Dear Friends,
The idea of church is very important in the Christian faith. The bible uses other words like body, family, kingdom and nation to describe the church. These words explain God's relationship with His people: He is the Head of the body; the Father of the family; the King of His kingdom and the Ruler of the nation. In addition, there ideas also define our relationships with one another: we are members of one body, brothers and sisters of one family, and fellow citizens of one kingdom. The church is therefore not just a place we go to every Sunday (or, for that matter, a group that we choose to join or leave, as and when we like). It is a community that we are born into and belong to once we receive Jesus as our Lord. We are now "no longer foreigners and aliens" (Eph 2:19). It is within the church (and then in our lives in the world) that we learn and live out the biblical principles of faith, love and hope. In this way, the church becomes and serves as a witness to unbelievers of what true communities are about.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Temporary or Last Forever
Many people are struggling with eating less and exercising more in an attempt to keep a New Year's resolution. With the guilt arising from Christmas meals and year-end company dinners, some are committing to indulging the stomach less.
I am not discounting the value of exercise and a healthy diet. But when it comes to our physical bodies, all that sacrifice and discipline brings is, at best, only a temporary gain.
The irony is painful. People are willing to spend large amounts of time working to strengthen that which cannot last, and yet hardly give a moment's attention to that which last forever.
Many Christians have fallen into that same unfortunate mindset. The result is that while believers are perhaps healthier than ever physically, they are bothering on death and dying in their spiritual condition. They do not know the Word of God and have not attempted to study and obey it.
I am not discounting the value of exercise and a healthy diet. But when it comes to our physical bodies, all that sacrifice and discipline brings is, at best, only a temporary gain.
The irony is painful. People are willing to spend large amounts of time working to strengthen that which cannot last, and yet hardly give a moment's attention to that which last forever.
Many Christians have fallen into that same unfortunate mindset. The result is that while believers are perhaps healthier than ever physically, they are bothering on death and dying in their spiritual condition. They do not know the Word of God and have not attempted to study and obey it.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A New Life In Christ Jesus
A testimony i found online.
It encouraged me and reminded me of my new life in Christ Jesus.
Pray that the Lord able to renew a right spirit within me.
To walk in His righteous path closely with God and in purity.
証しのページ
K.さんの証し
Part I :Why I am a Christian.
Recently, while doing my research I came across a drug that is use for abortion. The success rate for such drug is 98% to induce an abortion. Despite of the fact, that I was planned to be aborted, my family was poor at that time and I would be a girl instead of a boy, God preserved my life in that 2% category and I was born on 16 November 1976.
I was born to a family, which is involved in Christian cults. My dad was from Seven-day Adventist (but left it when he was young adult) and my mum was from Jehovah Witness. I know there is a God and someone called Jesus. But my ideas were confusing and I don’t really bother to find out who they are since the Jehovah Witness mainly focus on adults and not on children. But Jehovah Witness became illegal in Singapore because they discourage people from serving the Singapore army, based on the commandment “You shall not kill”. In Singapore, every male who reaches 18 years old have to join the army for 2 years as a national duty. My dad discouraged my mum from getting baptized and from joining the Jehovah Witness since it was illegal in Singapore.
After many years, my mum decided to attend a nearby church near my house. I was 9 years old and attend church was just like religious knowledge lesson for me every week. I stopped attending church when I was 13 years old. Instead I decided to attend computer lessons. As the lessons move from beginners to advance class, each time I was very happy to receive the achievement certificate. But the happiness lasted for a few hours to a day or two. After my advance computer lessons, I asked myself if I will spent my life trying to achieve but never being satisfied? If at 13, I am not satisfied with my achievements. At 30, will I find myself chasing an empty dream? What will really satisfy me? Then I remember my Sunday School teachers (children church’s teachers) talked about Jesus. That day, 21 October 1990, I told Jesus if you are real please come into my life and make it meaningful.
When I was 12-13 years old, before I became a Christian, every weekend I would go out shopping and buy something. It doesn’t matter if I have need of it or not. I just wanted the feeling of excitement that I am able to own something. I think it is the need to be in control. Every time the thing I purchased will get thrown aside after a while. I got tired of it and I would need to buy something new to have the excitement again. When I became a Christian, Jesus made everyday a new adventure in my life. I didn’t need to buy new things to make my life feel exciting anymore. Through the good and difficult situations, Jesus is with me, He is my joy, my shelter and my source of help. My first favourite verses is Psalm 121.
Though I didn’t always stay close to God. I drifted away from God when I was 16. I wanted to make my own decisions because I felt I have always listen to people’s direction. I chose to have a non-Christian boyfriend despite of my family and Christian friends advise. I became a weekend Christian and a weekday non-Christian. From 16-19 years old I made a mess out of my life in my rebellion. When I broke off with my boyfriend, I came out of the relationship broken, grieved my family and my spiritual family. I knew I had sin against my God and made him grieved the most. In God mercy and love, He forgave me of my sins and took me back in. The story of the Prodigal son since than have always reminded me of our God’s great love (Luke 15:11-32) I realize man’s love is so fragile and it disappoints so easily but our God’s love is everlasting and ever faithful, even when I was unfaithful.
At 24, I graduated from university. I got my first job working for my professor as a laboratory assistant which earns about 50,000 yen a month, I worked for 6 months hoping to join the Masters program but things didn’t worked out. Subsequently, I got my second job as a research assistant at National Cancer Centre. My parents were very unhappy that my 1st job gave such low pay. With my degree I was expected to earn money and repay my parents for all the money they have invested in me. My second job, initially earned about 130,000 yen per month, everyday my dad would ask me “where is the money” when I came back from work. I became very depressed, I wondered if money is all my parents cared about? I felt unloved. I wondered if my future was just to have a good job, earn lots of money, get married, have children and died in the end. I found life to have so many disappointments and hurts that I don’t know why I should endure it anymore, why not end it then and go to heaven to be with my God whom I love. As these thoughts rage in my mind for a week, the night that I decided to end it all by jumping out of my window of my home which is 12 floors above ground level. Then Jesus spoke to me as if I was at heaven’s gate. “Karen, what are you doing here? I haven’t call you home yet” The disappointed look on Jesus face was too much for me to endure. How can I say I love Jesus most when I again disappointment him most? I just can’t live in heaven with the disappointed look of Jesus imprinted in my mind. Jesus spoke again “Karen, I know the world has been a disappointment to you and the more you try to control your life the worst it becomes. Entrust me your life, I will carry you through, I will never disappoint you.” That night I did not commit suicide but I died. I died to myself and was made alive in Jesus. Now all I have is Jesus in me and His purpose reign in my life. He is my sole purpose for living. I finally understand Paul when he wrote : Gal 2:19-20 I have been crucified with Christ I myself no longer live but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Gal 6:14 Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world’s interest in me is also long dead.
He will do that for you too, if only you will let Him. 皆さん、頑張ってね！
It encouraged me and reminded me of my new life in Christ Jesus.
Pray that the Lord able to renew a right spirit within me.
To walk in His righteous path closely with God and in purity.
証しのページ
K.さんの証し
Part I :Why I am a Christian.
Recently, while doing my research I came across a drug that is use for abortion. The success rate for such drug is 98% to induce an abortion. Despite of the fact, that I was planned to be aborted, my family was poor at that time and I would be a girl instead of a boy, God preserved my life in that 2% category and I was born on 16 November 1976.
I was born to a family, which is involved in Christian cults. My dad was from Seven-day Adventist (but left it when he was young adult) and my mum was from Jehovah Witness. I know there is a God and someone called Jesus. But my ideas were confusing and I don’t really bother to find out who they are since the Jehovah Witness mainly focus on adults and not on children. But Jehovah Witness became illegal in Singapore because they discourage people from serving the Singapore army, based on the commandment “You shall not kill”. In Singapore, every male who reaches 18 years old have to join the army for 2 years as a national duty. My dad discouraged my mum from getting baptized and from joining the Jehovah Witness since it was illegal in Singapore.
