Wage the Good warfare!

We are in a war!
Often we say it is a spiritual war as though it doesn't affect other areas of our lives. But the spiritual affects all other areas. In fact the spiritual is first and then the physical. So we are in a war battling for souls for eternity.

In 1 Tim 1:18-19 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck

One of the most important gift that God has given man is the conscience.
What is conscience?
The following story by Theodore parker illustrates it very well.
" I saw a little spotted turtle," he writes, " sunning itself in the shallow water. I lifted the stick in my hand to kill it; for though I had never killed any creature, yet I had seen other boys, out of sport, destroy birds, squirrels and the like, and I had a disposition to follow their example. But all at once something checked my little arm, and a voice within me said, clear and loud, ' It is wrong.' I held my uplifted stick in wonder at the new emotion, till the turtle vanished from sight." I hastened home and told the tale to my mother, and asked what it was that told me it was wrong. She wiped a tear from her eye, and taking me in her arms, said, ' Some men call it conscience, but I prefer to call it the voice of God in the soul of man. If you listen and obey it, it will speak clearer and clearer, and always guide you right; but if you turn a deaf ear or disobey, then it will fade out little by little, and leave you in the dark without a guide. Your life my son depends on heeding that little voice.'"

Definitions of conscience
· The consciousness within oneself of the choice one ought to make between right and wrong. (Oxford)
· From a Christian perspective a conscience is all about having God’s standard in our hearts to guide us in how we conduct ourselves.
· Conscience is a group of laws in our hearts. Mankind has demonstrated that they know God’s principles. No matter if we know the Bible or not, we know we should not murder, steal, be jealous of other people, and generally not do the things that displease our Creator.
· A good conscience is one that allows me to look every person in the eye knowing that not one of them can point a finger and say, “You wronged me and you never tried to make it right”.

Then why do man made in the image of God do “beastly”, ungodly and wicked things? What happened to their conscience?

THE BIBLE SAYS THAT CONSCIENCE CAN....
seared – burned and destroyed with hot iron (1 Tim 4:2),
defiled – made corrupted by impurities and filth (Titus 1:15) and
weakened – a conscience that is seared and defiled and a conscience that has been filled with lies and wrong examples will be weak (1 Cor 8:7,10).

How can one’s conscience be weakened? If we keep seeing wrong things done around us we can accustom ourselves to it until what we consider as wrong become "acceptable". If our parents uses foul language, the children will soon follow and they have no shame feelings about it.

GOD’S WANTS OUR CONSCIENCE TO BE:
good - strong and healthy - 1 Tim 1:5, 19;
pure - cleansed and kept clean - 1 Tim 3:9 and
clear - void of offence towards God and men

CONSCIENCE CAN BE AWAKENED BY TRUTH:
John 8 :9. When Jesus spoke the truth; the men beginning with the oldest were convicted in their conscience of their own sins.
We need to constantly expose ourselves to the truth of God’s word to keep our conscience healthy and strong.

WAGE A GOOD WARFARE BY HAVING FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE: 1 Tim 1:18-19
We can’t fight against the devil if our conscience is pricking us or condemning us. The devil’s scheme is to defile, sear and weaken man’s conscience till he doesn’t know what’s right and wrong. Then he can easily tempt man to do the wrong things i.e. to sin against God and be destroyed.

What can we do to maintain a good conscience
§ Love truth & not compromise it
§ Please God
§ Live by God’s standard
§ Be sincere

CONCLUSION:
Let’s be like Paul who said in Acts 24:15,16 …I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Don't ever bow to compromise; to fear; to self preservation.

Only bow to God and His Word; to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Poor People are more Compassionate and more Blessed

Recently the news of Yue Yue the 2 years plus baby who was ran over by a van and was ignored for 7 minutes by 18 passers by, shocked us all. How could human beings (in this case the Chinese people) be so heartless that they could totally ignore a critically injured baby by the road side right before their eyes.

Has the busyness of life in the city made cold hearts out of us. Notice I use "us" and not them. Before we point the finger and criticise the 18 people let us do some soul searching. Could we have done the same? Perhaps we are rushing to go to work, to an appointment or even to go home to take care of our family members at home. There could be a 101 reasons, right? As someone puts it, " we could have made the money but we have lost our hearts (the loving compassionate human hearts). Is progress, development and higher standards of living beneficial to us? Maybe to our physical comfort but I'm certainly doubtful about it's benefit to our souls/hearts.

In contrast I have a heartwarming story to tell.
Ten of us from our church went to India for a Mission Trip recently. We went to a small town about 10 hours drive from the city of Hyderabad. It is one of those poor towns where roads are bad and where everything seems so messy and dirty. You see cows strolling on the roads or resting right in the middle of the road. On top of that there are wild pigs like dogs running around, scavengering for food amidst rubbish thrown everywhere. There are lots of pedestrians and people on bicycles and motorcycles. On top of that cars are always honking.

On one of our trips on the road, the car in front just went past a junction and a motorcycle came out and hit the car and the riders fell to the ground. We exclaimed! But what amazed me was that almost immediately 6 to 10 people came from different direction to help to lift up the riders and the bike. The sight really left a deep impression in my heart. They just "dropped" whatever they were doing to come to aid. I know that these people were the "poor" people of a small town in India. But they were "real" human beings. They have compassion. They are helpful. They are caring.

In this Mission trip we were serving the villagers. They live in simple small one room thatched roofed houses. When we preached the Good News to them, they responded enthusiastically and many (numbering above thousands) lifted their hands to receive Jesus into their hearts. In the last night I preached a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and many responded and came forward to ask the Lord to fill them with the Holy Spirit. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to pray in the heavenly language.

No wonder Jesus declared in Luke 6:20-21
"Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled."

Be saved from this perverse generation

Acts 2:40
And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation.

Most people don't know that they are in danger. In danger of being harmed, being cheated, being stolen from and even being destroyed.

We know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Saviour and Deliverer.
But we don't know what we need to be saved from or delivered from.

We are living amidst a perverse or crooked generation.
Lying, cheating, being selfish, being greedy, being lustful is part and parcel of life. Most people can't beat this kind of lifestlye so what do we do. We join them. And we think it is OK. We think that nothing will happen. There will be no consequences. We think that we won't reap what we sow.

We really believe that nothing will happen and we go on living in sin.

But surely God is not mocked.
Surely what we sow we shall reap.
Surely judgment will come.

And we who are in the light of the truth about God and the Gospel must be convinced of this truth. And we must be so convicted that we will stand for this truth and we will also TESTIFY & EXHORT with many words to people who are ignorant, who are deceived, who don't care BECAUSE WE BELIEVE AND WE CARE!

We will do it in the name of Jesus because HE GAVE HIS LIFE ON THE CROSS to save us from this perverse generation that will come under judgment if they do not BELIEVE AND ACCEPT WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR THEM.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes

An Episode at the Immigration Office

I had to renew my passport for travelling purposes and got my photos and a copy of my IC (Identity Card) ready. After I drove all the way there and parked my car, I realised that I forgot to bring my passport. Aya! I called Chin Nee to express my frustration. Anyway, I still went to the office get a form. And what a relief it was that I didn't have to join the queue of a huge crowd that was already there.

Two days later I went early to the office and this time I made doubly sure that I had everything that is needed. Even though I was early there was already a lot of people waiting. Once I got my number, I went to look for a seat and was surprised to find a front seat right in front of the Payment counter vacant.
After I got seated I noticed that a young man was seated next to me. I said hello and spark off a conversation with him asking him what time he arrived and where he was travelling to etc. He said that he came 30 minutes ago and there was already a lot of people.

We talked about many things and it was meaningful and interesting. The Lord led me to share some wise counsel to him as he just began his working life. Eventually I was led to share the Gospel with him. He was very open and even allowed me to pray for him and I prayed for him asking the Lord to bless him.

The amazing thing was that the Lord had him in His plan for me to meet him this time. That's why my earlier trip was not to be. I had to come back here on this day to meet him and to share Christ with him.

