TODAY

"For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 

Roman1:21NASB.

The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, for it is by faith we are saved... but how many refuse to place their trust in the very God Who created them, and Who sent His only begotten  Son, to be the sacrifice for the sin of mankind. 

Many like to call themselves atheists or agnostics refusing to believe in their Creator, despite overwhelming evidence, in every area of God's creation. Some, have adopted  doctrines of demons and foolish philosophies of men, while others and been hoodwinked into serving false gods or believing in a distorted Scripture causing All to deny the Lord Who bought them. 

This rejection of the true and living God, is not only a modern trend, which is evidence  throughout the nation's of our time. This spurning of God and His gracious offer salvation has been evident, in every nation and generation, from the beginning of  creation, and has continued unabated, down  through the corrupt corridors of time.

Men are sinners by nature, making the whole world guilty before the Lord. And although the heavens declare the glory of God and the glittering stars in the firmament of heaven, displayed His powerful handiwork, fallen man has rejected their mighty Creator, and formed their own little gods in their own foolish image. 

Although every man knows, in their intellect, because of the magnificence and intricacies of His creation, and the unparalleled  wonders of His creative handiwork... nevertheless, they refused to acknowledge  Him as their maker.They do not give Him the glory He justly deserves... neither do they offer Him their thanks and praise, for all that He has done for each one of us.

God's condemnation of the pagan world, and His righteous indignation against their foolishness is because the invisible majesty, the eternal power and the glory of God is clearly displayed throughout the creations and yet,despite knowingly the truth,they  suppress it through their wild imaginations, which causes their hearts to become hastened, calluses and unrepentant. This is the sorry of fallen humanity,who in prideful conceit, have chosen to hand themselves over to worldly philosophies, foolish imaginations and futile speculation, instead of acknowledging the true, incorruptible, infinite and living God. How sad, that even though they knew God, they did not honour Him as God, nor did they give Him the Thanksgiving and praise, He deserves... but they became futile in their stupid speculations, and their foolish heart became shrouded in a satanically inspired darkness. 

Paul's description of unregenerate men, in this first chapter of Roman's, not only refers to past, pagan, gentile nation of long ago a and generations of prideful, unbelieving Israel. It is also perfectly describes the arrogant, anti-God agenda of the 21st century, which has become so painfully familiar in this God-hating agenda of the 21st century, which has become  so painfully familiar, in this God-hating, Christ-rejecting, a sinful world. 

Nevertheless, Christ died for each one, and while it is still "Today." There is time for sinners to turn from their wicked ways and to trust in the true and living ways and to trust in the true and living God. There is no who is too far removed from Gods saving money grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us continue to share the good news of the  gospel of grace, with those that are dead in their sins and living under God's  condemnation for who knows, if some may turn from their sinful  ways and trust in Christ for the salvation of their soul?

"BE BLESSED AND IT IS YOUR"

Early one morning years ago an American  serviceman was making his way back to the barracks in London. He saw a little boy with his nose pressed to the window of a bakery, staring in silence. The serviceman's heart went out to the little boy, probably an orphan. "Son, would you like some of those?" "Oh, yeah, I would!"

The serviceman stepped inside and bought a dozen. He took the bag outside to the boy and said, "Here you are." As he turned to walk away, he felt a tug on his coat. He heard the child ask quietly, "Mister, are you God?" When we give, we act as God does. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten  Son..." (John 3:16). As God's people, we should be givers, not only at the Christmas  season, but as a way of life. In his final address to the Ephesian elder, Paul reminds them one more time of his own example when he had been with them. His example of being free from greed and of working to provide for his own needs and even for needs of his co-workers, demonstrated before them how they, too, should shepherd God's flock. More than his own example, though, Paul told them to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Then Luke records the emotional farewell between Paul and these men who thought that they would never see his face again. Jesus' words here are not contained anywhere else in Scripture. Apparently they were part of the oral tradition handed down from those who had been with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Read John (21:25), mentions, if everything that Jesus did was written, down in details, even the whole world couldn't contain the books. We may wish sometimes that we had more of Jesus' sayings, but what we are given are probably convicting enough for us to work on for a lifetime! That is certainly true of His words here. By our fallen nature, we all are takers, not givers. But by God's sanctifying grace, He wants us all to grow to be givers. As we do, not only will others be blessed, but so will we! But, why are giver more blessed than those who receive? I remember as a boy when my mother would quote this verse to me at Christmas time, thinking, "well, then I'll let someone else get blessed by giving to me" I wanted to be on the receiving end Our text explicitly reveals three reason is implicit in Jesus' statement and taught explicitly in other Scriptures:

Givers are blessed because they are freed from greed, they are being conformed to Jesus, they have enduring relationships with others, and they will reap eternal rewards.

1. Givers are blessed because they are freed the destructive sin of greed (20:33-35a).

Perhaps Paul is contrasting himself with the false teachers that he has just warned them about, wolves who come in to feed on the flock, rather  than to freed the flock, throughout the Bible, false teachers are denounced for being greedy and covetous (Isa56:11; Jer.6:13;8:10; Luke16:14;Tim.6:5 Titus1:11; 2Pet.2:3,14,15; Jude16). But Paul's  example shows us that...

A. ELDERS ARE TO SET TGE EXAMPLE  OF BEING FREE FROM GREED.

As Paul himself argued 

(1Cor.9:1-18;1Tim.5:17-18). Those who labour in the gospel are worthy of being supported by the gospel. But there is a huge difference between a man being supported by the Gospel and a man who is in the ministry to get rich by taking advantage  of others. One requirement for elders is that they be "free from the love of money" 

(1 Tim.3:3). Both elders and deacons must not be "fond of sordid gain" (Titus1:7;Pet.5:2; 1Tim3:8).

If a man is trying to fleece the flock, it erodes trust and undercuts the basis for any lasting  spiritual ministry. 

Read the prophet (Micah 3:11). Denounced Jerusalem's leaders that pronounced judgement for a bribe, her priests that instructed for a price, and her prophets that divine money. In the world, giving counsel for a hefty fee is standard practice. unfortunately, the Christian world has imitated the secular world in this. But the Lord's servants should offer counsel or other ministry freely, trusting God that if the people are ministered unto, they will reciprocate by helping to meet the needs of the one who has  ministered to them. There is nothing wrong with charging for a product, such as a book or CD, where there are obvious costs in production and marketing. But even there is, the focus of many Christians seems to be on making huge profits, not on ministry to the Lord's  people. 

B. GREED IS A SIN THAT DESTROYS THE GREEDY PERSON.

The Bible ranks greed or covetousness alongside immortality and idolatry, warning that "because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience" (Eph.5:5-6; Col.3:5-6; see also Mark 7:21-23; Cor.5:10). Paul said that those who desire  to get rich get shared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction (1Tim.6:9).

C. THE SOLUTION TO OVERCOME GREED IS TO WORK TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR OWN NEEDS AND TO GIVE TO PROVIDE FOR THE LEGITIMATE NEEDS OF OTHERS. 

In Ephesians 4:28, Paul wrote, "He who steal must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need." When he was in Ephesus, Paul has been an example both of hard work and generosity. He had made tents to meet his own needs, and from any surplus, he had helped support the men who worked with him in the gospel. Apparently he also had enough funds to help some in the church who were needy (20:35a).

