Can You Be a Christian If You Don't Go to Church?

For everyone of us, the story of how we came to Jesus is different. For some it was a radical conversion whilst for others it was a gradual process. The one thing that is consistent in the stories of this special moment in a Christians life, is that it was intensely personal. Whether it took place in an auditorium filled with thousands of people, or alone on a bed in the middle of the night, each person felt something that was exclusively felt by them. It was a life changing moment and one that most people never forget.

So if the moment of becoming a follower of Christ is so incredibly personal, why do we then have to join a church? Surely we can follow Christ and stay home? So long as we read our Bible's, pray and live in a way that will bring glory and honour to God, what on earth do we have to go to church for?

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car. However, it is clear through various scriptures that God does want us to meet together, that He does want us to work together - Romans 12:4-5 'Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body and we all belong to each other.' God has equipped us all with different gifts and talents and the only way that these gifts are going to be used effectively is if they are used in conjunction with one another. Some people are given a gift of singing, others of organizing or teaching, whilst still others are encouragers or leaders. The list of gifts and talents is long and varied and many people have more than one but if God wanted us to live autonomously then He would have given us all, all of the gifts!

What going to church does for us is give us the opportunity to grow in wisdom and the understanding of God's word; the chance to be with like-minded people with a common perspective; the opportunity to share honestly about the challenges you are facing and the encouragement and wisdom to get you through. It also gives you the opportunity to be more effective in helping others. When an entire congregation gets involved in a community upliftment programme it is able to accomplish so much more than if only a handful of people got involved.

However, we have to face the realities that for many people getting to a church is not possible. There are many reasons that people are unable to get to Church. Some examples are that they either live in a remote area, are housebound due to illness or else live in a country where Christians are persecuted. The inability to gather with other Christians (which is what "Church" is), does not make them less of a Christian. God has placed them in those situations and locations for His plans and purposes.

This does not mean that we should all stop attending Church. Hebrews 10:25 says "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near."

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Lessons We Can Learn From Jonah And The Whale

Our church has charged all parents of young children to read a Bible story each day to our children so reading from my son Noah’s children’s Bible has become a part of our regular bedtime routine. Sometimes I try to hit stories that relate to the current holiday in the Christian calendar and other times we simply pick stories that look interesting to him (there are pictures to help with the choice). There are also stories that he considers to be favorites–Noah and the Ark of course, Zacchaeus (because he loves the song), and Jonah.

I have been very happy with his eager responsiveness to the stories and to reading them. He will even pull out his children’s Bible to share the stories with his stuffed animals–or at least some version that he remembers or can guess from the pictures.

One day when he related the story of Jonah to Fred the green rabbit I was struck by how close to home the story strikes–for Noah, for me, for all of us.

Noah’s version of Jonah:

God told Jonah to go to a special place but Jonah didn’t listen. He went on a boat to another city instead. So God sent a storm and threw Jonah into the water and a giant fish swallowed him up. Jonah was in time out in the fish for three days before God told him he could get out of the fish. Then Jonah went where God told him to go. The End.

Noah to Fred: “You have to listen to God or you’ll get in time out too!”

Noah’s story is simplistic but then so is the essence of Jonah’s story. The moral of the story is simply that we must listen to God.

If only it was as simple as that!

Of course we know that. No matter what our religion or creed we know that we must listen to God. We know we must follow the rules and guidelines that God has set down for us.

Children, like Noah, know they must follow their parents’ rules and dictates or there will be consequences. Often those consequences involve a time-out for Noah so the story of Jonah strikes home with him.

Obviously as he grows older the rules that he must follow will come from many different sources and many will be unspoken. This is why his father and I now set down rules and boundaries for him. Obviously it makes our home life easier if he follows set rules and other rules are necessary for his protection, but even more important we are teaching him to follow the rules that God and society have set down for him.

We learned rules as children for the same reasons but as we grow up and learn to abide by the rules of God and society the punishments we receive change and become more subtle. We no longer are put in time out but instead encounter punishments that more often come in a social or monetary form.

For many of us it becomes increasingly easy to ignore these punishments without the threat of a big whale to swallow us up.

As a Christian, I think God’s message to us is simple. He wants us to love him and to show that love by loving and helping others. All of Jesus’ lessons and teachings can be tied to that simple theme.

It is simple and yet so very hard. What have you done this week to love and honor God? What have you done this week to love and help others?

What worries me is that some people get so wrapped up in following other messages they have gleaned from the Bible that they often overlook or directly contradict these essential truths. While the Bible and its teaching are incredibly complex, one can find the truth by simply studying Jesus’ teachings and actions. There is truth in the simple question–What Would Jesus’ Do?

It is simple and yet so very hard. What have you done this week to love and honor God? What have you done this week to love and help others?

Of course the difficult challenge is the fact that by not doing these things we are just as bad as Jonah. We are not doing what God has told us to do.

Don’t look now, but isn’t that a big whale coming up behind you?

Is The Bible Reliable?

The Bible is a Book that is adored the world over. Its devotees live in each nation and in each atmosphere. The individuals who read it routinely love its pages and regularly don't get enough of it. Many even give their life to its investigation, following numerous degrees. Be that as it may, is it an affection very much put, or is it a conspicuous visually impaired sidedeness? Is there some genuine evidence that the Bible is dependable? Is it for the individuals of today?

In the event that one is straightforward, and will set aside the effort to sincerely get familiar with reality, the appropriate response is that there is a lot of confirmation about the veracity of the Bible. While there are numerous books that manage the subject (rational theology), most know next to no about them. This article will manage how you can realize that the Bible is dependable.

Its Claim To Reliability

This is generally significant, essentially supposing that the Bible professes to be valid and it isn't, at that point it isn't dependable. One of the numerous spots that the Bible professes to be trustworthy is in Psalms 12:6,7, which says: "The expressions of the Lord are unadulterated words: as silver attempted in a heater of earth, cleansed multiple times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt safeguard them from this age for ever" (KJV). Here the Bible is discussed as being as filtered silver – having been refined multiple times. In that day, a seven-overlay cleaning process implied the silver had no dross, or mistake, in it. The following expression shows to what extent it will be kept that unadulterated – for ever.

In the wake of having read the Bible for a long time, and taking a gander at it with open, and accepting eyes, many see it as similarly as was anticipated – without mistake. Here are a few different ways that we can realize the Bible is to be sure the Word of God.

It Is Reliable In…

1. Its Theme

From spread to cover the Bible has yet one topic – reclamation. To have this level of unification of thought, by 40 unique men, who traversed more than 1600 years of time, is generally inconceivable. Reclamation is consistently by confidence, through blood.

2. Its Historical Records

For a long time scoffers ridiculed the Bible since it referenced an enormous and extremely ground-breaking country called the Hittites. They ridiculed in light of the fact that there was not one sliver of proof archeologically that they at any point existed. Be that as it may, at some point, paleohistory found what the Bible educated, and scoop full after scoop started, around the turn of the only remaining century, to reveal reality. Others have additionally pondered about Sodom and Gomorrah – as of not long ago. These urban communities have been found – and indeed, they were singed by sulfur and brimstone, close to the edge of the Dead Sea, much the same as God said. Other archeological discoveries have uncovered shells at the highest points of mountains – all around the earth – seems as though proof of an overall flood – simply like the Bible says.

3. Its Scientific Facts

While the facts demonstrate that the Bible is anything but a course reading for a science class, where it mentions science, it is in every case experimentally right. Strikingly, a significant number of the realities of science that are alluded to, were composed more than 700 BC! The Bible discusses the "hover of the earth" (Isaiah 40:22 – composed around 700BC); of the hydrologic cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:6,7 – about 1000BC); of the breeze going in circuits (cells) – Ecclesiastes 1:6; and physiology, "the life of the substance is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11 – around 1460BC!) – which if man just accepted its realities, they would not have drained George Washington to death!

