Friday, October 30, 2009
Scripture for Life
The Lord is my light and my salvation- the Lord is the strength of my life-so I will not be afraid- no I will not be afraid- because the Lord is my light. In the day of trouble he will hide me- He will keep me safe he will guide me through. In the darkest hour he will keep me- evil has no power when he shelters me.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Prayer Time
Dear Heavenly Father:
We humble ourselves of all sin through confession and repentance in the blood of Jesus. We forgive all and pray for all people for all reasons.
We thank you Lord for spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Lord we love you so much today. We pray for all those who took the time to pray with us and for us.
We ask in the name of Jesus for the power of healing. There are so many people sick mentally and physically that need your divine help.
Lord we ask for this power in absolute faith in Thee.
Great God almighty ,we give you all the power, glory and honor forever in the name of Jesus we pray. Dear God ,thank for our ministry and let us continue to grow, bless and deliver your perfect will A-men....
We humble ourselves of all sin through confession and repentance in the blood of Jesus. We forgive all and pray for all people for all reasons.
We thank you Lord for spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Lord we love you so much today. We pray for all those who took the time to pray with us and for us.
We ask in the name of Jesus for the power of healing. There are so many people sick mentally and physically that need your divine help.
Lord we ask for this power in absolute faith in Thee.
Great God almighty ,we give you all the power, glory and honor forever in the name of Jesus we pray. Dear God ,thank for our ministry and let us continue to grow, bless and deliver your perfect will A-men....
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Scripture for Life: Healing
Our Scripture of Life is designed to bring enlightenment to the heart, mind and soul. We encourage you to read, pray and meditate on these words of eternal life. Pray ye the Holy Spirit will lead ,guide and direct your life in the faith. God Bless you for your reading and following this new form of ministry online, thank you.
Three Prophets and Jesus’ Healings
First Isaiah
Isaiah gave us the prophecy in present tense. He said we are healed with His stripes. In other words, when Isaiah saw the events of Isaiah 53 unfolding, he saw it in present time to himself.
This is even more remarkable since these events would not occur for hundreds of years in the future. Nevertheless, Isaiah saw prophetic events that were so real to him they were recorded by him as happening then.
Isa 53:5
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (KJV)
When the Apostle Peter came on the scene, he remembered Isaiah’s prophecy. He remembered that Isaiah saw it present to himself. But Peter knew that what Isaiah saw was still in existence.
Then Peter
1 Pet 2:24
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (KJV)
Three Prophets and Jesus’ Healings
First Isaiah
Isaiah gave us the prophecy in present tense. He said we are healed with His stripes. In other words, when Isaiah saw the events of Isaiah 53 unfolding, he saw it in present time to himself.
This is even more remarkable since these events would not occur for hundreds of years in the future. Nevertheless, Isaiah saw prophetic events that were so real to him they were recorded by him as happening then.
Isa 53:5
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (KJV)
When the Apostle Peter came on the scene, he remembered Isaiah’s prophecy. He remembered that Isaiah saw it present to himself. But Peter knew that what Isaiah saw was still in existence.
Then Peter
1 Pet 2:24
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (KJV)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sermon: Glory to Glory
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Sermon: We bring this message to you all for The Joy of Jesus to Bless you and keep you all to the The Glory of God. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world, rose on the third day and return with all power, honor and glory. We ask in Jesus name to bless us all and we pray for all people to pray and bless this ministry.
A View of God's Glory
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Sermon
(No. 3120)
Published on Thursday, November 26th, 1908.
Delivered by
C. H. SPURGEON,
At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And he said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory."—Exodus 33:18.
HAT WAS A large request to make. He could not have asked for more: "I beseech thee, show me thy glory." Why, it is the greatest petition that man ever asked of God. It seems to me the greatest stretch of faith that I have either heard or read of. It was great faith which made Abraham go into the plain to offer up intercession for a guilty city like Sodom. It was vast faith which enabled Jacob to grasp the angel; it was mighty faith which enabled Elijah to rend the heavens and fetch down rain from skies which had been like brass before; but it appears to me that this prayer contains a greater amount of faith than all the others put together. It is the greatest request that man could make to God: "I beseech thee, show me thy glory." Had he requested a fiery chariot to whirl him up to heaven; had he asked to cleave the water-floods and drown the chivalry of a nation; had he prayed the Almighty to send fire from heaven to consume whole armies, I could have found a parallel to his prayer; but when he offers this petition, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," he stands alone, a giant among giants; a Colossus even in those days of mighty men. His request surpasses that of any other man: "I beseech thee, show me thy glory." Among the lofty peaks and summits of man's prayers that rise like mountains to the skies, this is the culminating point; this is the highest elevation that faith ever gained: it is the loftiest place to which the great ambition of faith could climb; it is the topmost pillar of all the towering structures that confidence ever piled. I am astonished that Moses himself should have been bold enough to supplicate so wondrous a favor. Surely after he had uttered the desire, his bones must have trembled, his blood curdled in his veins, and his hair must have stood on end. Did he not wonder at himself? Did he not tremble at his own hardihood? We believe that such would have been the case had not the faith which prompted the prayer sustained him in the review of it.
Whence, then, came faith like this? How did Moses obtain so eminent a degree of this virtue? Ah, beloved, it was by communion with God. Had he not been for forty days in the council-chamber with his God? Had he not tarried in the secret pavilion of burning fire? Had not Jehovah spoken to him as a man speaketh with his friend, he would not have had courage enough to ask so large a boon. Yea, more, I doubt whether all this communion would have been sufficient if he had not also received a fresh testimony to the grace of God, in sparing a nation through his intercession. Moses had argued with God, he had pleaded the covenant, and although God had said, "Let me alone that I may destroy them," he had still maintained his hold; he had even ventured to say, "If not, blot my name out of the book of life," let me die as well as the rest; he had wrestled hard with justice, and had prevailed. The strength gained by this victory, joined with his former communion with the Lord, made him mighty in prayer; but had he not received grace by these means, I think the petition was too large even for Moses to venture to carry to the throne. Would you, my brethren, have like faith, then walk in the same path. Be much in secret prayer. Hold constant fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ; so shall you soar aloft on wings of confidence, so shall you also open your mouth wide and have it filled with divine favors, and if you do not offer the same request, yet you may have equal faith to that which bade Moses say, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory."
Allow me to refer you to the 13th verse of this chapter, where Moses speaks unto his God—"Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way." Moses asked a less favor before he requested the greater. He asked to see God's way before he prayed to see his glory. Mark you, my friends, this is the true mode of prayer. Rest not content with past answers, but double your request and go again. Look upon your past petitions as the small end of the wedge opening the way for larger ones. The best way to repay God, and the way he loves best, is to take and ask him ten times as much each time. Nothing pleases God so much as when a sinner comes again very soon with twice as large a petition—"Lord thou didst hear me last time, and now I am come again." Faith is a mighty grace, and always grows upon that which it feeds. When God has heard prayer for one thing, faith comes and asks for two things, and when God has given those two things, faith asks for six. Faith can scale the walls of heaven. She is a giant grace. She takes mountains by their roots, and puts them on other mountains, and so climbs to the throne in confidence with large petitions, knowing that she shall not be refused. We are most of us too slow to go to God. We are not like the beggars who come to the door twenty times if you do not give them anything. But if we have been heard once, we go away, instead of coming time after time, and each time with a larger prayer. Make your petitions longer and longer. Ask for ten, and if God gives them, then for a thousand, and keep going on until at last you will positively get faith enough to ask, if it were proper, as great a favor as Moses did—"I beseech thee, show me thy glory."
Now, my friends, we have just spoken a word or two on the prayer itself; we shall have to see how it was received at the throne. It was answered, first, by a gracious manifestation; secondly, by a gracious concealment; and, thirdly, by a gracious shielding.
I. First of all this prayer which Moses offered was heard by God, and he gave him A GRACIOUS MANIFESTATION: "And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee; and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."
I think that, when Moses put up this prayer to God, he was very much like Peter, when, on the mountain top, he wist not what he said. I do think that Moses himself hardly understood the petition that he offered to God. With all the clearness of his ideas; however pure his conception of the divinity might be, I do think that even Moses himself had not adequate views of the Godhead. He did not then know so much of God as he now has learned where he stands before the throne of the Most High. I believe that Moses knew that God is a Spirit. I think he must have been sensible that the mind of man can never conceive an idea of the incomprehensible Jehovah. He must have learned that the God of Mount Sinai, the King whose feet glowed like a furnace, and made the mountain smoke, could never be grasped by the senses of a mortal. Yet it is likely with all this knowledge, the great lawgiver had a vague and indistinct idea that it might be possible for divinity to be seen. My friends, it is hard for creatures encumbered with flesh and blood to gain a just conception of a spirit. We are so linked with the material, that the spiritual is above our reach. Surely then, if a mere spirit is above our comprehension, much more "the Father of Spirits, the Eternal, Immortal, Invisible."
The poet sings most truly—
"The more of wonderful
Is heard in him, the more we should assent.
Could we conceive him, God he could not be;
Or he not God, or we could not be men.
A God alone can comprehend a God."
These eyes are but organs to convey to me the knowledge of material substances; they can not discern spirits; it is not their duty; it is beyond their province. Purer than celestial ether of the most refined nature; subtler than the secret power of electricity; infinitely above the most rarified forms of matter is the existence we call a spirit. As well might we expect to bind the winds with cords, or smite them with a sword, as to behold spirits with eyes which were only made to see gross solid materialism.
We find that Moses saw no similitude; no form passed before him. He had an audience; he had a vision; but it was an audience from behind a covering, and a vision, not of a person, but an attribute. Behold then the scene. There stands Moses about to be honored with visions of God. The Lord is about to answer thee. O Moses, God is come. Dost thou not tremble; do not thy knees knock together; are not thy bones loosened; are not thy sinews broken? Canst thou bear the thought of God coming to thee? O, I can picture Moses as he stood in that cleft of the rock with the hand of God before his eyes, and I can see him look as man never looked before, confident in faith, yet more than confounded at himself that he could have asked such a petition.
Now, what attribute is God about to show to Moses? His petition is, "Show me thy glory." Will he show him his justice? Will he show him his holiness? Will he show his wrath? Will he show him his power? Will he break yon cedar and show him he is almighty? Will he rend yonder mountain and show him that he can be angry? Will he bring his sins to remembrance, and show that he is omniscient? No; hear the still small voice—"I will make all my goodness pass before thee." Ah! the goodness of God is God's glory. God's greatest glory is that he is good. The brightest gem in the crown of God is his goodness. "I will make all my goodness pass before thee." There is a panorama such as time would not be long enough for you to see.
Consider the goodness of God in creation. Who could ever tell all God's goodness there? Why, every creek that runs up into the shore is full of it where the fry dance in the water. Why, every tree and every forest rings with it; where the feathered songsters sit and make their wings quiver with delight and ecstasy. Why, every atom of this air, which is dense with animalculae, is full of God's goodness. The cattle on a thousand hills he feeds; the ravens come and peck their food from his liberal hands. The fishes leap out of their element, and he supplies them; every insect is nourished by him. The lion roars in the forest for his prey, and he sendeth it to him. Ten thousand thousand creatures are all fed by him. Can you tell, then, what God's goodness is? If you knew all the myriad works of God, would your life be long enough to make all God's creative goodness pass before you?
Then think of his goodness to the children of men. Think how many of our race have come into this world and died. We are of yesterday, and we know nothing. Man is as a flower; he lives, he dies; he is the infant of a day, and he is gone to-morrow, but yet the Lord doth not forget him. O, my God! if thou shouldst make all thy goodness pass before me—all thy goodness to the children of men—I must sit me down on an adamantine rock forever and look throughout eternity; I should wear these eyes out, and must have eyes of fire, or else I should never be able to see all thy goodness toward the sons of men.