After many years, my mum decided to attend a nearby church near my house. I was 9 years old and attend church was just like religious knowledge lesson for me every week. I stopped attending church when I was 13 years old. Instead I decided to attend computer lessons. As the lessons move from beginners to advance class, each time I was very happy to receive the achievement certificate. But the happiness lasted for a few hours to a day or two. After my advance computer lessons, I asked myself if I will spent my life trying to achieve but never being satisfied? If at 13, I am not satisfied with my achievements. At 30, will I find myself chasing an empty dream? What will really satisfy me? Then I remember my Sunday School teachers (children church’s teachers) talked about Jesus. That day, 21 October 1990, I told Jesus if you are real please come into my life and make it meaningful.
When I was 12-13 years old, before I became a Christian, every weekend I would go out shopping and buy something. It doesn’t matter if I have need of it or not. I just wanted the feeling of excitement that I am able to own something. I think it is the need to be in control. Every time the thing I purchased will get thrown aside after a while. I got tired of it and I would need to buy something new to have the excitement again. When I became a Christian, Jesus made everyday a new adventure in my life. I didn’t need to buy new things to make my life feel exciting anymore. Through the good and difficult situations, Jesus is with me, He is my joy, my shelter and my source of help. My first favourite verses is Psalm 121.
Though I didn’t always stay close to God. I drifted away from God when I was 16. I wanted to make my own decisions because I felt I have always listen to people’s direction. I chose to have a non-Christian boyfriend despite of my family and Christian friends advise. I became a weekend Christian and a weekday non-Christian. From 16-19 years old I made a mess out of my life in my rebellion. When I broke off with my boyfriend, I came out of the relationship broken, grieved my family and my spiritual family. I knew I had sin against my God and made him grieved the most. In God mercy and love, He forgave me of my sins and took me back in. The story of the Prodigal son since than have always reminded me of our God’s great love (Luke 15:11-32) I realize man’s love is so fragile and it disappoints so easily but our God’s love is everlasting and ever faithful, even when I was unfaithful.
At 24, I graduated from university. I got my first job working for my professor as a laboratory assistant which earns about 50,000 yen a month, I worked for 6 months hoping to join the Masters program but things didn’t worked out. Subsequently, I got my second job as a research assistant at National Cancer Centre. My parents were very unhappy that my 1st job gave such low pay. With my degree I was expected to earn money and repay my parents for all the money they have invested in me. My second job, initially earned about 130,000 yen per month, everyday my dad would ask me “where is the money” when I came back from work. I became very depressed, I wondered if money is all my parents cared about? I felt unloved. I wondered if my future was just to have a good job, earn lots of money, get married, have children and died in the end. I found life to have so many disappointments and hurts that I don’t know why I should endure it anymore, why not end it then and go to heaven to be with my God whom I love. As these thoughts rage in my mind for a week, the night that I decided to end it all by jumping out of my window of my home which is 12 floors above ground level. Then Jesus spoke to me as if I was at heaven’s gate. “Karen, what are you doing here? I haven’t call you home yet” The disappointed look on Jesus face was too much for me to endure. How can I say I love Jesus most when I again disappointment him most? I just can’t live in heaven with the disappointed look of Jesus imprinted in my mind. Jesus spoke again “Karen, I know the world has been a disappointment to you and the more you try to control your life the worst it becomes. Entrust me your life, I will carry you through, I will never disappoint you.” That night I did not commit suicide but I died. I died to myself and was made alive in Jesus. Now all I have is Jesus in me and His purpose reign in my life. He is my sole purpose for living. I finally understand Paul when he wrote : Gal 2:19-20 I have been crucified with Christ I myself no longer live but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Gal 6:14 Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world’s interest in me is also long dead.
He will do that for you too, if only you will let Him. 皆さん、頑張ってね！
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Love of God
Taken from the book Knowing God, chapter 12.
The Love of God
When we say God is love, the statement means that His love finds expression in everything that He says and Does.
I think to us personally is the supreme comfort for Christians, as believers, in the cross of Christ assurance that we, as individuals, are beloved of God. Whereby the Son of man loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
God so love us that he gave his only son Jesus Christ to be our Savior, and bring us to know and to enjoy Him in a covenant relation.
Knowing this, we are able to apply the promise that all things work together for good to us who love God and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Note, not just some thing, but all things!
Every single thing that happens to us expressed God’s love to us, at every moment and in every events of every day’s life.
Even thou we cannot see why and how of God’s dealings, one thing we know for sure that there is love in and behind it.
God’s love towards sinners
We are undeserved, but God still show grace and mercy towards us sinners where by we sin and corrupt in God’s sight.
God loves people because He has chosen to love them.
Duet 7:8- But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
No reason for His love to be given to save his own sovereign good pleasure.
Even when a sinners repents, there will be exceeding joy
- Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
There is no doubt according to the scripture that such is the love of God.
God’s love formed before creation, in
Eph1:4 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love…
God choice and selection to those whom He would bless and, appointed the benefits to be obtain and enjoyed.
So we ought to give thanks to God
2 Thessalonians 2:13- But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
God’s love to sinners was expressed by the gift of His one and only son Jesus Christ to be our saviour.
1 John 4:9- This is how God show his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
The love measure love of God is the gift of His only son Jesus Christ, to become human, to die for our sins, and so to become the one mediator who can reconcile to bring us to God.
God, who did not spare his own Son, but gave His son for us all.
Most Popular verse John 3:16-
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
This is love: not that we loved God, but he loved us and sent His only son as an atoning sacrifice once and for all for our sins.
Romans 5:8- God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
So lets give thanks to God for what He has done for us. Through the love and grace of Jesus Christ by dying on the cross and His precious blood, we are redeemed and saved.
Questions to ask you and me included…
Do I ever allow myself to grow cold and half-hearted in the service of the Lord who loves me so?
-Last verse from 1 john 4:11-
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Meditate upon these things and to examine us.
The Love of God
When we say God is love, the statement means that His love finds expression in everything that He says and Does.
I think to us personally is the supreme comfort for Christians, as believers, in the cross of Christ assurance that we, as individuals, are beloved of God. Whereby the Son of man loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
God so love us that he gave his only son Jesus Christ to be our Savior, and bring us to know and to enjoy Him in a covenant relation.
Knowing this, we are able to apply the promise that all things work together for good to us who love God and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Note, not just some thing, but all things!
Every single thing that happens to us expressed God’s love to us, at every moment and in every events of every day’s life.
Even thou we cannot see why and how of God’s dealings, one thing we know for sure that there is love in and behind it.
God’s love towards sinners
We are undeserved, but God still show grace and mercy towards us sinners where by we sin and corrupt in God’s sight.
God loves people because He has chosen to love them.
Duet 7:8- But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
No reason for His love to be given to save his own sovereign good pleasure.
Even when a sinners repents, there will be exceeding joy
- Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
There is no doubt according to the scripture that such is the love of God.
God’s love formed before creation, in
Eph1:4 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love…
God choice and selection to those whom He would bless and, appointed the benefits to be obtain and enjoyed.
So we ought to give thanks to God
2 Thessalonians 2:13- But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
God’s love to sinners was expressed by the gift of His one and only son Jesus Christ to be our saviour.
1 John 4:9- This is how God show his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
The love measure love of God is the gift of His only son Jesus Christ, to become human, to die for our sins, and so to become the one mediator who can reconcile to bring us to God.
God, who did not spare his own Son, but gave His son for us all.
Most Popular verse John 3:16-
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
This is love: not that we loved God, but he loved us and sent His only son as an atoning sacrifice once and for all for our sins.
Romans 5:8- God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
So lets give thanks to God for what He has done for us. Through the love and grace of Jesus Christ by dying on the cross and His precious blood, we are redeemed and saved.
