Sunday Re-Cap 27 December , 2009

God’s Presence our Daily Bread
by Ps. Abel Phillips

Luke 2:10–11
10Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord

Jesus is the mighty Savior. He came to save His people. He came to save you and me. So even if you are in a cold, dark period of your life, don’t be afraid — the Savior has come and He will save you to the uttermost!

Presents Or Presence?
In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. —Psalm 16:11
“It is not God’s promises we need, it is [God] Himself.” Presents may make us happy for a time; earthly gifts from God may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.

We experience God’s daily presence by abiding in the Word of God, abiding in the anointed Holy Spirit and in His Son, Jesus Christ) – 1 John 2:24-29 Word of God – (Written word reveals the Living word- Jesus)

It is no wonder that Proverbs 4:22 tells us that God’s words are “life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh”. So if you are under the weather or if symptoms are attacking your body, double up on God’s medicine. Simply feed more on God’s Word, and you will find life and health flowing through your body again.

1 John 2:28-29 - And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

Abiding in Christ means that a person continues in the Word of Christ and knows the truth, that a person lets the Word of God abide in his life, that a person experiences the indwelling presence and witness of the Spirit, and that a person has power to live like he should. Abiding in Christ means that a person dwells in love and in unity and fellowship with all other believers, and it means that a person bears fruit and lives a very fruitful life. Abiding in Christ means that a person loves others, that he lives and walks in love toward others.

- God’s presence with us is one of His greatest presents /gifts to us. Matthew 1:23 “… and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
God has promised you His constant presence (Hebrews 13:5- “I will never leave you nor forsake you. When we are conscious of His presence every day, we will experience a peace that gives us rest, joy inexpressible in our spirit and a power that nothing in this world can offer. In fact, we will begin to be peaceful and powerful like Jesus. we will speak and behave like Him. This is because we cannot be in God’s presence without His beauty, love, peace, power and glory rubbing off on you.

So, we can enter this New Year with a sense of God’s presence if we look to Him in each of these directions. He is there to help us through every trial, temptation and task no matter what it is. He is all-sufficient for us for the coming year. So let each of us resolve to “run with patience the race that is set before us,” looking to Jesus to find the way. He’s there to meet us each and every step of the way.

Sunday Re Cap (13th Dec 2009)

Health and Wholeness Through the Holy Communion (Part II)

What is the basis of Christ as our Passover Lamb? Is 53:7; 1 Cor 5:7-8; Jn 1:29; 1 Pet 1:18-25, John 19:32 & Exodus 12:46 (No bone broken).

Exodus Chap 12:

V8- Why the roasted lamb? Fire speaks of the wrath of God; and this was the picture of God's fire of wrath upon Jesus on the cross. Rom 5:9; 1 Thess 5:9.

V9-why not raw? Eating the roasted lamb signifies feeding on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Not half baked or half cooked gospel. Half of our own efforts and half Jesus' finished work on the cross. Accepting that the full fury of God's judgment went upon Jesus. That is the only way to partake the HC.

V10-sorrow for only the night but joy comes in the morning! Psa 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. God's anger burned for a moment in time upon Jesus so that we can enjoy His favour for life! Here we are, thinking God is still angry for every sin against us. The HC is to remember that HIS FAVOUR IS FOR LIFE! Is 54:7-8, Ps 103:8-9. That moment has come and gone through the cross! God is no longer angry or will He ever be angry with us. Rom 5:8-9; 1 Thess 1:10. To say that God is angry with us is to say that the cross was insufficient!

If God had exercised and exhausted His fury and wrath upon Jesus on the cross; then what about Ananias & Sapphira? Acts 5:1-14.

The writer of Acts who was Luke was a very detailed man (physician). He uses certain terms to describe a believer or an unbeliever. Ananias was described as "a certain man" in Acts 5:1.

1. Certain man usually used for non believers in Acts. Acts 3:2, 5:1, 8:9, 9:33, 14:8, 19:24; Except Acts 18:7 and 25:14. In these cases, Justus was given a description (as one who worshipped God and the status of Paul was not Dr.Luke's words but the words of another non-believer.
   
2. Certain disciple usually used for Christians. Acts 9:10, 9:36, 16:1
   
3. This situation is not a norm in the New Testament church but a single event. A whole doctrine of judgment cannot be based on a single event.
   
4. God may have used this event to establish apostolic authority in the early church.
   
5. As Ananias and his wife were non believers, this outcome serves to remind the church that the Holy Spirit will avenge anyone in the church who was being taken advantage of.
   

Continued next week…

 

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (6th Dec 2009)

Receiving Forgiveness of Sins Enables Us to Receive Our Father's Love

Rom 8:38

³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2Ti 2:13
       ¹³ If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

"God does not need our love; in order to love us". We are not the initiators of that love but God is! He first loved us! Even when we don't feel like loving God; we can be assured that He loves us. His love is constant.

Do you and I need to love God? Same answer as, "Does God need our money"? He owns the cattle over a thousand hills. God IS LOVE! There is no shortage of LOVE in heaven. The Bible says God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son who is a manifestation of love. God IS LOVE No shortage of love in heaven! Our need is not to love God but to FIRST receive His unconditional LOVE.

