Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
THE TRUTH ABOUT MONEY.....27TH SEPTEMBER 2020.
‘Do not overwork to be rich.’ Proverbs 23:4 NKJV
Having more money can give you more opportunities to do good in the world. Jesus said, ‘This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come’ (Matthew 24:14 NIV).
And fulfilling that commission will require money – lots of it. But money by itself will never make you happy or secure. Solomon, one of the world’s richest men, writes: ‘Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle towards heaven’ (Proverbs 23:4-5 NKJV).
When one of the world’s wealthiest men died recently, a reporter asked a family member, ‘How much did he leave?’ The relative replied, ‘All of it!’ No matter how much money you make, save, invest, or keep, eventually your money will leave you or you will leave your money.
Someone wisely observed that there are seven ages of man.
First, a child sees the earth.
Second, he wants it.
Third, he hustles to get it.
Fourth, he decides to be satisfied with about half of it.
Fifth, he decides he’d be satisfied with less than half.
Sixth, he’s now content to possess a three-by-six-foot burial plot.
Seventh, he gets it!
There are lots of things you can live without – and great wealth is one of them. What you can’t live without, however, is peace with God, a family filled with love, a lifelong friendship with your kids, and a life well-lived for the glory of God. Luke 18:18-43, Psalms 100-102
May the peace of Christ be with you all. Christ is Life. John 3:16.
‘Do not overwork to be rich.’ Proverbs 23:4 NKJV
Having more money can give you more opportunities to do good in the world. Jesus said, ‘This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come’ (Matthew 24:14 NIV).
And fulfilling that commission will require money – lots of it. But money by itself will never make you happy or secure. Solomon, one of the world’s richest men, writes: ‘Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle towards heaven’ (Proverbs 23:4-5 NKJV).
When one of the world’s wealthiest men died recently, a reporter asked a family member, ‘How much did he leave?’ The relative replied, ‘All of it!’ No matter how much money you make, save, invest, or keep, eventually your money will leave you or you will leave your money.
Someone wisely observed that there are seven ages of man.
First, a child sees the earth.
Second, he wants it.
Third, he hustles to get it.
Fourth, he decides to be satisfied with about half of it.
Fifth, he decides he’d be satisfied with less than half.
Sixth, he’s now content to possess a three-by-six-foot burial plot.
Seventh, he gets it!
There are lots of things you can live without – and great wealth is one of them. What you can’t live without, however, is peace with God, a family filled with love, a lifelong friendship with your kids, and a life well-lived for the glory of God. Luke 18:18-43, Psalms 100-102
May the peace of Christ be with you all. Christ is Life. John 3:16.
Forwarded from Christianity Jesus Bible verses God
I have a friend who always try’s to provoke me and bring me out of character, But behind that it’s a spiritual thing that the Devil is using him to test me, I mean the guy needs help, he needs Jesus who is going to baptise him with the Holy Spirit and it’s fruit, but at this stage his being attacked. Be with understanding, it’s because his being blind on self control and discipline. These two, self control and discipline are thought by the Word of God. You should be aware that the disbelievers are being led astray by the Satan and his playing with their feelings, mind and wishes (Galatians 5). I mean it’s easy to deduct that drug addicts take pleasure in drugs and porn addicts take pleasure in porn. But when they become born again Christians they lose this desire.
That’s why be aware of yourself, if you are a new Christian! Don’t fall for the biggest trap, following your lusts and desires, because they are actually not yours, when you get rid of them, you’ll understand that you haven’t lost nothing. You don’t lack them at all. It’s amazing but it’s true. Have mind of Christ, draw and learn from the Word of God, because we aren’t playing video games here, it’s about people destiny’s and life’s. Do you love your next one as yourself? Than you should wish him receiving the Holy Spirit.
That’s why be aware of yourself, if you are a new Christian! Don’t fall for the biggest trap, following your lusts and desires, because they are actually not yours, when you get rid of them, you’ll understand that you haven’t lost nothing. You don’t lack them at all. It’s amazing but it’s true. Have mind of Christ, draw and learn from the Word of God, because we aren’t playing video games here, it’s about people destiny’s and life’s. Do you love your next one as yourself? Than you should wish him receiving the Holy Spirit.
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
THE STRATAGEMS OF SATAN
Ever since the Genesis 3:15 when God said this to Satan in Genesis 3:15 KJV we read — ‘And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel’ not only is this the first prophecy about ‘The Messiah’ it also reveals God's redemption plan. It is also important to understand that scripture shows since this event, Satan attempts to thwart the will of God time and time again.
