Expressions of Personality about Holy Spirit

1] He can feel – Ephesians 4:30

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

2] He can comfort – Acts 9:31

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

3] He can think – Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace

4] He can speak – Acts 3:2

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;

5] He can pray – Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

6] He can teach – John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

7] He can exercise His will – 1 Cor. 12:11

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

8] He can forbid – Acts 16:6

Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.

9] He can work miracles – Acts 19:6

And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with
tongues and prophesied.

[Message No: 6752]

The New Birth and Justification - 5

14. Justification:

Acts 13:39

and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Romans 3:24
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Romans 3:28
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

Romans 4:25
who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 5:9
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

15. Sins removed:

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west,
 So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

16. Iniquities hurled into the depths of the sea:

Micah 7:19

He will again have compassion on us,
 And will subdue our iniquities.
 You will cast all our sins
 Into the depths of the sea.

17. Sins swept away:

Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
 And like a cloud, your sins.
 Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

[Message No: 6751]

From Grace to Glory

Peter knew that a "fiery trial" was about to occur, and he wanted the entire Church family to be prepared. As he closed his letter, Peter gave the church three important admonitions to obey if they were to glorify God in his difficult experience. (1 Peter 5:5-11)

A. Be humble
B. Watchful
C. Be hopeful

Friends, whatever may come, Peter is still saying to each of us  - BE HOPEFUL!

The glory is soon to come!

Devoted to Prayer

Colossians 4:2-4

No matter where we are in our Christian walk, most of us will admit that our prayer life isn’t what we’d like it to be. Our attempts to make room for prayer in our busy schedules are often short-lived. And when we do manage to spend time with the Lord, we find ourselves easily distracted by random thoughts, our own desires, and the demands of the day.

Instead of giving up in frustration and settling for a sporadic devotional experience, we need to realize that prayer was essential to Christ and should be to us also. The road to a deepening prayer life begins with a commitment to make it a top priority in our day.

We follow through by setting aside a daily time to pray and read from God’s Word. Then we need to find a location that minimizes interruptions. Since we’re already busy, sacrifice may be necessary to make this happen. We might have to wake up earlier, give up a favorite activity, or use our lunch hour.

Scripture is a key factor because it teaches us about our Father’s character, promises, and priorities. The Word of God shifts our thoughts from worldly cares and pleasures to a focus on Him. Through it, we are reminded of His importance to us and our desire to please Him. Then we become ready to ask in accordance with His will and hear what He has to say.

Developing a habit of prayer may require sacrifice, but it’s worth the cost and effort. Spending time in the Lord’s presence is the best way for us to know Him better and love Him more.

[Message No: 6750]

Blessing of Belonging and Worth

Psalm 139:13-16

For You formed my inward parts;
 You covered me in my mother's womb.
  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
 Marvelous are Your works,
 And that my soul knows very well.
  My frame was not hidden from You,
 When I was made in secret,
 And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
 And in Your book they all were written,
 The days fashioned for me,
 When as yet there were none of them.

I Am Made by God

 Psalm 139:13-14

For You formed my inward parts;
 You covered me in my mother's womb.
  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
 Marvelous are Your works,
 And that my soul knows very well.

For Me to Live is Christ

Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

They Will Remember

Isaiah 55:11

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
 It shall not return to Me void,
 But it shall accomplish what I please,
 And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

[Message No: 6749]

The New Birth and Justification - 4

11. Pardon:

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way,
 And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
 Let him return to the Lord,
 And He will have mercy on him;
 And to our God,
 For He will abundantly pardon.
Micah 7:18
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;
 When I fall, I will arise;
 When I sit in darkness,
 The Lord will be a light to me.

12. Purchased:

Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying:
   “You are worthy to take the scroll,
 And to open its seals;
 For You were slain,
 And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
 Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

Revelation 14:4
These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being first fruits to God and to the Lamb.

13. Redemption:

Romans 3:24
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Titus 2:14
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

[Message No: 6748]

Strive to build up others.

Romans 14:19
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another

Romans 15:2
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Ephesians 4:12
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Ephesians 4:16
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.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. —

Sometimes what we need to do is very simple and plain, isn't it? I need to handle those around me justly — practicing patience and dealing with others in fairness, without partiality. I need to practice mercy — blessing others in need with what they don't deserve but so greatly need. I need to walk humbly with my Abba Father — knowing that without his grace and help I will fail.