Questions to ask you and me included…
Do I ever allow myself to grow cold and half-hearted in the service of the Lord who loves me so?
-Last verse from 1 john 4:11-
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Meditate upon these things and to examine us.
God Unchanging
Taken from a book Knowing God Chapter 7. My Book Review :)
Two Different World
As we read the bible, we get to read God dealing with people like Abraham, Moses, David and the rest of them thousand years ago.
We also get to read about Jesus Christ doing miracles, arguing with Jews, dying for sinners, rising from death and ascending to heaven.
It all seems very far away.
We even may think it all belongs to the world, not to this world.
It is true that in terms of space, time and culture, and the historical epoch to which they belonged, are very far away from us.
So how can the past links up to the world now?
The link is God himself.
The exact same God whom they had to so in the past thousand years and the same God with whom we have to do now.
God does not change in the least particular and is the truth of God's immutability. (unchangeable, changeless)
1. God's life does not change.
In Jeremiah 10:10, the verse says - But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God, the eternal King.
Psalm 102:26-27 - They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
God did not need to be made, for He is always there. He exists forever, and He always the same.
He created things have a beginning and an ending, but not so for the Creator.
-God is already perfect.
-He does not grow old
-He does not gain new powers nor lose those that He once had.
-He does not get stronger, or weaker, or wiser, at time goes by.
The difference between God the Creator and creatures(us) is that we, creatures are mutable and nature admits of change where by we will grow old, will go weaker etc... at times goes by.
Whereas God is immutable and can never cease to be what He is.
2.God's character does not change.
In course of a human life, we change radically, in terms of our taste, outlook and temper. A kind person may turns bitter.
A person's good-will may grow cynical (Distrustful) and maybe callous (Emotionally hardened; unfeeling)
But nothing of this sort happens to God
* He never become LESS trustful, or merciful, or faithful and gracious than used to be.
The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, forgiving wickedness, rebellion in sin.
Yet God discipline and punishes the children, he does not leave the guilty unpunished.
The character of God is today, and always be exactly what it was in the Bible.
3.God's truth does not change
We people sometimes say things differently to express to the same topic or a thing, simply because our view changes. We find that we can no longer stand to the words we have said in the past.
We sometimes even recall our words, because we ceased to express what we think.
The words of human being are unstable.
But not so for the words of God.
The word of God stand forever.
No circumstances no change of His own thinking will prompt him or to amend (to change for the better, improvement) to rectify (to remove or correct faults) in his words.
Psalm 119:89- Your word, O Lord, is eternal, it stands FIRM in the heavens
The word 'firm' in the verse carries out the idea of stability in God's word.
Every word God's says in the bible throughout generations, so long as this world last, it last forever.
John 10:35- The word of God came and the scripture cannot be broken.
4. God's way and purpose do not change
God still continue to bless those whom He love and people who humble themselves.
Hates the sins of his people, discipline and punish us from compromise and disobedience.
Teachers us believers to value God's promised, pray persistently so on before God bestow them.
God's aims, principle of action still remain consistent, God's dealing with his people in the scripture record is still how God deals with us still.
Psalm 33:11- But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations
God's plan are made on the basis of a complete knowledge and control extend to the past, present and future.
Bible, the living word of God.
The first Bible will be the last. God has already planned in the beginning when the world has formed till revelation whereby the believers of God will be lifted to heaven and to be reconcile with Him in his heavenly throne.
God's son does not change
Hebrew 13:8- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
-He never change, it still remain true that those people who come to Him will be save completely. And he lives to intercede for us.
Hebrew 7:25- Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Conclusion- So where is the sense of distance and difference between Bible times and believers now?
Remember, God does not change. So let us continue to fellowship with Him, trust His word, live by faith and to stand on the promises of God forever.
Two Different World
As we read the bible, we get to read God dealing with people like Abraham, Moses, David and the rest of them thousand years ago.
We also get to read about Jesus Christ doing miracles, arguing with Jews, dying for sinners, rising from death and ascending to heaven.
It all seems very far away.
We even may think it all belongs to the world, not to this world.
It is true that in terms of space, time and culture, and the historical epoch to which they belonged, are very far away from us.
So how can the past links up to the world now?
The link is God himself.
The exact same God whom they had to so in the past thousand years and the same God with whom we have to do now.
God does not change in the least particular and is the truth of God's immutability. (unchangeable, changeless)
1. God's life does not change.
In Jeremiah 10:10, the verse says - But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God, the eternal King.
Psalm 102:26-27 - They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
God did not need to be made, for He is always there. He exists forever, and He always the same.
He created things have a beginning and an ending, but not so for the Creator.
-God is already perfect.
-He does not grow old
-He does not gain new powers nor lose those that He once had.
-He does not get stronger, or weaker, or wiser, at time goes by.
The difference between God the Creator and creatures(us) is that we, creatures are mutable and nature admits of change where by we will grow old, will go weaker etc... at times goes by.
Whereas God is immutable and can never cease to be what He is.
2.God's character does not change.
In course of a human life, we change radically, in terms of our taste, outlook and temper. A kind person may turns bitter.
A person's good-will may grow cynical (Distrustful) and maybe callous (Emotionally hardened; unfeeling)
But nothing of this sort happens to God
* He never become LESS trustful, or merciful, or faithful and gracious than used to be.
The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, forgiving wickedness, rebellion in sin.
Yet God discipline and punishes the children, he does not leave the guilty unpunished.
The character of God is today, and always be exactly what it was in the Bible.
3.God's truth does not change
We people sometimes say things differently to express to the same topic or a thing, simply because our view changes. We find that we can no longer stand to the words we have said in the past.
We sometimes even recall our words, because we ceased to express what we think.
The words of human being are unstable.
But not so for the words of God.
The word of God stand forever.
No circumstances no change of His own thinking will prompt him or to amend (to change for the better, improvement) to rectify (to remove or correct faults) in his words.
Psalm 119:89- Your word, O Lord, is eternal, it stands FIRM in the heavens
The word 'firm' in the verse carries out the idea of stability in God's word.
Every word God's says in the bible throughout generations, so long as this world last, it last forever.
John 10:35- The word of God came and the scripture cannot be broken.
4. God's way and purpose do not change
God still continue to bless those whom He love and people who humble themselves.
Hates the sins of his people, discipline and punish us from compromise and disobedience.
Teachers us believers to value God's promised, pray persistently so on before God bestow them.
God's aims, principle of action still remain consistent, God's dealing with his people in the scripture record is still how God deals with us still.
Psalm 33:11- But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations
God's plan are made on the basis of a complete knowledge and control extend to the past, present and future.
Bible, the living word of God.
The first Bible will be the last. God has already planned in the beginning when the world has formed till revelation whereby the believers of God will be lifted to heaven and to be reconcile with Him in his heavenly throne.
God's son does not change
Hebrew 13:8- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
-He never change, it still remain true that those people who come to Him will be save completely. And he lives to intercede for us.
Hebrew 7:25- Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Conclusion- So where is the sense of distance and difference between Bible times and believers now?
Remember, God does not change. So let us continue to fellowship with Him, trust His word, live by faith and to stand on the promises of God forever.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
God's kindness leads you to repentance.
