Words of Life|Pastor Balan Swaminathan|HIPM: Recent Episodes
Balan Swaminathan
House of Intercessory Prayer Ministries (HIPM) is a multinational church in Halifax, NS Canada. We believe sound teaching of the Word of God is the true source of power that operates through Holy Spirit in our lives. Tune to "Words of Life" to listen to the uplifting, inspirational, encouraging, empowering and life-changing Word of God.
1). Sometimes God asks you to leave what is familiar so He can lead you into something better.
2). Every sacrifice made for God's Kingdom becomes a seed that God remembers and rewards in His perfect time.
3). The God who preserved you through the difficult seasons is the same God who will restore what was lost. ----more----
4). When God restores, He doesn't just replace what was lost—He often gives back more than you ever imagined.
5). Your past may explain your story, but it does not determine your future—God's restoration does.
1). Am I only asking God for more, or am I faithfully, patiently, and willingly allowing Him to prepare me for more?
2). Explosive growth begins when faith takes the first step, even before the path is fully visible.----more----
3). Don't live only for yourself, your family, or your future. Live to play a significant role in someone else's story.
4). The highest purpose of explosive growth is not to make our name known, but to make God's name glorified.
1). What is hidden beneath determines how well you stand above.
2). Deep roots give you strength to grow through difficult seasons.
3). Deep roots matter, but the soil matters too — because what feeds you shapes you. ----more----
4). You cannot grow strong in unhealthy soil; grow where God nourishes you.
5).When you are planted where God wants you to grow, your life becomes stable, fruitful, and strong.
- God's deepest work often happens where your eyes cannot see it.
- Your greatest breakthrough is often built on your smallest acts of daily faithfulness. ----more----
- Just because one area of your life has stopped growing doesn't mean you should stop growing. Keep learning, improving, and preparing for what God has next.
- Your plateau may be God's runway for your next level.
1). Every new season of growth requires greater capacity. If you want to see greater growth in your life, you must first increase your capacity.
2). Growth doesn't stop because the process is slow; it stops because we quit too soon.----more----
3). Growth never stops because of a lack of resources; it stops when we lose the desire to grow.
4). Every season of greater fruitfulness begins with a season of pruning, because God wants you to become even more fruitful.
1) Growth often slows during difficult seasons, but it should never stop.
2) God often sends heat to deepen your roots before He sends growth above the surface.
3) The same heat that makes some people bitter can make others better. ----more----
4) You cannot control every circumstance, but you can control your response.
5) When life feels out of control, trust the God who controls everything.
1). Growth is not automatic—it must be cultivated.
2). What you feed today will shape who you become tomorrow.
3). The fruit you see today reveals what you've been feeding all along.----more----
4). You can hide your roots for a season, but eventually your fruit will tell the story.
5). God's goal is not merely self-improvement, but Christlikeness.
6). True spiritual growth is measured not by how much we know, but by how much we resemble Jesus.
1) Your words shape your mindset, direct your decisions, and create your future.
2) What you say becomes what you believe—and what you see.
3) Stop speaking problems, start declaring the change you want to see.----more----
4) Build your life with your words—speak growth, faith, and direction.
5) If you want a different tomorrow, start speaking it today.
1). The Holy Spirit confronts false identity and restores who we truly are in Christ.
2). The Holy Spirit interrupts empty religion and brings real spiritual transformation.----more----
3). The Holy Spirit restores peace, purpose, stability, and spiritual depth in a distracted generation.
4). The Holy Spirit turns ordinary people into bold carriers of influence and purpose.
1) God’s interruptions are often the beginning of His greater direction for your life.
2) What feels like a setback may actually be God repositioning you for purpose.
3) Some doors close because God is preparing to release you into something greater. ----more----
4) Interruptions refine your character before God reveals your calling.
5) When God changes your plans, trust that your future is still safe with God.
1) She yielded herself to God’s will even without fully understanding His plan.
2) She carried God’s work quietly with inward strength and a Spirit-led heart.----more----
3) She trusted God’s timing and allowed His purpose to unfold naturally.
4) She remained faithful through pain and stood with God’s purpose to the end.
- Shame traps you in hiding and distorts who you truly are.
- The past will bind you until you choose to release it.
- God’s grace restores everything shame tried to take from you. ----more----
- In Christ, shame is replaced with honor and a new identity.
- The moment you believe God’s truth, shame begins to lose its power.
- Do not harden your heart under pressure—let pressure refine your character, not harden your heart.
- Do not close your heart when people fail you—choose wisdom and forgiveness instead of bitterness and isolation. ----more----
- Do not weaken your hands in responsibility—stay faithful to what God has entrusted, even when you feel tired.
- Do not weaken your hands in spiritual life—remain consistent in prayer, Word, and devotion, regardless of how you feel.
1) You don’t have to move fast—you just have to keep moving.
2) You don’t need to know everything to start—more will be revealed as you move.
3) If you don’t see it yet, it means God is still working on it. ----more----
4) Heaven is active even when earth feels silent.
5) Weak steps are faith in motion; uncertain steps are obedience in action.
1) He Took Our Sin — We Stand Righteous, Fully Forgiven, and Free from Every Condemnation
2) He Took Our Shame — We Walk Accepted, Secure in His Love, and Restored in Our Identity
3) He Took Our Sickness—We Live Healed, Made Whole, and Renewed in Every Area of Life ----more----
4) He Took Our Separation — We Dwell in His Presence, Close to God, and Never Alone Again
5) The Cross: Our Brokenness, Burdens, and Bondage Exchanged for His Freedom, Fullness, and Life
- Following Jesus requires carrying the cross—it is a call to every believer, not an option.
- Carrying the cross begins with denying ourselves—choosing God’s will over our own desires and gain.
- The cross involves sacrifice, obedience, and losing what is temporary to gain what is truly worthwhile. ----more----
- Carrying the cross leads to purpose and glory—a comforting truth, especially for those who are losing life’s battles.
- Eternity is a free gift through Christ, but following Him requires carrying the cross—the path to the eternal reward.
- When pressure rises, love seeks strength in prayer rather than reacting in fear.
- True obedience sometimes requires standing faithful even when you are left alone.
- The greatest spiritual battles are often won in private moments before God. ----more----
- Love acknowledges the cost but still chooses the path of obedience.
- Victory begins when our will is surrendered to the Father’s will.
- The Cross was written into history long before it pierced His hands.
- Jesus spoke about it openly—He knew the suffering ahead.
- He felt its weight in His soul before He carried its wood on His shoulders. ----more----
- He walked toward betrayal, rejection, and pain — being fully aware of the cost.
- The cross was not an accident—it was love expressed through silent suffering.
- Not one step back — When life gets harder, we refuse to move away from God or our convictions.
- Protect what God has given you—We carefully guard our peace, faith, and calling.
- Don’t give the enemy access—We stop compromise early and refuse to let negativity grow. ----more----
- Stand strong under pressure—Even when it’s difficult, we choose to remain faithful.
- Stay steady until victory comes — We hold our position and trust God to help us gain ground.
- Dreams may fade in waiting, but delay does not cancel God’s promise.
- What looks finished to us is often where God begins His work.
- God restores the dreamer before He fulfills the dream. ----more----
- God specializes in places where dreams seem expired and hope is completely lost.
- Expired dreams in God’s hands are restored with greater purpose.
- Running on reserve is a warning sign, not a normal way to live, because emptiness may keep you moving for a while, but it will eventually break you.
- Ignoring exhaustion increases the danger, because what we refuse to acknowledge, we cannot heal.
- Reserve seasons must be handled with honesty and rest, because God restores those who admit they are tired. ----more----
- Refill comes from returning to the right source, because strength is received from God before it is expressed in life.
- Restoration prepares you to finish the journey, because God refuels you not just to survive, but to reach your destination.
- Loneliness can exist even when life looks complete on the outside.
- God sees the loneliness we try to hide behind a smile.
- Silence does not mean God is absent—He is present in the quiet places. ----more----
- Loneliness loses power when we break the silence in safe ways.
- Healing grows through honest connection with God and trusted people.
- Trouble can come from unexpected sources, but it doesn’t have to stop you.
- Not every problem is your fault, so don’t live in guilt or confusion.
- Don’t panic—shake it off and refuse to carry what was sent to harm you. ----more----
- Stay focused on purpose, because distractions are designed to derail destiny.
- God will turn it into a testimony, and what tried to break you will bless you.
- Don’t Be Shocked — because early battles are part of God’s process, not proof of His absence.
- Don’t React Emotionally, because panic weakens authority, but faith preserves it.
- Seek God First—because direction must come before action. ----more----
- Stand in God’s Word — because truth anchors us when everything else shakes.
- Move When God Says Move — because obedience activates victory.
- Put God First in Every Plan—surrender decisions and ask God before acting.
- Trust God More Than Your Own Understanding—rely on His Word, not just your ideas.
- Choose Wisdom Over Speed—slow down, pray, and think before you move. ----more----
- Guard Your Heart Carefully—protect what you allow into your thoughts and emotions.
- Begin With Dependence, Not Self-Confidence—start every day needing God, not relying only on yourself.
- Christmas is not a season of sentiment; it is a military invasion of light into darkness.
- The cross transformed Satan’s apparent victory into God’s ultimate triumph.
- Today, we don't need to fight for victory; we fight from victory----more----
- We don't fight for victory; we stand in victory.
- We don't fight for victory; we enforce a victory already won.
- The enemy may plot, but God’s promise over your life will still prevail.
- Heaven intervenes at the right time, protecting you before darkness strikes.
- No opposition can cancel the prophetic destiny God has spoken over you. ----more----
- Every plan of darkness eventually collapses under God’s sovereignty.
- Christ’s birth declares God’s victory—no weapon formed against you can stand.
- God declared war on evil and promised the crushing of the serpent’s head.
- Satan attempted repeatedly to stop the promised Seed but failed every time.
- The birth of Jesus marked heaven’s first strike against darkness. ----more----
- The cross and resurrection delivered the final crushing blow to the enemy.
- Because Christ has crushed the serpent’s head, we now walk in His victory and authority.
- Fear enters silently and becomes a chain that limits your faith, confidence, and spiritual freedom.
- Bondage begins the moment fear becomes your decision maker instead of faith.
- These chains of bondage are invisible wrapping around your mind, emotions, and identity. ----more----
- Recognizing your hidden chains is not a sign of weakness—it is the first step toward freedom.
- Every fear must bow and every chain must break before the one who was born to set us free.
- Deception begins with subtle lies that question and twist God’s truth.
- The enemy targets our mind and influences our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. ----more----
- Jesus’ light, the true light, reveals truth and drives out darkness.
- Hold on to God’s Word and stay anchored in His truth.
- Because when truth is attacked, identity, direction, and destiny are attacked with it.
- There is no true deliverance apart from Jesus—He alone breaks the power of sin, Satan, and spiritual darkness.
- Darkness rules where light is absent, producing blindness, deception, and bondage. ----more----
- The light of Christ exposes, expels, and ends every hidden work of darkness.
- His light destroys confusion, removes deception, and releases spiritual freedom.
- After hosting the Ark of God in his house, serving as a gatekeeper, and ministering before the ark, Obed-Edom was appointed as a musician and worship leader when the Ark was finally brought to Jerusalem. ----more----
- The spiritual blessing didn’t stop with him. It flowed through his entire family line. His sons and grandsons were strong and capable of serving God.
- One Touch Can Shift Your Season — God’s hand moves you from delay to destiny.
- One Touch Can Restore What Life Has Drained — His presence renews strength, peace, and purpose.
----more----3. One Touch Can Set You on Fire for God — His Spirit ignites passion and power within.
4.One Touch Changes Everything — When heaven touches earth, transformation begins.
1.Giving is not about amount, but about obeying God with what already belongs to Him.
2.Praise turns your heart from what’s missing to the God who’s faithful.
----more----3.God uses not the most talented, but the most available.
4.Your gifts were never meant to be stored - they were meant to serve.
5.The greatest gift you can give God is yourself
- Recognize what you carry, God’s power is already within you, believe it and walk in it.
- Release what you have, use what’s in your hands; even small acts can make a big impact.
----more----3. Rejoice in what God can do, celebrate how God moves when you obey and trust Him. - Bring God’s Deliverance through hope and healing into the old, dusty, rusty and broken lives around you.
- Ignoring pain won’t make it go away; healing begins when we speak, listen, and care.
- God calls us to walk with the broken, not avoid them. The Church is for healing, not perfection.----more----
- Every kind word and prayer plants hope—be the reminder that God still cares.
- Seeking professional help isn’t weak faith but wisdom. God heals through prayer and people.
- Change starts with caring hearts, not programs. You may not fix all things, but compassion opens doors to healing.
- Truth doesn’t follow trends—it lasts forever, even when culture keeps changing.
- Truth is stronger than opinions, because people’s voices change, but God’s truth brings real life.----more----
- Truth calms our emotions, because feelings come and go, but God’s truth gives lasting peace.
- Truth uncovers the fake, because lies may look real, but God’s Word shows what’s true.
- Truth makes us free, because only Jesus can break lies and give us a new life.
I believe through all this buzz about Rapture predictions…
1. God is calling His church to a season of return, repentance, and fresh beginnings.
2. God reminds us that He is sovereign over the earth and over our lives.----more----
3. God urges us to prepare ourselves daily for the coming of the Lord.
4. God doesn’t want us to be ignorant of the times we live in, but wise and watchful.
5. God warns us not to be distracted by predictions of dates and times, which are unbiblical—our focus must remain on living ready.
- Be Equipped with the Word – God’s Word is our foundation, our weapon, and our guide. Without it, we are unprepared for life’s battles.
- Be Empowered by the Spirit – Our strength is not in ourselves but in the Holy Spirit, who fills us with boldness, wisdom, and power to live and serve effectively.----more----
- Serve with Passion – Passion is the fire that sustains our service. When we serve wholeheartedly for the Lord, others are inspired, and God is glorified.
- When the Word fuels us, the Spirit fills us, and passion fires us, we are transformed from ordinary believers into extraordinary disciples ready to impact the world for Christ.
-Renew your mind and see life through God’s possibilities, not man’s limitations.
-Break free from complacency and choose a life of passion, excellence, and purpose for God.----more----
-Be brave enough to believe beyond what you see and step into bold, miracle-producing faith.
-Obey God’s call and move forward into the life of abundance and breakthrough He has prepared.
-When you reject ordinary, you make room for His power to flow through you.
-Signposts of God’s Word and Holy Spirit guide us toward our destination, but we must pay attention.
-God’s signposts warn us of danger ahead, and we must take caution to protect ourselves.----more----
-Wrong choices can lead us away from our destiny; God calls us to watch for signposts to further our journey.
-God places signposts in our lives—through His Word, Spirit, Circumstances, People and Struggles - to prepare us for what is ahead.
-We remain pure because our King is holy, worthy, and His beauty calls us closer.
-Leave behind the old, for purity requires separation from what holds us back.----more----
-True beauty is found in inner holiness, clothing ourselves with Christ’s righteousness.
-Our faithfulness in purity impacts generations—our testimony continues to live.
-Be ready for the Wedding Day—stay pure, stay radiant, for the Bridegroom is coming soon.
-Even great men and women of faith have moments of weakness and doubt.
-God sees the overall direction of our lives, not just the immediate moments.----more----
-True growth often happens in the space between our failures.
-God’s faithfulness remains steadfast, even when our faith falters.
-Real faith is demonstrated by rising again after we stumble.
Every season is God’s way of growing you.
-Ploughing: God must break the hard ground of our hearts before new growth can begin. ----more----
-Watering: Only His presence and Word can keep our spirit alive and flourishing.
-Enriching: Feed your soul with truth, prayer, and fellowship to deepen your roots.
-Eliminating: Let go of sins, distractions, and toxic influences that choke your growth.
-Waiting: Trust God’s timing—He works even when you can’t see it.
-Your kindness and compassion are God-given strengths that bring His favor.
-Acts of mercy attract divine blessings—protection, healing, and provision. ----more----
-Betrayal can come from close relationships, even those you've helped and trusted.
-When people fail or pretend to care, God remains faithful and truly cares.
-Your ability to stand through it all is the evidence of God’s sustaining care.
-In hard times, urgently seek God's presence and deeply desire to have Him closer.
-Guarding our words and desires is essential to staying spiritually and relationally healthy. ----more----
-Accepting correction from godly people is an important step toward spiritual growth and maturity.
-Trusting God’s protection gives us strength to face hard times with hope and confidence.
-More than anything else, what you need in your current situation is inner healing.
-God Repurposes us through pain and waiting for a Greater Purpose.
-What God sees in us is often very different from what we see in ourselves. ----more----
-Pain prepares us to carry more and waiting teaches us to care, protect and lead.
-Our past, pain, and waiting are not wasted—they prepare us to be repurposed.
-When God repurposes us, it’s no longer just about us—it’s about helping others.
-His greater purpose is bigger than us and often beyond our comfort—it’s about impacting His kingdom.
-Faith is believing when nothing made sense.
-Action is taking the first step even when afraid. ----more----
-Endurance is keeping on when the going gets harder.
-God doesn't want us to waste time. Find the door in the wall, walk through it by faith, and press forward with endurance—even when you face obstacles.
What else you need, God has been speaking to you, what sign you are waiting for? Step out in Faith!
-From the starting line to the finish His grace runs along with us.
-Grace isn’t for the perfect—it’s for the willing. ----more----
-Grace meets us in our weakness, carries us when you're tired, and keeps us going when you feel like quitting.
-And one day, that same grace will carry us all the way home—to be with Him forever.
-Faith follows God's call or the desire God has put inside of you, even if all the details are not known yet.
-Faith doesn’t require us to know all the truths, but it requires us to act based on the known truth.----more----
-Faith doesn't stay silent in desperation—it calls out in hope.
-God doesn’t require perfect faith, but a sincere faith that waits expectantly to receive miracles.
-Your burdens from the past you can’t rewrite, the future you can’t control, and others’ choices and decisions you can’t influence.
-Some burdens are heavy not because of their weight, but because you're carrying them alone. Jesus is inviting you to partner with Him.----more----
-Learning from Jesus results in rest, as we now know His plans for our lives and learn to depend on God without carrying our burdens alone.
-The exchange happens when we are willing to trade our burdens for a lighter one—because He already carried it all at the cross.
-Your call as a father is not only to your own children, but also to serve those who are fatherless.
-God doesn’t want us to be absent fathers; He wants us to be present and available for our children.----more----
-God doesn’t want us to be distant fathers; He desires us to be both physically present and emotionally connected.
-God doesn’t want us to be passive fathers; He calls us to take spiritual leadership and lead many to Christ.
-We can’t move forward to Canaan if our minds are still stuck in Egypt.
-Many people choose familiar bondage over unfamiliar freedom.----more----
-Even after being set free, fear and discomfort can tempt us to return to bondage.
-The stronghold of Egypt in our hearts must be brought down.
-God often strips away our old desires to teach us contentment—so we can walk the path that leads to heaven.
-Trust is knowing who our God is and simply putting our confidence, hope and reliance in God's character, promises and His timings.
-Trust isn’t proven when things are easy, Trust is proven when life hurts. ----more----
-It's ok to live in pain and trust God at the same time
-Trust started walking in obedience, even when understanding is standing and waiting.
-Certain blessings won't come until you show obedience—even knowing the end will hurt—because trust precedes provision.
What must we do to be delivered?
-Refuse to Accept Bondage as Normal
-Discern the Spiritual Roots Behind the Bondage ----more----
-Recognize the True Source of Your Bondage
-Never Allow Your Vision to Grow Dim from Looking Ahead.
-Position Yourself Where Jesus Is Moving
-Be Willing to Step Forward When He Calls
-Let Jesus Touch the Broken Places
-Believe His Word Over Your Condition.
-Being anxious is not abnormal or unspiritual - it’s a reality even seen in Scripture.
-God’s comfort is personal and deep; though we may be struck down, we are not destroyed.----more----
-Joy in the midst of pain is possible - only through God’s presence and power.
-Mothers are not ordinary people; they are unseen warriors who stand behind the scenes, defending their families from the enemy's attacks.
-God calls mothers to be warriors on their knees, engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer for their children and family. ----more----
-When a mother prays, heaven responds - God builds a shield of protection around her family and pushes back the forces of darkness.
-Hope didn’t die at the cross—it was buried, silenced, and then walked out of the tomb alive.
-Because Hope didn’t stay in the grave, but walked out, we don’t have to stay in our guilt and fear. ----more----
-Even in the most hopeless situations, Hope is alive—because Hope is immortal and eternal.
-As Hope walked out of the tomb, our lives will not end in the grave—we too will rise and walk into eternity.
-The New Jerusalem is huge and perfectly shaped—showing how powerful and organized God is in preparing a place for His people.
-With gates made of pearl, streets of gold, and shining jewel foundations, the city shows God’s glory and how special His home is. ----more----
-There’s no need for the sun—Jesus lights up the city! The Tree of Life and River of Life show that everything we need comes from Him.
-The city is for those who believe in Jesus and live for Him. It’s a holy place made for God’s children.
-Sadly, not everyone will enter. Those who reject Jesus won’t be allowed in—but the good news is, everyone is invited if they turn to Him.
-God will not completely annihilate the current earth and heaven; instead, He will purify and renew them, removing everything that defiled His creation.
-If the world corrupted by Satan had to be completely destroyed, he might have claimed victory — but God denied him victory. Instead, God will redeem and renew it. ----more----
-God is capable of making the new heaven and new earth appropriate for the habitation of the heavenly bodies.
-God will unite Heaven and Earth into one perfect kingdom, ruled by Christ Jesus as King over all.
-We don’t have to wake up each day in despair or feeling unwanted — we are destined to spend eternity with the Lord, forever and ever.
-Can we set our hearts on heaven more deeply than we long for the things of this world?
-Our status, religion, or profession won’t matter
-all must face God’s judgment.
-Believers before Judgment Seat of Christ, and unbelievers before the Great White Throne.----more----
-Religious rituals, good works, or self-righteousness won’t help us escape judgment. Jesus said those who believe in Him have eternal life (John 5:24).
-Only those who place their trust in Jesus Christ will escape judgment. If we are in Christ, we are not condemned (Romans 8:1).
-Let’s live faithfully so that our names remain in the Book of Life.
-The Millennium is a time of peace and comfort for the believers.
-The Millennium is a time of joy, where believers will reign with Christ.
-The Millennium is a time of reward according to our faithfulness in the current life.----more----
-The Millennium is a time of restoration, where creation will be free from the curse of sin.
-The Millennium serves as a transition from this mortal life to eternal life, preparing believers to reign with Christ forever.
-On one end, we see the wicked being punished; on the other end, Christ rewarding His people.
-For the ungodly, His return brings great terror, whereas for God's people, it is a time of hope and joy.
-So, how should we live now? Should we live in fear and hopelessness? No.----more----
-Should we walk with our heads down as if we are losing? No.
-Luke the author of the Gospel of Luke is asking us to look up and lift up our heads, because our victory is near.
-Luke 21:28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
-Satan's aggression reveals his final attempt to dethrone God and establish his own kingdom.
-But God will aggressively overthrow earthly kingdoms, wipe out corruption, and destroy darkness to establish His righteous rule.----more----
-No wonder today, the Devil fights us with such a fury knowing his time is short.
-Knowing Satan’s power, we must resist him from touching our lives by God's Word and by Jesus' blood through fasting and prayer.
-Victory is ours because Satan’s power was stripped away at the cross.
Because the day is unknown, we must live in a state of preparedness.
We should live holy and godly lives,
-eagerly waiting and watching for that day----more----
-praying and meditating the Word of God
-patiently waiting until it arrives
-prayerfully be concerned for those who are around us, but not ready for that day yet.
- As Jesus' return is imminent, we don't know the time of His coming, so we must be prepared.
- As Rapture happens in a twinkling of an eye, we will not have time to prepare when He comes.----more----
- What lawless deeds do we need to confess to Him?
- What is the one change you will commit yourself to make in order to prepare yourself for His coming?
-God is not clueless; He has already planned a destination for His creation.
-Even though things appear to be out of control today, God is in perfect control of what He is doing.----more----
-You may feel defeated today, but victory is assured in Christ.
-Hopelessness may abound everywhere, but for God’s children, eternal hope is secure.
-Scripture declares, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
-God wants us to get serious about our walk with the Lord.
-We must have a strong conviction on the prophecies that all must come to pass.
-We must keep ourselves prepared to meet the Lord at any moment.
-The day is coming that no one can work, but now we must do the work of the Lord.
-We are not here to predict the End of the World, we are trying to know the World of the End so that we can better prepare ourselves.
-We don't feel like doing what we want to do, because this world is harder to live in than ever been, since we have been here.----more----
-That means we got to become tougher each day, we must have endurance and determination. -I am not going to allow these things to let me down.
-I am going to do the next thing that God wants me to do.
-When we do that we find a kind of joy and excitement.
-We develop such endurance and faithfulness as we go through toughness of life.
-We must not pray that circumstances would become better so life will be easier, but we must pray that God might use the circumstances to make us better.
-Are you Surrounded by Enemies (Attacks & Opposition)?
-Always remember you are Surrounded by God's Presence & Power (Protection & Victory)
-Never stop being Surrounded by Worship (The key to breakthrough)
This is what God is telling you today: "Even when it seems like nothing is happening, we wait on God, trusting the process, knowing He is working behind the scenes."
Your pain has a purpose—God is working behind the scenes.
-When we surrender our brokenness, God uses it to bring freedom, healing, and restoration to many.
-God can transform the darkest seasons of our lives into testimonies of His power.
-Your brokenness has an extraordinary purpose.
-Every delay matters for God.
-Your faithfulness and hard work never g----more----o unnoticed and unrewarded.
-You never know what God is working on behind the scenes to bring about something beyond what you have ever imagined.
-Broken in her marriage, but beautiful in the hands of God to bring about something beautiful and marvelous.
-Hagar’s story reminds us that even when your closed ones reject you, God never does.
-His compassion reached to the unseen, unloved and forgotten.
-Mary Magdalene’s story reminds us that no attack—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical—is greater than God’s power to heal and restore.
-Our past doesn't define us - Once she was demon possessed, now she is a witness for Christ's resurrection.
-"You are stigmatized by the devil as he gained influence in your life, shattering everything you once built. Today, you may feel broken, but remember, you are broken, but beautiful."
-I don't know whether the woman caught in adultery was beautiful or not, but two things I know, 1. she was broken, 2. once her sins were forgiven she became beautiful on the inside.
-Today you question saying, why God I am going through this in my life, remember God is preparing you for a change that's coming in your life.
-When change comes, instead of questioning God, let’s embrace His process of transformation.----more----
-Change might seem uncomfortable at first, but it’s necessary for us to be prepared for what lies ahead.
-We must submit to His shaping, trusting that He knows what’s best for us. -Remember, we are in the Potters Wheel, that’s where change shapes us.
Summary:
-Whether we like it or not, change is going to come as change is inevitable.
-God has to work in our lives to make us better, so change is essential for our good.
-The question is, are we ready for change? Are we allowing God to shape us?
-We must embrace the process, because God has a beautiful plan for us.
Summary of the 10 lessons we learned:
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Make God your Priority
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Live this life for the life yet to come
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Teach your children to prioritize the life yet to come over this life we live today
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Do not save more than what you need, invest in heaven, your eternal home
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Learn the secret of being content in every situation.----more----
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Let what you hear, see and experience not shake your faith in God and never lose your joy in the Lord.
10 Lessens we learned:
1.Despite countless prophecies and predictions, was anyone able to predict the fire and save the people and structures? The answer is no.
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Your pride, arrogance, and status can crumble in just a matter of hours.
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You may have all the systems, support, and technology at your disposal, but when the moment of need arrives, they might fail to help.
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In the end, all your accumulated wealth is nothing more than ashes.
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In moments of true need, no one can help anyone—not even the most trusted sources.
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You manage businesses, corporations, and institutions well, yet now find yourself without answers to your children's questions.
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You trusted that God would protect you and all that belongs to you, yet now you have lost everything.
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What happened to those who don't believe in God has now happened to you, who do believe.
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Isn't this a foreshadowing of the apocalypse that is coming soon?
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Does hearing, seeing, or experiencing such tragedies shake your faith in God, or does it make it stronger?
This year, we are going to lean on God for everything. That's why we say,
-I choose to be grateful in everything because gratitude shifts my focus from my own resources to God's limitless economy, and reminds me to trust Him for all my needs.----more----
-I choose to worship God because worship shifts my focus from my frailty to His greatness. It frees me from worrying about my limitations and aligns my desires with what is eternal, reminding me that we are called to worship forever.
-I choose to trust in God's faithfulness because my own nature is inconsistent and uncertain. While relying on myself leads to frustration, placing my trust in God brings peace, for He is unchanging and unwavering.
As we enter into the New Year 2025, we rejoice as,
- We've Hope because our God is an Unchanging God.----more----
- We've Hope because our God Has a Plan.
- We've Hope because We Belong to an Eternal Kingdom.
It is worth looking at the Road Behind and
- Be thankful to God for what He had done in the past.
- Learn lessons that will help us to do things better in the next year.----more----
- Set stones of remembrance or spiritual markers that are reminders of God's goodness, and motivate us to do better in the coming year
- Let go of what we cannot carry forward, what is of no use, what affects our health, our progress, our relationship, etc.
How do we respond to the Hope we have in Christ?
- By seeking, offering our gifts and worshiping Him.----more----
- By seeking and sharing the message of hope.
- By patiently waiting and building our lives for the eternal hope to appear.
Jesus was Born to Restore:
-Restoration was promised
-Restoration was fulfilled through Lord Jesus----more----
-Restoration costed His own life
-God is going to restore everything back to it's original order and position at His coming.
-Jesus was born to heal relationships by building bridges through His birth.
-Jesus was born to heal our brokenness by promising us to be our Immanuel, God with us.----more----
-Jesus was born to heal our sickness as he has compassion over us and authority over our sicknesses.
-Jesus was born to heal us forever as His birth promises us eternal life, that means healing forever.
-Jesus was born to break the barriers that stand between us and God and discriminate people.
-Jesus was born to break the strongholds that affect our mind and control our entire life.----more----
-Jesus was born to break the traditions that are just outward rituals not inward transformation.
-Jesus was born to break the chains of habits, situations, and mindsets.
- "Born to Die" calls us to realize, while the celebration is going on, we will not fail to realize the true Purpose of His coming.
- "Born to Die", helps us to realize that there was a heavy price that was paid to redeem us from our sins.----more----
- "Born to Die" tells us that the Birth and the Death of Lord Jesus was not an accident, it was planned even before the foundation of the world and foretold by prophets.
- "Born to Die" reminds us that the eternal life promised to us is the result of the exchange took place at the cross.
"Everything seems hopeless until you step out in faith and give the final push. Breakthrough comes when you refuse to give up. So never turn back - press on and give that final push."----more----
- Everything seems hopeless until you step out in faith and give the final push.
- You may not have the required faith, but just obey and take a step of faith.
- Final push is a breakthrough moment in your life, it is a turning point.
- Even though God has already planned your next season, the final push is required to take you into your next season
God wants to transition you into a new season even though you say Enough is Enough
-God’s Timing is Different from Ours----more----
-Our Limitations Don’t Limit God’s Purpose
-A New Season Requires New Strength
Our Enough is not God's Enough
- Today church is alive if we stay alive.
- The church will be vibrant if we’re vibrant.----more----
- The church will be spirit-filled if we’re spirit-filled.
- And if we aren’t, it won’t be.
- Are we relying on past victories or experiencing victories everyday?
- If we don't grow, try to maintain what we have, our life and the church will become a monument.
- If we are spiritually cold, we will not even realize when the Spirit left us and we may be dead already.
-These Invisible Walls tell us, How God’s Hand Protects Behind the Scenes.
-These Unseen Defenses promise, How God Protects Us Through the Little Things.----more----
-Today you and I can find safety in the arms of Jesus as He is our protector.
-He sends His angels, He puts a fence around us, He sends horses and chariots of fire, when the blood is applied, stands in the middle as pillar of cloud and fire and promises safety in the midst of storms of life
Which Road you are traveling in? Are you travelling in one of the Roads Less Traveled?
- Are you a High Achiever?
- Are you a Humble Servant?
- Are you Tested and Proved?----more----
Summary of the sermon:
- God is calling you and me to make a difference in this world.
- Majority are going through the boarder way that leads to destruction.
- Only few are willing to Travel the Road Less Travelled.
- The road less traveled is hard, but it leads to God’s best.
- Are you a high achiever?
- Are you a humble servant?
- Are you tested & proved through troubles of life?
- Are you willing to choose obedience over convenience, faith over fear, and purpose over comfort?
- You may feel burned out, isolated or misunderstood by others, remember you are travelling the Road Less Traveled.
- Stepping into God's timing is important as we don't know God's timing and we can't expect God to function according to our timeline.
- Missing God's timing can cause additional delay
- Missing God's timing can result in a huge loss----more----
- To step into God's timing, we must sync ourselves with God
- To step into God's timing, we must look for signs
- We must be patient in the process of stepping into God's timing
- We must trust in God as we step into God's timing
- Aligning ourselves to God's timing is essential as God knows the best for His children.
The "Power of Small" reminds us that God can take our smallest steps, small contributions, and moments of faith, and turn them into something far beyond what we could imagine.----more----
- What you consider as small has greater value in the kingdom of God.
- Your faith may be weak, but all that we need is s mustard seed of faith.
- Your beginning may be small, but take the first step of faith.
- Look for the handful of cloud, it has potential to bring down a heavy rain.
Reconciliation is also a Biblical term where we see God has reconciled with human beings through Jesus Christ. We are all called to reconcile with one another. Reconciliation involves the following stages:----more----
1 .Betrayal - necessitates reconciliation
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Truth Revealing - initiates reconciliation
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Acknowledgement - Makes reconciliation possible
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Forgiveness - Essential for reconciliation
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Restoration - Celebrates freedom
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Transformation - Fulfilment of a greater purpose
Following questions help us to reconcile with others.
- Are we willing to be reconciled?
- Are you betrayed?
- Are you able to speak the truth?
- Are you able to acknowledge you mistakes?
- Are you able to forgive?
- Can you try to restore your relationship?
- If the dame is already made, can you emotionally reconcile?
- Are you able to reconcile for a higher purpose of your life?
Waiting is always difficult. Waiting takes away your time, your comfort, it tests your patience, it arouses your emotions, at times even ager and frustrations are expressed.
- Waiting is difficult, But God wants you to rest while waiting.----more----
- God wants you to make the best use of your waiting
- It's true that you become restless and impatient, but God wants you to wait patiently
- While waiting build your anticipation
- God wants you to wait expectantly as He is going to take you to the next level.
Psalm 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
Identify something good in you then act on it. Those who live in the "Power of Now" are the ones who truly recognize the good within themselves and choose to act on it. When Jesus fed the 5000 plus, the "generosity" of the boy who gave the five loaves of bread and two fish made him to live in the Power of Now. ----more----The good Samaritan could live in the Power of Now, only because he had "compassion" over the one who was left half dead and decided to do something about him.
- Identify something good in you and choose to act on it to live in the Power of now.
- Don't wait for your situation to become better, live in the Power of now,
- Don't miss any opportunity to live in the Power of now.
- Live in humility and servanthood to live in the Power of now.
- Freedom of letting go comes by releasing our burdens to the one who can carry it for us.
- Freedom of Letting go comes by obtaining forgiveness that brings healing and forgiving others and ourselves----more----
- Freedom of letting go comes by letting go our plans and trusting in God's plan.
- Freedom of letting Go can be experienced only when we are willing to let go our past and get ready to embrace the new possibilities God brings on our way.
In order to live beyond yesterday, we must Leave behind the baggage of the past, face the challenges of the present and prepare to face the future. In other words, we must "Overcome the Past, Conquer the Present, and Prepare for the Future"----more----
- What are those heavy baggage of the past you still carry?
- Do you live your present? - Are you happy?
- Do you enjoy life? Do you have the satisfaction of living?
- Do you prepare yourself for the future?
Psalm 40:2-3 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.----more----
- Are you willing to be in a better place than what you are in today?
- Are you willing for a lifelong learning and developing to become a better person?
- Are you willing to surrender to God's will and be available for Him to do better things in life?
Studying the paradoxical nature of God reveals deeper truths about God and His character. Not only that, it also answers some of the unanswered questions of life. God is Sovereign, but the nature of God at times can appear paradoxical or contradictory to human understanding.----more----
- He is a God who gives and takes away
- God opens one door and shuts another
- He puts down one, and exalts another
Observing Sabbath (coming to church on Sunday) is important, if we violate, there is a penalty (Numbers 15:32-36).