Thought 

"The trouble with nearly everybody who prays is that he says "Amen" and runs away before God has a chance to reply. Listening to God is far more important than giving Him your ideas."- Frank Laubach

[Message No: 6747]

Redemption Made It Possible For Us

1. To be justified
Romans 3:24
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

2. To be forgiven our trespass
Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Colossians 1:14
in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

3. To receive sonship
Galatians 4:5
in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

4. To be purified
Titus 2:14
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

5. To be sure of eternal redemption
Hebrews 9:12
Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Thoughts 

Remember; Jesus is a winner, and, through Him, you and your family can be winners, too! - Marilyn Hickey

"Not only does sin hinder prayer; prayer hinders sin. The two are always opposed. The more careless we are about sin, the less we will pray. The more we pray, the less careless we will be about sin. Both sin and prayer are powerful forces. Which one is moving you?" - Dr. Alvin Vander Griend

[Message No: 6746]

My Refuge and My Shield

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”
Psalm 119:11

1 Chronicles 29:11

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Praise is the direct address of God that lets him know we recognize him for who he is, what he has done, and what he is doing. But more than informing God of his greatness, praise is rejoicing before him in his greatness and recognizing that not only is his grace without comparison, his majesty and might and holiness and faithfulness and righteousness and mercy and love and forgiveness and justice and... without comparison. God is God and praise is thankful celebration that he is God, and even more importantly, that he is our God.

Silent Before Him

 “Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it. But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” Habakkuk 2:19-20

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. —

While Paul's exhortation here is excellent, it is the style of the exhortation we should especially notice. We live in an age where we are constantly pressured to emphasize the novel, new, or improved versions of things. But in our lives as Christians, our knowledge always exceeds our obedience. So more often than we like to think, we need to remind each other of what we are doing right and just simply say, "Hey, you're doing well; just keep doing what you're doing!"

Thought

"God desires and is pleased to communicate with us through the avenues of our minds, our wills, and our emotions. The continuous and unembarrassed interchange of love and thought between God and the souls of the redeemed men and women is the throbbing heart of the New Testament." - A. W. Tozer

[Message No: 6745]

What the Bible Does? - 4

18. Rewards those who keep it –
Ps. 19:11
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
 And in keeping them there is great reward.

19. Sanctifies those who live in it –
John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

20. Teaches those who are led by it –
Ps. 25:4-5
Show me Your ways, O Lord;
 Teach me Your paths.
  Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
 For You are the God of my salvation;
 On You I wait all the day.

21. Unites us to the Lord –
Ps. 86:11
Teach me Your way, O Lord;
 I will walk in Your truth;
 Unite my heart to fear Your name.
John 17:8
For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

22. Verifies the experience – 2 Pet. 1:19-20And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

23. Warns the observant – Ps.19:11
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
 And in keeping them there is great reward.

24. Examines the heart – Ps. 26:1-3
Vindicate me, O Lord,
 For I have walked in my integrity.
 I have also trusted in the Lord;
 I shall not slip.
  Examine me, O Lord, and prove me;
 Try my mind and my heart.
  For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
 And I have walked in Your truth.

25. Yokes us with Christ – John 17:8
For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known
urely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

26. Zeals the soul –
John 2:17
Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

[Message No: 6744]

Good answer to the Lord.

When you and I meditate on the sacrifice of Christ for us, certainly we should want to obey God and live holy lives for His glory. When only a young lady, Frances Ridley Havergal saw a picture of the crucified Christ with this caption under it:

"I did this for the? What hast thou done for Me?"

Quickly, she wrote a poem, but was dissatisfied with it and threw it into the fireplace. The paper came out unharmed! Later, at her father's suggestion, she published the poem, and today we sing it.

I gave My Life for thee.
My precious blood I shed;
That thou might ransomed be,
And quickened from the dead.
I gave, I gave, My Life for thee,
What hast thou given Me?

A good question, indeed! I trust we can give a good answer to the Lord.

Spiritual Truths

.. "God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to." - Elisabeth Elliot

.. God doesn’t mind when you get to the point where you don’t know what to do next. Usually, that’s  when you start looking toward Him and asking for direction. - Marilyn Hickey

.. "Those who know God the best are the richest and most powerful in prayer. Little acquaintance with God, and strangeness and coldness to Him, make prayer a rare and feeble thing." - Edward McKendree (E. M.) Bounds

.. "We can never hear the warning often enough. The tongue may be small, but oh so deadly when not under the sanctifying grace of God." - Lin Pearson

Clouded View

"A voice came from the cloud; list to him." - Luke 9:35

The good news is that God doesn’t leave us either. Even if we can’t see Him though the circumstances that are clouding our faith, He can still break through to comfort us, correct us, and lovingly guide us back to what we need to be focusing upon–Him. Just as He did for me as I read this passage in Scripture.

[Message No: 6743]

Maintain a servant-spirit

John 13:14-17
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

1 Corinthians 9:19
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;

2 Corinthians 4:5
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

Galatians 5:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

1 Peter 2:16
as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

John 4:24

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth. —

Genuine worship is a gift. Since God is spirit, since he is holy, we cannot fully approach him without the gift and blessing of his Holy Spirit. As Christians who received his Spirit when we were baptized into Christ and born of God, we can now speak to him and worship him Spirit to Spirit.

[Message No:6742]

What the Bible Does? - 3

11. Keeps us abiding in Christ’s love – John 15:10

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.

12. Leads to the true and beautiful – Prov. 6:20-24

My son, keep your father's command,
 And do not forsake the law of your mother.
  Bind them continually upon your heart;
 Tie them around your neck.
  When you roam, they will lead you;
 When you sleep, they will keep you;
 And when you awake, they will speak with you.
  For the commandment is a lamp,
 And the law a light;
 Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
  To keep you from the evil woman,
 From the flattering tongue of a seductress.

