Questions About God

 Teachers know that questions provide teachable moments. Thus wise teachers ask questions of their pupils, and they eagerly take advantage of opportunities when pupils ask questions.

 The Bible is filled with questions. God asked questions, and people asked question. Sometimes they asked God Himself and sometimes they asked others. Moses asked God to tell him His name, and God revealed His personal name (Exodus 3:13-14). Habakkuk asked God why He allowed evil people to get by with their sins, and God revealed some off His ways (Habakkuk 1:2). Jesus asked the disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" Their answer set up the next crucial question, "But whom say ye that I am?" (Matthew 16:13,15). The living Lord asked Saul of Tarsus, "Why persecutest thou me?" Saul then asked, "Who art thou, Lord?" and the answer led him tot ask a second question, "What shall I do, Lord?" (Acts 22:7-10). The answers changed Saul's life and the course of Christianity.

 

 Today's adults and their families are living in spiritually confusing times. Interest in spiritual things is high. Most people have more questions than answers. A wide variety of answer is being given, many of which are false and misleading. The fact that people are asking questions is a great opportunity to look to God's Word for answers. Only there will we find the real answers.

~StudyTheme

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The God Factor

 God is not a factor in the lives of many people, but people of faith live and move and have their being in God. The Lord was surely the key factor in David's life. Four incidents from David's life form the  biblical basis for this four-lesson study.
 The first lesson tells how God led Samuel to anoint a shepherd boy to be the next King of Israel. The lesson entitled "God Chooses and Equips" is  based on 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Samuel was told to go the house of Jesse in Bethlehem. Samuel was so impressed with the looks of the oldest son that the at first assumed that son was God's choice. God told Samuel that people look on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart.
 The second lesson, "God Empowers," is based on David's victory over Goliath as found in 1 Samuel 17. This familiar story has become in our culture a sign that ta brave and resourceful person can defeat seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The Bible, however, doesn't give David credit. God enabled him to defeat the giant.
 The third lesson, "God Values Human Life," is based on Psalm 139:13-16, a key passage on the value of human life, and verses from 2 Samuel 11-12 that describe David's sins, confession, and forgiveness. This lesson for the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is applied to those who have failed to  respect and protect human life.
 The fourth lessons, "God Works in His Time," is based on 1 Samuel 26. David spared Saul's life. David showed patient forbearance by leaving Saul's fate and his own future in God's hands.

~StudyTheme

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Born To Save

Christmas is only a secular holiday for many people. It means time off from work: it consists of parties and presents. Those who see some religious meaning  in Christmas often restrict it to a baby in a manger scene. The two lessons in the study challenge us to look back before the manger to the preexistent Word of God and to look forward from the manger to the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Savior of the World.

 The first lesson. "What Child Is This?" includes the familiar story of Jesus birth in Lure 2:4-7, but it also focuses on the less familiar prophecies of Simeon and Anna in verses 27-38. Simeon predicted that a sword would pierce Mary's soul. This shows that the Child born to the virgin Mary was destined to die for the sins of the world.
 The second lesson, "Life in the Son," is based on the prologue to John's Gospel. John 1:1-18 reveals that the birth of Jesus was not the beginning of the Son of God. He is the Word of God who was in the beginning, who was with God, and who is God. What happened at Bethlehem was that the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt on earth during His lifetime.

 Thus when we view the Baby in the manger, we  need to look back to the eternal Word of God who became the God-man when He was born to the virgin Mary. And we need to look beyond the manger to the cross-and even beyond that. The manger is empty. The cross also is empty. The tomb is empty.
 God told Mary and Joseph to name the child Jesus, which means "Savior" (Matthew 1:21). The angel told the shepherds that Jesus was the Savior, Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). He was truly "Born to Save."


~StudyTheme



Photo Credit: SomeToThinkAbout

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Excellence In Giving

"Money, money, money. That's all they talk about at church!"
This complaint is sometimes heard after a sermon or Sunday School lesson on giving. The complaint often comes from people who attend only occasionally and happen to come during a financial stewardship emphasis in the church, A pastor or a Sunday School teacher cannot preach or teach the Bible without mentioning giving. The Old Testament says much about the right attitude toward possessions and calls for generosity in helping the needy and bringing tithes in worship. Jesus constantly taught about giving and warned against covetousness. The Book of Acts focuses on the sharing within the Jerusalem church and the gifts of the Antioch church to the Jerusalem church members. Many of the New Testament letters deal with possessions and generous giving.

