We were in a Bible Study yesterday in the Church and an argument ensued. It was whether Paul had in mind. enjoyment/pleasure when he was asking the Phillippians to rejoice again and again as they live their Christian life.
I want to ask the same question here to get other opinions from you.
To me, I think that there is a world of difference between the two words. You can have tribulations and trials and still have peace and joy but you cannot have enjoyment in the midst of pains.
Remain blessed!
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Sister Meena (29) gand raped in India.
Indeed "Tough times require tough faith"
Just go through this prayer alert from The Persecuted Church and see what our fellow christians are going through in different parts of the world. I suggest you freely subscribe for these emails so you can be receiving them yourself. Make sure you pray.
Ten men charged with raping nun in India
Indian police charged ten men on January 29 for the rape of a Catholic nun that occurred during anti-Christian violence that erupted in Orissa in August (read the story). On August 25, a mob of Hindu militants attacked the prayer hall in the village of K. Nuagaon, Kandhamal district where Sister Meena (29) worked. She was grabbed by several men who tore off her clothes and held her down while one man raped her. Sister Meena was then paraded naked through the streets along with a priest. Although police were present, they did nothing to stop the assault. The ten have been charged with gang rape since assisting rape carries the same charge as actually committing the crime according to Indian law. At last report, the rapist had not yet been found.
Pray that authorities will bring to justice all who were involved in the attack. Pray that Sister Meena will look to God for strength as she recovers. Pray for a lasting peace in Orissa state.
Find out more about how Indian Christians suffer for Jesus' sake from www.persecution.net
Just go through this prayer alert from The Persecuted Church and see what our fellow christians are going through in different parts of the world. I suggest you freely subscribe for these emails so you can be receiving them yourself. Make sure you pray.
Ten men charged with raping nun in India
Indian police charged ten men on January 29 for the rape of a Catholic nun that occurred during anti-Christian violence that erupted in Orissa in August (read the story). On August 25, a mob of Hindu militants attacked the prayer hall in the village of K. Nuagaon, Kandhamal district where Sister Meena (29) worked. She was grabbed by several men who tore off her clothes and held her down while one man raped her. Sister Meena was then paraded naked through the streets along with a priest. Although police were present, they did nothing to stop the assault. The ten have been charged with gang rape since assisting rape carries the same charge as actually committing the crime according to Indian law. At last report, the rapist had not yet been found.
Pray that authorities will bring to justice all who were involved in the attack. Pray that Sister Meena will look to God for strength as she recovers. Pray for a lasting peace in Orissa state.
Find out more about how Indian Christians suffer for Jesus' sake from www.persecution.net
Monday, 13 October 2008
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Pray For Us... This is the plea of persecuted Christians around the world. Today 200 million people are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ, and over 165 thousand will be killed this year for their witness or identification with Jesus. On November 9, Canadians will join with Christians in over 130 countries to stand in prayer with our suffering sisters and brothers for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). The theme this year is "Pray for the Persecutors," based on Romans 12:9-21. To get your church, Bible Study or small group involved in IDOP, go to www.idop.ca, where you can download a free resource kit.
If you are a Pastor or Christian leader, especially those who lead prayer groups, please organize your prayer group to observe this day. You can change your prayer programme to accommodate this IDOP.
Remain blessed!
Monday, 22 September 2008
Pray for our persecuted brethren in India.
India has been a relatively calm place until recently. All the anti-conversion laws being passed in India and other Islamic countries are giving the persecution of christian a legal covering. But why the jittery among these other religions? Why should men fight for their gods. Why are they afraid of Christianity? Is it that they don't have strong argument to withstand the reality that Christianity presents?
Brethren, let us continue to pray for our brethren.
http://www.persecution.net/images/countries/india/india1.jpg
Specific instances of personal attacks can be named all across India. In May 2005, the death sentence for the man convicted of murdering Australian missionary Graham Staines and his boys in 1999 was commuted from the death sentence to life imprisonment. Seeing this as leniency for those who kill Christians, a Hindu militant and at least two others entrapped and murdered two pastors on the outskirts of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh.