13. Moulds us like to itself – Rom. 6:17

But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

14. Nourishes the spiritual life – 1 Pet. 1:2

elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
  Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

15. Orders the steps of our life – Ps. 119:133

Direct my steps by Your word,
 And let no iniquity have dominion over me.

16. Purifies  the mind – 2 Cor. 7:1

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

17. Quietens the hearts – Isaiah 30:15

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
   “In returning and rest you shall be saved;
 In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
 But you would not,

[Message No: 6741]

Imitate God especially with your Love

Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Matthew 5:48
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Luke 6:36
Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:12
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

1 Thessalonians 1:6
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

1 John 4:10-11
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Romans 3:23-24

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. —

"I blew it!" Come to think of it, we've all blown it! We don't measure up. We're not divine. We might be decent, but decent won't save us. Only the divine, the truly righteous, make it past the grave and into glory. Thank God grace is freely given and the price for our sin was paid by Jesus. While I "blew it," he renewed it!

[Message No: 6740]

Live Like Jesus

1 John 2:6
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

1 John 3:3
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

'The Rock Meets Jesus' — John 1:42

When a new child is born, godly parents stare lovingly at their gift from the Father and wonder, "What will this child grow up to be?" They name the child, taking great care not to give that child a name that will be a burden. They want their child to be blessed by God and to be a blessing to others. But they don't know, they can't know, what lies ahead. Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter (Cephas), or the Rock.

Jesus could look beyond Peter's blustering ego and horrible failures to the man who loved God and who could be used mightily for the Kingdom. What does Jesus see in you? No matter where you have been or the road you have taken to this point, Jesus can give you a new life and a new name. He has great plans for you. Don't be dismayed.

Don't let discouragement claim you. If he can change Simon into the Rock, he can change you and use you mightily, too!

Thoughts 

. But the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence. - 2 Kings 13:23

. This life is for loving, sharing, learning, smiling, caring, forgiving, laughing, hugging, helping, dancing, wondering, healing, and even more loving. - Steve Maraboli

. God’s favourite word is—come! - Robert L. Sterner

Proverbs 10:29

The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. —
What is your source of security, hope, and protection? The way of the Lord is a refuge, a strength, a place

[Message No: 6739]

What the Bible Does? - 2

5. Edifies the life as we heed it – Acts 20:32

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified

6. Fires the heart to a faithful testimony –

Jer. 1:1
The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin

Jer. 23:29
“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord,
 “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

7. Guides  those who follow its light –  Ps. 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet
 And a light to my path.

8. Heals the spirit as it is applied -Psalm 107:20

He sent His word and healed them,
 And delivered them from their destructions.

9. It forms the mind as to its secrets –

1 Cor. 2:9
But as it is written:
  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
 Nor have entered into the heart of man
 The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Isaiah 64:4
For since the beginning of the world
 Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
 Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
 Who acts for the one who waits for Him.

10. Judges the conduct and maketh wise – Ps. 19: 9-11

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
 The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
  More to be desired are they than gold,
 Yea, than much fine gold;
 Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
  Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
 And in keeping them there is great reward.

[Message No: 6738]

Prophecy concerning the Rapture

John 14:1-3

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also

Titus 2:13

looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Philippians 3:20-21

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Revelation 22:20

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
  Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Ezekiel 36:23

“I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.”

God can and will use us even though we are not worthy vessels for him to use. Scripture gives us many examples of people God used who did not come up to his moral and holy requirements — for example, think a little about Samson or most of the other Judges! God will be revealed as the holy, mighty, and awesome God that he is. So let's not be unwilling tools in his hands. Instead, let's offer ourselves to him for his service and his glory.

Thoughts 

"The longer you delay, the more your sin gets strength and rooting. If you cannot bend a twig, how will you be able to bend it when it is a tree?" -Richard Baxter

"Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty...acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours." - J. I. Packer

[Message No: 6737]

Teach the Sound Doctrine

2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

Titus 2:1
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine

2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me,
in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Timothy 1:3-4
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.

Isaiah 41:13

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Life crashes in and we wish we could be children again and have someone to take care of us and protect us. Into our confused and chaotic world, God's promise comes to us once again. Like a loving parent with a frightened child, God reaches out and takes hold of our hand and comforts us with his precious words: "Don't be afraid. I'm here with you. I will help." Even when he seems distant, the echo of this thought can remind us that we are never alone or forgotten (cf. Heb. 13:5-6).

Thoughts 

"It's a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet, and what is sand." - Madeleine L'Engle

"Jesus, like any good fisherman, first catches the fish; then He cleans them."

[Message No: 6736]

Questions in Mark – 8

12:35
Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?

12:37
Therefore David himself calls Him “Lord’; how is He then his Son?”
  And the common people heard Him gladly.

13:2
And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

13:4
Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

14:4
But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted?

14:6
But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.

14:12
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?”

14:14
Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”

14:19
And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?”

14:37
Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour?

14:48
Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me?