1Jn 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

The key to receiving God's love is by receiving forgiveness of sins through the finished work of Jesus on the cross!

The purpose of the Cross was love. God the Father Himself initiated the cross. HE DID! He put to rest the matter of love through the cross and said He would love us forever because of what Jesus had done on the cross. We don't need to do anything to earn that love.

Up to the cross, God's love for His people was subject to their obedience and how they failed and again and again! However, after the cross, God's love for His people was based on Christ ultimate sacrifice and obedience on the cross! It's not your obedience that saved you or will ever save you; it's Christ obedience!

Does that want us to go out and sin? NO! Let's see what Jesus had to say about that. How many will believe if Jesus said something?

Luk 7:40-43 These verses clearly show that when we are forgiven, we do not go out and sin more BUT we LOVE more!

Then someone might say what about the unforgiving servant? Let's read what happened to him when he received forgiveness and then went out and used that as a license to sin against his brother? Matt 18:23-35

Mat 18:34-35 He remain tortured as he received GRACE for himself but applied the LAW on others. Always remember as recipients of GRACE, we show that same GRACE to others as well.

What is the purpose of God forgiving us? Love! We don't need to love Him but when we come back to the realization of His forgiveness of sins, we cannot but LOVE! The issue is not how much we love God because that will change with circumstances; but the real issue here is receiving the forgiveness of sins!

1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

When we feel unloved, a failure, do you feel like going around saying "I love you" or "I love God" to anyone? Honestly? We feel dry, discouraged. Then when we turn and look at the cross and God's great love for us, what happens? We are overwhelmed and now, we can love again!

When we are touched by that LOVE, we give, we love naturally. Don't try to love God. Allow Him to love you and watch your own response!

 

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re-Cap 22 November 2009

Confidence in the Last Days (1 John 2:18-29)
by Ps. Abel Phillips

We believe that, according to Scripture, we are living in the last days.
The Bible says that perilous times are coming, and we need to be prepared.
We need to be ready because of:
i. The intercession factor – we need to be praying for people.
ii. The soul-winning factor – we need to be telling folks about Jesus Christ.
iii. The family preparation factor – as parents and grandparents, we need to be teaching and training our children in the ways and truth of God.
iv. The comfort factor – when we know what the Bible says about coming events, then we don’t have to worry; we understand that Jesus is coming again.

I) THE TIME IS THE LAST DAYS – BE AWAKE (1 John 2:18)
- Be prepared for the coming of Jesus Christ. After the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus, we entered into a period of time called the last time.
- The rapture of the church is imminent; we’re not waiting for the fulfillment of a sign or prophecy. The rapture may occur at any moment.
- We are to be expecting the coming of the Lord Jesus at any moment: Thessalonians 1:10 ; Philippians 3:20; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Hebrews 9:28 & Titus 2:13
- We are not to look for a sign; we’re to be looking for our Lord Jesus.

II) THE TYRANNT IS THE COMING ANTICHRIST – BE AWARE (1 John 2:18-26)
A. The antichrist has many aliases, including the son of perdition, the man of sin, the wicked one, the man of lawlessness, and the beast, 2 Thessalonians 2:3 & Revelation 13:1.
The prefix “anti” has two meanings: “against” and “instead of”. The antichrist will come against Christ by substituting himself for Christ (instead of Christ).

B. Attributes of the antichrist:
1. Devilish - 2 Thessalonians 2:4
2. Divisive –
1 John 2:19 – speaks of other antichrists that have entered the world, many of whom were once a part of the church. This Scripture says that “they were not all of us,” meaning that they were never saved.
1 Timothy 4:1
3. Deceptive
His primary objective is to deceive men about who Jesus is.
1 John 2:20-23; 1 John 2:26; 1 John 4:1-3 & 2 John 7-11
4. Destructive
His objective in deceiving men about Jesus has an ultimate goal of condemning the souls of men.
1 John 2:24-25

III) THE TRUIMPH IS THAT JESUS IS COMING – BE ABIDING (1 John 2:24-29)
We need to abide in the Word of God.
-1 John 2:24
We need to abide in the Spirit of God.
- 1 John 2:20;1 John 2:27;Ephesians 4:11-12;2 Timothy 2:15;John 14:26
We need to abide in the Son of God.
- 1 John 2:28-29

So be abiding that when He appears you will have the confidence and will not be ashamed or alarmed before Him at His coming.

Sunday Re Cap (15th Nov 2009)

Forgiveness

Text: 1 Cor 1-10; James 1:2-4

Quote: Bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to drop dead.

It's a matter of ATTITUDE!

Daniel 12:10 "Those who are wise will understand".

Rev 22:11 "and those right with God keep on being right with God".

Holy- AWESOME, BEYOND BELIEF.

Salvation- PRESERVATION FROM DESTRUCTION.

1 Cor 13:13 Above all, LOVE!

Rom 5:1-5 Never give up/live with great expectation.

Paul says-In the future we will BECOME, until then, we OVERCOME! GROW!

James 1:2-4

Time for CHANGE; Time to POSTURE ourselves.

How?

