Dangerous Religious Group Alert

Dear Teachers of Truth :

Arise into battle! This is an alarm of great urgency! We have reasons to believe that Dangerous Religious Groups (DRGs) are now penetrating our church services and later on wait outside the Oasis compound gates to deceive Christians by challenging them to religious debates and soliciting money from uninformed church goers. Bro. Cesar Bontuyan and Bro. Robert Abad of FECC confirms them as males wearing neckties and have started their proselyting operations around two weeks ago. Please exercise great discernment. DRGs are also reported frequenting the St. Mary's Church Compound as well.

These are some of the signs of the endtimes:

2 Tim 3:1-17 (KJV)
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

We have alerted Ps Stan Rubesh about this situation and he is willing to help us protect all Church members from these dangerous religious groups.

Please forward this to all our brethren and be watchful in prayer. Please report to us if you are able to spot them either within our church gatherings or outside just after the service.

Let us all rise up to destroy all the works of the devil! Be not afraid! God is with us! Remain in His love and His truth. Amen

Weblinks for more details of DRGs (Dangerous Religious Groups) aka New Religious Movements:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/cultmenu.htm

How To Identify A Dangerous Religious Group :
http://bayo-hunter.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-identify-dangerous-religious.html

http://www.religioustolerance.org/safe_sec.htm

You can also dowload the PDF file from our Download section.

Let us all pray that we might fall into temptations!

May the Lord deliver us from evil!

Fight the good fight of faith!

Thank you and may God bless us all!
-----

Pastor Edward Vincent J. Barcial

God's Invitation : REST by Sis. Janice de Guzman

The book of Hebrew was written 65-70 AD that speaks about the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. The writer of this letter does not identify himself , some people says that it was Silas, Barnabas, Apollo, or it could be Paul but there is no exact evidence who is real author.

The original recipients of this book are the Jewish Christian who experienced severe persecution ,they lost their jobs , lost their houses and some of them was tempted to go back from their old ways for this reason the author encouraged them to stand firm in their faith and to continue in their walk with God.

Also this is the very reason why God is inviting His people to His rest in the midst of trials and temptations. In our study we will discover the plan of God’s rest for our lives. He first begins with the Promise of Rest.

1. The Promise of God’s rest

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. (v.1)


The Greek word for Rest is katapausis ( κατάπαυσις) which means reposing down, literally a ceasing from one's work or activity. But this doesn’t mean we should be careless but CAREFUL! Careful (NIV) or Fear(KJV) (φοβέω phobeo) means “to be alarmed” as well. It is to be restful and cautious at the same time lest we fall short of His promise.


The promise of heavenly rest still remains, the greater rest that the people of God could ever have, the inheritance that no value of money could compare, the permanent rest from labor, pains, worries and anxieties and the permanent rest that the world could not offer. This is a privileged blessing to all the people of God but we must be careful, for we might miss out the blessing He had prepared for us. In order to obtain His promise, we must beware (be aware) of certain hindrances:


2. The Hindrances to God’s Rest - Be careful of these:

a. Lack of Faith


Heb 4:1-5 (NKJV)
2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: "So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest,' " although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: "And God rested on the seventh day from all His works"; 5 and again in this place: "They shall not enter My rest."

God promised us His rest, but it is based on FAITH (πίστις pistis = assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity)

Romans:10:17 says “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” We find rest everytime we hear the Word of God mixed with faith.


During the time of Moses, the Lord spoke to him directly in order to save Israel from the hand of the Egyptians. The Israelites had seen the miraculous things that the Lord had done along their journey but they kept on grumbling every time they experienced trials. Because of this they failed to enter the promised rest.


The Jewish Christians on the other hand, heard the word of God and had seen as well the miraculous things that Jesus performed, When Jesus went back to Heaven, the apostles continued to share the good news but when they experienced trials they doubted and were tempted to go back to their old ways. Thus the book of Hebrew was written for their admonition.
Today, the gospel of Jesus had been shared with us. We are blessed for we have this opportunity to know Him through His word, to see His power through our circumstances and He even uses people to share the gospel. All these things that we have heard and read will be useless in times of trouble if we do not combine it with faith. The circumstances, our problems and even our pride can overshadow the power of God in our lives. We tend to focus on the problem and on our own strength. For this reason, we miss out what the Lord had done, how He works in our problem and we miss out on having a peaceful mind & joy while God is working in us.


