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Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Will of God
Bill Johnson
Bethel Church - Redding, California
If you cannot see the video, click here, to watch it from YouTube.
Bringing Heaven to Earth
Bill Johnson
Bethel Church - Redding, California
Featured Books:
When Heaven Invades Earth
The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Salvation - Maintenance and Security
This is why we do not "maintain" our salvation:
Jesus' one sacrifice has put away sin forever (Hebrews 9:12,26; 10:12).
Jesus' blood has provided remission or forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22).
His blood has cleansed our conscience (Hebrews 9:14; 10:22).
We have been sanctified once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
We have been perfected forever (Hebrews 10:14; 12:23).
Since sins have been remitted, there is no need for another sacrifice (Hebrews 10:18).
He has obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).
We have been washed, sanctified and justified in the Name of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:11)
Our old sin nature has been crucified with Jesus and since we are no longer under law but grace, we no longer are slaves to sin (Romans 6:6; 6:14).
God has removed our transgression as far as east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
He does not even remember our sins anymore (Hebrews 10:17).
As a result of Jesus' sacrifice, our past, present and future sins have been forgiven. For those of you who chocked on the previous statement, Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, only once (Hebrews 9:12, 26; 10:10-12,14). And we were in His future when it happened.
Does that mean we can go ahead and sin? Our sin nature that drove us to sin has been crucified and now that we are under grace and not under law, sin does not have dominion over us (Romans 6:6; 6:14). It is the knowing and renewing our mind (Romans 12:2) with this truth that sets us free (John 8:32).
This brings us to the next point - SECURITY. This is why our salvation is the most secure thing in the world:
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” - Jesus (John 10:27-30)
Highlight/underline the "they follow Me (Jesus)" part in your Bible. Our security rests only in Jesus; not in a doctrine, principles, religion, tradition, good works, etc. People doubt the security of their salvation because they trust in their efforts to become righteous than in the finished work of Jesus. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
Gospel is really simple and liberating. It is the religion that makes it complicated and burdensome.
Jesus' one sacrifice has put away sin forever (Hebrews 9:12,26; 10:12).
Jesus' blood has provided remission or forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22).
His blood has cleansed our conscience (Hebrews 9:14; 10:22).
We have been sanctified once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
We have been perfected forever (Hebrews 10:14; 12:23).
Since sins have been remitted, there is no need for another sacrifice (Hebrews 10:18).
He has obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).
We have been washed, sanctified and justified in the Name of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:11)
Our old sin nature has been crucified with Jesus and since we are no longer under law but grace, we no longer are slaves to sin (Romans 6:6; 6:14).
God has removed our transgression as far as east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
He does not even remember our sins anymore (Hebrews 10:17).
As a result of Jesus' sacrifice, our past, present and future sins have been forgiven. For those of you who chocked on the previous statement, Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, only once (Hebrews 9:12, 26; 10:10-12,14). And we were in His future when it happened.
Does that mean we can go ahead and sin? Our sin nature that drove us to sin has been crucified and now that we are under grace and not under law, sin does not have dominion over us (Romans 6:6; 6:14). It is the knowing and renewing our mind (Romans 12:2) with this truth that sets us free (John 8:32).
This brings us to the next point - SECURITY. This is why our salvation is the most secure thing in the world:
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” - Jesus (John 10:27-30)
Highlight/underline the "they follow Me (Jesus)" part in your Bible. Our security rests only in Jesus; not in a doctrine, principles, religion, tradition, good works, etc. People doubt the security of their salvation because they trust in their efforts to become righteous than in the finished work of Jesus. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
Gospel is really simple and liberating. It is the religion that makes it complicated and burdensome.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
The Great Christian Cliché
Luke 7:48 ……Your sins are forgiven
What is the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ? The good news is that “Your sins are forgiven!”
This statement has become a cliché in the church. To understand this statement, it is necessary to take a fresh look at the cross. What happened at the cross?
Sin separated man from God by the disobedience of one man, Adam. Hebrews 10:1-4, 11 says that the old covenant, which was a type and shadow of the real thing, had a sacrificial system for the atonement of sins. Since the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins, it could not make anyone perfect. If perfection could be achieved by that system, then there would be no need to offer the same sacrifice again and again. So the people were constantly conscious of their sins. They could never have a perfect or sinless conscience (Heb 9:9; 10:2). The priest had to offer sacrifices for himself and the congregation continually.
Now contrast that with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, which is the real thing. He was offered ONCE for the sins of many (Heb 9:28). He entered the most holy place with His own blood. How does the ONE sacrifice of Jesus and His blood compare with that of the sacrifices of the old covenant? (Please pause and think about each of the following points):
1. His ONE sacrifice has PUT AWAY SIN FOREVER (Heb 9:26; 10:12)
2. His blood has provided remission or forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:22)
3. His blood has cleansed our conscience (Heb 9:14; 10:22)
4. We HAVE BEEN sanctified ONCE FOR ALL (Heb 10:10)
5. We HAVE BEEN perfected FOREVER (Heb 10:14; 12:23)
6. Because sins have been remitted, there is no need for another sacrifice (Heb 10:18).
7. Because sins have been taken away by His one sacrifice, He is now SEATED and not standing anymore to offer more sacrifices (Heb 10:11-12).
8. He has obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION (Heb 9:12)
We have received eternal, not momentary redemption (Heb. 9:12). One sacrifice was made for all sin forever, and we have been perfected forever. Isn’t that awesome news?
So does that mean Christ forgave all our sins (past, present, future sins)? You better believe that Christ has forgiven all your future sins too, because he died for our sins once; 2000 years ago, before we were born or committed any sin. All our sins were future sins when he died. God is not bound by time as we are. When we believe in Jesus and His finished work, we receive the forgiveness for all our sins that He has already provided 2000 years ago.
He did this purely by His grace, not because of any of our good deeds, confessions, sin consciousness or introspection. Rather, based on Heb 10:2, we should have no more sin consciousness, because of his perfect sacrifice, which has done a perfect work in the area of sin. We have eternal redemption, which is eternal forgiveness of our sins (Eph 1:7 and Col 1:14). 2 Corinthians 5:21 says that, He was made sin so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Beloved, righteousness is a free gift that He has given us - not by our own works. Forgiveness of sins and the free gift of righteousness (apart from law/works) is the gospel that Paul preached, that was given to him by direct revelation by Jesus Himself (Acts 13:38; Gal 1:12).
Jesus has taken away not only our sins, but the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2; John 1:29). This is the good news that needs to be shouted from the roof tops. The sin barrier has been removed once for all. God has reconciled the whole world to himself through Christ and is not imputing anyone’s trespasses anymore (2 Cor 5:19). Christ took the punishment for the sins of the entire humanity.
Beloved, are you willing to see yourself as God sees you today - forgiven, holy, righteous, sanctified, and perfected because of the PERFECT sacrifice of Jesus? Quit trying to add anything more to his finished work by your religious works. It is an insult to His finished work. He doesn’t even remember your sins anymore (Heb 10:17; Ps 103:12). Jesus said, “It is FINISHED”. Do you believe?
Your sins are forgiven!
The Do-Do Christianity - Part II
If you were born and raised in a legalistic church, the question that you might have after reading Part I of this series might be, “what about Eph 2:10; aren’t we created to do good works?”
Nowhere in this series am I suggesting a life of passivity. The crux of the matter is our motive behind our well-meant actions. Are we ‘working the principles’ or are we yielding ourselves so that He can work through us?