We are all controlled by unclean spirits, we need deliverance----more----
Spirit of disobedience and spirit of rebellion has to leave us
We must receive the power of God, get delivered and use the authority God has given to deliver others.
What or Who can be the "Root of all Blessings? James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Three different truths that will help us to get the blessings we are looking for:----more----
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God knows what we need, but we must know He is the root of all Blessings
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God knows what we need, but we must never underestimate the power of asking.
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God knows what we need, but we must never underestimate the power of praise.
Accountability is the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and their consequences.
- Being accountable to self is not doing anything that contradicts what we believe is right.----more----
- Being accountable to others is essential as our existence affects those who are around us
- Allowing others to hold us accountable helps for our growth
- Being accountable to God reminds us that God is the ultimate authority and we are expected to fulfill His mission
Positive vulnerability is the willingness to be open and authentic by acknowledging one’s reality, faults, flaws, and failures, and showing emotional self-acceptance. It also means allowing oneself to be emotionally exposed with trusted individuals and with others when necessary. This fosters deeper connections, builds trust, and promotes personal growth.----more----
- We don't need to hide our fear & frustrations inside, we can be vulnerable opening it up with God, trusted individuals and even with other, as needed.
- If we think we can handle it ourselves, God stops interfering and we lose the divine care that's needed.
- If we don't become vulnerable to glorify God through our testimonies, we lose our future blessings.
- Being vulnerable is essential in marriage as it creates closer, deeper, and more authentic bond among partners.
- Each couple must create a safe space where one can become vulnerable and openly share.
Your stability depends on
- Your foundation - your believes, your connection with God and your personal growth that's not seen outside.
- The soil where you are planted - the people around you, the growth opportunities and your spiritual temperature----more----
- The wind exposure - the problems of life that strengthen you, the troubles of life that knock you down and the whirlwind that uproots you and repositions you
Responsibility is the obligation to perform tasks reliably and ethically, being accountable for one's actions and decisions.
- We must diligently perform our duties to fulfill our responsibilities.----more----
- To handle higher responsibilities effectively, we must continually grow and develop ourselves.
- Additionally, it is essential to operate within the boundaries of our responsibilities, authority, and calling.
Adaptability is an ability or willingness to adjust or change in response to new conditions or environments. Ruth's willingness to embrace change, navigate new environments, and persevere through difficult circumstances demonstrates the importance of adaptability in achieving a purposeful and blessed life.----more---- Ruth's life is an example of Adaptability and Resilience in the face of life's changing situations.
- Ruth's adaptability to a new culture, new religion and new community.
- Ruth's adaptability to life's changing circumstances in a foreign country.
- Ruth's adaptability into a new family, a perfect plan of God
Couple of questions to ask ourselves to see if we are teachable:
- Is our heart soft enough to absorb teachings or hard to reject?
- Is our heart like a good ground that facilitated growth?----more----
- Do we have the teachable spirit Caleb and Joshua possessed?
- Are we hungry for learning and growing?
- Are we humble enough to say, I don't know many things, I want to learn?
4 C's of a Complete Father - Care, Correction, Choice & Communication. C1- Care - A complete father shows deep care and empathy towards his children. C2-Correction - A complete father uses correction as a tool for teaching, helping children learn from their mistakes and grow into responsible & respectful individuals.----more---- C3-Choice - A complete father provides opportunities for his children to make choices and take decisions. C4-Communication - A complete Father actively engages in open and honest communication.
God wants us to live daily in God's Word. There are spiritual and material blessings Word of God brings forth in our lives because Word of God is Soul refreshing, Humbling, Joy giving, Enlightening, Enduring and Reassuring.
Three Truths that we learned form Psalm 139:5
- Truth #1 Nothing just happens - in the life of a child of God, everything happens for a reason
- Truth #2 Never miss God's Timing - when He hedges you, lays His hand upon you, be watchful , it may be the timing of God----more----- Truth #3 You can never escape from God's plan - God is not done with you, he hasn't forgotten you, he hasn't found another person to do what He wanted to do with you.
Are you the lonely sparrow looking for a shelter and refuge?
Are you the pilgrim weeping over your current situation?
Are you the doorkeeper who wants to do something for God that this world may consider low?
----more----God is saying,
Psalm 84: 11-12 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Be joyful in your trials as you always grow through trials
When faith gets tested, it is not to destroy us, but to make us strong
We can never get ahead of God's timing, better learn to wait ----more----One thing we all must pray is for wisdom to deal with people
Doubt doesn't allow us to progress, never doubt God, never doubt your ability
Double-mindedness doesn't allow you to take decisions on your own, but easily swayed by others, God hates double-mindedness.
From the life of unnamed wife of Manoah (Samson's mom) we learn,
1. Your barrenness has something to do with the purpose of God.
2. She labored with her husband in the field
3. A woman who fosters a healthy relationship with her husband----more----4. Willing to be entrusted under Manoah's care
5. She got a divine insight or a greater revelation from God
Judges 13:2-5 2 Now there was a certain man from Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had no children. 3 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4 Now therefore, please be careful not to drink wine or similar drink, and not to eat anything unclean. 5 For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Acts 3:1-10 - A lame man healed at the temple gate.
- Miracle happened outside the temple when Peter spoke a word of faith
- Miracle was not experienced until Peter lifted him up----more---- - Our faith alone is not enough for a miracle to take place, faith must be put in action
- What action have you taken in those areas where you have been praying for a miracle?
- As people look to have fellowship, are we willing to accept those who are new among us?
Resurrection of Lord Jesus is an undeniable historical fact supported by multiple eye witnesses, historical documentations including both Biblical and extra-Biblical sources serving as a foundation of our Christian Faith.
We see four different voices of resurrection in Matthew 28----more----1. Announced (Voice of the Heaven)
2. Evidenced (Voice of the Witness)
3. Tricked (Voice of this World)
4. Commissioned (Voice of the Church)
Which voice do we allow to control us?
There is so much of negativity within you
There so much of negativity around you
At times voice of the world is so loud that you can't hear God
Voice of the devil is directing you to destroy your future
Which voice do you allow?
Today we need the anointing, gifts and the power of God.
- Anointing is needed to establish your authority and your call
- Gifts are needed to establish your credibility through signs and wonders and to serve others
- Power of God is needed to witness, protect and to take possession.
You are given your child in your hands to raise him, her as a Leader by
- Becoming a more effective leader and administrator through organization, time management, communication, self-discipline, and leading by example. ----more----- Following the God's created order
- Playing your role well - as a husband, father, wife and mother
- Praying, nurturing, training and shaping their behavior are parent's responsibilities
- Juggling your work, business, ministry, personal time, and spiritual life alongside quality time for your children.
We know God - through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, through the Person of Jesus, through the experiential knowledge. Do we have the required time to know God, are we available to know God, are we willing to know God, do we walk closer enough to know God?
A Disciple is someone who follows Jesus, being transformed or changed by Jesus and is committed to the Mission of Jesus. Derived from the scripture - Mark 1:17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” ----more----4 Ds of Discipleship: Desire - Discipline - Depend - Do
The questions that we must ask to ourselves are,
1. Are we the disciples who hunger for God?
2. Are we the disciples who are willing to be disciplined?
3. Are we the disciples who depend on Jesus and on the Holy Spirit?
4. Are we the disciples-making disciples?
Evangelism is the deliberate effort to share the good news of the Gospel, aiming to inspire faith in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross, His resurrection, and the promise of eternal life.
The message of the Gospel - Affection, Division & Connection ----more----Gospel doesn't change, but the way we present the Gospel must change.
Our Role is to bring in a cultural Shift , being Helpful , being Authentic , being Relational , being Emotional.
God's Role is to achieve Inception , Transformation & Salvation
We asked, Are we ready to serve? Looks like we are not,
- As we are waiting for a perfect time to start - we said perfectionism is an internal oppression, causing us to fear in us, we need to cancel the internal voices we hear and speak within us saying, "I must start serving now" ----more----- As we question our worthiness - serving begins where self ends, our uniqueness is what needed to serve
- As our ego prevents us from serving - by causing a fear that's not real - we must shatter our ego, release the imaginary fear and allow our minds to be transformed.
God wants us to serve like Jesus served - without neglecting anyone, including vulnerable in the society (children and elderly), participating in difficulties and meeting their physical and emotional needs.
God wants us to be rivers, not reservoirs.
Reservoir keeps water, but river gives out water
Water in a reservoir is stagnant, but river flows
Reservoir gets contaminated easily, but river is not----more----Reservoir is limited to its max. capacity, but river is limitless
Reservoir doubt it's source, but river trusts it's source for further flow
Reservoir has no ability to flow by itself, but no one can stop river's flow
- River is not a source, river is a channel or a conduit for water to flow through.
- Our lives are channels and conduits for God's blessings to flow through and reach others.
- The more a river gives, the more water flows through it, replenishing itself from its source.
- Giving is growing because it not only replenishes wealth but also fosters the growth of others.
- We give from our scarcity, insufficiency or shortness, but when the Lord gives it back, it will be in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
Our giving not only produces growth, it also transforms lives around us.
As three ingredients Heat, Oxygen and Fuel are required for fire to ignite and keep burning, Desperation, Faith and Burden are needed for prayer to ignite and burn. ----more----- In times of desperation, it's essential to increase our prayers.
- The anticipation of an answer to prayer reflects how much faith we have in God.
- We must learn to set aside our burdens and instead carry the burdens of God to deepen our prayer lives.
Four Stages of Praise & Worship:
PDSW: Praise, Devotion, Surrender and Worship.
- Praise & Worship is not and outward act, it is inside out.
- We cannot worship God with our mind, worship is a heart thing.
- We need to know to move from mind to heart as the worship progresses----more----- Climax of worship is the 3rd stage - Surrender.
- The worship leader who doesn't know these can be ineffective in leading worship.
- It's a must that the entire worship team must be in sync with one another including singers and musicians, possible only by prayer, preparation and mutual surrender
- One person in the worship team who is not prepared can prevent the flow of the Holy Spirit through these stages.
- Once the worship is over, the hearts are softened and prepared to receive the Word of God.
- Worship prepares the raw soil into a good ground where seeds of God's
- Word is sown that grows and multiplies
In today's modern world, church growth cannot be attained solely through prayer, preaching, witnessing, evangelizing, disciple making, applying management principles, implementing growth techniques, or incorporating modern innovation and media presence. ----more----True church growth necessitates the integration of all these elements.
- Some, like prayer, witnessing, and disciple making, are vital.
- Others, such as administration and management principles, are essential.
- Factors like space, infrastructure, and volunteering are important.
- While innovation and media presence may be optional, they can greatly enhance growth strategies.
When I wrote this song " Ways of Escape", and sung many times, I realized the fact that Even though the Victory is Already Won, we need to be vigilant, well aware and cautious to protect our lives and our dear ones. 1. Joseph did not end the marriage in order to protect what was entrusted with him. - Ending or staying is not the question, what are you doing to protect what God has given in your hands? ----more----2. Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem to protect the seed that was planted in her. - What are you doing to protect yourself as the enemy is looking for opportunity to destroy you and what is given in your life? 3. Joseph fled to Egypt in order to protect baby Jesus from Herod. - What step are you taking to escape the traps that you are already in?
The Message of Psalm 124 is "The Lord is the Defense or Defender of His People"
- Bring the Lord, who is mighty in battle, into your situation
- The Intent of the Enemy is to swallow you alive
- But escape comes from the Lord.
As the river enriches everything around it, your life will flourish when you draw nearer to God.
As the river erodes the land, transports sediments, and deposits them to shape the landscape, God is actively removing what needs to be taken away from your life, including people, transporting them away from you,----more---- reintroducing them back into your life, and depositing treasures of eternal value, thus continually molding and shaping you.
Large rock fragments, through the natural processes of erosion, transportation, abrasion, and deposition, gradually transform into smooth, rounded pebbles. Likewise, God is fashioning and refining you into a living stone of great honor and purpose.
Summary:
- River flourishes when we are found in closer proximity with God
- River shapes when we move in the flow of the river
-The same River also poses hazard when we oppose the flow of the river into our lives.
Paul talks about some of the potential enemies of God's love that are capable of separating us from the love of Christ in Romans 8:35-39 . We call them as "Love Separators"
- Troubles of this World ----more----
- Life or Death
- Supernatural things
- What we have and hope to have
- Ups and Downs
- Created Things
Those who stayed in the game had couple of things in common, they are:
- Humility to recognize their weaknesses
- They never allowed their present to dictate their future ----more----
- They all had an encounter
- All had courage to step up and change
- Adapted their circumstances to favor them
We must Live now to Live Later
- Never discriminate anyone socially and deny the help they deserve
- If you are discriminated for some reason, patiently wait for the eternal reward----more----
- When everything is available, better to give
- When your physical needs are not met, be patient, you will be comforted.
- Realize your Spiritual needs, learn & change, you can escape the place of torment.
- Remain humble, accept what is given, do not complain, you will reach the place of comfort.
A prophetic declaration for 2024:
Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare (prophesy); Before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 42:9 (NKJV)----more----
God wants to send three new things (New Wind, Fresh Oil & New Fire) over God's people that would bring new material & spiritual blessings on your way in the coming year.
Birth of Jesus impacted the Ordinary:
- Mary's life was impacted as she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit
- Joseph's life got impacted as he was forced to accept Mary as his wife by an angel----more----
- Shepherd's lives got impacted as they were the first people who got to see baby Jesus, became first evangelists
- Wise men's life got impacted as they fell down before baby Jesus and worshipped Him, first worshipers
- Simeon's life got impacted as he could carry baby Jesus in his arms
- Anna's lie got impacted as she witnessed the redeemer of Israel
Today God is shaking your life:
- To remove everything that is shaking, not permanent
- To remove everything that doesn't allow us to follow God ----more----
- To remove everything that we love more than we love God
- To remove the hold we have tightly with this earth and the things of this earth
- To remove the Old things, so that New things will come in our lives
His shaking may be hard on you, right now, but God does that for good.
The starting point was Satan's declaration of Independence from God shortly after creation. Followed by,
- Satan's Aggression to Corrupt the Earth
- Satan's Slander against God ----more----
- Satan's Attack on Israel
- Satan at the losing Edge
- Disarmament of Satan
- Doom of Satan
- The Ultimate Victory
- The Victory is Already Won, because Christmas Shook the Devil's Kingdom.
A Christmas that Shook the Foundations
The waves of Hope started getting transmitted to the rest of the world and shook the kingdom of the devil and of the kings when Christ was born.----more----
The objectives of this Series are,
- To understand the impact Christmas made when Christ was born
- To keep Christ as the Epicenter of Hope when our faith is shaken
- To propagate the original impact of Christmas to today's world
We will understand the Impact of Christmas
- In the Heavenly Realm
- Over the Earthly Kingdom
- Among the Ordinary - You & Me
As Children of Israel were going around the walls of Jericho, today God wants us to take the seven trumpet's of Ram's horn that is the shout of joy, the loud praise raises from our lives,----more---- shout of victory and march against the obstacles by carrying His presence, our covenant relationship with God by staying in our calling, then we will inherit the treasures that are hidden beyond the wall.
I take this opportunity to share my new song that got released recently called "Ways For Escape (Victory is Already Won)" with all my valuable subscribers. Listen to this song and feel free to use in your context. ----more----
Lyrics & Vocal: Balan Swaminathan
Music & Video Editing: Dahn Balan
Videography: Allan Swamynathan
Lighting & Setup: Darwin Jebha
Scroll down for
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Lyrics
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Story behind this song
Song Lyrics:
Verse -1
It was a moment of darkness
Looking for ways to escape
Enemy was looking for opportunity
But, God showed ways for escape - (V 1 Repeat)
Chorus
Enemy is defeated because it isn’t time
Heaven is rejoicing because victory is won
We have escaped because it’s a miracle
We’ll never be defeated because it’s already won
Verse -2
It was a moment of sadness
Such things are unforeseen
But God can put them together for good
For those who love the Lord - (V 2 Repeat)
Verse - 3
Evil was planned against me
But, God turned it for my good
Enemy was trying to trap me in
To God belong escapes from death - (V 3 Repeat)
Bridge
If God is for us who can be against us
Who can separate us from Him
Nothing stops me until I’m done with
Victory’s already won - (Repeat Bridge)
Ending
Victory’s already won
Victory’s already won
(Message me for Chord Sheet)
My Story:
On Oct 3, 2023 I was struck with a major health condition that had potential to knock me down that night, but God showed Ways For A miraculous escape. It all happened as I had a week of nausea and vomiting. A Dr. who is part of the church congregation followed with me and guided me in each step. At the end of that week I had a blood work to be done and that night a doctor from the lab saw my blood result and called me around 10:00 pm. When I saw a call from an unknown number, I thought who is calling me in this night and l disconnected the call. But the Dr. left a voice mail that I listened to and called him back. He told me your Sodium level is too low you can get seizure or get into comma at any moment, so go to emergency immediately. I bargained with him asking, can I go tomorrow morning, he said, you will not be there tomorrow morning to go. So go immediately, I went and got treated. I call this as a miraculous escape because, there were many odds that I could have easily missed his call. But God showed ways for escape from everything coming to an end that night. The sequence of events on that night and through the recovery path resulted in the birth of this new song called "Ways For Escape (Victory is already won). This song comprises of few scriptures that gave me strength and courage during this process. Scripture says, escapes of death belong to the lord. Psalm 68:20 Our God is the God of salvation; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death. I believe as scripture says, All things work together for good. Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Devil, the enemy looks for opportunities, but God shows ways for escape. Luke 4:13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. Even though, evil was planned against me, God turned it for my good. Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
First S of Christmas is SIN
Second S of Christmas is SAVIOR
Third S of Christmas is a cry from our hearts to SAVE US
We celebrate Christmas because a Savior came down from heaven, forgiving our Sins, Saving us from eternal hell and giving us everlasting life in heaven.
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Nothing worth achieving is pain free in this world
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Before obtaining some of the blessings they cause too much pain in our lives
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Even following Christ could be too stressful at times
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When the pain, the stress and the tension is too much, we break----more----
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People even walk away from the Lord - But those who handle pain receive such a great reward
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When the blessing is obtained, there is a great joy and celebration
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Waiting for a long time makes our heart sick, but when it comes it will be like a tree of life.
What God wants us to do in the remaining days of our lives?
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Carry a clock and be reminded that time is running out.
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Carry a compass to always be led to your destiny, the rock that is higher than I.
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Carry a candle to get your path illuminated to find both the obstacles and the opportunities.
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We don't see God's promises coming true in our lives
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When our mind is diverted to believe in the lies.
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When we move away from the truth by believing the deceptive nature of the lies
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Devil attacks us only when we give room to him
-He gains access to us when we don't ignore him
- He claims right over our lives when we give him undue respect.
Attacks are common in today's world. May it be cyber attack, or virus attack or physical attack or spiritual attack, Interestingly all these attacks have lots of similarities in the way the attacks are planned and carried out. These attacks don’t happen overnight, these attacks are planned and executed on human or on systems over a period of time. How do we prevent such attacks from happening or how do we recover from such attacks if happened already.----more----
Listen to the sermon if you want to know how Devil attacks someone and takes complete possession of the soul through seven stages of attacks such as, (not in detail as time is limited)
Stage 1: Regression
Stage 2: Repression
Stage 3: Suppression
Stage 4: Depression
Stage 5: Oppression
Stage 6: Obsession
Stage 7: Possession----more----- For Cyber Attack - Prevention could be installing security systems, cure can be scanning and cleaning the infection.
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For Virus Attack - Prevention may be getting vaccinated, cure can be getting enough sleep, rest and keeping dehydrated
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For Physical Attack - Prevention may be to maintain peace, love and harmony & keeping environment safe, cure maybe come to a reality and continue life
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But For Spiritual Attack - Moment you Regress, moment you realize that you are not progressing, come back to God. Cure may be get delivered by the resurrection power of Jesus.
The phrase "What We Are Today is Because of What You Are" expresses gratitude and recognition for the influence and impact that our God made in our lives. The current state of achievements, current condition of our lives, is because of the role that God has played in our lives.
----more----Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. He guides us continually, He satisfies our soul in drought and strengthen our bones.
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Having less helps us to focus on things that are precious and of priority.
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Minimalism teaches that Real wealth is not money or accumulating possession, it is relationships, love, faith, impact, adding value and helping others.
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Minimalism teaches that Contentment cannot be obtained from wealth, contentment is through our godliness and by rejoicing in the Lord.
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Minimalism teaches the "Richness of Giving"
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Minimalism helps Spiritual Growth.
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People who are confused, fearful, doubtful, mock at other, always wonder are sitting in the outer circle as bystanders.
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But those who are obedient, hunger and thirst for God and want to dwell in unity are found in the inner circle.
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Who wants to be used by God, who wants to fulfill the purpose of God in their lives are found in the inner circle.
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Where are you found?
After an episode of sequence of nausea and vomiting I lost all the electrolytes and sodium went way below min. could've caused seizure or comma. But God miraculously showed a way to escape. I am sharing my miraculous escape during the second half of the sermon. All glory be to God alone! He made it possible for me to walk into the presence of God this morning and share a powerful message. The anointing upon me while ministering in the Word was so powerful and refreshing. Many were touched and the living testimony will touch many more. God is REAL, and so is the devil.
A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L.----more----
My sodium level was 115mEq/L when I hit ER. When sodium levels in the blood drop below the normal range, it can lead to a medical emergency known as hyponatremia. Hyponatremia occurs when there is an imbalance of water and sodium in the body. Severe hyponatremia can be life-threatening and may result in symptoms such as confusion, seizures, coma, and, in extreme cases, it can lead to brain swelling and other serious complications. It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
In acute hyponatremia, sodium levels drop rapidly — resulting in potentially dangerous effects, such as rapid brain swelling, which can result in a coma and death.
Harvest is obtaining a State of Maturity when the plants Make Contribution and Produce Offspring
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Have you dedicated your life for lifelong learning & growing?
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What contributions are you making to the community as you have grown & matured?
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Are your involved in any ministry to give your best to them?
Harvest is the final life cycle stage of plant growth.
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Focus on Growth
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Embrace your current situation
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Encourage Symbiotic Relationships
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Appreciate Diversity----more----
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Focus on Growth now by being patient, investing in growth, being consistent, being persistent, being optimistic, hopeful and trusting God
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Bloom Wherever you are planted
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Have mutually beneficial relationship as you grow
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Diversity is Godly as it was in the mind of God when He created us.
Growth involves Transformation.
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The transformation happening with the bud transforms the bud into a beautiful flower
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The beauty treatments given to the women including Esther transformed them to be presentable before the king.
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Bible talks about Harsh or Coarse personalities transforming into Gentle & Quiet Spirit.
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Bible talks about Cheating & Selfish nature transforming into truthful selfless nature. Transformations are----more----
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God initiated with no choice given as in the life of Paul
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Situation driven based on our realization as that happened to the prodigal son
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Through choices as our priorities decide to say Yes or No as in the case of Moses and Peter.
Leafy Growth -
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Symbol of Growth and Vitality
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Symbol of Abundance and Prosperity
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Vital for Reproductive Process----more----
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Associated with Healing & Restoration
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Serves as Season Indicators
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Represents Temporary Nature of Life
Seedlings establish
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A strong root system which is required to have a strong foundation in Christ and His Word
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We are delicate & fragile at times, but God handles us gently
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We grow when we are independent. God doesn't want us to come under any bondage, instead enjoy the freedom in Christ ----more----4. A child of God is transplantable to any location on the earth without losing the Godly characters
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A sign of growth and maturity is the ability to adapt to different situations.
Germination tells us about the
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The potential the seed carries inside
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The patience that is required for the seed
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The environment that is required for the seed to sprout
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The seeds ability to break the barriers
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The unseen growth that's happening underneath
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The expectation of the new beginning Listen to the sermon to uncover the powerful truths about Germination.
Introductory sermon to GROWTH series.
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Growth is Expected.
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Growth in Painful
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Growth is Joy----more----Growth is stopped by
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Fear
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Negative self believes
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Resistance to change
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Procrastination
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Complacency
The Paradoxical Nature of God
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The making and destroying nature of God
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The imperfect and perfect nature of God
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The killing and raising nature of God
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The wounding and healing nature of God
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The ripping and mending nature of God
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The forsaking and gathering nature of God
----more----Summary:
God is Sovereign
He accomplishes His Purpose
He does what pleases Him
The contradicting or paradoxical nature of God is seen in the Bible
The same nature is seen in Christ Jesus
Unanswered questions such as
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Why my prayer is not answered?
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Why I don't see blessings yet while all others enjoy such blessings?
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Why there is disability, poverty, disasters & diseases?
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Why people are suddenly taken out of my life?
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Why do I feel that God is not present at times?
The answer is God is Sovereign.
"Our true value is discovered when we live with the purpose of serving God and others, leaving a lasting legacy by making a positive impact on the lives around us, and embracing the hope of eternity, free from the fear of death and the grief of loss." After listening to this sermon, answer the following six questions.
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What is your Generic Purpose based on your call?
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What is your unique purpose based on your gifting?----more----
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What impact are you making in your family?
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What impact are you making among the people around you?
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What efforts are you taking to overcome the "fear of death"?
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What efforts are you taking to overcome "grief over your loss"?
God wants us to prepare ourselves to expand.
Enlarge the place of your tent - It is important to change our mindset to a growth mindset.
Stretch out the curtains - We must move by faith in whatever area we are trying to advance.
Do not Spare/Hold - We shouldn't hold back when we see obstacles
Lengthen your cords - God wants us to get ready to stretch and handle the related tension.
Strengthen your Stakes - We want to make sure our foundation is strong and roots are deep enough.
Have your dreams got shattered?
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Was it because you shared them with wrong friends?
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Was it because you lost your self-esteem?
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Was it because you were wrongly accused?
Wait for God's favor over you that also brings favor from men.
In this changing world, the unexpected could happen to anyone. So we must,
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Never underestimate the opposing forces
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Never leave your valuables unprotected
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Never trust in people more than you need to
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Always know to lean back on God
How do we fulfill the mission that God has entrusted us with.
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Church has a responsibility.
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I have a responsibility, you all have a responsibility
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I have a role to play, you all have a role to play
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Each one has something to do, we can't deny, we can't relax, we can't hide without doing what we are called to do. ----more----We have three areas where we can involve ourselves to fulfill this mission.
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Pray Fervently
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Share our Resources
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Share Jesus Boldly
Three things are happening at the city gate.
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Life Meeting the Dead
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Life Touching the Dead
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Life Speaking to the Dead
Mothers, I want to challenge you with these questions:
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Do you see the destiny in your child?
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Do you nurture the child as long as she/he is given to you?
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Are you prepared to let your child go when it's time?
Moment we were born, the count down started. The more we wait, the less the time in hand to do anything that’s worth doing. The more we wait, higher the odds that we may never get it done in our lifetime. Then why to wait?
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Have you lost your Strength?
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Do you have no one to comfort you?
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Have you lost all the hope that you had?
You serve a God who is Faithful in every way.
Jesus wants to make your life victorious.
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Great victories are won after real fight.
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Winning a war is not easy.
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It takes blood shed and losing lives.
----more----- When the opponents killed the leader, the victory is marked for ever.
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But here in the case of Jesus the victory they thought they won is taken away from them on the third day.
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As Jesus rose victoriously.
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Today this victory can be yours.
Fathers are in a relay race of passing the baton of
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Values
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Experience
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Faith in God
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Purpose in Life
to the next generation.
The drops of the blood that Jesus shed at the cross is so powerful because,
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blood gives life
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blood purifies
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blood regulates
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blood fights
Listen tot he sermon to know more about the blood of Jesus.
When Jesus stepped into the Empty boat, He started preaching to the multitudes, the boat became a Serving boat. Soon later, the boat was Filled with multitudes of fish as the miracle took place. When Peter received a greater responsibility, a higher call, he didn't even hesitate to Abandon the boat to follow the Master.
We all have so much hope that One Day our expectations will come true.
Until then, God wants you to
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Live your Today
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Protect Your Living
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Expect Your Tomorrow.
Today Jesus is calling you to
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Come to Him and get enough rest
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He is with us, talks to us and takes care of us
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Work with Him by taking His yoke
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He wants you to watch what He did and do what He did
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Learn from Him - His simplicity, humility, compassion and the way He valued people.----more----
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Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
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Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
-For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
If you don't have a written agenda for
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taking ownership of yourself
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being responsible for your family
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serving others and
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serving in God's kingdom
others' agenda becomes yours and you are owned by others.----more----
Listen to the sermon to know
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Who has interest on you - You, God, others & the devil
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What happens when there is a conflict of interest?
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Who has to care about you?
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Don't allow others to own you
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Don't allow the devil to own you
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How can I own my life?
Every Ascent has a Descent. When you hit the bottom of your life,
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Never assume that it's an end of everything
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Never get discouraged with people
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Never fail to trust in the power of God
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Never fail to learn your lesson
We are called as Kingdom builders to build the Kingdom of God. We are not building an earthly kingdom, we are building a spiritual kingdom. We are not building buildings, we are building lives. The citizens of the kingdom are the most valuable asset. The kingdom will be fully built when the last citizen is added to this kingdom.
----more----You and I can build His kingdom by building welcome centers, light houses, deliverance centers & hope centers to invite those who are not part of the kingdom yet. These centers can be our own lives, our families and our churches.
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Legacy Builders must be grateful for this life. They don't complain, don't cry over what they don’t have, but be thankful for what is given
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Legacy Builders must put others first, Christ followers are legacy builders and they must have a heart not to expect reward from people, but instead continue to care for others and their interests.
----more----3. Legacy Builders won't acquire wealth, they redistribute the acquired wealth for a higher purpose
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Legacy builders never stop sowing they don't focus on reaping, they leave the reaping for their successors.
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Legacy builders must be kingdom minded as our legacy continues to eternity so we must invest in our eternity.
Ships are built to stay longer and stronger during adversities. So do marriages. work together building stronger relationships. Here are the five tools to build long lasting relationships in marriage.
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Choice - Be careful to make the right choice
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Commitment – Make commitment to each other in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health as long as we both shall live ----more----3. Love – Love unconditionally & sacrificially
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Forgiving & forgetting - Accept each other just as they are
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United with Purpose / Like-Mindedness - Develop like-mindedness & Identify unity of purpose
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God is calling us to build bridge with people that connects, not walls that disconnect.
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As Jesus did we must build bridge with the lost, disconnected and the disappointed.
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Our connection with people must invite non-Christians to come to Christ.
How can we become faith builders? We need to learn from the faith builders Bible talks about. Here are the six truths we learn about faith builders.
1. Faith Builders See what Others don't See
2. Faith Builders are Louder than the Crowd
3. Faith Builders Act when everyone retracts----more----
4. Faith Builders Never Stop Trying
5. Faith Builders, Refuse to Settle down for Ordinary 6. Faith Builders Pushes through Obstacles
Problems help you to face the real you. You don't meet him or her otherwise. You never get a chance to watch the real you from a distance until then. Problems expose the real you.
Every circumstance a Christian faces in life, good or bad, has been designed by God for his benefit, so he/she should face them “in Christ” and rejoice in and thank God for them.----more----
Every circumstance a Christian faces in life, good or bad, has been designed by God for his benefit, so he should face them “in Christ” and rejoice in and thank God for them. Facing problems or dealing with certain people causes you pain from the world's perspective, but they conform you to the image of Christ, then you will not pray "comfort me Lord", instead you will pray "conform me Lord".
John C. Maxwell when he talks about building character, He says,Some people are born mud and remain mud.... Sadly, some are born marble and die mud; some are born mud, dream of marble, but remain mud. But many persons of high character have been born mud and died marble.”
- God wants us to build our families on the foundation of God's Word. - Every member of the family must perform their duties and allow other members to perform theirs - Biblical order of families must be followed----more---- - Children need to be trained, corrected and the foolishness in their heart need to be removed - All family members must work together to bring harmony within family - Biblical model for priority must be followed for families to be built healthy and with longevity.
Two things are important as we build our lives on this earth. 1. Wise man built his house on the Rock. - It is important to build on the solid foundation that is Jesus Christ. - We can do that only by studying God's word and doing accordingly.- If we don't build on Christ, we will face white throne judgement.----more---- 2. It is important How we build our lives. - With Gold, Silver and precious stones, that is with Christian Discipline or with wood, hay, straw, that is by living a superficial Christian life, not allowing ourselves to be disciplined. - Knowing that we must give an account standing before the judgement seat of Christ.
Our God is the only hope for 2023 in this hopeless world. Our God is called "the God of Hope". Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Declaration of our Hope in God.----more---- Psalm 33:20-22 (GNT) 20 We put our hope in the Lord; he is our protector and our help. 21 We are glad because of him; we trust in his holy name. 22 May your constant love be with us, Lord as we put our hope in you.
Christ's birth is the only hope that there is light in the darkness.Christ's resurrection is the only hope that we will rise again. Christ's ascension is the only hope that Jesus will come back.
Christmas gave us a new Revelation of God.Christmas showed us the Way to God. Christmas made us a new Creation in Christ.
Christmas reminds us that many old things in our life have to end. Christmas reminds us not to be earthly focused, instead be kingdom focused. Christmas reminds us not to follow traditions, but to follow Christ.
Grace is free as we didn't pay for it. But it is not cheap. That means once we obtain grace we can never neglect or ignore or treat grace cheaply. Grace is Free, but it is costly because it cost God the life of His own Son. Grace is an attribute of our God. We can either allow or resist grace in our lives. ----more----We should never resist grace by our bitterness, pride and by relying on our flesh. We must instead allow grace in times of our weakness, our needs and in our sufferings.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 • Anything negative invites the devil to claim hold • Anything we refuse to do for God by saying excuses invites devil's attention • When we are discouraged the devil waits for us to see if we give-up or overcome----more---- • Your weakest moment is the highest opportunity for the devil to attack • Your soul is attacked when it is unprotected and the devil marks it for him, protect your soul • When your mind is attacked, it is hard to repair, so protect your mind • If you allow fear, anger, frustration & despair to harbor in your heart, they become strongholds occupied by the devil • Your body is the carrier of your soul until you are done on this earth, so it must be protected • Your Spirit is the one that senses the deepest things of God and keeps you up and running, it must be protected.
Mark 8:22-26 V 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” 1. Seeing something is better than not seeing anything 2. Seeing something is one step closer to the miracle 3. Seeing something is a sign for fulfillment----more----
Today God is telling us that, your darkness is going to go away and you will see light at the end of the tunnel soon. Your situation is going to change soon but you must • Not complaint • Must not rebel • You must obey • You must believe as this blind man did
It's all in your hands, you can choose what you want to do: 1. It's in your hands to build a better tomorrow 2. It's in your hands to release the blessings 3. It's in your hands to release power & authority
A better way of thanksgiving is by Thanksliving knowing that we don't deserve anything that we have today, by living in contentment with what is given and by seeing good in people and circumstances around us.
This sermon is based on the "Truth & Reconciliation day" observed in Canada on Friday, Sep 30, 2022. God wants us to reconcile not only with Him, but also with the people around us. " The key to reconciliation is your attitude and the key to your attitude is submitting yourself to the sovereign God". We learn this from the life of Joseph as he reconciled with his brothers and father.
Lamentations 3:19-23 (NIV) • It is hard to escape a storm, it is harder to handle the aftermath of a storm. • Post-disaster recovery is important to repair and heal from the damages.----more---- • Rebuilding hope is necessary to get back to normal and fulfill our responsibilities. For all these to happen we must depend on God's unfailing love, compassion and faithfulness.
Be a lamp that gives light. If not, at least be a lampstand. But don't be a basket. Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ----more----16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
The question is "Where's it all going to end?" - We ask "where's it all going to end" when we see too much of uncertainty around us - We ask "where's it all going to end" by looking at the current situation----more---- - We ask "where's it all going to end" when we see what others are going through - We ask "where's it all going to end" when we don't see any way out But Jesus promised us that He is with us even unto the end of the age. So, It's all going to end well.
• Clay has no value, but the jewel inside the clay is valuable • God has put potential inside of us, when we develop our God given potential, people will come to know our value • Real transformation exhibits kingdom characters as kingdom of God is within us. • Once you experience transformation within you, transform others.
I believe the best is yet to come because • It happened in the past & it's happening today • If we love, believe & follow Jesus, the best is rest assured • If we are willing to improve, the best is certain. Willing to Believe, Pray, Learn, Change & Serve.
• We are living in a world where battle never ends. • When people around us harm us, God wants us to do two things. • He wants us to allow Him to fight by doing good • He wants us to ask Him to protect us by trusting in Him • When we leave it to God, He has his own way of fighting the battle for us.