1) The corruption of Adams line – Genesis 6
2) Abrahams seed – Genesis 12 & 20
3) Famine – Genesis 50
4) The populating of Canaan – Genesis 12:6
5) Destruction of the male line – Exodus 1
6) Pharaohs pursuit – Exodus 14
7) Against David’s line – 2 Samuel 7
ATTACKS ON DAVID’S LINE
1) Jehoram kills his brothers – 2 Chronicles 21
2) Arabians slew all (but Ahaziah) ‘hidden’
3) Athaliah slew all (but Joash) ‘escaped’ – 2 Chronicles 22
4) Hezekiah assaulted, etc – Isaiah 36, 38
5) Haman's attempts – Esther 3 (Persian Empire)
NEW TESTAMENT STRATAGEMS
1) Joseph’s fears – Matthew 1
2) Herod’s attempts – Matthew 2
3) At Nazareth – Luke 4
4) 2 storms on the sea – Mark 4, Luke 8 (imo theses where no ordinary storms, sailors who knew theses waters where on board, and they where petrified, it also important to note Jesus rebukes theses storms)
5) The Cross – not one of sorrow bit of victory
Summary – Revelation 12 we see all the above is summarised in this chapter and he's not through yet, ‘because he knoweth that he hath but a short time’
Revelation 12:17 KJV — And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Ever since the Genesis 3:15 when God said this to Satan in Genesis 3:15 KJV we read — ‘And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel’ not only is this the first prophecy about ‘The Messiah’ it also reveals God's redemption plan. It is also important to understand that scripture shows since this event, Satan attempts to thwart the will of God time and time again.
1) The corruption of Adams line – Genesis 6
2) Abrahams seed – Genesis 12 & 20
3) Famine – Genesis 50
4) The populating of Canaan – Genesis 12:6
5) Destruction of the male line – Exodus 1
6) Pharaohs pursuit – Exodus 14
7) Against David’s line – 2 Samuel 7
ATTACKS ON DAVID’S LINE
1) Jehoram kills his brothers – 2 Chronicles 21
2) Arabians slew all (but Ahaziah) ‘hidden’
3) Athaliah slew all (but Joash) ‘escaped’ – 2 Chronicles 22
4) Hezekiah assaulted, etc – Isaiah 36, 38
5) Haman's attempts – Esther 3 (Persian Empire)
NEW TESTAMENT STRATAGEMS
1) Joseph’s fears – Matthew 1
2) Herod’s attempts – Matthew 2
3) At Nazareth – Luke 4
4) 2 storms on the sea – Mark 4, Luke 8 (imo theses where no ordinary storms, sailors who knew theses waters where on board, and they where petrified, it also important to note Jesus rebukes theses storms)
5) The Cross – not one of sorrow bit of victory
Summary – Revelation 12 we see all the above is summarised in this chapter and he's not through yet, ‘because he knoweth that he hath but a short time’
Revelation 12:17 KJV — And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Christian Sermons
YouTube
Faith and Fire - Jesus Culture
Taken from our 2013 conference in Los Angeles, this sermon from Reinhard Bonnke talks about how, from beginning to end, everything Jesus does is miraculous. ...
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
BIBLICAL SYLLOGISM
A syllogism us a type of logical reasoning where the conclusions is gotten from two linked premises.
Example! An apple is a fruit. All fruit is good therefore apples are good.
God alone and only God can state He created the universe, He knows everything, He has a special name, He is creator, He is sustainer, He receives prayer, He is worshipped.
The entirety of scripture proves Jesus said things only a God is and says, therefore Jesus is God.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
A syllogism us a type of logical reasoning where the conclusions is gotten from two linked premises.
Example! An apple is a fruit. All fruit is good therefore apples are good.
God alone and only God can state He created the universe, He knows everything, He has a special name, He is creator, He is sustainer, He receives prayer, He is worshipped.
The entirety of scripture proves Jesus said things only a God is and says, therefore Jesus is God.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
WHAT'S YOUR VISION? - 29TH JANUARY 2021
‘As in the vision I had seen.’
Ezekiel 8:4 NIV
When God gives us a vision for our future, it can change our lives. The Bible tells us God ‘creates new things out of nothing’ (Romans 4:17 NLT). Vision shows us the target we need to aim for, sparks a fire within us, and draws us forwards. If what we’re pursuing in life doesn’t come from a burning desire within us – from the very depths of who we are and what we believe – we won’t be able to accomplish it. That’s because along the way we’ll have to overcome obstacles, opposition, barriers, and resistance. Unless we’re totally committed to our vision, and full of passion for it, we’ll become discouraged and struggle to see it through. Our vision often involves us having to step away from what we’re comfortable with and take risks. For many of us, that can be a scary experience, so we need a strategy to help us refocus on our vision and move forwards.
Here are a couple of ideas:
1) Write it down. God told Habakkuk to ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets’ (Habakkuk 2:2 NIV). Writing it down help us clarify our thinking. Once our vision is in writing, it becomes a map to our destination. We should look at it often to:
2) Check our course. If we’ve previously thought about our vision and expressed it clearly, we should check how well we’re carrying it out. We could even talk to someone we trust and ask them to tell us what they think our vision is. If they can describe it clearly, we’re probably on the right track.
WHAT NOW?
If God’s given you a vision, try writing it down. If you haven’t received a vision yet, spend a bit of time asking Him for yours, then write down what He says. If you’re feeling creative, try making it look like a map, to remind you that God’s vision is your destination.
