Christian Brothers and Sisters

Galatians 4:28

But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.

Galatians 4:31

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.

Galatians 5:11

And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.

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.

Galatians 6:18

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Philippians 1:12

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,

Philippians 1:14

And most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 3:1

​Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

Philippians 3:17

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

Baptism

Baptism is not an absolute assurance of Safe Salvation!

Rather, it is an inception to carry the Cross of Christ!

The Road Block of Doubt

Have you experienced so much failure you’re afraid to try again? Have you ever felt alone, wondering God cared about your dreams? Is it difficult to believe that biblical promises will really work for you? If so, you might be held back from pursuing your God-given purpose by what I call the roadblock of doubt.

Believing you can achieve a goal is vital to reaching it. The writer of Hebrews says, ‘Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is  a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). After you receive His gift of salvation, obeying God includes pursuing goals He has designed for your life. Without faith in God - and without believing He will reward those who diligently seek Him - you will fail.

Perhaps you doubt because you lack understanding that God is with you always. I encourage you to read aloud one of these passages of Scripture until you truly believe it:

Philippians 4:13”I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 13:5 “ I will never desert you nor will I ever forsake you.”

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

When I experience momentary doubt, I usually get on my knees, open my Bible, and read it aloud to God, saying, “Lord, this is what You have said in Your Word. I trust You to do this in my life.”  

The Meaning of Holiness

1. Consecrate - Ex. 13:2

2. Set apart - Jer. 1:5

3. Dedicated - 1 Chron. 18:11

4. Sanctify - Jn. 17:19

5. Purify - Jas. 4:8

How to love people without approving their decisions

Every time I open the Bible, I cannot help but notice the number of times it commands to love the people around us. We’re told to love our enemies, our neighbors, our spouses and the world alike (Mark 12:31).

The Meaning of Holiness

1. Consecrate - Ex. 13:2

2. Set apart - Jer. 1:5

3. Dedicated - 1 Chron. 18:11

4. Sanctify - Jn. 17:19

5. Purify - Jas. 4:8

Spiritual Quotes

“The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.”

“God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.”

Familiar verse from the Bible…

Romans 12:2

- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Proverbs 12:13    = sent to W

An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble

Thoughts on This Verse....

Our mouths can sure get us into trouble, can't they! This is especially true for someone whose heart is tainted by evil. Talk reveals so much about our interior life, and an evil person has a lot to hide! But that brings us to ourselves. What does our talk reveal about us? Does it help us escape trouble or does it reveal festering evil in our souls?

No Greater Love 

John 15:12-14

How incredible that the Creator of the universe would love you and me in this way! Do you know and experience the security and sweetness of His care? Gratitude and praise should flow from your heart. In turn, love others deeply out of thankfulness for the love that you have received.

The Prayer in Believer’s Life  

Isaiah 57:15

The heavenly Father longs for an intimate relationship with His children. Time spent in communication with God is the best way to grow close to Him.

When I struggle with Doubt - Prayer.

Lord, it is by faith we stand (2 Corinthians 1:24). I want to have so much faith that I am fully convinced that whatever  You have promised to me, You will also be able to perform it in my life (Romans 4:21). I know that faith is a gift from You, and I pray that my faith, no matter how it is tested by fire, will glorify You and bring all the praise and honor and glory that belong You. Thank You that You have given me Your Word whereby my faith can be increased. Help me to grow in my understanding of it. May Your Word be so mixed with my faith that it will glorify You (Hebrews 4:2)

Scripture:

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

Blessings of Fearing God.

1. Angel encamps - Ps. 34:7

2. Lack nothing - Ps. 34:9

3. Beginning of wisdom - Ps. 111:10

4. Desires fulfilled. - Ps. 145:19

5. Lengthens life - Prov. 10:27

6. Secures fortress - Prov. 14:26

7. Refuge for children - Prov. 14:26

8. Fountain of life - Prov. 14:27

9. Key to treasure - Isa. 33:6

10. It will go better - Ecc. 8:12

11. Paradise today! - Lk. 20:40. 43

12. Holiness perfected - 2 Cor. 7:1

Biblical Love 

1 Corinthians 13: 1-8

 Experiencing the Father’s affection and demonstrating it to others are to be two of the greatest joys in the life of a believer. Take time to memorize the attributes of biblical love, and look for ways to practice them in your relationships. In times of stress, think about the list, and let the power of love transform your response.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Growing up in West Texas in part of my early years, I certainly know what "thirsty land" truly is. The black dirt shrinks, leaving deep cracks in the ground. All the grass turns yellow, then brown, and then dies. A wisp of breeze stirs swirls of dust over the barren land. When the downpour finally comes, the "thirsty land" swallows voluminous amounts of water as the rain runs off the wet surface and finds its way into the deep cracks of the drought. The ground swells, the grass comes back to life, and life is replenished. In a barren spiritual wasteland, God's Holy Spirit pours out his blessing, brings times of refreshment, and replenishes our thirsty hearts.