4. Its Prophecies

A considerable lot of the present alleged stargazers make exceptionally broad expectations – basically in light of the fact that that makes it harder to show that they are ever off-base. Be that as it may, the Bible is altogether different here. In the first place, the Bible announces that assuming any alleged prophet is ever off-base – at that point they were not sent by God (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). God isn't anxious about the possibility that that He will ever be demonstrated to not be right. A subsequent thing is that the Bible gives point by point predictions. Concerning the life of Christ, there were numerous predictions. Subside Stoner, when Chairman of the Departments of Math and Astronomy at Pasadena City College and at Westmont College be that as it may, in his book Science Speaks, composed of the likelihood of only eight of these happening. The chances that he determined, which was confirmed by the American Scientific Affiliation, was said to be 1 of every 10 to the seventeenth force! This implies a ten followed by 17 zeroes; or, to place it in plain English, just one man in 1X1017 might have satisfied only eight of those predictions! Furthermore, when you consider it, there are presently just 6 billion individuals (6X108) on earth now. In any case, there were in reality in excess of 400 predictions, not only 8!

Taking everything into account, it ought to be anything but difficult to state alongside David, "Thou workmanship close, O Lord; and all thy decrees are truth. Concerning thy declarations, I have realized that thou hast established them always" (Psalm 119:151,152).

Can Society Live By The Bible Today?

That Holy Book, called the Bible, is the only Book like it. While many know that it is a holy Book, they do not know exactly what the Bible is, or why it was given. Once those two thoughts can be understood, then we will be able to answer the above question satisfactorily.

In an effort to be able to answer both at the same time, this outline should help to answer the question, Is the Bible something we can use to live by? To this question, the only reasonable answer is a definite Yes.

1. Yes, Because Its Author Is Divine

The Scriptures declare themselves to be of God. In II Timothy 3:16 the Bible tells us “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” This word “inspiration” does not refer to the type of inspiration a poet, or a writer gets today. No, this was a special thing. It referred to the fact that “God-breathed” out the Scriptures from Himself. That is actually the Greek meaning of the word. In other words, the idea is that God so directed that “men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21), with the result that the words of the written Bible were inerrant (incapable of any error).

In applying this truth a little further, it can be seen that God was able to produce an infallible Book because He is Himself infallible. He also knows all things (omniscient), and He knows what we will need to live for Him.

2. Yes, Because He Has Given Believers His Spirit

This here is a point that needs to be very seriously considered. It is the dividing line between who can follow the teachings of the Bible, and who cannot. Having religion is not enough, and having the Ten Commandments is not enough to please God. He requires that we be made new by His Spirit – new, in the sense that our old way of life, and thoughts, are forsaken, and He moves in after baptism – and forgives the past transgressions, and His presence transforms the believer. Apart from this transformation that He makes in us, there can be no salvation. Christ died to bring us forgiveness, and redemption, and a new life – a life through the Spirit of God, and of His Son is us. His Spirit enables the believer to do what he could not do before.

3. Yes, Because It Covers All The Bases

Should the believer today live by the Bible? Yes, and he can, because God knew everything that he would ever face – through all the ages of the earth. The Bible was given, first to point mankind to the Savior, Christ, and then so “that the man of God may be perfect (mature), throughly furnished unto all good works” – this comes right after the above verse on inspiration. It is a Book that perfects the believer, and makes him so that God might be able to bless the life.

4. Yes, Because It Brings Blessing From Him

What a joy the believer has who seeks to be guided by the Bible! They are specially blessed by God Himself. In Psalm 1, the Bible tells us that, if a believer will walk different from those around him, and according to the Bible, that God will bless him – and he will be happy (not necessarily trouble free). In fact, the promise goes, if that believer will stay in the Bible, and daily think on its teachings with the intent to live by them, then God will bless them. His blessing will be compared to making them “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3).

5. Yes, Because It Prepares Us To Meet Him

My final point is this, that the Bible should be followed because He gave it to prepare us. In the Bible we read of His love, and of His Sacrifice that Christ paid for us to be able to live with Him one day. Apart from some necessary do’s and don’ts, the Bible is basically a letter of love – to the believer. When a believer follows the Bible, then the Spirit can guide him better, and give that person a greater joy and peace. Trouble comes so often for the believer – because we are not following Him. Obedience strengthens our relationship with Him. When a person loves God with all their heart, it is never an issue because then we will understand that all He wants us to do is because of love, and it will enable us to draw closer to Him in love. Following Him prepares us to live apart from sin, and in a sinless environment – Heaven itself.

David declared the condition of the believer who follows the Word carefully: “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (Psalm 119:2).

Supernatural occurrences What The Bible Has To Say About The

It was a supernatural occurrence! How frequently have you heard somebody state that? Likely many occasions. Yet, they don't generally imply that it was a marvel – what they truly mean is that the occasion they saw was stunning, unrealistic, or mysterious.

However, are there genuine wonders? Have there been times that the characteristic laws of the universe, for example, gravity, or even passing, have been halted, changed, or turned around? To discover the response to this inquiry, we should go to the Bible.

Certainty #1: Jesus performed numerous supernatural occurrences

In the four accounts, we find numerous examples were Jesus performed supernatural occurrences, for example, "At that point they presented to him an evil presence had man who was visually impaired and quiet, and Jesus mended him, with the goal that he could both talk and see." (Matthew 12:22) Perhaps one of the most popular of Jesus' wonders was the raising of Lazarus from the dead, which we read about in John 11: "Jesus found that Lazarus had just been in the tomb for four days… Jesus brought in an uproarious voice, "Lazarus, turn out!" 44The dead man turned out."

Actuality #2: Jesus played out these marvels to demonstrate that he was God

In the book of Acts, Peter says that "Jesus of Nazareth was a man certify by God to you by marvels, ponders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know."

Actuality #3: Jesus offered power to his supporters to perform marvels

In Matthew 10:1, we're informed that Jesus "called his twelve pupils to him and gave them power to drive out evil[a] spirits and to recuperate each infection and ailment."

Truth #4: God has offered position to his workers at different occasions to perform supernatural occurrences

The Bible has numerous accounts of supernatural occurrences performed by God's workers – Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and others. The inquiry is – does God despite everything engage his supporters to work wonders in his name? That is an intense inquiry. The appropriate response is past the extent of this article, however I trust that you will think and study the Bible to discover the appropriate response!

Catastrophes WHAT DID JESUS SAY?

Catastrophes WHAT DID JESUS SAY?

Peggy Kannaday

(Luke 13:1-5)

What did Jesus say to do in a period of catastrophe? There were two catastrophes that The Lord discussed.

The first was about the individuals who lost their lives on account of Pilate, and furthermore the individuals who lost their lives in light of the fact that the Tower of Siloam fell on them.

Jesus utilized these two occurrences, as a chance to show those Galilaens what their mentality ought to be in light of these catastrophes. We are currently being confronted with one catastrophe after another, and we have to realize what Jesus educated about the subject.

Jesus was very clear in saying that those that were slaughtered were no more regrettable delinquents than the individuals that endure and lived. Jesus was stating to the individuals that when a horrible calamity happens; it is an admonition to all that endure the difficulty.

Jesus not just tells the individuals that they are no better than the ones that died, yet He goes above and beyond, and He discloses to them that they ought to apologize or they likewise will die.

When we see the fiascos through the news reports; what do we do? To start with, and premier; we apologize of our own wrongdoings, and we go to God. That is the most significant reaction.

From that point forward, we have to implore, and The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us. Those that have developed in the Lord; the genuine children and little girls of God are the individuals who ask of The Lord before they do anything.

They realize that whatever they do; it is of little worth except if it is in submission and blessed by The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will tell us the best way to ask and what to do.

Calamities are being broadcast in each territory of the present reality, and our first reaction is to lower ourselves, ask, look for God and abandon all of our own abhorrent ways. It is an admonition to us, and we should understand that it is just by the finesse of God that we have not died.

Contrition is a brilliant chance to be invigorated, restored, and resuscitated in The Lord. The Lord approached saying, "Apologize for The Kingdom of Heaven is close by".

