When Jesus says that we, the church, are His Bride, it reminds me of the marriage ceremony I went though with my late wife, Linda, those many years ago. The man who married us was a lovely minister called Rev Tom Earis – I’ve always remembered him because he reflected Jesus to us. Part of the vows we exchanged were “in sickness and in health, until death us do part.”
So it was that I found myself recently in a hospital, some 1500 miles from home, in a foreign country (Spain) being treated for Renal or Kidney Stones. I found I was drugged up quite a lot to quell the pain but in my more lucid moments I also noticed an almost tangible presence of the Lord. I was reminded that the Lord is with us always – ‘in sickness and in health’. He is with us; He speaks to us; He acts for us; He comforts us; He listens to our prayers; He heals us – all because of what Jesus did for us at Calvary 2000 years ago. He is ours and we are His, ‘in sickness and in health’, for ever because there will be no more time, there will be no more ill-ness, no more death, there will only be health and it will last for ever and ever. HALLELUJAH \o/
His presence becomes more noticeable when we are alone with Him – when the world cannot noisily intrude – when He has our complete and undivided attention – when, in fact, we are in that place of utter dependency upon Him. That is when He carries us. That is when He provides for us. That is when He speaks to us and we speak to Him – one on one – at a very personal level.
God never wastes a moment of our time. Whilst in hospital, God sent hurting, damaged people to me, so that I might give them an encouraging Word from Him. Isn’t that astonishing? – He allowed me to be ‘tied down’ so that He could bring people to me. He tied them down with me so that He could minister through me to them because I was in a position to hear Him and talk to them; and they were in a position to listen to the words God had for them through me that day.
Truly God is with us in sickness and in health. He speaks to us in every situation if only we will listen to Him and stay obedient. If we keep our eyes upon Him at all times, He will and does speak to us; He guides us; He loves us through His Holy Spirit. He is our everything, every moment of every day, regardless of the situation we are in. Abba Father God is our everything.
Lets just acknowledge that occasionally – eh ?? What say you ?
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Miracles Today ??
Do miracles happen today – You better believe they do !!
Lets first have a look at one of Jesus’ miracles - the Woman with Issue of Blood
Mark 5:25-34 “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" - "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' " But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Did this woman deserve her healing? Probably not - although she would almost certainly win any sympathy vote. Did Jesus in any way reject her for her actions? No. Quite simply, she needed a touch from Him and she reached out to Him. She only needed just that one touch.
These are some stories of others who have reached out to touch Jesus. They are taken from two very small ministries – RoFMI & Jesus Will Heal You.
Little Peter – a baby thought to have no chance of survival – now a bouncing and energetic toddler. His Grandmother brought only a photograph to be prayed over.
Christian – Christian is an octogenarian. He had cancer. The doctors had given up on him – he had reluctantly laid down his ministry. His family refused to give up on him. Now he is completely restored and leading a house group with all the energy of a much younger man.
Frank – a biker badly injured in an accident. One leg shorter than the other – spine beginning to twist. We watched his leg grow back out and his back and shoulders straighten. He is now back on his Harley Davidson, ministering to bikers all over Europe.
Tove – a housewife with circulatory problems. God has given her a new heart !!
Steven – son of a pastor. Hurt in a kite-surfing accident when the wind dropped him on to a hard beach and then dragged him along. Thought to have broken his neck & his back. Miraculous healing from injuries. Now perfect.
Tracey & Ruben – FIRST Ruben was transported into a meeting having broken down on several miles away. NEXT, they received a prophecy about children. NOW they are expecting their first baby – despite doctors telling them they had “no chance” !!
Buildings in Lorca – A pastor in Lorca, Spain had a prophecy about new buildings and a ministry among refugees & migrants. Within three weeks, the towns mayor offered them a building next to the Immigration offices !! Now their ministry is reaching out to and helping many people.