Suppose Tim (a fictitious character) is suffering from a certain illness. If Tim is trusting in his prayer and fasting for the purpose of getting healed, then he is excusing himself from depending on the healing provision that he already has in Christ Jesus. Why? In his mind, Tim thinks he is not healed and therefore to be healed, he is sincerely following a set of godly sounding principles prescribed, probably by his church or a Christian book. The truth is, Tim does not know that he is already healed, in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus bore Tim’s sickness two thousand years ago by His stripes, so that Tim, the child of God, can live in abundant health. But the manifestation of the healing comes only when - a) he knows the truth b) he receives that truth, by faith.
We can see plenty of Tims in the body of Christ - trying to be healed, trying to be prosperous, trying to be righteous, when they already are healed, prospered and righteous in Christ Jesus, regardless of the circumstances. The writer of the book of Hebrews calls it disobedience when we do not rest in His works.
There is no delicate way to put it, but another word for this mindset of “I don’t have it OR I am going to earn it with my effort”, is pride. [Please know that I am not sitting on a high throne and pointing my finger at you. I speak from experience.] The prominent character here is the ‘self’. This is why the legalists were offended by the teachings of Jesus - ‘how dare he questions our traditional beliefs?’ Legalists today get offended when the message of 'Grace' is proclaimed, for it is hard for the legalistic mind to acknowledge the truth that we cannot ‘move’ God with our actions. Jesus Christ made us righteous. We do not, or cannot earn our righteousness. It would be called self-righteousness if righteousness came as a result of our effort. It is impossible to earn and maintain our right standing with God with our effort. This is why the Gospel is called the ‘Good News’.
Nowhere in this series am I suggesting a life of passivity. The crux of the matter is our motive behind our well-meant actions. Are we ‘working the principles’ or are we yielding ourselves so that He can work through us?
Suppose Tim (a fictitious character) is suffering from a certain illness. If Tim is trusting in his prayer and fasting for the purpose of getting healed, then he is excusing himself from depending on the healing provision that he already has in Christ Jesus. Why? In his mind, Tim thinks he is not healed and therefore to be healed, he is sincerely following a set of godly sounding principles prescribed, probably by his church or a Christian book. The truth is, Tim does not know that he is already healed, in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus bore Tim’s sickness two thousand years ago by His stripes, so that Tim, the child of God, can live in abundant health. But the manifestation of the healing comes only when - a) he knows the truth b) he receives that truth, by faith.
We can see plenty of Tims in the body of Christ - trying to be healed, trying to be prosperous, trying to be righteous, when they already are healed, prospered and righteous in Christ Jesus, regardless of the circumstances. The writer of the book of Hebrews calls it disobedience when we do not rest in His works.
There is no delicate way to put it, but another word for this mindset of “I don’t have it OR I am going to earn it with my effort”, is pride. [Please know that I am not sitting on a high throne and pointing my finger at you. I speak from experience.] The prominent character here is the ‘self’. This is why the legalists were offended by the teachings of Jesus - ‘how dare he questions our traditional beliefs?’ Legalists today get offended when the message of 'Grace' is proclaimed, for it is hard for the legalistic mind to acknowledge the truth that we cannot ‘move’ God with our actions. Jesus Christ made us righteous. We do not, or cannot earn our righteousness. It would be called self-righteousness if righteousness came as a result of our effort. It is impossible to earn and maintain our right standing with God with our effort. This is why the Gospel is called the ‘Good News’.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
An Encounter with Jesus
You might be a professing Christian with several years or decades of experience, a Pastor, a famous preacher, a church leader, a theologian, a theology student, a new believer or a skeptic - but are you sure that you have heard the pure Gospel (Good News) yet? Listen to these messages with an open heart and receive Jesus Christ (not your traditions/principles/works) as your only anchor, for only in the person Jesus (not in a religion that loves to put people in bondage and condemnation), in His perfectly completed works, will you find true literal liberty.
An Encounter with Jesus: Message by Bertie Brits. Translated to Malayalam by George Varghese.
An Encounter with Jesus: Message by Bertie Brits. Translated to Malayalam by George Varghese.
Click here for more of Bertie Brits' messages, which can be downloaded free of charge.
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Do-Do Christianity - Part I
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. – James 1:22
We have interpreted this scripture as “be ye doers of the law”. And in an effort to “please God” and/or be justified by God, we zealously jump on the treadmill of law keeping; either Mosaic, traditional, cultural or a mixture of everything and hope that God would be pleased with our tenacity and sincerity.
Just a minor problem though – we cannot pick and choose from the Mosaic Law (the 10 commandments and the 613 laws). We have to keep all the laws; if not, we break all the laws; there is no middle ground. And the laws by the traditions vary from culture to culture. So then, which law must we adhere to?
The bigger question is, will we be justified by our attempts at keeping the law? The Scripture is crystal clear on this topic. We are not justified by the works of the law (Gal 3:11; 2:16). When people asked what they should “do” to do the works of God, Jesus answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:28-29 ESV). Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf and through the crucifixion, He redeemed us from the curses of not keeping the law. Therefore, the assumption that we can be justified with our futile attempts in keeping the Law, stems from ignorance. The Galatians thought they could mix the law with the grace of God. Listen to how Paul responded, “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you,… Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Gal 3:1-3 ESV). It is foolishness because we voluntarily invite the curse to our lives when we trust in the law, because it is impossible for us to keep all the laws. We fall from grace [the very gift that saves us from the curse of not keeping the law], when we have the audacity to think that we can be justified by our own works.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to give the revelation knowledge of who we already are in Christ Jesus. Let us believe that we have been made righteous (right standing with God) apart from our works.
Just like we were made sinners without our effort, we have been made righteous by Jesus, without our effort (see Rom 5:19).
Read the previous paragraph, again and again and allow the truth to sink in to your soul. Let us believe that we are financially prosperous, not because we sow or tithe, but because Jesus became poor for us. Let us believe that we are healthy, not because we pray, fast, work out and eat organic food, but by His stripes only. Our new-creation reality is based on Jesus' finished work on the cross; not the current circumstances, which we perceive by carnal senses. We access this grace through faith. By faith we receive what is freely available to us through Christ Jesus. Faith is not something we manufacture. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. It's about simply believing what the Cross accomplished. Let us rightly divide the scriptures and meditate on the scriptures which reveals what Jesus Christ has already done for us and who we already are in Him; and get ready to be exploded with the revelation that we do not have to (we can't, even if we tried to) earn our blessings. The Blessing (JESUS) in all His glory is in the believer and the believer in Him, right now.
Does this mean we are to stay idle? Paul says he labored more abundantly than everyone else, but the credit was given to the grace of God that was with him. We cannot bear his fruit without His life flowing in and through us. God can do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to His power that is in us – if we let Him. All that we need to be is an yielded vessel who is sensitive to the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us be free from the Do-Do mindset and allow God to do his perfect will in and through us.
Read Part II of this series.
We have interpreted this scripture as “be ye doers of the law”. And in an effort to “please God” and/or be justified by God, we zealously jump on the treadmill of law keeping; either Mosaic, traditional, cultural or a mixture of everything and hope that God would be pleased with our tenacity and sincerity.
Just a minor problem though – we cannot pick and choose from the Mosaic Law (the 10 commandments and the 613 laws). We have to keep all the laws; if not, we break all the laws; there is no middle ground. And the laws by the traditions vary from culture to culture. So then, which law must we adhere to?