As we hear a teacup speak with respect to Jeremiah 18:1-6 this is what God is teaching us. • As the clay is in the hands of the potter, we are in the hands of God. • God knows what He is doing in our lives, so don't be too concerned about your life.----more---- • Even if things are not going on well, we are still in the hands of God. • After all these struggles, something good is going to come out of us
• Some of you maybe standing in front of a closed door. • God is telling you that don't wait for a closed door to open. It's not going to open, you need to move ahead. • Some of you may be looking for another door to open. • God is telling you to keep an eye for an open door. God is going to open a new door for you soon.
Final thoughts: • Our lives began in the past (eternal past) even before we were formed. • Our lives are not going to be done even when we leave this earth. • Life is valuable, it must be protected, other lives matter, this life must be used to bless others and to bring glory & honor to our creator.
Today if your life is boring, dull and with no motivation certainly there is something missing. Ask the following questions. 1. Am I saved 2. Am I doing something to save others 3. Am I serving God----more---- 4. Am I serving others You need to believe in Jesus and tell about Jesus to others You need to have a servant heart to serve others.
• When we approach God in prayer and found self-righteous, our prayer is not going to be heard. • Even if we fast and regularly tithe, if our attitude is not right, our prayer is not going to be heard. • Our prayer will be heard only when we humble ourselves realizing our sinfulness----more----• Our prayer will be heard only when we plead for God's mercy to cover our sinfulness.
• Pray for you and for those who are affected by injustice caused to them • God wants His people to cry out to God day and night, until we see justice • If you continue to persist on God asking according to His will, even if it delays, it will certainly come.
In this sermon of the Prayer series we learn, • God wants us to be persistent in our prayer for the right motives that are according to the will of God. • Many things in life won't happen automatically unless we persist in prayer.----more---- • Persisting to achieve wrong desires with wrong motives in prayer leads to sin and is an abomination to the Lord.
3 Reasons why we don't hear God. 1. Damaged/Broken Receiver - Our lives need to be fixed to hear God. 2. Not Tuned In - We need tune our hearts and minds to receive from the right source, that's God. 3. Outside of the Coverage Area - We can't go far away from God, we need to come back to God to hear Him.
Father's blessings are great in the Bible. Fathers who fear the Lord enjoy all these blessings in life. • They eat the labor of their hands • Their wives are so fruitful at the husband's house • Children are like wild olive trees grafter into cultivated olive trees, partaking in all the blessings----more---- • Blessed with long life to see children and children's children Today God may pour these blessings upon all of you.
True transformation always begins within you. It transforms your desires and then it transforms the purpose of living. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Pentecost Sunday is the 50th day after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. This has Old Testament relevance to the feast of weeks or Shavuot. Here are the highlights of the sermon. • Manifestations (gifts) of the Holy Spirit is given for common good. • We are all baptized into one body by one Spirit whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free.----more---- • Gift of the Holy Spirit is given to all people, to those who want to receive.
Value, love & care for people, but don't hold on to them, they will leave. Hold on to what is spiritual, supernatural and eternal. Learn to leave what is temporal. As long as you hold on to something that God wants you to let go, you can't pickup the mantle that you need to divide the obstacles that are in front of you.----more---- - Elijah's departure was a supernatural experience. - Elisha was given an opportunity to receive anything he wanted, but he asked for the double portion of the anointing. - But there was a condition to receive what he wanted to receive. There is a condition for us to go to heaven. We must be prepared. - There was a moment of separation that no one can avoid, but we must let go. - The separation made a huge impact on the life of Elisha as he let Elijah go and held on to the mantle he received.
River Jordan represents three things in the Bible. 1. It’s a place of transition - where things are going to change. God wants you to transition to the next level. 2. Jordan refers to a boundary and a crossing point - where blessings are experienced beyond that boundary. ----more----God wants you to cross over the boundaries that you have set in your lives. 3. Jordan represents freedom from oppression. God wants you to receive a breakthrough, and deliverance.
Mothers influence their children in their presence, they influence them in their absence and continue to influence them in their eternity. Mother's influence and bring forth good human beings they eventually transform into eternal beings of heaven.
2 Kings Ch 1- We need to have a holy life to escape the consuming fire that is going to come upon those who don't believe and live a God pleasing life. We need to be found in Christ in order to escape the condemnation that is already declared over those who don't have Christ. ----more----We want to be humble and meek so that we will not self exalt without the will of God and before God's timing, but instead humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us in due time.
If you are Fearful, Selfish and Careful in taking steps to do something for God, you will never be able to do anything. Instead, be Fearless, Selfless and Reckless in doing something for God.
Death is to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. We believe in the bodily resurrection because scripture says so. When resurrection takes place, this inferior body will be replaced with a glorious body. Those who believe in God, know God and work towards resurrection can take part in this glorious event. This is our hope beyond the grave.
The excellence of life or the good quality of the living on the earth comes from the sin free, guiltless and God pleasing life that Jesus has offered to us through His death & resurrection.
In the Old Testament, children of Israel let the ark of the covenant (God's presence) come into the tabernacle. In the New Testament, the people of Jerusalem let the king enter in. Today we must let the king come into our lives and into other lives.
Elijah was intentional and he wanted to be a solution in the situation, not to be a problem. How can you be a solution to the problems? 1. Do not neglect the problem 2. Don't focus on the problem 3. Don't fix the problem all alone----more---- Majority of the people on this earth have two major problems and the good news is that we have two solutions. 1. People are not knowing where to go and what to do - We need to shine light, as because of darkness they can't see 2. People are not having any desire to go and desire to do - need to add flavor as they lost the taste for life. Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-14 You are the salt of the earth 14 “You are the light of the world.
God works in you to stretch you beyond your comfort zone as that's where miracles happen. - What is that little you still you see in you? - What do you see beyond what you have in you? - What are you going to do with what you have?----more---- - Are you willing to stretch beyond your comfort zone so that God can do something in you and through you - Jesus obeyed and allowed himself to be stretched to do His Father's will, are you willing to obey?
When your motives are selfless, when you depend on God for your daily miracle, not depending on your own strength, you can't hear anything else than the voice of God. Once you hear God's voice, humble yourself, pray for the vision to come true and be willing to work hard to achieve it.
It's better to turn the light On than to curse the darkness • Spiritual darkness doesn't allow us to connect with the true source of light. Spiritual darkness can be removed only by having proper relationship with God through prayer and His Word.----more---- • Intellectual darkness doesn't allow us to function at the God given potential. We need that light, understanding and excellent wisdom that was in Daniel. • Physical darkness doesn't allow us to see the way God sees ourselves and others. ○ What is the call of God in your life and what are you doing about that? ○ Are you preparing yourself to fulfil God's call in your life? ○ That requires tremendous commitment, dedication and sacrifice. ○ Are you willing to pay the price? Are you willing to be found with God to receive light and with sinners to shine light as Jesus did.
Psalm 27 gives us assurance of God's protection against Fear, Trouble, Shame, Rejection and Accusation. - Protection against Fear - Protection during Trouble - Protection against Shame----more---- - Protection against Rejection - Protection against Accusation
Wherever we are, dangers are always around us. Psalm 121 gives us an assurance of God's Providential Protection. As David says, - We must know where to find help (V1-2) - Once we know, we must go there to get help (V3-8) Psalm 121 assures the following types of protection.----more---- - Protection when we are careless - Protection when we are tired and low in faith - Protection from celestial influences - Eternal protection - Protection in all your ways
Psalm 46 portrays A God who is in our troubles, A God who is in our midst and A God who is in our battles. - God is in our troubles as our refuge, our strength and our very present help in trouble - Because God is in our midst, there is gladness, we will not be moved and He will do it for us in the right time.----more---- - As God is in our battles, we behold, stand still and know that He is your God.
Psalm 91 Summarized: - God has a peculiar care for His own people. - God provides a supernatural protection over His people in this journey. - The same Psalm that brings protection over our family can bring disaster if we test God. His promises are given for us to trust Him, not to test Him.----more---- - The same God who protected Israel and Jesus in the wilderness can preserve you as you walk over every obstacles and threats of life. - Because you love God and you know Him, He bestows a special favor over you. That favor delivers you, lifts you up, honors you, gives you a long life and saves you eternally.
Understand these Truths, only Truth can set you free. - God is your Rock - You need to hide behind that rock for comfort, safety and strength. - God is your Fortress/Stronghold - You need to come into that shelter to hide yourself from the attacks.----more---- - God is your Shield - Use the shield to protect from the attacks that are coming to destroy you - God is your Horn - Allow the horn to smash, scatter and destroy the adversary who throws adversities in your life.
- Fall reminds us to let things go
- Not to fully indulge and give ourselves to the world
- Let go the hurt and bitterness, ego, selfishness, desire to possess and our past
- Reminds us to forget those which are behind and reach those which are ahead----more----
- Fall reminds us the impermanence of life
- Do not think about your past, do not worry about your future, live your today.
- Everything we do is going to perish, only what we do for Christ is going to remain for ever
- What do you do for God?
- Fall is a time of great reward
- Your reward for all your hard work is coming, but you have to wait until fall
- Be strong, do not stop doing the good work, you will be rewarded soon
- God knows the intention of your heart, your work will be rewarded accordingly
- Summer is a season of growth and expansion
- Growth is inevitable during summer.
- If Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man, we must grow.
- What steps are you taking towards growth?----more----
- Weed & Pests thrive in Summer
- Weeds are certainly a threat to your growth.
- Weed could be wrong thoughts, wrong ideas, negativity, insecurity & fear.
- What are the weeds and pests in your life affecting your growth?
- Extreme heat is a threat during Summer
- Extreme heat not only stops growth, it also destroys what was grown over many years
- Unless you are determined to grow, the extreme heat conditions of laziness, procrastination, life events, fear, your immediate needs will stop growth.
- Spring is a season of cleansing and restoration -God wants us to have true heart, strong in faith, sprinkled with His blood and washed by His Word, renewed and restored.
- Spring makes everything new and fresh again -Spring is a time of sowing fresh seeds, getting new ideas and making use of every opportunity.----more---- -Spring is a time to raise next generation to seek and follow God. -Spring is a time of multiplication and spreading the seed everywhere.
- Spring renews relationships -Spring is a time to strengthen the intimacy in your relationship and also to see where we stand with respect to our love relationship with our God.
Winter is known for, 1. Shorter days and longer nights God wants us to work when it is day as night is coming and no one can work. 2. Keeping oneself closer to a heat source during the times of trouble, its better to walk closer to God than going away from Him----more---- 3. Plants and trees going dormant and animals hibernating Your waiting is not going to be for ever, spring is around the corner. God is going to lift you up.
A New Year Sermon from Isaiah 43:18-19 In 2022, 1. Forget and forgive your past 2. Expect changes 3. Impossible will become possible.
• God is transition you from your current season to your next season. • End of one season is an indication that the next season is coming. • God wants you to prepare for your next season. • There is a rhythm that is being played in your life, march according to that rhythm and align yourself to the beat.----more---- • The next season requires you to allow changes to take place within you. Do not miss the five signs that God is taking you into your next season 1 You are disturbed and Irritated 2 Your comfort has become a constraint 3 You see everything different now 4 You hear the sound of the rain 5 All doors close and one door opens Listen to the sermon to know more about your next season.
Matthew 4:16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.”
Zechariah Luke 1:79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
What is that one gift that's worth giving to your children, parents, friends, God and to others? 1. Nurture good characters and attitude in your children's lives 2. Honor your parents and not to cause shame on them 3. Do whatever it takes to maintain a godly friendship----more---- 4. Identify someone who is in need and bring a smile in their face. 5. Share the gift of Jesus to at least one person who never received.
The three Wise Men from the East fell down and worshiped baby Jesus. Their action includes a spiritual element of worshiping God and a physical element of serving others. He is a God worth serving. - God is asking you to make worship a lifestyle - God is asking you to set the attitude of your heart right before worshiping Him----more---- - God is calling you to love, care and support others - God is calling you to add value to others by investing in their lives.
Jesus says, "You are the light of the world". The book of Daniel says, "You are like the stars in the sky". Today you are sick, dull and discouraged, I don't deny that. You are going through a tough time, I don't discount that. What you are going through is common to men. Your situation doesn't cancel that fact that you are the light of the world and you are the star in the firmament. There is something special about you.----more---- • You are a source of light and when you impact others through your love, care and support, it brings a great joy within you. • You have a message and when that message answers many questions of those who are looking for answer, it brings a great joy inside of you • More than that you live a purpose driven life that brings a great joy and satisfaction of living this life.
In Matthew 14:13-21 we read the story of Jesus multiplying "five loaves and two fish" and feeding the multitude. There are three principles we learn from this story. 1. No Better Time than the Present - God wants us to act now to do what we want to do, not later.----more---- 2. Something is better than Nothing - We can never say that we don't have anything, what is that something we have? 3. Better to Give than to Keep - The little boy gave what he had. We are expected to invest in others, in God's work and in our own lives.
Do you invest in personal growth and in personal development?
As a final sermon in this series of sermons on Mental Illness, we discussed how the following situations and events of our life can lead us into mental illness. 1. Discouragement leading to mental illness 2. Past hurts leading to mental illness----more---- 3. Too many voices wearing us out 4. Ego leading to mental illness 5. Stress, Anxiety, Confusion, Panic attack, Worry, Fear, Sadness, Sorrow leading to mental illness Listen to the sermon to know how you can overcome such common challenges of life.
There are mental challenges in our day to day life. God wants you and I to deal with them, not to give into them. • Your inability to concentrate is a mental condition that needs to be dealt with, avoid distractions and start focusing on something useful. • You suddenly losing strength is affecting your life and those who are around you, you need God's strength that will help you to keep going----more---- • Too many voices in your life caused you into a depressed state of mind, you need to listen only the voice of your good shepherd. • Your emotional outbursts make you behaviorally inconsistent and socially unfit, you need to find rest in Jesus as He makes it easy and light for you • Quitting may not be an option for you as God has greater plans for you in those areas you are planning to quit.
Devil causes some of the most common mental illnesses and if we are careful, we can overcome such attacks easily. He brings sicknesses on our way, if that doesn't work he throws family issues and if that doesn't work, he brings mental illnesses. Today the Devil is attacking lives and telling lies in their ears.----more---- • He throws negative thoughts in our minds and makes us to get discouraged. • He makes us to think so low about us that we feel inadequate to do anything. • He makes us to lose our enthusiasm so that we become useless for anyone. • He causes us to worry unnecessarily and robs the joy out of our lives • He convinces us of not having any purpose and use for our existence and makes us ineffective. Listen to the sermon to know how you can keep yourself not getting attacked by the devil.
Mental illness is caused by both physical and spiritual causes. Whatever may be the cause of your mental illness, whatever my be the clinical diagnosis, it doesn't matter how many counseling session you had, even if you are treated by the best psychiatrists in the world, the ultimate healing for mental illness comes only from God. But certainly, there is a part you need to play from your side. Here they are,----more---- • Do not allow Fear to control your mind, it will lead to mental illness. • Do not allow Disobedience to control your mind, it will lead to mental illness. • Do not allow Anger to control your mind, it will lead to mental illness. • Do not allow Unforgiveness & Bitterness to control your mind, it will lead to mental illness.
God wants us to foresee the danger of "Mental Illness" coming on our way and prepare ourselves accordingly. Bible recommends us to remember certain things, do certain things and not to do certain things. 1. Remember, You are not alone in this battle 2. Remember, It's not your fault----more---- 3. Going away from God is not an option 4. Don't fight this battle alone 5. Have a positive attitude 6. Confront your fear & anxiety with confidence 7. Remember, God is closer to those who are suffering.
Our mind is a battlefield and most of life's battles are either won or lost in our mind. We allow enemy to intrude, trespass, encroach and take control or possession of minds in a gradual way and often without being noticed. Today our emotions are attacked constantly. Why are we not doing anything about it when we are emotionally attacked?----more---- God wants us to fight back. When the devil harasses us with his lies, God wants us to refute or fight back his lies with the truth of God's Word. Listen to the sermon to learn how to do this.
Do not sorrow - is a command to obey (Nehemiah 8:10) • Being unhappy defiles the holiness of God. Because God doesn't want us to be unhappy in the day that is holy to our God. • When we are sorrowful and unhappy, we degrade the ability of God. • When we worry about the things that are not in our control, we are----more---- saying that God you are not worthy of my trust anymore. God is telling us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. • Joy of the Lord comes from knowing who our God is • Joy of the Lord comes by trusting Him • Joy of the Lord comes by having a relationship with God • Joy of the Lord comes from the infilling of the Holy Spirit
There are definite things or essential things that Bible instructs or commands us to do or not to do. But there are disputable things or doubtful things or non-essential things the Word of God deals with. While dealing with such things,
- We exercise the great freedom we have in Christ, but it is not a freedom where love is absent, its not a freedom that gives us right to sin, it is not even a freedom that gives us right to cause someone else to sin. ----more----
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We do not cause confusion and do anything that destroys peace
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We do not do anything that doesn't help others to grow in Christ
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We do not destroy the work of God by debating and standing firm on it
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We do not make others stumble and walk away from faith
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We keep it between ourselves and God, do not let others know and do not expect others to do
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If we are convinced in our heart what we are doing is right, we don't feel guilty
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If we have doubt whether to do it or not, better not to do it, otherwise we are sinning as it is against our conscience.
Our inner person is easily weakened by life challenges. Inner person has to be healthy to have a joyful and a peaceful life. Key life decisions can be effectively taken only by a healthy inner man. Inner man becomes healthy when we are willing to seek God and allow His transforming power to work. Inner man must be cared, protected and strengthened by the power through His Spirit. ----more----We must allow the Power that Works - power of the Gospel, power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the power of resurrection.
Only those who have "Tough Minded Faith" can sense success in dark times, come back after defeat and face the future unafraid. One can develop tough minded faith in God by knowing the existence of God, knowing that our days are in His hands and by seeking God as when we seek Him, He delivers us from all our fears.
Life becomes a prison cell the moment we are unable to push through life's challenges and move forward. Life is capable of confining us inside our own prison cell and making the escape almost impossible. Prison limits our ability, Prison offers what we deserve, Prison makes us to lose our rights. But God can set us free from the prison. ----more----He is capable of cutting the chains that are binding us today. He is not only a chain breaker, He is also a door opener who sets us free from the prison.
The Feast of Trumpets or Rosh Hashanah reminds us that • God is expecting the church to get into a time of return, repentance and new beginnings • God reminds us that He is in control of the earth and of our lives too. • God reminds us to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord----more---- • God doesn't want us to be ignorant of the time that we are living in • God wants us to celebrate as it is the beginning of a new year and He is going to wipe away the old and make everything anew.
Christ followers cannot have a life that’s Self-Centered, they are expected to live a God-Centered life. God's Word, Prayer, Worship and Involvement in local and global mission are the four building blocks to build a God-Centered life. Listen to the sermon to know few simple practical steps of living a God-Centered life.
We all must balance our Christian lives with faith and works. Pray, study, meditate, and be filled with the Holy Spirit to spiritually grow and mature in your faith, at the same time, work hard and allow your faith in God to impact lives around you by meeting their emotional, spiritual and physical needs. Don't over do either one, balance it.----more---- An apparent contradiction seen in what James & Paul are writing about faith & works. Paul is saying, no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. James is saying, man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Scriptures don't contradict with each other. I believe both Paul & James are talking about Balancing faith and works. • No one is expected to work to earn salvation, but we are expected to work not to lose our salvation. • We need faith to maintain our salvation, we lose our salvation if we don't work towards it as dead faith cannot produce salvation. • Once saved is not saved for ever. • We are saved by faith and we keep our faith alive by doing good works. Because without works faith within us dies.
In Psalm 13, David, brought his complaints, his pain and petitions to the Lord, then he realized his inability to hope anything for the future. Day by day he was losing his trust and joy, but one day he turned every frustration, every disappointment, every failure, every delay into praise. God expects us to do the same. Listen to the sermon to know how to turn your pain into praise.
We learn from Luke 6: 27-38 what extreme giving is. When your giving is extreme in terms of • Loving those who hate you and loving those who are unloved • Doing good to those who do evil against you • Lending those who are incapable of returning----more---- God gives it back in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over in terms of • Forgiving us eternally and • Granting us divine favor
Listen to this sermon from Colossians 1:13-18. Let Christ may have the pre-eminence, superiority, sovereignty or authority over our lives. • No man can deliver us, but Christ alone • No man can redeem us, but Christ alone----more---- • Christ alone created everything and consists everything in Him • Christ is superior than every other human being we may consider superior Let admiring Christ's superiority bring more joy than the joy of admiring people we consider superior.
Here is the highlight of the sermon. 1. Do not allow pain to settle down in your heart when those who are dear to you raise against you 2. When frustrations mount up, you feel like escaping, but hold on, God is causing confusion among your enemies and they are going to run away in seven ways----more---- 3. Remember, God needs you, You need you and Others need you, so take a good care of you when you are insulted and offended 4. Forget revenge, not even have a bad attitude when something happens to your enemy, instead, give him bread to eat and water to drink.
Listen to the sermon to learn more on this topic.
For some reason God doesn't tell what is far ahead of us instead God shows us only one step at a time. We need to know just one step, not miles ahead. God shows only one step because, • We need to know what is just in front of us----more---- • Next step is crucial for the rest of the steps • We need to live our today God doesn't show miles ahead because, • We worry about our future • We become self sufficient • We grow in maturity as we walk
God wants you to rise, take up your bed and walk so that your destiny can be changed. We learned couple of truths from John ch.5 as part of this sermon. Truth #1 - Your destiny is not going to change unless you are willing for a change----more---- Truth #2 - It is time to pickup your bed, say good bye to your past where there is no hope and move forward Truth #3 - Do not allow others, past failures, self pity and bitterness to prevent you from moving forward If you are, willing to change and willing to leave your past, now you must be willing to step into your new future. Now that you got unstuck from your past, God wants you to take actions towards moving into your future without getting afraid of failures. Your past failure, self pity and resentment or bitterness can stop you from moving forward towards your new destiny. Deal with them with the help of God, He will help you to change your destiny.
God appeared to children of Israel in the wilderness and went before them as a Pillar of Cloud by Day and a Pillar of Fire by Night. Understanding the nature of cloud and fire helps us to understand the nature of God himself. Cloud Hides, Fire Reveals - God protects as a mother hen protects her chicks, God also reveals His plans concerning your future----more---- Cloud Cools, Fire Heats - God comforts you like a mother, but at the same time he rebukes and instructs us to correct ourselves Cloud Produces, Fire Consumes - When we obey God, He gives us everything, but when we disobey Him, He destroys what is given. The same God who protects also reveals, same God who comforts also rebukes, the same God who grows also destroys.
Peter committed a great sin of denying the Lord. That sin resulted in guilt & shame leading him to quit. This sermon is a call to invite you to put yourself in Peter's shoes to understand the emotional struggles Peter went through after committing sin. This sermon will encourage you to understand and support those who are walking in Peter's shoes. ----more----This sermon also teaches us not to be hard on ourselves when we handle guilt in our lives, instead to handle guilt with much grace and compassion.
As we run our race, we either look at other's race or we allow others to control our race. • Do not look at other's race to compare, worry and try to run like them. • Do not allow others to control your race by their opinions and ideas. • Do not run to please people than pleasing God.----more---- • Do not run to win their favor, win God's favor. • Do not allow others to distract you while running your race. You can easily lose your reward by listening to people if you don't listen to the Holy Spirit.
The question is, "Why are we afraid of death and why do we struggle to handle the pain of losing our loved ones?"
Here are the highlights of the sermon: • If our love on God is deep enough, we will be well prepared to handle the end days of our lives or the lives of our dear ones. • Your deep love is only for God, rest of your love for human must be shallow.----more---- • Our love cannot be concentrated around our family, it is to spread among those who are in touch with us. • Paul says, When one member suffers, all the members suffer, He is not talking about Blood Relation here. • God doesn't expect you to grieve different when your family member is lost than how you grieve for the loss of your fellow believer. • When our God, the Father and Son Jesus love others, how can we, His followers are unable to love others? There is something wrong in the way we follow God. • When we love God, when we love our neighbors as we love ourselves, we will face death with no fear, and we will handle the loss with much grace and hope.
What can you do when your faith is overtaken by situations, feelings & emotions and denials? • When situations are adverse, • When feelings and emotions burst out of your heart, • When your prayer is not answered,----more---- Do not let your faith go down. Remember, God's power works the best in your adversities, in your tears and in your loses. Listen to the sermon to know how to handle such moments in life.
Here are the highlights of the sermon: • Having deep faith in Christ doesn't prevent one from grieving. • We don't grieve like the rest of the people do, but we do grieve with hope • Do exactly what Jesus did in times of loss - Grieve with those who grieve, but grieve with hope.----more---- • We are not afraid of death as death has no power in us • Bring this hope and comfort to those who are not grieving with hope. Listen to the sermon to know how to handle grief.
Feeling lonely is not that strange and weird. Loneliness is not God's choice • Jesus not only understands our loneliness, he also destroyed it. • God is not the reason for your loneliness: Loneliness is not a bad thing • Your loneliness can help you to achieve what you wanted to achieve in life • Your loneliness can help you to define and re-define your calling----more---- • Your loneliness can enlarge your heart to love others Holy Spirit is our helper always with us to remove our loneliness.
The feeling of rejection is not uncommon. Even though the feeling of rejection is painful, our God had already experienced rejection and who is able to reverse every rejection into a blessing if you are willing to remove the feeling of rejection from your heart. Listen to the sermon to know how we could do this.----more---- • God can reverse your rejection into a blessing. • Whatever rejection you are going through today, do not allow that to damage your life. • Rejection is painful, its frustrating, do not try to transfer that pain and frustration to others. • Your rejection can trigger God's favor on you. • Allow God to turn your rejection into compassion to make a difference in others lives. • Do not allow your rejection to turn into bitterness. • Your rejection has to be dealt with, otherwise its going to hide in your heart and show its ugly head in the next opportunity. • If you allow even a tiny bit of rejection to stick into your soul, its going to infect your soul, your hurt is going to control you and poison all the relationships around you. • If you still carry the feeling of rejection within you, it allows a foothold for the enemy in your life. • According to John 10:10 enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, enemy will convince you saying - you are unloved, you are unworthy, you are unaccepted. But if you give all your rejections to God, He will reverse them into blessings.
This is what we learned at the end of the sermon. • Temptation is common • Temptation is lifelong • Temptation is escapable using Word of God and Prayer. Please listen to the sermon to know what God is saying to you.
It is not strange to get frustrated. Frustration is a normal human response. But God doesn't want us to continue in our frustrations. • Frustration of being trapped in the middle • Frustration of dissatisfaction • Frustration of dealing with the family members----more---- • Frustration of dealing with negativity or pessimism • Frustration of dealing with opposition Frustration doesn't lead us anywhere, we need to ask for God's grace to handle frustrations and lay our burdens on Jesus to find rest.
Is it strange to feel useless? We feel useless or worthless, • If we don't know the wisdom of God seen in the diversity of His creation • If we base our worth on what people think about us • If we don't find the place where we are needed But, we feel useful • If we realize the wisdom of God in creating us just like we are----more---- • If we base our worth on what God thinks about us • If we find our place to serve others or where we are needed.
Even though fear is not strange and unusual, God doesn't want us to live in fear. • God doesn't want our imaginations, dreams and purposes get killed by fear • God doesn't want us to fall in the trap of fear that is set by the devil----more---- • God doesn't want us to be faint hearted, cowards and fearful and lose heaven God is saying, I created you, I formed you, I redeemed you, called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
There is a Reason for Your Season. God is keeping you in the current season for, 1. God's Glory 2. Others 3. Next Season.----more---- God is breaking you and making you as he gets you ready for the next season. During your current season, be humble, trust in the Lord and wait on the Lord. Listen to the sermon to know more about the seasons of your life.
1 Peter 1:1-9 • Through the resurrection of Lord Jesus we have "Living Hope". • We have a heavenly Inheritance - incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, • Kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.----more---- • In the meantime, the genuineness of our faith is tested by various trials as gold is tested by fire and result in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ • Though we don't see Him now, yet we love Him, we rejoice in Him knowing that our faith will end in receiving the eternal salvation of our souls.
As Jesus entered into Jerusalem before His crucifixion, people welcomed Him with a great honor and celebration. But when we see Beyond the Celebration, we see the condition of the people and the city. Jesus saw the • Deceptive nature of God's people • City that lost its opportunity to receive the Messiah----more---- • People who lost the call of God But the donkey found its purpose by being a vehicle for the Master to ride on. Today, God wants us not to put a deceptive appearance in front of people, not to lose the opportunity to get saved and not to lose the call of God in our lives.
Today we need to Ask God For Open Hands. The harvest is plentiful, Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” • Open Hands are not busy, but are available for God's Work and to serve others • Open Hands are Held up, not let down so that enemy doesn't prevail----more---- • Open Hands release resources, people and gifts to others, they don't Hold. Listen to the sermon to know how important it is to pray for Open Hands and to have Open Hands to be used by God.
Open heaven is essential in order to receive both spiritual and material blessings. We will have Open Heaven above our lives when • We do what is Fitting, even though it may not be the best and desired • We Give according to the Biblical Life principle of tithing • We Obey God by changing our rebellious and stubborn nature----more---- Listen to the sermon to know how to keep the heaven above your life open in order to receive the blessings that you have been waiting for a long time.
God wants us to have a open heart towards Him and with others so that we can receive life from God and be a life giver to others. Open heart is the one that receives and gives. Here is the summary of the sermon. - Open Heart Receives God's Word - Open Heart Receives God's Will----more---- - Open Heart Gives Life in Words - Open Heart Gives Life in Action - Open Heart Gives Life through Sacrifice Listen to the sermon to know more about Open Heart and Ask God For Open Heart.
God wants us to Ask For - Open Doors. When we ask, 1. He will open the door in the midst of our enemies 2. Door of great opportunity will open for us 3. Only prayer could open the closed doors 4. God opens doors when we are found faithful with our little strength----more---- Prayer is the Key to open closed door. 1. Pray for the door of promotion to open 2. Pray for the door of breakthrough to open 3. Pray for the door of fruitfulness to open
Here are some of the thoughts that emerged out of this sermon. • God saw the struggles of your past. • Even before you knew your God, He knew you • The one who number the stars and calls them by name, knew your struggles of the past----more---- • You do not know what is ahead of you, but God knows • Give all your Unknowns into the hands of the Known God who Knows your Future • Hagar's problem was different from your problem, but the same God who saw Hagar is seeing you today • If you are called out of your country and wandering in this land as strangers and pilgrims, wilderness is part of your life. But remember, He is your El-Roi, the God who sees.
John 4:31-38 is a conversation Jesus was having with His disciples. These verses could be grouped as "My Food, My People and My Servants" Jesus is telling us the same thing that He told to the disciples the other day. • Do not lose your spiritual sensitivity • Do not ignore people, look for divine encounters, divine opportunities----more---- • Start loving this land, start loving the people who are not of your color, not your nationality and don't speak your language • Open your eyes to see the opportunity God has brought in front of you • Your mission field is not within four walls, its outside the four walls • The land you are living today, the land you are immigrating to is your Mission Field • You are not just an international student, not just a sponsored immigrant or a permanent resident, none of us are permanent here. • You are a missionary to this land, no question of turning back, you are called to run your race in this land, once its all done, get buried here in this land. • This is the call of God on each one of you.
Praise is Eternal, the Praise that we start on this earth even in the midst of our challenges, wearing our sackcloth is going to continue into the Eternity as Eternal Praise as we will be clothed with the garment of Praise.
David is Praising God for the way God helped him in every situation. He revealed couple of truths concerning our lives and the way God works among us.----more---- • Depressing nature of Life • Momentary sorrow that we experience • The falling nature of man and the sudden nature of troubles • The uselessness of Life once lived and the pricelessness of Life while living • The ultimate deliverance of eternal praise raising when the garment of praise if put on and the sackcloth is permanently removed.
Following are some of the truths that are revealed in Psalm 30. Truth #1 Life is depressing at times, but the God of David will not allow your enemies rejoice over you. Truth #2 : God works through the momentary forsakenness, momentary affliction, momentary suffering and weeping that endures only for a night, to show the extent of His favor and to give the assurance of joy. Truth # 3: The moment pride comes in our lives, moment we start depending on our strength, God hides His face. Truth #4: Life is useless once lived only for the world, but it is priceless once lived for God. Truth #5: The Praise that we started on the earth for the momentary deliverances is going to continue as Eternal Praise in heaven once the sackcloth is permanently removed and the garment of praise is put on for ever.
This is what happens when we praise God according to Psalm 138. • When we Praise for the ordinary, the extra ordinary will happen. • When we Praise for the usual, the unusual will happen. •When we Praise God Wholeheartedly, Unashamedly and Exclusively for the Usual things God has done, an Unusual Expectation, an Unusual Kindness, an Unusual Help and an Unusual Confidence comes from God.
The six Psalms 113-118 are known as the "Egyptian Hallel". Psalm 113 is an introductory Psalm that could be divided into three sections as below. • Praise Unbounded - There is no limit how much we can praise our God. God wants us to praise Him from morning till evening and forevermore. • God Unconfined - Let's not limit God with what we know, but allow God to work in and through our lives without any restrictions. ----more---- • Favor Undeserved - Let God raise us from our situation to a much higher leave that we don't even deserve. Let His favor remove the barrenness that is in our lives and produce more natural and spiritual children. Here is the one line summary of Psalm 113 - When we raise Unbounded Praises to the Unconfined God, we will see the Undeserved Favor coming upon His People.
Psalm 148 is the most solemn and earnest call to all the creations to praise the creator according to their capacity. • Human is not the only creature that praises God, human is one among the many creatures that praise God. • All creatures other than angels and human beings bring Glory to God by simply being themselves and fulfilling their God given roles in the created order. ----more---- • When God expects all of His creations including angels, sun, moon and stars, sea creatures, birds and animals, kings, princes, judges, young and old, men and women, to praise Him, if we as human don't praise Him, He will make the stones to cry out to Him. He has exalted the horn of His people who praise Him and lifted them up with all honor, glory, strength and power.
Psalm 146 could be summarized as below. • If we Know our God (V 6-9) and Do What He Says (V3-5), we will not die, but we will Live to Praise Him (V1-2 & 10). • We know Our God who is a Creator, Giver, Miracle Worker, Champion & Encourager, Guardian & Protector & Defender of Widows and Orphans. • And if we do what he wants us to do by trusting Him and being Happy, We must not die, but live in order to praise Him.
In Psalm 71, David is painting a picture of life to portray how Praise is involved in all the phases of life right from birth till death. God wants us to praise Him continuously. Living Praise lives along with us all through our lives. Psalm 71 can be sectioned as below. • Miracle of the Past - Start praising God for creating you, your children,----more---- the unborn, still not conceived, those who failed to make it from the mother's womb. • Wonder of the Present - In the midst of adversities, hardships and trials, God can make you a wonder to many when your mouth is filled with - not evil words, not negative words, not empty words, but praises to God. • Favor of the Future - Old age could be complex. You need God's favor to survive in that age, and that favor comes from our continual praises to God. • Purpose of the Rest - The purpose of the rest of your life is to declare God's strength and power to the next generation. Ministering to your own children and involving yourself in children and youth ministry.
Zechariah 9:12 Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare That I will restore double to you. In this year 2021, God is extending an invitation for us to return to the stronghold, that is God Himself. Also God is declaring a double restoration for us. ----more----If we return to the city of refuge, the Stronghold, we will see God's favor in our lives as He is going to restore double of those things that we lost in the previous years.
Life is all about coming out of the house of bondage, traveling through the wilderness, reaching our earthly Canaan, living there until time comes to go the heavenly Canaan. As we are about to enter into the New Year, • God wants us to know there are tests on our way, it doesn't matter if we are in the wilderness or in Canaan. ----more---- • God tests us in our wilderness to see if we humble ourselves, to see what is in our hearts and to teach us spiritual truths through our lacks and scarcities or shortages. • God tests us in our earthly Canaan to see if we still follow God, if we still love Him and still serve Him even when we are blessed with all the material blessings. • He tests us to see if we rely on ourselves saying we achieved everything by our strength. • It is important to remember the God of our wilderness and humbly walk in His presence to follow His commandments. • If not, He doesn't qualify us to enter into the eternal Canaan, instead he destroys us as He destroyed His enemies. • All that we said is summarized in Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Advent is a season of hope for tomorrow. We have our hope on Lord Jesus Christ because, 1. He is Sovereign - Advent reminds us that Jesus is Sovereign, He works beyond our limitations, there is nothing that could stop Him and nothing that could ever surprise Him ----more---- 2. He is a Hope Giver - When hopelessness and despair abounds around us, Advent reminds us to look at the one who gives us hope for tomorrow 3. He is the God of Tomorrow - If we really observe Advent, we will lose sight from our today's limitations and put our hope on the God of tomorrow.
