Tag Archive for: john

The Real Word of God

In the book of Acts, The Bereans were described as being of more noble character than those in Thessalonica for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. They did not have the search tools we have today so they were really thorough, but this is not the same as just believing what is taught to you blindly. The Bereans were trouble but it is an attitude that we need today.
So let's examine what the Bible says about itself and see if we have believed our teachers ahead of what is actually written.

In John 1.1 it says
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

It is clear from this that the Word of God is Jesus You get into deep problems if you take this to mean the Bible. The Bible is not God, it did not create anything. If you make the Bible into a 4th representation of God, in addition to the Father, Son, and holy spirit. Then, I guess you'd be a quadratarian rather than a trinitarian,

In verse 14 it goes on to say that the word became flesh and dwelt among us.
The Bible did not become flesh and dwell among us. The Word is an important title for Jesus because it says so much about who he is.
So, clearly there are people who believe that this is referring to the Bible but it cannot be. So the question is are there other verses that some might think are about the Bible but are really about Jesus and what is at stake if we believe that. Try reading the Bible and each time you read the words Word or Word of God try asking the question is this referring to Jesus or to the Bible.

Luke refers to servants of the word, when referring to followers of Jesus
he goes on to say that the people gathered around him were listening to the word of God.

John says that the people he was speaking to were studying the scriptures diligently but the Word did not dwell in them which suggests that the Word is different to the scriptures. it also means that there was a difference to how the beareans examined the scriptures to how these people studied them.

In Ephesians 6.17 It states that we should take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. If the Word of God is Jesus then he fights for us against the enemy, If the Bible is the sword of the spirit then we fight for ourselves with our knowledge and use of the scriptures, I know which one I'd prefer

In Hebrews 4.12, it says that the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double edged sword. Now we know that Jesus is living and active and sharper than any double edged sword but is that really true of the Bible. Without effecting it's importance or it's truth it is not living and active but Jesus certainly is.

In 1 Peter 1.23 Peter refers to the living and enduring word of God, again this is referring to Jesus.
In 2 Peter 3.5, Peter says that the heaven's came into being by God's word, we know from John 1 that Jesus was there, but the Bible was not there.

In Revelation 19.13 it says his name is the Word of God, He is not the Bible.

There are over a hundred references in the Old Testament to the word of God appearing to somebody or coming to somebody. This should not be surprising if he is living and active, if he was there in the beginning
you would expect him to appear in the Old Testament. He talked to the Pharisees about the scriptures referring to him but they couldn't find him.
These were the pharasees who loved the scriptures but they were the only people Jesus met who made him angry.

So what's at stake if we apply the characteristics of Jesus to the Bible.
I think we risk keeping people from the real Jesus, they have a relationship with a book and not with the real Word of God, and the letter kills but the spirit gives life. That's not to take away from the importance of the Bible because it tells us and teaches us about Jesus and we don't have anything else but we have to test everything by the word of God. If you test Jesus by the Bible he stands up because of every word written about him in both testaments. However, if you test the Bible by the word of God you risk finding the God of the Pharisees instead of Jesus himself. Perhaps we would not spend as much energy and time talking about things Jesus never spoke about. Perhaps we would be a better reflection of him and Perhaps that would draw more people to him

Genesis 15.1, 15.4
! Samuel 3, 15.10
2. Samuel 30-32, 24.11
1 Kings 6. 11, 13.1, 13.2, 13.5, 13.9, 13.17, 13.18, 13.20, 16.1, 16.7
17.2, 17.8, 18.1,18.31 19.9, 21.17, 21.28, 22.38,
2 Kings 3.12, 20.4,
1 Chronicles 17.3,
Psalms 18.30, 33.4, 33.6
Isiah 38.4,
jerimiah 1.2, 1.4, 1.11, 1.13, 2.1, 13.3, 13.8, 16.1, 18.5, 20.9
24.4, 25.1, 25.3, 28.12, 29.20, 32.6, 32.26, 33.1, 33.19, 33.23, 34.8,
34.12, 35.12, 36.27, 37.6, 39.15, 40.1, 42.7, 43.8,
Ezekiel 1.3, 3.16, 6.1, 7.1, 11.14, 12.1, 12.8, 12.17, 12.21, 12.26, 13.1,
14.2, 14.12, 15.1, 16.1, 17.1, 17.11, 18.1. 20.2, 20.45, 21.1, 21.8, 21.18,
22.1, 22.17, 22.23, 23.1, 24.1, 24.15, 24.20, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1, 28.11, 28.20, 29.1, 29.17, 30.1, 30.20, 31.1, 32.1, 32.17, 33.1, 33.2, 33.23, 34.1, 35.1, 36.16, 37.15, 38.1,
Jonah 1.1, 3.1,
Haggai 1.3, 2.1, 2.10, 2.20,
Zechariah 1.1, 1.7, 4.8, 6.9, 7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 8.1, 8.18,
Luke 3.2

Richard Collins

Science vs. Religion: Finding Harmony in a Disparate World

For centuries, the relationship between science and religion has been a topic of intense debate. Some see them as locked in an eternal struggle, with scientific discoveries constantly chipping away at the foundations of faith. Others believe they occupy separate domains – science concerned with the “how” of the universe and religion with the “why.”