Reports of village churches being destroyed and church leaders being threatened by local Hindus continue to be a daily reality in India. Other persecution faced by Christians is more subtle, as converts to Christianity are often cast out of their families and face poverty and ostracism.
Prayer Requests
* Pray that militant influences in the government will continue to decrease and that freedom of religion will be recognized throughout India.
* Pray for protection for pastors, evangelists and other Christian workers as they share the Good News of Jesus.
* Pray for that those who turn to Christ will find the means to have their needs met.
* Pray that those who seek to hinder the work of the Church in India will see the love and grace of Jesus in the lives of Indian Christians.
See more here
Brethren, let us continue to pray for our brethren.
http://www.persecution.net/images/countries/india/india1.jpg
Specific instances of personal attacks can be named all across India. In May 2005, the death sentence for the man convicted of murdering Australian missionary Graham Staines and his boys in 1999 was commuted from the death sentence to life imprisonment. Seeing this as leniency for those who kill Christians, a Hindu militant and at least two others entrapped and murdered two pastors on the outskirts of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh.
Reports of village churches being destroyed and church leaders being threatened by local Hindus continue to be a daily reality in India. Other persecution faced by Christians is more subtle, as converts to Christianity are often cast out of their families and face poverty and ostracism.
Prayer Requests
* Pray that militant influences in the government will continue to decrease and that freedom of religion will be recognized throughout India.
* Pray for protection for pastors, evangelists and other Christian workers as they share the Good News of Jesus.
* Pray for that those who turn to Christ will find the means to have their needs met.
* Pray that those who seek to hinder the work of the Church in India will see the love and grace of Jesus in the lives of Indian Christians.
See more here
Friday, 12 September 2008
Brokenness - Study One Part 2
Breaking and re-moulding of the clay to meet the Potter’s taste ( Jer.18:1-6)
“O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” Jer 18:6 (KJV)
Here God is saying that He can handle us the way the potter handles the clay. He is not saying that we are inanimate as the clay or that He has no affection for us, He is just trying to emphasize His sovereignty over our lives and all that concerns us just as the Potter primarily determines what happens to the clay.
One of the ways we grow in relationship with God is when we begin to grasp the fact God does whatever pleases Him in heaven above and in the earth beneath and in all of His creation. He does not exist for us or because of us, we exist because of Him and for Him. He is the Creator while we are His creatures.
His pleasure is more important that our pleasure. In His pleasure, we find our own pleasure. Any pleasure pursued outside of Him ends in disappointment and failure. We are made perfect only in Him. His glory is more important than our glory. In fact, all glory belongs to Him.
In the picture that the prophet paints for us, the wish of the Potter is more paramount than the wish of the clay. He often have reasons for breaking the old vessel He has made in order to re-mould it again. He has that freedom and every man that must follow God must acknowledge this freedom and respect it.
The prophets seem to understand God better than most of us today. Isaiah said:
“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isa 64:8 (KJV)
It is a way of declaring our submission to God. Many a times, it takes God months and years of training in order to bring us to this submission. He keeps pitting us into breaking experiences that teaches us that He has the final say in our lives. He allows experiences that shatter our ‘child-hood’ behaviours of thinking that we will always get what we want. He teaches us that we have to allow Him to be God in our lives. It is all about Him. This maturity is not always easy to come by.
We are supposed to be positively responsive to Him as He trains us. We are not bastards. Every child that the parent loves undergoes discipline. We must submit to Him. Perhaps when next you find yourself in situations you cannot control,; things are just out of your hands and you can not do anything about it, that maybe God speaking to you to allow Him to be God in your life.
That is freedom indeed.
Conclusion: Brokenness means willingly losing your rights and will into the will of the Potter to mould you into, not what you want to be, but what He wants you to be. God breaks certain areas in our lives so that we can become malleable in His hands for effective use. The harder the area, the harder He breaks. Most of the times, He breaks the old vessel entirely and begins to mould a new one to His taste. We experience brokenness when God sends us to His workshop for shaping, depending on the place HE has, in His sovereignty, meant for us to fit in His church. Those that run away from the workshop and abandon training end up causing confusion and noise in the church. When people look at them, they question their life because they are not adding beauty to God’s building- the church. Who are you in God’s building?
