God created man to live in fellowship with Him and have dominion over creation, but man sinned and became separated from God. All people have sinned and deserve death and hell, and cannot reach God through good works or religion. However, God loves mankind and sent Jesus to die for our sins so we can be restored to God. By repenting of sins, surrendering to Jesus, and making Him Lord, people can accept God's gift of salvation and eternal life.
The document discusses the challenges of forgiveness and offers suggestions for how to develop a forgiving spirit. It acknowledges that while only God can truly forgive sins, people are called to forgive others when they repent. It suggests getting one's heart involved in the process of forgiveness by being tenderhearted and letting go of desires for retribution. Actively seeking resolution through open communication is presented as a means of gaining one's brother back.
Jesus accepts an invitation to dinner from a Pharisee, but offends his host by not performing ceremonial handwashing before eating. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being overly concerned with external purity rituals while neglecting inner purity and justice. He warns them that their legalism will be judged, as they focus on trivial rules rather than love of God and neighbor. Jesus tells them they are like unmarked graves that appear pure on the outside but conceal corruption within.
The document discusses forgiveness and quotes several Bible passages about forgiveness. It notes that while it is easy to ask God for forgiveness, it can be difficult to forgive others who have sinned against us. However, the Bible teaches that we must forgive others as God forgives us. Jesus tells Peter we must forgive others not just seven times but seventy-seven times. By forgiving those who have hurt us, we can move forward and find happiness. God promises to forgive our sins and remember them no more if we repent and turn to Him. Jesus paid the ultimate price by dying on the cross to forgive our past, present and future sins.
This document contains a collection of Bible verses and short passages on various topics related to faith. It discusses praising God, finding purpose and rest in Him, using imagination for His kingdom, and committing one's plans to God in prayer. The verses are interspersed with brief reflections on being still before God, seeing with the eyes of a child, and searching one's heart for ways to grow closer to Him. Overall, the document encourages drawing near to God through Scripture reading and meditating on spiritual themes.
The document contains several passages from the Bible discussing important religious concepts. It includes Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandments to love God and love your neighbor. It also references Adam and Eve hiding from God after eating the forbidden fruit, the disciples being called to spread the gospel, and Barnabas and Saul being appointed for missionary work.
The document provides encouragement and advice for overcoming past failures and moving forward. It recommends: 1) Letting go of the past and not dwelling on past mistakes or perceived failures. 2) Putting one's trust in God through prayer and faith during difficult times. 3) Developing courage and strength of character to push forward. 4) Focusing on the future and the potential for restoration, prosperity, and new opportunities that faith in God can provide.
When we look at the empty tomb we know that Jesus has risen and is enthroned in heaven. The same amazing power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. He calls us to arise with Him and live victoriously!
God created man to live in fellowship with Him and have dominion over creation, but man sinned and became separated from God. All people have sinned and deserve death and hell, and cannot reach God through good works or religion. However, God loves mankind and sent Jesus to die for our sins so we can be restored to God. By repenting of sins, surrendering to Jesus, and making Him Lord, people can accept God's gift of salvation and eternal life.
The document discusses the challenges of forgiveness and offers suggestions for how to develop a forgiving spirit. It acknowledges that while only God can truly forgive sins, people are called to forgive others when they repent. It suggests getting one's heart involved in the process of forgiveness by being tenderhearted and letting go of desires for retribution. Actively seeking resolution through open communication is presented as a means of gaining one's brother back.
Jesus accepts an invitation to dinner from a Pharisee, but offends his host by not performing ceremonial handwashing before eating. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being overly concerned with external purity rituals while neglecting inner purity and justice. He warns them that their legalism will be judged, as they focus on trivial rules rather than love of God and neighbor. Jesus tells them they are like unmarked graves that appear pure on the outside but conceal corruption within.
The document discusses forgiveness and quotes several Bible passages about forgiveness. It notes that while it is easy to ask God for forgiveness, it can be difficult to forgive others who have sinned against us. However, the Bible teaches that we must forgive others as God forgives us. Jesus tells Peter we must forgive others not just seven times but seventy-seven times. By forgiving those who have hurt us, we can move forward and find happiness. God promises to forgive our sins and remember them no more if we repent and turn to Him. Jesus paid the ultimate price by dying on the cross to forgive our past, present and future sins.