Points of Contention: Where Science and Religion Clash

Historically, some of the most heated clashes have occurred when scientific explanations contradict literal interpretations of religious texts. The theory of evolution, for instance, challenges the creation stories found in many religions. Similarly, scientific advancements in areas like cosmology and geology can raise questions about the age of the earth or the origins of humanity, which may contradict some religious beliefs.

These clashes can lead to a sense of disillusionment for those who hold both scientific and religious views. It can feel like a choice must be made between reason and faith, a situation that can be deeply unsettling.

Finding Common Ground: Why Science and Religion Can Coexist

Despite these potential conflicts, there are compelling reasons to believe that science and religion can coexist peacefully, even complement each other. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Different Domains of Inquiry: As mentioned earlier, science and religion often address fundamentally different questions. Science seeks to understand the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning. Religion, on the other hand, focuses on questions of meaning, purpose, morality, and the existence of the divine. These are not inherently contradictory pursuits.

  • A Universe Full of Wonder: Scientific discoveries can inspire a sense of awe and wonder at the universe's complexity and beauty. This sense of wonder is often a cornerstone of religious experience as well.

  • Science as a Tool: Many religious individuals see science as a powerful tool for understanding God's creation. Scientific advancements have allowed us to care for the sick, protect the environment, and improve our quality of life. These advancements can be seen as expressions of humankind's capacity for good, a capacity some attribute to a divine source.

  • Faith as a Guide: Science can explain much about the universe, but it cannot answer all our questions. Religious faith can provide comfort, purpose, and a moral compass in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Reconciling Faith with Science: Approaches to Harmony

There are several approaches that individuals can take to reconcile their scientific and religious beliefs:

  • Non-Literal Interpretations: Many religious scholars advocate for non-literal interpretations of sacred texts, allowing for the incorporation of scientific discoveries.

  • Focus on the Core Message: Rather than getting hung up on specific details, some believers focus on the core ethical and spiritual messages of their religion.

  • Theology and Science: A growing field known as theology and science seeks to find common ground between religious and scientific perspectives.

The Importance of Open Dialogue

Ultimately, fostering open dialogue between science and religion is crucial. Scientists and religious leaders can work together to bridge the gap, promoting understanding and mutual respect. Individuals can also engage in their own exploration, reading about both science and religion and reflecting on how these two aspects of human experience can inform their worldview.

A Universe with Room for Both

Science and religion need not be seen as adversaries. They can be seen as complementary aspects of our human quest for understanding. Embracing the wonder of scientific discovery alongside the depth of religious faith allows for a richer and more meaningful experience of the world around us.

Alan Raju John

The Bedrock of Belief: Why Faith is Essential in Christianity

Christianity, at its core, is a religion built on faith. It's the foundation upon which all other aspects of Christian belief and practice rest. But what exactly is faith, and why is it so essential for Christians?

The Bible offers several definitions and metaphors for faith. In Hebrews 11:1, it's described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith allows us to believe in things that cannot be proven with absolute certainty, yet hold them as true with unwavering conviction. It's a trust in God's character and promises, even when we can't fully understand them.

Here are some key reasons why faith is essential in Christianity:

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God: The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation, the act of being saved from sin and its consequences, is a gift from God received through faith. We cannot earn it through good works or perfect behaviour. Our faith is a demonstration of our trust and dependence on God's grace.

Faith allows us to believe in the unseen: Christianity is centered on the belief in God, a being we cannot see with our physical eyes. We believe in Jesus Christ, God's son who came to earth, died on the cross, and rose again. These are all foundational tenets of the faith that cannot be empirically proven. Yet, through faith, we accept them as true based on the scriptures and the impact they have on our lives.

Faith provides hope and comfort: Life is full of challenges and uncertainties. Faith allows us to trust that God is in control, even when we don't understand what's happening. Romans 8:28 assures us that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse doesn't promise an absence of difficulty, but it offers hope that God will use even the challenging times for our good.

Faith is the key to spiritual growth: The Bible encourages us to grow in our faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Just as a plant needs water and sunlight to flourish, our faith needs to be nurtured through prayer, studying the Bible, and fellowship with other believers.

Faith inspires us to live a Christ-like life: James 2:17-18 tells us that “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” True faith isn't just mental assent; it translates into action. Our faith compels us to love others, serve our communities, and live according to the teachings of Jesus.

In conclusion, faith is the bedrock of Christian belief. It's the cornerstone of our relationship with God, allows us to believe in the unseen, provides hope and comfort, and inspires us to live a meaningful life. While doubts and questions may arise, Christians strive to cultivate a faith that is unwavering, a faith that allows them to fully embrace the promises and transformative power of their religion.

Alan Raju John

Embracing Faith in a Modern World

In a world obsessed with data, algorithms, and the tangible, the concept of faith can feel antiquated. Yet, this very modern world, with its constant barrage of information and relentless pace, is precisely where faith becomes most crucial. It's the bridge between the seen and unseen, the anchor in the storm, the source of courage that compels us to take that critical leap forward.