Paul's  example affirms the dignity of work, including physical labor. Some are like Maynard G. Krebs in the old Dobie Gillis TV show. Everytime the word "Work" was spoken, Maynard would jump backwards  and shriek as if he had been contam6by the plague, "Work!" Some think that work is a part  of the curse. But Adam had work to do before the curse  and we will have work to do throughout eternity. The curse is the thorns and thistles that interfere with productive  labor, not the labor itself.

All Christian men, except  those who are physically  or mentally incapable,  are responsible to work in order to provide  for their families' and their own needs. Women are primarily to be workers at home.

(Titus 2:5). Not to provide for one's family is to deny the faith and be worse than an unbeliever (1Tim.5:8). A fairly strong  warning! Paul says that if a man will not work, the church should not feed him. (2Thess.3:10). But this pandemic time all is excused.

THE LORD OUR PROTECTOR

As i continue to seek this pandemic story reached to the point that i was just victim fighting alone. But i will share some of this idea they leave a clue that i had notice. The sharing of room is dangerous. The pattern of how they cover the exhaust airflow of air out the ceiling determine that something is going on went you sleep at room. You never know. It is like a cat and mouse strategy. if you are sharing a room or one room. You must check the ceiling the airflow should not be cover anything it should be open. Because there is anomaly in this situation. The company knows about there product. But your neighbor room you never know who they are, that it is part of the scheme. What (2 Corinthian 10:4-5) i give Thank and glory to our God, Jesus Christ and also to my belove brother hener for the prayer it keep me strong. If you believe in Jesus call now for your prayer protection. And submit to him and resist the devil. Goodnews bible. The weapons we use in our fight are not the world's weapon but God's powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds we destroy false arguments; we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ. Then this (Psalm 4:7-8). In this verse the Lord show me a revelation, "But the joy that you have given me is more than they will ever have with all their grain and wine. "when I lie down, I go to sleep in peace: you alone, O Lord keep me peefectly safe. (Isaiah 41:10) 

" Do not be afraid- I am with you! I am your God- let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you I will protect you and save you. But you must resist the devil. (James 4:7).So then, submit yourselves to God Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Continue praying and it will over come your situation. Read (Roman15:13) "May God, the source of hope. Fill you with joy and peace by means of your faith in him. So that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Read The whole Armor of God. (Ephesian 6:10-18)

Read (psalm 121: 7-8) (Psalm 91). I suffered 6 night without sleep thinking it was just normal situation that i can overcome in my human thinking! That on the third day i feel un easy bad feeling! That i had to fight back do something that will stop what they are doing? Third night i call bro hener for prayer he told me everything that all what he experience is the same feeling what is happening to him and it happen to me also to God be the glory! Finally, i build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. In this pandemic time you must have a savior to be save. The deliverance of your soul. It was Psalm 4: 7-8 the Holy Spirit give the revelation of who they are.. They will never give an inch until you become a victim of today's that is happening now. You must have this double edge sword. Which is the Word of God. This virus didnt start outside the open earth, this started who you are sharing with? I mean rented room. They are god of themselves, look the character of this individual this type of group of people you will encountered. They embrace the wrong side of belief. I read and research how the South korean manage to take control. Its just private but effective approach. I write this for my personal experience that i personally encountered. That why i claim that i am a child of God and sleep like a baby i mediate His Word in Psalm 121: 7-8 coming in and out now and forever. In the 7days they move out and when to 4th Floor. Thank you Lord that my prayer is answered the right word is confusion send it back to their camp. In Roman 15:13 there is hope in the Lord.  Then, the flat holder told its time to pay the rent i give it. The he said don't worry they will leave, then i said ok! They are lifting some item start moving, but i found out that they still here Oh my God! This is it they want something must happen and they want to finish the battle in the air this is more tense. Praise God we have online cell every tuesday. The Lord said i will keep you strong coming in and out. Psalm (121:4-5).  On the early 2:00 Am June 22, 2020 the Holy Spirit told me to prayed and declare the His word; then 7:00 Am same day the enemy scattered and they moved out. Praised the lord. On that day I sleep 7hrs. Now the house is free. This pandemic is human conspiracy, witchcraft. In the old days.. this is well organized but are red.

GOD USING US VERSUS US USING GOD (ACT 19 10-20)

As you are no doubt aware, many evangelicals claim that we should be experiencing the kinds of signs and wonders that we Read about in our text. Since the early 20th century, the Pentecostal made such claims, but many took them seriously. But in the late 1970's John Wimber and the Vineyard churches that he spawned began claiming that miracles should be the ordinary experience of the church. Jesus said that His followers would do greater works than He Himself did (John 14:12). Winber asserted that the main reason that we do not see such works of power is about our sceptical western mindset. Along with Peter Wagner and Charles Kraft, in 1982 wimber began teaching a course at fuller Seminary. MC510, popularly called "sign and wonder." Hundreds of students took the course, which ran until 1986, when the seminary halted the class and appointed a task force to evaluate the material from biblical, theoretical, scientific, and pastoral  perspectives (published as Ministry and the Miraculous, edited by Lewis Smedes [ Fuller Seminary], 1987), winber did not believe that miracles will take place every time we pray, but he did reach that they are the necessary manifestations of the kingdom's presence and advance. If we are not doing miracles along with our preaching, we are not preaching the gospels as we should, according to Winber .

The hope of miraculous healing attract many people go church that claim to see such miracles happening, because there are many who are afflicted with serious, incurable  illnesses. We have many in our church suffering from such diseases. I often pray for them, and I would rejoice if God miraculously healed them. sometimes God does heal miraculously, and we should pray for it. If it is His will if that anyone in town, or even in the United States, had the God-given gift of healing. It would either try to bring him here or urge those who are sick to go wherever he was, do that they might be healed. 

Luke notes that these miracle in Ephesus were extraordinary, even for the apostle Paul (19:11). They seem to parallel the extraordinary miracles that Peter performed  for a brief period in his ministry (5:15-+6). It is significant that apart from Stephen and Philip, who worked closely under the apostles. There are no miracles recorded as performed by anyone other than the apostles and, it seems that all who were brought to them were healed (5:16). The purpose of 

 apostolic miracle (according to Heb. 2:3-4), was to confirm the message of salvation  that Jesus and the apostles proclaimed. In fact, throughout the entire Bible , miracles are not uniformly sprinkled as every day  occurrences. Rather they are cluster at key moments, such as the exodus, where God was working on behalf of His people. Those who lived after are often reminded of these former miracles to call them back to God.

In out text, Paul's extraordinary miracles in Ephesus are contrasted with the attempts of some inept Jewish exorcist to duplicate the miracles. No doubts the early church often chuckled as it retold the story of these seven men running wounded and naked from the house after the demonic man overpowered  them. By drawing this contrast, Luke wants us all to learn a vital lesson that many "Faith healers" and their follower need to learn:

We should allow God to use us according to His will for His glory, but we should not try to use Him for our own purpose.

