Back to the Basics- The moment we first believed is a three-part booklet that explores on prayer, the word of God, fellowship, witnessing Christ and discipleship as our basics of faith. The second part gives a closer view of faith, hope, and love. The final part is a call to action of three groups of people. The first being people who have never accepted Christ , the second group comprises people who have accepted Christ but are convinced their lives are not sincere before God , and the third group is made of people who believe they are faithfully serving God but want divine strength to do more for Him. It is time to go back to the basics of faith and resurrect the passion we received that time we first believed.
This document is a chapter from the book "The Glory of Living" by Dr. Myles Munroe. It discusses the concept of glory and how glory exists in all of creation. The chapter notes that glory can be seen all around us in nature - in trees, flowers, grass, animals, the sun, moon, and stars. It says that even humans possess glory. The glory in creation reflects the greater glory of God, the Creator. The chapter aims to show how all of creation exists to manifest and reveal the glory of God.
This document provides information about a book titled "The Lost Art of Pure Worship" by James W. Goll and Chris DuPré. It includes a dedication to worship teams that the authors have worked with over the years. It also includes acknowledgments thanking those involved in the production of the book, including the publishing team at Destiny Image. The document provides endorsements for the book from several Christian leaders who recommend it as an inspiring work about restoring pure worship.
This chapter introduces the concept of "history makers" - individuals who defy expectations and statistics to achieve great things. The author believes we are called to be history makers by developing a supernatural lifestyle of signs, wonders, and miracles. Such a lifestyle will transform our cities and release revival through demonstrating God's power. We cannot settle for complacent religion but must receive our inheritance as "sons of the prophets" to see darkness destroyed and cities restored.
Amen: What Prayer Can Mean in a World Beyond Beliefjohnmcneil99
Here are some common explanations offered by religious leaders for unanswered prayers of supplication:
- God's timing is not our timing. He has a greater plan that we cannot see or understand fully.
- It was not God's will to intervene. All things work together for good according to his purpose.
- Our faith was not strong enough. If we had prayed with more faith and conviction, God would have answered.
- There were unknown sins in our life that hindered God from answering. We need to repent and draw closer to God.
- God answered in a different way than we asked, through strengthening our character or deepening our faith through the trial.
- The request was not in
PRAYER - The Heart of It All - Chapter 1ProjectPray
This document discusses various aspects and purposes of prayer. It begins by defining prayer as communion with God that involves more than just meditation, and requires verbal communication. Prayer engages God through supplication, intercession, thanksgiving, and other means. God wants people to pray for several reasons: He loves companionship, prayer is a privilege, it invites His kingdom, and is how believers access God's blessings according to His promises. The document explores the nature of prayer as communion with God through speech, beyond words, and unity with the Holy Spirit.
What Is the Purpose of Worship Part Two with Prophetess Barbara McCrarySister Lara
This is an audio message that was translated into text for our listeners in our Internet Live Voice Conference, in Beyond the Veil Prophetic Ministries. This message was shared by Prophetess Barbara. What is the purpose of worship? How do you grow in worship? And more!
The document discusses different types and styles of prayer in Christianity. The five types of prayer are praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, and intercessory prayer. The styles of prayer include devotional prayer based on scripture, spontaneous prayers of gratitude, conversational prayer involving dialogue with God, and action prayer combined with physical movement.
This article profiles NBA star Stephen Curry as a devout Christian who exemplifies humility and uses his platform to glorify God. It describes Curry's upbringing in a Christian home, how he accepted Christ at age 13, maintains his faith as he's achieved basketball success, and is known for pointing to God after shots in recognition that all glory belongs to Him. Curry prioritizes his faith over his career, seeking to be a witness for Christ and using his influence to honor God in all he says and does, both on and off the court.
This document is a chapter from the book "The Glory of Living" by Dr. Myles Munroe. It discusses the concept of glory and how glory exists in all of creation. The chapter notes that glory can be seen all around us in nature - in trees, flowers, grass, animals, the sun, moon, and stars. It says that even humans possess glory. The glory in creation reflects the greater glory of God, the Creator. The chapter aims to show how all of creation exists to manifest and reveal the glory of God.
This document provides information about a book titled "The Lost Art of Pure Worship" by James W. Goll and Chris DuPré. It includes a dedication to worship teams that the authors have worked with over the years. It also includes acknowledgments thanking those involved in the production of the book, including the publishing team at Destiny Image. The document provides endorsements for the book from several Christian leaders who recommend it as an inspiring work about restoring pure worship.
This chapter introduces the concept of "history makers" - individuals who defy expectations and statistics to achieve great things. The author believes we are called to be history makers by developing a supernatural lifestyle of signs, wonders, and miracles. Such a lifestyle will transform our cities and release revival through demonstrating God's power. We cannot settle for complacent religion but must receive our inheritance as "sons of the prophets" to see darkness destroyed and cities restored.
Amen: What Prayer Can Mean in a World Beyond Beliefjohnmcneil99
Here are some common explanations offered by religious leaders for unanswered prayers of supplication:
- God's timing is not our timing. He has a greater plan that we cannot see or understand fully.
- It was not God's will to intervene. All things work together for good according to his purpose.
- Our faith was not strong enough. If we had prayed with more faith and conviction, God would have answered.
- There were unknown sins in our life that hindered God from answering. We need to repent and draw closer to God.
- God answered in a different way than we asked, through strengthening our character or deepening our faith through the trial.
- The request was not in
PRAYER - The Heart of It All - Chapter 1ProjectPray
This document discusses various aspects and purposes of prayer. It begins by defining prayer as communion with God that involves more than just meditation, and requires verbal communication. Prayer engages God through supplication, intercession, thanksgiving, and other means. God wants people to pray for several reasons: He loves companionship, prayer is a privilege, it invites His kingdom, and is how believers access God's blessings according to His promises. The document explores the nature of prayer as communion with God through speech, beyond words, and unity with the Holy Spirit.
What Is the Purpose of Worship Part Two with Prophetess Barbara McCrarySister Lara
This is an audio message that was translated into text for our listeners in our Internet Live Voice Conference, in Beyond the Veil Prophetic Ministries. This message was shared by Prophetess Barbara. What is the purpose of worship? How do you grow in worship? And more!
The document discusses different types and styles of prayer in Christianity. The five types of prayer are praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, and intercessory prayer. The styles of prayer include devotional prayer based on scripture, spontaneous prayers of gratitude, conversational prayer involving dialogue with God, and action prayer combined with physical movement.
This article profiles NBA star Stephen Curry as a devout Christian who exemplifies humility and uses his platform to glorify God. It describes Curry's upbringing in a Christian home, how he accepted Christ at age 13, maintains his faith as he's achieved basketball success, and is known for pointing to God after shots in recognition that all glory belongs to Him. Curry prioritizes his faith over his career, seeking to be a witness for Christ and using his influence to honor God in all he says and does, both on and off the court.
born-to-create Theresa Dedmon Foreword By Bill JohnsonKaturi Susmitha
This book explores how embracing our innate creativity, which originated from God, allows us to use that creativity supernaturally to transform lives. The author has seen many people who did not think they were creative tap into the Holy Spirit's power through what they create. As divine creativity is restored, innovative people will find their spirits awakened to supernatural abilities within their fields of business, government, arts, and more. Churches are becoming alive through transformed worship and outreach as people are liberated to create.
The document provides an explanation and summary of the Lord's Prayer in 7 sentences or less for each part of the prayer. It begins with an introduction on the importance of prayer and why we should pray. It then proceeds to summarize each line of the Lord's Prayer, explaining the meaning and what is being requested. For example, it states that the first petition "Hallowed be Thy name" means we pray God's name is holy among us through His word being taught and lived rightly. The summary concludes by briefly discussing the doxology and closing "Amen."
This document provides a summary of a booklet titled "Powerful Prayers Every Catholic Should Know" published by The Mary Foundation. It includes over 30 common Catholic prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, prayers to saints, prayers for different occasions, and prayers related to Mass. The document encourages readers to distribute copies of the booklet to others and order more from The Mary Foundation.
This document provides copyright notices and acknowledgements for prayers included in a Catholic prayer book. It notes that most prayers are in the public domain, but permission was obtained to reprint certain prayers from other sources, including the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and the New American Bible. The document contains several common Catholic prayers and practices, and concludes with sections on morning and evening prayers, as well as an examination of conscience.
How to become a man of God
-Zac Poonen
INDEX
*. Preface
1. Men of spiritual calibre
2. A holy man of God
3. A servant
4. An anointed man
CFC, Christian Fellowship Church, Christian Fellowship Center, Christian Fellowship Centre
The document discusses the keys of prayer, faith, and obedience in hearing God's voice. It states that through regular prayer and developing a personal relationship with God, one can hear His voice in thoughts of encouragement. Having faith in God without proof is also important. Obedience to God by following His commands makes it easier to believe and trust Him. The document provides five ways to practice hearing God's voice: setting aside daily quiet time, being still, not demanding answers from God, expecting to hear from Him, and being aware of messages from angels.
Summaries of Catholic Teaching
These brief texts, prepared by theologians at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, offer an introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
originally published on web:
http://opusdei.uk/en-uk/section/summaries-of-catholic-teaching/
Re-edited as pdf for CSR (slideshare) October 2014
part 4: Christian Prayer
This looks at different parenting types and see how that corresponds to different related views we have about God. The metaphor of God as Father gives insight about God, but also can give insight as to being a good father.