Thoughts

To love God is to obey God.

Broken things become useful in God’s hands.

Sooner or later you’ll have to face God.

Have faith in God - not faith in faith.

Praise God:

“Tell everyone on this earth to shout praises to God”. - ps. 66:1

Battles in our lives:

In all the Bible battles, there is one constant. No matter how ridiculous God’s instructions seemed to be, when obeyed they resulted in victory one hundred percent of the time. For us, life is no different. When we pray for a particular thing and God tells us that He will answer our prayer if we will follow his commands, we need to do so no matter how ridiculous the notion.

Worship

 “If worship does not change us it has not been worship.”

Life’s Principles

God blesses us so that we might bless others.

Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.

Prayer is life’s greatest time saver.

No Christian has ever been called to “go it alone” in his or her walk of faith.

We learn more in our valley experiences than on our mountaintops.

An eager anticipation of the Lord’s return keeps us living productively.

God’s purpose in your life

Joshua 24:15  

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Philippians 1:27  

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

Ephesians 5:25  

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

Proverbs 22:15  

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

Proverbs 19:21  

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

1 Thessalonians 2:4  

On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

2 Corinthians 10:13  

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.

Acts 13:36  

“For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.

Acts 13:22  

After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’

Esther 4:14

14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Christ coming in the flesh.

Evidences for the Humanity of Christ:

His human genealogy. Who was..a descendant of David.

Romans 1:3

3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

His human appearance. The Samaritan woman said, “You are a Jew…”

John 4:9

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.

His human personality -

His had a body. “My body…”

Matthew 26:12

12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.

He had a soul. “My soul…”

Matthew 26:38

38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

He had a spirit. He…spirit.

John 11:33  

33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 

His human fame. His mother said him, “Son…”

Luke 2:48

48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

His human needs. Jesus was hungry.

Mark 11:12

12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry.
His human limitations. “No-one knows about that day…even the Son.”

Mark 13:32

32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

His human suffering. He learned obedience from what he suffered. 

Hebrews 5:8  

8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

The Second Coming of Christ.

Witnesses of Christ’s Coming:

1

The witness of the Old Testament prophets Enoch…prophesied…the Lord is coming with thousands…

Jude 14

14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,

Job 19:25

25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,

 And He shall stand at last on the earth;

2

The witness of the New Testament apostles. The Lord himself will come down.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

He is coming with the clouds…

Revelation 1:7

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

3

The witness of the angels. “This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way.”

Acts 1:11

11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

4

The witness of the creation. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed…in hope.

Romans 8:19-20

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;

5

The witness of Christ Himself. “If I go and prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me.

John 14:3

3 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.

Understanding the Trinity

1

However, it is necessary for us to believe in the Trinity more than understanding the same. If we love God, we will believe all things.

1 Corinthians 13:7

Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

2

We will not understand the Trinity unless we have the revelation of God’s Spirit.

Ephesians 1:17

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

3

Now we know partly about God, in future we shall know the Triune God fully.

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

Children

"In times of struggle and failure, we need to do more than pronounce judgment on what's wrong and enforce punishment. We need to talk, discuss, question, evaluate, engage, and interact with our teenagers, hoping that God will use these moments of opportunity to open their eyes a little more to who they really are and to their constant need for Christ."

"Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they are going to catch you in next."

"I'm pro-life. I'll do all I can to see every baby is created with a future and potential."

Familiar verse from the Bible…

Hebrews 12:1

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

Ministry to the world

Everyone will need to understand:

The plan = what will be done.

The purpose = why it will be done.

The procedure = how it will be done.

The people = who will do it.

The program = where it will be done.

Thoughts.

~ God tests our patience to enlarge our hearts.

~ Our hope and peace are found in Jesus.

~One day God will put everything right.

~A good leader is a good servant.

~Read the Bible carefully and study it prayerfully.

Life’s Principles

Disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice.

Obedience always brings blessing.

To walk in the Spirit is to obey the initial promptings of the Spirit.

You can never out give God.

To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us.

Chosen:

Like a babe born to a family, or a bud on a stem, God brought me forth into His family.

Thank You, Lord for choosing me, for drawing me irresistibly, to be your child.

Jesus’ teaching:

“In view of Jesus’ teaching, we need to see in a new light our anger and our insults against others, for those have the effect of destroying lives.”

The significance of Christ’s Resurrection

 The preaching is based on it. If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless.

1 Corinthians 15:14

14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

Our faith is based on it. If Christ has not been raised, useless and so is your faith.

1 Corinthians 15:14

14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

Forgiveness of sins is based on it. If Christ has not been raised, you are still in your sins.