WWW.Jesuswillhealyou.com – This web site offers prayer and encouragement to those seeking healing. In six months since the launched, they have received thousands of emails from all over the world – about 200 per week – and praise reports of hundreds of wonderful healings.
A lady in Glasgow had cancer, She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free of cancer.
Another lady in Walton, nr London had suicidal depression. She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free and praising God for her new-found salvation.
A baby in the Phillipines, born with cancer. A single email asking for prayer to Jesuswillhealyou.com and he is now reported completely healed.
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” He is still doing it today.
Did any of these people deserve to have God heal them? I don’t know but probably not. Were some of these people more righteous than others? Again, I don’t know but probably some had a higher level of faith while others had no faith at all.
Were all of these people in need of a touch from God ? YES they were. Did they get their touch & if so, how did they receive it? YES they did - All of them came to Him in one way or another. Some prayed, some were simply brought to Him. Others, like the woman in the story, reached out to touch Him.
What difference did it make? NONE whatsoever – the Bible tells us that Jesus healed every one. In a way – they all reached out to Him to touch the hem of His garment.
Do you want to reach out to Jesus – perhaps touch just the hem of His garment today? Can anyone pray for you today?
Email me Chris RoFMI cgb.rofmi@ntlworld.com or go to http://www.jesuswillhealyou.com and leave your prayer request today.
Lets first have a look at one of Jesus’ miracles - the Woman with Issue of Blood
Mark 5:25-34 “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" - "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' " But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Did this woman deserve her healing? Probably not - although she would almost certainly win any sympathy vote. Did Jesus in any way reject her for her actions? No. Quite simply, she needed a touch from Him and she reached out to Him. She only needed just that one touch.
These are some stories of others who have reached out to touch Jesus. They are taken from two very small ministries – RoFMI & Jesus Will Heal You.
Little Peter – a baby thought to have no chance of survival – now a bouncing and energetic toddler. His Grandmother brought only a photograph to be prayed over.
Christian – Christian is an octogenarian. He had cancer. The doctors had given up on him – he had reluctantly laid down his ministry. His family refused to give up on him. Now he is completely restored and leading a house group with all the energy of a much younger man.
Frank – a biker badly injured in an accident. One leg shorter than the other – spine beginning to twist. We watched his leg grow back out and his back and shoulders straighten. He is now back on his Harley Davidson, ministering to bikers all over Europe.
Tove – a housewife with circulatory problems. God has given her a new heart !!
Steven – son of a pastor. Hurt in a kite-surfing accident when the wind dropped him on to a hard beach and then dragged him along. Thought to have broken his neck & his back. Miraculous healing from injuries. Now perfect.
Tracey & Ruben – FIRST Ruben was transported into a meeting having broken down on several miles away. NEXT, they received a prophecy about children. NOW they are expecting their first baby – despite doctors telling them they had “no chance” !!
Buildings in Lorca – A pastor in Lorca, Spain had a prophecy about new buildings and a ministry among refugees & migrants. Within three weeks, the towns mayor offered them a building next to the Immigration offices !! Now their ministry is reaching out to and helping many people.
WWW.Jesuswillhealyou.com – This web site offers prayer and encouragement to those seeking healing. In six months since the launched, they have received thousands of emails from all over the world – about 200 per week – and praise reports of hundreds of wonderful healings.
A lady in Glasgow had cancer, She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free of cancer.
Another lady in Walton, nr London had suicidal depression. She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free and praising God for her new-found salvation.
A baby in the Phillipines, born with cancer. A single email asking for prayer to Jesuswillhealyou.com and he is now reported completely healed.
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” He is still doing it today.
Did any of these people deserve to have God heal them? I don’t know but probably not. Were some of these people more righteous than others? Again, I don’t know but probably some had a higher level of faith while others had no faith at all.
Were all of these people in need of a touch from God ? YES they were. Did they get their touch & if so, how did they receive it? YES they did - All of them came to Him in one way or another. Some prayed, some were simply brought to Him. Others, like the woman in the story, reached out to touch Him.
