The Power of the Cross

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
— Colossians 2:13–14

The power of the cross is for all practical purposes, the message of Scripture. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, clearly speaks of Jesus' life and death. After Satan led Adam and Eve into sin, God judged Satan and said to him, "He [the Messiah] shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Genesis 3:15).

The prophet Isaiah spoke of the Suffering Servant who "was wounded for our transgressions . . . and by His stripes we were healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of Jesus Christ and the New Testament reinforces this central message that Jesus came to die.

From the very beginning, Jesus' death and resurrection were a part of God's plan. The crucifixion was not an interruption of an otherwise successful ministry. It was all part of God's plan to bring about the redemption of humanity. Jesus was born to die for our sins. That is the power of the cross.

A Matter of the Heart

Have you observed how two people can hear the same gospel message and react in completely different ways. One person will be profoundly moved, while the other will become even more hardened in his or her sin.

We see this phenomena in the story of Cain and Abel. Both of these men were sons of Adam and Eve; raised in the same home and exposed to the same spiritual message. When we first read of their story in Genesis 4, it seems they were both believers. But time revealed that Cain was a jealous and embittered man that he murdered his brother Abel. The story of Cain and Abel ought to remind us there are those people who look like believers, but have no relationship with God. The Scripture says about such, "there are people who have a form of godliness but deny its power" (2 Timothy 3:5).

Such is the life story of far too many people. They are all show and no go. Their faith in God turns out to be a mere game or act.

Consider this. You can offer like Cain. You can weep like Esau. You can serve like Gehazi. You can be a disciple like Judas. You can recite long prayers like the Pharisees, be a seeking soul like the rich young ruler, and have lamps like the five foolish bridesmaids, and still be lost.

The real issue is not about enjoying the message or whether it moves you. The heart of the issue is whether you believe the message and take a stand for it.

I am safe in Jesus

This is a Synopsis of yesterday's sunday sermon preached by Pastor Damien. It was titled "I am safe in Christ".

Many believers themselves are unaware of their status or position with regard to Christ Jesus and often this results in many misconceptions, heartaches, and dejections. The following references describe a believer's position at all times.

1 Cor 1.30 – I am in Christ
Col 2.10 – I am complete in Christ
Luke 10.19 - I am safe in Christ & no evil can harm me

The following 6 points will make you bold Christains

A. I have an identity card from Almighty God - Jn 1.12; 1 Jn 5.18
The very moment we receive Jesus Christ as our savior we receive an identity card. It says “This is my daughter/son” : so no evil can touch me. It is signed by God and His seal is upon it.

B. I have a bullet proof jacket – Gal 3.27 "..you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
When I am born again I receive an identity card, but,
When I am water baptized I get a bullet proof jacket that protects me from the fiery darts of the evil one.

C. I have a power jacket – Luke 24. 49

When we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit we are promised that we will be clothed with power. During water baptism we are clothed with Christ, but, the Holy Spirit baptism ensures that we are clothed with the Third Person of the Trinity too - the Holy Spirit.

This jacket not only protects me but ensures that Power will come out of me to chase away every demonic power.

Act 10.38 Jesus had this power jacket. It was the power that came out of Jesus that delivered the sick and demon possessed.

Acts 1.8 speaks of power that will come upon us – This power is for ministry unto others.

D. I have body guards – Hebrews 1.14

This verse in Hebrews speaks of ministering angels that are sent to minister the children of God. Every child of God is accompanied by these ministring angels that shield us from harm and clear the paths before us.

E. I have a full cover insurance - Matthew 30.31
Every hair on my head is numbered. God does not know just the total number of hairs on my head but every hair is individually called by a number. The bible assures us that we are of great value and we are insured completely- top to bottom, inside out. God's hands are above me, in front of me, behind me, on my sides and I am carried in the very hands of God.

No one and nothing can snatch me away from this Almighty God.

F. I have the full armor of God - Ephesians 6.11-18

The full armor of God ensures that I am always in readiness to wage war against the powers of spiritual darkness.

So now we know that we are indeed safe in Christ. God has provided all that we need to be kept safe till the end of the ages. So let peace rule over your heart and be not troubled.

Amazing Love

John 3.16 clearly proves that we cannot make God stop loving us. Amazing.

“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 KJV

I encourage you to meditate on this verse word by word:

God: The omnipotent Creator - loving, sovereign, holy, all-wise, ever-present, compassionate God who flung a hundred billion or more galaxies into space merely by speaking.

So loved: His love is unconditional and inexhaustible.

He gave: a gift that can never be earned by our good works, but can be received only by faith.

His only begotten Son: the most precious, priceless gift ever given - Jesus.

That whosoever: you and I and every person who inhabits the world.

