God has really been impressing on my heart over the past few weeks that he wants a people whose hearts offer up everything (Mat 22:37) that they are in worship to him (Jn 4:23-24). This worship is not meant to be just in the quiet times, during praise and worship, or a certain time of the day, but an attitude that we have all the time (Heb 13:15). We are to be living sacrifices offered holy and acceptable to him who called us (Rom 12:1).
Just as God who called us is holy, so we also should also be holy, see Holiness (1 Pe 1:16). Holiness is literally giving everything over, even to destruction, it is not about trying to live a pure life, or living right, it is much more than that (1 Pe 2:5).
I want you to remember the word everything, it will recur frequently in this message and it is probably one of the most important descriptions of how we are meant to live for God.
For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son (Jn 3:16). He gave everything. The fact that he sent his son is significant, prophetic and full of faith. God is always full of faith because he is faithful. If we are to be a faithful people we need to learn to give everything that we are every day.
We know of Abram who became the father of many nations (Gen 17:5), he believed God, reckoned that God was not a liar and because he trusted God he was approved and considered righteous because God himself accredited this righteousness to him. This righteousness was a gift and it was not earned, he merely chose to believe God and not even withhold his only begotten son from God.
Now it is clear that if a father has a son often the hope, aspirations, characteristics and future plans are within that offspring. In regards to Abraham, it was clear that all the promises of God would actually be in Abraham’s son. We often hear that we should give all our negative things to God as we surrender to him, our sin, our hurt, our past, but what about the beautiful things? What about the lovely things that we have in our lives and in our heart? But in reality God wants everything. We are often told that we should hold on to promises of God. But even though I understand that sentiment, this is incorrect. We should never hold on to anything but Jesus Christ.
We know that those who have been forgiven much love much, but do you know what that is? They love much because they have received much. The way to receive much is to be empty. If we have not given everything to God then even though he has given us all things we can only obtain where there is room to receive him.
Abraham knew God. He knew that listening to God’s voice was crucial for his future prosperity and life itself. It was not about merely knowing the promises of God (Gen 17:2-9). If is was then he would not have been willing to sacrifice his son Isaac because the promises of God were through his own son (Gen 17:19). Abraham realised that he had to be sensitive to the voice of God and have a relationship with him. He knew that he had to be empty of his own ideas and willing surrender his will to God and believe that God had the power to fulfil his purposes through, even though he was just an ordinary man. So when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son (Gen 22:2), he did not struggle with what God was going to do. He trusted God’s character and even though he didn’t understand fully what God would do prophetically declared that God would provide a lamb (Gen 17:19). Yet Abraham was flexible enough to hear God at the right time and not to sacrifice his son. Timing and flexibility are all important. Many of our religious mindsets would have convinced us that the enemy was trying to thwart God’s plans and killed Isaac if we were in Abrahams shoes.
God wants all of our hearts. So that we can hear clearly. Receive abundantly and walk in freedom as we follow the Lord Jesus. Because Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, and all the promises and future in God, he was able to receive much more than he ever imagined. Because Abraham offered up his son (Gen 22:16), God later offered his own son as a sacrifice . God expects us to give everything because he gave everything. God wants us to be full of faith because he is. If we lose our lives we will save it (Mt 16:25).
What is in your heart today? It doesn’t matter what it is, are you willing to surrender it up to God and let it go. It is fear, hurt, anger, abuse or is it something you consider beautiful, a relationship, a dream or something you believe you cannot live without? Whatever it is, if you give it up God will give you more, much more, as you listen to him.
Have you lost direction, are you confused? God knows that the enemy loves to torment his creation. The enemy can use whatever is in our hearts that is not God himself. Whatever bread we are feeding on, that is not God, will never sustain us. The enemy often uses the very promises of God to lead people astray, that is why the enemy knows the word of God so well. He even tried to use the promises of God to lead Jesus astray, but Jesus had a heart full of pleasing the father. Because Jesus surrendered everything to God and trusted his father in everything, everything he did revolved around listening to him and doing what he saw his father do.
If we give everything, we can receive everything. Do you want more of God, let go of everything that you have in your heart. So that you can have the fullness of God himself. Remember if you want everything then give everything, do not hold onto anything as it will decay like the manna in the wilderness and corrupt you. Come clean to God everyday, knowing that his mercies are new every morning and great is his faithfulness.
It should be noted that to give everything that you have in your heart means to love God and let go of things in your heart and mind that either limit your relationship with God or you feel you cannot live without. God should be first in everything. It doesn’t mean to empty yourself of your personality, or empty your mind in a passive sense on similar lines to eastern philosophy.