Also I noticed that as we talked, the moment I looked up to check if my number was called, my number popped up. First for payment and then for collecting the passport.

The 2 hours went by so quickly as we shared together and as I presented the Gospel to him.

When my number was called to collect my passport his number was not called yet. (Remember he came 30 minutes earlier). So as I went to collect my passport he followed me and he too collected his passport. Apparently he missed his number because he was listening to me!

Anyway I offered to send him to the LRT station as I discoverd that he doesn't have a car. I wasn't sure how to get to the station but he directed me and when I got there I discovered a new way to come back to Ampang which was much faster and shorter. (And I have been going the long way all this while). It is a wonderful testimony that when we give we will surely receive much more!

Looking back I was so encouraged to see that I was flowing with the Lord's wonderful sovereign plan.

So I must indeed give thanks always even when I seem to have forgotten somethings and went through some inconveniences.

HE IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL!

The Power to Witness

DATE: 11th Sept 2011
SPEAKER: Ps Khor
SCRIPTURE: Matt 28:19-20, Acts 1:8

INTRODUCTION:
THE MISSION: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

THE PROMISE: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matt 28:19-20)

God’s heart beats with missions and so must ours. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus left His disciples with a mission and the promise of His Presence &.Power.

THE PROMISE: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

THE MISSION: and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)


THREE WAYS OF WITNESSING:
1. LIFESTYLE – at home, at work, in school, in our neighbourhood and amongst our family and friends. By the way we live or through our behaviour we are sending a message. But important as it is, it is NOT ENOUGH.

Are you conscious of the unspoken messages you are sending out?

Do you get upset or offended easily? Are you able to control your anger?

Our lives must bear the fruit of the Spirit of LOVE JOY PEACE PATIENCE KINDNESS GOODNESS FAITHFULNESS GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL! These fruits will bear witness to the life of Christ in us!

2. GOOD WORKS – Eph 2:10 & Matt 5:16
Whatever we may do as our vocation let us be known for doing good work.
If you are a teacher, let it be known that you are a good teacher.
If you are a painter, be a good painter.
If you are a taxi driver, be a good taxi driver.
If you are a boss, be a good boss! Amen!

On top of that let us be a people known for the good works we do to the poor and needy.

Doing the above two things is great and is absolutely necessary BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH. We MUST STILL ....

3. PREACH THE GOSPEL – At home AND Abroad.

We must learn how to share the gospel and our testimony. We can give a tract. And we must make disciples. That means we must teach the whole counsel of God's Word to build up His church. But we must begin by presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Paul says, "Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel"
He also proclaimed, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, it is the power of God for salvation for all who believes".

Rom 10: 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?


HOW CAN WE EXTEND GOD’S KINGDOM:
1. GIVE OF OURSELVES to be a blessing, Live the more blessed life.
2. PRAY, GIVE, GO in obedience

AS WE GO OUT TO FULFIL GOD’S MISSION:
1. We will experience renewal and revival
2. We will have His Promised Presence – eg: the gifts of the Holy Spirit will flow
3. We will experience the pilgrim’s life – our focus will be “off” this world
4. There will be a more intense focus on God and His commission.
5. We will experience great joy – see harvest of souls
6. All will experience God’s blessings – those who go; those who send; those who pray; those we go to

THE ENEMY WANTS TO STOP MISSIONS:
1. BLOCK prayer, giving and going
2. Get the church BOGGED DOWN with internal problems
3. Get the church to just have an INWARD FOCUS to meet her own needs
4. Get Christians so busy that we have no time for missions
5. Get Christians fearful about going to missions
6. Block finances from being released into missions.

Are you aware of the enemy’s tactics?

CONCLUSION:
Don’t let the enemy stop us! Focus on God! Let Him empower us to preach the gospel with great boldness.

THE LORD’S MESSAGE FOR THE YEAR 2011

The following prophecies were the compilation of Ps Khim of River of Life Sanctuary.

Read Through The Prophecies Below and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and prepare you for what is coming!

WHAT IS GOD SAYING IN 2011 !
· No more warning about earthquakes and natural disasters. It will be common from now on.
· To the Churches: Have reverence and the fear of the Lord. Return to your first love.
· Release of demonic spirits of death, mammon, strife, sexual abuse in the world

YOUTH AND CHILDREN
· THE ENEMY TARGETS THE YOUTHS!
· PRAY!!!! God will hold parents responsible
· Youth, listen! Those who disobey His Word will suffer with the wicked and defiled.
· Stay close to God that He may save you.
· Strong Warning : MIND CONTROL spirits empowered to take over the mind. How?
· Through MUSIC VIDEOS, Internet, Television, Video games.
· Erode morals. No sense of right and wrong
· You have spiritual authority, just as the police have, so…Get down on your knees and pray!
· God is our Banner and only security.

CHILDREN
· God calls for special prayer for Children in danger. They are children who are....
· Disabled, children from broken homes, child laborers, child refugees, street children, children in prison, latchkey kids, child soldiers, child prostitutes, children on drugs, children without education, children under racial prejudice, child brides, missionary children, children in church.

ABORTION
· Abortion! Double in 2011.
· Many youths fall into this sin because of loose morality.
· Dream Nov 2010: multiple rows of baby cots in heaven. Boxes of babies kept coming in.
· A spirit of murder – abortion and babies killed including gender selection

FAMILIES UNDER ATTACK
· Divorce rates around the world among Christians will escalate!
· Get serious! Guard home and families from demonic attacks through entertainment and mass media.
· Many “Christians” not saved!
· Dream: Christians walking around with chains of pride, arrogance, STRIFE. God says, “I do not know you, go away. This celebration is not for you”
· They keep knocking but the door remains closed. Swamps of black locusts came upon them and they disappeared!
WARNINGS!
· Do not dirty the clean water of God’s house. Eze 34:17-22
· Do not lose your Sword, the Word of God! or you will be easily fall and be defeated. Eph 6:10-18
· Do not serve Two masters! Choose God or Mammon. Luke 16:13b
· Do not be lukewarm. Rev 3:15-16.
· Time is running out. Travel on the narrow road. Be prepared, be HOLY Psa 15

AMERICA, EUROPE, BRITAIN
· Satanism will increase – a mighty shaking in the next two years...
· (see 2009 & 2010 New Year prophetic message)
· The Islamic countries will see a rise in power and influence.
· The USA and UK will lose 50% of their power. (USA – a third world country?)

ISRAEL AND HER NEIGHBOURS
· 1 minute to 12!!! Return to your God!
· Turkey, Iran, Syria – a nuclear attack within two years.
· God has huge angels guarding His faithful ones.
· Roman Catholic church – find Jesus or be subjected to the power of the anti Christ through mind control images.
· A new virus – pandemic fears
· Armies of the devil, a dark cloud

TIME OF ZECHARIAH 12:1-3
· Jerusalem, a heavy stone.
· Those who divide Jerusalem inherit the wrath of God.
· Great pain and terror on the earth.
· Weapon smugglers using mountain passes, amassing against Israel. Pray!
· A whirlwind coming her way. Only God can save them, as in the past

IRAN
· End of 2011/2012 – a major earthquake hits Teheran, south of Iran
· Underground churches see a harvest
· More oppression and torture by the persecutors in this land – pray against it!

JAPAN
· Vision: a black hand with claws trying to catch the youths.
· Many youths don’t know God; worshiping electronic gadgets, satanism, idolatry.
· Increase in suicide & homosexuality
· A killer earthquake in 2011, thousands will die but prayer can move God’s hand to intervene.
· Japanese churches, be bold! Reach out! Preach the Gospel!

MALAYSIA
· Only the prayers and fasting of His saints have kept Malaysia.
· 5 seasons – dark leaves start to fall. Prayer for us to be able to help the poor and needy here and overseas.
· Perlis – Open door for smuggling of drugs, weapons, pornography materials, bribery of police. Prayer needed to overcome
· Penang – A cloud of darkness because of increase in idolatry, witchcraft, homosexuality. A tsunami coming.
· Malacca – Historical jewel! 500 years anniversary of the Gospel entering Malaysia. A Revival! It begins in this city!