Romans 2:4
King James Version
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
a. Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering: Paul points out that the moralist himself is presuming upon the goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering of God, which all should have brought the moralist into a humble repentance instead of an attitude of superiority.
i. Goodness may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our past sin. He has been good to us because He has not judged us yet though we deserve it.
ii. Forbearance may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our present sin. This very day - indeed, this very hour - we have fallen short of His glory, yet He holds back His judgment against us.
iii. Longsuffering may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our future sin. He knows that we will sin tomorrow and the next day, yet He holds back His judgment against us.
iv. Considering all this, it is no surprise that Paul describes these three aspects of God’s kindness to us as riches. The riches of God’s mercy is measured by four considerations:
His greatness - to wrong a great man is a great wrong and God is greatest of all - yet He shows mercy
His omniscience - if someone knew all our sin, would they show mercy? Yet God shows mercy
His power - sometimes wrongs are not settled because they are out of our power, yet God is able to settle every wrong against Him - yet He is rich in mercy
The object of His mercy, mere man - would we show mercy to an ant? Yet God is rich in mercy
v. Knowing how great God’s kindness is, it is a great sin to presume upon the graciousness of God, and we easily come to believe that we deserve it.
b. Men often see the forbearance and longsuffering of God as a weakness in God; they say things like “If there is a God in heaven, let Him strike me dead!” When it doesn’t happen, they will say, “See, I told you there was no God.” Men misinterpret God’s forbearance and longsuffering as His approval, and they refuse to repent.
i. “It seems to me that every morning when a man wakes up still impenitent, and finds himself out of hell, the sunlight seems to say, ‘I shine on thee yet another day, as that in this day thou mayest repent.’ When your bed receives you at night I think it seems to say, ‘I will give you another night' s rest, that you may live to turn from your sins and trust in Jesus.’ Every mouthful of bread that comes to the table says, ‘I have to support your body that still you may have space for repentance.’ Every time you open the Bible the pages say, ‘We speak with you that you may repent.’ Every time you hear a sermon, if it be such a sermon as God would have us preach, it pleads with you to turn unto the Lord and live.” (Spurgeon)
i. Men should see the goodness of God and understand:
- God has been better to them than they deserve
- God has shown them kindness when they have ignored Him
- God has shown them kindness when they have mocked Him
- God is not a cruel master and they may safely surrender to Him
- God is perfectly willing to forgive them
- God should be served out of simple gratitude
King James Version
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
a. Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering: Paul points out that the moralist himself is presuming upon the goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering of God, which all should have brought the moralist into a humble repentance instead of an attitude of superiority.
i. Goodness may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our past sin. He has been good to us because He has not judged us yet though we deserve it.
ii. Forbearance may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our present sin. This very day - indeed, this very hour - we have fallen short of His glory, yet He holds back His judgment against us.
iii. Longsuffering may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our future sin. He knows that we will sin tomorrow and the next day, yet He holds back His judgment against us.
iv. Considering all this, it is no surprise that Paul describes these three aspects of God’s kindness to us as riches. The riches of God’s mercy is measured by four considerations:
His greatness - to wrong a great man is a great wrong and God is greatest of all - yet He shows mercy
His omniscience - if someone knew all our sin, would they show mercy? Yet God shows mercy
His power - sometimes wrongs are not settled because they are out of our power, yet God is able to settle every wrong against Him - yet He is rich in mercy
The object of His mercy, mere man - would we show mercy to an ant? Yet God is rich in mercy
v. Knowing how great God’s kindness is, it is a great sin to presume upon the graciousness of God, and we easily come to believe that we deserve it.
b. Men often see the forbearance and longsuffering of God as a weakness in God; they say things like “If there is a God in heaven, let Him strike me dead!” When it doesn’t happen, they will say, “See, I told you there was no God.” Men misinterpret God’s forbearance and longsuffering as His approval, and they refuse to repent.
i. “It seems to me that every morning when a man wakes up still impenitent, and finds himself out of hell, the sunlight seems to say, ‘I shine on thee yet another day, as that in this day thou mayest repent.’ When your bed receives you at night I think it seems to say, ‘I will give you another night' s rest, that you may live to turn from your sins and trust in Jesus.’ Every mouthful of bread that comes to the table says, ‘I have to support your body that still you may have space for repentance.’ Every time you open the Bible the pages say, ‘We speak with you that you may repent.’ Every time you hear a sermon, if it be such a sermon as God would have us preach, it pleads with you to turn unto the Lord and live.” (Spurgeon)
i. Men should see the goodness of God and understand:
- God has been better to them than they deserve
- God has shown them kindness when they have ignored Him
- God has shown them kindness when they have mocked Him
- God is not a cruel master and they may safely surrender to Him
- God is perfectly willing to forgive them
- God should be served out of simple gratitude
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Precious are WE.
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill.
In the room of 200, he asked. "Who will like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple up up the $20 dollar bill.
He then asked, "Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.
Well he replied, "what if I do this?"
And he dropped it on the ground
and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?"
Still the hands were into the air.
My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson.
No matter what i did to the money,
you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value.
It still worth $20.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground
into a dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that comes our way.
What feels as though we are worthless.
But no matter what has happened and what will happen,
you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased,
you are still priceless to your Creator and those who love you.
The worth of our lives comes not in What we do or what we know,
but by WHO WE ARE
and WHOSE WE ARE.
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow,
nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet, you heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not worth much more than they?
-- Matthew 6:26 --
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sacrifice!
I went to see and supported my cousin Meiling and our church brother James in a play at one of the church. After the play, There this Youth Pastor called Pastor Andrew came to share his unusual sad expierence that he had gone through each year.
he shared one of the true story with us that was held in Phillippines. It was out in news paper as well in Phillippines. Is sad to hear the news, you may say that the driver was crazy and out of his mind to do that. But that was how God sacrificed His only begotten son Jesus Christ to die for the people on earth. Whosoever believe, shall be Saved and have this gift FREE that is Eternal life.
I copied the story from Yu'an's blog. Pls read!
once he went with a friend to philippines..
and one day the friend asked him along to visit a man..
this man was just an ordinary man like the rest of the pple..
he was probabbly just rather frail though..
this man had a story..
he was a bus driver and he ferried children to and fro from sch each day..
he had a 6yr old son..a very cute and lovable little child, whom he loved alot..
this little boy also loved his dad alot..
this man told his son that he would send him home from school everyday when he fetched the afternoon shift to school..
he told his son to stand on one side of the road, the side where the padi field was, to wait for him...
one day, the brakes of the bus gave way and the man was unable to stop the bus at all..
he had 2 choices, one of which was to turn left, but the 40 children in the bus would thus lose their lives..
the second was to turn right, where his beloved son was standing, but the bus would be able to stop and the 40 children would be saved, as the bus would be slowed down by the padi field...
he didnt know what to do..
but at that moment he knew he had to save these 40 kids..
he saw his son by the road waving and calling out to him..
and at that instant he turned right into the padi field, killing his son on the spot..
but the 40 children survived..
it was all over the news..
with tears in his eyes, the man told the pastor, "this was the right thing to do"
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ)
Whosoever BELIEVE shall not PERISH but have EVERLASTING LIFE. Amen!
he shared one of the true story with us that was held in Phillippines. It was out in news paper as well in Phillippines. Is sad to hear the news, you may say that the driver was crazy and out of his mind to do that. But that was how God sacrificed His only begotten son Jesus Christ to die for the people on earth. Whosoever believe, shall be Saved and have this gift FREE that is Eternal life.
I copied the story from Yu'an's blog. Pls read!
once he went with a friend to philippines..
and one day the friend asked him along to visit a man..
this man was just an ordinary man like the rest of the pple..
he was probabbly just rather frail though..
this man had a story..
he was a bus driver and he ferried children to and fro from sch each day..
he had a 6yr old son..a very cute and lovable little child, whom he loved alot..
this little boy also loved his dad alot..
this man told his son that he would send him home from school everyday when he fetched the afternoon shift to school..
he told his son to stand on one side of the road, the side where the padi field was, to wait for him...
one day, the brakes of the bus gave way and the man was unable to stop the bus at all..
he had 2 choices, one of which was to turn left, but the 40 children in the bus would thus lose their lives..
the second was to turn right, where his beloved son was standing, but the bus would be able to stop and the 40 children would be saved, as the bus would be slowed down by the padi field...
he didnt know what to do..
but at that moment he knew he had to save these 40 kids..
he saw his son by the road waving and calling out to him..
and at that instant he turned right into the padi field, killing his son on the spot..
but the 40 children survived..
it was all over the news..
with tears in his eyes, the man told the pastor, "this was the right thing to do"
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ)
Whosoever BELIEVE shall not PERISH but have EVERLASTING LIFE. Amen!
