tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46590583638716590582024-02-02T09:17:20.906+02:00Immanuel Church of the NazareneThe Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the Church is now home to more than 2 million members worshiping in over 26,000 local congregations in 156 world areas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-74646556706763817602017-09-02T20:47:00.000+02:002019-10-01T22:57:28.149+02:00Marlon Lawrence Painting <b><br />Marlon Lawrence Painting up for auction. </b><br />
<b><br />Please support us, the funds raised will go to our church </b><b>the </b><b>Immanuel Church of the Nazarene, </b><b>to help us to pay our district budgets. </b><br />
<b><br />Starting price from R3 500. </b><br />
<b><br />Please email </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">alicialawrence41@gmail.com</b><b> for more information. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB11ZfglF5ezb-HtpYNP0F9b113K3aFUeCDjrLVF4r0FGAo8WRc7BETAFMZa3Dos4BsFihg9VkJv0J5oUixPYMapGDm0oL8rePz34iAiq5xtUQFAbpE3XqQviKXQwRCkwLn393YSUBQv7/s1600/Marlon+Lawrence+Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1363" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB11ZfglF5ezb-HtpYNP0F9b113K3aFUeCDjrLVF4r0FGAo8WRc7BETAFMZa3Dos4BsFihg9VkJv0J5oUixPYMapGDm0oL8rePz34iAiq5xtUQFAbpE3XqQviKXQwRCkwLn393YSUBQv7/s640/Marlon+Lawrence+Painting.jpg" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Marlon Lawrence Painting </b></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-12880896085175520262016-11-09T15:49:00.000+02:002016-11-09T15:49:22.283+02:00Excel in the grace of giving<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2 Corinthians 8:1-9</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Text verse 7</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Intro</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">— Winston Churchill</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand out in… faith</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand out in….speech</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand out in… knowledge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand out in…earnestness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand out in…love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand out on giving</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reasons to give –MONEY-to the work of the Lord:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Partnership</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because it’s a Partnership with believers to advance the Kingdom of God ie you have a “share” in the Church –become a shareholder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Turnover</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your investment is high, your turnover will be high too ie your harvest/end-result will be impacted by how much you put in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Generosity Pays</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God loves generous givers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HE is the most GENEROUS GIVER.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">― Amy Carmichael</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-86489066554177073882016-11-09T15:42:00.000+02:002016-11-09T15:42:16.616+02:00By Faith the what ifs of your life can become a reality<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hebrews 11: 1 -2</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Intro</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if -Noah NEVER built the Ark?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if -Abraham decided to stay in his hometown when God told him to pack up and go?;or </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doubted that God would bless them with a child of their own? Or</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was unwilling to sacrifice Isaac?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through who would God have blessed the human race?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if- Joseph was not a man of integrity and forgiveness?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if-Moses’ mom did not hide Moses from the king? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if-Moses decided to stay in the luxurious life of royalty he grew up in and he adopted the attitude that everyone should fight for themselves?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if your desire/dream to do….or to be…..or to have….CAN become a reality?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Faith defined</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see (Bible)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is calling that which is in another dimension to the reality of the senses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A) Practical steps to follow to make a dream a reality</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thoughts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Must have a vision of it-i.e see it in the minds-eye</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep it alive in your thoughts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often meditate on the Promises God has given you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare your mind to take hold of the dream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Words</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speak the Word over your dream or situation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Word should never depart from your mouth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 10: 31a; 21 or 32</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Actions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be bold</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow the action that will lead to the end product</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remain self-controlled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>B) Why should you have faith in God?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 10:24(B) & Psalm 145</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is faithful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is able to fulfil the desires of those who fear Him</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He hears us when we call on Him</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is near you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He watches over you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 John 5:14-15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if Jesus was not born?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if he never died?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The human race would have been eternally separated from God</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if Jesus did not rise up from the grave?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would have been hopeless ,powerless and total failures during trials and difficulties</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would Not have any reason to have faith in Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would not have had any one to understand our suffering and pain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without Jesus our dreams and hopes would have been impossible to achieve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Your dream/desire to do ……</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your dream/desire to be……</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your dream /desire to have……</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can become a reality by faith</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-23718097991563267982016-08-02T12:37:00.001+02:002016-08-02T12:37:40.818+02:00Prepare for an emergency<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 21:5-19; 34-36 </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Intro:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It sounds impossible to prepare for an emergency.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one knows when an emergency will strike on them, so how can anyone be prepared for it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An emergency = an unexpected/sudden traumatic event/situation eg </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an accident </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tornado –as experienced in Joburg on Wednesday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a sudden illness that results in death eg SA racer who died whilst climbing Kilimandjaro.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An emergency is something that happens beyond our control or fore-knowledge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can only prepare ourselves in part in life through the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medical Aid plans/schemes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life Policies & Wills</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Insurance covers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CPR, life-saving rescue equipment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Self-defense classes etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, there still is an element of surprise to it in spite of all our “so-called preparedness”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus warned us-humanity- to prepare for an emergency that will have a great impact on our eternal destination: His Second Coming / Return.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. One way of preparing ourselves is to take note of the events that will introduce this event:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spiritually</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anti-Christ (people confessing to be Christ)-will cause spiritual deception</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cold/distant faith –those who confess Christ to be their Lord will become indifferent and intolerant toward others</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The church/Body of Christ can be likened to a measuring-line/stick. The love of many believers will disappear or grow cold.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faith of believers will be greatly tested.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Relations between people</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wars & Revolutions-nations against nations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Family conflicts & betrayals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Senseless killings </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immorality & Corruption</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Nature </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great earthquakes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Famines</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tossing of the sea (Tsunami’s ???)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Signs in the sun, moon & stars</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Second way to prepare yourself </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protect your heart against the anxieties of life. This is a distracting tactic to take your eyes off Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not let your heart be troubled; give it to Jesus. Problems weigh the heart down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a barrier between you and the Holy Spirit </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Thirdly-</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">be always on the lookout for His return.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">watch & pray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Luke 18 :8</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the Son of man comes will He find faith on the earth?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus warned us of His coming, but will there be people who are waiting for Him with excitement-in a way that we look forward to seeing a loved one again after a long separation?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will the deception be so great that even those who were waiting for Him, would have given up by then? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare yourself for His return.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will be un-expectantly, therefore always ensure that you are in His will.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure that your actions, attitude or thoughts bring Him glory.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-10424405281386423652016-08-02T12:26:00.000+02:002016-08-02T12:26:10.570+02:00Jesus will keep you from stumbling<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jude 1:24</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Intro</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In May 1954, Roger Bannister, a British athlete became the first person to run the mile in less than 4 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, John Landy of Australia broke his record a month later by 1.4 seconds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The two athletes met for a historic race on the 7th of August that same year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All eyes were on the two runners to the dismay of the others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John was ahead as they neared the finish line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He looked over his shoulder to see where Roger was and stumbled….</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, he missed the first prize.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of us are in a race. Jesus will be waiting for each and every person at the finish line with a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reward in His hands.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However there is a huge possibility that we can miss the prize, just like John Landy did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fall/stumble cost him a gold medal. It can cost us eternity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t look around you or behind you. Look straight ahead of you, then you will live in eternity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what must you do when or if you do stumble? The reality is that you will stumble/ fall at times, but don’t remain in that position. Get up again and try again. Ask the Lord to strengthen you and to keep you from falling. Men of faith stumbled too, but in the end they were victorious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peter (See <b>Matthew 14: 22-33</b>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He began to drown when he took his eye off Jesus and looked at the waves around him</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus was displeased with him, because he doubted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“A negative focus can result in our entirely missing the possibilities placed in our path”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Anne Wilson Schaef)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David ( see <b>2 Samuel Chapter 11</b>;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He stumbled when he became idle. He sent the men to the battle ground whilst he was lazing around. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God was displeased with David because he committed adultery and murder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Idleness is to the human mind like rust to iron” Ezra Cornell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samson ( See <b>Judges Chapter 13-16</b>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He stumbled because of his moral weakness/lust of the flesh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the women he got involved with, brought him into trouble.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last one, Delilah cost him his eyesight and life eventually.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samson started relying in his own powers instead of God</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Anything cracked, will shatter at a touch”(Ovid)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obvious causes that will cause you to stumble in your spiritual walk:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking your eyes off Jesus/the Word</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Idleness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weaknesses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Causes that are difficult to recognise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doubt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sin committed in secret (envy, unforgiveness, strife, critical spirits, resentment)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Self-reliance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Galatian 5 :16-17</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can you be kept from stumbling?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep your eyes on Jesus through His Word NOT people</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fellowship with believers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prayer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Commitment/Surrender to Jesus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look ahead (forget the past)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look & Live Hymn 372</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-8636369532123186992016-08-02T12:15:00.000+02:002016-08-02T12:15:48.933+02:00Attitude of the Heart<b>Mark 15 :24-39 - Text v 39</b><br />
<br />
The difference between the people who accepts Christ and those who reject Him is the attitude of<br />
their hearts.<br />
Some saw the miracles Christ performed, but remained bystanders<br />
While others saw it too and they became His disciples.<br />
Some heard His words of wisdom and enlightenment, but they refused to accept it as truth<br />
While others heard it too and they were transformed by every Word as they accepted it as life.<br />
Some experienced the touch of Jesus, but they showed no gratitude<br />
While others experienced it too and they were devoted to Him unto death as a sign of their<br />
gratitude.<br />
<br />
The Centurion at the foot of the cross was someone whose attitude of the heart was pure and incorruptible.<br />
He was touched and transformed by what he saw, heard and experienced during the crucifixion.<br />
While many turned back in the same state of mind of sinfulness.<br />
He became a disciple, while others remained bystanders.<br />
Reason for the difference????<br />
<br />
<b>He heard…</b><br />
Jesus’ cry when He asked the Father why He had forsaken Him<br />
Jesus’ prayer when He asked the Father to forgive the people<br />
Jesus’ reassurance to the criminal that he will be with Him in paradise<br />
Jesus instructed John to care for Mary, who was a widow at the time<br />
Jesus’ committed His spirit to the Father before he breathed out His last breath<br />
Jesus said it is finished<br />
The deep brokenness within His soul!!<br />
<br />
<b>He saw…</b><br />
How Jesus died without anger and bitterness<br />
How Jesus did not retaliate against those who mocked and insulted Him.<br />
How Jesus still had love and mercy in His heart toward those who betrayed Him.<br />
When one of the soldiers pierced His side a spear and there was a sudden flow of water and blood.<br />
The expression of love, peace and achievement on Jesus face<br />
<br />
<b>He experienced…</b>.<br />
The 3hr darkness when the sun stopped shining<br />
The earthquake, the tombs that broke open<br />
A life-changing encounter/moment with Jesus<br />
<br />
Why did the other people who surrounded Jesus not realize who He was too???<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
<b>Hebrews 4 :12</b><br />
Jesus has the power to search every heart and to renew it through His Holy Spirit.<br />
He has the power to reveal the hidden secrets and to lay it bare-ie to expose sinfulness.<br />
However, He it is not in His nature to name and shame or condemn any person. He wants every<br />
person to confess their sins .This reveals that we take responsibility our actions.<br />
If you are willing to see, you will see His miracles all around you…..<br />
If you are willing to hear, you will hear when He speaks to you….<br />
If you are willing to experience His greatness, you will experience it.<br />
The centurion was not influenced by Theology since he was a Gentile, but he nailed Jesus’ identity spot-on!! <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-23390513750304204922016-08-02T12:05:00.000+02:002016-08-02T12:05:06.303+02:00The days of the blameless are known to the Lord<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 37 </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text verse 34</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who are the blameless?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those who trust in God</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who do good</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who find pleasure in God</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who commit their plans/future/lives to Him</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who do not become anxious in time of trouble</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who do not sin when they become angry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who are generous givers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is their reward?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will enjoy great peace</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their inheritance will endure forever</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will be strong in the time of disaster</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will enjoy plenty in the time of famine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will not fall even though they may stumble</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their children are blessed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will NEVER be forsaken by God</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will be protected forever</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will not be left in the power of the wicked</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will be exalted/lifted up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will inherit the land</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which “land”? Does it refer to a geographical one?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does “days” refer to?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Past</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Present</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Future</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God blesses and gives honor to all who trust in Him</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those who exalt themselves will be humbled and vice versa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In leadership-blameless-ness/ righteousness leads to the exaltation of a nation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus was exalted to the right hand of the Father through His death & resurrection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kings who tried to exalt themselves were humbled:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sennacherib of Assyria<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God’s exaltation in regard to a nation was demonstrated by:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mighty acts on behalf of the Hebrew people (Ex 15 : 1,6)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prosperity, spiritual and material blessing (Genesis 24; 35)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The legacy left by those whom God uplifted </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 39 :4</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Show me, oh Lord, my life’s end and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-41440939491151585002016-07-05T11:57:00.001+02:002016-07-05T11:57:06.308+02:00Impressive qualities<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 8: 4-15</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The Noble man makes noble plans and by noble deeds he stands” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The word “noble” is associated with someone of upper-class like aristocrats/royalty because it describes a person who possesses impressive/admirable/superior/dignified/fine qualities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such a person is even admired and respected by his/her opponents, enemies or adversaries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queen Elizabeth of England demands respect by her very presence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> She would no doubt stand out in a crowd even if people did not know who she really is, whether she wears a crown or not or is surrounded by bodyguards or not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WHY?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The person on the inside reflects on the outward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People were attracted to Jesus by the thousands not only because of the miracles He performed, but because of His inner qualities and what proceeded from His mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Queen herself had the following to say about Jesus:”Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves-from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique Person-neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are)-but a Saviour, with the power to forgive” (2011)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>King Jesus gave the following Parable of the sower and the soil:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A. Natural Seed</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With regard to the seed scattered-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some were trampled on</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some were eaten up by birds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some withered once it came up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some were choked by weeds and thorns</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some grew and produced a good crop</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With regard to the place where it was sown:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pathway</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rocks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The unprepared soil (where thorns & weed grow too)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prepared soil (cleaned up; broken up & fertilised)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>B. The seed as the Word of God</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Factors that stifles the growth of the seed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The devil who sows doubt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No rootedness in the Word</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life’s worries, riches and pleasures </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Factors that lead to growth (How noble qualities are developed)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hearing the Word</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting/Meditating on the Word</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discussing the Word</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thought-life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Effects of spiritual growth </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Possesses an Impressive character</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lives for an honourable purpose</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fulfils a dignified function</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Impacts those associated with</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth was a woman who possessed impressive qualities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It developed when she received and accepted the Only Living God (that her mother-in-law, Naomi served) as her own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life’s worries did not choke her new-found belief when her husband died.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her heart remained uncorrupted /undefiled even during famine and poverty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was known by her townsmen as a noble woman.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was rewarded by becoming the great-grandmother of King David and part of the lineage of Jesus.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-11113823395942414012016-06-14T19:59:00.000+02:002016-06-14T19:59:56.348+02:00Perfecting holiness out of reverence for God<b>Matthew 19:16-22</b><br />
<br />
Intro<br />
“The more holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which remains in him”<br />
(Charles Spurgeon.<br />
Point of sanctification is experienced when as believers realize that we cannot progress in our relationship with God because of His holiness and our unholiness.<br />