Download the Small Group Study Guide here
“O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” Jer 18:6 (KJV)
Here God is saying that He can handle us the way the potter handles the clay. He is not saying that we are inanimate as the clay or that He has no affection for us, He is just trying to emphasize His sovereignty over our lives and all that concerns us just as the Potter primarily determines what happens to the clay.
One of the ways we grow in relationship with God is when we begin to grasp the fact God does whatever pleases Him in heaven above and in the earth beneath and in all of His creation. He does not exist for us or because of us, we exist because of Him and for Him. He is the Creator while we are His creatures.
His pleasure is more important that our pleasure. In His pleasure, we find our own pleasure. Any pleasure pursued outside of Him ends in disappointment and failure. We are made perfect only in Him. His glory is more important than our glory. In fact, all glory belongs to Him.
In the picture that the prophet paints for us, the wish of the Potter is more paramount than the wish of the clay. He often have reasons for breaking the old vessel He has made in order to re-mould it again. He has that freedom and every man that must follow God must acknowledge this freedom and respect it.
The prophets seem to understand God better than most of us today. Isaiah said:
“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isa 64:8 (KJV)
It is a way of declaring our submission to God. Many a times, it takes God months and years of training in order to bring us to this submission. He keeps pitting us into breaking experiences that teaches us that He has the final say in our lives. He allows experiences that shatter our ‘child-hood’ behaviours of thinking that we will always get what we want. He teaches us that we have to allow Him to be God in our lives. It is all about Him. This maturity is not always easy to come by.
We are supposed to be positively responsive to Him as He trains us. We are not bastards. Every child that the parent loves undergoes discipline. We must submit to Him. Perhaps when next you find yourself in situations you cannot control,; things are just out of your hands and you can not do anything about it, that maybe God speaking to you to allow Him to be God in your life.
That is freedom indeed.
Conclusion: Brokenness means willingly losing your rights and will into the will of the Potter to mould you into, not what you want to be, but what He wants you to be. God breaks certain areas in our lives so that we can become malleable in His hands for effective use. The harder the area, the harder He breaks. Most of the times, He breaks the old vessel entirely and begins to mould a new one to His taste. We experience brokenness when God sends us to His workshop for shaping, depending on the place HE has, in His sovereignty, meant for us to fit in His church. Those that run away from the workshop and abandon training end up causing confusion and noise in the church. When people look at them, they question their life because they are not adding beauty to God’s building- the church. Who are you in God’s building?
Download the Small Group Study Guide here
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Brokenness - Study One Part 1
This is the first on this series. We had already defined brokenness as the painful process of training and discipline it takes to be totally kept under God and fully submitted to Him. They are those actions taken by God in order to produce character, self-control and habits of obedience in His child. God does not only deal with the visible habits but also the hidden thoughts, attitudes and intents of the heart.
We are going to see examples that illustrate brokenness so that we have better and broader understanding of the subject. They will be discussed exhaustively. Brokenness, no matter how painful it may be, is inevitable to every life that will be useful in God’s hand in bringing divine virtues to this broken world.
Shaping of costly stones in the Quarry for use in God’s building (1kgs 5: 17-18; 6:7)
“And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house. And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.” ( I Kings 5:17-18 KJV).
“And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.” ( I King 6:7
KJV)
A quarry is an open excavation from which stone is cut, usually for building purposes…while building stones were occasionally finished at the quarry, the final dressing was usually completed at the building site. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The stones are cut into desired shapes. Rough edges are removed. If a piece of stone is taken to the site and it is discovered that it did not go through the quarry, the workmen will reject it and send it back. Why? Working on it in the building is going to cause noise and extra energy. This is because the tools for preparing the stones are in the quarry. The building site is for finished products to be fixed so as to bring out the beauty of the house. It shows that any stone that did not go to the quarry will be useless to the builders at the site.
From 1 Kings 5:17, we learn that the stones were great ones, costly and expensive, yet they had to go to the quarry. They had to go there if they would fit into the plan for the building.
Now, “we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” 1 Cor 3:9 (KJV)
“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Heb 3:6 (KJV)
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet 2:5 (KJV)
We are God’s building and at the same time God’s co-builders. We are the instruments God uses to build His house, the Church. God wants to make us able instruments in His hands. However, we must be willing to go to the quarry so that we can fit into God’s plan. All of us are raw materials but our usefulness depends on how we yield and consecrate our lives to God.