Although in many other churches have this play as well or you had seen it many times.
I pray that each time as you see this video, you will be reminded that God is always there for you to save and help you. May you reflect upon Jesus Christ, what He had done for you.
God Bless!
Video was taken from 'God Tube', Not 'You Tube'.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The difference between Science and God
recently this email has been passing around to lots of people. I received twice and i find it worth reading it and the argument between the professor and a student are quite interesting. Can use it to share the gospel.
The DIFFERENCE
--------------------------
Science and God
'Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ.' The atheist
professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his
new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
'So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely.'
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes.'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a
moment.
'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you
can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'
'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good...!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if
you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He
doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even
though he prayed to Jesus to heal him How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can
you answer that one?'
The student remains silent.
'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of
water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
'Let's start again, young fella Is God good?'
'Er...yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student : 'From...God...'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there
evil in this world?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything,
correct?'
'Yes.'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created
everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to
the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'
Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues:
'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible
things, do they exist in this world?'
The student: 'Yes.'
'So who created them?'
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his
question. 'Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the
lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is
mesmerized.
'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in
Jesus Christ, son?'
The student's voice is confident: 'Yes, professor, I do.'
The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you
use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen
Jesus?'
'No sir. I've never seen Him'
'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'
'No, sir, I have not.'
'Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or
smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus
Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes.'
'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable
protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that,
son?'
'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'
'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem
science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a
question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'
'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'
'And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't.'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested.
The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.
'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat,
mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we
don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below
zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is
no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the
lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when
it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have
or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat.
You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of
heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units
because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the
absence of it.'
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom,
sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as
darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night
if it isn't darkness?'
'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the
absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright
light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have
Nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to
define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able
to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him.
This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'
'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is
flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.
'Flawed? Can you explain how?'
'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student
explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good
God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something
finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a
thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much
less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life
is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive
thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'
'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they
evolved from a monkey?'
'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young
man, yes, of course I do'
'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he
realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work
and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you
not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a
preacher?'
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the
Commotion has subsided.
'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other
student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'
The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class
who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into
laughter.
'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain,
felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No
one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of
empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no
brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain,
how can we trust your lectures, sir?'
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the
student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I
guess you'll have to take them on faith.'
'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists
with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as
evil?'
Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We
see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man.
It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world.
These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'
To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at
least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God.
It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe
the absence of God.
God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when
man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold
that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there
is no light.'
The professor sat down.
The DIFFERENCE
--------------------------
Science and God
'Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ.' The atheist
professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his
new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
'So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely.'
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes.'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a
moment.
'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you
can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'
'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good...!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if
you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He
doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even
though he prayed to Jesus to heal him How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can
you answer that one?'
The student remains silent.
'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of
water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
'Let's start again, young fella Is God good?'
'Er...yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student : 'From...God...'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there
evil in this world?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything,
correct?'
'Yes.'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created
everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to
the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'
Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues:
'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible
things, do they exist in this world?'
The student: 'Yes.'
'So who created them?'
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his
question. 'Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the
lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is
mesmerized.
'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in
Jesus Christ, son?'
The student's voice is confident: 'Yes, professor, I do.'
The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you
use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen
Jesus?'
'No sir. I've never seen Him'
'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'
'No, sir, I have not.'
'Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or
smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus
Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes.'
'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable
protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that,
son?'
'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'
'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem
science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a
question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'
'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'
'And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't.'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested.
The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.
'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat,
mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we
don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below
zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is
no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the
lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when
it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have
or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat.
You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of
heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units
because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the
absence of it.'
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom,
sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as
darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night
if it isn't darkness?'
'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the
absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright
light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have
Nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to
define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able
to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him.
This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'
'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is
flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.
'Flawed? Can you explain how?'
'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student
explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good
God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something
finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a
thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much
less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life
is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive
thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'
'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they
evolved from a monkey?'
'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young
man, yes, of course I do'
'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he
realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work
and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you
not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a
preacher?'
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the
Commotion has subsided.
'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other
student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'
The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class
who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into
laughter.
'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain,
felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No
one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of
empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no
brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain,
how can we trust your lectures, sir?'
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the
student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I
guess you'll have to take them on faith.'
'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists
with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as
evil?'
Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We
see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man.
It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world.
These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'
To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at
least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God.
It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe
the absence of God.
God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when
man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold
that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there
is no light.'
The professor sat down.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Trust His Timing, by Tom Norvell
One of the features of my new mobile phone is a clock that allows me to
see the time in multiple time zones, set an alarm, use a stopwatch, and
time an event. When I take a walk, I usually set the timer for about
fifteen minutes short of the length of time I want to walk. That way, I
can decide the route for the last part of the walk. For instance, if I
plan to walk for an hour, I will set the time on my phone for 45
minutes. Invariably, I will check the timer a number of times before
the alarm sounds.
Is this thing working?
Did it sound and I did not hear it?
Has something malfunctioned?
Thus far, the alarm has never failed to work. I have never walked an
extra hour by accident. The device has never failed to perform as it is
designed to do. Yet, I still have a feeling of distrust in the clock.
The same thing happens as I walk through life, trying to live on God's
time-table.
I have read the instructions from His word about trusting Him. I am
listening to God, praying for His will to be done. I believe that He is
working even though I cannot see it. I know that the Father is in
charge. I know that nothing will happen that escapes His view. I know
that He cares for me. I know that the Lord has always dealt, and will
always deal, with me according to His justice and goodness. However,
there are still times when I have difficulty trusting His timing.
I have discovered three realities about trusting His timing.
I have learned that His timing is always right!
First, trusting His timing is sometimes hard. There are times when I
eagerly lay my cares down, but then I decide not to wait for God to
work and pick them back up again. There are other times when my
concerns must be ripped from my hands. My doubts and fears take over:
What if He does not listen? What if He hears the wrong thing? What if
He chooses to act in a way that I do not like? Or worse, what if He
chooses not to act at all? I have swallowed hard when He responded with
"No," and I have laid awake at night wrestling with His answers that
appear to be, "Not now."
Second, trusting His timing is sometimes easy. There are times when
waiting for God to work His plan is easy. Laying my concerns at the
feet of the Lord and leaving them there comes naturally. I have
experienced answered prayer soon after making the request. I receive
his "Yes" with joy and gratitude. I receive His "No" with patience and
trust.
Third, whether easy or difficult: I have learned over life and from His
word, that the Father's timing is always right.
Solomon said it this way:
He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set
eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has
done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).
You may be in a waiting time. Waiting for the answer. Waiting for
direction. Waiting for peace. Waiting for hope. Waiting for healing.
Waiting for victory. Doubt and uncertainty may have set in. You may be
left with questions and fears.
Whatever is the focus of your wait, trust His timing ... it is always
right.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
see the time in multiple time zones, set an alarm, use a stopwatch, and
time an event. When I take a walk, I usually set the timer for about
fifteen minutes short of the length of time I want to walk. That way, I
can decide the route for the last part of the walk. For instance, if I
plan to walk for an hour, I will set the time on my phone for 45
minutes. Invariably, I will check the timer a number of times before
the alarm sounds.
Is this thing working?
Did it sound and I did not hear it?
Has something malfunctioned?
Thus far, the alarm has never failed to work. I have never walked an
extra hour by accident. The device has never failed to perform as it is
designed to do. Yet, I still have a feeling of distrust in the clock.
The same thing happens as I walk through life, trying to live on God's
time-table.