Believeth in Him: believes that He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world, the one who died on the cross for the sins of all people everywhere and who was raised from the dead.

Should not perish: should not be eternally separated from God. “The Lord…is not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV).

But have everlasting life: not only in heaven, but also on earth, experiencing the supernatural, everlasting life of the indwelling, risen Savior.

Amen & Amen.

Drinking From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune

And its probably too late now,

But I don't worry about that much

I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way

I'm reaping better than I sow.

I'm drinking from my saucer

'Cause my cup has overflowed!

Haven't got a lot of riches

And sometimes the going's tough,

But I've got loving ones around me

And that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for His blessings

And the mercies He's bestowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer

'Cause my cup has overflowed!

Oh, I remember times when things went wrong

And my faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke

And sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe

About the tough rows that I've hoed.

I'm drinking from my saucer

"Cause my cup has overflowed!

If God gives me strength and courage

When the way grows steep and rough,

I'll not ask for other blessings

I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy

To help others bear their loads,

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer

'Cause my cup has overflowed.

- Adapted from a song by Michael Combs

Where can I flee from Your Spirit?

God is always calling us back to Him .

"My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. " John 10:27
Our Good Shepherd, Jesus promises that we can hear and know His voice. This , however, need not be some mysterious, mystical process. In fact, God speaks to you quite often. The Good Shepherd knows not only your name (John 10:3), but your nature.

Yes, God speaks—but we do not always like what He says. Have you sensed the conviction of the Holy Spirit when you were in a relationship or a place you did not belong? At times, God's Holy Spirit whispers in the stillness of your heart, "What are you doing here?"

How else can we know when God is speaking to us?

• God speaks to us through His word. (Psalm 119:105)
• God speaks to us through circumstances (Psalm 119:67)
• God speaks to through His peace (Colossians 3:15)

And once we have heard God's voice, what should we do? Jesus calls, we responds. He whispers, we move. We follow—and then we keep on listening.

The One Gift All Can Give

Worship is one gift that he who has nothing can give to Him who owns everything.

Someone wisely said, “Maturing in our relationship with Christ is dispensing with the wrong thinking we have about God.” This is true and one area the Holy Spirit changes our thinking is our misconceptions about worshipping God.

Often our views of worship are not necessarily God’s views.

For example, is worship something we just do in church? What about the verse in Colossians that tells us to do everything as unto the Lord? This means changing dirty diapers and carrying out garbage, running a business and cleaning a house. It is also having our quiet time and singing praise songs in church. Those are all acts of worship if we do them for Him.

Let’s take a look at a few Bible verses:

We Were Created for God’s Pleasure (not our own pleasure).

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou has created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

Our First Purpose is to Worship God.

“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1).

Worship is my Response to God’s Love. Worship is Giving Back to God.

“Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).

God wants us to love Him, thoughtfully, passionately and practically. Worship is focusing our attention on God - not ourselves. Worship is expressing our affection for God. Worship is using our abilities for God.

Father, we have so much to learn about how to worship You. We love You so much and want You to cleanse our minds from all the false conceptions and enable us to adore and worship You. Amen.

India for Jesus

Atrocities against Indian Christians between
August 24th 2008 & September 28th at a glance

I) Orissa
14 districts affected by violence
200 villages destroyed
4300 houses burned down
50000 people became homeless
57 killed
10 priests, missionaries and nuns wounded
2 women gang raped
18000 men, women, and children wounded
149 church buildings destroyed
13 schools, colleges destroyed

II) Karnataka
4 districts affected
19 churches attacked by extremists
20 women and nuns wounded

III) Kerala
3 churches partially damaged

IV) Madhyapradesh
4 churches partially damaged

V) Delhi
1 church destroyed

VI) Tamil Nadu
1 church destroyed

VII) Uthar Pradesh
2 people killed

I wanted to share this with you my friend for I know you care. And so should all children of God as well as every humanitarian. However, as I was typing this out with a heavy heart the Lord ministered to me through His very Word. In John 12:24 Jesus says: “ I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

Persecution has led to great harvests in countries like communist China as well as many Moslem nations. The same Lord of the Harvest Jesus shall bring forth a great harvest of souls in our country India.

I and my country India, we shall serve Jesus.

Spiritual Idols - Modern day Idols

John Gagliardi in a recent article "Idols Are Not Yesterday" defines idolatary as: "If you wake up in the middle of the night, ..... and all you can think about is your business or your job; if you wake up in the morning and that is all that fills your thoughts, then you are dangerously close to having an idol in your heart. Because when you wake up in the night, and when you awaken in the morning, God should fill your heart and your mind, with an overwhelming sense of total trust in Him."

Chris Shipley speaks out on "Spiritual Idols and Addictions" in this unique manner: "Idolatry is not a practice isolated to ancient cultures but is also prevalent in our culture. But we see its manifestation through addictions."

