These words are from my pastor's sermon a few Sundays ago.
We fast because we want God's glory more than we want food!
We are united by His gospel. We, as Christians, all have the same goal, to share the gospel to fill His kingdom.
We are enthralled in His worship.
We are abandoned to His mission.
Matt.28:16-20 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always , even to the end of the age."
We fast because we need God's direction more than we need food.
Acts 13:2 NAS While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
The Spirit leads and the church follows.
The Spirit calls and the church confirms.
The Spirit sends and the church supports.
Acts 13 ESV Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it." So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.' "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.' And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, "'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.' Therefore he says also in another psalm, "'You will not let your Holy One see corruption.' For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: "'Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.'" As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 14 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel. Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he sprang up and began walking. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they remained no little time with the disciples.Our pastor left us these words, as a church, what we should pray for:confidence in God's wordfilled with God's Spiritvictory in spiritual warfaresuccess in our gospel witnesspeace with other believersfavor with unbelieversgospel will be clear through us(show the character of God, show the sinfulness of man, the sufficiency of Christ, the necessity of faith, and the urgency of salvation and it's eternal implicationsfor God to open hearts around usfor joy in the midst of sufferingfor kindness in the midst of slanderfor God's supernatural power to be with usfor us to be humble like Christfor us to have patience and perserverencethat we make disciples, multiply churches and they would be filled with people who know the word and teach the wordAnd finally, in our lives, to know we all have the same commands but maybe different callings and we should be obedient to God's command and open to His calling.Lord, help us to be obedient and open to You. We want the ones You are calling to Your kingdom. Help us not to miss opportunities as You prepare hearts to receive Your good news. Amen
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Resurrection/Believe It
The resurrection of Christ is our hope and the basis of our faith: Acts 26:8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
It is certain and it is proved: 1Cor.15:12-22 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
It is proved by our Lord: John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
It's credibility proved: Matt.9:24-25 he said, "Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
Matt.27:50-53 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
Luke 7:12-15 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
John 11:32-44 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?" Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
Hebrews 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Our risen incorruptible, glorious, powerful, spiritual bodies: 1 Cor.15:40-44 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
I will leave one final thought today for you to keep in your heart. Dan.12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Lord, Your word is just and true and has the power of eternal life to those who believe. Give us the ones who have been called by You to join us in eternity. Amen
It is certain and it is proved: 1Cor.15:12-22 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
It is proved by our Lord: John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
It's credibility proved: Matt.9:24-25 he said, "Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
Matt.27:50-53 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
Luke 7:12-15 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
John 11:32-44 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?" Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."
Hebrews 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Our risen incorruptible, glorious, powerful, spiritual bodies: 1 Cor.15:40-44 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
I will leave one final thought today for you to keep in your heart. Dan.12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Lord, Your word is just and true and has the power of eternal life to those who believe. Give us the ones who have been called by You to join us in eternity. Amen
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The God of the Universe Holds Us in His Hands
We have victory, through Christ, over death and disease! We will be sick, we will die, and we will suffer but all this will be temporary! As long as we are in this body that is corruptible, we are subject to it's shortcomings. God designed this body to be a short term home, even though we think we will live forever. We are not promised tomorrow.
God's Son is Supreme:
Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
We may not have a tomorrow:
James 4:13-16 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
God our dwelling place:
Ps. 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
God's victory:
1 Cor.15:55-57 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Perfect peace forever from God the Father and His Son:
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
The Resurrection body:
1 Cor.15:45-49 Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
Mystery and Victory:
1 Cor.15:50-54 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
Father in heaven, the depth of Your word is astonishing! It is so amazing. What comforts it gives to the weary soul. Lord, someone today is waiting for Your comfort, open their closed eyes so they may see Your glory. Their soul is parched and only You can give them drink from the river of the water of life. In Jesus name I ask, Amen
God's Son is Supreme:
Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
We may not have a tomorrow:
James 4:13-16 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
God our dwelling place:
Ps. 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
God's victory:
1 Cor.15:55-57 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Perfect peace forever from God the Father and His Son:
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
The Resurrection body:
1 Cor.15:45-49 Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
Mystery and Victory:
1 Cor.15:50-54 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
Father in heaven, the depth of Your word is astonishing! It is so amazing. What comforts it gives to the weary soul. Lord, someone today is waiting for Your comfort, open their closed eyes so they may see Your glory. Their soul is parched and only You can give them drink from the river of the water of life. In Jesus name I ask, Amen
Sunday, February 6, 2011
All Knowledge of Good and Evil is from God
I recently read someones' opinions about marriage and a reference was made about the bible might lend itself to the same sex marriage idea because of people needing to belong. What kind of nonsense is that? Knowledge is a good thing until you began to think you are equal to God and can change His words to suite your sinful views.