The bigger question is, will we be justified by our attempts at keeping the law? The Scripture is crystal clear on this topic. We are not justified by the works of the law (Gal 3:11; 2:16). When people asked what they should “do” to do the works of God, Jesus answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:28-29 ESV). Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf and through the crucifixion, He redeemed us from the curses of not keeping the law. Therefore, the assumption that we can be justified with our futile attempts in keeping the Law, stems from ignorance. The Galatians thought they could mix the law with the grace of God. Listen to how Paul responded, “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you,… Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Gal 3:1-3 ESV). It is foolishness because we voluntarily invite the curse to our lives when we trust in the law, because it is impossible for us to keep all the laws. We fall from grace [the very gift that saves us from the curse of not keeping the law], when we have the audacity to think that we can be justified by our own works.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to give the revelation knowledge of who we already are in Christ Jesus. Let us believe that we have been made righteous (right standing with God) apart from our works.
Just like we were made sinners without our effort, we have been made righteous by Jesus, without our effort (see Rom 5:19).
Read the previous paragraph, again and again and allow the truth to sink in to your soul. Let us believe that we are financially prosperous, not because we sow or tithe, but because Jesus became poor for us. Let us believe that we are healthy, not because we pray, fast, work out and eat organic food, but by His stripes only. Our new-creation reality is based on Jesus' finished work on the cross; not the current circumstances, which we perceive by carnal senses. We access this grace through faith. By faith we receive what is freely available to us through Christ Jesus. Faith is not something we manufacture. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. It's about simply believing what the Cross accomplished. Let us rightly divide the scriptures and meditate on the scriptures which reveals what Jesus Christ has already done for us and who we already are in Him; and get ready to be exploded with the revelation that we do not have to (we can't, even if we tried to) earn our blessings. The Blessing (JESUS) in all His glory is in the believer and the believer in Him, right now.
Does this mean we are to stay idle? Paul says he labored more abundantly than everyone else, but the credit was given to the grace of God that was with him. We cannot bear his fruit without His life flowing in and through us. God can do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to His power that is in us – if we let Him. All that we need to be is an yielded vessel who is sensitive to the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us be free from the Do-Do mindset and allow God to do his perfect will in and through us.
Read Part II of this series.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Let's not keep the common sense aside
by Bino Manjasseril, Branch of Vine - A journey from religion to Christ...
I have been listening to the 'growing in grace' podcasts a lot lately. In more than one episodes, I heard Mike Kapler saying, "let's not keep the common sense aside". He says that especially when it comes to obedience and keeping the law.I think, being honest to ourselves is all it takes to come to the conclusion that religion doesn't work. It doesn't matter which religion it is. Each has its own 'ways' to please their god. For some, their god is pleased when they follow certain set of rules, laws, regulations or a list of do's and don'ts. Some gods are pleased when we gather at particular place at a particular time of a week. Some are pleased when we chant some prayers or starve through fasting. Some are pleased when we put some dollar bills into an offering plate. Some are pleased when we confess all our sins.
I have been listening to the 'growing in grace' podcasts a lot lately. In more than one episodes, I heard Mike Kapler saying, "let's not keep the common sense aside". He says that especially when it comes to obedience and keeping the law.I think, being honest to ourselves is all it takes to come to the conclusion that religion doesn't work. It doesn't matter which religion it is. Each has its own 'ways' to please their god. For some, their god is pleased when they follow certain set of rules, laws, regulations or a list of do's and don'ts. Some gods are pleased when we gather at particular place at a particular time of a week. Some are pleased when we chant some prayers or starve through fasting. Some are pleased when we put some dollar bills into an offering plate. Some are pleased when we confess all our sins.
I am not excluding Christian religion from this. Christians says their god is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He is a perfectly holy god. He is self-sufficient. That being the case, isn't it a futile act attempting to please that god through our puny works? Who in their right mind can logically come to a conclusion that they can somehow please god through all these? Not just that, some people think that they can make god angry! As though god has an emotional imbalance or something- easily angered, easily provoked but somehow hard to please.
I feel stupid for believing such a lie for a long time in my life. I thought my god would be pleased when I achieve sinless perfection. I thought I was pleasing him when I did the works of evangelism. I thought, the more I studied the Bible, he is more pleased. The more I set apart a 'quiet time', I thought I can somehow tap into his presence. I thought I could manipulate god through 'effective' prayer (by quoting scriptures, for example). I thought god was a genie who comes out and bless me when I give my money. I kept doing all these for years and years even though I never felt contented nor reached a satisfying point in my life to boldly say that I pleased him. I tried to do all the right things and tried not to do any wrong things to keep god from getting angry at me. But I always felt that I fall short. So, I successfully hid my burned out heart from others.
For a long time in my life, I lived an illogical spiritual life. I kept my common sense aside and listened and followed other illogical spiritual leaders out there. I wasn't even honest to myself. I pretended as if my spirituality was working.
Then there came a time in my life that I had to take a step back and look at the foolishness of my belief system. Trying to achieve sinless perfection? Trying to earn forgiveness through confessing all my sins on a daily basis? Trying to keep the law? Trying to love my neighbors as myself? Trying to love the enemies? Are you kidding?
I didn't know that James said, "whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." Will I ever be accepted by this god? Will I ever be able to say that I confessed all my sins that I am now fully forgiven? Will I ever feel the security of god's love? Will I ever feel any kind of security, contentment or peace?
If you don't cheat in answering those questions, if you can be honest to yourself, the only thing you can do is - give up! That’s true - just give up!
That’s where my journey started. I first gave up, then God took over…
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Practice Of The Presence Of God
Brother Lawrence, a monk, who was part of the Carmelite monastry, lived in the early 1600's. He was known to have a deep, personal and an intimate fellowship with God. He wasn't a "famous" minister. He wasn't the head priest. His assignment was in the monastery's kitchen, to wash the dishes. But in that kitchen, Br. Lawrence communed with the Father. Did he have knowledge (spiritual and/or intellectual) like we think we have today. No, but who cares? What can replace the personal connection with the GOD of the Universe, our Father?
His close relationship was recorded in this classic:
The Practice Of The Presence Of God - Brother Lawrence's Conversations and Letters
His close relationship was recorded in this classic:
The Practice Of The Presence Of God - Brother Lawrence's Conversations and Letters
Thursday, October 29, 2009
You Were There
You Were There - by Avalon
I wonder how it must have felt
When David stood to face Goliath on a hill
I imagine that he shook with all his might
Until You took his hand, and held on tight
'Cause You were there, You were there
In the midst of danger's snare
You were there, You were there always
You were there when the hardest fight
Seemed so out of reach
Oh, You were there, You were always there
You were always there
So there he stood upon that hill
Abraham with knife in hand was poised to kill
But God in all his
sovereignty had bigger plans
And just in time, You brought a lamb
'Cause You were there,
You were there
In the midst of the unclear
You were there, you were there always
You were there when obedience
Seemed to not make sense
You were there, You were always there
You were always there
So haven't I learned that my ways
Aren't as high as Yours are
And You alone keep the universe
From crumbling into dust
You are God and though we would
Not have understood You
There You were
Hanging blameless on a cross
You would rather die than leave us in the dark
Every moment, every planned coincidence
Just all makes sense
With Your last breath
You were there, You were there
During history's darkest hour
You were there, You were there always
You were the Victor and the King
You were the power in David's swing
You were the calm in Abraham
You are the God who understands
You are the strength when we have none
You are the living, Holy one
You were, You are and You will always be
the Risen Lamb of God
You were, You are and You will always be
The Risen Lamb of God
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Money on the Cross
What are the principles for giving (finance) in the New Testament? Do we have to sow to reap? Since Abraham tithed before the Law, do we have to tithe in order to be blessed? Are we trusting in our giving or in Jesus? This message series by Bertie Brits will address the above questions (and more), free you from the yoke of legalistic bondage and transform you to be a cheerful giver.