AUSTRALIA – See Dr Owuor’s prophecy.
· Summary: 31 July 2010
· “…a controversy between Jehovah and the church in Australia. Unless you repent it is going to be horrific…
· …the eastern side of Australia..I have seen the ocean fail to stop. Around all these places…twice. If they don’t repent, tell them that the ocean will fail to stop!”
· Jan 2011
· Massive floods hit eastern Australia.
· Described in the news as “ Inland tsunami of Biblical proportion”
· Covered a land area comparable to the land of France and Germany combined.
· From Queensland to Victoria – many weeks.
· Australia divided into two viewed from the satellite

PROPHECY ON 3 AUG 2010
· “A horrific earthquake. A n earthquake to visit Australia! On the western horn, the north west corner.
· The earthquake pushed the ocean, a huge high speed wave, a mountain of water so many stories high, a tsunami is coming! Please repent.
· Personal, corporate, national repentance needed.”

PS. JOH MATUTIS (Berlin, Germany) PROPHETIC VISION AND WARNING
· “A worldwide MOBILIZATION by the Lord! (Rapture?)
· Calling out His TRUE saints out from the people.
· Financial Crisis triggers this!
· Lose all – savings, investments. Infra structure and welfare will collapse
· (Is he describing events after the Rapture?)
· Security out of control – lawlessness, crime, riots, killing.
· Only those under His wings will be saved from ruin and danger.
· GOD’s MESSAGE: Seek immortal things!
· Seek God. Study His Word
· Forgive one another, make peace
· Stop being envious, pointing of the finger
· Do what you are supposed to do and what you are able to do!
· Free yourself from unnecessary things
· Stop fighting for your rights every now and then. I will do that for you. (if you are really wronged)
· God will bring us into safety His own way.
· You will see the plagues of Egypt before you are released by Pharaoh.
· My people, HOLD TOGETHER, STAY WITH ONE ANOTHER, ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER. You will soon make it.
· Spread this revelation – the Mobilization... I am at the door. Be serious about their relationship with Me.”

DR OWUOR’S GODLY INSTRUCTION TO AUSTRALIA (AND US). REPENT OF…
· All false prophesies to make people feel good and not deal with their sins
· All sexual sins, lust, sexualized dressing.
· Failure of leaders to rebuke sin.
· Preaching prosperity gospel, focus on money
· Accepting post-modernism, not believing ALL the Scriptures.
· Building one’s own kingdom instead of the Kingdom of God
· Preaching focused on improving one’s life style instead of preparing a spotless Bride of Christ.
· Not teaching the centrality of God’s holiness.
· Not mobilizing God’s people in repentance

FINAL CONCLUSION
· BE LIKE NOAH – PREPARE
· DON’T BE LIKE LOT – CONFUSED, LOST FAMILY MEMBERS
· SAVE THE LOST URGENTLY!!

The problem of demandingness

Have you ever met someone who is demanding? Have you ever seen yourself being demanding? How do you feel? What do you think?

I think we all agree to what demandingness is.
• It is ugly
• It is a show of pride
• It is the exposure of sin in the heart

Demandingness is anger that can weaken our health

We are a demanding people.
· We demand that slow drivers get out of the way
· We demand that the waiter serves us promptly
· We demand that our spouses respond to our needs
· We demand that our children be what we want them to be
· We demand that ….

In relationships with people
· Demandingness erodes trust because it shows you don’t understand others and you are impatient with them
· Demandingness exerts pressure that oppresses (some breakdown under such pressure)
· Demandingness destroys freedom and brings bondage

Maturity
· The beginning of maturity is an estimate of oneself that makes demandingness unthinkable.
· And that estimate develops when we confront the reality of who God is and who we are.
· GOD IS THE LORD! HE IS TOTALLY IN CHARGE FOREVER! Not me!
· Proud people demand
· God opposes the proud who demand but He gives grace to the humble who express their hurt.
· There is NO ONE whose high estimate of himself qualifies him to tell God what to do.
· The necessary foundation for any relationship with God is a recognition that God is God and we are not.
· We therefore have no business demanding anything of anyone, no matter how much we long for relief from pain or we long for what we want immediately.
· It is wrong to internally demand that your loved ones become a Christian or your spouse stop drinking or your rebellious child straighten up.
· Desire much, pray for much BUT demand nothing.
· To trust God is to demand nothing!

Humility
· Perhaps the 1st step in learning humility is to consider who it is we think must change.
· Certainly NOT GOD
· Or even others
· Certainly it is ME who needs to change

(Luk 6:35-38 NKJV)
55 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil
36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

Beware of the Marketing Department of Hell

A story was told of a man who was living a sinful life. He was into drinking, smoking, womanising, cheating, lying and doing all kinds of evil, godless stuff. He had a dream. In the dream he had an accident and died and was taken to hell. When he arrived at the entrance, there was a party going on. People were drinking and smoking and there were pretty girls all around. Then he woke up and he said to himself, "Oh! hell is not that bad after all." He then went on to continue to live a sinful and godless life.

Then he met with an accident after one of his drinking party and died instantly. He was taken to hell and was tortured by fire and eaten by worms. He screamed and cried out, "This was not what I saw". A demon came by and told him, "What you saw before in your dream was the marketing department of hell".

Moral of the story
Do not be deceived to think that hell is not real and sins will not be judged.

Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God.

Matthew 5
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Matthew 10
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Gal 5: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them”

2 Kings 6:8-23

We are in a spiritual war. Although it is spiritual and unseen by the naked eye it is nevertheless a very real and fierce war. Much is at stake; not just material things but the souls of men and women, children and youth. We, the church of the living God must rise up to stand our ground and fight. Our enemies are not flesh and blood but they are demonic spirits in the spiritual realm. Our weapons are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

In this spiritual war we must remember that our King has the highest authority and He has defeated our real enemies. He is our “David” who has defeated Goliath. We fight with His authority and from His victory. It is a war that the end is already determined, we win!

In 2 Kings 6:8-23, we learn some keys to war in victory. The enemy of Israel, the king of Syria, was making plans to attack Israel. But every of his plans were foiled. The king thought that someone from his camp has been a traitor. But they told the king that none of them were traitors but that Elisha the prophet, by divine revelations tells the king of Israel what the king plans/speaks in his bedroom.

The first key for victory over our enemies is having an intimate prayer life with God. We need to be connected to the God who knows all things and receive from Him revelations. There is no short cut to this. We as His people must develop intimacy with Him. This includes thanksgiving, praise, worship, prayer, obedience to His word etc. We must be diligent to study His Word to know His heart and His ways and be familiar with His voice and visions. Elisha like Elijah, his spiritual father, is one who “stands in the presence of the Lord”. This speaks about him delighting in God’s presence and always being with Him, walking with Him and obeying Him.

The second key is that we must immediately obey what He tells us. The king of Israel takes immediate actions to do as Elisha says. In doing so Israel was delivered from the attacks of the Syrians again and again.

The third key is that we must not be fearful but have faith in God that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them”. When Elisha’s servant saw the great army of Syrians surrounding the city where they were he was filled with fear. Elisha on the other hand was in perfect peace. That’s when he told his servant, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Truly, If God is for us who can be against us! With God on our side we are the majority. The angels of the Lord encamp around those who fear Him! Elisha had such great confidence. That I believe is because he knew the promises of God and trusts in them.

The fourth key to victory is prayer for our youth. We need to pray for revelation for those who are young, both in faith and in age. Elisha prayed for the young servant, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Elisha had faith but the young man needs to see to believe. The younger generations of believers need to grow strong in faith. They need those who are more experienced in God, who had walked with God, who knows God’s heart, God’s ways and God’s voice to mentor them, to disciple them and to pray for them. Elisha’s prayer for the young servant was immediately answered by the Lord and he saw an army of horses and chariots of fire all around them to protect them and to fight for them.