For what reason did Jesus accentuation this point? Since we don't have the foggiest idea when our opportunity to pass on will come, yet The Lord Jesus was cautioning us to consistently atone so as to be there promptly to assist Him.

We are never to underestimate our salvation since we are advised to "work out our own salvation with dread and trembling", and furthermore that "the individuals who suffer to the end will be spared". We are advised to "notice when we think we stand; in case we fall", and we are not to have a favorable opinion of ourselves than we should.

Assumption is something to be avoided. It is just by the finesse of God that we will be spared, and all the works on the planet won't usher us into The Throne of God.

Jesus lectured atonement the entirety of the time since He adored the entirety of the individuals, and He didn't need even one individual to die without everlasting salvation with Him. We here in these risky occasions need to do likewise.

Each new fiasco and disaster is an open door for contrition, invigorating, reestablishment and recovery. At the point when we do what Jesus instructed us to do first, at that point we will be enormously powerful

in whatever He drives us to do.

Jesus just did what The Father uncovered for Him to do, and the amount more should we just do as He coordinates. Let us put The Lord Jesus Christ in His legitimate situation as The Head and Lord of The Church, which is His Body.

Evangelism - 7 Approaches to Effective Soul Winning

Are you one of those believers who have difficulty sharing your faith to your family members, friends, and co-workers? You maybe in the minority according to The Barna Group, a faith-based research organization, who found "a slight majority of born again adults - 55% - claimed to have shared their faith in Christ with a non-Christian during the prior 12 months. That figure has remained relatively constant during the past decade." Evangelism, also known as soul winning, was not designed to be a tedious spiritual discipline; rather it should be a natural overflow of a redeemed life influencing the wayward to God. When it comes to evangelism a Christian's duty is merely twofold: to sow the seed of the good news (be a witness) and, or to water the seed (again to be a witness), the latter refreshes the seed already planted by others (1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV). Our job is simply to witness about the truth, it is up to Holy Spirit to germinate the word of truth within a person. We merely play a small part but important part, and He does the rest. In my experience, soul winning is much easier than it seems. Over time I have come to understand the seven approaches to effective soul winning.

1. Pre-Evangelism
Pre-evangelism is basically the work you do before presenting the gospel. In sum, pre-evangelism is when you live an authentic Christian life around others compelling them to ask about your faith. This is done by being a genuine example of a Christian by loving and serving others, allowing them to see your redeemed life for what it is. For instance, some people evangelize by feeding and clothing the poor, and by visiting the sick and those in prison (Matthew 25). This form of witnessing builds up to a specific moment when the "door" for witnessing opens up for you to share your faith. Pre-evangelism is merely the work you do to tear down the barriers of prejudice and skepticism many have toward people of faith, which makes you more approachable for others to ask about the hope within you.

2. Personal Evangelism
You have heard of stories of individuals coming to the same fishing pond again and again to catch the "one" fish that eludes them time and time again. Over time you learn its habits; the type of bait it responds to, and the places it inhibits at certain times so you can have an advantage of catching it. People are much like that elusive fish; some people take more time to come to Christ. A soul winner must possess great patience and use certain skills to win him or her over. In this approach you target a specific person you want to reach by praying for them, loving and showing kindness over time. In other words, you must be consistent with your faith for a specified period of time while building a solid relationship based on trust. At one point during your relationship he or she may ask, "Why are you different than others in the office?" or "Why are you so nice to me?" When these questions arise then you know the door for witnessing is open for you to share your faith. It is important to note that in this method of evangelism you win over a friend first before winning a convert. Many people make the mistake of pushing Christ upon people first before building the relationship.

3. Proclamation Evangelism
This type of evangelism is one of the most common approaches found in the Bible. Jesus drew large crowds in open spaces. Once he gained their attention he proclaimed the good news of salvation to them. In Acts, chapter two, we see Peter preaching to a crowd of curious seekers. On this day 3,000 believed in Peter's message and were baptized on the same day. That's quite a catch! A few chapters later, in Acts 8, Phillip is found preaching the good news in a town known as Samaria. It is distinctly noted in Acts 8:12 (NIV), "...when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." Proclamation evangelism does not just happen among large crowds; it can be a small group of people in a home.

4. Prophetic Evangelism
The best example of prophetic evangelism is found in the story of the Samaritan woman drawing water from a well (John 4). Jesus then asks for a drink. Through this encounter Jesus reveals his true identity, so, in return she asks for the living water he was offering her. However, Jesus knew the skeptical woman needed something more to confirm his words, so he reveals her past, most notably that she had five husbands and the one she was presently with was not her husband. Immediately, she realizes Jesus is a prophet and leaves his presence. How would he have known her past if they had never met before? The woman then rushes into town to tell everyone that she has met the Messiah. A large crowd followed her to the well where Jesus refreshed himself. Prophetic evangelism is when you receive a specific word of knowledge about someone of which you had no prior knowledge. The person receiving the "word" realizes you are a man or woman of God and is more open to what you have to say.

5. Power Evangelism
Power Evangelism is demonstrating signs, miracles and wonders which grabs the attention of curious onlookers. Signs, wonders and the miraculous are undeniable in the eyes of onlookers captivating their full attention to hear the ensuing message. This is evident in Acts 8:6, "When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said." Power evangelism is a strong anointing to heal the sick, raise the dead and take authority over demonic influences. In an another power encounter found in Acts 19:12 & 13, "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them." This type of evangelism is not limited to a few but every believer can walk in signs and wonders (Mark 16:17,18).

6. Presence Evangelism
Presence Evangelism is when God's overflowing power and grace flows through your life affecting others around you. In other words, people around you feel God's presence more than yours; you become a fire carrier. A story is told about a holy man known for revival. One time he walked through a factory without saying a word, and many workers started to fall on their knees repenting from their sins. This event was God's overflowing presence in his life, which affected others. We also see the overflow of God upon the apostle Peter as he merely walked down the street. The passage in Acts 5:15 (NIV) notes, "As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by." Peter's shadow is another way to explain the strong presence of God overflowing in his life.

7. Post-Martyrdom Evangelism
The eternal axiom first reported by church historian Tertullian, "The blood of the saints is the seed of the church", became a reality during times of great persecution. In other words, when the church is persecuted it grows exponentially. This last form of evangelism is what I call Post-Martyrdom Evangelism. This type of evangelism is evident in the story of Stephen's martyrdom in Acts 7:54 - 8:1-5, under the watchful eye and approval of a young man known as Saul of Tarsus. After approving and witnessing the first martyrdom, Saul went on a rampage persecuting the church to the north, to Damascus with court orders to arrest Christians living in that city. As he approached the city a great light, brighter than the sun flashed in front of him. Saul fell to the ground and called out to a person he referred to as "Lord." This brief encounter is known as Saul's conversion experience. Many scholars believe the remains of Stephen's death lingered in Saul's mind pricking his conscience constantly. Saul could not escape Stephen's last words before his death, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them." Saul could not understand why someone would die so lovingly without fighting back for his life. Stephen's martyrdom was the seed of the gospel firmly planted within the soil of Saul's soul.

Saul, who later became known as the great apostle Paul, also died a martyr's death thirty plus years later.

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Practical Steps To Obtaing Bible Healing

There are guarantees of mending all through the Bible. There are likewise pragmatic strides to acquire our recuperating. Three of these pragmatic advances are found in the accompanying sacred text.

Prov 3:7-8

7 Be not savvy in thine claim eyes: dread the LORD, and leave from fiendish.

8 It will be wellbeing to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (KJV)

(1) Be not insightful in your own eyes.

(2) Fear the Lord.

(3) Depart from detestable. These three things produce "wellbeing to thy navel and marrow to thy bones."

These three things will be wellbeing for us all through our being. To our navel and to the marrow of our bones implies a total, exhaustive wellbeing.

These three things must go together. Try not to dispose of any of them and rely upon simply the other two. Try not to evacuate two of them and rely upon only one of them. Comply with these words without limit. Use each of the three stages. At that point it will be wellbeing to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.