1. Establish the right atmosphere. Mark 6:3,5,6 "Is that the carpenter?"-They took offense.
   
   1. At the cross Jesus took ACTION; NOT OFFENSE.
      
   2. Jesus saw the BIGGER picture.
      
   3. Taking OFFENSE leads to BITTERNESS.
      
   4. Holding on to OFFENSES impedes life's posture for action. Blocks the atmosphere for the INCREDIBLE.
      
   5. Jesus gave up the RIGHT to be RIGHT at the CROSS.
      
2. Posture for the EXTRAORDINARY. Dan 10:12.
   
   1. "I have come because of your WORDS". Why 21 days? Needed to overcome spiritual challenges.
      
3. SERVE only God's Purposes.
   
   1. Extraordinary comes with much prayer.
      
   2. Greatest ministry in the waiting period.
      
   3. Take positive action; NOT OFFENSE!
      
   4. Let LOVE flow through us.
      

Re Connect

Faith to LIVE.

Hope for the LIVING.

Love for the LOST

Grace to our LIVES.

Peace to all.

James 2:14

Are we Citizens or Sojourners? Are we Potted or Planted? Are we Ambassadors or Terrorists?

Angelina Boots

Sunday Re Cap (8th Nov 2009)

Holy Communion (Part I)

The Holy Communion was instituted for the purpose of wholeness and healing. This will be a study that will help God's people to understand the full significance of the HC. To start our study, we need to go back to the Old Testament where it all began. To understand HC we need to fully appreciate the Passover.

Ex 12:1-13; 22-24 The Passover instituted.

V2-The Beginning of months-New Beginnings (The Passover signifies a new year).

V3-a lamb for himself and for his household-the lamb is not just for you but Jesus is for the whole household. When God sent Jesus, he did not only see you but your household. Your household is blessed because of you.

V4-Household too small! The Lamb is not too small. God's provision always exceeds our needs! Jesus is more than enough. God's blessings over our lives are meant to overflow to others. Not just kept for ourselves. JESUS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH. Twelve baskets full! Net breaking boat sinking load of fish. Wonderful to call for help when we are too BLESSED! How many would like to experience such a day? God is extravagant with His love! Don't be jealous with others. Don't be stingy as that doesn't reflect the heart of God.

V5-Lamb without blemish; first year, very sweet and adorable. Purposely not 2 or 3^rd year lamb. It represents Jesus, the one without blemish. "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!".

V6-14^th day, meaning lamb kept for 5 days to bond with the family. Also to see if in the midst of the household if it has any blemishes. To fully appreciate that a sinless animal died on their behalf. Jesus came and dwelt among us, became one of us. Jesus was examined for 5 days faults-John's baptism, paying tax,

V7-the cross! The blood applied outside. Judgment on the outside but mercy on the inside!

V13-The Lord sees the blood and not what's in the heart of the people; not their goodness, charity, contributions. People were also conscious of the blood and not their sins. Even if they were, God's protection was still upon their lives as God only sees the blood. However, they would not be able to enjoy the time while awaiting their deliverance because of they did not receive! The blood on the doors of the Israelites differentiated them from the Egyptians' homes. As we said the last 2 weeks, the Egyptians represent sin. What separates us from the Egyptians? Sin? It's the blood!

Even in the OT the Passover was a picture of God's mercy. Why then do God's people treat the Holy Communion as a place of judgment for their sins? Even in the original Passover God did not judge sin but provided the blood of a lamb without blemish. Who needs to be without blemish? The lamb or the one that is sacrificing the lamb?
To be continued…

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (1st November 2009)

What REALLY Happened At Baptism/The Cross? Part III

There are 2 significant events in the life of a believer which we saw the parallel in Ex 12 and Ex 14.

The Passover (Exo 12:24-27) is a "type" of The Holy Communion (1Co 11:23-25)

Red Sea Crossing (Exo 14:26-30) is a "type" of The Baptism (Rom 6:6-7 & Rom 6:9-10)

Both events point the believer to the victory of Christ on the cross on behalf of us.

• The Baptism is identification with the cross and the Holy Communion is a remembrance of the cross.
  
• The differences between these 2 events are the identification only occurs once and remembrance is celebrated as often as we can in remembrance of Jesus.
  
• Baptism is also most of all a powerful declaration of the end of the observance of the law and the beginning of the walk of grace. (Rom 6:14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace).
  
• Holy Communion is a continual reminder that we are under grace.
  

What is REPENTANCE?

Acts 2:37. 38.Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins ; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

What is this Repentance that Peter was talking about? Not a repentance of sin; otherwise Peter would have said REPENT FROM SIN!

We get another clue about the true meaning of repentance from Peter's next statement "you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". When did Jesus mention this and under what conditions? John 14:16;26 When Jesus returned to the Father having fulfilled all the requirements of the LAW on our behalf! The Holy Spirit could only be given IN FULL MEASURE when Jesus finished His work on the cross and having fully dealt with sin. The fact that we have the Holy Spirit is a proof that sin has been totally dealt with on the cross! The Father no longer sees us as sinners but fully redeemed by grace! We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. IT IS FINISHED!

So what REPENTANCE is Peter speaking about in Acts 2:38?

Heb 6:1-not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,

In Acts 2, Peter was laying a foundation of repentance. What is that foundation? Not repentance of sin but repentance from dead works! Dead works speak about the LAW.