The fifth key to victory is also prayer, to pray against our enemies. Elisha asked God to strike them with blindness. "Strike this people, I pray, with blindness." And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. God blinds our enemies to change them. He did that to Saul, the then enemy of the church who was on the road to Damascus to arrest Christians to put them in prison. Our prayer binds the power of our enemies and paralyses them.

The sixth key to victory is also prayer, to pray blessings for our enemies. Elisha then prayed to God to open their eyes. "LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see." And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw. Elisha then asked God to open their eyes. He did the same for Saul and instructed Ananias to pray for Paul’s eyes to be opened.

The seventh key to victory is to bless our enemies with good deeds. Elisha then instructed the king of Israel to set food and water before them. The king prepared a great feast for them before sending them home. Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master.

The result of all that was, “So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel.” Through Elisha’s faith, prayers, wisdom and love and the king’s obedience to God’s instruction through Elisha, the Syrians were defeated and they no longer were Israel’s enemy.

The church is in a spiritual battle. We are not fighting against people but spiritual forces of darkness. We must engage. We must fight. But the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but MIGHTY IN GOD. Let’s arise and fight, arise and build. Let’s pray and obey. Let’s pray some more and bless our enemies. We are on the victory side. Those who are with us and more than those who are with them.


2 Kings 6
8 Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, "My camp will be in such and such a place."9 And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, "Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there."10 Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice.
11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, "Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?"
12 And one of his servants said, "None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom."
13 So he said, "Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him."
And it was told him, saying, "Surely he is in Dothan."
14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city.15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?"
16 So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."17 And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.18 So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, "Strike this people, I pray, with blindness." And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
19 Now Elisha said to them, "This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek." But he led them to Samaria.
20 So it was, when they had come to Samaria, that Elisha said, "LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see." And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and there they were, inside Samaria!
21 Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, "My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?"
22 But he answered, "You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master."23 Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel.

DOMINION - THE GOAL OF YOUR FAITH

Message by PS VOON
SCRIPTURE: 1 Pet 1:3 - 2:15

Acts 28:31 ….preaching the KINGDOM OF GOD & teaching the things which concern the LORD JESUS CHRIST…

1. INTRODUCTION

The book of Acts ends abruptly with this verse which tells us that Paul continued preaching about God’s kingdom and teaching about Jesus.

2. THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The Kingdom of God is where Jesus rules as King and the Gospel of God is not just a passport to heaven but making Jesus KING of our lives, allowing Him to change and transform our lives.
1 Peter 1:9 - The end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.
This means transformation and sanctification of our lives. God wants to see our lives changed and transformed into the image of His Son, Jesus. (Rom 8:29)
There are many things our KING asked us to do and many things we know we should do as subjects of the KING. But often we choose the things that please ourselves rather than please our KING. We choose the path of least tension or resistance. We don’t want too much trouble.

3. LOOK AT THE DIAGRAM - not able to show diagram in here.

A. CREATION – God created us to rule and have dominion.
B. Because of SIN we lost our dominion. Instead there was SHAME, SEPARATION &
SUFFERING.
C. AT THE CROSS - Jesus, in His obedience to the Father, voluntarily took the shame, separation and suffering and won salvation for us. He is exalted to become the KING of the Kingdom of God.
D. THE WORK OF THE CROSS - restored to us the place of authority and dominion that God intended.
E. THE WAY OF THE CROSS – Jesus learnt obedience by the things which He suffered (Heb 5:8). No suffering = No Obedience. God calls us to follow Jesus by willingly choosing the way of the cross as in Luke 9:23; deny self, take up our cross daily to follow Jesus. We do this by voluntarily choosing to bear shame, separation and suffering. To bear the cross = to do God’s will = to suffer for doing right or for obeying God. This includes to love the lost, to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to make disciples, to do good, to pray, to fast etc.

4. JESUS CALLS US
a. not just to be saved from hell but to walk the WAY of the CROSS.
b. to rule our own lives, to be under His control, to do His will.
c. to fulfil the GREAT COMMISSION - to be fishers of men, to make disciples
d. to be DOERS and NOT TALKERS

5. THERE WILL BE REWARDS:
Rom 8:17 – …joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we SUFFER WITH HIM then
we may be GLORIFIED WITH HIM
Jam 1:12 – Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved; he will receive the CROWN OF LIFE which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

This is not the royal crown but the laurels for champions. Your obedience, effort, perseverance, sufferings will be rewarded by the Lord. If we do nothing, we will get nothing.

6. SIX THINGS WE CAN DO - 1 PET 1:3 – 2:15
In the passage we see 6 things that God calls us to be and to do

1. Pinpoint your target – Personal holiness (1:13-15)
2. Live like Pilgrims (1:17) This world is not our home, heaven is our home. Travellers travel light.
3. Be Passionate about the church (1:22). Love each other deeply. We are called to preach and live the Kingdom of God. We are to encourage, stir one another to follow Jesus, to suffer for Him in doing His will.
4. Purge yourself of all kinds of evil. (2:1-3)
5. Live like a Priest (2:9). Do what priests are supposed to do. Declare the praises of God, make known the knowledge and will of God, pray for people as representative of God. Be a priest everywhere NOT just in church.
6. Perform for every authority God has appointed over you (2:13-14). There are basically 4 areas of authority that we are to submit to - Family, Church, Work and Government. Joseph was a man with such a submissive spirit. He obeyed his father and was his father’s favourite. He obeyed Potiphar, the Prison chief and Pharoah and had great favour with them all.

CONCLUSION:
Let us rise up to the call of God for transformation for sanctification to be more and more like Jesus so that we will rule with Him on earth, in all our circumstances and relationships. Let’s embrace the call of God to carry our cross to follow Jesus. Let’s embrace sufferings for Jesus for His Kingdom sake!


QUESTIONS:
Comment on Heb 5:8 – Jesus had to learn obedience by the things he suffered. Do you agree that the measure of true obedience is our willingness to suffer for our obedience? Why?
Do we choose things that please ourselves or please Jesus?
Share some personal experiences of Shame, Separation and Sufferings that you experience in following Jesus and how it has changed your life
After going through the 6 points above share any particular point that especially challenges you and what you need to do to have victory in that area.

The root of sin - Iniquity

Very often we equate iniquity with sin. But it is more than sin.
Someone has defined it as the root of sin.
If there is iniquity in your heart you will be bent towards sin.

A definition of iniquity by Genaveve Carlene Welch - It means preversness, to be bent or crooked, to be wrung out of course! It signifies not merely that which is wrong, but the tendency to do wrong! This lies in the disposition and nature and not merely in an act of breaking the law. It is nothing more or less then the spirit and nature of the Devil working in the children of disobediance. John.8:44..Eph.2:1-3..1John.3:8 and Rev.12:9...

In Ez 28:15 the devil was described as "You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you."

Iniquity was found in the devil. What was the devil's iniquity?

It was his prideful self will. 5 times he says "I will" in Isaiah 14.

He wanted to be exalted above God Himself!

12 " How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
' I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.'
15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,
To the lowest depths of the Pit.

Today the devil tempts man to seek his own self will above God's will.
Any trace of self will will become an opening for the devil to tempt us to sin against God.
If we do not deny ourself and take up our cross daily to follow Jesus, the devil will tempt us to seek our self will in opposition to God's will. Every time the devil succeed to deceive us to think that self will is better than God's will, we have fallen into his temptation and sinned against God. We have opened a door to him to control us or come in to attack us.

We can trust THE LORD 100%!
Why?
He is the CREATOR OF ALL THINGS. He only knows what's best!
He loves us so much that he sent His Son to die for us. Can't we trust Him?
He alone is ALL WISE! Our human wisdom is so minute and finite BUT His wisdom is infinite and great!