The longest Bible passage on giving is 2 Corinthians 8-9. Paul was promoting an offering from the Gentile churches for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Although the word money is not found in these two chapters, they present most of the biblical principles about giving.

 The first lesson, "Why I Give," is based on selected verses from 2 Corinthians 8. The second lesson, "How I Give," is based on 2 Corinthians 9.

• demonstrate your commitment to God through giving (Dec.7)
• always honor God in your giving (Dec.14)

  This two lessons are especially appropriate for the Christmas season, when there is so much emphasis on giving and receiving.The lessons point to Christi's giving Himself (8:9) and to God's great gift in sending Him (9:15). Each warns against the dangers of a selfish, covetous attitude--an appropriate warning at this time of the year.
 Southern Baptists have a great opportunity at Christmas to give to the Lord by giving to the cause that was closest to His heart-taking the good news to all people. We do this through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for the International Missions.

~Study Theme


If you own this photo please contact me through my email davaochristianchurch@gmail.com

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Highway To Heaven

You won't find it on a map, but a highway to heaven does exist. "The Roman Road" is explained in the Book of Romans in the Bible, and it tells how to go to heaven.
 The Road Begins at Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." God s the source for our journey to heaven. He gives power for salvation to all who believe.
 We need God's power because we have a problem with sin: "For All have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "Sin" means missing the mark or missing God's intended destination for us. None of us can reach that destination on his or her own because everyone is a sinner.
 When we work, we earn money. Sin earns wages as well--Wages of death. Because God loves all sinners, He has provided another route: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

 The highway to heaven is found in Romans 10:9: "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." We need to confess our sin and ask God for forgiveness. To confess Jesus as Lord involves agreeing with God about your sin and your need for salvation. You must repent of your sin, turning away from the direction in life in which you are going. 
To "believe in your heart" is to place your faith in Jesus, trusting that He died on the cross to pay for your sins. "But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

If you would like to have salvation in Jesus Christ, sincerely pray a prayer like this one "Dear God. I confess to you my sin and need for salvation. I turn away from my sin and place my faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. 
 Share your faith in Jesus with a Christian friend or pastor. Becoming Christian is your first step on the lifelong road of spiritual growth and service God desires for you. Follow Christ in believer's baptism by immersion and join a local church.



Cover: This bronze oil lamp from the 1st century A.D. was found om Nubia, Egypt, and presently is in the University Museum of the University of Pennsylvania. Symbolically the lamp reminds us that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).


Photo Credit: Highway To Heaven

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Relationships Worth Improving

Relationships Worth Improving

   Most adults fulfill many roles. For example, you may be wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, church member, Sunday School Teacher, citizen, customer, patient, coworker, employee, and on and on. How many of these roles involve personal relationships? The answer depends on how you define relationships. A broad definition might include all people with whom you interact---even though the interaction is functional, occasional, and often superficial. A more narrow definition confines relationship to personal and meaningful relationship.

   This study focuses on biblical teachings concerning important relationships, beginning with a relationship with God. Then come three family relationships: between husband and wife, between parents and children, and between brothers and sisters. Finally, we will look at relationships with friends.

   Many people do not have a meaningful personal relationship with God, but the Bible views this as the foundation for all true human relationship. The first lesson, "Trusting God," based on proverbs 3:5-6 and 1 John 2:1-11, focuses on t his important relationship.
   The second lesson, "Loving Spouses," is based on 1 Corinthians 7:1-6 and Ephesians 5:22-25,28-33. This is deals wit responsibilities off husbands and wives.
   The third lesson, "Nurturing Family Relationship," is based on Ephesians 6:1-4 and 1 Timothy 5:1-8. This deals with relationships between children and parents.
   The fourth lesson, "Improving Sibling Relationship, "is based on the story of the brothers Esau and Jacob in Genesis 27:41; 32:3-5, 9-11; and 33:1-5, 10-11.
   The fifth lesson, "Being Friends," is based on proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 27:5-6, 9-10; and Philippians 4:1-3, 10,14-16.