This document contains a collection of Bible verses and short passages on various topics related to faith. It discusses praising God, finding purpose and rest in Him, using imagination for His kingdom, and committing one's plans to God in prayer. The verses are interspersed with brief reflections on being still before God, seeing with the eyes of a child, and searching one's heart for ways to grow closer to Him. Overall, the document encourages drawing near to God through Scripture reading and meditating on spiritual themes.
The document contains several passages from the Bible discussing important religious concepts. It includes Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandments to love God and love your neighbor. It also references Adam and Eve hiding from God after eating the forbidden fruit, the disciples being called to spread the gospel, and Barnabas and Saul being appointed for missionary work.
The document provides encouragement and advice for overcoming past failures and moving forward. It recommends: 1) Letting go of the past and not dwelling on past mistakes or perceived failures. 2) Putting one's trust in God through prayer and faith during difficult times. 3) Developing courage and strength of character to push forward. 4) Focusing on the future and the potential for restoration, prosperity, and new opportunities that faith in God can provide.
When we look at the empty tomb we know that Jesus has risen and is enthroned in heaven. The same amazing power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. He calls us to arise with Him and live victoriously!
This document discusses the concept of Hell and provides explanations for several questions. It claims that Hell is a place of punishment meant to cure people of evil, with punishments fitting the sins committed. While punishment is painful, Hell is not eternal. Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, all people can eventually be saved from Hell. To avoid punishment in Hell and be great in God's kingdom, one must believe in and follow God in this life.
This document outlines "The Four Last Things" - Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell. It provides details on each:
Death is inevitable for all and is a consequence of original sin. Judgment consists of the Particular Judgment that occurs after death and the General Judgment that will happen at the end of the world. Hell is a place of eternal punishment involving separation from God and fire, with degrees of punishment corresponding to one's sins. Heaven involves the direct vision of God and degrees of happiness corresponding to one's holiness on Earth. Purgatory is described as a temporary place for purification for those not fully cleansed of sin.
22. ecclesiastes 3.1 15 (october 26, 2014).it is a matter of timingButchic
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 discusses how there is an appointed time and season for everything under heaven. Solomon notes that God has purposefully established times for specific activities and events, including being born and dying, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing, and times for war and peace. While humans cannot understand God's plans from beginning to end, Solomon asserts that God has made everything beautiful in its time. He encourages finding satisfaction and happiness in one's work, as this is a gift from God. The passage concludes by stating that whatever has happened or will occur has been established by God, who will hold all things past to account.
The document contains readings from a Catholic mass. It includes an entrance antiphon about God making the high priest rich, a reading from Romans about being freed from sin and death and becoming slaves of God, and a Gospel reading where Jesus says he has come to bring division rather than peace. It also includes responses, a Psalm about trusting in God, and a closing prayer.
This document provides excerpts from scripture readings for the Fifth Sunday after Easter, including passages from John, Acts, Psalms, and 1 Peter. It also summarizes Paul's speech to the Athenians where he references their altar to an unknown god and proclaims that God is not confined to human structures but commands all people to repent. The document concludes with photo credits for images included in the lesson.
This third installment in the "Buck the System" series asks the question "How does God want us to give, specifically to the church?" It starts with the premise that God is a Force Multiplier; that he is able to take everything we have and do so much more with it than we ever could on our own.
1) The document discusses the history and significance of communion and the Lord's Supper in the Bible and early church.
2) It describes how Jesus established the tradition of the Last Supper and its symbolism of bread and wine representing his body and blood.
3) It summarizes Paul's teachings to the Corinthians about properly discerning and partaking in communion as a unified community, rather than exacerbating divisions, to avoid bringing judgment on themselves.
Even though we know prayer is vital, it’s not always the easiest habit to maintain. Jesus’ teaching on prayer is recorded in Scripture, so let’s look at His instructions and grow in this area.
This document encourages believers to pray bold, ambitious prayers that are worthy of God's power and glory. It notes that God calls us to ask Him for "great and mighty things" we don't even know, and cites examples from the Bible of individuals like Jabez who asked God for big blessings. The document suggests praying for inheritance over nations and possession of the earth, and notes that the early church prayed earnestly for Peter's release from prison. The overall message is that Christians should pray God-sized prayers that reflect our faith in a BIG God who can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.
God loved the world so much that he sent his one and only Son, Jesus, so that all who believe in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son to condemn the world but to save it, so that through believing in Jesus, one can have eternal life and be put right with God. The Bible warns that those who touch Israel, whom God calls the apple of his eye, will face His judgment and wrath.