Advent reminds us the coming of the Lord - the birth of Jesus, birth of Christ within us during salvation and the second coming of Jesus. Advent is the season of expectant joy and let the source of joy be Christ alone. This joy comes to you by knowing your relationship with Jesus. Today, you may be missing some of your dear ones who may not be with you right now. ----more----During Advent, your expectant joy is obtained by knowing that Christ is • more than a brother for you. • more than a friend for you • more than your mother for you. • more than your father for you. • more than your husband for you • the high priest in heaven. Call Jesus - dear brother, dear friends, dear mother, dear father, dear husband and dear high priest. You will be filled with the everlasting joy.
Advent reminds us the coming of the Lord - the birth of Jesus, birth of Christ within us at salvation and the second coming of Jesus. The coming of the Lord reminds us the labor and pain associated with His birth into the world. • That pain was upon the children of Israel in Egypt until a deliverer came ----more---- • It was upon Mary and Joseph as they were struggling to lodge and deliver the baby • The pain was upon Mary and Joseph as they had to escape Herod soon after delivery • The pain was upon the inhabitants of Bethlehem and the surrounding places as their sons below the age of 2 were killed • The pain has been experienced by millions in the form of persecution as they choose to have Christ born in their lives • That pain is upon the world today as the world is getting ready for His coming • Even during His second coming, the pain and the terror are going to be experienced by those who reject Jesus
Advent is a time to remember the labor and pain associated with His coming. Advent is also • Advent - A season of Expectant Joy • Advent - A season of Hope for tomorrow We will talk about these in the next two weeks
One side we see people enjoying their lives in sinful pleasures who don't seek God and on the other side we see multitudes living in sorrow, pain and agony who need God every moment. This has been the mystery of the ages.----more----
We see the contrasting actions and reactions of people as they were confronted with, either the pleasures and the celebrations of this world or the sufferings, persecutions and the loss of lives.
If good times remind you of God's goodness, blessings and prosperity, bad times remind you of His grace, mercy and compassion.
He is the God of the Good times and the Bad times He is the God of the Mountains and the Valleys of life He is the God of the Day, but still He is the God of the Night too. But, this is what you can do. 1. In good times do not forget His goodness 2. In bad times do not fail to embrace His grace
Are you tired of weeping in the night? Your morning is already coming. Experience the joy of the morning by doing the following. 1. Be found in the presence of the Lord 2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit 3. Be joyful in the day of the Lord 4. Be delighted in the Book of the Law
If you are broken, wounded, silenced, rejected, aborted, ill-fated, and currently suffering in your life, this sermon is for you. Please listen from I Peter 5:8-10. • Remember the enemy is walking like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. ----more---- • God wants you to resist him by standing firm in your faith. • The devil is causing such sufferings among other families too. • But God allowed that in your life with an intention of preparing you to take part in the eternal Glory with Christ Jesus. • But after you have suffered a while, He is going to Perfect you, Establish you, Strengthen you and Settle you.
God is calling the church to shepherd the flock. The kind of shepherd God is looking for is according to John Ch.10 where Jesus portrayed himself as the true Shepherd, the Good Shepherd and the Shepherd who knows His sheep. We learned the following truths about shepherd from John 10. ----more---- • Truth#1: Shepherds must be legitimate and must remain true to their call to be a shepherd. • Truth#2: Good shepherds are passionate and zealous serving God and protecting their sheep • Truth#3: Shepherds need to help people to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. • Truth#4: Shepherds must bring the lost sheep to the one flock under one shepherd • Truth#5: Shepherds must raise more shepherds.
We never bother to take time to understand the heart of God. Lack of many good earthly fathers make us to reject the love and care of our heavenly Father. We captured the heart of God through "The parable of the prodigal son" or "The Parable of the Lost Son" as recorded in Luke 15:11-32. ----more---- • Our heavenly Father's heart is so Gentle • Our heavenly Father's heart is so Accepting • Our heavenly Father's heart is so Compassionate • Our heavenly Father's heart is so Giving • Our heavenly Father's heart is so Pleading If our heavenly Father's heart is so, why do we harden our hearts today?
We were taught on the topic of "Knowing Your Call" in a very practical way. We categorized the call of God into three major types/levels. Called to Save, Called to Serve and Called to Leave. Listen to the sermon to know more on these calls and to know how to recognize His call. We ended this sermon with the practical questions. "God is calling us to save, serve & leave. Are we ready?" ----more---- • What have you decided to do for him? • What is your call to serve? • Is God calling you to leave?
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: Here are the 4 truths about "Living Through the Seasons" 1. No matter what season you are in, its not going to last for ever 2. Prepare for the next season 3. Once happened, but now it doesn't happen, because you are in a different season ----more---- 4. Seasons may begin and end, but life continues
God wants you to 1. Know that the season you are in now, is going to end soon 2. Get ready for the next season 3. Be planted in the river side (meditate the Word, trust God, allow Holy Spirit to work in you and be plated in the house of the Lord )
Luke 5:33-39 (Parable of New and Old) Jesus said, no one puts a patch of new cloth on a old cloth. If someone does that the new makes a tear on the old one and the new patch doesn't match the old one. No one puts new wine into an old wineskin. If someone does that, the new wine will burst the old wine skin, the wine will spill and the wineskin will be ruined.----more----
At the end of the sermon we were challenged to take action: 1. Impossibility of old and new existing together • What is that old thing that must go away from you so that God can do something new? 2. Incompatibility of the new with the old • What is that one thing of the past having a hold on you and is not allowing you to move ahead to receive the new blessings from God? 3. Inability to accept anything different. • What is that one tradition that you have to change to inspire your children to follow God? Please listen to the sermon to know more about what God is willing to do for you.
There are so many obstacles we face today to live our dreams. More than external obstructions the internal obstructions are more powerful and unknown for us unless told. It is worth taking time to find the obstacles that are inside so that we can live the dream we have for our lives. As each obstacle is explained, do not fail to take action to destroy these obstacles.----more----
Obstacles & Actions to destroy the Obstacles: Obstacle - 1: Resistance • Identify one resistance in your life that is not allowing you to live your dream • Identify one area you are willing to change Obstacle - 2: Fear of Failure • Identify one initiative that you wanted, but never took because of fear of failure Obstacle - 3: Fear of Rejection • Identify one step that you wanted to take, but haven't taken because you are afraid that people may reject you Obstacle - 4: Fear of Success • What is the wrong notion you have concerning becoming successful and raising above normal? • Who is that toxic person in your life, who hate you being successful? • What is that you wanted to start towards your success, but haven't started? Obstacle - 5: Laziness • What is that one thing that you are not doing because of your laziness and willing to start now?
We understood that "our situation doesn't matter" from the life of Daniel. For a child of God, when you are in the middle of an adverse situation, your situation doesn't matter for you. Because you are in God's hands. We structed our sermon as below. 1. Your Situation Doesn't Matter for You a. Daniel Was Trapped (Daniel 6:4-9) b. Situation Did not Change Daniel (Daniel 6:10-12) ----more---- 2. Your Situation doesn't Matter to God a. Man cannot Deliver (Daniel 6:14-17) b. Only God can Deliver (Daniel 6:18- 23) In closing, we asked these questions. • What are those traps in which you have fallen? • What are those areas where you already compromised? • What are those men pleasing moments of your life? • What are those power hungry and money thirsty decisions you made? • When are those moments men appeared to be helping more than God? • When are those moments you depended on people than God? • You may not see an angel, but are you still trusting in God? Your miracle cannot come from man, it has to come from God.
This is what we learned through this sermon: • Faith without action is a dead faith, we must put our faith in action. • Law cannot justify anyone, but faith followed by work or action justifies. • We will not see the breakthrough unless we put our faith in action • Jesus didn't heal the blind man instantly by his faith, healing took place when he put his faith in action by walking towards the pool of Siloam and washing his eyes. ----more---- • You have been praying for that particular miracle, you have enough faith for the miracle, but still it is not happening until you put your faith in action.
God wants us to revive, activate the dead faith that is within us. Listen to the sermon to learn more about this powerful scriptural truth.
In Jonah Ch.4, he was upset, angry and went out of the city to isolated himself. He was further upset and angry when the shelter that he made and the shade that God had given were taken out of him. In those moments of frustration and disappointment, God works in our lives to show what kind of people are we and what kind of God we serve.----more----
We make shelters around us such as distraction and finding our own solution to escape anxiety, frustration, and anger. God may give shelters around us such as the earthly blessings that we enjoy. But we need to remember that they are given to be taken away. When they are taken out of us, we know Him better as Jonah came to know that He is a compassionate God when what he got were taken out of him.
In times like this, it is easy for anyone to get discouraged. You don't really need to do anything to get discouraged. You just give into the situation, listen to the news and analyze the statistics, you will see discouragement building up within you. God wants us to refuse to be discouraged. If we don't refuse to be discouraged, discouragement is going to have very serious consequences in the lives of God's children. ----more----Few such consequences are discussed in detail here. 1. Discouragement breeds worry & anxiety, frustration & hopelessness 2. Discouragement takes you off of God's plan (vision and goals) 3. Discouragement makes everything go wrong 4. Discouragement is very contagious
Listen to the sermon to know how important it is for us refuse to be discouraged.
Psalm 19:7-11 is the most comprehensive statement regarding the Sufficiency of Scripture. Scripture is complete in itself, has everything that is needed for one's spiritual life. Here are the highlights of this sermon. • There is nothing else that needs to be revealed to humanity about God or His plan for the human race other than what is already revealed in the Book. ----more---- • The Bible is all that is necessary for the believers to understand the character of God, the nature of man, and the doctrines of sin, heaven, hell, and salvation through Jesus Christ." • There is nothing else we need to know about God other than what is written. • No human addition is required to make scripture better. Scripture is all sufficient, nothing more is needed. • Spiritual gifts are an attack on Scriptural Sufficiency as they are capable of producing fake devotion, cause excitement and make people to go behind the gifts forgetting the All Sufficient Word of God. Long for Scripture than Gifts. • Be careful about the non-Biblical writings such as the "lost books of the Bible" and the non-canonical Gospels. They lack Apostolic or Prophetic Authorship. They contain unbiblical concepts and some serious historical inaccuracies. Avoid reading them, even if you read for knowledge sake, read with a lot of discernment. • Any book other than the Word of God if we read or sermon we listen to, can put us in danger of hell fire if not properly discerned as they can never replace the Scripture that is bound between two covers and given in our hands.
The Apostle James is giving guidelines on how to plan for our future in James 4:13-16. We are totally incapable of planning for our future as this life is passing and we don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. James is advising us not to predict tomorrow, instead we ought to say that I don't know my tomorrow and I am totally depending on God.----more---- Trying to plan our future based on the predictions and our knowledge without knowing God's will is considered as arrogance and is a sin in the sight of God. Here are the highlights of the sermon. 1. We plan our lives based on what we know 2. We don't know what is going to happen tomorrow 3. Our life is passing, there is no way we can plan anything beyond today 4. God's plan for us is totally different from what we have planned for our future 5. Going ahead with our plans, not knowing God's will is considered as boasting and is evil.
Listen to the sermon to know more on how to plan our future.
We are living in a time when we get easily discouraged if we look at the things which are seen. Paul is urging us to look at the things that are unseen. We need eyes of faith to see the things that are unseen and eternal in nature. Paul is also warning about the deceptive nature of our senses and the temporary nature of what is seen.----more----
Let us understand as Paul talks about the 1. Perishing nature of human body and the renewing nature of inner man 2. Afflicting nature of this world and the rewarding nature of heaven 3. Tangible nature of this life and the unseen nature of eternity
Why are we discouraged and how can we overcome the discouragement. 1. We worry about this perishing body, but God wants us to work towards renewing the inner man 2. We worry about the afflicting nature of this world, but God is asking us to think about the rewarding nature of heaven 3. We try to satisfy all the senses of our body, but God is asking us to try seeing what is unseen. 4. We think everything around us is permanent. No, its all going to go away from us, what is unseen is permanent and eternal.
Listen to the sermon and be encouraged to continue to do what you are expected to do.
God wants us to see what is happening around us, sense the time that we are living in and respond to the needs of people. As there are many out there living in hopelessness. Be the one who provided hope of eternity to those who are living in darkness. Listen to the sermon to understand the way Jesus was ministering to the paralytic as he was brought to Jesus.----more----
Four men saw the paralytic, sensed the need and responded by carrying him to Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, He sensed the opposition and the need and responded with words of forgiveness and healing. God wants us to see the hurting , sense the time we are living in and lead them to the one who gives eternal hope.
When Jesus performed the miracle of feeding 5000 plus people, Bible says, after the miracle took place, the disciples gathered twelve baskets full of fragments that remained. Fragments are the result of breakage. Any kind of breakage leaves fragments. Life events are capable of breaking our lives and leaving fragments.God wants to do something meaningful and beautiful with the leftover fragments of your life. Listen to the sermon.----more----
Sermon outline:
Fragments. • Fragments are the broken pieces of the bread • Fragments represent our lives as we are also broken in every way Fragments have no specific shape • Jesus didn't make fragments. • Fragments have no specific shape as they are broken pieces of the original substance. • Fragments can fit into any basket or container because of their shapelessness and size. Fragments are made of the same material • Even though you are broken, still you are called to be what God wants you to be. • Those gifts may be dormant in your life, God will revive them • Still you are a child of God Fragments can feed the dogs (gentiles), not the children Today's Gentiles: • Non-Christians • Outcasts & Neglected • NexGen Kids Your Ministry is • Not inside four walls • Christianity is already saturated • Christians don't need you
Job lost just about everything; his sheep, his oxen, his camels, his servants, and all of his sons and daughters – His wife said, “Curse God and die”. Even God has not responded in any way to Job’s demand for answers. But Job is still asking and searching; maybe because if he stops, then he’ll have nothing left to live for. All along, his cry was "If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his court and plead my case, but I don't find him anywhere". ----more---- Job's words from Job Ch. 23 • Help us to know Our inability to find God • Give us confidence to follow Him • Help us to know how God would hide himself at times • Help us to know our inability to influence God • Bring a holy fear within us Listen to the sermon to know more about the kind of God we serve. Here is the takeaway from the sermon. 1. Do not stop seeking God, if you stop, then you will have nothing left to live for. 2. As you are unable to influence God's decision concerning your life, its better to work with God than trying to change Him 3. Blessings may not come easily, you have to wrestle with God as Jacob did. 4. God's silence in your life doesn't mean that God is absent. 5. You can never stop seeking and searching for God as you never know when God stops hiding himself to you.
The uniqueness of Christ is not the miracles He performed or still performs, the uniqueness of Christ is the atonement that He made for our sins by paying the penalty of our sins and making us stand before God justified.----more----
Eight Elements of Miracles: 1. Need 2. Purpose 3. Traditional Setting 4. Old Testament Relevance 5. Momentary Response 6. Lessons to Learn 7. Relevance to the Early Church 8. Relevance to the Modern Church
All the eight elements are explained with the help of a sample miracle Jesus performed from Mark 4:35-41. Listen to this interesting sermon.
God has promised us comfort in times of trouble. He has prepared dwelling places for us in heaven. He has assured us that he will come back to take us into the eternal home to live with Him for ever. But we need to know the way to get there. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me". Let us follow the Way.
Don't Panic: Pandemic can cause series of panic disorders over a period of time. God is telling us not to panic, but to activate God's promises. Promises come true / get activated (miracles happen), when 1. Appropriated to your situation 2. Personalized to you 3. Believed for breakthrough----more----
Don’t be Complacent: Let us not be complacent in this situation. - like the man who received one talent from the master and did nothing with it. - like the five virgins who were not willing to spend for buying extra oil. Let us know the timing of God's visitation, know the limitations we are in, work through our way, follow God, witness Christ and fulfill our calling.
Be Alert (Be watchful): - Know the time that we are living in by reading the prophetic book. - Listen to the only prophet of the New Testament, Lord Jesus Christ. - Know that the current pandemic is not the end of the world, but it is the beginning of sorrows.
Listen to the sermon to know more about what God is telling during this difficult time.
Overcome Fear by 1. Knowing God 2. Praying for Others 3. Captivating your Thoughts
----more----Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. - Corrie ten Boom “I prayed to dispel my fear, until suddenly, and I do not know how the idea came to me, I began to pray for others. I prayed for everyone who came into my thoughts - people with whom I had traveled, those who had been in prison with me, my school friends of years ago. I do not know how long I continued my prayer, but this I do know - my fear was gone! Interceding for others had released me!” - Corrie ten Boom
Psalm 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the Lord our God, Until He has mercy on us. Let us understand this scripture by understanding the key phrases. • Hand of the Master • Eyes of the Servant • Until mercy is obtained At the end of the sermon we realize that His hand is going to move on behalf of us. ----more---- • Shall we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus? • Focus on God, not on your problems • Don't depend on Man, but depend on God • Don't look at your surroundings, but look at His hands • Don't look for signs, but look for the move of His hands • Don't pray for miracles, don't pray for healing, ask for mercy - but keep looking at God until you obtain mercy • Don't try alternate methods, but keep your eyes straight
Listen to the sermon to know on how to obtain the blessings from the hands of God.
According to Genesis 1:28, human tried his level best to Subdue and take Dominion over the earth and all the living thing. But he never could do that. • He failed • He just simply lost his ability • Devil just took it over and ----more---- • Jesus is going to restore it back. Listen to the sermon to know how he lost it, how did the devil take it over and how and when Jesus is going to establish His kingdom to restore everything that human lost to the devil.
Racism & Violence are not God's agenda, but the Devil's. Devil's agenda counters the agenda of God. God's agenda is that all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Church must work towards achieving the end goal of attaining salvation of all men. This requires, • Embracing people of all color and ethnicity. • Developing ethnic tolerance ----more---- • Appreciation of Cultural, Racial, and Ethnic Differences. • Development of what is known as cultural intelligence or cultural quotient. In order to fulfill God's agenda, one must 1. Love Everyone equally 2. Make use of every opportunity to love, care and to lead people to Christ. Listen to the sermon to know more about how you can be part of God's agenda for mankind.
We are living in a time when the future seems to be dim, dull, blurred and foggy. While driving through the foggy, misty conditions, it is essential to turn on the front and rear fog lights to gain visibility of the road that is just ahead of you and to alert the vehicle that is behind you. As the fog lights help us while driving, we need to make sure we have enough light to move ahead in order to save our lives into the eternal heaven and to shine enough light for other's safety in order to save them from the eternal hell.----more----
Listen to the sermon to know more about how to move forward while helping others as we move into the future that appears so foggy.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has already made a huge impact on human life and on the world economy. It is a valid question to ask "What is God doing through the Coronavirus?". We answer this question after knowing some of the key attributes of the God of the universe. With our understanding on God and by knowing what is happening on the earth, we arrived at the following answers for the above question. God is ----more---- 1. Awakening, not abandoning 2. Purifying, not punishing 3. Loosening, not securing 4. Convincing, not pleasing Listen to the sermon to know what God is up to as we deal with this deadly pandemic.
In this battle of corona virus, the enemy is invisible, so tiny, but caused such a great havoc worldwide, weakening the economy, confronting the government, upsetting the plans unlike anything that is seen in the recent history. We have been living with so many constraints around us. Do you know that God can make it better even during Constraints? 1. Constraints change our lifestyle 2. Constraints make us better people 3. God woks miracles during constraints 4. God opens opportunities during constraints 5. Constrains can never separate us from the love of Christ Listen to the sermon to know how these constrains work to make your life better.
The objective of this sermon is to highlight the roles & responsibilities of a mother in raising a leader that was perfectly played by Jochebed, the mother of Moses.
Role of a Mother: God is in the business of raising leaders. He gives them in the hands of trustworthy women and ask them to care for them until they are capable of doing what God wants them to do.----more----
Responsibilities of a Mother: Do what you need to protect your child, allow God to work on your behalf, nurture your child when he/she is given in your hands and let him/her go when it is time.
You must • do what you need to do to protect your child, • allow God to work on your behalf, • nurture your child when he/she is given in your hands and • let him/her go when it is time.
Listen to the sermon to know more about Jochebed and her role as a mother in raising Moses, a great leader.
We have been dealing with a deadly enemy called Coronavirus making a huge impact on humankind. While fighting with such an enemy, one can either live in Fear, or Fight against or even Fall and surrender to the enemy. If you don't handle the impact of COVID-19 in your life carefully, this physical enemy will causes emotional damages and even when we come out of this pandemic, you will still continue to fight with your emotional health.----more---- There is nothing wrong in feeling depressed, but depression shouldn't become your lifestyle. Listen to the sermon to know more about the breakthrough you need while dealing with this virus and your mental health.
The world we are living is so evil that it's not capable of offering anything better than what it offers you today. So don't expect anything better. Set your expectations to expect the unexpected. Listen to the sermon as we try to answer few important questions of life from the book of Ecclesiastes.----more----
Two Major Questions 1. What can we expect from this World? 1. The tear of the oppressed 2. Wealth stored up leading to poverty 3. Unable to enjoy the wealth 4. Same destiny overtakes all 5. You don't get what you deserve 2. What do we do for the rest of the life? 1. Don't expect the world to offer anything better 2. Do good to others as long as we are here
What must be the response of the church in a crisis such as COVID-19? Concerning a child of God, there are seven different beings involved in or affected by any crisis. Who are they? God, Authorities, Believers, Community, Family, Self and rest of the World. What must be our response to each of them? 1. Response to God - We must humble, pray, seek God and turn away from our wickedness. 2. Response to Authorities - We must obey, support, and reflect what they communicate----more---- 3. Response to Fellow Believers - Socialize while isolating by calling, talking, and having virtual or online fellowship to encourage, love, care and motivate one another. 4. Response to Community (nonbelievers) - Show confidence, courage, hope, offer help, express care, and share the reason for your confidence 5. Response to Your own family - Be compassionate, be submissive, be loving, caring and encouraging one another 6. Response to yourself - Understand your inability, self-care, do not carry the burden, lay them down at the foot of the cross, share with others and love yourself by regularly exercising and eating healthy. 7. Response to rest of the World - Make sure your bank account is linked to a program that feeds at least one hungry soul each day. Support the child sponsorship or food assistance programs to feed the hungry. https://www.hipm.org/response-to-hunger/
Listen to the sermon where these responses are elaborated with the help of God’s Word.
Here is summary of this sermon. Listen to the sermon to know what the empty tomb can offer you. 1. Empty tomb talks about the power of resurrection 2. Empty tomb reminds us that we don't belong here 3. Empty tomb gives us hope
The truth of the matter is, • If the shame of the children of Israel resulted in victory that came through Moses, • If the shame of Joseph resulted in victory when he was made second next to Pharaoh, • If the shame of the cross was made a victory through resurrection, God is able and more than able to turn your shame into victory. Listen to the sermon to get an assurance that your shame is going to turn into victory soon.
Has God already started judging the nations? Has the Fourth Seal of the Apocalypse been broken?
It is important to understand the situation in a proper Biblical context. Listen.
We are God's own people who are called to have Hope in God and to give the same hope to the millions who are living in hopelessness. Here is the summary of the sermon. 1. Having Hope in God - We are people of Hope. 1.1 God is the source of Hope 1.2 Our Hope is eternal ----more---- 1.3 Our Hope is a Living Hope 2. Giving Hope to Others - We are called to give hope to others 2.1 Jesus bringing hope to Bethany 2.2 It is not a time for Blame Game 2.3 Hope Salted & Lighted
Listen to the sermon to be encouraged as we are living in a challenging time.
Haggai 2:1-9 God is not angry at us, God is not punishing the world. • God is shaking the nations to gain your attention. • The shaking is going to destroy everything that is not connected with God • Once the shaking is over, God is going to bless Spiritually, Materially and going to give Peace to the Land
4 P's that you can do in Crisis. 1. Be at Peace 2. Be Practical 3. Be Prayerful 4. Be Proclaiming
Galatians 4:21-31, 5:1-6. This is how we concluded Ch.4 • Paul is saying, the law center, which is the religious power center "earthly Jerusalem" is going to be destroyed, but there is an eternal living "heavenly Jerusalem" that is built for those who have faith in Jesus Christ will never be destroyed. • Paul is saying you don’t need to die for your "faith on the law based religion", because Christ died for you. ----more---- • Martyrdom for the law based system doesn't take one to heaven, but martyrs of faith on Christ will be found in heaven. • Once we receive Christ, we are no more children of the bondwoman, we are children of the living God. • The followers of the law (Jews) becoming thinner and thinner and getting extinguished on the face of the earth. But the followers of Christ (including Christ following Jews) is flourishing.
In following or not following any religious practices, what is important is our motivation. If we do anything with an attitude of pleasing God, honoring God, it means something. If not, observing or not observing any practice is of no use.
Galatians 4:1-20 This is how we concluded the sermon saying that, 1. Once we were no different than slaves when we were under the law, but Christ Jesus adopted us as sons and now we are no longer slaves. 2. When we consider one day more important than another day to observe special days we need to be fully convinced that we do it to honor the Lord. ----more----Not just to follow the pagan traditions or to celebrate the law demanded festivals of Judaism. 3. When circumstances change and even when our existence is on threat, make our commitments to the Lord firm for not to deviate from the truth 4. Never stumble over the truth, take offense and develop hatred and enmity with others.
Galatians 3:15-29 Here are the concluding thoughts of the sermon. 1. The promise God gave to Abraham 430 years before the law was given, was received by faith and fulfilled in Christ. 2. Law was given to mirror man's iniquity, to protect the coming of the seed and to lead one to Christ as a tutor. ----more---- 3. Followers of the law could be made as servants of God, but law could never make anyone son or daughter of God. Only faith in Christ could. 4. Law could only make division, but faith in Christ Jesus breaks the division, sets us free and makes us one in Christ.
Galatians 3:1-14 Here are the concluding thoughts we shared towards the end of the sermon. • Today if we are not careful, we will be easily bewitched and befooled by the traditions, philosophies, false teachings and changing trends. • As the law cannot produce righteousness, cannot save sinners, all the legalistic rituals and traditions we follow make no difference in us. They are capable of neither saving us nor taking us to heaven. ----more---- • Abraham was justified and counted righteous because of his faith in God and his work of faith. This is the same basis on which a sinner is saved today. By having faith in God and start living by faith. • Law brings curse and it requires us to be hung on a tree. But Jesus took our place and set us free.
Galatians 2:6-21. Here are the concluding thoughts. • We may differ in our responsibilities, our abilities & skills may be different, the call of God may be different in our lives. But one is not greater than the other. We are all equal in Christ. • We must be willing to accept and include all kind of people. What God has already cleansed, we must not call unclean. • Be courageous like Paul to make corrections and be submissive as Peter to accept corrections. ----more---- • Grace doesn't make room for us to live in sin, grace doesn't make us guilty of not following the law, we are made guilty and sinful if we rebuild those laws once we rejected. • Law says, you can be justified and made righteous by works. But grace says, you can be justified and made righteous by having faith in Christ Jesus. • Law leads to death, but faith in Christ leads to life.
Galatians 1:18-24, 2:1-5. Here are the key thoughts of this sermon. 1. Christian friendship is important, even though we are two different contrasting personalities, when we come together in Jesus name, we must forget the differences as we are one in Christ 2. Christian fellowship is important. That’s where we learn to trust each other and grow together in Christ ----more---- 3. In a church or any organizational setup, it is important to make sure your ideas and initiatives are in agreement with the leadership 4. There are false teachings around us that will take away the freedom we have in Christ and take us into slavery of legalism. Don't even listen and pay attention to those. (False teachings are more powerful than the devil because of its deceptive nature.)
The three sections of Galatians 1:1-17 are, Salutation (V 1:1-5), Reason for the Letter (V 1:6-10) & The call to Apostleship (V 1:11-17). Some of the outstanding truth we learned today as take away are, 1. We need to be extra careful about the deceptive side of the truth 2. Remember, all of us are bought by the blood of Jesus. No doubt that we are bond servant of Jesus Christ ----more---- 3. Our desire must be not to please people, but to please God 4. When God is asking you to do something, do not consult with your own flesh to see if your flesh feels good about it or not 5. When God asking you to do something, do not go around and take opinion from people.
As we introduce the book of Galatians, we will cover the following sections. - Authenticity of the Document - Time and Place of Writing - The Recipients of the Epistle - Characteristics of Galatians ----more---- - Paul's Visits to Galatia - The Occasion of the Epistle - Purpose of the Epistle - Major Divisions of Galatians
Walking Through the Epistles is a sermon series started to study the epistles of the New Testament. This series focuses on the Pauline Epistles. In order to get there, a strong foundation is laid by this particular sermon providing an overview of the topic.
Zechariah 9:16 The Lord their God will save them in that day, As the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, Lifted like a banner over His land. We are God's precious jewels. Why are we so precious? 1. Like jewels, we are God's creation 2. Like jewels, we are very rare people ----more---- 3. Like jewel, we are very beautiful 4. Like jewels, we are very varied 5. Like jewels, we are of high value
Here is the outline of the sermon
- Get ready for the next level
- Change is inevitable or unavoidable
- Change is essential for God's plan to come true in our lives----more----
- Change is essential for God's promises to be fulfilled in our lives
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Change is essential for next generation to follow God.
- We need to make good examples in front of them
- We need to understand the need of the next generation
- Keep the main thing the main thing
What are the main things we are talking about?
The purpose of the existence of our church
To know Christ and to make Christ known to others
The mission of the church
Same mission Jesus had when He came to the world - to seek and to save that which was lost. (evangelism)
The center of everything we do
Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith
The objective of our fellowship time
To encourage each other and to embrace newcomers and non-Christians
Understanding the humanity of God the Father. 1. Humanity of God is fully revealed in Jesus 2. All human nature is inherited from God 3. Human is not capable of producing love, God is the ultimate source 4. The likeness of God is marred by sin ----more---- 5. We possess both Godly and evil nature 6. Humanity of God relates us to Him well
Three Segments of Praise & Worship on a Sunday Service (first 30 - 40 min) 1. Praise 2. Devotion 3. Worship ----more---- During our Praise & Worship session on Sunday morning, 1. We praise the King of Kings 2. We set our devotion on or meditate Christ Crucified 3. We worship the Lamb who is seated on the throne
Praise is powerful. When we understand the Hebrew root of the term "praise", we know how important the expression, appropriate action and the attitude of our hears are while praising God. Here are the first five Hebrew words out of the total ten words that represent praise. Here are the second five Hebrew words out of the total ten words that represent praise. ----more---- 6. Shabach - Shouting loudly to express confidence in God’s ability 7. Tehillah - Singing in the spirit or even singing scriptures. 8. Taqa - Expression of joy, victory and appreciation by clapping and applauding 9. Kara - An expression of joy and celebration expressed through dance 10. Tephillah - A song of prayer and intercession
Praise is powerful. When we understand the Hebrew root of the term "praise", we know how important the expression, appropriate action and the attitude of our hears are while praising God. Here are the first five Hebrew words out of the total ten words that represent praise.
- Halal - celebrating the victory
- Yadah - extending hands in praise and surrender ----more----
- Barak - kneeling down and spreading hands to bless the Lord
- Zamar - playing instruments to praise God
- Towdah - extending hands in thanksgiving
Start praising God the way God originally expected us to praise Him.
Remember, worship is about making oneself low; humbling oneself before another. But praise is about giving glory or lifting the object of praise, who is our God. Overview of the sermon: 1. Importance of Praise & Worship 2. Differences between Praise & Worship ----more---- 3. What is Praise and how do we praise God? 4. What is Worship and how do we worship God? Then we saw the definition and expression of worship in its root languages of Hebrew is "Shachah" & Greek is "Proskyneō".
Psalm 45 If a church doesn't evangelize, it fails in its mission. However, if a church fails to prepare herself as a bride, it won't even make it to heaven.
The entire psalm is divided into two main sections and further the subsections. V 2-9 : Royal Bridegroom, who is Christ Jesus. - V2 The Excellency of Christ - V3-5 The Glory of His Victories ----more---- - V6-7 The Righteousness of His government - V8-9 The Splendor of His Court V 10-17 : Royal Bride, which is the Church - V10-11 Her attention gained - V12-15 The nuptials or marriage solemnized - V16-17 The result of this marriage
What causes suffering? - Why there is suffering? 1. We live in a fallen world 2. Because of our own foolishness 3. Because it is God’s discipline 4. We suffer persecution because of our faith ----more----
What suffering does to a child of God.? 1. Suffering develops character 2. Suffering keeps down pride 3. Suffering brings continued dependency on God 4. Out faith gets tested and made strong while suffering 5. Suffering prepares us to help others, to be used by God
1 John 4:7–21 God is too big and magnificent or brilliant for us to see Him, but at the same time, He can be seen inside of us as He abides or takes residence or lives when we love one another.
The above scripture portion is divided into four sections as below. V 7-11 Knowing God Through Love V 12-16 Seeing God Through Love ----more---- V 17-19 The Consummation of Love V 20-21 Obedience to the Commandment of Love Listen to the sermon to make sure we are the descendants of God.
Paul's prayer for the church in Philippi. (Philippians 1:9–11) Sermon outline: 1. Love needs to grow in knowledge and discernment 2. You will be able to discern and choose what is best 3. Live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return 4. Be filled with the fruits of righteousness
In Isaiah 40:1-5, there is a parallel between the 1st and the 2nd coming of the Lord. What is the preparation that needs to happen at the church and in the world, so that Jesus can come back to the world? • Every valley shall be exalted • Every mountain and hill brought low • The crooked places shall be made straight • And the rough places smooth Listen to the sermon to prepare yourself for the second coming of the Lord.
- Moses disobeyed a direct command from God - God asked to speak to the rock, Moses struck the rock
- Moses took credit for bringing water from the rock - Numbers 20:10- Must we bring water for you out of this rock?
- Moses committed a public sin in front of all people that couldn't go unpunished
- Moses struck the water giving rock - Christ.
- Christ was once crucified, but Moses instead of speaking (praying ) to the rock, with anger, he struck the rock. Crucifying Christ over and over again
We need to get encouraged in order to encourage others. How can we get encouraged? 1. Talk to yourself 2. Allow God to speak to you 3. Allow others to speak into your life----more----
You can start your ministry of encouragement today by 1. Making "encouraging others" intentional 2. Speaking positive, encouraging words, words of hope into other lives 3. By not focusing on the weakness, but highlighting the strength 4. Appreciating and acknowledging even a little things people do 5. By having a kingdom mindset
We are living in a changing world, but our God is an unchanging God. As everything around us changes, God expects certain changes in our lives too. Change is essential for couple of reasons. 1. Change is essential for God's plan to come true in our lives 2. Change is essential for God's promises to be fulfilled in our lives 3. Change is essential in us for the next generation to follow God. Listen to the sermon to know more about what change God expects in you and why.
Here is a sermon from Isaiah 58 in preparation for the PAOC District wide Fasting Prayer from Sep 22 to Sep 28.
According to Isaiah 58 our fasting must result in the following in order to be accepted by God.
- Your own deliverance from bondage, burden, oppression and ungodly ties
- Deliverance of others from bondage, burden, oppression and ungodly ties ----more----
- Sharing your food, sharing your home, providing your clothing, helping your own flesh Is our fasting resulting in the above? If not, God is not pleased with it.
In Mark 2:1-12, a paralytic was carried to Jesus by four men. They made One Last Try to receive healing. Jesus healed the paralytic because of the faith of these four men. As we closely observe this miracle, we realize that • Faith penetrates through all obstacles ----more---- • It looks like an interruption, but it is a time for a miracle • Deal with the spiritual problem first • God wants some of our heart conditions to be forgiven so that the sickness can be healed. Listen to the sermon and receive your healing and deliverance today.
1 Kings 17: 17- 24 - As I see these scriptures very close to understand what is going on in the life of this woman, I could understand what is happening to our families in this technology driven and technology controlled era of the 21st century. 1. The son of the woman died - V 17 2. The mother is helpless -V 18 ----more---- 3. Give me your son - V 19, 21 4. Elijah prayed, the dead son raised - V 22,23 5. Children bring parents back to faith - V 24 If God's coming tarries, we will see our children serving God. For this to happen, we need Elijah's faith. Listen to the sermon to know how we can save the millennials and post-millennials for God.