Exodus 12-13, Matthew 16
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
‘As in the vision I had seen.’
Ezekiel 8:4 NIV
When God gives us a vision for our future, it can change our lives. The Bible tells us God ‘creates new things out of nothing’ (Romans 4:17 NLT). Vision shows us the target we need to aim for, sparks a fire within us, and draws us forwards. If what we’re pursuing in life doesn’t come from a burning desire within us – from the very depths of who we are and what we believe – we won’t be able to accomplish it. That’s because along the way we’ll have to overcome obstacles, opposition, barriers, and resistance. Unless we’re totally committed to our vision, and full of passion for it, we’ll become discouraged and struggle to see it through. Our vision often involves us having to step away from what we’re comfortable with and take risks. For many of us, that can be a scary experience, so we need a strategy to help us refocus on our vision and move forwards.
Here are a couple of ideas:
1) Write it down. God told Habakkuk to ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets’ (Habakkuk 2:2 NIV). Writing it down help us clarify our thinking. Once our vision is in writing, it becomes a map to our destination. We should look at it often to:
2) Check our course. If we’ve previously thought about our vision and expressed it clearly, we should check how well we’re carrying it out. We could even talk to someone we trust and ask them to tell us what they think our vision is. If they can describe it clearly, we’re probably on the right track.
WHAT NOW?
If God’s given you a vision, try writing it down. If you haven’t received a vision yet, spend a bit of time asking Him for yours, then write down what He says. If you’re feeling creative, try making it look like a map, to remind you that God’s vision is your destination.
Exodus 12-13, Matthew 16
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Christian Music (Mark Loughran)
YouTube
Top 100 Praise and Worship Songs 2021 - Best Christian Gospel Songs Of All Time
Top 100 Praise and Worship Songs 2021 - Best Christian Gospel Songs Of All Time
Playlist:
1. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgrW4sPqAqjrCboga8nlR-Oey9yTRLYLj
2. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6tcxYJG16l65qaXkkimx0ARuESDlssCO
Welcome to…
Playlist:
1. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgrW4sPqAqjrCboga8nlR-Oey9yTRLYLj
2. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6tcxYJG16l65qaXkkimx0ARuESDlssCO
Welcome to…
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
DENIAL OF SELF-WILL - NOVEMBER 10 2020
The distinctive function of an Old Testament priest was to offer sacrifice. Thus, being a priest, Jesus had to offer sacrifice. Since He was not a Levite, He could not offer the sacrifices of the law, so He offered His own specific priestly sacrifice, which was prayer.
He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him [God the Father] who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:7–8)
Jesus’ reverent obedience caused the Father to hear His prayers. He learned obedience through suffering. Jesus had to learn obedience, and we have to learn obedience in the same way. We find out what obedience is by obeying. We do not find it out by listening to sermons on obedience. Those may help us, but obedience has to be worked out, step-by-step, by obeying. Obedience brings suffering because it demands denial of one’s self-will. The key phrase in the obedience of Jesus was, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Every step of obedience in the Christian life is one of self-denial. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself” (Matthew 16:24). That is painful, for the old ego does not like to be denied. Ego says, “I want,” “I’m important,” “This suits me,” “I feel good,” “I don’t want,” and the like. Following the Lord requires a continual denial of that ego.
In the above passage from Hebrews, God was talking to us about coming into maturity as sons through obedience. Jesus is the pattern. God brought Him to maturity through obedience. This is the pathway for you and me, too. This is the new and living way.
PRAYER RESPONSE
Thank You, Lord, that You are leading me onward. I proclaim that following the Lord requires a continual denial of my ego, and I choose to follow Jesus’ pattern in meeting this requirement. I shall press on to maturity. Amen.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
The distinctive function of an Old Testament priest was to offer sacrifice. Thus, being a priest, Jesus had to offer sacrifice. Since He was not a Levite, He could not offer the sacrifices of the law, so He offered His own specific priestly sacrifice, which was prayer.
He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him [God the Father] who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:7–8)
Jesus’ reverent obedience caused the Father to hear His prayers. He learned obedience through suffering. Jesus had to learn obedience, and we have to learn obedience in the same way. We find out what obedience is by obeying. We do not find it out by listening to sermons on obedience. Those may help us, but obedience has to be worked out, step-by-step, by obeying. Obedience brings suffering because it demands denial of one’s self-will. The key phrase in the obedience of Jesus was, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Every step of obedience in the Christian life is one of self-denial. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself” (Matthew 16:24). That is painful, for the old ego does not like to be denied. Ego says, “I want,” “I’m important,” “This suits me,” “I feel good,” “I don’t want,” and the like. Following the Lord requires a continual denial of that ego.
In the above passage from Hebrews, God was talking to us about coming into maturity as sons through obedience. Jesus is the pattern. God brought Him to maturity through obedience. This is the pathway for you and me, too. This is the new and living way.