At that point in the section beneath, we locate some reassuring words concerning our recuperating as it identifies with our station throughout everyday life.

Jer 30:17

17 For I will reestablish wellbeing unto thee, and I will recuperate thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; since they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after. (KJV)

Jeremiah 30:17 is one of the most confidence building Scripture in the whole Bible. It talks about something that keeps proficient advisors in business; it discusses all out dismissal. It portrays a people dismissed to the point of being called Outcast. It discusses the dismissal of a people, so exhaustive and last, that nobody at any point searched after them to discover what turned out badly for them.

As it were, God says to us that regardless of whether we are called Outcast by everyone around us, He will in any case mend us. Regardless of whether we harp on the bad part of town, He will even now mend us.

He says to us here that regardless of what our identity is, He will at present mend us.

He says to that regardless of where we are from, He will at present mend us. He says that regardless of where we live, He will at present mend us. We might be in such an express, that "no man will ever look for after us." No issue! He will at present recuperate us.

God says that He will reestablish our wellbeing to us. He additionally says that he will mend us of our injuries. Much appreciated be unto God! He gave us a mending Jesus.

The Truth About Christian Marriage Counseling

If your marriage is in trouble Christian marriage counseling may be just what you need to turn things around.  The Bible has a lot to say about marriage, and even if you're not a Christian the sound principles contained within its pages can help your marriage.  The very institution of marriage originated in the Bible, so it only makes sense to look there for solutions if your marriage is in trouble.

If the concept of Christian marriage counseling conjures up an image in your mind of a straight-laced, dark-suited minister laying down the law to a cowering couple then think again.  Effective Christian marriage counseling combines sound biblical principles concerning marriage with proven counseling techniques.  This combination has helped many couples restore their marriages when everything seemed hopeless.

One of the reasons Christian marriage counseling is so successful is that it teaches couples to focus on each other instead of themselves.  The Bible, especially the New Testament is very clear on this.  Paul tells us, in Ephesians 5:25, that a husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church.  He goes on to say, two more times in the next 8 verses, that a husband ought to love his wife as he loves himself.  

Many people are quick to point out that the above chapter in Ephesians says a wife is to be submitted to her husband. This has often been interpreted in a way that is demeaning to women, but if you read the entire chapter and take this in context the focus is on love and selflessness from both spouses. When each spouse learns to value the other more than themselves this is a recipe for a happy healthy marriage.

First Corinthians Chapter 13 gives us more detail of what exactly love is and even tells us that without love anything else we might do is worthless. One of the benefits of Christian marriage counseling is that a good counselor can take these verses and these scriptural principles and teach a couple how to apply them in their specific circumstances.

No matter what your beliefs, the universal wisdom concerning love and marriage found in the Bible can be very helpful to a hurting relationship. If you can learn to translate those principles into action you have a very good chance of making things better. That's why so many couples from all walks of life are choosing Christian marriage counseling to help their troubled marriage.

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Christian Ministries Today - The Way We Are

Living the Christian life can be like trying to break a rock. We keep doing our best even though nothing much happens. Sometimes we get discouraged bearing the same burden, resisting the same temptation, as we go through life, but when we see the work we do for God and mankind as a ministry, we can every resistance by continuing.

The word ministry which today has been secularized and bastardized actually originated from Christendom. In Christianity, ministry stands for a gift - an individual manifestation of grace from God which us to serve Him and thus play a vital role in His plan for the redemption of the world. It is a spiritual commitment of one's gift and opportunities for the salvation and edification of souls.

For anyone to recognize and function effectively in his/her ministry, he/she must first understand that God equips His children for the sole purpose of using them to work for Him. As a result, we all must see the importance of every single soul as God sees it. We must also know who we are in the plan of God to save the whole world, recognize how we have been using our personalities and our individual gifts in the past for the edification of God's kingdom.

Hence we live in a world where hatred and misuse of one's priority abound, it is advantageous to pay more attention to the Spirit of God and advance the world positively by using the gifts that are deposited in us. God wills that we yield our hearts to Him in love, and then with courage, become effective witnesses for Him. It is when this is achieved, that the spirit of hatred and bitterness can be overcome. So many people think that things can never be different, but if we really believe the omnipotence of God's love we may not distrust His power. When God's children learn to accept His love, not only for themselves individually, but for the life of other and put into use the gifts that have been given to them, things will definitely be different.

Surely, better things will gradually prevail if believers in Christ will yield themselves unreservedly for God to work through them. Our faith in love as the greatest power in the world should prepare us for a life in communion with God through the use of our spiritual gifts (ministry gifts) as can be evidenced in prayer, a life of unselfish service among our fellow-men, etc.

However, having known what Christian ministry is all about, and how important it is to use our gifts to honour God, I want to further bring out various ministries that we are called into so as to help us master them, as well as using them for the benefit of all. This article will however run in series as important points are discussed.

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Are You A Victim Or A Conqueror

“We are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Rom. 8:37 That’s a powerful declaration! Let me ask you again: are you the victim of circumstances beyond your control? Do you blame others – maybe even God – for your fate? Or can you laugh despite all the turmoil inside?

The Lord reminded me of a young girl from Ethiopia whom I saw interviewed on Oprah a few months ago. Maybe you did, too. She was filmed by a Canadian television correspondent during the Ethiopian famine a number of years ago as she lay dying. She, a child of about 3 years, was a mere bag of bones, slumped limply in her mother’s arms. The doctor in the refugee camp told the reporter that she would be dead by nightfall. But… she miraculously survived against all odds, was sponsored to study abroad, and got to tell her amazing story to millions thanks to the press and Oprah. She was then studying to become a nurse as she wanted to help her people and be a witness for God.

Yes, she publicly gave God the glory for her miraculous healing and everything that followed. She was glowing, happy, seemingly well adjusted and self assured. That story made me sit up and exclaim: Wow, could I be as serene and full of praise to God if I had been in her shoes? Er… I should say barefoot, as she had been, with a constantly gnawing, empty stomach with misery and death all around her for agonizing years. She had the “right” to blame her circumstances, her government, the rest of the world who stood idly by, and God for her plight. She could also have accepted her lot and lived in desperation with no hope, believing that it was god’s (yes, god with a small “g”) will, according to some beliefs.

This gal (and I wish I remembered her name – but God knows her intimately!) knew that she had a heavenly Father who would take care of her! Whether or not she had heard of Jesus at that tender age, she had a hunger inside of her that was even more intense than the physical starvation that tried to take her life! The Lord rewarded that yearning, the groaning of the Spirit, her reaching out to Him until she truly found Him. He took her, fed her, preserved her, elevated her, and will be using her tremendously to further His Kingdom so that many more like her will become conquerors.

Romans 8: 35-36 asks the question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Then the Apostle Paul answers in the next two verses: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us, for I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”

My prayer is that you, too, regardless of your past or what you’re going through right now, will be a conqueror through the awesome power of His Love. After all, you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you!” (Phil. 4: 13)

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From The Kingdom Of Darkness

From the Kingdom of Darkness. Col 1:12-14; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the legacy of the holy people in light: Who hath conveyed us from the intensity of obscurity, and hath made an interpretation of us into the realm of his dear Son:

In whom we have reclamation through his blood, even the pardoning of sins:

Numerous things have occurred right now, goes to the individuals who pause, accidental when nor where nor even how it comes, however it goes to all. Numerous Ministers, of Gods Testimony, of His Son Jesus, are crying with unpleasant tears for the dead and the loss of numerous who have kicked the bucket with no desire for Salvation through the dismissal of the Blood of the Lamb. Amends for them is far proceeded to be never again accessible to them, whom have settled on their choice to follow bogus divine beings into time everlasting. These Ministers of the reality of the situation are not to blame for the lost that have kicked the bucket, yet the deficiency lyes with those that picked dimness as opposed to light. The individuals who have passed on in transgression should likewise be brought up in wrongdoing to be partaker of the judgment of man. There is no shortcoming in the priests of truth, they have carried out their responsibility to God and man to convey reality.