b. Disobedience
Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, (v.6)
Though the blessing still remains to His people who had heard the word of God, this might be of no use because of disobedience, for He instructed us to have faith and obey Him in every circumstances in our lives and surrendering our lives unto him while He is molding and working in us . But insisting on the things what we think is right, doing things that what we think will make us happy, doing things that are against His will are, in effect, departing ourselves from God and from the blessing He had prepared for us.
Praise God! He has made a way unto that rest:

3. The Road to God’s rest
Heb 4:7-13 (NKJV)
7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "Today," after such a long time, as it has been said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. 11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Though God used Joshua to lead the people to the Canaan Rest but God offers a greater rest to His people. And the road to entering into God’s rest is Jesus Christ! Who, by His grace and mercy, gave us the faith, the faith that we should use in order to receive the fullness of His blessing. This requires meekness and diligence in the sense that we stop depending on our own resources and strength.

He gave us the guide to lead us to the right path, and when we choose to listen to His word with all our heart and soul, the word of God will penetrate into our hearts, The Lord Himself will then open our eyes to reveal Himself to us, we will able to see the difference between being with God and being without Him. We can now be able to see what we need and what the Lord wants for us.
Conclusion:
Heb 4:14-16 (NKJV)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

We have now seen the promise of rest that awaits us, the hindrances in the midst of our journey and we have seen that it is not by our might nor by our power that we could enter into God’s rest. Therefore, let us demonstrate our confession of faith not only by the way we speak but through the way we act and think. For we have our High Priest, Jesus who was tempted but without sin, to help us in time of need.

Let us continue to depend on Him in all circumstances of our lives, for He alone is the One who is able to help us in times of trouble. He is our key to our salvation and to the Promise of God’s rest that has been prepared for us. We can find rest in Jesus, the peace of life, hope and joy while in the midst of trials. The Rest is available to all of us.
Are you willing to take the inheritance that is predestined for you? It is still available. You can have it now!!! It is free from Jesus. Take it while it is today:

Heb 4:7 (NKJV)
"Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts."

God bless!

WWW (WISDOM, WEALTH AND WORSHIP) by Sis. Marlene Barcial

Luke 16:1-13

By the 4^th Century, the parables of the unjust steward and the prodigal son were separated by a chapter division. If the scholars who established those divisions had kept the 2 parables in the same chapter, the entire history of the interpretation of LUKE 16:1-8 would be different. The story will be like this:

· Each has a noble master who demonstrates extraordinary grace to a wayward underling.

· Both stories contain an ignoble son/steward who wastes the master’s resources.

· In each the wayward underling reaches a moment of truth regarding those loses.

· In both cases the son/steward throws himself on the mercy of the noble master

· Both parables deal with broken trust and the problems resulting from it.

These parallels suggest that the parables needs to be examined in the light of what precedes it which is about God, sin, grace and salvation: not honest in dealing with money.

But if you read and study The whole 16^th Chapter, Jesus’ teaching here is about wealth and the kingdom.

Chapter 16 has two parables about wealth.

1. The first the parable from (vv. 1-13) The Parable of the Unjust Steward was spoken primarily to the disciples (v. 1). ¹ He also said to His disciples:

2. The second parable from (vv. 19-31) The rich man and Lazarus was addressed to the Pharisees

There are 3 points that we could extract from these passages( From verse 1 to 13)

A. The wisdom of the wicked servant in the story of Jesus Luke 16:1-8 (which we need to follow as an example.

B. The use of worldly wealth according to Jesus Luke 16:9-13 (that we need to pursue)

C. We worship whom we choose to serve. Luke 16:13 (As Jesus mention as we need to serve)

A. The wisdom of the wicked servant Luke 16:1-8

In Jesus’ day managers or stewards were often hired by wealthy people to care for the finances of their estates (land or field).

We could use interchangeably the word manager and steward for they have the same meaning.

Meaning of steward:

A steward was

· A trusted bond slave (historically) or

· A hired manager (in today’s context) that is put in charge of a business, property, or estate.

· The steward was expected to make profits and capital gains for his master.

Such a manager is compared to a modern-day financial planner or trustee who controls the finances of an estate for the purpose of making more money or profit for that estate. The money did not belong to the manager but was his to use for the estate. In other words, a Steward is someone who manages an estate or farm for someone else.

In the parable, a rich man... called his manager or steward to give an account of his dealings. The rich man had heard that the steward was not handling the wealthy owner’s finances wisely. The steward was fired because he wasted the rich man’s goods.