"Careers and occupations are admirable goals but they too can become elevated to the point where one eats, drinks, and breathes the job.

Similarly, as a student, grades can become everything, all is sacrificed for study, and the rest of one's life is left in shambles.

Likewise, relationships are a common substitute for God. We put friends, mentors, partners, spouses, or even children on pedestals they were never meant to be on. It doesn't even have to be a human being.

To read John Gagliardi's article "Idols Are Not Yesterday" -http://www.chc.org.sg/eng/ministry/bb_2008_06.php

To read Chris Shipley's article on "Spiritual Idols and Addictions" -http://dev.iamnext.com/spirituality/idols.html

A Joseph Calling

And he sent a man before them-Joseph, sold as a slave. Psalms 105:17

Today God is raising up Josephs around the world. Some are still in the "pit" stage, while others are heading toward fruitfulness.

It takes years of preparation and testing to be a true Joseph. It takes what the psalmist says in Psalm 105:
He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them-Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free (Psalm 105:16-20).

A true Joseph provides spiritually and materially for those in the Body of Christ. He fully understands that he is merely a steward of all that God has entrusted him. He is a person who has humility and a broken and contrite heart before God. But how does God prepare modern-day Josephs?

It is often through the adversity of failed finances, failed relationships, and shattered dreams. These are the things God uses to allow the Josephs of our day to be proven by the Word of the Lord. Once proven, God brings them out of their prisons and uses them mightily for His purposes.

Joseph went through his trials-not because of any failure, but because of an incredible calling: to save and provide for an entire nation. So God prepared this man with 13 years of broken dreams and humble circumstances, breaking every ounce of pride and self-will. God could not afford to have a 30-year-old steeped in arrogance and pride running an entire nation.

Many believe God is raising up Josephs to prepare for a worldwide economic earthquake and to fund a global harvest of souls. Nations will be dramatically affected when a modern day Joseph steps forward to fulfill his calling.

Is God preparing you to be a Joseph? Are you willing to allow God to do whatever it takes for you to become a true Joseph? Ask the Lord today to do whatever is necessary to fully use your gifts and talents for His eternal Kingdom.

There is Hope Until the Last Breath

“Patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us” Romans 5:4-5 (NCV)

God is often more patient with us than we are with ourselves. We assume that if we fall, we aren’t born again. If we stumble, then we aren’t truly converted. If we have the old desires, then we must not be a new creation.

When you are anxious about this, please remember, “God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again” (Philippians 1:6).

IRAN: ‘APOSTASY’ BILL

 

IRAN: 'APOSTASY' BILL APPEARS LIKELY TO BECOME LAW

International pressure sought against mandatory death penalty for 'apostates.'

 

International pressure is crucial if the apostasy bill is to be countered, agreed a Christian source. He recalled how in 2005 Christian convert Hamid Pourmand was acquitted of apostasy as a direct result of international pressure.

 

"I don't know who you are, but apparently the rest of the world does," the presiding judge had told Pourmand, according to media sources. "You must be an important person, because many people from government have called me, saying to cancel your case."

 

The news of parliament approving the bill comes on the heels of two Christians being officially charged with apostasy this summer. Mahmood Matin Azad, 52, and Arash Basirat, 44, have been in prison since May 15 and now await their court date.

 

Although their future and that of other non-Muslims looks grim, some believe this bill is the act of a government desperately trying to hang onto power.

 

"I have to say the Iranian regime is tightening severely its control over as many aspects of the lives of Iranian people as they possibly can," said Grieboski. "And that, I think, is the sign of a weakening regime."

 

to read more ... http://www.compassdirect.org/en/display.php?page=news&lang=en&length=long&idelement=5599<=en&backpage=archives&critere=apostasy&countryname=&rowcur=0An

The Armor of God

Apostle Paul identifies six pieces of armor in Ephesian 6:13-17. The first three—the belt, breastplate, and shoes, were for long-range protection and were never removed on the battlefield. The second three—the shield, the helmet, and the sword—were kept in readiness for use when actual fighting began. Thus we see that we need all of the armor. It is not for us to pick and choose; it is a package deal. God has given us clear and defined spiritual weapons to fight with. Understanding what they are and how to use them can make all the difference in our spiritual battles.

Ephesians 6: 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Some Christmas fun ideas

With Christmas around the corner time to brush up your Bible knowledge on the circumstances and people during the birth of Jesus. Check out these special 3 quizes for some traditional and not so traditional christmas quizes. They range from easy to difficult to getting real!

Print out the quiz for a fun family time during this christmas holidays.

Copy this link to your address bar or just click on the title of this post http://www.biblequizzes.org.uk/bible-quiz-6.php

Have a great time.