This is a collection of some of the best writings on the issue of prayer to the Holy Spirit. He is God and so it is valid to offer prayer to the third Person of the Godhead. Catholics have far more prayers to the Spirit, but Protestants are getting into the experience of worship of the Holy Spirit. Prayers to Him acknowledge that you accept Him as God and as an equal member of the Trinity.
This document provides guidance for leading a group prayer service focused on praying Scripture passages. It recommends choosing a short, familiar Bible passage to read in different versions. Participants are then instructed to reflect quietly on the passage, looking for what verse or phrase captures their attention. They are encouraged to dialogue with God within the passage, asking what it means for them personally. Finally, individuals may share any impressions or words they received from God during the prayer time. The overall goal is to use Scripture to inform, renew, and transform participants through the Holy Spirit.
This document discusses the importance of the morning watch, which refers to the tranquil time in the morning when Christians fellowship with God. It makes three main points:
1) Morning is the time God set for distributing spiritual food to His children, just as the Israelites collected manna in the morning.
2) Morning symbolizes resurrection - it is a time of freshness, vitality and peace before being tarnished by secular concerns.
3) God calls us to fellowship with Him through the resurrected Christ, who provides abundance and fills our hearts with love and joy. Practicing morning watch was exemplified by Jesus and is vital for spiritual strength.
This document discusses the nature and practice of prayer from both a biblical and theological perspective. It begins by providing definitions of prayer from various spiritual figures. It then outlines different forms of Christian prayer like blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise. The document also discusses expressions of prayer like vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer. It provides guidance on obstacles to prayer and sources that can aid prayer, using the Lord's Prayer as a model. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive overview of the theology and practice of Christian prayer.
The document provides ideas and suggestions for leading creative and engaging prayer activities for children. It discusses using various senses, learning styles, and biblical passages to craft prayers. It also offers examples of prayer styles, topics, and games that involve movement, art, music, nature and more to teach children about prayer. The goal is to make prayer fun, relatable and meaningful for young people.
The document discusses the identity of Jesus Christ based on passages from the Bible. It asserts that Jesus is God incarnate, who took on human form to sacrifice himself for humanity's sins. The cry of Jesus on the cross, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" represented him experiencing the punishment for humanity's sins in our place, as the perfect substitute and fulfillment of prophecies about the Lamb of God.
Jesus was teaching the disciples about prayer by urging them to ask God the Father for their needs, just as children ask their earthly fathers. He used the example of a good father who would not give a snake instead of a fish or a scorpion instead of an egg to his son. Jesus was revealing God the Father to the disciples and teaching them that God sustains a close relationship to humans as an earthly father does to his children. The disciples then asked Jesus to teach them to pray, implying they recognized the importance of prayer but felt unable to pray properly on their own. Jesus provided them with the Lord's Prayer as a model, but taught them they must seek help from the Holy Spirit to truly learn how to
This document discusses walking through life with a spirit of excellence. It encourages letting go of inferior things and focusing on what truly matters. It defines having a spirit of excellence as not settling and always striving for more. It discusses being innovators and reformers by introducing new things and improving. It says walking with excellence means being set free from the past and soaring in our freedom and destiny through Jesus' love.
Our God is neither seeking praise and worship singing specialists, nor is He seeking pastors, teachers of the Word, prophets, evangelists, servants, christian converts etc.. He is seeking sons and daughters who will spend quality time in the intimacy of His presence, beyond the veil, in His chambers, and take the time to lay their hearts against His and listen as He whispers kingdom secrets.
The document discusses cultivating an excellent spirit through intimacy with the Holy Spirit and a passionate readiness for spiritual light and truth from God. It emphasizes developing this excellent spirit by desiring to know God more deeply through reading and studying scripture daily. It also stresses speaking faith-filled confessions that are in line with God's written word, as the power of life and death are in the tongue. The goal is for believers to manifest God's divine nature and have their good works seen by others, reflecting the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The document discusses foundational considerations for biblical worship leading. It emphasizes that worship leading is a gift from God and requires the worship leader to be a worshiper themselves with an ever-growing knowledge of God's Word through study and prayer. The worship leader must be sensitive to the needs and tastes of the congregation and choose songs accordingly rather than based on personal preference. The primary purpose is to lead the congregation in dynamically experiencing God's manifest presence.
This newsletter from First Baptist Church of Franklinton provides information about upcoming events and programs for the month of September. It includes details about Sunday school and worship service times, a message from the pastor about renewed growth in the church, information from various church ministers about activities in their areas, and birthday announcements for children. The newsletter aims to keep church members informed and encourage participation in the life of the church community.
This document provides tips for leading all-age worship services that are inclusive of people of all ages. It discusses preparing an welcoming and participatory environment, starting the service well with a greeting or prayer, using varied elements like music, drama, and movement, explaining key parts of a typical service, and ending positively by sending people out to live out their faith. The goal is for all ages to understand and engage in worship together.
born-to-create Theresa Dedmon Foreword By Bill JohnsonKaturi Susmitha
This book explores how embracing our innate creativity, which originated from God, allows us to use that creativity supernaturally to transform lives. The author has seen many people who did not think they were creative tap into the Holy Spirit's power through what they create. As divine creativity is restored, innovative people will find their spirits awakened to supernatural abilities within their fields of business, government, arts, and more. Churches are becoming alive through transformed worship and outreach as people are liberated to create.
The document provides an explanation and summary of the Lord's Prayer in 7 sentences or less for each part of the prayer. It begins with an introduction on the importance of prayer and why we should pray. It then proceeds to summarize each line of the Lord's Prayer, explaining the meaning and what is being requested. For example, it states that the first petition "Hallowed be Thy name" means we pray God's name is holy among us through His word being taught and lived rightly. The summary concludes by briefly discussing the doxology and closing "Amen."
This document provides a summary of a booklet titled "Powerful Prayers Every Catholic Should Know" published by The Mary Foundation. It includes over 30 common Catholic prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, prayers to saints, prayers for different occasions, and prayers related to Mass. The document encourages readers to distribute copies of the booklet to others and order more from The Mary Foundation.
This document provides copyright notices and acknowledgements for prayers included in a Catholic prayer book. It notes that most prayers are in the public domain, but permission was obtained to reprint certain prayers from other sources, including the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and the New American Bible. The document contains several common Catholic prayers and practices, and concludes with sections on morning and evening prayers, as well as an examination of conscience.
How to become a man of God
-Zac Poonen
INDEX
*. Preface
1. Men of spiritual calibre
2. A holy man of God
3. A servant
4. An anointed man
CFC, Christian Fellowship Church, Christian Fellowship Center, Christian Fellowship Centre
The document discusses the keys of prayer, faith, and obedience in hearing God's voice. It states that through regular prayer and developing a personal relationship with God, one can hear His voice in thoughts of encouragement. Having faith in God without proof is also important. Obedience to God by following His commands makes it easier to believe and trust Him. The document provides five ways to practice hearing God's voice: setting aside daily quiet time, being still, not demanding answers from God, expecting to hear from Him, and being aware of messages from angels.
Summaries of Catholic Teaching
These brief texts, prepared by theologians at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, offer an introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
originally published on web:
http://opusdei.uk/en-uk/section/summaries-of-catholic-teaching/
Re-edited as pdf for CSR (slideshare) October 2014
part 4: Christian Prayer
This looks at different parenting types and see how that corresponds to different related views we have about God. The metaphor of God as Father gives insight about God, but also can give insight as to being a good father.
This is a collection of some of the best writings on the issue of prayer to the Holy Spirit. He is God and so it is valid to offer prayer to the third Person of the Godhead. Catholics have far more prayers to the Spirit, but Protestants are getting into the experience of worship of the Holy Spirit. Prayers to Him acknowledge that you accept Him as God and as an equal member of the Trinity.
This document provides guidance for leading a group prayer service focused on praying Scripture passages. It recommends choosing a short, familiar Bible passage to read in different versions. Participants are then instructed to reflect quietly on the passage, looking for what verse or phrase captures their attention. They are encouraged to dialogue with God within the passage, asking what it means for them personally. Finally, individuals may share any impressions or words they received from God during the prayer time. The overall goal is to use Scripture to inform, renew, and transform participants through the Holy Spirit.
This document discusses the importance of the morning watch, which refers to the tranquil time in the morning when Christians fellowship with God. It makes three main points:
1) Morning is the time God set for distributing spiritual food to His children, just as the Israelites collected manna in the morning.
2) Morning symbolizes resurrection - it is a time of freshness, vitality and peace before being tarnished by secular concerns.
3) God calls us to fellowship with Him through the resurrected Christ, who provides abundance and fills our hearts with love and joy. Practicing morning watch was exemplified by Jesus and is vital for spiritual strength.
This document discusses the nature and practice of prayer from both a biblical and theological perspective. It begins by providing definitions of prayer from various spiritual figures. It then outlines different forms of Christian prayer like blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise. The document also discusses expressions of prayer like vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer. It provides guidance on obstacles to prayer and sources that can aid prayer, using the Lord's Prayer as a model. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive overview of the theology and practice of Christian prayer.