A Certain young man experienced this and so asked Jesus what he should do about it.<br />
Jesus conveyed that he needs to assess the treasure of his heart. <br />
<br />
<b>His Desire</b><br />
This young man had a desire to obtain eternal life, because he experienced the presence and power of God as he faithfully observed the commandments. The crisis point: he was unwilling to let go of his earthly treasure.<br />
He was caught in between.<br />
Jesus knew his heart and therefore prompted him to make a decision.<br />
2 kingdoms cannot coincide- God’s and the world’s.<br />
<br />
<b>He determined his own destiny</b><br />
How?<br />
By the choices he made. He chose a destination that had no lasting value.<br />
He chose to hold onto the world’s treasures & pleasures<br />
The treasures of the heart reveal the inner-man.<br />
The desire to please God may be existent in the heart, but the crisis point choice will reveal how deep that desire really is.<br />
<br />
<b>His Dream</b><br />
He accumulated wealth so that he will not need to experience a shortage/lack- to be independent and self-sufficient. No problem with that in itself.<br />
God wants us to prosper and enjoy life, but it should never make us independent of Him.<br />
Even though we may build up riches; we still have to trust in God.<br />
Our loyalty will be tested at some point.<br />
He experienced a sense of discontentment/unhappiness in his life in the midst of his riches.<br />
Why?? His dream was in conflict with God’s original plan for his life.<br />
God’s dream was to build a relationship with the young man, but he built a relationship with his treasures.<br />
He grew to a certain level in his spiritual journey therefore his adherence to the commandments.<br />
This young man lost his first love.<br />
God treasures the relationship with humanity more than everything else he has created. This is why Jesus came to earth to reconcile us to the Father.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
The young man experienced the need for a deeper experience with God.<br />
His question: “What do I still lack?” to Jesus reveals this: he reached the Point of Sanctification.<br />
Testing Time: Will the Desire and the Choice measure up?<br />
Will the intent of the heart and the action connect/unite? (they are 2 totally different issues)<br />
<br />
The young man also had the wrong perception that good deeds and observance of the Law will lead<br />
to eternal life.<br />
<br />
What do you lack/have a need of in your spiritual life?<br />
<br />
“To KNOW the will of God<br />
Is the greatest KNOWLEDGE”<br />
<br />
To FIND the will of God<br />
Is the greatest DISCOVERY”<br />
<br />
To DO the will of God<br />
Is the greatest ACHIEVEMENT” (Author unknown)<br />
<br />
Let us therefore strive towards perfection of holiness out of reverence for a holy God!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-25835628486595848942016-06-14T19:52:00.000+02:002016-06-14T19:52:05.891+02:00Pentecostal holinessA personal Pentecost<br />
<br />
Some Christians seem to think that holiness is unnatural and therefore unnecessary.<br />
<br />
Holiness actually makes us what God originally intended in mankind.<br />
Adam was a perfect person before he fell into sin.<br />
The first Adam passed his sinful nature onto the entire human race. Jesus came to restore us to the original state of dignity and honour and moral goodness.<br />
God’s love for the world, which is you and me, is so much that He planned to restore us through the Second Adam. <br />
<br />
The Pentecostal baptism with the Holy Spirit is the only solution to reach the impossible ethical standard that God requires for us.<br />
Such a life-changing experience of the work of God’s Holy Spirit entering into our hearts is an exciting, wonderful experience that FAITH alone can bring. <br />
<br />
Because of His own holiness, the Holy Spirit cleanses the believer’s heart; of the filth of sin. He starts the perfecting process of developing his own character into the born-again believer, thereby empowering him for effective Christian witness.<br />
<br />
Our salvation is free, yet it has an enormous price. It is a great disappointment that many have not paid the full price for such a genuinely Pentecostal experience. Too often we are inclined to settle for a loveless, passionless profession of holiness that has no effect on others who are supposed to be won over to want what is a notable change in the life of the person who claims to be sanctified.<br />
What you are speaks louder than your words.<br />
<br />
<b>Acts 2:38-40</b><br />
38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-- for all whom the Lord our God will call."<br />
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."<br />
<br />
The original Pentecost can never be repeated. The mighty rushing of the wind,<br />
The tongues of fire; and the ability to communicate the Gospel, in an unlearned language.<br />
But the gift of the indwelling Spirit of God is universally available to God’s people; to every generation, after generation until Jesus comes to fetch His people. There are only two types of people living in this world: Holy and unholy people.<br />
"Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."<br />
<br />
<b>Why do we preach holiness? Because. . . </b><br />
. . .It is God’s purpose to have a holy relationship with the greatest object of His creation.<br />
God loves the world, which is you and me, so much that He wants to restore us to have fellowship with Him through the Second Adam. <br />
<br />
<b>Matt 7: 21</b> "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.<br />
22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'<br />
23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'<br />
<br />
Matt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart . . . .for they will see God.<br />
<br />
. . . Jesus came and lived and died to cleanse the sinful world of their sins and to be made holy.<br />
<br />
<b>Matt 1:12</b> Call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.<br />
<br />
. . . It is the essential prerequisite of salvation allowing entrance into God’s holy kingdom (heaven).<br />
<b>Heb 12:14</b> without holiness, no one will see the Lord.<br />
<br />
The work of the Holy Spirit can be seen in the impact of the Spirit's moving in our times. Many of us who understand our Wesleyan doctrine, are coming to see clearly that the heart of holiness is to be filled, cleansed, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and, further, that the baptism with the Spirit is a baptism of love. <br />
<br />
acquainted with the teaching about righteousness<br />
Who is the Holy Spirit? By His glorification "the last Adam became a life-giving spirit (I Corinthians 15:45).<br />
45 So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; {45 Gen. 2:7} the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.<br />
46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.<br />
47 The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven.<br />
48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.<br />
<br />
49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.<br />
<br />
Christ will finally change our lowly existence to be like His glorious heavenly existence,<br />
<b>(Phil 3:20, NIV).</b><br />
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.<br />
<br />
We are programmed to be conformed to the image of the Son, <br />
<br />
<b>Rom 8:29</b>. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.<br />
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.<br />
<br />
<b>(2 Cor 3:18, NASB)</b><br />
And so we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit".<br />
<br />
<b>The Holy Spirit is the sanctifying Spirit of Christ.</b><br />
It was the spiritual genius of John Wesley that he saw with penetrating clarity that this sanctifying ministry of the Spirit lies at the very heart of Christ's redemptive activity.<br />
In his classic interpretation of John Wesley, George Croft Cell says:<br />
"Wesley's theocentric doctrine of Christian experience is first, last, always a doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is the primary attribute of the Christian Church. Holiness is the essential quality of Christian experience. Holiness is the third term of the Trinitarian revelation of God. This is the highest conceivable position for the doctrine of holiness in the Christian faith and interpretation.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
Don’t depend only on your initial Pentecost experience, you can enjoy many refreshing renewals of your spiritual growth when you ask for the Holy Spirit to cleanse you afresh at any time.<br />
Holiness allows us to have intimate relationship with God<br />
Holiness is made possible though the life and death of Jesus Christ, our Saviour<br />
Holiness is essentially the prerequisite component of our salvation to enter the Holy Zion of God.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-20527310225449362602016-06-14T19:44:00.000+02:002016-06-14T19:44:48.423+02:00Motherhood is NOT defined by the physical aspects of giving birth only<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 113:9 </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In tribal society a woman’s “status” was defined by the number of children/sons she brought into the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Mother displays the glory of God through her every being-ie , Character, competencies, dedication, selflessness, patience and the raising of her children . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barrenness is not an impossibility to God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah was one of the many women who experienced a miracle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God promised Abram that Sarah will be the Mother of all nations, but it was only realized through the third generation-Jacob and Rachel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rachel was a woman who overcame the challenge of barrenness through the birth of Joseph and Benjamin. Unfortunately she died while giving birth to Benjamin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joseph’s two sons Ephraim and Manasseh received a double blessing from Jacob.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read Genesis from Chapter 29 to Chapter 49</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Excellence</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her success as a mother is evident through the life of Joseph, who became a powerful, influential ruler in Egypt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joseph was able to resist the sexual temptations that Potiphar’s wife made towards him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He had the Spirit of God in him and was therefore wise and discerning in governance and the interpretation of dreams. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He prospered during adversity because of a good attitude and God’s favour on him</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do whatever your hands find to do, with excellence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do it as unto the Lord, not for praises from people/children/family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Extraordinary</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was not exempted from pain and problems in her life, but she handled her situations and challenges in a dignified and graceful manner at times and sometimes not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She experienced great emotional turmoil at times </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laban, her dad, married her sister (Leah) off to Jacob; before she could marry him</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This led to insecurities; envy toward Leah.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She got angry and sad at times</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She protected her family ‘s financial well-being and future</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is extraordinary about Rachel’s story is that her son, Joseph came to the Hebrew nation’s rescue during the famine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She prepared him for this role as leader during his childhood. Mothers have the privilege to lay </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the foundation in a child’s life like a value system. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is highly regarded by the Jewish nation, even though Leah was Jacob’s first wife. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Example</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rachel must have raised Joseph by setting the example this is why he made such a remarkable impact wherever he found himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He in return, influenced and raised his 2 oldest sons-Manassah and Ephraim to be leaders of great nations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Jacob met them, he adopted them as his own; and blessed them with a double blessing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She did not only have a beautiful appearance, but was beautiful from within too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was willing to risk her life to make Jacob a happy and proud father-.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are numerous children, without parents/mothers .Likewise, there are numerous parents who cannot have children. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Child-headed households in South Africa are becoming a norm in some communities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some children may have biological mothers, but they are failing in their roles as caregivers, nurturers, teachers, mentors and Intercessors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God can make any woman a happy mother; even if she is barren.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He can do so by giving her a baby of her own or he can give her adopted children to care for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ways in which a Mother can represent Christ through :</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Setting the example when raising her children (her own or as a Surrogate Mother) to be caring, well-balanced, God-fearing individuals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever she puts her time and energy to, is done in excellence</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By being extraordinary through her personality and diligence in following His Commands</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Motherhood is not defined by the physical aspect of giving birth only, but by a woman’s </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">emotional, spiritual and mental input in someone else’s life.