God Loves Sinners
JOHN 3:16 KJV
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.
Many people quote John 3:16 -- but how many believe it?
God never changes. If He loved the people of the world in the
past -- He still loves them today. Yet many people think God is
mad at sinners -- and hates them.
ROMANS 5:8 NIV
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God is NOT mad at sinners. He loves them enough to die for them
-- even today! We should not be mad at sinners either. They are
deceived and enslaved by sin. They need to be delivered, and no
one can do it except Jesus.
Of course, God doesn't want people to remain sinners. He loves
them too much for that. Sin destroys. It brings death. But the
gift of God is life -- and that gift is found in a Person: the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the best friend a sinner will ever have. They need to
know that. Someone has to tell them the truth. They think Jesus
hates them because they're a sinner and not perfect. (The devil
already fed them that lie.)
Let's tell them the truth!
2 CORINTHIANS 5:19 NIV
19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not
counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us
the message of reconciliation.
God is not holding people's sins against them. People need to
know that. When they do -- they will love Jesus.
SAY THIS: Jesus loves sinners -- so I love them, too. I love
them enough to tell them Jesus will help them.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
You Are Part Of Christ's Body On Earth
1 CORINTHIANS 12 NLT
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up
only one body. So it is with the body of Christ.
17 Suppose the whole body were an eye--then how would you hear?
Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you
smell anything?
18 But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each
part just where he wants it.
21 The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The
head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you."
22 In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least
important are really the most necessary.
27 Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of
you is a separate and necessary part of it.
Scripture says we are a Body -- not just that we are "like a
body." You ARE connected to everyone who acknowledges Jesus
Christ as Lord -- whether you like them, or think they are
necessary, or not. Whatever happens to ANY member of the Body
does have an affect on EVERY member.
Remember this the next time you are tempted to speak ill of
another believer, or mistreat them. Even if they don't believe
exactly like you, or go to the same church -- they are still
connected to you in Christ. So be nice to your Body!
SAY THIS: I am a member of Christ's Body on earth. Today I will
let Jesus Christ manifest His love and wisdom through me.
1 CORINTHIANS 12 NLT
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up
only one body. So it is with the body of Christ.
17 Suppose the whole body were an eye--then how would you hear?
Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you
smell anything?
18 But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each
part just where he wants it.
21 The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The
head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you."
22 In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least
important are really the most necessary.
27 Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of
you is a separate and necessary part of it.
Scripture says we are a Body -- not just that we are "like a
body." You ARE connected to everyone who acknowledges Jesus
Christ as Lord -- whether you like them, or think they are
necessary, or not. Whatever happens to ANY member of the Body
does have an affect on EVERY member.
Remember this the next time you are tempted to speak ill of
another believer, or mistreat them. Even if they don't believe
exactly like you, or go to the same church -- they are still
connected to you in Christ. So be nice to your Body!
SAY THIS: I am a member of Christ's Body on earth. Today I will
let Jesus Christ manifest His love and wisdom through me.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
God's Word Is A Seed
Most people expect God's Word to work like a stick of dynamite
-- but Jesus told us God's Word is like a seed.
LUKE 8:11 NKJ
11 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
The Holy Spirit, through Peter, also said God's Word is a seed.
1 PETER 1:23 NKJ
23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but
incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides
forever,
God's Word is alive. Just like a seed -- the Bible is full of
unseen life.
JOHN 6:63 ICB
63 It is not the flesh that gives a person life. It is the
spirit that gives life. The words I told you are spirit, and so
they give life.
Jesus said His words are alive. They contain life, so they give
life. The words in your Bible may look lifeless and powerless.
Seeds do, also. But they are not without life or power.
In Mark 4:30-31, Jesus explained that the kingdom of God works
like a seed. So, if we are to understand God's kingdom and how
He operates, we need to understand seeds.
SAY THIS: God's Word is good seed. I will plant it in my life
and it will bring forth a good harvest.
Most people expect God's Word to work like a stick of dynamite
-- but Jesus told us God's Word is like a seed.
LUKE 8:11 NKJ
11 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
The Holy Spirit, through Peter, also said God's Word is a seed.
1 PETER 1:23 NKJ
23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but
incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides
forever,
God's Word is alive. Just like a seed -- the Bible is full of
unseen life.
JOHN 6:63 ICB
63 It is not the flesh that gives a person life. It is the
spirit that gives life. The words I told you are spirit, and so
they give life.
Jesus said His words are alive. They contain life, so they give
life. The words in your Bible may look lifeless and powerless.
Seeds do, also. But they are not without life or power.
In Mark 4:30-31, Jesus explained that the kingdom of God works
like a seed. So, if we are to understand God's kingdom and how
He operates, we need to understand seeds.
SAY THIS: God's Word is good seed. I will plant it in my life
and it will bring forth a good harvest.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
Spiritual Growth
2 PETER 3:18 NKJ
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
We can gain understanding of spiritual growth by comparing it
to natural growth. There are many similarities.
We do not start out as full-grown adults. It takes time,
nurture, and experience to learn and develop.
In the natural realm, physical food is required. In the
spiritual realm the food required for strength and growth is
the Word of God.
MATTHEW 4:4 NKJ
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth
of God.'"
Spiritual growth is part of the Christian life. God's Word is
our spiritual food. Not only do we need to read it, but also to
speak it and meditate on it.
EPHESIANS 4:15 NKJ
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things
into Him who is the head -- Christ --
A new-born Christian has the same authority over the devil and
all his forces as any of the Apostles. They also have the same
righteousness -- which is a gift from God. In the natural a
new-born baby has all the same muscles as a professional
athlete, but they cannot accomplish the same things because
they are not as developed. Yet they have the same potential,
which over time can be developed.
1 PETER 2:2 NKJ
2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you
may grow thereby,
So keep feeding your spirit on the Word of God and act on what
you learn. Just like a natural child, you will fall down a few
times while learning how to walk. But you must get up and try
again. God will watch over you and protect you as any good
parent should, so you don't have to be afraid.
SAY THIS: God's plan is for me to grow spiritually.
2 PETER 3:18 NKJ
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
We can gain understanding of spiritual growth by comparing it
to natural growth. There are many similarities.
We do not start out as full-grown adults. It takes time,
nurture, and experience to learn and develop.
In the natural realm, physical food is required. In the
spiritual realm the food required for strength and growth is
the Word of God.
MATTHEW 4:4 NKJ
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth
of God.'"
Spiritual growth is part of the Christian life. God's Word is
our spiritual food. Not only do we need to read it, but also to
speak it and meditate on it.
EPHESIANS 4:15 NKJ
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things
into Him who is the head -- Christ --
A new-born Christian has the same authority over the devil and
all his forces as any of the Apostles. They also have the same
righteousness -- which is a gift from God. In the natural a
new-born baby has all the same muscles as a professional
athlete, but they cannot accomplish the same things because
they are not as developed. Yet they have the same potential,
which over time can be developed.
1 PETER 2:2 NKJ
2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you
may grow thereby,
So keep feeding your spirit on the Word of God and act on what
you learn. Just like a natural child, you will fall down a few
times while learning how to walk. But you must get up and try
again. God will watch over you and protect you as any good
parent should, so you don't have to be afraid.
SAY THIS: God's plan is for me to grow spiritually.
Friday, August 13, 2010
This link directs to a really great article! :-)
http://hubpages.com/hub/The-law-of-the-Spririt-of-life-in-Christ-Jesus
From the www.churchforall.org
Redeemed By His Blood
1 PETER 1:18-19 NKJ
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things,
like silver or gold . . .
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot.
Some Christians shy away from talking about blood -- but not
the Bible. In fact, the Bible presents blood as an integral and
honored part of Christian teaching.
Blood represents life, and Jesus freely gave His life to redeem
you.
COLOSSIANS 1:13-14 NKJ
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and
translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins.
The blood of Jesus -- representing the giving of His life --
was the payment for your freedom. You should give bold
testimony to the power of the precious Blood of Jesus. It is
what has set you free!
Sin opens the door for the devil. But Jesus' Blood cleanses us
from all sin and closes the door of opportunity to the devil.
1 JOHN 1:9 NKJ
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus' Blood enables us to stand before God as if sin had never
existed. We have no other plea for entrance into God's presence
but the precious Blood of the Lamb.
HEBREWS 10:19 NKJ
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by
the blood of Jesus,
The blood of Jesus represents all that God accomplished for you
in His great redemption.
We should display the token of Jesus' Blood over the boundaries
of our lives -- anywhere the devil might have an opening -- by
releasing our faith in the sufficiency of that precious Blood
through words.
SAY THIS: I am set free by the Blood of Jesus Christ.
1 PETER 1:18-19 NKJ
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things,
like silver or gold . . .
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot.
Some Christians shy away from talking about blood -- but not
the Bible. In fact, the Bible presents blood as an integral and
honored part of Christian teaching.
Blood represents life, and Jesus freely gave His life to redeem
you.
COLOSSIANS 1:13-14 NKJ
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and
translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins.
The blood of Jesus -- representing the giving of His life --
was the payment for your freedom. You should give bold
testimony to the power of the precious Blood of Jesus. It is
what has set you free!
Sin opens the door for the devil. But Jesus' Blood cleanses us
from all sin and closes the door of opportunity to the devil.
1 JOHN 1:9 NKJ
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus' Blood enables us to stand before God as if sin had never
existed. We have no other plea for entrance into God's presence
but the precious Blood of the Lamb.
HEBREWS 10:19 NKJ
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by
the blood of Jesus,
The blood of Jesus represents all that God accomplished for you
in His great redemption.
We should display the token of Jesus' Blood over the boundaries
of our lives -- anywhere the devil might have an opening -- by
releasing our faith in the sufficiency of that precious Blood
through words.
SAY THIS: I am set free by the Blood of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Christ Is Our Passover
God gave instructions to the Israelites so they could escape
the judgment coming on the Egyptians.
EXODUS 12:7,13 NKJ
7 `And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two
doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.
13 `Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where
you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and
the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the
land of Egypt.
The Egyptians had no protection from the destroyer, but the
people of Israel who put the blood of a lamb on their dwellings
were safe.
The blood represented the Blood of the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world -- Jesus Christ (Rev. 13:8). Judgment
was legally avoided because of it.
The blood applied stopped the destroyer. Action was required --
not just passive belief in the blood.
PSALM 105:37 NKJ
37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was
none feeble among His tribes.
Not only were the children of Israel spared from destruction,
but they all left Egypt in good health carrying away the wealth
of Egypt.
Christ is our Passover. Can we not expect Him to provide us as
much protection and deliverance as the lamb provided the
children of Israel in Egypt?
1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 NKJ
7 . . . For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
HEBREWS 8:6 NKJ
6 . . . He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was
established on better promises.
LUKE 22:20 NKJ
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This
cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
New Covenant believers have the right to draw a faith Blood
line the devil cannot cross. By speaking words of faith we
apply the Blood over the "doorposts" of our lives -- the outer
edges of all that belongs to us.
With blood on the door of the Israelites in Egypt, no evil
dared enter their dwelling. Likewise, we are kept safe through
the protection of the divine Blood of Jesus.
Wherever we have authority we should apply the Blood -- and
never leave the protection the Blood of Jesus provides.
SAY THIS: Jesus Christ is my Passover who protects and delivers
me and my family.
God gave instructions to the Israelites so they could escape
the judgment coming on the Egyptians.
EXODUS 12:7,13 NKJ
7 `And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two
doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.
13 `Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where
you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and
the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the
land of Egypt.
The Egyptians had no protection from the destroyer, but the
people of Israel who put the blood of a lamb on their dwellings
were safe.
The blood represented the Blood of the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world -- Jesus Christ (Rev. 13:8). Judgment
was legally avoided because of it.
The blood applied stopped the destroyer. Action was required --
not just passive belief in the blood.
PSALM 105:37 NKJ
37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was
none feeble among His tribes.
Not only were the children of Israel spared from destruction,
but they all left Egypt in good health carrying away the wealth
of Egypt.
Christ is our Passover. Can we not expect Him to provide us as
much protection and deliverance as the lamb provided the
children of Israel in Egypt?
1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 NKJ
7 . . . For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
HEBREWS 8:6 NKJ
6 . . . He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was
established on better promises.
LUKE 22:20 NKJ
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This
cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
New Covenant believers have the right to draw a faith Blood
line the devil cannot cross. By speaking words of faith we
apply the Blood over the "doorposts" of our lives -- the outer
edges of all that belongs to us.
With blood on the door of the Israelites in Egypt, no evil
dared enter their dwelling. Likewise, we are kept safe through
the protection of the divine Blood of Jesus.
Wherever we have authority we should apply the Blood -- and
never leave the protection the Blood of Jesus provides.
SAY THIS: Jesus Christ is my Passover who protects and delivers
me and my family.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Isaiah 61 (NIV)
Isaiah 61
The Year of the LORD's Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
7 Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.
8 "For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."
10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
The Year of the LORD's Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
7 Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.
8 "For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."
10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
A few scriptures and a few comments
Matthew 8:16-17 (King James Version)
16When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
1 Peter 2:22-24 (King James Version)
22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Corinthians 4:19-20 (King James Version)
19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Romans 15:19 (King James Version)
19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (King James Version)
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
John 14:13 (King James Version)
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Psalm 138:2 (King James Version)
2I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Psalm 103:2-3 (King James Version)
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Psalm 103
Colossians 2:9 (King James Version)
9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
In Christ dwells the fullness of God and Christ dwells in us.
God is love - His ways are the ways of love. His life is in the light of purified conscience for full boldness for every good thing.
16When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
1 Peter 2:22-24 (King James Version)
22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Corinthians 4:19-20 (King James Version)
19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Romans 15:19 (King James Version)
19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (King James Version)
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
John 14:13 (King James Version)
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Psalm 138:2 (King James Version)
2I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Psalm 103:2-3 (King James Version)
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Psalm 103
Colossians 2:9 (King James Version)
9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
In Christ dwells the fullness of God and Christ dwells in us.
God is love - His ways are the ways of love. His life is in the light of purified conscience for full boldness for every good thing.
A Christian
Remember what it is to be a christian: II Corinthians 13:5
You are redeemed, and made holy by the sacrifice of Christ (Jesaja 53)
1 Peter 2:22-24
There is only one thing you need to give to be a christian - and that is everything!
God has poured out His life for you that you may pour out your life for him. (Galatians 3:20 - Matthew 25:40)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)
You consider yourself dead to sin and alive to righteousness. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2) .
In a christian there is to be the very Spirit of God - he cannot live in man who is bound by sin and is unholy that is why there is the redemption (Romans 8:11).
A Christian is a free person. Free to be as Christ. Free to lay down his life to live.
All is perishing - the old will vanish and the new will become. God is love so He gives you the opportunity to die to self, to die to the world (all unloving systems of governance and being) and to live by Him, with Him and for Him.