The document provides ideas and suggestions for leading creative and engaging prayer activities for children. It discusses using various senses, learning styles, and biblical passages to craft prayers. It also offers examples of prayer styles, topics, and games that involve movement, art, music, nature and more to teach children about prayer. The goal is to make prayer fun, relatable and meaningful for young people.
The document discusses the identity of Jesus Christ based on passages from the Bible. It asserts that Jesus is God incarnate, who took on human form to sacrifice himself for humanity's sins. The cry of Jesus on the cross, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" represented him experiencing the punishment for humanity's sins in our place, as the perfect substitute and fulfillment of prophecies about the Lamb of God.
Jesus was teaching the disciples about prayer by urging them to ask God the Father for their needs, just as children ask their earthly fathers. He used the example of a good father who would not give a snake instead of a fish or a scorpion instead of an egg to his son. Jesus was revealing God the Father to the disciples and teaching them that God sustains a close relationship to humans as an earthly father does to his children. The disciples then asked Jesus to teach them to pray, implying they recognized the importance of prayer but felt unable to pray properly on their own. Jesus provided them with the Lord's Prayer as a model, but taught them they must seek help from the Holy Spirit to truly learn how to
This document discusses walking through life with a spirit of excellence. It encourages letting go of inferior things and focusing on what truly matters. It defines having a spirit of excellence as not settling and always striving for more. It discusses being innovators and reformers by introducing new things and improving. It says walking with excellence means being set free from the past and soaring in our freedom and destiny through Jesus' love.
Our God is neither seeking praise and worship singing specialists, nor is He seeking pastors, teachers of the Word, prophets, evangelists, servants, christian converts etc.. He is seeking sons and daughters who will spend quality time in the intimacy of His presence, beyond the veil, in His chambers, and take the time to lay their hearts against His and listen as He whispers kingdom secrets.
The document discusses cultivating an excellent spirit through intimacy with the Holy Spirit and a passionate readiness for spiritual light and truth from God. It emphasizes developing this excellent spirit by desiring to know God more deeply through reading and studying scripture daily. It also stresses speaking faith-filled confessions that are in line with God's written word, as the power of life and death are in the tongue. The goal is for believers to manifest God's divine nature and have their good works seen by others, reflecting the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The document discusses foundational considerations for biblical worship leading. It emphasizes that worship leading is a gift from God and requires the worship leader to be a worshiper themselves with an ever-growing knowledge of God's Word through study and prayer. The worship leader must be sensitive to the needs and tastes of the congregation and choose songs accordingly rather than based on personal preference. The primary purpose is to lead the congregation in dynamically experiencing God's manifest presence.
This newsletter from First Baptist Church of Franklinton provides information about upcoming events and programs for the month of September. It includes details about Sunday school and worship service times, a message from the pastor about renewed growth in the church, information from various church ministers about activities in their areas, and birthday announcements for children. The newsletter aims to keep church members informed and encourage participation in the life of the church community.
This document provides tips for leading all-age worship services that are inclusive of people of all ages. It discusses preparing an welcoming and participatory environment, starting the service well with a greeting or prayer, using varied elements like music, drama, and movement, explaining key parts of a typical service, and ending positively by sending people out to live out their faith. The goal is for all ages to understand and engage in worship together.
1. The document discusses the need for all believers to have full knowledge of the truth revealed in Scripture and emphasizes the importance of spreading this truth through publications of the ministry.
2. It provides recommendations for reading the Recovery Version Bible and Life-study messages to understand Scripture and receive spiritual nourishment.
3. The author encourages developing habits of regular reading, promoting the ministry publications, and creating an atmosphere where truth and spiritual reading are prioritized to revive the church and spread the gospel.
The Faithful and Diligent Spreading of the Truth 团队 户兰
The document discusses the need for all believers to have full knowledge of the truth as revealed in scripture. It emphasizes the importance of promoting the recovery version of the Bible and the ministry's life-study messages, as they provide rich insight into spiritual realities. The goal is for believers to immerse themselves in God's word through these resources, sparking revival in the church and spreading of the truth. Effort must be made to encourage reading among all saints and fight against Satan's resistance to the word of God going forth.
Jesus was teaching us how to pray vol 2GLENN PEASE
This is vol. 2 of Jesus teaching us how to pray. There is still more to come, but vol. 3 will be the end. We could go on for much more for this is a universal subject.
The Encounter Story is filled with uplifting articles of what God is doing throughout the various areas of Encounter Revival Ministries. This is our quarterly publication meant to keep you updated with how your involvement with Encounter is helping us do great things for God and His people in the U.S. and around the world!
The document contains the lyrics of several Christian songs and hymns that praise God, express faith in God, and reference key beliefs such as the Apostles' Creed. It also includes a brief passage from Romans about spiritual gifts and using them for the benefit of the church. Overall, the document focuses on Christian worship, doctrine, and community.
This document discusses the concept of comfort in relation to faith and Christianity. It notes that while the Bible contains many comforting verses, Jesus also calls his followers to leave their comfort zones. The document challenges readers to consider how they can support those in need during Lent and beyond, suggesting that moving out of one's comfort zone through practices like fasting and almsgiving can bring spiritual fulfillment and comfort to others.
The document discusses how followers of God should pray and communicate with God. It notes that the disciples prayed to acknowledge God's power and ask for strength to carry out God's will, rather than demanding that God behave how they wanted. The document advises praying according to Jesus' teachings in Matthew, focusing on God's will rather than selfish requests. It suggests most prayer requests fail because people determine what they need rather than trusting God's plan.
This document discusses different types of Catholic prayers including memorized prayers, talking to God, listening to God, acknowledging weaknesses and gifts, blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, praise, and prayer forms like the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be prayers. It also explains vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. Meditation involves engaging thoughts and reflecting on scripture, while contemplative prayer is silent presence with God to rest in awareness of God.
What is Covenant in the Bible Beginners Guide to Righteousness and Rest.pdfSister Lara
What is Covenant in the Bible Beginners Guide to Righteousness and Rest is one of three books in this series that contains a Teacher's Handbook and a Disciple's Journal to go with this book. What is Covenant in the Bible Beginners Guide to Righteousness and Rest shares the four sides of the cross and how God through Jesus reconciled Jesus as One to establish Covenant along with the quickening work of the Holy Spirit to make One the disciple in God as a new way of living.
Here, the disciple will learn the heavenly pattern of Covenant to acknowledge and understand that Covenant already positioned the disciple in Righteousness and Rest. At the end Sister Lara has dedicated the summary of these pages to the writings of the Apostle Paul in Roman's 1 where the Apostle mentioned that his co-laborers faith went around the world and that grace caused him to be an Apostle. Yet, the Apostle Paul said they were still missing what they needed to established in the presentation of the Gospel along with a spiritual gift to establish them in the Gospel. This gift that was missing was the righteousness of God in which the Apostle Paul said is the power of the Gospel in which he is not ashamed.
The purpose of this beginners guide to Covenant in Righteousness and Rest is to help God's people understand that Covenant is the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and everything else, such as faith and grace are an overflow but these alone cannot stand on their own to establish the church or the new convert.
This set is designed to grow and establish the House Church, or help raise new House Group Leaders in the local assembly or the city wide church in the earth.
Published on Kindle
2013 Book of Mormon: Chapter 14 (Institute Lesson by hgellor)Leah Gellor
This document provides doctrinal teachings from 2 Nephi 31-33 regarding the doctrine of Christ and faith in Jesus Christ. It discusses that the doctrine of Christ leads to eternal life, the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost teach us what to do, and those who believe in Jesus Christ will also believe the words of Nephi. It then expands on key aspects of the doctrine of Christ, including faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Dean Braxton had an experience where he died and went to heaven. When he first arrived before Jesus, Jesus told him "No, it is not your time. Go back." Dean went back to earth but had to pass through a thick darkness filled with demons on the way. The second time before Jesus, Dean was again told to go back, this time more firmly. Dean cried as he had to return to earth. The third time, Jesus told him sternly "NO, IT IS NOT YOUR TIME. GO BACK!" and Dean cried like a baby. At the time, Dean was experiencing severe pain in his side from kidney stones while at work. He decided to go home but collapsed on his way out.
The document discusses the renewal of baptismal promises made by parents and godparents. It contains the prayers said by parents and godparents promising to be good examples, be responsible for the children entrusted to them, and be faithful missionaries. The document then summarizes the baptismal promises to believe in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church, and to reject Satan. It discusses what these promises mean and encourages clinging to Jesus, seeking his mercy, and telling him one's deepest yearnings.
This document discusses the importance and nature of prayer. It defines prayer as communication with God where one communes with and approaches God's presence. It emphasizes that prayer should not just be talking to God, but also listening to His responses. The document encourages praying at all times, not just when situations are bad, and discusses how biblical figures like Jesus and others "pressed" in prayer to see change.
What is our Godly Inheritance? How do we posses all that God has for us? We pray that these writings on the subject of "Our Godly Inheritance" is a blessing to you, today! This is an audio message that was transcribed into text for our listening audience in our Live Voice Conference, Beyond the Veil Prophetic Ministries, presented by Evangelist Sharon Foskey. We pray it is blessing to you, today!