I have read the instructions from His word about trusting Him. I am
listening to God, praying for His will to be done. I believe that He is
working even though I cannot see it. I know that the Father is in
charge. I know that nothing will happen that escapes His view. I know
that He cares for me. I know that the Lord has always dealt, and will
always deal, with me according to His justice and goodness. However,
there are still times when I have difficulty trusting His timing.
I have discovered three realities about trusting His timing.
I have learned that His timing is always right!
First, trusting His timing is sometimes hard. There are times when I
eagerly lay my cares down, but then I decide not to wait for God to
work and pick them back up again. There are other times when my
concerns must be ripped from my hands. My doubts and fears take over:
What if He does not listen? What if He hears the wrong thing? What if
He chooses to act in a way that I do not like? Or worse, what if He
chooses not to act at all? I have swallowed hard when He responded with
"No," and I have laid awake at night wrestling with His answers that
appear to be, "Not now."
Second, trusting His timing is sometimes easy. There are times when
waiting for God to work His plan is easy. Laying my concerns at the
feet of the Lord and leaving them there comes naturally. I have
experienced answered prayer soon after making the request. I receive
his "Yes" with joy and gratitude. I receive His "No" with patience and
trust.
Third, whether easy or difficult: I have learned over life and from His
word, that the Father's timing is always right.
Solomon said it this way:
He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set
eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has
done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).
You may be in a waiting time. Waiting for the answer. Waiting for
direction. Waiting for peace. Waiting for hope. Waiting for healing.
Waiting for victory. Doubt and uncertainty may have set in. You may be
left with questions and fears.
Whatever is the focus of your wait, trust His timing ... it is always
right.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Turning Point
When I first met Joe, he was a hard-drinking man. Some of his neighbours saw him as a trouble-maker. My initial efforts to help him were completely unsuccessful. He said he didn't want anything to do with Christ or Christians because he had seen too much hypocrisy in the church.
A short time after his wife's death, Joe surprised many people by coming to a church service. He received a cordial welcome and started to attend regularly. We put no pressure on Him to become a Christian but trusted the Holy Spirit to do His. About four weeks later, on a Monday morning, he rang our doorbell, came in , sat down, and said, "Pastor, the first time I met you I told you how rotten I thought everyone else was, but now I see how bad I am. Last night I got down on my knees and asked Jesus to save me."
Joe's life was transformed when he stopped making excuses and admitted his own sinfulness. That was also true of the wayward son in today's reading. When he hit bottom, he said, " I will arise and go to my father, and will say to Him, 'Father, I have sinned (Lk. 15:18)
The turning point for all of us comes when we acknowledge our need and accept God's offer of forgiveness.
Forgive me, Father, for my sins, the many wrongs that I have done; help me to turn from evil ways and follow Jesus Christ, Your Son
Father, I have sinned against heaven..., and am no longer worthy to be called your son Luke 15:21
A short time after his wife's death, Joe surprised many people by coming to a church service. He received a cordial welcome and started to attend regularly. We put no pressure on Him to become a Christian but trusted the Holy Spirit to do His. About four weeks later, on a Monday morning, he rang our doorbell, came in , sat down, and said, "Pastor, the first time I met you I told you how rotten I thought everyone else was, but now I see how bad I am. Last night I got down on my knees and asked Jesus to save me."
Joe's life was transformed when he stopped making excuses and admitted his own sinfulness. That was also true of the wayward son in today's reading. When he hit bottom, he said, " I will arise and go to my father, and will say to Him, 'Father, I have sinned (Lk. 15:18)
The turning point for all of us comes when we acknowledge our need and accept God's offer of forgiveness.
Forgive me, Father, for my sins, the many wrongs that I have done; help me to turn from evil ways and follow Jesus Christ, Your Son
Father, I have sinned against heaven..., and am no longer worthy to be called your son Luke 15:21
Thursday, January 17, 2008
"Look At Me"
It was one of those split-second exchanges between a 16-year-old girl and her father, but it spoke volumes. While he was out of town, she had broken her curfew and stayed out too late with her boyfriend. Now she had to talk to Dad about it. Embarrassed and afraid, she sat quietly looking down at her hands in her lap while the discussion went on. She apologized and they decided on a suitable discipline.
"Look at me," Dad said. She didn't want to, but she did. Instead of a hard look of displeasure, she saw tears and a look of deep love. She threw her arms around him, and they both knew that everything would be all right between them.
To keep everything right between us and our heavenly Father, we have to seek His face(Ps. 27:8). We may feel guilt, disappointment, anger or hurt towards God. But that is when we must respond to His invitation to look to Him especially if fellowship has been broken.
Our greatest concern should be the fear of loosing a close relationship with Him. Our greatest delight should be seeing His face in the Word and through the wonderful privilege of prayer. That way we will have the assurance that everything is all right between us.
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, ... then I will forgive their sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14
"Look at me," Dad said. She didn't want to, but she did. Instead of a hard look of displeasure, she saw tears and a look of deep love. She threw her arms around him, and they both knew that everything would be all right between them.
To keep everything right between us and our heavenly Father, we have to seek His face(Ps. 27:8). We may feel guilt, disappointment, anger or hurt towards God. But that is when we must respond to His invitation to look to Him especially if fellowship has been broken.
Our greatest concern should be the fear of loosing a close relationship with Him. Our greatest delight should be seeing His face in the Word and through the wonderful privilege of prayer. That way we will have the assurance that everything is all right between us.
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, ... then I will forgive their sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Letter from Jesus. Invitation party.
Thanks Rufford for the email. It will be a reminder to us all.
Dear All,
As you well know, we are getting closer to My birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many Radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that My birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of Me.
As you know, the celebration of My birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in My honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. However, do you want to know something? I was not invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.
They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: 'Santa Claus, Santa Claus' as if the party were in his honor! At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug Me and do you know no-one hugged Me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for Me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one?
I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers Me. I would like this Christmas that you allow Me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give My life for you, on the cross, to save you.Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.
Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be PART of MY GREAT PARTY.
See you soon. I Love you!
Jesus
Dear All,
As you well know, we are getting closer to My birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many Radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that My birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of Me.
As you know, the celebration of My birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in My honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. However, do you want to know something? I was not invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.
They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: 'Santa Claus, Santa Claus' as if the party were in his honor! At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug Me and do you know no-one hugged Me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for Me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one?
I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers Me. I would like this Christmas that you allow Me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give My life for you, on the cross, to save you.Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.
Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be PART of MY GREAT PARTY.
See you soon. I Love you!
Jesus
Jesus In Christmas
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays: What Are We Celebrating Anyway?
Christmas trees are now holiday trees at your local lot. Parents have consented to giving Santa Claus credit for their hard-earned money. In the past the “Christ” in Christmas evolved into “X-mas,” now the whole phrase has been dismissed for the politically correct “Happy Holidays.” Amidst political correctness, multiple religions, and consumer spending, what are we celebrating anyway?
It’s in the name. Even its newly abridged title of “holiday” illuminates the true reason for this season. ‘Holiday’ is derived from ‘holy day,’ which means a day that is sacred—set apart or special. December 25th is the day we celebrate the birth of a man born over 2000 years ago. This birthday is celebrated internationally and has endured a millennium over. As your and my birthdays are not celebrated in this way, what makes this man so special?
His Birth Was Predicted Thousands of Years in Advance: The prophet Isaiah spoke of the One who would come to deliver people from bondage and oppression and establish a kingdom of peace: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).
He Was to be a King: God had told Israel’s greatest ruler, King David, that a descendant of his would rule the kingdom forever. This fulfillment had not come until an angel told Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end’” (Luke 1:30-33).
He Was to Give the World Salvation: As evidenced by the state of the world today, mankind is in need of salvation. Jesus Christ was the promised One who would pay for our sins. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6).