Heb 9:11-15 ¹¹  cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ¹⁵ 

We are NOT against repentance. However we need properly understand repentance. There is a difference between Old Covenant and New Covenant REPENTANCE. Repentance that unveils sin is of the LAW! NEW COVENANT repentance unveils CHRIST! The curtain of the law of our hearts is torn and we see Jesus and His finished works on the cross! Notice what Peter what doing right up to the point where they were cut to the heart. Acts 2:36 summarizes everything he was saying, he unveiled Christ to them! Their eyes were opened! Then Peter said "REPENT!" Open your eyes and see JESUS instead of the LAW (DEAD WORKS).

REPENTANCE is allowing the blood of Christ the continuously cleanse our conscience from DEAD WORKS to serve the living God. That is why Judas died (Matt 27:3-4) and Peter lived (JOHN 21:7 It is the LORD!). When it's a repentance that unveils sin, it leads to condemnation and death! When it's a repentance that unveils Christ, it leads to LIFE and LIFE more abundantly!

Let us go unto perfection (Heb 6:1) by not going back to "dead works" to serve the living GOD! This is Bible Repentance.

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (25th Oct 2009)

What REALLY Happened At Baptism? Part II

What is really Baptism? To which act of Jesus is it pointing to? These verses themselves are so pregnant with so much of truth concerning Jesus. Baptism points to the CROSS!

Rom 6:1-11

The parallel for this scripture is found in Ex 12-14

• Ex 12: The LORD instituted the Passover. The Passover is a shadow of the Holy Communion. Jesus on the same night that He was betrayed shared the Passover meal where He instituted the Holy Communion and spoke of the New Covenant. The Passover is celebrated by the Jewish people annually to this day. It is a continual reminder of the victory over Egypt. Ex 12:27. This is why we repeat the Holy Communion "as often as we partake of it".
  
• However what happened after that? The Crossover. What happened at the Red Sea? Ex 14:13-31. They crossed over the Red Sea. How many times? Once. Why? Because Jesus went only once to the cross! Heb 10:12-14
  
• As far as the children of Israel were concerned, they were no longer slaves to the Egyptians. The parallel is we are no longer slaves to SIN! Sin has lost its power over us. We are no longer slaves but we are sons The Baptism is a picture of Cross which is a picture of the Red Sea Crossing. We have crossed over!
  
• Now will sin still be there? Yes. The children of Israel had the Amalakites, Jebusites, etc…but we are no longer slaves to them but we have mastery of them! They went back to The LORD and found direction, strength and triumphed over their enemies (sin). We go back to the Holy Communion! Sin is still there but we don't face sin as slaves but we overcome it as sons!
  
• NOTE: Even in the NT Jesus celebrated the Passover before He went to the Cross (Over).
  

Let's read Rom 6:1-10 again. Do you see the parallel? Let's allow the Holy Spirit to unveil Christ! Let the truth set us FREE!

1. V3: What is baptism? It is a powerful picture of the cross shown to the world and the devil hates it! It reminds him of his failure and it is a reminder of our victory once and for all over sin. (v9-10).
   
2. V4: We were buried just as Christ was buried in a tomb. But the tomb could not hold him. A new life under the new covenant!
   
3. V5: Likeness of His death. Likeness of His resurrection. What does the baptism unveil of Christ? He is resurrected in a new body, glorious, healed, whole, complete! As He is so are we.
   
4. V6: Sin has no more body; virus needs a host to latch onto. However if there's no body, it cannot land! We are no longer sinners.
   
5. V7: God cannot punish sin again and again. When His Son took our place, it was as if we were there. And because Jesus paid the price in full, it is as if we have paid the price and punished. It is finished; God cannot punish it again! We are now FREE!
   
6. It is a reminder of the finished work of the cross. It does not need to be repeated. What is the significance of that? We don't need to repeat our sins again and again to God. It has been paid in full! That is why baptism is only once in a lifetime!
   
7. The more we bring ourselves under grace, Sin can no longer bully us into believing that we are under the law.
   
8. V11: Reckon yourself: The key to breaking the power of sin. Consider, (esteem, judge) yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus our LORD.
   

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (18th Oct 2009)

What REALLY Happened At Baptism? Part 1

Text: Acts 2:38, Acts 8, Is 53-54

Definition of Baptism

The word baptism itself comes from the greek root word "Bapto" which means immerse, dip (Liddel and Scott Lexicon) as opposed to pour or sprinkle.

Thayer Definition:

1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge, to wash, to overwhelm

Act 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent
(not just from sin BUT change your mind about the law (righteousness through works), about rejecting Jesus as the way to salvation, the Son of God), and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8: 13: Simon (spiritual senses sensitized, he was amazed)

Acts 8:26-39

• Philip preached beginning from that scripture (Is 53), Jesus (righteousness by faith, unveiling of Jesus).
  
• Condition for Baptism; "if you believe with all your heart you may"
  
• The water was a reminder from Is 54:9 (which is after Is 53) of God's covenant to Noah of peace and mercy upon a coming generation of people of the NEW COVENANT! We are that people. No wonder the eunuch wanted to get baptised so quickly!
  
• They went INTO the water and came up OUT of the water.
  
• The Eunuch went away rejoicing (a fresh consciousness of Jesus and righteousness by faith).
  