In all this talk of gay rights, I never hear anyone saying anything about, we all sin but if we are the Lords we repent! We do not continue in our sin! We should never deny the fact that we all sin. All sin is the same and God will punish unrepentant sin. God words can not be changed to whatever to make the world feel all cozy in their sin. God demands repentance and holiness. Pastors , you will be held accountable for not preaching God's truth.
Marriage is between one man and one woman. Gen.2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Matt.19:4-6 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
Sinful people want their sin accepted by the world, but Christian, we are not of this world. Romans 1:28-32 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:24-25 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
We can not judge but we can give God's message in his truth and love! Eph.4:11-16 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
1 Peter 3:10-16 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Finally, the world will hate you! John 15:18-24 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father.
Father, we bow to Your majesty. We are sinful creatures in need of a precious Savior. I pray for the ones who will hear Your good news today, Father that You would open their dead hearts. I have been dead in my transgressions but through Your mercy I have been redeemed by Your precious Son, Jesus. Lord, I am begging for their precious souls to be delivered today through your power. In Jesus name and through Your power, Amen
In all this talk of gay rights, I never hear anyone saying anything about, we all sin but if we are the Lords we repent! We do not continue in our sin! We should never deny the fact that we all sin. All sin is the same and God will punish unrepentant sin. God words can not be changed to whatever to make the world feel all cozy in their sin. God demands repentance and holiness. Pastors , you will be held accountable for not preaching God's truth.
Marriage is between one man and one woman. Gen.2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Matt.19:4-6 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
Sinful people want their sin accepted by the world, but Christian, we are not of this world. Romans 1:28-32 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:24-25 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
We can not judge but we can give God's message in his truth and love! Eph.4:11-16 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
1 Peter 3:10-16 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Finally, the world will hate you! John 15:18-24 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father.
Father, we bow to Your majesty. We are sinful creatures in need of a precious Savior. I pray for the ones who will hear Your good news today, Father that You would open their dead hearts. I have been dead in my transgressions but through Your mercy I have been redeemed by Your precious Son, Jesus. Lord, I am begging for their precious souls to be delivered today through your power. In Jesus name and through Your power, Amen
Friday, February 4, 2011
God is Able!!
Today I let my faith in Sovereign God sustain me! He is able! When the trials come, He is there! When you are totally helpless, He is there! When you want to run and hide because you are paralysed with fear, He is there! Trust in Him is so worth everything! God is here for you if you will but trust Him with your all! We really have no control at all. We are forever in His care whether you want to admit it or not, the choice is yours, to believe in His supremacy! He will keep you in good times and bad. He will build your faith through trials and He will use you to tell of the joy you have in Him as He leads you through them! You will have peace in the midst of the worst times! You will praise His name for He is merciful and good!
God, thank You for the faith You have given me. I meditate on Your good word night and day. When I awake, I think on the words You have given us to guide us and I know You love us. Lord, I pray for the ones who do not know You intimately and ask for their eyes to be opened to the wonder of You. Amen
James 1:2-5 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Definition of steadfastness: loyalty in the face of trouble and difficulty
Definition of trust: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
Definition of faith: belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence
We all will face trials with or without God. I can promise that if You trust Jesus Christ in all things, He will give you peace and joy that the world will not be able to understand.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 9:33 As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Heb.11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
God, thank You for the faith You have given me. I meditate on Your good word night and day. When I awake, I think on the words You have given us to guide us and I know You love us. Lord, I pray for the ones who do not know You intimately and ask for their eyes to be opened to the wonder of You. Amen
James 1:2-5 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Definition of steadfastness: loyalty in the face of trouble and difficulty
Definition of trust: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
Definition of faith: belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence
We all will face trials with or without God. I can promise that if You trust Jesus Christ in all things, He will give you peace and joy that the world will not be able to understand.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 9:33 As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Heb.11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Are You Just Called Or Are You Chosen?
Matt. 22:14 ESV For many are called, but few are chosen."
When I read this verse this morning for about the 10th time, I was just astounded! It really sunk in what it meant! Only some will except Jesus even though they have been called by Him to be His! I got a really sick feeling in my gut because people, like me who are saved by grace, may not have ever really listened to this verse. It will effect the way we look at people. It is possible to know about Jesus but not except Him and follow Him. Lord, I pray for eyes to be opened to Your word today, for we may not have a tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation. Amen
Lord, Your word says: Rev.22:17 KJ And the Spirit and the bride say ,Come. And let him that heareth say ,Come . And let him that is athirst come . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
This is a general call of repentance to all who hear the gospel, we who respond are the chosen.
God's internal call or effectual call is a supernatural drawing to Him.
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Although we are chosen to enter the kingdom, it is only because of the grace of God and His drawing of us to Himself, that allows us the privilege to enter His presence .
Definition of grace: God’s unmerited favor,-unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
I would like to say one thing about grace. While grace is free, with it comes a responsibility of repentance. We must try to live a holy life and when we fail, go on our knees and ask for forgiveness.
Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
Lord, help me follow Your commands and help me to teach others. Lord God, forgive us when we fail You. Amen
When I read this verse this morning for about the 10th time, I was just astounded! It really sunk in what it meant! Only some will except Jesus even though they have been called by Him to be His! I got a really sick feeling in my gut because people, like me who are saved by grace, may not have ever really listened to this verse. It will effect the way we look at people. It is possible to know about Jesus but not except Him and follow Him. Lord, I pray for eyes to be opened to Your word today, for we may not have a tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation. Amen
Lord, Your word says: Rev.22:17 KJ And the Spirit and the bride say ,Come. And let him that heareth say ,Come . And let him that is athirst come . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
This is a general call of repentance to all who hear the gospel, we who respond are the chosen.
God's internal call or effectual call is a supernatural drawing to Him.
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Although we are chosen to enter the kingdom, it is only because of the grace of God and His drawing of us to Himself, that allows us the privilege to enter His presence .
Definition of grace: God’s unmerited favor,-unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
I would like to say one thing about grace. While grace is free, with it comes a responsibility of repentance. We must try to live a holy life and when we fail, go on our knees and ask for forgiveness.
Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
Lord, help me follow Your commands and help me to teach others. Lord God, forgive us when we fail You. Amen
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February Bible Reading
Date Old Testament New Testament
February 1 Exodus 27, 28 Matthew 21:23-46
February 2 Exodus 29, 30 Matthew 22:1-22
February 3 Exodus 31, 32, 33 Matthew 22:23-46
February 4 Exodus 34, 35, 36 Matthew 23:1-22
February 5 Exodus 37, 38 Matthew 23:23-39
February 6 Exodus 39, 40 Matthew 24:1-22
February 7 Leviticus 1, 2, 3 Matthew 24:23-51
February 8 Leviticus 4, 5, 6 Matthew 25:1-30
February 9 Leviticus 7, 8, 9 Matthew 25:31-46
February 10 Leviticus 10, 11, 12 Matthew 26:1-19
February 11 Leviticus 13 Matthew 26:20-54
February 12 Leviticus 14 Matthew 26:55-75
February 13 Leviticus 15, 16, 17 Matthew 27:1-31
February 14 Leviticus 18, 19 Matthew 27:32-66
February 15 Leviticus 20, 21 Matthew 28:1-20
February 16 Leviticus 22, 23 Mark 1:1-22
February 17 Leviticus 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
February 18 Leviticus 26, 27 Mark 2
February 19 Numbers 1, 2 Mark 3:1-21
February 20 Numbers 3, 4 Mark 3:22-35
February 21 Numbers 5, 6 Mark 4:1-20
February 22 Numbers 7 Mark 4:21-41
February 23 Numbers 8, 9, 10 Mark 5:1-20
February 24 Numbers 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
February 25 Numbers 14, 15 Mark 6:1-32
February 26 Numbers 16, 17 Mark 6:33-56
February 27 Numbers 18, 19, 20 Mark 7:1-13
February 28 Numbers 21, 22 Mark 7:14-37
February 29 Numbers 23, 24, 25 Mark 8:1-21
February 1 Exodus 27, 28 Matthew 21:23-46
February 2 Exodus 29, 30 Matthew 22:1-22
February 3 Exodus 31, 32, 33 Matthew 22:23-46
February 4 Exodus 34, 35, 36 Matthew 23:1-22
February 5 Exodus 37, 38 Matthew 23:23-39
February 6 Exodus 39, 40 Matthew 24:1-22
February 7 Leviticus 1, 2, 3 Matthew 24:23-51
February 8 Leviticus 4, 5, 6 Matthew 25:1-30
February 9 Leviticus 7, 8, 9 Matthew 25:31-46
February 10 Leviticus 10, 11, 12 Matthew 26:1-19
February 11 Leviticus 13 Matthew 26:20-54
February 12 Leviticus 14 Matthew 26:55-75
February 13 Leviticus 15, 16, 17 Matthew 27:1-31
February 14 Leviticus 18, 19 Matthew 27:32-66
February 15 Leviticus 20, 21 Matthew 28:1-20
February 16 Leviticus 22, 23 Mark 1:1-22
February 17 Leviticus 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
February 18 Leviticus 26, 27 Mark 2
February 19 Numbers 1, 2 Mark 3:1-21
February 20 Numbers 3, 4 Mark 3:22-35
February 21 Numbers 5, 6 Mark 4:1-20
February 22 Numbers 7 Mark 4:21-41
February 23 Numbers 8, 9, 10 Mark 5:1-20
February 24 Numbers 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
February 25 Numbers 14, 15 Mark 6:1-32
February 26 Numbers 16, 17 Mark 6:33-56
February 27 Numbers 18, 19, 20 Mark 7:1-13
February 28 Numbers 21, 22 Mark 7:14-37
February 29 Numbers 23, 24, 25 Mark 8:1-21
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