Word International Ministries Al Ain

How Can Jesus Be Amazed (Matthew 8:5-14) by: Bro. Ezekiel Panela

2012-02-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

Below is the list of the 10 TopExtraordinary Children in the World.

1. Kim Ung-Yong: Attended University at age 4, Ph.D atage 15; world’s highest IQ

2. Gregory Smith: Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize atage 12

3. Akrit Jaswal: The Seven Year-Old Surgeon

4. Cleopatra Stratan: a 3 year old singer who earns 1000€per song

5. Aelita Andre: The 2-year-old artist who showed herpaintings in a famous Gallery

6. Saul Aaron Kripke: Invited to apply for a teachingpost at Harvard while still in high school

7. Michael Kevin Kearney: earned his first degree at age10 and became a reality show Millionaire

8. Fabiano Luigi Caruana: a chess prodigy who became theyoungest Grandmaster at age 14

9. Willie Mosconi: played professional Billiards at age 6

10. Elaina Smith: youngest agony aunt aged 7

These young prodigies have amazed the worldwith their extraordinary talents and skills far beyond their age. How we wishedwe could amaze our families and friends if we were born the same way as theywere. Yet we really don’t need to be super geniuses to amaze God. All we have to do is to follow the example ofone gentile Roman Centurion who, in Jesus’ time, demonstrated such faith thatJesus Himself marvelled. Three things we must do that will amaze Jesus as thissoldier did.

1. AcknowledgeJesus is Lord

Matthew 8: NIV
5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, acenturion came to him, asking for help. 6 Lord, he said, "myservant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."

He was a Roman military officer,corresponding to our captain. All Palestine was under Roman military governmentat this time, with headquarters at Cæsarea, and soldiers in every leading town.This centurion probably commanded the company stationed at Capernaum. In spiteof his rank, he acknowledged Jesus, a Jew, as Lord. The word Lord in the Greek means “supreme in authority.” Jesus is Lord - meaning that He is the SupremeRuler over ALL!

Why do we need to acknowledge Jesus in our lives?

Matthew10:32
"Whoeveracknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father inheaven.

· It means we are dependent onHim.
· It means that we are willing tosubmit to Him. (what He wants in ourlives)
· It means humbling ourselvesbefore the Lord. (We accept that we cannot do anything without Him)

8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do notdeserve to have you come under my roof.

This humility was partly due to hisconsciousness that he was a Gentile. Rigid Jews did not hold social intercoursewith Gentiles, and the centurion may have supposed that so holy a Jewishteacher as Jesus would hesitate to come under his roof. Whether we recognize it or not, we indeed areall ruled by someone or something. The Lord or Master of our lives is theperson or power we give our lives over to and submit to in a full way.

We can beruled by many different things -- such as our unruly passions (such as rage,lust, envy, pride, hatred, etc.), the love of money, alcohol, drugs,possessions, etc. Careers, positions.

Sometimes weare telling in ourselves we are not like that, but check yourselves carefully.If these things are above God, think carefully.

Only one Lordcan truly set us free to love and to be loved as God intended from thebeginning. When we acknowledge that Jesus is Lord we invite Him to be theMaster of our heart and the Ruler of our thoughts and actions, relationshipsand home, and all that we do and say.

2.Acknowledge Jesus is our Savior

7 Jesus saidto him, "I will go and heal him."

How can I sayJesus is a Savior? Why do people need to Acknowledge Jesus as our Savior? Jesusis our God: "I and the Father areone" (John 10:30). People need to acknowledge Jesus because He is the Sonof God, the only Son of God and He loved us enough to die for us. Jesus claimednot only to be God's Son, but also to be one with God (equal to God): Therefore,if we know Jesus, we know God also. The more deeply we know Jesus, the moredeeply we know God the Father because Jesus reveals to us who the Father is.

John14:6 (NIV)
6Jesus answered, “I am the way andthe truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except throughme.

Jesus said:

Luke10:22
"Allthings have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son isexcept the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and thoseto whom the Son chooses to reveal him”

Did you know that it is God’s will for you to havelong life?

Psalm 91:16 NIV With long life will Isatisfy him and show him my salvation."

Proverbs 10:27 NIV The fear of the LORD adds lengthto life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV My son, do not forget myteaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they willprolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

Jesus heals sickness, demonpossessed, blind, lame, broken hearted & even raising up the dead. He isthe greatest Doctor. And He is our only Savior. WithoutJesus we will die! That’s why we should acknowledge Jesus as our Savior.

3. Absolute Faith in Jesus Christ

Matthew 8:8-13 NIV
The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserveto have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will behealed. 9 For I myself am aman under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and hegoes; and that one, ‘Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' andhe does it." 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished andsaid to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not foundanyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will taketheir places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom ofheaven. 12 But the subjectsof the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will beweeping and gnashing of teeth." 13Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as youbelieved it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Just Say the Word. "Just say the word"is the idea, and "my servant will be healed." Not even Martha (John 11:21)thought that Jesus could have saved her brother Lazarus without going to Him.His faith was great. The Centurion did not doubt the power of Jesus. He hadabsolute faith in Jesus.

James 1:5-8 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, whogives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given tohim. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and notdoubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by thewind. 7 That man should not think he will receiveanything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all hedoes.

Did the Healing depend on the Centurion’s Faith?

Yes,it did.

13 Then Jesussaid to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed itwould." And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Lack of faith (unbelief) hinders the power of God …

Mat 13:58 - Andhe did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Faith is vital to please God…

Heb 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God,because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewardsthose who earnestly seek him.

Martin Luthereven once said, “God our Father has made all things depend on faith so thatwhoever has faith will have everything, and whoever does not have faith willhave nothing.”

Romans 1:17 NIV
For in the gospel a righteousness from God isrevealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it iswritten: "The righteous will live by faith."

How Can Jesus Be Amazed?

1. Acknowledge Jesus is Lord

2. Acknowledge Jesus is Saviour

3. Absolute Faith in Jesus Christ

CONCLUSION:

Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus isLord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, youwill be saved.

Not only did physical healing happen here inthis passage (Matthew 8:5-14) but, I believe that the Centurion wassaved, because He confessed that Jesus is Lord, He believed, because he showedhis faith in Jesus Christ as well as his servant.

How do we knowthat we lack faith? There is this story of a man who fell off a cliff, butmanaged to grab a tree limb on the way down. The following conversation ensued:

"Is anyone up there?"
"I am here. I am the Lord. Do you believe Me?"
"Yes, Lord, I believe. I really believe, but I can't hang on muchlonger."
"That's all right; if you really believe you have nothing to worry about.I will save you. Just let go of the branch."
A moment of pause, then: "Is anyone else up there?"
from Bits & Pieces, June 24, 1993, p. 3.

Remember,even if you don’t see how things could ever work out, God does. JustAcknowledge Him as our Lord & Savior, and have faith that He is workingbehind the scene of our lives. From the day that we accept Jesus in our life,remember that it is everlasting commitment, not only on that day but we shouldacknowledge Jesus is our Lord in everyday & every area of our life. Is the LordJesus the true Master and King of your heart and do you give Him free reign inevery area of your life?

We should know that we should seek wisdom first from Jesus our God for anything becauseHe knows everything & anything. He can save us from eternal death, He can heal us. He can restore us. He can comfort us. He can do anything more than we imagine or more than we can ever think of.

And lastly,brothers & sisters, we should not only continue in our faith in our LordJesus Christ, we should also act on our faith. Not only by our lips but we should put our faith into action. Weshould not doubt in the power of Jesus Christ.

Are we followers of Jesus? As a follower of Jesus or as His disciple, remember these 3things that amazed Jesus: Acknowledge Him that He is Lord, He is our Saviour& have faith in His Absolute Power.

Desires of A Disciple (2 Kings 2:1-15) by: Ptr. Edward Barcial

2012-02-07T23:05:00.000-08:00

WarrenWendel Wiersbe is an American pastor, Bible teacher, conference speaker and aprolific writer of Christian literature and theological works. Born on May 16,1929 in East Chicago, Indiana, Wiersbe is perhaps best known for his series of50 books in the "BE" series: Be Real, Be Rich, Be Obedient, BeMature, Be Joyful, etc. and other theological works (Wikipedia.com).

Heonce said…

"...Inmost churches, the congregation pays the pastor to preach, win the lost, andbuild up the saved—-while the church members function as cheerleaders (if they areenthusiastic) or spectators. The "converts" are won, baptized, andgiven the right hand of fellowship, then they join the other spectators.

How much faster our churches would grow, and how much stronger and happier ourchurch members would be, if each one were discipling another believer. The onlyway a local church can "be fruitful and multiply" (instead of growingby "additions") is with a systematic discipleship program. This isthe responsibility of every believer, and not just a small group who have been'called to go.'"

(Source:Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c 1989). The Bible Exposition Commentary. "Anexposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt.(Mt 28:16). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.)

Manyof us among believers have already the heart, the mind, the training and theresources to fulfill the great commission of Christ. We have so many “trainedleaders.” Yet most of us will not go forth and preach the good news. What is seriouslylacking is “desire.” As we study the life of Elijah and Elisha, we will find 5desires a disciple should have in order to become a great man of God.

We must have a ….

1) Desire ForGod (verses 1-3)

1 And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind,that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 Then Elijahsaid to Elisha, "Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives,and as your soul lives, I willnot leave you!" So they wentdown to Bethel. 3 Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha,and said to him, "Do you know that the LORDwill take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, Iknow; keep silent!"

Gilgal that Elijah and Elisha visited could not be theGilgal of the low plain of the Jordan, for the prophets are said to have gone downto Bethel, which is 3000 feet above the plain. It has been identified with Jiljilia,about four miles from Bethel and Shiloh respectively (Smith's Bible Dictionary).Bethel means “house of God.” In order to be a true disciple of God you musthave the desire for God’s house, God’s presence and God’s word. Elijah was aworshipper of God. He was testing Elisha if he would also come to the house ofGod by discouraging him from coming with him to Bethel. But Elisha wasdetermined to go. He was a God seeker.

2) Desire the Spirit of Understanding (verses 4-5)

4 Then Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here,please, for the LORD has sent meon to Jericho." But hesaid, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they came toJericho. 5 Now the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha andsaid to him, "Do you know that the LORDwill take away your master from over you today?" So he answered,"Yes, I know; keep silent!"