But then rise higher still, and think of his sovereign goodness toward his chosen people. O, my soul, go thou back into eternity and see thy name in God's book of predestinating, unchanging grace! And then come down to the time of redemption, and see there thy Saviour bleeding and agonizing. O my soul, there were drops of goodness before, but O, rivers of goodness roll before thee now! When thou sawest the Son of God groaning, agonizing, shrieking, dying, buried in his grave, and then rising again, thou sawest the goodness of God. "I will make all my goodness pass before thee." I say again, what a panorama! What a series of dissolving views! What sight upon sight, each one melting into the other! Could I stand here this morning, and borrow the eloquence of an angel; could I speak to you as I might wish—but, alas! I cannot break these bonds that hold my stammering tongue—could I loose these lips and speak as angels speak, then could I tell you something, but not much, of the goodness of God; for it is "past finding out." Since I cannot utter it myself, I would invoke all creation to be vocal in his praise. Ye hills, lift up your voices; let the shaggy woods upon your summits wave with adoration. Ye valleys, fill the air with the bleatings of your sheep and the lowing of your cattle. Ye that have life, if ye have voices, tune his praise; and if ye walk in silence, let your joyful motions show the thanks ye cannot speak. O, ye trees of the field, clap your hands; ye winds, in solemn harmony chant to his glory. Thou ocean, with thy myriad waves, in all thy solemn pomp, thy motion to and fro, forget not him who bids a thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain, and write no furrow on thy ever youthful brow. And you, ye storms, howl out his greatness; let your thunders roll like drums in the march of the God of armies; let your lightnings write his name in fire upon the midnight darkness; let the illimitable void of space become one mouth for song; and let the unnavigated ether, through its shoreless depths, bear through the infinite remote the name of him who is ever good and doeth good.
I can say no more concerning God's goodness. But this is not all that Moses saw. If you look to the words which follow my text, you will see that God said, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee;" but there was something more. No one attribute of God sets God out to perfection; there must always be another. He said, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will snow mercy," there is another attribute of God. There is his sovereignty. God's goodness without his sovereignty does not completely set forth his nature. I think of the man who, when he was dying, called me to see him. He said, "I am going to heaven." "Well," I replied. "what makes you think you are going there, for you never thought of it before?" Said he, "God is good." "Yes." I answered. "but God is just." "No," said he, "God is merciful and good." Now that poor creature was dying, and being lost forever; for he had not a right conception of God. He had only one idea of God, that God is good; but that is not enough. If you only see one attribute you only have half a God. God is good, and he is a sovereign, and doeth what he pleases; and though good to all in the sense of benevolence, he is not obliged to be good to any. "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and show mercy on whom I will show mercy."
Do not you be alarmed, my friends, because I am going to preach about sovereignty. I know some people, when they hear about sovereignty, say, "O, we are going to have some terrible high doctrine." Well, if it is in the Bible, that is enough for you. Is not that all you want to know? If God says, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy," it is not for you to say it is high doctrine. Who told you it was high doctrine? It is good doctrine. What right have you to call one doctrine high and one low? Would you like me to have a Bible with "H" against high, and "L" against low, so that I could leave the high doctrine out and please you? My Bible has no mark of that kind; it says, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious." There is divine sovereignty. I believe some are afraid to say any thing about this great doctrine lest they should offend some of their people; but. my friends, it is true, and you shall hear it. God is a sovereign. He was a sovereign ere he made this world. He lived alone, and this was in his mind: Shall I make any thing or shall I not? I have a right to make creatures or not to make any. He resolved that he would fashion a world. When he made it, he had a right to form the world in what shape and size he pleased; and he had a right, if he chose, to leave the globe untenanted by a single creature. When he had resolved to make man, he had a right to make him whatever kind of creature he liked. If he wished to make him a worm or a serpent, he had a right to do it. When he made him. he had a right to put any command on him that he pleased; and God had a right to say to Adam. Thou shalt not touch that forbidden tree. And when Adam offended, God had a right to punish him and all the race forever in the bottomless pit.
God is so far sovereign, that he has a right, if he likes, to save any one in this chapel, or to crush all who are here. He has a right to take us all to heaven if he pleases, or to destroy us. He has a right to do just as he pleases with us. We are as much in his hands as prisoners in the hands of her majesty when they are condemned for a capital offense against the law of the land; yea, as much as clay in the hands of the potter. This is what he asserted, when he said, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious. and I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." This stirs up your carnal pride, does it not? Men want to be somebody. They do not like to lie down before God, and have it preached to them that God can do just as he wills with them. Ah! you may hate it, but it is what the Scripture tells us. Surely it is self-evident that God may do as he will with his own. We all like to do what we will with our own property. God has said, that if you go to his throne he will hear you; but he has a right not to do it if he likes. He has a right to do just as he pleases. If he chooses to let you go on in the error of your ways, that is his right; and if he says, as he does, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," it is his right to do so. That is the high and awful doctrine of DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY.*
Put the two together, goodness and sovereignty, and you see God's glory. If you take sovereignty alone, you will not understand God. Some people only have an idea of God's sovereignty, and not of his goodness; such are usually gloomy, harsh, and ill-humored. You must put the two together; that God is good, and that God is a sovereign. You must speak of sovereign grace. God is not grace alone, he is sovereign grace. He is not sovereign alone, but he is graciously sovereign. That is the best idea of God. When Moses said, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," God made him see that he was glorious, and that his glory was his sovereign goodness. Surely, beloved, we cannot be wrong in loving the doctrine of free, unmerited, distinguishing grace, when we see it thus mentioned as the brightest jewel in the crown of our covenant God. Do not be afraid of election and sovereignty. The time is come when our ministers must tell us more about them; or, if not, our souls will be so lean and starved that we shall mutiny for the bread of life. O, may God send us more thorough gospel men who will preach sovereign grace as the glory of the gospel.
II. The second point is—there was A GRACIOUS CONCEALMENT.
Read the next verse. "He said, thou canst not see my face; for there shall no man see me and live." There was a gracious concealment. There was as much grace in that concealment as there was in the manifestation. Mark you, beloved, when God does not tell us any thing, there is as much grace in his withholding it as there is in any of his revelations. Did you ever hear or read the sentiment, that there is as much to be learned from what is not in the Bible, as from what there is in the Bible? Some people read the Scriptures, and they say, "I wish I knew so-and-so." Now you ought not to wish such a thing; for if it was good for you, it would be there; and there is as much grace in what God has not put in the Bible, as in what he has put there. If he had put more in it, it would have been our destruction. There is just enough and no more. Do you know how Robert of Normandy lost his sight? His brother passed a red-hot copper bowl before his face, and burned the eyes out of their sockets; and there are some doctrines that men want to know, which, if they could understand them, it would be like passing a red-hot bowl before their eyes. They would scorch men's eyes out, and their understandings would be completely crushed. We have seen this in some ministers, who have studied so much that they have gone out of their minds. They have gone further than they ought to have ventured. There is a point to which we may go, and no further; and happy is the man who goes as near to it as possible without overstepping it. God said to Moses—"Thou canst not see my face and live." There are two senses in which this is true. No man can see God's face as a sinner; and no man can see God's face even as a saint.
First, no man can see God's face as a sinner. There comes a wretch before the throne of God. God has spread his books, and set his seat of judgment. There comes a man before the throne of God. Look at him! He is wearing a robe of his own righteousness. "Wretch, how comest thou in hither?" And the creature tries to look at God; he cries that he may live! But, no! God saith, "he cannot see my face and live." Thus saith the Judge. "Executioners of my vengeance, come forth!" Angels come with crowns on their brows; they grasp their swords and stand ready—"Bind him hand and foot; cast him into the lake that burneth." The wretch is cast away into the fire of hell. He sees written in letters of fire—"No man can see my face and live." Clothed in his own righteousness, he must perish.
Then, again, it is true that no man, even as a saint, can see God's face and live; not because of moral disability, but because of physical inability. The body is not strong enough to bear the sight or vision of God. I cannot tell whether even the saints in heaven see God. God dwells among them; but I do not know whether they ever behold him. That is a speculation. We can leave that till we get there. We will decide it when we get to heaven. I hardly know whether finite beings when immortalized would be capable of seeing God. This much is certain—that on earth, no man, however holy, can ever see God's face, and yet live. Why, Manoah, when he saw an angel, thought he should die. He said—"I have seen an angel of the Lord; I shall die." If you and I were to meet an angel, or a troop of angels, as Jacob did at Mahanaim, we should say—"We shall die." The blaze of splendor would overwhelm us. We could not endure it. We "cannot see God and live." All that we can ever see of God, is what Moses called his "back parts." The words, I think, signify "regal train." You have seen kings have trains hanging behind them; and all that we can ever see of God is his train that floats behind. Yon sun that burns in the heavens with all his effulgence, you think he is bright; you look upon him, and he dazzles you; but all his splendor is but a single thread in the regal skirts of the robe of Deity. You have seen night wrapped in her sable mantle woven with gems and stars—there they shine as ornaments worked by the needle of God in that brilliant piece of tapestry which is spread over our heads, like a tent for the inhabitants of the earth to dwell in: you have said, "O! how majestic! That star, that comet, that silver moon, How splendid!" They are nothing, but just a tiny portion of the skirts of God that drag in the dust. But what are the shoulders—what the girdle of divinity—what the bracelets of Godhead—what the crown that girdles his lofty brow, man cannot conceive; I could imagine that all the stars and constellations of stars might be put together and threaded into a string—made into a bracelet for the arm, or a ring for the finger of Jehovah—but I cannot conceive what God is himself. All I can ever learn—all that the thunder ever spake—all that the boistrous ocean ever could teach me—all that the heaven above, or the earth beneath can ever open to my mind, is nothing but the "back parts" of God. I can never see; nor can I understand what he is.
III. Now, beloved, we go to the third point; and that is THE GRACIOUS SHIELDING.
Moses had to be put in the cleft of a rock before he could see God. There was a rock in the wilderness once; Moses smote it, and water gushed out. The apostle tells us "that Rock was Christ." Very well, Paul, I believe it was. There is another thing I believe—I believe this rock was Christ. I know it was not Christ literally; but Moses stood on a literal rock. Moses stood on the top of a high mountain, hidden in the cleft of a real rock. But, O, my soul, what is the cleft of the rock where thou must stand; if thou wouldst ever see God's face and live. O, it is the "Rock of ages cleft for me," where I must hide my head! O, what a cleaving that was when Jesus died! O, my soul, enter into the hole in Jesus' side. That is the cleft of the rock where thou must abide and see God.
"Till God in human flesh I see,
My thoughts no comfort find;
The holy, just, and sacred Three,
Are terrors to my mind."
But when I get into the cleft of that rock, O, my soul, when I get into that cleft whose massive roof is the well ordered everlasting covenant, whose solid golden floor is made of the solemn decrees of the predestination of the Most High; and whose sides are called Jachin and Boaz, that is establishment and strength, a cleft in a rock which is so enduring that time can never dissolve it. Precious Christ! may I be found in thee amid the concussion of the elements when the world shall melt away, and the heavens shall be dissolved! O, may I stand in thee, thou precious cleft of the Rock; thou art all-in-all to my soul.
Some of you, I know, are in that cleft of the Rock. But let me ask others, where are you? Let it be a personal question. I have preached a long while about God; I have tried to mount the height of this great argument and speak of the wondrous things of God. I may have failed, but let me say to each of you—Are you in that cleft of the rock? Can you sing this—
"Jesus, thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
'Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head."
In closing, I want one practical inference, and what shall it be? Draw it yourselves. Let it be this—there is an hour coming, when we must all, in a certain sense, see God. We must see him as a Judge. It becomes us, then, to think seriously whether we shall stand in the cleft of the Rock when he comes. There is a passage we would mention before closing—"I saw death on a pale horse, and hell followed him." There was death on the pale horse; and the original says—"hades followed him." You know the word hades comprises both heaven and hell. It means the state of spirits. Yes, death is after me and thee. Ah, run! run! run! but run as thou wilt, the rider on the white horse shall overtake thee. If thou canst escape him seventy years, he will overtake thee at last. Death is riding! Here his horse comes—I hear his snortings, I feel his hot breath; he comes! he comes! and thou must die! BUT, WICKED MAN, WHAT COMES AFTERWARDS? Will it be heaven or hell? O, if it be hell that is after thee, where art thou when thou art cast away from God? Ah, I pray God deliver you from hell; he is coming after you, sure enough; and if you have no hiding-place. woe unto you. See you that cleft in the rock, see that cross, see that blood. There is security, and only there. Thy works are but a useless incumbrance; cast them away, and with all thy might flee to the mountain with
"Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling."
Yea, more than this, you will need divine aid, even in coming to Christ—
"O, for this no strength have I,
My strength is at thy feet to lie."