Where did Jesus die to sin? NOT AT BAPTISM. It was at the CROSS. That is why He gave us the baptism. It is a typology of the CROSS! Just like Holy Communion, it is not a new event every week but a reminder of one significant event that points to the FINISHED WORKS of JESUS on the CROSS!

It does not only mean death to our old life, it means death to the law, self consciousness, sin consciousness and its consequences; and alive to GRACE, Alive to Christ, Alive to RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Mat 3:15 But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he *permitted Him.

Gen 1:26: when God made man in His own image, He said, "Let US make man in our own image". Who is us? It's the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Notice that at the baptism, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit were present as a firstborn among many brethren. At baptism, man was restored to the original design; in the image of God! Clothed with glory and honour again, back at the 2^nd creation of man; man came back into a full cycle and relationship with God!

In Summary:

1. Is Baptism important? It was important to Jesus, to the early church and even to the devil. Matt 10:32
   
2. When do I get baptized? In general, when we have an awareness of our sinful condition, that we cannot overcome sin in our own strengths.
   
3. Is Baptism the guarantee of going to heaven? Am I a Christian only when I get water baptized? NO! It is the profession of faith that saves us. Rom 10 especially verses 9-10; John 5:24, 3:36
   
4. Do I need to get water baptized before I'm allowed to take Holy Communion? The Bible places no such restrictions. It is not in the heart of our heavenly Father to place restrictions on coming to Him. Everything He does, He does to remove barriers because His whole objective is to love us and to make himself known to us.
   
5. Do we need to get baptized often? It's up to our own personal convictions. Jesus never did it, neither did any of the disciples and unlike the Holy Communion, Jesus never used the phrase "do this often". Having said that, we can understand if anyone wants to get baptized again as it is such a beautiful sense of identification with our LORD JESUS. Declaring to the world, "I am a child of God".
   

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Lord, I Cannot, But You Can!

Philippians 2:13
13for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Have you ever tried to break a bad habit on your own? You probably found that when you tried to stop it by sheer willpower, you saw improvement for a while, and then bounced back to square one. Worse, you found yourself binging on the very thing that you were trying not to do. And your condition is worse than before you started your "I'm going to quit" program!

The changes were temporary because it was you doing it.

A church member who had been a chain-smoker used to believe that with willpower, he could quit smoking. He would tell himself, "If there is a will, there is a way!" But he discovered that with willpower, he could stop smoking for a week or two, and then he would succumb to the pull of nicotine again.

When he turned his life over to God and learnt about God's grace, he told God, "I realize that I cannot stop smoking. I cannot, but You can break my habit, Lord." And every time he lit up, he would say, "Lord, I am trying to stop smoking, but I cannot. I am trusting You." He would even say, "I am still righteous because of Jesus' blood."

Well, in the very same year, all his cravings to smoke vanished! When asked how he succeeded, he would say, "It is entirely God and none of me! It is all by His grace." This man lost all the desire to smoke. That is true transformation.

When you receive the grace of God to do for you what you cannot do, you will experience effortless and permanent change on the inside, which in turn changes your actions on the outside. The Bible tells us that God works in us to give us both the will and ability to perform what He desires. It is God who removes the old want to's and gives us new ones. And He even gives us the power to carry them out!

Beloved, look to His grace to do what you cannot do. Say, "Lord, I cannot, but You can!" Then, what you experience will not merely be behaviour modification, but true and lasting inward transformation!

Pastor Joseph Prince @ New Creation Church, Singapore

Sunday Re Cap (27th September 2009)

The Year Of Great Favour

Is 60:1-4

Even though darkness is covering the earth and deep darkness the people, we are reminded to arise and shine for our light (Jesus) has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us. We do not need to strive to shine; these verses declare that the Lord will arise upon us and His glory will be seen upon us. He WILL do it! There is no effort on our part that can increase that; we only need to receive. This speaks of God's great favour upon us as sons of the New Covenant. Only slaves need to strive for favour; sons simply receive!

What is this New Covenant? Was it spoken about in the Old Testament?

Heb 8:10-12 is actually quoting from Jer 31:33-34

The New Covenant was long prophesied in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is truth concealed and the New Testament is the truth revealed. The Old is the shadow and the New is the substance. So what is seen in the New Testament is nothing new but a revelation of what has already been foretold in the Old Testament.

How do we appropriate the New Covenant?

1. LET GO. Is 43:18-19
1. Let go of the former things and receive the new things. Let go of strive, self effort, worry, fear anxiety and receive God's rest and promises and provision for us.
2. Let go of the LAW mentality and receive the Grace mentality. The Law tries to make evil men good and fails miserably; but Grace makes dead men LIVE and succeeds wonderfully!
2. RECEIVE. 2 Cor 5:17
1. Receive the fact that we are no longer the old creation but a new creation.
2. Receive the atoning work of Christ on the cross and enjoy his blessings of healing, health, protection and provision.
3. PRACTICE. Ps103:1-5
1. Our Heavenly Father is eager to load us with benefits daily! As we receive, He is BLESSED!
2. Each time we take The Holy Communion, we are reminded that God has forgiven our sins and healed all our diseases through the atoning work of Christ on the cross. V3
3. We can then receive all the other benefits that are listed in V 4-5 which are:
1. Our life is redeemed from destruction. Jesus body was broken that ours might be made WHOLE.
2. We are crowned with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Jesus' was given the crown of thorns that we might have the crown of LIFE!
3. Our mouth is satisfied with good things. Jesus held back his words before the crucifixion that we could open it wide and receive "good things".
4. Our youth is renewed like the eagle's. Jesus' gave up His youth that we could have ours renewed.