So let us give our hearts 100% to the Lord and not yield ourselves to selfish desires. We will truly be blessed by Him!

BEING PILLARS IN THE KING’S PALACE (Pt 1)

SCRIPTURE: 1 Tim 3:1-15

INTRODUCTION:
Everything that can be shaken will be shaken so that only what cannot be shaken will remain (Heb 12:27).
God’s house built upon CHRIST as the foundation cannot be shaken because Jesus, the Rock of all ages is the ETERNAL foundation, the Beginning and the end. If you and I are pillars, built upon CHRIST, in God’s house, we will be safe and secure for all eternity! We will also be serving His eternal purposes.

THE KING’S PALACE
1 Tim 3:15 …I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

THE KING’S PALACE = HIS CHURCH
1. House of GOD or Household of God - Not house of idols
It is a Spiritual house, not a physical house or building. Only those who are born again in Christ can become His children who are fitted into His house.
2. Church of the Living God
Church = the called out ones, believers who are called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet 2:9) a people belonging to Him who is alive. We are the church of the living God!
3. Pillar and Ground of THE TRUTH

QUESTION: Share about some qualities and functions of pillars of a building.
The House of God is the pillar and ground of Truth. What does that mean to you?

· PILLAR OF THE TRUTH
Pillars are visible and absolutely necessary. If pillars are taken away, the building will collapse.
They carry loads/weights down to the foundation. They are strong and support the building which provides shelter. The bigger the building the more pillars are required. Every pillar carries the load around them.
Foundation on the other hand is not visible but an absolute necessity. Jesus Christ the Truth is our foundation on which the church is built upon.

The church needs pillars. We need to be pillars of truth in the house of God - STANDING UP FOR and BEARING WITNESS TO God’s truth so that people can see the Truth, JESUS, in us and the Gospel lived out by us. Then they can come to Jesus through us.
Pillars can be men and women. Eg. Ps 144:12 refers to daughters as pillars in the palace.

· GROUND OF THE TRUTH
The church is the ground of Truth = a defender and protector of truth. The household of the living God must stand up to PROTECT THE TRUTH OF GOD and ensure it is not compromised.

READ AND COMMENT ON 1 TIM 3:1
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.


QUESTION: What conclusion can you draw from it?

“This is a faithful saying” = YOU CAN TRUST THIS TRUTH – Jesus would say, “TRULY, TRULY, I
say to you”
“If a man” = any man
“Desires” = reach out after, long for, to stretch oneself, diligently seek to qualify oneself to serve God
Deep inward drive to equip oneself to be of greater use to God
“Position” = NOT A TITLE – it is an office to function in a work / ministry, to serve in a greater capacity
“Bishop” = 3 interchangeable words as below:-
§ Overseer – to oversee, be in charge, lead, supervise, direct
§ Pastor – shepherd, care, feed, nurture, guard, lead, direct
§ Elder – mature, exemplary, wise, experienced, to discern , to discipline
“Good work” = an excellent task

God wants to use each one of us to be an example, a servant and a leader (someone who serves and influences others towards God)

QUESTION: Do you have the desire to be a “SERVANT LEADER” in His church?

THE QUALITIES OF A BISHOP
Being a leader in His house is a great privilege BUT it is also a great responsibility.

1 Tim 3:2 - A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teachIt is serving the KING OF KINGS!


QUESTION:
Discuss the qualities mentioned.
What do you observe about these qualifications?
Do you agree that CHARACTER in a leader is much more important than SKILLS?

Blameless = above reproach, unable to find fault with, no charge should be brought against him, even if blamed will not be guilty. Note: Christians, especially leaders who are dominated by their flesh have been blamed for all kinds of things, and they have become stumbling blocks to non-believers

Husband of one wife = faithfulness for life to one’s spouse to reflect Christ’s love for the church

Temperate = vigilant, watchful, not careless, not sleepy, or blurr, “keep our head in all situations”, exercise sober sensible judgment in all things, stay cool and collected at all times, able to govern oneself at all times, self controlled, disciplined, stay sharp and perceptive at all times

Sober minded = clear mind, wise mind, spirit of power love and sound mind.
His thought life is Phil 4:8. He is not easily swayed or waver in his mind, not easily deceived or manipulated,
makes right and wise judgments.

Good behaviour = well behaved, polite, considerate, gentle, kind, patient, gracious, approachable, friendly, sociable, respectful, humble in speech, Not selfish, not proud/boastful/arrogant, not rude, not impatient, not harsh,
does not embarrass others in front of them, not critical or judgmental.

Hospitable = opening our homes to welcome new people and minister to their needs
§ Firstly opening of hearts to others – welcome, accept, respect, appreciate, refresh, serve, bless them
· Giving a warm handshake with a affirming smile to someone – especially new people
· Stopping to take time to talk, to ask about them, to get to know them, to be genuinely interested in them; asking if they need anything that you can help them with
· Looking at the interests of others to find out if they can join you for lunch; join your LG etc.

Able to teach = to do this, one has to know and experience the Word. There is no short cut.
On top of daily QT, one have to study the Word, take notes when others teach / preach,
attend classes, conferences, read books, listen to CDs, DVDs etc.
Always learning and growing and seeking to be an example to your students in every way especially in
DOING the Word!


CONCLUSION:
Be AGENTS of CHANGE by desiring to be a PILLAR IN HIS HOUSE, a SERVANT LEADER FOR JESUS.

OUR MIGHTY WEAPON OF WAR – FASTING!

SCRIPTURE: JOEL 2:12-13, 15, MATT 6:1-17

INTRODUCTION:
A prophetic word to our nation:
The FASTING & PRAYER of the saints in Malaysia has kept that nation from the judgment of God.
This is the 11th year of the national 40 days of prayer and fasting. We MUST rise up to continue fasting and praying as we are in critical times. God’s trumpet call has sounded loud and clear. We must humble ourselves and ask God for mercy, for forgiveness of our sins and the sins of our nation. (2 Chron 7:14)

‘WHEN YOU’ not ‘IF YOU’:
In Matt 6 the Lord Jesus taught on key principles His disciples need to live by to be victorious in the Kingdom of God, among which are 3 great duties to be practised. Jesus in teaching on these 3 areas, said:

WHEN you give … v 2;
WHEN you pray … v 5;
WHEN you fast … v 6

Jesus did not say, IF you give… pray… fast… but WHEN you give… pray… fast…This means
1. It is not an option.
2. It ought to be done.

Jesus expected all His disciples to give, pray and …FAST regularly. They are to be practised from the heart, with humility and in honour of the Father who sees in secret and rewards openly!

Most Christians agree that as disciples of Christ we cannot afford NOT to give or pray. But when it comes to FASTING (an area much neglected…), we seem to think that it is an option. God has meant fasting to be a lifestyle of His children. Let’s seek to take hold of this neglected area and use this powerful weapon to see great breakthroughs in our lives and see the advancement of His Kingdom.

WHAT IS FASTING?
It is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. It is a form of spiritual discipline, a form of mourning and humbling of self.

BENEFITS OF FASTING:
1. Cleanses our bodies of harmful toxins. A natural way towards healing and health
2. Brings us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. Increases our spiritual sensitivity.
3. Dethrones the flesh and enthrones the SPIRIT!
4. Releases the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Eg of Jesus (Lk 4:14)
5. A fasting lifestyle that honours God will break poverty from our lives.
6. Breaks yokes, demonic bondages and addictions (Isa 58:6, Matt 17:21)
7. Brings divine intervention, deliverance and victory (2 Chron 20:1-30, Esther 4)
8. Judgement of God can be averted. (Jonah 3:10)

MY PERSONAL EXPEREINCE
As an encouragement – 9 Aug 2011 is my 5th day of liquid fast. I’ve experienced many breakthroughs. I feel strong spiritually and physically. I’m experiencing His joy and peace in a wonderful way. Prayer comes so easily and I’m amazed at what the Lord is directing me to pray. Also the Bible comes alive like never before. I’m receiving very enlightening revelations from Him and His Word. Praise the Lord!