In verse 1 to 2 there are 3 Important significance that we need to know and that we could learn here:

1. We are all God’s steward.

2. We are all must give account to God for the material goods and opportunities entrusted to us

3. We are all be promoted or demoted depends on how we perform as a steward.

1. We are all God’s steward.

We are stewards over every blessing God has given us. Parents are stewards over their children. Blessings from the Lord such as your house, your car, your job, your money and the rest of your earthly possessions are all things that you are stewards over.

2. We are all must give account to God for the material goods and opportunities entrusted to us.

God is watching how well you manage your goods just like the rich master did with his unjust steward.

And just as the rich master was threatening to take away all of the goods from his steward if we don’t manage our stewardship properly while we were on this earth.

3. We are all be promoted or demoted depends on how we perform as a steward.

In order to get promoted in God’s realm to the next level. We need to exhibit trustworthiness in handling our blessings from Him.

God can arrange to take away some of our blessings and goods if we do not properly handle what He has already given us.

When the rich man heard what he had done, he commended the unjust manager because he had acted wisely. I am just surprise with this parable, because the unjust manager had not done any good thing but yet the the noble master commended him.

When the rich man discovered how he had been cheated by his wicked servant, instead of being shocked or annoyed or disappointed, the rich man recognized the shrewd brain behind the shady deal (informal dishonest), and praised the steward for it! The morals of the story are pointed out by Jesus as follows...

Let us study closely on what did he do, why the unjust has been commended?

There are 3 possible reasons that we could learn to imitate from what the steward did.

1. The steward had been careful to plan ahead, using the principle of reciprocity of material things to insure a secure future.

2. The steward’s intelligent perception towards his master’s character.

3. The steward’s boldness to act

1. The steward had been careful to plan ahead, using material things to insure a secure future. The steward uses the principle of reciprocity

I do believe that: Jesus was not teaching that His disciples should be dishonest. Jesus was teaching that they should use material things for future spiritual benefit.

.

We all know in the story that the manager did not profit directly in reducing the debts, but he used the principle of reciprocity to gain favor with the debtors. By doing a favor for them, the manager could require a favor from them.

Jesus was not commending dishonesty, but rather the manager’s foresight and diligence to follow through and make friends by using reciprocity. This was a good lesson from a bad example.

But then, in order to make friends who might later hire him, the ex-manager charged the rich man’s two debtors less than what they actually owed—400 instead of 800 gallons of olive oil, and 800 instead of 1,000 bushels of wheat.

The steward’s thinking was reflected in his statement, “When I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses (v. 4 Reciprocate means to do the same in return.

2. The steward’s intelligent perception towards his master’s character.

The steward is not commended for his ethics (he is the son of this age/world). But for his accurate perception of his master’s nature.

He correctly knows his master. The steward experiences extraordinary mercy at the beginning of the story. At the beginning of the parable the rich man viewed his manager (steward) as irresponsible rather than dishonest (v16:2). He knows that his master is a noble man.

So, His judgment regarding his master however is confirmed. Jesus longs for his disciples to have the same informed perception (idea) of God.

What is the nature of God?

God is a God of justice, mercy and great personal integrity (honor).

Let us see the character of the rich master:

His sense of justice leads him to dismiss the unjust steward.

His mercy is demonstrated in the decision to dismiss the servant rather than sell or imprison him from his misbehavior. It also shows in agreeing to pay the price for the servant’s salvation.

He is smart enough to know that his only hope is to put his entire trust in the unqualified mercy of his generous master. His morals are very bad and regrettable (deplorable). But Jesus wants ‘the sons of light” to use their intelligence, like the unjust steward and to trust completely in the mercy of God for their salvation. The prodigal son made a similar decision.

3. The steward’s boldness to act. At least he did something

The steward has the courage to act on his deepest perceptions. It is a huge risk but one he takes.

John Maxwell considers risk-taking instead of risk-avoiding, a behavior that he encourage. He said” Safety first” may be the motto of the most people but it is not the watchword of leaders.

There is a saying that “No gain is ever made without the possibility of a loss”. Success is held in the hands of those who provide the solutions. And that was the Steward did, he provide a solution. ^“4 'I have resolved what to do.”

How do we apply the moral lesson from the parable, let us take a look what Jesus has something to say in support to his parable.

Jesus is teaching us about the…

B. The use of worldly wealth according to Jesus (that we need to pursue)

The purpose of worldly wealth according to Jesus Luke 16:9-12

Three ways Jesus applied the parable to His disciples who had to live with nonbelievers in the world. V 16:8b-13.