LET GO, RECEIVE AND PRACTICE to enjoy the GREAT FAVOUR of GOD for 2009!

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (20th Sept 2009)

Where Sin Abounded Grace Abounded Much More!

Where does Self consciousness and Sin consciousness originate from? For this we need to go to the very first book of the Bible.

Gen 2:9; 2:17; 3:6-11

In The Garden of Eden when Adam partook of the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil instead of the tree of LIFE, Adam and Eve became conscious of their nakedness, conscious of their sins (they hid behind the bushes and behind fig leaves and eventually from GOD). The AGE OF SELF CONSCIOUSNESS BEGAN!

Rom 7:8 The LAW makes us conscious to SIN; but GRACE makes us conscious to the SON. We can only choose one; Law or Grace. Either Sin or Son Consciousness. One produces death and the other produces LIFE and LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!

So what are we saying? Isn't the law holy? Isn't it good?

Rom 7:12 ¹² Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

The LAW is simply like a mirror. It's great! But can it clean us up?

Many well meaning Christians believe that God forgave our sins only up to the point of the cross. They recognize the quality of the sacrifice but somehow have doubts about the quantity of that grace that is available. This one of the most erroneous teaching in the body of Christ and it insults everything that Jesus has done and completed on the cross. It also robs God's people from receiving His blessings, healing and abundant life!

Let's look scripture to determine the quantity of GRACE. Rom 5:17 (the ABUNDANCE of GRACE).

Rom 5:20: ….where^G3757 sin^G266
abounded,^G4121 grace^G5485 did much more abound:^G5248

G4121-pleonazō-increase ; G5248-huperperisseuō-abound much more, exceeding.

What did God do? He did the unthinkable!

Rom 6:11-14 He REMOVED SIN out of the EQUATION! THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY MAN COULD COME BACK INTO RELATIONSHIP WITH A HOLY GOD. HOW?
Through the shedding of the perfect and sinless blood of His Son.

Jesus sacrifice on the cross was an overpayment for our sins. Jesus 'sacrifice was not just an act of grace, it was the very manifestation of GRACE! John 1:17

How can we respond to this truth?

1. If we don't hear about it, we remain under condemnation. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the words of Christ. Rom 10:17. The unveiling of the finished works of the cross. Luke 24:27
   
2. We can say "I don't believe it!".
   
3. We can remain doubtful and continues to find ways to justify ourself.
   
4. We can be overjoyed and grateful.
   
5. We are no longer conscious of our sin. Initially, we may be self conscious but then day by day our confidence grows. Has the debt been paid, yes! It doesn't matter how we feel, it's not there anymore! The TRUTH is the debt has been paid!
   

Jesus' gift of righteousness and the abundance of grace will cause us to reign in life! Rom 5:17.

It takes FAITH to believe that we have been made righteous by God. John 3:30: Self consciousness must decrease that Jesus may increase. 1 Jn 3:2 When there is a revelation of Jesus (instead of self); we shall be like Him! Let there be more and more revelation of Jesus in our worship, communion, preaching that we shall be like Him!

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (13th Sept 2009)

Why does Jesus say "Do not worry?"

• Because by default we always fall back to worry! When we worry we take control and God loses all control to bless us! We feel miserable but at least we are now in control! Remember, to worry is to respond and return to our flesh and works instead of resting in what Jesus has accomplished for us on the cross.
  
• Because we are choosing to trust in our own efforts, we are on shaky ground. Uncertain about God's blessings and provision.
  
• It is an indication of pride. We no longer depend on His grace. James 4:6-7. It takes humility not to worry. 1 Pet 5:6-7
  
• When we worry, we are saying God cannot be trusted. We have made Him unworthy.
  

The antidote to worry is PEACE!

Mat 11:28-30

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When He says "Come to Me…" He's saying come to the Prince of Peace.

Labour and Heavy Laden-worried to the point of being wearied. Why? Everyone is yoked to something. If we are yoked to something that is not synchronized with us then we get tired. Ex: Ballroom Dancing with the wrong partner makes us tired.

Maybe some of us are synchronized with the wrong partner? When we are synchronized, then there's less effort and more effectiveness. Jesus is the best partner! Perfectly synchronized. That's how Jesus intends for it to be. When we're yoked with him our yoke is easy and our burden is light! We're supposed to be dancing through life, work, family, business, and ministry! Are we yoked to the right partner? He takes the lead and we follow.

How is this connected to the Holy Communion? It comes back to BELIEVING the main clause of the New Covenant.

• Every time we partake of the Holy Communion, we put ourselves back on solid ground. The New Covenant is not uncertain (based on our own efforts, works, performance) but it is on solid ground (based on Christ Character and goodness).
  