The name “Jericho” means “fragrant.” If you dig down to theprimitive root of this word, it will mean “breath, breathe, to blow, to smellwith the anticipation of enjoyment and to make of quick understanding. The “ruach”of God’s Spirit is fragrant that brings wisdom and understanding(inspiration). Elisha was discouragedfrom following but he was determined to go to Jericho. Nothing and nobody couldstop him from reaching his goal. He wanted to have God’s breath in his ministry.Without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, our service will be powerless,without joy and without wisdom and understanding.

3) Desire to Defeat The Flesh (verse 6)

6 Then Elijahsaid to him, "Stay here, please, for the LORDhas sent me on to the Jordan."But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So the two of themwent on.

Jordan means “a descender.” It has its root from the Hebrewword “Yarad” that means “to descend” as to come down (bring down) or subdue theenemy. Jordan was the river where disciples were baptized. This is where we subdue the flesh by dying tothe world, the flesh and the devil and rising up in new life in Christ. Youcannot be a strong disciple if the flesh is not yet subdued. To make disciplesof all nations is to baptize them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. To becalled a disciple is a call to discipline. Paul said…

1 Cor 9:24-27 (NKJV)

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but onereceives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 Andeveryone who competes for the prizeis temperate in all things. Now they doit to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight:not as one who beats the air. 27 ButI discipline my body and bring itinto subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should becomedisqualified.

4) Desire Spiritual Gifts (verses 9-10)

9And so it was, when they had crossed over,that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am takenaway from you?" Elisha said,"Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." 10 So he said, "You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall beso for you; but if not, it shall not be so."

Without the gifts of the HolySpirit, you are not equipped for service. You may have the right mind and heart but without the gifts, you arelike a brave soldier going into battle without weapons and ammunition. Many Godfearing pastors have failed not because they don’t love the Lord, but theyfailed to ask God for empowerment through the gifts of the Spirit. Paul thegreat mentor of Timothy said…

1 Cor14:1 (NKJV) Pursue love, and desirespiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy

1Tim 4:12-16 (NKJV)

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, inconduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 TillI come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you,which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of theeldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourselfentirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Takeheed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this youwill save both yourself and those who hear you.

5) Desire to Take up theMantle of Your Mentor (verses11-13)

11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenlya chariot of fire appeared withhorses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by awhirlwind into heaven. 12 AndElisha saw it, and he criedout, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!"So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them intotwo pieces. 13 Healso took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back andstood by the bank of the Jordan.

Are you willing to be the nextgeneration of ministers in the Kingdom of God? Someday our pastors and leaderswill be gone either by retirement, transfer, promotion, moral failure or death.Whatever the case, will you succeed in succeeding the leaders that went beforeyou? Desire to take up the mantle that will be passed onto you. Rise up and take your place in His kingdom!

Paul had already finished hiscourse. It was time for him to move on. It was time for him to pass on the mantle tohis disciple Timothy. Before he did he told his son…

2 Tim 4:1-7 (NKJV)

I charge youtherefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living andthe dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready inseason and out of season. Convince,rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 Forthe time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according totheir own desires, because theyhave itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 andthey will turn their ears awayfrom the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things,endure afflictions, do the work of anevangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured outas a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 Ihave fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Conclusion:

14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallenfrom him, and struck the water, and said, "Where is the LORD God ofElijah?" And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this wayand that; and Elisha crossed over. 15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said,"The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they came to meethim, and bowed to the ground beforehim.

Someday, the people that once discouragedyou (including pastors and brethren) will acknowledge the call of God in yourlife. They will testify that the Lord has truly anointed you to be the servantthat God will use for His glory alone. Take heart. Don’t be dismayed. If youare serving the Lord with a pure heart and if you humble yourself before Him, Hewill lift you up in due time.

Psalms37:4 (NKJV) Delight yourself also in theLord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Are you desiring to be a discipleof Christ? The ask! Jesus said…

Matt 7:7-11 (NKJV)

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek,and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeksfinds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asksfor bread, will give him a stone? 10 Orif he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give goodgifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven givegood things to those who ask Him!

Ask now for the good giftsfrom the Lord! Desire the best that the Lord has to offer. It is right there onHis table. Take it! He is just waiting for you to desire them.

2012-01-19T00:03:00.000-08:00

Straight Paths For The New Year

by: Sis. Bing Domingo

Proverbs 3:5-6 “ Trust in the Lord the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”

Every New Year brings new anticipation and new expectations. So we ask, will this year be a prosperous year for me? Will I succeed in everything I do? If this question is in your mind, here’s a good news for you….God has in His word the assurance that He will guide us in every step of our way as long as we follow His instructions.

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we can find three things that we should do and when we do them we will be blessed with the promise of God to guide us. The First one is to …

Trust in the Lord…

Here’s a short story about TRUST...

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter:
"Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said: "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" asked the puzzled father. “There’s a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."

The word trust in the Bible is “baw-takh” which means “to be confident or sure”; to hope. The dictionary defines it as firm reliance on the integrity or ability or character of a person or thing. Just like the little girl in the story, God wants His children to trust Him. Simply believing is not going to do good to us. We need to have faith. Is it not that when we speak about faith, we tend to think of some sort of mystical quality that belongs to the spiritual and not in the practical day to day living? Faith is actually more concrete than we realize, and trust is the practical outworking of our faith. We then can understand faith better when talk about trust. After all we find ourselves having to trust people every day. We trust whoever built our house that it's not going to fall in on our heads. We trust the bank with our money. We set our watches and alarms trusting that they would function right to wake us up in the morning so that we won’t be late for work.

But how many of us have experienced heartaches because those things and those people we trusted have failed us? Is it because we do not have faith in them? It doesn’t matter if we have so much faith, but what really matters is the object of our faith. God is All-Powerful! He is the Great I Am, the Creator who owns the universe! He alone has all the resources to supply our every need. If He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us, how will He not also along with Him graciously give us all things? He is Faithful and True and able to keep His promise. ( Numbers 23:19). He is unchanging. He is our Refuge and our Ever-present Help in times of trouble. The Name and the Blood of Jesus is more than enough for our protection! We can trust Him because He is the All –Knowing God, the First and the Last who knows the end from the beginning! God is indeed worthy of our trust!

……with all your heart

How does God want us to trust Him? With all our hearts or with our whole being. Trusting in the Lord with all our heart begins with our knowledge of Him, and we would never know God unless we have a relationship with Him. Notice that the verse says, “In the Lord”, He is not the God who is far away, but Jehovah who has revealed Himself to those who have chosen to accept Him as Lord of their lives. Many of us try to live by faith and want to trust God but have little or no knowledge of His character and His ways. The more we know His word, His promises, His character and His ways, the more we can trust Him. He loves us and has better plans for us. That’s why we can trust Him with our lives.

Lean not on your own understanding.

The way we can show God our trust is to stop relying on our own understanding. We should not depend on our own wisdom and understanding in every decision we make or every step we take. Jeremiah 17: 5 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it?” Many people try to follow the dictates of how they feel, that’s why they married the wrong person, left jobs because of fear and so on. But we could not trust even our feelings for it may deceive us. Our understanding is so limited. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Before we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we only operate on our own reasoning; we don’t know the ways of God that’s why we are used to rely on own wisdom. We thought we are better than God, like Solomon who started right with God but became wise in own eyes and eventually brought division to the nation of Israel. When we were born again, although God has given us a new nature, we have brought with us into our new life our mind full of knowledge on how to do things our own way and no one as pressed that CLEAR button in our brain. That is why we need to have a lot of renewing of our minds with God’s word so that we can start relying on His promises. Lean not on your own understanding. Lean instead on the wisdom of God's word. As we daily read and understand his word we will be learning to think His thoughts after Him. And that will help us as we seek to trust in him with all our hearts.

In all your ways acknowledge Him.

What then should we do? If we are to stop relying on own wisdom or understanding, we then should acknowledge God every minute, everyday through prayer, with thankfulness and with submission. When we acknowledge God in every decision we make, we seek His advice or counsel, we wait for His perfect and appointed time. We don’t go ahead of Him. His word says that there is a proper time and a proper procedure for every matter. God wants us to be fully aware of His presence and be completely dependent on Him. The first man, Adam lived in complete dependence on God before He sinned. The moment he disobeyed God, he started to live his life independently. And so the generations after him tried to live independently from God, doing things which are right in their own eyes. Praise God that through our Lord Jesus Christ who showed His complete dependence upon the Father, speaking only what he heard from the Father speak and doing things He saw His Father did, we can follow His example. Remember the principle that Jesus followed? His only desire is to do the will of His Father who sent Him. If that would be our desire too, when we pray, we should ask God’s will to be done, to close doors that are not meant for us and open doors that He wills for us and be willing to go wherever He leads us. When we do these things, we can expect God to fulfill His promise for us. And that is……

He shall direct your paths

The word in Hebrew for Direct is “yaw-shar.” It means to be straight or even; prosperous; be upright.

What a great promise and encouraging promise for us! It's a promise that with God’s helps as we trust in Him, He will guide our every step. But walking in the paths that Jesus walked are not an easy path but have the promise of an eternal joy in His presence.”

We may have thought that God's path is easy, but it’s not. But understanding that these paths have been well trodden, and these are the paths of righteousness, of love and forgiveness, we are sure to reach the destination that God has planned for us. God’s ultimate purpose for us is to walk uprightly becoming like our Lord Jesus Christ. He will guide us in all our ways.

Conclusion:

God has a wonderful plan for each of us. Jesus said, I have come that you may have life and have it to the full. He has given us His word for our instruction. To receive God’s guidance, Solomon said, we must trust in the Lord with all our hearts, stop relying on our own understanding; We must acknowledge God in all our ways. This means turning every area of life to Him.

Jesus emphasized this truth in Matt.6:33 when He said:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Let’s take a look at our values and priorities. What is important to you? In what areas have you not acknowledged Him? What is His advice? In many areas of your life you may already acknowledge God, but it is in the areas where you attempt to restrict or ignore His influence that will cause you grief. Make Him a vital part of everything you do, then He will guide you because you will be working to accomplish His purposes.

Prosperity is deeper than mere material wealth. True prosperity comes when we obey God. Let us obey His instructions and we’ll be assured that He will guide us and make our paths straight and prosper us this New Year!