Another book containing the Words of Our LORD Jesus to the church. It has prophecies regarding the rapture of the church, how to prepare for that great visitation and the tribulation and judgements that will be after the church of Christ is taken away
This document discusses the three parts of the Christian life according to Philippians 3:10 - to believe, belong, and become. It emphasizes that the driving passion in worship should be to glorify God in Christ. Worship is described as the highest Christian occupation and the reason why God called us. Five biblical non-negotiables of worship are outlined: humanity, honesty, clarity, community, and diversity. Worship should reflect the unity and diversity of heaven and involve offering our best service to God.
This document is a newsletter from First Baptist Church of Franklinton providing information about their church services, programs, leadership, and events. It announces the upcoming launch of their Celebrate Recovery ministry on April 14th to help people overcome hurts, hang-ups, and habits through a biblical program. It encourages volunteers and prayers for the ministry's success in helping people find freedom through Jesus Christ. It also advertises upcoming leadership training meetings in February and March to prepare for the Celebrate Recovery launch.
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian
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
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
The pervasiveness of Lying in today's World.pptxniwres
In our interconnected world, lies weave through the fabric of society like hidden threads. We encounter them in politics, media, personal relationships, and even within ourselves. The prevalence of deception raises profound questions about truth, trust, and the human condition.
Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
Lição 12: João 15 a 17 – O Espírito Santo e a Oração Sacerdotal | 2° Trimestr...OmarBarrezueta1
Esta lição é uma oportunidade para discutirmos um assunto multo mal interpretado no contexto cristão, que é o fato de algumas pessoas pensarem que o conhecer Jesus é ter a nossa vida mudada em todas as áreas, como se Deus tivesse o dever de transportar-nos deste mundo para um outro mundo onde muitas coisas maravilhosas que desejamos seriam reais. No entanto, a nossa fé não nos tira do mundo após nos convertermos; ao invés disso, permanecemos vivendo sob as mesmas circunstâncias. O propósito de Deus não é nos tirar do mundo, mas nos livrar das ações do maligno (Jo 17.15), Sendo assim, a vida eterna não significa estar fora da realidade deste mundo, mas conhecer o único Deus verdadeiro (Jo 17.3).
The Book of Revelation, filled with symbolic and apocalyptic imagery, presents one of its most striking visions in Revelation 9:3-12—the locust army. Understanding the significance of this locust army provides insight into the broader themes of divine judgment, protection, and the ultimate triumph of God’s will as depicted in Revelation.
Lucid Dreaming: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The ability to control one's dreams or for the dreamer to be aware that he or she is dreaming. This process, called lucid dreaming, has some potential risks as well as many fascinating benefits. However, many people are hesitant to try it initially for fear of the potential dangers. This article aims to clarify these concerns by exploring both the risks and benefits of lucid dreaming.
The Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming allows a person to take control of their dream world, helping them overcome their fears and eliminate nightmares. This technique is particularly useful for mental health. By taking control of their dreams, individuals can face challenging scenarios in a controlled environment, which can help reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence.
Addressing Common Concerns
Physical Harm in Dreams Lucid dreaming is fundamentally safe. In a lucid dream, everything is a creation of your mind. Therefore, nothing in the dream can physically harm you. Despite the vividness and realness of the dream experience, it remains entirely within your mental landscape, posing no physical danger.
Mental Health Risks Concerns about developing PTSD or other mental illnesses from lucid dreaming are unfounded. As soon as you wake up, it's clear that the events experienced in the dream were not real. On the contrary, lucid dreaming is often seen as a therapeutic tool for conditions like PTSD, as it allows individuals to reframe and manage their thoughts.
Potential Risks of Lucid Dreaming
While generally safe, lucid dreaming does come with a few risks as well:
Mixing Dream Memories with Reality Long-term lucid dreamers might occasionally confuse dream memories with real ones, creating false memories. This issue is rare and preventable by maintaining a dream journal and avoiding lucid dreaming about real-life people or places too frequently.
Escapism Using lucid dreaming to escape reality can be problematic if it interferes with your daily life. While it is sometimes beneficial to escape and relieve the stress of reality, relying on lucid dreaming for happiness can hinder personal growth and productivity.
Feeling Tired After Lucid Dreaming Some people report feeling tired after lucid dreaming. This tiredness is not due to the dreams themselves but often results from not getting enough sleep or using techniques that disrupt sleep patterns. Taking breaks and ensuring adequate sleep can prevent this.
Mental Exhaustion Lucid dreaming can be mentally taxing if practiced excessively without breaks. It’s important to balance lucid dreaming with regular sleep to avoid mental fatigue.
Lucid dreaming is safe and beneficial if done with caution. It has many benefits, such as overcoming fear and improving mental health, and minimal risks. There are many resources and tutorials available for those interested in trying it.
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Introduction
Mantra Yoga is an exact science. "Mananat trayate iti mantrah- by the Manana (constant thinking or recollection) of which one is protected or is released from the round of births and deaths, is Mantra." That is called Mantra by the meditation (Manana) on which the Jiva or the individual soul attains freedom from sin, enjoyment in heaven and final liberation, and by the aid of which it attains in full the fourfold fruit (Chaturvarga), i.e., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. A Mantra is so called because it is achieved by the mental process.
2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
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In this video, you'll gain insights on:
How highlighting key verses and themes can enhance memory and retention of Scripture (we see a few key ones, here!)
Studies have shown that highlighting can significantly improve information recall. Highlighting key points visually reinforces them in your mind, leading to better long-term memory.
How to personalize your Bible study through strategic highlighting. Don't just highlight everything!
This video will teach you how to strategically highlight based on what resonates with you, focusing on central themes, recurring ideas, or connections between different passages.
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How connecting highlighted passages can reveal deeper biblical truths. By highlighting these connections, you can see the bigger picture and uncover the underlying messages within Scripture.
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Tales of This and Another Life - Chapters.pdfMashaL38
This book is one of the best of the translated ones, for it has a warning character for all those who find themselves in the experience of material life. Irmão X provides a shrewd way of describing the subtleties and weaknesses that can jeopardize our intentions, making us more attentive and vigilant by providing us with his wise pages, reminding us between the lines of the Master's words: "Pray and watch."
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Back to the basics the moment we first believed -Raphael Mndalasini
1.
2. BACK TO THE BASICS
THE MOMENT WE FIRST BELIEVED
3. This work is dedicated to the people that I met
at Lilongwe CCAP Youth Ministry and the catechumen
3 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
5. Table of Contents
Foreword ............................................................................................................ 6
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 7
Part One ............................................................................................................. 8
The Basics Of Our Faith ..................................................................................... 8
Prayer .............................................................................................................. 9
The Word Of God ......................................................................................... 13
Fellowship ..................................................................................................... 16
Witnessing Christ .......................................................................................... 19
Part Two .......................................................................................................... 25
Faith, Hope, And Love ...................................................................................... 25
Faith .............................................................................................................. 26
Hope ............................................................................................................. 29
Love .............................................................................................................. 32
Part Three ........................................................................................................ 35
This One Thing ................................................................................................ 35
I Want To Believe .......................................................................................... 36
I Want To Believe Again ................................................................................ 36
Nothing But His Strength .............................................................................. 37
About Ezekiel Books ......................................................................................... 38
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................... 39
About The Author ............................................................................................ 40
5 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
6. FOREWORD
It is evident worldwide that many people after coming to Jesus Christ as their Lord
and Savior, do backslide. Vigorous men and women, who even came to the point
of mentoring others as well as delivering fellow possessed peers are now far to the
opposite side. Many of such backsliders question themselves how, where and when
it happened in their lives. They even do not know what to do for them to revive
their spiritual lives.
Raphael Mndalasini has attempted to give answers to such dilemma by writing this
inspiring book “Back to the basics”. Raphael has tried to help the readers know
how to check foundational aspects of their walk with Jesus Christ. By doing so
people may come back to the basics of their original foundation of faith. In this
booklet, the author reveals that for one to go back to basics of faith, needs to focus
on prayer, studying the scriptures, fellowshipping with others saints, witnessing for
Christ and discipleship. The guiding principles should always be faith, hope and
love as narrated by Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. All people without Christ,
saved sinners still living in sin and saved people longing more spiritual powers are
asked to take action accordingly.
In this period where the devil is determined to cheat young men and women so
that they become his tools to fight against God’s eternal plans for them, the book
“Back to the Basics” will save as a foundational spiritual material during youth
meetings in all Christian Churches everywhere. This is a highly recommended
material for both unsaved, backsliders and active saved people of God. Here is a
booklet for discipleship of Christian laborers of the vineyard.
Rev. Bossman S. Chitheka
Lilongwe C.C.A.P
6 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
7. INTRODUCTION
We begin our Christian walk at one point or the other. When we accept Jesus
Christ as our Lord and Savior there are people who encourage us to pray, study
God’s word, fellowship with others, and witness to others about Christ. These are
the basics that shape our walk with the Lord. However, somewhere along the way,
we neglect these basics and no wonder we have difficulties living a more victorious
Christian life. It is for this purpose that if we have left that path then we should get
back to the basics and seek a fresh start.
Getting back to the basics is not a restraint from growth but rather an attitude to
keep us in check of the foundational aspects of our walk with Christ. We should
therefore allow ourselves to live a more balanced Christian life. This is a life where
we pray earnestly, study God’s word sincerely, meaningfully help others to grow in
Christ through fellowship, and passionately share about Christ to others. Each day
we should rekindle the fire that we caught the moment we first believed.