Money on the Cross (Audio)
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6
Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12
Click here for his message archive.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Monday, September 07, 2009
The Naked Gospel
The Naked Gospel, presented by Andrew Farley
Part 1: Obsessive-Christianity Disorder
Part 2: Religion is a Headache
Part 3: Crossing the Line
Part 4: Burning Matryoshkas
Part 5: Cheating on Jesus
Part 6: We Don't Marry Dead People
Part 7: Ego Assault
http://www.TheNakedGospel.com/
Book: The Naked Gospel
Part 1: Obsessive-Christianity Disorder
Part 2: Religion is a Headache
Part 3: Crossing the Line
Part 4: Burning Matryoshkas
Part 5: Cheating on Jesus
Part 6: We Don't Marry Dead People
Part 7: Ego Assault
http://www.TheNakedGospel.com/
Book: The Naked Gospel
Friday, September 04, 2009
Blessed In Jesus
“... whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” - 2 Corinthians 6:9 ESV
MOTIVATION
Let us for instance assume that the scripture above was not in the Bible. If that truly were the case, would we still give? If ‘getting back’ is the sole driving force behind our giving, we are then using God as a vending machine. “God, here is my money, now give me my stuff”. Christ did not go through the religious criticism (which I believe is far worse than the physical torture He endured) torture and crucifixion to be our delivery boy. We are not giving due credit for His love (which we cannot even comprehend with our natural minds) towards us when the motive is just about “meeting my needs” - be it spiritual, health-related or financial.
UNEARNED GIFT
In Romans 8:32 ESV, Paul says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
Financial abundance is not the product of our giving, just like salvation and healing are not products of our good works. Salvation is a gift from Christ Jesus. We are healed because Jesus bore our sicknesses. Our financial prosperity does not start with our giving. 2 Corinthians 8:9 is the foundation of our financial abundance. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” Some might think that this verse is just about "spiritual" riches. But if we study 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, we can see that the subject is about money.
Financial abundance starts when we believe that ‘Christ became poor so that we might be rich’. Believing what Christ did for us in each area of our life (health, wealth, peace etc) is the key that will let us see the blessings in manifestation.
But the belief is always accompanied by a corresponding action. James confirms it in James 2:26, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Giving will be the fruit that naturally follows. But often times, we focus on the action part. We think our action is what initiates everything. Once we get a real revelation of his unconditional love for us, no one will have to force, encourage or entice us, to give. We will no longer debate if we should give 10% gross or net, or 90%. The debate goes out of the window and then the heart starts making the decisions. God loves a cheerful giver who gives from the heart.
But the belief is always accompanied by a corresponding action. James confirms it in James 2:26, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Giving will be the fruit that naturally follows. But often times, we focus on the action part. We think our action is what initiates everything. Once we get a real revelation of his unconditional love for us, no one will have to force, encourage or entice us, to give. We will no longer debate if we should give 10% gross or net, or 90%. The debate goes out of the window and then the heart starts making the decisions. God loves a cheerful giver who gives from the heart.
We are not forcing God to bless us when we give, for we already are blessed in Christ Jesus. It is only by grace that we have access to the blessing of God, which includes salvation, healing and financial abundance. And gifts are not earned; we simply receive it.
So I would have to be ignorant of the Gospel if I say, “I am giving to be blessed”. That will put the onus on my action, which stems from the Old Covenant mindset.
So I would have to be ignorant of the Gospel if I say, “I am giving to be blessed”. That will put the onus on my action, which stems from the Old Covenant mindset.
BIRDS
In Matthew 6:25-26 ESV, Jesus says, “...
do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will
drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than
food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
If the birds do not have to sow or reap, why then we - the beloved children of the most High God, carriers of Jesus Christ, carriers of his power that is embedded within us, carriers of The Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead - must sow to meet our personal needs? Our Heavenly Father knows our needs even before we open our mouths to pray. The only requirement to meet our personal needs is in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
This is where the intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit becomes vital. Until it finally hits us that the King of the universes calls us friend, it would be hard with our natural minds to accept the truth that we do not have to even think about meeting our daily needs.
HAWAII?
This does not, however, mean we should quit our jobs, or close our businesses and move to a beach resort in Hawaii and expect angels to feed us every day. We should be diligently working in whatever occupation we are involved with. God is our source of income, not the job or business. Our occupation is just a channel through which the fund flows to us. When, or if we lose our employment, we have nothing to worry about. That job wasn’t our source of income in the first place. First of all, we have to renew our mind to the truth that the One who created this universe lives within us. Secondly, losing a job simply means that the channel is changing, perhaps to a better one. When drought hit the land, God directed Elijah to move to a new place where he was supernaturally supplied. The Source was the same; it was only the channel that was different. God supplies our needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus; not according to a fluctuating economy.
BREAKFAST
To the parents who are reading this, would you demand a portion of your child’s breakfast to feed them lunch, or dinner, or to enjoy all the provisions of your household? I would assume that you would not even give a consideration to that thought. Children are the heirs to everything that the parents own. So if we do not withhold good things from our children, why would we think that our Heavenly Father, who is Love, would do that? Are we presuming that we have more love than Love himself?
Malachi 3:10-11 happened under the old covenant. And yes, there is the account of Abraham tithing, once, before the Law. If we are using Abraham's tithing as the foundation for the modern day tithe teaching, let's not forget that Abraham went through circumcision before the Law as well. Why isn't the tithe teaching churches emphasizing circumcision?
My point is, why must we limit our giving with a fixed and a small percentage? Is not that too impersonal and formulaic. When we buy a gift for a close friend or family, don't we buy from our heart?
My point is, why must we limit our giving with a fixed and a small percentage? Is not that too impersonal and formulaic. When we buy a gift for a close friend or family, don't we buy from our heart?
SOWING AND REAPING
So what about 'Sowing and Reaping'? With the solid foundation of 2 Corinthians 8:9; when we believe 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 and cheerfully (not reluctantly or under compulsion or manipulation) give as decide in our heart, God is able to make all grace abound towards us, so that we always will have all sufficiency in all things, we will have an abundance for every good work and we will be enriched in all things so that we can be generous, which in turn results in an heart-felt thanksgiving to God.
The Holy Spirit, Who inspired Paul to write that passage does not lie. But this giving must purely be directed by the guidance of the Holy Spirit who lives in our heart and not by the flesh or on the basis of a subtle or an overt legalistic requirement of a church organization. This act of faith is for Jesus' sake and for the sake of the gospel, that sets people free from every bondage.
Please do not give because I said so or a televangelist thinks it is a working principle. Instead of being led by preconceived notions or what some book/preacher says about this topic, allow the Holy Spirit, The Teacher, to make this truth alive in your heart. Giving is one of the most purest things that a person does from the heart. Love gives. It is tragic that teachings have made this into impersonal formulas and principles. But also on the other side of the spectrum, it is equally tragic to throw the baby along with the bathwater, because some have manipulated this freeing message.
The Holy Spirit, Who inspired Paul to write that passage does not lie. But this giving must purely be directed by the guidance of the Holy Spirit who lives in our heart and not by the flesh or on the basis of a subtle or an overt legalistic requirement of a church organization. This act of faith is for Jesus' sake and for the sake of the gospel, that sets people free from every bondage.
Please do not give because I said so or a televangelist thinks it is a working principle. Instead of being led by preconceived notions or what some book/preacher says about this topic, allow the Holy Spirit, The Teacher, to make this truth alive in your heart. Giving is one of the most purest things that a person does from the heart. Love gives. It is tragic that teachings have made this into impersonal formulas and principles. But also on the other side of the spectrum, it is equally tragic to throw the baby along with the bathwater, because some have manipulated this freeing message.