John was one of Jesus's inner circle who was with him from the beginning. He took care of Mary after Jesus's death and authored the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation. As an elder in the church at Ephesus, John was exiled to the island of Patmos where he received a revelation from Jesus about what must soon take place.
The document discusses the fear of the Lord and what it means to live in the fear of the Lord. It explains that the fear of the Lord is living in awe, respect, and honor towards God, putting Him first in life. It outlines three things about living in the fear of the Lord: having the right attitude of listening to God and treasuring His commands, taking the right actions of obeying God and walking with integrity, and receiving rewards like joy, wisdom, and avoidance of evil.
This document discusses building a strong family through wisdom, knowledge, and focusing on fear of the Lord, love, and peace. It notes that righteous families will be blessed and children should be taught God's words from youth. It outlines five phases of parenting from infant to caring for adult children and emphasizes disciplining children with love to bring peace and joy. Parents are advised to have clear rules without rebellion, choose battles wisely, and admit mistakes while setting expectations to help children fulfill their purpose.
This document discusses the importance of family according to passages from Proverbs. It notes that wisdom builds a strong house and family, while trouble within the family inherits trouble. It is better to have little with peace than great wealth with turmoil. A meal with loved ones is better than a feast with those you hate. Righteousness blesses one's children. Disciplining children brings peace of mind. Training children in the right way leads them not to depart from it when older.
This document discusses two Bible verses about God's love for the world and his plan for salvation. John 3:16 describes how God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, Jesus, so that all who believe in him will have eternal life rather than perish. John 12:27-28 recounts Jesus expressing troubled feelings about his coming crucifixion but submitting to God's will, and a voice from heaven affirming that God will be glorified through this event.
This document contains excerpts from the Bible discussing faith and the future. Hebrews 13 encourages having faith in God rather than fearing people. Hebrews 12 says to run the race of life with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus. James 4 warns that people should not presume what tomorrow will bring and instead say "if the Lord wills." Revelation 21 describes God making all things new and wiping away tears in heaven. Philippians 3 says to forget the past and press on toward perfection through Christ.
This document summarizes key points from 2 Peter 1:1-11 about responding to God's promises. It discusses how:
God has given us everything we need through His power to live godly lives and receive great promises. These promises allow us to share in God's divine nature. We are called to make every effort to respond to God's promises through faith and growing in excellence, knowledge, self-control, godliness, love and more. Responding to God's promises leads to hope, growth, and being chosen for God's eternal kingdom.
The document discusses the results of a study on the effects of exercise on memory and thinking abilities in older adults. The study found that regular exercise can help reduce the decline in thinking abilities that often occurs with age. Older adults who exercised regularly performed better on cognitive tests and brain scans showed they had greater activity in important areas for memory and learning compared to less active peers.
The document discusses biblical wisdom from Proverbs regarding handling money. It notes that God owns everything and gives people the ability to earn wealth. It advises planning, being patient in the money process, and following principles like honoring God, being generous, and avoiding deceitful ways of obtaining money. The main points are to plan financially, be patient in the process of earning and achieving money goals, and follow biblical principles for responsible money management.
This document discusses the concept of Hell and provides explanations for several questions. It claims that Hell is a place of punishment meant to cure people of evil, with punishments fitting the sins committed. While punishment is painful, Hell is not eternal. Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, all people can eventually be saved from Hell. To avoid punishment in Hell and be great in God's kingdom, one must believe in and follow God in this life.
This document outlines "The Four Last Things" - Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell. It provides details on each:
Death is inevitable for all and is a consequence of original sin. Judgment consists of the Particular Judgment that occurs after death and the General Judgment that will happen at the end of the world. Hell is a place of eternal punishment involving separation from God and fire, with degrees of punishment corresponding to one's sins. Heaven involves the direct vision of God and degrees of happiness corresponding to one's holiness on Earth. Purgatory is described as a temporary place for purification for those not fully cleansed of sin.
22. ecclesiastes 3.1 15 (october 26, 2014).it is a matter of timingButchic
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 discusses how there is an appointed time and season for everything under heaven. Solomon notes that God has purposefully established times for specific activities and events, including being born and dying, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing, and times for war and peace. While humans cannot understand God's plans from beginning to end, Solomon asserts that God has made everything beautiful in its time. He encourages finding satisfaction and happiness in one's work, as this is a gift from God. The passage concludes by stating that whatever has happened or will occur has been established by God, who will hold all things past to account.