We are meant to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. God is the author of life itself and everything good and perfect thing was made by him. If we seek him and his kingdom first, he promises to reward those who seek him and give us everything we need. Trust him and give him everything.
Have you ever met someone who acted as if they have a God appointed mandate to point out the faults, errors and inconsistencies in the lives of others? Many of these fault finding characters seem to especially criticise those who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of these critical people are actually Christians, but seem to have forgotten the basics of the gospel when they do this, as it is clear in scripture that we are not to judge, or we will be judged (Mt 7:1-2) .
If anyone had a right to judge anyone it was Jesus Christ, he was fully God incarnate, in the flesh, but laid aside his power and lived as a normal man (Phil 2:6-7). But he did not judge using his own righteousness, his intellectual knowledge, experiences or perception, he surrendered his mind, will and heart to his heavenly father and listened to Him in regards to judgement (Jn 5:30). He waited on his father and only did and said what his father told him. So when he spoke, although he was God he spoke as his father led him. Jesus was so perfectly surrendered to God’s will that if you saw Jesus you saw God (Jn 14:7-8). Jesus did not rely upon his divine power, he had to learn obedience (Heb 5:8). In the same way we have to learn obedience if we are to follow after God. Jesus laid down his right to judge, his right to be worshipped and to be treated as king. Instead he humbled himself and became like a servant (Phil 2:5-7). Jesus taught about trusting in the goodness of God and that by faith we should let God direct our lives.
Jesus instructed us to deal with the greater problem of ourselves first, before we even attempted to deal with our brothers (Mt 7:5). Jesus was often slandered by those who opposed of his ministry and the influence he had on people (Mt 21:46). He was slandered as a drunkard, and someone who only had friends amongst the ungodly sinners (Mt 11:19). Jesus called the religious leaders hypocrites because they did not live what they preached and would often prevent others from actually finding God through their interpretation of scripture and generational traditions. The religious gatherings would often consist of scriptural arguments about what was or was not the truth and whether God approved of a particular situation or not. Some of the Pharisees were so focused upon their own traditional interpretation of scripture that they even accused Jesus of being demon possessed and not using the power of God (Mt 9:34). Jesus often shared story’s with the common people, which illustrated hypocrisy. Many of the spiritual leaders were proud and arrogant so instead of these truths producing repentance, they felt humiliation because the Pharisees not accept the truth, that their hearts were not dedicated to God, but themselves. Everything Jesus did was through following what his heavenly father showed him. Jesus was innocent, but rather than responding with indignance he did not judge, but held his peace. He did not come to promote, defend, or justify himself or his teachings. He spoke as he was led by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said that he came not to condemn the world but to save it. But some people who claim to be his followers seem to spend most of their time condemning others rather than loving one another (1 Jn 4:7-8) and sharing the gospel. It is important to remember the gospel means good news, not bad news. So the good news is – even though the whole world is condemned because we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s holiness (Rom 3:23), God sent his only son, that if we believe in Him we would not be destroyed with the ungodly but who have life in Jesus Christ. Even though the world is full of all kinds of evil behaviour which gets worse generation after generation, we have a saviour who can break that curse in your life and bless you and your family for 1000 generations (Ex 20:6).
We have a way to forgiveness, healing, restoration and new life in God if we surrender to the will of God and believe in the death and physical resurrection of his son who lived a holy life in our place and died in our place too. Jesus said that the words he spoke are spirit and life. He also said that we are clean when we hear his words. When we accept scripture and Gods spirit we want to remain clean. Jesus also explained that the things that come out of us defile us, such as words. James speaking through the inspiration of the holy spirit says that if we cannot control our tongue then our religion is worthless and that it is ignited by hell itself (James 3:6).
Accusations are a characteristic of satan himself (Rev 12:10). Isaiah declared that the kind of people God desires are those who do away with a pointing finger and malicious talk (Isa 58:9). But he also gave a promise to those who repent, that we will become like a well watered garden whose spring waters never fail (Isa 58:11). If we want to be oaks of righteousness and bring life to those who would shelter under our branches then we need to remind ourselves the Jesus is the vine and we must remain in him in order to bear much fruit. Next time you say you are speaking the truth in love, ask yourself, if Jesus moved heaven and earth to redeem the lost and set the captive free, what are you doing. If Jesus died and suffered that people might have a chance to see the truth, what are you willing to do to let people know you love them. If Jesus forgave Peter who denied Him 3 times and then allowed him to be a leader in the church, ask yourself, will you forgive your brother as Jesus did.