There is so much ‘noise, completion, confusion and quarrels’ today in the building site because men have refused training and discipline. We are all here giving reasons why our failures are legitimate and our weaknesses have no help. As we continually submit ourselves to God’s dealings, we grow everyday to become the kind of vessels He wants us to be fit for His use.
The next time you begin to pass through some difficult situation, ask God to help you see whether it is a ‘quarry experience’ for your training or not.
Download the study one guide here for use in small groups!
We are going to see examples that illustrate brokenness so that we have better and broader understanding of the subject. They will be discussed exhaustively. Brokenness, no matter how painful it may be, is inevitable to every life that will be useful in God’s hand in bringing divine virtues to this broken world.
Shaping of costly stones in the Quarry for use in God’s building (1kgs 5: 17-18; 6:7)
“And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house. And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.” ( I Kings 5:17-18 KJV).
“And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.” ( I King 6:7
KJV)
A quarry is an open excavation from which stone is cut, usually for building purposes…while building stones were occasionally finished at the quarry, the final dressing was usually completed at the building site. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The stones are cut into desired shapes. Rough edges are removed. If a piece of stone is taken to the site and it is discovered that it did not go through the quarry, the workmen will reject it and send it back. Why? Working on it in the building is going to cause noise and extra energy. This is because the tools for preparing the stones are in the quarry. The building site is for finished products to be fixed so as to bring out the beauty of the house. It shows that any stone that did not go to the quarry will be useless to the builders at the site.
From 1 Kings 5:17, we learn that the stones were great ones, costly and expensive, yet they had to go to the quarry. They had to go there if they would fit into the plan for the building.
Now, “we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” 1 Cor 3:9 (KJV)
“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Heb 3:6 (KJV)
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet 2:5 (KJV)
We are God’s building and at the same time God’s co-builders. We are the instruments God uses to build His house, the Church. God wants to make us able instruments in His hands. However, we must be willing to go to the quarry so that we can fit into God’s plan. All of us are raw materials but our usefulness depends on how we yield and consecrate our lives to God.
There is so much ‘noise, completion, confusion and quarrels’ today in the building site because men have refused training and discipline. We are all here giving reasons why our failures are legitimate and our weaknesses have no help. As we continually submit ourselves to God’s dealings, we grow everyday to become the kind of vessels He wants us to be fit for His use.
The next time you begin to pass through some difficult situation, ask God to help you see whether it is a ‘quarry experience’ for your training or not.
Download the study one guide here for use in small groups!
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
TOPIC: BROKENNESS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION ON BROKENNESS:
General Memory Verse “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” Rom.8: 28
To break means to subdue, keep under, train or discipline, be brought to a disciplined state, oftentimes by force, blow or strain. When a horse is broken for example, it means that it has accustomed itself to wearing harness and therefore trained and under control. A broken child is a child that has responded positively to training and discipline.
Brokenness is the painful process of training and discipline it takes to be totally kept under God and fully submitted to Him. They are those actions taken by God in order to produce character, self-control and habits of obedience in His child. God does not only deal with the visible habits but also the hidden thoughts, attitudes and intents of the heart. Men may ask questions and be confused when they see God subjecting His faithful child to training and discipline because they judge by appearance. However, God always knows what He is pursuing in every man’s life, though men do not often see it.
The devil does not discipline any of God’s children because he has no right to do so but he can be used by God to achieve His purpose. Each process of brokenness a child of God goes through is allowed by God with good intentions and purposes. Anything can be used instrumentally but God is behind it all. It is entirely the working of God, hooked to His sovereignty and accepted by our faith for His divine purposes. These purposes are oftentimes neither explained nor understood by us in the midst of the process but later. Faith accepts it by saying, “not what I want nor my way but your way and your purpose, Lord”
As we go through this series of studies, it is very important that you settle it in your heart that the devil’s activities are not dominant. It is God’s activities that are dominant and in control of your life as a child of God. The devil’s activities, as far as your life is concerned, are contained and controlled within the activities of God to work together for your good, to the glory of God and the total shame of the devil. Let’s pray and open our hearts unto God so that at the end of this series, He must have achieved the willingness and yieldedness in us to make us what He wants us to be.