What difference did it make? NONE whatsoever – the Bible tells us that Jesus healed every one. In a way – they all reached out to Him to touch the hem of His garment.
Do you want to reach out to Jesus – perhaps touch just the hem of His garment today? Can anyone pray for you today?
Email me Chris RoFMI cgb.rofmi@ntlworld.com or go to http://www.jesuswillhealyou.com and leave your prayer request today.
Monday 5 October 2009
Ear Tickling must STOP
How many of you have a computer at home or at work? And how many of you use your computer to ‘look up’ things on the web. How many of you know that the initials of the World Wide Web have great significance? How about this then – in Hebrew script the letter W is Vov so it becomes not the WWW but the vov vov vov. It looks like a number 7. This in turn when translated from Hebrew is also 666 !! Interesting eh ??
Have you noticed the amount of ‘questionable prophecy’ around at the moment?
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
This is getting quite serious. Huge amounts of prophecy, or so-called prophecy, most of it coming out of America, and some other places, is being hailed with such words as,
“So-and-so shares a great word for breakthrough - especially financial breakthrough and .......”
And again - “God wants to use your current situation to bless you and release finances and favour into your life.”
This “wonderful” prophetic word is being put out over the whole World Wide Web as being the latest “encouraging now-word for YOU in your current situation.” The prophecy is then absolutely lapped up by the readers and they love it – its what they wanted to hear right now. In the current financial market, who doesn’t want to hear that God is on their side and is going to look on them with favour and increase their finances??
As I read this today, the Lord asked me a question. He said this, “Hmm – looks good doesn’t it? But tell me, how does this edify, or encourage, or strengthen My people in Africa or India or China?” The penny dropped quite quickly – I was reading a ‘word’ aimed especially for the people of America - perhaps Europe too – yet here it was going out all around the world to ‘every tribe & tongue’. Looking back, I noticed that this was one of many similar words given out from America. Words that look good, even popularist, that would please the listening American audience. Please don’t get me wrong here – I am NOT having a go at the USA here. I am bemoaning the ear-tickling peddlers of good news who use the system by giving their audience exactly what they want to hear - “Its going to be all right – cos God is on YOUR side and fighting YOUR corner.” And the huge majority of it is coming from – you got it – the USA. The fact that these people might also line their own pockets, by increasing demand for their speaking engagements because they speak a popular message, is almost beside the point isn’t it?
Have you not noticed that the number of ‘ear ticklers’ is increasing? Almost everyone rising to popularity in the Christian Media in America is an Ear Tickler ! Even well loved and internationally known big ministries bearing much fruit occasionally slip into ear tickling mode. Listen to what the Word says about this :-
2Tim 4:1-5 “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
Why would people “turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths”? Because they are hearing a message that they really want to hear. Its not the message they need to hear but it is one that they want to hear.
This is all so sad. The Lord must be so very sad watching all of this happen. When I mentioned earlier that He had asked me questions about what I was reading, I thought then that He sounded a little sad – resigned - almost expecting this situation. But then, He is God. He knew this would happen. That doesn’t stop Him being sad about it though – does it? He will, after all, have the final word when He judges us.
As the scripture says, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” So – Please – Stop all this ‘ear tickling’ nonsense. Let our prophecy be for the strengthening, encouragement and comfort of the church – the Bride of Christ. Please let us return to prophecy that is from the Lord and not that which comes from ourselves.
CGB
5 Oct 2009
Have you noticed the amount of ‘questionable prophecy’ around at the moment?
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
This is getting quite serious. Huge amounts of prophecy, or so-called prophecy, most of it coming out of America, and some other places, is being hailed with such words as,
“So-and-so shares a great word for breakthrough - especially financial breakthrough and .......”
And again - “God wants to use your current situation to bless you and release finances and favour into your life.”