Miracle of man being instantly healed of cancer in leg
Please be aware that the following videos may not be suitable for younger viewers and discretion is required
Have you ever heard of a miracle? Have you ever seen a miracle? Often, if people say yes they will describe something like a “Lucky Escape”, or the birth of their baby, and even though these can be classed a miracles, I am specifically talking about miracles of biblical proportions. These miracles that I am talking about can be described as events that seem to defy natural laws of physics, the blind seeing, the lame walking or being instantly cured by a deadly disease such as cancer. Do you even believe in such miracles?
The following video shows a man named TB Joshua who is based in Nigeria, ministering to a man who has cancer of the leg and cannot walk. What you will see in the apparent bursting of the cancer through the skin, melting and then pouring onto the floor. The man can now run about and says he is healed by the power of Jesus Christ.
Whether you believe in God or not the question of miracles is a huge one. Will you believe they are hoaxes, or will you leave room for the possibility that you do not know everything and it could be a miracle? Do you believe such things are fairy tales, do you deny the existence of God and mock anyone who professes to believe? Do you believe in God but deny God’s power or consider that God does not do such things as described in the bible, or if he ever did, does so no longer?
Lets start with people who do not believe in God. Maybe these people assert that they are self-sufficient and do not need to use God as a crutch. Possibly they brag about their intelligence and their ability to see how foolish believing in God could ever be? Maybe there are others who are not sure if they believe a God, or definitely do believe but the idea of miracles frightens them, or they may consider that these are miracles performed by Satan and evil is at work being manifested and reject miracles or anything supernatural as not being from God?
But what about someone being raised from the dead? This is an actual video of a man that was claimed to have died. You will witness an apparent dead man laying on the ground with eyes wide open and then a doctor performs chest compressions on the man. It is interesting to note that chest compressions usually break ribs and if a patient is not dead prolonged chest compressions would probably kill them anyway. This video is an edited version as the event lasts over a period over several hours. The man is eventually removed and prayed for in the name of Jesus Christ. The man appears to be raised from the dead and numerous witnesses testify of this miracle.
The church of Jesus Christ has in some instances become far too clinical and middle class in it approach to some things. This results in certain people not being reached because of embarrassment. Jesus healed the lepers, the unclean and performed some unusual miracles even using spittle (Jn 9:3-11), if that was done today, many people would complain and say it was not of God. The Apostles also healed beggars and associated with the lowly. The bible also tells us that special or unusual miracles were done by Paul the Apostle through the power of God (Acts 19:11). The whole point of a miracle is to show the power of God, to humble us and led us towards knowing him to the glory of God. We all need to learn that God can do the impossible and he meets everyone where they are, what ever need they has as they cry out to him in faith.
This next miracle is of a woman who was having problems with her pregnancy and came to be prayed for in the name of Jesus. God can deal with problems so easily when we come to him in a childlike faith, and she very quickly delivers her baby in the church meeting through the power of God.
The videos are for illustration purposes, to promote the discussion. This discussion is not about the minister to decide what he believes, neither is the authenticity of the video asserted because the author was not present. However, this author personally believes the videos are genuine, based upon the experience of other miracles he has personally witnessed in the name and power of Jesus Christ.
Tags: baby, believing in god, bible, biblical proportions, cancer, crutch, deadly disease, existence of god, God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Joshua, laws of physics, leg, lucky escape, man, Miracle, miracles, name, Nigeria, Paul, power, video
Would you argue with God? If you are a believer, or a religious person your initial response maybe something like, of course not, he is God! If you are a so called agnostic, backslider or pagan you may freely admit to all kinds of arguments, complaints, and issues that you have with God. However, if we are honest, we have all argued with God at some point in our lives because we generally believe that our knowledge, experiences and perceptions identify truth. We may not say it this way, but we often try and persuade God to see it from our point of view. If things do not happen as we expect then we can lose heart, become wounded (Pr 13:12), angry, compromise or eventually give way to negative thoughts and maybe even abandon faith.
This is the problem with the sinful nature, we all think we know better than God. Even, if you have a heart that desires to know God, there will be times when you will battle with what God says in his word, as we all initially struggle in depending upon our own reason and abilities. The problem with the old nature is that we all have a tendency to think independently from God and if we want to follow him, we have to learn to surrender to him in faith. When we submit to what God says we begin to know what he thinks like, believe in Him and eventually become like him by the power of Gods spirit.