2Co 4:5 (Wesley) For we lecture not ourselves, yet Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your workers for the wellbeing of Jesus. The flaw isn't in us, neither in the tenet they get notification from us. We lecture not ourselves – As capable either to edify, or pardon, or purify you. Be that as it may, Jesus Christ – As your lone intelligence, uprightness, blessing. What's more, ourselves your hirelings – Ready to do the meanest workplaces. For the good of Jesus – Not for respect, intrigue, or joy. The Father hath made an interpretation of us into the realm of his dear Son. "Translated" has two explicit implications, 1.The interpretation of the body, as noted in sacred writing. To hold up under, convey or expel starting with one spot then onto the next. To evacuate or pass on to paradise, as an individual, without death.

"By confidence Enoch was interpreted, that he ought not see demise. Heb 16."

2. Deciphered as of the soul.

Those in this manner made an interpretation of as to state, are likewise changed as to character. This is a change from the lustful psyche to the brain of Christ. A difference in demeanor an adjustment in your points of view an adjustment in heart.

There are numerous that trust Col 1:12-14, is expressing that Christians, who have been made an interpretation of, are resistant to assault by Satan and the powers of Darkness, this is a misguided judgment and perilous conviction. The interpretation referenced here is interpretation of the dead soul to a live soul and not the passing of the body. An interpretation from a realm of falsehoods and duplicity to the Kingdom of Light and Truth. From being a worker to Satan to the Servant of the Lord God Almighty. From being a captive to sin to being the Sons of God. Insofar as the Body is alive, it is an objective for Satan and the realm of Darkness. Still don't accept? Take a gander at Paul for instance; 2Co 12:7-10; And in case I ought to be lifted up above measure through the bounty of the disclosures, there was given to me a thistle in the substance, the delivery person of Satan to buffet me, in case I ought to be commended above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it may leave from me.

What's more, he said unto me, My beauty is adequate for thee: for my quality is made immaculate in shortcoming. Most readily in this way will I rather wonder in my illnesses, that the intensity of Christ may settle upon me. Thusly I enjoy sicknesses, in rebukes, in necessities, in abuses, in upsets for the wellbeing of Christ: for when I am powerless, at that point am I solid. Paul was an evangelist to the gentiles, of which we as a whole are. "What's more, in case I ought to be lifted up above measure through the plenitude of the disclosures" this section is expressing that Paul, to be kept Humble, as we may be, was given a vermin, to keep Him in Humbleness. The Word "disclosures" was not the Book of Revelations, yet otherworldly understanding into reality of the Gospel. Paul expresses this twice, "in case I ought to be commended above measure." Thou we have all astuteness and information into the sacred texts we are on the whole despite everything living right now haziness. John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 2Co 4:3-4 But on the off chance that our gospel be stowed away, it is covered up to them that are lost:

In whom the divine force of this world hath blinded the psyches of them which accept not, in case the light of the brilliant good news of Christ, who is the picture of God, should sparkle unto them. I wish to take a gander at, 2Co 4:3-4, for a minute, particularly the words,"In whom the lord of this world hath blinded the psyches of them which accept not" "the divine force of this world," " is Satan." If we look in the book of Revelations, after the letters to the houses of worship we see an example that is alarming. Beginning with section 6 there is no notice of the Church until some other time in the prophecy's. This is disturbing in such a case that you saw, even thou the prediction's of disclosures are as yet available to all, nobody gives any consideration to them. The Bible is as yet open however man, not quite the same as today, who are fixated on prescience, will not hear any longer of Scripture, or overlooks it. Why?

1. The Church is Gone. The proclaiming of the gospel has changed course from the gentiles to the Jews, hence the 144,000 fixed Jews. The hours of the gentiles has been satisfied. Which isn't to state that the gentiles can't in any case atone however that prescience must be satisfied as it is composed. Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two observers, and they will forecast a thousand 200 and threescore days, dressed in rough clothing.

2. The realm of haziness has grabbed hold around the world. Rev 11:10 And they that abide upon the earth will celebrate over them, and make happy, and will send endowments to each other; in light of the fact that these two prophets tormented them that harped on the earth.

3. Everybody is engrossed with self conservation. Rev 6:15-17, And the rulers of the earth, and the extraordinary men, and the rich men, and the main commanders, and the strong men, and each bondman, and each liberated person, shrouded themselves in the caves and in the stones of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and conceal us from the essence of him that sitteth on the position of royalty, and from the fury of the Lamb: For the incredible day of his anger is come; and who will have the option to stand?

4. Since man has dismissed reality, God has blinded them, with the goal that they can't see. 2Th 2:11-12 And for this reason God will send them solid daydream, that they ought to accept an untruth: That they all may be condemned who accepted not reality, yet had joy in indecency.

Rev 16:9 And men were burned with incredible warmth, and reviled the name of God, which hath control over these sicknesses: and they atoned not to give him brilliance.

Right now conveyed us from the intensity of dimness", "power" isn't in the Greek language but instead implies, the capacity of, Faculty of the psyche, as showed by a specific method of activity; as the intensity of reasoning, contrasting and judging; the thinking powers. "give commission" That is to mean, the capacity to control our reasoning, our brain and soul. We have been interpreted from the control of the methods for dimness to the methods for Jesus Christ and His reasoning. Uprightness and Goodness and Truth is the Kingdom of God. We have been conveyed from the sovereign of murkiness, [Satan] who, by methods for transgression and un-conviction, keeps men in obliviousness, bad habit, and hopelessness. Has humankind become so visually impaired that they can't see? Have you likewise gotten blinded by the passing and annihilation of the previous barely any years that Satan has additionally blinded your eyes to reality of Biblical Prophecy? What are you looking for that Jesus can't supply? Consider it.

Are You a Committed Christian?

Too many Christians have a commitment of convenience. They'll stay faithful as long as it's safe and doesn't involve risk, rejection or criticism. Instead of standing alone in the face of challenge or temptation, they check to see which way their friends are going. ~ Charles Stanley

As Christians, we all expect to go to heaven. Many of us, however, think what we do here isn't nearly as important as what comes after. If we feel sick or defeated, we shrug and say, "Oh, well. Heaven will be better." And of course, it will. But I'd like to ask you a question. When you get there, is God going to say to you, "Well... ?" or "Well done!"

There's much more to the Christian life here on earth than just going to church on Sundays and living a defeated life Monday through Saturday. It takes committed Christians to bring heaven's riches - wealth, health, deliverance of every kind - into earth's reality. In essence, God has 'sown' us into the devil's domain (which he stole through Adam), expecting us to 'have dominion'. We are here to take back the territory and demonstrate God's goodness on earth. However, much like the parable of the sower in Mark 4, Christians have varying degrees of effectiveness against the devil's wiles.

And some seed fell by the wayside... (Mark 4:4). It's easy to be a casual Christian. "Yeah, I believe in God. Bible study? Nah, I don't really have time for that." A casual Christian is head-believing, not heart-believing. Understanding that God is does not affect his daily life to any great degree. Instead, he lives like the rest of the world, letting the circumstances run rough-shod over his life. In essence, there's no relationship, no commitment, and therefore, no faith. A casual Christian is merely an acquaintance of God's. He has a 'hi, how ya doin' - see ya later' mentality. He might wave at God if He was walking down the street, but they'd never get together over a cup of coffee.

And some fell on stony ground where it had not much earth... and because it had no root, it withered away (v.6-7). A complacent Christian isn't much more powerful than a casual Christian. She goes to church, prays and tries to be 'good', but when circumstances bombard her life, she sighs and says, "I guess God doesn't want me to have that... get rid of that... overcome that." She and God share coffee and conversation, but she doesn't want to burden God with her problems or expect too much from Him. "After all, you never know what God will do," is her response to life's challenges. She feels comforted by her time with God, but there's no depth to the relationship.