As you are a Christian, it is Christ who lives in you carrying on His ministry of reconciliation on this earth.
Luke 4:18
"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"
THAT IS YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION! Until He comes!
Be free and be well,
Finnur
You are redeemed, and made holy by the sacrifice of Christ (Jesaja 53)
1 Peter 2:22-24
There is only one thing you need to give to be a christian - and that is everything!
God has poured out His life for you that you may pour out your life for him. (Galatians 3:20 - Matthew 25:40)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)
You consider yourself dead to sin and alive to righteousness. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2) .
In a christian there is to be the very Spirit of God - he cannot live in man who is bound by sin and is unholy that is why there is the redemption (Romans 8:11).
A Christian is a free person. Free to be as Christ. Free to lay down his life to live.
All is perishing - the old will vanish and the new will become. God is love so He gives you the opportunity to die to self, to die to the world (all unloving systems of governance and being) and to live by Him, with Him and for Him.
As you are a Christian, it is Christ who lives in you carrying on His ministry of reconciliation on this earth.
Luke 4:18
"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"
THAT IS YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION! Until He comes!
Be free and be well,
Finnur
From the www.churchforall.org
Balance In Life
MARK 6:31 NIV
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they
did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with
me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve.
Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of
time, and a lot of hard work.
But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!
Taking a trip is not always necessary, but taking a break from
your normal routine is.
You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is
saying to you -- as well as physical rest. Without taking time
to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.
People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors,
mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small
businesses, especially need an occasional break.
(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)
We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk
with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot
do everything. We are not God.
Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him
look like a hard taskmaster.
Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive
for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes
rest and taking time off.
Always keep the big picture in mind. That includes eternity.
SAY THIS: Lord, help me to achieve balance in my life.
MARK 6:31 NIV
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they
did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with
me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve.
Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of
time, and a lot of hard work.
But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!
Taking a trip is not always necessary, but taking a break from
your normal routine is.
You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is
saying to you -- as well as physical rest. Without taking time
to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.
People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors,
mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small
businesses, especially need an occasional break.
(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)
We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk
with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot
do everything. We are not God.
Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him
look like a hard taskmaster.
Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive
for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes
rest and taking time off.
Always keep the big picture in mind. That includes eternity.
SAY THIS: Lord, help me to achieve balance in my life.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
All Things Are Possible
MARK 9:23 NKJ
23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are
possible to him who believes."
From our early years we are educated in what is impossible.
But progress continues to be made by people who attempt the
impossible and achieve it.
Some have said that mankind's only real obstacle is between our
two ears.
We ARE limited by what we believe, according to Jesus.
So, how can we change what we believe? Only by getting new
evidence, which is available from the Word of God.
MATTHEW 17:20 NKJ
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and
it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
A conventional approach will not achieve the "impossible." It
will require being different from the crowd, who probably won't
understand you or support you. Speaking to things and telling
them to move, as Jesus taught, is certainly not conventional.
Acting differently than everyone else can be scary. It's like
getting out of the boat to walk on water. But do you want
conventional results?
As you read the Bible and see the instructions God gave us, you
will usually find them unconventional. But the person who acts
on God's Word will be blessed.
SAY THIS: All things are possible!
MARK 9:23 NKJ
23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are
possible to him who believes."
From our early years we are educated in what is impossible.
But progress continues to be made by people who attempt the
impossible and achieve it.
Some have said that mankind's only real obstacle is between our
two ears.
We ARE limited by what we believe, according to Jesus.
So, how can we change what we believe? Only by getting new
evidence, which is available from the Word of God.
MATTHEW 17:20 NKJ
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and
it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
A conventional approach will not achieve the "impossible." It
will require being different from the crowd, who probably won't
understand you or support you. Speaking to things and telling
them to move, as Jesus taught, is certainly not conventional.
Acting differently than everyone else can be scary. It's like
getting out of the boat to walk on water. But do you want
conventional results?
As you read the Bible and see the instructions God gave us, you
will usually find them unconventional. But the person who acts
on God's Word will be blessed.
SAY THIS: All things are possible!
Friday, August 6, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Be Thankful For What You Have
COLOSSIANS 3:15 CEV
15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were
chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes
from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
If you are reading this, there are literally millions of people
who would trade places with you. They envy you and would be
very grateful to enjoy all that you do.
Usually the more someone has, the less thankful they become.
So how can you overcome ingratitude? Only by changing your
beliefs. As long as you believe you're getting a raw deal, or
less than you deserve, you will never become a thankful person.
An attitude of gratitude is the result of what we focus on.
Remember, you deserved punishment. Instead, God gave you what
He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- every breath -- is a
gift. Keep this in focus and you will become a thankful person.
(An extra bonus is that a thankful person is a happy person.)
HEBREWS 13:5 NIV
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."
What could be greater? Almighty God promises to always take
care of you! Never will you be forsaken! Never will you be left
facing life all alone! (You may feel forsaken, but it's a lie.)
A rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling life does not depend on
being rich. Jesus is the one who told us, and He knows.
LUKE 12:15 LB
15 Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For
real life and real living are not related to how rich we are."
SAY THIS: I will be thankful.
COLOSSIANS 3:15 CEV
15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were
chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes
from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
If you are reading this, there are literally millions of people
who would trade places with you. They envy you and would be
very grateful to enjoy all that you do.
Usually the more someone has, the less thankful they become.
So how can you overcome ingratitude? Only by changing your
beliefs. As long as you believe you're getting a raw deal, or
less than you deserve, you will never become a thankful person.
An attitude of gratitude is the result of what we focus on.
Remember, you deserved punishment. Instead, God gave you what
He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- every breath -- is a
gift. Keep this in focus and you will become a thankful person.
(An extra bonus is that a thankful person is a happy person.)
HEBREWS 13:5 NIV
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."
What could be greater? Almighty God promises to always take
care of you! Never will you be forsaken! Never will you be left
facing life all alone! (You may feel forsaken, but it's a lie.)
A rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling life does not depend on
being rich. Jesus is the one who told us, and He knows.
LUKE 12:15 LB
15 Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For
real life and real living are not related to how rich we are."
SAY THIS: I will be thankful.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
from www.gfa.org
http://www.gfa.org/send/lord-is-my-heart-tender-part-two/?cm_mmc=GFA-_-Email-_-377991-_-100803-digest-17
5 minutes with K.P. Yohannan
Lord, Is My Heart Tender? Part Two
Several leaders from a mission field I was visiting approached me with the urgent request to help them make peace between two co-workers. I agreed to talk with both men. The interesting thing was that neither one was willing to give in and admit any wrong. I realized that, technically, the brother who was the leader was absolutely right in what he had said and done. If he took his case to a court of law anywhere in the world, he would be vindicated as innocent. But if he was so right, why was the other brother so hurt? Why did he continue to insist he had been wronged?
Finally I spoke to the leader.
"I understand what you said to this brother," I told him. "But tell me, in what spirit did you speak those words?"
There was dead silence. Then he responded: "I understand what you mean."
Even truth can divide and destroy if it is not soaked and covered in love, grace and mercy-and presented with a tender heart.
If that tenderness of heart is missing in our relationships with our brothers and sisters, God's work is greatly hindered. For Jesus said, "If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:19). With these words the Lord clearly identified the foundation of prayer: oneness in relationship with each other.
Before going to the cross, Jesus prayed His incredible prayer on our behalf recorded in the Gospel of John. His main petition was ". . . that they all may be one" (John 17:21).
But how is this oneness possible? Will it happen if we all think the same thoughts and, as a result, respond to one another with great kindness, love and understanding? And can we achieve these same thoughts by some deeper-level education that eliminates all differences between us and causes us to live above such things?
You already know the answer.
Humanly speaking, it is impossible. Even in a small local fellowship, the believers come from different family backgrounds and upbringings. All have different personalities, behavior patterns, levels of education and spiritual understanding.
However, one key to love, unity and following the Lord is my willingness to take responsibility for my sin. When my heart is tender before God, I will no longer accuse my brother or sister for my failure.
Instead, I will say, like the prodigal son, "Father, I have sinned." And that attitude will open the way for God to unite us as His people and fulfill His promises. Blaming others became part of our human nature with the fall of man. Imagine this: While Adam and Eve were sinless, they daily walked hand in hand with the Almighty, who dwells in light no man can approach.
But when they sinned, everything changed. God came to Adam and asked, "What on earth have you done?" and Adam answered, "Me? I didn't do it. If You want to know the real problem, it's this woman You gave me."
And when God questioned Eve, she responded, "Well, what can I say? The serpent beguiled me." There will never be unity-and never will rivers of living water begin to flow through our lives-until we come to a place where we take responsibility for our sin.
The thief on the cross experienced this truth in the last minutes of his life when he said, "I deserve this punishment for what I have done." And Jesus immediately responded, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).
Unity only happens when we yield our rights and admit our failures. If we desire the oneness with our brothers and sisters for which Jesus prayed, then keeping a tender heart is not simply an option-it must be our highest priority.
K.P. Yohannan
Dr. K.P. Yohannan
Founder & President of Gospel for Asia
5 minutes with K.P. Yohannan
Lord, Is My Heart Tender? Part Two
Several leaders from a mission field I was visiting approached me with the urgent request to help them make peace between two co-workers. I agreed to talk with both men. The interesting thing was that neither one was willing to give in and admit any wrong. I realized that, technically, the brother who was the leader was absolutely right in what he had said and done. If he took his case to a court of law anywhere in the world, he would be vindicated as innocent. But if he was so right, why was the other brother so hurt? Why did he continue to insist he had been wronged?
Finally I spoke to the leader.
"I understand what you said to this brother," I told him. "But tell me, in what spirit did you speak those words?"
There was dead silence. Then he responded: "I understand what you mean."
Even truth can divide and destroy if it is not soaked and covered in love, grace and mercy-and presented with a tender heart.
If that tenderness of heart is missing in our relationships with our brothers and sisters, God's work is greatly hindered. For Jesus said, "If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:19). With these words the Lord clearly identified the foundation of prayer: oneness in relationship with each other.
Before going to the cross, Jesus prayed His incredible prayer on our behalf recorded in the Gospel of John. His main petition was ". . . that they all may be one" (John 17:21).
But how is this oneness possible? Will it happen if we all think the same thoughts and, as a result, respond to one another with great kindness, love and understanding? And can we achieve these same thoughts by some deeper-level education that eliminates all differences between us and causes us to live above such things?
You already know the answer.
Humanly speaking, it is impossible. Even in a small local fellowship, the believers come from different family backgrounds and upbringings. All have different personalities, behavior patterns, levels of education and spiritual understanding.
However, one key to love, unity and following the Lord is my willingness to take responsibility for my sin. When my heart is tender before God, I will no longer accuse my brother or sister for my failure.
Instead, I will say, like the prodigal son, "Father, I have sinned." And that attitude will open the way for God to unite us as His people and fulfill His promises. Blaming others became part of our human nature with the fall of man. Imagine this: While Adam and Eve were sinless, they daily walked hand in hand with the Almighty, who dwells in light no man can approach.
But when they sinned, everything changed. God came to Adam and asked, "What on earth have you done?" and Adam answered, "Me? I didn't do it. If You want to know the real problem, it's this woman You gave me."
And when God questioned Eve, she responded, "Well, what can I say? The serpent beguiled me." There will never be unity-and never will rivers of living water begin to flow through our lives-until we come to a place where we take responsibility for our sin.
The thief on the cross experienced this truth in the last minutes of his life when he said, "I deserve this punishment for what I have done." And Jesus immediately responded, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).
Unity only happens when we yield our rights and admit our failures. If we desire the oneness with our brothers and sisters for which Jesus prayed, then keeping a tender heart is not simply an option-it must be our highest priority.
K.P. Yohannan
Dr. K.P. Yohannan
Founder & President of Gospel for Asia
From the www.churchforall.org
Selfishness
The only thing necessary to change heaven into hell -- if God
were to allow it -- is selfishness.
Selfishness is mankind's fundamental defect. Selfish means:
self-centered, self-serving, self-important.
At the root of every problem is selfishness.
JAMES 3:16 TEV
16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also
disorder and every kind of evil.
Every selfish person is potentially your enemy.
All sin is selfish. No one ever sins for someone else -- we do
it for selfish reasons.
Divine love is the opposite of selfishness. Giving is the
opposite of acting selfishly.
We are products of a corrupt culture that teaches selfishness,
so it's not unusual for us to think it's not so bad.
But you must die to selfishness -- or self-destruct. However,
you're unable to change by yourself. You can't change the fruit
without changing the root. That's why you must be born again!
Only by receiving Jesus Christ and letting Him change you
inwardly can you become a truly unselfish person.
No other "religion" teaches putting others first even to the
point of loving your enemies. Only Christianity teaches you can
be totally changed and become a person with a new nature. There
is no cure apart from Jesus!
SAY THIS: Jesus, please cure me of being selfish.
The only thing necessary to change heaven into hell -- if God
were to allow it -- is selfishness.
Selfishness is mankind's fundamental defect. Selfish means:
self-centered, self-serving, self-important.
At the root of every problem is selfishness.
JAMES 3:16 TEV
16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also
disorder and every kind of evil.
Every selfish person is potentially your enemy.
All sin is selfish. No one ever sins for someone else -- we do
it for selfish reasons.
Divine love is the opposite of selfishness. Giving is the
opposite of acting selfishly.
We are products of a corrupt culture that teaches selfishness,
so it's not unusual for us to think it's not so bad.
But you must die to selfishness -- or self-destruct. However,
you're unable to change by yourself. You can't change the fruit
without changing the root. That's why you must be born again!
Only by receiving Jesus Christ and letting Him change you
inwardly can you become a truly unselfish person.
No other "religion" teaches putting others first even to the
point of loving your enemies. Only Christianity teaches you can
be totally changed and become a person with a new nature. There
is no cure apart from Jesus!
SAY THIS: Jesus, please cure me of being selfish.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Basics
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/the-true-test-for-knowing-if-you-are-in-christ-jesus-33581.html
Sunday, August 1, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
God So Loved You
JOHN 3:16 ESV
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that
whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal
life.
God so loved me, (insert your name here), that He gave...
What did God give me?
He gave me His only Son. (John 3:16)
What did God give me?
He gave me the gift of righteousness. (Romans 5:17)
What did God give me?
He gave me eternal life through Jesus my Lord. (Romans 6:23)
What did God give me?
With Jesus He freely gave me all things. (Romans 8:32)
What did God give me?
He gave me victory over sin and death through my Lord Jesus
Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
What did God give me?
He gave me all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2
Peter 1:3)
So I trust in the living God who gives. He gives me richly all
things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)
SAY THIS: God truly loves me, right now.
JOHN 3:16 ESV
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that
whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal
life.
God so loved me, (insert your name here), that He gave...
What did God give me?