CONCLUSION: Be AGENTS of CHANGE!
Let us commit to fast and pray during these 40 days!
Do a fast that means something to you. These is always the element of “sacrifice and suffering” to show our humility and sorrow for our sins and the sins of our nation.

The Lord comes to save not to condemn

The Lord provided for Elijah through the widow and in doing so the Lord blessed the widow and her son. She was miraculously provided for during the drought where her bin of flour and her jar of oil kept being replenished supernaturally.

However something tragic happened.

1 Kings 17:17 Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him.18 So she said to Elijah, "What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?"
19 And he said to her, "Give me your son." So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed.20 Then he cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?"21 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him."22 Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.
23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, "See, your son lives!"
24 Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth."

The widow's son suddenly fell sick and died. Her immediate response was that her sin was the cause. She felt the death of her son was the condemnation of God for her past sins.

Elijah immediately asked for the boy and carried his lifeless body to the upper room. The widow must have provided a room for Elijah and he must have spent much time praying and in communion with the Lord. The upper room was Elijah's meeting place with the Lord. And so in that place he prayed for the boy to be restored to life.

Notice here that Elijah prayed 3 times.
We need to learn persistence from Elijah.
He prayed 3 times. He was full of faith but yet he prayed 3 times.
Repetition need not be done in unbelief.
Jesus also prayed 3 times, apparently over the same thing in the garden of Gethsemane.
We need to learn to PUSH in prayer.
Pray Untill Something Happens.
We need to persevere, to persist, to travail, to cry out, to wait....to fight!

It was a time with just Elijah and the Lord.
We need those times of solitude with the Lord to push things through.

The widow's words after Elijah gave back her son was,
"Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth."

We glorify God when we walk closely to Him, obey His voice and do His will. And people around us will know that our God lives and that He speaks and does miracles out of His great love and compassion.

PEOPLE NEED THE LORD. The way they will find Him is through us who knows Him, walks with Him and obeys Him.

Let's seek to know Him intimately and obey Him promptly.

Moving with the Holy Spirit continuously

We saw how Elijah, who has an intimate walk with the Lord, who stand before the Lord, heard the Word of the Lord and obeyed accordingly in 1 Kings 1:1-6. He went to the Brook Cherith where there was water and was feed miraculously by ravens that the Lord sent daily to bring him bread and meat. In the midst of God's judgment of drought God's people will be protected and provided for by the Lord when we listen to Him and obey Him.

But following that we read that the brook dried up.

1 Kings 17:7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.
8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying,9 "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you."10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink."11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand."
12 So she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die."
13 And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son.14 For thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.' "
15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days.16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.

When the brook dried up the Lord spoke to Elijah to go to Zarephath and that He has arranged for a widow to provide for him. And Elijah obeyed and went. It was quite a long way to go. It could have taken him weeks to get there. But he went in obedience to the Lord.

We need to do the same. In times of the shakings of God, we must stay close to the Holy Spirit and move with Him. He will speak but we must obey. The Lord will do a new thing. Don't be stuck in one place because the Lord directed us there before. He can and will move us on. He probably will lead us to another place.

We see here also Elijah's faith in God's providence through a widow.
Elijah believed that the Lord will provide through the widow. If God were to provide through the widow He must provide for the widow too.

As Elijah directed the widow to bring a meal to him, the Holy Spirit directed him to prophesy to the widow that her bin of flour will not run out and her jar of oil will not run dry. And the miraculous providence took place for the widow!

Elijah's obedience to the Word of the Lord not only blessed himself, it blessed the widow and her son.
Our obedience to the Lord will always bless us and others around us.

So my beloved brothers and sisters, keep walking with the Holy Spirit and keep obeying His voice.
You will be blessed and you will be a blessing.

If we stand before the LORD we will be able to withstand any storm

Our scripture reading is from 1 Kings 17:1-6
1 And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word."
2 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying,3 "Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan.4 And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there."
5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan.6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.

Elijah the prophet of God has a testimony of himself that he is one who STANDS BEFORE THE LORD!

The Lord used Elijah to speak His judgments because of the sins committed by King Ahab.

1 Kings 16:30 Now Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him.31 And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him.32 Then he set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.33 And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.

Elijah's prophecies was the Word of the Lord and would surely come to pass.

Do you realise that Elijah had to live with the drought that he prophesied?

Today the Lord is bringing His judgments on the earth. We, His people have to live with the consequences of the judgments BUT we will be covered by Him - if we know how to hear His voice and obey Him.

Elijah did that. He always stands before the Lord and he hears His voice.

The Lord directed him to go to the brook Cherith and drink from the river. He also declared His provision for him by the special delivery service of ravens. So Elijah obeyed His voice and he went and there he had water to drink and food delivered to him morning and evening. Just imagine that. The Lord used ravens. The most unlikely means. Ravens are scavengers. They will gobble up everything themselves but the Lord used this channel to tell us that when He provides anything is possible! He can use the most unlikely source to provice for you and I!

This is our key to living in these last days!
To hear His voice and obey Him.

It comes from having been familiar with His presence and His voice.
We are to take delight in Him always!
Elijah always stands before the Lord.
Do you and I always stand before the Lord?

Let's be convinced that our FIRST and most important call is to minister to the Lord! Let's put first thing first and KNOW that all other things will fall into it's rightful place. If we put God first surely He will take care of us!

Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Blessed are the poor in spirit

Matt 5:3 " Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The nations that were known to be very rich like US, England and Greece are going through financial crisis and on the verge of going broke.

Why is this happening?

God is shaking the heavens and the earth and all that can be shaken will be shaken. He is causing the financial system of the world to collapse.
These nations once put their trust and faith in God. They were once God fearing and God blessed them greatly.

But now they have turned their backs on God. They are trusting in their own might and wisdom. They think they are rich and they don't need God. They have become godless!

In Revelation Chapter 3
14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' --- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked ---18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "

May these nations humble themselves and turn back to God and pray to Him and honour Him! LORD HAVE MERCY!

Being in the King's service

Being in the KING’S service 10th July 11

1 Tim 1:1-17
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia --- remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,
11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Living a life that really matters
*Q. What do you think is a life that really matters?
*Q. Do you agree that most people think it is the kind of jobs they have?

In 1 Timothy Paul the aged Apostle was writing to Timothy who was left in Ephesus to establish the church that has already been started. Paul here writes of the most important matter – God’s love for His church and His will through His church.

To live a life that really matters is to be in the King’s service
From this passage we see a few vital things about being in the King’s service.

We are to:-
· Obey HIS commands – His command is not a suggestion or advice to us
· Receive HIS grace, mercy & peace –Paul obtained mercy and received His exceedingly abundant grace. Timothy need to receive and so does all of us
· Learn and teach HIS doctrine soundly – we are to stop wrong teachings, not to be deceived or be distracted from the truth
· Know HIS heart – LOVE – love the Lord will all our hearts, souls, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves
· Be faithful to HIS mission to bring the Glorious Gospel of Grace and Truth to the lost

We see here that Paul was constantly before the throne of God, the throne of grace to OBTAIN MERCY and find GRACE to help!

Reigning under the King's authority

Living a life that really matters – Reigning under the King’s authority
Read 1 Tim 1: 17- 2:15

Introduction
The greatest privilege in life is to be in THE KINGS’S service.
Being in the King’s service is to serve the King in His Kingdom with His authority. The reality of being in God’s Kingdom is that there are enemies to the King. There is a kingdom called the kingdom of darkness where satan is “king”. And we are in a war, a spiritual battle against him. The good news is that satan has already been defeated by King Jesus. However he uses lies, deception, fear, pride and temptations to defeat man. When men believe his lies, fall into his temptation; they defeat themselves. The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy lives with his deceptions. We are to follow our victorious King to destroy the works of the devil, to save lives, to make disciples, to shine His light and dispel darkness.