That summaries the main difference  between Paul and these Jewish exorcists. Paul was allowing God to use him according to God's will and for God's glory. But these spiritual charlatans were trying to use God for their own financial profit, and those who hired the exorcist were trying to use God's  power for their own purpose. Rather, they wanted to use God as an Aladdin's Genie, and then put Him back on the shelf until they needed His services again.

Even so, many even many in the evangelical  church attempt to use God for health or wealth or whatever other favors they desire. When He doesn't  perform according to their expectation, they quickly  look elsewhere for  answers. But in their search for answers to their problems, Jesus Christ is not their Lord. They are their own lordships, as seen by their quickly turning to the world when Jesus doesn't  seem to work as they had hoped.

1. We should not try to use God for own purposes. 

The issue here is not whether or not Hod will bless those  who come to Hin in faith for salvation. The Bibles shows that God delights to pour out His blessing to us with every spiritual  blessing in the  heavenly places in Christ" (Eph.1:3). When we come to Christ,  He Grant's us "everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Pet.1:3). Clearly, we receive all the riches of Christ when we come to Him for salvation.

Rather, focusing  on the issue of "Who is Lord?" And on the issue of repentance from our sins. If we come to God use Him to see if He works, them we are still the lords of our lives, and we have not turned from our many sins. If God works, then we'll use Him wherever we need Him, but we determined  when and where that will be. Do we need a new job or a raise in our current job? Name it and claim it by faith, and it's yours! Do you need healing from a disease? Command and  put in remembrance our God  and He must obey your word of faith! This is what many in the Dord of Faith movement are teaching! For example, a prominent Word-Faith teacher has blatantly said.

Now this is a real shocker, but God has to be given permission to work in this earth realm  on behalf of man. Yes, you are in control! So if man has control, who no longer has it? God. When Hod gave Adam dominion,  that meant God no longer had dominions, so God cannot do anything in this earth unless we let Him. And the way we let Him or give Him permission  is through prayer. (Fred Price, quoted by Christianity  in Crisis Study Guude, 40: in The signs and wonder Movement-Exposed [ Day one Publication], ed. By Peter Glover, p.33).

That kind of heresy makes man the lord and God man's servant. But the God of the Bible is the Sovereign  Lord, who "does according  to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth: and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'" (Dan.4:35). These Jewish exorcist  reveal the three wrong ways that we all are prone to use God for our own purpose:

A. WE ATTEMPT  TO USE GOD WHEN WE USE SPIRITUAL  POWER FOR FINANCIAL GAIN. 

These false prophets went around from town to town making a living by supposedly  casting  demons out of those who were afflicted. Luke calls their father, Sceva, a Jewish chief priest (19:14). But since there is no record of any Jewish chief priest by the name, either he was a member of a high priestly family, or, more likely, he took the title for himself to impress his clientele. These men had a bag full of magic spells, rituals, incantation,  oaths, and the like. They would try to gain power over the evil spirit by invoking the name of a more powerful spirit being. So when they heard about Paul's success using the name of Jesus, theyadded it to their repertoire. But they found out that if was kind of like using a hand grenade without knowing how it works. It went off in their faces and they were doing it for financial gain. The Bible says that elders who rule well should be paid for their labours, especially those who work hard at Preaching and teaching (1 Tim.5:17-18). Those who ho out as evangelist  or missionaries  have a right to be supported in their labours (1cor.9:3-18; 3John 7-8). But that is far different from those, like the prominent TV "evangelist" and "faith healers" of our day, who make a fortune  peddling their spiritual wares on unsuspecting ppeople.I Read some of them send their appeals for funds to arrive at the same time that elderly people's Social Security  checks arrive! They often travel first class, insist on staying in five-star hotels, and demand large sums of money to home for their crusades (sign and Wonders Movement exposed p.22). Theylive in personal  luxury and promise their poor audiences that they, too  can live in luxury  if they will just have the faith and, of course, give generously to their ministries! They are feeding themselves at the expense of the flock (Ezek.34:2). They are serving mammon, not God!

B. WE ATTEMPT TO USE GOD WHEN WE MANIPULATE  THE SCRIPTURES ACCORDING TO WHAT "WORKS"

These exorcists were not submitting  their lives to God's  Word. In fact  they were in direct disobedience  to the Word, which condemned false prophets who purported  to speak in God's  name when He had not sent them Ezek13:6). But clearly, they were in the business of using whatever worked. If one spell or incarnation didn't work, they would try another one. If Paul was having success using this name of Jesus, they would try it out. And, although the attempt to use the name of Jesus didn't  seem to work for them this time, they must have stayed in business. Either through satanic power or the power of suggestion or hypnosis, they saw enough results to stay in business. But they didn't  live in submission to God's Word. But whenever we use what works without regard  for the truth of scripture, we've fallen into pragmatism. As John MacArthur (Ashamed of the Gospel [Cgosswsy Books]) and others have do capably shown, pragmatism  has flooded into American evangelical church. We use marketing techniques to draw the crowds to our churches. We tone down the difficulty parts of the Gospel and emphasize the feel good parts so that we don't  scare off potential  CONVERTS.we avoid difficult doctrines and give shorter messages that focus on how people want to hear.we use psychological counselling and 12 step Groups instead of submission to the lordship of Christ to help people cope with life's  problems, because these  techniques seem to work. Pastors flock to conference  that share the latest methods that are proven to build your church.These Jewish exorcists  probably could have landed a job on the staff of many thriving evangelical churches in our day!

C. WE ATTEMPT TO USE GOD WHEN WE DABBLE  IN THE OCCULT 

These exorcists were directly involved in the occult. They were trying to manipulate demons by demonic power for their own or others' advantage. But they ended up getting hurt (literally), because they were playing with powers greater than they realized. Many Christian and even some Christian leader  today DABBLE in the occult,  sometimes without realizing what they are doing. Techniques  of using visualization as a means of healing or financial  success are an occult  practice (Dave Hunt & T.A Mc Mahon. The Seduction of Christianity [Harvest House], pp.123-169). Many of the "Word-Faith" teachers are really promoting  the occult when they tell you to visualise  and speak into existence whatever you want, assuring you that God will do what you speak in faith. Astrology, fortune teller, ouija boards, and tarot card are directly  demonic, and yet many Christian's think of them as innocent games. Rather than attempting to use God for our own purposes, as these Jewish exorcists did, we should follow the example of Paul.

2. We should allow God to use us according to  His will God His glory

Paul was not building a following for Paul; he was pointing people to Jesus Christ. We read that "the name of the Lord Jesus [not Paul's] was being magnified" (19:17). "The word of the Lord [not Paul's techniques for healing] was growing mightily and prevailing "(19:20). Paul was willing to live or die, as long as now, as always, Christ would be exalted in his body (Phil.1:21). In Paul's experience in Ephesus and in the lives of those who responded  to the Gospel  there we see four aspects of those whom God uses for His glory.

"THE KINGDOM IS YOUR"

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:3

THE BIBLE PRESENTS MANY PARADOXES THAT CHALLENGE OUR HUMAN WAY OF THINKING. We think of the poor as possessing very little, yet Jesus said the riches of heaven belong to the poor in spirit. Self-reliance robs us of God's good gifts. Jesus insisted that in order to follow Him, we will never place our trust in Him. As we acknowledge the poverty of our soul, we realized how desperately  we need a Savior. Jesus declared "Repent" For the kingdom of heaven is near" ( Matt.4:17). God has so much to give the one who recognizes  his need and will call upon Jesus!

Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. He had just encountered the rich ruler who valued his possessions so much that he could not give them up to follow Jesus (Luke18:18-24). Jesus later encountered Zaccheus, a wealthy,  notorious sinner (Luke19:1-10). Despise  Zaccheus's material wealth, he recognized  his spiritual  poverty and found salvation. Jesus taught the disciples that the true wealth is found in a relationship with God. Those who realized their inherent  spiritual poverty  apart from God will trust in Him, and He will enrich their lives immeasurably. Do not allow your resources, wisdom, talent, or abilities to prevent you from trysting6 the Person who can bring you abundant life.

"NOT THIS WAY"

From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.

James 3:10(NASB)

WE ARE REQUiRED BY GOD TO CONDUCT OUR LIVES WITH GODLY WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING... but the most unruly evil, which is incapable of being subdued by self-effort or rigorous training is the taming of the tongue.

This little organ can produce the most beautiful blessing which give glory to God while at the same time can pour forth the most un-sanctified filth and blasphemy,  which discredit His holy name and these things ought not to be.

The same mouth should not pour forth both sweet and bitter water...and this is not only an admonition for the few but a warning that is applicable in the life of all believers. An important key to Godly speech is fight thinking Godly words that reflect a biblical perspective are rooted in a mind that is stayed in Christ Gracious thoughts and purity of heart is a manifestation of the fruit of the spirit in a life that is governed by God and walking in spirit and truth.

Humility, grace, peace and love are the precious spiritual fruit that should be evidently in the life of all God's children.. who have gained wisdom and has been given Godly understanding and the Lord Jesus Himself was the embodiment of all holy wisdom...and the personification of godly humility. The Lord Jrsus was the one Who throughout His earthly life demonstrated how  all humanity was originally designed to live and He remains the perfect example of a Man with Godly wisdom and gracious understanding for He was meek and lowly of heart and and in Him we found rest for our soul. As children of God we are called to live as Christ lived of God we are called to live as Christ lived. We are instructed to live circumspect lives that glorify our Father in heaven-and so we are asked: are there any among you who are wise and have Godly understanding? Let him demonstrate it by his good behaviour and his gracious conduct-in all gentleness and grace...to the glory of God.

If we are to live sorrow of life that God intends, where good behaviour and godly deeds reflect the gentleness and wisdom of God.. tge old self must remain nailed to the cross so that the life of Christ may live in and through us.. to His praise and glory.

"KEEPING THE LOVE ALIVE"

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations  of those who love him and keep his commands."

Deuteronomy 7:9

The sun is shining brightly with no cloud in the sky. The birds are chirping. No disagreements hanging over your head. No pressures. All bills is paid. Nothing but clear sailing. Little wonder you find yourself saying out loud, "Lord, this is great. You are wonderful!

True, we get excited about God when circumstances are delightful, when the weather invigorated us, bills are paid, the medical check-up goes fine, and nobody is holding anything over our heads. When things are good, God is good. If things are bad, then God is off in Tasmania taking care of the little devils, or in the south China sea setting the stage for Armageddon. 

We are so prone to let our circumstances whether good or bad dictates our lives  and views of God. But time again the Bible tells us that God is faithful. He is not just a faithful God but the faithful God. He is the same steadfast  and good Father yesterday,  today, and forever. Scripture alone should be our frame of reference for who the Lord really is, for circumstances do not a good theology make. Remember this, next time you are quick to tell God how wonderful He is on a golden morning or a peaceful fireside  evening. Whether the day is grand or gloomy, every day is a great day to give praise to God.

GOD WILL PROVIDES

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin

Roman 14:23

The writer of Hebrew reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.11:6). Whatever God reveals something, He expects to believe Him and adjust our lives accordingly. What does this mean? It means we trust Him implicitly for all of our needs because He say He will provide. (Phil.4:19).

Faithfulness is a rare commodity. All of us have had the experience of trusting in someone who has let us down, and we got hurt. Because of that, one of the most encouraging promises in the Bible is, "God is faithful" (1Cor.10:13). People may let you down, but God is always faithful. Once you f course, there are times when it seems as if even God has let us down. We all need to learn to deal with those times of disappointment with God. The problem is always on our end, never on His end! Today I want to focus on our Lord's faithfulness to us, especially in times of difficulty. God's faithfulness does not mean that He exempts us from trials, but rather that He sustains us through them.

1. God's servants all go through difficult times.

Sometimes we put some of the heroes in the Bibles on too high a pedestal. We wrongly imagined that they must not have to struggled with the things we struggled with. If I had to pick words to describe the apostle  Paul, I would say, "bold," "fearless," "courageous," and "determined," "distressed," or "weak," And yet when Paul describes how he felt during his early days in corinth, he uses "distress" (1Thess.3:7), "weakness," "fear," and "much trembling" (1Cor.2:3). Even though he was a giant in faith, Paul struggled with the same emotions that we all struggle with. Why was Paul feeling weak and fearful when he was in Corinth? Let's trace some of the events leading up to his visit there.You will recall that when he was in Asia Minor, he wanted to go into the province of Asia, but the Holy Spirit forbid him. Then he sought to go into Bithynia, but again, "the spirit of Jesus did not permit him" (16:6,7). Then, in the midst of these puzzling hindrances, he got the vision of the Macedonian man, and so they concluded that the Lord was calling them to go there. But things had not gone smoothly. In Philippi Paul and Silas were falsely accused, unjustly beaten, and thrown into the stocks in jail. From there they went to Thessalonica, but after a short time there, the Jews raised an uproar and they had to flee to Berea. The same thing happened there and Paul had to flee to Athens. In Athens, Paul met with ridicule and scant response, which may have been more difficult than open opposition.  And so he left there and traveled alone the fifty miles Corinth. Corinth was situated on an isthmus in southern Greece that made it a prosperous commercial  crossroads. In Paul's day, there were about 200,000 residents from all over the Roman Empire. It housed the Temple of Aphrodite, goddess of love, which had 1,000 prostitutes that plied their trade under the banner of "religion." There were also Male prostitutes and other pagan shrines. The city was so notorious for its immortality, that in the fifth  century B.C, the Greeks coined a verb, "to Corinthianize," that mean to commit sexual immortality. Meanwhile, Paul had run out of money and so he had to find work. Being trained as a tent maker, he found a Jewish tentmaker named Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, and stayed with them and began to work. This was the first time in his missionary journeys that he had to work at his trade to support himself. We don't know whether Aquila and Priscilla had become Christians during their stay in Rome or whether Paul led them to Christ. 

Every Sabbath Paul went to the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews and God-fearing Greeks, trying persuade them that Jesus is the Christ, but it was clear that opposition  was building (18:4). Meanwhile, he was anxious about the well-being of the new believers in Thessalonica (1Thess.3:1-8).

Physically, Paul may not have fully recovered from the beating that he had received in Philippi. So the spiritual concerns and discouragement about his ministry, the constant opposition, loneliness, physical pain and weariness, and the lack of funds, were weighting on Paul.