But, poor helpless one, if thou art but hidden in Christ. all is secure. Storms may arise, but you cannot be overwhelmed; old Boreas may blow until his cheeks do burst, but not a breath of wind can injure you; for in the cleft of the Rock you shall be hidden until the vengeance is overpast.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This subject is further discussed in the following Sermons by Mr. Spurgeon:—The New Park Street Pulpit, No. 77, "Divine Sovereignty;" and Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, No. 442, "God's Will and Man's Will;" and No. 553, "Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls."
. . . or go back to
main page.
Copyright © 2001 by Phillip R. Johnson. All rights reserved. hits
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Sermon: We bring this message to you all for The Joy of Jesus to Bless you and keep you all to the The Glory of God. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world, rose on the third day and return with all power, honor and glory. We ask in Jesus name to bless us all and we pray for all people to pray and bless this ministry.
A View of God's Glory
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Sermon
(No. 3120)
Published on Thursday, November 26th, 1908.
Delivered by
C. H. SPURGEON,
At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And he said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory."—Exodus 33:18.
HAT WAS A large request to make. He could not have asked for more: "I beseech thee, show me thy glory." Why, it is the greatest petition that man ever asked of God. It seems to me the greatest stretch of faith that I have either heard or read of. It was great faith which made Abraham go into the plain to offer up intercession for a guilty city like Sodom. It was vast faith which enabled Jacob to grasp the angel; it was mighty faith which enabled Elijah to rend the heavens and fetch down rain from skies which had been like brass before; but it appears to me that this prayer contains a greater amount of faith than all the others put together. It is the greatest request that man could make to God: "I beseech thee, show me thy glory." Had he requested a fiery chariot to whirl him up to heaven; had he asked to cleave the water-floods and drown the chivalry of a nation; had he prayed the Almighty to send fire from heaven to consume whole armies, I could have found a parallel to his prayer; but when he offers this petition, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," he stands alone, a giant among giants; a Colossus even in those days of mighty men. His request surpasses that of any other man: "I beseech thee, show me thy glory." Among the lofty peaks and summits of man's prayers that rise like mountains to the skies, this is the culminating point; this is the highest elevation that faith ever gained: it is the loftiest place to which the great ambition of faith could climb; it is the topmost pillar of all the towering structures that confidence ever piled. I am astonished that Moses himself should have been bold enough to supplicate so wondrous a favor. Surely after he had uttered the desire, his bones must have trembled, his blood curdled in his veins, and his hair must have stood on end. Did he not wonder at himself? Did he not tremble at his own hardihood? We believe that such would have been the case had not the faith which prompted the prayer sustained him in the review of it.
Whence, then, came faith like this? How did Moses obtain so eminent a degree of this virtue? Ah, beloved, it was by communion with God. Had he not been for forty days in the council-chamber with his God? Had he not tarried in the secret pavilion of burning fire? Had not Jehovah spoken to him as a man speaketh with his friend, he would not have had courage enough to ask so large a boon. Yea, more, I doubt whether all this communion would have been sufficient if he had not also received a fresh testimony to the grace of God, in sparing a nation through his intercession. Moses had argued with God, he had pleaded the covenant, and although God had said, "Let me alone that I may destroy them," he had still maintained his hold; he had even ventured to say, "If not, blot my name out of the book of life," let me die as well as the rest; he had wrestled hard with justice, and had prevailed. The strength gained by this victory, joined with his former communion with the Lord, made him mighty in prayer; but had he not received grace by these means, I think the petition was too large even for Moses to venture to carry to the throne. Would you, my brethren, have like faith, then walk in the same path. Be much in secret prayer. Hold constant fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ; so shall you soar aloft on wings of confidence, so shall you also open your mouth wide and have it filled with divine favors, and if you do not offer the same request, yet you may have equal faith to that which bade Moses say, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory."
Allow me to refer you to the 13th verse of this chapter, where Moses speaks unto his God—"Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way." Moses asked a less favor before he requested the greater. He asked to see God's way before he prayed to see his glory. Mark you, my friends, this is the true mode of prayer. Rest not content with past answers, but double your request and go again. Look upon your past petitions as the small end of the wedge opening the way for larger ones. The best way to repay God, and the way he loves best, is to take and ask him ten times as much each time. Nothing pleases God so much as when a sinner comes again very soon with twice as large a petition—"Lord thou didst hear me last time, and now I am come again." Faith is a mighty grace, and always grows upon that which it feeds. When God has heard prayer for one thing, faith comes and asks for two things, and when God has given those two things, faith asks for six. Faith can scale the walls of heaven. She is a giant grace. She takes mountains by their roots, and puts them on other mountains, and so climbs to the throne in confidence with large petitions, knowing that she shall not be refused. We are most of us too slow to go to God. We are not like the beggars who come to the door twenty times if you do not give them anything. But if we have been heard once, we go away, instead of coming time after time, and each time with a larger prayer. Make your petitions longer and longer. Ask for ten, and if God gives them, then for a thousand, and keep going on until at last you will positively get faith enough to ask, if it were proper, as great a favor as Moses did—"I beseech thee, show me thy glory."
Now, my friends, we have just spoken a word or two on the prayer itself; we shall have to see how it was received at the throne. It was answered, first, by a gracious manifestation; secondly, by a gracious concealment; and, thirdly, by a gracious shielding.
I. First of all this prayer which Moses offered was heard by God, and he gave him A GRACIOUS MANIFESTATION: "And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee; and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."
I think that, when Moses put up this prayer to God, he was very much like Peter, when, on the mountain top, he wist not what he said. I do think that Moses himself hardly understood the petition that he offered to God. With all the clearness of his ideas; however pure his conception of the divinity might be, I do think that even Moses himself had not adequate views of the Godhead. He did not then know so much of God as he now has learned where he stands before the throne of the Most High. I believe that Moses knew that God is a Spirit. I think he must have been sensible that the mind of man can never conceive an idea of the incomprehensible Jehovah. He must have learned that the God of Mount Sinai, the King whose feet glowed like a furnace, and made the mountain smoke, could never be grasped by the senses of a mortal. Yet it is likely with all this knowledge, the great lawgiver had a vague and indistinct idea that it might be possible for divinity to be seen. My friends, it is hard for creatures encumbered with flesh and blood to gain a just conception of a spirit. We are so linked with the material, that the spiritual is above our reach. Surely then, if a mere spirit is above our comprehension, much more "the Father of Spirits, the Eternal, Immortal, Invisible."
The poet sings most truly—
"The more of wonderful
Is heard in him, the more we should assent.
Could we conceive him, God he could not be;
Or he not God, or we could not be men.
A God alone can comprehend a God."
These eyes are but organs to convey to me the knowledge of material substances; they can not discern spirits; it is not their duty; it is beyond their province. Purer than celestial ether of the most refined nature; subtler than the secret power of electricity; infinitely above the most rarified forms of matter is the existence we call a spirit. As well might we expect to bind the winds with cords, or smite them with a sword, as to behold spirits with eyes which were only made to see gross solid materialism.
We find that Moses saw no similitude; no form passed before him. He had an audience; he had a vision; but it was an audience from behind a covering, and a vision, not of a person, but an attribute. Behold then the scene. There stands Moses about to be honored with visions of God. The Lord is about to answer thee. O Moses, God is come. Dost thou not tremble; do not thy knees knock together; are not thy bones loosened; are not thy sinews broken? Canst thou bear the thought of God coming to thee? O, I can picture Moses as he stood in that cleft of the rock with the hand of God before his eyes, and I can see him look as man never looked before, confident in faith, yet more than confounded at himself that he could have asked such a petition.
Now, what attribute is God about to show to Moses? His petition is, "Show me thy glory." Will he show him his justice? Will he show him his holiness? Will he show his wrath? Will he show him his power? Will he break yon cedar and show him he is almighty? Will he rend yonder mountain and show him that he can be angry? Will he bring his sins to remembrance, and show that he is omniscient? No; hear the still small voice—"I will make all my goodness pass before thee." Ah! the goodness of God is God's glory. God's greatest glory is that he is good. The brightest gem in the crown of God is his goodness. "I will make all my goodness pass before thee." There is a panorama such as time would not be long enough for you to see.
Consider the goodness of God in creation. Who could ever tell all God's goodness there? Why, every creek that runs up into the shore is full of it where the fry dance in the water. Why, every tree and every forest rings with it; where the feathered songsters sit and make their wings quiver with delight and ecstasy. Why, every atom of this air, which is dense with animalculae, is full of God's goodness. The cattle on a thousand hills he feeds; the ravens come and peck their food from his liberal hands. The fishes leap out of their element, and he supplies them; every insect is nourished by him. The lion roars in the forest for his prey, and he sendeth it to him. Ten thousand thousand creatures are all fed by him. Can you tell, then, what God's goodness is? If you knew all the myriad works of God, would your life be long enough to make all God's creative goodness pass before you?
Then think of his goodness to the children of men. Think how many of our race have come into this world and died. We are of yesterday, and we know nothing. Man is as a flower; he lives, he dies; he is the infant of a day, and he is gone to-morrow, but yet the Lord doth not forget him. O, my God! if thou shouldst make all thy goodness pass before me—all thy goodness to the children of men—I must sit me down on an adamantine rock forever and look throughout eternity; I should wear these eyes out, and must have eyes of fire, or else I should never be able to see all thy goodness toward the sons of men.
But then rise higher still, and think of his sovereign goodness toward his chosen people. O, my soul, go thou back into eternity and see thy name in God's book of predestinating, unchanging grace! And then come down to the time of redemption, and see there thy Saviour bleeding and agonizing. O my soul, there were drops of goodness before, but O, rivers of goodness roll before thee now! When thou sawest the Son of God groaning, agonizing, shrieking, dying, buried in his grave, and then rising again, thou sawest the goodness of God. "I will make all my goodness pass before thee." I say again, what a panorama! What a series of dissolving views! What sight upon sight, each one melting into the other! Could I stand here this morning, and borrow the eloquence of an angel; could I speak to you as I might wish—but, alas! I cannot break these bonds that hold my stammering tongue—could I loose these lips and speak as angels speak, then could I tell you something, but not much, of the goodness of God; for it is "past finding out." Since I cannot utter it myself, I would invoke all creation to be vocal in his praise. Ye hills, lift up your voices; let the shaggy woods upon your summits wave with adoration. Ye valleys, fill the air with the bleatings of your sheep and the lowing of your cattle. Ye that have life, if ye have voices, tune his praise; and if ye walk in silence, let your joyful motions show the thanks ye cannot speak. O, ye trees of the field, clap your hands; ye winds, in solemn harmony chant to his glory. Thou ocean, with thy myriad waves, in all thy solemn pomp, thy motion to and fro, forget not him who bids a thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain, and write no furrow on thy ever youthful brow. And you, ye storms, howl out his greatness; let your thunders roll like drums in the march of the God of armies; let your lightnings write his name in fire upon the midnight darkness; let the illimitable void of space become one mouth for song; and let the unnavigated ether, through its shoreless depths, bear through the infinite remote the name of him who is ever good and doeth good.
I can say no more concerning God's goodness. But this is not all that Moses saw. If you look to the words which follow my text, you will see that God said, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee;" but there was something more. No one attribute of God sets God out to perfection; there must always be another. He said, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will snow mercy," there is another attribute of God. There is his sovereignty. God's goodness without his sovereignty does not completely set forth his nature. I think of the man who, when he was dying, called me to see him. He said, "I am going to heaven." "Well," I replied. "what makes you think you are going there, for you never thought of it before?" Said he, "God is good." "Yes." I answered. "but God is just." "No," said he, "God is merciful and good." Now that poor creature was dying, and being lost forever; for he had not a right conception of God. He had only one idea of God, that God is good; but that is not enough. If you only see one attribute you only have half a God. God is good, and he is a sovereign, and doeth what he pleases; and though good to all in the sense of benevolence, he is not obliged to be good to any. "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and show mercy on whom I will show mercy."