Mark Ch. 5 presents such a beautiful picture of healing and deliverance. But when it comes to Mark Ch. 6, we see Jesus started facing challenges. - Jesus was rejected at Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6) - John the Baptist was beheaded (Mark 6:27-29) - Jesus not finding time to rest and to pray (Mark 6:30-33) ----more---- - Not having enough to feed five thousand (Mark 6:35-38) - Wind was against the boat and the disciples were perishing (Mark 6:47-48) Here are the truths concerning the troubles you are going through in your life. 1. Today you are in a situation that is not caused by you 2. You don't have any control over the challenges 3. Remember, you are not the only one fighting this battle 4. Miracles do happen in the middle of the troubles Listen to the sermon to get encouraged and to come out of what you are dealing with today.
Mark 8:22–26 - Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida. Here is the summary of this miracle "You had a vision, that vision was lost, Jesus touched you, the vision was partially restored, now you need a second touch from the Master". 1. Are we not able to value our own life and the lives of others? ----more---- 2. Are we not able to prioritize our lives and our family is in trouble? 3. Are we not able to dream our destiny and prepare ourselves for the eternity? We need a Second Touch from the Master.
One of the miracles Jesus performed was raising the Son of a Widow in the city of Nain, Luke 7:11-17. Entire sermon was divided into three segments. 1. Loss of the son, 2. Compassion of Jesus, 3. Return of the dead. Some of the truths learned include ----more---- - Physical death is a physical separation of human beings from the rest. There is a death called spiritual death, that separates us for God. - Physical death is a temporary separation, but spiritual death causes eternal separation. - Physical death cannot be revived, but spiritual death can be revived. Listen to the sermon to know how God can revive you physically and spiritually.
This sermon was delivered so that Tithing will be understood correctly. None of us should miss the blessings of giving. Our giving gives an opportunity for God to bless us. Here is the outline of the sermon. Listen to the sermon to clarify your questions on tithing and start giving. God bless you. 1. Partnering with God on what He is doing in this world 2. More than a law, tithing is a principle ----more---- 3. Your tithing forms a bridge over your adversities 4. Tithing gives God some seed to multiply Question 1: Where should your tithe be given? Question 2: What is our attitude of giving?
Note: This sermon is not a complete sermon on Tithing, the scope of this sermon is limited.
Gospel is seed. God wants us to scatter the Gospel seed over the lives around us. As the main objective of the sower is to get the seed to the ground, the main purpose of the church is to reach the multitude with the Gospel. Let us learn some of the principles of evangelism from the parable of the Growing Seed as we read in Mark 4:26-29. Here is the sermon outline. ----more---- - Sowing (Sower, Seed & Ground) V 26 - Germination V 27 - Growth V 28 - Harvest V 29 Listen to the sermon, you will realize the call of God in your life.
Luke 5:1-11 Learning from the life of Jesus as He was performing an evangelical ministry where 4 fishermen made a decision to follow Christ. We learned the following truths about Evangelical Ministry: 1. Make use of the available resource 2. Stop speaking & Start doing 3. Just fishermen, but skillful in fishing 4. Launch out into the deep - Need to go where fish are 5. We tried, it didn't work 6. Partnering in kingdom Listen to the sermon and know why preaching the Gospel must be the number one priority.
Luke 3:1-22 John the Baptist was not just a Prophet, not just a Baptist, but an Evangelist too. We answered the following questions from the life and from the ministry of John. 1. Who was John the Baptist? 2. What was the message John preached? 3. How can we escape the coming wrath of God?----more----
What is a false Gospel? • Message of love telling that God is love, he never punishes people is not the Gospel of Jesus • Gospel message that is not confronting sin and not warning people to escape the coming wrath of God is not the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the lie of the enemy.
What is a true Gospel? • Message of love is telling people that He is a holy God, He hates sin, sinning soul must be punished, if you believe Jesus, your sins can be forgiven and you can escape the eternal fire.
Philip was one of the first century evangelists of the early church. God miraculously used Philip to bring revival in Samaria. After ministering to the Ethiopian Eunuch, Philip was supernaturally teleported to a place called Azotus. Careful observation of Philip's ministry teaches us the following: 1. Be filled with the Holy Spirit 2. Play whatever role God is asking you to do, so that the work of God will be done----more---- 3. Share Christ wherever you go 4. Be empowered to experience miracles as you minister 5. Be ready to go where the Spirit wants you to go 6. Consistently pursue your call The sermon ended with the biography & martyrdom of the famous bishop of Christian church, Polycarp served in Smyrna between 115 to 156 A.D.
John 4:1-42 - This was the exact Gospel Message shared by the Samaritan woman: "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 3Es - Encounter - Excitement - Evangelism - The woman had an Encounter with Lord Jesus - Then she was so Excited about that encounter - Finally she involved herself in Evangelism Listen to the sermon to learn more about how our encounter and excitement must invite others to Christ.
The urgency of sharing the Gospel - lessons learned from 2 Kings 7, the leprous missionaries.
- Starvation: (Starving for food)
- Selfishness: (Found food, ate and became selfish)
- Realization: (Realized their mistakes)
- Sharing: (Rushed to share with others)
Listen to the sermon and get activated in the area of Evangelism in your life.
Mark 5:1-20 Here is an amazing conversation between the one who got just delivered and the deliverer. The one who is delivered expresses his desire to be with Jesus, and the deliverer outwardly denied his request. My questions are,
Question 1: Was there anything wrong in asking to be with Jesus? Question 2:Why did Jesus reject his appeal? ----more---- Question 3:Why did Jesus ask him to minister to his own people? Question 4:What was the man's reaction?
Listen to the sermon to know the answers.
It is a power one has to have to deal with difficult situation. If there is a way to scan through our body and reach to the spot where we can find our inner strength, what can be the form or shape of the inner strength?
• It can be the compassion while dealing with the disobedient child • It can be the inner calmness while listening to the insulting words ----more---- • It can be the gentle spirit while dealing with the uncooperative team member • It can be the inner confidence while dealing with failures • It can be the courage within to deal with terminal illnesses • It can be a non-violent approach within to deal with conflicts and anger
Only God can give the inner strength of compassion, calmness, gentleness, confidence, courage and peace.
John 7:38-39 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. I am visualizing three different water bodies. 1. Dried River Bed: (a river that is dried) 2. Stagnant water 3. River that flows----more----
This river must flow out of us touching lives around us for Christ. Wherever the river flows, there will be life & healing; Preaching the Gospel is our duty; God will make us accountable if we don't tell others about Christ.
This sermon is based on 1 Samuel 5. From the incidents that are taking place in 1 Samuel 5, we are going to understand the dual nature of God and His presence that can cause either blessing or curse.
- The same cloud that brought light to the children of Israel, brought darkness among the Egyptians.
- The same face of the Lord which is in favor of the righteous is against those who do evil. ----more----
- The same ark of God that brought many victories and blessings now pushed Dagon (Philistine's fish God-Mermaid/Merman) down, broke his head and hands and struck the people of Ashdod with tumors.
Listen to the sermon to know how to deal with the presence and the power of God.
David is asking a question in Psalm 15. Who can abide in your tabernacle? Who may dwell in your holy hill? In other words who can go to heaven?
He got an answer to his question in the same psalm. 1. One who is sincere and honest in practicing religion 2. One who does no evil to his neighbor and sensitive of his reputation ----more---- 3. One who values men by their virtue, not by their personality, power or popularity 4. One who keeps the promise, does not withdraw even if it hurts 5. One who does not increase his wealth by unjust practices.
Listen to the sermon to prepare yourself to go to heaven.
David was a great king. • Before he was a king, he was a soldier. He was a faithful soldier, He did what Saul had asked him to do • Before he was a soldier, he was an armor bearer for Saul. He just carried the sword. • Before he was an armor bearer, he was a song writer and musician. When Saul was depressed, David sang and played his instrument. • Before he was a song writer, he was a shepherd, doing his family business. • Before he was a shepherd, he was a son, learnt to be obedient, hardworking, learned all the required skills and prepared for the future.----more----
All the skills required to be a shepherd, musician, soldier, and leadership abilities were developed at home. - Who were his parents? - Jesse's doubt on the purity of his ancestry. - Jesse's separation from Nitzevet - David's younger age at home - David's mother's responsibility of bringing up this ill-fated child. She perfected in her responsibility by bringing up David 1. To stand firm in front of his adversaries 2. To cast his complete reliance upon the Lord 3. To take personal risks for the sake of doing God's will
Listen to the sermon to know more about the influence of David's mom in his life.
Listen to this sermon, God will bring you out of your negative emotions, weaknesses and limitations.
Here is the summary of we talked about. - All of us have some weaknesses or other - Focusing on your weaknesses is quite discouraging - Instead, think about your strength ----more---- - know your identity, know that you are precious, gifted in many ways, cared and loved by God - See the good within you - believe that God doesn't make junk - Take God's help to overcome your weaknesses
Question: Can you help me to understand persecution and sufferings? Listen to the sermon to find out what Peter says.
1 Peter 1:3-9 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ----more---- 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
Here is the summary of what we discussed: Peter says, because of God's abundant mercy, He birthed you into this living hope through the resurrection of Lord Jesus to an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, kept by the power of God. Peter also says, in this you greatly rejoice, even though your faith which is much precious than gold gets tested by various trials which results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. You continue to believe the one whom you haven't seen, but greatly rejoice as end of your faith is going to result in salvation of your soul.
One of the very valid questions asked by a man called Job was "If a man dies, shall he live again?", Job 14:14
This question was unanswered until Jesus rose from the dead.
The death of Jesus is important for the following reasons. 1. Resurrection is the central theme of Christianity 2. Resurrection validates the Old Testament prophecies 3. Resurrection validates who Jesus claimed to be ----more---- 4. Resurrection proved His sinless character and divine nature 5. Resurrection witnesses the immense power of God 6. Resurrection guarantees eternal life
Listen to the sermon to know more about the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and how it affects our future.
History of the world is written in the blood of the millions who died in the war. Many wars were fought and millions and millions died in the battle. The costliest war in terms of human life was World War II (1939–45), in which the total number of fatalities, including battle deaths and civilians of all countries, is estimated to have been 56.4 million. But there is a war that is the war of the wars, the war that will end all war is referred to as a battle of Armageddon.----more----
The world is getting ready for the final disaster. This disaster is the war predicted by the prophets called the battle of Armageddon. So far we visited the battlefields of the past, but today we are going to visit a future battleground, which is going to be the most disastrous or catastrophic or cataclysmic of all those we visited. It is called the battleground of Armageddon.
The following questions are answered in this sermon. • When is the battle of Armageddon going to take place? • Where is Armageddon? • What is the purpose of Armageddon? • What is the program of Armageddon? • Who are going to be the participants in this final battle? • What is the final move of God?
Listen to the sermon to know more about the battle of Armageddon and to find God's strategies in this battle.
Battleground of Mareshah is an attack of the Ethiopian army on the nation of Judah when King Asa was ruling the southern kingdom of Judah. Here we see Zerah, the cushite coming against Asa, the king of Judah. The particular battle is taking place in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.----more----
Many battles are mentioned in the Bible. But the largest army assembled was that of Zerah the Ethiopian. He had 1,000,000 experienced soldiers. The Ethiopians outnumbered Asa’s army by double. You can imagine how easy it would have been for Asa to become anxious and fearful and to let his hands drop down in defeat. Instead, Asa immediately turned to God for help. From a military point of view, it would seem impossible to overcome the Ethiopians, yet “with God all things are possible.”
These are the three strategies Asa used in this battle.
Strategy 1: Let the enemy know that you are ready for the battle, so step out. Strategy 2: Settle your weaknesses with the Lord, don't expose them to your enemy Strategy 3: Your personal revelation of God is the secret of victory
Listen to the sermon to know how to apply these strategies in our spiritual battle on a daily basis.
Battle of Berachah was an attack of the enemy that brought a great fear among the people of Judah during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. We read this story in 2 Chronicles 20. We found out who were the enemies - the Moabites, and the Ammonites, and their auxiliaries. We talked about the significance of the location of the battle. We understood who was Jehoshaphat. As Jehoshaphat was leading the army, the Lord destroyed their enemies even before the battle started. Following are the different strategies adopted in the battle by King Jehoshaphat & his army.----more----
Strategy 1: Seek God when you are afraid. Strategy 2: Seek God with all your household Strategy 3: When you are in the battle, discern when to shout and when to stay silent Strategy 4:You may stand still, but let the worship continue Strategy 5: Gather the spoil once the enemy is destroyed
Listen to the sermon and be encouraged.
A mind boggling destruction of the city of Ziklag and the captivity of the wives and children of David and his men. David was taken into the extremes of life where he ran to escape death from the hands of Saul, lost his wives as captives, his city is burnt with fire, now the men with him are about to stone him to death. What else one needs to be brought to the lowest of his / her life. In this situation, Bible says, David strengthened himself in the Lord. Life challenges, unexpected events, worry concerning future, loss of health, loss of hope make us to get upset about our life at times. ----more---- David followed different strategies to come out of the situation and to fight against the Amalekites to redeem his loss. Strategy 1: Admit your circumstances Strategy 2: Come out of your Circumstances Strategy 3: Stand up against your circumstances Strategy 4: Don't allow your circumstances to narrow your sight
Listen to the sermon to know how God can use you in such a situation.
The battle that took place at the battleground of Elah was a challenging well known story of David defeating Goliath, the Philistine. This sermon will help you to understand the strategies God wants and God doesn't want us to adopt when we fight with the enemy of our soul.
Here is the list of strategies we talked about. Strategy 1: Discouragements are powerful enough to stop you, but push them aside Strategy 2: Past victories are signs of future challenge Strategy 3: Don't lose your originality ----more---- Strategy 4: Don't complicate, make it easy & light Strategy 5: Don't use unfamiliar methods Strategy 6: If the battle is of the Lord, the victory is also of the Lord
Listen to the sermon to know more about these strategies of the battle.
As you are about to listen or already listened to this sermon, no doubt that you are standing in the right battleground of Midianites' Camp. Following are the different strategies we discussed in detail during the sermon. Strategy 1: Those who are fearful and afraid, can't fight the battle Strategy 2: Those who relax, delay and lose focus on the work of God are not fit for the battle Strategy 3: Boost your faith as this battle is a faith based military operation Strategy 4: Project confidence in the Lord irrespective of your weaknesses----more----
When you are attacked, God wants you to project your confidence in the Lord. When you are low in resources, God wants you to project the richness of your Father When you are weak, God wants you to project the strength of your God When you are sick, God wants you to project your God as a healer When you are neglected, God wants you to project that you are so precious to your God When you are lonely, God wants you to project that He is your best companion When you are afraid, God wants you to project that He is your protector.
Listen to this sermon, you will be really encouraged. God bless you!
We read about the battleground of Ai in the book of Joshua Ch. 7 & 8 Battle of Ai is one of the battles where children of Israel lost their battle. We read that in Joshua 7. When they realized their mistake and corrected themselves, God turned their defect into victory. We read that in Ch, 8.----more----
Here is the sermon outline. The enemy within is greater and mightier than the enemy out there. A. Enemy within must be identified What was Achan's sin? 1. Covetousness (Greediness) 2. Stealing 3. Cheating 4. Mixing it up B.Enemy within must be utterly destroyed
When the enemy within is killed, God destroys the enemy out there. A. God's strategy for the battle: 1. Devil's foolishness is your advantage 2. Wait & Attack B. Enemy's total destruction
Listen to the sermon to know God's strategies against such battles in your life.
Jericho was an obstacle to possess the promised land. They may not be a threat, but an obstacle. God didn't want to ignore the obstacle and move forward. God wants us to deal with those obstacles in your life. The enemy is very passive, but remember he is not your friend. But remember inside the devil is afraid of you as you are a child of God. You need to cast him out with that one little word "Jesus".----more----
How do we deal with Jericho like enemy? 1. Obey: • Confess any disobedience to the Lord • Obey in those areas where God wants you to obey 2. Believe: • Confess any disbelief to the Lord • Believe in God and on His promises • Increase your faith level 3. Shout: • Now clap your hands, lift up your voices and make a joyful shout to the Lord. • You will see the walls tumbling down Listen to the sermon to know how to deal with Jericho like enemy in your life.
Battling against Generational Curses. Rephidim is a place where Children of Israel defeated Amalekites. Amalekites are the hereditary enmities the devil has caused in your life and in your family that is running through the blood line from one generation to the next generation.----more----
Fighting against the Amalek (generational curses) • Holding the Shield of Faith • Fighting with the Sword of the Spirit • Praying against those curses as a team • Slaying the Amalek by the Word of God • By taking authority • By claiming His Promises and • By speaking the Word against the attacks.
To find out why Amalek are the generational curse in our lives and how can we war against the generational sicknesses and other curses in our lives, listen to the entire sermon.
I would like to divide the entire chapter of Exodus 14 into 5 sections for our easy understanding. 1. Enemy's determination V 1-9 2. Our desperation V 10-12 3. God's provision V 13-18 4. God's protection V 19-22 5. Enemy's destruction V 23-31----more----
If God would not have parted the red sea, Pharaohs army would have killed all the Israelite or they would have jumped into the red sea one by one and died or they would have been taken back into bondage.
As Pharaoh was trying to destroy God's people, the devil is trying to destroy your family. He has determined to drag the entire family along with him into the lake of fire.
In the battleground of Red Sea, children of Israel won. Today the devil is fighting in your mind and body. Don't worry, God has already sent the deliverer, He is going to part the red sea for you.
If you want to know more on how the devil attacks your life and your family, listen to the sermon. You will know how to deal with the enemy and save yourself and your family.
God said in Joel 3:9 (GNT) “Make this announcement among the nations: ‘Prepare for war; call your warriors; gather all your soldiers and march!
Life itself is a battleground. Old Testament believer Vs New Testament believer • Journey of God's children from Egypt to Canaan in the OT represents the journey of the NT believers from birth till eternity. • If that is true, the physical battle children of God fought were the foreshadow of the spiritual battle we are fighting as a NT believer. • If the mountains, the valleys and the deserts were the battlegrounds of children of Israel, no doubt that today our mind, soul and body are the battlegrounds where we encounter our enemy----more----
At the end of the sermon, • We understood that we are in a battle whether we know it or not • We came to know the battlegrounds of our mind, soul and body • We realized that our God is a man of war • We came to know the enemy we are fighting with • We understood our enemy's strategies • We found out our enemy's weaknesses
Luke 2:10-12 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
The angel was inviting everyone to come in faith to the Babe of Bethlehem. I want to remind you that what a blessing is to come in faith to the Babe of Bethlehem.----more----
This is an invitation to every member of the family. God is needed for every member of the family. Infants, yes, children - yes, young adults - yes, young men - yes, older men & women yes. Educated - uneducated, Wise - unwise, working-non working, every one is in need of God. Everyone must come in faith is the plan of God. You may be praying for some of the members of your family for them to come in faith. Everyone must come in faith.
4 Simple Steps to Share the Gospel: To share the Gospel, you can follow these 4 simple steps: 1. Tell them about God’s plan—peace and life 2. Share our problem—separation from God 3. Talk about God’s remedy—the cross 4. Our response—receive Christ----more----
Now we need to lead him or her to Christ. To receive Christ, a person needs to do 4 things: • Admit you’re a sinner. (Confess) • Ask forgiveness and be willing to turn away from your sins. (Repent) • Believe that Christ died for you on the cross. (Believe) • Receive Christ into your heart and life. (Get saved)
Jesus never bored people in His teaching. He always refer to objects and situations that are so familiar to them those lived in Judea. Some got convinced, some got converted, some angered or annoyed, bot no one was bored or uninterested.
There was a question: Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast? Jesus responded with three illustration to say that you are trapped in your traditions. 1. Illustration of the friends of the bridegroom 2. Illustration of the cloth 3. Illustration of the wine and wineskin
This morning I want to turn your attention to what God expects you to do with the remaining life He has given you and me
When we reach certain point of time in our lives, we are expected to do three things that are Biblical.
- We are called to Remember
- We are asked to Reflect
- We are asked to Re-Focus
Psalm 100 - A Psalm of Praise and Thanksgiving
Serving God involves 2 different aspects 1. Giving glory to Him 2. Serving Others
Psalm 100 is all about serving God by giving Him glory. Psalm 100 resembles the pattern we follow in our Sunday Service.
God wants us to serve Him with gladness. Having right attitude is more important than doing right things.----more----
Five Elements of Serving God We need to Serve the Lord with Gladness 1. Church Gathering 2. Praise & Worship 3. Deepening the relationship 4. A Time of Prayer 5. A time to hear the Truth
Following is the summary of the sermon. • God wants us to walk by faith, not by sight • Walking by sight will lead to deception - because our eyes deceive, ears deceive, feelings deceive and our senses are deceptive • Walking by Faith is walking with no understanding - we don't need to know what tomorrow holds • Walking by Faith is walking a life of prayer - only prayer reveals God's will and prayer implement God's will • Walking by Faith is walking by not seeing - Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.----more----
Quote - " When God interacts with human beings, our feelings are stimulated. We feel goosebumps, warmth, electricity, crying, laughing, etc. There is nothing wrong. Because He is God and we are human. But these experiences never guarantee the presence or absence of God. These sensations are not to be sought after, but God alone has to be sought only through His Word."
Quote - "When we worship God our senses become sensitive to the supernatural and we get excited. Nothing wrong. But when we start looking for these excitements, we lose focus from God and certain rhythm, sequence of words or drum beats are capable of generating the same excitement. If we don't focus on God, our worship may continue, the same excitement may continue, but God may not be there."
Is the life of separation from the world Biblical? Does the Bible talk about physical separation or separation inside the heart? This sermon challenges to live like Jesus lived.
Matthew 5:14-16 Believers Are the light of the World 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.----more----
Summary: 1. We need light 2. Our light must be shining 3. Our light must not be put under a basket 4. We need to be with people for light to shine before men 5. This light is going to expose us
Exegetic study of Psalm 50:8–15 Psalm 116:12–14
- God doesn't need our money (We are the recipients always)
- Offer to God thanks giving (Hearts attitude expressed in action)
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Call upon Him (God wants us to depend on Him always)----more----
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Even when everything is going on well, God wants us to depend on Him
- When we think that we can achieve by our own strength, we fail
- When we fail, then we start depending on God
- Then God will deliver us so that the glory ultimately belongs to Him
This cycle repeats until the end of our life.
Listen to the sermon to know more.
Here is the summary of what we heard on Sunday, July 1, 2018 (Canada Day).
Conclusion: - Canada is a mission field - We already entered the mission field - Jesus asked us to be a witness in our Samaria - Our Samaria is the five different kind of people groups 1. New Canadians (immigrants) 2. Next Generation – Children & Youth 3. Quebec and Francophone Canada 4. Indigenous Canadians 5. Urban Centers----more---- - This land is a blessed land. God blessed us. - We are missionaries to the Samaritans - We need to think like missionaries as we engage with those close in proximity, different in culture and religion
Luke 5:1–11 Jesus standing by the Lake of Gennesaret - Jesus realized that staying in the land is not going to help, its time to shift His position - Jesus realized that its time to make another shift to go deep into the sea - Jesus made a shift that transformed Peter's life - With that impacting change in his life Peter made another shift when he realized that it is time, 3000 got added to the church - The right shift Jesus made on the right time impacted Peter and continued as a chain reaction.----more----
How can we make that life transforming, life impacting shift? 1. By pouring out our frustrations to God V 5- “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing 2. By obeying V 5 - nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. 3. By humbling V 8 - he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 4. By forsaking V 11 - So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all 5. By following V 11 - and followed Him.
A must listen sermon for you.
We are called to live together, grow together and serve together. Any division inside the church must be rejected. Listen to the sermon.
• Being alone is unsafe • God's design is to live together as communities. • We are safer together • We are expected to grow together • We are expected to serve together • Any sectarianism or discrimination among us must be rejected
Three kinds of people: 1. Man who was blind from birth 2. Man who says "I was blind, now I see" 3. Those who see, but made blind
Let this be your testimony "I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see" - Amazing Grace
2 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV) For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
How do we share the Gospel with different kinds of people. Listen to the sermon to know more. Different kinds of people:
- Seekers
- Indifferent
- Neglected
- Haters
- Religious
- Followers of other gods
- Disobedient
A Message that Challenges you to Love God. Must Listen Sermon. * Why do you follow Christ? * Why do you go to church? * Why do you give to God? * Why do you sing in the choir? * Why do you play instruments? * Why do you preach? * Why do you serve God?
If any of these are not done out of love, you are wasting your life.
Listen to get back to your first love.
What is the message of Pentecost?
- Witnessing Christ
- Preaching the Gospel
- Baptizing people
- Casting out demons, speaking in tongues, laying hands on the sick, overcoming oppositions
Proverbs 31:10-31 The Virtuous Wife 10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. ----more---- 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.
This is what we learn from the life of Jacob. • Jacob sets up the stone that will remember what God has done to Him in Bethel. What is that stone in your life that you want to set as a pillar. Do something for God in the place where you are today. • Let us not worry about our future, let us worry about what we can do for God in the place where we are today • If you invest your life into something while you are here, God will bring you back to see the reward of your investment. • God is calling us to live a life that is separated from the world • Life on this earth is temporary. Only one life, it is going to go away soon, only what we have done for Christ is going to last.
If churches make religion too complex and present Jesus too hard to follow, we negate the purpose of God sending His Son to the world by denying the simplicity that is in Christ. No wonder the judgment to begin at the house of God. - Balan Swaminathan
- Today Christianity is considered as the most complex religion on the face of this earth.
- You can imagine the amount of hesitation when a non-Christian wants to become a Christian.
- There is a great need to simplify everything we do.----more----
The highlights of the sermon are, • Singleness and exclusiveness of Christ - He is the only way, He says, come to me, follow me, love me, ask me, abide in me • The Simplicity in Christ and in His teachings • God wants us to keep our theology simple. • God wants us to realize His grace in everything, not our work • Christ's teachings are simple, when we add a OT law or apostles teaching, we make it complex • Giving importance to what is important - Love God and Love Others • We don't want to be a stumbling block for non-Christians • We don't want to be hypocrites by not loving our brothers whom we have seen • God wants us to love God first, love others (spouse, family members, church people), even love strangers • God wants us to accept others, treat others better than we treat ourselves • Christ can be seen not in our Words, but through our lives
Genesis 22:1-12 - Abraham was called to sacrifice Isaac.
2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose
What am I doing here in this part of the world leaving my family, parents, children, my known people, familiar environment, etc.? - The answer is God's Purpose God everyone has already gone form this world - my parents, my brother, my sister, my husband, my wife. Why are you keeping me alive in this world? ----more---- - The answer is God's Purpose You are asking there are many who are capable, more eloquent, more smart looking, more talented, why am I Lord? - The answer is God's Purpose
Outline: • Abraham was called to do something • Abraham was doing what God wanted him to do • Abraham never worried about the end
Today when God calls us to do something, we worry about so many things 1. We worry about our studies, our work, our family, our health, our future. But God wants us to know that our future is in God's hands 2. We are so afraid to take any risk in God's kingdom. Abraham took a great risk - life of his child 3. We are afraid of people and worried about what they will think. 4. We are afraid of family, we want to convince people, we seek men's acceptance
Instead of worrying about our future, we must ask God to "Give us Strength to do what we Must do".
God has called you to encourage someone today! One thing that is wanted by every one is encouragement. Irrespective of the age, gender, nationality, color, and language, everyone is in need of encouragement. Our God is an encourager, He wants us to be encouragers too.
How do we encourage someone? W - Word (by our words) A - Action (by our action) P - Prayer (by praying for the discouraged)
God has given the ministry of encouragement in your hands. Listen to the sermon to know how God can use you in this ministry.
Scripture Reading: Mark 5:21 - 24, 35 - 43 Comparing the whole process of Jesus reviving the dead child with the revival that God is going to send upon the church. We can't think of revival of a thing which never lived before. Only the church can be revived, the rest of the mankind is going to see the impact of the revival and receive life.
Need for revival - Jairus realized that his daughter is in need of revival. So he came to Jesus. We need a worldwide spiritual awakening now.----more----
Believe for revival - Jesus wanted Jairus to believe that his daughter will revive. God wants us to believe the revival that is about to come upon this land. If God has done that in the past He will do it again.
Be part of the revival - Only Peter, John and James were permitted in the revival. It is one thing to long for the revival, but it is another thing to be part of the revival. God wants us to be part of the revival by praying, preaching and facilitating.
Impact of revival - When Jesus revived the child, not only she got revived, that revival brought great amazement. When revival comes its going to impact people with supernatural amazement.
Key points of this sermon: 1. Resurrection is possible 2. Resurrection is certain 3. Resurrection is promised----more----
Concluding thoughts: - You are not made to die, you are made to rise - Resurrection is the hope of Christianity - God wants us to live as if we are going to live for ever - Death is a transfer from earth to heaven - Death is not going to hurt you, because Jesus broke the sting of death at the cross.
First of all I would acknowledge David Brickner, executive director of Jews for Jesus for his amazing teaching on Passover that I could borrow some of his teaching resources including the graphics.
Get to know the step by step approach of observing Passover. - Searching of the Leaven - Lighting of the festival candles - Significance of pillows in the chairs around the dinner tables ----more---- - Father takes the role of the priest - Four questions asked by the children - Four cups of the ceremony - First Cup - Kiddush - Sanctification - Passover Seder - Items in the Passover Seder plate - Second Cup - The cup of Plagues - Matzoh Tosh - Third cup is the cup of Blessings/Redemption - Fourth cup - Cup of Praise
What is that we need to do after learning about Passover?
- Passover is observed very orderly. We need this discipline.
- We need to have the fear of God in our lives
- We need to involve children and encourage them to ask questions as parents we sit together and answer them
- Need to take time to meditate the redemption as God brought the people of Israel from Egyptian slavery
- Need to meditate on the ultimate redemption and the sacrifice of the lamb of God at the cross 6. We can't take this sacrifice granted
- We have to share this good news of redemption to the gentiles who don't know Jesus yet
- We need to pray for the Jews who are still waiting for Messiah that they may find the real Messiah.
Our characters not only affect our lives, but they also transport sin and sickness to our future generations.
Listen to the sermon to know how curses are passed on to generations and how the chains can be broken.
We were dealing with the real problem of not knowing God's timing in our lives.
Certain facts as you follow: 1. There is a time for everything 2. God does things in His time 3. Aligning our timing with God's timing----more----
How do we align with God's rhythm? 1. Knowing the mind of God 2. Abiding in Him 3. Having intimacy with God 4. Led by the Spirit
Listen to the sermon to know God's timing in the current situation that you are dealing with.
A Must Listen Sermon. Here are the highlights of the sermon. Listen the entire sermon to get an answer.
- God is sovereign when it comes to healing
- God heals today & He can heal all diseases
- God doesn't heal everyone all the time, He does according to His will
- The original sin is the cause of all sicknesses
- Work on the cross removed the spiritual death, but not the physical death ----more----
- We need to overcome sickness in our day to day life, God gives grace
- In sickness never hesitate to take medical help, never stop praying for healing, never isolate
- The ultimate healing is the "resurrection from the dead"
- We will be sick free when we go to heaven
Deborah was the only woman judge who judged Israel. We learn couple of leadership qualities from the life of this great woman by name Deborah.
- Leaders are just instruments in the hands of God, what matters is God's power
- Leaders exhibit God's tender care for His people
- Deborah's life is a role model of Godly Faith, Wisdom, Boldness and Worship 4.Women are called, your calling comes through your involvement
We are here today to learn some of the leadership qualities of this great prophet of all prophets called Elijah.
- Elijah was a great leader who appeared on the political and religious scenes to challenge the apostasy (falling apart or renunciation of faith) of his time.
- He challenged the cult leaders like King Ahab and Jezebel and confronted them and their cult religion of Baal worship.
- He challenged the people of Israel saying How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”
- He had no family, no friends, no one to stand with him, He was totally depending on God for everything----more----
Elijah tells us that: 1. Leaders are ordinary people 2. Leaders never give up in prayer 3. Leaders are always zealous for God 4. Great leaders are hard to be found, but they are easy to be replaced
Listen to this sermon to learn from the life of Elijah.
Daniel speaks - I have seen kingdoms raise and kingdoms fall, I want to tell you that through it all there is one constant thing that we can't deny is that the God in heaven who rules in the kingdom of men and He is in charge.
Daniel is trying to teach us "Kingdom of this world is passing away, kingdom of heaven is coming to pass, one thing I know is the most high ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will".----more----
Daniel was such a great leader with a great insight on God. Listen to the sermon to learn some of the great leadership qualities of this man of God.
- Leaders have an Extraordinary Spirit
- Leaders have an Uncompromised Lifestyle
- Leaders have an Unashamed boldness
- Leaders are Courageous to tell the Truth
- Leaders remain Focused on what God appointed him to do
Great leaders don't just build walls, they drive people to God once the wall is built.
Three leadership qualities we learn from the life of Nehemiah. 1. Leaders take initiative, its always " I " 2. Leaders handle opposition 3. Leaders drive towards spiritual
Listen to the sermon to know how they are relevant to you in today's context.
Joshua's leadership tells us that: - Leadership development takes time. - Leaders ought to be strong and courageous - Leaders must stand on God's Word and in Prayer
Listen to the sermon to learn from Joshua, the courageous leader.
We learnt the from the leadership of Noah that: 1. You are never too old to build 2. You don't need to rely on your past experience 3. Make sure your vision is big enough to include everyone 4. God doesn't make ark, we have to make it
Listen to this interesting sermon to know more about the leadership attributes of Noah.
We learnt from Moses - To be zealous and passionate about what we do - To depend on God in every step of our life - To have the burden for people as it is a leadership quality - Some how obtain the favor of God by pleasing Him as Moses did according to Hebrews 11:24 - 26
Quote: Intercession is not a characteristic of a prayer warrior, intercession is a characteristic of a leader. If God is burdening you to intercede, you are not just called to pray, but you are called to lead. (Life of Moses - Exodus 32:32)
At the end of this sermon we arrived at the following convictions that we need in our hearts before we further go down in this series. 1. We are all called to lead 2. We are all called to influence 3. We commit to learn from the lives of the OT leaders 4. These men and women are commented by God 5. Leaders are defined by their characteristics 6. True leaders are truly teachable 7. The underlying cause of unteachable spirit is pride 8. We are willing to ask God for a spirit of submission that accepts discipline and correction.
Listen to the sermon to know more about these convictions.
Today sometime we ask this question: - Why there are struggles for Christians in this world? - Everything goes well in the life of non-believer, but I believe in Christ, why am I going through this path? - Since the time I accepted Jesus Christ, I face many challenges and my family is telling me its all because you follow the God of Christians.
I believe you will find an answer today if you listen to this sermon.
Luke 14:15 - 24
- The Setting
- The Parable
- Life priorities taking over kingdom priorities
- The alternate plan of the Master
- The result of telling excuses----more----
When the necessities of life becomes an excuse for not meeting the kingdom priorities.
There is no excuse when it comes to the matter of God.
Listen to the sermon to know where your priorities are taking you.
Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Mark 5:25 - 34 Here are the topics covered:
First group of people - Religious people Second group of people - Needy people Third group of people - Socially neglected
Who is this women? What did she do? Faith of this woman What is our faith today?
Ezekiel 37:1-14 A vision of the resurrection from death to life.
Summary of the sermon. We saw the - The situation of God's own people - Had a closer look at the bones - In this hopelessness, we saw the hope that God gives But the message to us this morning is - Your situation doesn't matter for God - In man's eyes, hope is lost, but in God's eyes hope is still alive - We are brought to the dust, but God is able to restore. - There is a hope, that is the hope of resurrection
Gospel and Christ are going to be rejected V 1-3 Reason why He was rejected is for us V 4-5 But do you know what we have done V6 What was done to Jesus? V7-9 Now Jesus turned to His Father. Let us see what His father has to say. V 10
God is seeking for intercessors - Can you be the one?
Section-1: Biblical basis for Intercession: God is seeking for intercessors Know our position: What are we interceding for? Know the enemy Attitude of our hearts----more----
Section - 2: Engaging in Warfare Total surrender Wear the armor of God Involve the heaven & just be an agent What should I do? Not interceding is a sin Not interceding brings judgment
Matthew 7:24-27 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken (compare/associate) him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”----more----
How do we build up resilience? 1. Be aware of your situation 2. Be aware of your enemies 3. Be built on God 4. Be ready for another season
Rain is going to come, the floods are going to raise, and the winds will blow and beat on the house; But you are not going to collapse, you are going to stand firm and strong.
A certain amount of resiliency is already built in you. Listen to know more...