He gave me His only Son. (John 3:16)
What did God give me?
He gave me the gift of righteousness. (Romans 5:17)
What did God give me?
He gave me eternal life through Jesus my Lord. (Romans 6:23)
What did God give me?
With Jesus He freely gave me all things. (Romans 8:32)
What did God give me?
He gave me victory over sin and death through my Lord Jesus
Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
What did God give me?
He gave me all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2
Peter 1:3)
So I trust in the living God who gives. He gives me richly all
things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)
SAY THIS: God truly loves me, right now.
Friday, July 30, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
Guard What You Say About Leaders
ACTS 23:5 NLT
5 "I'm sorry, brothers. I didn't realize he was the high
priest," Paul replied, "for the Scriptures say, 'You must not
speak evil of any of your rulers.'"
A major, yet often unrecognized, problem is members of the Body
of Christ using their words to curse leaders. (It is not
necessary to use profanity to curse. Any time anyone speaks
badly of someone the Bible calls it a curse. Jesus cursed the
fig tree by simply saying no one would ever eat fruit from it.)
Don't fall into the devil's trap. Christians have been
delegated authority on Earth by Jesus Christ. When we speak bad
things about people we are abusing that authority which was
given to us to bless, and not to curse.
ROMANS 12:14 NLT
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that
God will bless them.
The world tries to get us to focus on the shortcomings,
weaknesses, and failures of our leaders. Admittedly, all
leaders are human. Not one of them can be expected to be
perfect. This is why it's important for us to pray for them,
and not to joke about them, or say anything bad about them.
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 NLT
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to
help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that
we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and
dignity.
Think about this: you cannot pray in faith for a leader and
also talk badly about them. Such negative speaking would negate
your prayer.
The leaders when the New Testament was written were certainly
not perfect. Yet the New Testament never encourages any
disrespect to those in positions of authority.
ROMANS 13:1 ESV
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For
there is no authority except from God, and those that exist
have been instituted by God.
The spirit of the age is to mock, belittle, and criticize
everyone, but especially those in authority. We must guard
against this trap of our enemy.
You don't have to lie and say anything good about a leader. You
don't have to vote for them. You can just keep quiet.
SAY THIS: I will not speak badly of others, especially those
who are leaders.
ACTS 23:5 NLT
5 "I'm sorry, brothers. I didn't realize he was the high
priest," Paul replied, "for the Scriptures say, 'You must not
speak evil of any of your rulers.'"
A major, yet often unrecognized, problem is members of the Body
of Christ using their words to curse leaders. (It is not
necessary to use profanity to curse. Any time anyone speaks
badly of someone the Bible calls it a curse. Jesus cursed the
fig tree by simply saying no one would ever eat fruit from it.)
Don't fall into the devil's trap. Christians have been
delegated authority on Earth by Jesus Christ. When we speak bad
things about people we are abusing that authority which was
given to us to bless, and not to curse.
ROMANS 12:14 NLT
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that
God will bless them.
The world tries to get us to focus on the shortcomings,
weaknesses, and failures of our leaders. Admittedly, all
leaders are human. Not one of them can be expected to be
perfect. This is why it's important for us to pray for them,
and not to joke about them, or say anything bad about them.
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 NLT
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to
help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that
we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and
dignity.
Think about this: you cannot pray in faith for a leader and
also talk badly about them. Such negative speaking would negate
your prayer.
The leaders when the New Testament was written were certainly
not perfect. Yet the New Testament never encourages any
disrespect to those in positions of authority.
ROMANS 13:1 ESV
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For
there is no authority except from God, and those that exist
have been instituted by God.
The spirit of the age is to mock, belittle, and criticize
everyone, but especially those in authority. We must guard
against this trap of our enemy.
You don't have to lie and say anything good about a leader. You
don't have to vote for them. You can just keep quiet.
SAY THIS: I will not speak badly of others, especially those
who are leaders.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
When To Rejoice
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16 KJV
16 Rejoice evermore.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16 NASB
16 Rejoice always;
If you only rejoice when things are perfect, you may not
rejoice much in this life.
Why miss out on something so pleasant?
ROMANS 12:12 NRSV
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in
prayer.
You can rejoice in hope! That means to rejoice ahead of time.
Why? Because you expect deliverance. You know God's blessing is
coming your way -- because God is faithful. So rejoice now!
PHILIPPIANS 4:4 NIV
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
God never changes. He's always good. Focus on Him and you will
have something to rejoice about.
SAY THIS: I will rejoice in the Lord always.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16 KJV
16 Rejoice evermore.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16 NASB
16 Rejoice always;
If you only rejoice when things are perfect, you may not
rejoice much in this life.
Why miss out on something so pleasant?
ROMANS 12:12 NRSV
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in
prayer.
You can rejoice in hope! That means to rejoice ahead of time.
Why? Because you expect deliverance. You know God's blessing is
coming your way -- because God is faithful. So rejoice now!
PHILIPPIANS 4:4 NIV
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
God never changes. He's always good. Focus on Him and you will
have something to rejoice about.
SAY THIS: I will rejoice in the Lord always.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Jesus' Invitation
REVELATION 3:20 NKJ
20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My
voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with
him, and he with Me.
Most people think this verse is directed to non-believers. Not
so. Jesus was talking to those already in the church.
How sad!
This is the Lord, the Head of the church, speaking to His own
people. "If you will open up to Me, we will enjoy times of
fellowship."
God desires your fellowship. He wants you to spend time with
Him. But He invites -- He never forces.
We enjoy the presence of those who love us, especially when we
also love them. God loves you more than anyone else does. So,
you shouldn't need to be forced, or talked into, spending time
in fellowship with God.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 NIV
9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, is faithful.
God has called you. You must choose whether to answer.
Who would you rather know than God?
Spending time with someone is the way you get to know them. You
begin to know what they like and dislike, and how they think.
When you spend time with the Lord in His Word and prayer, you
get to know Him.
Spending time with someone is the only way to build a
relationship.
SAY THIS: Jesus, I open up the door to You!
REVELATION 3:20 NKJ
20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My
voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with
him, and he with Me.
Most people think this verse is directed to non-believers. Not
so. Jesus was talking to those already in the church.
How sad!
This is the Lord, the Head of the church, speaking to His own
people. "If you will open up to Me, we will enjoy times of
fellowship."
God desires your fellowship. He wants you to spend time with
Him. But He invites -- He never forces.
We enjoy the presence of those who love us, especially when we
also love them. God loves you more than anyone else does. So,
you shouldn't need to be forced, or talked into, spending time
in fellowship with God.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 NIV
9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, is faithful.
God has called you. You must choose whether to answer.
Who would you rather know than God?
Spending time with someone is the way you get to know them. You
begin to know what they like and dislike, and how they think.
When you spend time with the Lord in His Word and prayer, you
get to know Him.
Spending time with someone is the only way to build a
relationship.
SAY THIS: Jesus, I open up the door to You!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
From www.churchforall.org
Speak To Your Mountain
MARK 11:23 NKJ
23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
`Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in
his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to
pass, he will have whatever he says.
"Talk to mountains? Do you think I'm crazy?"
Jesus talked to things, and taught that "whoever" could also
speak to mountains.
A mountain is primarily any obstacle that stands in your way.
Faced with obstacles, most Christians pray to God. But Jesus
told us to speak directly to the obstacle and tell it to be
removed.
There is nothing wrong with discussing things with God. You
should. But when something is blocking your progress -- Jesus
said YOU should tell it to get out of the way.
Most Christians just speak to God about the mountain, instead
of following Jesus' directions and speaking directly to the
mountain.
Are you just talking to God about the problems in your life,
instead of talking directly to the problems and telling them to
be removed?
MATTHEW 17:20 NKJ
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and
it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
According to Jesus, unbelief keeps us from speaking to our
mountains.
What is the mountain in your life? What stands in the way of
your progress? What holds you back from going forward and
fulfilling God's plan?
Speak God's Word to that mountain!
Speak to the devil and his forces and tell them to get out of
your affairs.
Speak to sickness and tell it that it can't stay in your body.
Speak to debt and financial lack and tell them to be removed
from your life.
Speak to doubt, fear, and worry and tell them to be gone.
If you say, "I just can't believe it would do any good for me
to talk to problems," that's why you still have them.
Read what Jesus said again, and again.
SAY THIS: I will speak to the mountains that try to hold me
back.
MARK 11:23 NKJ
23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
`Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in
his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to
pass, he will have whatever he says.
"Talk to mountains? Do you think I'm crazy?"
Jesus talked to things, and taught that "whoever" could also
speak to mountains.
A mountain is primarily any obstacle that stands in your way.
Faced with obstacles, most Christians pray to God. But Jesus
told us to speak directly to the obstacle and tell it to be
removed.
There is nothing wrong with discussing things with God. You
should. But when something is blocking your progress -- Jesus
said YOU should tell it to get out of the way.
Most Christians just speak to God about the mountain, instead
of following Jesus' directions and speaking directly to the
mountain.
Are you just talking to God about the problems in your life,
instead of talking directly to the problems and telling them to
be removed?
MATTHEW 17:20 NKJ
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and
it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
According to Jesus, unbelief keeps us from speaking to our
mountains.
What is the mountain in your life? What stands in the way of
your progress? What holds you back from going forward and
fulfilling God's plan?
Speak God's Word to that mountain!
Speak to the devil and his forces and tell them to get out of
your affairs.
Speak to sickness and tell it that it can't stay in your body.
Speak to debt and financial lack and tell them to be removed
from your life.
Speak to doubt, fear, and worry and tell them to be gone.
If you say, "I just can't believe it would do any good for me
to talk to problems," that's why you still have them.
Read what Jesus said again, and again.
SAY THIS: I will speak to the mountains that try to hold me
back.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Focus On Jesus
True Christianity is not a religion based on rules and rituals,
but a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Many people reduce Christianity down to attending church
meetings and trying not to commit a list of certain sins.
But being a Christian is being united with Jesus, a member of
His body, with His life in your heart.
Jesus should be your focus -- not religious activity -- but the
person of Jesus, the Lord and Christ.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 NIV
9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Church meetings, Bible reading, etc. can be good, but should
not be allowed to become an end in themselves. They are tools
to help us know Jesus and walk more closely with Him.
The Bible says we are to be faithful; but faithful to what: a
religious system, an organization -- or, a Person? Are you
serving Jesus -- or serving something else as His substitute?
The focus of your life should be to please Jesus.
COLOSSIANS 1:18 NRSV
18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have
first place in everything.
Does Jesus have first place in your life? In your schedule? If
not, why not?
In everything, Jesus should be central.
SAY THIS: I will keep my focus on Jesus Christ.
True Christianity is not a religion based on rules and rituals,
but a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Many people reduce Christianity down to attending church
meetings and trying not to commit a list of certain sins.
But being a Christian is being united with Jesus, a member of
His body, with His life in your heart.
Jesus should be your focus -- not religious activity -- but the
person of Jesus, the Lord and Christ.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 NIV
9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Church meetings, Bible reading, etc. can be good, but should
not be allowed to become an end in themselves. They are tools
to help us know Jesus and walk more closely with Him.
The Bible says we are to be faithful; but faithful to what: a
religious system, an organization -- or, a Person? Are you
serving Jesus -- or serving something else as His substitute?
The focus of your life should be to please Jesus.
COLOSSIANS 1:18 NRSV
18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have
first place in everything.
Does Jesus have first place in your life? In your schedule? If
not, why not?
In everything, Jesus should be central.
SAY THIS: I will keep my focus on Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
You Can Cast Out Demons
MARK 16:17 NKJ
17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name
they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
A demon is a member of the devil's forces. Any Christian can
cast out demons, because all believers have authority over
demons in Jesus' Name.
PHILIPPIANS 2:10 NKJ
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in
heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
All believers have the delegated authority to use the Name of
Jesus -- at which every knee shall bow in submission.
Demons operate through fear. But you don't have to be afraid,
because Jesus is backing you up. So, when you command demons to
leave in the Name of Jesus, they must obey you.
Don't limit this to casting out demons from "demon-possessed"
people. If there is demonic activity in any area of life
affecting you, use your authority in Christ and throw the
demons out in Jesus' Name. Command them to cease their
activities and stop their operations against you.
How do you know if something is demonic? If it steals, kills,
or destroys -- it certainly is not of God! (See John 10:10.)
JAMES 4:7 NKJ
7 . . . Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
EPHESIANS 4:27 NKJ
27 nor give place to the devil.
The Bible tells you to not give any place to the devil, and to
resist him, so it is obvious you can do so. If the devil, or
his forces, have a place in your life, it means you allowed it.
SAY THIS: I can cast out demons, in Jesus' Name.
MARK 16:17 NKJ
17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name
they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
A demon is a member of the devil's forces. Any Christian can
cast out demons, because all believers have authority over
demons in Jesus' Name.
PHILIPPIANS 2:10 NKJ
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in
heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
All believers have the delegated authority to use the Name of
Jesus -- at which every knee shall bow in submission.
Demons operate through fear. But you don't have to be afraid,
because Jesus is backing you up. So, when you command demons to
leave in the Name of Jesus, they must obey you.
Don't limit this to casting out demons from "demon-possessed"
people. If there is demonic activity in any area of life
affecting you, use your authority in Christ and throw the
demons out in Jesus' Name. Command them to cease their
activities and stop their operations against you.
How do you know if something is demonic? If it steals, kills,
or destroys -- it certainly is not of God! (See John 10:10.)
JAMES 4:7 NKJ
7 . . . Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
EPHESIANS 4:27 NKJ
27 nor give place to the devil.
The Bible tells you to not give any place to the devil, and to
resist him, so it is obvious you can do so. If the devil, or
his forces, have a place in your life, it means you allowed it.
SAY THIS: I can cast out demons, in Jesus' Name.
From www.gfa.org
Welcoming Jesus
I stood one day at a busy Bombay street corner, waiting for the light to change, and I heard the voice of a young girl behind me.
"Sir," she said, "my father is dead. My mother is sick and can't beg anymore. I have a little brother, and he is very hungry. Would you please give me a few pennies so I can buy him some bread?"
Her words pierced my heart.
The light turned green. The crowd around me surged forward across the street, but I turned around to see who was speaking to me.
There she stood in rags, dirt under her fingernails and dust and sweat mingled on her face-one of the most beautiful little girls I had ever seen. Her big brown eyes were set in a small round face, and thick black hair fell the length of her body.
I dug into my pockets for all the change I could give her, and then I walked away weeping. The Lord spoke to my heart just then: "What do you think about that little beggar girl you just met?" He asked. "Is her life as dear to you as your own daughter's?"
The Lord stopped me in my tracks that day in Bombay, and He taught me how precious children are to His heart.
How Do We Respond?
If we desire that God not only bless our lives but make us a blessing to others as well, our hearts must remain open to what concerns Him: the spiritually lost, the downtrodden of society, the poor and needy.