Back to the Basics- The moment we first believed is a three-part booklet that
explores on prayer, the word of God, fellowship, witnessing Christ and discipleship
as our basics of faith. The second part gives a closer view of faith, hope, and love.
The final part is a call to action of three groups of people. The first being people
who have never accepted Christ , the second group comprises people who have
accepted Christ but are convinced their lives are not sincere before God , and the
third group is made of people who believe they are faithfully serving God but want
divine strength to do more for Him. It is time to go back to the basics of faith and
resurrect the passion we received that time we first believed.
7 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
8. PART ONE
THE BASICS OF OUR FAITH
8 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
9. PRAYER
No child of God can contest the significance of prayer in our daily walk with the
Lord Jesus. Prayer forms the very breath we have in the presence of our Lord
Almighty. The first time we believed we were encouraged to talk with God through
prayer. It is certain that prayer is the direct line that keeps us in touch with God
who is not only a Father to us but a Friend also. Prayer brings out our sincere
dependence upon the Supremacy of God and the Sufficiency of His grace. Even
our Lord Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry took a hard line on prayer that the
results of each day’s work were amazing.
In Matthew 6v9-13 the Lord left us a model of prayer that reveals the power
within our prayers to the heavenly Father. In the Lord’s Prayer we learn that prayer
has the ability to stir our conscience to the relationship we have with the Lord God
Almighty as our Father. In knowing that we are the children of God we have the
confidence that what belongs to Him is also ours. God our Father though highly
exalted above everything lowers Himself down to our level meeting us at the point
of prayer to hear our petitions. This gives us the boldness to know that whatever
we ask He hears us and we receive if we ask according to His will. “Our Father in
heaven” is the greatest promise of every good thing we have in Jesus Christ.
The Lord’s Prayer also teaches us that prayer draws us to marvel at the Majesty of
God. “Hallowed be your name” reminds us that the God of heaven and earth is
worthy of our praise and adoration. He has exalted His Name and Word above
everything. It is befitting that we praise our Lord for He has ordained praise in our
hearts for His goodness endures forever. “Let them praise the name of Jehovah;
for his name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and the heavens “(Ps
148:13 ASV).
Prayer allows us to attract the divine presence and authority of the Lord God
Almighty. “Your kingdom come” is a call to surrendering our lives to the
Lordship and influence of God’s kingdom. The dominion of the Lord endures
9 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
10. forever and gives us a sure foundation to rest upon our faith in Him. Prayer thus
influences us to adopt lifestyles of the kingdom of righteousness and holiness.
Prayer awakens us to the truth that the Lord our God is Sovereign for He does
whatever pleases Him. In prayer we have the boldness to say “your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven”. Sometimes we have questions as to why God might
have never brought an answer to that prayer or might look not interested to
intervene in our issues. The more we avail ourselves in the place of prayer we will
realize that the Lord never ignores our petitions. He is always working out
something better for us knowing that “many are the plans in a man’s heart but it
is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). Prayer opens our
understanding to accept the Sovereignty of our God.
Prayer connects us to the divine providence of our Father in heaven. “Give us
today our daily bread” is asking from a God who has made provision for
“everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). He is the Lord who
gives us food at the proper time and when He opens His hand, we are satisfied
with good things that are kept in store for the righteous. The Lord will never be
mistaken to give stone for bread or snakes for fish. Prayer brings us in contact with
glorious riches in Christ that He supplies to all of our needs.
It is through prayer that we have a rare opportunity to ask for the forgiveness of
sins from the Lord who is slow to anger but quick to show us compassion.”Forgive
our debts” is being broken for the overwhelming shame that sin brings into our
lives. This is the confidence in the Lord who has the power to forgive sins
according to the riches of His grace. The forgiveness of our Lord is of much effect
in our lives taking the same measure “as we also have forgiven our debtors”.
Prayer is the ultimate channel for the Lord’s forgiveness upon our lives.
Prayer enables us to experience God’s faithfulness when temptations come our way.
” Do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil” is being sure that the
Lord is able to make us stand firm and that He is faithful not to let us be tempted
beyond what we can bear. The Lord Jesus Christ told the disciples “pray so that
you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14:38) and this remains true even to us.
Prayer builds a hedge around our lives against the influence of the evil one. It is
10 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
11. through prayer that we can cry out to God for the salvation of our souls amidst
great temptations.
The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded us to pray in His name and this is the key
that unlocks every promise attached to prayer. The name of Jesus Christ is the seal
of authority to every prayer we present before the Father. The name of Jesus gives
us access to the fullness of God that consumes every lack within us and that our joy
is made complete. In His goodness the Lord Jesus told us the route to answered
prayer by saying “my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John
16v23). We have the greatest assurance that the Father in heaven is faithful enough
to honor the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we can pray in the name of
Jesus Christ and receive from our Father every good thing we have in His beloved
Son.
We should also remember to always pray in the spirit as Paul wrote to the
Ephesians Church “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers
and requests” (Ephesians 6v18).It is by praying in the Spirit that we can know the
mind of God and thus pray according to His will. The Holy Spirit helps us to
discern truths about the supernatural realm and it is Him who perfects our prayers
to the Father. We should therefore surrender our natural self to the presence of the
Spirit in order for our prayers to prevail so much.
Our plans for each day have to include seeing more of us in prayer. We might
have lost the energy for prayer but the Lord offers us a fresh start to persist in
prayer. The Father in heaven has humbled Himself so much to meet us at the
point of prayer. The strength from God’s presence will give us the new lease of life
to face each day with hope. We cannot afford to let go of the significance of prayer
in our daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
a) Is prayer still relevant in your life?
b) Do you find any encouragement through prayer?
c) Do you want to pray more than you have done previously?
d) Are you able to call others to the place of prayer?
11 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
12. e) Can the Lord teach you to pray effectively?
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I want prayer to still be relevant in my life for the many
years to come till I appear before you in glory. Help me to find deep
encouragement in praying more to you. Give me the strength to pray even more
today and teach me to pray effectively. Join my heart with others in the faith in
calling upon your name in prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ, I have prayed,
Amen.
READ MORE
Mark 1:35
Luke 6:12
Acts 1:14
Acts 4:31
Ephesians 1:15-17
Ephesians 6:18
Colossians 1:9
1 Thessalonians 5:17
1 Timothy 2:1, Philemon 6
12 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
13. THE WORD OF GOD
We can still recall from the first time we said yes to the Lordship of Jesus Christ
that the friends who shared us the good news of salvation encouraged us to read the
Bible more often. They did not mention it out of tradition but rather out of God’s
truth that His word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our paths. The word of
God carries with it an eternal value that builds in us the life we receive from the
Lord Jesus Christ. We “have been born again…through the enduring and
living word of God “(1 Peter 1v 23).As we engage ourselves in prayer we cannot
neglect the importance of God’s word in our lives.
The word of God releases upon us faith to believe the redeeming work of Christ
“who gave Himself a ransom for all men” (1 Timothy 2v6). The word of Christ
brings to us the message of the cross which is the power of God to everyone being
saved. It is evident that the word of God is inspired to make us “wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3v15). God’s word is the wellspring of
faith towards the righteousness of the eternal Father.
God’s word is the truth that changes and sanctifies us for His purpose and pleasure.
In changing our lives the word of God as light broadens our vision along the paths
of righteousness and holiness. This is the light that exposes the misdeeds of the
world “for God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1v5).
This light challenges us to “have nothing do with the fruitless deeds of
darkness” (Ephesians 5v11) that we may enjoy fellowship with the Father and with
His Son Jesus Christ.
The word of God enriches our understanding of the God we have come to know.
It is through the word that we understand the Lord has given us great and precious
promises through Jesus Christ. Our knowledge of these promises empowers us to
“participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world” (1
Peter 1v4).It is for this reason that if the word of Christ dwells in us richly will be
effective and productive in the knowledge of our Lord. God’s word grows our
knowledge of the amazing relationship we have with the Lord God Almighty.
God’s word provides enough detail for the reason of our hope in Christ. Fully
equipped with the word we can prove from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
13 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
14. In this generation where God is considered less important we can find our basis
from the word of God that is living and actively capable of judging the thoughts
and attitudes of the heart. The word of God is capable enough to shut down the
hatred towards the eternal godliness and righteousness of God.
Today is the best time to make studying of God’s word the very part of our lives in
fellowshipping with the Lord. The word of God has to translate to us the abundant
life of Christ as every form of unbelief edges away from us. Let us allow God to
open our eyes of understanding that we may see the wonderful things of His
eternal word. We need God’s word even more for us to learn of the promises that
give us hope for the inheritance stored up for us in heaven.
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
a) Is the Word of God still relevant in your life?
b) Do you find any encouragement in studying God’s word?
c) Do you want to study God’s word more than you have done before?
d) Are you able to study God’s word with others?
e) Can the Lord teach you to study His word effectively?
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I want your word to be relevant in my life for the many
years to come till I appear before you in glory. Help me to find deep
encouragement in studying your word and let its fullness dwell in me. Give me the
strength to study your word even more and open my eyes to see the wonderful
things you have promised in your word. In the name of Jesus Christ, I have prayed,
Amen
READ MORE
John 15:3
Romans 10:17
Hebrews 4 :12
14 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
15. John 17 : 14
Acts 19:28
Colossians 3:16
Colossians 1:5
15 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
16. FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship provides us with a sense of belonging to the household of faith to which
our God has called us through Christ. The Lord our God designed fellowship as a
place for us to grow in the salvation we have received from Him. He wants us to
appreciate how much effect His grace has upon others who have also believed that
together with them our joy might become complete. It is for this reason that the
first time we believed we were encouraged to frequently meet with other believers.