And some fell among thorns... and yielded no fruit (v.7). A (self) condemned Christian is like a kid who knows he's been bad. He walks around, head down, with an 'I'm just a poor sinner' mentality. No matter what good things might be happening, he focuses on the negative. "Poor me!" he opines to anyone who will listen. He believes there is a God, but expects Him to drop the hammer, so to speak. He is full of guilt and condemnation, which often surfaces as anger and bitterness. He might cry and whine to God, but doesn't really believe God will answer because 'I don't deserve it'. Keep in mind, God didn't condemn him; he did it to himself by not knowing or accepting the salvation Jesus already paid to give him.

A compromising Christian is the proverbial fence-sitter. Much like the complacent Christian, he believes, until life's circumstances sway his thinking. He is double-minded, up one minute and down the next. "I believe I'm healed!" he shouts, but when another pain comes, he wonders why and begins to fret about the circumstances. "Why, God, why?" he asks, letting go of his faith when the going gets tough. James said, "Let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord" (v. 1:7).

When the disciples asked Jesus how to do what He called them (and us) to do, He had a simple answer. Jesus replied, "This is the work (service) that God asks of you: that you believe in the One Whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust, rely on and have faith in His Messenger]" (John 6:29 AMP). Later, Paul explained that we are God's ambassadors, Christ's personal representatives. He pleaded to the church members at Corinth, "Do not receive the grace of God in vain... do not receive it to no purpose" (2 Cor. 6:1 AMP).

A committed Christian has a deep, personal relationship with God. We not only know that He is, we trust His Word as final authority in our lives. Thy Word is truth (John 17:17). Like the good ground in Mark's account of the Sower, we take heed what we hear (v. 4:24) and bring forth fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred (v. 20).

Jesus, when He faced down the devil after 40 days in the wilderness, said "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). The Bible is that Word. We read, study, meditate, and accept those printed words as the very Voice of Jesus. To the best of our ability, we take the whole armor of God, that [we] may be able to withstand in the evil day and, having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:13).

Like Jesus, we believe His Word despite any circumstances we face. When the Bible says, "by His stripes we were healed" (I Peter 2:24), we take that Word and stand on it, calling those things that be not as though they were (Rom. 4:17). "I am healed because God said so!" we shout, despite any physical evidence to the contrary. "Satan, you cannot kill, steal or destroy my life because I am God's! Take your hands off my body (finances, family, or whatever else he is attacking to try to get you to back down)."

God calls us blessed, healed, rich and overcomers so that's what we need to call ourselves. How long do we persevere? Until we see the salvation of the LORD (2 Chron. 20:17). In other words, we take the Word of God, our spiritual Sword, and keep fighting until we win!

The Apostles trusted God through everything they faced. Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people... and they stoned Stephen as he called upon God (Acts 6:8, 7:59). His faith never wavered, even in the face of great pain and death. Peter's prison chains fell off his hands. Paul survived shipwreck and imprisonment. Joseph spent years in bondage before he saw his dream, the dream God gave him, come to pass.

God wants commitment, not acquaintance. When He designed the earth to be home for His kids, He made everything very good. He didn't leave out any detail as insignificant. Why? Because He was committed to our welfare. He wanted us to be able to say, Then shall your light break forth like the morning, and your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard (Is. 58:8 AMP). Satan stole Adam and Eve's commitment through deception, but God's commitment never wavered.

He stayed committed to the Israelites, even with all their grumbling and complaining. He was faithful to Moses, Abraham, David, Solomon, Noah (to name a few) and Jesus. The faith chapter (Hebrews 11), however, explains that His powerhouse Patriarchs were also faithful far above what most people will commit to today. Sarah was more than nine decades old when she had Isaac. Noah spent years building an ark when the world at that time had never seen rain. Abraham left home, family and all that he knew to go who knew where - simply because God said so.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded by them and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Heb. 11:13). Their faith extended into the future, believing in the resurrection that was and is still to come.

Jesus, our ultimate example, was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. During His earthly ministry, He spoke and GOOD happened - the lame walked, the blind saw, lepers were cleansed, storms ceased, the deaf heard and dead men were raised up (See Matt. 11:5). We read those stories and think, "Amazing! How wonderful!" But Jesus also said, "Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works that these shall he do, because I go unto My Father" (John 14:12). That takes a committed Christian.

The good news is we can become all God wants us to be. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe in His Name (John 1:12). All it takes is commitment. As sons and daughters of the Most High, we have been given the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to become lights in a dark world, dispensing help, healing and hope to those around us.

Commitment is a choice. It requires us to give up something of ourselves to accomplish Kingdom objectives. It requires our time, effort and dedication until we can honestly 'believe only' without fear or doubt. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass (Ps. 37:5). Are you willing to become a more committed Christian? Jesus guaranteed it will be worth it.

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The Power Of Worship

Singing commendations to God or venerating him opens up a window to paradise. As your recognition arrives at the core of God, it turns into a two path stream of correspondence. As you contact God with your acclaim, his Holy Spirit contacts you and clergymen to you. Commendation and love can likewise make the way for gifts from God.

We acclaim God since he is deserving of all commendation. He is the producer of Heaven and earth and the whole universe. He has given us life and through his child has spared us from interminable perdition. He cherishes us totally in spite of our deficiencies and wicked nature.

Most likely the best instances of how to adore the Lord can be found in the life and Psalms of King David.

God depicted David as "a man apparently trying to win over his affections". David cherished God and God adored David. David had a brilliant melodic ability and routinely preceded the Lord in tunes of adoration and thanksgiving. He moved and played music to applaud God. In (2 Sam 6:14-15) it says

"Also, David moved before the LORD energetically; and David was braced with a cloth ephod. So David and all the place of Israel raised the ark of the LORD with yelling, and with the sound of the trumpet". (KJV)

David composed delightful words to communicate his profound commitment and love for God. David effectively sought after God, and wanted to have a nearby close to home relationship with him. This is shown in (Psa 57:7 - 10) where he composes

"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give acclaim. Conscious up, my magnificence; alert, psaltery and harp: I myself will wakeful early. I will commend thee, O Lord, among the individuals: I will sing unto thee among the countries. For thy leniency is incredible unto the sky, and thy truth unto the mists". (KJV)

At the point when we acclaim God we are permitting the Holy Spirit to talk through us legitimately to our Father in Heaven. The Holy Spirit's quality can be felt directly within us and encompassing us as we address the Father through him. I have heard ordinarily of healings occurring when individuals have been adoring God, and I accept this is on the grounds that the intensity of the Holy Spirit happens upon them and clergymen to their necessities while they are lauding God.

There are a few diverse Hebrew words utilized in the Bible to indicate acclaim and love. These can be converted into the accompanying English implications.

Love – To tumble down prostrate (particularly reflexively in respect to sovereignty or God), to bow down, hunch, tumble down level, submissively importune, make or do regard, do adoration or to stoop.

Recognition – Literally to utilize (that is, wait) the hand; to worship or love (with expanded hands); seriously to moan about (by wringing the hands): express gratefulness, cheer; a festival of thanksgiving for gather, to stoop; by suggestion to favor God (as a demonstration of reverence) or compliment.

The principle contrast among love and commendation is that we adore God for what his identity is, and acclaim him for what he has done.

You will see that a significant number of these interpretations show the subject of quietude – of preceding God in subservience and in adoration of his amazing force. We are not lauding him as we would a kid who has progressed nicely, from the perspective of somebody who is more seasoned and more astute – we are to commend him out of our all out dishonor to try and be in his essence. In lowliness we have to get a handle on the extent of his great force, love and effortlessness and applause him for them. We have to commend him for adoring us regardless of how disgraceful we are of his affection. We have to lift his name on high, not due to what our identity is, but since of what his identity is.

What Is A Prophet Are There Prophets In Our World Today

The mainstream and accepted way of thinking about prophets is that they are individuals who can "see" the future and make it known to somebody, accordingly they are some of the time alluded to as "soothsayers." This thought might be halfway valid, what this definition needs can be the stuff you don't have the foggiest idea about that can hurt you.