BUT WHY?
The end goal is not to hoard, but to BE a blessing. Money is merely a tool that will help many people from their bondage. Contrary to popular knowledge, money does not corrupt anyone. Robert Kiyosaki says it the best on this matter, "Money does not corrupt you. Money only reveals to you who you really are. If you are greedy at the core, more money will make you greedier. If you are cheap, more money will only make you cheaper. If you are a crook, more money will only make you more of a crook. If you are generous, more money will only make you more generous."
When we renew our mind with the truth that we are grafted in Jesus, we bear fruit as a result of His life flowing through us. The branch does not strive to bear fruit. When we are grafted in Him, we will no longer need a scripture to "encourage" us to give. Giving comes out as a fruit, because it is no longer we who live, but Him. And giving is God’s nature, for God gave us His best, His Son Jesus.
IN CONCLUSION
As you may have noticed, this is not an article on “15 Steps to become a billionaire”. At the same time, this is not an "anti-wealth" message either. Jesus came so that we may have his life more abundantly. Poverty is one of the curses that Christ has redeemed us from. The scripture is not against prosperity in every area of one's life. In Jesus' words, this is the will of God - "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that there is no poverty in Heaven.
Authentic prosperity is the Life of Christ Jesus in us. And lack (in every area of one's life) must not be accepted where the King of kings resides. But the fruits of his abundant life in us will manifest only to the point we believe Jesus' finished work on the cross. This is about a complete surrender to Jesus - literally making Him the Lord over each and every area of our lives. It is about resting in Him, instead of trusting in our works, regardless of our sincerity.
Authentic prosperity is the Life of Christ Jesus in us. And lack (in every area of one's life) must not be accepted where the King of kings resides. But the fruits of his abundant life in us will manifest only to the point we believe Jesus' finished work on the cross. This is about a complete surrender to Jesus - literally making Him the Lord over each and every area of our lives. It is about resting in Him, instead of trusting in our works, regardless of our sincerity.
In Christ
I am called in Christ Jesus - Romans 1:6
I have redemption in Christ Jesus - Romans 3:24
I reign in life by Christ Jesus - Romans 5:17
I am alive unto God through Christ Jesus - Romans 6:11
I have eternal life through Christ Jesus- Romans 6:23
I am a joint heir with Christ Jesus - Romans 8:17
I am sanctified in Christ Jesus - 1 Corinthians 1:2
My body is a member of Christ Jesus - 1 Corinthians 6:15
I have victory through Christ Jesus - 1 Corinthians 15:57
I triumph in Christ Jesus - 2 Corinthians 2:14
I am a new creature in Christ Jesus - 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have liberty in Christ Jesus - Galatians 2:4
I am crucified with Christ Jesus - Galatians 2:20
I am justified by the faith of Christ Jesus - Galatians 2:16
I live by the faith of Christ Jesus - Galatians 2:20
I have put on Christ Jesus - Galatians 3:27
I am a heir of God through Christ Jesus - Galatians 4:7
I have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus - Ephesians1:3
I have been chosen in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world, that I should be holy and without blame before Him - Ephesians 1:4
I have obtained an inheritance in Christ Jesus - Ephesians 1:11
I have been quickened (made alive) with Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:5
I am sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:6
I have been created in Christ Jesus unto good works - Ephesians 2:10
I have boldness and access in Christ Jesus - Ephesians 3:12
I rejoice in Christ Jesus - Philippians 3:3
I press toward the mark of high calling of God in Christ Jesus - Philippians 3:14
I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13
God supplies all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:19
Christ Jesus in me is the hope of glory - Colossians 1:27
I am complete in Christ Jesus - Colossians 2:10
I am dead with Christ Jesus - Colossians 2:20
I am risen with Christ Jesus - Colossians 3:1
My life is hidden with Christ Jesus in God - Colossians 3:3
Christ Jesus is my life - Colossians 3:4
Jesus Christ became wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption for me - 1 Corinthians 1:30
I have the mind of Christ Jesus - 1 Corinthians 2:16
I am one with Him (Jesus Christ) in spirit because I am joined to the Lord - 1 Corinthians 6:17
I am rich because Jesus Christ became poor for me - 2 Corinthians 8:9
I am healed by His (Jesus Christ) stripes - 1 Peter 2:24
When I abide in Christ Jesus and when His words abide in me, I can ask whatever I desire and it will be done for me. - John 15:7
I am a partaker of Christ Jesus - Hebrews 3:14
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Unlimited FAITH
Faith is a GIFT from God, not something we can manufacture with our effort. It is no longer about "MY" high and mighty faith, but His.
Listen to this heart opening and liberating message.
Unlimited FAITH by Peter Youngren
Disc 1 - Faith or Mental Believing
Disc 2 - The Only Faith that Works
Disc 3 - Your Faith is Closer Than You Think
Disc 4 - Two with Great Faith
Listen to this heart opening and liberating message.
Unlimited FAITH by Peter Youngren
Disc 1 - Faith or Mental Believing
Disc 2 - The Only Faith that Works
Disc 3 - Your Faith is Closer Than You Think
Disc 4 - Two with Great Faith
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Searching for grace
Searching for grace is a comic strip created by Mick Mooney that revolves around the conversations of a Christian named John and his Pastor.
John attends a small 200 member Pentecostal church. He loves the good news of God’s grace. He also loves and respects his Pastor, but unfortunately never hears the gospel from him. He continually tries, with little success, to convince his pastor to bring the finished work of Jesus back to the centre of his messages. His greatest challenge is trying to help his Pastor see the importance of not mixing the Old Covenant mentality of Law with the New Covenant reality of Grace.
John’s Pastor is Pastor Moses, who is consumed with his own religious ideas and driven by the possibility of being a mega-church Pastor one day! He loves reading ‘church growth’ and ‘Christian leadership’ books, and is convinced if he can just follow these keys, laws and principles he can fulfill his dream of building a big church one day.
John is searching for grace. Pastor Moses is searching for people to help him build his church service. It’s a recipe for disaster – but millions of fellow Christians around the world are cheering John on!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Rest in His finished work
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. - Hebrews 4:11
In the wilderness, even though God was guiding the Israelites and providing for them supernaturally, their minds were un-renewed to their new unimaginable liberty. The reason why they saved manna for the next day, even though God’s directive was not to do so, was because of their unbelief.
They could not believe that God would supernaturally meet their needs daily. This unbelief was a product of their un-renewed minds, which were programmed from hundreds of years of slavery. Even though they were literally free from bondage, their minds could not comprehend this amazing truth. No matter how supernaturally God met their needs, they constantly complained. And as a result of their unbelief, they could not enter into the rest.
In the New Covenant, we have been delivered from the spiritual death, sin nature, sickness and poverty. Jesus nailed it on the cross. Even though we are a new creation in the spirit, our un-renewed mind is not aware of this mighty deliverance. As a result, people get into unbelief when, for example, they see a physician’s negative report or the see latest financial news. Those reports might be a fact, but the truth is what happened on the cross.
Unbelief will lead us into the deception of depending on our own efforts – we will falsely believe that God will 'move' because we do something. That attitude puts the onus on our efforts when He already did the heavy lifting.
The quails did not fly straight to the mouths of the Israelites. God supernaturally provided quails in abundance, but the people had to get hold of it to eat it.
Our labor then, is to believe in the finished work on the cross.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Spirit, Soul & Body
Spirit, Soul & Body by Andrew WommackThis teaching is a foundational truth that is essential for understanding how much God loves you and believing what He says about you in His Word. Each person is made up of three different parts: spirit, soul, and body. Learn how these three parts relate to God and to each other. At salvation your spirit is totally changed, but your soul and body is not yet redeemed. This series will teach you how to release the life that is already in your spirit, into your physical body and emotions.