Sis. Bing Domingo

2012-01-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

SIMON- THE GREAT PRETENDER

ACTS 8:9-25 (NIV)

by: Pastor Audie Castillo

INTRODUCTION:

☞-Christ post resurrection ministry (Acts 1:3-11) Jesus remained with theapostles for 40 days and speaking to them pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Heinstructed the apostles not to leave Jerusalem until the promise of the Fatherhas come.

And He said to them,” But you shall receivepower when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to mein Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

☞- The Holy Spirit comes atPentecost (Acts 2) They began to speak with other tongues

☞-The Church grows (Acts2:40-47) The word was preached and received with gladness and they werebaptized. On one occasion Peter preached the word and 3000 souls got saved.

☞Stephen’s arrest and martyrdom - Godworked great wonders and signs among the people through Stephen. (Acts6:8) Upto this point, the church had stayed put in Jerusalem. The church in Jerusalemwas growing so much, and it created controversy to the Jewish leadership andthey sought to control.

We will pick up the story from verse 8

☞Saul Leads the persecution of the church: He had been the official overseer of thedeath of Stephen. Now he was taking that violence to Christians wherever he couldfind them and put them to prison. (Acts 8: 1-3)

☞Philip’s ministry inSamaria. Thegathered church in Jerusalem is now scattered. (Acts 8:4-8) And from Jerusalem,they scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Except the apostles.

Samaria receives the word. As Philip speaks the message about Jesus,people are responding. But this is notthe whole story, because it is not all good news. So… . In our study today, thebible will exposed the dangers of a counterfeit faith of acertain man called Simon.

●In the previous verses we saw: city wide revival w/ Philip theEvangelist. Miracles were performed, souls saved. And here’s a scripturalprinciple which follows: wherever God sends genuine revival, Satan attempts tosend counterfeit revival. God sows some saved souls, and Satan sows his taresamong that wheat.(Matt. 13:24-30)

I- SIMON’S ARROGANCE (9-11)

⁹ Now for some time a man named Simon hadpracticed sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boastedthat he was someone great, ¹⁰ and all the people, both high and low,gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the GreatPower of God.” ¹¹ They followed him because he had amazed them for along time with his sorcery.

Simon Magus.

☞ Did you know that the Bible strictly forbidshaving anything to do w/ sorcery and the like: such as astrology, horoscopes,fortunetelling, psychics, , palm reading, spirit-channeling, divinations,enchantments, incantations, witchcraft, wizardry, charms, spells, or anythingelse invented by the occult world, including today’s big names: Harry Potter,Dungeons and Dragons and similar video games, The Bible forbids involvement inthese things! God goes so far as to call these things an abomination.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV)

¹⁰Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire,who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, ¹¹or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. ¹²Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these samedetestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.

He commands respect (influence) of the people(9-11)

● He claimed to be someone great

● People claimed to have power of God.

II- SIMON’S FAITH (12-13)

¹² But when they believed Philip as heproclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ,they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³ Simon himself believedand was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the greatsigns and miracles he saw.

A) He became a follower of Philip (12-13)

● He believed and was baptized and followedPhilip

Think with me. When it says Simon believed also, does that mean he gotsaved? Not necessarily! Are we saved bybelieving? Yes, by believing on. But look at James 2:19:

Thou believest thatthere is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

● He was attracted by the signs and wonders (He believed not because of the Word, but because of themiracles took place.)

In the same way…
●We have known of people that have confessed their allegiance to Christ inorder to date and eventually marry a Christian, but then lay it aside after thewedding.
●We have known people who said they prayed the sinner’s prayer, and then neverlive for Christ.
●We have known people who said they were believers because it seemed like agood idea.

These are examples of believe that are neither genuine, nor saving.

III- SIMON’SDESIRE ( 14-21) ☞ Samaria received the Word. (14)

¹⁴ When the apostles in Jerusalem heardthat Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria.

I am sure when word got back to Jerusalem, some headswere left shaking in disbelief.
So, two apostles are sent to inspect the work, Peter and John. It isinteresting that John goes, for he and his brother James were known as the sonsof thunder, and it was not because they were gentle souls. No, they were moversand shakers. One time, when they were with Jesus, a Samaritan community had beeninhospitable to Jesus and his band of disciples. James and John had a justsolution for Jesus.

Luke 9:54 “Lord do youwant us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, Just likeElijah did?” (

☞ Samaria received theHoly Spirit. (15-17)

¹⁵ When they arrived, they prayed forthe new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply beenbaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then Peter and Johnplaced their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit

They were missing the Holy Spirit.

You see, no one is really saved without the Holy Spirit. God honors faith, butit is the Holy Spirit that makes you a Christian. We don’t know if there wasany visible evidence of this lack. Luke is silent on this point. But Peter andJohn did have the discernment that the Samaritans were without the Holy Spirit.And when they laid their hands on them, the Holy Spirit came.

A) Simon’s Desire for Power (v.18-19)

¹⁸ When Simon sawthat the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offeredthem money ¹⁹ and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receivethe Holy Spirit.”

SIMONY in the Dictionary means…“thetrafficking of sacred things, as well as the buying and selling of Church or ecclesiasticaloffice.”

The word “SIMONY” gets its start here…fromSIMON!

In 1516, Johann Tetzel, a Dominican friar and papal commissioner for indulgences, was sent to Germany by the Roman CatholicChurch to sell indulgences to raise money to rebuild St. Peter'sBasilica inRome.^]Roman Catholic theology stated that faith alone, whetherfiduciary or dogmatic, cannot justify man; justification rather depends only onsuch faith as is active in charity and good works (fides caritate formata)can justify man. The benefits of good works could be obtained by donating moneyto the church. (Wikipedia)

Penance, catechisms, praying for the deadwere teachings that were strongly opposed by Martin Luther. He taught that wecan be saved by Grace through faith.

B) Simon’s Desire Will Lead To His destruction(v20)

²⁰ Peter answered:“May your money perish withyou, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

SoPeter simply was saying here ““To hell with you and your money.””

C) Simon’s Desire reveals his heart is not rightwith God. (v21) ²¹ You have no part or share in this ministry,because your heart is not right before God.

IV- SIMON’SSINs (22-25)

²² Repent of this wickedness and pray tothe Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in yourheart. ²³ For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive tosin.” ²⁴ Then Simonanswered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen tome.” ²⁵ After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lordand testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching thegospel in many Samaritan villages.

A) Wickedness in his heart (22a) Bitter andbound by inequity (v23)

B) His sinfulness prevent him to pray forforgiveness.(v.24)

Simon’s response was, "Pray to the Lordfor me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me." And that is thelast we hear of him. The sad thing is that no matter how much any of theapostles or the disciples prayed for Simon, the only one who could pray thedeciding prayer is Simon himself. He had to come before the Lord in repentance.He had to surrender his life before the Lord. He had to take that step ofbelief. He had to receive God’s forgiveness. No one else could.

Conclusion:This passage of Scripture shows just how close a person can come to conversionor salvation in Jesus Christ and still be lost without knowledge of God.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NewLiving Translation (NLT)

⁵ Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine.Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is in you; if not, you havefailed the test of genuine faith.
Pastor Audie Castillo

God's Mercies: Our Key to Finding Hope (Lamentations 3:21-24) By: Sis. Andrea Ortega

2012-01-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

The new year’s air is teeming withfreshness – having to start all over again like a clean slate and bursting withpromises for brighter days ahead. Nowonder the prevalent feelings are happiness and hope. Yet, in the midst of the sea of happy facesor even behind those smiles, deep down inside, some are in despair because yes,the calendar may have changed…but it’s only the calendar, their situation stilldidn’t change a bit. There are still nosigns of a much-needed job, homes remain broken, huge debts are still loomingover our heads, precious relationships are still strained, or sickness stillplagues the body. Regardless of how wefeel or what our situation is, there is a message of hope found in Lamentation 3: 21-24 that we cancarry in our hearts throughout the year.

²¹ This I recall to my mind,
      Therefore I have hope.
       ²² Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
      Because His compassions fail not.
       ²³ They are new every morning;
      Great is Your faithfulness.
       ²⁴ “ The LORD is myportion,” says my soul,
      “ Therefore I hope in Him!”

The first two chapters of Lamentations tillverse 20 of chapter

3 poured out the grief and deep anguish of the people ofJudah reflecting their sense of hopelessness. But suddenly a ray of hope broke through the dark clouds of despair,something changed starting from verse 21.

Tucked in this passage is the key to finding hope in the midst ofdifficult times.

Finding hope begins with:

TheDecision to Recall God’s Mercies and Faithfulness (Lam. 3:21)

21 This I recall to my mind, thereforeI have hope.

In order to unlock the key to finding hope, we need to decide to shiftour eyes and mindset from our circumstances and focus on the Lord. We can do this by recalling, reviewing orremembering God’s mercies and faithfulness towards us.

Recall the times and incidents how God came through miraculously andamazingly for you- rescuing and helping you in your deepest need. Try to trace His Hand in Your life and you’llsee that through all those times, God’s love, grace and mercy has sustainedyou. Dig through your memory and chooseto remember and meditate on God’s faithfulness.

We can always choose what to think about or what to meditate on.Remember that the mind is a very powerful facility. According to an article in ScientificAmerican Magazine, “What is the MemoryCapacity of the Brain” by Professor Paul Reber of Borthwestern University:

Thehuman brain consists of about one billion neurons. Each neuron forms about1,000 connections to other neurons, amounting to more than a trillionconnections. If each neuron could only help store a single memory, running outof space would be a problem. You might have only a few gigabytes of storagespace, similar to the space in an iPod or a USB flash drive. Yet neuronscombine so that each one helps with many memories at a time, exponentiallyincreasing the brain’s memory storage capacity to something closer to around2.5 petabytes (or a million gigabytes). For comparison, if your brain workedlike a digital video recorder in a television, 2.5 petabytes would be enough tohold three million hours of TV shows. You would have to leave the TV runningcontinuously for more than 300 years to use up all that storage.

Soif we would take advantage of such capacity and fill our minds with the thingsof God, choosing to dwell and meditate on His character and His Word instead offilling our thoughts with lies and rubbish and contemplating on thehopelessness of the situation, we would certainly find hope. All we need to do is to decide to recall orcall to mind God’s faithfulness, love and mercies toward us.

Thenwhen we have made that decision to recall God’s faithfulness, don’t forget aboutit right away and toss it out of the window. Instead hold on to it and continue to meditate more and more on God’smercies and faithfulness- and you’ll see:

The Depth of God’s Mercies (Lam 3:22-23)

22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are notconsumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Yourfaithfulness.