First, one should use money to win people into the kingdom (vv. 8b-9)

Jesus’ second application is in verses 10-12. If one is faithful in his use of money, then he can be trusted with greater things.The third application Jesus drew from the parable was that that one is to use wealth, not store it up or be a servant of it. (V 13)

1. First, one should use money to win people into the kingdom (v9).

⁹ "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.

Jesus plainly taught that the people of light should use worldly wealth (Luke 16:9) to gain friends; the same reason the wicked manager used the rich man’s wealth. This is not to bribe people to win them over but use it effectively for evangelization.

The disciples’ wise use of wealth would help lead others to believe the message of the kingdom and bring them to accept that message. The disciples would then be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

Then Jesus added, “I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.” V 9

As believers we are to make wise use of our financial opportunities, not to earn heaven, but to use their resources to make friends. If believers use their money to help those in need or to help others find Christ, their earthly investment will bring eternal benefit.

2. Jesus’ second application is in verses 10-12. If one is faithful in his use of money, then he can be trusted with greater things.

True riches (v. 11) seem to refer to the kingdom’s spiritual riches of which the disciples will partake.

How people handle their worldly wealth shows their trustworthiness. If a person can be trusted with a little bit, if he or she maintains integrity even in small matters, then that person has proven trustworthiness for large matters.

The reverse is also true—the one who would willingly steal a dollar may also be willing to steal thousands. Trustworthiness goes to a person’s very core.In other words, God has found out that he who does well and diligent with what little he has at the beginning, will also do well and continue to be diligent if he is given much more! And just the opposite is also true. He who is unjust in small matters is also going to be unjust in bigger matters.

Bottom line for all Christians: if you want promotions from the Lord to higher levels of service and bigger and better blessings – then be faithful and do the best you can on the level that you are currently operating at with Him. Do the best and be the best you can at the job you are currently working at for the Lord.

3. The third application Jesus drew from the parable was that that one is to use wealth, not store it up or be a servant of it. (v 13)

In other words, a person cannot serve both God and money (v 13). The one you serve controls you.

Jesus also used the word “wealth” (mamœna) l (v. 13) when He affirmed that one “cannot serve both God and money.” Jesus was saying that wealth should be a disciple’s servant, not vice versa.

As masters the two are mutually exclusive, selective. Love for money will drive one away from God (1 Tim. 6:10); on the other hand, loving God will cause one not to make money his primary concern in life.

In this present world, money often takes the place of God in people’s lives. And Christian are not exceptions to it. How person handles money indicates how much mastery money has attained in that person’s life.

How could we apply what we have learned from the parable and the teaching of Jesus Christ to our modern day age?

C.We worship whom we choose to serve.

Luke 16:13 As Jesus mention as we need to serve)

It was Jesus who concluded the parable by saying this verse.

Jesus explained that no one can serve two masters.

From a spiritual standpoint, all people will serve someone or something; here Jesus spoke of two choices, God and money.

People can choose to serve money—in essence, this means serving themselves and all the pleasure and power money can buy—or they can choose to serve God. But no one can do both, for the two choices are diametrically opposed. No one can seek selfish pleasure and be able to give money away at the same time.

When money is one’s master, there can be no room for God who requires single-hearted obedience and devotion.So heartbreaking that yet some people tragically have made wealth an end in itself—the thing to serve, their god. For Christians, Money is God’s loan (hiram) to us for smart stewardship, never a measure of our real worth.

Conclusion: Jesus has a solemn warning for us:

We worship whom we choose to serve. Luke 16:13

1. Each Christian must decide who they will serve in this life.

2. There is only one way for each Christian to serve in this life,

1. Each Christian must decide who they will serve in this life – God or mammon (which means riches, wealth and possessions).

2. There is only one way for each Christian to serve in this life,

Luke 4:8 (NKJV) 'You shall worship the LORD your God and Him only you shall serve.' “

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:13 Commandment to Israelites and until today.

We are slaves of whom we worship.

WHAT KIND OF CHILD (Year) WILL THIS BE?

Among the common New Year tradition is the image of an old man and a baby. In Brittany, a common image used is that of an incarnation of Father Time (or the "Old Year") wearing a sash across his chest with the previous year printed on it passing on his duties to the Baby New Year (or the "New Year"), an infant wearing a sash with the new year printed on it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year's_Day

This is symbolical of the saying, “Out with the old, in with the new.” For me personally, New Year is just a sign that we are one year closer to the Second Coming of Jesus.

