then
help each other to live a life pleasing to God.
What Church do you attend?
Is this question important? Is there scripture that supports one church over all
others, or does Scripture only speak of one church of which all believers are part?
Is there any such thing as a “church? “ To answer the last question, it will require
a short lesson in Greek.
In the original Greek in which the New Testament was written the word ekklesia
has been translated church. However, this word never had the meaning that is
meant by the word church as used today. Note the accepted definition as laid down
by all leading Greek scholars:
EKKLESIA – A calling out, ie. a popular meeting, espec. a religious congregation
(Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth, or saints in
heaven, or both): - assembly, church
Notice that the most accurate definitions are – congregation and assembly. The
least is church. The concept of the church today is that of a power structure with
its leaders and rulers. This also means that there are those who are ruled. In the
New Testament there are 114 passages that contain the word church. They are
listed here to make it easy for you to find them. Read each one in its context then
read them again, this time using the word assembly instead of church. Decide for
yourself which you think is most accurate.
Click here for a full article with all Bible Verses Added.
There are practices which almost all churches have in common – from the largest to
the smallest. Hers is a list. Search your Bible and see if they are tradition or if
they are found in Scripture.
1. Worship Services
2. The Collection
3. Placing of Membership
4. Sermons
5. Men only as Deacons
6. Deacon as an office
There are others to be sure, but I think this list will keep you busy for a while.
What do I do with my contribution?
I suppose that this will trouble most people at first. We are so used to placing
money in the plate that we hardly know what to do with it otherwise.
The Bible calls for us to help those in need. We are commanded to help the orphan
and the widow. (James 1:27). This can be done on an individual basis. To “ set
aside ” originally meant to “ keep by ones side. “ Usually at home. No where in
the New Testament is the concept found of Christians placing money in a church
treasury.
(1 Corinthians 16:2) On the first day of every week, each one of you should set
aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come
no collections will have to be made.
Money, like all things, was given to us, as Christians, to enjoy:
(1 Timothy 6:17) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be
arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their
hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
However, like all things, it was meant for our sole pleasure. God gives generously
and gets much pleasure from it.
(Malachi 3:10) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in
my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw
open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have
room enough for it.
In concept and example we are taught that more pleasure is derived from giving
than from receiving.
(Acts 20:35) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we
must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is
more blessed to give than to receive.' "
In 1 Corinthians, the collection being made was to help the poor and needy in
Jerusalem. It was not to be used for the pleasure of those saving the money. It
was also not to be used for a building or for salaries.
When you use the money you earn (by God’s grace), spend it well. Get your money’
s worth and remember that you are just God’s caretaker for all that you possess.
What works will I do?
Jesus listed one work when he was asked this question:
(John 6:29) Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has
sent."
Other “works “that we do today will not be considered work if we follow this
teaching. We will give to the poor, we will meet with other Christians often, we will
teach, we will love the brothers and sisters.
All this will be what we are – not what we do. Can you see the difference?
Salvation, God’s gift to mankind
Spiritually, to be saved is the single most important thing that a person can desire.
To be with Christ for all eternity: to be with loved ones forever: to be in a place of
never ending love; is something that we have all dreamed of.
God made this possible when he chose to live and die in the person of Jesus Christ
on a Roman cross. By being lifted up, He drew all those to Him who are willing to
surrender their lives to His direction.
Those who willingly devote their lives to Him find that they are doing more than
just following His directions; they find themselves developing a loving relationship
with Him. They call upon Him as a friend in times of need and times of joy. He is
their constant companion.
Now, if you have felt that God has abandoned you and that probably everyone else is
enjoying this relationship but not you – don’t despair. God has promised never to
leave you.
(Hebrews 13:5) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with
what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake
you."
He is as good as his promise. We may not be aware of Him all the time, but He is
there. I hope that this lesson has helped you to grow closer to Him.
This closing section tries to simplify our understanding of faith. It is intended to
show you that you are not alone; and possibly ( hopefully) to strengthen your belief
in God.
The gift is accepted through Faith
The Bible tells us more about the gift of eternal life in Ephesians 2:8-9
“You have been saved by God’s gracious love through faith. Salvation does not
come from you: it is God’s gift. It does not come from human effort. If that were
true, someone could brag about earning it.”
Notice that this scripture does not say that we are saved by grace alone but that we
are saved by grace through faith. We must have enough faith in Jesus Christ to
obey Him or God will not save us by His grace (Unmerited favor.)
Salvation by grace does not exclude obedience.
To help us understand that being saved by God’s grace does not exclude the
necessity of obedience – the Bible declares in Hebrews 5:9 that:
“After Jesus was made perfect, he became the Source of eternal salvation for
everyone who will obey him”
What is saving faith?
Faith is your first step. If someone doesn’t believe in God, he cannot please God,
because the person who comes to God must believe that he lives. That person must
believe that God will give rewards to the people who are searching for Him.
(Hebrews 11:9) By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a
foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him
of the same promise.
Many people feel they have faith, without really knowing what faith is. It is not a
mere intellectual believing, for the devils do that. James 2:19 declares:
“You say that you believe there is one God? That’s fine. The demons also believe
this and shake with fear.”
Faith is trust and trust is faith. Webster defines faith this way:
1. Confidence or trust in another person or thing: faith in another’s ability.
2. Belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be
substantiated by fact.
3. Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of
the Pilgrims.
4. Belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: To be of the
same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. A system of religious belief: the Christian faith, the Jewish faith.
6. The obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.:
failure to appear would be breaking faith.
7. The observance of this obligation; fidelity to one’s promise, oath allegiance,
etc: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
8. Christian Theology – the trust in God and in His promises as made through
Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
9. In faith, in truth; indeed: In faith, he is a fine lad.
OK, now that we have that out of the way, let’s see just how a simple definition of
faith we can come up with. The major points of Webster’s definition are:
confidence, trust, and belief.
Confidence: 1. full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness or reliability of a
person or thing.
Trust: 1. reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc. , of a person or
thing; confidence.
Belief: 2. confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately
susceptible to rigorous proof.
It would seem that to have faith in God would be to trust Him and believe what he
says.
Learning to trust or have faith in something or someone always takes time. God
called you to Him and He wants you to take the time to know Him. As a friend.
Talk to Him about everything that happens to you.
You will find that He is very interested in your daily struggles and triumphs. He
gives you strength to live for Him everyday if you but ask. He delights in your
close walk with him (Psalms 149:4, Isaiah 65:19, Zephaniah 3:17.) Think about it:
don’t you enjoy the company of those who you love? Aren’t you happiest when with
them?
To have saving faith ask God. Then believe that he is concerned enough about you
to guide you in this walk of faith. He wants you to be saved (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:
9). He will work harder in your behalf than you can ever imagine. If you but give
Him a chance.
This does not mean that you will never have hard times. There will come the trials
that are a part of living in an imperfect world. God will teach you to act during any
crisis in a way that will bring Him the glory. Because it is from Him that your
strength comes. He will shoulder the cares of living if we will learn to have faith in
Him.
If we remember that without God, we would be nothing (Acts 17:28) then we will let
Him take the foremost place in our lives.
Written by Mike Foster. Copy and Illustrations by Greg McAbee.
http://www.godsmessageontheweb.net/ http://wheniwokeupthismorning.com
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