Do not you be alarmed, my friends, because I am going to preach about sovereignty. I know some people, when they hear about sovereignty, say, "O, we are going to have some terrible high doctrine." Well, if it is in the Bible, that is enough for you. Is not that all you want to know? If God says, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy," it is not for you to say it is high doctrine. Who told you it was high doctrine? It is good doctrine. What right have you to call one doctrine high and one low? Would you like me to have a Bible with "H" against high, and "L" against low, so that I could leave the high doctrine out and please you? My Bible has no mark of that kind; it says, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious." There is divine sovereignty. I believe some are afraid to say any thing about this great doctrine lest they should offend some of their people; but. my friends, it is true, and you shall hear it. God is a sovereign. He was a sovereign ere he made this world. He lived alone, and this was in his mind: Shall I make any thing or shall I not? I have a right to make creatures or not to make any. He resolved that he would fashion a world. When he made it, he had a right to form the world in what shape and size he pleased; and he had a right, if he chose, to leave the globe untenanted by a single creature. When he had resolved to make man, he had a right to make him whatever kind of creature he liked. If he wished to make him a worm or a serpent, he had a right to do it. When he made him. he had a right to put any command on him that he pleased; and God had a right to say to Adam. Thou shalt not touch that forbidden tree. And when Adam offended, God had a right to punish him and all the race forever in the bottomless pit.
God is so far sovereign, that he has a right, if he likes, to save any one in this chapel, or to crush all who are here. He has a right to take us all to heaven if he pleases, or to destroy us. He has a right to do just as he pleases with us. We are as much in his hands as prisoners in the hands of her majesty when they are condemned for a capital offense against the law of the land; yea, as much as clay in the hands of the potter. This is what he asserted, when he said, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious. and I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." This stirs up your carnal pride, does it not? Men want to be somebody. They do not like to lie down before God, and have it preached to them that God can do just as he wills with them. Ah! you may hate it, but it is what the Scripture tells us. Surely it is self-evident that God may do as he will with his own. We all like to do what we will with our own property. God has said, that if you go to his throne he will hear you; but he has a right not to do it if he likes. He has a right to do just as he pleases. If he chooses to let you go on in the error of your ways, that is his right; and if he says, as he does, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," it is his right to do so. That is the high and awful doctrine of DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY.*
Put the two together, goodness and sovereignty, and you see God's glory. If you take sovereignty alone, you will not understand God. Some people only have an idea of God's sovereignty, and not of his goodness; such are usually gloomy, harsh, and ill-humored. You must put the two together; that God is good, and that God is a sovereign. You must speak of sovereign grace. God is not grace alone, he is sovereign grace. He is not sovereign alone, but he is graciously sovereign. That is the best idea of God. When Moses said, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," God made him see that he was glorious, and that his glory was his sovereign goodness. Surely, beloved, we cannot be wrong in loving the doctrine of free, unmerited, distinguishing grace, when we see it thus mentioned as the brightest jewel in the crown of our covenant God. Do not be afraid of election and sovereignty. The time is come when our ministers must tell us more about them; or, if not, our souls will be so lean and starved that we shall mutiny for the bread of life. O, may God send us more thorough gospel men who will preach sovereign grace as the glory of the gospel.
II. The second point is—there was A GRACIOUS CONCEALMENT.
Read the next verse. "He said, thou canst not see my face; for there shall no man see me and live." There was a gracious concealment. There was as much grace in that concealment as there was in the manifestation. Mark you, beloved, when God does not tell us any thing, there is as much grace in his withholding it as there is in any of his revelations. Did you ever hear or read the sentiment, that there is as much to be learned from what is not in the Bible, as from what there is in the Bible? Some people read the Scriptures, and they say, "I wish I knew so-and-so." Now you ought not to wish such a thing; for if it was good for you, it would be there; and there is as much grace in what God has not put in the Bible, as in what he has put there. If he had put more in it, it would have been our destruction. There is just enough and no more. Do you know how Robert of Normandy lost his sight? His brother passed a red-hot copper bowl before his face, and burned the eyes out of their sockets; and there are some doctrines that men want to know, which, if they could understand them, it would be like passing a red-hot bowl before their eyes. They would scorch men's eyes out, and their understandings would be completely crushed. We have seen this in some ministers, who have studied so much that they have gone out of their minds. They have gone further than they ought to have ventured. There is a point to which we may go, and no further; and happy is the man who goes as near to it as possible without overstepping it. God said to Moses—"Thou canst not see my face and live." There are two senses in which this is true. No man can see God's face as a sinner; and no man can see God's face even as a saint.
First, no man can see God's face as a sinner. There comes a wretch before the throne of God. God has spread his books, and set his seat of judgment. There comes a man before the throne of God. Look at him! He is wearing a robe of his own righteousness. "Wretch, how comest thou in hither?" And the creature tries to look at God; he cries that he may live! But, no! God saith, "he cannot see my face and live." Thus saith the Judge. "Executioners of my vengeance, come forth!" Angels come with crowns on their brows; they grasp their swords and stand ready—"Bind him hand and foot; cast him into the lake that burneth." The wretch is cast away into the fire of hell. He sees written in letters of fire—"No man can see my face and live." Clothed in his own righteousness, he must perish.
Then, again, it is true that no man, even as a saint, can see God's face and live; not because of moral disability, but because of physical inability. The body is not strong enough to bear the sight or vision of God. I cannot tell whether even the saints in heaven see God. God dwells among them; but I do not know whether they ever behold him. That is a speculation. We can leave that till we get there. We will decide it when we get to heaven. I hardly know whether finite beings when immortalized would be capable of seeing God. This much is certain—that on earth, no man, however holy, can ever see God's face, and yet live. Why, Manoah, when he saw an angel, thought he should die. He said—"I have seen an angel of the Lord; I shall die." If you and I were to meet an angel, or a troop of angels, as Jacob did at Mahanaim, we should say—"We shall die." The blaze of splendor would overwhelm us. We could not endure it. We "cannot see God and live." All that we can ever see of God, is what Moses called his "back parts." The words, I think, signify "regal train." You have seen kings have trains hanging behind them; and all that we can ever see of God is his train that floats behind. Yon sun that burns in the heavens with all his effulgence, you think he is bright; you look upon him, and he dazzles you; but all his splendor is but a single thread in the regal skirts of the robe of Deity. You have seen night wrapped in her sable mantle woven with gems and stars—there they shine as ornaments worked by the needle of God in that brilliant piece of tapestry which is spread over our heads, like a tent for the inhabitants of the earth to dwell in: you have said, "O! how majestic! That star, that comet, that silver moon, How splendid!" They are nothing, but just a tiny portion of the skirts of God that drag in the dust. But what are the shoulders—what the girdle of divinity—what the bracelets of Godhead—what the crown that girdles his lofty brow, man cannot conceive; I could imagine that all the stars and constellations of stars might be put together and threaded into a string—made into a bracelet for the arm, or a ring for the finger of Jehovah—but I cannot conceive what God is himself. All I can ever learn—all that the thunder ever spake—all that the boistrous ocean ever could teach me—all that the heaven above, or the earth beneath can ever open to my mind, is nothing but the "back parts" of God. I can never see; nor can I understand what he is.
III. Now, beloved, we go to the third point; and that is THE GRACIOUS SHIELDING.
Moses had to be put in the cleft of a rock before he could see God. There was a rock in the wilderness once; Moses smote it, and water gushed out. The apostle tells us "that Rock was Christ." Very well, Paul, I believe it was. There is another thing I believe—I believe this rock was Christ. I know it was not Christ literally; but Moses stood on a literal rock. Moses stood on the top of a high mountain, hidden in the cleft of a real rock. But, O, my soul, what is the cleft of the rock where thou must stand; if thou wouldst ever see God's face and live. O, it is the "Rock of ages cleft for me," where I must hide my head! O, what a cleaving that was when Jesus died! O, my soul, enter into the hole in Jesus' side. That is the cleft of the rock where thou must abide and see God.
"Till God in human flesh I see,
My thoughts no comfort find;
The holy, just, and sacred Three,
Are terrors to my mind."
But when I get into the cleft of that rock, O, my soul, when I get into that cleft whose massive roof is the well ordered everlasting covenant, whose solid golden floor is made of the solemn decrees of the predestination of the Most High; and whose sides are called Jachin and Boaz, that is establishment and strength, a cleft in a rock which is so enduring that time can never dissolve it. Precious Christ! may I be found in thee amid the concussion of the elements when the world shall melt away, and the heavens shall be dissolved! O, may I stand in thee, thou precious cleft of the Rock; thou art all-in-all to my soul.
Some of you, I know, are in that cleft of the Rock. But let me ask others, where are you? Let it be a personal question. I have preached a long while about God; I have tried to mount the height of this great argument and speak of the wondrous things of God. I may have failed, but let me say to each of you—Are you in that cleft of the rock? Can you sing this—
"Jesus, thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
'Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head."
In closing, I want one practical inference, and what shall it be? Draw it yourselves. Let it be this—there is an hour coming, when we must all, in a certain sense, see God. We must see him as a Judge. It becomes us, then, to think seriously whether we shall stand in the cleft of the Rock when he comes. There is a passage we would mention before closing—"I saw death on a pale horse, and hell followed him." There was death on the pale horse; and the original says—"hades followed him." You know the word hades comprises both heaven and hell. It means the state of spirits. Yes, death is after me and thee. Ah, run! run! run! but run as thou wilt, the rider on the white horse shall overtake thee. If thou canst escape him seventy years, he will overtake thee at last. Death is riding! Here his horse comes—I hear his snortings, I feel his hot breath; he comes! he comes! and thou must die! BUT, WICKED MAN, WHAT COMES AFTERWARDS? Will it be heaven or hell? O, if it be hell that is after thee, where art thou when thou art cast away from God? Ah, I pray God deliver you from hell; he is coming after you, sure enough; and if you have no hiding-place. woe unto you. See you that cleft in the rock, see that cross, see that blood. There is security, and only there. Thy works are but a useless incumbrance; cast them away, and with all thy might flee to the mountain with
"Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling."
Yea, more than this, you will need divine aid, even in coming to Christ—
"O, for this no strength have I,
My strength is at thy feet to lie."
But, poor helpless one, if thou art but hidden in Christ. all is secure. Storms may arise, but you cannot be overwhelmed; old Boreas may blow until his cheeks do burst, but not a breath of wind can injure you; for in the cleft of the Rock you shall be hidden until the vengeance is overpast.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This subject is further discussed in the following Sermons by Mr. Spurgeon:—The New Park Street Pulpit, No. 77, "Divine Sovereignty;" and Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, No. 442, "God's Will and Man's Will;" and No. 553, "Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls."
. . . or go back to
main page.
Copyright © 2001 by Phillip R. Johnson. All rights reserved. hits
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Prayer Time
Great God Almighty,
We humble ourselves completely unto Thee in the blood of Christ Jesus for all and each sin. We forgive all people for all things. In Jesus name.
Our concern is for all people and we pray for all those in need. We pray for those stuck in poverty Lord. We pray for the jobless, we pray for the sick and homeless. Dear God we pray for the people who are hungry.
We thank Thee Lord for all spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus.
Lord we Praise for all of Your full glory. We give all the power and honor As our Father in heaven.
We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus. Lord Bless this ministry and all our followers. Let this prayer move their hearts to new levels of Love, Peace and understanding of Thy Will All in Christ Jesus A-Men.
We humble ourselves completely unto Thee in the blood of Christ Jesus for all and each sin. We forgive all people for all things. In Jesus name.
Our concern is for all people and we pray for all those in need. We pray for those stuck in poverty Lord. We pray for the jobless, we pray for the sick and homeless. Dear God we pray for the people who are hungry.
We thank Thee Lord for all spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus.
Lord we Praise for all of Your full glory. We give all the power and honor As our Father in heaven.
We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus. Lord Bless this ministry and all our followers. Let this prayer move their hearts to new levels of Love, Peace and understanding of Thy Will All in Christ Jesus A-Men.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Scripture for Life
Our scripture is designed to give you different views of how one may comprehend the Word of God. Do pray on this passage and the salvation of the world. Also continue to pray for this ministry as we pray for you and all people. God Bless you and tell a friend: Romans 12:2
NIV© Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
NAS© And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
ISV© Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is-what is proper, pleasing, and perfect.
GWT© Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
KJV And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
AKJ And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
ASV And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
BBE And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God.
DRB And be not conformed to this world; but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God.
DBY And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
ERV And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
WBS And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
WEY And do not follow the customs of the present age, but be transformed by the entire renewal of your minds, so that you may learn by experience what God's will is--that will which is good and beautiful and perfect.