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-4688269227685907082016-06-14T19:32:00.000+02:002016-06-14T19:47:01.384+02:00Seasons<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seasons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It prepares us for the Second Coming of Christ</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2 Peter 3 :2-18<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seasons are both temporary & permanent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> temporary –bound within a specific period. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">permanent –linked to earth’s existence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Genesis 8:22</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“As long as the earth endures,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seedtime and harvest,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cold and heat,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Summer and winter,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day and night</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">will never cease” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Seasons on earth</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Season defined:” Periods marked by specific weather conditions; temperatures and length of days”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Summer-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Autumn- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Winter-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring- </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good harvest prerequisites </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Quality seedlings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sowing, nurturing & reaping done within timeframe</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Seasons in heaven</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Did time/ seasons exist in heaven? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>period when Lucifer and his followers worshipped God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>time when they became rebellious and were removed from heaven.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a season to restore creation and to deal with rebellion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Waiting Period-prophesies </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the season to restore creation with its Creator arrived .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>season to punish/rebuke rebellion still awaiting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seasons will cease to be, because Eternity is timeless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Seasons in human life</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life Seasons defined: Different stages of growth or development and function within living organisms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every living thing experience seasonal changes-it’s a prerequisite for maturity and completeness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seasons in human life are both within and beyond our control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Success & Prosperity is within our control because it’s impacted by our choices and actions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Accept whatever is beyond our control </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glorify God with what is within our control .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seasons have different effects on individuals-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>become strong in faith. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>become distant from God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials (2 Peter 2: 9)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also experience seasons in which to sow and to reap (Galations 6:7). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each one of us will go through bad and good seasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What should you do during waiting season? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wait it out. Stand firm in the faith</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take courage and be strong</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Continue to uplift the Name of the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conclusion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A well-balanced and fruitful disciple of Jesus Christ must develop in all facets of their being and endure a variety of seasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life’s difficult seasons prepares us for the season of Christ’s second coming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Holy Spirit purifies us during difficulties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A new heaven and earth will be established when Jesus returns.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“If God can move you from January to December,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He can surely move you from</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shame to fame;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sorry to glory;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disgrace to grace;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Labour to favour;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mockery to victory</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And raise you from glory to glory”(author unknown)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Which season of life do you find yourself in? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Assess the factors within and beyond your control during this specific season</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How does it impact your character and walk with the Lord?</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-1276409141094459972016-06-14T19:25:00.000+02:002016-06-14T19:47:20.908+02:00Nothing to prove; nothing to lose<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nothing to prove; nothing to lose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 1:1-12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Text V 12</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Intro</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Believers will be much more effective if we can adopt a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nothing to prove; nothing to lose (except our salvation) mentality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This will eradicate unhealthy competitiveness </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It will create a genuine bond of love and camaraderie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It will cause people to feel safe to share their struggles and weaknesses</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Believers do not need to prove our salvation or holiness to any person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This causes rigidness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It hinders the Spirit’s working through us</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It places a huge burden on believers shoulders</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Believers do not need to fear losing anything because what we treasure most cannot be taken away by any human being.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 .Suffering</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Chapter 10-12)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul had to complete a huge task - to implement the doctrine of the newly established church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His background as a Pharisee and his studies under one of the greatest scholars of the time has prepared him well for the task.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Purpose of suffering: Reliance on God and not on skills, qualifications or giftedness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His suffering was beyond his ability to bear, but God strengthened him</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His suffering was in mind, heart, spirit and body</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He had to deal with heresies in the Church; conflict amongst believers; Misconduct amongst believers;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Discipline; Correction of heresies and conflict are complex issues to deal with, but he succeeded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He was able to influence policy makers and people in power (governers, religious leaders) as a </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">result.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Sincerity</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sincerity requires openness and honesty of opinion and feeling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may be misinterpreted and misunderstood, but do that which will appease conscience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes it is very difficult to address certain issues, when you are sincere with others,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">you must move pass that uncomfortable feeling.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you need to speak candidly it is to be done in God’s timing, with His grace and in wisdom.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Sanctification</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It starts with a relationship with Christ - salvation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul had to meet Jesus on the Road to Damascus to experience the point of salvation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every true believer has a point of connection with Jesus </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you grow in relation to Him, then you become more like Christ. Old habits and ways are slowly</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">chopped away through suffering because it teaches reliance on God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our Lord will even take you to the most awkward/unusual places to teach you a lesson if need be.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Believers will impact lives if we know who has assigned/called/mandated us</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Paul’s opening statement said that he was an apostle by God’s will ,not the church’s nor the remaining disciples </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We will stand by our convictions if we know what we believe in</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul stood by his convictions of morality (1 Corinthians Chapter 5)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We will endure suffering because it is intertwined with achievement and growth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul suffered greatly in mind, spirit, heart and body, but he achieved his unique mission to implement doctrine in the church for generations to come.(Chapter 10-12)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul had every right to prove his standing with Christ because of his persecution of the church at </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">every opportunity he got ,but he only did so when distrust grew with regard to his authority and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sincerity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His life is a portrayal of someone who had nothing to prove and nothing to lose because what he</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">treasured most no man could take away from him!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can you testify like Paul that you have conducted yourself in the world and ESPECIALLY in your relations with fellow believers in holiness and sincerity?? </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-76821152111141978902016-04-05T23:03:00.003+02:002016-04-05T23:03:32.651+02:00The Bread of Life is the key to…<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 24:1-3; 13-43</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text
Verse:31</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intro<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cleopas and his companion had the privilege
of hearing the <b><i>incarnate </i></b>Word, Christ the <b><i>risen</i></b> Word, explain the <b><i>written</i></b>
Word.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, they did not recognize Him until Jesus
broke the bread and gave it to them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their “spiritual eyes” only opened at that
time. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They did not recognize Jesus as He walked
with them nor as He talked to them. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why were they kept from recognizing Jesus?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-ZA">Emancipation<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Real<b> </b>freedom originates in the inner man and is not dependent on
external circumstances.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">The people of Israel (including
the disciples) expected Jesus to bring them freedom from a worldly system.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Their wrong expectation
prevented them from recognising Jesus as the true Emancipator/Liberator. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 6:5-7,14<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-ZA">Enlightenment<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Jesus is the main subject of
Scripture because He is the Triune God’s plan of salvation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">This plan was in place long
before Adam and Eve’s sin because God is omniscient/all-knowing. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">The Plan was revealed through
Scripture but humanity did not understand it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">The plan then came in human
form through Jesus but humanity still did not recognize Him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">The only way to gain insight
/understanding into spiritual mysteries is through salvation and revelation
through the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 2 :14 <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-ZA">Eternity<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">There is only one way to
eternal life-Jesus Christ.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He has power over death as