Today we are face to face with the child laborers of Asia, the street children roaming the cities, the tsunami orphans, the boys and girls who go hungry every night. How do we respond to these children who have been cast aside by society, trampled underfoot, ignored and traumatized?
Their need is staggering, beyond our scope of comprehension. Our resources are abundant and overflowing. We often sense the urge to take action simply out of obligation.
But Jesus plainly tells us that our response should begin with Him: "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me" (Mark 9:37). In essence, He says, "Reach out to these boys and girls, make room for them in your hearts, care for them and embrace them. Welcome them as if you were welcoming Me."
Do you see how this changes our whole perspective? Now our prayers and gifts on behalf of these children become our highest privilege, for when we welcome these children, we gladly welcome Jesus Himself into our hearts and homes.
A Joyful Surprise
But this is only the beginning. This guiding principle is at the very core of our Bridge of Hope program. As we educate thousands of Dalit, low-caste and displaced children, we care for them as we would Jesus Himself. And in the process, we have been joyfully surprised.
As these boys and girls hear about Jesus and at the same time experience His love and compassion in a tangible way, they are finding Him as Lord and Savior. Parents wonder at the changes in their children's behavior. Community leaders marvel to see literacy rates rise. Families and villages are impacted with the Gospel.
Where GFA missionaries were previously opposed, persecuted or run out of town, they are now gladly trusted and accepted. Gospel workers are seeing the Good News spread more quickly than they ever expected in areas completely devoid of any Christian witness. Flourishing churches with 100 or more members have sprung up in about a year, instead of the three or four years it would normally take to attain this growth in unreached communities.
God never despises small beginnings, and He will never walk away from a little child. When we share His heart and minister to these little ones, we make a twofold discovery: In welcoming Jesus and making it our privilege to touch the lives of children with His love, we also join with Him as He opens a way for the Gospel into villages and hearts once staunchly resistant. Thus, our highest privilege is also the answer to their deepest need-and it becomes our joy to share in the eternal fruit that results.
To learn more about GFA Bridge of Hope, or to sponsor a child, visit www.gfa.org/bridgeofhope.
K.P. Yohannan
Dr. K.P. Yohannan
Founder & President of Gospel for Asia
About K.P. Yohannan
SEND! Magazine
I stood one day at a busy Bombay street corner, waiting for the light to change, and I heard the voice of a young girl behind me.
"Sir," she said, "my father is dead. My mother is sick and can't beg anymore. I have a little brother, and he is very hungry. Would you please give me a few pennies so I can buy him some bread?"
Her words pierced my heart.
The light turned green. The crowd around me surged forward across the street, but I turned around to see who was speaking to me.
There she stood in rags, dirt under her fingernails and dust and sweat mingled on her face-one of the most beautiful little girls I had ever seen. Her big brown eyes were set in a small round face, and thick black hair fell the length of her body.
I dug into my pockets for all the change I could give her, and then I walked away weeping. The Lord spoke to my heart just then: "What do you think about that little beggar girl you just met?" He asked. "Is her life as dear to you as your own daughter's?"
The Lord stopped me in my tracks that day in Bombay, and He taught me how precious children are to His heart.
How Do We Respond?
If we desire that God not only bless our lives but make us a blessing to others as well, our hearts must remain open to what concerns Him: the spiritually lost, the downtrodden of society, the poor and needy.
Today we are face to face with the child laborers of Asia, the street children roaming the cities, the tsunami orphans, the boys and girls who go hungry every night. How do we respond to these children who have been cast aside by society, trampled underfoot, ignored and traumatized?
Their need is staggering, beyond our scope of comprehension. Our resources are abundant and overflowing. We often sense the urge to take action simply out of obligation.
But Jesus plainly tells us that our response should begin with Him: "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me" (Mark 9:37). In essence, He says, "Reach out to these boys and girls, make room for them in your hearts, care for them and embrace them. Welcome them as if you were welcoming Me."
Do you see how this changes our whole perspective? Now our prayers and gifts on behalf of these children become our highest privilege, for when we welcome these children, we gladly welcome Jesus Himself into our hearts and homes.
A Joyful Surprise
But this is only the beginning. This guiding principle is at the very core of our Bridge of Hope program. As we educate thousands of Dalit, low-caste and displaced children, we care for them as we would Jesus Himself. And in the process, we have been joyfully surprised.
As these boys and girls hear about Jesus and at the same time experience His love and compassion in a tangible way, they are finding Him as Lord and Savior. Parents wonder at the changes in their children's behavior. Community leaders marvel to see literacy rates rise. Families and villages are impacted with the Gospel.
Where GFA missionaries were previously opposed, persecuted or run out of town, they are now gladly trusted and accepted. Gospel workers are seeing the Good News spread more quickly than they ever expected in areas completely devoid of any Christian witness. Flourishing churches with 100 or more members have sprung up in about a year, instead of the three or four years it would normally take to attain this growth in unreached communities.
God never despises small beginnings, and He will never walk away from a little child. When we share His heart and minister to these little ones, we make a twofold discovery: In welcoming Jesus and making it our privilege to touch the lives of children with His love, we also join with Him as He opens a way for the Gospel into villages and hearts once staunchly resistant. Thus, our highest privilege is also the answer to their deepest need-and it becomes our joy to share in the eternal fruit that results.
To learn more about GFA Bridge of Hope, or to sponsor a child, visit www.gfa.org/bridgeofhope.
K.P. Yohannan
Dr. K.P. Yohannan
Founder & President of Gospel for Asia
About K.P. Yohannan
SEND! Magazine
Monday, July 19, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
You Have Authority Over The devil
LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing
shall by any means hurt you.
Jesus defeated the devil for you. According to Matthew 28:18,
all authority on Earth now belongs to Jesus. As His earthly
representatives, Jesus has delegated His authority to us in
certain ways.
MARK 16:17 NKJ
17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name
they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
All believers have authority to use the Name of Jesus Christ.
In Jesus' Name, or authority, we can cast out the devil and all
his forces.
PHILIPPIANS 2:10 NKJ
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in
heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
After Jesus' resurrection, Scripture clearly puts
responsibility on the believer to exercise the delegated
authority of Jesus to resist the devil, and all his works.
EPHESIANS 4:27 NKJ
27 nor give place to the devil.
JAMES 4:7 NKJ
7 ...submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1 PETER 5:8-9 NKJ
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks
about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith,....
You can resist the devil and not allow him any place in your
life, because you have authority over the devil.
SAY THIS: In Christ, I have authority over the devil, all his
forces, and all his works.
LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing
shall by any means hurt you.
Jesus defeated the devil for you. According to Matthew 28:18,
all authority on Earth now belongs to Jesus. As His earthly
representatives, Jesus has delegated His authority to us in
certain ways.
MARK 16:17 NKJ
17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name
they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
All believers have authority to use the Name of Jesus Christ.
In Jesus' Name, or authority, we can cast out the devil and all
his forces.
PHILIPPIANS 2:10 NKJ
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in
heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
After Jesus' resurrection, Scripture clearly puts
responsibility on the believer to exercise the delegated
authority of Jesus to resist the devil, and all his works.
EPHESIANS 4:27 NKJ
27 nor give place to the devil.
JAMES 4:7 NKJ
7 ...submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1 PETER 5:8-9 NKJ
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks
about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith,....
You can resist the devil and not allow him any place in your
life, because you have authority over the devil.
SAY THIS: In Christ, I have authority over the devil, all his
forces, and all his works.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
From Evangelist Reinhard Boonke via facebook
Christ was born FOR US. He lived FOR US. He died FOR US. He rose FOR US. He ascended to God FOR US. He is coming back FOR US. Christ Jesus came into the world to identify with us. Through the Gospel, we come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ the Son of God. Can you say Amen to that? The Gospel is power. REINHARD BONNKE
The Gospel of God is not tradition. Jesus said in Mark 7:8, “You have let go the commands of God and are holding onto the traditions of men.” If you ask, you will probably be told that people believe this or that because people always have—they are centuries old traditions. But they may be ancient deceptions. A very old religion isn’t right because it is old. Age doesn’t prove it is right. Time does not turn a lie into truth. Forgers made fakes a 1000 years ago, but they are still fakes. Wrong stays wrong - forever. Yet old lies are easy to believe. The Gospel is also old, but because it was true in the beginning it remains true today! Do you agree? REINHARD BONNKE
Please tell your friends in church about my FB Page. They will be thrilled.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/evangelist-reinhard-bonnke-official-page/for-us/411793277269
The Gospel of God is not tradition. Jesus said in Mark 7:8, “You have let go the commands of God and are holding onto the traditions of men.” If you ask, you will probably be told that people believe this or that because people always have—they are centuries old traditions. But they may be ancient deceptions. A very old religion isn’t right because it is old. Age doesn’t prove it is right. Time does not turn a lie into truth. Forgers made fakes a 1000 years ago, but they are still fakes. Wrong stays wrong - forever. Yet old lies are easy to believe. The Gospel is also old, but because it was true in the beginning it remains true today! Do you agree? REINHARD BONNKE
Please tell your friends in church about my FB Page. They will be thrilled.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/evangelist-reinhard-bonnke-official-page/for-us/411793277269
Friday, July 16, 2010
a link to a written sermon of a friend
http://www.dominiongraceministries.com/sermons/The%20Truth%20about%20Divine%20Healing.html
a case in point - refer to link
A case in point.
http://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/thieves-and-robbers/
http://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/thieves-and-robbers/
I recomend the one from 7/14 Remember The Gentleness Of The Lord
7/14 Remember The Gentleness Of The Lord
You have to select that one from the menu.
http://www.osborn.org/site/sections/1664
Be well!
You have to select that one from the menu.
http://www.osborn.org/site/sections/1664
Be well!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Spiritual power
The text here below comes via facebook from evangelist REINHARD BONNKE
The power of the Holy Spirit cannot be worked up
9 July 2010 at 22:55
Being filled with the Spirit doesn’t mean being super holy, and it does not mean you have to spend years becoming very holy and fit for God’s Spirit. If you are weak then you are fit – because the power of God is for the weak. His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9).
You need the fullness of the Holy Spirit. If you are saved, born again, and washed in the blood of Jesus, you have everything that makes you fit to be filled with the Spirit. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. Do not be misled: “All” does not mean “some,” but every bit, every smear, and every dirty mark, leaving our robes glistening pure and white. We are righteous in Christ, and you can never be more righteous, more sanctified, or more holy than that. In Christ we stand complete and ready.
The power of the Spirit cannot be worked up, pulled down, manufactured, or generated by hard work and much praying. The Holy Spirit does not wait till you sweat before giving you his power. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you ... Everyone who asks receives” (Mt 7:7-8). Nothing could be simpler!
God only has gifts. He has nothing for sale. He has no bargains, and you can forget all about negotiation, haggling, and compromise agreements. He is absolutely unilateral, one-sided; he just gives, and we can only do one thing – receive. He wants nothing from us by way of payment. This God is our God. Be blessed. REINHARD BONNKE
The power of the Holy Spirit cannot be worked up
9 July 2010 at 22:55
Being filled with the Spirit doesn’t mean being super holy, and it does not mean you have to spend years becoming very holy and fit for God’s Spirit. If you are weak then you are fit – because the power of God is for the weak. His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9).
You need the fullness of the Holy Spirit. If you are saved, born again, and washed in the blood of Jesus, you have everything that makes you fit to be filled with the Spirit. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. Do not be misled: “All” does not mean “some,” but every bit, every smear, and every dirty mark, leaving our robes glistening pure and white. We are righteous in Christ, and you can never be more righteous, more sanctified, or more holy than that. In Christ we stand complete and ready.
The power of the Spirit cannot be worked up, pulled down, manufactured, or generated by hard work and much praying. The Holy Spirit does not wait till you sweat before giving you his power. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you ... Everyone who asks receives” (Mt 7:7-8). Nothing could be simpler!
God only has gifts. He has nothing for sale. He has no bargains, and you can forget all about negotiation, haggling, and compromise agreements. He is absolutely unilateral, one-sided; he just gives, and we can only do one thing – receive. He wants nothing from us by way of payment. This God is our God. Be blessed. REINHARD BONNKE
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
Make Friends Of Enemies
PROVERBS 25:21-22 LB
21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food! If he is thirsty,
give him something to drink! This will make him feel ashamed of
himself, and God will reward you.
Why would anyone want to be an enemy of someone who treated
them well?
Your actions should cause your enemy to reconsider being your
enemy.
When you treat your enemies well, not only do you have a good
chance of making them friends, but also God will reward you.
ROMANS 12:19-21 LB
19 Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God,
for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. [Don't
take the law into your own hands.]
20 Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty
give him something to drink and you will be "heaping coals of
fire on his head." In other words, he will feel ashamed of
himself for what he has done to you.
21 Don't let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing
good.
The way to turn an enemy into a friend is to treat them in a
friendly manner.
This is God's plan. It should be your plan, too.
PROVERBS 25:21-22 LB
21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food! If he is thirsty,
give him something to drink! This will make him feel ashamed of
himself, and God will reward you.
Why would anyone want to be an enemy of someone who treated
them well?
Your actions should cause your enemy to reconsider being your
enemy.
When you treat your enemies well, not only do you have a good
chance of making them friends, but also God will reward you.
ROMANS 12:19-21 LB
19 Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God,
for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. [Don't
take the law into your own hands.]
20 Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty
give him something to drink and you will be "heaping coals of
fire on his head." In other words, he will feel ashamed of
himself for what he has done to you.
21 Don't let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing
good.
The way to turn an enemy into a friend is to treat them in a
friendly manner.
This is God's plan. It should be your plan, too.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
A good prayer - video link
http://www.higherpraisetube.com/video/748/AA-Allen-How-To-Have-Power-Over-The-Devil-2
Monday, July 5, 2010
From the book God's generals put together by Robert Liardon p. 23
Regarding John Alexander Dowie...
"While in Edinburgh, Dowie became the "honorary chaplain" of the Edinburgh Infirmary. It was there that he had the unique opportunity to sit under the famous surgeons of his day, comparing their diagnoses with the Word of God. But as patients lay helplessly under chloroform, Dowie heard these surgeons lecture on their medical inadequacies. It wa then that he realized these surgeons could not heal, and that they could only resort to removing the diseased organs, hoping for a cure. He wathced many surgeries end with deadly results. As he heard from the lips of these medical professors the confession that they were only guessing in the dark, and witnessed their experiments, Dowie developed a strong antipathy to surgery and medicine.....
Many today still accuse Dowie of condemning the medical field. But I want to point out htat in his time, the medical practice was very primative. And he was one of the privileged few who saw behind the scenes. He witnessed how the physicians of his day offered great hope to patients, but confessed in private that they knew nothing. He saw poor victims paying untold amounts of money in the hope for a cure, while receiving the worst of results. He despised falsehood, so, he searched for an answer. And when he began to publicly come against their deceiving methods, his accusations proved true."