A ray of light broke in Silas and Timothy arrived. They brought good news about the strengths of the churches in Macedonian. They also brought a generous gift from the church in Philippi (Phil.4:10-14; 2 Cor.11:9). That enabled Paul once again to devote himself completely to the ministry of the Word (Acts18:5). But, no sooner had he begun to do so than the Jews fiercely  opposed him. Paul took the dramatic action of shaking out his coat against them and pronouncing, "Your blood be upon your own heads! I am clean. From now on I shall go to the Gentiles" (18:6).

The Lord opened an opportunity for Paul to continue ministering next door to the synagogue in the home of Titus Justus, a new Gentiles  believer, Paul was no doubt encouraged by the conversion of Crispus, the leader of the synagogue. And, many of the Corinthians also were believing and being baptized (18:7-8). But there was also nagging fear that made Paul's insides churn. He could clearly see the pattern: He preached to the Jews and saw some initial response. The Jews who didn't response grew jealous  and stirred up opposition. The Paul had to flee for his life. So now, he saw some initial  response from the synagogue leader and from others in town, Paul may have been on the verge of leaving Corinth before he got forced out. He was afraid and discouraged. And if none other can be assured that all of God's servants go through similar times of difficulty!

2. God is faithful toward His servants.

There are at least five ways that God showed His faithfulness to Paul at this time, and that He unfaithful towards us:

A. GOD IS FAITHFUL TO RAISE UP GODLY CO-WORKERS (18:1-4).

We don't know how Paul met Aquila and Priscilla. Maybe he was answering a help wanted ad! But God used the anti-Semitic edict of the Roman emperor to force this couple to move to Corinth. Paul's lack of funds put him in the job market. And so Godprovidentially brought these three together. They later went with Paul to Ephesus, where they hosted a church in their home (1Cor.16:19). Eventually they returned to Rome, where they hosted a church. Paul says that they risked their lives for his sake, and that they were appreciated by all of the Gentile churches (Rom.16:3'5). In one of the last verses that Paul wrote before he was executed, he sent greetings to this couple, who had his lifelong friends (2Tim.4:19).

Paul also was encouraged when Silas and Timothy rejoined him in Corinth  (Acts 18:5). They brought an encouraging word about Paul's new Christian friends in Thessalonica and Philippi. All of these dear saints were co-workers with Paul in the cause of Christ. (Phi.1:5,7,27; 4:3;1Thess.1:8).

When we are saved, the Holy Spirit baptized us into the body of Christ. We become members of one another, under Jesus Christ our living Head. God did not design us to go it alone. We desperately need each other, even though sometimes we needle each others! All ministry should be team ministry, where we complement one another, pray for one another, and bear one another's burdens. It is a great encouragement to the pastoral staff here when we see the Lord's people labouring together with us for His cause!

B. GOD IS FAITHFUL TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE WORK (18:5).

Paul did not advertise his needs for personal support. He would make known others' needs (2Cor.8:9). But when he ran out of personal funds, he would just start making tents until the Lord provided support.

While I do not think that it is wrong for Christian workers to make their needs known, all of us must live by faith in the area of finances. I do not just mean "all of us who are in full time ministry," but, "all of us"!  I believe that every Christian should be giving enough to the Lord's work that you are forced to trust God to provide some things that otherwise  you could probably just go out and buy. It is a great joy when you live that way and when God provides what you've  been praying for!

By faith that the church will have piece of land to worship the Lord this is all our prayer. As i said whether to share these needs, but then I realized that if I'm the only one praying, I will be the only one blessed when God provides. Since I want you to get blessed, I want you all to bring these needs to the Lord in prayer. He doesn't always answer in the way that we conceive. He may provide in some others ways. But I don't want to get to heaven and hear the Lord say, "Why didn't  you ask Me? I would have provided if you had only asked! Let's all ask!

C. GOD IS FAUTHFUL TO BRING CONVERTS, EVEN IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION(18:6-8).

Even though Paul faced strong opposition,  Bod graciously brought several to salvation, including the man living next door to the synagogue and the synagogue leader and his family. Many Gentiles from corrupt backgrounds also hid saved (18:7-8). Paul list former fornicator, isolates, adulterers, effeminates, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and swindler as making up the church in Corinth (1Cor.6:9-11). Where sin abounded, God's grace super-abounded (Rom.5:20). I hope that you pray often for God to use this church and to use you to lead people to saving faith in Jesus Christ. If we are not reaching out to the lost, we have forgotten our mission. If, like Paul at this time in his life, you're struggling with discouragement, nothing will encouraged you more than to see someone you witness  to get saved. If God was mighty to save the corrupt Corinthians, He can save anyone.

D. GOD IS FAITHFUL TO CONFIRM HIS PRESENCE, HIS PROTECTION, AND HIS PURPOSE (18:9-11).

Just when Paul needed it, the Lord appeared to him in a vision and encouraged him: "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city" (18:9-10). This is one of six visions that Paul received in Acts (9:12;16:9-10;22:17-21; 23:11; 27:23-24).

All at critical moments in his ministry. This was not just a strong impression, but rather, Paulactually saw Jesus Christ and heard Him speak audibly. Does God still do that today? I won't say that He never does, but I would say that it is probably much more infrequent  than some of our church brethren think. God more usually means is to use His Word and His Spirit to give us the confirmation that we need. He confirmed three things for Paul. 

1. THE LORD CONFIRMED HIS PRESENCE 

* "I AM WITH YOU. When He gave the great commission, Jesus promised, "I will be with you.

2. THE LORD CONFIRMED HIS PROTECTION 

* NO MAN WILL ATTACK YOU IN ORDER TO HARM YOU.

3. THE LORD CONFIRMED HIS PURPOSE 

* FOR I HAVE MANY PEOPLE IN THIS CITY." God is referring to His elect, Chosen before the foundation of the world in Jesus Chtist.

I know God can provide for my needs but I think I should do everything I can, just in case." God calls this faithlessness. Faithlessness is sin. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him" 

FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD

A four-year old boy was outdoors when a bee starting buzzing around a table nearby. He became very upset, and his mother tried to calm him. "Nathan, that bee is more afraid of you than you are. Beside, if that bee stings you, his stinger will fall out and he will die."

Nathan considered this for a moment and then asked, "Does the bee know that?"

Sometimes we get stunt in life because we don't stop to ask the important that we fail to consider the real urgent and important  matters. In our text, the Philippians jailer asks Paul and Silas the most important and urgent questions that anyone can possibly ask: "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

That may not strike you as a very urgent question. You may think that the most urgent question you can answer is, "How can I get a boyfriend (or girlfriend)?" Or, "How can I get a job?" Or, "How can I communicate with my rebellious teenager?" While these may be important questions, none are nearly as urgent as the question, "What must I do to be saved?

1.The most urgent question in the world is:

How can I be saved?

This was not an academic question for this jailer. He had just been awakened by a power of earthquake. If that's ever happened to you, you know that it's a pretty good adrenaline rush! Then, when he rushed to the prison, he confirmed his worst nightmare the doors were open. He assumed the worst, that all the prisoners had escape. Instant death would be better to him than the torture that the authorities would inflict before they killed him. So he was ready to fall on his sword, when he heard a voice from inside calling, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here!"

