Mt 13:15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.'
“Being used by God
is not confined to pastors, preachers or teachers. Anybody can be an instrument
in God's hands.”
God can use anybody, believer or nonbeliever.
Sermon Slide Deck: "Good News of Great Joy" (Luke 2:1-14)New City Church
“...not only is Christianity the greatest story ever told, but it is the greatest possible story ever told.” ~ Paul Gould
This message was given on December 11, 2016 at New City Church in Calgary by Pastor John Ferguson. For more info, please visit: www.newcitychurch.ca.
Mt 13:15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.'
“Being used by God
is not confined to pastors, preachers or teachers. Anybody can be an instrument
in God's hands.”
God can use anybody, believer or nonbeliever.
Sermon Slide Deck: "Good News of Great Joy" (Luke 2:1-14)New City Church
“...not only is Christianity the greatest story ever told, but it is the greatest possible story ever told.” ~ Paul Gould
This message was given on December 11, 2016 at New City Church in Calgary by Pastor John Ferguson. For more info, please visit: www.newcitychurch.ca.
God provided the cities of refuge so that those who had accidentally killed another could flee to a place of justice and mercy. In the Messiah, we all have this hope.. We can flee to Jesus for refuge from our sins, but this also requires that we remember that our congregation is to be a place of refuge for one another and also those who are lost in sin.
Take up the helmet of salvation eph 6 17aDavid Turner
The head is the location of our thoughts and memories. We must protect our minds by putting on the helmet of salvation. The mind cannot be transformed without Christ becoming the center of our thoughts. The transformation saves us from the vane belief systems and ethical impure thoughts of the world. Put on Christ and put on the helmet of salvation. Free PowerPoint Download at http://bibleguy.org/sermon-resources/powerpoints/886/06/17/
The book of Job faces the age old problem of suffering. Why do good people suffer. Job the most righteous man alive in his day suffers multiple tragedies and painful disease. yet in all his pain and grief he does not blame God but affirms his faith and trust in God.
Agape love is difficult for us. It does not come easily. God commands Agape love. Agape love does not change with feelings or depend on feelings. Agape love is a decision. God never command something of us that he will not see that we can accomplish it
Dear sisters and brothers,
God wants salvation of all, not just ours or yours. Worshiping together is a sign of having accepted God's design.
Fr. Cielo
This is the greatest verse in the bible, it demonstrates the Love of God for man and how God was willing to give the very best thing he had to save us from our sins...
What does Christian unity really look? Why is it needed? Is unity always good? This Bible study outlines what the Bible says about unity within the Body of Christ.
God provided the cities of refuge so that those who had accidentally killed another could flee to a place of justice and mercy. In the Messiah, we all have this hope.. We can flee to Jesus for refuge from our sins, but this also requires that we remember that our congregation is to be a place of refuge for one another and also those who are lost in sin.
Take up the helmet of salvation eph 6 17aDavid Turner
The head is the location of our thoughts and memories. We must protect our minds by putting on the helmet of salvation. The mind cannot be transformed without Christ becoming the center of our thoughts. The transformation saves us from the vane belief systems and ethical impure thoughts of the world. Put on Christ and put on the helmet of salvation. Free PowerPoint Download at http://bibleguy.org/sermon-resources/powerpoints/886/06/17/
The book of Job faces the age old problem of suffering. Why do good people suffer. Job the most righteous man alive in his day suffers multiple tragedies and painful disease. yet in all his pain and grief he does not blame God but affirms his faith and trust in God.
Agape love is difficult for us. It does not come easily. God commands Agape love. Agape love does not change with feelings or depend on feelings. Agape love is a decision. God never command something of us that he will not see that we can accomplish it
Dear sisters and brothers,
God wants salvation of all, not just ours or yours. Worshiping together is a sign of having accepted God's design.
Fr. Cielo
This is the greatest verse in the bible, it demonstrates the Love of God for man and how God was willing to give the very best thing he had to save us from our sins...
What does Christian unity really look? Why is it needed? Is unity always good? This Bible study outlines what the Bible says about unity within the Body of Christ.
Sermon 3 in a series on the Book of James. The text of this sermon is James 1:2-4. It was presented at Palm Desert Church of Christ on November 15, 2009, by Dale Wells.
In early years, the computer science programmers developed the phrase “Garbage In, Garbage Out,” (GIGO). Meaning whatever you program into the computer is what you’re going to get out. Therefore, our minds work according to the GIGO principle. The kinds of things we watch, read, listen to and think about will affect the way we talk, feel, relate and live.
So think of that when we watch TV, read a book, or listen to music…Our minds work like computers where we are able to store unbelievable amounts of information for instance remembering student who bulled you, the reason why you were beaten ….
Why does God allow the righteous to suffer? By examining the account of Job and wondering about the death of James, we find that although we may not know why we suffer, it is important for us to learn through it. We are reminded that suffering provides us an opportunity for our faith to grow, that we will all die, and we are encouraged to continue in prayer. (Parts of this lesson were borrowed from Darrel Yontz.)
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptx
100418 How To Live Your Faith 17 The Power Of Patience James 5 7 12
1.
2. James returns to his openingtheme of patience/perseverance James 1:2-4 NIV Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (3) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. He uses two words for patience
3. Makrothumia – long-suffering James 5:7-8 NIV Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. (8) You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. James 5:10 NIV Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
4. Hupomone – endurance under stress James 5:11 NIV As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Perseverance is “staying put when you’d like to run away”
5. The combined idea is patient endurance Makrothumia – patience with people Hupomone – enduring adverse situations How can we demonstrate this patient endurance as we await the Lord’s return? James gives three examples
6. The Farmer James 5:7-9 NIV Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. (8) You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. (9) Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
7. As to farming, the impatient need not apply The only crop that appears overnight & without work is weeds No farmer has control over the weather Too much rain can cause the crop to rot Too much sun can burn it up A hailstorm or an early frost can kill the crop Farmers are patient with the weather!