This “wonderful” prophetic word is being put out over the whole World Wide Web as being the latest “encouraging now-word for YOU in your current situation.” The prophecy is then absolutely lapped up by the readers and they love it – its what they wanted to hear right now. In the current financial market, who doesn’t want to hear that God is on their side and is going to look on them with favour and increase their finances??
As I read this today, the Lord asked me a question. He said this, “Hmm – looks good doesn’t it? But tell me, how does this edify, or encourage, or strengthen My people in Africa or India or China?” The penny dropped quite quickly – I was reading a ‘word’ aimed especially for the people of America - perhaps Europe too – yet here it was going out all around the world to ‘every tribe & tongue’. Looking back, I noticed that this was one of many similar words given out from America. Words that look good, even popularist, that would please the listening American audience. Please don’t get me wrong here – I am NOT having a go at the USA here. I am bemoaning the ear-tickling peddlers of good news who use the system by giving their audience exactly what they want to hear - “Its going to be all right – cos God is on YOUR side and fighting YOUR corner.” And the huge majority of it is coming from – you got it – the USA. The fact that these people might also line their own pockets, by increasing demand for their speaking engagements because they speak a popular message, is almost beside the point isn’t it?
Have you not noticed that the number of ‘ear ticklers’ is increasing? Almost everyone rising to popularity in the Christian Media in America is an Ear Tickler ! Even well loved and internationally known big ministries bearing much fruit occasionally slip into ear tickling mode. Listen to what the Word says about this :-
2Tim 4:1-5 “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
Why would people “turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths”? Because they are hearing a message that they really want to hear. Its not the message they need to hear but it is one that they want to hear.
This is all so sad. The Lord must be so very sad watching all of this happen. When I mentioned earlier that He had asked me questions about what I was reading, I thought then that He sounded a little sad – resigned - almost expecting this situation. But then, He is God. He knew this would happen. That doesn’t stop Him being sad about it though – does it? He will, after all, have the final word when He judges us.
As the scripture says, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” So – Please – Stop all this ‘ear tickling’ nonsense. Let our prophecy be for the strengthening, encouragement and comfort of the church – the Bride of Christ. Please let us return to prophecy that is from the Lord and not that which comes from ourselves.
CGB
5 Oct 2009
Sunday 4 October 2009
The X Factor
There is so much worldly nonsense on TV at the moment – all vying for the inevitable viewing figures. Each one subjecting ordinary people to stress and pressure like nowhere else on earth. One of the main contenders for Stress Program of the Year must be The X-Factor, which pits some very talented unknown singers against each other in a bid to display the elusive X-factor to judges and public alike and win the $million prize plus the coveted recording contract.
This week, the program plumbed new depths by introducing even more greed, jealousy, and covetousness into proceedings. The program was filmed in the garden of the presenter’s wonderful California home. Huge palace of a place, it had several acres of lush green ‘gardens’, almost Olympic sized swimming pool, plus all the trimmings of the very rich. This place had the lot and it was hung like a carrot before contestants saying – “look what you too could own with a bit of fame and fortune if you win X Factor”.
Well it started me thinking about some of the things Jesus spoke to us about and, eventually I arrived at Matthew 16:13-28. This is where Jesus starts by asking the disciples for their views about Himself. Verses 13-20 “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." - "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”
Who do we say Jesus is? Do we say He was a prophet? Do we say He was a good man of God? Or do we say, like Simon Peter, “He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This view of Jesus can only come to us from God’s Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. This question and answer is followed by the first Word for the Church which was to be built around Simon Peter – “.. I will build My church and the Gates of Hades will not overcome it!” The Church will never be overcome by the world or by Hell – that is Gods promise to us.