As the New Year draws nigh, we are ready and eager to leave the old things behind (esp. the bad news) and we look forward for the new things (esp. the good news) that 2011 will bring us.

Unless we are guided by the Word of God, we will just go through the whole cycle of defeat again as in every year. In the world, every year things are not getting better but worse. The world is heading towards judgment day. We must heed the Scriptures so that God’s blessing and favor will always be upon us Children of God.

I would like to share 3 things that we could do as our New Year’s resolution. We can find this in the story of Zacharias and John the Baptist. This is symbolical of the old passing and the new arriving. John the Baptist represents the New Year in my message for you today. Zacharias and Elisabeth represent the Barren Year of 2010.

Luke 1:5-25 (NKJV) Luke 1:57-66 (NKJV)

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. ⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

John the Baptist was the one chosen by God to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus at His first coming. Spiritually we are the Church in the Days of Elijah what will herald the Second Coming. Three things must be seen in our lives and hopefully in 2011.

1. CHILD/YEAR OF PRAYER

Luke 1:8-13 (NKJV)

⁸ So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, ⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. ¹³ But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

To usher in the New Year, prayer is first and foremost the priority above everything else. We normally welcome the New Year with noisemakers, parties and merriment. But these do not bring the blessing of God in our lives. 2010 may be a barren year for you, prayer will make 2011 a fruitful one.

2. CHILD/YEAR OF POWER

Luke 1:8-13 (NKJV)

¹⁴ "And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵ "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. ¹⁶ "And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ "He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Prayer will always bring the power of God into our lives once again. Without prayer we are powerless. God is now preparing a people to meet the Lord at His coming. Before that glorious day comes, the Church will be endued with supernatural power as in the Early Church. A time of restoration will occur. This power serves to turn fathers to the children and the disobedient to wisdom. Power that does not bring obedience to God is never from Him but from satan.

But we must first believe in this. There should be no room for doubt. If we fall into unbelief, we will turn mute (silent) and not be able to speak until we obey God’s word. Be careful against unbelief:

¹⁸ And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." ¹⁹ And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. ²⁰ "But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."

The power of God was evident when barren Elisabeth conceived.

Luke 1:24-25 (NKJV)

²⁴ Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, ²⁵ "Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."

The word CONCEIVED came from the Greek word sullambanō (συλλαμβάνω - sool-lam-ban'-o ) which means to clasp, that is, seize (arrest, capture, catch, take).

To get the power of God is not just to receive it by passive faith but you have to conceive it in your spirit by willfully, actively and forcefully capturing it. How many times has the Lord answered our prayers but we never experienced the power simply because we did not lay hold on His promise with relentless perseverance. We always thought that the answer to our prayers will just simply fall on our laps. We must grab hold onto His Word as Jacob did as He wrestled with God and said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” God always hear our prayers. The real question is: “ARE WE DESPERATE ENOUGH TO RUN AFTER GOD’S POWER TO PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS?”

Matt 11:11-15 (NKJV)

"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. ¹³ "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ "And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. ¹⁵ "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

The Greek word for “Suffers Violence” is biazō (βιάζω -bee-ad'-zo) meaning to say “to force, that is, (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into), or (passively) to be seized: - press.

We must seize the answer and not just receive it The Kingdom of God is for those who are “violent (forceful)” enough to take it, not for the fearful and doubters but for bold believers.

3. CHILD/YEAR OF PRAISE

Luke 1:57-66 (NKJV)

⁵⁷ Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. ⁵⁸ When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her…⁶⁴ immediately his (Zacharias’) mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. ⁶⁵ Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. ⁶⁶ And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Prayer brings the power, and power will always bring the praise. If we believe and not doubt, we will always have reasons to praise God because we will see His power at work in our lives as the result in prayer being answered. This New Year’s eve, let us praise God not just for what He has done in 2010 but also for the great things He will do in 2011. Believe it and be not silent but rejoice!

Psalms 115:17 (NKJV) - The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor any who go down into silence.

Psalms 21:13 (NKJV) - Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.

Conclusion:

WHAT KIND OF YEAR WILL THIS BE? WHAT KIND OF PERSON WILL YOU BE? WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WILL WE BE in 2011?

If we understood the message of John the Baptist, 2011 will be a Year of Prayer, a Year Of Power and a Year of Praise. You will be a Child of Prayer, Power & Praise! Our church will be a House of Prayer, a House of Power, and a House of Praise to the glory of God the Father through Jesus Christ!

Glory to God in the Highest!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!

From our family to yours,

Ps Edward, Sis. Marlene, David John and Sally Joy