PRAYER RESPONSE
Thank You, Lord, that You are leading me onward. I proclaim that following the Lord requires a continual denial of my ego, and I choose to follow Jesus’ pattern in meeting this requirement. I shall press on to maturity. Amen.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
356 PROPHECIES FULFILLED IN JESUS CHRIST PART 1.
Search the scriptures... they are they which testify of me." (Jesus Christ, John 5:39). "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me" (Psalm 40:7). "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10). "...all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me" (Jesus Christ, Luke 24:44). "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Jesus Christ, Luke 24:27). "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me." (Jesus Christ, John 5:46).
"To Him give all the prophets witness" (Acts 10:43).
1. Gen. 3:15 - Seed of a woman (virgin birth) in Galatians 4:4-5, Matthew 1:18
2. Gen. 3:15 - He will bruise Satan's head in
Hebrews 2:14, 1John 3:8
3. Gen. 3:15 - Christ's heel would be bruised with nails on the cross in Matthew 27:35, Luke 24:39-40
4. Gen. 5:24 - The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated in Mark 16:19, Rev. 12:5
5. Gen. 9:26, 27 - The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem in Luke 3:23-36
6. Gen. 12:3 - Seed of Abraham will bless all nations in Galatians 3:8, Acts 3:25, 26
7. Gen. 12:7 - The Promise made to Abraham's Seed in Galatians 3:16
8. Gen. 14:18 - A priest after the order of Melchizedek in Hebrews 6:20
9. Gen. 14:18 - King of Peace and Righteousness in Hebrews 7:2
10. Gen. 14:18 - The Last Supper foreshadowed In Matthew 26:26-29.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
Search the scriptures... they are they which testify of me." (Jesus Christ, John 5:39). "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me" (Psalm 40:7). "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10). "...all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me" (Jesus Christ, Luke 24:44). "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Jesus Christ, Luke 24:27). "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me." (Jesus Christ, John 5:46).
"To Him give all the prophets witness" (Acts 10:43).
1. Gen. 3:15 - Seed of a woman (virgin birth) in Galatians 4:4-5, Matthew 1:18
2. Gen. 3:15 - He will bruise Satan's head in
Hebrews 2:14, 1John 3:8
3. Gen. 3:15 - Christ's heel would be bruised with nails on the cross in Matthew 27:35, Luke 24:39-40
4. Gen. 5:24 - The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated in Mark 16:19, Rev. 12:5
5. Gen. 9:26, 27 - The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem in Luke 3:23-36
6. Gen. 12:3 - Seed of Abraham will bless all nations in Galatians 3:8, Acts 3:25, 26
7. Gen. 12:7 - The Promise made to Abraham's Seed in Galatians 3:16
8. Gen. 14:18 - A priest after the order of Melchizedek in Hebrews 6:20
9. Gen. 14:18 - King of Peace and Righteousness in Hebrews 7:2
10. Gen. 14:18 - The Last Supper foreshadowed In Matthew 26:26-29.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
MOHAMMADS BAD ADVICE TO FOLLOWERS. PART 3
Sahih Bukhari (62:18) - Aisha's father, Abu Bakr, wasn't on board at first, but Muhammad explained how the rules of their religion made it possible. This is similar to the way that present-day cult leaders manipulate their followers into similar concessions.
Is this bad advice? More embarrassing but looking at why he justified marrying Aisha is embarrassing not only is it circular reasoning, but it seems to be two erotic dreams. Read (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 87, Number 140; see also Number 139)
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
Sahih Bukhari (62:18) - Aisha's father, Abu Bakr, wasn't on board at first, but Muhammad explained how the rules of their religion made it possible. This is similar to the way that present-day cult leaders manipulate their followers into similar concessions.
Is this bad advice? More embarrassing but looking at why he justified marrying Aisha is embarrassing not only is it circular reasoning, but it seems to be two erotic dreams. Read (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 87, Number 140; see also Number 139)
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
GOD SAID THE MESISAH NAME WILL BE 'IMMANUEL' SO JESUS IS FALSE?
Another common objection I get from deniers of Jesus divinity. So if Jesus is not called Immanuel, does that mean He is not the Messiah?
NO. He is the Messiah. It’s very simply explained in scripture you see “God with Us” is the Hebrew meaning of Immanuel, in The Gospel of (Matthew 1:22–23) it interprets this as a prophecy of the birth of the Messiah, and the fulfilment of Scripture in the person of Jesus. "God (El) with us" the prophecy of “The Messiah is in (Isaiah 7:14) meaning Jesus is the "God with Us".
But His name is still Jesus, not Immanuel? Commonly refuted back to us. We then proclaim the gospel at this point and praise the Lord.
We Christians believe Jesus is the Incarnated God of the Bible, the second person of the tri-unity of God, the very 'elohiym' of (Genesis 1:1) as prophesised would come in (Isaiah 7:14). We worship the very God who came to be with us, who promised to always be us, and in our walk with Christ, we know in our being as Born Again Christians, that God is With us.