     This study theme is designed to help you----

• have a right relationship with God by trusting Him and obeying Him daily 
• build a right relationship in marriage and help others to do so
• fulfill biblical responsibiltites in your family relationships
• improve your relationships with your siblings
• be a godly friend

-Study theme

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Let's Talk About Jesus

Let's Talk About Jesus

   One one of the occasions when the enemies of Jesus sent oficers to arrest Him, the officers found Jesus teaching in the temple. They heard Him say, "if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John 7:37). The officers returned without arresting Jesus. When they were asked why they failed in their assignment, the officers said, "Never man spake like this man" (v. 46).

   The same formula would fir everything about Jesus. No one was born like this man. No one lived like this man. No one died like this man. No one was raised from death like this man. No one established the church like this man. No one will return like this man.

   This study focuses on four aspects of the unique Jesus: His death, His resurrection, His church and His future coming. Each of the four lessons includes verses from Matthew's Gospel and at least one New Testament Letter.

   The first lesson, "Suffering Savior," based on selected verses from Matthew 27 and 1 John 4, looks at the suffering and death of Jesus. The second lesson, "Risen Lord," is based on Matthew 28:1-10 and Ephesians 2:4-9. This is the Easter Coordinated Evangelism Lesson. The third lesson, "Church Builder," is based on Matthew 16:13-19 and Ephesians 2:17-22. the  fourth lesson, "returning King," is based on Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; and 1 John 2:28-3:3.

     This Study Theme is design to help you:

• believe Jesus demonstrated God's love by dying to provide eternal life and to respond to that love in your daily life (Apr. 4)
• believe Jesus rose from the dead, be sure you are experiencing the new life God gives to those who believe in Jesus, and share this message with others (Apr. 11);
• be involved in the church as a way to live out your spiritual commitment and to fulfill Christ's divine plan (Apr.18)
• be ready for Jesus return (Apr. 25).

-Study Theme

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Courage to Stand for God

Courage to Stand for God

   One of the early Christian martyrs was an elderly man named Polycarp. He was arrested and freely admitted that he was a Christian. He was given plenty of opportunities to save his own life, but he refused each offer because the condition for being spared was to deny Christ. He told his persecutors, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he hath done me no wrong; how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me?"

   Polycarp stood up for the Lord, even though it cost him his life. Many others have done the same. We are blessed to live in a land of religious freedom, but we face challenges in which we are called on stand up for God.

   This four-session Study Theme focuses on the lives of several Old Testament persons who modeled courage, some hesitantly at first and others with a marvelous faith. These examples can give believers of all maturity levels a foundation for forming and solidifying the courage it takes to live for God. 

   The first lesson, "Demonstrating Spiritual Leadership," is based on the story of Deborah in judge 4-5. The second lesson, "Opposing False Beliefs," is based on the story of Gideon in Judge 6. The third lesson, "Refusing to Compromise," is based on the story of Shadrach, Meshrach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. The fourth lesson, "Acting Decisively," is based on the story of Esther.

      This study is designed to help you---

• take a stand for God and thereby encourage fellow Christians to do the same (Mar. 7)
• live in loyalty to the one true God and challenge false gods off today (Mar. 14)
• gain boldness to live for God without compromise (Mar. 21)
• recognize and act upon God-given opportunity to fulfill His will for your life, whatever the cost (Mar. 28)

-Martyr of Polycarp

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I've Prayed. Now what?

I've Prayed. Now what?

Luke 11:9-13
9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 "Which of you Fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 18:1-8
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4 "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5 yes because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!"'
6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when he find faith on the earth?"

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Crucified, Buried, and Alive Again!

Crucified, Buried, and Alive Again!

Matthew 27:1, 2, 19-22, 27, 28, 31, 45, 46, 50, 51, 54, 57-69
     1 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2 They bound him led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
     19 While Pilate was setting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
     20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
     21 "Which of the two do you want me to release to you? asked the governor.
     22 "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
     They all answered, "Crucify Him!"
     27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him.
     31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

     45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacbtbani?"---which means, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
     50 And when Jesus has cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
     51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.
     54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"
     57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph.
   58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body,and Pilate ordered that it be given it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.