WEB Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
YLT and be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, for your proving what is the will of God -- the good, and acceptable, and perfect.
Geneva Study Bible
{2} And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your {f} mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
(2) The second precept is this, that we do not take other men's opinions or conduct as a rule for life, but that we wholly renounce this world, and set before us as our mark the will of God as is manifested and revealed to us in his word.
(f) This is the reason that there is no room left for reason, which the heathen philosophers place as a queen in a castle, nor for man's free will, which the popish scholars dream of, because the mind must be renewed; Eph 1:18 2:034:17Col 1:21
People's New Testament
12:2 And be not conformed to this world. The spirit of the world is opposed to that of Christ. Satan is the Prince of this world (Joh 12:31 14:30 16:11). Christ died to deliver us from this present wicked world (Ga 1:4). Hence the service of Christ renders necessary a refusal to fashion ourselves after its ways.
But be ye transformed. Instead of following the ways of the world, the Christian must be transformed, changed into a new form of life
by the renewing of your mind, by having a new spirit, and walking after the Spirit (Ro 8:1,4 Ga 5:16,25).
That ye may prove. Demonstrate, show forth. The saint, transformed, renewed, will show forth in his life the will of God.
Wesley's Notes
12:2 And be not conformed - Neither in judgment, spirit, nor behaviour. To this world - Which, neglecting the will of God, entirely follows its own. That ye may prove - Know by sure trial; which is easily done by him who has thus presented himself to God. What is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God - The will of God is here to be understood of all the preceptive part of Christianity, which is in itself so excellently good, so acceptable to God, and so perfective of our natures.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. And be ye not conformed to this world-Compare Eph 2:2; Ga 1:4, Greek.
but be ye transformed-or, "transfigured" (as in Mt 17:2; and 2Co 3:18, Greek).
by the renewing of your mind-not by a mere outward disconformity to the ungodly world, many of whose actions in themselves may be virtuous and praiseworthy; but by such an inward spiritual transformation as makes the whole life new-new in its motives and ends, even where the actions differ in nothing from those of the world-new, considered as a whole, and in such a sense as to be wholly unattainable save through the constraining power of the love of Christ.
that ye may prove-that is, experimentally. (On the word "experience" see on [2256]Ro 5:4, and compare 1Th 5:10, where the sentiment is the same).
what is that-"the"
good and acceptable-"well-pleasing"
and perfect, will of God-We prefer this rendering (with Calvin) to that which many able critics [Tholuck, Meyer, De Wette, Fritzsche, Philippi, Alford, Hodge] adopt-"that ye may prove," or "discern the will of God, [even] what is good, and acceptable, and perfect." God's will is "good," as it demands only what is essentially and unchangeably good (Ro 7:10); it is "well pleasing," in contrast with all that is arbitrary, as demanding only what God has eternal complacency in (compare Mic 6:8, with Jer 9:24); and it is "perfect," as it required nothing else than the perfection of God's reasonable creature, who, in proportion as he attains to it, reflects God's own perfection. Such then is the great general duty of the redeemed-SELF-CONSECRATION, in our whole spirit and soul and body to Him who hath called us into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ. Next follow specific duties, chiefly social; beginning with Humility, the chiefest of all the graces-but here with special reference to spiritual gifts.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
12:1,2 The apostle having closed the part of his epistle wherein he argues and proves various doctrines which are practically applied, here urges important duties from gospel principles. He entreated the Romans, as his brethren in Christ, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. This is a powerful appeal. We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his mercy. Let us render ourselves; all we are, all we have, all we can do: and after all, what return is it for such very rich receivings? It is acceptable to God: a reasonable service, which we are able and ready to give a reason for, and which we understand. Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. The progress of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more, is the carrying on this renewing work, till it is perfected in glory. The great enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this world. Take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, which soon pass away. Do not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh, and mind earthly things. The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to God.
Matthew 13:22 "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Galatians 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ephesians 4:23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ephesians 5:10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ephesians 5:17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (NASB ©1995)
Able Acceptable Age Approve Beautiful Behaviour Changed Complete Conformed Customs Entire Experience Fashioned Follow God's Learn Longer Mind Minds Pattern Perfect Pleasing Present Prove Proving Purpose Renewal Renewing Test Transformed Well-pleasing
Able Acceptable Age Approve Beautiful Behaviour Changed Complete Conform Conformed Customs Entire Experience Fashioned Follow God's Good Learn Mind Minds New Perfect Pleasing Present Prove Proving Purpose Renewal Renewing Test Transformed Well-Pleasing World
Able Acceptable Age Approve Beautiful Behaviour Changed Complete Conform Conformed Customs Entire Experience Fashioned Follow God's Good Learn Mind Minds New Perfect Pleasing Present Prove Proving Purpose Renewal Renewing Test Transformed Well-Pleasing World
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
be not. Ex 23:2 Le 18:29,30 De 18:9-14 Joh 7:7 14:30 15:19 17:14 1Co 3:19 2Co 4:4 6:14-17 Ga 1:4 Eph 2:2 4:17-20 Jas 1:27 4:4 1Pe 1:14,18 4:2 2Pe 1:4 2:20 1Jo 2:15-17 3:13 4:4,5 5:19 Re 12:9 13:8
be ye. 13:14 Ps 51:10 Eze 18:31 36:26 2Co 5:17 Eph 1:18 4:22-24 Col 1:21,22 3:10 Tit 3:5
prove. 1 Ps 34:8 Eph 5:10,17 1Pe 2:3
good. 1 7:12,14,22 Ps 19:7-11 119:47,48,72,97,103,128,174 Pr 3:1-4 Pr 3:13-18 Ga 5:22-23 Eph 5:9 Col 4:12 1Th 4:3 2Ti 3:16,17
Bible Gateway: Romans Chapter 12 Verse 2 NIV ESV NKJV NLT KJV Message Amplified
Alphabetical: able acceptable and any approve be but by conform conformed Do God God's good his is longer may mind not of pattern perfect pleasing prove renewing so test that the Then this to transformed what which will world you your
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright ;© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org.
International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved.
NT Letters: Romans 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world (Rom. Ro) Christian Bible Study Resources, Dictionary, Concordance and Search Tools
Romans 12:2 Bible Software
Romans 12:2 Biblia Paralela
Romans 12:2 Chinese Bible
Romans 12:2 French Bible
Romans 12:2 Multilingual Bible
Online Bible
NIV© Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
NAS© And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
ISV© Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is-what is proper, pleasing, and perfect.
GWT© Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
KJV And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
AKJ And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
ASV And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
BBE And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God.
DRB And be not conformed to this world; but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God.
DBY And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
ERV And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
WBS And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
WEY And do not follow the customs of the present age, but be transformed by the entire renewal of your minds, so that you may learn by experience what God's will is--that will which is good and beautiful and perfect.
WEB Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
YLT and be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, for your proving what is the will of God -- the good, and acceptable, and perfect.
Geneva Study Bible
{2} And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your {f} mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
(2) The second precept is this, that we do not take other men's opinions or conduct as a rule for life, but that we wholly renounce this world, and set before us as our mark the will of God as is manifested and revealed to us in his word.
(f) This is the reason that there is no room left for reason, which the heathen philosophers place as a queen in a castle, nor for man's free will, which the popish scholars dream of, because the mind must be renewed; Eph 1:18 2:034:17Col 1:21
People's New Testament
12:2 And be not conformed to this world. The spirit of the world is opposed to that of Christ. Satan is the Prince of this world (Joh 12:31 14:30 16:11). Christ died to deliver us from this present wicked world (Ga 1:4). Hence the service of Christ renders necessary a refusal to fashion ourselves after its ways.
But be ye transformed. Instead of following the ways of the world, the Christian must be transformed, changed into a new form of life
by the renewing of your mind, by having a new spirit, and walking after the Spirit (Ro 8:1,4 Ga 5:16,25).
That ye may prove. Demonstrate, show forth. The saint, transformed, renewed, will show forth in his life the will of God.
Wesley's Notes
12:2 And be not conformed - Neither in judgment, spirit, nor behaviour. To this world - Which, neglecting the will of God, entirely follows its own. That ye may prove - Know by sure trial; which is easily done by him who has thus presented himself to God. What is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God - The will of God is here to be understood of all the preceptive part of Christianity, which is in itself so excellently good, so acceptable to God, and so perfective of our natures.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. And be ye not conformed to this world-Compare Eph 2:2; Ga 1:4, Greek.
but be ye transformed-or, "transfigured" (as in Mt 17:2; and 2Co 3:18, Greek).
by the renewing of your mind-not by a mere outward disconformity to the ungodly world, many of whose actions in themselves may be virtuous and praiseworthy; but by such an inward spiritual transformation as makes the whole life new-new in its motives and ends, even where the actions differ in nothing from those of the world-new, considered as a whole, and in such a sense as to be wholly unattainable save through the constraining power of the love of Christ.
that ye may prove-that is, experimentally. (On the word "experience" see on [2256]Ro 5:4, and compare 1Th 5:10, where the sentiment is the same).
what is that-"the"
good and acceptable-"well-pleasing"
and perfect, will of God-We prefer this rendering (with Calvin) to that which many able critics [Tholuck, Meyer, De Wette, Fritzsche, Philippi, Alford, Hodge] adopt-"that ye may prove," or "discern the will of God, [even] what is good, and acceptable, and perfect." God's will is "good," as it demands only what is essentially and unchangeably good (Ro 7:10); it is "well pleasing," in contrast with all that is arbitrary, as demanding only what God has eternal complacency in (compare Mic 6:8, with Jer 9:24); and it is "perfect," as it required nothing else than the perfection of God's reasonable creature, who, in proportion as he attains to it, reflects God's own perfection. Such then is the great general duty of the redeemed-SELF-CONSECRATION, in our whole spirit and soul and body to Him who hath called us into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ. Next follow specific duties, chiefly social; beginning with Humility, the chiefest of all the graces-but here with special reference to spiritual gifts.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
12:1,2 The apostle having closed the part of his epistle wherein he argues and proves various doctrines which are practically applied, here urges important duties from gospel principles. He entreated the Romans, as his brethren in Christ, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. This is a powerful appeal. We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his mercy. Let us render ourselves; all we are, all we have, all we can do: and after all, what return is it for such very rich receivings? It is acceptable to God: a reasonable service, which we are able and ready to give a reason for, and which we understand. Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. The progress of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more, is the carrying on this renewing work, till it is perfected in glory. The great enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this world. Take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, which soon pass away. Do not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh, and mind earthly things. The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to God.
Matthew 13:22 "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Galatians 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ephesians 4:23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ephesians 5:10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ephesians 5:17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (NASB ©1995)
Able Acceptable Age Approve Beautiful Behaviour Changed Complete Conformed Customs Entire Experience Fashioned Follow God's Learn Longer Mind Minds Pattern Perfect Pleasing Present Prove Proving Purpose Renewal Renewing Test Transformed Well-pleasing
Able Acceptable Age Approve Beautiful Behaviour Changed Complete Conform Conformed Customs Entire Experience Fashioned Follow God's Good Learn Mind Minds New Perfect Pleasing Present Prove Proving Purpose Renewal Renewing Test Transformed Well-Pleasing World
Able Acceptable Age Approve Beautiful Behaviour Changed Complete Conform Conformed Customs Entire Experience Fashioned Follow God's Good Learn Mind Minds New Perfect Pleasing Present Prove Proving Purpose Renewal Renewing Test Transformed Well-Pleasing World
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
be not. Ex 23:2 Le 18:29,30 De 18:9-14 Joh 7:7 14:30 15:19 17:14 1Co 3:19 2Co 4:4 6:14-17 Ga 1:4 Eph 2:2 4:17-20 Jas 1:27 4:4 1Pe 1:14,18 4:2 2Pe 1:4 2:20 1Jo 2:15-17 3:13 4:4,5 5:19 Re 12:9 13:8
be ye. 13:14 Ps 51:10 Eze 18:31 36:26 2Co 5:17 Eph 1:18 4:22-24 Col 1:21,22 3:10 Tit 3:5
prove. 1 Ps 34:8 Eph 5:10,17 1Pe 2:3
good. 1 7:12,14,22 Ps 19:7-11 119:47,48,72,97,103,128,174 Pr 3:1-4 Pr 3:13-18 Ga 5:22-23 Eph 5:9 Col 4:12 1Th 4:3 2Ti 3:16,17
Bible Gateway: Romans Chapter 12 Verse 2 NIV ESV NKJV NLT KJV Message Amplified
Alphabetical: able acceptable and any approve be but by conform conformed Do God God's good his is longer may mind not of pattern perfect pleasing prove renewing so test that the Then this to transformed what which will world you your
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright ;© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org.