May then peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Another common objection I get from deniers of Jesus divinity. So if Jesus is not called Immanuel, does that mean He is not the Messiah?
NO. He is the Messiah. It’s very simply explained in scripture you see “God with Us” is the Hebrew meaning of Immanuel, in The Gospel of (Matthew 1:22–23) it interprets this as a prophecy of the birth of the Messiah, and the fulfilment of Scripture in the person of Jesus. "God (El) with us" the prophecy of “The Messiah is in (Isaiah 7:14) meaning Jesus is the "God with Us".
But His name is still Jesus, not Immanuel? Commonly refuted back to us. We then proclaim the gospel at this point and praise the Lord.
We Christians believe Jesus is the Incarnated God of the Bible, the second person of the tri-unity of God, the very 'elohiym' of (Genesis 1:1) as prophesised would come in (Isaiah 7:14). We worship the very God who came to be with us, who promised to always be us, and in our walk with Christ, we know in our being as Born Again Christians, that God is With us.
May then peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Christian Music (Mark Loughran)
YouTube
Zach Williams - Less Like Me (Official Music Video)
Watch and share my official music video for “Less Like Me”
Listen to my newest release! https://ZachWilliams.lnk.to/NewestReleaseID
Listen to #LessLikeMe:
Spotify: https://ZachWilliams.lnk.to/RescueStoryDeluxeAlbumID/spotify!LessLikeMeMV
Apple Music:…
Listen to my newest release! https://ZachWilliams.lnk.to/NewestReleaseID
Listen to #LessLikeMe:
Spotify: https://ZachWilliams.lnk.to/RescueStoryDeluxeAlbumID/spotify!LessLikeMeMV
Apple Music:…
KEEP IMPROVING - 30 JANUARY 2021
‘From everyone who has been given much, much more will be demanded.’
Luke 12:48 NIV
If we want to use our God-given skills to their full advantage in His kingdom, it’s important for us to keep growing and improving them. To do that, we need self-discipline. When we have a natural talent for something and we find it easy, we might forget we need to invest time and effort into improving it. We might also find it boring, especially if it involves some degree of repetition or going back over the basics. That’s why we need to learn to discipline ourselves first. In Galatians 5:22-23, we can read a list of the fruits of the Spirit – one of which is self-control. If we rely on our own strength, we’ll struggle to stay disciplined. But we have the help of the Holy Spirit. When we allow Him to work within us, He’ll help us to develop our self-control. Here are three reasons why self-control can help us to grow our skills:
1) Improving something often means giving up something else. We may have to give up some of our free time in order to practise and learn, and being disciplined helps us to stay focused and avoid being distracted by other things.
2) We need to take small steps. That can make learning and improving feel like a slow process at times. Self-discipline can help prevent us wanting to give up when we’re not moving forwards as quickly as we’d like.
3) There’s always room for improvement. When we can do something well, it’s tempting to just stop there. Self-discipline helps us refuse to settle for ‘good enough’ and instead keep reaching for the best we can be, so we can be everything God designed us to be.
WHAT NOW?
Think of a skill you have. Today, replace some of the time you’d spend watching TV or scrolling through social media with one activity that’ll help towards improving that skill.
Exodus 14-15, Matthew 17
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
‘From everyone who has been given much, much more will be demanded.’
Luke 12:48 NIV
If we want to use our God-given skills to their full advantage in His kingdom, it’s important for us to keep growing and improving them. To do that, we need self-discipline. When we have a natural talent for something and we find it easy, we might forget we need to invest time and effort into improving it. We might also find it boring, especially if it involves some degree of repetition or going back over the basics. That’s why we need to learn to discipline ourselves first. In Galatians 5:22-23, we can read a list of the fruits of the Spirit – one of which is self-control. If we rely on our own strength, we’ll struggle to stay disciplined. But we have the help of the Holy Spirit. When we allow Him to work within us, He’ll help us to develop our self-control. Here are three reasons why self-control can help us to grow our skills:
1) Improving something often means giving up something else. We may have to give up some of our free time in order to practise and learn, and being disciplined helps us to stay focused and avoid being distracted by other things.
2) We need to take small steps. That can make learning and improving feel like a slow process at times. Self-discipline can help prevent us wanting to give up when we’re not moving forwards as quickly as we’d like.
3) There’s always room for improvement. When we can do something well, it’s tempting to just stop there. Self-discipline helps us refuse to settle for ‘good enough’ and instead keep reaching for the best we can be, so we can be everything God designed us to be.
WHAT NOW?
Think of a skill you have. Today, replace some of the time you’d spend watching TV or scrolling through social media with one activity that’ll help towards improving that skill.
Exodus 14-15, Matthew 17
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Personal Testimonials.