Then, Jesus goes on to reveal even more about His death. Verses 21-28 “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
There is an interesting little scene played out here too. When Jesus explains His death, Simon Peter takes Him to one side and berates Him !! But Jesus, who just 2 minutes earlier had prophesied that this man would be the Rock on which the Church would be built, says to him “Get behind me Satan !... you have the mind of men not of God.” Having said this, though, Jesus went on to explain that if we are to come after Him, then we too must take up our cross and follow Him. He adds a very important rider to this by saying, “What good will it do a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
At this point my mind went back to the X Factor – what good will it be to any one of those contestants if they win the prize at the cost of their soul? God reminded me that this is why the x Factor is so aptly named. The X-Factor comes into play when we forget about the cross of Christ as we pursue the things of the world. The X-Factor ?? That’ll be the Cross. That’ll be Jesus - hung there to die for you and me. That’ll be salvation for our souls – Hallelujah \o/
This week, the program plumbed new depths by introducing even more greed, jealousy, and covetousness into proceedings. The program was filmed in the garden of the presenter’s wonderful California home. Huge palace of a place, it had several acres of lush green ‘gardens’, almost Olympic sized swimming pool, plus all the trimmings of the very rich. This place had the lot and it was hung like a carrot before contestants saying – “look what you too could own with a bit of fame and fortune if you win X Factor”.
Well it started me thinking about some of the things Jesus spoke to us about and, eventually I arrived at Matthew 16:13-28. This is where Jesus starts by asking the disciples for their views about Himself. Verses 13-20 “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." - "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”
Who do we say Jesus is? Do we say He was a prophet? Do we say He was a good man of God? Or do we say, like Simon Peter, “He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This view of Jesus can only come to us from God’s Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. This question and answer is followed by the first Word for the Church which was to be built around Simon Peter – “.. I will build My church and the Gates of Hades will not overcome it!” The Church will never be overcome by the world or by Hell – that is Gods promise to us.
Then, Jesus goes on to reveal even more about His death. Verses 21-28 “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
There is an interesting little scene played out here too. When Jesus explains His death, Simon Peter takes Him to one side and berates Him !! But Jesus, who just 2 minutes earlier had prophesied that this man would be the Rock on which the Church would be built, says to him “Get behind me Satan !... you have the mind of men not of God.” Having said this, though, Jesus went on to explain that if we are to come after Him, then we too must take up our cross and follow Him. He adds a very important rider to this by saying, “What good will it do a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
At this point my mind went back to the X Factor – what good will it be to any one of those contestants if they win the prize at the cost of their soul? God reminded me that this is why the x Factor is so aptly named. The X-Factor comes into play when we forget about the cross of Christ as we pursue the things of the world. The X-Factor ?? That’ll be the Cross. That’ll be Jesus - hung there to die for you and me. That’ll be salvation for our souls – Hallelujah \o/
Saturday 3 October 2009
Signs of the Times 2
What a week we’ve had. All sorts of doom and gloom in the news. Typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis – all kinds of natural disasters. Thousands killed and hundreds of thousands homeless. Talk about a confirmation of the Signs of the Times that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 16:2-4. A body could get weary of listening to it all – sombre faced TV news casters giving out all this bad news. Not a trace of good news anywhere – except perhaps for Brazil as they “won” the vote for the 2016 Olympics.
So then, as Christians, what are we supposed to do?
Well actually the Bible is quite clear on that. Take a look at Romans 8:18-39
Paul says this “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ...... in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. “
Whatever we are going through right now will be more than compensated for us when we are revealed as sons of God. Sons of God !! What a promise. Then he goes on to say this (particularly relevant today)
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.....as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
So thats what all these natural disasters are – creation groaning as we await our adoption as sons and the redemption of our bodies – the Rapture !!
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
This is almost the same as Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Our hope is in our faith and our faith is our hope !!
“....but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.....in accordance with God's will.”
Hang on – this is a glorious promise, that the Holy Spirit is in intercession on our behalf – He is praying for US !!!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,”
One of the great and most quoted verses of scripture. Yes, we KNOW that God works in ALL things for our good. This is why we praise Him in ALL things – in the good times we praise Him – in the bad times we praise Him. Our praises rise like incense before His throne – He inhabits our praises !! What else do we want?