Matthew 28:1-6
     1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the others Mary went took at the tomb.
     2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became dead like dead men.
     5 The angel said to the women, " Do not be afraid for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.



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How do I share my Christian testimony?

How do I share my Christian testimony?

The testimony we share with one another are important. They provide encouragement and strength with us, sometimes they transfer wisdom and they provide inspiration about God. That's why the testimony we speak in church it's very important, if you don't know how to share your testimony, so read this process.


Question: "How do I share my Christian testimony?"

Answer: An effective testimony is one that conveys both your own experience and the Gospel of Christ so that someone else has the information about the process of salvation.

1. Start by writing down the details of how you came to trust in Christ to save you.
Answering the following questions to help you: a) Who told me about Christ? b) What events led up to me trusting or believing in Christ? c) When did I trust in Christ? d) Where was I when I first believed? e) How has faith in Christ been a blessing to me?

2. Next write this out so that it flows well as a story. Try to be as concise as possible.
As a goal, try to make the length of your testimony so that it can be effectively shared in three minutes or less.

3. Make sure you have included the appropriate Scriptures in your testimony.
Remember that it is Scripture that is authoritative because it is God's Word. As an example, your testimony should consist of your becoming aware that you were separated from God by your sin (Romans 3:23), the realization that you would spend eternity away from God if your did not receive forgiveness (Romans 6:23), the understanding that God sent His only perfect Son Jesus do die and pay for your sin (Romans 5:8), and finally your receiving forgiveness by trusting alone in Christ's payment for sin (Acts 16:31).

As an examples, below is my testimony of how I came to trust in Christ as my savior.4

Though as a child and teenager I spoke with a pastor three or four times about how I might go to heaven when I died, I never really understood the Gospel of Christ until I was a young adult in my mind 20s. Over the course of a few years, I began reading the Bible, listening to a couple of good conservative Bible teachers on television, and discussing what I had heard with Christians at work. Through this, I came to realize that I was sinner separated from God and deserved to be eternally separated from God. This was based on (Romans 3:23) "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" and (Romans 6:23) "the wages of sin is death." I also came to understand that God loves me so much that He sent His Son Jesus, and Jesus came to earth specifically to die for my sins (and the sins of the whole world) so that I could be forgiven (Romans 5:8; John 3:16).

Finally, I came to understand that there was no way I could be good enough or work my way to heaven (Romans 3:10) says there is none who does good and (Ephesians 2:8-10) declares that salvation is a gift of God, not something earned, and it is received only by faith, which is to simply trust in or rely completely on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as payment for my sin. After I came to understand these truths from Scripture, I had a sense of assurance that since I could not work for my salvation, I could not lose it either since it is a gift from God.

There was a great sense of relief in knowing that I was forgiven and that God was on my side and wanted and still wants what is best for me. Since beginning my life with Christ, He has, by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in my heart, continued to sanctify me through His word and His working in my life. This forgiveness and security that I have from God can be yours too if you will trust Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins.



Source: Gotquestions.org

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In Remembrance

In Remembrance

Mark 14:12-25
12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for your to eat the Passover?"
13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, "The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."
16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. 17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me---one who is eating with."
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"
20 "It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."


1 Corinthians 11:23-26
23 For i received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes



Photo source: peggywright.wordpress.com

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Why should I pray?

Why should I pray?

Matthew 26:36, 40, 41
   36 Then Jesus went with hi disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
   40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping, "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak."

Philippians 4:6, 7
    6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.

James 5:13-16
     13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

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I'll Do It For Him

I'll Do It For Him

(Acts 16:22-34)

 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening  to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all there!"
 29 The jailer called for light, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked,
     "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved---you and your household." 32 The they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God---he and his whole family.

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A Place of Honor

A Place of Honor

(John 12:1-9)

1Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where  Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; he poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciple, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't thi perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
 7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should wave this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests plans to kill Lazarus as well 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him. 12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
     "Hosanna"
     "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
     "Blessed is the King of Israel!"
 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
 15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
           see, your king is coming,
           seated on a donkey's colt."
    16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.
   17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"

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Pray? What should I say?

Pray? What should I say?