General Memory Verse “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” Rom.8: 28
To break means to subdue, keep under, train or discipline, be brought to a disciplined state, oftentimes by force, blow or strain. When a horse is broken for example, it means that it has accustomed itself to wearing harness and therefore trained and under control. A broken child is a child that has responded positively to training and discipline.
Brokenness is the painful process of training and discipline it takes to be totally kept under God and fully submitted to Him. They are those actions taken by God in order to produce character, self-control and habits of obedience in His child. God does not only deal with the visible habits but also the hidden thoughts, attitudes and intents of the heart. Men may ask questions and be confused when they see God subjecting His faithful child to training and discipline because they judge by appearance. However, God always knows what He is pursuing in every man’s life, though men do not often see it.
The devil does not discipline any of God’s children because he has no right to do so but he can be used by God to achieve His purpose. Each process of brokenness a child of God goes through is allowed by God with good intentions and purposes. Anything can be used instrumentally but God is behind it all. It is entirely the working of God, hooked to His sovereignty and accepted by our faith for His divine purposes. These purposes are oftentimes neither explained nor understood by us in the midst of the process but later. Faith accepts it by saying, “not what I want nor my way but your way and your purpose, Lord”
As we go through this series of studies, it is very important that you settle it in your heart that the devil’s activities are not dominant. It is God’s activities that are dominant and in control of your life as a child of God. The devil’s activities, as far as your life is concerned, are contained and controlled within the activities of God to work together for your good, to the glory of God and the total shame of the devil. Let’s pray and open our hearts unto God so that at the end of this series, He must have achieved the willingness and yieldedness in us to make us what He wants us to be.
Monday, 4 August 2008
Series on Brokenness
This is new.
I'll be doing a series of teachings on this very important matter: Brokenness. I'll provide a downloadable study guide in Adode Reader format for small groups in churches and fellowship groups. You only need to write me to let me know you downloaded the material: evergreenword@gmail.com
I'll be doing a series of teachings on this very important matter: Brokenness. I'll provide a downloadable study guide in Adode Reader format for small groups in churches and fellowship groups. You only need to write me to let me know you downloaded the material: evergreenword@gmail.com
Son of top Hamas leader converts to Christianity
God is doing great things these days. This testimony yet again confirms the authenticity of the gospel which we preach.
For every souls that is transformed by the power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus, the further it is confirmed the efficacy of the Word of God to change lives.
The son of a Hamas leader gives his life to Christ, calls his father and family to receive Jesus.
By Aaron Klein
WND FROM WND'S JERUSALEM BUREAU
WorldNetDaily
Son of top Hamas leader converts to Christianity
'I hope my father and family open their eyes to Jesus and the Kingdom of God'
Posted: July 31, 2008
1:35 pm Eastern
JERUSALEM – The son of one of the most popular leaders in the Hamas terrorist organization has moved to the U.S. and converted to Christianity, it has emerged.
In an exclusive interview with Israel's Haaretz newspaper, Masab Yousuf, son of West Bank Hamas leader Sheik Hassan Yousef, slammed Hamas, praised Israel and said he hoped his terrorist father will open his eyes to Jesus and to Christianity.
"I know that I'm endangering my life and am even liable to lose my father, but I hope that he'll understand this and that God will give him and my family patience and willingness to open their eyes to Jesus and to Christianity. Maybe one day I'll be able to return to Palestine and to Ramallah with Jesus, in the Kingdom of God," Masab said.
Read it all here
For every souls that is transformed by the power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus, the further it is confirmed the efficacy of the Word of God to change lives.
The son of a Hamas leader gives his life to Christ, calls his father and family to receive Jesus.
By Aaron Klein
WND FROM WND'S JERUSALEM BUREAU
WorldNetDaily
Son of top Hamas leader converts to Christianity
'I hope my father and family open their eyes to Jesus and the Kingdom of God'
Posted: July 31, 2008
1:35 pm Eastern
JERUSALEM – The son of one of the most popular leaders in the Hamas terrorist organization has moved to the U.S. and converted to Christianity, it has emerged.