He couldn't believe his own ears! Calling for lights, he entered the prison and saw that it was true. Overwhelm with all that had happened, he fell down before Paul and Silas. We don' know what words were exchanged at this point, Probably, as with Peter and Cornelius (10:26), Paul and Silas said, "Stand up; we too are just men." Perhaps then Paul explained that the living God, whom he served, was behind the earthquakes and the prisoners not leaving. These events had made the jailer see that he must come to terms with the God proclaimed by Paul and Silas. He knew that the servant girl had been shouting all over town that these men were bond servant of the most high God and were proclaiming the way of salvation (16:17). So after he brought them out of prison, he asked this urgent question, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

A. IT IS AN URGENT QUESTION BECAUSE APART FROM JESUS CHRIST, ALL ARE LOST. 

"LOST" is a frightening word. I don't know if you're ever been lost, but it can be a harrowing experience. 

B. IT IS AN URGENT QUESTION BECAUSE WE ARE JUST A BREATH  AWAY FROM ETERNITY.

We all just hang on a life by a thread.A few weeks ago, a professional football player suited up and went out his afternoon  workout with the team. Before dinner that evening, he was dead from heatstroke. If you had eaten breakfast with him that day, you would have thought, "'This guy is on top of the world!" He was in great physical condition. He had a wife and child. Millions of young men in this country would have traded places with him in an instant. But he was a corpse the day was over!

We're all so frail, and yet we think that we're invincible, especially when we're young. But we're not! Not one of us is guaranteed of being alive tomorrow morning. Novelist John Grisham said that when he was in law school, he got a call from one of his best friends in college. They got together for lunch, and the friend told Grisham that he had terminal cancer. Grisham was stunned. He asked, "What do you do when you realized that you are about to die?

The friend replied, "Its real simple. You get things right with God, and you spend as much time with those you love as you can. Then you settle up with everybody else." That friend's death at age 25 left a lasting impression on Grisham ( christianity Today [10/384],p.16).

DeWitt Talmage (20 century of great Preaching [word], 5:311) point out that the jailer, this was an immediate question that was demanded an immediate answer:

You can see by my torch the jailor [sis] hold in his hand the startled and anxious look. He had no time to prepare himself in especial apparel, no time to comb his hair, notice to fix himself up. He must have that question answered before the earthquake has stopped rocking, or never perhaps have it answer at all. Is that the way you profound the question of your salvation. Or do you drawl it out as much much as to say: Anytime without fifteen years I would like to have it answer?" Do you know that thousands of souls have been ruined because they did not ask the question  in time? If the door of the lost world could be opened, and ... they could sounding up like the howl of the everlasting storm: "Now"

It is an urgent question because APART from Jesus Christ, all are lost, and because we all are just a breath away from ETERNITY.

C. IT IS AN URGENTQUESTION BECAUSE NOTHING ELSE WILL MATTER WHEN WE STAND BEGORE THE RIGHTEOUS  JUDGE OF THE EARTH. 

Money matters a great deal to most of us, and we spend our lives trying to get enough to live comfortably. But you can pile a fortune as large as that of Bill Gates,  but it won't  get you in the door of heaven. You can work out and had healthy meals to make your body fit, and you might (or might not) extend your life for a few years. But it won't do you a bit of good when you stand before the Righteous Judge. You can devote your life to piling up good deeds, but they all will be consumed in the burning heat of the holy presence of Almighty God. YOU can enjoy the love of a family that cares for you deeply, but even that will not matter when you stand before God. The only thing that will matter on that soon coming day will be, and asked "Are you saved? ARE YOU RECONCILED  TO GOD?

D. IT IS AN URGENT QUESTION  BECAUSE IT MUST BE ANSWERED PERSONALLY. 

Thee jailer asked it personally, "What must I do to be saved? Paul answered as it pertained both to him and to his entire household. If he would believe in Jesus Christ,  he would be saved. The same thing applied to his household. If each of them believed, each one would be saved. Thankfully, we read that each member of his household did believe in Christ that night (16:34), because there is no group plan of salvation. Each of us has sinned; each of us needs to be saved personally. Coming from a Christian home won't do. Attending a Christian church won't cure it. It is incumbent on each person and therefore urgent, to answer this crucial question.

E. IT IS AN URGENT QUESTION WITH A VERY SIMPLE ANSWER. 

Thankfully, even though it is a profound question, it is one for which even young children can understand the answer. Paul didn't say, "You'll need to enrol in the seminary course in advanced theology, and by the end of the semester,  if you study hard, you will discover the answer." He didn't haul out a list of 20 steps, with the promise that if he worked hard at following them, by the end of his life he would be saved. Rather, Paul answered the jailer in a simple sentence, and then, because this was all so new to him, Paul sat down with the entire household and explained things more thoroughly (16:32).

2. The biblical answer to, "How can I be saved?" Is, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved."

That simple answer stands apart from all of the religion in the world. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved." (Act16:31). The results that we see in the jailer and his family simply for things.

A. SALVATION IS GOD'S DOING, NOT OUR DOING.

The verb, "you shall be saved,," is passive, meaning that the subject is acted upon. No one can save himself by any amount of effort  or sincerity. No one can pile up enough good deeds to tip the scale in his favour. Paul didn't  tell the jailer that he would have to keep the Ten commandments and reform his life before he could  be saved. We can't save ourselves. But God will save everyone who believe in the Lord Jesus.

Here are numerous biblical pictures of people who are apart from God show us how impossible it is to save ourselves. 

* We are dead in our sins (Eph.2:1-3)

* we are spiritually blind (2 Cor.4:4).

* we are enslaved to sin , unable to free ourselves unless the Son of God frees us (John 8: 34-36).

We have spiritual leprosy and only Jesus can cleanses us. God alone can save a person from his sins. If salvation depended on us, then the best among us might have some hope of saving themselves, but the worst among us wouldn't  have a chance. But since salvation depends on Jesus Christ, not not on weak man, and since God has sent Son to be the saviour of sinners. Read Roman 13:15

D. TRUE SALVATION ALWAYS RESULTS IN CHANGED LIVES.

If a person claim to believe in Christ as his saviour, but his life is no different,  his claim is suspect. While no one is perfectly sanctified in this life, everyone who has believe  in the Lord Jesus will be different. Salvation is not just a human decision; it is God's work imparting new life and changing our hearts, so that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature (2 Cor.5:17).

We see several changes in the jailer and his household.

First, they were all baptised after they believe (16:33-34). Paul had explained to them that baptism is the outward confession of our faith in Christ. The entire family rejoiced greatly because of their new faith in God.

In This pandemic world? The most urgent question is: HOW CAN I BE SAVED?

THE BIBLICAL ANSWER IS: BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS, AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED. 

What is the most urgent matter in your life you must have at least verse of the of the word of God! (1Peter 4:7 KJV).

OUR TOXIC WORLD

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13

YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN NEWS CLIPS on the evening news of men in white protective gear, looking like astronauts preparing for a moonwalk with breathing apparatus in place, driving to remove some radioactive substance or pollutant that jeopardizes the public. Chances are you've seen the toxic warning signs there black symbol against a bright yellow background.