• Jesus and Paul reminds us that "this is the blood of the New Covenant" in Matt 26:27,28 and Mark 14:24 and 1 Cor 11:25
  
• 1 Cor 11:28 "Let a man examine himself" is obviously not about confessing our sins because the 4^th clause of the New Covenant says "our sins and iniquities are remembered no more" Heb 8:12. It is examining our hearts to see if we remember that it is all about what Jesus has already done for us! "Do this often in remembrance of ME" and not YOU and your sins and weaknesses. Jesus remembers it no more; why should we?
  

We are encouraged to partake of it often! The more we partake of it, the more we are reminded that we are in the New Covenant and therefore solid ground instead of the shaky and uncertain ground of being worried. Our flesh easily goes back to works and performance. We partake of it to remember that Jesus has done it all! Now we can really say, "no worries!"

Sunday Recap (6th Sept 2009)

How To Overcome Worry

Mat 6:30-34 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers--most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? (31) What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. (32) People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. (33) Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. (34) "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (The Message Bible)

The wonderful thing about the Holy Spirit is that He not only instructs us "Not To Worry" but also tells us how to do it.

The Message Bible defines worrying as fussing. Best example, children of Israel in the wilderness. If we fuss it's a sign that we're in the wilderness. Fussing is an external manifestation of an internal issue-WORRY. A person who fusses constantly is one who has a stronghold of worry. V32 says people who fuss, don't know God and don't know how HE works.

Definition-Worry-Merimnao (Gk)

• to be anxious about (YLT): - (be, have) care (-ful), take thought (KJV).
  
• a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress and pressure. (Spirit Filled Life Bible).
  

This same word is used in the parable of the sower. However the word used there is cares. Mark 4: 18-19

So when we worry:

1. We don't reach our destination. The children of Israel were not able to reach the Promised Land and experience the land flowing with milk and honey.
   
2. We live in anxiety, stress and pressure. This also affects those around us.
   
3. It causes the seed of God's word to become unfruitful in our lives. It's no wonder that sometimes we can be in church and experience barrenness.
   

How Do We Overcome Worry?

There are 5 keys found in the same passage:

1. By resting in knowing that our Heavenly Father attends to us, takes pride in us and will do His best for us. (v30).
   
2. By letting go of our preoccupation with getting so that we can respond to His giving. (v31).
   
3. By knowing our Heavenly Father and how He works. (v32).
   
4. By giving attention to God reality, God provision and God initiative instead of our own. (v33).
   
5. By giving attention and celebrating
   TODAY what our Heavenly Father is doing instead of waiting for the manifestation of His promises sometime in the future. Celebrate and Rejoice Now! (v34).
   

Remember, to worry is to respond and return to our flesh and works instead of resting in the accomplished work of Jesus on the cross. The key to overcoming worry and to live a burden free life is to focus and receive from our Heavenly Father through the atoning work of His Son.

Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (30th Aug 2009)

Do Not Worry

Text: Mat 6:25-34

In this portion of scripture, Jesus himself gives us a very important principle to receiving ALL things.

If you notice, there is a recurring word or phrase that is used in the above portion of scripture. "DO NOT WORRY!"

When we worry, we cannot receive the unmerited favour of God. We are relying on our own strength and abilities.

What are the areas we are NOT TO WORRY so that we can receive GREAT FAVOUR? Picture it this way to see it better. There is a GOLDEN pipeline from heaven flowing into our lives with "ALL THINGS ADDED". However, every time we worry, we are squeezing that line and the blessings cannot flow.

The 1^st area: Our LIFE! This speaks about our health. We need to REST on the truth that God desires GOOD HEALTH for us. The key to receiving healing is DO NOT WORRY! Good health is part and parcel of God's covenant with us through the finished work of Jesus on the cross!

"Griefs" and "Sorrows" in Is 53:4 are interpreted as "Infirmities and "Diseases" in Matt 8:17.

Rom 10:9 that if^G1437 you confess^G3670 with your mouth^G4750 Jesus^G2424
as Lord^G2962, and believe^G4100 in your heart^G2588 that God^G2316 raised^G1453 Him from the dead^G3498, you will be saved^G4982;

sōzō G4982: to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): - heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

"So why am I not getting well?" Don't give up! Keep believing. We are not meditating and resting enough on God's promises; human nature!

2^nd area: Jesus not only tells us not to worry about our life but the QUALITY of our life. "LIFE more than FOOD and BODY more than clothing". He not only wants to bless you but the blessing comes from the inside out!

3^rd Area: area Jesus speaks about is WORK!

IF we want to have creativity, be productive in any job, it's important first of all not be stressed out. Stress confuses, clouds the mind. Stress kills, brings diseases. Jesus already knows that no one can perform to their full potential under stress. When we get rid of the stress and worry, then we perform even better!

4^th Area: Do not worry about "tomorrow". Give us this day our daily bread. Our future in is in God's hands. Instead dwell on the promise that God's plans are good plans to give us a future and a hope. No matter how difficult today may seem, He will cause ALL THINGS to work together for good for those who love God. What is our part to simply love God!

DO NOT WORRY and RECEIVE FAVOUR!

Ps Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re-cap (16th August,2009)

How to live prepared in these last Days
Ps. Abel Phillips

2 Tim 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come
Perilous – stressful times, there is more stress today than ever before on the human personality, Even though we are wealthier, having vast improved freedom in comparison to all of the world’s history. Even though we have all the advancement in technology, political realm, economy, medical advancement it doesn’t translate to the elimination of stress.
- Man will be loves of money, global economic system, or one world government –Anti-Christ.