Now, if you know your bible you will know that it says in scripture that those born of God’s spirit are a new creation and the old nature has been put to death, including it’s desires. But people, born again, still strive to become this new nature God says we already are. Why? Simple, scripture tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation takes place as we receive and believe the word of God. Jesus Christ is the living word of God. Those who received Jesus, and those who believed upon his name, God gave them a right to become sons of God. This child of God is literally the resurrected Jesus Christ living though a surrendered believer. It is significant to be a son because a son has special rights, especially in regards to an inheritance. So everyone who believes has the potential to receive all the riches of Gods kingdom, regardless of Gender. We can do everything that Jesus did, because when he died he gave his kingdom to those who believe.
Being renewed in the mind through the word of God means much more than thinking and reasoning in the intellect. Saving faith is not in the mind but in the heart and revealed by what is said (Lk 6:45). This faith is a gift of God which is produced through hearing what God is saying and it produces good fruit (Eph 2:8). Metaphorically speaking, seeds always produce fruit. Jesus, explaining the parable of the sower indicated that the problem is not with God not doing his part, it is with the heart of mankind. Whilst it is true that faith comes by hearing the word of God, it is not listening with the reasoning mind that people are saved and transformed, it is with the thoughts of the heart. For as a man thinks in his heart so he is in reality. The christlike mind mentioned here has to do with the thoughts, attitudes and repetitive reflections of the individual. As a person increasingly meditates on God and his word revelation is produced, which is supernatural communication and insight from God. Simon Peter, a disciple of Jesus, received revelation from God that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, no-one told Simon Peter and Jesus said he was blessed because of this special divine impartation. God is much more willing for us all to receive this special knowledge of who he is than we are!
At times we find it so hard to accept the things of God. We can struggle trying to figure things out and forget that these arguments that challenge Gods word are actually dark spiritual strongholds that need to be torn down (2 Cor 10:5). We are in a battle, if we forget this or even don’t believe this, then we become unguarded. The enemy will devour any unguarded heart, just as a lion would seek vulnerable prey and ripe it to pieces (1 Pet 5:8). These dark spiritual forces that wage war against us, and we should quickly learn guard the heart above all things, as the life of God flows through our heart (Pr 4:23). If we purify our hearts through faith (Acts 15:9) then our conversation will reflect God’s kingdom (2 Pe 3:11) and we can be increasingly use to speak on God’s behalf. We can speak prophetically and this is the will of God, to be a witness, as the spirit of Jesus is all about prophecy (Rev 19:10).
When we argue with God, something is wrong. A child believes without question many things that an adult would refuse. This is why the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like a child (Lk 18:16-17).Often difficult experiences and conflicting worldviews crowd out the innocent childlike faith that God wants us all to have towards him, and become unfruitful (Mar 4:19). Adults and even children left to fend for themselves are cynical, opinionated and self-absorbed. Most people have lifestyles of self-protection, self-promotion and are closed to any kind of apparent fairy tale belief that someone can love them totally, without exception and has immeasurable power to change their lives. But the truth is, there is, and you will find it if you seek God’s kingdom with all your heart.
If you think you do not believe God because you have no faith, do you not realise that everyone lives by faith? Every relationship is built on faith and trust, but faith always comes first. From the first crawl, to the first word, it is all about faith. Maybe you do not like the word faith, but faith always works in conjuction with hope. So if you hope in something, there is always an element of faith, always. It all depends on who or what you have faith in. But the greater the hope, the greater the risk. So wisdom causes us to prepare to minimise the risk. This principle works in the world and in the kingdom of God. We have to build a right foundation before we start building our dreams. A doctor, teacher, professor or driving instructor all had to have a foundation to build upon. Even good relationships need a foundation. A wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend or the quality of relationships are usually based on faith, hope, and agreement. These things usually establish strong foundations, and the strength of something is discovered when put under stress. When trouble comes, or the test of character is challenged, a healthy foundation is required to maintain it.
So what do you believe? Do you believe God? Do you believe what he says about you? Are you aware that whoever you are, you were bought for a price? You are no longer your own. You have never been your own! Which foundation are you going to trust in? If you build on the word of God your life will stand firm through trials of life, but if you build upon anything else, the house you build will fall in times of trouble.
The scriptures tell us that a fool says, in his heart, there is no God (Ps 53:1). It also says that Jesus is a hope that will never disappoint (Rom 5:5). You can put your trust in him and also rely upon him. The word of God is truth, not just true and if you follow it and apply it to your life regardless of your experiences, you will be increasingly established (Col 2:7). Because if you rely on God’s word, you are relying on God himself (1 Jn 1:1, Jn 1:1). As you renew your mind, and focus on Jesus you will be transformed and you will increasingly refrain from arguing with God (Rom 12:2).