(Matthew 6:5-13)

5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father; who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
          9 "This, then, is how you should pray:

          "'Our Father in heaven,
         hallowed be your name,
         10 you kingdom come,
         your will be done
            on earth as it is in heaven.
          11 Give us today our daily bread.
          12 Forgive us our debts,
           as we also have forgiven our debtors.
         13 And lead us not into temptation,
         but deliver us from the evil one."

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He Did it for Me

He Did it for Me

(1 John 3:1-6, 1 John 5:11-13)

1 How great is the love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins.And in him is no sin.
     6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or know him.

     11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

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In Sickness and in Health

In Sickness and in Health

(John 9:1-11)

1 As he went along, he say a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
     3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day we must do the work of him who sent me. Night as coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
     6 Having said this, he spit on the ground made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7 "God," he told him, "was in the pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed and came home seeing.
     8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man." 10 "How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and then I could see."

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It's All Gone.

It's All Gone.

(Job 1:1, 13-22, Job 2:7-10)

1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 14 a messenger cmae to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!" 
     16 While he was still speaking another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servant, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
     17 While he was still speaking. another messenger came and said, "The cladeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
     18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinkking wine at the oldest brother'S house, 19 when suddenly a might wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
     20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
     "Naked I came from my mother's womb and naked I will depart.
     The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."
     22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. 



7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of hid head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.
     9 His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
     10 He replied, "Your are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"

     In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

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Where is our true home if not in the presence of God?

"Metaphor of the Moon"

When I was a child, there were occasions when I spent time  away from home. Off to summer camp in Rutledge, Georgia. A missions trip to New York. Family Vacations took me to Alaska, Wyoming, and Maine and many spots in between. And sometimes, during there trips, I Found myself longing for home. During lovely nights, I often found myself searching the sky for the satellite that finds me wherever I am-the moon. Even as a child, it struck me that the moon looked very much the same whether I was at home, in New York, or Wyoming. I always smiled when I say its familiar white flow in the night sky. In a sense, it made me feel at home. Or perhaps it made me feel as if the whole world was my home

     Immanuel. God with us. Think about that for a moment. God with us. It struck me as I began to ponder the idea that that my experience of the moon as a child is a metaphor for God's presence in our lives. Wherever I go, is not God there? Where is our true home if not in the presence of God? Aren't there times when God seems Hidden from us, as on those nights when the moon is in shadow?
     
     But God is more than this metaphor suggest, too. The moon is a far-off land. We are separated from it by the great expanse of space. But God has brought us near. Matthew reports this truth to us: "Look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us'" (Matthew 1:23). The good news is that God has come near to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Paul says it another way, "But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace... and has broken down the dividing wall" (Ephesians 2:13-14)

     There may be times when it feels as if we are still far from God, doesn't just make us feel at home, God is our home. And God's peace goes with us in this life.

~Jeremy Samples

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The issues of Christians

(James 1:1-15)

James 1 identifies a variety of issues that Christians sometimes have to deal with in their lives. For example, in verse 14, James explains that we are tempted by our own desire and exhorts reader not to be deceived by the lure of sin. Implicit in James's Instructions on how Christians should live and treat one another is the encouragement ti engage in some self-examination. Take a few moments today and listen to what is within you. What feelings, emotions, and thoughts do you hold at this moment? As you continue to reflect, use the prayer below as assurance that God will be with you.

God of grace and God of glory, bless us with your powerful love.
We come before you,
some of us frail, others fragile,
some of us sorrowful, others shameful,
some of us weak, others wounder,
some of us seeking, others hiding,
some of us doubtful, others disbelieving,
some of us helpful, others skeptical,
some of us in need, others wanting to give,
some of us empty, others lost in abundance,
some of us ready, others uncertain,
each of us in need of your life-restoring grace.

Meet us here, gracious God, as we come to you in complete honesty. May we know and be known by the all-sufficient grace You offer to us. Through Jesus Christian our Lord. Amen

~Smyth&Helwys

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GOD: The Master Builder

God's Deposit

(The Holy Spirit)

Acts 2:38
     38 Peter Replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name off Jesus Christ for the forgiveness off your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:5-8
     5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

Romans 8:9,10
     9 You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Romans 15:13
     13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:18, 20
     19 Do you not know that you body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

2 Corinthians 1:21, 22
     21 Now it is God who makes both s and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us. and put his Spirit in our heart as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Galatians 5:22, 23
     22 The fruit of the Spirit is joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

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Who built the Church?