[Message No: 6735]

Serve Others in Love

Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

Galatians 5:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another

Ephesians 4:2
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

1 Thessalonians 4:9
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

1 Peter 1:22
Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

Awards for Faithfulness

Revelation 2:20

Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols

Step in and Stay

Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
 Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Simple Yet Profound Power

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
 The righteous run to it and are safe.

[Message No: 6734]

The – D. H. I. O.

The Deeper Life: the deeper life is rooted  in eternity. It begins in Him Who was in the beginning with God. God gives us eternal life.

The Higher Life: is the life Jesus is living for us at the right hand of God, and living in us, for it is  no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me (Gal. 2:20}

The Inner Life: is all the life we have as Christians. It is the life hid with Christ in God. It is life real and sufficient, for  we are complete in Him.

The Outer Life: is that expression of life that makes Christ known to others. “What you are speaks so loudly, men cannot hear what you say.”

Pray About Everything

“Call to me in times of trouble. I will save you, and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:15 (NCV)

Matthew 16:15-16

"What about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." —

There is no other name under heaven that can save us (Acts 4:12). We are to confess Jesus before men, knowing that when we do, we can be sure he will confess us before the Father in heaven. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Savior and Lord. We may not know all the theological gravity behind those words — after all, Peter didn't when he confessed Jesus as Christ — but we can make a commitment to know him and follow him until we do know more. Jesus asks us to open our hearts to his lordship and begin the journey toward fuller knowledge and experience of him.

Time with God 

  “My efforts have no meaning when God’s presence isn’t there.
    God will provide the power, if I take time to pray.”
Spending time with God WILL transform your life!

James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
What we know and what we believe are not all that significant if they do not show up in the way we live our daily lives. Pure and simple, faith not lived out in everyday life is not faith; it is facade. Just as Jesus had told us to put into practice what we have learned from him, his brother James reminds us the same thing:

when we learn the truth of God's word, there is only one thing left for us to do: put it into practice!

[Message No: 6733]

Practice Makes Perfect

Christ told the Canaanite woman that her faith was great. (Matthew 15:28)

What steps did she take to practice her mega faith?

- She came to Christ when the situation was hopeless.
- She persisted when her prayer seemed to be denied.
- She still pleaded when obstacles were presented.
- She waited at the feet of the Lord for His mercy.

Luke 11:13

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him. —

Think of all the great gifts you've been given. Next to Jesus, God's gracious sacrifice for our salvation, the greatest gift we can receive is God's abiding presence in the Holy Spirit! He is ours if we ask. In fact, when we ask God for anything, the Spirit is already in God's presence interceding for us!

. . GRATITUDE

. I thank You for these gifts, dear God,
Upon Thanksgiving Day—
For love and laughter and the faith
That bids me kneel to pray.
. For life that lends me happiness,
And sleep that gives me rest;
These are the gifts that keep my heart
Serene within my breast.
. Love, laughter, faith and life and sleep,
We cherish every one—
They carry us along the road
That leads from sun to sun.
.. Margaret E. Sangster

[Message No: 6732]

Questions in Mark – 7

12:10

Have you not even read this Scripture:
   “The stone which the builders rejected
 Has become the chief cornerstone.

12:11

This was the Lord's doing,
 And it is marvellous in our eyes’?

12:14

When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

12:15

Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”
  But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.”

12:16

So they brought it.
  And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar's.”

12:23

Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.”

12:24

Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?

12:26

But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ?

12:28

Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”

[Message No: 6731]

Honor God with your Finance

Malachi 3:8-12

“Will a man rob God?
 Yet you have robbed Me!
 But you say,
 ‘In what way have we robbed You?’
 In tithes and offerings.
  You are cursed with a curse,
 For you have robbed Me,
 Even this whole nation.
  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
 That there may be food in My house,
 And try Me now in this,”
 Says the Lord of hosts,
 “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
 And pour out for you such blessing
 That there will not be room enough to receive it.
  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
 So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
 Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
 Says the Lord of hosts;
  “And all nations will call you blessed,
 For you will be a delightful land,”
 Says the Lord of hosts.

Acts 20:35

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

1 Corinthians 16:2

On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:
  “He has dispersed abroad,

 He has given to the poor;

 His righteousness endures forever.”

      Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

[Message No: 6730]

Dear brothers and sisters

Greetings to you all in Jesus’ name.

By the Grace of God, after my Major Eye Surgery – which took place on December 14, 2018, now I am having great and fast recovery.

All glory and honour to Him.

Isaiah 53:3-7 “By His stripes we are healed.” It’s my greatest Witness to my Readers, I was supposed to get my vision in 3-4 weeks but by His Healing touch, my 70%  vision has come back in just One Week’s time.

Isn’t it a Great touch and Miracle by my/our Lord Jesus Christ?

I praise and give all the glory to Him.

At this time, I thank each one of you – one who has prayed for me.

May the good Lord bless each one of you according to His glorious richness.

I will be much appreciated to receive a word from you or even you can call me (on 98203 54911).

May each one of you have a Blessed Spirit filled and Meaningful Christmas and Happy New Year.