MY TESTIMONY: ANGRY WITH GOD, ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY, MASTURBATION, DEPRESSION AND SOCIAL ANXIETY
https://youtu.be/rG7Vckr2nII
https://youtu.be/rG7Vckr2nII
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MY TESTIMONY: ANGRY WITH GOD, ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY, MASTURBATION, DEPRESSION AND SOCIAL ANXIETY
Hey guys, in this video I’ll be sharing my FULL testimony of how I came to Christ. Ngl I was a bit apprehensive in sharing because you know… once it's out, it's out and anyone can see it. However, the Lord led and encouraged me through Revelations 12:11 and…
WHAT JUSTIFICATION MEANS - JANUARY 30TH 2021.
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:9)
The word translated “justified” has a whole slew of related meanings.
First, it has a legal meaning. Legally speaking, it means that we are acquitted, absolved of all wrongdoing. We were on trial, but we were acquitted. That is very good news. Think of what a person being tried for murder might feel to find that he has been acquitted. Just try to imagine it. We also should feel that happy.
Second, we are not guilty.
Third, we are reckoned righteous.
Many people stop there. But I assure you that the full meaning of the word is more than that. We are also made righteous. The blood of Jesus not only causes us to be reckoned righteous, it actually makes us righteous.
Then, we are justified. This means it is “just-as-if-I’d” never sinned. We have been made righteous with the righteousness of Christ, which has no evil past and no shadow of guilt, and against which Satan cannot accuse us. We are made righteous with the righteousness of Jesus. It is by Christ’s righteousness that we are justified. There is no guilt, no problem with the past. It has all been erased.
PRAYER RESPONSE
Thank You, Lord, for the blood of Jesus. I proclaim that through His blood, I am justified, made righteous, just-as-if-I’d never sinned. Amen.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:9)
The word translated “justified” has a whole slew of related meanings.
First, it has a legal meaning. Legally speaking, it means that we are acquitted, absolved of all wrongdoing. We were on trial, but we were acquitted. That is very good news. Think of what a person being tried for murder might feel to find that he has been acquitted. Just try to imagine it. We also should feel that happy.
Second, we are not guilty.
Third, we are reckoned righteous.
Many people stop there. But I assure you that the full meaning of the word is more than that. We are also made righteous. The blood of Jesus not only causes us to be reckoned righteous, it actually makes us righteous.
Then, we are justified. This means it is “just-as-if-I’d” never sinned. We have been made righteous with the righteousness of Christ, which has no evil past and no shadow of guilt, and against which Satan cannot accuse us. We are made righteous with the righteousness of Jesus. It is by Christ’s righteousness that we are justified. There is no guilt, no problem with the past. It has all been erased.
PRAYER RESPONSE
Thank You, Lord, for the blood of Jesus. I proclaim that through His blood, I am justified, made righteous, just-as-if-I’d never sinned. Amen.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
JOSEPHUS WRITINGS CONFIRM BIBLICAL HISTORICAL ACCURACY. One of the first things I learnt once I commited my life to Christ and thus being born again, was the historian Flavius Josephus (37-101 A.D) a Jewish priest at the time of the Jewish Revolt of A.D. 66. He was captured by the Romans, imprisoned, set free and then retired to Rome where he wrote a history of the Jewish Revolt called the "Jewish War." Later he wrote "Antiquities" as a history of the Jews.
Please read a brief listing of people and places mentioned by Josephus that correspond to those mentioned in the Bible. To me this demonstrates that the Bible is not alone in its description of people, events, and places. It is verified by other sources, and their is other historians but the below is to highlight Josephus.
ANTIPAS – (17:8:1), "And now Herod altered his testament upon the alteration of his mind; for he appointed Antipas, to whom he had before left the kingdom, to be tetrarch of Galilee and Berea, and granted the kingdom to Archelaus."
BIBLE – (Rev. 2:13), "I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells."
HEROD - Numerous times (17:8:1), "And now Herod altered his testament upon the alteration of his mind. (18.5.3), "Whereupon he ordered the army to march along the Great Plain, while he himself, with Herod the tetrarch, and his friends, went up to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice to God, an ancient festival of the Jews being then just approaching." (See also, 18:2:1, 2, 3; 18:4:3, 5, 6; 18:5:1, 2, 3; 18:7:2,)
BIBLE – (Luke 3:1), "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene."
GALATIANS – (17:8:3), "First of all went his guards, then the band of Thracians, and after them the Germans; and next the band of Galatians, every one in their habiliments of war." (12:10:6), "And when he was dead, the people bestowed the high priesthood on Judas; who, hearing of the power of the Romans, and that they had conquered in war Galatia, and Iberia, and Carthage, and Lybia."
BIBLE – (Gal. 1:2), "and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia."
JERICHO – (17:8:2), "....when Salome and Alexas gathered the soldiery together in the amphitheatre at Jericho . . . "
BIBLE – (Num. 22:1), "And the children of Israel journeyed, and encamped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho."
JERSUALEM – (20:9:2), "Now as soon as Albinus was come to the city of Jerusalem . . "
BIBLE – (Matt. 21:10-11), "And when He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?" And the multitudes were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee."