In an exclusive interview with Israel's Haaretz newspaper, Masab Yousuf, son of West Bank Hamas leader Sheik Hassan Yousef, slammed Hamas, praised Israel and said he hoped his terrorist father will open his eyes to Jesus and to Christianity.
"I know that I'm endangering my life and am even liable to lose my father, but I hope that he'll understand this and that God will give him and my family patience and willingness to open their eyes to Jesus and to Christianity. Maybe one day I'll be able to return to Palestine and to Ramallah with Jesus, in the Kingdom of God," Masab said.
Read it all here
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Tension in the LAMBETH Conference as Sudan addresses the press
On Tuesday 22nd of July, the conference experienced a shake up when the Archbishop of the Sudan released a statement calling for the Episcopal Church of the United States to repent, and to cease “with immediate effect” its advocacy of gay bishops and blessings.
Rebuffed by conference organizers in releasing his message, Dr. Daniel Deng, Archbishop of Juba and Primate of the Sudan, went round them and held an impromptu press conference in the media room, and issued a call for Gene Robinson to step aside to save the Communion.
If [Gene Robinson] were a real Christian he would resign” Archbishop Deng said on July 22, as the Episcopal Church’s media handlers looked on in shock. A number of American bishops were taken aback by the Sudanese statement, as Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and a number of her colleagues spent the days before the opening of Lambeth with the Sudanese bishops in Salisbury.
From here, here and here
Read the full address of the Primate of Sudan Dr Daniel Deng Bul here
Rebuffed by conference organizers in releasing his message, Dr. Daniel Deng, Archbishop of Juba and Primate of the Sudan, went round them and held an impromptu press conference in the media room, and issued a call for Gene Robinson to step aside to save the Communion.
If [Gene Robinson] were a real Christian he would resign” Archbishop Deng said on July 22, as the Episcopal Church’s media handlers looked on in shock. A number of American bishops were taken aback by the Sudanese statement, as Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and a number of her colleagues spent the days before the opening of Lambeth with the Sudanese bishops in Salisbury.
From here, here and here
Read the full address of the Primate of Sudan Dr Daniel Deng Bul here
GAFCON Petition
I love what some folks in the Church of England are doing right now. Thank God for the GAFCON conference and all the people that God used to draft the final statement that has given a lead to what I see will bring sparks of revival in the Anglican Communion.
A petition is available for online signature for those individuals who wish to indicate their solidarity with the GAFCON movement. The wording of the petition is,
"I stand in solidarity with the Jerusalem Declaration and Statement on the Global Anglican Future."
Just click here to sign online
Remember the GAFCON Statement is here
A petition is available for online signature for those individuals who wish to indicate their solidarity with the GAFCON movement. The wording of the petition is,
"I stand in solidarity with the Jerusalem Declaration and Statement on the Global Anglican Future."
Just click here to sign online
Remember the GAFCON Statement is here
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Archbishop of Canterbury: 'Christian doctrine is offensive to Muslims'
It's time the Archbishop of Canterbury tell us actually who he is representing. Is he representing Christians or is he representing Moslems? Just a few weeks ago, he said that Britain should make allowance for Sharia Law.
Last month, a major section of Anglican Christians from around the world held a conference in Jerusalem under a movement - GAFCON, to fashion out the future of the church because of the Archbishop's lack of will to make a decision, or better said, implement decisions he reached with the other Archbishops in several meetings. Now the communion is torn. Many of the Archbishops and Bishops from several nations have boycotted the Lambeth Conference which started on the 15th of July, including "Dr Nazir-Ali, whose seat in Rochester is just 20 miles away." Dr Nazir-Ali was at the GAFCON conference.
Now he's at it again. Is this man real? Is he serious? Is he out to serve God? Is he a practicing Christian or just one of the nominal fellows what chose 'Church work' and are climbing the ladder of leadership because of their prowess? Or does he have a hidden agenda we are yet to know? Does he have convictions? By saying that 'Christian doctrine is offensive to Muslims', he disarms himself and others he represents the boldness to preach the gospel. If it offends the muslims, then what? Doesn't islamic teachings offend others? Why should we continue to capitulate all the time while islam assume a victim status at the expense of all other religions?