8. He has patience with the crop, it takes time for plants to grow Jewish farmers would plow & plant in our autumn months Autumn rain would soften the soil Spring rain would help mature the harvest The farmer had to wait months for his seed to produce fruit Why did he patiently wait so long? Because the harvest is “valuable” – worth waiting for (James 5:7)
9. The NT pictures us as “farmers” looking for a spiritual harvest Galatians 6:9 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. The secret of enduring hard times: God is producing a harvest in our lives Galatians 5:22-23 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. …
10.
11. The farmer’s patience is active, not passive He does not stand around doing nothing He is constantly at work: irrigating, fertilizing, spraying for pests & weeds James did not tell readers to climb a hill & wait for Jesus to return His idea is “keep working & waiting”
12. Farmers don’t get into fights with their neighbors Farmers are willing to help one another No time or energy for disputes with neighbors James may have had this in mind James 5:9 NIV Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God’s people If we start using our sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest!
13.
14. The Prophets James 5:10 NIV Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
15. Prophets remind us that God cares for us when we suffer for His sake Elijah announced to King Ahab that there would be a drought in the land Elijah himself had to suffer in that drought But God cared for him, and God gave him victory over the priests of Baal “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you”
16.
17. Many of the prophets had to endure trials & sufferings Daniel was thrown to the lions (Daniel 6) Elijah barely escaped with his life from Jezebel (1 Kings 19) Zechariah, son of Jehoida, was stoned to death (2 Chronicles 24) Isaiah was sawn in half (Jewish tradition) Uriah was put to death with the sword (Jeremiah 26:23) Jeremiah was thrown into an abandoned well to die (Jeremiah 38:6)
18. Why mention the OT prophets? Romans 15:4 NIV For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. The better we know the Bible, the more God can encourage us Like the farmer, we keep working Like the prophets, we keep preaching No matter how trying the circumstances
19. Job James 5:11-12 NIV As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (12) Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
20. You cannot persevere unless there is a trial in your life No victories without battles No peaks without valleys When do “blessings” come? Sometimes in the middle, as did the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3) Sometimes after we’ve endured, as Job
21. The Book of Job is a tedious book Job 1-3 is Job’s distress: He loses wealth, family (except for his wife, and she told him to commit suicide), and health Job 4-31 is Job’s defense: Debates three men & answers their accusations Job 38-42 present Job’s deliverance: First God humbles Job Then He honors Job & restores him
22.
23. Job did not know what was “behind the scenes” between God & Satan Job’s friends accused him of being a sinner and a hypocrite “There’s some terrible sin in your life, or God would never have permitted this suffering” Job disagreed & maintained his innocence during the entire conversation
24. The friends were wrong: God had no cause against Job Job 2:3 NIV Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."
25. In the end, God rebuked the friends for assuming the worst Job 42:7 NIV After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.
26. It is hard to find a better example of suffering than Job Satan expected Job to get impatient with God & abandon his faith, but that did not happen Job did question God’s will, but he never forsook his faith in the Lord Job 13:15 NIV Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. Argued his case, but never gave up on God That is endurance
27. God promised Israel that He would bless them if they’d obey His laws (Deuteronomy 11) Led to idea that rich & comfortable were blessed Conversely, suffering & poor were cursed Many have that same erroneous idea today When Jesus said it was hard for the rich to enter heaven, the disciples were shocked. “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:23-26) They thought “The rich are especially blessed of God. If they can’t make it, nobody can!”
28. The Book of Job refutes that idea; because Job was a righteous man Neither God nor Satan found evil in him Job’s friends couldn’t convict him Job teaches us that God has higher purposes in suffering than punishing sin Job paves the way for Jesus, who suffered, not for His own sins, but for ours
29. What does Job’s story mean to us today? Some trials come from satanic opposition God permits Satan to try us, but He always limits the extent of Satan’s power Job 1:12 NIV The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." … Job 2:6 NIV The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life."
30. When you’re in the fire, remember God His hand on the thermostat! Job 23:10 NIV But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. He will work out His purposes in His time and for His glory You are not caught in the jaws of fate You are a child of God & part of His plan There is a difference!
31. James 5:12 seems out of place James 5:12 NIV Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
32. What does swearing have to do with the problem of suffering? If you have ever suffered, you know the answer It is easy to say things you do not mean, and even make bargains with God, when you are going through difficulties
33. Go back to Job for an example Job 1:21-22 NIV and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (22) In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. Job did curse the day he was born Job 3:1 NIV After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. But he never swore, nor cursed God
34. James is reminding us of Jesus’ teaching Matthew 5:34-37 NIV But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; (35) or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. (36) And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. (37) Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
35. The Jews routinely used oaths to back up their statements Careful not to use the name of God So, they’d swear by heaven, or earth, or Jerusalem, or even by their own heads! Jesus said it you cannot avoid God inoaths Heaven is His throne, earth is His footstool, and Jerusalem is the “city of the great King” As for swearing by your head? “You cannot make even one hair black or white”
36. True character requires few words The person who uses oaths to convince us has something wrong with his character He bolsters his weakness by using words A true Christian of integrity only has to say yes or no to be believed According to Jesus, anything more than this is from Satan
37.
38.
39. James wanted to encourage us to be patient in times of suffering Like the farmer, we are waiting for a spiritual harvest, for fruit that will glorify God Like the prophets, we look for opportunities to share God’s word Like Job, we wait for God to fulfill His purpose, knowing He will never cause us to suffer needlessly And, like Job, we have a clearer vision of the Lord and come to know Him better for having been in the furnace of affliction
40. James 5:8 NIV You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.