The Call to Adventure

The Bible is replete with stories of individuals taking leaps of faith. Abraham, the father of faith, uprooted his entire life based on God's promise of a new land (Genesis 12:1-4). Stepping out of his comfort zone, he embarked on a journey that would shape the course of history.

Similarly, we too experience a call to adventure, a yearning for something more. It may be a nudge to pursue a dream career, a prompting to mend a broken relationship, or a whisper to finally start that creative project. This inner voice, often described as a calling, can be faint at first, but it grows stronger with each passing day. Proverbs 27:18 reminds us, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Ignoring this inner voice, this intuition, can lead us down paths of regret.

Faith is a Muscle

Taking a leap of faith isn't about blind recklessness. It's about calculated risk, fueled by a belief in something bigger than ourselves. It's the entrepreneur who pours heart and soul into a new venture, the student venturing abroad for the first time, the artist finally sharing their work with the world. Hebrews 11:1 beautifully defines faith: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

This “confidence” isn't passive; it requires action. Just as a muscle needs exercise to grow stronger, faith flourishes when we take those initial steps. The Bible is filled with examples of this active faith. David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17) or Esther approaching the king (Esther 4) – both took action despite the odds stacked against them. Their faith wasn't a guarantee of success, but it propelled them forward.

The Tightrope Walk of Fear and Faith

Taking a leap of faith doesn't negate fear. Fear is a natural human emotion, a primal instinct that keeps us safe. However, we cannot let fear paralyze us. 2 Timothy 1:7 assures us, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self-control.”

Think of faith as a tightrope walk. Fear is the wind that buffets you from side to side, threatening to throw you off balance. But faith is the pole you grasp tightly, the anchor that keeps you tethered. It's the unwavering belief that even if you stumble, there's a net to catch you, a force propelling you forward.

The Unexpected Gifts of Leaping

The greatest rewards in life often lie on the other side of our comfort zones. By embracing faith and taking that leap, we open ourselves up to a plethora of possibilities. We discover hidden strengths, forge new connections, and experience the exhilarating joy of personal growth.

Perhaps the leap leads to the dream job you never dared to pursue, or maybe it strengthens a bond you thought was lost. The beauty lies in the unknown, the element of surprise that life throws our way.  Isaiah 43:19 tells us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Taking a leap allows us to witness these unexpected gifts, the new paths God carves out for us.

Faith in a Modern Context

In a world that prioritizes logic and reason, faith can seem out of place. But true faith isn't blind belief; it's a deep trust, a knowing that there's a force for good working in the universe. It's the belief that even in the face of uncertainty, there is hope.

This faith can translate into various aspects of our modern lives. It's the trust we place in a friend even when they make mistakes, the unwavering belief in ourselves even when faced with setbacks, the hope for a brighter tomorrow even amidst global challenges.

Alan Raju John

April 8th, 2024: Great Days Are Coming For America, Canada and Mexico!

“Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:9.

On Monday, April 8th, 2024, God will reveal and announce the authority of his Church through the solar eclipse to the nations of America, Mexico, and Canada. It is a very exciting day to live in! Let me unpack it for you…

Biblical prophecy, especially New Testament prophecy, should always be seen through the eyes and the spirit of redemption. In my opinion, if it is not approached with this perspective, it will not be read in a purely divine way. The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus, and the meaning of the name Jesus is GOD SAVES! So not only should prophetic words bring redemption and salvation, but also anything else God brings to the table, such as the heavenly SIGN of this solar eclipse!

The sun is often referred to or seen as the Lord who is the light of the world and the moon as his Church/the Bride of Jesus Christ, with any person positioned under him reflecting his glory. “He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” John 1:8

In a solar eclipse, the moon blocks or aligns with the sun and the earth, and the moon is seen as the Church, as I already mentioned to you. The Church doesn’t block God at all; she lives to reveal him to the nations. The heavenly event tomorrow in the skies will show the moon being embraced by the majesty of the SUN/SON, endorsing her and pushing her forth to the nations of the earth, specifically America, Canada, & Mexico as his ambassador.

What is going on here prophetically?

Of course, I highly encourage you to watch the videos going viral online and the many prophetic intakes and insights; it's beautiful if we take the good from those prophecies and reject what is bad. But we prophesy in part, so here is my part that I believe will add more blessing and weight to this.

But before, I want to interject a truth and a revelation here that is very important and always saves me from pride. Every time you hear an anointed preacher or prophet canceling others or belittling them to convey a message to his audience and you that he is the only one speaking the truth, raise your red flags because there is a spirit of pride here, and when there is pride, purity is compromised.

I watched a famous prophet yesterday saying this on his YouTube video “with a strong tone and manner,” so I rebuked him in a comment, telling him, “You are operating in the ELIJAH SYNDROME MINDSET.” What is that? IT IS WHEN ELIJAH, IN PRIDE, CANCELED EVERY OTHER MOUTHPIECE, TELLING THE LORD RUDELY, “I AM THE ONLY LEFT FOR YOU. NO ONE IS WORSHIPING YOU ANYMORE AND SPEAKING THE TRUTH, AS I DO.” Really Elijah? God replied. I have kept 7000 for me. Let's always remember this story.