Yours in His service

Edwin James.

December 24, 2018
[Message No: 6729]

Edwin James

Dear Brothers and Sisters

Greetings to you all in Jesus’ name.

As I had requested all of you to pray for my Eye Major Surgery tomorrow, I am sure all of you may be praying for me.

Due to this operation, I may not able to post any messages for sometime from tomorrow.

By His grace, there are as many as 6,727 messages are lined up as on now. You may able to read those messages.

Continue to pray for my surgery tomorrow and speedy recovery, so that I may get back again to  our Lord’s work.

Thank you and God bless you.

Edwin James.


[Message No: 6728]

Consecrate yourself and be Holy

Leviticus 20:7
Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.

Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 6:13
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Romans 6:16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Romans 6:19
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

1 Peter 2:5
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ

Galatians 3:26-27

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. —

We are children of God, with all the rights of full heirs! Our faith, expressed in our baptism, declares to the world that we are God's children. We have chosen to be clothed in Christ and his righteousness and not depend on earning our own salvation. He is our salvation and hope. He is our life and strength. He is our older brother and Savior. He is our Lord.

Thoughts 

. He who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world. - Benjamin Franklin

. There are three distinctive marks of the man who has been influenced by Jesus Christ: poise, simplicity, peace. - Francis Greenwood Peabody -

. When a Christian is in the wrong place, his right place is empty. - T. J. Bach

[Message No: 6727]

Questions in Mark – 6

10:17
Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

10:18
So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.

10:26
And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

10:38
But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

10:51
So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
  The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”

11:3
And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.”

11:5
But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?”

11:17
Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

11:28
And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?”

11:30
The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

11:31
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

[Message No: 6726]

Bear with the failings of the weak

Romans 15:1

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves

Romans 14:1

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things

1 Corinthians 8:9-13

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

2 Corinthians 6:3

We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

Ephesians 4:2

with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

Jeremiah 33:3

'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
This was originally spoken to Jeremiah about the fate of Jerusalem. However, this promise is true in special ways for us as well. God wants us to call to him. God often waits for us to ask before he blesses us what he longs to give us. Yet we lack the ability to comprehend and receive all the great truth about God. He is simply too big and too glorious for us to fully apprehend him in his grace.

[Message No: 6725]

Questions in Mark – 5

8:27
Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

8:29
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
  Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

8:36
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

8:37
Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

9:11
And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

9:16
And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”

9:19
He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.”

9:21
So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”
  And he said, “From childhood.

9:28
And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”

9:33
Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?”

9:50
Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

10:2
The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him.

[Message No: 6724]

Christ Redeemed Men by His Blood

1. He gave up his life for mankind

Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

1 Timothy 2:6
who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time

Titus 2:14
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

2. He is our redemption or Salvation

1 Corinthians 1:30
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

Romans 3:24
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

3. He redeems by his blood

 1 Peter 1:18-19
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

1 Corinthians 7:23
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
  To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood

Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying:
   “You are worthy to take the scroll,
 And to open its seals;
 For You were slain,
 And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
 Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

4. The church was purchased by his own blood

Acts 20:28
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Revelation 1:5-6
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
  To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

5. The believers of the Old Covenant were redeemed by Christ

Hebrews 9:15
And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

[Message No: 6723]

They Bring Me Glory!' — John 17:9-10

Think of all the things the disciples of Jesus did wrong. Recall all the things they misunderstood. Remember the many times they blew the opportunity to do the right thing or say the right word.
During Jesus' ministry, his disciples often came up lacking. Yet Jesus did not give up on them. He still loved them. He even continued to believe in them. Well, what did they do with that trust, that unflagging confidence that they would be his glory?

They changed the world, helped create an enduring movement, and brought Jesus' message and Jesus' salvation to millions of people through their ongoing legacy of faith, courage, and obedience. They are his glory.

And as we live for the Lord, so are we!

Saved to Serve

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be your slave —  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26b-28

Our God Knows What to Do

“He (God) upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow…” Psalm 146:7-9

Psalm 103:5

[Bless the LORD] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. —

God is a God of renewal and blessing. His desire to renew and bless us is not just a desire to bless us once with our salvation. God desires to bless us daily. His steadfast love is new every morning as he faithfully pours out his blessings (cf. Lam. 3:23). But more than just giving us what we want, he satisfies us with good things. He brings us what we need and what truly fills our emptiness.

Thought 

. I have learned to place myself before God every day as a vessel to be filled with his Holy Spirit.  He has filled me with the blessed assurance that he, as the everlasting God, has guaranteed his own work in me. - Andrew Murray

[Message No: 6722]

Questions in Matthew – 12

26:68
saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”

27:4
saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”
  And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”

27:11
Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
  Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”

27:13
Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?”

27:17
Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

27:21
The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
  They said, “Barabbas!”

27:22

Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
  They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”

27:23
Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?”
  But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

27:46
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

End of the Questions in Matthew.