But first you must realize that in the last days some people won’t think about anything except their own selfish desires. They will make fun of you (2Pe 3:3)
These people grumble and complain and live by their own selfish desires. They brag about themselves and flatter others to get what they want. My dear friends, remember the warning you were given by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They told you that near the end of time, selfish and godless people would start making fun of God. (Jud 1:16-18)
Most non-believers forget that all Christians were once unbelievers like themselves. They somehow do not realise that we were also once enemies of God living according to our own desires and living sinful selfish lives. Many believe that Christians are blinded by religion or have been brainwashed by some kind of doctrine or emotional group of people because of weak mindedness. They make fun of us. They also make fun of God.
Unbelievers need to be reminded that we have been totally transformed by God in such a way that we cannot only deny the existence of a living God but that he is active in the lives of men and women to be healed, set free, made right with God and transformed in his likeness. Salvation is found in one person, Jesus Christ, and he is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2). Although we can find salvation immediately, sanctification (being made holy or like God) is a process. Regardless of our present condition or status in life, God will complete his work within us. God is faithful.
I am convinced of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:6)
It is always healthy to be reminded where we have come from as believers, because we shall overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev 12:11). Many unbelievers are unimpressed by us quoting scripture at them and we need to be wise who we share the gospel with (Mat 7:6). Even well meaning Christians argue the word of God and do harm to the people who listen.
Remind others about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to argue over words. Arguing does not do any good but only destroys those who are listening. (2Ti 2:14)
It is much better to learn to listen to the directing of the Holy spirit and speak as he leads. We often forget that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:27). Jesus never did what he thought he should do but only what he saw his father do (John 5:19). Let us press on to the goal that God has set before us and throw off everything that hinders us (Phil 3:14). Let us be real, with God and with people. Let us be honest with ourselves, where we are in God, so we can depend on his mercy and allow him to fill us with his Holy Spirit. We need to remind ourselves that greater is he that is in us than he who is in the world. It is amazing to be reminded that the same spirit which raised Jesus from the dead lives in Spirit filled believers and we have no power to do anything for God without the Holy Spirit. But as we submit and surrender to God on a daily basis he will renew us, empower us to be witnesses, teach us all things and he will give us the new desires of our hearts for his glory.
So as we walk in the light with God, lets count it all joy if we are persecuted, mocked or made fun of, because we know even Jesus suffered in such a way. If we do suffer God will bless us (1 Pet 3:14). Trust the words of the Lord. Do not trust the words of a rebellious or unbelieving person. Remember every unbeliever is exposed to God’s anger and the spirit of disobedience works within them , until they turn and accepts God’s amazing grace and mercy (Eph 2:2). Life and death are in the power of the tongue. So let us speak only life to ourselves and words full of grace seasoned with salt (lavishing the unfathomable favour of God with a hint of the righteousness of God), to people and listen only to the Spirit of life (God’s spirit) and we will in time reap (or bring in) a harvest of righteousness.
Be encouraged, if you are a child of God, you do hear the Spirit of God and you can be sure when it is God because God’s word reveals his character and his spirit leads us into all truth.
It is to him the gatekeeper opens the gate, and it is his voice the sheep hear. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (Jn 10:3)
Whether you believe it or not demons exist, they seek to pervert God’s truth and try to convince us that God is not a all loving, all powerful and merciful God. Test the words of everyone who speaks to you, even your own thoughts. Ask yourself, “Would God say that to me? Everything I know about God’s word, does His character show he like that? If your answer is “no”, then reject those words no matter who it is. Sometimes evil spirits speak to us through others or direct to our minds and we do not even recognise that they are not our own thoughts. Through spending time with God and in his presence and studying his word we will know the difference (Ps 119:105).
We all need to build our lives upon God’s word. The grass withers the flowers fade but the word of God stands forever (Isa 40:8). Those who the son sets free are free indeed. Let us all make it our goal to hear what Jesus is saying to us today filter out lies (2 Cor 10:5) and have revelation of his love, accept His healing and be set free and be blessed!!
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
(Pr 18:21)
The LORD detests the plans of an evil man, but pleasant words are pure.