Six titles of the Word of God (V 7-9)
- The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
- The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
- The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
- The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
- The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
- The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.----more----
God's Word is placed with such a high importance. 1. More desirable than the wealth of this world 2. More desirable than the pleasures and delights of this world
Want to start asking this question: How do we live when we are nearing the end of this world than ever?
When we see the happenings of this world, there is no doubt that the world is nearing to its end.
Peter is us in 1 Peter 4:7-11 on how to conduct our selves as the end is nearer than ever.----more----
He is asking us to 1. Be serious and watchful in your prayers 2. Have fervent love for one another 3. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling 4. Use your gifts & talents to serve one another
Listen to the sermon to know exactly how to live as the time is approaching.
The Promise Granted Through Faith - Romans 4:13 - 25 Abraham was holding on to his faith in God until he received the promised blessing. What made Abraham, the Father of many nations a Father of Faith?
- Abraham knew his God
- Abraham did not look at the circumstances
- Abraham did not waver through unbelief
- Abraham was strengthened in faith
- Abraham was giving glory to God
- Now he is fully convinced that God is able to perform----more----
God promised, Abraham believed. Abraham was holding on to his faith in God until Isaac was born. Abraham was 100 y old and Sarah was 90 y old when Isaac was born.
God wants you to hold on to the faith you have in Him.
In a wrestling match there are many winning or scoring opportunities. The major ones are Takedown, Escape, Reversal & Near fall.
- In our lives at times we wrestle with God to fulfill the desire of our hearts.
- God wrestles with us to fulfill His plan in our lives.
- But the truth is "God always wins the wrestling match"----more----
When God wrestles with us , it is to change us. We can't change God. - When Jacob wrestled with God, God changed Jacob - When Jonah wrestled with God, Jonah had to repent - When the Kings wrestled with God, they were all perished, God didn't change.
- We can never alter God's will concerning our future, instead we have to align our plans to match with God's will.
- We can never change God's priorities in our lives, instead we have to re-prioritize our priorities according to God's
Listen to the sermon to know what is going on in your life now and how God is going to win the match ultimately.
This sermon helps you to overcome the life challenges.
Three Major Facts of 1 Samuel 30:
- David was greatly distressed
- David was all alone, no one to help
- David strengthened himself in the Lord
A sermon that helps you to know that how precious you are in the sight of God.
- Know your Call
- Know your Freedom
- Know your Safety
- Know your Worth
From Matthew 10:27-30.
Sample Guide for Meditation - https://www.hipm.org/how-to-study-meditate-gods-word/
Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.
Why David is praying to God to open his eyes?
How do you know if our eyes are blinded or not?----more----
The eyes are blinded or veiled or darkened if you have any one of the following symptoms - all the scriptures look the same when you read the Bible - there is no desire to read the scripture - there is no interest to meditate the Word - having an attitude that you know everything, there is nothing more to study - never made an attempt to sit with your Bible, notebook and a pen to write down what God speaks, instead always going to prophets to hear what God says - believe in what others say without trying to find out what God's word says - God has never spoken to you through the scriptures - having difficulty in believing the scripture - never applied any of them in your life - Scriptures never comforted, healed, or given you hope
If you have any of the above symptoms, your eyes are closed to the Word of God, you need to pray Psalm 119:18.
Listen to the sermon to know how to meditate God's Word. - Start seeking & searching the Scriptures - Study & Meditate the Word - Apply the Word in our life
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”----more----
Matthew 5:14 -16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Your life is the light, you have an option either to keep it under the basket or to set it on the lamp stand.
What are those baskets in your life? 1. Ignorance Children are ignorant Our eyes are blinded 2. Selfishness Pride & Ego Laziness Not loving others 3. Low self esteem Negative self talk Comparison Wrong attitudes
Listen to the sermon to know the change you need to bring in your life.
We learned three truths.
- Whoever is born of God does not sin - if we say that we fall over and over again in the same sin, we need to be born again.
- Who has been born of God keeps himself - If you still have evil company, you need to get out of them and protect yourself and your family
- And the wicked one does not touch him. - if you are under the attack of the enemy, you feel that you lost the protection, you need protection from the evil.
A Pharisee, born in the tradition of Judaism, the one who was found righteous and perfect according to the law, a man with zeal for the temple of God, one who is considered blameless by the society, if such a perfect man was in need of Jesus Christ in his life, how much more do you and I need Jesus.
God has already given you healing, already took you out of the debt condition, already blessed your family, already given you a job or better job. If you are not able to experience that blessings in your life, there must be a stone right at the entrance where the blessing will flow from. God is asking you to take away the stone.
Christ in us gives access to the riches of heaven. That means richness of heaven cannot be obtained without Christ. When we give to God, Christ blesses you from the heavenly riches. We find blessing in Christ Jesus.
People may reject you, but God considers you as precious. People around you may not want you, but God wants you. Today if you say that I don't have anyone to care for you, I am here to introduce Jesus to you. You can have Him as your best friend.
All that Peter used to perform this miracle was the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. There is power in the name of Jesus. Power to save and power to heal.
Four truths about prayer that we learned.
- Our fake spiritual appearance has to wither away - people want to see fruit in us
- Our false motivations are to be driven out - the only motivation of coming to church is to pray
- People in our lives need to be forgiven - we also need to forget what they have done to us
We need to believe for our prayers to be answered - have faith in God and believe that He can do it for you.
Mary's question: How can this be? Mary was thinking in the natural, it is impossible in a natural sense. Many of us are worried about "How can this be". God is telling you it will be alright when what happened to Mary happens to you.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God is telling I have a plan for your future. His plan doesn't stop in this world, He has already planned about our eternity.
Today, God wants to give you that prosperity, hope and future. Are you desperate for something at this moment? God can do it for you, because He has a plan about you. You need to come to Him and find out what is His plan concerning you.
Many times when we go through difficult situations, we feel that the little strength that we have is lost. We feel powerless on many occasions.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Listen to the sermon to find out the reason why we feel strength-less and find a way on how we can find strength during such situations.
We hear the word "Missionary" in our lives. Who is a missionary? They're the ones who are sent into the World to share the Gospel. Missionaries are the ones who are called by God to fulfill a vision. They carry a burden for the souls and proclaim the love of God.
Who are these God's Missionaries that are sent into the world? Listen to the sermon to find out.
This world is a temporary workstation where the dross out of us is removed. This world is a crafts man's work bench to chip and chisel the junk out of us. We are just work in progress until we live to be made a masterpiece of His own image.
Today we have everything, we struggle to get a degree, struggle to find a job, struggle to come up in life, settle down in this country. But never forget that we need God's favor to succeed.
What is God's favor?
God's favor is the key for our blessing on this world.
If you are given a house with all furniture, all facilities and all provisions and if you are not given the key to enter into the house, the blessings are of no use. The key is to get God's favor.
Listen to the sermon as Pastor Balan teaches on God's favor and how we can obtain it in our lives.
Now the risen savior has all the right to say that "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth". With that power and authority Jesus is telling the disciples, three instructions which the church must obey.
- Go and make disciples of all the nations 2. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 3. Teach them to observe all that I have taught you
God is asking our church, that is, every one of you to become disciple makers.
Take someone in your life, follow with him or her and make him or her to follow Christ like you do.
This sermon talks about three aspects of giving our best to God as based in Malachi Chapter 1:
- Our second best does not honor God (Verse 6)
- Our second best does not please God (Verse 8)
- Our second best to God does not satisfy us (Verse 13)
We need to give the best to God.
- Our God removes sin from us
- He forgives our sins
- He forgets our sins
Forgiveness brings physical healing!
Any area of our heart or mind that is not surrendered to Jesus Christ is an area vulnerable to satanic attack. We have a constant fight going on within us between flesh and Spirit, darkness and light, evil and God. This fight will be on until we live in flesh. Until our death. The desires of our flesh sets our mind to do sin.
Romans 8:6 6 (NIV) The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
There are areas in your life, you are not able to come out because we need a supernatural release of God's blessings in those areas.
May it be sickness, may it be financial struggle, may it be the debt situation, may it be depression or unemployment, or fear or lack of something. The solution for your problem cannot be natural. It has to be supernatural.
What are the 5 areas in your life that need God's supernatural release?
Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
Unfortunately faith is not just believing in God, but faith is also putting what we believe in action.
Faith without action is dead faith. James 2:17
You and I don't have the ability to see, but God's Word has promises which haven't come true in your life.
Because faith is taking God at His word.
We found three things in blind Bartimaeus that brought healing to him
- Bartimaeus was blind, but he was focused on Chrsit
- Bartimaeus was blind, but was willing to lay aside every weight around him.
- The revelation the blind Bartimaeus had about Christ brought him out of his sickness.
For a miracle to take place:
- You need to have concern over someone
- You need to realize your unworthiness
- You need to believe for those unseen
Five important truths:
- Don't send them empty/hungry, give them something to eat
- What do you have?
- Bring what you have to me
- Make them sit down
- Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost
Today our miracle is stopped may be because there is an unforgiven sin in our lives.
The paralyzed man was brought to Jesus in order to receive a healing.
The miracle took place because
- He was carried by four men
- The roof had to be uncovered to gain access to Jesus
- Sin need to be forgiven in order to receive a miracle
God knows that we have been going through that pain for a long time. Your waiting is going to reward you
God doesn't want us to be lazy as our laziness can stop a miracle.
God is aware of your loneliness. He comes to you on time knowing that there no one who cares for you.
The picture of Jesus with the white garment and the woman touching His garment by her hands gives me a picture of a believer in faith reaching God with the help of the Holy Spirit. She
- Heard about Jesus
- Came behind Jesus
- Touched His garments
The man possessed with the evil got delivered,
- Because the demons in Him saw Jesus
- Jesus had nothing in common with the demon
- He commanded the unclean spirit to come out
- Invite Jesus in humility and surrender into your situation
- Do not allow discouragement to come on your way
- Cast away your unbelief
- Get out of the unbelieving people
- Separate your self.
Do not have fellowship with those who don't believe the miracle working power of Jesus.
Miracles take place when we decide to follow Jesus.
Miracles happen when we wake Him up through prayer.
Being fearful and not having enough faith can stop your miracle.
Worship preceded the miracle.
Miracles happen when we submit to God's will.
Testimony seals your miracle.
- Insufficiency or the condition of being insufficient is felt among the families at times.
- More than telling it with others, we need to tell our difficulty to God directly.
- Need to wait for the hour of God or timing of God
- Need to surrender to God
- Need to obey His Word concerning the situation
How do we prepare our lives so that we can go to eternity?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
You need to believe in Christ and ask Him to forgive your sins, once your sins are forgiven as you accept Jesus as your Savior, you become a child of God.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
When the end is going to come?
It can come at any moment. Most of the prophecies spoken by the prophets are already fulfilled. The world is getting ready for the end. When we talk about the end of the age, there are two major events going to take place - Coming of the Lord - The major destruction upon this earth
But today is the day of salvation!
Romans 5:7-8
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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The Cross is a place where God demonstrated His love
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The Cross is a place where sinners like me and you can find that the life is worth living, because someone is there to love me.
Let this Christmas bring real meaning in our lives as we receive Jesus Christ in our hearts and lives.
There is no other gift we will receive that is as precious as receiving Jesus Christ.
Call upon God. Not to any man or woman, but to God.
Today if we have a trouble we call the help line.
- 911 for emergency health & safety
- 811 for non-emergency health information
- 311 for non-emergency municipal government services
Sometime we share with someone else, or we cry to people. Or we go and find a lawyer or we go to the doctor. Before doing all these, God is asking us to call Him.
Nothing is hard for Him, He is your creator.
Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead, Is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery For the health of the daughter of my people?
As we read Jeremiah Chapter 8, the Spirit of God reveals these points very clearly:
- People are not willing to go to Gilead to get healed
- People are seeking alternate methods of recovery
Today we see the same trend among Christians. Don't seek alternate ways, come back to Jesus.
He is calling you today. Let Him apply His precious blood, the balm of Gilead so that you will be set free.
Several thousand years have passed by since the time of creation. Still these same words echo within the hearts of men and women. God calling our names and asking us where are you?
What is our reaction today?
God has given you a commission as you live on the earth. Do not ignore God. Do not ignore Sunday service, do not ignore fellowship with God's children. You are responsible for your soul and the souls of your children.
If God can create something out of nothing, If God can call those things that don't exist into existence, He can also make your sickness disappear. He can also remove your problem completely.
Abraham believed, we need to believe.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- First of all, it is good to know that He has a plan for us
- Secondly, His plans as to prosper us, not to harm us
- Thirdly, His plans are to give us hope and future
His plan is the best plan for you.
- Trust in the Lord
- Do Good
- Dwell in the land
- Feed on His faithfulness
- Delight yourself in the Lord, He shall give you the desires of your heart
No prayer - no counsel, no prayer-no light, no prayer-no protection, no prayer-no preservation, no prayer-no forgiveness, no prayer - no mercy or blessing, no prayer - premature death.
- Prayer helps me to love God and love those who hate me
- Prayer helps me to live holy
- Prayer helps me to walk in the anointing
Mark 10:46-52 Blind Bartimaeus received his miracle on that day as he was
- Not willing to be what he was
- Willing to lose the lesser for the greater
- Willing to look into the future
Listen from the life of this blind man.
Even though you don't have a piece of land as your own on this earth, this sermon will give you hope of owning your mansion in the future - because our God is in Real Estate Business.
- Human life was not an accident, it was in the plan of God (Genesis 1:26-28)
- Human life is sacred in the eyes of God (Psalm 139:13-16)
Human Life is the Crown of God’s Creation. Human life has eternal value, This eternal life is found only in Christ Jesus.
John 11:1-44 - Raising of Lazarus - Unlike other miracles, it was not an easy task for Jesus to raise Lazarus. - There were so many hurdles on His way towards the miracle. - His own disciples, His own Jewish people, sisters of Lazarus, people who gathered there every one was standing on the way for a miracle.----more----
When good things are about to happen in your life, there will a lot of hurdles. God wants you to push these hurdles and move forward to receive your miracle.
- Sickness and death of Lazarus
- Discouraged disciples and irritated Thomas
- People who limit your ability - Martha & Mary
- Weeping Mary and the Jews
- Questioning and reasoning crowd
- Doubting Martha even after Jesus asked to take away the stone
If faith can bring you supernatural miracle, unbelief can destroy every opportunity of receiving that miracle.
Leviticus 19:33-34 33 And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. 34 The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Hospitality can be defined as the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
Hospitality is the most needed virtue of Christians. ----more---- - The world is inhospitable and cruel - Abraham’s humble and generous hospitality - Hospitality – a gift or a command to follow? - God’s example of hospitality - The ministry of hospitality - Hospitality extends beyond human life
Use worldly wealth to gain friends - Luke 16:9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Welcoming strangers - Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. - Hospitality – the flip side of the coin 1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
I am convinced that hospitality is not a gift, not an option, but it is a command to follow. Listen to the sermon to know why.
This sermon is part of the "Must Listen Series". Don't skip, but listen.
We discussed about how to repair the damages that were already made and prevent the families from future damages. 1. Don't allow every junk into your house Video games that killed people in real life Movies that killed people in real life Children exposed to these will not listen to parents, become rebellious,disobedient.----more----
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Learn to forgive each other Never stop forgiving Forgive for you to be forgiven Don't retaliate Confess when you are at fault
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Fly, if you can catch the time Spend time with your spouse Spend time with your parents Spend time with your children Balance work and family (money & time)
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You need other's support Love each other Respect each other Encourage & Appreciate
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Relationships and serving God When it comes to the call of God, call of God comes first, rest are all secondary. When God called Paul, he did not consult with his family God's call is for the entire family Same time, never allow ministry to damage the relationship
Listen to the sermon and protect your family relationship from the attacks.
This sermon is part of the "Must Listen Series". Don't skip, but listen.
We talked about the causes of relationship damages between aging parents and adult children Today's Reality of difficulties in maintaining relationship
Balancing Aging Care and Other Family Relationships - what does scripture say? - Honoring Parents - Leaving Father & Mother as the primary relationship is your marriage relationship - Relationship with other family members such as brothers and sisters and their families----more----
Recovering and Maintaining Aging parent and Adult children Relationship - Cooperation needed from the elderly parents - Cooperation needed from the adult children
Listen to the sermon to know how all of these pieces work together to care for our aging parents.
This sermon is part of the "Must Listen Series". Don't skip, but listen. In today's family setup
- Children are often neglected
- Children are into trouble already
- Relationship with parents are broken Children struggle with
- Disobedience & disrespect
- Irresponsibility, carelessness or negligence
- Laziness - Worldliness ----more---- What is your responsibility towards them as a parent?
- Need to ensure safety & protection
- Need for proper treatment
- Need of ensuring a good emotional climate
- Need of feeling wanted
- Need for direction
- Need of confidence & trust
- Need for healthy communication
A Final Warning for Parents If we forget God, God will forget our children. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Listen to the sermon to know how all of these pieces work together to care for our children.
This sermon is part of the "Must Listen Series". Don't skip, but listen.
- This is what was discussed.
- What is living together?
- Marriage is Honorable
- Biblical view of the marital statuses
- Statistics on Living together
- Negative side of living together
- What does Bible say about living together?
- How does living together affect our family relationship?
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So what?----more----
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Families - Be content with what God has given
- Parents - Teach the right thing to your children
- Young Children - Build your future on God's Word
- Parents - Be a role model to others
- Church - As living together is sinful, God's wrath is about to come, God wants us to intercede for them.
This sermon is part of the "Must Listen Series". Don't skip, but listen.
- There are so many heterosexual pulling forces in the world (Prostitution, Human trafficking, Pornography, Abortion, Sex industries, Rape & sexual violence)
- Yielding to such forces affect the family relationship - Families & relationship struggle with pre-marital and extra-marital issues
- Scripture clearly defines the boundaries for both unmarried and for married
- Violating these boundaries certainly results in judgment of God towards the eternal hell.
This is just a summary, listen to the sermon for an in depth coverage on the topic.
This sermon is part of the "Must Listen Series". Don't skip, but listen.
- Listen to the sermon to know the nuances in the world of Sexuality.
- Listen to the sermon to know what is happening around you today.
- Listen to know your stand today as a Bible believing Christian.
- Listen to know the better life that Jesus can offer you, if you are struggling to come out of what you are bound with today.
Finally listen to the sermon to know how we should love everyone as Jesus loved the sinners and show them the right way.
This sermon is part of the "Must Listen Series". Don't skip, but listen. It will bless yours and your children's family life.
Summary of this sermon: (Keys for journeying together)
- As husband and wife, you are made one flesh and one bone, you can't separate until death
- Without your husband you are incomplete, without your wife you are incomplete
- Cohabitation, premarital sex, homosexuality, divorce and remarriage are the attack on the long lasting marriage relationship ----more----
- God's design for marriage is to make a companionship for man and that is always a woman
- Marriage relationship is primary, not parent child relationship.
- Man has no right to separate what God has joined together
- Marriage is not a contract, it is a covenant. God never breaks covenant so do we
- In the worlds system that is working against God's design for marriage, covenants are either not made or what was made is broken
- Marriage is not just physical union, it has spiritual significance
- According to Paul, marriage is a mystery, church the bride is getting ready for the bridegroom, Christ
- Divorce and remarriage breaks the heart of God because they misrepresent Christ and his covenant to the church.
- Christ will never leave His wife, the church, because it is an eternal relationship. In the same way, marriage is lifelong as it is patterned after Christ and church relationship.
Listen to the sermon for this spiritual counsel.
This sermon was an introductory sermon for the series called "Relationship Under Attack". A very interesting series just started at HIPM.
Here is the summary of the First sermon in this series. - Families are under attack - Relationship is under attack - Common battlegrounds our families are facing today----more----
- Humanism or Humanistic "enlightenment"
- Amoral life style
- Media attack
- Secular mindset.
Listen to the sermon to know the counsel from the Word of God.
Daniel 12:1-4 Not all of us are going to resurrect in one instance. That is going to happen in three different time frames.
But, the resurrection of the unsaved is going to happen at the same time.
Every one has to get out of their graves, no one is going to stay there.
God is going to reward "Those who are Wise" and "Those who turn many to righteousness".
Very interesting topic to deal with, listen to the sermon to know more.
What happens to anyone immediately after death has been the question of many. Listen to the sermon to get an answer.
Job 14:7-10 7 “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. 8 Though its root may grow old in the earth, And its stump may die in the ground, 9 Yet at the scent of water it will bud And bring forth branches like a plant. 10 But man dies and is laid away; Indeed he breathes his last And where is he?
What is a yoke? Who are these youth Jeremiah is referring to? What was going on when you were young? What is going on with the current youth?
What are those yokes word of God is talking about? 1. The Yoke of subjection to authority 2. The Yoke of self control and self restraint 3. The Yoke of sufferings 4. The Yoke of service to the Lord
Listen to the sermon to get an answer for all the above questions.
Luke 7:36-50 1. Men make distinctions God does not 2. None of us can repay what we owe to God 3. Sins of attitude are as deadly as sins of action 4. We are expected to love God not like Simon, but like the woman 5. Her love and action couldn't forgive her, only her faith
John 1:1 18
- The eternal Word (V 1-5)
- The true light (V 6-13)
- Word becoming flesh (V 14-18)
Reasons why Mary was blessed? (Luke 1:46 55)
- She understood the Lord and pleased Him with her life
- She Magnifies the Lord V 46 49
- Having fear of God V 50
- Not proud, but humble V 51 & 52
- Hunger for God V 53
- Coming under the covenant relationship V 54 & 55
Proverbs 3:6 The Living Bible (TLB) - In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. As long as we are bound, we can’t do anything effective for God. God wants us to conquer, overcome and subdue. We are not called to fight against flesh and blood, but that's where most of our time and effort is spent.----more----
How do we conquer or overcome? - Expecting God to change us - Expecting God to change the situation - Prioritizing or changing focus - Submitting to God’s will
To know more on how to live a victorious life, listen to the sermon.
Amos 5:4-5 For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live; But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilgal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, And Bethel shall come to nothing. - God is asking people to seek Him. - People are seeking God in wrong places. - They think blessing is going to come from Bethel, Gilgal and Beersheba----more----
Do not seek Bethel - Neither worship in mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father - worship Him must worship in spirit and truth Do not seek Gilgal - Do not seek God for food - Do not seek God for this world Do not pass over to Beersheba - Do not seek spiritual experiences - Do not seek prophets as a medium
- Seek diligently - Proverbs 8:17 And those who seek me diligently will find me.
- Seek with all heart - Deuteronomy 4:29 you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
- Seek first - Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
- Seek in thought - Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Numbers 13&14: God commanded Moses to spy the land. Moses sent one from each tribe along with Caleb & Joshua. Majority of the spies came with a negative report saying "we are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we". But Caleb & Joshua said, "We will go and possess, we are able to overcome". For they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” Later we find Caleb could do that because he had a different spirit. What is that different spirit? Today you and I need that different spirit. Based on Caleb's report, this is what we could arrive at.----more----
Based on Joshua & Caleb’s report, - Spirit that senses God’s leading - Spirit that works along with God - Spirit that doesn’t fear people - Spirit that depends on God’s protection
To know more about the "different spirit", please listen to the sermon...
What is false sense? - Truth distorted - Truth falsely magnified - The wrong understanding, opinions, ideas and lies we carry about ourselves and about some of the spiritual truths.----more----
Paul’s concern about the believers 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (you submit to it readily enough / easily accept it).
Following are the five different false senses that we need to keep a watch. 1. False sense of security 2. False sense of contentment 3. Worry, false sense of control 4. False sense of accomplishment 5. False sense of uselessness
To know more about these, please listen to the full sermon.
Acts 5:14-16 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.----more----
Shadow of influence: Peter was given a peculiar way of influencing others for Christ Shadow is caused by allowing light to fall of an object. Peter was walking in the light Secondly Peter must walk closer to people for his shadow to fall on people God wants us to influence lives
God wants us to influence lives by being friendly, Inviting home, Visiting them, Helping them, Encouraging them, Giving them, and Praying for them.
Jesus laid His hand on the sick, apostles laid hands on the sick, Jesus asks the believers to lay hands on the sick.
Not the shadow, people are looking for our touch. We are the hands of Christ. Our hands can heal, encourage, embrace, comfort and serve.
God wants us to Love everyone, even our enemies Have compassion Care for them Practice equality (color, nationality, race, etc.) Not to neglect others sufferings Ask question about their eternity Know that He can use us Remember that we all have a call of a missionary
Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. “It is time” indicates God is serious about mission Prepare the Ground-Sow the seed-See the growth-Reap the harvest.----more----
Preparation: Ground – Prayer prepares the ground Seed – God’s Word Skills – Reading, meditation, listening, practicing Implements – Anointing, Gifts, Call of God
Sowing: Psalm 126:6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. NIV Seed is heavy to carry - God’s work needs commitment, at times challenging Sowing with weeping - Sowing needs burden for souls Ecclesiastes 11:6 - Don’t wait for any special moment, share the Gospel always, lifestyle Ecclesiastes 11:4 - Don’t allow anything to stop you
Growth: Nothing you and I can do to grow a plant-1 Corinthians 3:6-7 But God wants us to plant -adding new souls and water-growing in knowledge of His Word Growth is inevitable - Ezekiel 47: 12 God’s kingdom grows - Matthew 13:31-32
Harvest: Achieving the expectation-God’s heart God is asking us to get ready for the harvest - 1 Chronicles 4:10, Isaiah 54:2 Harvest – time of great joy- Psalm 126:6 Matthew 9:37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 In the Natural: The valley was full of bones. The bones were very dry. God is asking Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones (Engaging the Word) - Bones joined together - Sinews and flesh came upon them - Skin covered them over----more----
Then God asked Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath (Engaging the Spirit) - Breath came into them - They lived, and stood upon their feet as an army
In the Supernatural Dry bones refer to the house of Israel. That includes the Jews, all of us and those who are yet to be saved. Sinews, Flesh & Skin came by engaging God's Word. - Whatever the enemy robbed - The basic things of life - Salvation, fruit of the spirit, Christian love, etc. Life came into the bones by engaging the Holy Spirit. - Infilling of the Holy Spirit - Supernatural experience - Miracles and signs - Life eternal Engage God's Word in your life by reading, meditating, listening God's Word. Engage God's Word in other's lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit such as Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge and Prophesy.
Signs and Wonders take place when we engage the Holy Spirit by - Inviting the Holy Spirit - Asking Spirit of God to move, fill and anoint - Giving Spirit of God the complete control
Listen to the sermon to know how this can be achieved in your lives and in the lives of others around you.
Purpose of Jesus coming to the world - Luke 19:10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
- Church has to extent into the community
- Church must be a living and growing organism
- Church grows not by transferring people, church grows when non-believers become believers
- Non-believers are outside the four walls----more----
The Word of God is very specific about how we as Christians are to conduct ourselves toward the non-Christian. Paul says in Colossians 4:5-6 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside (non-believers), redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Paul says, - Walk in wisdom - Redeem the time - Speech with Grace - Seasoned with salt
Listen to the sermon for more practical wisdom.
Jesus Christ is God in flesh came down from heaven to the earth only because of His love for mankind. He is a powerful God. His name is the most powerful name. There is salvation, healing, deliverance, blessings and eternity in His name. To know more, please listen.----more----
Philippians 2:6-11 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond-servant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Paul is saying, 1. Jesus is God himself 2. Did not use his position for His own advantage 3. Made Himself nothing, Taking the form of a bond servant 4. Appearance of a man 5. Humbled Himself, Became obedient to the point of death, Even the death of the cross 6. God exalted Him and gave Him the name "Jesus" above all names
We see the transforming power of Lord Jesus Christ. The beggar was physically crippled and spiritually handicapped. But the miracle transformed the beggar both physically as well as spiritually.
The facts observed: - Beggar was found outside the church - Miracle was not taking place inside the church - The beggar never asked for healing, but there was an expectation - The beggar never had to believe in Jesus for healing or do anything - The healing was instant - there was no time to think, debate and argue - That miracles drew him into the temple----more----
The truths derived: - The needy are outside the temple - People look at us to get something - We seldom pay attention to people - We talk about what we don’t have - Miracles draw people to God
Challenges: - When majority of the need is found outside the church, what the church is doing? - Church is the hope of this world, do we give hope to the needy? - Do we pay attention to other’s needs? - We talk about gold and silver even though we don’t have them. We have Jesus within us. Shall we talk about Him? - It is enough hearing about miracles & praising God. It is enough experiencing miracles only for us. Shall we start performing miracles? - Kingdom of God is not in word but in power. - Faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God - Many of us have the form of godliness, but deny its power.
Church’s Social Responsibility: Two Extreme Christians
- Christians who try to change the legal, political, economic systems to conform to the Biblical standards
- Christians who isolate themselves from the social issues taking Jesus at His word "My kingdom is not of this world" Let us look at Jesus - Jesus never tried to bring any political or economical changes. At the same time He was not ignoring the social issues.----more----
There is a great shift in the evangelistic paradigm In the 1900s unchurched are brought to Christ through evangelical crusades, but in the 2000s unchurched are brought to Christ by addressing the social causes.
Today church is expected to address the causes. There is a great need for addressing these causes, - Everyone needs a cause that is greater than their life. If they don’t have it, then their life is meaningless and frustrating. - A church not addressing the causes of the society is alienated from the community. - A church not involving directly with the cause of the society will lose its younger generation as they don’t find meaning in what is done within four walls. - Causes are not necessarily physical needs, they can be emotional and spiritual. Who else can address these if not the church?
Jesus was dealing with the social causes through His teachings, demonstrations, parables and miracles. Some of the causes addressed by Jesus we are going to deal with in this sermon are, Untouchability, Inequality, racial discrimination, gender inequality torture, murder and outcast. Also a final touch up on a great deal of teachings by Jesus on social justice.
What do others say about Christians?
- Christianity is self condemning
- Christians live a life of comparison
- Christians behave as if God owes them
- Christians live a double life
Dealing with Discouragement - Discouragement is a loss of hope or confidence. - It is Satan's strategy to disable and try to take Christians out of God's plan - We are good at getting discouraged even for simple reason. - Discouragement can drain us of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength.
----more---- - If not dealt with on time, any disappointment can become discouragement and eventually can lead to depression. - Discouragement can easily make one discouraged - What is the way out?
Learn from our savior Lord Jesus Christ. He had all the reason to get discouraged. His birth, childhood, ministry, the kind of hatred from people, rejection and finally the death. But Jesus overcame discouragement He handled every situation with endurance, patience and with great stamina. – Heb. 12:1-2 He continued with the eternal perspective, not worrying about the temporary situation – Heb. 12:1-2 He never stopped, He kept working - John 9:4, Gal. 6:9 He prayed often to God for strength - Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:6-7 He was thankful to God even in a little thing when the situation was so discouraging - John 11:41, John 6:11 Another example from the Bible is Nehemiah. God called him to build a wall around Jerusalem. As he was building, the people came against him and discouraged the worker.
This is how Nehemiah handled discouragement. (Nehemiah 4:3-20) Nehemiah reorganized his workers – V 13 He reminded that God is with them always – V 14 He encouraged them to resist the discouragement – V 14, 16-18 He asked everyone to return to work He encouraged them to be together in times of distress – V 19-20 Finally, never allow discouragement to overpower your life, always resist, fight back with the power of God. You will be an over comer.
- based on today’s sermon at HIPM
- People of this world are driven by momentary happiness, but a child of God is by joy
- If driven by happiness, can’t stand times of sorrow
- Allow joy to drive your live, you will experience heaven in earth
- Life is not just a cushion (bed of roses)
- Life is full of challenges
- Adversities don’t harm us, they make us
- True that we get damaged
- We all require maintenance or repair
- Hardships get us ready for the future
Channel of Faith – Raising Godly children Passage of Spiritual gifts – Raising to serve others Model for Discipline – Raising to be a good citizen Provider of Growth – Raising them to mature
Mark 2:1-12
And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. ----more----4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Let our prayer be:
- Preserve my life
- Rejoice my soul
- Teach me to follow you
- Show me a sign
Matthew 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
- What kind of prayer is this?
- Prayer of the Son to the Father
- A prayer exploring the possibilities
- A prayer finding a way out
- A prayer seeking God's will
- A prayer that never got answered
- When help was rejected, she found hope in Jesus
- She could even worship Him even though He said I have nothing to do with you
- Hope works beyond human boundaries
- Hope works beyond attitude issues
- Hope works beyond ethnic religious boundaries
- Prayer was made no 1 priority
- Prayer of admitting our inability
- Prayer that sets our focus on Jesus
- Prayer that takes us to a position of no effort
- Prayer that is answered when worshipers worship
2 Kings 20:1 11 & Isaiah 38:1 8
- Who is king Hezekiah?
- What did Hezekiah do?
- Hezekiah faced a crisis
- Hezekiah’s sickness
- Hezekiah’s end announced
- Hezekiah’s prayer
- Prayer answered
- Physical remedy
- Sign from the Lord
- Later days of Hezekiah
Matthew 6:5 15
- Enter with a salute (V10)
- Ask for God's will (V10)
- Tell Your need (V11-13)
- Give us daily bread (Physical need)
- Forgive us (Inner healing)
- Deliver us from evil (Spiritual)
- Exit with a praise (V 13)
What is Prayer & types of prayer
- Praying for our needs
- Intercessory prayer
- Spiritual warfare
Three Major Paradoxes that shake your faith.
- Why innocents suffer?
- Why God allows sickness?
- Why Christians are Broke?
Listen to find an answer.
Exodus Chapter 2:1-25 - Moses was a born leader - Leaders are not born in palace - Leaders need to be protected - God connects a leader with the leader - Great leaders develop their skills - Great leaders are courageous - Devil is against good leaders - A leader has to protect himself - Its time to learn spiritual things - Leaders are content with what they have
The man was dead & now being carried. He was the only son of his mother. She was a widow. She was not alone, many people were with her. Jesus had compassion over her and said "Do not weep". Jesus is a compassionate God. Jesus spoke a word "Young man, I say to you, arise."
- Five loaves and two fish
- Donkey & the colt
- A boy with epilepsy
- Andrew brought Peter to Jesus
Abraham – A man of failures
- Fear of famine - Went down to Egypt
- Fear of death – Introduced Sarai as his sister
- Fear of future & lack of faith - He made Hagar his wife
The resurrection and the life (John 11:21 -25) -
Jesus spoke amazing truths I am the resurrection I am the life He who believes in me Though he may die He shall live
You are part of God’s plan (Mark 11:1-10)
- God’s selection
- One who is bound / tied
- Need to be loosed
- Used by the Master
Psalm 107 – Sections:
V 1-3: Dedication to the redeemed V 4- 9: Travelers lost in the desert V 10-16: Prisoners in bondage V 17-22: Sick in their souls V 23-32: Mariners tossed with tempest V 33-41: God is in control V 42-43: The righteous & the wise
- Forget the past
- Don’t worry about tomorrow (don’t be anxious)
- Today is in your hands, make the best out of it.
Companionship of the Holy Spirit
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 1. He is the comforter, advocate, counselor, helper 2. The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses 3. The Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth 4. You will be able to achieve everything through Him
You will find answers to the following questions. GOD’S PLAN FOR ETERNITY
- When did God plan eternity?
- When does eternity begin?
- Who will be there in eternity?
- Where will eternity be?
- How is it going to happen?
Christmas not only tells us God’s affinity with mankind, it also tells us that God is at war against Satan.
- This is an ongoing war that started on the day when Lucifer rebelled against God
- Birth of Jesus was a major step in the process of God destroying Satan
- Satan knew that the one who is going to crush his head is born (savior-destroyer, joy/peace – threat)
- It was a great shock for Satan’s whole kingdom----more----
Satan’s ultimate destination is the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
God's love is:
- Agape Love
- Unconditional Love
- Sacrificial Love
- Demanding Love
- Demands Repentance - Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
- Demands Holiness - you shall be holy; for I am holy, Leviticus 11:44
- Demands Perfection - Deuteronomy 18:13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.
- Demands Service - John 21:15-17
- Horeb, the mountain of God
- Exodus 3:1-10 God brings us to the Mt. Horeb because it is time for a change
- Horeb, from the Hebrew word kho-rawb, meaning dry, or desolate, to dry up, be in ruins, lay waste
----more---- - God met Moses in the burning bush - Moses fasted for 40 days two times - Moses received the Law - When Moses struck the rock water gushed out - Elijah after fasting for 40 days and nights reached Mt. Horeb - Children of Israel made golden calf and worshiped
2 Chronicles 7:14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
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The hard working: Good works will not save anyone. Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. You need Jesus to save you.----more----
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The unfortunate (socially neglected, oppressed, outcast) Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
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Anti-social groups & the extremists, the wicked, and the sinful Jesus is telling to the church: No matter who these anti-social enemies are, you need to love them. Jesus is also telling to those anti-social extremists: You need to repent Acts 8: 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
The Lord is coming back Isaiah 26:21 For behold, the Lord comes out of His place To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; The earth will also disclose her blood, And will no more cover her slain.