[Message No: 6721]

Honor God with your Body

Romans 12:1

beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

1 Corinthians 6:13

Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

1 Corinthian’s 6:19-20

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthian’s  9:27

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Thoughts 

. The gentleness of Christ is the comeliest ornament that a Christian can wear.
William Arnot

. There is nothing so refreshing as to watch a new Christian before he has heard too many sermons and watched too many Christians. - A. W. Tozer

Matthew 7:7

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. —

God wants us to seek his blessings. This is not because he wants to manipulate our lives, but because he longs to bless us and have us know the gifts in our lives come from him. So let's seek his presence, his grace, and his blessing.

Christian 

Faith makes a Christian,
Life proves a Christian,
Trial confirms a Christian,
Death crowns a Christian.
-    Unknown

-    [Message No: 6720]

Prayer Request – Edwin James

 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – [1 Thess. 5:18 KJV]

My brothers in Christ

Greetings to you in Jesus’ name. This is a Prayer request from me, as per God’s will, I am going for Major Eye Surgery [Macular Hole] on Friday the 14th December at 12 noon. It will take couple of hours and post care will be very cumbersome.

Probably I will be not having any vision in that eye for a month. Pray for our Lord’s healing touch upon me, Surgery and Recovery.

Thank you.

In His Precious name

Edwin James


[If anyone wants to talk to me, may do so on my number: 98203 54911]

Ps: After my surgery few days I may not able to post my new messages.

[Message No: 6719]

Three Great Foes

1. The World – Around us

James 4:4
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

2. The Flesh – Within us

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

3. The Devil – Above us

Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Joel 2:23

Rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. —

"The prayers go up and the blessings come down..." The words to this children's song are only half right, because God sends his blessings many times even when we don't pray. But just as we love the special smell that comes with a drought breaking rain, God loves the aroma of his children's joy, especially when he is the source of its delight!

Romans 5:3-4

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. —

I remember the old Corrie ten Boom phrase, "Thank God for the fleas." The fleas kept the German soldiers out of the barracks in the Jewish concentration camp where she was imprisoned. This allowed her to minister and visit with those who were being persecuted. There she could show and share Jesus. Even in the worst of suffering, God can bring blessings through those who know that life's goal is character, not comfort.

[Message No: 6718]

The New Birth and Justification - 3

9. Salvation.

{This  is an all-inclusive word that may include primarily the new birth or may include all saving acts of God in our life until our glorification in heaven.}

Acts 4:12

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 16:30-31

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
   So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

2 Cor. 6:2

For He says:
   “In an acceptable time I have heard you,
 And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Ephesians 2:8

by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

Hebrews 2:3

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,

10. Forgiveness of sins:

Matthew 9:6
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

Acts 10:43

To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Acts 26:18
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

Ephesians 1:7

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

[Message No: 6717]

Facts about Glory

1] Sin makes lose glory

Romans 3:23
इसलिये कि सब ने पाप किया है और परमेश्वर की महिमा से रहित हैं।

2] The heaven declare it

Psalm 19:1
आकाश ईश्वर की महिमा वर्णन कर रहा है; और आकशमण्डल उसकी हस्तकला को प्रगट कर रहा है।

3] The earth shall be filled with it

Hebrews 2:14
इसलिये जब कि लड़के मांस और लोहू के भागी हैं, तो वह आप भी उन के समान उन का सहभागी हो गया; ताकि मृत्यु के द्वारा उसे जिसे मृत्यु पर शक्ति मिली थी, अर्थात शैतान को निकम्मा कर दे।

4] It is revealed in miracles

John 2:11
यीशु ने गलील के काना में अपना यह पहिला चिन्ह दिखाकर अपनी महिमा प्रगट की और उसके चेलों ने उस पर विश्वास किया॥

5] We are destined for it

1 Corinthians 2:7
परन्तु हम परमेश्वर का वह गुप्त ज्ञान, भेद की रीति पर बताते हैं, जिसे परमेश्वर ने सनातन से हमारी महिमा के लिये ठहराया।

6] Do all for God’s glory

1 Corinthians 10:31
सो तुम चाहे खाओ, चाहे पीओ, चाहे जो कुछ करो, सब कुछ परमेश्वर की महीमा के लिये करो।

7] We are called for eternal glory
1 Peter 5:10
अब परमेश्वर जो सारे अनुग्रह का दाता है, जिस ने तुम्हें मसीह में अपनी अनन्त महिमा के लिये बुलाया, तुम्हारे थोड़ी देर तक दुख उठाने के बाद आप ही तुम्हें सिद्ध और स्थिर और बलवन्त करेगा।

[Message No: 6716]

Questions in John – 2

2:20
Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”

3:4
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”

3:9
Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

3:10
Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

3:12
If  I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

4:9
Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

4:11
The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?

4:12
Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”

4:27
And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?”

4:29
“Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

4:33
Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”

[Message No: 6715]

Besides Still Waters - 44

Genuine Faith

1 Peter 1:7
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;

Tested By Fire

1 Peter 1:7
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;

The Lord is Gracious

1 Peter 2:3
if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

He Who Believes On Him

1 Peter 2:6
Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
  “Behold, I lay in Zion
 A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
 And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

Do Not Think It Strange

1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you

The Fiery Trial

1 Pe Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to youter 4:12

Grace To The Humble

1 Peter 5:5
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
  “God resists the proud,
 But gives grace to the humble

[Message No: 6714]

Questions in Mark – 4

7:5
Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?”