JESUS – (18:3:3), "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day."
PART 1/2
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
PART 2/2
JOSEPHUS WRITINGS CONFIRM BIBLICAL HISTORICAL ACCURACY.
JESUS – (20:9:1), "Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the Sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned: but as for those who seemed the most equitable of the citizens, and such as were the most uneasy at the breach of the laws, they disliked what was done;"
JUDEA numerous times – (20:9:1), "AND now Caesar, upon hearing the death of Festus, sent Albinus into Judea, as procurator." (See also, 20:1:1; 20:5:1, 2, 3; 20:6:1, 2; 20:7:1, 2; 20:8:5, 10; 20:11:1;).
BIBLE – (Matt. 2:1), "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem . . . "
JOHN THE BAPTIST - (18.5.2) Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and was a very just punishment for what he did against John called the Baptist [the dipper]. For Herod had him killed, although he was a good man and had urged the Jews to exert themselves to virtue, both as to justice toward one another and reverence towards.
BIBLE – (Matt. 3:1-2), "Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
PONTIUS PILATE numerous times – (18:3:1), "But now Pilate, the procurator of Judea, removed the army from Cesarea to Jerusalem, to take their winter quarters there, in order to abolish the Jewish laws." (See also, 18:3:1, 2, 3; 18:4:1, 2, 5).
BIBLE – (Luke 3:1), "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene."
SADDUCEES – (20:9:1), "But this younger Ananus, who, as we have told you already, took the high priesthood, was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent; he was also of the sect of the Sadducees."
(BIBLE) – (Matt. 16:1), "And the Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Him asked Him to show them a sign from heaven."
THE SAMARITANS (18:4:1), "But the nation of the Samaritans did not escape without tumults."
BIBLE – (Luke 10:33), "But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion."
TIBERIUS CAESAR – (18.6.4), "And now Agrippa was come to Puteoli, whence he wrote a letter to Tiberius Caesar, who then lived at Capreae, and told him that he was come so far in order to wait on him, and to pay him a visit; and desired that he would give him leave to come over to Caprein."
BIBLE – (Luke 3:1), "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene."
These and many others help to establish that the Bible was not written in isolation. It was written in the context of ancient Israel when and where it claims to have been written. This is important when authenticating the Bible and this is why external references are sometimes useful. In this case, Josephus who was a contemporary of the disciples, is referenced in support of biblical accuracy.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
JOSEPHUS WRITINGS CONFIRM BIBLICAL HISTORICAL ACCURACY.
JESUS – (20:9:1), "Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the Sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned: but as for those who seemed the most equitable of the citizens, and such as were the most uneasy at the breach of the laws, they disliked what was done;"
JUDEA numerous times – (20:9:1), "AND now Caesar, upon hearing the death of Festus, sent Albinus into Judea, as procurator." (See also, 20:1:1; 20:5:1, 2, 3; 20:6:1, 2; 20:7:1, 2; 20:8:5, 10; 20:11:1;).
BIBLE – (Matt. 2:1), "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem . . . "
JOHN THE BAPTIST - (18.5.2) Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and was a very just punishment for what he did against John called the Baptist [the dipper]. For Herod had him killed, although he was a good man and had urged the Jews to exert themselves to virtue, both as to justice toward one another and reverence towards.
BIBLE – (Matt. 3:1-2), "Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
PONTIUS PILATE numerous times – (18:3:1), "But now Pilate, the procurator of Judea, removed the army from Cesarea to Jerusalem, to take their winter quarters there, in order to abolish the Jewish laws." (See also, 18:3:1, 2, 3; 18:4:1, 2, 5).
BIBLE – (Luke 3:1), "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene."
SADDUCEES – (20:9:1), "But this younger Ananus, who, as we have told you already, took the high priesthood, was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent; he was also of the sect of the Sadducees."
(BIBLE) – (Matt. 16:1), "And the Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Him asked Him to show them a sign from heaven."
THE SAMARITANS (18:4:1), "But the nation of the Samaritans did not escape without tumults."
BIBLE – (Luke 10:33), "But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion."
TIBERIUS CAESAR – (18.6.4), "And now Agrippa was come to Puteoli, whence he wrote a letter to Tiberius Caesar, who then lived at Capreae, and told him that he was come so far in order to wait on him, and to pay him a visit; and desired that he would give him leave to come over to Caprein."
BIBLE – (Luke 3:1), "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene."
These and many others help to establish that the Bible was not written in isolation. It was written in the context of ancient Israel when and where it claims to have been written. This is important when authenticating the Bible and this is why external references are sometimes useful. In this case, Josephus who was a contemporary of the disciples, is referenced in support of biblical accuracy.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
INSPIRE OTHERS - 09 DECEMBER 2020
‘He will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely.’
2 Corinthians 9:11 NCV
When a friend needs encouragement, we’re in a great place to give it to them. Paul wrote: ‘He will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely.’ As God inspires us to follow His call and achieve all kinds of things for His kingdom, we should also be willing to pour inspiration on to others who need it.