May God save from such men who will only end up preparing members for the 'great falling away.'
Read the whole story here!
Last month, a major section of Anglican Christians from around the world held a conference in Jerusalem under a movement - GAFCON, to fashion out the future of the church because of the Archbishop's lack of will to make a decision, or better said, implement decisions he reached with the other Archbishops in several meetings. Now the communion is torn. Many of the Archbishops and Bishops from several nations have boycotted the Lambeth Conference which started on the 15th of July, including "Dr Nazir-Ali, whose seat in Rochester is just 20 miles away." Dr Nazir-Ali was at the GAFCON conference.
Now he's at it again. Is this man real? Is he serious? Is he out to serve God? Is he a practicing Christian or just one of the nominal fellows what chose 'Church work' and are climbing the ladder of leadership because of their prowess? Or does he have a hidden agenda we are yet to know? Does he have convictions? By saying that 'Christian doctrine is offensive to Muslims', he disarms himself and others he represents the boldness to preach the gospel. If it offends the muslims, then what? Doesn't islamic teachings offend others? Why should we continue to capitulate all the time while islam assume a victim status at the expense of all other religions?
May God save from such men who will only end up preparing members for the 'great falling away.'
Read the whole story here!
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Vanished!
“Then shall two be in the field, the one shall be taken and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come”. Matt 24:40-42
Sooner or later, the World will witness the most amazing event in the history of Mankind. It is a phenomenon beyond human wisdom and understanding because both the living and the dead will be caught up suddenly to meet with the Lord in the sky leaving the world dazed. I could imagine Religious leaders, Academicians, Security operatives, Scientists and Leaders of Nations investigating and trying to explain to the dazed and confused World what has just happened to relations, friends and colleagues. Every TV and Radio station will be giving the breaking news with many unanswered questions. Imagine riding on a motorbike and suddenly, the bike driver is no more, the incoming vehicle has no body behind the steering, the pastor has just disappeared in the middle of a sermon, the person sitting beside you is gone, your spouse was nowhere to be found. What a confusion! It sounds illogical, isn’t it? But it will be a reality JUST ONE DAY. Jesus said that the heaven and earth shall pass away but his word shall not pass away unfulfilled. As the night follows the day and the dawn after a long darkness of the night so shall Rapture be for real irrespective of your theology and conviction. The Saints of the Lord, redeemed by the blood of Jesus shall be raptured in a moment out of this world.
“But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, sorcerers, and idolators and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death” Rev 21:8
Let us watch, brethren for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Are you still hardened in your heart my dear friend? You have opportunity NOW to repent and believe the gospel. What are you waiting for?
written by Anayo in scm_futo@yahoogroups.com.
anayo_st@yahoo.co.uk
Sooner or later, the World will witness the most amazing event in the history of Mankind. It is a phenomenon beyond human wisdom and understanding because both the living and the dead will be caught up suddenly to meet with the Lord in the sky leaving the world dazed. I could imagine Religious leaders, Academicians, Security operatives, Scientists and Leaders of Nations investigating and trying to explain to the dazed and confused World what has just happened to relations, friends and colleagues. Every TV and Radio station will be giving the breaking news with many unanswered questions. Imagine riding on a motorbike and suddenly, the bike driver is no more, the incoming vehicle has no body behind the steering, the pastor has just disappeared in the middle of a sermon, the person sitting beside you is gone, your spouse was nowhere to be found. What a confusion! It sounds illogical, isn’t it? But it will be a reality JUST ONE DAY. Jesus said that the heaven and earth shall pass away but his word shall not pass away unfulfilled. As the night follows the day and the dawn after a long darkness of the night so shall Rapture be for real irrespective of your theology and conviction. The Saints of the Lord, redeemed by the blood of Jesus shall be raptured in a moment out of this world.
“But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, sorcerers, and idolators and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death” Rev 21:8
Let us watch, brethren for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Are you still hardened in your heart my dear friend? You have opportunity NOW to repent and believe the gospel. What are you waiting for?
written by Anayo in scm_futo@yahoogroups.com.
anayo_st@yahoo.co.uk
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