Mercyas used in this text is not just how we commonly understand mercy as simply havingpity on someone. Notice that mercy hereis in its plural form “mercies”,meaning God’s supply of His mercies toward us is an abundant supply. It is overflowing, and it never runs out. Inaddition, there are 3 ways how the merciesof God was further described and its depth explored:

1. God’smercies or his steadfast love preserves and sustains.

§ Although Jerusalem was razed to the ground,there was a lot of bloodshed and the people of Judah were taken in exile toBabylon, Jeremiah saw that because of the Lord’s mercies, they are notcompletely consumed, destroyed or wasted. There was still a remnant. Bad as things are, it is owing tothe mercy of God that they are not worse. When we are in difficult situations,realize that things are bad but they might have been worse, and therefore thereis hope that they may be better. . As Paul had given encouragement in 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 “ We are hard-pressedon every side, yet are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair,persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.

2. God’smercies and compassions or his steadfast love never fails or will alwaysremain.

§ The word “steadfast” means that no matter whatwould happen, it would always remain. This is the kind of mercies and compassions that God has for us. Even if all else fails, His compassions willnever fail. His steadfast or covenantlove knows no end.

3. God’smercies and compassions or his steadfast love are new every morning.

§ Morning always signal the start of the day. What a great comfort to know that at thebeginning of each day, God’s mercies are already there. To top it off, these mercies are always freshand new! We don’t have to useyesterday’s supply for today’s needs. Wedon’t have to budget His mercies for us because it will not run out, they arealways in abundance and the supply is always new each day ! Doyou see God’s goodness? We don’t evenhave to wait for another week, month or year in order to get a fresh supply ofGod’s mercies. It’s every morning! Great is the faithfulness of God indeed!

When we choose to focus our minds and hearts on the Lord- Hisfaithfulness and mercies, and hold fast to it, hope springs forth. I believe it’s not so much of our decision toremember – it’s the object or the focus of our hope that gives us hope. It is because we know whom we are trustingand where our hope lies- it is because our hope is in God. We can always hope and hope and hope and hope,yet if that hope is founded on shaky objects, we would only end up frustratedand disappointed. How many times have we placed our hope and trust in thepromises of men, but in the end they fail to deliver, thus crushing our hopes. Butthe good news is that our hope is in God who will never fail. He is who He says He is. If He said that Heis our provider, healer, deliver, rescuer, comforter- He is all these thingsand so much. He is not like man wholies, He is trustworthy, He never wavers and His character never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. Thus, we can put our faith in Him and then wecan boldly have:

TheDeclaration of Hope (Lam 3:21 & 24)

21 “ …Therefore I have hope… 24“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “ Therefore I hope in Him!”

We can only know and boldly declare real hopeif we know that where we have placed our hope will never ever fail. And only God will never fail. We can see thatsandwiched between the two declarations of hope in verse 21 and verse 24 is theProphet Jeremiah’s understanding of the character of God – His steadfast lovethat knows no end, His compassions that never fail, His mercies that are alwaysoverflowing and new every morning. Onlywhen he has remembered who God is then hope begins to break forth.

The importance of having hope can never be over emphasized. Hope is like a life-jacket. It keeps one afloat when he is in an ocean ofdifficulties.

As weface another year, we don’t know what it holds for us. There might be challenges and trials alongthe way, but what’s important is that we have God on our side. Never, ever lose hope. However, in times when you feel hope isslipping and fading way, remember that God’s mercies is the key to finding hopeand our decision to recall God’s mercies and focus on Him would simply beunlocking that hope that is found in God alone.

Christmas Greetings from Barcial Family

2011-12-21T03:18:00.000-08:00

My family and I would like to greet one and all a very merry Christmas.

In the midst of the calamity that has affected our country the Philippines in the fast days, we still find hope in Christ. We still have reason to rejoice in Jesus’ birth since He is always worthy of our praise. Every year the question arises “Tuloy ba ang Pasko?” The economy is not picking up worldwide and people seem to wonder if Christmas is worth celebrating. Definitely the people affected by the recent flooding brought about by Typhoon Sendong will find it very difficult to celebrate this year. It is not Christmas but Christ is worth celebrating regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. The Bible commands us to rejoice, pray and give thanks in everything, even in trials and temptations:

1 Thess 5:16-18 (NKJV)

Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Since we are so blessed and spared from such calamities, we should be sharing our Christmas joy to our fellow countrymen. Our WIN – Philippines National Office in cooperation with our International and Middle East Office has already communicated to us their support and appeal to all WIN churches worldwide to help out willingly.

Today as we worship the Lord, may the Lord’s compassion for the lost that led to His birth on earth move us as well in giving beyond what is expected of us. Our second basket offering and everybody’s birthday giving will be towards the relief efforts for Southern Visayas and Northern Mindanao flood affected areas through our Philippine National office.

May the Lord bless you mightily in your generous, prayerful support for God’s people in these endtimes.

We wish you a prosperous New Year AHEAD!

Thank you and God bless us all during this Yuletide Season

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

TRIP TO HEAVEN (BIYAHENG LANGIT): The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:1-13) by: Bro. Teody Galit

2011-12-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

Predictions, projection, and best guesses-every one likes to state what they think the future will hold. Meteorologists forecast the daily weather, sports journalists predict the outcome of a championship series, pollsters project the probable winner of an election, news commentators declare the direction of the nation, and futurists explain what the world will be like in a few decades.

In addition, our daily conversations are sprinkled with future talk: “Who do you think will win?” “What are your retirement plans?” “What will your son do after graduation?” Often these amateur prophecies are not fulfilled exactly as stated: Partly sunny turns into a rainy day, the underdog becomes an upset winner, a technological breakthrough changes the way we live, and an unexpected event changes our plans.

With Biblical prophets, the story reads quite differently. Inspired by God, each of their predictions would come true, in exact detail.

The gospel of Matthew provides amazing examples of the power and accuracy of God’s prophets who had foretold the coming of the Messiah. From His humble birth by a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) to His crucifixion (Psalm 22:14, 16-17) with criminals (Isaiah 53:12) to His resurrection from the dead (Psalm 16:10) Jesus did what the prophets had predicted—He fulfilled every prophecy and fit every description of the Jewish Savior.

Have you ever experience being denied or not permitted to board in a flight in one of your trip? What did you felt about it? You had prepared for this trip for a long time and were so excited about it especially if it was your first time to travel. But at the exact date of your trip right there in front of the departure gate the man who is in charge told you that you can not join the flight because either your requirements are incomplete or the worse thing is you are not included in the list because you are not qualified. The message for today will talk about the most awaited trip that every Christians are waiting for our final trip.

Point # I: The main characters: Vv. 1

I.1: The Ten Virgins

I.2: The Bridegroom

1Then the kingdom of heaven shall be liken to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

The second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is the next important event on the calendar of God. When Jesus was here on earth He promised that at the end of time He would come again.

There are 318 different places in the New Testament dealing with the Second Coming of the Lord. The doctrine of the Second Coming is the object of ridicule to the unbelievers and even to some whom called themselves believers or Christians; and yet it is one of the most important doctrines of the Bible.

I.1: The Ten virgins:

¹Then the kingdom of heaven shall be liken to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

Two kinds of virgin

a. Five were wise. vv. 2, 4

²Now five of them were wise….⁴but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

b. Five were foolish. vv. 2, 3

²…and five were foolish ³Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them

I.2: The bridegroom: V. 1a

¹Then the kingdom of heaven shall be liken to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

Point # II: The Two Scenarios. V.5

II.1: The bridegroom was delayed

⁵But the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

The bridegroom was late, He did not come at the time as they expected. Many in the apostles’ times imagined that the day of the Lord was at hand, but it is not so. For us it seems that Christ return is delay, and yet it really does not.

There are good reason for the Bridegroom’s coming to be delay; there are many purposes to be accomplished; 1. The elect must all be called in, 2. God’s patience must be manifested, and 3. The saints’ patience was tried. But though Christ return is delayed in our time, He will not be delayed on His due time to come. He said He will come back and for sure He will. He promises it three times in the book of Revelation, notice that every time He said He will come every body should do something.

a. Rev. 16:15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walks naked and they see his shame.

b. “Rev. 22:7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

c. Rev. 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.”

II.2: The ten virgins all slumbered and slept

⁵But the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

Being slumbered is not new to Jesus; remember what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane while He was praying?

Matt. 26:36, 40

³⁶"Then Jesus came with them to a place Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there."…⁴⁰ Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour."

While He is delayed, those that waited for him, grew careless, and forgot what they were attending; they all slumbered and slept; as if they had given over looking for Him; “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth” (Luke. 18: 8).

There could be a danger of spiritual slumber within the believers today, it happened before while they were with Jesus. Considering that the basis of our endurance to wait is our faith, once our faith decrease and failed we can not wait any longer.

The wise virgins slumbered, and the foolish slept; we can think of that way; however, they were both become faulty. The wise virgins kept their lamps burning, but did not keep themselves awake. There are so many Christians today that when they have been Christians for a long time, sometimes their faith grows weary and get bored in their preparations for Christ’s second coming. When Jesus returns to take us to heaven, we must be ready. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Our relationship with God must be in our own. It was hard for the disciples to watched with Christ even in an hour; How much more to watch with Him in decades?

Point # III. Urgent needs of believers. Vv.6-13

III.1: Be prepared; no one will do it for us: Vv. 6-9

⁶And at midnight a cry was heard: Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him! ⁷Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps ⁸And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not enough for us and for you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’

Give us of your oil! This request was requested with sensible necessity. Those who see their needs of grace and faith on the last minutes to save them, can not expect any help from others, it is too late. God would have given them oil, had they asked in time; remember that there would be no buying when the market was closed, when Jesus return to take us to heaven no body can help us once He caught us unprepared for the trip.

III.2: Be prepared; being a member of a church is not a guarantee. Vv.10-12

¹⁰And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. ¹¹Afterward the other virgin came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ ¹²But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

As Christians, we profess, not only to believe and look for, but to love and long for the appearing of Christ. The second coming of Christ is the center in which all the lines of our faith meet.

The purpose of these virgins is to meet the bridegroom, which is as much their happiness as their duty. They come to wait upon the bridegroom when He appears, and to wait for Him until He comes.