Here is the link to the audio message which can be listened to or downloaded free of charge. You can also purchase the book, CD or the DVD.
Wallet
One of my friends and his wife was here in the US for a visit in November 2008 and I was their New York City ‘guide’. One evening after we got out of The Metropolitan Museum and while I was on the way to drop them off to a Broadway show, I suddenly realized that I had lost my wallet.
I don’t care if I lost my shoes, but losing the wallet is a hassle. I’ll have to call the debit and credit card companies, have my driver’s license reissued etc etc – it was something that I did not want to go through. Plus, I had a little more than 300 dollars in it. For the first few moments, I let my emotions try to control me. But I quickly said, “No, I will receive my wallet in the Name of Jesus!” I decided that my friends should not change their plans and they took a cab to Broadway before I borrowed some money from them. I went back to the Museum and reported the incident to the Security and after that I retraced my steps in the Museum, but there was no unattended wallet to be found anywhere. I sat at the lobby and spoke to Jesus. I said, “Jesus, it is easy for me to say that You are a miracle-working God, when everything is going okay. But I want to experience Your miracle-working Power now! I refuse to let this happen to me, since I am a carrier of Jesus Christ, the Creator of the Universe. There is NOTHING impossible for my Christ Jesus. I’m calling on your Name, Jesus, to help me for I see no other way. The chances to get a lost wallet back in Manhattan is slim to none, in the natural, but I’m believing in YOUR miracle working power. Thank You Jesus for my wallet”.
And I was led to speak to the wallet. I said, “Wallet, in the Name of Jesus, I command you to come to me.” Followed by, “In the name of Jesus, Angels, I command you to shield the wallet from thieves and bring it to me.”
I was not planning on speaking to the wallet or to the angels. I was merely following the inner promptings. Before leaving the museum, I checked one last time with the Security if they received my wallet. But there was no sign of my wallet yet. They said they will call me if they find my wallet. No matter what, I knew that somehow I will get that wallet back. I knew that my Jesus will never leave me nor forsake me. I met my friends that night after the show. They were very upset for me and they insisted on calling the debit and credit card companies to cancel the current cards and issue a fresh set. I told them, “I have already received my wallet”.
Negative thoughts tried to bother me occasionally, till I slept, but I refused to invite them to my heart. I refused to even address the enemy (Satan), because why should I waste my time talking with someone who is already defeated, disarmed and is under my feet? He was really a non-issue. I slept very peacefully that night.
The very next morning, I got a phone from a total stranger. He said that he is calling from a taxicab and that he has found my wallet in that cab. I went that afternoon to his hotel lobby to pick up my wallet. Everything in it was there as it was before, and not one cent was gone.
To the “intellectual” mind, this might be just a ‘coincidence’, but I know, without a shadow of doubt, that it was the hand of Jesus at work! And I know if I had chose to worry that night over this issue, I would probably have delayed or not have received the answer that I was looking for. I am learning that it is the absolute trust in Jesus that yields results. When we believe in Him, He fills us with the perfect soul rest. My friend said that he was impressed with my faith. But I did not and cannot take credit for “my faith”, because my faith had holes. I was initially perplexed when I realized that I lost my wallet. If I had depended on ‘my faith’, I’m sure I would not have received my wallet back. Instead, I depended on the Author and Finisher of Faith (Hebrews 12:2) who dwells in me. My faith was in Him. I was dependent on His faith – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).
Jesus is Lord!
I don’t care if I lost my shoes, but losing the wallet is a hassle. I’ll have to call the debit and credit card companies, have my driver’s license reissued etc etc – it was something that I did not want to go through. Plus, I had a little more than 300 dollars in it. For the first few moments, I let my emotions try to control me. But I quickly said, “No, I will receive my wallet in the Name of Jesus!” I decided that my friends should not change their plans and they took a cab to Broadway before I borrowed some money from them. I went back to the Museum and reported the incident to the Security and after that I retraced my steps in the Museum, but there was no unattended wallet to be found anywhere. I sat at the lobby and spoke to Jesus. I said, “Jesus, it is easy for me to say that You are a miracle-working God, when everything is going okay. But I want to experience Your miracle-working Power now! I refuse to let this happen to me, since I am a carrier of Jesus Christ, the Creator of the Universe. There is NOTHING impossible for my Christ Jesus. I’m calling on your Name, Jesus, to help me for I see no other way. The chances to get a lost wallet back in Manhattan is slim to none, in the natural, but I’m believing in YOUR miracle working power. Thank You Jesus for my wallet”.
And I was led to speak to the wallet. I said, “Wallet, in the Name of Jesus, I command you to come to me.” Followed by, “In the name of Jesus, Angels, I command you to shield the wallet from thieves and bring it to me.”
I was not planning on speaking to the wallet or to the angels. I was merely following the inner promptings. Before leaving the museum, I checked one last time with the Security if they received my wallet. But there was no sign of my wallet yet. They said they will call me if they find my wallet. No matter what, I knew that somehow I will get that wallet back. I knew that my Jesus will never leave me nor forsake me. I met my friends that night after the show. They were very upset for me and they insisted on calling the debit and credit card companies to cancel the current cards and issue a fresh set. I told them, “I have already received my wallet”.
Negative thoughts tried to bother me occasionally, till I slept, but I refused to invite them to my heart. I refused to even address the enemy (Satan), because why should I waste my time talking with someone who is already defeated, disarmed and is under my feet? He was really a non-issue. I slept very peacefully that night.
The very next morning, I got a phone from a total stranger. He said that he is calling from a taxicab and that he has found my wallet in that cab. I went that afternoon to his hotel lobby to pick up my wallet. Everything in it was there as it was before, and not one cent was gone.
To the “intellectual” mind, this might be just a ‘coincidence’, but I know, without a shadow of doubt, that it was the hand of Jesus at work! And I know if I had chose to worry that night over this issue, I would probably have delayed or not have received the answer that I was looking for. I am learning that it is the absolute trust in Jesus that yields results. When we believe in Him, He fills us with the perfect soul rest. My friend said that he was impressed with my faith. But I did not and cannot take credit for “my faith”, because my faith had holes. I was initially perplexed when I realized that I lost my wallet. If I had depended on ‘my faith’, I’m sure I would not have received my wallet back. Instead, I depended on the Author and Finisher of Faith (Hebrews 12:2) who dwells in me. My faith was in Him. I was dependent on His faith – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).
Jesus is Lord!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
My New Birth
Please find below a testimony of my childhood friend Arun Ram, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2007.
===============
MY NEW BIRTH
by ARUN RAM, Australia - June 19, 2009
After being settled with my family in Bangalore, India, we migrated to Australia in July 2007. It was a decision from out of the blue. We couldn’t find a reason why we made that big move, until now (Hebrews 11:8).
In August 2007, I was diagnosed with Testicular cancer, a month after we moved and I underwent Orchidectomy (removal of testis). My family was shattered with the news of this deadly disease. Why were we moved this to land? Why this suffering the week after we moved? Questions with no clear answers stared at our face. Regardless, I began to run after life to make it secure for the family. We didn’t have the strength to reveal the matter to our parents then. Days became weeks, week became months, the fear of cancer, and the fear of a relapse was always on the back the mind. I lost peace. I started hiding my fears from my wife. I was all alone...