witnessed through His resurrection</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He has the power over sin that
separated humanity from a Holy God.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He also has power to reconcile
humanity to the F<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>ather as Mediator.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 3:35-36<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entire Bible finds its unity in Jesus.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is the fulfilment of Scripture</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is the Messiah Who brought redemption
to Israel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is the only One Who can give freedom and
deliverance.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worldly systems do not have the power to
give lasting and true freedom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mystery of the spirit world is wrapped
up in Jesus and the understanding thereof is </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">brought about by the Holy Spirit living
inside of His followers/disciples.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-48070096084607471222016-04-05T22:57:00.000+02:002016-04-05T22:57:11.657+02:00Keep the fire burning because the hour is near…<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA"> </span><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">Keep the fire burning
because the hour is near…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Matthew
27 :27 -54<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intro<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Crucifixion’s commemoration spans over
20000 years.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Intensity & passion of the
Narrative can be lost if it’s head knowledge only.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The death & resurrection of Jesus becomes
alive and intense as your relationship</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with Him develops-heart knowledge.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Parable of 10 Virgins/Watchmen,
Jesus laid emphasis on remaining watchful & prayerful.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guard against making the Crucifixion &
Resurrection season-Tradition; will lead to complacency.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus died to pay the ultimate price for
our redemption.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is returning again for a spotless Bride…soon</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is the Son of God as attested by the
significant events that happened during His crucifixion:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-ZA">The 3 hour darkness over
the land ( Habbakuk 1:13)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">-God turned His face on Jesus
because of the sin that He embodied</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Change in the pattern of
creation</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Life without God would mean
total darkness</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-ZA">The temple curtain tore in
2 from top to bottom (Hebrews 6:19-20)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Free access</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Curtain was a barrier 60 feet
in height;30 feet in width;4 inches thick</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">It served for humanity’s
protection (so that people do not enter it carelessly or without reverence)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-ZA">The earth shook and the
rocks split (Psalm 148:3-5)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Creation felt the pain of its
Creator</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Nature recognized Jesus</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Humanity did not recognize Him
and they still don’t </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-ZA">The tombs broke open &
many holy people were raised to life (Hebrews 12:1)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Great cloud of witnesses
watching us</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Centurion and those who guarded Jesus
missed an opportunity to commit their lives to Jesus.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They realized too late Who He was.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 5 foolish virgins/bridal watchmen
missed out on the Feast too.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t YOU miss out too</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep the fire of the Gospel burning in your heart because
the hour is near!!</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-68507638768848589462016-04-05T22:54:00.006+02:002016-04-05T22:54:59.614+02:00A double-fold act of gratitude<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> John
12 :1-11<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introduction</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nard oil is an extraction from the plant <i>Nardostachys Jatamansi</i>, which is from
the plant family</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valerianacae.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Common name<i>: Spikenard oil<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plant only grows in the Himalaya
Mountains of India and Nepal.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uses of nard oil:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Fungal infections</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Remedy for bacterial skin
infections</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Used in fertility drugs/medication</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Constipation</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Relief from various types of
inflammation</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Relief from stress, insomnia, anxiety</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Used in the treatment of
varicose veins, blood circulation; allergies, healing of wounds</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Used as a fragrance
</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Mixed with olive oil, it was
used for the consecration and dedication of utensils in the Temple<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This oil was in all likelihood equivalent
to Imperial Majesty-world’s most expensive perfume today</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(17 ounces =$215 000 )</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 .Sacrificial Giving <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 8 :12</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A gift or offering becomes acceptable to
God when it’s done so with love and willingness of heart.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A R10 is worth far more to God than a
Million Rand given grudgingly or for the wrong reasons.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giving is more than just Money.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It
comprises of your Time, Talents, Treasure (whatever you value close to your
heart) </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.
Pay Honour<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The washing of feet –sign of hospitality
during Jesus’ time.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She paid honour to Him for the miracle of
Lazarus’s resurrection from the grave</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She also fully understood Jesus’ three
times repeated statement of His death and resurrection.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can you pay honour to Jesus for your
deliverance/healing/restoration/salvation?</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only did she use such an expensive
perfume, she used her HAIR to dry Jesus’ feet.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hair is a woman’s natural crown </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Shallowness
of faith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The disciples did not grasp the importance
of Mary’s action.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They did not fully understand what Jesus
meant when He spoke about His death and resurrection. Why?</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their minds and hearts were still very
short-sighted.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They lived in denial.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They clearly lacked the insight of how His
death would impact and benefit humanity in this life and the life to come.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Closing<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary’s gift was a rare imported product in
Israel.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She gave a gift fit for the King that Jesus
was and still is</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She did not regard it as a waste of money
because she understood Who Jesus was.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing done for the Kingdom of God is ever
wasteful.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No value can be placed on what Christ has
done for humanity.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She consecrated and dedicated Him for the
BiGGEST task yet that he had to complete-the </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">repentance of Humanity’s sin.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She consecrated the Lamb of God for the
offering.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-78961578211953524962016-04-05T22:52:00.001+02:002016-04-05T22:52:30.800+02:00Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me Reflecting Jesus<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Heb 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.<br /><br />Only holiness of heart and life will enable us to be comfortable in His presence. (B.W.Downing).<br /><br /> <br /><br />The CotN differs from nearly every other Christian church. <br /><br />Holiness is the main doctrine, not only of this church, but this doctrine belongs to everyone who becomes a child of God; every born again Christian. <br /><br /><br />This blessing does not belong to the CotN. We are the ones who must spread the full Gospel which includes the doctrine of holiness, and not just the Born-again teaching.<br />“If I be lifted up”.<br /><br />We as human beings, are created by God for one very special purpose: to worship Him in the beauty of His holiness: <br /><br />Ps 96:9 Worship the LORD in the splendour of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.<br /><br /><br />To be effective evangelists, we need to be reflecting His beauty within our souls. <br /><br />Entire sanctification is enacted the moment we consecrate ourselves which is of vital importance as holiness is a major component of our salvation.<br /><br />We need to emphasise the importance of the actual experience and ensure that God’s people (every person who claims Christianity), understands and desires the experience. (Matt 1:21).<br />1. Make every effort.<br /><br />Heb 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.<br /><br /><br />This sounds like something we must do! <br /><br />Obedience leads to righteousness.<br /><br />a. Study … the Scriptures. <br /><br />b. Be obedient to whatever God says to you, personally through His Word (the Bible). <br /><br />c. Be in harmony with the pastoral ministry through God’s chosen leaders.<br /><br /> <br /> Pastoral ministry:<br /><br />Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.<br /><br /><br />Your leaders also need your prayers. They are normal human beings who have been given a special calling by God.<br /> <br /><br />Heb 13: 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.<br /><br /><br />Eph 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. <br /><br /><br />Heb13:16,17 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.<br /><br />Live in peace with all men<br /><br />To fulfil this command will require a constant infilling of the Holy Spirit and a refill of the Fruit Of The Spirit. <br /> <br />And to be holy<br /><br />Heb 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.<br /> <br /><br />Sanctification is the Biblical term that brings about this promise of God. <br /><br />Holiness is simply the purification of the polluted human soul. <br /><br />This experience belongs only to the born-again believer. It is an instantaneous experience that progresses in Christ-like development.<br /><br /><br />Being holy is the work of the Holy Spirit<br /><br />2Thess 2:13,14 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Importance of holiness<br /><br />Heb 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.<br /><br />There are at least two ways of understanding what is meant here.<br /><br />If you are not yet entirely sanctified, the Lord is still standing outside your heart (soul) waiting for your invitation (Rev3:20). Bear in mind the context of this text which is referring to the Church; to born-again believers. . .<br /><br />a. no one will see the Lord in you . You are reflecting yourself <br /><br />b. it could also mean that without holiness (the indwelling Holy Spirit) no person can enter God’s presence.<br /><br />c. Matt 5:8 The pure in heart are those of us in whom the Holy Spirit has cleansed our hearts for Him to dwell within, which makes us holy. <br /> <br />conclusion<br /><br />We are preparing ourselves to GO and make disciples as Jesus commissioned us.<br /><br />Being led by the Spirit of God, we need to make sure that we are entirely sanctified; that we are anointed for the purpose of evangelising our part of the world; of bringing people into the kingdom of God; of doing the work that God expects from those in whom His Holy Spirit is active. <br /><br /><br />Holiness is not private nor for mutual admiration, but for a display of Christ-likeness in fragile human nature (cracked pots).<br /><br /> <br /><br />To live a holy life is too difficult to live alone; we need each other!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Restoration of Christ-likeness in human nature is God’s highest objective. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />ITS NO LONGER I THAT LIVETH<br /><br />BUT CHRIST THAT LIVETH IN ME (x2)<br /><br /> HE LIVES! HE LIVES!<br /><br />JESUS IS ALIVE IN ME<br /><br />ITS NO LONGER I THAT LIVETH<br /><br />BUT CHRIST THAT LIVETH IN ME<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />SONG 526<br /><br />LET THE BEAUTY OF JESUS BE SEEN IN ME<br /><br />ALL HIS LOVE AND COMPASSION AND PURITY<br /><br />OH, THOU SPIRIT DEVINE; <br /><br />ALL MY NATURE REFINE<br /><br />TILL THE BEAUTY OF JESUS IS SEEN IN ME. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />HYMN 208<br /><br />I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> </span><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-38423585185375025422016-02-29T14:24:00.001+02:002016-02-29T14:24:27.248+02:00Something Beautiful<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genesis 18: 14(a)<br /><br />Intro<br /><br />Something beautiful, something good<br /><br />All my confusions he understood<br /><br />All I had to offer Him<br /><br />Was brokenness and strife<br /><br />And He made something <br /><br />Beautiful out of my life <br /><br /> <br /><br />Abram and Sarai’s desire- to have a child of their own <br /><br />Their crisis was<br /><br />· Sarai was barren & well over the age to conceive<br /><br />· her life was almost over, yet she had no child of her own.<br /><br />Situation totally beyond her control.<br /><br />She devised her own plan…..<br /><br /><br />Genesis 16:1-5; 17:1-5; 15-16<br /><br /><br />1. Wait on God’s Timing<br /><br />Season in life for everything<br /><br />Crises have expiry dates too<br /><br />All parties involved in crisis must wait on God<br /><br />God gave the promise to Abram,but Sarai too had to trust and obey.<br /><br />She influenced Abram to sleep with Hagar<br /> <br /><br />2. Keep the faith<br /><br />Abram too looked at reality<br /><br />From a biological & human perspective, it was impossible to conceive<br /><br />From God’s perspective, it was possible<br /><br /> Our reality is not God’s reality.<br /><br />From which perspective are you looking from at your crisis?<br /><br />If you look at human reality, you will lose faith and devise your own plan .<br /><br /><br />3.Take responsibility for your actions/state<br /><br />Sarai blamed Abram for her distress/suffering<br /><br />She mistreated Hagar as a result<br /><br />God revealed His just character when He promised to bless Ishmael too<br /><br />The Covenant God made with Abram was for the unborn-not-yet conceived child: Isaac<br /><br />This also reveals God’s divine plan for individuals long before birth<br /><br />Nothing will be able to stand in His way from fulfilling it.<br /><br />Sarai complicated their lives more by her impatience<br /><br />Genesis 21:1-5<br /><br />God fulfilled His promise in spite of their unfaithfulness and doubt <br /><br /><br />Closing<br /><br />God made something beautiful out of Sarai’s pain of bareness<br /><br />He made her a Mother of Nations; thereby changing her name to Sarah<br /><br />Abram to Abraham-father of Nations<br /><br />God brought something beautiful out of a couple’s bareness: Parents of Nations<br /><br /><br />Jesus is able and willing to make something beautiful out of your crisis too.<br /><br />He is able to grant you your desire<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> </span><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-77079389906958182912016-02-29T14:19:00.001+02:002016-02-29T14:19:38.031+02:00Prosper where planted<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 1<br /><br />Text Verse 4<br /><br />Intro <br /><br />If you have an abundance of money, possessions and fame, but lack health, peace of mind and people to share it with ,can you consider yourself as prosperous?<br /><br /><br />If you are contend with your circumstances; and live in peace with people and are in good<br />health, but lack basic needs, can you still consider yourself as prosperous? <br /><br /><br />“A man is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, healthy and prosperous being;and happiness, health and prosperity are the result of a harmonious adjustment of the inner man with the outer of the man with his surroundings “ James Allen<br /><br /><br />Prosperity defined<br />A state of flourishing, thriving, growth, success and good fortune.It encompasses wealth, happiness and health.<br /><br /><br />Your view of PROSPERITY is determined by the Kingdom/kingdom you are operating from.<br />God’s Kingdom is different from the worldly one. Therefore the standards and requirements of each one is different.<br /><br /><br />A. SIGNS OF PROSPERITY<br /> <br /><br />1. PROFITS others<br /><br />The fruit on a tree is enjoyed by others too not only the person who planted it.<br /><br /><br />2. PRODUCTIVITY<br /><br />The tree is always able to produce fruit because the roots receive nourishment<br /> <br /><br />3.PERSONIFIES life<br /><br />No one can dispute the state of wellness of a tree that flourishes.<br /><br /><br />B. HOW TO FLOURISH/SUCCEED/PROSPER<br /> <br /><br />1. Be PLANTED by living water <br /><br />The Word of God is the Source of it.<br /><br />Only a person whose roots are firmly established in the Word of God will succeed in their endeavors.<br /> <br /><br />2. Remain in the PRESENCE of God<br /><br />The Lord’s Presence will only accompany us if we walk in obedience and completely trust in Him.<br /> <br /><br />3. Strive to PLEASE God<br /><br />The only way to please God is to become more like His Son in character and nature.<br />Jesus was and is the personification of the Beatittudes.<br /> <br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />Factors that will hinder prosperity:<br /><br />· Rebellion/Disobedience towards God<br /><br />· Discontentment<br /><br />· Negative attitudes (resentment, anger, strife, unforgiveness etc.)<br /><br />“The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes”<br /><br />(Benjamin Disraeli)<br /><br />Where are you planted-by streams of living water or in dry/desert areas?<br /><br />Align yourself to prosper/flourish/succeed!</span><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-75133991682792026752016-02-29T14:08:00.000+02:002016-02-29T14:08:06.333+02:00Christian perfection<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spiritual maturity<br /><br />The purpose of this message is to encourage us to break out of the shell of whatever it is that is restricting us from being what God wants us to be. <br /><br /> <br />1. Why are you here?<br /><br />The real purpose for human existence is to worship our Creator. Everything that exists was created for us for our enjoyment and.to be drawn closer to God <br /><br />But our inherited sinful nature resulted in the death of our spiritual capacity to fulfil the purpose or our creation. . <br /><br />However, God also created a plan of salvation: we had to be restored to the original glory that belonged to Adam, our original ancestor. Because of the holiness of God, we had to be made holy “as He is holy”. <br />2. The plan of salvation<br /><br />It requires a restoration of the human spirit; a spiritual rebirth; (Jn 3:3).<br /><br />In this restored condition, there has to be a cooperation with the Holy Spirit to produce growth into maturity in the born-again believer. <br /><br /> Otherwise. . . stunted growth. <br /><br />Heb 5:11 – 6:3<br /><br />We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.<br /><br /> <br />3. The tragedy of immaturity. <br /><br /> it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.<br /><br />As wonderful as that first spiritual event may be, there is more to salvation than just to become a child of God (Jn 1:11)<br /><br /> Too many Christians are satisfied with being born again. They find the doctrine of holiness or the doctrine of entire sanctification to be too harsh; too complex; too complicated. They prefer to stay where they are. <br /><br /><br />12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!<br /><br />13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.<br /><br />In this text we can see God’s view of slow growth. <br /><br />It is here where sanctification begins – initial sanctification; where the Holy Spirit revives the human spirit to dwell within, and spiritual growth should now begin. Obedience to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit is essential here. <br />4. The fulfillment of spiritual maturity<br /><br />14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.<br /><br />Definition of salvation: “the renewal of our souls after the image of God” the restoration of the lost glory that once belonged to Adam. <br /> <br /><br />The gift of salvation is more than just a beginning. Those weaker ones who are contained in this text are like the modern Christian who is persuaded to believe false doctrine that has the effect of creating a false sense of security. <br /><br />So, such a born-again believer will probably fall back being content to remain as is. He will lose his hunger and thirst for righteousness.<br /><br /> He should be encouraged to add to his faith, those virtues that build the Christian character; also (Rom 6:16-19).<br /><br /><br />· 16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey-- whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?<br /><br />· 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.<br /><br />· 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.<br /><br />· 19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.<br /><br /><br />5. the blessing of passing the exams toward Christian perfection <br /><br />· 2Pet 3:17,18 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen<br /><br /><br />Childlikeness is what a growing Christian is. Such a person will ask intelligent questions like a growing child will ask of his father. <br /><br />To be a Christian is like riding a bicycle. <br /><br />To stand still, results in falling back into sin. <br /><br />Let us first define sin. <br /><br /> <br />6. Maturity Feeds On Knowledge, Spiritual Adulthood And Righteousness<br /><br />You can never have enough knowledge. “Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus. . “<br /><br />What about PERFECTION? Should we aim at being perfect Christians?<br /><br />What is perfection?<br /><br /><br />Heb 11:39,40 Only together with us, will they be made perfect<br /><br />We are not called to perfection of performance. However, we are called to perfection of intention. <br /><br /> We are called to Blamelessness and not to faultlessness. <br /><br />1Pet 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness <br />Here is where God has given us the material we need to advance in our spiritual growth.<br /><br />Eph 4:11-17 <br /><br />11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,<br /><br /> 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.<br /><br /> 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.<br /><br />The relief of graduation toward maturity and holiness <br /> <br /><br />Matt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.<br /><br />Holiness is not optional, it is the expressed will of God. Only born again believers can be made holy and only God can do it. <br /><br /><br />Chapter 6<br /><br /> 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, {1 Or <from useless rituals>} and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.<br /><br /><br />Christian perfection has always been the quest of the true Church. <br /><br />Unfortunately, the “many” are the ones seeking salvation on the broad road and only a few are on the narrow road that leads to heaven.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> </span><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-78576041383762682512016-01-11T21:01:00.002+02:002016-01-11T21:01:48.549+02:00Legacy : A memory etched onto the minds and hearts of others<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 39:4</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“Carve your name on hearts not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the
minds of others and the stories they share about you”(</span><span lang="EN-ZA">Shannon
L Alder) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Samuel 17</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 .David’s
Legacy<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">God-fearing king</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">A man close to the heart of God</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">The poet/psalmist</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Mighty warrior</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His victory over Goliath made him a legend,
but would not have materialised if had listened to the </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">belittling remarks by Eliab, his oldest
brother & king Saul.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly, Eliab belittled David by asking
him where he left his few sheep.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eliab also called him conceited and wicked.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One can detect envy in his attitude because
by this time David was already anointed as king</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by the prophet Samuel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David was not discouraged or side-tracked
by his remarks and mistreatment.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly, Saul told David that he was too
young and inexperienced to fight a seasoned warrior like Goliath.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David in turn, told Saul about his battles
as a shepherd.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He conquered ‘little giants” before he
conquered Goliath, the giant.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nobody but David and God knew about these
personal victories.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both Eliab and Saul undermined David. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After David told the king about this, he
gave him permission to fight Goliath, but still prescribed </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">how the battle should be fought.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saul dressed David in his tunic/armor as if
this would secure victory.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David knew that God was his Helper and so shrugged
off the tunic.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, he fought with the same weaponry
that he was accustomed to.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of
comfort and convenience,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”</span><span lang="EN-ZA"> Martin Luther King Jr.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David revealed his strength of character
and personhood during battles. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Ways
in which David built his legacy<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He began with the end in
mind </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God made a
Covenant with David that One of his Offsprings will establish the throne of his
kingdom forever.(2 Samuel 7:4-17)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He excelled/did his best in