1:18-20
Timothy was charged to wage a good warfare having faith and a good conscience according to the prophecies given.
“We are in a war”
· Comment on this statement.
· Share how conscious you are that we are in a spiritual war.
· Share what you see in this war that is taking place now e.g. the fight that is going on, casualties etc.
· Can you think of the weapons the devil is using in this war? Name them.
· One of the battlefields is the MOUTH – i.e. what we say. Have you been wounded by what people say? What are some words that we should not say? 2 Tim 2:16-17, Eph 4:29
· What are words that we should consciously and constantly say to win in the war?

Prophecies are always in line with God’s written Word. They are words that the Holy Spirit takes from the Word of God and declares to us and we are to believe them and hold fast to them and obey them till it is fulfilled.

There are just 3 main things we are to do in this war for victory.
1. Hear the Word
2. Pray the Word
3. Obey the Word

Our King wants His subjects, men and women to fight in this war in unity. In doing so we will be used of Him to extend His Kingdom reign.

God wants men to be victorious in prayer.
· Share on the strengths and weaknesses of men.
· Share why it is so important for men to pray and do God’s will.
· What are some of men’s greatest temptations?

God wants women to be victorious in His love and security.
· Share on the strengths and weaknesses of women.
· Share what women should do to be even more effective for God.
· What are some of women’s greatest temptations?

God wants us all to be victorious under His Divine order.
Women are to respect God’s order of authority, have a submissive spirit and to serve under authority. In this way they can teach/preach the Word. When Paul says that he does not permit women to teach or to have authority over a man, it was in the context of the church then and was a temporary instruction and not a permanent rule.

Conclusion
Men and women need to understand how God made us differently and dwell together in unity. Then we can be effective and mighty soldiers in His army that will fight victoriously to extend God’s Kingdom territories in our lives, our families, our community and nation.

Love that disciplines

CORRECTION or DISCIPLINE is part of God’s love for us. God wants us to grow from glory to glory, to become more and more like Jesus. We are not perfect yet, but we are being perfected.

The 10 letter word for LOVE is DISCIPLINE

Correction or Discipline can come through God’s Word

By allowing it to correct & set things right - 2 Tim 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

By allowing it to renew our mind

God’s People speaking the truth in love - Eph 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ

Without Correction we will not grow up or grow mature to become a greater testimony and witness for Jesus. This aspect of loving by correcting or discipline is what needs to be developed.

Read Heb 12:1-15 We are called to endure God’s discipline by looking at the great example of Jesus. Through His great work on the cross grace is provided for us.

Read through the verses carefully together and answer the questions below:

1. How did Jesus endure the cross and its shame, and faced the hostility of sinners?

For the JOY that was set before Him v 2

2. Who will be disciplined by God?

a. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves v 6

b. Only His children will partake of His discipline v 7

3. What are the purposes of God’s discipline?

a. For our good v 10

b. To make us holy like Him v 10

c. Painful at first but will bring forth fruits of righteousness v 11

d. Training for us v 11

e. Heal us v 13

4. How should we behave when disciplined?

a. Don’t despise it (take lightly) or be discouraged by it but WELCOME it as God’s love v 5

b. Remember Jesus in it v 2

c. Submit ourselves to the Father’s discipline and live v 9

d. Endure it as His training

e. Don’t be feeble but be strong v 12

f. Be at peace with everyone and live a holy life v 14

g. Receive grace of God for it v 15

h. Benefit from it

i. Rejoice in it.

Don’t fall from grace or allow root of bitterness to spring up v 15

Discussion Questions

1. Share your personal experiences of giving discipline and receiving discipline.

Was it easy or difficult and share the reasons why?

How does God normally discipline you?

Are you open to people’s correction?

Would you give permission for your leaders or trusted friends to speak truth into your lives?

Everything for the Gospel

• We were very blessed with the ministry of Sister Lata from India when she preached in our prayer meeting last night and also in the other meetings. What encouraged us most is her uncompromising, bold, courageous, tenacious, childlike great faith in the Lord and His promises.


• She shared that she received news from her family that her 79 years old mother was dying of cancer. They requested her to immediately return home as the doctor said that she only has 2 weeks to live. She was very angry with the devil and she took her stand and declared that her mother will not die of cancer. She ministered to her mother and she was delievered from unforgiveness and was instantly healed of cancer. Her countenance changed immediately and joy radiated from her. The doctor was adamant that it was impossible and ran a series of test on her and found no trace of cancer left! Halelujah! Because of this miracle many came to the Lord and were saved.


• Sister Lata also had many other adventurous and "troublesome" experiences with the Lord which all turned our for the good of the furtherance of the Gospel. The experiences include being in a lock up in the immigration office for 24 hours which eventually led to the main officer in charge coming to the Lord. The healing of a Hindu lady of cancer which led to the salvation of her whole family. And many more.

• Phil 1: 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel


• Truly we have the life and authority of the resurrected Lord living inside of us. Greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world.

• Some powerful quotes from her messages:-

• The touch of Jesus is more powerful than any chemotherapy!


• Let Jesus touch you before the surgeon touch you.


• What matters to you matters to The Lord!


• Live a life that is "troublesome" for Jesus!


• Don't live a pathetic life - live a powerful life!


• The devil is a coward! The devil is scared of us!


• Only one life to live - live it to spread the Gospel - this is the most important!


• Great is HE in us!


• Greater things He will do in and through us!


• New things He will do in us and through us!


• God is always doing new things. His mercies are new every morning. Sing a new song to Him! We are new creation in Christ!


• We ought to have new testimonies everyday!


• Wherever you are, you RULE in His name!


• Only when you have His Word in your heart will you have power.


• If His Word is not in your heart you will be shaken and you will worry. You will forget that He is with you.


• Only when His Word is in your heart will you have peace and be able to hear His voice and guidance. Then you will have victory as you obey His voice.


• Only when we use our spiritual senses will we be strong. If we don't use it we will grow weak and powerless.


• Don't let our spiritual muscles grow weak. Pray, prophesy, worship, praise, give thanks, speak faith, love, listen and obey etc.

Loving and Correcting

Love is the greatest. We are commanded to love God and love people. We are exhorted to MAKE LOVE OUR HIGHEST GOAL (1 Cor 14:1 NLT). When we love we become the light that shines in the dark, salt that stops decay or corruption. We become a testimony to God who is love.

• John Townsend has a simple definition of love:- Seeking and doing the best for another


• When we say God loves us, God is….seeking and doing what is best for us, that help us connect, grow and heal

The LOVE of God:

We love because God first loved us. The love of God is shown in the cross of Jesus. (1 John 4:9-10)

From His cross flows His love that is able to do 2 things for us:

• 1. The Power to HEAL the offended (wounded) & to make whole


• 2. The Power to FORGIVE the offender & Power of RIGHTEOUSNESS

This is tied to 2 aspects of Love:

• 1. CARING for those who are wounded, who got hurt by others or are offended. We care and bring to them the grace of Jesus to heal their wounds and make them whole.


• 2. CORRECTING those who sin against others, who need repentance, to change, to grow into Christ-likeness, to be mature and righteous

The CORRECTING aspect of love is just as important as CARING. Without correcting in love that brings discipline (discipleship is just this) and change into Christlikeness, we will not grow up or grow mature to become a greater testimony and witness for Jesus. This aspect of loving by correcting or discipline is what needs to be developed.

There are 3 AREAS we can help DISCIPLE each other:

• BEHAVIOUR – e.g. always late, never volunteer to help, spend too much money, control others by intimidation, drink too much, drive too fast


• SPEECH – e.g. critical words, silence & passivity, laughing at people’s mistakes, inability to share personal matters


• ATTITUDES – ways we look at life and relationships; e.g. pride – look down on others, laziness, blaming others for problems, too hard on oneself, being negative about everything

“Wrong” Love”

Often in the name of love we have actually made things worse for the one we love. E.g. the story of a 16 year old who was “spoilt” by parents who in the name of love gave him everything he wanted, gave in to all his demands and had no discipline for him or boundaries for his life. This boy now just plays computer at home, refuses to go to school or even go out of his room. If someone from young always gets what he wants – he is being “trained” to be selfish and lustful. He is just sowing to his flesh and his flesh just gets stronger and stronger, and he will reap corruption which will lead to destruction (Gal 6:8).