Every time we operate in this mindset, we are definitely in pride, and we should cry over it for repentance. Pride is so ugly, man! The thought that I am the most important, the one and only, and all those garbage terms is gross. We are nothing! Just sinners saved by grace and lavished by his mercy forever and it is a humbling privilege to be used of the Lord. Always remember you prophesy in part; THIS KEEPS YOU HUMBLE! You don’t and can’t see it all. We need each other, we are family, one glorious body of Christ!

I just wanted to say all this. Wow, now I feel good and relieved having said it. I HATE PRIDE!

So back to the heavenly sign on April 8th, 2024, what is going on prophetically?

I believe the Lord is announcing a new weighty season of promotion for his Church, letting every eye see her authority and importance and that she is being embraced, endorsed, and placed in the bosom of the divine and pushed forth to the nations of America, Mexico, and Canada! The sign tomorrow is for those nations; it is God’s prophetic word and heavenly marker to them, in those big regions, the voice of the Church will be louder, higher, and seen like never before! Amen.

From the year 2023 until this moment, all around the globe, including myself, we have been discerning from the Holy Spirit that it is time for the Church to transition to the Kingdom age and take over the mountains of influence. You are part of THIS! You are for such a time as THIS! The world is not ending; Jesus is coming through his Church first.

Tomorrow, we start the Kingdom Age where the Church starts to rule over the nations and mobilize them for the glory of God.

Check those below related important featured resources:
Prophetic word 2023
Prophetic word 2024
New video course: “As You Go Up, Glory Comes Down”

God bless you
Tony Francis

Paul and James: On Justification

The book of James is one of the most important topics to cover when it comes to faith and works. James is believed by many people to contradict Paul, especially in the book of Romans, making the case that works are an essential component to be the evidence of our faith. While James writes that faith without works is dead, just as the body without the spirit is, Paul states that he who does work will not be made righteous; however, those who do not work but believe in him who justifies the ungodly, their faith is counted as righteousness (Romans 4:4-5).

Both Paul and James become clear that they do not contradict each other but how do they agree without excluding one of these two concepts? Since both of them believe that grace comes through faith alone, works would not add to that according to James, who writes:

“You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

He presents the point that even demons believe in the existence of God, so how can works apart from faith be useless? Depending on how you interpret the context of what James says and how Abraham was justified by works, we can settle to a point with Paul. Whereas faith without works is dead only in the eyes of men, not in the eyes of God. If that is the case, how is faith made evident according to what other parts of scripture says about the fruit of the spirit? Most people believe that the fruit of the spirit (or works) means to gradually abandon sin or, by having corresponding actions, to go along with our faith.

One of the most common reasons why people believe you must still abandon sin is told in John’s epistle: “No one who abides in him makes a practice of sinning; for whoever is born of God does not sin; you cannot keep on sinning by being in him.” Since he appeared in order to take away our transgressions, there is no sin in our new creation that’s within us, but as for our mortal body, sin still exists daily; it is part of our natural human instinct.

So works never involve deeds of the law as evidence of faith. Whether good works signify our faith is another matter to look at further. As for our sinful nature, which has broken the law of God, that is what the cross was for—to replace us from dying in the flesh—by his work alone, in order to live free according to the spirit.

If Christ’s righteousness is applied to us, then how can the law itself ever negate self-righteousness? For if you mix the law together, what grace could you receive, if Christ didn’t cover it fully? By his atoning sacrifice, his death, after living a perfect life, was sufficient enough to cover the full penalty. What works can add any value to that establishment for us on earth? We were called to be like him through only one way that can grow. Therefore, we should always look to spread his word through the willingness of the holy spirit.

In free grace theology, contrary to lordship salvation (where one must submit to God), opposes that we must gradually obey the law through the process of sanctification. Neither do good works or deeds of the law ever lay the foundation of our faith; all works are as filthy rags, as stated in the book of Isaiah:

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment” (v. 64:6).

However, those without corresponding actions may have denied him by not living according to the heart of the gospel teachings. Only by the fruit of this spirit — love, peace, joy, kindness, patience and forbearance — can faith become evident (Galatians 5:22). Those are the corresponding points to what Paul and James taught on the doctrine of justification.

Life In Your DNA

Death was never God's plan for mankind, but we know from the Bible that death entered our world because of sin. God provided the solution, the antidote for death, through Jesus Christ's sacrifice that brings redemption to us when we receive him. God is LIFE! You will never find a place in the Bible where God announces he is DEATH or causes it. The Lord is the author of life and he came to give you life abundantly. (See John 10)

Why it is important to have the right belief in God? Because if you don't, you will take anything you face in this life as part of it and its design. BUT not everything in this life was designed by God. Again, death was never God's will for us and will never be. God provided the solution, and he works things for our good. He remembers mercy in the judgment.