(Pr 15:26)
Most of us know that words can be very powerful. We have all felt the wounds of malicious words or rumours undermining our character, and accusations of one type or another at some point in our lives. Sometimes the sense of injustice, the pain and the isolation can be overwhelming. Words can destroy a persons belief in themselves or words can encourage someone to reach towards greater things. Words can bring a curse or they can bring a blessing. Through truthful words we receive faith and through lying words we disbelieve and doubt the truth. Words bring life or death.
People love gossip and some people even feed off it (Pr 18:8). It can give a sense of power and even self-righteousness and the untamed lying tongue brings destruction (Rev 22:15) . From a biblical point of view the root word of gossip has been used to describe a talebearer (Psa 31:13), a whisperer (Psa 16:28), someone who defames (Jer 20:10), an evil report and a slanderer, (Eze 36:3). We often excuse talking about other people as harmless and granted there are times when we need to vent our concerns and frustration with trusted friend or family member in confidence. But scripture clearly says that when many words are presence sin isn’t absent. A gossip separates close friends and cannot be trusted because they reveal secrets (Pr 11:13)(Pr 16:28) . The church emphasises sexual immorality, adultery, fornication, and homosexuality as gross sins. But the enemy of our souls laughs when we ignore the destructive power of the tongue. Gossiping, slander and bearing false witness are one of the major strategies of Satan to divide and frustrate the plans of God. He used it to kill the prophets, Jesus and make a martyr of Stephen. Satan used slander to limit the work of the apostles and his tactics have not changed. Words bring life or death.
Satan accuses us before God day and night (Rev 12:10) and those who partake in his nature by slandering and gossiping need to know that is not only of the flesh but comes from hell itself. It defiles us and separates us and grieves the holy spirit because it is contrary to his nature.
And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
(Jas 3:6)
A wicked person listens to malicious talk; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
(Pr 17:4)
The word of God goes even further and says:
If anyone thinks he is religious, without controlling his tongue but deceiving his heart, his religion is useless.
(Jas 1:26)
The tongue can easily defile and corrupt us. It can prevents the flow of the holy spirit in our lives. It can divide and it can destroy God’s work. Jesus is the word of God and Satan desires to mock God, even through his own people who do not heed the warning of scripture. God wants our speech to be wholesome, prophetic, full of praise, edifying, encouraging, with a heart of worship. For God desires a people who worship him in spirit and in truth. Gossip is destructive and creates conflict inside and out. God wants us to be at peace with all men as far as we are able so that the bond of unity can be maintained. For we all know that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
If we truly love God and his son Jesus Christ we need to truly recognise that fellow believers are part of his body and we need to learn to love each other as God loves us. But as a believer we need to recognise that we should not rely upon our own strength and ability to love, because even unbelievers love there own. We are to allow the love of God to flow through us (Mt 5:47). As a believer we even are commanded to love our enemies (Lk 6:27). As we have been loved we are to love. As we have been forgiven we need to continually forgive because God forgave us (Lk 17:4). We need to bless and not curse (Lk 6:28). We need change the way we think and grasp how much we are to love one another. It should be in such a deep way that we treat other other believers as if they were Jesus (Mat 25:40).
We may have failed God so much but we can come to him humbly, because he is merciful. Let us as ask God to purify us in the blood of Jesus and be holy as he is holy, that we might truly see him as he is and be used for his glory (2 Ti 2:21). Let us show mercy and kindness to each other and to those who do not know him because we know Jesus who set us free.
Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives …her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ when the LORD has not spoken (Eze 22:27-30).
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit” (Mt 7:15-17).
At times scripture create strong images and metaphors, the idea of wolves among innocent lambs is certainly one of them. God clearly warns us to beware of people with bad characters, people who live contrary to Gods will because the company we choose effects our own characters. Our character effects how we live, who we relate to and what we believe. But God also warns us against people who seemingly appear to be gentle, innocent, truthful and trustworthy but inside are aggressive, impure, liars and untrustworthy (Acts 20:29). These people are bent on destruction and destroy their own lives and anyone who would follow them. They entrap weak, vulnerable people and enslave them. The bible warn us about false prophets and teachers who lead people away from the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ by introducing or taking away truths from scripture. We need to be on our guard.
It maybe surprising but scripture tells is there are people who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ who are not sincere (Phil 1:17). Some people live their lives and even build ministries out of selfish motives like, greed, power, self-righteousness and not pure devotion to God. God knows the hearts of men and prunes people like a gardener would prune a fruit plant in order to train it, cut away broken or bad branches and to make it fruitful, strong and useful again (Jn 15:1-2). God is very patient and takes his time to ensure that people have room to change their ways, before judgement comes. God is a very kind and loving God and wants everyone to repent and wake up and see his truth, love and provison through knowing Jesus his son. But there are people who have turned away from God or who preach another gospel which bars the way to salvation, and ultimately terrible judgement, as a gardener would cast a plant which produces bad fruits into the fire (Jn 15:6).