International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved.
NT Letters: Romans 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world (Rom. Ro) Christian Bible Study Resources, Dictionary, Concordance and Search Tools
Romans 12:2 Bible Software
Romans 12:2 Biblia Paralela
Romans 12:2 Chinese Bible
Romans 12:2 French Bible
Romans 12:2 Multilingual Bible
Online Bible
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Sermon: The Spirit of The Lord
Prayer: O Mighty God,
We pray for all people in all places. God Bless us all. We ask for prayer partners to save this world in the names of Jesus. Bless this message with The Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, we give you all the praise, honor and glory....
Sermon: We thank God and praise God for you with perfect love, peace and joy of Jesus in our hearts. This message is to move you to become a prayer partner with us to save the world. The Holy Spirit has been good to us in that we have grown so much in a short period of time, all to the Glory of god. Let us turn quickly to our scripture:
Luke 4:14-21 (New International Version)
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[a]
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Footnotes:
a.Luke 4:19 Isaiah 61:1,2
The Lord clearly speaks to us through His word. The Spirit is upon us to do the work of the Lord. My friend, we must pray. Jesus was born and died on the cross and rose on the third day to save the world. God gave us The Holy Spirit to pray in this magnificent light. We are the light of the world. Pray with us in Jesus name for the world to be saved from darkness. Bless in and all your household as we pray in Jesus name A-MEN.
We pray for all people in all places. God Bless us all. We ask for prayer partners to save this world in the names of Jesus. Bless this message with The Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, we give you all the praise, honor and glory....
Sermon: We thank God and praise God for you with perfect love, peace and joy of Jesus in our hearts. This message is to move you to become a prayer partner with us to save the world. The Holy Spirit has been good to us in that we have grown so much in a short period of time, all to the Glory of god. Let us turn quickly to our scripture:
Luke 4:14-21 (New International Version)
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[a]
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Footnotes:
a.Luke 4:19 Isaiah 61:1,2
The Lord clearly speaks to us through His word. The Spirit is upon us to do the work of the Lord. My friend, we must pray. Jesus was born and died on the cross and rose on the third day to save the world. God gave us The Holy Spirit to pray in this magnificent light. We are the light of the world. Pray with us in Jesus name for the world to be saved from darkness. Bless in and all your household as we pray in Jesus name A-MEN.
Friday, October 16, 2009
What is a Prayer Partner?
The Joy of Jesus is working hard to find prayer partners to save the world. This sounds nearly impossible, yet our faith tell us we can do all things through Christ Jesus. The real question is ,what is a prayer partner? The following may add some light on this subject, as we pray for you, to pray with us:
Touching Heaven, Changing Earth!
Did you know through prayer, it literally can change everything in the world. There are two types of prayers and those that pray. There are passive prayers and aggressive prayers. Not familiar with the two? Aggressive prayer seeks His presence and His will to be done in all things. Does not sound aggressive? It is and it works. God knows what is best and what is needed. Aggressive prayer builds us in faith and works in the missions field, changing lives and turning night into day.
We see, hear, speak because of the condition of our hearts and that condition will either produce results or not based on what we are focused on. Want to receive God's Blessing? Do things God's way and you will get things in His results and you are blessed. Scripture tells us that what we give we will receive, pressed down and shaken up. Each of us that has His Spirit have been given freely and by us learning how to release His Spirit on problems, needs and situations turns everything around as long as we are seeking for His will to be done.
The norm in prayer and in missions is for those churches that do send missionaries to the field is to pray for the missionaries. Actually the truth is we often do not pray for missionaries and wonder why they are not as effective as they could be. How can we make it better? First understand His way of getting things done. If the five fold gift ministry is present, you will find His presence. Secondly, in adopting the people and the missionary it becomes personal to us. Biblically, God adopt us and if we are like Him we should adopt each other and and the unreached. It is mostly about a condition of the heart to do so or not. But if we want to end the nonsense, starvation, the very work of the devil we will understand His ways in His covenant provision and do them.
Who should pray? A better question is who wants God's blessing because they are one in the same? Did you know that if you are praying for someone in the field and for those they are trying to reach and one enters the kingdom of God you the person in prayer receives an equal reward as those in the field. Do things God's way, you get His result and provision. Do things our way and it usually does not work and we end up with little results. Here is the the key to all His blessings, "the body working in love, unity and forgiveness." It brings His love, provision and power to get the job done.
Want your church to grow, your neighborhoods change and go from problems to solutions? Do it God's way, it works every time, but it is up to us to want to do it His way. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 It works every time and you have His guarantee on it. His word and what He died for so things could get done His way, with His result.
The Prayer Partner is one of the most important people in helping establish the Kingdom of God here on earth, as they are the backbone of any ministry. Prayer partners pull down the strongholds so those sent to the mission field can accomplish what they are called to accomplish. Prayer connects the throne room of heaven to earth and a prayer partner is a partnership with Him and those in the mission field. It is the Prayer Partner that prays and intercedes for people on a local, national and on a global basis as they work to pull down the strongholds, praying for His presence, His will to be done in people(s) lives or areas, to resolve needs, and open new areas of evangelism. Prayer is key as it unlocks His will and presence because His house is a house of prayer. Those that dwell with Him will pray and seek His presence.
Prayer is a difficult job to do and stay focused on and we recognize that, but we also know that prayer is the first step to getting things turned around. If we are going to do something about starvation, crime, etc., then we as His people need to understand His ways, covenants and statutes so we can dwell with Him and He with us so we can be effective in prayer. Christians need to learn how to get serious about prayer and what prayer can do for us. We all need more of Jesus and we need to remember to invite Him in everything that we do.
The Prayer Partner is instrumental in putting an end to disease, starvation, crime, abuses and addictions, and can even put an end to war. The focus of the Prayer Partner is one of intercession and prayer. Prayer helps establish the new believer and maintains the worker in the field, Gal. 4:19. It is through prayer that we can be victorious as we reach out to a hurting world in need.
Prayer in Agreement
Prayer brings His presence with His presence His love and provision to deal with all needs in each of us in body, soul and spirit. Think for a moment of what prayer can do if we are in agreement. If any two agree and touch anything it will be done. It can change churches and communities. Everyone knows the problems that exist in most communities and we have been given the power of God to deal with all things in local communities in prayer, not just in the local church but connecting with as many as 1 million people in prayer at any given moment globally to be in agreement with as long as we seek His presence and His will done in peoples lives. Often times we do not reach out to others in need because we are not sure. However, if we are connected to 1 million in prayer for us and those we reach out to it will change lives dramatically.
The concept is simple. As we go out daily and do what we do at work or school we always hear of people that have problems or needs. All we have to ask if they would like us to pray for them and seek God's will for them. All you need to do is let us know the need by putting it on the prayer board and you will be connected to ministers and believers globally that will be praying for that person and you for His will to be done in both. THAT IS THE POWER OF GOD ON EARTH! YOU WILL SEE MIRACLES. As you see the results of prayer in changed lives, we encourage you to look on the board and pray for others seeking God's will for each one, releasing His Spirit on each person and each situation. You pray for others like yourself and others pray for you. It is how His will can be done through each of us and gives hope for us and our families. What we do for each other we do for Him. What we give we receive, pressed down and shaken together. Do you want problems to be dealt with by the hand of God? Pray and pray with others and for others in agreement. God has a way to get things done on earth, but we have to be willing to do it His way and it all starts with prayer! Working together as one body globally, those in the world will see Him and His will for them, because the body loved Him and His ways to reach all globally.
Whether you are new to prayer or not we want to work with you and help you to become everything that God has called you to do and become. Currently we are assembling a prayer package for prayer partners. A package of helps and tools designed to help you in prayer and your life and will give you a clearer understanding of how it all can come together.
We need Prayer Partners and we are looking for 1 million to pray, reaching out to 1 billion in need. If you are interested in seeing lives change and in joining a team that is making a difference, helping to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth, living by faith and not by sight, we are looking for you! The power of prayer is huge! The Time is now! Your help is needed!
Catch the Vision! Touching Heaven and Changing Earth!
___________________________________________________________________
Registration & Information Form
Are you interested in starting a local Prayer Hotline?
Are you interested in starting a local chapter of Ambassadors for Christ?
Are you interested in starting in becoming a part of the solution?
Would like a copy of our Prayer Planner? Click here for details
We are responsible…..
When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, We want our hand always to be there. For that we are responsible........
We are responsible both to God and each other.
"Together we can make a change, we can make a difference!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"God gave us His Son, Spirit, Love, Direction, Purpose, Gifts, and free will. He gave us all the basic tools to either care for Him and others or care just for ourselves.
It is a choice either way, to either learn to work together to solve problems, but at the end, when it is all said and done, our true hearts will be exposed. We are given two things to do, love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Touching Heaven, Changing Earth!
Did you know through prayer, it literally can change everything in the world. There are two types of prayers and those that pray. There are passive prayers and aggressive prayers. Not familiar with the two? Aggressive prayer seeks His presence and His will to be done in all things. Does not sound aggressive? It is and it works. God knows what is best and what is needed. Aggressive prayer builds us in faith and works in the missions field, changing lives and turning night into day.
We see, hear, speak because of the condition of our hearts and that condition will either produce results or not based on what we are focused on. Want to receive God's Blessing? Do things God's way and you will get things in His results and you are blessed. Scripture tells us that what we give we will receive, pressed down and shaken up. Each of us that has His Spirit have been given freely and by us learning how to release His Spirit on problems, needs and situations turns everything around as long as we are seeking for His will to be done.
The norm in prayer and in missions is for those churches that do send missionaries to the field is to pray for the missionaries. Actually the truth is we often do not pray for missionaries and wonder why they are not as effective as they could be. How can we make it better? First understand His way of getting things done. If the five fold gift ministry is present, you will find His presence. Secondly, in adopting the people and the missionary it becomes personal to us. Biblically, God adopt us and if we are like Him we should adopt each other and and the unreached. It is mostly about a condition of the heart to do so or not. But if we want to end the nonsense, starvation, the very work of the devil we will understand His ways in His covenant provision and do them.
Who should pray? A better question is who wants God's blessing because they are one in the same? Did you know that if you are praying for someone in the field and for those they are trying to reach and one enters the kingdom of God you the person in prayer receives an equal reward as those in the field. Do things God's way, you get His result and provision. Do things our way and it usually does not work and we end up with little results. Here is the the key to all His blessings, "the body working in love, unity and forgiveness." It brings His love, provision and power to get the job done.
Want your church to grow, your neighborhoods change and go from problems to solutions? Do it God's way, it works every time, but it is up to us to want to do it His way. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 It works every time and you have His guarantee on it. His word and what He died for so things could get done His way, with His result.
The Prayer Partner is one of the most important people in helping establish the Kingdom of God here on earth, as they are the backbone of any ministry. Prayer partners pull down the strongholds so those sent to the mission field can accomplish what they are called to accomplish. Prayer connects the throne room of heaven to earth and a prayer partner is a partnership with Him and those in the mission field. It is the Prayer Partner that prays and intercedes for people on a local, national and on a global basis as they work to pull down the strongholds, praying for His presence, His will to be done in people(s) lives or areas, to resolve needs, and open new areas of evangelism. Prayer is key as it unlocks His will and presence because His house is a house of prayer. Those that dwell with Him will pray and seek His presence.
Prayer is a difficult job to do and stay focused on and we recognize that, but we also know that prayer is the first step to getting things turned around. If we are going to do something about starvation, crime, etc., then we as His people need to understand His ways, covenants and statutes so we can dwell with Him and He with us so we can be effective in prayer. Christians need to learn how to get serious about prayer and what prayer can do for us. We all need more of Jesus and we need to remember to invite Him in everything that we do.
The Prayer Partner is instrumental in putting an end to disease, starvation, crime, abuses and addictions, and can even put an end to war. The focus of the Prayer Partner is one of intercession and prayer. Prayer helps establish the new believer and maintains the worker in the field, Gal. 4:19. It is through prayer that we can be victorious as we reach out to a hurting world in need.