Fellowship connects us to the abundant life expressed through the many gifts that
the Lord has put in every believing person.
First, our fellowship with God extended to other believers gives us the full
assurance of salvation. Our natural family gives us identity and it is this identity
that instills in us the element of security. This is also true to our fellowship as
believers where we witness the stories of other people who have been changed by
God’s grace. The testimonies of these people assure us of being saved too and that
the Lord’s grace is not of vain working in us. It is in the beautiful light of
fellowship that “the blood of Jesus… purifies us of all sin” (1 John 1:7) helping
us more and more to contain the reality of the work of salvation in us.
Second, fellowship provides us a place to grow in our faith in Christ. Growth and
maturity of the life we receive from the Lord Jesus Christ do not happen just
overnight. There are processes that we need to go through for us to grow and
mature in the faith. It is without doubt that fellowship offers us the place to receive
mutual edification and encouragement. Fellowship introduces us to people who
through the tests of time have matured through faith and their hearts are open
wide to welcome others coming to connect to the fullness of Christ. It is through
fellowship that we learn the traditions of the Christian faith. We can grow in our
faith if and only if we are joined together with other believers.
Third, fellowship helps us to approach life challenges differently. Fellowship allows
us to experience love that casts away our fears about the tough times we go through
in this life. The courage that we see in others who have endured hardships gives us
the strength to face yet another day with hope. Fellowship proves to us that we
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17. have received the Spirit of boldness, love, and that we are not exempted from
challenges and difficult times.
Lastly, fellowship releases upon us the abundant life of Christ as each one of us uses
the gifts that we have received from the Lord. It is fellowship that translates the
Lord’s words that “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the
full”(John 10:10) into reality. This abundant life flows from the body of Christ
which is His fullness. Fellowship, being an experience we can not neglect in the
Church, helps us to tap into the fullness of Christ as each one of us exercises the
gifts of the Lord. We were made to belong together and given gifts to enable us fit
together in the family of God. Fellowship is the key that unlocks the doors for us
to live through a full, abundant, and quality life freely given us from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
Let us choose to remain connected to the fellowship of believers whether in our
local church or elsewhere. Our goal has to make fellowship more meaningful
through our participation in the divine work of the Lord. This is possible only if
we accept that we were meant for the body of Christ and without this body we
cannot be filled with the fullness of Christ. Let’s get back to value fellowship as we
did the first time Christ made our lives His home. Significant fellowship is what we
need for us to live with hope today and the years ahead of us.
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
a) Is being part of fellowship still relevant to your life?
b) Do you find any encouragement in sharing your life through fellowship?
c) Do you want experience meaningful fellowship in your life?
d) Are you able to call others to the fellowship of believers?
e) Can the Lord help you find significant fellowship?
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I pray that you refresh my understanding of fellowship. I
pray that I have the faith to find encouragement sharing my life with others who
have believed. I desire to experience fellowship that is significant in my walk with
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18. You. Lord, give me the strength and courage to invite others to the fellowship of
believers that together we might find hope in Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, I
have prayed, Amen.
READ MORE
1 Peter 4:10
2 Timothy 1:7
Hebrews 10:25
Ephesians 4:2-3
Romans 15:4
Acts 2:42-47
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19. WITNESSING CHRIST
The Lord has never left us without witness. Since the creation of the world, His
greatness is revealed in what He has made. When we have believed upon the word
of truth we are included in Christ and we become a new creation made to reveal
the wonders of God’s great salvation. The Lord Our Father puts the testimony He
has given about His Son in our hearts that we might bear witness to it. It is for this
reason that the moment we first believed we were encouraged apart from praying
to God, studying the word and fellowshipping with other saints that we should also
witness Christ to others.
First, witnessing Christ to others is born out of our good response to the gospel of
God. We are unashamed to tell others about Christ for we know His message is the
power of salvation to everyone who believes. The promise is that everyone who
believes fits in the salvation of our Lord Jesus and is no longer subjected to eternal
punishment in hell. We tell others about Christ saving our lost souls because it is
good news and no one keeps good news to himself. Witnessing Christ to others is a
result of us being ransomed from sin into the saving arms of Christ.
Second, witnessing Christ to others solidifies our understanding of God coming
near us to build a personal relationship with us. The truth of God sinks into our
lives whenever we search the Scriptures. It is this truth that prompts us to testify
about our Lord Jesus Christ even as the Holy Spirit testifies also about Christ. We
speak of the things we have believed and our hearts are filled with assurance that as
His word abides in us He also abides in us. It is because Christ has come into our
lives to give us an understanding “so that we may know Him who is true” (1
John 5v20).
Third, testifying to others about the Christ is the task that every believer has
received from the Lord Jesus. Apostle Paul challenges us by saying” I consider my
life worth nothing to me, if only I may…complete the task the Lord Jesus has
given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts. 20 v24).
These words of Paul should encourage us to seek the highest goal of witnessing
Christ to the nations, the peoples, the tribes around us in season and out of season.
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20. Everything we have in this life to live for is to know Christ and sincerely making
Him known to other people.
Fourth, witnessing Christ is a task we should do more often that “we may be
mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1v12).Each time we should
long to see our brethren in the faith and tell them how much the grace of God is
working in our lives. This is the basis of testimonies in our gatherings or inner
circle meetings. In our testimonies we will learn how others find strength amidst
great trial and the outpouring of thanksgiving from the heart that has seen the
victory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us therefore never tire to bring up the
testimony of Christ to our fellow believers for the benefit of all.
Additionally, witnessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ should not be “simply with
words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction”
(1 Thessalonians 1v5).The reason is to save the hearers of the message of Christ
from resting their faith on our wisdom but to put their trust in God’s power. This
is the power that brings deep conviction that we are reconciled with God through
Christ’s death on the cross. It is the Holy Spirit who leads people to believe upon
Jesus and receive mercy from God. Therefore, let us depend upon the Holy Spirit
to give us divine ability to witness the gospel with power.
Lastly, witnessing Christ to others puts a mark or memorial in God’s presence. It
pleases the Lord to write our names in the Book of remembrance for honoring His
name by speaking more often about Christ. Malachi puts it right by saying “Then
those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened
and heard. A scroll or remembrance was written in his presence concerning
those who feared the LORD and honored his name” (Malachi 3v16).In eternity
God Almighty remembers us for boldly speaking to other people about Christ.
We can live better for our Lord Jesus if we embrace testifying about Him as
everything we have to live for in this life. Every aspect of our lives has to bear
witness of the saving power of the name of Jesus Christ. Our testimony will
encourage others in the faith and more importantly God will forever remember us
in eternity.
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21. CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
a) Is witnessing Christ to others still relevant in your life?
b) Do you find any encouragement in sharing the message of Jesus Christ to
others?
c) Can the Lord help you find strength to witness more about Him?
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I pray that you refresh my knowledge and understanding
about witnessing Christ to the nations around me. Lord, give me strength and
courage to speak more often about your kingdom and the power of Your salvation.
Help me Lord to take witnessing Christ as the task I have to complete in this life.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I have prayed, Amen.
READ MORE
John 15:26
Romans 1:10-12
Matthew 24:14
Mark 16:15-16
Luke 24:45-49
1 Corinthians 1:18, 2:1-4
Acts 1:8
Colossians 1:19-23
1 Thessalonians 3:2-5
2 Timothy 4:2
Philemon 6, Revelation 12:11
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22. DISCIPLESHIP
We often have people who come to believe upon Jesus Christ as their Lord and
Saviour but always find it hard to catch up with growth and maturity in their
new walk with God. These people find themselves to be two or three more steps
behind everyone they consider to be a Christian and no one is available to give
them the answers to their questions about their new found faith. Many who are
already in the body of Christ enjoy preaching and witnessing but find it time
consuming to care for the new converts. What we are missing in our day and
age is an unwavering commitment to the ministry of discipleship.
Discipleship is a lifetime commitment to teach, help, and train new converts to
a firmer and fruitful walk with the Lord. It is also a path that leads us to invest
in lives whom God has called to be followers of the living faith in Christ. In
giving us an example the Lord Jesus walked with the disciples for three years
until he was satisfied they were spiritually steadfast and able to disciple others(2
Timothy 2:2).A new convert can never move on to maturity without a spiritual
father who understands the wisdom of biblical truths. The matured disciple
maker should impart truths about grace, salvation and righteousness, that the
Lord has revealed in His word so that the newly converted person or disciple to
understand the divine plan of God to humanity.
It is important that a disciple must be made to understand that eternity is
guaranteed to every believer like him or her (1Pet. 1:4-5). A disciple has to be
assured that the moment a believer departs from this life, one is automatically
face to face with the Lord for ever (2 Cor. 5:8). Resurrection body will be given
at the rapture, a body like that of the resurrected Christ without sinful nature (1
Cor. 15:35-45) and will forever be free from the slavery and temptations.