Everything in His life was Miraculous—Beginning at His Birth and Continuing after His Death: Jesus was born of a virgin; exhibited the power of God—healing all diseases, casting out demons, and preaching the kingdom of God; chose to die a death He did not deserve; and was raised back to life on the third day. From earth, He went up into heaven where He sits at the right hand of God. From heaven, He offers salvation to all who will call upon His name: “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved’” (Romans 10:13).
1. God Loves You!
The Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"
The problem is that:
2. All of us have done, said or thought things that are wrong. This is called sin, and our sins have separated us from God.
The Bible says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God is perfect and holy, and our sins separate us from God forever. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death.”
The good news is that, about 2,000 years ago,
3. God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.
Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”
Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life -- of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."
God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name." You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.
4. If you want to accept Christ, you can ask Him to be your Savior and Lord by praying a prayer like this:
"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."
Have you accept this gift of salvation to ask Him to come into your life as Lord and Saviour?
Christmas trees are now holiday trees at your local lot. Parents have consented to giving Santa Claus credit for their hard-earned money. In the past the “Christ” in Christmas evolved into “X-mas,” now the whole phrase has been dismissed for the politically correct “Happy Holidays.” Amidst political correctness, multiple religions, and consumer spending, what are we celebrating anyway?
It’s in the name. Even its newly abridged title of “holiday” illuminates the true reason for this season. ‘Holiday’ is derived from ‘holy day,’ which means a day that is sacred—set apart or special. December 25th is the day we celebrate the birth of a man born over 2000 years ago. This birthday is celebrated internationally and has endured a millennium over. As your and my birthdays are not celebrated in this way, what makes this man so special?
His Birth Was Predicted Thousands of Years in Advance: The prophet Isaiah spoke of the One who would come to deliver people from bondage and oppression and establish a kingdom of peace: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).
He Was to be a King: God had told Israel’s greatest ruler, King David, that a descendant of his would rule the kingdom forever. This fulfillment had not come until an angel told Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end’” (Luke 1:30-33).
He Was to Give the World Salvation: As evidenced by the state of the world today, mankind is in need of salvation. Jesus Christ was the promised One who would pay for our sins. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6).
Everything in His life was Miraculous—Beginning at His Birth and Continuing after His Death: Jesus was born of a virgin; exhibited the power of God—healing all diseases, casting out demons, and preaching the kingdom of God; chose to die a death He did not deserve; and was raised back to life on the third day. From earth, He went up into heaven where He sits at the right hand of God. From heaven, He offers salvation to all who will call upon His name: “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved’” (Romans 10:13).
1. God Loves You!
The Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"
The problem is that:
2. All of us have done, said or thought things that are wrong. This is called sin, and our sins have separated us from God.
The Bible says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God is perfect and holy, and our sins separate us from God forever. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death.”
The good news is that, about 2,000 years ago,
3. God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.
Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”
Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life -- of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."
God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name." You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.
4. If you want to accept Christ, you can ask Him to be your Savior and Lord by praying a prayer like this:
"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."
Have you accept this gift of salvation to ask Him to come into your life as Lord and Saviour?
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Why my life so sian(bored)?
Life is it so boring to you sometimes? If yes,Why?
In this project serve, we had an ITE Christian Program called, “Impact”. During the impact program, I have learnt on the topic "Why my life so sian?" through the speaker Seow Chin, I came to realize that being “sian” actually comes from an attitude. I ever did ask myself why I felt so “sian” even though my days are fully occupied with programs and work to do.
Last time when I was in my church serving as an usher, I felt quite bored at times. It is because I took it like a duty as a Christian- just complete my part to serve in the church. It is also because being an usher always repeats the same old work procedure in carrying out the work processes. But right now after being corrected by God’s word, I do enjoy serving the Lord as an usher in church and I found myself more willing to serve Him with joy. Heartily, I want to do my very best for the Lord no matter I am good at it or not.
I came to know that having the right attitude in serving Him is very important. God sees the heart of our service to Him no matter in which area we are, whatever we do such as pastor, choir, pianist, guitarist etc... No matter which work we are doing in church, whether big or small, God still see our heart of service towards Him. We ought to ask ourselves whether our service unto Him is pleasing. We need to search our hearts in the way we serve. As a Christian it is our duty to serve but we also need to open our hearts to be willing to serve and to serve giving our best unto the Lord. May you find joy in serving our Holy Lord!
In this project serve, we had an ITE Christian Program called, “Impact”. During the impact program, I have learnt on the topic "Why my life so sian?" through the speaker Seow Chin, I came to realize that being “sian” actually comes from an attitude. I ever did ask myself why I felt so “sian” even though my days are fully occupied with programs and work to do.
Last time when I was in my church serving as an usher, I felt quite bored at times. It is because I took it like a duty as a Christian- just complete my part to serve in the church. It is also because being an usher always repeats the same old work procedure in carrying out the work processes. But right now after being corrected by God’s word, I do enjoy serving the Lord as an usher in church and I found myself more willing to serve Him with joy. Heartily, I want to do my very best for the Lord no matter I am good at it or not.
I came to know that having the right attitude in serving Him is very important. God sees the heart of our service to Him no matter in which area we are, whatever we do such as pastor, choir, pianist, guitarist etc... No matter which work we are doing in church, whether big or small, God still see our heart of service towards Him. We ought to ask ourselves whether our service unto Him is pleasing. We need to search our hearts in the way we serve. As a Christian it is our duty to serve but we also need to open our hearts to be willing to serve and to serve giving our best unto the Lord. May you find joy in serving our Holy Lord!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
The Blood (why do we need the blood of Christ?)
THE BLOOD
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." Leviticus 17:11
MAN'S GREATEST NEED
The blood of Jesus Christ is God's way of meeting man's greatest need. God is holy, but man is sinful. Sin had separated man from God. To be separated from God a death means to spend eternity in Hell, for sin must be punished. God will not excuse sin.
GOD'S GREATEST SACRIFICE
God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as the payment for our sins: "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood..." Notice in Romans 3:25 that it was God's plan, not man's: "Whom God hath set forth..."
Second, that Christ died to pay for our sins: "...to be a propitiation..." Finally, that forgiveness is obtained simply by trusting what Jesus has done: "...through faith in his blood..."
Because of the blood, God can show mercy to sinners, yet still remain holy and just. "...that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:26
WHAT WILL JESUS' BLOOD DO?
The blood washes and cleanses us from sin.
"Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," Revelation 1:5. "...and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." I John 1:7
The blood pays for our forgiveness.
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins..." Ephesians 1:7.
The blood makes peace with God.
"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself..." Colossians 1:20.
The blood saves us from God's wrath.
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Romans 5:9
The blood opens the way to Heaven.
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus," Hebrews 10:19.
WHAT MUST I DO?
Admit your need: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23.
"For I acknowledge my transgressions.... I will be sorry for my sin." Psalms 51:3 & 38:18
Trust God's promises completely: "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:31.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" I Peter 1:18, 19.
Cry out to God in prayer: "...God be merciful to me a sinner." Luke 18:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
YOUR GREATEST DECISION
Jesus shed His blood, was buried, and rose the third day. At this moment He stands ready, able, and willing to save you. The choice is yours. A song says, 'If the blood of Christ is sufficient for God, it is surely sufficient for me.' It is the blood that satisfies God.
Why not put your trust in Christ's finished work, and call on Him for salvation now?
"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," Revelation 1:5.
Why Jesus Christ Die For You? Path to HEAVEN (bible verse)
I CAME… because of “your” SIN.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”
(Romans 3:10)
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God:”
(Romans 3:23)
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the
world to save sinners:'
(I Timothy 1:15)
I DIED…to pay for “your” SIN.
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him: and with his stipes we are healed."
(Isaiah 53:5)
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from Wrath through him.”
(Romans 5:8 & 9)
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
(Colossians 1:14)
I AROSE…to keep “you” saved eternally.