"While in Edinburgh, Dowie became the "honorary chaplain" of the Edinburgh Infirmary. It was there that he had the unique opportunity to sit under the famous surgeons of his day, comparing their diagnoses with the Word of God. But as patients lay helplessly under chloroform, Dowie heard these surgeons lecture on their medical inadequacies. It wa then that he realized these surgeons could not heal, and that they could only resort to removing the diseased organs, hoping for a cure. He wathced many surgeries end with deadly results. As he heard from the lips of these medical professors the confession that they were only guessing in the dark, and witnessed their experiments, Dowie developed a strong antipathy to surgery and medicine.....
Many today still accuse Dowie of condemning the medical field. But I want to point out htat in his time, the medical practice was very primative. And he was one of the privileged few who saw behind the scenes. He witnessed how the physicians of his day offered great hope to patients, but confessed in private that they knew nothing. He saw poor victims paying untold amounts of money in the hope for a cure, while receiving the worst of results. He despised falsehood, so, he searched for an answer. And when he began to publicly come against their deceiving methods, his accusations proved true."
we trust God for He is good and His mercies endure forewer.....following post from www.churchforall.org
According To Your Faith
MATTHEW 9:29 NKJ
29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith
let it be to you."
God responds to faith.
God blesses people who have faith.
Don't you appreciate people who have faith in you? Well, God
appreciates people who have faith in Him.
But His reason is not just selfish -- as ours may be. God knows
His ways are right and bring blessing, while protecting people
from harm. So, when we have faith in God, we will follow His
instructions, and the world will be a better place.
When everyone has faith in God, and follows His way of love,
the world will be a perfect place.
Many people don't understand God because they think He should
respond to need, instead of responding to faith.
God doesn't do that because it doesn't work. Meeting human need
without them having faith in God brings no lasting benefit.
MATTHEW 8:13 NKJ
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you
have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was
healed that same hour.
SAY THIS: God responds to my faith.
MATTHEW 9:29 NKJ
29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith
let it be to you."
God responds to faith.
God blesses people who have faith.
Don't you appreciate people who have faith in you? Well, God
appreciates people who have faith in Him.
But His reason is not just selfish -- as ours may be. God knows
His ways are right and bring blessing, while protecting people
from harm. So, when we have faith in God, we will follow His
instructions, and the world will be a better place.
When everyone has faith in God, and follows His way of love,
the world will be a perfect place.
Many people don't understand God because they think He should
respond to need, instead of responding to faith.
God doesn't do that because it doesn't work. Meeting human need
without them having faith in God brings no lasting benefit.
MATTHEW 8:13 NKJ
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you
have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was
healed that same hour.
SAY THIS: God responds to my faith.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
Accept God's Acceptance
God accepts you, because of what Jesus did as your substitute,
and because He loves you.
EPHESIANS 1:6 NKJ
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made
us accepted in the Beloved.
All barriers between you and God were broken down by Jesus
Christ. God forgave you, and offers cleansing from all the sin
you ever committed.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-21 NLT
18 All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to
himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task
of reconciling people to him.
19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no
longer counting people's sins against them. This is the
wonderful message he has given us to tell others.
20 We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to
you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading
with you, "Be reconciled to God!"
21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering
for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through
Christ.
God's intention is to have a family -- a loving family. He
wants you to be a part of it.
ROMANS 15:7 NCV
7 Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which
will bring glory to God.
SAY THIS: I accept that God has forgiven me and accepted me
into His family.
God accepts you, because of what Jesus did as your substitute,
and because He loves you.
EPHESIANS 1:6 NKJ
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made
us accepted in the Beloved.
All barriers between you and God were broken down by Jesus
Christ. God forgave you, and offers cleansing from all the sin
you ever committed.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-21 NLT
18 All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to
himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task
of reconciling people to him.
19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no
longer counting people's sins against them. This is the
wonderful message he has given us to tell others.
20 We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to
you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading
with you, "Be reconciled to God!"
21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering
for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through
Christ.
God's intention is to have a family -- a loving family. He
wants you to be a part of it.
ROMANS 15:7 NCV
7 Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which
will bring glory to God.
SAY THIS: I accept that God has forgiven me and accepted me
into His family.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
Be A Minister
2 CORINTHIANS 3:5-6 NIV
5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for
ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant --
not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but
the Spirit gives life.
A minister's job is turning people to God.
No one has to appoint you, ordain you, or give you credentials
to make you a minister.
A minister is one who serves -- serves God, and people, by
turning people to God so they can receive help.
Being a minister does not require you to have a title such as
pastor, bishop, or priest.
While it is true that God does call some to special places of
ministry, it is a mistake to think that we all cannot, or
should not, minister.
A minister is a middle-man like a real estate agent. A person
can find out about God on their own with a Bible, just like
someone can buy a house directly, but it is easier and faster
to have a more experienced person who knows the territory help
you.
Someone who helps another is a minister. You can do that.
SAY THIS: God made me able to minister -- to help someone.
2 CORINTHIANS 3:5-6 NIV
5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for
ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant --
not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but
the Spirit gives life.
A minister's job is turning people to God.
No one has to appoint you, ordain you, or give you credentials
to make you a minister.
A minister is one who serves -- serves God, and people, by
turning people to God so they can receive help.
Being a minister does not require you to have a title such as
pastor, bishop, or priest.
While it is true that God does call some to special places of
ministry, it is a mistake to think that we all cannot, or
should not, minister.
A minister is a middle-man like a real estate agent. A person
can find out about God on their own with a Bible, just like
someone can buy a house directly, but it is easier and faster
to have a more experienced person who knows the territory help
you.
Someone who helps another is a minister. You can do that.
SAY THIS: God made me able to minister -- to help someone.
Friday, July 2, 2010
ON the previous post!
Dear reader I want to put a note on the previous book. The life of Jesus is not a self help thing. To receive his blessing you die to self and the world and live for Him by the faith God has given you as He has called you. Then as you are in Him and live by His spirit for His purposes His promises are YES and AMEN to you.
You are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ. In Christ Jesus you have fulfilled the law. Let its blessings overtake you and more as you have a better covenant.
In Him by His spirit you are enabled to love. For God is love and perfect love. Perfect love casts out all fear. That is rest. God created all things and rested. He has now given us an opportunity to enter that rest - which is the faith given by Him.
The Christian LIFE begins with ONE BIG IT IS FINISHED.You can't help yourself - if you think you can you are not seeing straight - that is why you need the Savior. Now God has told us by the apostles that He is not counting our trespasses against us as we trust in Jesus and what He has done for us in taking on Himself, sin (lacking God/Life, missing the mark, evil doings (for anything without God is no good), sickness/injuries/infirmities, and punishment. Christ Jesus is the ark.
The world is dying - men are born into death and a dying world. BUT God has provided Himself as the Way that we may die for Him and with Him to sin and the world so that we may by His spirit be made a life and life to blossom for and with life.
He is the root and the wine - we are the branches. Without Him nothing good is possible. With Him all things are possible. GOOD is so much better than people often think it is - do not settle for anything but Jesus. Trust Him.
You are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ. In Christ Jesus you have fulfilled the law. Let its blessings overtake you and more as you have a better covenant.
In Him by His spirit you are enabled to love. For God is love and perfect love. Perfect love casts out all fear. That is rest. God created all things and rested. He has now given us an opportunity to enter that rest - which is the faith given by Him.
The Christian LIFE begins with ONE BIG IT IS FINISHED.You can't help yourself - if you think you can you are not seeing straight - that is why you need the Savior. Now God has told us by the apostles that He is not counting our trespasses against us as we trust in Jesus and what He has done for us in taking on Himself, sin (lacking God/Life, missing the mark, evil doings (for anything without God is no good), sickness/injuries/infirmities, and punishment. Christ Jesus is the ark.
The world is dying - men are born into death and a dying world. BUT God has provided Himself as the Way that we may die for Him and with Him to sin and the world so that we may by His spirit be made a life and life to blossom for and with life.
He is the root and the wine - we are the branches. Without Him nothing good is possible. With Him all things are possible. GOOD is so much better than people often think it is - do not settle for anything but Jesus. Trust Him.
from the www.churchforall.org
All The Promises Of God
2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 NCV
20 The yes to all of God's promises is in Christ, and through
Christ we say yes to the glory of God.
Although the entire Bible is a message to us today, not all of
it is written directly to us.
The New Testament epistles are written directly to us who are
in the church, the Body of Christ, which includes all
believers.
We do need to rightly divide the Bible, but since all the
promises of God are yes in Christ -- they find their
fulfillment in Him -- we can take any promise of blessing in
the entire Bible and appropriate it by faith.
God has blessed us with every blessing in Christ!
EPHESIANS 1:3 NKJ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places in Christ,
Every promise in the Bible is not directed to us specifically.
But, by faith in Jesus Christ, we can appropriate every
blessing God has to offer.
When we do receive the promised blessings of God's Word, it
brings glory to God.
All this is not automatic. You have to actively receive. But
the main "activity" involved with receiving blessing from God
is believing. To truly believe you need evidence. That's why
you need to read and study the Bible.
SAY THIS: Every Bible promise of blessing is mine in Christ.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 NCV
20 The yes to all of God's promises is in Christ, and through
Christ we say yes to the glory of God.
Although the entire Bible is a message to us today, not all of
it is written directly to us.
The New Testament epistles are written directly to us who are
in the church, the Body of Christ, which includes all
believers.
We do need to rightly divide the Bible, but since all the
promises of God are yes in Christ -- they find their
fulfillment in Him -- we can take any promise of blessing in
the entire Bible and appropriate it by faith.
God has blessed us with every blessing in Christ!
EPHESIANS 1:3 NKJ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places in Christ,
Every promise in the Bible is not directed to us specifically.
But, by faith in Jesus Christ, we can appropriate every
blessing God has to offer.
When we do receive the promised blessings of God's Word, it
brings glory to God.
All this is not automatic. You have to actively receive. But
the main "activity" involved with receiving blessing from God
is believing. To truly believe you need evidence. That's why
you need to read and study the Bible.
SAY THIS: Every Bible promise of blessing is mine in Christ.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
from the church for all www.churchforall.org
Surrounded By Favor
PSALM 5:12 NIV
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround
them with your favor as with a shield.
God's favor can change your life.
Someone who is favored is called a favor-ite.
(The New Testament teaches that being righteous (in right
standing with God), is a gift we receive when we receive Jesus
-- not something we attain by our works.)
So, the promise of Scripture is that God surrounds you with
favor. What does that mean?
Favor is the blessing of God making people like you and treat
you well.
Is it automatic? We have access to God's grace only through
faith (Romans 5:2). So, you will never experience the fullness
of God's favor without believing for it.
Faith is released through words. So every day thank the Lord
for giving you favor with people, for surrounding you with
favor!
Don't say, "People don't like me." or "Everybody seems to be
against me." or "I never get a break."
Instead say, "Thank you Lord for giving me favor with people."
Then watch God begin to move on your behalf!
SAY THIS: Thank you Lord for surrounding me with favor.
PSALM 5:12 NIV
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround
them with your favor as with a shield.
God's favor can change your life.
Someone who is favored is called a favor-ite.
(The New Testament teaches that being righteous (in right
standing with God), is a gift we receive when we receive Jesus
-- not something we attain by our works.)
So, the promise of Scripture is that God surrounds you with
favor. What does that mean?
Favor is the blessing of God making people like you and treat
you well.
Is it automatic? We have access to God's grace only through
faith (Romans 5:2). So, you will never experience the fullness
of God's favor without believing for it.
Faith is released through words. So every day thank the Lord
for giving you favor with people, for surrounding you with
favor!
Don't say, "People don't like me." or "Everybody seems to be
against me." or "I never get a break."
Instead say, "Thank you Lord for giving me favor with people."
Then watch God begin to move on your behalf!
SAY THIS: Thank you Lord for surrounding me with favor.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
Why Are There Delays?
JAMES 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials
of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always
experience the blessings promised in the Bible immediately?
If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith.
Without faith, we could never please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the
incentive to do right and refrain from wrongdoing would only be
selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required.
During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we
really love God, and trust Him, or not.
A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward.
God does not test us so that we can fail, but so that we can
overcome. He believes we will make it with His help.
We desire an instant manifestation of victory. God's desire is
for us to press into Him and His Word and walk in faith until
we see victory.
To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot
always shield us from problems without taking away from us the
privilege of overcoming.
Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.
If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with
God. His timing is perfect and He is dependable! We know He
promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough.
SAY THIS: I will persevere in faith, and the Bible says I will
end up not lacking anything.
JAMES 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials
of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always
experience the blessings promised in the Bible immediately?
If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith.
Without faith, we could never please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the
incentive to do right and refrain from wrongdoing would only be
selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required.
During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we
really love God, and trust Him, or not.
A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward.
God does not test us so that we can fail, but so that we can
overcome. He believes we will make it with His help.
We desire an instant manifestation of victory. God's desire is
for us to press into Him and His Word and walk in faith until
we see victory.
To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot
always shield us from problems without taking away from us the
privilege of overcoming.
Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.
If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with
God. His timing is perfect and He is dependable! We know He
promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough.
SAY THIS: I will persevere in faith, and the Bible says I will
end up not lacking anything.
from the www.churchforall.org
Why Are There Delays?
JAMES 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials
of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always
experience the blessings promised in the Bible immediately?
If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith.
Without faith, we could never please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the
incentive to do right and refrain from wrongdoing would only be
selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required.
During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we
really love God, and trust Him, or not.
A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward.
God does not test us so that we can fail, but so that we can
overcome. He believes we will make it with His help.
We desire an instant manifestation of victory. God's desire is
for us to press into Him and His Word and walk in faith until
we see victory.
To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot
always shield us from problems without taking away from us the
privilege of overcoming.
Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.
If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with
God. His timing is perfect and He is dependable! We know He
promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough.
SAY THIS: I will persevere in faith, and the Bible says I will
end up not lacking anything.
JAMES 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials
of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always
experience the blessings promised in the Bible immediately?
If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith.
Without faith, we could never please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the
incentive to do right and refrain from wrongdoing would only be
selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required.
During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we
really love God, and trust Him, or not.
A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward.
God does not test us so that we can fail, but so that we can
overcome. He believes we will make it with His help.
We desire an instant manifestation of victory. God's desire is
for us to press into Him and His Word and walk in faith until
we see victory.
To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot
always shield us from problems without taking away from us the
privilege of overcoming.
Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.
If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with
God. His timing is perfect and He is dependable! We know He
promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough.
SAY THIS: I will persevere in faith, and the Bible says I will
end up not lacking anything.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Dead to sin a life to be in the right relationship to God
From the www.churchforall.org
Beware Of Pride
PROVERBS 16:18 NIV
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a
fall.
