Chosen in His Service

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Faith – Our Response to the Word of God

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Faith is an attribute of the human spirit and does not operate in the physical realm. The Word of God acts as a container or vessel that transports faith from the spiritual realm to our inner man.

Faith was imparted to our spirit when we were born again read more....

Thursday, January 22, 2009

HE HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE

YOU WILL KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON YOU, BECAUSE HE TRUSTS IN YOU. ( ISAIAH 26:3 NKJV )

In our lives true peace can be hard to find at times, but through our faith in Jesus Christ we can know peace - even in turmoil. This is because: HE HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE. ( EPHESIANS 2:14 )

Now our Savior Jesus Christ said, "THESE THINGS I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU, THAT IN ME YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION; BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD." ( JOHN 16:33 )

Therefore when you find that peace has left you, and you feel troubled; return your thoughts to our Heavenly Father and trust in Him with all your heart. Always remembering that: HAVING BEEN JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ( ROMANS 5:1 )

So, always LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, TO WHICH ALSO YOU WERE CALLED IN ONE BODY; AND BE THANKFUL. ( COLOSSIANS 3:15 ) Have a wonderful day and may: THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALL, now and always! Amen. ( REVELATION 22:21 )

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Sun Shine or Rain

The Bible reminds us that “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God the Father….He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” (James 1:17) Your life can be as unpredictable as the weather — sun on one day and storms the next.

But you can always count on God. He’ll be with you no matter how terrible a storm may get. And, the Bible says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Spiritual Growth Is Intentional

In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul offers insight into spiritual growth while speaking to people who already believe: “... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (NIV).

The New Living Translation puts it like this - "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

The fact is, growth of a human soul requires a commitment to grow. A person must want to grow, decide to grow, and make an effort to grow. Spiritual growth begins with a sincere decision.

When you decide to follow Jesus, you do not understand all the implications of your decision. You simply express a desire to follow him, and that begins an exciting journey of your soul. Jesus takes that simple but sincere decision and builts on it.

Notice that Philippians 2:12-13,says “work out” – not “work on” – your salvation. There is nothing you can do to save yourself spiritually; Christ took care of that by his life, death, and resurrection. But as for spiritual growth, God has a part in it– but so do we. We must make an intentional effort to grow.

Friday, January 09, 2009

Speaking in Different Kinds of Tongues

With regard to tongues, ..... deals with speaking or praying in tongues for ones own edification. Paul says that one who speaks in tongues speaks to God to edify himself but he who prophecies to the church speaks to men ...........Hence Paul says, though he speaks in tongues more than others (vs 18,) prophecy that benefits the whole body of Christ is more profitable. Read more...

Work out your Salvation?

Question : You are always insisting that salvation is a free gift and no one can work for it. Bet you have not read Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV), which says, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” This verse proves that we need to fear for our salvation and so we need to work for our salvation through a lot of good deeds.

Answer : The apostle Paul indeed says in Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV), “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” but then he also says, “for it is God who works in you ….”
It’s important to note that Paul doesn’t say, “Work for your salvation.” The Bible clearly teaches we don’t have to work for our salvation. It is a free gift of God’s grace. Ephesians 2.8-9 puts it like this, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

In a sense, Paul is talking about a spiritual workout, just like when you physically work out to develop your muscles. We’re asked to make the most of what we’ve been given. God provides the power for our spiritual growth, but we must flip the switch.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Yesterday's Gifts or Today's

Question: We believe that the Holy Spirit is ultimately sovereign in the distribution of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11).We believe that speaking in tongues and the working of sign, miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed, their authority upheld, and the early church firmly established (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 2:20; 4:7-12). What’s your stand?

Answer: The cessationists believe that the manifestation of the gift of the Holy Spirit stopped when the New Testament Scriptures were completed. By examining the very verses you have quoted, in context, we can find for ourselves if this is biblical or not. click here to read full article...

Dangerous Little Foxes

Husbands, wives, pray for the health of your marriage. Ask God to alert you both to the “little foxes” that can slip in and begin to eat away at the roots of your marriage. Bless your life partner today with prayer.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Person and Work of Christ - part 3

The problem called sin In our culture it has become the norm to accept truth and morals as relative with no absolutes. However, according to the Bible, God has defined sin .....

Christ the solution to sin Many religions and cults admit the problem of sin, but they seek to answer sin through good works and/or by following rules and laws.... to read more

Person and work of Christ part - 2

In a previous post titled ‘Person and work of Christ part -1’ we saw the testimony that confirms that Christ Jesus is God and that His birth was divinely unique in the history of mankind. Today we will continue our journey in exploring the person and work of Christ Jesus.

Doctrine of Trinity
Religions like Judaism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons etc reject the doctrine of trinity, reducing Christ to a ‘created being’. The Word of God testifies to Jesus’ deity and humanity in to read more ...

Friday, January 02, 2009

Radical Message for the World

Apostle Paul’s message is radically simple: Salvation is in Christ alone. What does this mean?
It’s not Christ plus your good behavior.
It’s not Christ plus the number of Bible verses you memorize.
It’s not Christ plus your tithe or the church you attend.
It’s not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar.

It’s simply Christ plus nothing. Christ and Christ alone.