It will be the most disappointing moment in our lives when the time of the second coming of Jesus Christ comes when He tells us that He does not know us. Just like the five foolish virgins, the moment that they waited for so long came but still their preparations fall short to the eyes of the Lord.

III.3: Be prepared; for the unexpected. V. 13

¹³’’Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming

Though Christ coming delayed longer, He will come at last; though He seems slow, He is sure that He will comeback. In His first coming, He was mentioned and expected by those that waited for the consolation of Israel; and in the fullness of time He came; His second coming, though long deferred, should not be forgotten. His first coming was not with any observation at all, remember that “He was in the world, and the world did not know Him” (John 1:10-11); but His second coming will be observed by the entire world; every eye shall see Him. There will be a cry from heaven, for He shall descend with a shout of the Angels.

Comparisons of the Ten Virgins

Every one had a lamp.

Every one dressed in the garment of a bridesmaid.

Every one claimed to have been invited.

They all acted like the others.

They all had the same purpose.

None suspected that there was anything wrong with any of the others

Only the wise virgins entered and joined the wedding party

Wise with extra oil, Foolish no extra oil

The ten virgins symbolize two different kinds of believer, who pretended to be both worthy to meet the bride but their true identity was revealed on the actual hour of the wedding. Today’s believers can also pretend to be true followers of Jesus, they do everything to look like one and that they are ready on the second coming of Jesus; they spend time in the ministry, doing church works, doing charity works.

Our true identity will also be revealed during His second coming to be with us in our final trip, “our trip to heaven”.

Conclusion:

Malachi 3:1-2

¹"Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," Says the LORD of hosts. ²"But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like launderer's soap. (NKJV)

His first coming was without external impact or show of power, and yet in truth there were few who could not stand its testing might. Herod and all Jerusalem were stirred at the news of His wondrous birth. Those who supposed themselves to be waiting for Him, showed the fallacy of their professions by rejecting Him when He came.

His life on earth was a winnowing fan, which tried the great heap of religious profession, and few enough could abide the process. But what will His second coming be? What sinner can endure to think of it? "He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked." In His humiliation He did but say to the soldiers, "I am He," they fell backward; what will be the terror of His enemies when He shall more fully reveal Himself as the “I am?"

His death shook the earth and darkened the heaven, what shall be the dreadful splendor of that day in which as the living Savior, He shall summon the quick and dead before Him? Let us search ourselves tonight and make our calling and election sure, so that the coming of the Lord may cause no dark thoughts in our mind.

Let us cast away all hypocrisy, and to be found of Him sincere and without rebuke in the day of His appearing. It is only 2 days from today before Christmas; the whole world is busy preparing for the celebration of His birth, His first coming. People spend time, money and resources even though most of them don’t know the real meaning and purposed of His birth. For us Christians real meaning and purposed of His birth is sum up in the message of John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

The preparation that people can do is to receive Him as their Lord and savior so that they can benefit during His second coming. He will come again not as a baby but as a Powerful and Mighty King. May He find us ready when He comes again on His second coming?

The moral and practical lesson of the whole parable is there will be no second chance for all the unprepared. “Who want to go to Heaven?” “BE PREPARED”!!!

Teody Galit

The Master's Choice (Mark 6:7-13) by: Sis. Lilia Cabatbat

2011-12-19T21:53:00.000-08:00

The uniqueness of the ministry of the Lord Jesus is the kind of men He chooses to be His disciples. In our time, if we are to review their qualifications they are probably not the kind of people we would choose to represent us. Several of them were fishermen, a former tax collector, a couple of them were quick tempered, one of them was a revolutionary and one was a traitor. These men lacked spiritual understanding; they lacked faith, humility, power and commitment. These men were missing the point of Christ’s teachings, lashing out at people who were different, they’re saying the wrong thing, and they’re walking away from their commitment to Jesus. But, in spite of their weaknesses, the Lord used these inadequate men to turn the world upside down for His Glory. If He can use them, definitely He can use us too. Amen!

These men have been with Jesus listening to Him teaching & watching Him perform miracles. Jesus has been teaching them so that He could send them out to preach the Gospel. The passage we’re going to study gives us the details of our Lord commissioning the 12 for their first mission trip. I would like us to understand that, just as Jesus had a mission for the original 12, it remains the same for us today, He has still a mission for us to accomplish that is to build his kingdom here on earth. Let us see their commission & their work so we can learn more of how the Lord expects us to serve Him in our present time.

l. THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE. Verse 7

7. And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two and gave them power over unclean spirits.

A) They were sent two by two.

In Matthew 10:2- 4 they have been paired up, they have no choice but to go with their partner. Jesus sent them out this way for a couple of reasons. It fulfilled the requirements of the law, for every testimony to be established by the words of 2 witnesses. (Deuteronomy 19:15)

It provided the men with companionship, encouragement and for someone to pray for them. I believe it is still the best method that we can use today. When two people go out to share the gospel, they can encourage one another, pray for one another & help one another stand in these evil days. When you go out to minister could it be in the prison, in the hospital or wherever the Lord tells you to go take a fellow Spirit filled believer with you, it will make the job easier.

B) Jesus gave them “power”.

This particular word refers to inherent power, it has the idea of someone possessing the right to do a thing & having the power to carry out. Literally, they were an extension of Him as they ministered.

When Jesus saves us, He gives us the power to carry His message to the world, Acts 1:8. We may feel inadequate for the task, but His power rest in us & on us. We may be weak in our word & may feel that our testimony lacks power, but Jesus has promised us His Holy Spirit to empower us & that is more than enough for us to get the job done. Amen. In order for us to be a powerful witness of Christ in sharing His Word, healing the sick and casting out demons, is for us to live a life of OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD, WORSHIP AND PRAYER.

II. THE MANDATE OF THETWELVE. Verse 8-11

⁸He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff, no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts ⁹but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. ¹⁰ Also He said to them, In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.¹¹ And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that city.

Jesus gave His men some very specific commands:

· To take nothing for the journey except a staff.

· They were instructed to travel light, no extra luggage

· They have to go as they were, no special preparation for their travel

· They have to undertake their assignment with their full faith in the Lord & His ability to take care of them.

We are saved by faith & the Lord expects us to live by faith. He wants us to walk in complete dependence on Him & on His power to supply our needs. If the Lord sends us out in His service, we can trust Him to take care of us. I believe that as the Lord calls you, He will equip, He will provide and empowers you to do great and mighty things for His Glory.

Now, we are not also to be foolish with our resources. Just because the Lord will meet all our needs does not imply we are to give away everything we have, but we’re also commanded to be good steward of what the Lord has entrusted to us. Sometimes the Lord allows us to save during the days of prosperity so that we will have resources during the days of adversity, as we can learn from Joseph’s time. Two timeless principles we can learn:

1. Always be a wise steward of the wealth God blesses you with.

2. Always trust the Lord to take care of you.

C) They were to take only one coat.

Maybe during that time usually it’s just the rich who could afford 2 coats. Jesus was sending His men out, as common men among common men. They were not to present themselves as though they are better off than the people they encountered.

Sometimes we Christians act like we are better than the lost people around us. In reality, the only thing that separates us from the most wicked of sinners is the pure grace of God. Apart from the blood of Jesus & the grace of God in our lives, we would be as bad or worse than they are. Praise the Lord indeed for His grace and His mercy that God bestowed upon us.

D) They were to accept the hospitality of the local people & they were to abide in whatever house they have invited into. They were not to seek out better accommodations, not to look for more comfortable house to live in. They were to take what they were given & be content with it. Simplicity and contentment is what the Lord is teaching His men here.

I’ve read a commentary about the church of the 18^th & 19^th century. The Church was rocked by scandal. The Pastors were notorious for seeking their comfort above the needs & welfare of their churches. They were famous for their knowledge of hunting dogs & for the wines in their wine cellars, than they were for preaching the Word of God or ministering to the needs of God’s people.

The same could be said about many preachers in our day. They live like kings while their people struggle to support their lifestyle. The TV preachers of our era with their opulent homes, air conditioned dog houses & limousines have left a bad taste in the mouth of this generation.

Preachers, if you pastor a church there may be times when you will have to get by with very little. If you serve a church where the people are small minded about things of God, they will do their best to see to it that you have to live by faith. Thank God for church people who knows the needs of their pastor & his family. Regardless of the pay package, preachers, pastors or anyone in general who serve God in whatever capacity should not look to the church as the source of their resources. Instead they should look to the hand of the Lord & trust Him to meet their needs, because God is faithful to fulfill His promise. NUMBERS 23:19 says, “God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change his mind, does He speak and not act, does He promise and not fulfill.” God is faithful. Amen! Our duty is to take whatever the Lord gives us with a heart of gratitude & learn to be content with the things He provides. HEBREWS 13:5 says,

Let your conduct be without covetousness, be content with such things as you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.

E) When the disciples entered a village, and they and their message was rejected, they were to leave that village and shake the dust off their feet. This is a practiced of pious Jews who carefully removed the dust of a heathen land before re-entering Jewish territory. A gesture of dis association from the pagans and the pollution of their land. Jesus told His men to do this as a sign that those who rejected the gospel would face a harsh judgment someday for rejecting His offer of salvation.

The primary message of the disciples was a message of hope and salvation, and it remains true to the church of today, we carry the same message to the world. We are to point the way to Jesus Christ, His free offer of salvation.

Now no one likes this kind of message. We are ridiculed for sharing about Jesus, let us share Jesus to them anyway, and let the people accuse us of being out of mind or out of step of this world. Let them mock us for proclaiming that Jesus is the only way for salvation, & that they need to repent of their sins & come to Jesus. Let them say what they will, but the truth of God’s salvation be proclaimed, that the only way to heaven is through the Lord Jesus Christ, JOHN 14:6 Jesus said,” I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” The only way to avoid hell is through the Lord Jesus, JOHN 5:24, Jesus said,

” Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes in him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

III. THE MESSAGE OF THE TWELVE. VERSE 12

^12. So they went out and preached that people should repent.

The message of the twelve was simple it could be understood by everyone who heard it. They preached that people should “repent”. The word means to change one’s mind for better. It refers to a change of mind that leads to a change of action. Literally, it means converted. When genuine repentance takes place, the change in a person’s life is radical and powerful. Repentance says, I will stop doing the things I should not do, and I will begin to do the things I should do. I will stop living a life of sin and I will start to live a life of holiness. It really involves our will to choose which way of life we are to take. One of the characteristics of the new birth is a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:7). If you can live in sin without seeing the need to turn from it and repent, most likely you are not saved by the grace of God, 1 JOHN 3:9 says whoever is born of God does not continue on sinning.