Pride is deadly. But instead of warning us the world encourages
pride in every way.
What is pride?
Pride is faith in yourself, instead of faith in God.
The root of pride is selfishness: putting yourself first.
Thinking you are the most important. Thinking you know the
most. Thinking you deserve better than someone else.
Pride will cause you to go your own way instead of God's way.
Pride makes you think you do not need God's advice or help.
Pride is the root of all sin. It causes you to turn away from
God instead of turning to Him. All disobedience has pride as
its root. All rebellion has pride behind it. All mistreatment
of other people is caused by pride: putting yourself and your
feelings above the other person and their feelings.
The world system promotes people who are proud, and often gives
them great riches. Jesus said pride is evil and defiles a
person. (Mark 7:21-23)
While the world may promote the proud for a short time, their
fame and success will not last.
JAMES 4:6 NKJ
6 . . . "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Pride is the most serious, and the most subtle, sin. It often
goes unrecognized.
Beware!
SAY THIS: Lord, help me to beware of pride.
Beware Of Pride
PROVERBS 16:18 NIV
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a
fall.
Pride is deadly. But instead of warning us the world encourages
pride in every way.
What is pride?
Pride is faith in yourself, instead of faith in God.
The root of pride is selfishness: putting yourself first.
Thinking you are the most important. Thinking you know the
most. Thinking you deserve better than someone else.
Pride will cause you to go your own way instead of God's way.
Pride makes you think you do not need God's advice or help.
Pride is the root of all sin. It causes you to turn away from
God instead of turning to Him. All disobedience has pride as
its root. All rebellion has pride behind it. All mistreatment
of other people is caused by pride: putting yourself and your
feelings above the other person and their feelings.
The world system promotes people who are proud, and often gives
them great riches. Jesus said pride is evil and defiles a
person. (Mark 7:21-23)
While the world may promote the proud for a short time, their
fame and success will not last.
JAMES 4:6 NKJ
6 . . . "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Pride is the most serious, and the most subtle, sin. It often
goes unrecognized.
Beware!
SAY THIS: Lord, help me to beware of pride.
Dead to sin and alife to the right relationship to God by Christ
Sin Hurts
ROMANS 6:23 ICB
23 When someone sins, he earns what sin pays--death. But God
gives us a free gift--life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sin is a teacher whose lessons are hard and painful.
You can't keep your hand in fire without being burned. And you
can't sin without hurting people.
Sin harms humans. That's why God classifies it as sin. All sin
hurts someone. The reason God is against sin is because He is
for people.
Because sin has consequences, it eventually will convince you
of the error of sinning -- if you live long enough. But why
ruin your life finding out what you can know now just by
reading the Bible?
God is not a killjoy. His purpose is not to keep the human race
from enjoying life.
All that God has written in the Bible is for our benefit. God
already knows everything. He gave us the Bible so we could know
the truth.
The truth is: sin is bad. Sin hurts.
SAY THIS: Sin is deadly and I want nothing to do with it.
ROMANS 6:23 ICB
23 When someone sins, he earns what sin pays--death. But God
gives us a free gift--life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sin is a teacher whose lessons are hard and painful.
You can't keep your hand in fire without being burned. And you
can't sin without hurting people.
Sin harms humans. That's why God classifies it as sin. All sin
hurts someone. The reason God is against sin is because He is
for people.
Because sin has consequences, it eventually will convince you
of the error of sinning -- if you live long enough. But why
ruin your life finding out what you can know now just by
reading the Bible?
God is not a killjoy. His purpose is not to keep the human race
from enjoying life.
All that God has written in the Bible is for our benefit. God
already knows everything. He gave us the Bible so we could know
the truth.
The truth is: sin is bad. Sin hurts.
SAY THIS: Sin is deadly and I want nothing to do with it.
Friday, June 18, 2010
from the www.churchforall.org
You Have A Purpose
2 TIMOTHY 1:9 NKJ
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not
according to our works, but according to His own purpose and
grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
You have a purpose in life, a job to do, a mission to fulfill.
You are here for a reason.
What is it?
Ask God. He knows.
EPHESIANS 1:11 NIV
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined
according to the plan of him who works out everything in
conformity with the purpose of his will,
Of course, I can only answer that question in general terms.
If you are a parent, raising your child is important. Helping a
friend is important. You never know how your actions may affect
the world -- even through helping just one person.
Don't just wait around for some "big purpose" -- for with God
all the details are important -- even the "small" ones.
If you don't know your purpose, just do whatever you can to
help the people around you. Through that, and walking with God,
you will accomplish your purpose.
SAY THIS: I was born for a purpose. God has a plan for me.
2 TIMOTHY 1:9 NKJ
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not
according to our works, but according to His own purpose and
grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
You have a purpose in life, a job to do, a mission to fulfill.
You are here for a reason.
What is it?
Ask God. He knows.
EPHESIANS 1:11 NIV
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined
according to the plan of him who works out everything in
conformity with the purpose of his will,
Of course, I can only answer that question in general terms.
If you are a parent, raising your child is important. Helping a
friend is important. You never know how your actions may affect
the world -- even through helping just one person.
Don't just wait around for some "big purpose" -- for with God
all the details are important -- even the "small" ones.
If you don't know your purpose, just do whatever you can to
help the people around you. Through that, and walking with God,
you will accomplish your purpose.
SAY THIS: I was born for a purpose. God has a plan for me.
from the www.churchforall.org
Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
PHILIPPIANS 3:14 KJV
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus.
What will really matter at the end of your life on earth?
Will what you are giving attention to now still be important
then?
Or, will you be filled with regret for what you did -- or
didn't do?
Distractions abound. TV, phone calls, web sites, books, movies.
It might be a good idea to stop and evaluate how you are
investing your time.
1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 NIV
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only
one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Run to win. Win what?
The true prize is to know God intimately and be His friend.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 NIV
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is
unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is
eternal.
One day, possibly soon, you will stand before God. Why not
order your life now based on that "final reckoning?"
A wise person would not invest everything in something
temporary. A wise person invests in something that will last.
Invest your life wisely!
SAY THIS: Lord, help me to keep my eyes on what is important
and lasting.
PHILIPPIANS 3:14 KJV
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus.
What will really matter at the end of your life on earth?
Will what you are giving attention to now still be important
then?
Or, will you be filled with regret for what you did -- or
didn't do?
Distractions abound. TV, phone calls, web sites, books, movies.
It might be a good idea to stop and evaluate how you are
investing your time.
1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 NIV
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only
one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Run to win. Win what?
The true prize is to know God intimately and be His friend.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 NIV
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is
unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is
eternal.
One day, possibly soon, you will stand before God. Why not
order your life now based on that "final reckoning?"
A wise person would not invest everything in something
temporary. A wise person invests in something that will last.
Invest your life wisely!
SAY THIS: Lord, help me to keep my eyes on what is important
and lasting.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
From Addison]s blog
Steve Addison's blog » World Changers
What Paul did
Posted: 07 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT
I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done– by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known. . .
Rom 15:17-20
Of all the followers of Jesus, Paul is the greatest missionary. He was chosen by a personal encounter with Christ on the Damascus road to take take the gospel to the Gentiles. His life and letters dominate the second half of the New Testament.
What did mission look like for Paul? Eckhard Schnabel outlines the goals of Paul’s missionary work.
1. Paul was called to preach the message of Jesus Christ.
As a pioneer missionary he focuses his preaching on Jesus Christ and him crucified (I Cor 2:2). Paul was called to preach especially to the Gentiles. Yet he also preached to Jews (Rom 1:14).
2. Paul’s goal to reach as many people as possible.
His geographical travels describe an upper half circle from Jerusalem via Syria, Asia Minor, Europe and Rome to Spain (Rom 15:19-24).
3. Paul seeks to lead individual people to believe in the one true God and in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, Savior and Lord.
For Jews this meant they needed to acknowledge Jesus, the crucified preacher from Nazareth as Messiah and that his death is God’s answer to the problem of human sin—problem that neither the covenant with Abraham or the Mosaic law could solve—and that God vindicated Jesus by raising him from the dead.
For Gentiles this meant they must turn from their pagan gods to the God of Israel—the one true living God. They must believe in Jesus who rescues sinners from the wrath of God and accept the atoning significance of Jesus’ death on the cross. They must have their lives shaped by the Jewish scriptures and by Jesus’ and the apostles’ teaching as they wait for Jesus’ return (1 Thess 1:9-10; 1 Cor 1:18-2:5).
4. Paul established new churches.
He founded communities of followers of Jesus Christ—both Jews and Gentiles, men and women, free and slaves—and teaches the new believers the Word of God, the teachings of Jesus, the significance of the gospel for everyday living (Col 1:25-29).
Paul insisted on the evaluation of the teaching in local churches based on the truth of the gospel (Gal 1:6-9) and based on apostolic teaching (1 Cor 15:1-5), an evaluation that on occasion means the rejection of false teaching.
How is your understanding and practice of mission shaped by what Christ accomplished through Paul?
What Paul did
Posted: 07 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT
I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done– by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known. . .
Rom 15:17-20
Of all the followers of Jesus, Paul is the greatest missionary. He was chosen by a personal encounter with Christ on the Damascus road to take take the gospel to the Gentiles. His life and letters dominate the second half of the New Testament.
What did mission look like for Paul? Eckhard Schnabel outlines the goals of Paul’s missionary work.
1. Paul was called to preach the message of Jesus Christ.
As a pioneer missionary he focuses his preaching on Jesus Christ and him crucified (I Cor 2:2). Paul was called to preach especially to the Gentiles. Yet he also preached to Jews (Rom 1:14).
2. Paul’s goal to reach as many people as possible.
His geographical travels describe an upper half circle from Jerusalem via Syria, Asia Minor, Europe and Rome to Spain (Rom 15:19-24).
3. Paul seeks to lead individual people to believe in the one true God and in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, Savior and Lord.
For Jews this meant they needed to acknowledge Jesus, the crucified preacher from Nazareth as Messiah and that his death is God’s answer to the problem of human sin—problem that neither the covenant with Abraham or the Mosaic law could solve—and that God vindicated Jesus by raising him from the dead.
For Gentiles this meant they must turn from their pagan gods to the God of Israel—the one true living God. They must believe in Jesus who rescues sinners from the wrath of God and accept the atoning significance of Jesus’ death on the cross. They must have their lives shaped by the Jewish scriptures and by Jesus’ and the apostles’ teaching as they wait for Jesus’ return (1 Thess 1:9-10; 1 Cor 1:18-2:5).
4. Paul established new churches.
He founded communities of followers of Jesus Christ—both Jews and Gentiles, men and women, free and slaves—and teaches the new believers the Word of God, the teachings of Jesus, the significance of the gospel for everyday living (Col 1:25-29).
Paul insisted on the evaluation of the teaching in local churches based on the truth of the gospel (Gal 1:6-9) and based on apostolic teaching (1 Cor 15:1-5), an evaluation that on occasion means the rejection of false teaching.
How is your understanding and practice of mission shaped by what Christ accomplished through Paul?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Press On
Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [I changed the translation version from the www.churchforall.com letter it was the Waymouth version(Be well, F)]
Believers face many difficulties. Trials. Adversaries. Doubts.
At times we're all tempted to quit. The struggle seems too
much, and we wonder if it's worth it to continue, to hold on to
our faith when there seems to be no hope left.
But there is a goal -- supremely worthwhile: life with our
wonderful Lord. Not just existence, but intimate fellowship.
Fix your eyes on the goal -- God Himself -- and press on!
1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 NIV
9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Please read the following verses slowly and thoughtfully.
1 PETER 5:7-10 NCV
7 Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.
8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy,
goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat.
9 Refuse to give in to him, by standing strong in your faith.
You know that your Christian family all over the world is
having the same kinds of suffering.
10 And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all
grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and
support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share
in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever.
Space does not permit much comment on these verses, but notice
that suffering is caused by your enemy, the devil, and its
purpose is to attack your faith.
Also notice that God only allows you to suffer a short time.
"But," you say, "it's already been a long time."
Not really. It seems like a long time when you are going
through trials, but afterward seems like a short time. Even a
few years is nothing when you look back on it. Ask God to help
you see things from Heaven's perspective.
"But why does God allow me to suffer at all?"
Because people make wrong choices. Conflict causes suffering.
But God believes in you! Why should He yank you out of the
arena? God believes that with His grace and help, you will
overcome and experience victory.
The end result is what really counts. God will make everything
turn out alright. (Read verse 10 again.)
Maybe you feel like your faith is barely hanging by a thread.
Just hang on. With God holding the thread -- and He is -- your
faith will survive. You will make it! God will help you.
SAY THIS: I will press on with God. I will not quit or give up
on my faith.[As indeed He is faithful to Himself].
Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [I changed the translation version from the www.churchforall.com letter it was the Waymouth version(Be well, F)]
Believers face many difficulties. Trials. Adversaries. Doubts.
At times we're all tempted to quit. The struggle seems too
much, and we wonder if it's worth it to continue, to hold on to
our faith when there seems to be no hope left.
But there is a goal -- supremely worthwhile: life with our
wonderful Lord. Not just existence, but intimate fellowship.
Fix your eyes on the goal -- God Himself -- and press on!
1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 NIV
9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Please read the following verses slowly and thoughtfully.
1 PETER 5:7-10 NCV
7 Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.
8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy,
goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat.
9 Refuse to give in to him, by standing strong in your faith.
You know that your Christian family all over the world is
having the same kinds of suffering.
10 And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all
grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and
support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share
in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever.
Space does not permit much comment on these verses, but notice
that suffering is caused by your enemy, the devil, and its
purpose is to attack your faith.
Also notice that God only allows you to suffer a short time.
"But," you say, "it's already been a long time."
Not really. It seems like a long time when you are going
through trials, but afterward seems like a short time. Even a
few years is nothing when you look back on it. Ask God to help
you see things from Heaven's perspective.
"But why does God allow me to suffer at all?"
Because people make wrong choices. Conflict causes suffering.
But God believes in you! Why should He yank you out of the
arena? God believes that with His grace and help, you will
overcome and experience victory.
The end result is what really counts. God will make everything
turn out alright. (Read verse 10 again.)
Maybe you feel like your faith is barely hanging by a thread.
Just hang on. With God holding the thread -- and He is -- your
faith will survive. You will make it! God will help you.
SAY THIS: I will press on with God. I will not quit or give up
on my faith.[As indeed He is faithful to Himself].
Sunday, May 30, 2010
http://lifehealingministries.com/?p=1273
Published by Jerry Baysinger on 28 May 2010 at 04:46 pm
WHERE’S THE POWER?