While God is merciful and patient, the clock of judgment is ticking Psalm 96:13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth.
God has put in your heart a vision for you, a vision for your family and a vision for the nation
- Not in terms of material future, but in terms of what do you want to be in Christ?
- Kind of impact you want to make in your family and in the society
- When you walk with the Lord, God’s will becomes your vision
- You will foresee what exactly God sees about your future
2 Kings 5:1-14
- Naaman was an honorable mighty soldier / commander of courage, but was a leper
- There were doctors in Syria, but God chose this young girl
- Naaman expected Elisha to heal him miraculously, but Elisha asked him to Go and wash in the Jordan seven times
- Naaman didn't obey Elisha, but now the slave girl made him to obey the man of God
2 Timothy 2:1-4. You are called to be a soldier of Jesus Christ.
You are expected to:
- Endure Hardship
- Engage in warfare
- Don’t entangle with the affairs of this life
- Please your commanding officer
Luke 5:1-11
- Disciples toiled all night, caught nothing
- Obeyed Jesus’ Word and caught a great number
- Jesus told Peter – from now on you will catch men
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Peter forsook everything and followed Jesus----more----
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He is going to get you out of your comfort zone
- He is going to change your friends circle
- He is going to change your priorities
- As eagles destroy their nests to get the younger ones out
- Souls out there, you need to launch deep
1 Samuel 1-4
- Samuel & Children of Eli
- Samuel ministered before the Lord V 2:18
- Got favor from the Lord and from men V 2:26
- Sons of Eli were corrupt (scoundrels) V 2:13
- They despised the offering by taking the portions of fat for themselves V 2:15 & 16
- They were sexually immoral V 2:22----more----
Hannah & Eli
- Hannah honored the Lord by keeping her vow
- Eli honored his sons more than God V 2:29
- Death of the sons V 4:11
- Death of Eli V 4:15-18
Listen to Paul - 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 - Practice happiness - Live life one day at a time - Learn to laugh & learn to cry - Only one life, not worth wasting it - Let things go
Nehemiah 8:10-11 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.”
Sources of soul satisfying joy: 1. Jesus 2. God's Word 3. Holy Spirit
Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.
- Hiding Place: Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,----more----
- Preserved from trouble: Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.
- Songs of Deliverance: Children of Israel sang when they were delivered from Egypt. - Exodus 15 Psalm 5:11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.
Psalm 92:13-14 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing.
- Must be planted in the house of the Lord
- People who are planted flourish
- People who are planted grow
- People who are planted produce fruit
- People who are planted stay fresh
Summary: (don't believe in lies)
- Worry about many things (lie)- One thing that is needed, that is eternity, I will worry about that (truth)
- Your prayer is not doing anything (lie) - I know God’s choice is the best for my life (truth)
- You lost everything (lie) - My God can give it back in many fold, He is the God of Job (truth)
- Satan is attacking me (lie)- Satan can’t attack me, I am going to use the God given authority (truth) ----more----
- They don’t seek God, but they are blessed (lie)- They don’t have peace, they don’t have sleep and their end is destruction. But I am peaceful, content and eternally blessed (truth)
- I can’t do it, I am not like someone else (lie) - I can do it through Christ Jesus who strengthens me (truth)
God’s ways are different:
- God wants ordinary to make extraordinary
- You say, you are such a failure, God says you are precious
- You say, you are broken, but God says I want to use you to remove other’s brokenness
- You say, you don’t have a degree, God says, I need the humble
- You say, you are not capable, God says, you have a vision for this ministry
- God doesn’t want golden vessels, He wants yielded vessels
- God doesn’t want those who are busy, God wants those who are available
Open doors in the Bible
1.Open door of salvation 2.Open door to preach the truth 3.Open door to serve God 4.Open door of rapture 5.Opened prison door 6.An open door that no one can shut----more----
How do we know if an open door is from God?
1.The door God opens will never contradict the Word of God 2.When God opens a door, He confirms that it is from Him 3.The door God opens require us to depend on Him 4.When God opens a door, there is no confusion, but peace
John 21:1-14 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”----more----
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
No prayer, no peace. No prayer, no joy, No prayer, we lose our faith. No prayer, there is no love. No prayer, there is no unity. No prayer, our spirit becomes weak and flesh dominates. No prayer, we lose our protection and become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.
A sermon preached in the Christmas Celebration on Dec 13, 2014 at the Lakeside Community Center, Halifax, NS Canada.
The Lord will arise over you. Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
A message to understand, realize and experience the power of resurrection. Even today we hear the miracle of dead become alive, when Jesus becomes so real, and His tangible presence makes the dead alive. Just because Jesus Himself is the resurrection. It is the Triune God who raised Jesus up. Whenever scripture talks about Trinity there is power. Whenever God the Father, Son Jesus and Holy are explicitly mentioned, there is power.
Disciple making is the number one priority of a church. Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth". Authority to make disciples, authority to baptize and to teach. The law was already passed in the garden of Eden, but it was enforced at the cross. ----more----
Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
The importance of God's Word in our lives.
- What is God's Word?
- The authority of God's Word
- What are we expected to do when we study the Word of God
- How does the spiritual growth happens through the Word of God
- How powerful Word of God is as it even judges us
- God's Word is so powerful can be used as a mighty weapon
- God's Word also trains us to do the work of God
- God's Word can alone take us to eternity
- Practically, how do we apply God's Word in our lives.
Generational curses going down up to 4th generation: Curse of idol worship - Exodus 20:3-5 “You shall have no other gods before Me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, Up to 10th generation: ----more----Deuteronomy 23:2 “One of illegitimate birth (born outside marriage) shall not enter the assembly of the Lord; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the assembly of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.----more----
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the [i]best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 15: 3 - For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
2 Samuel 7:18 - Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?
Psalm 51: 1-19, Romans 12 (Living Sacrifice), Hosea 14:2, Hebrew 13:15
As David prayed this Psalm, we realize he knew how to pray for revival in his life. Let us keep this as a guide and focus for our lives. The moment we go away from God, let us read this Psalm and God for revival. God will talk to us more about this in the coming days as He will take us into revival. Amen!
Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Gabrielle Christina Victoria Douglas is an American artistic gymnast. She is the 2012 Olympic all around champion and the 2015 World all-around silver medalist. As a gymnastic they dedicate their whole lives on training and focus on excelling in their field. Gymnastic is the most difficult sport on the planet for both men and women, both mentally and physically.
Listen to the sermon to know more about how God wants us to a winner. We must develop what those athletes did for the world, but for the sake of heaven. Heaven will rejoice as we achieve things for God.
Setting boundaries is an important step of a healthy christian life on this Earth.
A boundary is a dividing line, sometimes visible, sometimes imaginary. Geographically a boundary marks the end of a property/ jurisdiction and the beginning of another. There are boundaries in inter-personal relationships in order to operate in their domains.
God is telling us to draw a boundary of holiness.
Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
1 Corinthians 15: 1- 58 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7----more---- After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.
40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in in corruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit in corruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on in corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on in corruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the hope of Christianity. If Jesus Christ had not risen from the dead, there is no meaning for what we do today. We would have no hope of eternity.
Today we know that there is hope in our Lord Jesus Christ as our savior. Listen to the sermon to gain courage in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and find hope in His resurrection.
Procrastination is an act of willfully delaying something that should be done in a specific time in our lives.
As a child of God, He expects us to do certain things in a certain time of our lives, or we will miss it. Psychologically procrastination is either a conscious or inconspicuous decision to delay a task. It can be very destructive in our life and will put us in guilt. God wants us to set these things right in our life. Accomplishments do not come in our way, if we delay things or work. Procrastination is a big problem in our society, we have to deal with this problem in our life and focus on God-given goals for us.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2 “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.----more----
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel! 7 The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, 8 if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. 9 And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, 10 if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it.
John 15:1-8 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.----more----
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Isaiah 43:4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.
Matthew 21: 1-11
Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:----more----
5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”
11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
John 12:12-16
12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
“Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”
14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:
15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.
Revelation 7: 1-3 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”
1 Timothy 1:11-13 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
2 Kings 7: 1-20 Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord: ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’ ”
2 So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “Look, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?”
And he said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”----more----
3 Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.” 5 And they rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians; and when they had come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp, to their surprise no one was there. 6 For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses—the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us!” 7 Therefore they arose and fled at twilight, and left the camp intact—their tents, their horses, and their donkeys—and they fled for their lives. 8 And when these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing, and went and hid them; then they came back and entered another tent, and carried some from there also, and went and hid it.
9 Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.” 10 So they went and called to the gatekeepers of the city, and told them, saying, “We went to the Syrian camp, and surprisingly no one was there, not a human sound—only horses and donkeys tied, and the tents intact.” 11 And the gatekeepers called out, and they told it to the king’s household inside.
12 So the king arose in the night and said to his servants, “Let me now tell you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we are hungry; therefore they have gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, ‘When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city.’ ”
13 And one of his servants answered and said, “Please, let several men take five of the remaining horses which are left in the city. Look, they may either become like all the multitude of Israel that are left in it; or indeed, I say, they may become like all the multitude of Israel left from those who are consumed; so let us send them and see.” 14 Therefore they took two chariots with horses; and the king sent them in the direction of the Syrian army, saying, “Go and see.” 15 And they went after them to the Jordan; and indeed all the road was full of garments and weapons which the Syrians had thrown away in their haste. So the messengers returned and told the king. 16 Then the people went out and plundered the tents of the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord.
17 Now the king had appointed the officer on whose hand he leaned to have charge of the gate. But the people trampled him in the gate, and he died, just as the man of God had said, who spoke when the king came down to him. 18 So it happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two seahs of barley for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, shall be sold tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria.”
19 Then that officer had answered the man of God, and said, “Now look, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?”
And he had said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” 20 And so it happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gate, and he died.
Something significant is taking place wherever "Come and see" is mentioned in the Bible.
Matthew 28:6 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
John 1:39 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).----more----
40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
John 19:16-17 16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away. 17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha
Luke 23:25-26
25 And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will. 26 Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.----more----
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Mark 10:17-21
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”
20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
Matthew 16:20-21
20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”
23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Luke 14:27
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
1 Corinthians 2: 1-16 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.----more----
6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Isaiah 6:1- 8 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” 4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.” 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Psalm 32:7 - You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.
Isaiah 32: 2 - A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
Psalm 126:1-3 When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad.
4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South. 5 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. 6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.
Palm Sunday is the day we remember the triumphal victory of our Lord Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. It happened exactly one week before the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. All the four gospels record the event of Palm Sunday, that shows it is significant and important historically.----more----
It was predicted by Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey."
Listen to the sermon to know more about what happened to Jesus Christ and His followers on the day of Palm Sunday in Jerusalem.
Be happy in the Lord:
- Our sins are forgiven
- God has given us the robe of righteousness
- God has arrayed us in ornaments
Happiness in our lives results in righteousness and praise!
John 15:1-7 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.----more----
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
John 20:11 11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”----more----
14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
Jesus can understand our emotions, our fear, anxiety, pain and sorrows. It is easy to gain access to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Matthew 26:36-41
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”----more----
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Acts 3:1-9
Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. ----more----4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.----more----
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
The same God who said everything is good, said it is not good for a man to be alone. At times we feel that there is nobody around us who can realize the vision we are carrying in our heart.----more----
Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.
Matthew 8:1 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.
Today let us turn all our attention to our Lord Jesus Christ.
The death of our Lord, Jesus Christ was not an accident. It was told by prophets years before and Jesus Himself predicted His death.
It was not an accident that Jesus was crucified on the cross.
John 10: 15 "As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep."
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ”Having said this, He breathed His last.
Nobody took the life of Jesus Christ, it is He who gave His life.
Hebrew 12: 1-13
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.----more----
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Three ways God wants to work in our lives based on Psalm 85:
- God wants to restore those things we have lost in our lives (Restoration)
- God wants us to revive those deadness that is found in our lives (Revival)
- God wants to renew those areas of our life that are struggling in our life (Renewal)
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit" - Jeremiah 17: 7-8
Jeremiah Chapter 1:
The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, 2 to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:----more----
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then said I:
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me:
“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lordsaid to me:
“Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.”
3 John 2: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Listen to the sermon to know what the Bible talks about Prosperity.
Our priorities define our destiny.
Matthew 5: Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
God has set certain priorities in our life, we have to choose to follow Him.
Luke 2:21
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”----more----
25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Life is a journey, it is not a destination. We are all passerby's in this journey.
Luke 10:30-36
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. ----more----34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
Psalm 127:
Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
John Chapter 2, Verses 1-11:
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”----more----
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”
11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
The following are the topics covered in this sermon, listen to be enlightened on the life of an intercessor:
- Hindrances to effective intercession - Dangers and pitfalls regarding personal intercessors - What does it takes to be an intercessor? - Challenges to intercession - Benefits of intercessory prayer
The following are the topics covered in this sermon, listen to be enlightened on the life of an intercessor:
- Hindrances to effective intercession - Dangers and pitfalls regarding personal intercessors - What does it takes to be an intercessor? - Challenges to intercession - Benefits of intercessory prayer
Characteristics of an Intercessory prayer warrior:
- “First of all, an intercessor must be willing to surrender self to God—heart, mind, soul and strength - Secondly, an intercessor needs great persistence and patience - Thirdly, an intercessor must be open to the needs of others - Fourthly, being a prayer intercessor requires self-discipline - Lastly, the hearts and minds of effective intercessors need to be pure and free of bitterness
Intercessory prayer is to literally stand in the gap for someone. When we intercede for someone God sends his angels to deliver His protection and Provision Intercessory prayer is the prayer that enables us to move into the realm of “Pray without ceasing”
Listen to the sermon to find the answers to these questions: - Is it Biblical to intercede? Are there Biblical examples of intercessory prayers? - Who can intercede? - For whom or for what we need to intercede? - How to intercede?
Some of the characteristics of the early church were:
- Bold in their telling
- Devoted in prayer They had a devoted prayer life
- They were of one heart and mind
- They were filled with the Spirit
- They met frequently
- It was a learning Church; it persisted in listening to the apostles as they taught
- It was a Church of fellowship; it had the great quality of togetherness----more----
- It was a praying Church; these early Christians knew that they could not meet life in their own strength and that they did not need to
- It was a growing church
- It was a reverent Church; in verse 43 the word translated “fear” has the idea of awe in it
- It was a Church where things happened; signs and wonders were there
- It was a sharing Church; they had a feeling of responsibility for each other
- It was a worshiping Church; they never forgot to visit God’s house
- It was a happy Church
- It was a helping church
In this sermon the three reasons for the early church to be a learning church were discussed:
- They had a teacher who was not teaching from their knowledge, but teaching from what they experienced in their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ
- The believers repented, were baptized and anointed. An unbeliever cannot learn God's Word, that doesn't mean anything to him
- They just started believing in the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ
Early church was a united church (breaking of bread & prayer, one mind and one accord). One who decides to lose things and even his life for the sake of Christ will no way harm the unity of the church.
This is what is needed in churches today:
No leadership seminars No settlements & peace talks No committees for compromise & reconciliation No transfer of pastors No division among churches----more---- No shutting down and closure of churches
All that the churches need is a bunch of believers who are dead to self, who are dead to the world and who are dead and willing to die for Christ.
- God used Noah to destroy the world with flood.
- God used Moses to part the red sea
- God used Joshua to make the sun stand still in the midst of heaven
- God used Jonah to save Nineveh from the destruction
- God used Elijah to destroy the prophets of Baal
- God used Jesus to heal the sick and to deliver the oppressed
- God used Peter and John to heal the lame
- God used Peter's shadow to heal the sick
- God used Paul's handkerchief and aprons to heal the sick and deliver the demon possessed----more----
Not seeing miracles in today's churches doesn't mean that miracles ceased. It means, the church is - Not keeping Christ as an example - Not willing to sacrifice - Not willing to come out of the personal things
We read in Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:32: The early church was a sharing church. They enjoyed everything in common.
You may say that how was it possible not to own anything, instead selling all their property and sharing with other? But the Bible says, that’s how it happened in the early church.
You may say that the church can be a learning church, it can be a united church and even we can stay in prayer and fasting so that miracles can happen. But how do you expect us to sell all that we possess and distribute it to everyone? Today people are willing to write the will on their property once they know they are going to die, not when they are alive.----more----
But the early church was willing to write their will on someone else's name even when they were alive.
- I believe more than the act of selling and sharing, we are more interested in the motive behind the act of sharing
- I believe the early church was not setting their mind on what they possess, instead their mind was on God
- I believe the early church was willing to sacrifice even their land, possession, savings, earnings for the sake of unity and building God's kingdom
The early church was a giving church.
- No one asked them to give (spontaneous giving)
- They got the revelation of giving and God blessed those who obeyed.(revelation driven giving)
- Giving increased their bank balance in the heaven. (eternal giving)
We can't take the money or cheque to heaven, but we can start depositing in heaven by giving to God. If any of us feel that we don't give enough to God, you should start giving to God.----more----
I encourage you to come with offering when you come to the church. If you feel that your finance is not blessed, start giving to God in everything that you receive and spend. You will see the blessing of God according to the above promise.
Jesus said in Luke 18:8 when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” We are living in a generation where we hardly find faith. So we cannot expect faith in God to bring the fear of God. What brings fear of God to this faithless generation? It is the supernatural power of God.
The early church was a God fearing church and the fear of God came upon the church as the believers started seeing supernatural things by the hands of the apostles. ----more----
Fear of God came upon the early church for four simple reasons:
- The Word was preached
- Sinners were saved
- Sick were healed
- Unholy, willful acts were punished
The following are the results of persecution on the early church:
- Church was purified & their faith was strengthened
- Word of God spread everywhere
- Church was waiting for the coming of the Lord----more----
In ancient Rome, crowds by the tens of thousands would gather in the Colosseum to watch as Christians were torn apart by wild animals. Paul Rader, commenting on his visit to this famous landmark, said, "I stood uncovered to the heavens above, where He sits for whom they gladly died, and asked myself, 'Would I, could I, die for Him tonight to get this gospel to the ends of the earth?'" Rader continued, "I prayed most fervently in that Roman arena for the spirit of a martyr, and for the working of the Holy Spirit in my heart, as He worked in Paul's heart when He brought him on his handcuffed way to Rome." Those early Christians "lived on the threshold of heaven, within a heartbeat of home, no possessions to hold them back." Lord give me the spirit of a martyr.
The early church was a persecuted church as a result, the church was purified, strengthened in their faith, word of God spread everywhere, people are drawn more to the coming of the Lord. May the Lord revive our church today to these wonderful truths of persecution. Amen!
The early church was a growing church.
- The growth of a church can't be just measured by the number of people attending the church.
- The growth of a church can't be measured by the size of the building.
- The growth of a church can't be measured by looking at the balance sheet or the income it is capable of generating.
- The growth of a church can't be measured by knowing how much they spend out for the community development program, it need not be a church to do so.----more----
Our individual prayer lives have a great influence in the prayer life of the church.
- Let us pray more than we do
- Let us pray more than we plan
- Let us pray more than we speak
I am sure God is working in some of your lives to draw you into the realm of prayer and intercession. He is not going to leave you until He is done with you. The early church was a praying church and it was also a growing church.
Luke 2: 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
You and I are called to be like star to this world. In what way?
- It was a start of the King
- It was a star of purpose
- It was a guiding star
- It was a star of great joy
This is the third miracle of Christmas the appearance of the "Angel and the company of angels" - Luke 2:9,13
- Who are these angels? - Who created them? - When He created them? - How many out there? - What are the different types of angels? - Do they have bodies? - What do angels look like?----more---- - How do angels compare with human? - Are all angels good? - What is the job description of angels?
One of the miracles of Christmas was the way God protected child Jesus from the hands of the enemy.
The same God can do the same supernatural miracles to us too.
- God instructed the wise men not to go to Herod
- God appeared in dream to Joseph and asked him to go to Egypt
- The supernatural intervention of God resulted in one of the miracles of Christmas
This sermon answers some of our questions about our relationship with God and how to lead a life that pleases God and not our own flesh.
- God is saying do not steal. Taking other's possession is not the only way of stealing. - Bible also talks about stealing God. - About our God - About the world today - How about us? - What is covetousness? - What is human nature?----more---- - Reason for the fall of David
Let us not fall in to the sin of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
Matthew 5:17 "Do not think I have come to get rid of what is written in the Law or in the Prophets. I have not come to do that. Instead, I have come to give full meaning to what is written. 18 What I'm about to tell you is true.
The following are the topics discussed in this sermon:
- Relationship with our Heavenly Father - Relationship with other people - Where are the Biblical standards today?
The following are the topics covered in this sermon based on The Ten Commandments:
- Relationship with our heavenly father
- Idolatry and immorality
- The power behind the scenes
- Respecting God and His name
- Profanity and slang
- How we should honor God
- Jesus and His apostles kept the sabbath----more----
- The sabbath and a godly relationship
- A world without knowledge of the true God
- A continuing creation
- The day of renewal
We need to seek Him in a time when He may be found also when He is found near to us.
-
What is seeking? According to 2 Chronicles 7:14 seeking is
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Humbling
- Praying
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Turning away from wicked ways
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Why people don't seek God? They don't find the need of seeking God, Thinking that we know everything, Ignorance of eternity, Pleasures of this world----more----
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We see from the scriptures that God may not be found at times either because of His timing or because of our iniquities.
- How can we seek God? Again the answer is - by humbling, praying and turning away from our wicked ways.
Listen to the sermon and seek the Lord.
In Isaiah 55:12-13 the prophet Isaiah is foreseeing the kind of redemption and restoration God has planned for this earth.
- The restoration of Joy & Peace
- Redemption of the creations
- Restoration of the Creation
- An everlasting sign----more---- Joel 2:25 “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.
Don't let locusts eat your blessings, Don't allow locusts eat away your days. God wants to restore you. You belong to the kingdom of God. God wants you to walk as a kingdom citizen.
David says, in Psalm 138:2 Oh Lord You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
Psalm 33:9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.
Job 37:6 6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.
Realizing this fact, the centurion said, Lord only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
Peter looked at Jesus and said, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. No matter how hard it is, how long it takes, God's Word will not return void, it accomplishes God's desire and the purpose for which it was sent.
When we have such a high calling in our lives, God wants us to live as children of hope. - Our petty issues are immaterial in the grand scheme of God - Our light affliction we have in our body has no impact on the eternal scheme of God - Our struggle over the finances and relationships can no way pull you back from God
Because God says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."
- Thoughts of peace
- Thoughts to give you a future
- Thoughts to give you a hope
- God is calling us to something which is very important. God needs our full attention
- This invitation is for everyone who thirsts
- It is an open, but exclusive invitation for those who thirst
- It is not a natural invitation, it is a supernatural invitation as the one who is calling is God Almighty----more----
But this invitation is a peculiar one as this invitation is exclusively for those who are thirsty, but have no money to buy even a drink. - God is saying you are really spiritually bankrupt - You have the thirst, but you don't have the required resource to satisfy your thirst
Listen to the sermon to hear what God is inviting you for.
We learned quite a lot about faith, I want to ask you today, what is that God is asking you to do today?
- Is He asking you to take step of faith to live for Him?
- Is He asking you to let go few things for the sake of God, the gospel
- Is He asking you to take certain risks in His kingdom?
- Is He asking you to give up something in you life?
- Is He asking you to lay aside the weight that you are carrying today?
- Is He asking you to leave the sin that you are entangled with today?
I want you to respond to the voice of God.
The writer of Hebrews says, Through faith Gideon subdued kingdom, became valiant in battle and turned to flight the armies of aliens. There is a challenge in front of us that we need to battle through. We need faith.
- It may be a battle of establishing our future.
- Battle of bringing up our children
- Battle of fighting against the disease and sickness
- Battle of overcoming the financial struggle
- Battle of establishing the ministry
- Battle of conquering the city for God
- Battle of delivering people from the bondage
Rehab's faith resulted in a total transformation in her life.
A new God - As a result of her faith, this Canaanite woman entered into the Jewish faith. It is similar to her future great granddaughter-in-law, Ruth the Moabitess would say to Naomi: "thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16). A new God and a new revelation.
A new husband - A woman with no husband married to a man named Salmon, Matthew 1:5-6.
A new generation - She had been a heathen, a non-believer, but found favor with God because of her faith, which was shown by her works. Rahab's faith resulted in blessing for the world. She became one of the ancestors of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
God wants you to pull these walls down by faith today.
- Wall No1: Walls of Jericho built within us - This wall is built by us, not seen by others
- Wall no 2: Walls of Jericho built around us - This wall is built by us, but seen by others
- Wall no 3: Walls of Jericho built by others
God wants us to take a step of faith to make a shout of praise so that these walls will fall trembling down.
If we do that, God wants to build walls around us. At times God build walls around us to get something done in our lives.
This sermon explores the faith of the children of Israel as they crossed the Red Sea.
Hebrews 11:29 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
Exodus 14:10-29 By faith children of Israel passed through the Red Sea
God wants us to forget our past, build up our faith and move forward.
We see five achievements of Moses by the faith He had on God.
- By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter
- By faith Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God than enjoying the passing pleasures of sin
- By faith Moses thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.
- By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible
- By faith Moses commanded people of Israel to keep Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts that the angel of death would not kill the firstborn
Matthew 11:30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Some of the key characteristics of Moses' parents especially his mother Jockebed that led them to such a great faith in God:
- A knowledge about the time in which she was living - An awareness of the consequences of disobeying King's command - Willing to risk their lives for God's plan to be fulfilled - Expecting to get favor from the enemy - Willing to let go what belongs to God
Hebrews 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
- Joseph had a certain future hope, being a man of faith
- Joseph believed that the children of Israel will depart from Egypt.
- His belief was that his bones will be buried along with his father's.
What does this mean today to us?----more----
Secondly, Joseph left his bones as a reminder that one day God will deliver them. What are we going to leave as a reminder for our generation? Bones represent strength, long lasting. What is that we are leaving to our children that will make them strong and long lasting?
The fear of God, Faith in God, A sacrificial living, To love others, to care about others, etc.
Hebrews 11:21 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
Jacob's faith could foresee the things that are yet to happen on the land.
What is Isaac's faith?
- Isaac's faith in God that leads to obedience to his father. - His prayer life, that he could ask God for a blessing that was missing in his life. - His faith in sowing the seed, even in season and in out of season. - His faith in digging the wells of Abraham that are covered by mud
Such a faith in God made Isaac to bless his children even at the old age.
Today, God wants us to be a blessing to others.
Hebrews 11:17-19 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative (symbolic, allegorical or metaphorical ) sense.
What made Abraham to demonstrate such a faith in God?
What was the reason for such a faith of Abraham in God?----more----
- God was not a stranger to Abraham, God was a family member
- Abraham believed death doesn't limit God's ability
- Abraham believed the New Testament doctrine of the Resurrection of the dead
- Abraham understood that it is his privilege, not his right
If you get a strong hold of this amazing truth in your life, you will have such a faith as Abraham.
Hebrews 11:11-12 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
When we think about Sarah, it comes to our mind Sarah as a woman of failure. We can understand Abraham a man of faith. But some time we hesitate to accept Sarah as a woman of faith. But since God considered her a woman of faith, certainly we want to know what kind of faith Sarah had.----more----
Sarah was not a weak, spineless, overly dependent, empty-headed woman. Her parents called her Sarai, that means princess.
When God changed her name to Sarah, he did not remove the princely meaning, but rather He added the further dignity of motherhood. Because a according to Gen. 17:15-16 she will be blessed as a mother of nations”.
Sarah never doubted God. She never considered God as unfaithful. Sarah judged God or considered God as faithful.
Unlike Abel, Noah and Enoch, the life of Abraham is addressed in the scriptures in detail.
As we will note, Abraham did not come from a godly home. In fact, his father was an idol worshiper. Thus, Abraham was brought up in a home with heathen, ungodly ideas.
Yet, though he was born into a home of pagan idolaters, he became a great man of God who left an example for those who would follow in his footsteps and walk by faith in the promises of God.
- By faith Abraham obeyed the call of God
- By faith he went out not knowing where he was going
- By faith he dwelt in the foreign land as a stranger
- By faith he waited for the city built by God----more----
Today Abraham, the one called as the father of faith is encouraging us and telling us that we are not left as orphans , Jesus is preparing a mansion for us and one day HE is going to comeback to take us home
Abraham died but the faith he had on God still speaks to us.
By faith Abraham obeyed the call of God, by faith he went out not knowing where he was going, by faith he dwelt in the foreign land as stranger and a pilgrim, by faith he also waited for the city built by God.
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
God is looking for such Noahs who will build an ark to save themselves and their household.
Hebrews 11:5 5 By faith Enoch was taken away (translated/taken up to heaven) so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Genesis 5: 21-24 21 Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. 22 After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.----more----
Enoch went to be with the Lord, Jesus' disciples went to be with the Lord. Our ancestors were gone to be with the Lord. One day it will be our turn, we will be gone. Where we will be depends on what we believe in while living on this earth. Our belief will enable us to prepare to be with the Lord. Enoch was well prepared and he was gone. One day will be our turn. Are we ready?
Hebrews 11:1 says, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Abel just believed in God. He was considered as a man of faith.
Even though Abel died as a martyr, his life still speaks today of his faith - knowing God, trusting in Him and moving along with God. Abel believed it was God who created him, everything in the past was God and the hope for the future is God.
It is not easy at times, but God wants us to move forward. If Moses would have been standing in front of the Red sea telling the greatness of God and what God had done in Egypt without taking a step of faith they would have been completely destroyed. That was the reason God was telling them to move forward.
Today I am sure God has spoken to you, it may be prophetic even to some of you who are listening to this message, God is not asking you to stand at the crossroads and wonder forever. God is asking you to move forward.
As we stand at the crossroads of our lives, God is asking us to do four things. Consult, Listen, Examine and Walk.
If we are standing at the crossroads of death, there is only one way to take victory over death. To be washed by the blood of the lamb. The sting of death is sin, once sin is removed, death is no more a painful experience. That’s why Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 54 So when this corruptible has put on in-corruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
Sickness has been one of the major concerns of mankind right from the beginning. Disease control and prevention is one of the major concerns of the government to ensure healthy living conditions of the citizens. Every year millions and millions of dollars are spent on medical research and health and welfare programs by the government.
One hand the health condition of human has been deteriorating day by day, but on the other hand the advancement of modern medicine is trying to prove that we are ready to handle any challenges that we may face today in human health conditions. ----more----
But more than all I want you to know that if you are a child of God, the bread is for you, not the crumbs.
Dogs may eat the crumbs falling from the table and be healed.
But God wants you to eat the bread and live in perfect health.
It is not the will of God for us to face premature death due to sickness in our body. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
The abundance of life guarantees a life that is fully lived, the thief tries to take our lives before the date appointed by God.
But God wants you to believe in divine healing today. And start walking in it. As the scripture says in 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Discouragement is a plague sweeping the country today. This outbreak is as dreadful as any other epidemic known to man.
Andy Drymalski, a psychologist says, "Discouragement steals hope and undermines your faith in the value and purpose of life. With cynicism, it sows seeds of bitterness and resignation. It sours you to life. True to its name, it relieves you of your courage, a precious gift of the heart. Discouragement is your enemy, the enemy of humanity, and of nature herself".----more----
As we stand at the crossroads of discouragement, getting discouraged is one of the two choices in front of us. If you choose, you can give in to it. But courageous people simply refuse to be discouraged. They don’t give up, even in the face of fatigue, or frustration, or fear, or failure, because their strength and confidence is found in Christ alone. Courageous people are just ordinary people who are relying on God for courage.
If you're feeling rejected, down and depressed today, your best days are right ahead of you. Shake off your rejection and put on a fresh attitude of faith, joy and service; and you'll see what your life can become.
Only God can deliver someone today form the pain of rejection and from the fear of rejection. Listen to the sermon to be delivered from rejection.
Doubt is a tool of Satan to make us lack confidence in God’s Word.
The remedy for doubt is faith, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). God gave us the Bible as a testimony of His works in the past, so we will have a reason to trust Him in the present. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11). In order for us to have faith in God, we must study to know what He has said. Once we have an understanding of what God has done in the past, what He has promised us for the present, and what we can expect from Him in the future, we are able to act in faith instead of doubt.----more----
If we are standing at the crossroads of doubting God, the decision you are about to take is going to decide if we are going to continue to serve God or not. Your decision needs to be based on trust in God, not based on doubt. That trust comes from the Word of God. Whenever we stand in this crossroads of doubting God, read scriptures such as Psalm 139 (read), they tell us that God is trust worthy.
Being misunderstood is not something unique, it is common. It is not something we need to panic about, it needs to be handled. Misunderstanding is as common as cold and flu among human. It is as common as insects coming inside the house if the door is left open.
But what is important is such misunderstanding can lead us to take certain decisions, that may have an impact on our journey and the destination.----more----
Jesus in the midst of all these misunderstandings: by the Jews, by the disciples and by His own family, He took the right choice to accomplish His Father's will. These misunderstandings never stopped His ministry. He was not bothered by what others may think about Him.
We as children of God need to take the right decision when we are hit with such misunderstanding.
We need to know what the Bible talks about such crossroads in our lives.
John MacArthur writes in his commentary on Matthew, “Our lives are filled with decisions—what to wear, what to eat, where to go, what to do, what to say, what to buy, whom to marry, what career to follow and on and on. Many decisions are trivial and insignificant, and some are essential and life-changing. The most critical of all is our decision about Jesus Christ and His kingdom. That is the ultimate choice that determines our eternal destiny. It is that decision that Jesus here calls men to make.”
There comes a point in our lives where we stand at the crossroads with two signs, one pointing towards Jesus, the eternal life and the other pointing towards the eternal destruction. Every one of us have to make our own choice. ----more----
Even after taking the decision to follow Christ, often our lives are challenged with such crossroads or choices that may have eternal impact. Listen to the sermon to be enlightened.
God is telling every one of us:
- It is important what we believe because it defines our identity in Christ
- God is asking us not to compromise what we believe
- God is asking us not to compromise the truth just for the sake of loving someone
- God is asking us not to make room for Satan by compromising the known truths
- God is asking us not to be under the bondage but to be set free by the truth
- God is also asking us to defend our faith----more----
Church, it is time to be serious and stand for Christ. God is seeking for those who are committed not who compromise and accept anything and everything in their lives.
God has spoken to us through this sermon.
- God doesn't want us to harbor hatred in our heart compromising the sixth commandment
- God doesn't want us to dress like this world and act like this world and be with lustful eyes and thoughts compromising the seventh commandment
- God doesn't want us to steal what doesn't belong to us, the materials, God given talents and gifts and even in out tithes and offerings compromising the eighth commandment
- God doesn't want us to stand as a false testimony compromising the 9th commandment
- God doesn't want us to covet what we don't own compromising the 10th commandment instead He wants us to be happy and content with what we have
God doesn't want us to compromise the ten commandments:
- He doesn’t want us to have any other God before Him
- He doesn't want us to worship anything else than Him and Him alone
- He doesn't want us to proclaim His name, but not live up to His name
- He doesn't want us to neglect Sunday morning service
- He doesn't want us to neglect our parents
Jesus said,
Rev 2: 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
If you are involved with a Jezebel, it is time for you to repent and turn away from her evil deeds and run before it's too late!
This spirit of compromise can enter into any relationship if we are not careful:
- We need to discern this spirit and destroy it from the beginning in order to continue.
- There are marriages damaged because of the spirit of Jezebel
- There are churches destroyed because of the spirit of Jezebel----more----
At times it is so sad to see some of the loved ones and the children of God are used by the enemy as a tool by this evil spirit called the spirit of Jezebel. But you and I need to take steps to protect our family our society and our church from being deceived and destroyed by bringing in such compromises of destruction.
In this sermon, Pastor Balan talked about three compromises that can come on our way if we don't deal with the devil as Jesus did.
- If the first temptation was to compromise in our motives - due to lust of the flesh,
- If the second temptation was to compromise abusing/misusing the Word of God - due to pride of life,
- The third temptation was to compromise in worship - due to the lust of the eyes.
Achan compromised by:
- Taking what was considered cursed into his house
- Stealing what belongs to the Lord
- Not giving to God and keeping what belongs to God with us for our own benefit.----more----
We tend to compromise not only in money, even in other type of giving:
- Giving our time to the work of God, do not hold on to what belongs to God
- Giving our talents to God's work, do not hold on to what belongs to God
- Giving our children to the work of God, do not hold on to what belongs to God
Jehoshaphat, son of king Asa was the 4th king of Judah the divided kingdom after the days of king Solomon.