1 Corinthians 15:17

17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins

Our Salvation is based on it. If Christ has not been raised, then those also who have fallen asleep are lost.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18

17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

Our hope is based on it. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

1 Corinthians 15:19

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable

Our testimony is based on it. With great power the, apostles continued to testify to the resurrection.

Acts 4:33

The prophecies are based on it. This is what is written, Christ will rise from the dead on the third day.

Luke 24:46

46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,

Quotes 

“Hope is the word which God has written on the brow of every man.”

“If it were not for hope, the heart would break.”

“The future is as bright as the promises of God.”

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam:

The following message is very touching incident/lesson…Edwin James

"Honey, I love burnt roti."

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam:

"When I was a kid, my Mom cooked food for us.

One night in particular when she had made dinner after a long hard day's work, Mom placed a plate of 'subzi' and extremely burnt roti (Indian food) in front of my Dad.

I was waiting to see if anyone noticed the burnt roti.

But Dad just ate his roti and asked me how was my day at school.

I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember I heard Mom apologizing to Dad for the burnt roti.

And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burnt roti."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy, good night & I asked him if he really liked his roti burnt. He wrapped me in his arms & said: "Your mom put in a long hard day at work today and she was really tired.

And besides... A burnt roti never hurts anyone but HARSH WORDS DO!"

"You know beta - life is full of imperfect things... & imperfect people...

I'M NOT THE BEST & AM HARDLY GOOD AT ANYTHING!

I forget birthdays & anniversaries just like everyone else.

What I've learnt over the years is:

To Accept Each Other’s Faults & Choose to Celebrate Relationships"

Life Is Too Short To Wake Up With Regrets!

Love the people who treat you right & have compassion for the ones who don't.

Facts about God’s Mercy

God’s mercies are from of old.

Psalm 25:6

6 Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving kindnesses,

For they are from of old.

God is full of mercy.

James 5:11

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.

God is a merciful high priest.

Hebrews 2:17

17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

God delights to show mercy.

Micah 7:18

18 Who is a God like You,

 Pardoning iniquity

 And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?

 He does not retain His anger forever,

 Because He delights in mercy.

God’s mercies are great.

Psalm 69:16

16 Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good;

 Turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies.

Quotes

 “God doesn't just give us grace; He gives us Jesus, the Lord of grace.”

 “If a church wants a better pastor, it can get one by praying for the one it has.”

The Fatherhood of God

God is our loving Father.

John 17:23-24

23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

God is our rewarding Father.

Matthew 6:4

4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

God is our forgiving Father.

Matthew 6:14

4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

God is our compassionate Father.

Psalm 103:13

13 As a father pities his children,

 So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

God is our heavenly Father.

Matthew 6:9

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

   Our Father in heaven,

 Hallowed be Your name.

God is our Holy Father.

John 17:11

11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.

God is our righteous Father.

John 17:25 

25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.

Jesus knows the most about rejection.

I wonder how Jesus felt about being accepted and rejected. John writes that Jesus gave his life for man's sins. Some would appreciate this sacrifice of love so much that they would follow Jesus to their dying day. But others would reject the story of love, giving it no place in their lives at all.

At worship each Sunday, I think about his sacrifice of love when the time comes to participate in communion. Why would the King of kings offer himself to a bunch of ungrateful people, including me? Why should he die for my sins when it's so likely I'll reject him?

I say this because of the large number of unbelievers in the world today. Jesus is the one human being, I believe, who knows the most about selfless living. He also knows the most about rejection.

Life’s Principles

Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.

Listening to God is essential to walking with God.

God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness.

Genesis:

How did the world being? Who were God’s chosen people? Find answers to these questions and more in Genesis

Exodus:

Who was Moses, and how we he involved in two of the most important events in the history of people of Israel? More in Exodus.

Romans 10:14

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

Thoughts on This Verse....

Since "calling on the name of the Lord" is essential for salvation, then what is going to happen if we don't speak about Jesus with those who do not know him? We must share Jesus with everyone who will listen. That "someone preaching to them" must be us!

Facts about God

God is our Creator - Ecc. 12:1

​1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,

   Before the difficult days come,

 And the years draw near when you say,

 “I have no pleasure in them”:

God is our heavenly Father - Matthew 6:1

​1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

God is not a man - Numbers 23:19

19  God is not a man, that He should lie,

 Nor a son of man, that He should repent.

 Has He said, and will He not do?

 Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

God does not show favoritism - Acts 10:34

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

God does not change - Malachi 3:6

6 “For I am the Lord, I do not change;

 Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

God is perfect - Matthew 5:48

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

God is unique - 2 Chronicles 6:14

14 and he said: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.

2 Chronicles 6:18 

18 “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!

Quotes

Forgive as God forgives you—don’t keep score.

Put Jesus first.

Only Christ the Living Bread can satisfy the world’s spiritual hunger.