Recently I attended a ministry conference where they talked about “DUNAMIS”. For those of you who don’t know, DUNAMIS is a Greek term which means the following:
dunamis
doo’-nam-is Strong’s number 1411
From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
We are told in the New Testament that Jesus gave His disciples dunamis , which is a description of the power and ability that has been granted them to overcome the works of the devil. It’s the word from which we get the words Dyno, or Dynamite. It denotes power, and not just power, but mighty power. We would usually associate this kind of power with God, but actually the devil is capable of dunamis as well, as shown by virtue of Luke 10:19-20, where Jesus said,
Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luk 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
The first word “POWER” is not “dunamis”, but “exousia”, and here’s what “exousia” means:
exousia
ex-oo-see’-ah Strong’s number 1849
From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
Another meaning attributed to “exousia” is “prohibits the presence of a hindrance”. What does that mean to you? Let’s read on.
Jesus said He gives unto you “exousia”, privilege, force, freedom, superhuman control, authority, jurisdiction, which prohibits the presence of a hinderance, over all the “dunamis”, signs, wonders, miracles, terrible and fearful works that the devil is capable of doing. In other words, ESOUSIA trumps DUNAMIS. Can the devil do miracles and the like? Sure. Let’s look at Exodus 7:10-13. Take careful note of what transpired here:
Exo 7:10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
Exo 7:11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Exo 7:12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
The Lord explained that this is a prime example of “EXOUSIA” versus “DUNAMIS”. Aaron demonstrated exousia when he cast down his rod and it became a serpent. Of course, the sorcerers, the devil’s crew, said NO PROBLEM, we can do this, and they demonstrated “dunamis”! Only, what happened next? Aaron’s serpent ate all their serpents. Like I said, EXOUSIA trumps DUNAMIS, because the sorcerers didn’t get their rods back. Did you notice that?
Well, anyway, if it weren’t enough that Jesus granted His disciples “dunamis”, He also granted them “exousia”, not just in Luke 4:18, but in Mark 6:7,
Mar 6:7 AndG2532 he calledG4341 unto him theG3588 twelve,G1427 andG2532 beganG756 to send them forthG649 G846 by two and two;G1417 G1417 andG2532 gaveG1325 themG846 powerG1849 over uncleanG169 spirits;G4151
Luk 9:1 ThenG1161 he called his twelve disciples together,G4779 G848 G1427 G3101 and gaveG1325 themG846 powerG1411 andG2532 authorityG1849 overG1909 allG3956 devils,G1140 andG2532 to cureG2323 diseases.G3554
In Luke 9:1 Jesus granted His disciples both “dunamis” and “exousia”. Now, are we not Jesus’ present day disciples? Sure we are, if we believe, for Jesus said in Mark 16:15-18,
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
How can we possibly go forth with signs and wonders following the Word preached, unless we have the same “dunamis” and “exousia” the early church possessed? We can’t. And the Lord Jesus doesn’t expect us to be any less effective as witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ than the ones He appointed while He walked upon the earth. When people came to Jesus, He healed their sick. After the Lord Jesus went to be with His Father in heaven, the people brought their sick to the disciples and expected the same miracles from them that Jesus did. What did they get? They got their sick healed, alright, for “dunamis” and “exousia” were just as much in operation after Jesus left, as when He was here.
But something has changed through the years. For the most part, we go to church or conferences and hear about the “dunamis”, but we don’t see any demonstration of it. Oh, we hear stirring sermons that whip up lots of excitement among the people. We hear how powerful and mighty we are as children of God. But here’s what I tend to see happen: the lame see, the blind walk. Something is missing, and it is “dunamis” and “exousia” being demonstrated openly in the church. You’ll see it once in a while, but it is an exception, rather than the rule.
Hey, people, let me tell you something, if the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not bringing forth the working of “dunamis” and “exousia”, then it isn’t the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What is it then? I don’t know, but it isn’t what Jesus and His disciples demonstrated. And if it isn’t what Jesus and His disciples demonstrated, then I don’t want any part of it. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of “playing church”, where people come in honestly seeking change in their lives, or healing, and leave the same way they came in. That isn’t the Gospel that Jesus and His disciples preached!
What happened to “the lame walk, the blind see”? It takes real power from on high to make this stuff happen, and it’s available, because Jesus said so. If Christ Jesus is who He says He is, and He did what He said He did, then His followers should be demonstrating the power of the Gospel, else it’s all just nice sounding words. Nice sounding, but worthless.
At this conference I referred to, we heard about dunamis. But there was a man in the back in a wheel chair, and guess what happened? He came in a wheel chair, and left in a wheel chair. If there WAS the power of the Holy Spirit present to heal, then nobody there used it to heal him. Personally, it bothered me a lot, but I wasn’t in charge of the service and had no authority to step in and do anything. But you know what? I’m going to go preach the Gospel to that man and demonstrate “dunamis” and “exousia” so God gets the glory as He should.
If you’re a disciple of Jesus Christ, all the power and authority you will ever need is at your disposal. Stop asking God for “more power”. You don’t need it. You can’t possibly exhaust the power and authority you’ve already been granted. Just use it for His glory. When the world starts seeing Jesus’ followers demonstrating dunamis and exousia, you won’t have to ask God to bring people to church anymore. They will come running, just like they did in Jesus’ day, and your biggest problem will be, Where will you put them all?
Where’s the power? Same place it’s always been, in Christ Jesus, in His Word, and in His disciples. You’re not Christ Jesus, but you’re His disciple, right? It is written, Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. Do you believe that Christ Jesus is in you? THEN ACT LIKE IT !! You are more than equal to any problem the devil might present you. Is someone sick among you? No problem. Are they lame? No problem. Bring it on, for we are more than able, for Christ Jesus himself has made us so. What did Jesus say? Fear not, believe only. Notice that? Believe only, not almost believe, or mostly believe. There’s no room for anything less than ONLY believe. We, as disciples of Christ Jesus, have what the world needs. Don’t you think it’s time we start giving them what Christ Jesus gave US?
WHERE’S THE POWER?
Recently I attended a ministry conference where they talked about “DUNAMIS”. For those of you who don’t know, DUNAMIS is a Greek term which means the following:
dunamis
doo’-nam-is Strong’s number 1411
From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
We are told in the New Testament that Jesus gave His disciples dunamis , which is a description of the power and ability that has been granted them to overcome the works of the devil. It’s the word from which we get the words Dyno, or Dynamite. It denotes power, and not just power, but mighty power. We would usually associate this kind of power with God, but actually the devil is capable of dunamis as well, as shown by virtue of Luke 10:19-20, where Jesus said,
Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luk 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
The first word “POWER” is not “dunamis”, but “exousia”, and here’s what “exousia” means:
exousia
ex-oo-see’-ah Strong’s number 1849
From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
Another meaning attributed to “exousia” is “prohibits the presence of a hindrance”. What does that mean to you? Let’s read on.
Jesus said He gives unto you “exousia”, privilege, force, freedom, superhuman control, authority, jurisdiction, which prohibits the presence of a hinderance, over all the “dunamis”, signs, wonders, miracles, terrible and fearful works that the devil is capable of doing. In other words, ESOUSIA trumps DUNAMIS. Can the devil do miracles and the like? Sure. Let’s look at Exodus 7:10-13. Take careful note of what transpired here:
Exo 7:10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
Exo 7:11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Exo 7:12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
The Lord explained that this is a prime example of “EXOUSIA” versus “DUNAMIS”. Aaron demonstrated exousia when he cast down his rod and it became a serpent. Of course, the sorcerers, the devil’s crew, said NO PROBLEM, we can do this, and they demonstrated “dunamis”! Only, what happened next? Aaron’s serpent ate all their serpents. Like I said, EXOUSIA trumps DUNAMIS, because the sorcerers didn’t get their rods back. Did you notice that?
Well, anyway, if it weren’t enough that Jesus granted His disciples “dunamis”, He also granted them “exousia”, not just in Luke 4:18, but in Mark 6:7,
Mar 6:7 AndG2532 he calledG4341 unto him theG3588 twelve,G1427 andG2532 beganG756 to send them forthG649 G846 by two and two;G1417 G1417 andG2532 gaveG1325 themG846 powerG1849 over uncleanG169 spirits;G4151
Luk 9:1 ThenG1161 he called his twelve disciples together,G4779 G848 G1427 G3101 and gaveG1325 themG846 powerG1411 andG2532 authorityG1849 overG1909 allG3956 devils,G1140 andG2532 to cureG2323 diseases.G3554
In Luke 9:1 Jesus granted His disciples both “dunamis” and “exousia”. Now, are we not Jesus’ present day disciples? Sure we are, if we believe, for Jesus said in Mark 16:15-18,
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
How can we possibly go forth with signs and wonders following the Word preached, unless we have the same “dunamis” and “exousia” the early church possessed? We can’t. And the Lord Jesus doesn’t expect us to be any less effective as witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ than the ones He appointed while He walked upon the earth. When people came to Jesus, He healed their sick. After the Lord Jesus went to be with His Father in heaven, the people brought their sick to the disciples and expected the same miracles from them that Jesus did. What did they get? They got their sick healed, alright, for “dunamis” and “exousia” were just as much in operation after Jesus left, as when He was here.
But something has changed through the years. For the most part, we go to church or conferences and hear about the “dunamis”, but we don’t see any demonstration of it. Oh, we hear stirring sermons that whip up lots of excitement among the people. We hear how powerful and mighty we are as children of God. But here’s what I tend to see happen: the lame see, the blind walk. Something is missing, and it is “dunamis” and “exousia” being demonstrated openly in the church. You’ll see it once in a while, but it is an exception, rather than the rule.
Hey, people, let me tell you something, if the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not bringing forth the working of “dunamis” and “exousia”, then it isn’t the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What is it then? I don’t know, but it isn’t what Jesus and His disciples demonstrated. And if it isn’t what Jesus and His disciples demonstrated, then I don’t want any part of it. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of “playing church”, where people come in honestly seeking change in their lives, or healing, and leave the same way they came in. That isn’t the Gospel that Jesus and His disciples preached!
What happened to “the lame walk, the blind see”? It takes real power from on high to make this stuff happen, and it’s available, because Jesus said so. If Christ Jesus is who He says He is, and He did what He said He did, then His followers should be demonstrating the power of the Gospel, else it’s all just nice sounding words. Nice sounding, but worthless.
At this conference I referred to, we heard about dunamis. But there was a man in the back in a wheel chair, and guess what happened? He came in a wheel chair, and left in a wheel chair. If there WAS the power of the Holy Spirit present to heal, then nobody there used it to heal him. Personally, it bothered me a lot, but I wasn’t in charge of the service and had no authority to step in and do anything. But you know what? I’m going to go preach the Gospel to that man and demonstrate “dunamis” and “exousia” so God gets the glory as He should.
If you’re a disciple of Jesus Christ, all the power and authority you will ever need is at your disposal. Stop asking God for “more power”. You don’t need it. You can’t possibly exhaust the power and authority you’ve already been granted. Just use it for His glory. When the world starts seeing Jesus’ followers demonstrating dunamis and exousia, you won’t have to ask God to bring people to church anymore. They will come running, just like they did in Jesus’ day, and your biggest problem will be, Where will you put them all?
Where’s the power? Same place it’s always been, in Christ Jesus, in His Word, and in His disciples. You’re not Christ Jesus, but you’re His disciple, right? It is written, Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. Do you believe that Christ Jesus is in you? THEN ACT LIKE IT !! You are more than equal to any problem the devil might present you. Is someone sick among you? No problem. Are they lame? No problem. Bring it on, for we are more than able, for Christ Jesus himself has made us so. What did Jesus say? Fear not, believe only. Notice that? Believe only, not almost believe, or mostly believe. There’s no room for anything less than ONLY believe. We, as disciples of Christ Jesus, have what the world needs. Don’t you think it’s time we start giving them what Christ Jesus gave US?
Friday, May 28, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Get Out Of Your Cave
1 KINGS 19:9 NIV
9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word
of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Elijah was hiding in a cave, fearful, discouraged, and
confused.
Why?
Elijah knew God and had seen God do mighty things, even in
answer to his own prayers. Yet he was human, just like the rest
of us.
JAMES 5:17 NIV
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it
would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a
half years.
Elijah had only one real problem, and it was not the
adversaries he faced. It was that he got his focus off of God
and onto himself.
To me, God seems amazed at Elijah's hiding. I picture Him
thinking, "Doesn't Elijah know that I am greater than all his
adversaries? Doesn't Elijah know that I will help him?"
I would paraphrase the verse above as, "What in the world are
you doing here, Elijah? Have you forgotten who your God is?
Have you forgotten who you are, a servant of Almighty God?"
Elijah was human -- just like us -- and we face the same
difficulties in life. But just like Elijah, our real problem is
not the problems we face -- but our focus.
We can focus on our inability and lack, or we can focus on
God's ability and abundant provision.
Are you hiding in a "cave" today, afraid to venture forth and
face life? Are you afraid of failure and rejection? Are you
discouraged because things haven't worked out like you thought
they would?
What are you doing?! Get out of your "cave!"
God is on your side. The Greater One is in you. The Lord is
your helper. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
SAY THIS: I will focus on God, Who loves me, and Who is greater
than anything I will ever face.
1 KINGS 19:9 NIV
9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word
of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Elijah was hiding in a cave, fearful, discouraged, and
confused.
Why?
Elijah knew God and had seen God do mighty things, even in
answer to his own prayers. Yet he was human, just like the rest
of us.
JAMES 5:17 NIV
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it
would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a
half years.
Elijah had only one real problem, and it was not the
adversaries he faced. It was that he got his focus off of God
and onto himself.
To me, God seems amazed at Elijah's hiding. I picture Him
thinking, "Doesn't Elijah know that I am greater than all his
adversaries? Doesn't Elijah know that I will help him?"
I would paraphrase the verse above as, "What in the world are
you doing here, Elijah? Have you forgotten who your God is?
Have you forgotten who you are, a servant of Almighty God?"
Elijah was human -- just like us -- and we face the same
difficulties in life. But just like Elijah, our real problem is
not the problems we face -- but our focus.
We can focus on our inability and lack, or we can focus on
God's ability and abundant provision.
Are you hiding in a "cave" today, afraid to venture forth and
face life? Are you afraid of failure and rejection? Are you
discouraged because things haven't worked out like you thought
they would?
What are you doing?! Get out of your "cave!"
God is on your side. The Greater One is in you. The Lord is
your helper. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
SAY THIS: I will focus on God, Who loves me, and Who is greater
than anything I will ever face.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Look At The Flowers
LUKE 12:27 LB
27 "Look at the lilies! They don't toil and spin, and yet
Solomon in all his glory was not robed as well as they are.
Many people would have you believe that God only supplies what
we need -- nothing more.
But they haven't considered the flowers!
If you want to know God better, obey Jesus and look at the
flowers. They were God's idea.
Why did God make so many flowers? They're not necessary.
Although they have some purposes, one kind of flower in one
single color could have been made to meet all the needs.