7:18
So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him,

7:19
because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?”

8:4
Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?”

8:5
He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?”
  And they said, “Seven.”

8:12
But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

8:17
But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?

8:18
Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?

8:19
When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
  They said to Him, “Twelve.”

8:20
Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
  And they said, “Seven.”

8:21
So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”

[Message No: 6713]

What the Bible Does? - 1

This raises another question: “What does it not do? One has tersely said of the Bible in a general way: “Every hour I read you, it kills a sin, or lets a virtue in to fight against it.

Many are the things the Bible does; the following will illustrate a few of the things:

1. Acquaints us with the theme of the Gospel – 1 Cor. 14:3-4

But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

2. Blesses us as we obey its precepts –  Psalms 119:2

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,

 Who seek Him with the whole heart!

3. Consecrates us as  we follow its injunctions – Num. 6:1-7

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins. All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin.

   “All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall not go near a dead body. He shall not make himself unclean even for his father or his mother, for his brother or his sister, when they die, because his separation to God is on his head

4. Defeats the enemy as we use it against him –

Matthew15:4

For God commanded, saying, “Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’

Matthew 15:7

Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

Matthew 15:10

When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand:

[Message No: 6712]

Be Holy in all you do

1 Peter 1:15

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,

Isaiah 35:8

A highway shall be there, and a road,
 And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
 The unclean shall not pass over it,
 But it shall be for others.
 Whoever walks the road, although a fool,
 Shall not go astray.

1 Thessalonians 4:7

 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

1 John 3:3

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Prepare the Way' - Mark 1:1-3

Where does the Gospel actually begin? Where does God's good news originate? Matthew and Luke begin their accounts of Jesus' life with the stories surrounding his birth. John begins with the creation of the world where the Son of God was not only present, but also did the creating. Mark, with his focus on good news, chooses to begin a different place. If folks are going to be open to the good news of God, then someone is going to have to be a servant and prepare the way for Jesus to come and for his word to be heard. In many ways, the good news always begins in this place.

The real question is whether we are willing to be used as servants like John the Baptist—who is introduced in the next verse—and prepare the way for Jesus' good news to be heard by our friends.

Thoughts 

. Baptism signifies that the old Adam in us is to be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance, and perish with all sins and evil lusts; and that the new man should daily come forth again and rise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever. - Martin Luther

.The finger of God never leaves identical fingerprints. – Unknown

[Message No:6711]

The New Birth and Justification - 2

5. The washing of rebirth:

Titus 3:5
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

6. Made alive :

Romans 6:11

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:10

And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness

Ephesians 2:5

even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Colossians 2:13

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,

7. New Creation:

2 Cor. 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Galatians 6:14-15

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

8. Crossing over from death to life:

John 5:24

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.

1 John 3:14

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

[Message No: 6710]

Questions in John – 1

1:19
Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

1:21
And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”
  He said, “I am not.”
  “Are you the Prophet?”
  And he answered, “No.”

1:22
Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

1:25
And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

1:38
Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”
  They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”

1:46
And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
  Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

1:48
Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”
  Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

1:50
Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

2:4
Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

2:18
So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?”

[Message No: 6709]

What Will I Be Remembered For?

Matthew 26:13
Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

A Fighting Faith 

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

The Road Ahead

John 8:12
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

What’s Your Excuse?

Judges 6:14
Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”

God is Faithful

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful
Grace to Keep Going Through Troubles

2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Keep on Fighting

Romans 8:37
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Where is God’s Place in Your Life Today? 

Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[Message No: 6708]

Besides Still Waters - 43

He Gives More Grace
James 4:6
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
  “God resists the proud,
 But gives grace to the humble.”

What Tomorrow May Bring
James 4:14
whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

It Is Even A Vapor
James 4:14
whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

We Count Them Blessed
James 5:11
Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

You Greatly Rejoice
1 Peter 1:6
because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

For A Little While
1 Peter 1:6
because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

You Have Been Grieved
1 Peter 1:6
because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Various Trials
1 Peter 1:6
because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

[Message No: 6707]

Questions in Matthew – 11

26:15
and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.

26:17
Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

26:22
And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”

26:25
Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”
  He said to him, “You have said it.”

26:40
Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?

26:50
But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”
  Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.

26:53
Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

26:54
How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”

26:62
And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?”

26:65
Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!

26:66
What do you think?”
  They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.”

[Message No: 6706]

Edwin James - An Evangelist

He has got desire, dreams and he is desperate to win the souls to Lord. He believes in the founder of Methodist Church - John Wesley’s statement: “World is my parish”. He feels that:

-    Multitudes who are in the depths of darkness have to be reached. Whole nations are in Spiritual graves. Somebody has to go down and do the job.

-    If not you and me, who else? If not here and now, where and how?

Being a son of Pastor (Late Rev. Elisha James) he committed his life very early in his life.