IV. THE MINISTRY OF THE TWELVE. Verse 13

¹³. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who are sick, and healed them.

The disciple went out in the power of Jesus and they experienced Him move and work in power and glory. In their time, the people did not have the complete Word of God as we do, so they needed proof of the message by working powerful miracles among the people.

In our present time, God still confirm His Word in us and through us in powerful ways. He will manifest His power as he confirms His message, MARK 16:15-17. We will see the Lord confirm his Word by changing lives. When the gospel is shared in His power, He draws people to himself. The greatest miracle the Lord Has done in the lives of people is the salvation of one’s soul and the transformation of one’s life. Amen!

· To think that Jesus could take us, hell bound sinners & make us into a child of God is MARVELOUS beyond words.

· To consider that Jesus would love us & reach out to us in grace is AMAZING.

· To think that Jesus would die on the cross to redeem us from our sins is WONDERFUL beyond beliefs. ISAIAH 53:4-6

· To think that Jesus would save us who are trapped in our sins is a MIRACLE the mind can hardly comprehend.

Praise the Lord that God has been mindful of us, and has thought about us even before the foundation of the world. Hallelujah for His Great Love for us that He rescued us from eternal death and gave us eternal life in His Son Jesus. So it’s now our responsibility to reach out and share the love of God to those people that God send across our path, could it be in our homes, in our workplaces or wherever God places us. Amen!

Conclusion:

Today Jesus is still in the business of saving souls and transforming lives for His Glory. Now what have we been doing with the salvation that we received from God, did we pass it on or share it to others? If we have not yet done it, let us ask God’s forgiveness for our neglect and His Holy Spirit to empower us.

Did we realize that of all places in the world God purposed us to be here, not only to earn money but God wants to use us to accomplish His purpose that is to establish His kingdom where we are right now.

Have we been living a life of total submission to His WORD, a life of Worship and Prayer, and by doing so our lives then are an impact to our homes, our workplaces and to our community we’re living?

Are we living our lives that radiate the character of Christ, bringing forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit, especially in times of testing, trials and temptations?

Mga kapatid, the task remaining is so great, we need the empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit to do the Great Commission of the Lord in this end times.

The question is, are you willing to be part of it. Don’t ever listen to Satan’s lie that you are weak and inadequate ‘cause God uses ordinary people to do His extra ordinary work, just be willing and be available for HIM. It’s my prayer that, may we open our hearts to the Lord’s leading as He speaks to us, as we study His WORD and as we commune with Him in prayer.

GLORY TO HIM ALONE WHO IS OUR SAVIOUR, MASTER AND KING BOTH NOW AND FOREVERMORE!

Sis. Lilia Cabatbat

The Spirit of Unity (1 Cor 12:12-28) by: Ptr. Edward Vincent Barcial

2011-12-10T21:55:00.001-08:00

The UAE has just celebrated their 40^th National Day last Dec. 2, 2011. They had chosen the theme “SPIRIT OF THE UNION.” Wikipedia.org has an article of the history of this nation and states the following:

Prior to independence in 1971, the UAE was known as the Trucial States or Trucial Oman, in reference to a 19th-century truce between the local sheikhs, hereditary rulers of the territories, and the United Kingdom. The term Pirate Coast was also used by some to refer to the emirates from the 18th to the early 20th century, owing to the preponderance of pirates operating from emirati ports.

The Trucial States (also known as Trucial Oman, the Trucial Coast, and the Trucial Sheikhdoms) were a group of sheikhdoms in the Persian Gulf.

The sheikdoms included: Abu Dhabi (1820 – 1971) Ajman (1820 – 1971) Dubai (1820 – 1971) Sharjah (1820 – 1971) Umm al-Quwain (1820 – 1971) Ras al-Khaimah (1822 – 1972) Dibba (1871 – 1951) Hamriyah (1875 – 1922) Fujairah (1902 – 1971) Kalba (1903 – 1952) Heera (1915 – 1942)

The sheikdoms permanently allied themselves with the United Kingdom by the Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1853, until in 1892 they entered into "Exclusivity Agreements" with the British - following on from Bahrain in 1880 - which put them under British protection. This was an unclear status which fell short of a formal protectorate, but required Britain to defend them from external aggression in exchange for exclusive British rights in the states. Until 1969, the Indian rupee remained the de-facto currency of the Trucial states as well as the other Gulf States such as Qatar, Bahrain and Oman until these countries introduced their own currencies in 1969, after the great devaluation of the Indian rupee. In 1952, the Trucial States Council was established to encourage co-operation between the seven remaining sheiks.

The Treaty of 1892

Primarily in reaction to the ambitions of other European countries, the United Kingdom and the Trucial Sheikhdoms established closer bonds in an 1892 treaty, similar to treaties entered into by the UK with other Persian Gulf principalities. The sheikhs agreed not to dispose of any territory except to the United Kingdom and not to enter into relationships with any foreign government other than the United Kingdom without its consent. In return, the British promised to protect the Trucial Coast from all aggression by sea and to help in case of land attack

End of the Trucial States

The United Kingdom announced its intention to end its protectorate over the Trucial Coast in 1968. The sheikdoms attempted to establish a federation with Qatar and Bahrain, but it ultimately failed to materialize. The British government terminated its treaty relationship on 1 December 1971, leading to the independence of the seven states. The next day, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain united to form the United Arab Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah joined on 11 February 1972. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trucial_States)

If the Arabs were able to unite in spite of their differences, how much more we, The Body of Christ, are able by His Holy Spirit to come together as one. All we have to do is to believe what the Bible has already told us who we are in Him.

1 Cor 12:12-14

¹² For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. ¹⁴ For in fact the body is not one member but many.

We need to uphold the unity of the Church. There is a difference between union and unity. You could tie the tails of two cats and have union but definitely no unity between them.

There are three things the Spirit of Unity can bring in our lives:

1. The Spirit of Unity Defeats the spirit of inferiority that brings meaning and purpose (1 Cor 12:15-18)

¹⁵ If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? ¹⁸ But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. ¹⁹ And if they were all one member, where would the body be? ²⁰ But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.

If you feel you are less than a Christian compared to others, don’t separate yourself from the body but rather join the fellowship of those who are stronger and better than you. You will then be one with their strength. Realize you have a purpose and function that nobody has and you will see your value. You have something to offer on the table. God is well pleased to set you as a member. Just discover how you could contribute your talents and gifts for the glory of God and for the building up of the Church.

2. The Spirit of Unity Defeats the spirit of superiority that leads to honor and modesty (1 Cor 12:21-24)

²¹ And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." ²² No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. ²³ And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, ²⁴ but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it

The opposite could happen to the Body. Some of us may feel so gifted that pride comes in and in the process disregard other believers. By uniting ourselves to others who seem to be less honorable, we become modest and learn to acknowledge other believers as essential. No one is a do-it-all and a know-it-all.

3. The Spirit of Unity Defeats the spirit of division and solitary suffering that leads to solidarity care and joy (1 Cor 12:25-26)

²⁵ that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. ²⁶ And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

One great test to see whether we are one in Spirit or not: If one suffers, all should feel it. If one is honored, everyone rejoices (no jealousy in anyway will take away our joy). Unity is reflected by the care we share to someone within the Body who is suffering. Exercising care for each other actually brings greater unity in our midst.

Conclusion: How do we maintain the Unity of The Spirit Within the Body of Christ?

Now that we know the benefits of the Spirit of Unity, how then could we establish this? Is it through organization? Is it through politics, or intimidation? God has already have the blueprint in His Word:

1 Cor 12:27-28(NKJV)

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.²⁸ And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

Eph 4:11-13 (NKJV)

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

The fivefold ministry is established in the Church today to bring about unity of the faith among Christians. The Apostle Governs and brings order. The Prophet Guides us with the revelation of His Word. The Evangelist Gathers lost souls and brings them in the church. The Pastor Guards over them and provide care and fellowship. The Teacher Grinds the sheep with discipleship and training so they can function properly and be of great use for the Master. When they are united, they build up the Body until they have the fullness of Christ.

The five fingers in one hand represents the fivefold ministry. Separeted they are vulnerable, but folde together to form a fist, they become a powerful weapon to strike anyone with a blow. This is best illustrated by a comic strip called “PEANUTS” by Charles M. Schultz

In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn't. "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus. "These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold." "Which channel do you want?" asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can't you guys get organized like that?"

Both Lucy and Linus are children in the cartoon. They always have sibling rivalries. The Bible says that unity should bring us to maturity, growth and love:

Eph 4:14 (NKJV)

¹⁴ that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ—¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Let us pray that the Lord will raise up Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers in our midst. It is unfortunate that not all Churches believe in the fivefold ministry. Until that day that the Lord will establish them in our midst, the Body of Christ will continue to suffer divisions. Let us pray for the Church’s restoration. Let me end by quoting from a verse from Haggai:

Hag 2:1-9 (NKJV)

In the seventh month, on the twenty-first of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying: 2 "Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying: 3 'Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? 4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the Lord; 'and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,' says the Lord, 'and work; for I am with you,' says the Lord of hosts. 5 'According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!' 6 "For thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the Lord of hosts. 8 'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts. 9 The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says the Lord of hosts. 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the Lord of hosts."

The Book of Acts is a record of the glory of the former Church. Before Jesus returns, we will see the greater glory of the latter Church of Christ doing great things in our day. May it be so, Lord. Amen

Pastor Edward

Leadership That Conquers (Joshua 1: 1-8) by: Sis. Leonor Fernandez

2011-11-29T22:56:00.001-08:00

“Braveheart” was a 1995 epichistorical drama war film directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The film waswritten for the screen and then novelized by Randall Wallace. Gibson portrayedWilliam Wallace, a 13th century Scottish knight who gained recognition when hecame to the forefront of the First War of Scottish Independence by opposingKing Edward I of England. He led his army to victory at the Battle of Stirling.

“Immortals” is a 3D fantasyaction shown simultaneously in key cities of the world last November 11, 2011,starring Henry Cavill who played the role of a stonemason named Theseus whovows to avenge the death of his mother in one of Hyperion's raids. When Theseusmeets the Sybelline Oracle, Phaedra, her disturbing visions of the young man'sfuture convinced her that he was the key to stopping the destruction. With herhelp, Theseus assembled a small band of followers and embraced his destiny in afinal desperate battle for the future of humanity.