Here’s some advice for times when we’re called to encourage and inspire someone:
1) Assure them of God’s love, and yours. When people are nervous or unsure, it helps to remind them of how much God loves them, and how much you care for them too. Reassure them that it will never be withdrawn because of their achievements or actions. Let them know they’re loved for who they are, and that their worth in God’s eyes is never in doubt.
2) Help them to discover their potential. ‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given us’ (Romans 12:6 NIV). Find out what they love to do, and help them discover their gifts and skills. Encourage them to take a step out of their comfort zone so they can stretch and grow their skills.
3) Don’t try to make them something they’re not. God gives each person their own unique personality and calling. Celebrate what makes them individual, and support the person they are, not the person you think they ought to be.
4) Help them build godly values. Encourage them to get into God’s Word every day. ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:17 NIV).
Let’s come alongside others and inspire them to do ‘every good work’.
WHAT NOW?
Ask God to show you a friend who needs inspiration. Arrange some time to have a chat with them and, with the help of the points in today’s reading, speak words of encouragement over them.
Amos 1-3, Revelation 3
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
‘He will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely.’
2 Corinthians 9:11 NCV
When a friend needs encouragement, we’re in a great place to give it to them. Paul wrote: ‘He will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely.’ As God inspires us to follow His call and achieve all kinds of things for His kingdom, we should also be willing to pour inspiration on to others who need it.
Here’s some advice for times when we’re called to encourage and inspire someone:
1) Assure them of God’s love, and yours. When people are nervous or unsure, it helps to remind them of how much God loves them, and how much you care for them too. Reassure them that it will never be withdrawn because of their achievements or actions. Let them know they’re loved for who they are, and that their worth in God’s eyes is never in doubt.
2) Help them to discover their potential. ‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given us’ (Romans 12:6 NIV). Find out what they love to do, and help them discover their gifts and skills. Encourage them to take a step out of their comfort zone so they can stretch and grow their skills.
3) Don’t try to make them something they’re not. God gives each person their own unique personality and calling. Celebrate what makes them individual, and support the person they are, not the person you think they ought to be.
4) Help them build godly values. Encourage them to get into God’s Word every day. ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:17 NIV).
Let’s come alongside others and inspire them to do ‘every good work’.
WHAT NOW?
Ask God to show you a friend who needs inspiration. Arrange some time to have a chat with them and, with the help of the points in today’s reading, speak words of encouragement over them.
Amos 1-3, Revelation 3
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Loughran)
THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD
Q) Can the devil read our thoughts,
A) No he cannot. Only God can read (Genesis 18:12-15) and Jesus did many times too please read (Mark 2:8).
A second question to understand and consider.
Q) What can the devil do with our minds? (2 Cornithians 10:4-5) the mind has to be protected or the devil can captivate our minds, bring thoughts of sin.
To be changed from within to walk In Christ all will need the Full Armour Of God found in (Ephesians 6:10-18) the last two verses in 2 Cornithians and Ephesians show the battle is not fleshly not earthly but spiritual against principalities, wickedness in high places.
Look at the Full Armour of God in detail that is promised to us.
1) Sheild of FAITH - protection from the "fiery darts of the wicked one" mind is sealed like an old wineskin reference "Arabon"
2) Helmet of SALVATION - is the sealing by the HS, without protection from fears, lust, lying, stealing, feeling guilty all of theses are False, Emotions, Appearing, Real. (FEAR) in (1 Peter 5:8-9) it says "be sober" "watch" your adversary "the devil" a roaring lion seeking people to devour (Hebrews 11:34)
3) loins girt about with TRUTH
4) breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
5) feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of PEACE
6) sword of the SPIRIT, which is the word of God
May the peace of Christ of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
Q) Can the devil read our thoughts,
A) No he cannot. Only God can read (Genesis 18:12-15) and Jesus did many times too please read (Mark 2:8).
A second question to understand and consider.
Q) What can the devil do with our minds? (2 Cornithians 10:4-5) the mind has to be protected or the devil can captivate our minds, bring thoughts of sin.
To be changed from within to walk In Christ all will need the Full Armour Of God found in (Ephesians 6:10-18) the last two verses in 2 Cornithians and Ephesians show the battle is not fleshly not earthly but spiritual against principalities, wickedness in high places.
Look at the Full Armour of God in detail that is promised to us.
1) Sheild of FAITH - protection from the "fiery darts of the wicked one" mind is sealed like an old wineskin reference "Arabon"
2) Helmet of SALVATION - is the sealing by the HS, without protection from fears, lust, lying, stealing, feeling guilty all of theses are False, Emotions, Appearing, Real. (FEAR) in (1 Peter 5:8-9) it says "be sober" "watch" your adversary "the devil" a roaring lion seeking people to devour (Hebrews 11:34)
3) loins girt about with TRUTH
4) breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
5) feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of PEACE
6) sword of the SPIRIT, which is the word of God
May the peace of Christ of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.