Prayer in Agreement
Prayer brings His presence with His presence His love and provision to deal with all needs in each of us in body, soul and spirit. Think for a moment of what prayer can do if we are in agreement. If any two agree and touch anything it will be done. It can change churches and communities. Everyone knows the problems that exist in most communities and we have been given the power of God to deal with all things in local communities in prayer, not just in the local church but connecting with as many as 1 million people in prayer at any given moment globally to be in agreement with as long as we seek His presence and His will done in peoples lives. Often times we do not reach out to others in need because we are not sure. However, if we are connected to 1 million in prayer for us and those we reach out to it will change lives dramatically.
The concept is simple. As we go out daily and do what we do at work or school we always hear of people that have problems or needs. All we have to ask if they would like us to pray for them and seek God's will for them. All you need to do is let us know the need by putting it on the prayer board and you will be connected to ministers and believers globally that will be praying for that person and you for His will to be done in both. THAT IS THE POWER OF GOD ON EARTH! YOU WILL SEE MIRACLES. As you see the results of prayer in changed lives, we encourage you to look on the board and pray for others seeking God's will for each one, releasing His Spirit on each person and each situation. You pray for others like yourself and others pray for you. It is how His will can be done through each of us and gives hope for us and our families. What we do for each other we do for Him. What we give we receive, pressed down and shaken together. Do you want problems to be dealt with by the hand of God? Pray and pray with others and for others in agreement. God has a way to get things done on earth, but we have to be willing to do it His way and it all starts with prayer! Working together as one body globally, those in the world will see Him and His will for them, because the body loved Him and His ways to reach all globally.
Whether you are new to prayer or not we want to work with you and help you to become everything that God has called you to do and become. Currently we are assembling a prayer package for prayer partners. A package of helps and tools designed to help you in prayer and your life and will give you a clearer understanding of how it all can come together.
We need Prayer Partners and we are looking for 1 million to pray, reaching out to 1 billion in need. If you are interested in seeing lives change and in joining a team that is making a difference, helping to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth, living by faith and not by sight, we are looking for you! The power of prayer is huge! The Time is now! Your help is needed!
Catch the Vision! Touching Heaven and Changing Earth!
___________________________________________________________________
Registration & Information Form
Are you interested in starting a local Prayer Hotline?
Are you interested in starting a local chapter of Ambassadors for Christ?
Are you interested in starting in becoming a part of the solution?
Would like a copy of our Prayer Planner? Click here for details
We are responsible…..
When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, We want our hand always to be there. For that we are responsible........
We are responsible both to God and each other.
"Together we can make a change, we can make a difference!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"God gave us His Son, Spirit, Love, Direction, Purpose, Gifts, and free will. He gave us all the basic tools to either care for Him and others or care just for ourselves.
It is a choice either way, to either learn to work together to solve problems, but at the end, when it is all said and done, our true hearts will be exposed. We are given two things to do, love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Prayer: Can You be a Prayer Partner?
Holy God our Father;
We ask to send us prayer partners to pray for the world.
There is so much suffering,
People are lost.
There are millions of people jobless, homeless and hungry.
People are sick, now cold and need help.
We are The Joy of Jesus.
Our prayer is to provide comfort and strength to all Your children in the name of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we need people of prayer to join us to this mighty mission.
Our Faith is in Thee.
O' Mighty God,
We humble ourselves of all sin.
We thank Thee for all spiritual blessings with all praise, honor and Glory to God. In Jesus name we pray....
We LOVE YOU LORD
We ask to send us prayer partners to pray for the world.
There is so much suffering,
People are lost.
There are millions of people jobless, homeless and hungry.
People are sick, now cold and need help.
We are The Joy of Jesus.
Our prayer is to provide comfort and strength to all Your children in the name of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we need people of prayer to join us to this mighty mission.
Our Faith is in Thee.
O' Mighty God,
We humble ourselves of all sin.
We thank Thee for all spiritual blessings with all praise, honor and Glory to God. In Jesus name we pray....
We LOVE YOU LORD
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Scripture for Life
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in sinful man,[d] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind[f] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.[g] And by him we cry, "Abba,[h] Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Future Glory
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
More Than Conquerors
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[j] who[k] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Footnotes:
a.Romans 8:1 Some later manuscripts Jesus, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit,
b.Romans 8:3 Or the flesh; also in verses 4, 5, 8, 9, 12 and 13
c.Romans 8:3 Or man, for sin
d.Romans 8:3 Or in the flesh
e.Romans 8:6 Or mind set on the flesh
f.Romans 8:7 Or the mind set on the flesh
g.Romans 8:15 Or adoption
h.Romans 8:15 Aramaic for Father
i.Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For
j.Romans 8:28 Some manuscripts And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God
k.Romans 8:28 Or works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who
l.Romans 8:36 Psalm 44:22
m.Romans 8:38 Or nor heavenly rulers
New International Version (NIV)
Life Through the Spirit
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in sinful man,[d] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind[f] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.[g] And by him we cry, "Abba,[h] Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Future Glory
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
More Than Conquerors
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[j] who[k] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Footnotes:
a.Romans 8:1 Some later manuscripts Jesus, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit,
b.Romans 8:3 Or the flesh; also in verses 4, 5, 8, 9, 12 and 13
c.Romans 8:3 Or man, for sin
d.Romans 8:3 Or in the flesh
e.Romans 8:6 Or mind set on the flesh
f.Romans 8:7 Or the mind set on the flesh
g.Romans 8:15 Or adoption
h.Romans 8:15 Aramaic for Father
i.Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For
j.Romans 8:28 Some manuscripts And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God
k.Romans 8:28 Or works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who
l.Romans 8:36 Psalm 44:22
m.Romans 8:38 Or nor heavenly rulers
New International Version (NIV)
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Sermon: It is All Good,
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
Prayer: Oh God, we love You today. We pray for all people for Your power to make all things good in Christ Jesus. We Praise Thee and give You all the Glory A-men.
Sermon: It is all good. This is a bold statement. God is good, but what about everything else? We need to know that we are safe. This is a basic need. Without safety, it creates tremendous fear and people will do just about anything. The unknown is frighting. The scripture tell us that all things work together for good.
Our message today is to give you some solace in knowing and understanding Gods word that may give you comfort during these tough days. It is all good with God and for those who love God and pray for Gods Will. We have faith in God to protect us for our betterment. God will do as God has done in the past. We thank God all in Christ Jesus for all he has done for us and this ministry.
In closing, it is all good in the Lord. God is in control of everything. All things work for God. The people who truly love God will trust in His grace. God gave us Jesus who died for our sins on the cross and was raised again for our salvation. This was was the greatest act of love ever known. It is good because God is good and He loves us and we I pray in the name of Jesus that we love him, for it is all God, A-men.
Romans 8:28
Prayer: Oh God, we love You today. We pray for all people for Your power to make all things good in Christ Jesus. We Praise Thee and give You all the Glory A-men.
Sermon: It is all good. This is a bold statement. God is good, but what about everything else? We need to know that we are safe. This is a basic need. Without safety, it creates tremendous fear and people will do just about anything. The unknown is frighting. The scripture tell us that all things work together for good.
Our message today is to give you some solace in knowing and understanding Gods word that may give you comfort during these tough days. It is all good with God and for those who love God and pray for Gods Will. We have faith in God to protect us for our betterment. God will do as God has done in the past. We thank God all in Christ Jesus for all he has done for us and this ministry.
In closing, it is all good in the Lord. God is in control of everything. All things work for God. The people who truly love God will trust in His grace. God gave us Jesus who died for our sins on the cross and was raised again for our salvation. This was was the greatest act of love ever known. It is good because God is good and He loves us and we I pray in the name of Jesus that we love him, for it is all God, A-men.
True Comfort
We look for comfort in so many places, yet it is hard to find the peace we need to feel convertible. Arthur Pink is one the best Christian writers of all time. Do read this passage and pray for our continued progress in the Lord:
COMFORT FOR CHRISTIANS
Introduction
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The work unto which the servant of Christ is called is many-sided. Not only is he to preach the Gospel to the unsaved, to feed God's people with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15), and to take up the stumbling stone out of their way (Isa. 57:14), but he is also charged to "cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression" (Isa. 58:1 and cf. 1 Tim. 4:2). While another important part of his commission is stated in, "Comfort ye, My people, said your God" (Isa. 40:1).
What an honorable title, "My people!" What an assuring relationship: "your God!" What a pleasant task: "comfort ye My people!" A threefold reason may be suggested for the duplicating of the charge. First, because sometimes the souls of believers refuse to be comforted (Ps. 77:2), and the consolation needs to be repeated. Second, to press this duty the more emphatically upon the preacher's heart, that he need not be sparing in administering cheer. Third, to assure us how heartily desirous God himself is that His people should be of good cheer (Phil. 4:4).
God has a "people," the objects of His special favour: a company whom He has taken into such intimate relationship unto Himself that He calls them "My people." Often they are disconsolate: because of their natural corruption's, the temptations of Satan, the cruel treatment of the world, the low state of Christ’s cause upon earth. The "God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3) is very tender of them, and it is His revealed will that His servants should bind up the broken-hearted and pour the balm of Gilead into their wounds. What cause have we to exclaim "Who is a God like unto Thee!" (Micah 7:18), who has provided for the comfort of those who were rebels against His government and transgressors of His Law.
May it please Him to use His Word as expounded in this book to speak peace to afflicted souls today, and the glory shall be His alone.
—A. W. Pink, 1952
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMFORT FOR CHRISTIANS
Introduction
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The work unto which the servant of Christ is called is many-sided. Not only is he to preach the Gospel to the unsaved, to feed God's people with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15), and to take up the stumbling stone out of their way (Isa. 57:14), but he is also charged to "cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression" (Isa. 58:1 and cf. 1 Tim. 4:2). While another important part of his commission is stated in, "Comfort ye, My people, said your God" (Isa. 40:1).
What an honorable title, "My people!" What an assuring relationship: "your God!" What a pleasant task: "comfort ye My people!" A threefold reason may be suggested for the duplicating of the charge. First, because sometimes the souls of believers refuse to be comforted (Ps. 77:2), and the consolation needs to be repeated. Second, to press this duty the more emphatically upon the preacher's heart, that he need not be sparing in administering cheer. Third, to assure us how heartily desirous God himself is that His people should be of good cheer (Phil. 4:4).
God has a "people," the objects of His special favour: a company whom He has taken into such intimate relationship unto Himself that He calls them "My people." Often they are disconsolate: because of their natural corruption's, the temptations of Satan, the cruel treatment of the world, the low state of Christ’s cause upon earth. The "God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3) is very tender of them, and it is His revealed will that His servants should bind up the broken-hearted and pour the balm of Gilead into their wounds. What cause have we to exclaim "Who is a God like unto Thee!" (Micah 7:18), who has provided for the comfort of those who were rebels against His government and transgressors of His Law.
May it please Him to use His Word as expounded in this book to speak peace to afflicted souls today, and the glory shall be His alone.
—A. W. Pink, 1952
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Devotion: Blessed is the Lord
Prayer: Oh Lord our God, we humble ourselves completely unto thy power. Forgive us of all sin as we forgive all in the name of Jesus.
We thank you for all blessings and the gift of salvation. We pray for all people. We ask that you continue to bless our members all over the world. We pray for love, peace and joy to ring in our hearts, minds and souls.
Lord, we praise you today. We magnify Thy Holy Name. In Jesus name we continue to pray. A-men.
Song: Blessed is The Rock
Blessed be the Rock of my salvation,
Blessed be the Rock of my salvation,
For the Lord is on my side,
And He's made His victory mine
Blessed be the Rock of my salvation,
Blessed be the Rock,
Blessed be the Rock,
Blessed be the Rock,
Blessed be the Rock,
Blessed be the Rock of my salvation
Praise God for whom all Blessings...A-men
We thank you for all blessings and the gift of salvation. We pray for all people. We ask that you continue to bless our members all over the world. We pray for love, peace and joy to ring in our hearts, minds and souls.
Lord, we praise you today. We magnify Thy Holy Name. In Jesus name we continue to pray. A-men.