The best single definition I have ever found is that a prophet is one who "tells forward the will and insight of God." This would incorporate things past, present and future. The book of scriptures expands the meaning of the prophet in three unmistakable manners offering trustworthiness to this definition.

First the "soul of prediction" is something characterized in the book of Revelation. Furthermore, I fell at his feet to love him. What's more, he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the declaration of Jesus: revere God: for the declaration of Jesus is the soul of prescience, Revelation 19:10. With this definition it very well may be seen that each one who announces the gospel has the "soul of prediction." That would incorporate everybody from Billy Graham to the youthful devotee remaining on the corner conversing with an outsider about how he met the Lord. It is sheltered to state that most prescience today depends on this informing others regarding Christ and his deeds despite the fact that they occurred more than 2,000 years back.

The second sort of prescience is something that approaches by the move of God's Holy Spirit in the congregation. It can come to essentially anybody in the congregation however it is constantly chosen and regulated by the Holy Spirit alone. In any case, the sign of the Spirit is given to each man to benefit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the useful tidbit; to another the expression of information by a similar Spirit; To another confidence by a similar Spirit; to another the blessings of recuperating by a similar Spirit; To another the working of marvels; to another prescience; to another observing of spirits; to another jumpers sorts of tongues; to another the understanding of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the equivalent Spirit, isolating to each man severally as he will, I Corinthians 12:7-11. These sorts of predictions appear to be just to be polished in the alluring and Pentecostal holy places of today. Be that as it may, utilizing the more extensive definition any minister who is talking under the intensity of the Holy Spirit could be said to forecast.

A third sort of prescience is what originates from somebody who has been delegated to prediction as well as has been explicitly given the "workplace of the prophet." And he gave a few, witnesses; and a few, prophets; and a few, evangelists; and a few, ministers and instructors; For the idealizing of the holy people, for crafted by the service, for the enlightening of the group of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-12. How these "prophets" are picked is a significant issue and is regularly misjudged so how about we take a gander at this next.

Prophets of today are picked precisely as they were years back in the book of scriptures. Normally they are gotten out by God through a word or a dream. In the book of scriptures a few prophets saw a fantasy; others heard God's voice and still others saw a consuming shrubbery or some other extraordinary omen which stood out enough to be noticed and afterward God addressed them.

I would say it was a fantasy as well as a progression of them and at one point a real voice with a quite certain message. Toward the start of my new confidence I had three dreams one night and woke after each fantasy and put in almost no time contemplating what I had seen. I knew about the occasions and sights of the initial two dreams however not with those in the third and last dream. It astounded me so much that I got up to ask and inquire as to whether he could enable me to comprehend what was happening. At that beginning period in my new confidence I didn't know God at any point addressed anybody straightforwardly any longer. I imagined that those sorts of disclosures were for scriptural occasions just and had since a long time ago passed.

At the point when I requested that God help me comprehend what the fantasies implied I was stepped back to one of my preferred Christmas stories. I recollected Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" and the three spirits of Christmas past, present and future. It clicked in my mind and I considered the to be as quite obvious. I had seen myself and the occasions throughout my life as clear as a film and keeping in mind that I knew about everything except the last dream I realized I had seen the past, the present and the future in three separate dreams. Life itself checked my revelation when after eight days the occasions I found in the third dream happened precisely.

After the initial three dreams I required just one dream to see what's to come. You could state that God needed to lead me into the entire issue with the initial three dream scene just to assist me with beating my general absence of information on how he functions and what he wanted to do with me later on. Truth be told the future would be loaded up with dream dreams by the hundreds, maybe at this point I could state by the thousands.

I was bothered by all the fantasies first and foremost. Albeit the majority of them were just close to home and identified with me or those close in my social setting and condition they were all distinctive and once in a while ever not entirely clear. They were generally on a "what you see is the thing that you get" premise no headings required. Be that as it may, every one of these fantasies frightened me.

In the wake of pondering such a large number of dreams I at long last asked God decisively for what valid reason I was seeing such huge numbers of dreams of things to come, once in a while as much as five or six times each week. The day after I requested that God help me I was attracted to my book of scriptures and to the book of Numbers. It was right now read a solitary section of sacred writing that set out to settle my dread about the volume of dreams I was accepting. In Numbers 12:6 the Bible says, "And he stated, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a dream, and will talk unto him in a fantasy."

I have seen world occasions unmistakably more seldom than individual occasions however not once in a period well more than thirty years have any of my fantasy dreams at any point been off-base. A portion of the fantasies were more point by point and long than others however the one that stands apart the most was to do with the second happening to Christ. That fantasy sent me on a deep rooted examination and search to realize everything I could about Christ's arrival to earth. I am still in that search and I have presumably that the opportunity of his coming is as close as a breath.

As I examined prediction and the prophets I found that there is a litmus test for both prescience and the prophet. It characterizes the parameters and the veracity of each prediction and each prophet including me. The test is essentially twofold.

The main test is "are the predictions or the message of the prophets genuine?" Does it really occur? There is no wrangling out of this test. On the off chance that the fantasies, dreams or messages of any sort are false the time has come to hang up the cap. In Hal Lindsey's well known book The Late Great Planet Earth, Mr. Lindsey calls attention to that Old Testament prophets were liable to stoning if their predictions weren't right. He was directly about that yet today individuals couldn't care less if a prophet is infrequently off-base or if his messages are hidden or darkened like those of Nostradamus. Possibly we won't stone such prophets today yet by all methods we ought not hear them out. Truth and mistake are not bed accomplices.

Then again an unquestionably increasingly unavoidable and savage issue is getting anybody to shield from executing, defaming or just for the most part overlooking the genuine prophets. I make an effort not to think about anybody's distrust literally and I help myself to remember what C. S. Lewis said may occur if Jesus were directing his service in the present confident universe of science, secularism and self. Lewis said that if Christ were serving today they may not kill him yet rather would welcome him to supper, hear him and afterward ridicule him.

The subsequent litmus test for all predictions has to do with "earlier disclosure." Simply stated, any disclosure or prophetic articulation given today should concur with any the words and messages of the antiquated scriptural prophets, Christ or his Apostles. God never negates himself. Sacred writing or the "earlier disclosure" is basic and crucial to all disclosure now or whenever to come. Since this is genuine I am constantly helped that even to remember the couple of world occasions that I have been favored to see they are just intended to be supplemental in nature and are never intended to "supersede" any piece of the scriptural disclosure. I don't need the obligation of adding anything to sacred writing that descends as "extra-scriptural" in nature. We have enough of that in things like the "Book of Mormon" and the tenets of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

At last it must be said that nobody ought to be permitted to determine their prophetic calling without anyone else. Expressions such as self perceived, self designated or self announced ought to be kept away from. The calling originates from God and God alone. I once heard somebody state that the individuals who hold the lectern without having been called to do so resemble men sitting on a seat as the prophets of God passed by and saying, "There go the godly men for what reason don't we find a good pace with them?"

Do you think you are a prophet? Let me state you have no clue what you're in for. A great many people won't consider you a Holy Spirit Dove driven man with a dream yet they will consider you to be a cuckoo feathered creature with another entirely different variant. You will remain solitary from multiple points of view in light of the fact that not at all like the clerics and pastors of the day who speak to the individuals to God you can just speak to God to the individuals. Yet, take heart in light of the fact that as the hour of Christ's arrival moves closer God will call evermore prophets to talk and prescience for him. This magnificent actuality is a guarantee of the sacred texts. "What's more, it will happen a short time later, that I will spill out my soul upon all substance; and your children and your girls will forecast, your elderly people men will dream dreams, your youngsters will see dreams: Joel 2:28."

Improve Your Prayer Life Now

It is truly heart-breaking and arduous for Christians to try and faithfully remember all those God places on our hearts to pray incessantly for.

For example, we know that we should be praying for our government -- national, provincial, regional and local -- people in authorities within the education systems, politicians in our municipalities, etc., etc.