Biblical teaching is very essential to the disciple. God’s plan to new converts is
that they are to be glorifying God in time to time so that they realize the peace,
happiness, and contentment that come from learning Bible doctrine. The
absolute truth of God’s word becomes the measure of their conscience,
thinking, and mental attitude. Biblical doctrine is the mind of Christ. When a
convert is lead to know who Christ is really, one begins to share His thinking (1
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23. Cor. 2:16). God’s command is that believers must be thinking divine viewpoint
so that His gracious purpose can be fulfilled in their lives.
These new converts must be allowed to grow so that they will be strengthened
in their faith ( Acts 14:21-22), they will be prepared to serve God by building
up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-14), they will be able to begin to demonstrate
the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their lives (Gal 5:22-23), they will be able to
develop endurance and patience in times of temptation and trials (Col 1:11-18)
and they will grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ so that their lives will
bring glory to God (2 Pet 3:18).
For the discipler to achieve discipling the converts, there is a need to have a
courageous heart (1 Thess. 1:2-3), a mother’s heart (1 Thess. 2:7), a father’s
heart (1 Thess. 2:11-12), a one’s own sharing heart (1 Thess. 2:8), a blameless
heart (1 Thess. 2:10). This will assure them of love and acceptance (1 Thess.
2:7-8), security and protection ( Col 1:9-10, Acts 15:36, 1 Cor. 4:17, 2 Cor.
2:9, 1 Cor. 10:13, 1 Thess. 3:1-3), spiritual food (1 Pet 5:2, Jude 20-21, Acts
20:32, 1 Pet 2:2-3) and fellowship with others (Heb 10:24-25, Eccl. 4:9-12).
New converts should not just be left alone the moment they come to the Lord.
There are so many things they need to undergo. They need to learn to love
others (John 13:34-35), to live a joyful life (John 16:24), to know what God’s
will is and then to do it (Romans 12:2), to understand and live a life of faith
(Gal 2:20), to know how to distinguish good and evil (Heb 5:14), to know how
to explain his/her faith to others (1 Pet 3:15) and to learn to obey God’s
commands (1 John 2:3).
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
a) Are you willing to take another step of making disciples?
b) Do you believe the Lord has given you the power and authority to impart
His word to the nations around you?
d) Can the Lord help you find courage to invest in discipleship?
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24. PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I pray that You create in me a willing spirit to accept the call
of discipleship. Lord, give me strength and courage to invest my time and resources
in helping others know You better. Today I commit my life to the great
commission. In the name of Jesus Christ, I have prayed, Amen.
READ MORE
Matthew 28:18-20
Acts 15:25-26
2 Corinthians 6:17-18
2 Corinthians 12:15
2 John 9
2 Peter 1:3-11
Ephesians 5:1-2
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25. PART TWO
FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE
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26. FAITH
The Scriptures contain deep truths that show us how from the beginning the Lord
has been working to reveal faith unto us. Faith is at the very core of our salvation
and the life we have in Christ Jesus. The Lord has given us faith as a gift that we
might receive the “grace of God that brings salvation” (Titus 2v11). Faith has
come to take away the boasting that resulted from the works of the Law. It is faith
that gives us the freedom to partake of the righteousness of God regardless of being
Jew or Gentile. Faith is the new Law of the Spirit that liberates us from the holding
of worldliness into a life that bears fruit to the Living God. Today let us again learn
about our faith in Christ.
One, faith is surrendering our self-sufficiency to the sufficient grace of God. The
Lord has set a lasting memorial for the men and women written in Hebrews
chapter eleven who were commended to have walked by faith. In their weakness
they expected strength from God, in their distress they saw God as their rock and
fortress, when hardships came their way they believed “a righteous man may have
many troubles but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34v19), and
when persecuted they rejoiced knowing that the Lord was their great reward. The
people in Hebrews eleven gave up what could define them as men of valor, wise
kings, rich rulers, and men of exploits to the enduring place of faith in God. In
their example we find faith as a place of God’s sufficiency.
Second, it pleases the Lord that our faith should grow. Paul in his epistle to the
Thessalonians wrote “We ought always to thank God for you…because your
faith is growing more and more” (2 Thessalonians 1v3).The more we open our
lives to the learning of God’s word, faith builds in us. Faith that has grown widens
our reach for perfection in the promise of Christ’s life in us. It is through this
perfection that we will be without any lack knowing that faith has connected us
into the generosity of our God who gives to all without finding fault. It is time we
should aim to grow in our experience with faith.
Third, faith becomes more authentic with our works. Faith without any evidence
of works is without life and therefore without impact. Our deeds have to reflect the
life and purpose we have received from Christ that is to reach for the hopeless and
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27. restore hope in them. Our confession of faith has to be made more certain by
actions that prove we have believed in a merciful God. Faith has to be followed by
deeds.
Moreover, faith has undetermined worth greater than choice silver or gold. This is
the great treasure in our earthen bodies. Faith points us to our eternal inheritance
that can never spoil or fade. We can therefore not dare to walk away from the faith.
The journey of faith to our eternal inheritance may seem long but we will one day
reach the finishing line. This faith is worth fighting for and keeping till we receive a
glorious and rich welcome into the kingdom of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Faith is more than the precious things of this world.
Lastly, faith has a goal, a purpose that we should wait to receive. This is the
promise of faith that we receive salvation of our souls through the name of Jesus
Christ. The Lord has said that “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but
have eternal life” (John 3v16). Eternal life is to know the true God and Jesus
Christ whom He sent to proclaim the Word of life. The Lord our God has written
His testimony on our hearts that He has given us eternal life. We have this promise
as a sure foundation that holds us till we see the deliverance of our Lord from this
dying world. Faith is a place of our salvation.
We can therefore surrender to faith and grow everyday in it. We should find
comfort and encouragement in the promise of faith even as our actions will prove
that we have believed in a God who has let mercy to triumph over judgment .We
should continue fighting a good fight of faith till we finish the race marked out for
us .In our fights we have confidence because we know Christ is the author and
finisher of our faith. Let us not walk away from the faith.
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
a) Is your faith still worth fighting for?
b) Do you find your faith worth sharing?
c) Do you want experience news levels of understanding the faith?
d) Is faith made certain through your works?
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28. e) Can the Lord increase your faith?
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, today I commit my heart to learning about faith. I pray that
you increase my faith as I surrender my lack to your sufficient grace. Dear Lord,
help me to overcome my unbelief. I believe Lord; help me to believe even more. I
pray to never walk away from the promise of faith. In the name of Jesus Christ, I
have prayed, Amen.
READ MORE
Hebrews 11:1-39
Ephesians 2:8
Ephesians 3:17
Philippians 1:27
Philippians 3:9
1 Thessalonians 3:10
1 Timothy 1:19
1 Timothy 3:9
1 Timothy 4:9
James 1:3
James 2:17
1 Peter 1:7-9
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 13:7
1 Corinthians 13:13
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29. HOPE
Hope is what gives us the energy and audacity to say goodbye to today and wait on
for our tomorrow to come. We live each day expecting a better outcome from life.
The substance of the things hoped for builds and gives us the courage to remain
hopeful. Hope is what yields faith in us. We might have lost hope but this is a
great time to choose hope as our best companion.
First, we should understand that Christ being in us is the hope of glory. If ever we
are living for Him in this present world, our desire is to inherit the more glorious
world which our Lord has promised to every person who believes. The world may
encourage us to have hope but it does not offer full understanding of hope that is
lasting. It is only the Lord Jesus Christ who aligns our lives to an enduring hope.
This is better hope.
Second, “hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love
into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given” (Romans 5:5).This
hope helps us live each day confident that the Lord has accepted us regardless of
our backgrounds be it race, religion or in any way we may think. He has purposed
that we embrace this hope resting on His eternal love. This is the love that calls us
to forsake our ways to follow the path that leads to peace with God by being
justified through faith in Jesus Christ. We can therefore walk heads held high
knowing the Lord has welcomed us into His heart without considering the barriers
that limited us from receiving abundant life.
Third, it is possible that at one stage in life we will reach our limits of hope. This is
a season we think we are done and that we are as good as being dead. It is a time
we look for alternatives to take the place of our hope in what the Lord Almighty
can accomplish in us. The hope in us dies. Graciously, the Lord appears on the
scene and pours out faith into our hearts to believe that He has the power to fulfill
His promises. The Lord Almighty resurrects hope in us that we should experience a
turn around.
Lastly, hope is our best companion through the thick and thin of life. Hope abides
forever with us. Even when our best resolves, talents, and aspirations cease to
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30. function hope will still come knocking at our door. We might have given up hope
but it does not mean it will give up on us. If we hear hope calling from the outside
let us gladly open the door and welcome hope into our lives. Hope is what we need
each day.
Perhaps our dreams, aspirations, plans, relationships, and passion for God might
have died and we surrendered hope to fear and failure. The Lord is able to restore
hope in our lives that we may live in the place of rich fulfillment. He is not only
looking at us enjoying good life on this earth but also that we focus on the hope
that is stored up for us in heaven.
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
a) Do you still have hope or you are hopeless?
b) Is your hope in life based on eternal things of God?
c) Do you believe the Lord has the power to accomplish what He promised
you?
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I commit my life to a fresh experience with hope that
endures forever. I might have wavered through unbelief but today I pray that you
restore my life to rest my hope on your eternal and precious promises. I believe you
are able to accomplish what you said you will do for me. In the name of Jesus
Christ, I have prayed, Amen.