The document contains readings from a Catholic mass. It includes an entrance antiphon about God making the high priest rich, a reading from Romans about being freed from sin and death and becoming slaves of God, and a Gospel reading where Jesus says he has come to bring division rather than peace. It also includes responses, a Psalm about trusting in God, and a closing prayer.
This document provides excerpts from scripture readings for the Fifth Sunday after Easter, including passages from John, Acts, Psalms, and 1 Peter. It also summarizes Paul's speech to the Athenians where he references their altar to an unknown god and proclaims that God is not confined to human structures but commands all people to repent. The document concludes with photo credits for images included in the lesson.
This third installment in the "Buck the System" series asks the question "How does God want us to give, specifically to the church?" It starts with the premise that God is a Force Multiplier; that he is able to take everything we have and do so much more with it than we ever could on our own.
1) The document discusses the history and significance of communion and the Lord's Supper in the Bible and early church.
2) It describes how Jesus established the tradition of the Last Supper and its symbolism of bread and wine representing his body and blood.
3) It summarizes Paul's teachings to the Corinthians about properly discerning and partaking in communion as a unified community, rather than exacerbating divisions, to avoid bringing judgment on themselves.
Even though we know prayer is vital, it’s not always the easiest habit to maintain. Jesus’ teaching on prayer is recorded in Scripture, so let’s look at His instructions and grow in this area.
This document encourages believers to pray bold, ambitious prayers that are worthy of God's power and glory. It notes that God calls us to ask Him for "great and mighty things" we don't even know, and cites examples from the Bible of individuals like Jabez who asked God for big blessings. The document suggests praying for inheritance over nations and possession of the earth, and notes that the early church prayed earnestly for Peter's release from prison. The overall message is that Christians should pray God-sized prayers that reflect our faith in a BIG God who can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.
God loved the world so much that he sent his one and only Son, Jesus, so that all who believe in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son to condemn the world but to save it, so that through believing in Jesus, one can have eternal life and be put right with God. The Bible warns that those who touch Israel, whom God calls the apple of his eye, will face His judgment and wrath.
John was one of Jesus's inner circle who was with him from the beginning. He took care of Mary after Jesus's death and authored the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation. As an elder in the church at Ephesus, John was exiled to the island of Patmos where he received a revelation from Jesus about what must soon take place.
The document discusses the fear of the Lord and what it means to live in the fear of the Lord. It explains that the fear of the Lord is living in awe, respect, and honor towards God, putting Him first in life. It outlines three things about living in the fear of the Lord: having the right attitude of listening to God and treasuring His commands, taking the right actions of obeying God and walking with integrity, and receiving rewards like joy, wisdom, and avoidance of evil.
This document discusses building a strong family through wisdom, knowledge, and focusing on fear of the Lord, love, and peace. It notes that righteous families will be blessed and children should be taught God's words from youth. It outlines five phases of parenting from infant to caring for adult children and emphasizes disciplining children with love to bring peace and joy. Parents are advised to have clear rules without rebellion, choose battles wisely, and admit mistakes while setting expectations to help children fulfill their purpose.
This document discusses the importance of family according to passages from Proverbs. It notes that wisdom builds a strong house and family, while trouble within the family inherits trouble. It is better to have little with peace than great wealth with turmoil. A meal with loved ones is better than a feast with those you hate. Righteousness blesses one's children. Disciplining children brings peace of mind. Training children in the right way leads them not to depart from it when older.
This document discusses two Bible verses about God's love for the world and his plan for salvation. John 3:16 describes how God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, Jesus, so that all who believe in him will have eternal life rather than perish. John 12:27-28 recounts Jesus expressing troubled feelings about his coming crucifixion but submitting to God's will, and a voice from heaven affirming that God will be glorified through this event.
This document contains excerpts from the Bible discussing faith and the future. Hebrews 13 encourages having faith in God rather than fearing people. Hebrews 12 says to run the race of life with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus. James 4 warns that people should not presume what tomorrow will bring and instead say "if the Lord wills." Revelation 21 describes God making all things new and wiping away tears in heaven. Philippians 3 says to forget the past and press on toward perfection through Christ.
This document summarizes key points from 2 Peter 1:1-11 about responding to God's promises. It discusses how:
God has given us everything we need through His power to live godly lives and receive great promises. These promises allow us to share in God's divine nature. We are called to make every effort to respond to God's promises through faith and growing in excellence, knowledge, self-control, godliness, love and more. Responding to God's promises leads to hope, growth, and being chosen for God's eternal kingdom.