Prayers falling on deaf divine ears?

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I will also forget your children. (Hosea 4:6)

This is a major warning and not in the least outdated. The word of the Lord is eternal and the warning quoted above is laid out in the strictest of manner.

The word spoken by the Lord to the shepherds of the people of Israel should have a sobering effect on us. When the Law of God is neglected, it’s not just those who neglect it who suffer; their children also slide off the radar screen of divine blessing.

So who lost the children of this generation? It’s easy to point an accusing finger at the culture. Just as often parents are to blame, yet not because they haven’t loved their children or wanted the best for them. Parents who gave in to their kids’ every whim may have taught them that their own interests and convenience are the most important things in life. Church could always be cut short or skipped altogether if worldly demands were in conflict; and who could expect their kids to spend regular time reading and studying the Bible when their homework was just so important? Our young people are bailing out on God and the church, and our prayers that God will rescue them are falling on deaf divine ears. Can you blame God?

Church and family need to take up their duties in teaching the Law of God to their children if we are to make a turnaround.

Judge Not

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. Colossians 2:16 (NIV)

Believers keep excluding people based on irrelevant practices, such as what they eat or drink, how they celebrate a holiday, or if they wear a tie on Sunday (Colossians 2:16).

Today when I read this verse the phrase "or a Sabbath day" jumped at me. Some keep the Sabbath the traditional way while others observe Sabbath in their own unique ways. Observing the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday has been a long standing controversy down the centuries. Contenders on both sides have valid points to point out from and without the Bible. However let us remember that Jesus said that 'He is the Lord of the Sabbath' and we are exhorted not to judge with regard to observing the Sabbath day.

For God comes in grace, saying, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6 NIV).

Let there be no contention amongst you.

Joyce Carr Stedelbauer Poems

Hi Girls,

There is a whole set of poems which i am sure you will love by Joyce Carr Stedelbauer available at

http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/poems/

Look under the heading "Characters in the Bible'. I loved the ones on Mrs Noah, Ruth, Boaz, Eve and Hannah especially. Ananais of Damascus is another great one. Do Check them out, they are worth it.

Forgiven But....

Came across an amazing teaching by Bill Btight about God's forgiveness and what it means. Sure we all know intellectually but do we really experience the extent of God's forgiveness in our lives on a daily basis? If we did wont we be a lot more like the first century believers?

Below is a extract from the article How You Can Experience God’s Love and Forgiveness - Part 1 by Bill bright

-Begin quote-
God’s holy Word tells us that Jesus Christ, through His death on the cross, has set us free - free from sin, free from the Law, free from the of guilt that sin and the Law bring.

Maybe you are finding it difficult to believe in your heart that your sin has been paid for. Perhaps you are thinking, “I have lustful thoughts toward another person.” Or, “I’ve been taking the Lord’s name in vain. God won’t forgive that, will He?”

The fact is, He has forgiven you if you have placed your trust in Christ. You simply need to claim His forgiveness and believe His promise. And what a promise it is:

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:11,12).

That’s the forgiveness God offers. And think of it! It became yours the moment you believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior and as an act of your will received Him by faith into your life as your Lord and Master.
-End Quote-

Interested in reading more? Just click on the title of this post and enjoy. It will surely bless you.

Just remember, no matter what you have done, no matter what sin you have committed, God will always be ready to forgive you if you will turn from that sin and return to Him. Don't let the devil isolate you from God's Word and God's people, because that is exactly what he is trying to do.

The Bible on Idols and statues

Yesterday's sunday sermon was titled "Create your world with Your Word". Using biblical and personal examples our pastor taught us 'what we SPEAK today we will see tomorrow'.

During the Lord's Table the congregation were reminded that Jesus has given us only one way in which to remember Him - Through eating the Flesh of Jesus and drinking his Blood thru the breaking of Bread and partaking of the Wine. Jesus never asked His diciples to celebrate his birthday nor to keep his garment/sandles, the cross he hung on or the thorn that was placed on his head. He never asked them to remember Him through any potraits or statues of His. Jesus considered that His creation (us)to be well able to remember him and worship him just by partaking in the Lord's table that He instituted.

Clicking on the title of this post will take you to an entry "What does the WORD OF GOD (BIBLE) say about idols/statues and about worshipping them?" Check it out. Very informative and useful as a quick reference.

Copy and paste the below link to the address bar to read " who alone is worthy of praise'. Very relevant to the above post

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/QHcOSUFeOg6WS-t0LHvdKh7EZIcBjBH0uyPQo_TMrV19eXgV-01hq58rKh88HbmCcce4nrpt_WD6aIgyUXqpCYRYxys3ak5gwvrUJA/WhoaloneisworthyofWorship.jpg

Be blessed.