Built on the Rock

(The Church)

Matthew 16:16-18
     16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
     17 Jesus Replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, fir this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gate of Hades will not overcome it."

John 4:23
     23 "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."

Acts 2:1, 14, 41, 42
     1 When the day of Pentecost came they were all together in one place.
     14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, Let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say."
     41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
     42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Hebrews 10:24, 25
     24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
     25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

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The Truth About Hell

The Truth About Hell

This is the common fears of human being is what will happen to them after they die. Before looking at hell and eternal life it is important to get a solid understanding of who God is as well as His character. The Bible says that God "is" Love (1 John 4:16). He is the originator of love and all His actions are directed by love. Jeremiah 31:3 even says, "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you." The Bible clearly state that God doesn't even enjoy a wicked person's death. Ezekiel 33:11 says, "...As I live,'says the Lord God, ' I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live...For why should you die, O house of Israel.

But the real question what is hell? why people afraid of this hell? should I go in hell? or who was hell created for?, there is many different question of people that we heard.

What is Hell?
Paul makes it clear that the wages-the-result-of sin in the life of a human being eternal death. This directly contradicts the common teaching that the wages of sin is eternal life in hell. Paul's words harmonize with Revelation 20:14 where the fate of the incorrigibly wicked is called "the second death" in "the lake of fire."The "lake of fire" described in the Bible is far from the common conception of hell. It is a place that will utterly destroy and kill the wicked (Matthew 10:28). The prophet said Malachi prophesied that "all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up" (Malachi 4:1).


The Bible does not say that unbelievers are tormented forever in either a place of fiery torture or a place of dark seclusion from God. These ideas directly contradict one of the plainest statements in the Bible about the results of sin in a human life. At the end of a chapter describing the results of sin versus the results of righteousness, the apostle Paul wrote: "For the wages of sin is death,, but the gift of God eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23 Added words).

Three Greek name words for hell
What about the instances in the Bible when the word hell is used? What is hell, according to the Bible? Many are surprised to learn that there are actually three Greek words translated “hell” in the New Testament. These three words are Hades, Gehenna and Tartaroo.

1. Hades refers to “the grave,” “the pit” or “place of the dead.” The Holman Bible Dictionary explains that “Hades is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term ‘Sheol,’ which refers in general to the place of the dead” (1991, “Hades”). (Psalms 16:10) and (Acts 2:27) use Sheol and Hades to describe the location of Christ’s body when He was dead for three days and three nights (Matthew 12:40).

2. Gehenna refers to the valley of Hinnom, “a valley near Jerusalem … where children were sacrificed by fire in connection with pagan rites” (New Bible Dictionary, 1982, “Hell”). Later garbage and dead bodies were disposed of and burned in this valley. Gehenna represents the “lake of fire” described in (Revelation 19:20), the unquenchable fire(Mark 9:43) that will completely destroy the unrepentant (Matthew 10:28).

3. Tartaroo appears once in the Bible in (2 Peter 2:4) and refers to a condition of restraint for demons (fallen angels) until their later judgment.

So, Consider the following story. Imagine God as a loving compassionate surgeon. He loves each and every patient that comes into His office, but hates the disease that attacks them. Each day He lovingly treats each case. One day you come into God’s office with a case of gangrene. He loves you so much, but says He must make an amputation to save your life because of the spreading nature of the disease. If the gangrene is not removed the infection will consume you and eventually kill you. In the same way God must remove sin or it will consume the entire universe and destroy the happiness of His creation.

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Did you know the Rebecca's Wedding?

Rebecca's Wedding

  When Abraham was young, He left his home at Ur in Mesopotamia and went to dwell in the land of Canaan. Now that he was old, he knew that the time had come to look for a wife for Isaac, hid son.

   "I wish my boy to marry a girl of our own people," Abraham told his chief servant. "God again to Ur, the city of my brother Nahor, and the Lord will help you find Isaac's bride."

   Abraham's servant took ten of his master's camels, and set off on the journey to Us. Since he was not sure how to go about his search, he prayed for help.