Many things in this life have become natural and part of our daily beliefs. Your beliefs, whether good or bad, will always fuel your faith. If you believe anti-aging for example is God's design, you will not see it as your enemy, thus you will befriend the idea, embrace it, and never fight it or push against it by the power of LIFE that resides within you by the Holy Spirit. Yes, you will grow old, but who said you need to age? Did you know that aging in science is considered a disease and many parties and labs are working to cure it? Thank God for that and I love breakthrough technologies, but as for you and me, we first have God as our source for everything, before anything else that is made available to us.

I am believing, and it is my firm belief, that I will grow old but won't age because I know God, his nature, and his word. God loves it when you discover this revelation and seek after it. God can't deny his nature, will, and word. So knowing him as the LIFE GIVER, and seeking him to provide life for you in every shape and form, will be met by him. He is faithful to his nature and word and will never fail you.

Have you ever thought about why mankind hates and fights ferociously disease, anti-aging, and some things too? Simply because God has put eternity in the heart of everyone and WE KNOW deep inside that death is not made for us, nor our spirits, souls, and bodies. Death is an enemy of God and an enemy of YOURS. Can you recognize it? Because if you don't, you will partake of it like every other person who is familiar with it. I believe you are aware that death is your enemy and that LIFE is your portion in your core.

God bless you

Tony Francis

Overcoming Drug Addiction

Are you enslaved or troubled by habitual use of various narcotic, stimulant, or mind-influencing drugs (including alcohol)? Do you have symptoms of physical, emotional, or mental addiction? You may not have a sickness, but a sin problem that causes enslavement and sickness.

Jesus Christ has done something about your problem. He came to liberate you from such problems and enable you to gain self-control, a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).

What Scripture Says

Everything is permissible for me — but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me — but I will not be mastered by anything” (I Corinthians 6:12).

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

The Spirit of the Lord is on me because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power, He gives orders to evil spirits and they come out (Luke 4:18-21, 36).

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15).

He who does what is sinful is of the devil because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work (I John 3:8).

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:1, 13).

What Can You Do?

Take seriously the bondage in which you are involved. God cares about you and has a solution.

Your real problem is not an incurable illness, but sin. And Jesus came to deal with sin (I Corinthians 5:11). You need to be spiritually reborn and baptized with the Holy Spirit. You need to change your life patterns. You also may need help for deliverance from drugs and healing.

Be bold. Take a fearless inventory of your life. Ask for help from your family, Christian friends, a local pastor, The 700 Club (call 800-759-0700), or another Christian ministry that cares. Or call Teen Challenge or a local drug hotline.

It is said that it takes thirty-one days to break a habit. Drug addiction is a “life dominating” problem, so radical changes must be made regarding associates, social atmosphere, places frequented, etc. Replacement, not abstention, is the key.

You need to keep busy and occupy your mind with new things (Philippians 4:8,9). Learn to yield yourself to Christ rather than to drugs, old friends, self-pity, guilt, fear, etc.

How to be Spiritually Reborn

God has a plan for your salvation. Call on the Lord to save you mind, body and soul (I John 1:9). Receive Him as your Savior and Lord (John 1:12). Believe Him. He said He would not turn anyone away. He loves you and gave His life for you (John 3:16,17).

How you can know you are forgiven:

The Bible, God's Word says:

You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and you have done nothing on your own (Ephesians 2:8).

For those who put their faith in Jesus: He gave them the right to be the children of God… God Himself was the one who made them His children (John 1:12-13).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Once you become a Christian, you can have God's power available through the Holy Spirit. You will be able to live as God intended (Ezekiel 36:27). The Holy Spirit empowers you to help others (Acts 1:8), He aids and teaches you (John 14:26; I Corinthians 2:13), and guides you into truth (John 16:13) and in life (Acts 10:19; 13:2; 16:6).

You may want to ask someone already baptized with the Holy Spirit to pray with you. Just as you asked the Lord to forgive your sins, believing He would, ask Him now to baptize you with the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). He promised to do so, so take Him at His Word that He does what you ask. Thank and praise Him for being a God who does as He promises.

Tell someone else what you've done. Other Christians and the church will rejoice with you and help you. The angels rejoice with you. God rejoices with you.

As You Pray

Thank God for His love, concern, and power to save and deliver. Renounce the drugs, old friends, and hangouts connected with your drug problem. Yield yourself to Jesus. Thank Him for coming into your heart and filling you with the Holy Spirit. Take Him at His word and thank Him for delivering you from drugs.

The Importance of Faith In the Life of the Christian Believer

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

What Is Faith?
Faith is a strong feeling of trust in someone or something
For the Christian believer, faith is belief and trust in one God
According to Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”

Faith is so critical and important in our lives, as Christians, that it occurs or mentioned 100 times in the Bible – 28 times in the Old Testament and 72 times in the New Testament.

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hebrews 11:3).
The world or creation itself was founded in faith when God made the following decrees;
“Let there be light” – (Genesis 1:3)
• “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters and let divide the waters from the waters” – (Genesis 1:6)
• “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered unto one place, and let the dry land appear” – (Genesis 1:9)
• “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yield fruit according to its kind” – (Genesis 1:11)
• The decree continues until the creation of man when God said “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” –(Genesis 1:26)

Faith is very crucial in the life of the Christian believer for the following reasons:

1) As Christian Believers, We Live By Faith
Romans 1:17 says “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written: the just shall live by faith”.