Both films depict leadershipand triumph. Both men led their people into their freedom and victory.

There are voluminous films on leadership,the importance of it and the methods good leaders utilize in order to besuccessful apart from these two. Much is also written on self-help books. Peoplewant to know how to be successful and conquer their field of endeavor, and itis profitable for leaders to read and understand it.

But, what does a great leaderreally have to be? Let's, for a moment, see one of the Bible's model ofleadership, Joshua, who was about to embark on a new phase in his life. Thechallenges he faced were daunting and much beyond his ability. Let’s take acloser look into his example.

What does it take to be aLeader?

1. ASSURANCE

³I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. ⁴Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the greatriver, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in thewest. . ⁵ No one will be able to stand against you all the days ofyour life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you I will never leave younor forsake you.

As leaders, our confidencemust be rooted in the promises of God. In this passage God spoke to Joshua andcharged him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He assured him fivetimes that He will be with him, never leave him nor forsake him all throughoutthe journey. God handpicks us and He empowers us to fulfill our calling andcomplete the task at hand. The assurance of His presence enables us to do whatHe entrusted us.

2. TASK

Bestrong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land Iswore to their ancestors to give them.

The task and the goal of everyleader must be to bring people to a point where they will experience thefulfillment of God’s plan into their lives.

In the succeeding account whereinGod exalted Joshua in the eyes of Israel, he told the people to come and listento the word of God. Although God had validated his leadership, Joshua stillwanted the people to know that he was not the main man in the battle, but onlyreceived instructions from the Lord. A leader must not draw the people tohimself, but to God alone. His confirmation must not come from the praises ofpeople, but from God.

3. QUALITIES

⁶Be strong and courageous, because you will leadthese people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. ⁷ “Be strong and very courageous.

The indispensable qualities ofa leader are strength and courage. As a leader Joshua would face many battles. He had to deal with sin in His camp. He hadto deal with failure and defeat, and wrong decisions. As a leader you must havethe courage to confront and oppose sin in your camp. Sin was the root cause ofdefeat in battle of Ai, a leader must have the strength to rectify it. The treatywith the Gibeonites is an epitome of deception. As a leader you must have thesensitivity and discernment before placing people in position.

4. DISCIPLINE

Becareful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it tothe right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, sothat you may be careful to do everything written in it.

A leader’s inner core isperpetuated by his discipline. It is evident in his priorities and decisionmaking. This can only be obtained through obedience.

Joshua did not only govern bylaw and had taken care that the people obey the law, but observed the lawhimself, and so by his own example maintained the honor and power of it. He didnot only do what was written, he acted according to what is written exactly.And he did not turn from it. Likewise, our success in our service must not tocontrol people, but to be controlled by the Word of God. We must obey it fully regardlessof our circumstances. We should not bend it and make it conform to our needs,but keep and uphold it.

5. REWARD

Then you will be prosperous and successful

Those that make the word ofGod their rule and conscientiously walk by that rule shall both do well andspeed well; it will furnish them with the best maxims by which to order theirconversation and will entitle them to the best blessings. God shall grant themthe desires of their heart.

CONCLUSION:

Joshua24:28-31

ThenJoshua dismissed the people, each to their own inheritance. ²⁹Afterthese things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of ahundred and ten. ³⁰And they buried him in the land of hisinheritance, at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of MountGaash. ³¹ Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshuaand of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the LORDhad done for Israel.

Joshua was a new leader handedwith a seemingly impossible task. By following God closely, he led the peoplethrough military triumphs and faithful spiritual obedience. The Israelitesfound their rest in the Promised Land and vowed to serve the Lord; the God Whobrought them out of Egypt. This response was a tribute to Joshua’s leadershipand above all to the God he faithfully served.

As present generation leaders,what is the foundation of your service, growth and blessing? Let your walk andtriumph be considered as fulfillment of what God has promised you. As He hadchosen you, He will equip you. He will be with you until the end of age.

Where is the Love (John 13:18-38) By: Ptr. Edward Barcial

2011-11-11T21:22:00.001-08:00

There are many things that prevent us from worshipping Jesus. There are hindrances and affections that compete with our love for our Lord. The disciples were tested whether they truly love the Lord and each other. On the night that Jesus was betrayed, Jesus gave them a new commandment. But first, let us study the situation when Jesus spoke these immortal words “Love One Another” Here are four points we can learn from this section of scripture.

1) Love Of Money Prevents Us From Glorifying Christ (John 13:18-32)

³¹So, when he (Judas) had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. ³² "If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately.

We all know Judas the betrayer. The reason why he betrayed Jesus that he loved money more than God. As soon as he departed from the table, Jesus said “NOW THE SON OF MAN (Himself) IS GLORIFIED AND GOD IS GLORIFIED IN HIM! The word “Glorified” was spoken 5 times! Jesus said you cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24)

Matt 6:24 (NIV)

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money

Once Judas left (metaphorically speaking, once the love of money leaves), Jesus is glorified instantly! Where is your love then? In money or God?

2) Religiosity Prevents Us From Coming To The Presence Of Christ (John 13:33)

"Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,'

According to Benjamin H. Freedman, a Jewish Historian, Researcher & Scholar (From "Common Sense", p. 2-1-53 and 5-1-59 ) the term “Jew” doesn’t refer to all Israel or Israelites” It refers to the religious crown in Jesus’ time known as the Pharisees. The religious sect in Judea, in the time of Jesus, to which self-styled "Jews" today refer to as "Jews", were known as "Pharisees". "Judaism" today and "Pharisaism" in the time of Jesus are the same.

Jesus abhorred and denounced "Pharisaism"; hence the words, "Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites, Ye Serpents, Ye Generation of Vipers".

Below is an article explaining some misconceptions about the word "Jew":

Benjamin H. Freedman was one of the most intriguing and amazing individuals of the 20th century. Born in 1890, he was a successful Jewish businessman of New York City at one time principal owner of the Woodbury Soap Company. He broke with organized Jewry after the Judeo-Communist victory of 1945, and spent the remainder of his life and the great preponderance of his considerable fortune, at least 2.5 million dollars, exposing the Jewish tyranny which has enveloped the United States. (http://benjaminhfreedman.blogspot.com/)

The term "Jew' originated in the late eighteenth century as an abbreviation of the term Judean and refers to a resident of Judea without regard to race or religion. People now refered to as "Jews", were known as "Pharisees". "Judaism" today and "Pharisaism" in the time of Jesus are the same.(http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article1963.htm)

http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/jesusjew.htm

John 7:32-39 (NKJV)

The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. ³³ Then Jesus said to them, "I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me.³⁴ You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come." ³⁵Then the Jews said among themselves, "Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? ³⁶ What is this thing that He said, 'You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come'?"

Jesus told the Jews (Pharisees) that they cannot follow Him. Religiosity prevents us from obeying Jesus.

But to the rest of Israel (those who are sincere in obeying God), Jesus declared:

³⁷ On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." ³⁹But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

To worship Jesus we need the Holy Spirit. Jesus can only be glorified if we drink the living waters of the Holy Spirit. Religion cannot cause us to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Where is your love then? In religion or in Jesus?

3) Loving One Another Cause Us To Come Into The Presence Of Christ (John 13:33b-35)

…so now I say to you. ³⁴ "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

After telling that religiosity prevents us from following Him, Jesus now tells us the opposite of religion. It is now a loving relation with Him and with each other. This will mark us as true disciples and not just religious fanatics. This set them apart from the Pharisees who wished Jesus and the disciples killed. Now we can follow Him wherever He goes.

4) Denying Christ Prevents Us From Coming To Christ (John 13:36-38)

³⁶ Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." ³⁷ Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake." ³⁸ Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

Jesus told Peter that he cannot follow the Lord at this moment because Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times.

After Peter was restored that then the words of Jesus “but you shall follow Me afterward” was fulfilled. To love the Lord is to ‘NOT” deny Him. Below is an article from Truth In Scripture that tells us in what ways can we deny Christ:

How We Deny Christ or Forsake God (http://truthinscripture.com/2009/07/10/how-we-deny-jesus-christ/)

1. Unbelievers: Anyone who does not truly believe in Christ clearly denies Christ from the get go. Their denial and forsaking of God is overt, direct, explicit and will lead them straight to Hell on Judgment Day.

Romans 1:20-22 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools

The wise of this world are fools to God. Do not be deceived, God will not be mocked. Doing good deeds and being a nice person won’t cut it, Jesus is the only way to the Father. Sadly the majority of professing Christians have contributed to the emboldening of non-believers. They see many “believers” living in sin and acting no different from the rest of the world and conclude this religion is a farce.

False Religions: Millions believe in the God of Abraham but are really unbelievers as it relates to Christ. I worry about many that do good works, seek to live Holy lives but expressly DENY Christ and who He is and what He has done to save us. Organizations such as the Jehovah Witnesses’ and the Mormons, but there are many others, expressly deny the Deity of Christ and Almighty God. Jesus is the only way. Nobody comes to the Father except thru Him.

2. Believers: Many say they believe in Jesus but their action belie what they proclaim with their mouth.

I wrote an extensive post on Hypocrite Christians recently that by accessed by clicking the hyperlink. Professing believers DENY Christ in many way; primarily by their continued practice and living with sin. They will be in for a rude awakening unless they repent and come to knowledge of the truth and contend for their faith earnestly. Let’s look a little deeper into three categorizations of how we Deny Christ.

Practice Sin: Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. We are told that if we are truly Born Again we cannot practice sin. Those that twist Paul’s teachings and believe they can keep on sinning deny the power of Christ to transform lives and overcome the power of sin. Jesus came to set us free and if we have been set free, we are free indeed. Does this verse from Paul describe you? If so, you are denying Christ my friend.

2 Tim 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness (i.e. they are religious) but DENYING its power (living in continued unrepentant sin). And from such people turn away!

Jesus did not come to forgive our sins. Yes He forgives them with conditions of course, but His true purpose in coming was to save us from sin and He did that by giving us the means to overcome sin. We are indeed saved by Grace and His gift, but that gift requires us to fully receive it and that includes being Born Again and following Him and obeying His commandments.

Many claim to be Christians yet deny Christ by their works. Paul spoke to Titus about this issue.