   "Soon, I shall reach the well at Ur," he thought. "When the young women of the city come to draw water, I will speak to the one who seems the fairest. Perhaps she will offer to draw water not only for me, but for my camels as well. Then, I shall know that she is as good as she is beautiful, and that the Lord has sent her."

   Abraham's servant waited by the well at Ur. Before long, a graceful maiden came tripping by, with a jug on her shoulder. "Please give me a sip of water," he asked. "I'm thirsty, for I have traveled far today."

     "Then, your camels must be thirsty, too," the girl replied with a smile. "Drink, while I draw water for them as as well," 

   The servant was amazed. "Surely my prayer has been answered," he thought

   "Who are you, and who is your father?" the man asked "I am Rebecca, daughter of bethuel, the son off Nahor." 

   "Nahor!" the servant exclaimed. "That was the brother of my master Abraham. Now, take me to your family's home." He gave Rebecca a golden ornament and a pair of bracelets----Isaac's gift for his bride-to-be. Rebecca's Mother and brother were pleased with what they heard of Isaac, and decided that Rebecca might marry him if she were willing.

   "I am willing," Rebecca said.  "Tomorrow, let me go to him."

   Near sunset the next day, Isaac went out to the fields by the roadside. There, he saw the caravan coming. "Who is that young man?" Rebecca asked her guide. "That is Abraham's son," the servant told her.

   Shyly, Rebecca got off her camel and went to meet Isaac. The two were Married, and lived happily together for many years.

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How to Become A Christian (Part 2)

A Step of Faith

In your personal opinion. What do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven? Consider how the Bible answer this question. It is a Matter of FAITH.

F is for FORGIVENESS - We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness. "In Him [meaning Jesus] we have redemption through Hid blood. the forgiveness of our trespasses" (Ephesians 1:7).

A is for AVAILABLE - Forgiveness is available for all. "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His on and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). But not automatic. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

I is for IMPOSSIBLE - It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.

• Because of who He is: God is loving and just. His judgement is against sin. "For judgement is without mercy" (James 2:13).
• Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner. :"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?

T is for TURN - Turn means repent.

• Turn from something-sin and self. "But unless you repent, you will all perish" (Luke 13:3).
• Turn to Someone: trust Christ only: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).

H is for HEAVEN - Heaven is eternal life.

• Here.... "I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance" (John 10:10).
• Hereafter... "If i go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also" (John 14:3).
• How... How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ another Meaning of FAITH: Forsaking all I Trust Him. Then tell someone about the important decision you have made. Grow in your faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming part of His Church and attending the Sunday School class a church has just for you.

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How To Become A Christian

How To Become A Christian

Jesus

Jesus Christ was with God the  Father before the world was created. He became human and lived among human beings as Jesus of Nazareth. He came to show us what God is like. He lived a sinless life, showing us how to live: and He died upon a cross to pay for our sins. God  raised Him from the dead.
   Jesus is the source of  eternal life. Jesus want to be the doorway to new life for you. In the Bible He is called "the Lamb of God" (John 1:29). In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made for the sins of the people. Jesus became the  sacrificial lamb offered fir sub.

• Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh  unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). He is waiting for you now.
• Admit to God that you are a sinner. Repent, turning sin by dying on the cross.
• Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

You may pray a prayer similar to this as you call on God to save you:
"Dear God, I know you love me. I confess my sin and need of salvation. I turn away from my sin and place my faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. In Jesus name I pray, amen."

  After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a pastor or another Christian about your decision. Show others your faith in Christ by being baptized as a public expression of your faith. Then serve the Lord by becoming an Active member of your local Church.

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Make today Amazing.

Make today Amazing.

 TOP 10 Verse

John 14:14 - If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.

John 15:7 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

1 Corinthians 13:6 - Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For i know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord," Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith: be courageous; be strong

1 John 3:22 - and receive from Him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.

1 John 3:1-3 - 1) See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! and that is what we are! The reason the world does  not know us is that it did  not know Him. 2) Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3) All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Romans 1:17 - For the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by Faith"

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid  or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

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In the time of King Herod

In the time of King Herod

Matthew 2

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men* from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising,* and have come to pay him homage.’ 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah* was to be born. 5They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for from you shall come a ruler   who is to shepherd* my people Israel.” ’

7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men* and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising,* until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped,* they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

The Escape to Egypt

13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ 14Then Joseph* got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’

The Massacre of the Infants

16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men,* he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.* 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18 ‘A voice was heard in Ramah,   wailing and loud lamentation,Rachel weeping for her children;   she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’

The Return from Egypt

19 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ 21Then Joseph* got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazorean.’