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
Another wonderful promise of scripture here. Those who He foreknew, thats ALL of us, are predestined to be like Jesus, we are called, justified, and glorified before God. Hallelujah \o/
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Why do we worry so much? God is our provider – Jehovah-Jireh God our provider. He will provide all things for His children.
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?”
If God has justified us, who then can condemn us. Satan will certainly try but all we need to do is to quote this verse back to him. He was defeated once and for all time at Calvary – he cannot condemn us or defeat us if we trust God.
“Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Yes – Jesus is sitting right beside God interceding for us. We have the Holy Spirit doing so on one hand ‘with groans that words cannot express’, and Jesus doing so on the other hand. We have got it made !!!
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? "
This is the beginning of perhaps the greatest statement Paul ever made regarding our position in Christ. None of these things can separate us from Him.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Not only that but we are already ‘more than conquerors’ through Jesus because He loves us.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
On a personal note – these two verses (Roman 8:38-39) were the first two verses that ever struck me as I started on my Christian journey. There is such a wonderful promise here, written with such power and conviction – How can anyone ever doubt after reading these amazing words of faith and promise.
My message in all this is simple – take heart for the Kingdom of God is so much nearer than you may believe. Despite all the doom and gloom – despite the economy – despite the job situation – despite the natural disasters – and despite all the ‘sabre rattling’ of nation against nation. Jesus is coming again soon but until that glorious day we have these promises of scripture upon which to hold and stand firm.
So then, as Christians, what are we supposed to do?
Well actually the Bible is quite clear on that. Take a look at Romans 8:18-39
Paul says this “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ...... in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. “
Whatever we are going through right now will be more than compensated for us when we are revealed as sons of God. Sons of God !! What a promise. Then he goes on to say this (particularly relevant today)
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.....as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
So thats what all these natural disasters are – creation groaning as we await our adoption as sons and the redemption of our bodies – the Rapture !!
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
This is almost the same as Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Our hope is in our faith and our faith is our hope !!
“....but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.....in accordance with God's will.”
Hang on – this is a glorious promise, that the Holy Spirit is in intercession on our behalf – He is praying for US !!!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,”
One of the great and most quoted verses of scripture. Yes, we KNOW that God works in ALL things for our good. This is why we praise Him in ALL things – in the good times we praise Him – in the bad times we praise Him. Our praises rise like incense before His throne – He inhabits our praises !! What else do we want?
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
Another wonderful promise of scripture here. Those who He foreknew, thats ALL of us, are predestined to be like Jesus, we are called, justified, and glorified before God. Hallelujah \o/
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Why do we worry so much? God is our provider – Jehovah-Jireh God our provider. He will provide all things for His children.
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?”
If God has justified us, who then can condemn us. Satan will certainly try but all we need to do is to quote this verse back to him. He was defeated once and for all time at Calvary – he cannot condemn us or defeat us if we trust God.
“Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Yes – Jesus is sitting right beside God interceding for us. We have the Holy Spirit doing so on one hand ‘with groans that words cannot express’, and Jesus doing so on the other hand. We have got it made !!!
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? "
This is the beginning of perhaps the greatest statement Paul ever made regarding our position in Christ. None of these things can separate us from Him.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Not only that but we are already ‘more than conquerors’ through Jesus because He loves us.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
On a personal note – these two verses (Roman 8:38-39) were the first two verses that ever struck me as I started on my Christian journey. There is such a wonderful promise here, written with such power and conviction – How can anyone ever doubt after reading these amazing words of faith and promise.
My message in all this is simple – take heart for the Kingdom of God is so much nearer than you may believe. Despite all the doom and gloom – despite the economy – despite the job situation – despite the natural disasters – and despite all the ‘sabre rattling’ of nation against nation. Jesus is coming again soon but until that glorious day we have these promises of scripture upon which to hold and stand firm.