READ MORE
Colossians 1:27
Romans 4:18-25
Romans 8:24-26
1 Corinthians 13:13
Hebrews 6:11,18,19
Hebrews 7:19
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31. Titus 2:13
Job 14:17, 19:25, 33:26-28
Psalm 31:24, 71:5, 130:7
Jeremiah 17:7, 29:11
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32. LOVE
God is the very definition of love and without Him we can never experience the
true warmth that love brings. It is from the beginning that God passed to us the
message of love when He created man in His own image and gave him everything
for life and godliness. This message of love is made firmer in the history of time as
Jesus Christ came to save mankind. The Scripture puts it correctly “for God so
loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in
Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In His teachings the
Lord Jesus Christ reminded His followers of the greatest commandment to say
“love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).Is learning about love worth
it as we search to get back to the basics?
First, “God is love….and we love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:16,
19).It is God who pours out His love into hearts through the Holy Spirit that we
should be able to pass beyond the natural love into a love for the things that are in
Christ Jesus. It follows that the Holy Spirit rearranges our natural passions to be in
line with the divine will of God which is good, pleasing, and perfect. If we are able
to honour God today it is because He humbled Himself first to our level even to
the point of death on the cross that we may still say “His love endures forever”
(Psalm 136).
Second, the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded us to love one another and this is
the greatest commandment. Our love for one another is a beautiful exchange as it
leaves us without any owing to the righteous demands of God’s Law. The love of
God extended to others around enables us to walk and live in the light of life. It is
in this light where we do everything in our best interest not to take advantage of
our brethren or wrong them. We can truly live to please God when we have
opened our hearts wide to love others deeply with the love of Christ.
Third, “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).In an unexpected response
to the insults thrown upon Him, the Lord Jesus Christ prayed to the Father in
heaven and said “forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”
(Luke 23v34).These words were enough evidence that He had poured out His life
for the “sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah
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33. 53:12).If the Lord Jesus being in such deep anguish and rejected state showed His
love then we too can go out each day to love the worst of the people in our society.
We can sincerely go out there and conquer every form of evil with the good that
God has shown us.
Finally, the love of God compels us to share everything we have received from
Christ. Paul writing to the Thessalonians said “we loved you so much that we
were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as
well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).This is love
at its best when we make every effort to make known to others the wonders of
God’s word and additionally share with them the good things we have pertaining
to this life. It is such love that invites us to our knees to continually pray for our
brothers and sisters in the Lord for strength and courage. This is love worth
finding.
God’s love abides forever and He has instructed us to love another. We can
certainly overcome the evil around us with good because love tells us. The love of
God is the right substance to help us serve better in the kingdom. Let us therefore
abide in love as the Lord Jesus Christ has taught us.
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
a) Do you love God?
b) Do you love other people?
c) Can the Lord help You love Him and others deeply?
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I commit my life to love You more. Help me Lord to find
strength to overcome evil with good. Lord, I pray that You help me love others
deeply and quicken my life to share the good things You have given me.
READ MORE
Romans 12:9-21
1 Thessalonians 4:1-11
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34. Colossians 1:3-6
2 Thessalonians 2:13-16
Titus 3:4-5
John 13:34-35
John 15:13-14
1 John 3:16
1 John 4:11
2 John 4-6
Ephesians 3:17-18
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
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35. PART THREE
THIS ONE THING
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36. I WANT TO BELIEVE
You have never given your life to Jesus Christ that He should be Lord and Saviour,
and after reading this booklet you are saying in your heart “I want to believe”.
The good news is that whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The word of salvation is near you. Friend, take the bold step to make a good
confession of what you have accepted in your heart taking Jesus Christ to be the
right path for the salvation of your soul. In your response to such faith, please pray
like this:
Father in Heaven, I accept that I am a sinner and without your mercy I am
lost and doomed to eternal hell .I believe that Jesus Christ died for all that If
I live today I should no longer live to myself but to Him who was raised
from the dead. I now receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Saviour.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I have prayed, Amen.
The prayer is not an end in itself but a step towards building an enduring
relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ. Seek counsel from a mature
Christian in your local church, find time to pray and study the word of God with
others. It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit to work in you both to will and to act.
Amen.
I WANT TO BELIEVE AGAIN
You have given your life to Jesus Christ but your walk has not been that right.
There are areas that you have compromised in your faith and you are saying in
your heart” The one thing I want is to believe again”. There is grace for you
friend. The Lord Jesus Christ is at the Mercy Seat waiting for us to call for help in
our times of need. If you mean it to renew your commitment to a sincere walk
with the Lord, please pray like this:
Dear Heavenly Father, I accept that if I ever needed You then it is now. My
walk with You has not been that right as I have pursued my own ambitions.
Today I surrender my life for the renewing of the mind as I believe Jesus
Christ is all I need in this life and in eternity. Let the Holy Spirit remind me
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37. of your sacred truths that I should abide in faith, hope, and love. In the
name of Lord Jesus Christ, I have prayed. Amen.
NOTHING BUT HIS STRENGTH
You might be the one person who is serving God faithfully and after reading this
booklet your life has been inspired to do more. You want to know Christ even
more and the power of His resurrection. You are saying “the one thing I need is
nothing but His strength”. You want strength to overcome more. You want
courage to pray more, study God’s word more, fellowship with others more, and
witness Christ to others even more. Friend, take a bold step of faith to pray for
God’s kindness over your life. Please pray like this
Dear Father, I thank You for keeping me safe and sound within the bounds
of Your promises. I thank You Lord for sustaining me amidst great trials and
temptations. Lord, I pray that You give me strength to overcome more and
more, to passionately study the word, intimately pray more, fellowship with
others with meaning, and sincerely share the gospel of Christ. In the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have prayed. Amen.
37 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
38. FEEDBACK
We will appreciate any feedback you give after using this booklet. Share us your
thoughts and experiences after using the booklet we provided you. The lessons you
have learnt through reading and studying this booklet if shared with us will help us
a lot. Feel free to send such valuable feedback to the following email addresses and
telephone numbers
Email: ezekielbooks@gmail.com or rmndalasini@gmail.com
Mobile: +265(0) 999 650 187
ABOUT EZEKIEL BOOKS
Ezekiel Books is part of a wider mandate to create and distribute literature that
advances the values of the Christian faith. Our goal is to revitalize the writing and
reading of authentic Christian literature and making it available through any
possible media.
We currently operate a blog called Ezekiel Books that branches into three separate
blogs namely the Poetic face which is exclusive for poetry; Express Purpose is for
articles covering a wide range of topics, and finally Letters to Ezekiel which is
exclusive to excerpts from the Letters to Ezekiel collection.
The blog address is http://ezekielbooks.blogspot.com
38 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
39. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This booklet would not have been possible without the grace of the Lord working
so effectively to see its release. There were so many delays but the Lord Jesus Christ
gave me the courage to write despite the refusal of other life’s demands.
I express my sincere thanks to Rev. B.S. Chitheka, resident minister of Lilongwe
CCAP, for accepting to write the foreword to this booklet. I am humbled that out
of his many engagements the Reverend did find time to go through this booklet.
Thanks to Madalitso Chikumbanje whose contribution to this booklet is very
difficult to calculate. He made reviews of the manuscript and proved to be reliable
for the editorial task that was set before him.
Thanks to my family residing at Biwi that during our evening devotions we were
able to find encouragement in whatever is written in this booklet. We shared on
prayer, the word, fellowship, faith and hope. Those evenings were quite amazing.
Finally, thanks to everyone who has been part of Lilongwe CCAP Youth Ministry
for this booklet is dedicated to them. These are people who have contributed so
much to my upbringing in the faith. This dedication is a mark to future
generations that serving Christ is all we have to do in this life and that a youth
ministry in any congregation remains a vital place where people can build firmer
foundations in the faith. At the catechumen I have met amazing people who have
challenged me to seek the Lord even more and this work is also dedicated to them.
39 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini
40. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raphael Mndalasini is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and
pastor. He champions creating opportunities, inspiring
individuals to live bigger than their dreams, passionate about
reaching to the younger generation with the gospel of Christ, and intimate with
writings that have a personal touch. It is from early years in his life that the author
cultivated deep interest in writing. He believes written works are significant to
preserve knowledge that we can pass on from one generation to the next
Raphael Mndalasini has authored Letters to Ezekiel, Who Can Find a virtuous
woman (Bible Study notes on Proverbs 31), and When My Heart Fails (Bible
Study notes on Psalm 73) plus several articles.
Raphael was born in Lilongwe and grew up there in the suburbs of Biwi. He began
his journey as a Christian during the time he attended secondary education at
Chipasula between 2001 and 2004 .He attributes to the radical change that
happened in his life as a result of the work of a student ministry called SCOM
(Student Christian Organization of Malawi).
He reckons that through being involved in SCOM a passion to share God’s truth
and disciple young people was born. Today Raphael is an active member of the
youth ministry at his local church. He is also part of the Worship Team and spends
time teaching at the Catechumen.
Raphael Mndalasini is an Information Technology professional who graduated
from the University of Malawi in 2009. He has two siblings Kate and Peter and he
lives in Lilongwe. In his spare time the author likes to read, write, follow current
affairs, and listen to gospel music.
40 Back to the Basics- The Moment We First Believed| Raphael Mndalasini