The document discusses the results of a study on the effects of exercise on memory and thinking abilities in older adults. The study found that regular exercise can help reduce the decline in thinking abilities that often occurs with age. Older adults who exercised regularly performed better on cognitive tests and brain scans showed they had greater activity in important areas for memory and learning compared to less active peers.
The document discusses biblical wisdom from Proverbs regarding handling money. It notes that God owns everything and gives people the ability to earn wealth. It advises planning, being patient in the money process, and following principles like honoring God, being generous, and avoiding deceitful ways of obtaining money. The main points are to plan financially, be patient in the process of earning and achieving money goals, and follow biblical principles for responsible money management.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewi...Hatfield Christian Church
This document discusses the ideas of strength and honour. Strength refers to personal qualities while honour refers to respect in battle. It provides biblical sources that discuss drawing strength from God, his word, and remaining in him. It notes examples from the Bible where people were not alone even in difficult times and encourages remembering that God loves us. It concludes by discussing showing honour to others.
The document discusses authority in God's kingdom and how Christians should respond to authority. It notes that authority was God's idea and should be exercised as a servant who will give an account. Believers should live under authority prayerfully, obediently, and with a respectful heart. At home, children should honor their parents, and beyond home, how one exercises and responds to authority is part of their Christian testimony and obedience to God.
‘Towers’, ‘tragedy’ and even ‘terrorism’ are often words used to describe relationships between different nations and people groups. Is it really possible for diverse people to live together in unity?
The document discusses how words originate from the heart and can have powerful effects. It notes that words guided by wisdom promote life but uncontrolled words can spread evil like fire. While the tongue is small, it can steer one's life and corrupt the whole body. Words have the power to praise God and curse people, so we must be careful. Ultimately, words spoken in truth and moderation can bring healing and life to communities.
Are you a good communicator? Are you able to put into words what is in your heart and able to understand what others are saying? Let’s see if the book of Proverbs can help us improve our communication.
The forces involved in this witchcraft spell will re-establish the loving bond between you and help to build a strong, loving relationship from which to start anew. Despite any previous hardships or problems, the spell work will re-establish the strong bonds of friendship and love upon which the marriage and relationship originated. Have faith, these stop divorce and stop separation spells are extremely powerful and will reconnect you and your partner in a strong and harmonious relationship.
My ritual will not only stop separation and divorce, but rebuild a strong bond between you and your partner that is based on truth, honesty, and unconditional love. For an even stronger effect, you may want to consider using the Eternal Love Bond spell to ensure your relationship and love will last through all tests of time. If you have not yet determined if your partner is considering separation or divorce, but are aware of rifts in the relationship, try the Love Spells to remove problems in a relationship or marriage. Keep in mind that all my love spells are 100% customized and that you'll only need 1 spell to address all problems/wishes.
Save your marriage from divorce & make your relationship stronger using anti divorce spells to make him or her fall back in love with you. End your marriage if you are no longer in love with your husband or wife. Permanently end your marriage using divorce spells that work fast. Protect your marriage from divorce using love spells to boost commitment, love & bind your hearts together for a stronger marriage that will last. Get your ex lover who has remarried using divorce spells to break up a couple & make your ex lost lover come back to you permanently.
Visit https://www.profbalaj.com/love-spells-loves-spells-that-work/
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Protector & Destroyer: Agni Dev (The Hindu God of Fire)Exotic India
So let us turn the pages of ancient Indian literature and get to know more about Agni, the mighty purifier of all things, worshipped in Indian culture as a God since the Vedic time.
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu
Santan Vastu Provides Vedic astrology courses & Vastu remedies, If you are searching Vastu for home, Vastu for kitchen, Vastu for house, Vastu for Office & Factory. Best Vastu in Bahadurgarh. Best Vastu in Delhi NCR
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
The Book of Ruth is included in the third division, or the Writings, of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel.
The Book of Samuel is a book in the Hebrew Bible, found as two books in the Old Testament. The book is part of the Deuteronomistic history, a series of books that constitute a theological history of the Israelites and that aim to explain God's law for Israel under the guidance of the prophets.
Trusting God's Providence | Verse: Romans 8: 28-31JL de Belen
Trusting God's Providence.
Providence - God’s active preservation and care over His creation. God is both the Creator and the Sustainer of all things Heb. 1:2-3; Col. 1:17
-God keep His promises.