The bible clearly exhorts us to merely look at the fruit of peoples lives and character (Mt 7:16). However, some people go beyond this and make wild judgements about individuals, quote scripture aggressively with a means to control or declare a false prophetic utterance to entrap. This even happens within Christian denominations who argue against other ministers, ministries or whole Christian Communities. So what is the simple answer? How do we judge rightly and become safe from those wolves? We need to be like Jesus, learn where he got his security from and how he dealt with wolves that surround him because Jesus himself was a lamb (Jn 1:29).
What is Jesus like in scripture? He is gentle, innocent, loving, truthful and pure. We need to know him. We need to know his character. We need to recognise that his character and nature is the same as his heavenly father, God. Jesus said if we see him then we have seen his father (Jn 14:7). We need to recognise that those who love him become like him. Jesus always glorified his father. Jesus was always merciful to those who sincerely sought after him in faith (Jn 6:37). Jesus was compassionate and provided for those in need (Mt 15:36). Jesus was angry with the religious people of the day, some of the Pharisees, Saducees & scribes, because they made so many rules and acted so self-righteously that they made it too hard for people to find God. Jesus was never harsh with people unless they were self-righteous (Mt 23:29). Jesus did not prevent or speak out against other ministries as long as they were for him (Luke 9:50). Jesus loved peace. Jesus loved unity, he knew it was crucial for victory and to be established (Luke 11:17). Jesus removed people from bondage and empowered his followers to do the same (Mk 3:15) . Jesus loved freedom. It says in scripture that his nature was that he would not crush a bruised reed nor put out a smouldering wick, which showed his gentleness, patience, mercy and love (Mt 12:20). Jesus was God in human form, but had an attitude of a servant.
To love God is to obey him. As we love God we will be increasingly more like Jesus. As we are more like Jesus we will find the source of his strength, power, wisdom and love.As we trust God we will be protected from these wolves. We need to make ourselves of no reputation, and take upon the form of a servant (Phil 2:7). We need to love people and make sure we are not a wolf.
Jesus knew more about the kingdom of God than anyone but did not crush those with weak faith but rather encouraged them. Jesus gave himself to others. Jesus laid down his life and taught others who followed him to do the same things (Galatians 2:20). The church, which means called out ones, has the life of Jesus Christ within each believer through the Holy Spirit and we recognise his sheep through this good fruit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Gal 5:22-23).
We need know where the sheep are and spend time with them. If we have become, and continue to be followers of Jesus Christ, we will know those who follow Jesus, not just by their doctrine but their very nature and how they treat one another. Love is how we know a follower of Jesus, (Jn 13:35). Love has nothing to do with fear and perfect love destroys fear (1 Jn 4:18). If we have love for one another and forgive each other just as Jesus Christ forgave us, then we know that God is our protector (Rom 8:31-39). If we focus on Jesus we will love in peace (Isa 26:3). Those who know God do not need to fear, because as they experience this amazing love, faith will replace the fear as we trust him. As we know God and become more mature then we will no longer be little children, tossed like waves and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, or by clever strategies that would lead us astray (Eph 4:14).
Jesus is real and can touch every part of our lives if we let him. He is God and nothing is impossible for him or too hard (Mt 19:26). All he requires from you is a willing heart to receive, and an ear to hear.
We need each other. Jesus has ordained that his people influence this world and other believers through loving each other, as he loved us. In fact the world will know his people have genuinely found God when his people truly love, in a real, non-religious way (Jn 13:35). Jesus clearly pointed out that if we do not love we have neither known God nor seen him.
Do you recognise the body of Jesus. Are you functioning in a way that would love and bless his people or are you living for yourself and concerned only with your own problems? Or are you living for your religion, church activities or ministry but not concerned about the hurting people around you?
When breaking bread we are told that we should recognise the body and the blood of the Lord Jesus or we will be judged, we are to eat bread and wine in remembrance of him. Now, many people think this is just a sacrament and take the bread and the blood and imagine the broken body of Jesus and are rightfully thankful. But God wants something more than that and in a real way to apply it to our lives.
Believers are his body and if we do not apply forgiveness to each other and love each other by applying the blood to one another then we are not recognising the blood’s power or its purpose and we are not recognising the place all believers have in Jesus’s body. Unity comes through recognising the body and applying the blood of the Lord.