Titus 1:15-16 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their phony faith. He recalled a passage from Isaiah that I have quoted often in Mark 7:7-8. This defines the apostasy that is so rampant in the man-made church system of today. You tell a lie enough times, people start to believe it. I love this following verse from 1 John.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. Do you really love God? Then obey His commandments, otherwise you are worshipping with your lips yet your heart is far from God. You worship Christ in vain, denying His power to transform you and help you overcome temptation and you are following doctrines invented by men.

False Teaching: James tells us that we should think twice before becoming a teacher because teachers will be held to a higher account by God. To those the Lord calls, He says He will equip. Many teachers have been called by God but deny Christ by holding on to sin and teaching precepts taught by men. They teach God’s people in error saying their sin matters not, one cannot stop sinning anyway, so why worry about it, live your live and take pleasure in your sin. That is not the truth. Here is what Peter said about them and their denial.

2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

The truth is there is no temptation that we cannot overcome. God has provided a way out of each one if we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We can indeed do all things thru Christ who strengthens us. All things are possible with God. Jude also spoke about false teachers and the pattern was the same, they come in perverting the grace of God and a false accommodation of our continued sin.

Jude 4 - For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

While I believe we should find a church home and have regular fellowship with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, the vast majority of Christian Pastors and teachers are not Born Again as they live in continued practiced sin and worse teach their congregants a perverted gospel based almost exclusively on twisted teachings of the Apostle Paul. Peter warned this would happen and this prophecy has been fulfilled my friends.

2 Peter 3:14-17 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; ¹⁵ and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation — as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, ¹⁶as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people —twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

Nobody is twisting Paul’s teachings to say we need to stop sinning and walk in the Spirit as that is what Paul taught. All the perversion is that our sin matters not, the same thing Jude said and Paul himself.

Romans 2:12-13 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. ¹³ For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

Ephesians 5:8 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.⁷ Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Inaction and Partiality: Have you ever been in a conversation that was about evil or ungodly things yet stayed silent? What about getting involved in dirty and other inappropriate jokes? Walked past homeless people begging for money or attention but purposefully avoid eye contact? I have and did for most of my life. Many of these inactions deny Christ especially where the Holy Spirit tells us to leave the scene, rebuke the evildoers or encourage the homeless people. God tells us to DO SOMETHING yet we decide to DO our will instead. Rebellion is denying the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

If we do not deny ourselves, we deny Christ. Our in-action tells the world that He is not our Lord and that we are Lord of our own lives and seek to do our will, not His. Following Jesus is a choice, one we must make every day.

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Jesus gave the Apostles and us by translation a new command. Love one Another. Just like our professed love for God, a real love for others will be demonstrated by action and deeds. If we don’t make our faith actionable, we deny our Sovereign Lord. Consider the admonishment James gave the early church.

James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? ¹⁵Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

We have an increasing problem in this country with old folks being abandoned by their families. Additionally, the ranks of the homeless are rising fast and I have met many homeless people who have gotten no help from their families and have not spoken to them in years. Sure they bear some responsibility, but we are called to take care of our God-given families in the time of need. Look at the shocking words from Paul that should call these deniers of Christ to attention.

1 Tim 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. What happens to unbelievers on judgment day? I think you know. We deny our faith and our Lord by our inaction where God calls us to act. True Christians are the workers in His fields.

Lastly regarding inaction as a denial of Christ, remember the message Jesus will give the goats on judgment day.

Matthew 25:42-46 Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. Because of their inaction and disobedience to His Commandments and rebellion against His Spirit; He goes on to say to them, depart from Me into the eternal fire.

CONCLUSION: WHERE IS THE LOVE?

To prove our love and worship to Jesus let us therefore…

1) Love God and not money

2) Have a loving relationship with Christ and not religion

3) Love one another as He as loved us

4) Never deny Jesus if you wish to follow Him

LEST WE DRIFT AWAY (Heb 1:1-14; 2:1-3) by : Ptr. Edward Barcial

2011-11-03T00:23:00.000-07:00

During a tour of a large manufacturing plant, a visitor noticed a man using a fiery torch of high intensity to work on huge slabs of steel. Operating from a blueprint on a nearby table, a pointer traced the pattern and then by a clever system of levers enlarged the design as it was burned into the metal. There were times, however, when the flame would not make any impression. When this happened, a chemical substance was applied to the resisting patch, and immediately the cutting could be resumed. The worker explained that although the torch was able to go through clean steel 8 inches thick, if it encountered the slightest film of rust on the surface, the flame would not penetrate it. The Bible-believing visitor remarked, "It struck me forcefully that this is a picture of the Christian. The Holy Spirit is seeking to produce in us God's perfect design. If the life is unblemished, He is able to continue His efforts; but if we become carnal or backslidden, His work of shaping us is hindered until the area in question has been thoroughly cleansed." (www.sermonindex.net)

This illustration shows us that it doesn’t take much to backslide from God. Any tiny amount of sin or worldly interest is enough to keep the fire of God from burning through our hearts. Let us be careful of drifting away from Christ.

David J. Riggs in his notes on “STUDYING THE BOOK OF HEBREWS,” he explains to us that the intention of the author why he wrote this book. He mentions that the epistle was given to encourage the Jewish Christians to endure under persecutions and to remain faithful to Christ. The superiority of Jesus Christ is clearly the theme of the book. The Superiority of Christ to: The Prophets, angels, Moses & Aaron and in His Revelation, Salvation, Service, Priesthood, Covenant & Sacrifice. (http://oakridgechurch.com/riggs/hebrews2.htm)

Why Does Hebrews Start with Angels? According to Jewish Christian Literature (January 30, 2010), the writer of Hebrews begins his argument concerning the superiority of Christ to everything by discussing his superiority to angels. Why start with the angels? Angels were very popular in Jewish mythology from the second century B.C. through the first century A.D. A whole hierarchy of angels was developed along with some theological teachings that were not present in the Old Testament. In the re-telling of Biblical stories writers often had angels performing acts that were acts of God in the Hebrew Bible. Although the imagery is found in Daniel 10, the appearance of angels as glowing white, fiery, glowing, etc. was developed during this time as well. What is more, the angels are associated with the giving of the Law in early Judaism. This tradition appears in the Hebrew Bible as early as Deut 33:2, although the “holy ones” merely accompany the Lord as he arrives at Sinai. Stephen refers to the Law as “delivered by angels” in Acts 7:53.

This tradition is found in later Judaism as well: “The presence of angels at the event of the giving of the law was a favourite bit of embroidery in rabbinic tradition, and was meant to enhance the glory of Sinai” (H. Schoeps, Paul, 182). The emphasis in this literature is on the angels as intermediaries, delivering the Law to Moses. When God revealed himself to Moses, he used angels.

Since the writer of Hebrews began his book by saying that God is now revealing himself through his Jesus, it is possible a Jewish reader might think of Jesus as an angel, like a Michael or Gabriel. He must therefore begin by showing that Jesus is something other than an angel; he is the “Son of God.”

One last observation: Is this a “difference” between Jewish Christian literature and the Pauline Letters? Perhaps not. While Paul cannot be accused of emphasizing angels, he does use the same sort of language as Stephen in Gal 3:19: The law was “put in place through angels” (ESV). (http://readingacts.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/why-does-hebrews-start-with-angels/)

7 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD NOT DRIFT AWAY

Heb 1:1-14 (NKJV)

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,

By looking unto Jesus (The Son) , we acknowledge Him as the:

1) THE HEIR - whom He has appointed heir of all things

This truth is against materialism. Materialism means we tend to own worldly things that will draw us away from Christ. Verse 1 clearly teaches that all things will be Christ’s inheritance. If we have the Son, we have everything. Whatever God has blessed us with; know now that it will not be forever. Having Jesus will be for all eternity.

2) THE CREATOR - through whom also He made the worlds

This is against atheism. Atheism is the belief that there is no Creator God. Many Christian nations have drifted away from God when they just believe in the theory of evolution and not creationism by God Almighty. Knowing that you are not an accident of nature but created in His image will make us draw closer to Him.

3) THE SAVIOR - 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

This is against sin and unforgiveness. Sin separates us from God and the thought of not being forgiven by a Loving Father will cause us to backslide. Believe that Jesus has already purged us from our sins and this will draw us near unto Him. Feeling condemned by ours sins and feeling that God will never take us back will cause us to drift away.

4) THE SONSHIP - 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For to which of the angels did He ever say:"You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son"?

This statement is against fatherlessness or what I call the “orphaned spirit.” Angels could never be sons of God. By receiving Jesus we have the authority to be children of God (John 1:12). Having a Father who loves us brings us closer to Hm. Not being able to understand the fatherhood of God has caused many Christians to backslide since they feel they are abandoned or unloved. Know Him as Father and you will not drift away.

5) THE RIGHTEOUS RULER - 6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." 7 And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire." 8 But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions."

This is against lawlessness. Righteousness causes us to be close to God. Lawlessness will cause us to drift away. God hates lawlessness but love those who love righteousness.

6) THE UNCHANGING ONE - 10 And: "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. 11 They will perish, but You remain;And they will all grow old like a garment; 12 Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail."

This is against unfaithfulness. Knowing that the unchanging God is always faithful to His Word, we as His children will be encouraged to be faithful. Some believers failed to see God as unchanging. Thus they themselves change their hearts and minds and become unfaithful. Unfaithfulness causes us to drift away.

7) THE CONQUERING LORD - 13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

This is against defeat and failure. Who would you rather side with? A losing team or a winning team? Of course everyone would like to be with a real winner. Suppose your belief in God is that He is not able to defeat the devil, would you still remain with Him? You will drift away! Many Christians have drifted away because they thought that God is powerless. Angels are mighty beings but they only exist to serve us Christians. The Father has put all our enemies under Jesus’ feet. Seeing Him as a Mighty Conqueror causes us to be comforted and remain faithful to His winning side. I will always side with a real WINNER, JESUS!

Conclusion:

Heb 2:1-18 (NKJV)

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

Heb 12:1-3 (NKJV)

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

The only way to remain faithful to God is to simply look unto Jesus. Looking unto our own strength will only cause us to drift away. We are weak but with Jesus we are strong. Everytime you experience backsliding, discouragement, persecutions, difficulties, problems, etc., and you drifted away, know for sure that you have turned your eyes off of Him. Return to God and look unto Jesus as the Heir, the Creator, the Savior, The Son Of God, The Righteous Ruler, the Unchanging One and our Conquering Lord.

God bless us all!

Ps Edward