Also in Galatians 2:20 Apostle Paul tells us that “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”.

Our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son, has been made right. God declared us to be righteous because of our faith in Christ “from faith to faith”
By faithfully trusting in God by our belief in Christ, we are saved and find life not only in this world but eternally.

2) As Christian Believers, We Are Firm In The Faith
Romans 11:20 says “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded but fear”.
2 Corinthians 1:24 puts it thus, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy, for by faith ye stand”.

Due to faithlessness, the Jews who are the natural branches of the tree were broken off. The Gentile believers have been grafted into the tree like a wild olive shoot. Both the Jews and Gentiles now share the tree’s nourishment based on faith in God. No one can rest on heritage or culture for salvation. The Gentiles should not feel superior to the Jews because if God had not rejected the Jews, as it were, the Gentiles probably would not have had a chance.

3) As Christian Believers, We Combat The Good Fight
1 Timothy 6:12 says “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called and has professed good profession before many witnesses”.

As Christian believers, we must have an active faith, obeying God with courage and doing what we know is right.
It is time for action on your part. What are you waiting for? – Get going, don’t wait!

4) As Christian Believers, We Walk By Faith
2 Corinthians 5:7 says “For we walk by Faith, not by sight”.

5) As Christian Believers, We Win By Faith
In 1 John 5:4 where we took our text, we are told that we can overcome whatever challenge life throws on our way, as long as we have faith and trust in God.
It says “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith”.

6) As Christian Believers, We Are Justified By Faith
Romans 5:1 puts it thus, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Peace with God means that we have been reconciled with Him. There is no more hostility between us and God, no sin blocking our relationship with Him. Peace with God is made possible by Jesus paying the price for our sins through His death on the cross.

7) As Christian Believers, We Please God By Faith
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”.

God wants us to have a personal dynamic relationship with Him, and not just a mere knowledge of His existence. After all the demons and witches know that God exists, that does not stop them from doing evil. Those who seek Him diligently will find that they have intimate relationship with Him. When you tell others about the gospel, please encourage them to be honest and diligent in their search for truth and faith in God.

8) As Christians Believers, We Grow In Faith
1 Thessalonian 1:3 says “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God, and our Father”.

Like the Thessalonians who stood firm in the face of persecution, Apostle Paul is admonishing us to also do the work of God produced by faith, labour prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope. These characteristics are the hall marks of an effective Christian believer.

9) As Christian Believers. We Die In Faith
“These all died in faith, not having received the promise, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers, and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13).

This world is not our home and cannot live here forever. Many people, especially of the Old Testament, died without receiving all that God promised. However, a good number of them never lost their vision of heaven.
Many of us become frustrated, and defeated when our needs, wants or expectations, are not immediately met on giving our lives to Christ, and therefore want to quit. If you are one of such people, please be patient, take courage from heroes of faith who lived and died without seeing the fruit of their faith on earth and yet, continued to believe (Hebrews 11:36-39).

Some Heroes of Faith Who Did Not See The Fruit Of Their Faith On Earth
Abel and Enoch (Hebrews 11:4-5)
Noah and Abraham (Hebrews 11:7-8)
Sarah and Isaac (Hebrews 11:11, 20)
Jacob and Joseph (Hebrews 11:21-22)
Moses and Rahab (Hebrews 11:23,31)
Boaz (Ruth 2:15-16)

Some Heroes of Faith Who Persevered And Saw The Fruit Of Faith

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the Prophets (Hebrews 11:32-33)

How To Grow In Faith Through Jesus Christ
“That we henceforth be no children, tossed to and fro , and caused about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14).
1) Growing In Faith Begins With The New Birth Through The Word Of God
1 Peter 2:2 says “As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby”.

One thing common to all children is that they want to grow up – like their big brothers and sisters or their parents. Similarly, when we are born again, we become spiritual new babies, if healthy, we will yearn to grow. The need for milk is a natural instinct for a baby, and it signals the desire for nourishment that will lead to growth. In the same way, since we see the need for God’s word and begin to find nourishment with Christ, our spiritual appetite will increase and we will start to mature. How strong is your desire for God’s word?

2) As Children, We are Fed With Milk
“For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe” (Hebrews 5:13)

Commitment to Christ moves people out of their comfort zones or positions. You cannot grow as a Christian if you remain in the same position instead of applying what you have learned to your situation and teaching others. As a new born Christian, stop your old ways of doing things, fellowship with the brethren and imbibe the new culture in Christ. In this way, you will be able to understand the high-priestly role of Christ.

3) As Adults, We Are Fed With Solid Food
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

Your spiritual growth determines your capacity to feast on deeper knowledge of God (solid food). More often than not, we want God;s banquet before we are spiritually capable of digesting it. As we grow in the Lord and put into practice what we have learned, our capacity to understand will also grow.