Some forms of “Wrong” Love

• Carry the burdens of those who don’t want to carry their own burdens Gal 6:5

• Helping people who refuse to help themselves


• Giving handouts that robs people of their dignity Gen 47:25


• Giving in to manipulation of guilt, tears, etc.


• Giving in to control of anger, intimidation, threats, etc

Discipline from Proverbs

• He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Prov 13: 24


• Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him. Prov 22:15


• Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell. Prov 23:13-14


• The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. Prov 29:15,17

Questions to ask yourself:-

• What is your highest goal or aim in life?


• For those who are parents, what is your highest goal for your children?


• Do you agree that the ‘correction’ aspect of love is important?


• Do you struggle to bring correction to fellow brothers and sisters?


• What are some of the struggles?


• How often do you have a self examination on your personal behaviour, speech and attitude?


• Are you open to correction that seeks to help you mature in Christ?


• How do you feel when someone brings out your faults or mistakes or blind spots in life?


• What attitude should we have towards correction?

Set The LORD Always Before You

I have set the LORD always before me;Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Ps 16:8 NKJV
I am always aware of the LORD's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. Ps 16:8 GNB

The Psalmist says that he will not be shaken because the LORD is at his right hand. How can the Lord be at his right hand? HE can because the psalmist has set HIM always before him. To set the LORD always before us is to BE CONSTANTLY IN HIS PRESENCE.
Indeed the Lord has promised that HE will never leave us nor forsake us. He is Emmanuel, God with us! Because He is with us, we will not be shaken. Not only that but we will have His peace, His providence, protection, power and prosperity. Joseph can testify to that. Gen 39:2-3 reads, “The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.”

Whatever the Lord wants us to do; He has first done it for us or given it to us.We love because He first loved us.We can come to Him because He first came to us.We can set the Lord before us because He first set us before Him.

Heb 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What is this joy that is set before Him? It is the multitudes of all nations, tribes and peoples who trust in Him for salvation. We, believers in Jesus, are the joy that was set before Him. He was willing to go to the cross for us whom He loves passionately. We are the apple of His eye, His great treasure. He has set His affection, His heart and His love on us! (Job 7:17). He loves us so much that He was willing to pay the greatest price, to offer up the greatest sacrifice, to go through the worst sufferings in order to redeem us, to make us His own, to have us, to hold us and to make us His beautiful bride! WOW! That’s the truth! Let it sink deep into our hearts!

Since He has set us before Himself with such love and passion, let us set HIM before our hearts and eyes passionately! He is the eternal lover of our soul. The Lord God Almighty is our wonderful SAVIOUR and SHEPHERD; our SHELTER and STRENGTH; our SUN and SHIELD! If He is at our right hand we will not be shaken come what may!

How Do We Set HIM Before Us?
In life experiences, we may be subjected to “storms or shakings” of life. It can be in our relationships, jobs, finances or health. Let’s consider an example. Confronted with more setbacks than he could handle at work, ‘Christian’ immediately felt "stressed". Fearful and negative thoughts assailed him. He could feel his blood pressure rising and his first tendency was to complain and find someone to blame. It is so natural for most of us to do that although we recognize that letting off our tension on others doesn’t really solve our problems and we ought not to do it. Let’s consider how we can set the Lord before us during such times.

Instead of looking at the problem, look first to God and offer a prayer of thanksgiving, difficult though it maybe to do at those times. Remember there is victory in praise. Also instead of looking to yourself, look to His promises. He has promised to lead you and give you strength. He has promised that His grace will be sufficient for you and that He would never allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. He has promised to help you and counsel you. As you focus on God and His Word, move on to confess or declare it. You can confess, "Lord, You are with me, You are for me, You are my help, You are a shield of favour and protection around me. You are blessing me!" and so forth. Doing that with faith releases God’s life, light and power into our lives and situation. You can immediately experience a change of atmosphere as darkness is being dispelled and His glorious presence invades your heart and circumstances. That’s what it means to believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus (the Word) and you will be saved, helped, delivered, strengthened and blessed! (Rom 10:9)
Then, tune in to hear what He would say to you. He is faithful to guide and instruct you. He is your good shepherd. He will lead you into His providence and peace even if you are in danger and going through difficulties. He will protect you and comfort you and see you through! He will never leave you nor forsake you. Amen!

Ways We Can Set The LORD Before Us Always
1. Rejoice always - I Thess 5:16 Rejoicing in Him always is having constant faith in Him and in what Jesus has done for us. He is risen from the dead! He is reigning on His Throne! If you are disturbed by fears and anxieties, lift your heart up to the Lord and proclaim that He is Lord! Resist fears and worries and it will flee from you. Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and again I say rejoice! Phil 4:4 The joy of the Lord is our strength!

2. Pray without ceasing – 1 Thess 5:17
To pray without ceasing is to commune with Him all the time. We can bring everything and anything to the Lord in prayer. We can express our love for Him and our trust in Him. And we can do that all the time. He is always there.

3. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.- 1 Thess 5:18That’s right, in everything. In good times or bad times, in problems times or when everything is great. The moment you give thanks you will be in His presence! You will find His grace to help in thanksgiving.

4. Thinking of His Word - Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy --- meditate on these things. Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
Scripture memory is for this purpose! It will help us to think on His promises, His counsels,
His commandments, His wisdom, His warnings and all things that pertain to life and godliness.

5. Speaking forth His Word
Rom 10:8-10 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Speak forth His Word constantly in your life throughout the whole day. Say, “I am blessed and I am a blessing”, “I am strong in the Lord”, “I am wise and humble in Christ” etc. Life will be released when we boldly speak life!

6. Listening to His voice
John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

The Lord always wants to speak to us. Tune in to Him and allow Him to speak into your life. He will guide you and he will instruct you the way you should go.

7. Choosing to obey Him
John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.
2 Cor 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men”

Choose to willingly obey Him in your life.

As we set Him always before us we can say “Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved - come what may!”

As You See The Day Approaching!

Hebrews 10:19-25

19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Day approaching is the Day of the Lord's return!

Prior to that we will be in the days that Jesus calls the ..
1. The BEGINNING OF SORROWS Matt 24: 3-9, Luke 21

a. When the disciples asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things be?
And what will be the sign of Your coming,
and of the end of the age?”
b. What was Jesus’ answer? (Matt 24: 4-9)
i. Many false Christ/prophets will deceive many - Don’t be deceive
ii. Wars and rumours of wars, Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom - Don’t be troubled
iii. famines
iv. pestilences
v. earthquakes in various places
vi. tribulation /persecuted for Christ’s nam
vii. Many offended, betray and hate one another
viii. Lawlessness abound
ix. Love of many grow cold - He who endures to the end shall be saved

It is obvious that the Day of His return is approaching!

2. As the DAYS OF NOAH

Luke 17: 26-27: And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Gen 6: 5-6, 11-12 5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

Don't you agree that our days are as the Days of Noah.


3. What is the EXHORTATION in Hebs 10:19-25 for us brethren/brothers & sisters in the Lord as we see the Day approaching?

Because of what Jesus has done and the victory He has won, we are exhorted to LET US…… and SO MUCH THE MORE AS WE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.

a. LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water v22 Read also Heb 4:16 Let us have FACE TO FACE COMMUNION with the Lord!
b. LET US HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. v23 Let us be FAITHFUL as He is faithful!
c. LET US CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER - Let us have FELLOWSHIP that edifies!
· in order to stir up love and good works,
· not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,
· but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Conclusion: Let us challenge one another to do the above SO MUCH THE MORE as we see the DAY APPROACHING!