God has spoken to us through the life of Jehoshaphat:
- God has spoke to us saying that we can't compromise in our marriage relationship by marrying an unbeliever. Because probability of we losing our faith in God is much higher than leading him or her to Christ
- God has spoken to us saying that we can't compromise in our social relationship. Even if we make such social relationships, we need to stay on top of the purpose with the only intention of leading people to faith in Christ. Not to be entertained by their ungodly events, friendships and fellowships----more----
- God has spoken to us saying we can't compromise in the spiritual relationships by altering the truth or having fellowship with those who pervert the truth or who preach and practice what is not true. Because if the truth can set us free, what is not true can lead to bondage
- God has also spoken to us saying we can't compromise in our business relationships. Because it is very difficult to honor God in a business relationship with an ungodly partner whose main purpose is to make money even by cutting corners or by bending towards what is not right.
Listen to the sermons, both Part 1 and Part 2, to know more about how King Jehoshaphat compromised in his life.
The life of Jehoshaphat is a good example of a believer who would like to live Godly. Many times we are very careful in our living not to allow sin in our lives and displease the Lord. When everything is going on well in our lives suddenly in one area of our life we compromise with the world and bring disgrace to the Lord. We are going to talk about four such areas from the life of king Jehoshaphat.
Listen to the sermons, both Part 1 and Part 2, to know more about how King Jehoshaphat compromised in his life.
The devil just like Pharaoh is often relentless and is willing to compromise.
He says, It doesn't matter where you worship, it doesn't matter which God you server, its all the same, people serve God in different ways. He makes us to compromise with the place of worship.
It doesn't matter if you don't be baptized, it doesn't matter even if you don’t receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, it doesn't matter even if you don't speak in tongues, you can go to heaven. He makes us to compromise with the spiritual things of God.----more----
It doesn't matter even if your son doesn't go to church on Sundays, it doesn't matter even if you work on Sundays, it is enough if one of you go to church, or it is enough if you go to church in one Sunday of the month. He makes us to compromise our family for the Lord.
It doesn't matter even if you don't give tithes and offerings to God, He still loves you. It doesn't matter even if you don't dedicate your children to God, let them decide when they grow. It doesn't matter even if you delay the call of God in your life to serve Him. God can still wait. He makes us to compromise our giving.
He takes us away from the ordinances of God.
He makes us to see the grace and compassion of God and makes us ineffective for God.
It is time to say like what Moses said, "It is not right to do so, for we would be sacrificing the abomination of the Egyptians to the Lord our God". Amen!
Someone said that the church will continue to compromise with the world. Compromise is slowly growing with the churches. We failed to make young Christians our priority. We think we are addressing the need of young people. But try removing the fun out of the church today. That will tell how many of the youth and young adults will come to the church as they really love to study and follow the scripture.----more----
Look at the problem. Young people leave the church because they don't believe in Christianity. When they come back, the majority of them come back in their adulthood because of the benefit aspects of the church. They came back because church is a great place to get married, find community, and raise our kids. They return not because now they believe in the Bible teachings and its truth. Also they come collecting their experience in the world and try to apply to the church. Compromise automatically comes inside the church.
There is no doubt that church is facing a challenge on how to prevent compromise. Listen to the sermon to get more insight into this problem of a compromised church.
- A church that has compromised appears to be a church, but God had already left the church
- A church that has compromised with the world, still continues with all its activities, but Spirit of God had already left the church
- A church that has compromised with the world still operates, not by men and women who are anointed by God, but by the agents of Satan
- Miracles and healing may take place in a church that is compromised with the world, not by the power of God, but by the power of Satan.
Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
Roman governors had authority to execute people. But here Christ tells the church, if you don’t cleanup the mess I will come to execute judgment.
- Ezra was a man who studied, followed and taught the word of God
- Ezra knew the power of fasting
- Ezra didn't go along with the majority
- Ezra was model leader who humbled himself and confessed to the Lord and people followed.
- Ezra preached about separation.
Corruption came into the church or church started compromising with its surroundings in the very early age.
- Jesus in His teachings and Paul in his writings warned about this
- John writes about it in the book of Revelation as he address to the church of Paramus, a compromised church
- History record this as Constantine married the church to the world
- Today you and I witness that the compromises deceived many churches----more----
If we talk to a missionary, he or she may say that, there are souls perishing in the continents such as South Africa and Asia, that’s where the focus of the church should be. Try to send missionaries and support missionaries instead of talking about church inside four walls. But the truth is in the mission field, souls are going to hell not knowing Christ, but in Christian nations, souls are going to hell knowing Jesus. Listen to the sermon to be delivered from compromising.
- Cyrus honored God
- He consecrated the holy articles and designated them for God
- Cyrus gave to God
- Cyrus was just a tool, you and I need to be much more than that.
This sermon explores King David who was a temple builder:
- David's longing for the temple of God
- David's desire to build a temple for God
- David's attitude towards God's temple
- How David prepared his son
- He reinforced the law of God
- He encouraged and motivated Solomon
- He gathered building materials for his son
- He asked others to help Solomon
- Zerubabel was a man encouraged by God's Words
- Zerubbabel was a man who was not depending on his own might and power, but was on the Spirit of God
- Zerubbabel was a man whom God given honor and authority
Today we need to realize that God has given us the signet ring, His power and authority as He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit.
- Power to do the work of God.
- Power to overcome the obstacles in Jesus name
- Power to fight with the principalities and powers of darkness
- Power to bind the strong man first to plunder the souls
- Power to break the yoke of the enemy
As we know the history, God's children were taken as captives in the year 605 BC to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. They lived in the captivity for seventy long years. God orchestrated their return to the native land after seventy years in a supernatural way.
- The first batch of captives returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel as God stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus to build the temple of God.----more----
- Almost 80 years later since the first return of the children of Israel, Ezra, another man of God a scribe and a priest led a second group of Jews to Jerusalem.
- 14 years passed after Ezra went to Jerusalem during the second return, in the year 444 B.C., God called Nehemiah to bring the remnants of the Jews in Babylon to Jerusalem.
Listen to the sermon to hear more about how God used Nehemiah as a builder of His temple.
Read Exodus 31:1-11
Though Moses is given the vision of the tabernacle (Exod 25:40), and the people are called to furnish the materials (25:1-8; 35:4-9), it is the Spirit-endowed skill possessed by Bezalel that made it possible for the tabernacle to be constructed.
This is re-emphasized in Exodus 35:30-35 (Read), also in Exodus 38:22 (Read)
There Moses records that “Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.”----more----
Let us closely look at this man who was called by God to be a temple builder building the tabernacle in the wilderness. History doesn't tell much about this man, but Moses didn't fail to write about this man who was called by God and anointed by God for the specific work of building the tabernacle.
Bezalel:
- Was from the tribe of Judah
- He was called by God
- He was filled with the Holy Spirit
- He was given an ability to teach
King Solomon was known for his wisdom, his wealth and his writings. Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. Solomon had a great military power. He controlled the entire region west of the Euphrates and had peace on his borders. People from surrounding nations also came to hear Solomon’s wisdom. He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,000 songs. He wrote the Song of Songs, the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Solomon built the magnificent temple of God. The construction took seven long years.
1 Chronicles 29:2-6 The cost of the temple in today’s money is estimated to equal 3 to 6 billion dollars.----more----
At the time of temple dedication, Solomon offered 22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep as sacrifice.
Listen to the sermon to know more about King Solomon and how he followed God's promise to build a temple.
Most of the ancient religions are filled with examples of buildings and shrines as houses for idols or gods and goddesses. Many religionists believe that spirits live in trees, rocks, caves, or sacred groves. The Egyptians worshipped crocodiles, cats, cows, birds and beetles. The Greeks and Romans assigned to their gods splendid mansions and palaces as their dwelling places.
But the God revealed in the Bible is fundamentally different than the gods of the nations.----more---- He does not need houses or temples to dwell in. He says, Isaiah 66:1 Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest?
There is a purpose for our existence. Do we know what is that?
We heard enough, we prayed enough, our faith is great, we have a great deal of experience, it is time that we start building God's temple. Touching lives around us. Changing lives around us.
God is calling all of us into this move of God. Let us get ready to do what God wants us to do.
There are four major aspects where God wants the church to be together:
- In God's work
- In our fall or failures
- In our discouragements
- When we are attacked
Snow flakes are very frail little things, but if you get enough of them together, they can strop traffic. This is the power of unity.----more----
There are two things God wants you to stand alone on:
- Faith in Jesus Christ
- God's call
Listen to this sermon to know more.
Many times non-Christians ask us about how we have one Bible, one God but why are there different churches, ministries and denomination? We need to understand the diversity the Word of God is talking about.
1 Corinthians 12 in a description of the church as the body of Christ:
- Verses 4 to 13: One Body
- Verses 14 to 20: Many Members
- Verse 21: Inter-dependency (we need each other)
- Verses 22-25: Same Honor & Care
- Verse 26: Participating & Sharing----more----
The body of Christ need to be protected to present it to Christ when He comes back. It is our responsibility as being the members of this body.
By: Being one body, having one head - Christ; As many members responsible for our role, Depending on each other, Giving same honor and care, Participating & sharing with each other.
Mission:
- Preach the Gospel
- Promote Prayer & Intercession
- Build up the church in faith through the Word of God
- Demonstrate the power of God to this generation
- Prepare the church for the coming of the Lord----more----
The three aspects of reaching the lost:
- Reaching the lost is the heart of our Lord
- Reaching the lost is the mandate of the Church
- Reaching the lost demands sacrifice
Listen to the sermon to hear Pastor Balan talk about the mission and vision of the Church.
The term Church was first introduced in the Bible by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
The word 'church' in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word 'ekklesia' which comes from two words 'ek' meaning 'out' and 'kaleo' meaning to 'call.' An ekklesia means "called out".----more----
Paul writes six significant truths about church and Christ relationship in Ephesians Chapter 5:
- Verse 23: Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body, His church - Verse 24: Church is subject to Christ - Verse 25: Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her - Verse 26: He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word - Verse 27: He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle - Verse 29: but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church
Listen to the sermon to know more.
Here are a highlight of the couple of things we need to do as a church when we come together in prayer:
- Bind hatred and loose love
- Bind discord (disagreement/conflict) and loose harmony
- Bind sin and habits that hold people and loose salvation
- Bind false teaching and loose sound doctrine
- Bind demon of sickness and loose healing
- Bind spirit of poverty and debt and loose scriptural blessings
Remember we are dealing with the power of darkness. Satan and his company. He has power. His power is nothing in front of God. But as a human, he can overpower us if we are not prepared.
Jesus, before His crucifixion realized the importance of laying the foundation for the church. He visualized church among His disciples. He called His disciples and gave them authority.----more----
Luke 9:1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
I believe the same authority Jesus gave to the disciples, He has given to the church.
Then He expanded the church by adding another seventy to the disciples. And He gave them authority.
Luke 10:18-19 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
I believe the same authority Jesus gave to the seventy, He has given to the church.
- Authority over demons
- Authority over sicknessness
- Authority to trample on serpents & scorpions
- And over all the power of the enemy
Listen to the sermon to understand the authority Jesus vested in us.
The ark that was built by Noah, the ark that protected Noah and his family when the whole earth was destroyed very well resembles the church in the New Testament. I strongly believe there is more than enough evidence that the ark of the Old Testament is the church of the New Testament.
- Noah's ark separated the godly from the ungodly, the church is the threshing floor where the wheat is separated form the chaff----more----
- Noah's ark protected the righteous seed of Noah, you seed, your children need to be protected, the only way to give that protection is to bring them into the church
- Noah's job was to build the ark, it was up to God to destroy the wicked. Church's responsibility is to save souls, God will decided the judgment
- God asked Noah to work hard to collect food for one long year and to feed the animals. Church has to work hard to feed the souls if not, soul becomes weary and sorrowful.
I thank God for our church. I thank God for all the churches. Let us be like Noah fulfilling the God given responsibility to the church so that we may be protected.
One day some one came and visited what was known as Spurgeon’s Tabernacle and ask Mr. Spurgeon, what is the secret of your great ministry?
Mr. Spurgeon replied, I can show you the secret, meet me at the Tabernacle early on Sunday morning.
That Sunday, the visitor met Mr. Spurgeon and he took him to a small trap door behind the----more---- pulpit, as he lifted it, it opened into a room beneath the platform there over 100 people gathered and were praying for their pastor as he would preach that day. He said, that is the secret!
- God wants us to pray for the leadership. For your pastor.
- God wants you to pray for the church as a whole - for the Word of God to be obeyed, to be united in love, for the involvement in mission, protection from the evil one, to experience the joy of the Lord, to sense the glory of God.
- We need to protect the church from the death.
God is calling us to pray.
Nothing but Prayer can shut the doors of hell and save the mankind.
Do you find part of God's Mega plan? God is calling you to interceded for the perishing.
In the OT God revealed His plan for His children through men and women of God who spent time with Him in prayer.
- God revealed Noah the coming destruction upon the land
- God revealed Abraham the blessings His descendants are going to experience
- God revealed Moses concerning the sufferings of God's children in Egypt
- God revealed Samuel the one who is going to rule the nation of Israel
- God revealed Elijah who is going to be the successor in His prophetic ministry
----more----
We can go on and on...Prayer reveals God's plan for us today.
Prayer not only opens the doors of heaven, not only shuts hell, not only changes things around us, not only releases the God's Power, prayer also reveals God's plan to us.
Some one says, There is one disease that kills more than cancer. It kills more than tobacco. It kills more than HIV, war, and bad diet combination.
Do you know what it is?
- The number one killer of people is stress.
- Stress drives tobacco smoking, as well as alcoholism, addiction, and drug abuse in general.
- Stress causes depression, anxiety, rage, war, and suicide.
- Stress weakens both the human mind and the human body, thus allowing other genetic or infectious diseases to gain a foothold and further deteriorate the body.
- Stress can lead to overeating, and bad habits like eating fast food regularly.
- Stress can weaken marriages, families, and economies.----more----
- Stress can break apart churches, communities, and political bodies.
- Stress is our number one killer.
There are worries in our heart for no reason. Today God is telling us to stop worrying. It doesn't matter if there is a reason for worry or not, God is telling you today to come out of your worry.
How does prayer help us to come out of anxiety? Listen to the sermon to know more.
"Prayer changes things around us"
We see a few examples from the scripture:
- When Jesus prayed His appearance got changed
- King Hezekiah prayed and God extended his life
- Paul & Silas when they were praying in the prison there was a earthquake and they were released
- Stephen's prayer changed the life of Saul
- In the life of Jonah, when he prayed form the belly of the fish, that prayer changed him to go to Nineveh
- When Peter was in the prison and prayed, God sent an angel to release him----more----
How does prayer release this power of God in our lives?
- A man or woman of prayer is a nuclear reactor
- We touch Him in prayer
- When we pray, we are connected with the live wire
Guy H. King – No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it.
Listen to the sermon to know more about releasing God's power in your life.
Four reasons for why we should have an open heaven:
- Visions & Revelation
- Blessings & Treasures
- Fire and heavenly visitations
- Anointing and the mantle (Call of God)----more----
Prayer opens the heavens. Prayer clears the atmosphere above us. Prayer brings visions & revelation Prayer brings blessings & Treasures Prayer brings fire of God and we experience heavenly visitation Prayer open heaves and the anointing falls on us Prayer also opens the heaven and allow the mantle, the call of God to fall on us.
We see that in the life of Peter, prayer expands vision.
I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. (Acts 11:5)
Today God is telling you that Prayer not only opens the doors of heaven, Prayer not only shuts the doors of hell, Prayer not only changes things around us, Prayer not only releases God's power,----more---- Prayer not only reveals God's plan, Prayer not only brings victory. Prayer also expand your vision.
In this sermon we will look at how prayer changes things around us.
- Our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:28, 19)
- King Hezekiah prayed
- Paul & Silas prayed in prison
- Saul of Tarsus
- Jonah the prophet
Prayer changes things and situation. Many of the supernatural miracles are experienced when constant prayer has been made.
Growth is an inevitable characteristic of the creations of God. Because in Genesis 1:22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”
Nine scriptural references from the Word of God:
- Prayer increases knowledge of God - Prayer Increases faith - Prayer increases opportunities and abilities - Prayer increases our love for God and to one another - Our churches will not grow if we do not pray for growth - Prayer increases wealth & health----more---- - Prayer Increase in number of days live - Prayer increases Christ in our lives - Prayer helps growing old gracefully
Billy Graham "Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one bothered to ask"
In the spiritual realm, prayer is the key that unlocks the door.
We are going to look at a man who found victory through prayer. The text is found in II Chronicles 20. I want you to see the before and after of the story.
The condition of that man before his prayer is found in verses 2-3. “Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; already they are at Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). Jehoshaphat was afraid; he set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”----more----
The situation of Jehoshaphat after his prayer is found in verse 30. “The realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.”
Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah found victory through
What was the result of Jehoshaphat's prayer? Prayer brought victory. Verse 22 - The enemies rose against each other and killed each other. Verse 26 - They assembled in the valley of Berachah and blessed the Lord, berachah means "blessing" Verse 27 - Returned to Jerusalem with joy Verse 29 - Fear of God came upon the land Verse 30 - Jehoshaphat's remaining days were quiet and God gave them rest.
When Prayer brings victory, it also brings us blessings, great joy and rest for the rest of our lives.
There are different kinds of curses:
- Biblical curses-God inflicted
- Generational curses
- Curse of the accursed
- Curses by people (may be by witches)
- Self-imposed curses
We are talking about prayer breaking curses. When we pray for these curses in our lives, we need to understand what the law demands and what Christ did on the cross. Listen to sermon to hear about how prayer breaks curses.
Four Biblical Principles regarding Giving and Financial Blessings we discussed are the following:
Principle 1: Giving is not the only ingredient of prosperity Principle 2: Principle of wealth transfer Principle 3: Principle of investing in God's Kingdom Principle 4: Principle of divine protection and provision
Listen to the sermon to know more in detail.
The Five Major Offerings in the OT:
The Burnt Offering – Leviticus 1 The Grain Offering - Leviticus 2 The Peace Offering - Leviticus 3 The Sin Offering - Leviticus 4 The Trespass Offering - Leviticus 5----more----
The Law of the above offerings – Leviticus 6 & 7
In the OT offerings were made as an act of total surrender (burnt offering), for forgiveness of sin (sin offering), the guilt to be removed (trespass offering), to gain peace with God (peace offering) and to be thankful (grain offering).
In the NT we don’t need to give to God to obtain forgiveness of sin. But offerings were given to God as an act of obedience, out of love, for the building of God’s work, to support poor and orphans, to set our priority, to invest in eternity.
Here is the summary of the sermon:
Principle 1 - Sowing is a time of severe pain Principle 2 - What we sow is what we reap Principle 3 - You decide the size of your harvest by the size that you sow Principle 4 - Sow your seed on a good soil Principle 5 - There is a waiting period between sowing and harvesting Principle 6 - We sow, but God gives the increase Principle 7 - Sow even in your adverse time Principle 8 - Reaping is a time of joy
Listen to the entire sermon to know more about the sowing principles.
Summary:
- In the OT tithing was a covenant man made with God to revert the curse pronounced on the earth
- In the OT tithing was a law God established to govern his people
- In Malachi God is asking us to test Him by giving our tithes to see if He will not pour the blessings by opening the windows of heaven
- In the NT every time when we exchange tithe, we re-activate the covenant blessing of God that He promised to Abraham
- When Christ died at the cross, He broke the curse of the law, but He didn't dismantle the covenant which God made with man. The covenant was made 430 years before the law was written ----more----
- Under the new covenant, we are not obligated to give 10%, but tithing helps us to maintain a minimum level of giving
- Under new covenant the expectation of giving varies 10% being the minimum and it can go even to 100% as God demands in some cases
- Tithing is an act of faith that enables God to open the windows of heaven and pour supernatural blessings on us
Abraham's promise - I will bless you and you shall be a blessing Blessed for a purpose - Joseph was blessed for the purpose of caring his family during famine Blessed is he who considers the poor
What are you blessed for?
Summary:
- Treasures are hidden, they are buried and they are of high value
- Value of a treasure is much more than our total worth
- Treasure were buried long ago, may be in your life time or in the life time of your fore fathers
- Some of our blessings were robbed by others may be in our life time, or in the time of our forefathers
- God is giving you the promises that He gave to King Cyrus Isaiah 45:1-3 "I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places", we need to go and unlock them
- The hidden treasures can be unlocked by giving what belongs to God
- The hidden treasures can be unlocked by honoring God with our possession
Summary of this sermon:
- Any teaching on giving must begin with God
- Everything about Christian charity revolves around the nature of our Heavenly Father
- The reason for our giving is simply, - We worship a God who is a giver - My God is generous, I want to be generous too - I give because God expects me to give both in the OT & in the NT
- God gave, our forefathers gave, people at the time of Jesus gave, the early church gave so I give - We serve a God who is a giver, we His followers are givers too.
Here is the summary of what was said:
- Contentment is the state of being happy and satisfied
- It is an inner sense of rest or peace that comes from being right with God
- Discontentment takes my focus away from God
- A mature Christian says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”
- Discontentment is a great loss
- We can develop contentment by remembering the cross, forgetting the past, by living one day at a time and by doing God’s will.
Listen to the sermon to know more about this important Christian Character.
- Compassion is feeling sympathy for the hurting
- Compassion also means to suffer with Our God, who is a compassionate God. Jesus demonstrated His compassion, so we as Christians have the choice of either being like the Priest or like the Levite or like the Samaritan
- Let showing compassion be a part of our daily life
- The world is looking at the body of Christ to move with compassion over the crises
Listen to the sermon to know more about compassion as a Christian Character.
Here is the summary of what was discussed:
- Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control
- Joy comes by reading His word and by Holy Spirit
- Joyous Christian has the ability to attract others
- We can experience joy by: - Realizing that joy is a gift from God - Relying on God - Having people around - Setting the same joy before us - Fighting against spiritual depression
Listen to the sermon to really hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Here is the summary of the sermon:
- Forgiveness literally means “to let go”
- Christ forgave, we are also expected to forgive
- We all need the gift of forgiveness
- We are expected to forgive other unlimited time
- Forgiveness is a powerful gift
- Five aspects of forgiveness – Forgiveness of God, forgiveness of others, forgiving ourselves, forgiving God and forgiving others ----more----
Listen to the sermon - Important! God is about to say something to you that can bring in a great deal of blessings in your life.
Summary of what was discussed:
- Love is not feelings, emotion, attraction and liking others, but love is how we behave and treat others
- This study is important to keep unity among believers, protect marriage & children and to show Christ to others
- The first and the great commandment is to love God, the second one is to love your neighbor as yourself
- Love towards God, self, family, others and the lost
- all 5 must be presented in a Christian
- God is going to judge us if we are not loving those who do not have Christ in them
Listen to the sermon to well understand the topic.
This is what we covered during this sermon:
- Humility defined as a Christian character
- Jesus - the model of humility
- Ways to humble ourselves
- Learning humility from the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
- and a lot more
Listen to the sermon to understand what God expects in you.
Here are the contents of the sermon:
- Obedience – Defined
- Obedience – A Christian Character
- To whom should we obey? - Children, obey your parents - Servants obey your masters - Obey to the Gospel of Jesus Christ - Obey your spiritual authorities - Obey to your husband ----more----
- Blessings of Obedience
- Cost of disobedience – Life of Jonah
- Spirit of Disobedience
- Dangers of Disobedience
- Consequences of Disobedience
Listen to the sermon to know more about this element that is holding your blessing.
Some of the areas we covered under this sermon topic are below:
- Faith – A Christian Character
- Doubtful believers
- Not having Faith is life-threatening
- Develop Faith, a fruit of the Spirit
- Habakkuk’s Faith in God
Listen to the sermon to know more.
Sermon outline:
- What is Christian Character?
- What we need is “Change”
- Why is the development of Christian Character important?
- How Is Christ-like Character Developed?
- Developing Godly Character
- Practical challenges for Character Development
- Practical Character Development
- How teachable are we?
Listen to the introductory sermon of this series.
This is the final sermon in the series of "Mysteries of the Kingdom".
The mystery of the judgment and the eternal separation is slowly unveiled or revealed through this parable. Judgment is going to come upon the kingdom of heaven. As the wicked is judged at the white throne, the righteous are going to be judged before the judgement seat of Christ.----more----
- Kingdom of Heaven started like a sower went to sow the seeds.
- Kingdom of Heaven is like weeds and wheat growing together
- Kingdom of Heaven is going to be submerged into the universal kingdom of God
- Before that takes place, the wicked must be separated
- This separation will happen before white throne & in front of the judgement seat of Christ
- Then the eternal kingdom starts where the wheat is going to be stored into the barns - Matthew 13: 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father
- When the angel sounds the seventh trumpet Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!
Here is the summary of what was preached:
- Formation of pearl is a slow process. What you want may not happen immediately, but hold on, you are a kingdom citizen, God is working it out for you.
- Formation of pearl happens in secret. Your value is hidden inside of you. Keep going, your king, your beloved is delighted in your inner beauty.
- Pearl must be separated from the flesh to gain value. You cannot carry the worldly desire and passion inside of you, you need to separate yourself from the world. Because you are a kingdom citizen. You need to please only your king, that can be done only by having purity inside of you.
Listen to the sermon to know more about the mysteries hidden in this parable.
Here is the summary of what was preached:
- Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden inside of us, joyfully we sacrifice everything within and around us to inherit the kingdom eternally
- Two key aspects of the mystery - The Joy of finding the treasure & the willingness to sacrifice
- We need to have the inexpressible joy of finding Jesus and for the hope of our inheritance in heaven
- If that is lost in you, you need to come to the altar in tears for a fresh touch from above
- We must be willing to sacrifice what we consider valuable and allow our abilities and talents to be used for the glory of God
Listen to the sermon to know more about the parable.
Here is the summary of what we spoke:
- Jesus said, "Kingdom of heaven is like leaven".
- A little leaven can influence the whole lump of dough
- Kingdom of heaven appears out of proportion when compared with the world, but its rising, its rising
- Yeast lies dormant until it comes into contact with the dough. Kingdom can't spread until we come in contact with the world
- The leaven transforms the dead dough into a bread. Gospel has the power to transform lives.
- We need to bring the Gospel in contact with the world.
Listen to the sermon to know more about this kingdom parable.
- Jesus is saying, the kingdom that I have come to proclaim, that kingdom that I have come to announce and establish in your midst right now is as small as the mustard seed
- Right now its myself and my disciples, that’s all. This kingdom is not very big, tiny, barely be seen
- Just wait, right now it is small, tiny, unnoticed, insignificant movement
- That tiny little seed was buried, rose on the third day and resulted in the birth and significant growth of the church
- Look at the churches all around today, there is an explosive exponential growth of churches all around the globe
"Any seed as tiny as mustard seed, plant and water with the Word of God and then get out of the way to watch God work".
Here is the summary of what we discussed:
- Mixture of good and bad being allowed in the Kingdom of Heaven, both professing Christians and true Christians
- Weeds are sown among the wheat while men are asleep - Weed and wheat grow together and produce grain - we can't differentiate
- Servants of the Master want to separate the weeds as they grow - But weeds are spared for the sake of the wheat
- At the harvest time, weeds will be gathered together and burned first - Weeds are going to grow together until the day of harvest
- We are naturally born as weeds, - We need to be born again and be born of water & spirit to become wheat
When the disciples asked Jesus in Matthew 13, "Why do You speak to them in parables?", Jesus said, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given".
The whole idea of sowing is multiplication. The kingdom of God also has to train its citizens in the book of the law and to multiply its citizen so that more will escape hell.
Kingdom parable talks about four types of lands. These four types of grounds are in the world, inside the church and everywhere.
The parable of the sower was studied as outlined below. Listen to the sermon to know more about the parable. ----more----
- What type of ground are we? - Wayside, stony, thorny or good ground
- What is our role in preaching the gospel of the kingdom? - Seed must be sown in all types of ground
- Are we fruit bearing and producing? - Kingdom of Heaven is all about fruit bearing & producing - Kingdom citizens have the ability to attract others - Our sacrifice produces more citizens in the kingdom
The most awesome power and position of national privilege is citizenship. We talked about the fallowing aspects of citizenship:
- Power & privilege of citizenship
- How to become a kingdom citizen?
- When did that citizenship begin?
- What about dual citizenship?
- Is my citizenship visible?----more----
Word of God says,
- We are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
- We are partakers of the heavenly kingdom
- Delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the heavenly kingdom
What an awesome privilege of being a citizen of the heavenly kingdom. Listen to the sermon to know more about the greatest privilege of being a citizen of heaven.
We talked about eight characteristics of a king and found all these perfectly fit to our Lord Jesus.
- A king is central to his kingdom
- A king is the ultimate and only source of authority in his kingdom
- The sovereignty of a king is inherent in his royal authority
- A king is never voted into power
- A king cannot be voted out of power
- A king’s word is law
- A king personally owns everything in his domain
- A king's decree is unchanging
Listen to the sermon to know more about our King.
We understood four principles that are behind the keys:
- Keys represent authority
- Keys represent access
- Keys represent ownership
- Keys represent freedom----more----
We also talked about what these keys are:
- Keys are the kingdom laws
- Keys are kingdom principles
- Keys are kingdom systems
- Keys cannot be substituted
- Keys cannot be duplicated
Listen to the sermon to know when to use which key and how to operate the key.
Here is the summary of what we discussed.
- Like any other kingdom, Kingdom of God is also governed by a set of laws and principles called by Jesus as "keys of the Kingdom"
- Mystery:1 Jesus said, "you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church"
- Mystery 2: Jesus said, I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven
- Mystery 3: The key to unlock the warehouse of haven is "prayer" - asking in Jesus name
- Jesus put in the key of prayer and unlocked the warehouse of heaven to get bread & fish for 5000 - If that key worked for Jesus, it must work for the church today
Listen to the sermon to know more about the Keys of the Kingdom.
I believe following are the seven pillars on which God's Kingdom is established. Understanding these pillars gives us assurance that the Kingdom of Heaven will be established on earth during the Millennial reign of Lord Jesus.
Pillar 1: The Word became Flesh Because He came in flesh, we have already seen the King and we are confident that He is going to establish His kingdom on the earth.
Pillar 2: The Word was in Action Because our King was in action, and as we know His ability, we are confident that He is going to establish His Kingdom.----more----
Pillar 3: The Word became Atonement Because the Word could do what is required for us to be born into His Kingdom as citizens, we are confident about the Kingdom that is going to come.
Pillar 4: The Word became Victorious Because Jesus rose from the dead, we fully believe in the establishment of His Kingdom.
Pillar 5: The Risen Word was Seen Because the risen word was seen by the eye witnesses, we are sure that He will come and establish His Kingdom.
Pillar 6: The Word was Taken up Because the Word who was taken up into the heaven will come back in the same manner and as Zechariah prophesied saying His feet will touch Mt. Olives, I know for sure He is going to come to establish His Kingdom.
Pillar 7: The Word Sent the Holy Spirit Because Holy Spirit is at work preparing the church as a bride, I am sure the bridegroom is going to come as a King to take His bride and establish His kingdom.
Listen to the sermon to know in detail.
- The Kingdom of God is universal
- Kingdom of God existed from the beginning and has no end to it
- But the Kingdom of Heaven is the earthly realization of the heavenly kingdom
- Currently Kingdom of Heaven is not a literal reign, it is the "sphere of profession" or the professing Christian world, or the Christendom
- Kingdom of Heaven will become a physical kingdom when Jesus Christ comes back and establishes the Millennial Kingdom on this earth
Listen to the sermon to know more about the two kingdoms.
Three different views of the Kingdom of God Vs Kingdom of Heaven were presented in this sermon series:
View 1: Dispensational View View 2: Realistic View (Present & Future) View 3: Interchangeable View
Not to say which view is right and which view is wrong, but to learn by rightly dividing the Word of God. The sermon was concluded saying "we belong to a kingdom that is not an earthly kingdom, but a heavenly kingdom".
Why Joyfully?
- At times Christian life becomes so complicated
- Christian life becomes so stressful
- Becomes monotonous and we don’t rejoice over it
- If we don’t enjoy, it becomes a pain
- Christian life becomes a burden
- If we don’t rejoice in Christ, other’s don’t see the joy in us, they don’t come to Christ
- Birth of Christ brings “good tidings of great joy”
- Obeying the Gospel - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 taking vengeance on those who do not obey the Gospel
- Obeying the truth - Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, Galatians 5:7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
- Obeying the commandments - Deuteronomy 28:1 - …. diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God…
- Obeying the great commission – Mark 16:15 -18 - Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature….
- To obey is better than sacrifice – Never praise God with disobedience, ask forgiveness
- Obeying the rulers & authorities - Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work----more----
- Obeying the truth - 1 Peter 1:22 (soul purification by obeying the truth)
- Obey the call of God - Galatians 1:15 -17 – When God called him, he didn’t consult with flesh & blood, immediately obeyed.
When you begin – You don’t need to know, take it by faith
When you walk – Depend on God by faith, not on self
When you struggle to walk – push away every hurdle and keep your eyes fixed at the author and finisher of our faith
When you end your life – you will conquer this world by faith and inherit the eternal life by faith
You will find answers to the following questions regarding following Jesus faithfully:
- Faithful to whom?
- Faithful to what?
- Faithful when?
- Faithful how?
- Faithful where?
Following God requires sacrifice:
- Sacrifice means, Saying “No” to temptation
- Doing something for God in your rest time
- Losing your family time to go to prayer meeting
- Giving from what you have kept as your savings
- Using our talents for God
- Being Christ-like to the world
Mary Magdalene followed Jesus intimately:
- During His ministry
- During the crucifixion
- After the crucifixion
- After the resurrection
Listen to the sermon to learn how to follow Him intimately.
If you follow God willingly:
- You don’t complain, because you volunteered to follow when He called
- You don’t turn back, because you are following willingly
- Nothing can stop you, because you are following willingly
- Nothing can separate you, because you are following willingly
- Nothing can divert you, because you are following willingly
- Nothing can deceive you, because you are following willingly
- Nothing can threaten you, because you are following willingly
God wants us to follow Him:
- There are many observers, but not many followers
- There are many believers, but not many followers
- There are many fans, but not many followers
- There are many visitors, but not many followers
- There are many beneficiaries, but not many followers
God is looking for followers, Only those who follow Christ on earth can follow him in eternity. Unless we follow Him, we cannot lead others to follow Christ.
Breadth of Discipleship is Serving Christ.
What does service mean?
- Promoting the relational aspect of Christianity
- Witnessing Christ
- Sharing the Good News of the Gospel
- Sharing the burden of Christ by praying and interceding for the lost
- Serving God by serving others - the poor, needy, widows, orphans, social outcasts, alcoholic, all kind of sinners
- Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10
Listen to the sermon to learn more on how to serve Christ.
Depth of Discipleship is walking with Jesus. What made the disciples to start walking with Jesus ( Luke 5:1-11)?
- Strong work ethic (V2)
- Realization of ownership (V3)
- Honoring God and His Word (V5)
- Blessings bringing Peter down to his knees (V8)
- Being ready for higher responsibility (V10)
- Not holding on to the past (V11)
Listen to the sermon to start your walk with the Lord.
How do we experience Christ on this earth?
- We know who Christ is
- We know what He has done to us
- We speak to Him in prayer
- We listen to Him through His Words
- We experience Him in our spirit with the help of the Holy Spirit
- We know one day we will see Him face to face
Height of discipleship is explained in detail with the help of the incident that took place on the Mt. of Transfiguration.
Listen to the sermon to know more.
Ruth followed Naomi (Ruth 1:14-17).
Ruth, a type of a disciple following Jesus
- Wherever you go I will go
- Wherever you lodge, I will lodge
- Your people shall be my people
- Your God, my God
- Wherever you will die, I will die and be buried
- Nothing can separate us but death Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a life long affair.
Listen to the sermon to know more about that.
Five Stages of Discipleship:
- Spiritually dead
- Infant
- Child
- Young adult
- Parent
Which stage you are in? Find out the answer by listening to the sermon.
Listen to this introductory sermon on Discipleship. Few questions are answered to introduce the topic and had a look at the teaching of Jesus on this topic. Who is a disciple? What is discipleship? Why should we make disciples?
- Discipleship is rooted in relationship
- Discipleship is dying to self
- Discipleship is a lifelong commitment
- Discipleship is following Christ not for material gain
- Discipleship is not losing your flavor