After one year, the cancer relapsed to the lymph nodes and I was asked to undergo chemotherapy. That was the time when I met our church Priest, Boby Philip and a friend Jacob George. Jacob visited me during the first week of my chemotherapy and took my Holy Bible and told me to hold on to it firmly and read daily. I started reading the Bible. It was big relief for me, a new beginning. The Word of God filled me with peace that passed all human understanding (Philippians 4:7). Jacob led me to the scripture, Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My life during chemo was pure turmoil. But I found my companion in Jesus. He showed me the way, the truth, the life. I was becoming closer and closer to Him each day. I was in emergency isolation in hospital with the severe dose of chemo, but “thy rod and thy staff comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4). He was my comfort.
Towards the end of chemo by December 2008, I was so weak and was vomiting badly. I prayed to my Lord to give me the strength to attend the Holy Communion on December 25th of 2008. I had never missed the mass since my childhood. On Dec 23rd, I stopped taking the nausea medicine; I was regaining the strength. It was a miracle! On the 25th of December at 5AM, I drove the car all by myself and attended the Holy Communion! “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? In Presence of all His people, I will take the cup of Salvation, I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Psalms 116). On December 31st of 2008, I gave my first testimony of His Grace and His blessing.
The chemotherapy was a great success and the 5 cm mass shrunk to 1 cm. The doctor was confident the same to be a dead scar after the chemo. But they wanted it to be removed. The surgery was scheduled on June 3rd. During these 5 months, I was getting closer to Jesus and asked Him why I am being tested in my life. I found my answer in Romans 9:17 - “Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.” God will never “teach” anyone by giving him or her a sickness. He loves us so much that He died for us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). But God can take glory by delivering me from my sickness (John 11:4) and use me as His effective channel.
During the recent CT scan, the doctors noticed that the mass has aligned to the centre and updated me before the surgery, about the risk of losing my blood when moving the blood vessels to reach the cancerous mass, which was near my spine. This was the new risk on top of the regular risk associated with the surgery. They made extra arrangements for this blood loss and transfusion.
I underwent the lymph node dissection surgery on June 3rd of 2009. After the surgery, the doctor was really happy that they could reach the spine (with their hands) and not lose the blood vessels. These blood vessels turned to their side and made its way to the bottom, just like the divided Red Sea through which Moses and his people of Israel passed after leaving Egypt. Jesus was leading in the front through the surgery. Matthew 19:26 – “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
After the surgery I was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After a successful procedure, now it was a testing phase at the ICU. On the first night, I suddenly woke up and saw my image on the TV on the ceiling. It was blurred. The lights were switched off; I could see doctors a little far away in the room in discussion. I was getting uneasy every other minute. While I was looking at the blurred image on the TV, the pain was aggravating. I started commanding: “By His Stripes, I AM healed, in the Name of Jesus”, I was shouting as the pain aggravated. Suddenly the doctors arrived. “Why are you murmuring sir?” and they woke me up. I couldn’t imagine I was asleep. I saw my image on the TV, it was alright. They switched on the light. They were surprised that my epidural (pain medicine) stopped working through the IV (drip through the vein). There seemed to be some air bubble blocking the epidural to reach my body. The block was on the equipment and not on the tube, which was surprising. My temperature shot up to 39.9 and they were running around to get everything in control. In two hours, my temperature became normal and the malfunction was rectified.
The second night at around same time, I started getting the pain. I called the doctor. The Epidural pain management was not getting distributed on all the areas of my abdomen. As a result of this, there was pain and the doctor did not know why it was happening. Finally they found out that the epidural cord which was fixed on my spine, needed to be replaced. They do not have an option but to start over the procedure to insert a new cord. At 2AM they started the procedure. They made me sit on the bed and had me bent forward. The doctor started working on my spine to get the cord right. It took them 2 hours to get it corrected. Due to the 12” incision, sitting in that position was painful. The doctor keeps checking with me regarding my comfort level. I was just smiling. I knew that if the Good Lord had taken care of me during the 6-hour surgery and that these things were minor. The major works were already supervised by Jesus. These were just tricks of Satan, he could only do these silly pain-generating tricks. Why should I be worried? So I wasn’t.
The next day, the doctor informed me that I have pneumonia. The plan was to have me observed for 4 days in ICU and then 10 days in the ward. But miraculously, I moved to the ward on the Day 2 of the surgery. I was transferred to a beautiful room where I could see a church from my bed. It was calm and I was happy to be in this state. Most importantly, I had plenty of time to read my Bible. There was absolutely no tension; I did not have to run around for earthly things, I could be myself with my Heavenly Father. During this time, I had a lot of God-loving friends visiting me, praying and praising the Lord for His Grace. The doctor never came back on the latest finding on pneumonia. It was cast down in the Name of Jesus. By God’s grace, I was recovering fast; I was able to walk from Day 4. Praise the Lord, on Day 7, I was back home! I was not having any pain. The wound healed in 3 days and I could walk from day 4! The biopsy result was out and the doctor confirmed that the residue mass was in fact a dead scar and it was not cancerous. By His Grace, I am cancer free. Jesus saved my family, my wife and my son. My Jesus touched me. I prayed, I believed I felt and then I experienced my healing! (Mark 11: 24).
Now I know the truth; the truth why we moved into this land. Through this ordeal, I set my trust in Jesus. All my life, I knew about Jesus, but I did not personally know Him. Now I have experientially known the truth that our Jesus will never leave nor forsake us, no matter how severe the circumstances around us are. Now I have experienced the truth that healing is the divine birthright of a child of God - My Jesus bore the stripes on His back for our healing (1 Peter 2:24). His plan is to give us Hope and Future.
God Bless!!
===============
===============
MY NEW BIRTH
by ARUN RAM, Australia - June 19, 2009
After being settled with my family in Bangalore, India, we migrated to Australia in July 2007. It was a decision from out of the blue. We couldn’t find a reason why we made that big move, until now (Hebrews 11:8).
In August 2007, I was diagnosed with Testicular cancer, a month after we moved and I underwent Orchidectomy (removal of testis). My family was shattered with the news of this deadly disease. Why were we moved this to land? Why this suffering the week after we moved? Questions with no clear answers stared at our face. Regardless, I began to run after life to make it secure for the family. We didn’t have the strength to reveal the matter to our parents then. Days became weeks, week became months, the fear of cancer, and the fear of a relapse was always on the back the mind. I lost peace. I started hiding my fears from my wife. I was all alone...
After one year, the cancer relapsed to the lymph nodes and I was asked to undergo chemotherapy. That was the time when I met our church Priest, Boby Philip and a friend Jacob George. Jacob visited me during the first week of my chemotherapy and took my Holy Bible and told me to hold on to it firmly and read daily. I started reading the Bible. It was big relief for me, a new beginning. The Word of God filled me with peace that passed all human understanding (Philippians 4:7). Jacob led me to the scripture, Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My life during chemo was pure turmoil. But I found my companion in Jesus. He showed me the way, the truth, the life. I was becoming closer and closer to Him each day. I was in emergency isolation in hospital with the severe dose of chemo, but “thy rod and thy staff comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4). He was my comfort.
Towards the end of chemo by December 2008, I was so weak and was vomiting badly. I prayed to my Lord to give me the strength to attend the Holy Communion on December 25th of 2008. I had never missed the mass since my childhood. On Dec 23rd, I stopped taking the nausea medicine; I was regaining the strength. It was a miracle! On the 25th of December at 5AM, I drove the car all by myself and attended the Holy Communion! “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? In Presence of all His people, I will take the cup of Salvation, I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Psalms 116). On December 31st of 2008, I gave my first testimony of His Grace and His blessing.