If we do not recognise each other in Jesus then we are in danger of coming under judgement. We warned to recognise the body and the blood of the Lord when taking the bread and the wine.
So don’t be like the man who was forgiven much and then beat his servants and those who owed him money and was cast out to the tormentors when his Lord found out. Recognise that the blood of Jesus is not only to be applied to your own sin so Jesus can forgive you but also for you to apply it to others who sin against you. We forgive so that we might also be forgiven. We love because we were loved by Jesus first. Remember whatever we bind on earth we bind in heaven. So let us join together and loosen people through forgiveness and let God release us as he forgives us. Let his spirit set you free.
Let the power of God come into your life as you recognise that whatever you have done to the least of the brothers and sisters in Christ, you have actually done to Jesus.
Change your ways and love deeper. Forgive quicker. Lest Jesus will turn to us on the day of judgement as we tell him of our acts, prophesies, healings, miracles and he turns us away because we never knew him and he never knew us!
If you love God, then you love people and you love the family of God too (1 Jn 4:7-8). Is it hard to forgive. Remember what it cost Jesus and worship! As we choose as he did, thank God we are becoming more like him and give him the glory!
The meaning of the word Gospel, literally carries the sentiment of “Almost too good to be true good news”. It is generally shortened to “Good news”. It was a Greek word that was rarely used before Jesus Christ claimed to be the son of God, because nothing was considered to be that much of good news, to use it.
The term eventually was used predominantly for Christianity. The “Almost Too good to be true good news” referred to the belief that Jesus Christ died for all mankind so that all of our sins were forgiven based purely on the punishment that Jesus suffered in our place. So not only were we all made right with God as we trusted in what Jesus Christ did, but we also had the right to become sons of God (Jn 1 :12), with the authority and power of God himself.
But the Good News didn’t stop there. This authority enabled those who believed in Jesus to do the things that he did, heal the sick, deliver people of demons and perform miracles. But according to scripture the most exciting things was that we all had the opportunity to know God himself and be adopted into his family. This was such as close relationship that was offered we can called him “Abba” which means daddy (Mk 14:36).
To know about Jesus Christ is not about learning about the biography of Jesus, although this can be very helpful. It is to know in a relationship sense of the word, intimacy. You see, many people know about the biography and life of Jesus Christ but do not enter into his kingdom because they forget that we have to do what Jesus said and not just know about him, historically. Jesus told us that unless we change and become like little children we would not enter into the kingdom of God (Mat 18:3). This doesn’t mean we become childish again or get younger, it means to believe in a trusting and accept the same way like a child does. To have a heart that opens up and received the things Jesus said, and to receive Jesus him, because he lives.
Scripture teaches us that if we diligently seek God, God will reward us (Heb 11:6) and if we seek Him with all our hearts we will find him (Deut 4:29). So salvation is primarily about our personal response to God and accepting he has done everything for us to be saved, we can do nothing but believe. It is about believing that the bible is the inspired word of God and if we believe it then it has the power to save us. We must believe that Jesus was born, lived, died and was resurrected just so we could be reconciled to God, through faith in the son of God.
Why is believing in Jesus Christ so important? Jesus was a man but he was also God (Mat 1:23). This might sound incredible and it is, but it is true. The bible predicted hundreds of years before the birth of Christ that God was to be born of a virgin (Is 7:14). This God-man would lay aside his God-like arrayment and become just like an ordinary man and be born in extremely humble circumstances (Phil 2:7-9). This man would then bring the kingdom of God to the people of the world, first to the Jews and then to the rest of mankind, because God is the God of all mankind and not just the Jews. This message of the Kingdom appearing is meant to be preached by all Christians (Mat 10:7).
So knowing God is not about intellectual knowledge, but spiritual revelation as we believe in the words and teaching of Christianity. Jesus himself said that the words he spoke were truth and life (John 6:63). Revelation is something that is given through faith and not earned by study or anything on our part, because faith is a gift of God (Eph 2:8). But obedience to God’s word increased the revelation. Revelation is a blessing from God and is given supernaturally by God (Mat 16:17).
Revelation can be compared to light, the brighter the light the more we see. If we go back into darkness, then back into the light it takes a while for us to adjust all over again. But if we stay in the light we walk in the light and we then learn to have fellowship with God because is light and there is no darkness in him (1 Jn 1:5).
Those who claim to know Jesus must learn to walk and live like he did (1 Jn 2:6).