4) Many Remain Eternal Christians
Hebrews 5:12-14 tells us “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”.

In order for us to grow from baby Christians to adult or mature Christians, we must learn discernment. We must train our consciences, minds, senses and our bodies to distinguish between good and evil. Can you recognise temptation before you? Can you tell the difference between correct text of Scripture and a mistaken one?

5) We Should All Grow And Become Adults
Ephesians 4:13-14 admonishes us to walk in unity.
Working together, the church can express the fullness of Christ – Ephesians 3:19
Christ is the Truth – John 14:6
The Holy Spirit who guides the church is the Spirit of Truth – John 16:13
Satan, by contrast, is the father of lies – John 8:44

As followers of Christ, we must be committed to the truth. This means that our words should be honest and our actions should reflect Christ’s integrity as well. We should realise that speaking the truth in love is not always easy, convenient or pleasant. However, this is very necessary if the church is going to do Christ’s work on earth. Remember that YOU are the church.

6) The Lord Looks After Our Growth
Ephesians 4:11-13 says “And He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors, and some Teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”.

The Holy Spirit has given every Christian a special gift for building up the church. Now that we have these gifts, it is imperative we use them. If you know what your gifts are, please look fo opportunity to serve the Lord and use them. If you do not know, ask God to show you, perhaps with the help of your Pastor or other Christian friends. The enormous responsibility the church has includes preaching, teaching, evangelising, healing, giving, nurturing, administering, building, etc. God has called us as members of His body to perform this responsibility. Together we can obey God more fully than anyone alone. Working together, in unity, the church can express the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 3:19).

7) The Word Is The Best Way Of Generating Our Growth In Faith
Acts 20:32 puts it this way “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified”.

Like he prayed for the Ephesians in this passage, Apostle Paul is also praying for and commending you and I to God and His Word that the more we know Christ (our model), through the word, the more we will be like Christ. Study Jesus in the Gospel to see what He was like on earth. Personal knowledge of Christ through the Word will greatly change our lives. How much of His Word do you know? How much of Him are you willing to learn?

Until you invite Jesus Christ into your life (being born again) God’s continued presence can never abide with you. Today, accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour. Ask Him to have mercy on you and forgive your sins and become the Master and Ruler of your soul, henceforth.
If you have backslid, retrace your steps back to Him right now and rededicate your life to God. However, if you have a living relationship with God, then tell others about Him – how much He loves us, He is our Savior, Redeemer and He died for our sins in order that we might not have to face the punishment that we rightly deserve. He is coming back the second time to take with Him all those who believe and accept Him, by faith, into their lives to live with Him eternally.
Congratulations if you have just accepted Jesus Christ into your life. Now look for a Bible believing church in your neighborhood to attend and you will be taught and grow in the Word of God.

God Bless You.       

#PathofLife

Changing the Culture of the Spheres of Influence through the Beatitudes

Changing the Culture of the Spheres of Influence through the Beatitudes y Lilian Schmid – Strategist and Prayer Coordinator for The Prayer Strategy Spheres of Influence International 

Introduction

How can we use Jesus’ Command to “love one another” (John 13:33-34) change the 21st century culture which is affected by sin: every sphere of influence in our society has been corrupted and affected by the ungodly activities which are operating to destroy humanity. Modern life has become multi-faceted and hectic with the following spheres/domains dominating and competing for ours and our families' time, money, affections and ambitions. These spheres or domains are:

  • Business and Finance
  • Government and the Military
  • Law and Justice
  • Faith and Philosophy
  • Creative Arts
  • Education
  • Charity and Not for Profit Welfare
  • Health and Science
  • Media and Entertainment
  • Sport and Recreation

In the Old Testament God promised to mend that which had been lost in the Fall by reinstituting peace on earth. Through Ezekiel, the Lord looked forward to such restoration for his people:

“And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give them their land and multiply them, and I will put my Temple among them forever. I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Ezek 37:26-27).

Peace will come by God’s effort. The result will be material blessing and, most importantly, a mended relationship between people and God. The prophet Isaiah brought a message similar to that of Ezekiel: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Isa 52:7).  God’s peace is integrally related to his salvation, to the restoration of his reign on earth. When God saves, he will restore his kingdom so that those who live under his rightful rule will experience the fullness of his peace.

Jesus entered the world as the one who would fulfil the mission of the Suffering Servant, thus bringing divine peace. Even before Jesus was born, one of his relatives proclaimed what God was about to do: “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79)

How the Beatitudes will Bring Change to the Spheres of Influence in Our Society

“The beatitudes reveal to us eight qualities that bring God's blessing: meekness and mercy, poorness in spirit and purity of heart, mourning and hunger, peacemaking and persecution. Jesus highlighted these to offer both encouragement and instruction on living distinctly as his followers in a world with values much different from God's. As we study these qualities and integrate them into our lives, we will receive the blessing Jesus promised to his followers then and now”.
(The Beatitudes: Developing Spiritual Character by John R.W. Stott)