Friday 2 October 2009
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
2nd October 2009 – what a week this has been !
More storms with not just one but two typhoons in the Philippines. This led to floods there and great destruction by the wind. More earthquakes with not just one but three seriously big ones around the world, leading to massive destruction. There has even been another tsunami in the Tonga area of the Pacific Islands again causing huge floods and destruction. The number of dead in all of this will probably be in the thousands. The number of homeless, those having lost everything, will number in the hundreds of thousands.
As if this were not enough, we have had Iran & North Korea threatening to produce nuclear weapons of mass destruction – as if the weather needs a helping hand – and threats are made against many nations; in particular against Israel.
Finally, we have more stories of crazed gunmen getting into schools and worst of all, threatening messages spewing out all their bile and hatred purporting to come from well known terrorists.
Have I rung any bells for you yet? Let me give you one final hint
Mark 13:8 (Amplified Version)
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering only the first of the birth pangs.”
Even now, there is more talk about a single European currency; a single European President; the demise of America into 6 pieces and total loss of position as a world power. All of these things point to One World Order ! Ten world leaders and one super-leader. That is to say, TEN boastful horns and Antichrist – Daniel 7 ....
You will no doubt be pleased to know that none of this has come as a surprise to God. In fact I believe He was rather expecting it. You see, some 2000 years ago, Jesus said, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.”
Matthew 16:2-4
Surprisingly, Jesus meant exactly that when He said “you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” and again when He said “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." So the question remains ...... Have you worked it all out yet? Four little words – that’s all.
“SIGNS OF THE TIMES”
There has never been clearer indication of the signs of the times. The Lord has never spoken more clearly to His prophets. Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.” What more do you want to hear?
It is very simple, there’s no rocket science here. The Lord is saying very very clearly “Get ready. Be prepared. I am coming again SOON.” Will you be one of the 5 foolish virgins?
Matthew 25:1-13
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
CGB October 2009
© Chris Bennett 2009
More storms with not just one but two typhoons in the Philippines. This led to floods there and great destruction by the wind. More earthquakes with not just one but three seriously big ones around the world, leading to massive destruction. There has even been another tsunami in the Tonga area of the Pacific Islands again causing huge floods and destruction. The number of dead in all of this will probably be in the thousands. The number of homeless, those having lost everything, will number in the hundreds of thousands.
As if this were not enough, we have had Iran & North Korea threatening to produce nuclear weapons of mass destruction – as if the weather needs a helping hand – and threats are made against many nations; in particular against Israel.
Finally, we have more stories of crazed gunmen getting into schools and worst of all, threatening messages spewing out all their bile and hatred purporting to come from well known terrorists.
Have I rung any bells for you yet? Let me give you one final hint
Mark 13:8 (Amplified Version)
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering only the first of the birth pangs.”
Even now, there is more talk about a single European currency; a single European President; the demise of America into 6 pieces and total loss of position as a world power. All of these things point to One World Order ! Ten world leaders and one super-leader. That is to say, TEN boastful horns and Antichrist – Daniel 7 ....
You will no doubt be pleased to know that none of this has come as a surprise to God. In fact I believe He was rather expecting it. You see, some 2000 years ago, Jesus said, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.”
Matthew 16:2-4
Surprisingly, Jesus meant exactly that when He said “you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” and again when He said “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." So the question remains ...... Have you worked it all out yet? Four little words – that’s all.
“SIGNS OF THE TIMES”
There has never been clearer indication of the signs of the times. The Lord has never spoken more clearly to His prophets. Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.” What more do you want to hear?
It is very simple, there’s no rocket science here. The Lord is saying very very clearly “Get ready. Be prepared. I am coming again SOON.” Will you be one of the 5 foolish virgins?
Matthew 25:1-13
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
CGB October 2009
© Chris Bennett 2009
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