The word toxic comes from a Latin word toxic that means "poison" it was related to the word that ancient Greeks used for a bow and arrow.Today, there are many toxic substances that the ancient have never seen. The word is applied to far more than chemicals that are sprayed in your environment. The adjective toxic can also be applied to religion, to your thinking, to friendship that have gone bad even to your marriage that is slowly dying.

Far more is polluted today than your water and food. Life has become toxic and when you don't recognize the symptoms and know how to fight the toxicity of our age, you slowly become a victim.

As surprising as it may seem to you the bible has a lot to say about toxicity in our relationship and our faith. Never embracing a "believe whatever you want," or "embrace the God within you," or do the best you can under the circumstances," the Bible gives clear direction about what is to be embraced and what is to be rejected. Reject the toxic. Embrace the pure.

"THE BATTLE HAS BEEN WON"

"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me. Thy Consolation delight my Soul. 

Psalm 94:19

 Anxious thoughts can flood your mind so fast you feel like three white rivers rapid are converging in your head. Thoughts seem to complete with each other for your like movie top billing.

Before one is out the next is screaming, "No, No" this is much more awful than that silly thoughts. Now heres a worst case scenario for you. Soon your muscle are tense your blood pressure is rising your mouth is sit in a grim line, and your eyes are flashing about darkly. 

Whoa be to anyone who happens upon you in this state, especially a child who spills a glass of milk or driver who hesitated as a light turn green. Anxious thoughts ; they multiply faster  than little bannies. 

God has an antidote for anxious thoughts He wants to replace the anxious with his consolation with will delight your soul instead of terrorize it. First this scripture really grabbed me i was in a real stew and i couldn't quite grasp what it was. What consolation was he talking about? I began to think and pray about it and ask him to reveal his consolation.

GOD'S WORD IS HIS CONSOLATION FOR ANXIETY

We can read any line of Scripture and know it isn't just another opinion but is the absolute bottom line truth so when  it says, "I will never desert you, nor will i ever forsake you" 

(Hebrew13:5)

We can take the right to the bank or when we read, "I know the plans that have for you. Declare the Lord, Plan for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and hope" (Jeremiah29:11). We can face an uncertain future with real hope. And what about "Let not your heart be troubled? (John 14:1). We can know it is possible to put away the troubles of the heart; we don't have to accept a destiny of worry or anxiety. 

GOD CHARACTER IS HIS CONSOLATION 

God is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present and all-loving. What does he lack? Nothing who wouldn't want to be best friend with him!? Talk about all inside track. Thinking about the bigness of God causes us to see the smallness of our own troubles. 

GOD'S SACRIFICE IS HIS CONSOLATION 

If we have doubts about God's love for us in light of whatever our current troubles are, we can dispel that with thoughts about his incredible sacrifice on the cross in order to secure the most abundant life for us. "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10). Something that costly must have purchased a mighty big prize. We are His prize. Anxious tboughts should disintegrate as we mediate on His word. Knowing that God has an antidote for anxiety is the first step to our soul's delight and knowing what some of His consolation are His second step. 

The third step is actually putting it into practice I have that in caps because you need to shake yourself a little right now and re-read that line. If you have never tried to discipline your mind before you are in for a real battles, it is a battles that has been won. 

If anxious thoughts have been riding roughshod over your mind for months or year or whole lifetime you will need to build a new road or keep moving... Imagine a one lane of dirt highway with deep ruts where a car has been traveling back and forth for twenty year  that to much. Now you are told to ride that road and not hits those ruts. You are building a new habit, developing new thoughts pattern. You must say "No" to some thoughts which try to enter into your mind. Rebuke it!  In Jesus name. Return to sender "keep out" that not for me. 

SCRIPTURE FOR DECLARATION

"My body is the Temple of th Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed and sanctify by the blood of Jesus. My members, parts of my body are instruments of righteousness, presented to God, for His glory. The devil has no place in me, no power over me no unsettled claim s against me. All has been settled by the blood of Jesus. 

HANDFUL STRESSES

"Again, I considered all travail, and every right work that gor this man is envied of his neighbor's. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. The fool foldeth his hands together, and earth his own flesh.

Better is an handful with quietness than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 4:4-6).

This is an interesting passage about envy. We often compare ourselves to each other, and want what each other has.

Someone has a nice house, someone has a higher salary, someone has a more loving relationship, someone has children  or more children, someone else is in perfect health or just seems happier. And, despite  the fact that some of these things are ours, we want the ones that we don't have, and we let it  grate at us, and make us feel that somehow life is happier or we are getting a raw deal. When we do this , were like a foolish man, eating his own  flesh". . .meaning, destroying  himself from inside with his own envy. I really like this last verse, because it is a good thing to think about is it better to have less and have peace in our heart and our lives than to worry about how much we have and feel robbed all the time? The scripture at yes, and I think we can all agree if we think about it having one handful of stuff and the other full of quietness and peace is better than two handful stuff in your pocket and a double handful of stress to go along with it. Today, let's try not to compare and worry about what we don't have, let's instead enjoy what God provides, and learn some contentment in your soul. (Matthew 11:28,30). Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give  you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you. And learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and I will give you rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy and the load I will put on you is light. The fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 

THE LORD OF THE SABBATH

What is significant about the Pool of Siloam in John 9:7? What is the Pool of Siloam mentioned in the Bible? What do we know about it?

The Pool of Siloam appears in one Place the old testament and two places in the New testament in John 9:7 and 11. The pool is significant because John 9:1-12 tell us about a man who was born blind at birth and was miraculously healed by Jesus Christ at this location. The purpose of the account is to teach us that Jesus is God who has the authority and power to heal. A secondary purpose of telling us about this event is to teach us that illness and disease, is not always due to one's personal sin. It is often due to the fact that we live in a fallen world riddled with sin and evil. The first time the Pool Siloam" (which translated "sent"). So the blind man went away and washed and came back seeing. John 9:6b-7(NASB)

Meaning and significance of the Pool of Siloam.

The gospel of John gives us the meaning of the word "Siloam" as being "sent," A fuller explanation of the word is as a sending out, gushing forth' (of water)," the meaning of Siloam suggests that the water was gushing being sent into the pool. 

Jesus is performing the sixth of seven miraculous "sign" recorded in the gospel of John. In this case, the miracle is giving sight to a man who was born blind. This states  is unique for several reason

First it means, Jesus is about grant this man an ability he does not naturally posses (John 9:1-2).

Second, it corresponds to old testament prediction  that the Messiah would give sight to the blind (Isaiah 29:18; 35:5; 42: 7).

Third, Jesus uses this moment as an example to teach the disciple that not all sufferings is punishment for sin (John9:3-4). 

Lastly, this miracle occurs on a sabbath day, (John 9:14). Futher irritating the Pharisees, who Jesus seems, to be deliberating  antagonizing. He is the Lord of the sabbath. No wonder as Paul wrote, "The man without the spirit does not accept the things that comes from the spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand  them, because they are spiritually  discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).