-God’s general providence is toward all creation
- All things were made through Him
God’s special providence is toward His children.
We may suffer now, but joy can and will come
God can see what we cannot see
11. ROMANS 8:28 NKJV
And we know that all things work
together (synergeo) for good to
those who love God, to those who
are the called according to His
purpose.
Date: 12 July 2015 – first morning service
Preacher: Pastor Francois van Niekerk
Sermon: Your heavenly Father
Introduction
There are many fatherless people in the world. To have a father is a privilege; to know that you have a Father in heaven is life changing.
Main points
The mission of Jesus
There are very few references in the Old Testament about God as heavenly Father. But that all changed when Jesus came to earth.
Jesus showed the heart of the heavenly Father in action.
I love and worship this Jesus. He stopped to love the one person and yet knew how to minister to crowds and even fed them when they were hungry. From the one to many, His care is real and reflects the heart of our loving heavenly Father.
Apart from giving His life on the cross His mission was to reconcile us to the Father through the work of the Cross. He opened the way for our wayward hearts to come home and rest secure in God’s love.
2. Life with the Father
To be reconciled with the Father means to live in His embrace – forgiven, set free and empowered. Above all it is about knowing that you are loved forever! When you know this, your heart comes home.
There are many things to know in life. The quest for knowledge is endless, but only the Father’s love satisfies.
Of all the things you need to know the most important is to know, I mean really know cognitively and experientially, that God is your heavenly Father and that He loves you forever.
Without knowing this all other knowledge fails to make sense. It’s a case of knowing this or that, but so what? It does not make a real difference against the backdrop of eternity.
Knowing the heavenly Father as your personal Father who loves you, unlocks the first step to a meaningful life!
Knowing His love results in knowing your true identity. It answers the deep need for meaning in life. His love brings your life purpose into focus and your heart to peace.
In practical terms, life with the Father means that you receive His love on an ongoing basis through His amazing care. Think of the lilies and the birds Jesus spoke of when He taught about the care of the Father.
“Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion – do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers – most of which are never even seen – don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
Matthew 6:26-34 (MSG)
3. Make the love connection
The Father loves you. It is a fact that has been proven by Jesus’ coming to earth and His sacrifice to save your life. Knowing that you are loved and cared for by God the Father is one part of the picture. The other part needs to be coloured in by us. His love needs to be reciprocated – it calls for a response.
Will you love your heavenly Father with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?
You are loved, but will you in turn love Him?
When the ancient call to love God as our Father is answered, the love connection (circle) is completed and it releases one of the most powerful principles in the Bible. The Apostle Paul describes it like this:
‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.’ (Emphasis added)
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
The Greek word for together is synergeo and the English word synergy is derived from this.
On the basis of this love connection, God enters every situation and releases His mighty working power to make all the difference! When you live by His love, and love Him, something happens. He takes all things, even the contradicting and disappointing ones, and speaks His synergeo over them. I believe He speaks a command, even to things that don’t fit or feel right, to synergeo (work together).
He does not do this because we’ve got it all right or because we really need or deserve it. He works synergeo because He is our heavenly Father who loves us and loves our love!
One of the enemy’s greatest tactics is to get you to forget about this love connection. His purpose is to get you sidetracked or distracted by the detail and rational reality of life. If he can get you to live or step out of this love relationship with your Father, he knows he can take you down.
Focus on your heavenly Father’s love for you in every situation and express your love for Him again and again. That’s when synergeo happens. God steps in and commands synergeo for your good!
Your heavenly Father always works things for your good when your focus remains on being loved by Him and loving Him in return.
Note the reference to being called to His purpose at the end of Romans 8:28. Realise that your first purpose in life is to live in response to God’s love and not in reaction to your circumstances.
4. The mission of the Holy Spirit
Part of the Holy Spirit’s mission is to pour out the Father’s love in our hearts.
‘And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.’ (Emphasis added)
Romans 5:5 (NLT)
Don’t try to live a full life on an empty heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the love of your heavenly Father. From this overflow of His love you can then go on your daily life mission to show His love to others.
Application
You have a heavenly Father who loves you forever! Let Him put His arms around you today and just love you. Receive His love and love Him every day in everything.
Prayer
Thank you for being my heavenly Father and loving me forever. Holy Spirit, please fill my heart with the Father’s love. I love You with all my heart, Father. Amen.