every task he had to perform</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From tending the
sheep, to writing poems, to playing music, to leading the people of Israel, to
warrior</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He was fearless &
courageous in the face of adversity</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David fought many battles
with his men and had to frequently be on the run for his life</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because he became a
formidable force. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He trusted in God completely</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">God first; He always consulted
with God first before making decisions</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He was quick to repent/admit
his mistakes and sins</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He loved God and the people he
served</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He was content in the season in
which he found himself</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David never
underestimated the days of small beginnings. He was not frustrated when he
didn’t</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">become king
immediately after he was anointed by Samuel. It took quite a few years for him
to</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eventually
become the king of Israel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He was authentic</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David did not
try to impersonate a more experienced Saul. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He was unstoppable; kept going
in spite of great challenges</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He took ownership of his
mission and purpose as future leader and king</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He recruited
people who were in distress, discontented and in debt and became their leader</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(2 Samuel 22:2)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He believed in himself/was
confident in his abilities</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">He reminded himself of past
victories during challenges & difficulties ie he shifted his focus</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from the problem to the One
Who gave him victory before.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.Your
legacy<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A legacy is something- reputation;
characteristics; money; property-that is passed onto others</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It develops from a life dedicated to
self-reflection and purpose</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Work for a cause, not applause;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live life to express, not impress;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence
felt”(</span><span lang="EN-ZA">unknown)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You
can start building your legacy by means of the following:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Find your purpose/mission-live
for something bigger than yourself</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Make every day count-do
something worth-while with the time at your disposal</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Live with passion and compassion
for others</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Believe in yourself; even if
others doubt you</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Take ownership of your dream, this
will eventually lead to your legacy</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Guard your heart through
self-reflection and prayer time</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begin with the end in mind.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How would you like to be remembered one
day?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can live on through the legacy you
leave and the positive impact you can make in the world. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-64918026931678487382016-01-11T20:55:00.001+02:002016-01-11T20:55:25.039+02:00Known by God<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 8 : 3</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intro</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The person who loves God, is known to Him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love - most powerful emotion.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love involves and requires expressions of
affection-; devotion-; caring-for a person
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love also necessitates : willingness to make sacrifices;</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">willingness to forgive;</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">willingness to overlook faults/weakness/wrongs/shortcomings</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">willingness to give someone his/her heart’s desire. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you know that you love God?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you are willing to obey Him
completely, even at personal cost.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can you show God that you love Him?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giving (time, talent, treasure/money;
yourself; plans; dreams)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prayer-fellowship with Him</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obedience to Commandments (1John 5:3)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By making disciples (John 21:15-17)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good deeds</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
individual known by God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why does the Bible make reference to an
individual who is known/recognised/acknowledged by God and not all humanity
since He is the Creator? In which sense is the person known to God?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.Secret desires of the heart (Psalm 44:21b)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He knows the secret that you are not even
able to tell your best friend.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He knows your past and present.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.Needs(Matthew 6:8)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No person on earth is able to supply
someone’s needs completely; not even spouses.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God alone is able to meet every need.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.Thoughts/plans (1 Corinthians 3:20a) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only does God know your plans and
future aspirations, but He can make it a reality too if you</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">commit it to Him.(Proverbs 16: 3 & 9)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s possible to know someone by name only,
but it does not mean that one really know the person’s</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">desires /needs/thoughts/dreams/likes/strengths/shortcomings
etc.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In order to know someone, you have to spend
time getting to know him/her. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The more time you spend with God, the more
open/honest you will become to share your desires, needs and plans.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God also reveals more of Himself through
His Word the more you study it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God expresses His love for you by caring
for you; protecting you; forgiving you; granting you the desires of your heart.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ultimate proof of His love was the
sacrifice of His Son.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Future known by God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ecclesiastes 8: 7</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why does God not reveal the future to
humanity beforehand?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.Protection </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God knew that the knowledge will be too
overwhelming for us</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He also knew that we will not have any
enjoyment in life if He did</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would have gone through life burdensome
and in bondage of fear.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.Trust</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s not important to know the future if
you place your trust in Him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You must believe with your heart and mind
that God loves you and has your best interest at heart –always.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Faith</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would not need faith and hope if we knew
the future.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An unknown year lies ahead of us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s unknown to us, but known to God. He
will guide us through it victoriously.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Analysts make predictions in order to be
prepared. They say that to be for-warned is to be for-armed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">Predictions
for South Africa</span></b><span lang="EN-ZA"> (based on events in the past)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Economists predict a drop in
the Rand value</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">An increase in the price of
commodities</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">A scarcity of food as a result
of the drought in many parts </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Predictions
globally<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">More </span><span lang="EN-ZA">tragedy in Syria and Yemen</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Higher influx of refugees to
Europe</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Elections for the top 2 jobs in
the world –US President and UN Leader-filled by women</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Whatever happens in 2016 human beings will
be resilient, the ability to bounce back in the face of adversity because we
have the gift of choice which means we do not need to submit to fate”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Mail & Guardian)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything we need to make it through 2016
is found in Jesus</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Wisdom</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Courage</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Strength</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Favour</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Health </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is not important to know the future if
you trust in God and believe that He loves you and will therefore take care of
you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He can be trusted with our future since He
holds the whole universe together.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has a track record of dependability
since the beginning of time</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place your desires; needs and plans into
the Hands of a loving Father who alone knows the future.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-56679634571277047122015-12-28T23:56:00.000+02:002015-12-28T23:56:28.186+02:00The birth of Jesus revealed and introduced the existence of a Triune God<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b> Matthew 1:18-25</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Intro</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Angel announced Who the Father of the
Baby was; What His gender and name was to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There
was reason for doing it in this particular way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly,
the divine conception declared that the Baby to be born was NO<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ordinary human being/person. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly,
the reason for stating His gender
was because of His relation to the <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Father as Son. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thirdly,
the reason for the name was because Hebrew culture necessitated <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the
use of a name that will represent the
person’s character.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus
is the Greek form of Yeshua/Joshua;
which means “the Lord saves”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
mission/purpose of Jesus was declared
within His Name ie to save His <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">people
from their sins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
reference made to the Holy Spirit during
the account of Jesus’ birth <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">revealed and introduced the existence
of the Triune God</span><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew’s
Gospel account was originally directed to the Jewish nation, who believed in a Monotheistic
God. It was thus of utmost importance to reveal the Truth of a Triune God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. The Role of His earthly parents</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">The mission of Jesus was extremely
important to take risks and entrust a helpless baby to humanity with
shortcomings and weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">His “earthly parents” had to meet God’s requirements of a good character and heart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">Both Mary and Joseph were righteous, upright, just, individuals of principles and honor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">Because Jesus was fully human (and fully God) they had to nurture Him in a God-fearing home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They cared for Him and provided His
needs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">They were the primary mentors to groom/prepare Him for His Mission.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They dedicated Him to the Father on
the 8<sup>th</sup> day as required;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">taught Him the Scriptures, and took
Him to the Temple for the annual feasts</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. The Role of Jesus</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">to save humanity from our