THE ABOUT BELIEVER

Write this go the angel of the church in Laodicea.this is the message from the  one who is the Amen--the faithful and true witness, the rulee of God's creation. (REVELATION 3:14)

EVANGELICAL PASTORS qoute the words of Jesus from (Rev. 3:20).that reads, "Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him. and he with me." Many suggest that Jesus stands at the door of man's heart and want to come in

While that is true, the context of this verse conveys another thought, Jesus wanted to be back in the midst of the fellowship in Laodicea. The church leadership seemed to haved pushed Jesus right out the door. John wrote that they were "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." 

Where is Jesus Christ in relationship to many churches today? Its true that in the last days people will fall away from the faith. Its true that some simply give you because "the church no longer meets my needs." "Irrelevant" is the catching word we often hear

The Greek word for church, the same one found 88 times in the book of Acts, means "called-out ones." in the context of the faith, a church is a kind of sinners Anounymous support group where none are too bad to come in. 

No matter how bad things were in the church in Laodicea, Jesus wanted to get back inside and unto the center of the group. He still cared. In every nation of the world today you will find churches, small and large, where the Risen Lord still touches hearts and lives and still wants to be worshiped. No matter how human and sometimes fault, the churches will always be human and sometimes faulty, the church will always be called the fellowship of the redeemed.

. 

HOME IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS

He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart. . . Will never be shaken.

Psalm 15:2,5

JACK HAYFORD'S MOTHER, Dolores, never took five minutes to get the truth out of her son. And how did she get the truth out so quickly? She would simply challenge him with these words. "Tell me the truth, Jack, in the presence of Jesus!" A godly woman, she simply reminded her children that Jesus Christ was present, and He knew whether  they were telling the truth or not. Read (Galatians 3:23-24). "So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Sometimes the sin we commit are not moral one but spiritual. We cultivate a legal attitude toward God, and that's wrong. Christians start out in the spirit, but when it comes to daily living, we try to perfect ourselves by the flesh.

Why is getting the truth such a challenge today? Living in a Sodomesque society where kids grow up placing little or no importance  on telling the truth, the conscientious parent is faced with challenges: How do you raise kids who tell the truth?

Acknowledging the presence of Christ in a home, remembering that He said "Lo, I am with you always," introduces a spiritual framework. It requires that we speak the 000pp truth in love and acknowledge lies as an abomination before God. It repudiates the culture of lies and deceit that is so prevalent  today.

The Law says, do these things and you shall live, but the Gospel say live and these things you will do. The Law commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, the Gospel says that this is love: Not that we have sought God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to atone for our sins.

The Law demands holiness, but the Gospel  gives holiness. The Law make a blessings the result of obedience, but the Gospel obedience  the result of blessings. Under the Law, the old man was retrained, but with the Gospel, the new man is give liberty. If we are right in our inward being, we shall certainly  do right in our outward  actions. 

Do you want your home to be characterized  by the truth? Then ask yourself, "Have we declared our home to be a place of refuse where we leave the corruptions of our culture behind us? Do we consider our home a place of safety where we speak the truth openly and freely with each others? Do I as a parent speak the truth or share it to better serve my purpose?" 

The battle for the minds and hearts of our children is going to continue indefinitely. It's time to draw the line at the front door of your home and say, "The culture of lies and deceit stops here!"

LET NOTHING TERRIFY YOU

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish Psalm 1:6

TODAY WE ARE IN THE MIDST of a culture war and the deception of pragmatism. What is pragmatism mean? noun,

1. A pragmatic attitude or policy

"Ideology has been tempered with pragmatism!

2. Philosophy

An approach that evaluates theories or belief

In terms of success of the practical application. In 19th century from the Greek pragma, pragmatism, "deed"

We are confronted with far more than software piracy 5G application, lies, the wicked in the air, witchcraft practice, or bending of the truth when it suits us. Many people say; "If it works, do it; they mean it business. If you can get away with it, why not? This kind of reasoning has engulfed our generation like fog that gradually drifting in, obscuring our vision and lightning our lives. Pragmatism has blurred what is right and wrong made gray what is black and white.

Our culture today is one based on pragmatism, a philosophy founded by psychology William James who, in the year 1907, posed this situation: "Granting an idea or belief to be true, what concrete difference will it it's being true naked in anyone's actual life? What experiences will be different from those which would obtain If the belief were false? what, in short, is the truth's cash-value in experiential terms? Pragmatism means truth is not absolute but is subject to changing situations and circumstances. somehow, it depends on how you feel about the issue.

But you can be easily swept away by the tide of pragmatism when you have on anchor for your soul. You end up in bondage of the worst kind virus they say it covid 19 and you become a victim engulfed in a darkness that traps you. Open your eyes there are here. Scattered to devour Read (John10:10). And read 1 Peter5: 8-9 the same kind of sufferings! 

You're got to decide whether you will allow  yourself to be influenced by the moral relativism of pragmatism.you need to choose between bad or good. Right standing with your God. Anything that you can get away with, or walking the narrow path God has paved yet only a few take, understand it. Choose carefully. The only way you can confirm is the truth.. His word my sword! I(saiah 41:10).

SEEKING THE KINGDOM

Matthew 12:6 "I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.

King Herod understood the priority of the temple that's why he launched a massive restoration project in 19BC, a project that was still in progress the temple where the priests maintained Israel's relationship with God each day. Three times a year the people journeyed to the temple to celebrate their identity as God's people. Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacle.

Jesus own disciples thought the temple stones were in a class of their own and the temple was incomparable in (Mark13:1).

So what could be greater than the temple? Did Jesus mean himself? His kingdom? His teaching?

The significance of the temple was the person who lived there. In the defiled world, it was holy space, set aside for their heavenly sovereign to live among them. 

Israel's own significance derived from God living among them. In a sense, Israel was God's house. That was clear during the 70 year exile when there was no temple. Ezekiel prophesied a restore temple, the divine presence that defined his people. Their identity would be "The Lord is there."

(Ezekiel 48:35).

Remember when God delivered Israel from Egypt and asked them to build him a tent? The cloud-presence of God loved into the tent they build for Him, and he guided them "through out all their journeys (Exodus 40:38). It is  what God alway intended. Greg Beale argued that Eden was kind of temple where God live openly among humans in the biginning. There was no need of a dedicated holy temple space because the world was not defiled. That original pictured is restored in the end.

When God cleanses the world as his kingdom restored by the lamb, God will be present not  in one little holy space but in all of creation;  "I did not see a temple in the city because the Lord God Almighty and the lamb are in the temple! (Revelation 21:22).

So, there is something greater than the temple the presence of the one who live there was Jesus saying that the divine presence was here in Him? Yes he was, but in very Jewish way.

There's sense in which God was present in Israel, even when there was no temple (70 year in exile). In a sense, Israel was the house of God.

There's also a sense in which the kings of Israel/Judah represented the reign and presence of their heavenly Sovereign.

(2 Samuel 7). Spell out this connection between the house of David (reign). And the house of God.(presence).

* God established the house of David as his representative reign on Earth.

*David's house prepared a place for God's presence, God living aming His people. When Jesus told the Galilean rulers that "Something greater than the temple is here" he was asking them to accept that:

*He is the descendant of David, anointed to restore heaven's reign on earth.

* He is cleansing God's people, so the divine presence is restored to earth in Him. Jesus is the anointed ruler who restores both God's reign and presence of the one the temple could only represent.