The chemotherapy was a great success and the 5 cm mass shrunk to 1 cm. The doctor was confident the same to be a dead scar after the chemo. But they wanted it to be removed. The surgery was scheduled on June 3rd. During these 5 months, I was getting closer to Jesus and asked Him why I am being tested in my life. I found my answer in Romans 9:17 - “Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.” God will never “teach” anyone by giving him or her a sickness. He loves us so much that He died for us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). But God can take glory by delivering me from my sickness (John 11:4) and use me as His effective channel.
During the recent CT scan, the doctors noticed that the mass has aligned to the centre and updated me before the surgery, about the risk of losing my blood when moving the blood vessels to reach the cancerous mass, which was near my spine. This was the new risk on top of the regular risk associated with the surgery. They made extra arrangements for this blood loss and transfusion.
I underwent the lymph node dissection surgery on June 3rd of 2009. After the surgery, the doctor was really happy that they could reach the spine (with their hands) and not lose the blood vessels. These blood vessels turned to their side and made its way to the bottom, just like the divided Red Sea through which Moses and his people of Israel passed after leaving Egypt. Jesus was leading in the front through the surgery. Matthew 19:26 – “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
After the surgery I was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After a successful procedure, now it was a testing phase at the ICU. On the first night, I suddenly woke up and saw my image on the TV on the ceiling. It was blurred. The lights were switched off; I could see doctors a little far away in the room in discussion. I was getting uneasy every other minute. While I was looking at the blurred image on the TV, the pain was aggravating. I started commanding: “By His Stripes, I AM healed, in the Name of Jesus”, I was shouting as the pain aggravated. Suddenly the doctors arrived. “Why are you murmuring sir?” and they woke me up. I couldn’t imagine I was asleep. I saw my image on the TV, it was alright. They switched on the light. They were surprised that my epidural (pain medicine) stopped working through the IV (drip through the vein). There seemed to be some air bubble blocking the epidural to reach my body. The block was on the equipment and not on the tube, which was surprising. My temperature shot up to 39.9 and they were running around to get everything in control. In two hours, my temperature became normal and the malfunction was rectified.
The second night at around same time, I started getting the pain. I called the doctor. The Epidural pain management was not getting distributed on all the areas of my abdomen. As a result of this, there was pain and the doctor did not know why it was happening. Finally they found out that the epidural cord which was fixed on my spine, needed to be replaced. They do not have an option but to start over the procedure to insert a new cord. At 2AM they started the procedure. They made me sit on the bed and had me bent forward. The doctor started working on my spine to get the cord right. It took them 2 hours to get it corrected. Due to the 12” incision, sitting in that position was painful. The doctor keeps checking with me regarding my comfort level. I was just smiling. I knew that if the Good Lord had taken care of me during the 6-hour surgery and that these things were minor. The major works were already supervised by Jesus. These were just tricks of Satan, he could only do these silly pain-generating tricks. Why should I be worried? So I wasn’t.
The next day, the doctor informed me that I have pneumonia. The plan was to have me observed for 4 days in ICU and then 10 days in the ward. But miraculously, I moved to the ward on the Day 2 of the surgery. I was transferred to a beautiful room where I could see a church from my bed. It was calm and I was happy to be in this state. Most importantly, I had plenty of time to read my Bible. There was absolutely no tension; I did not have to run around for earthly things, I could be myself with my Heavenly Father. During this time, I had a lot of God-loving friends visiting me, praying and praising the Lord for His Grace. The doctor never came back on the latest finding on pneumonia. It was cast down in the Name of Jesus. By God’s grace, I was recovering fast; I was able to walk from Day 4. Praise the Lord, on Day 7, I was back home! I was not having any pain. The wound healed in 3 days and I could walk from day 4! The biopsy result was out and the doctor confirmed that the residue mass was in fact a dead scar and it was not cancerous. By His Grace, I am cancer free. Jesus saved my family, my wife and my son. My Jesus touched me. I prayed, I believed I felt and then I experienced my healing! (Mark 11: 24).
Now I know the truth; the truth why we moved into this land. Through this ordeal, I set my trust in Jesus. All my life, I knew about Jesus, but I did not personally know Him. Now I have experientially known the truth that our Jesus will never leave nor forsake us, no matter how severe the circumstances around us are. Now I have experienced the truth that healing is the divine birthright of a child of God - My Jesus bore the stripes on His back for our healing (1 Peter 2:24). His plan is to give us Hope and Future.
God Bless!!
===============
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Root Cause Of Your Problem Is Condemnation
Messages on YouTube by Joseph Prince
1. The Root Cause Of Your Problem Is Condemnation
2. Grace Flows In Worry-Free Areas Of Your Life
Book: Destined to Reign
1. The Root Cause Of Your Problem Is Condemnation
2. Grace Flows In Worry-Free Areas Of Your Life
Book: Destined to Reign
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:1-2
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Still Standing
LYRICS:
Verse One: You gave me courage to believe that all your goodness I will see and if it had not been for you standing on my side where would I be
Chorus: If not for your goodness if not for your grace I don't know where I would be today if not for your kindness I never could say I'm still standing if not for your mercy if not for your love I most likely would have given up if not for your favor I never could say I'm still standing but by the grace of God
Verse Two: To you I lift my offering and set my heart on higher things for if it had not been for you standing on my side where would I be
I'm still standing I'm standing I'm still standing but by the grace of God.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Self-Righteousness Or His Righteousness?
Religious people often come to the conclusion that, since they have not done big sins, they are good. And they happily condemn and judge the so-called big sinners. But the call is to seek His righteousness (right-standing with God), not ours.
Let us see how the Scripture views sin:
1. “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.”Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.” - James 2:10-11 NKJV
Some may scoff at this verse, saying that they have neither committed adultery nor murdered anyone. But Jesus said, “You have heard…You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart,” (Matt 5:28). Jesus' definition of adultery is different from ours. And He was making this point to the self-righteous religious crowd who heavily gave weight to the external actions, when sin originates from within.
2. Jesus warned, “Whoever is angry with his brother without cause, is in danger of judgment,” (Matt 5:22). John says, “He who hates his brother is a murderer,” (1 John 3:15). As per the Scripture, hatred in the heart is same as murder. It does not matter how justified we are in our sight.
3. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” - James 4:17
When was the last time we saw a broken down car on the highway and passed by them without offering a helping hand when we know that we should help them?
4. “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” - Romans 14:23
What is my point here?
This is not a post of condemnation for there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. The goal of this post is merely to pop the self-righteous bubble that we sometimes love to walk around in, while judging and condemning others. Not one of us are righteous by our own merits. Our righteousness is as filthy rags. All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
In God’s eyes, there is no big or small sin. Sin is sin, even if it is a “white” lie or a cold-blooded murder. To be perfect in God’s eyes, we have to score 100 out of 100. There is no silver star for 99.999 out of 100. The truth is, not one of us can achieve this with our own effort, no matter how sincere we are in our effort. This is precisely the reason why we needed a Savior. His name is Jesus.
If the perfection that God requires of us to be in His right-standing could be achieved by our good works and by keeping the Law, Jesus did not have to go through the gruesome torture and crucifixion (see Gal 2:21). Since it is humanly impossible to reach God’s righteousness with our effort, Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf and while we were sinners, Christ demonstrated the height of His love for us by paying the penalty for our sins with His own precious and sinless blood.
In the past, people sacrificed animals to temporarily cover their sins, but Jesus' perfect sacrifice on the Cross wiped away the sin - once and for all. We won't be able to experience this awesome grace for us in Christ Jesus, if we think we can earn and keep our salvation by our feeble efforts to keep the law.
Praise God for His gift that we cannot earn with our works. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Eph 2:8-9 NKJV).
We are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. So let us wholeheartedly stand each day in His righteousness. In Him, we are now made righteous.
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