sins .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he could only do so by dying on the cross, because without the
shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">To renew all things
pertaining to spiritual matters<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free access to the Father –no need to
go through a priest<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All people have equal status before
the Father, whether Jew or Gentile; male or female; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">slave or free. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">To Restore the earth</span><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">To defeat Satan and the
power/sting of death</span><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">To reconcile humanity to
the Father<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in the
life of Jesus:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">The Holy Spirit was the “Seed” for His conception<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">He was present during the Baptism of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">The Holy Spirit was present during His temptation, walk/journey and service <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">He was present at His resurrection<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;">The Holy Spirit was and still is the witness of Jesus in the lives of believers <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Holy Spirit was in existence before Christ ascended into heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Announcement of the Father’s love for
humanity has now gone out into all the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
whole world is celebrating Christmas even though some do not know what it’s
really about. He came down to the earth Himself to save us through Jesus, the
Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For
many it’s a time of festivities, holidays, gifts and dress-ups. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas is really about the
celebration of<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> the birth of the Messiah and thankfulness
for The Father’s grace, compassion and mercy towards humanity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Yeshua”,
the Son truly has His Father’s Nature and certainly lived up to His Name and
Mission to save.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-66410035225522466502015-12-28T23:52:00.005+02:002015-12-28T23:52:53.314+02:00 Actions speak louder than words<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2
Corinthians 6: 1-10<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 180.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text V.4<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intro<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are billions of people who profess to
be Christians/disciples of Jesus; in total 2.18 billion world-wide as at
2010.Yet so many prove this statement to the contrary by their actions.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be a follower of Jesus, means that you
must uphold His teachings and follow His example.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where are the children of the Light when
there are so much darkness in the world and our immediate surroundings between
friends, family and community?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk is cheap.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its easier to speak things, but its more
difficult to action things.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prove of our faith and trust in Jesus
is revealed through the following:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">How we value God’s grace</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">How we facilitate the
relationship between Jesus and others</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">How we commend/prove ourselves through
various circumstances </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.Value
God’s grace<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Refrain from taking God’s grace for granted
by heeding to His voice when His Spirit speaks/guides/instructs</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never disregard the favour of God by taking
correction/discipline or guidance lightly.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When His Spirit calls you to repentance; do
so</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When He calls you to act for His Kingdom, do
so. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Now” means in the present.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t delay for tomorrow or later.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Act the moment you hear Him speaking to
you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Facilitate the relationship between Jesus and
others <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is done by way of not placing any
obstacles in anyone’s path. Refrain from controversial topics that will result
in arguments or division ie
entertainment pursuits like alcohol; tobacco; dance-clubs; casino’s etc</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allow the Holy Spirit to minister to the
person’s heart and conscience instead. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Refrain from engaging in activities that
will shame the Name of Jesus.(See Galatians 5:19-21)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not give people a reason to doubt in the
transformation power of Jesus by not growing /developing in your spiritual life.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live by the Spirit then you will not
gratify the desires of the sinful nature.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prove or commend yourself as an ambassador
of Jesus through:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Endurance</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Troubles</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Hardships and distresses</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Diligence/Hard work</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Sleepless nights (of prayer for
lost souls)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Purity-holiness/Christlikeness</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">In hunger-don’t stop your work
for God when you are in need or lack</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">In kindness-be not
arrogant/proud</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">In understanding-accept and
respect each other’s differences of opinion and perspective of life</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">In sincere love-no falseness</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">In truthful speech-speak openly
& honestly with each other;(say what you mean & mean what you say)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">In the power of God-do nothing
in your own strength and wisdom.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Through glory and dishonour ie
achievements and failures</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Genuinness /be always authentic</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Be the same person at work,
home; your recreational pursuits; your social circles.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though
people may regard you as an imposter for your sincerity, your conscience will
be at peace. You don’t need to defend yourself at all</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Known yet regarded as unknown</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your deeds and
heart may not be known to people, but they are known to God.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Dying, yet we live on </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die to self and
all other worldly pursuits</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Sorrowful, yet always
rejoicing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Making many rich, though poor</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">o<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">Enrich others with the Word;
your example and testimony </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-ZA">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">You may have nothing, but when
you have God, you have everything;</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may have
everything, but when you don’t have God, you have nothing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If God be for
you, who can be against you?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Applicable to the candidates who will be
taken in as members today:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are signifying your faith and trust in
Jesus by becoming part of the Body of Christ by taking up</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">membership locally.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The membership total of the Church of the
Nazarene is currently 2 295,106 as at September 2014.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are also signifying your availability
to become a fellow-worker with us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No matter how small or insignificant your
contribution may be in your eyes, in the eyes of God it</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">means much.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“If you can’t do great things, do small things
in a great way”(Napoleon Hill),</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4659058363871659058.post-51466775730062482072015-12-28T23:52:00.000+02:002015-12-28T23:52:00.067+02:00Redeemed, Restored, Renewed!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genesis 6:5-22; 7:1-7; 10-12</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intro</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sin was the reason why God brought the
flood upon the earth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His holiness could no longer look upon the
destruction of sin and the evil within the hearts of </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">people.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It pained Him to see the evil and sin in
the hearts of mankind .He was grieved that He made </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IT pained Him even more to destroy His most
beloved creation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though the remnant introduced a new
breed of people for a while, they soon became defiled </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">again because the problem of sin was beyond
the physical.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sin stems from the heart of mankind.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The solution needed had to be something
more than a clean slate/new beginning/a new earth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Redeemed</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noah was a righteous, blameless man among
that generation, so he found favour with God. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His whole family was saved too as a result
of his righteousness.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is still pursuing sinners, because He
wants to redeem them. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We /humanity do not have the power to
master sin ourselves because of our fallen nature.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Restored</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God remembered Noah, his family and the
animals, so He restored the earth again.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The water receded and life blossomed again</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Restoration was progressive.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is evident in the account of the dove
that had to be released out of the Ark three times</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before it found a place to set foot . It
twice returned to the earth. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is still pursuing the broken and
distressed in spirit, because He wants to restore them/you.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are unable to heal/restore our own
brokenness too because of our finite/limited power.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Renewed</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noah was renewed/revived when God blessed
him and his sons to multiply.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They literally started from scratch again
because they were the only human beings alive on the earth. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is still pursuing those who are weary
and tired of spirit because He wants to revive/renew them/you.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Humanity do not have the ability to rise
back on our feet again in our own strength.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our own strength is short-lived</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Only
the Lord can strengthen, renew and revive! </span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah 54:7-10</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The same scenario is repeating itself all
over again.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sin and lawlessness is the order of our
day.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is stopping God from destroying this
earth again?</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would HE even find people who are righteous
and blameless as in the day of Noah? </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it any wonder that Jesus asked whether
He would still find faith on the earth on His return?</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a brief moment God abandoned the earth
and it was destroyed through the floods, but God relented.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HE Had compassion on His creation.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He remem<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>bered that we
are dust</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His covenant of peace and unconditional
love through our Redeemer, Jesus, prohibits Him.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly, the Lord swore by Himself that He
would never do it again.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> He
is not the son of man to lie to us .He will keep His Word.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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