Lord has used him to share the Word of God to God’s people in Mumbai, India, S. Korea and America. Besides regular preacher in all the denominations, he has been invited to preach many times in Revival Meetings.

Now as he is 74 years old he feels the urgency to reach the unreached with God’s Words to complete the “Great Commission” work (Matthew. 28).

As the Lord leads you, you can reach him for the Lord’s work at:

E-mail: edwinjames44@gmail.com
Mob: 098203 54911

[Message No:  6705]

Finding Treasures

“if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God”. (Proverbs 2:3-5)

So today I will be more aware of the adventure I am on. I will look more closely for the wisdom and the treasures God has placed along my path. Even though the biting wind may blow I will stuff my heart full with the treasures of His love. And the day will be good. 

Delight in God

“Delight yourself in the Lord.” Psalm 37:4

We do not revere God because of any compulsion. Our faith is no chain, and our confession of faith is no enslavement. We are not dragged to holiness, nor driven to duty. No, our piety is our pleasure, our hope is our happiness, our duty is our delight.

Delight and true religion are as united as root and flower; as indivisible as truth and certainty. They are, in fact, two precious jewels glittering side by side in a setting of gold.

“‘Tis when we taste Thy love, Our joys divinely grow, Unspeakable like those above, And heaven begins below.”

Question: What brings you delight? What ways does/should the Lord bring you delight?

Called 

“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.”   1 Corinthians 7:17

Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. —

The world wants a Savior but not a Lord. The New Testament is clear, a Savior who is not Lord is no Savior and no friend. If the Old Testament showed us anything, it is that God's seemingly bizarre laws were written not for his fascination but for his people's preservation. Let's not only call Jesus Lord this week, let's live in a way that shows he controls our lives and his Spirit produces our character.

[Message No: 6704]

Questions in Mark – 3

5:9
Then He asked him, “What is your name?”

5:30
And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

5:31
But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

5:35
While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

5:39
When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

6:2
And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!

6:3
Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

6:24
So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”
  And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”

6:37
But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.”
  And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”

6:38
But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
  And when they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.”

[Message No: 6703]

Questions in Matthew – 10

23:19
Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?

23:33
Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?

24:2
And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

24:3
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of
our coming, and of the end of the age?”

24:45
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

25:37
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?

25:38
When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?

25:39
Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

25:44
“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’

26:8
But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For

26:10
But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.

[Message No: 6702]

The New Birth and Justification - 1

1.Born again:

John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:7
Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

James 1:18
Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

2. Born of God:

John 1:13
who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

3. Born of the Spirit:

John 3:5-6
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

4. Receiving or having the Holy Spirit:

John 7:39
But 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.

John 14:17
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

John 20:22
And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:9
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

1 Cor. 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

[Message No: 6701]

Questions in Matthew – 9

22:7
But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city

22:12
So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.

22:17
Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

22:18
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?

22:20
And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”

22:24
saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother

22:28
Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.”

22:31-32
But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

22:36
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

22:42
saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?”

  They said to Him, “The Son of David.”

22:45
If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?”

23:17
Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?

[Message No 6700]

Questions in Matthew – 8

20:32
So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

21:10
And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

21:16
and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”
  And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,
   ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
 You have perfected praise’? ”

21:23
Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”

21:25
The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?”
  And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

21:28
“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’

21:31
Which of the two did the will of his father?”
  They said to Him, “The first.”
  Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.

21:40
Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”

21:42
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
   ‘The stone which the builders rejected
 Has become the chief cornerstone.
 This was the Lord's doing,
 And it is marvellous in our eyes’?

[Message No: 6699]

The Road that Leads to Life

“[Jesus said,] "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." – Matthew 7:13-14

Over two decades ago, Juan Carlos Ortiz criticized European and American evangelists for offering a carrot stick gospel that focused on the pay off and not lordship of Jesus. Jesus, especially in Matthew 7, reminds us that grace does not dismiss discipleship and mercy does not release us from our need to genuinely repent. We must accept the grace that is given us and truly let Jesus be Lord of our lives. It's not an either-or proposition, but a both-and call from God to receive grace and to follow Jesus as Lord.

Overstated Commitment' — John 13:36-38

Most of us have done it. We've overstated (or at least, overestimated) our commitment, abilities, or strength. Our intentions, at the time, were probably good. We just didn't realize Satan's power to combine circumstance, fear, doubt, disillusionment ... in a concoction brewed just right to bring us to our knees. Peter had a tendency to overstate everything in his early years as a disciple. However, once Peter suffered through his personal embarrassments and failures, Jesus had a disciple fully prepared to lead powerfully while also walking humbly.

Let's not let our failures keep us from following Christ and being used for his glory. In addition, let's not overstate our ability to handle temptations, trials, difficulties, challenges, or problems. God's strength is made perfect when we realize our weakness and vulnerability and then rely on his strength to sustain us!

Thought

"'Difficulty' is not a word to be found in the dictionary of heaven. Nothing can be impossible with God." - Charles H. Spurgeon

Transformed By Truth

John 8:31-32

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

[Message No: 6698]