The fact is: flowers are not needed. They are "extra,"
something far, far beyond merely what was needed.
We could live without all the different flowers, but life is so
much more beautiful with them.
Dear friend, God is not intent on you barely scraping by. He
told you to ask and receive -- that your joy may be full (see
John 16:24). God desires your joy to be full.
But don't make the mistake that so many do. Abundance of
"things" will never satisfy you apart from God. But what a joy
it is when you have close fellowship with the Creator, and can
thank Him for all the wonderful things He has provided for you
because of His great love. In that context, things are a great
blessing, because they are a constant reminder of the goodness
and love of God.
Others tell us that "God only helps those who help themselves"
and make us think that "if it is to be, it is up to me."
No! While it is true that we must cooperate with God, mostly by
trusting Him and resisting our enemy by standing in faith on
God's Word, it is not true that we have only ourselves to
depend on.
That was part of Jesus' point: God "prospers" flowers better
than Solomon could achieve -- and he was the richest man who
ever lived! God can, and will, take care of you, too. Just let
Him.
Whenever I see flowers, or whenever I think of the abundance
God has provided, it reminds me of His love, and I say, "Thank
You Lord, for flowers."
SAY THIS: Thank You Lord, for flowers!
LUKE 12:27 LB
27 "Look at the lilies! They don't toil and spin, and yet
Solomon in all his glory was not robed as well as they are.
Many people would have you believe that God only supplies what
we need -- nothing more.
But they haven't considered the flowers!
If you want to know God better, obey Jesus and look at the
flowers. They were God's idea.
Why did God make so many flowers? They're not necessary.
Although they have some purposes, one kind of flower in one
single color could have been made to meet all the needs.
The fact is: flowers are not needed. They are "extra,"
something far, far beyond merely what was needed.
We could live without all the different flowers, but life is so
much more beautiful with them.
Dear friend, God is not intent on you barely scraping by. He
told you to ask and receive -- that your joy may be full (see
John 16:24). God desires your joy to be full.
But don't make the mistake that so many do. Abundance of
"things" will never satisfy you apart from God. But what a joy
it is when you have close fellowship with the Creator, and can
thank Him for all the wonderful things He has provided for you
because of His great love. In that context, things are a great
blessing, because they are a constant reminder of the goodness
and love of God.
Others tell us that "God only helps those who help themselves"
and make us think that "if it is to be, it is up to me."
No! While it is true that we must cooperate with God, mostly by
trusting Him and resisting our enemy by standing in faith on
God's Word, it is not true that we have only ourselves to
depend on.
That was part of Jesus' point: God "prospers" flowers better
than Solomon could achieve -- and he was the richest man who
ever lived! God can, and will, take care of you, too. Just let
Him.
Whenever I see flowers, or whenever I think of the abundance
God has provided, it reminds me of His love, and I say, "Thank
You Lord, for flowers."
SAY THIS: Thank You Lord, for flowers!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Tell satan Where To Go
MATTHEW 4:10 NLT
10 "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the
Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God; serve only
him.' "
Jesus spoke directly to the devil -- and so must you.
Many Christians think they should pray about the devil and ask
God to deliver them from his attacks. But the Bible is clear --
God has given the authority to believers to resist the devil.
You must control the devil, or he will control you!
Unless you exercise the authority delegated to you by Jesus
Christ, the devil will wreak havoc in your life, and everywhere
he is allowed to.
LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing
shall by any means hurt you.
Praying to God to stop the devil's operations is no different
than my son asking me to take out the trash, after I have told
him to do it.
God told us to resist the devil and he would flee. We must
believe and act on God's Word.
EPHESIANS 4:27 NKJ
27 nor give place to the devil.
Would God tell us not to let the devil have any place, if we
had no say about it? If the devil does have a place in our
affairs, it's because we allowed it.
JAMES 4:7 NKJ
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee
from you.
We must first submit to God, because we are not greater in
power than the devil. But submitted to God in Christ Jesus, the
devil must back off when we resist him and his works.
SAY THIS: In the Name of Jesus, I command you devil to leave
me, my family, and my property alone! Be gone!
MATTHEW 4:10 NLT
10 "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the
Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God; serve only
him.' "
Jesus spoke directly to the devil -- and so must you.
Many Christians think they should pray about the devil and ask
God to deliver them from his attacks. But the Bible is clear --
God has given the authority to believers to resist the devil.
You must control the devil, or he will control you!
Unless you exercise the authority delegated to you by Jesus
Christ, the devil will wreak havoc in your life, and everywhere
he is allowed to.
LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing
shall by any means hurt you.
Praying to God to stop the devil's operations is no different
than my son asking me to take out the trash, after I have told
him to do it.
God told us to resist the devil and he would flee. We must
believe and act on God's Word.
EPHESIANS 4:27 NKJ
27 nor give place to the devil.
Would God tell us not to let the devil have any place, if we
had no say about it? If the devil does have a place in our
affairs, it's because we allowed it.
JAMES 4:7 NKJ
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee
from you.
We must first submit to God, because we are not greater in
power than the devil. But submitted to God in Christ Jesus, the
devil must back off when we resist him and his works.
SAY THIS: In the Name of Jesus, I command you devil to leave
me, my family, and my property alone! Be gone!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
God is good - get it!!
God Is Not A Killer
John 10:10 NASB
10 "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I
came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.
Ted Turner, the founder of the CNN TV network, tells how he
turned against Christianity because of bitterness against God
in his younger days. After the death of a family member, the
preacher told him that "God took them," and he became bitter
over it.
Ted Turner is not alone. Millions of people are mad at God
because they believe He has done something wrong -- which He
has not!
God is not going around killing people, or stealing from them,
or destroying their lives. That is the work of the devil.
God is not guilty!
The greatest deception in history has been the devil convincing
people that the things he does are done by God. The devil wants
us to believe that God acts like the devil.
But it is a lie!
Of course, to pull this deception off, the devil had to get
preachers to spread his lies. No one would believe it if the
devil personally preached it.
But just because someone who is called a preacher, a reverend,
a pastor, a priest, a bishop, a prophet, or any other title,
says something is true -- does not make it true. To find out
the truth we need to go to the Bible and study it for
ourselves.
Depending on so-called "experts" can lead you astray. Read and
study the Bible for yourself.
JAMES 1:17 NLT
17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who
created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or
casts shifting shadows.
SAY THIS: Whatever is good comes from my God, Who never changes
into being bad.
John 10:10 NASB
10 "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I
came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.
Ted Turner, the founder of the CNN TV network, tells how he
turned against Christianity because of bitterness against God
in his younger days. After the death of a family member, the
preacher told him that "God took them," and he became bitter
over it.
Ted Turner is not alone. Millions of people are mad at God
because they believe He has done something wrong -- which He
has not!
God is not going around killing people, or stealing from them,
or destroying their lives. That is the work of the devil.
God is not guilty!
The greatest deception in history has been the devil convincing
people that the things he does are done by God. The devil wants
us to believe that God acts like the devil.
But it is a lie!
Of course, to pull this deception off, the devil had to get
preachers to spread his lies. No one would believe it if the
devil personally preached it.
But just because someone who is called a preacher, a reverend,
a pastor, a priest, a bishop, a prophet, or any other title,
says something is true -- does not make it true. To find out
the truth we need to go to the Bible and study it for
ourselves.
Depending on so-called "experts" can lead you astray. Read and
study the Bible for yourself.
JAMES 1:17 NLT
17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who
created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or
casts shifting shadows.
SAY THIS: Whatever is good comes from my God, Who never changes
into being bad.
Friday, May 21, 2010
http://healingglory.webs.com/isjesuschristgod.htm
Is Jesus Christ God?
According to the Hebrew scriptures and teachings of the prophets, only God Himself is capable of becoming the Savior of all humanity. Only Yahweh qualifies to bear the titles; the Lord, Savior, Creator and Redeemer. These titles belong exclusively to God alone, however they directly correspond the Yeshua Messiah. This connection proves conclusively that Yeshua is Lord.
Take note of the following scripture:
1 Chronicles 16:35 (NIV), 'Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise."
Psalm 79:9, 'Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgiveour sins for your name's sake'.
Isaiah 45:17 (NIV), "But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation..."
Isaiah 45:18, 'For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: "I am the LORD, and there isno other.'
Isaiah 45: 21-22 (NIV), "...Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior;
Isaiah 45:22 (NIV) “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other."
I Timothy 1:17 (NIV) 'Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen'.
Exodus 15:2 (NIV), 'The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is myGod, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.'
Joshua 24:23, (NIV), "Now then," said Joshua, "throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel."
2 Samuel 22:32 (NIV), 'For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God?'
Isaiah 45:5, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me,..."
Over 300 prophecies in Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) prove conclusively that Yeshua is both Messiah and the Lord. Shown below is a brief list of major prophecies of Messiah, His Divinity, the time-frame of His coming, and specific events that would occur during His ministry.
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Isaiah 49:1-7
Isaiah 42:1-9
Isaiah 50:4-10
Psalm 118:22-23
Psalm 22:1-31
Psalm 16:7-11
Psalm 110:1-6
Micah 5:2
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:6-7
Psalm 2:1-12
Isaiah 11:1-10
Isaiah 43:3-11
Isaiah 44:1-6
Daniel 9:24-27
Malachi 3:1-6
Genesis 49:10
Zachariah 6:12-13
Zechariah 9:9
Zechariah 12:10-13:1
Daniel 7:13-14
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hosea 1:1-11
The Incarnation of God
According to the Hebrew scriptures and writings of Jewish mystics, the Messiah was the very Shekinah {glory} of Almighty God manifested in the flesh.
Here is a brief explanation of Shekinah, not from a Christian perspective but a Hebraic perspective. This is what the Hebrew prophets and apostles understood and believed about Shekinah.
The Zohar proclaims that the Shekinah is also 'Kneset Yisrael', the mystical community of Israel, the Holy community, Zion and that all of Israel are her limbs (Zohar 3:231b). thus the Church, the New Israel, is the Shekinah seen as Bride of God. The shekinah as the Eucharistic Presence is so connected with the Church, that both are seen as Shekinah. The Church possesses the glory and brings it forth through the Presence of the Holy Spirit in covenant union with Lord.
(See: Soncino Zohar, Shemoth, Section 2, Page 51a) - For thus said R. Simeon: "The Holy One prepared for Himself a holy Palace, a supernal Palace, a holy City, a supernal City, which is called ‘Jerusalem, the holy city’. He who wishes to see the King, must enter through this holy City and thence take his way to the King: ‘this is the gate of the Lord into which the righteous shall enter.’
Revelation 21:22-23, 'And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.'
In otherwords, Messiah was the very splendor, essence, power, divinity and goodness of Almighty God - manifested in a human body.:
Hebrews 1:1-8
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (2) Hath ...in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (8) ...unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever..."
(3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high".
Commentary: We notice from the text several important points; God speaks to humanity in these last days through the Son. Secondly, the Son of God has been appointed heir (possessor of all the assets) of all things. Thirdly, He is was the Maker of the worlds, and His throne is everlasting. Finally, saint Pauls drops a bombshell revelation on us. He tells us that the Christ is - the brightness of YHWH's glory and the express image of His person.
I Timothy 3:16 (New King James Version)
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God[a] was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
According to the Hebrew scriptures and teachings of the prophets, only God Himself is capable of becoming the Savior of all humanity. Only Yahweh qualifies to bear the titles; the Lord, Savior, Creator and Redeemer. These titles belong exclusively to God alone, however they directly correspond the Yeshua Messiah. This connection proves conclusively that Yeshua is Lord.
Take note of the following scripture:
1 Chronicles 16:35 (NIV), 'Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise."
Psalm 79:9, 'Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgiveour sins for your name's sake'.
Isaiah 45:17 (NIV), "But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation..."
Isaiah 45:18, 'For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: "I am the LORD, and there isno other.'
Isaiah 45: 21-22 (NIV), "...Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior;
Isaiah 45:22 (NIV) “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other."
I Timothy 1:17 (NIV) 'Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen'.
Exodus 15:2 (NIV), 'The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is myGod, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.'
Joshua 24:23, (NIV), "Now then," said Joshua, "throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel."
2 Samuel 22:32 (NIV), 'For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God?'
Isaiah 45:5, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me,..."
Over 300 prophecies in Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) prove conclusively that Yeshua is both Messiah and the Lord. Shown below is a brief list of major prophecies of Messiah, His Divinity, the time-frame of His coming, and specific events that would occur during His ministry.
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Isaiah 49:1-7
Isaiah 42:1-9
Isaiah 50:4-10
Psalm 118:22-23
Psalm 22:1-31
Psalm 16:7-11
Psalm 110:1-6
Micah 5:2
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:6-7
Psalm 2:1-12
Isaiah 11:1-10
Isaiah 43:3-11
Isaiah 44:1-6
Daniel 9:24-27
Malachi 3:1-6
Genesis 49:10
Zachariah 6:12-13
Zechariah 9:9
Zechariah 12:10-13:1
Daniel 7:13-14
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hosea 1:1-11
The Incarnation of God
According to the Hebrew scriptures and writings of Jewish mystics, the Messiah was the very Shekinah {glory} of Almighty God manifested in the flesh.
Here is a brief explanation of Shekinah, not from a Christian perspective but a Hebraic perspective. This is what the Hebrew prophets and apostles understood and believed about Shekinah.
The Zohar proclaims that the Shekinah is also 'Kneset Yisrael', the mystical community of Israel, the Holy community, Zion and that all of Israel are her limbs (Zohar 3:231b). thus the Church, the New Israel, is the Shekinah seen as Bride of God. The shekinah as the Eucharistic Presence is so connected with the Church, that both are seen as Shekinah. The Church possesses the glory and brings it forth through the Presence of the Holy Spirit in covenant union with Lord.
(See: Soncino Zohar, Shemoth, Section 2, Page 51a) - For thus said R. Simeon: "The Holy One prepared for Himself a holy Palace, a supernal Palace, a holy City, a supernal City, which is called ‘Jerusalem, the holy city’. He who wishes to see the King, must enter through this holy City and thence take his way to the King: ‘this is the gate of the Lord into which the righteous shall enter.’
Revelation 21:22-23, 'And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.'
In otherwords, Messiah was the very splendor, essence, power, divinity and goodness of Almighty God - manifested in a human body.:
Hebrews 1:1-8
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (2) Hath ...in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (8) ...unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever..."
(3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high".
Commentary: We notice from the text several important points; God speaks to humanity in these last days through the Son. Secondly, the Son of God has been appointed heir (possessor of all the assets) of all things. Thirdly, He is was the Maker of the worlds, and His throne is everlasting. Finally, saint Pauls drops a bombshell revelation on us. He tells us that the Christ is - the brightness of YHWH's glory and the express image of His person.
I Timothy 3:16 (New King James Version)
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God[a] was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
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