We also have pressing petitions to bring to God regarding salvation of our loved ones, healing of friends and family members, co-workers -- employment needs, financial needs, spiritual needs of those in our pathways. And very importantly, as Christian believers we need to faithfully pray daily, or at least weekly, for the Peace of Jerusalem, for Israel, for God's people -- the Jewish people -- for the government of Israel, the leadership, the country, for the enemies of God that they would repent.

The Bible tells us to "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

Over the last few years, I designed and perfected prayer system as I have used it daily with great results. In this article, I want to impart some tips to help you improve your prayer life. Often, we pray for something that we really want, but as days go by, we forget because of other pressing matters in our lives that take over current priorities. Consequently we do not pray persistently for the things that we want to happen in our own lives or in the lives of those we pray for. It is also essential to know what's important and what's not.

Firstly, we need to pray daily.

Secondly, we need to eliminate those "wants" that we realize are no longer necessary or never were in the first place. You will come to recognize what's important and what's not.

Thirdly, we need to organize our prayers. To do that, we need to sort our prayers in order of daily, weekly and monthly time frames.

In other words, make a list of the prayers you want to bring to the Lord. Then sort them into priorities. For example if a close loved one is in the hospital, you want to pray for that person every day. If you're praying for someone's salvation, you want to pray weekly for that or those persons. If you are working on a long term plan, you want to place that on a monthly list, same for our government authorities,etc., unless there is a specific issue in the works that you want to pray for more often. Current issues you want to lift up to the Lord can be placed according to urgency, etc. What I found works well for me is to use cards to write my daily, weekly and monthly prayers from the list I have made. Then everyday, you go through your list as you have it outlined.

As new prayers come up to you through your own personal needs, or through friend's needs or requests from people at work, or at Church, or any other important issues, you just add them to your list or cards. The key to answered prayers is that we keep praying long enough for the requests until there is a breakthrough. The Bible tells us to "ask, seek and knock". It actually tells us to, "keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking". Too often, we stop too soon.

I do hope that this will help you to begin an effective prayer life. And may the Lord bless you richly.

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Will Christians Be In The Tribulation

Paul is very clear concerning this question. He breaks humanity into only Two Groups and demonstrates that only one of these two groups will be in the beginning Tribulation part of the final or 12th Day of the Lord. (The beginning “Wrath or Tribulation Part” of the 12th Day of the Lord, the Tribulation Period and Daniel’s 70th Week are three different names for the same event.)

1Thes 5:1-10

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (KJV)

Now here are the two groups. (1) Group One: Paul names this group the “ye, you, we, and us group.” Obviously, Paul included himself in this Group One.

Furthermore, all Christians are included in this “ye, you, we and us group.” None of those in this Group One will see even one minute of the entire Tribulation period.

In addition, when Paul spoke of the absence of us Christians in the beginning of the 12th Day of the Lord, he made it impossible to arbitrarily designate part of the Tribulation as wrath and arbitrarily declare part of it not wrath.

In other words, from the above Scriptures, it is obvious that the Group One, in which Paul includes himself, will not be in any part of the beginning (wrath part) of the 12th and Final Day of the Lord at all.

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Calling Yourself A Christian

Having discovered Jesus is a delightful thing.Your life appears to have meaning. You've appear to have discovered something that brings you incredible bliss and joy. Your dejection and void have vanished. Recognition the Lord.

Anybody that has acknowledged Jesus in their heart is viewed as a supporter of Jesus Christ. In this way, when anybody asks you, "Will be you a Christian?", absolutely you're going to answer, "truly, I am". Presently there is a major duty in considering yourself a Christian. One has to realize that in considering yourself a Christian, you are speaking to the service that Jesus began. Not any of the chuches that exist, however the service of Jesus Christ. The threat of this is, is that by not satisfying the gauges of what Jesus spread out for us to tail we could give God a bruised eye. Allow me to clarify. Individuals will be individuals, and on the off chance that they see the chance to cause themselves to feel great about themselves, they will. What it is, is that individuals like to point fingers. Also, with regards to religion, they will persuade themselves regarding things like Christians are a lot of wolves in sheep's clothing and for what reason would I need to get one of them or take a gander at the Catholic ministers that are attacking young men. Shouldn't something be said about the Muslims? Unquestionably they're not all fear based oppressors, yet have one come around and individuals start to pass judgment on them without finding a good pace. Comprehend what I'm attempting to get at.

Individuals love filthy clothing. It appears that the more terrible it is, the better for them. I'm definetly not denying that I haven't been there myself pointing fingers. It appears as though we have to do this, with the goal that we can feel a little better about ourselves and not need to truly observe who we truly are. We can rush to pass judgment on others, yet with regards to ourselves, overlook it. You need to recall that individuals are continually watching you. Not really as to be in hanging tight for you to slip up, however your lead. On the off chance that they see an easygoing, pleasant, nice individual that is thoughtful and cosiderate then that is what they're going to see. However, on the off chance that they see an impolite, awful, indecent, irate individual then that is the thing that they are going to see.

It's not really as to be worried about you considering yourself a Christian, yet it would be better that they consider you a Christian. That is the thing that carries Glory to God. The best thing that you need individuals to find in you is the acceptable. Nobody needs to be viewed as malevolent, yet who and what you are in Gods eyes is what is truly going to issue. Here's a model: I do alot of driving ordinarily busy working. I see individuals with the fish sign on their car.To me they're publicizing the way that they are a Christian. What gets me is the manner in which they drive. Speeding, cutting individuals off, etc. Presently I'm certain that individuals don't have the foggiest idea about the Lord yet, making statements like, "take a gander at that insane person and he should be a Christian?" Whoops, there goes another bruised eye for God.

I just essentially need you to perceive what damage should be possible. We truly should be wary about how we speak to ourselves. In the event that you need to be unassuming and somebody inquires as to whether you are a Christian. Simply reveal to them that your confidence is in Jesus Christ, He is our Savior and that you attempt to tail Him admirably well, yet you are not without issue. At that point when you do fail, nobody gets injured. A Christian is an adherent of Christ, a follower. In the event that you need to perceive what Jesus expects of one to be a follower of His, look into these sacred texts. Luke 6:46-49 – Luke 14:26,27 and 33 – John 8:31-34 – John 13:34,35 – John 15:8. May God BlessYou All.

End Times The Antichrist Defined

In the event that one would consider the essential focuses about the "Antichrist" as they are expressed in the Bible, one could just reason that the Antichrist is definitely not a person yet the far reaching doubt in God.

In any case, there are a few scholars who demand that the Antichrist is in reality a man who at present exists and strolls among us. They additionally battle that the Antichrist will climb to control and become a worldwide despot. Some have conjectured that Hitler would return, previous presidents just as George W. Bramble.

To fairly summarize Hal Lindsey's book "The Late Great Planet Earth," this is the time wherein the Antichrist holds onto authority over the world in this way flagging the homecoming of Christ.

However, the Bible offers no establishments for Lindsey's thoughts. There are many models in specific pieces of the New Testament that conflicts with Lindsey's fascinating however unusual contentions.

In 1 John 2:18, John 7 there is no single person that is assigned to be "the antichrist." What John declared rather is that "numerous antichrist" have emerged.

Next in entry 1 John 2:18:4:3 counters Lindsey's says that some inauspicious antichrist will show up in last piece of the twentieth century. What John broadcasted rather is that there are a ton of antichrists "in the primary century and that even at this point.. there are a few antichrists.

Despite the fact that dispensationalism, a type of pre-millennialism that is in vogue at the present time, have a lot to state about Antichrist, yet quite a bit of what they are stating is erroneous. To take a gander at these sentences one can't resist the urge to understand that when John specifies "antichrist" it is utilized in association with being secured a condition of unbelief. They were previous Christians or individuals who professed to be Christians in John's day.

Be cautious when taking a gander at 1 John 2:18 don't take it outside of any relevant connection to the issue at hand and attempt to apply the section to the 21st century. The antichrist is definitely not a person however a human feeling of mistrust.