(Romans 3:10)
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God:”
(Romans 3:23)
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the
world to save sinners:'
(I Timothy 1:15)
I DIED…to pay for “your” SIN.
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him: and with his stipes we are healed."
(Isaiah 53:5)
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from Wrath through him.”
(Romans 5:8 & 9)
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
(Colossians 1:14)
I AROSE…to keep “you” saved eternally.
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
(Hebrews 7:25)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life:
and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
(John 10:27 & 28)
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
(I John 5:11)
YOU MUST REPENT.... admitting you are guilty,
that you cannot do “anything” to save Or help save yourself, and that you
need Jesus Christ.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
(Luke 13:3)
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return
unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him: and to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon. For my thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."
(Isaiah 55:7 & 8)
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”
(Titus 3:5)
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith
is counted for righteousness.”
(Romans 4:5)
YOU MUST TRUST.... Putting your complete faith in
Jesus Christ to save you.
“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.”
(John 3:16)
“He that believeth on him is not condemned:”
(John 3:18)
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
(Romans 10:13)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
(Romans 10:13)
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of live was cast into the lake of fire.”
(Revelation 20:15)
HEAVEN
The Path Way To Heaven
First, YOU MUST ACCEPT THAT YOU ARE A SINNER.
First, YOU MUST ACCEPT THAT YOU ARE A SINNER.
(Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come of the glory of God
(Romans 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.
SECOND, YOU MUST ACCEPT THAT AS A SINNER ,YOU OWE A PENALTY.
(Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life,through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Ezekiel 18:4) The soul that sinneth, it shall die.
This death is described in the Bible as the second death, the lake of fire.
(Revelation 20:14) Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
THIRD, YOU MUST ACCEPT THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS ALREADY PAIDOUR SIN DEBT.
(Romans 5:6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
(Hebrews 2:9)....that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believethin him should not preish, but have everlasting life.
(II Corinthians 5:12) He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might
bemade the righteousness of God in him.
It is a fact that Jesus Christ has already paid your sin debt.
FOURTH, YOU MUST ACCEPT BY FAITH WHATJESUS CHRIST DID FOR YOU.
It is a fact that Jesus Christ has already paid your sin debt.
FOURTH, YOU MUST ACCEPT BY FAITH WHATJESUS CHRIST DID FOR YOU.
(John 3:36) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not theSon shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(John 5:24) Verily verily, I say unto you. He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me,hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemation; but is passed from death unto life
Now, Today why not trust the Lord as your Savior.
(Romans10:9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mounth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believein thine heart that God gatg raused him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(Romans 10:10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the month confessionis made unto salvation.
(Romans 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Easy-believism (what is the Gospel all about?)
Easy-believism
Today, people tend to take salvation lightly. People believed and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour but some event have no spiritual commitment, no resulting change in lifestyle, not even a willingness to yield to Christ Lordship and there need be no turning back of sin. They have misunderstood, teach and hold the wrong view of the gospel.
Some people who claims to be "christian" but there's untouchable life that change in them. Many Christians insist such people they are "so called born again" and embraced them by the churches as true believers of God.
Contemporary Christian
They believed that they have recited a prayer, signed on a dotted line, walk an aisle or had some experience and they are saved should never question their salvation. But when they are taught to tell "converts" they doubt about their salvation is satanic and should be dismissed.
The Gospel
The gospel Jesus proclaimed was a call of discipleship, a call to follow Him in submissive obedience. Jesus message liberated people from the bondage of sin while it confronted and condemned hypocrisy. It was an offer of eternal life and forgiveness for repentant sinners, but at the same time it was a rebuke to outwardly religious people whose lives were devoid of true righteousness. It put sinners on notice that they must turn from sin to embrace God's righteousness. Not just a plea to make a decision or pray a prayer.
Accepted?
To accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, is not just using your mind to accept His truth but your Heart must be open to ask Jesus to come into our life. You can't accept Him as your personal Lord OR Saviour but BOTH LORD AND SAVIOUR of your life. Jesus saved us once and for all by dying on the cross for you and my sins. He even redeem us out of darkness and out of the slavery of sin. He is both God and Man, not merely man or God. Give thanks to God for who He is and what He had done for us.
Today, people tend to take salvation lightly. People believed and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour but some event have no spiritual commitment, no resulting change in lifestyle, not even a willingness to yield to Christ Lordship and there need be no turning back of sin. They have misunderstood, teach and hold the wrong view of the gospel.
Some people who claims to be "christian" but there's untouchable life that change in them. Many Christians insist such people they are "so called born again" and embraced them by the churches as true believers of God.
Contemporary Christian
They believed that they have recited a prayer, signed on a dotted line, walk an aisle or had some experience and they are saved should never question their salvation. But when they are taught to tell "converts" they doubt about their salvation is satanic and should be dismissed.
The Gospel
The gospel Jesus proclaimed was a call of discipleship, a call to follow Him in submissive obedience. Jesus message liberated people from the bondage of sin while it confronted and condemned hypocrisy. It was an offer of eternal life and forgiveness for repentant sinners, but at the same time it was a rebuke to outwardly religious people whose lives were devoid of true righteousness. It put sinners on notice that they must turn from sin to embrace God's righteousness. Not just a plea to make a decision or pray a prayer.
Accepted?
To accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, is not just using your mind to accept His truth but your Heart must be open to ask Jesus to come into our life. You can't accept Him as your personal Lord OR Saviour but BOTH LORD AND SAVIOUR of your life. Jesus saved us once and for all by dying on the cross for you and my sins. He even redeem us out of darkness and out of the slavery of sin. He is both God and Man, not merely man or God. Give thanks to God for who He is and what He had done for us.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Heavenly Mindedness
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" (Col 3:1)
Proper children of God are heavenly minded. Give your heart to heavenly things, not to the temporal things of the earth. Moses, Stephen, Joseph, etc were all proper children of God and they were heavenly minded. In so far, then, as you have to live upon this earth, consider yourselves dead to worldly contacts: Have nothing to do with Sexual immorality, filthiness, uncontrolled passion, evil desire, and the lust for other people's goods, which lust, remember, is as serious a sin as idolatry.
Moses could shun the riches of Egypt because he was heavenly minded. If all the time you are only thinking of how you will make money and you never consider where and how you will spend eternity, then there is some things wrong.
It is easy to be deceived by the temporary benefits of wealth, popularity, status, and achievement, and to be blind to long range benefits of God's kingdom. Faith helps us to look beyond the world's values of God's kingdom.
What will you do if you are offered millions of dollars in exchange for eternity in heaven? Let us not make the wrong choice because of the temporary difficulties we are going through in life.
-Lord, help me to steadfastly fix my mind on heavenly things and let me be aware if my eyes are fixing on temporary stuff on earth, in Jesus name. Amen.
Proper children of God are heavenly minded. Give your heart to heavenly things, not to the temporal things of the earth. Moses, Stephen, Joseph, etc were all proper children of God and they were heavenly minded. In so far, then, as you have to live upon this earth, consider yourselves dead to worldly contacts: Have nothing to do with Sexual immorality, filthiness, uncontrolled passion, evil desire, and the lust for other people's goods, which lust, remember, is as serious a sin as idolatry.
Moses could shun the riches of Egypt because he was heavenly minded. If all the time you are only thinking of how you will make money and you never consider where and how you will spend eternity, then there is some things wrong.
It is easy to be deceived by the temporary benefits of wealth, popularity, status, and achievement, and to be blind to long range benefits of God's kingdom. Faith helps us to look beyond the world's values of God's kingdom.
What will you do if you are offered millions of dollars in exchange for eternity in heaven? Let us not make the wrong choice because of the temporary difficulties we are going through in life.
-Lord, help me to steadfastly fix my mind on heavenly things and let me be aware if my eyes are fixing on temporary stuff on earth, in Jesus name. Amen.
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