Looking at the Beatitudes as a kind of ladder, an ascent, we can discover some amazing things about spirituality and its fundamental relationship to the world. The Beatitudes have intense significance in a world where many Christians want to change others and the world from the top down, through forced conformity rather than genuine conversion. The Beatitudes are the essence, the lifeblood and beating heart of authentic, ancient and living Christianity. They are (from Mt 5:3-10):

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

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Beatitudes express the idea that peace comes from peacemakers who are characterised by their poverty of spirit, their ability to mourn for the world, their lack of attachments or clinging to personal rights, their hunger for the healing of the world, their extreme mercy extended even towards their worst enemies, and their purity of heart. Peacemakers, according to Christ, are the instruments who bring peace to the world because they exemplify these characteristics. Change comes from the inside and moves towards the external. Peacemakers are persecuted because they present a challenge to authority which compels from the outside but cannot penetrate the interior.

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount begins by talking about the kingdom of heaven. A kingdom has a king, subjects, a place, and the ways of the king and his kingdom. It is where this particular king is reigning. So when Jesus teaches, He is not just advocating rules or giving advice. He is talking about a place or, more accurately, a realm where the ruler is God. And what is God’s kingdom like? What is God like as a king? Who are His subjects? And what are the ways of God? You can see that Jesus speaks about all these things in the Beatitudes. We learn about who the subjects of this kingdom are: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, etc. The true King of this universe is the One who gives the kingdom, who comforts, gives the earth to His children, and so on. Jesus is telling them about the wonder and goodness of living under the reign of God. The creator of this universe is the king of every sphere of influence, Jesus is the author of these spheres and we are the witnesses to bring real changes into them by proclaiming God’s kingdom on each one of them.

How the Kingdom will manifest its Power in the Spheres

First of all Jesus is speaking about the kingdom as a present and future reality. We can truly possess the kingdom of heaven here and now on the earth. We can enjoy the truth of this at least to some extent. The people of the kingdom are blessed. The word “blessed” always implies that the one doing the blessing is God. To be blessed is to be favoured or honoured by God. “Blessed” is a passive term. The one who is blessed is receiving from God His notice and favour. We can bring blessing to others that we meet within our sphere of influence.

So who are those who are blessed in the kingdom of heaven? And why are they blessed? In looking over the Beatitudes, we are immediately struck that Jesus is saying the unexpected, to say the least! The qualities of the blessed on Jesus’ teaching are not at all what we think of when we consider those we believe to be blessed.

To be blessed is to have value as human beings from our (Government), to have good health (Health and Science), to be secure and protected (Law and Justice), have great success in one’s endeavours (Business), creative and artistic (Arts), athletic (Sport and Recreation), freedom of speech and ideas (Faith and Philosophy), rich in Knowledge (Education), helping others in need to live (Charity and Not For Profit Welfare), spreading Christian values through technology (Media). These are the qualities we tend to associate with being blessed.

Jesus brings a new dimension to human life through the Sermon on the Mount. In the Beatitudes he teaches us the quality of life that we are hungry for. Every sphere of influence needs these kingdom qualities to be proclaimed in them. The qualities He includes are actually what we would normally consider indications of someone not being blessed! The person who we naturally think is blessed is favoured to have the kingdom of heaven now and a future fullness in comfort, inheritance, satisfaction, mercy, etc. The blessing then that these people receive is not to be poor in spirit, mourning, or meek. Rather, the presence of these qualities is thought to be a sign that the person is not cursed, but actually blessed. Paradoxically in Jesus teaching one can be called blessed when they are poor in spirit because being poor in spirit is a sign that she/he is looking for the very thing God the King is giving: His kingdom. You can see that there is a connection in the message of Jesus between the person who is blessed and why they are blessed, where every person who is a witness to Christ in the Marketplace can bring a blessing to these domains or spheres.

God our King desires indeed to bless us, to bless our families, our church, our work. Through our mission we can transform our society by applying the teaching of the Beatitudes through each one of us. We can be a part of bringing the reality of the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. To understand that to be blessed here and now is to find we are being made ready to receive all these things forever.

Jesus is telling us about His kingdom. We see that God greatly desires to bless His people in a full and complete way. God is not going to give sparingly – just some comfort, or a small inheritance. And what God is doing in His people now, when He is blessing them, is that He is making them able more and more to hope in, receive, long for, the very riches He is giving. If we are in Christ we are a new creation: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Co 5:17).

So as blessed people:

  • Let us be rich in God’s Kingdom who is the provider of all richness in this wor Colossians 3:16
  • Let us be comforted to be free, Jesus gave us freedom the moment he gave his life on the cross. Galatians 3:1-14
  • Let us inherit the earth because we are sons and daughter of God’s Kingdom. Psalm 2:7
  • Let us be righteous and let God’s light shine through us. Matthew 5:14
  • Let us receive mercy and grace, and be merciful to others Matthew 8:14-17
  • Let us have Jesus’ heart and receive His unconditional love to love others as He loved us. John 3:16
  • Let us be peacemakers and bring unity across the body. John 13:35
  • Let us handle persecution with perseverance; then we may understand the fullness of God’s mercy and grace. John 25:20

Amen.