Song: Blessed is The Rock
Blessed be the Rock of my salvation,
Blessed be the Rock of my salvation,
For the Lord is on my side,
And He's made His victory mine
Blessed be the Rock of my salvation,
Blessed be the Rock,
Blessed be the Rock,
Blessed be the Rock,
Blessed be the Rock,
Blessed be the Rock of my salvation
Praise God for whom all Blessings...A-men
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Bible Study: Being Thankful
A Reason For Reading, Level I: The Ten Lepers
By Concerned Group
Discover the key to reading success with values-based stories that make reading FUN! Little Books help teach kids powerful reading strategies that lead to success. NOTE: Levels in Reading reflect student ability, not grade level!
In The Ten Lepers Jesus heals ten men, but only one returns to thank him. Level I. 24 pages.
Search: Title Author/Artist ISBN CBD Stock # Keywords Publisher
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers
To Remember: We all have a lot to be thankful for.
Vocabulary
leper: a person with an incurable, contagious disease that attacks the whole body
Lesson
Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
Leprosy was a feared and horrible disease, and still is. To this day, it is still predominately incurable. Because it was easy to catch, lepers were not allowed in the city, and were not allowed to approach others. That is why these ten lepers kept their distance and called out to Jesus. These lepers were, in all, a good bunch. They were obeying the laws: they stayed out of the city and did not approach Jesus or his followers. They believed in Jesus' ability to heal. They obeyed Jesus without question when he told them to go to the priests, even before they were healed.*
*Leviticus 13 explains how leprosy was handled under Moses' law. The priests were the men who decided whether leprosy was contagious or not. The priests had the power to declare these men healed and clean.
So these men were respectful, obedient, and trusting. What they weren't was thankful. Only one of the men, when they learned they were healed, was grateful enough to return and praise Jesus. Do you think he was the only one that was happy? I doubt it. Do you think it was easy for him to be the only one to return to Jesus? Probably not. He wanted to be declared clean by the priests so he could return to his family, his job and his friends. But he was thankful enough to stop right then and thank Jesus and praise God for this wonderful gift.
Discussion: What excuses could the other nine have given for not returning and thanking Jesus?
But he told us to go to the priests - we're only doing what he said!
He's God, he knows I'm grateful.
I have so many things to do now that I can be a normal person again! I'll thank Him later.
Do we often make excuses for not thanking God? What excuses do men make today for not thanking God?
I'm obeying God - so he owes me these blessings.
God knows my prayers before I offer them. Why should I have to tell him?
I'm very busy right now, I'll thank him later.
I hurting so much because of ________. Why is he not helping me?
God didn't do that for me, it was: my hard work, nature, my friend, luck.
Discussion: How are we to thank God? For what? Why? Study the verses on the worksheet and discuss their application to our lives.
Worksheet: Be Ye Thankful
Sing:I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy
Craft:
Make a thank you card to God. Fully thank him for one blessing and what it means to you.
Make a mural of blessings that the church provides for the students. Display the mural where the congregation can see it.
Activity:
Musical blessings
Around the room: Have students stand in a circle. Have the first student say one thing they are thankful for. Have the next person repeat the first and add a second. Continue around the room until everyone has added two or the group can't continue.
Worksheet: I'm Thankful For...
True or False
God wants us to thank him once a year in November. F
Some days may go by without anything to thank God for. F
God appreciates our praise even when he already knows we're thankful. T
There is more than one way to thank God. T
God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. T
Memory Work:
1 Thess. 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Psalm 138:1 "I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise."
Review Questions for gameboard
linguistic questions
Name four blessings that start with the letter T.
Unscramble this word: frunatelug
Recite the memory verse.
activity questions
Draw a blessing for which you are thankful.
Put together a puzzle made from the picture of the leper.
Turn to the person next to you and thank them for something.
emotion questions
How can we cheer ourselves up when we are disappointed, discouraged, or upset? (count our blessings)
How do you feel when you do something nice for someone and are not thanked?
How must God feel when we are not appreciate of his gifts?
What kind of relationship does God want with us?
application questions
Can we be obedient without being thankful? (2 Cor. 9:7)
Read Romans 1:28-31. Can we be pleasing to God without being thankful?
Read Phil 4:6. Thankfulness can bring us _____________.
fact questions
How many lepers returned to thank Jesus?
Was the thankful leper a Jew?
What did the other lepers do that was right?
review questions
Who else can we show our gratefulness to?
Name three reasons why the healed lepers would be grateful. (healed from a fatal illness, can live inside the city, can be with their families and friends again, can worship God in the temple again...)
Are ungrateful people happy? How can we be happy?
Share your ideas!
By Concerned Group
Discover the key to reading success with values-based stories that make reading FUN! Little Books help teach kids powerful reading strategies that lead to success. NOTE: Levels in Reading reflect student ability, not grade level!
In The Ten Lepers Jesus heals ten men, but only one returns to thank him. Level I. 24 pages.
Search: Title Author/Artist ISBN CBD Stock # Keywords Publisher
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers
To Remember: We all have a lot to be thankful for.
Vocabulary
leper: a person with an incurable, contagious disease that attacks the whole body
Lesson
Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
Leprosy was a feared and horrible disease, and still is. To this day, it is still predominately incurable. Because it was easy to catch, lepers were not allowed in the city, and were not allowed to approach others. That is why these ten lepers kept their distance and called out to Jesus. These lepers were, in all, a good bunch. They were obeying the laws: they stayed out of the city and did not approach Jesus or his followers. They believed in Jesus' ability to heal. They obeyed Jesus without question when he told them to go to the priests, even before they were healed.*
*Leviticus 13 explains how leprosy was handled under Moses' law. The priests were the men who decided whether leprosy was contagious or not. The priests had the power to declare these men healed and clean.
So these men were respectful, obedient, and trusting. What they weren't was thankful. Only one of the men, when they learned they were healed, was grateful enough to return and praise Jesus. Do you think he was the only one that was happy? I doubt it. Do you think it was easy for him to be the only one to return to Jesus? Probably not. He wanted to be declared clean by the priests so he could return to his family, his job and his friends. But he was thankful enough to stop right then and thank Jesus and praise God for this wonderful gift.
Discussion: What excuses could the other nine have given for not returning and thanking Jesus?
But he told us to go to the priests - we're only doing what he said!
He's God, he knows I'm grateful.
I have so many things to do now that I can be a normal person again! I'll thank Him later.
Do we often make excuses for not thanking God? What excuses do men make today for not thanking God?
I'm obeying God - so he owes me these blessings.
God knows my prayers before I offer them. Why should I have to tell him?
I'm very busy right now, I'll thank him later.
I hurting so much because of ________. Why is he not helping me?
God didn't do that for me, it was: my hard work, nature, my friend, luck.
Discussion: How are we to thank God? For what? Why? Study the verses on the worksheet and discuss their application to our lives.
Worksheet: Be Ye Thankful
Sing:I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy
Craft:
Make a thank you card to God. Fully thank him for one blessing and what it means to you.
Make a mural of blessings that the church provides for the students. Display the mural where the congregation can see it.
Activity:
Musical blessings
Around the room: Have students stand in a circle. Have the first student say one thing they are thankful for. Have the next person repeat the first and add a second. Continue around the room until everyone has added two or the group can't continue.
Worksheet: I'm Thankful For...
True or False
God wants us to thank him once a year in November. F
Some days may go by without anything to thank God for. F
God appreciates our praise even when he already knows we're thankful. T
There is more than one way to thank God. T
God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. T
Memory Work:
1 Thess. 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Psalm 138:1 "I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise."
Review Questions for gameboard
linguistic questions
Name four blessings that start with the letter T.
Unscramble this word: frunatelug
Recite the memory verse.
activity questions
Draw a blessing for which you are thankful.
Put together a puzzle made from the picture of the leper.
Turn to the person next to you and thank them for something.
emotion questions
How can we cheer ourselves up when we are disappointed, discouraged, or upset? (count our blessings)
How do you feel when you do something nice for someone and are not thanked?
How must God feel when we are not appreciate of his gifts?
What kind of relationship does God want with us?
application questions
Can we be obedient without being thankful? (2 Cor. 9:7)
Read Romans 1:28-31. Can we be pleasing to God without being thankful?
Read Phil 4:6. Thankfulness can bring us _____________.
fact questions
How many lepers returned to thank Jesus?
Was the thankful leper a Jew?
What did the other lepers do that was right?
review questions
Who else can we show our gratefulness to?
Name three reasons why the healed lepers would be grateful. (healed from a fatal illness, can live inside the city, can be with their families and friends again, can worship God in the temple again...)
Are ungrateful people happy? How can we be happy?
Share your ideas!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Prayer Time
The Lord's Prayer Words
(traditional)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen
(King James Bible AD 1611
(traditional)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen
(King James Bible AD 1611
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Sermon: The Goodness of God
Prayer: Almighty God, we praise Thee in Thy Full Glory found in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit A-men.
Sermon:The Goodness of God may be found in the following scripture.
Text
Luke 18:18-23 (with the context of vss. 24-30 also)
[18] A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
[19] "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good -- except God alone. [20] You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
[21] "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
[23] When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
[24] Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! [25] Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
[26] Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
[27] Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
[28] Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
[29] "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God [30] will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.
We Praise God and Thank God for you. We pray in Jesus name that these words are indeed a blessing for all people. The story of The Rich young ruler is one of profound meaning to us all. The rich man loved Jesus. He also wanted to follow him as well. He called Jesus good. Jesus said that only God is Good.
The rich man had all that money could buy. He also followed the laws as well. Jesus said give all that you have to the poor and follow me. The ruler simply walked away sadly with his money.
We have a choice today. To follow Jesus or walk away and be sad. God is good. He loves us so much.
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, so that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Yes we must follow Jesus today. We must follow Him to the cross so that we may live forever in His Love and Joy.
Early one Sunday morning, because of The Goodness of God, Jesus rose up with all power,honor and glory.We praise God today for His Goodness. We Praise God for His Love, All in Christ Jesus we pray for the Goodness of God all in Christ Jesus we pray.
Sermon:The Goodness of God may be found in the following scripture.
Text
Luke 18:18-23 (with the context of vss. 24-30 also)
[18] A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
[19] "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good -- except God alone. [20] You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
[21] "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
[23] When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
[24] Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! [25] Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
[26] Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
[27] Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
[28] Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
[29] "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God [30] will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.
We Praise God and Thank God for you. We pray in Jesus name that these words are indeed a blessing for all people. The story of The Rich young ruler is one of profound meaning to us all. The rich man loved Jesus. He also wanted to follow him as well. He called Jesus good. Jesus said that only God is Good.
The rich man had all that money could buy. He also followed the laws as well. Jesus said give all that you have to the poor and follow me. The ruler simply walked away sadly with his money.
We have a choice today. To follow Jesus or walk away and be sad. God is good. He loves us so much.
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, so that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Yes we must follow Jesus today. We must follow Him to the cross so that we may live forever in His Love and Joy.
Early one Sunday morning, because of The Goodness of God, Jesus rose up with all power,honor and glory.We praise God today for His Goodness. We Praise God for His Love, All in Christ Jesus we pray for the Goodness of God all in Christ Jesus we pray.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Convocation: The Throne of God
A convocation is typically an assembly of people who physically meet. Our convocation has been re-invented to gather spiritually around a concept. We Thank God and Praise God for you and your Love and Joy of Jesus.Each day we see the media gather around the world leaders who discuss some issue that is a real problem.
Our convocation wants to take a different approach. We will surround ourselves around, "The Throne of God." We also will get a glimpse of heaven in the process. Our citizenship is truly that of heaven. We pray for all people and ask God to bless us all in the name and joy of Jesus.
Please read our scripture for life to further understand our true focus:
Revelation 4
The Throne in Heaven
1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
Footnotes:
a.Revelation 4:5 Or the sevenfold Spirit
New International Version (NIV)
Our convocation wants to take a different approach. We will surround ourselves around, "The Throne of God." We also will get a glimpse of heaven in the process. Our citizenship is truly that of heaven. We pray for all people and ask God to bless us all in the name and joy of Jesus.
Please read our scripture for life to further understand our true focus:
Revelation 4
The Throne in Heaven
1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
Footnotes:
a.Revelation 4:5 Or the sevenfold Spirit
New International Version (NIV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
Scripture: Psalm 100 (New International Version) Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks. 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worsh... -
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,...