Photo Credit: BibleMesh

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Pass it on - the value of wisdom from elders

Pass it on - the value of wisdom from elders

Each one of us hopefully learns a great deal through our lifetime, but what do we do with that knowledge? Does it go with us to our graves, or do we learn to share it with others graciously, and without expectation for the way they will use it? Looking to the older generation for advice seems to have gone out of fashion these days, perhaps partly because families no longer live with or near each other. I don't know if it is the computer generation with its instant answers from Google (although I suspect it happened long before the internet), but the younger generation doesn't seem to want to ask for advice and wisdom from their elders. Titus 2 talks about older women offering encouragement to younger women to live their lives well, and I think that's a great model for us all. While methodology may change (I still cringe when I think of some of the advice I and my friends got as young mums from older women) those who have journeyed further along life's path can be a huge source of wisdom, and it is foolish not to tap into it. Surely that's something of what church family is about? It is both disrespectful and arrogant to think that these people have nothing to offer us in terms of advice and wisdom, so how can we make ourselves more open to it? And those of us who are no longer spring-like teenagers or in our twenties should also consider what our life lessons have been along the way so far. What wisdom might we have to pass on to those who are younger (in age but also in their faith)?Just this week a younger couple turned down offers of advice from my husband and me, even though they are going through a situation very similar to one we experienced years ago.

We've also enjoyed spending time with an older couple who are much further ahead on their leadership journey, who spoke such encouragement, challenge and wisdom into our lives over a meal. Those uplifting encounters are so vital. So, in the spirit of being older than quite a lot of you now (I still can't quite get used to that fact), I'm going to practice what I'm preaching and pass on just a few of the things I've learned over the years, hopefully in an encouraging way!

Don't try to do things in your own strength

We hate admitting our need for help, but I'm afraid that's the way it works. We can't experience God's grace and goodness without openly admitting we need Him. And God puts people around us for a reason. Yes, there are times when we are to reach out and help them – but we also need to learn to accept help in those times when we could really do with it. As a 'do-er' I really hated admitting I couldn't keep on top of things and worked really hard to make sure I could – until I had children and those first few weeks completely unravelled my nicely worked out routines! My advice to you: quit pretending everything is okay and allow those closest to you to see how things really are – then accept the offers of help when they come.

Take more time to slow down, and learn how to practise God's presence

I've spent countless years pushing myself to achieve the goals I set myself each day, and yet I'm sure a lot of that rushing was pointless. I can often feel empty at the end of a particularly busy day, sensing that I've missed something. The irony is that the pace I lived my life at was often fuelled by a desire not to miss anything! There is so much wisdom in learning to slow down and inviting God in at regular intervals. When I first started working from home, I began to chat to God at various points throughout my day. I discovered that connecting with God in such a simple way made a huge difference.

Be gentle on yourself: God is

If you are a perfectionist like me, you want to do everything you can absolutely to the best of your ability, and beat yourself up when you fall short or when you slip up on that same area of temptation AGAIN. The way we can lay into ourselves is vicious – it certainly doesn't reflect the heart of God. As long as we come before Him and ask His forgiveness whenever necessary, His hands of love and grace are outstretched before us; beckoning us. He doesn't turn His back on us in the way we expect. I found this out in a particularly difficult time of my life, when I'd committed a 'big sin' and was trying to deal with the inevitable consequences. I seemed to be much harder on myself than God was – He just wanted me to come back and commune with Him again, and learn to take baby steps forward with Him once more.

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An account of the Genealogy "of Jesus the Messiah"

An account of the Genealogy "of Jesus the Messiah"

Mathew 1

An account of the genealogy* of Jesus the Messiah,* the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, 4and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6and Jesse the father of King David.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph,* 8and Asaph* the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos,* and Amos* the father of Josiah, 11and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.*

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah,* fourteen generations.

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah* took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ 22All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,   and they shall name him Emmanuel’,which means, ‘God is with us.’ 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, gobut had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;* and he named him Jesus.

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