If the Lord truly is coming in the clouds, how do we live prepared in these last days?
1. Don’t’ be deceived; know the truth
Mt 24:23-26; 2 Tim 3:1-5 (read)
Jesus says don’t be deceived by the false prophets & false Christ.
Jesus says in another passage –they will come declaring peace, peace...Don’t believe them.
The world and its system with human instruments & proposals can’t give the lasting peace; there is only one lasting peace that comes from the prince of peace.

John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

How we don’t be deceived - Jesus said simply know the truth & the truth will set you free.
The Truth is not a body of information but truth is a personality. The truth is Jesus-I am the way truth and life.
What will keep us from being deceived? Is to know the Real Christ because for all the others will be very difference in appearance and in ways.

2. Watch & Pray
Lk 21:36- 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

The Lord says “Watch and Pray” because by this we will wake up to the thing going around us and we will be prepared for the last days.

3. Patience
Jas 5:7 - 7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
- Impatience will allow the enemy to take full advantage of us. So allow the fruit of the spirit to operate in us.

3 Little hopes we look forward when Jesus comes back:
1. Complete Transformation – no limitation & having the full righteousness like Jesus.
2. Complete and total Freedom – we are redeemed by Jesus.
4. Complete Authority - The reason Jesus is coming back is that he wants us to rule and reign
with Him. He wants us to have the full possession of His kingdom.

Sunday Re-Cap (09th August,2009)

Trials That Transforms
By Richard Yeoh

A) Truths that hold is steady
1) There is a purpose: -
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-3

2) Trials are common to all
“No temptation/trial has seized you except what is common to man.” 1 Cor 10:13

3) Trials are bearable
“And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted/tested beyond what you can bear.”
1 Cor. 10:13

4) Trials work out God’s power and provision
“But when you are tempted/tested, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Cor. 10:13

B) Motives of Trials
1) To bring good out of bad
“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

2) Testing of our faith
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Heb 11:6

3) Conform to the image of Christ
• “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His son.” Romans 8:29
• “..who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Phil 3:21

The Transformed Man
HUPOMONE : Persevering & Enduring
DOKIME : Matured & complete Christ-like Character
MAGIMAY (Tamil) : Bringing Glory to GOD

Sunday Re-Cap (2nd August,2009)

Living a Life of Gratitude
By: Ps. Abel Phillips

Thanksgiving is memorizing what God has done and being thankful for that. (Ps.100).
List all the good things and count your blessings and name them one by one.

1) Reviewing our Past
Ps. 103:2&5 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
1 Sam 12:24 24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
Ps. 30.4 4 Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name

2) Refocusing Our Present
Ps. 30:12 - 12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
Ps.69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Ps. 75:1 We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near
Ps. 92:1-2 1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,
Ps. 105:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!
1 Thess 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Heb 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

3) We restore our perspective - Expressing of Gratitude
Col 2:6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[a] with thanksgiving.
James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

4) Rehearing Our Praise
Ps 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Eph 5:19-20 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ps 107:8, 15&21 (same phrase repeated)
8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

5) Renewing Our Passion
We should always strife by the grace of God with passion to express gratitude first of all to Him, and to all those whom God has blessed us with in our lives.

We give thanks to God, we give thanks to all the people but there is something that goes beyond just the words. It requires us to sacrifice. That’s why it says in Hebrew-“Sacrifice of praise, the sacrifice of our lips.”
So, let’s live a life of Gratitude!

Sunday Re Cap (26th July 2009)

Do you know that ABBA knows your name?

Exo 33:12-14

• We were saved for good works; good works cannot save us! Eph 2:8,9
  
• Do not go back AGAIN to the yoke of slavery, bondage but meditate on your sonship! Rom 8:15, Gal 5:1
  
• We need to cultivate a sense of "God knowing us by name!" We are not a face in the crowd. He knows us personally. Eph 1:4-5
  

Application

When we cultivate a sense of ABBA knowing us by name:

1. We have DIVINE FAVOUR (unmerited, unearned and undeserved) in His sight. Exo 33:12
   
   1. God will bring the right people at the right time because we have His favour!
      
   2. The only favour we are to seek is the favour of God and that we have when we KNOW that God knows us by name!
      
2. We will have DIVINE GUIDANCE. Exo 33:13
   
   1. It is our Father's prerogative, His initiative to show us His ways.
      
   2. It's the Father's initiative to teach and not the child's to learn! He will keep teaching us until we get it because we are His children! This is what the word chasten means in Heb 12:6
      
   3. He will give us "his ways". Divine strategy. Joh 15:16
      
3. We will know Him. DIVINE KNOWLEDGE. Exo 33:13
   
   1. Moses realises that as He rests on Divine Favour and submits to God's ways (Divine Guidance), He also learns of God (v13) (Divine Knowledge). Moses agenda of working, performing is to "that I may know you".
      
   2. Many times, we have been told, "you got to know God more! MORE!" or "The reason you are not blessed is because you have not spent time knowing God and knowing His ways!" How much do we need to know God before we receive our INHERITANCE?
      
   3. Through the process of continuously cultivating a sense that "God knows me by name"; we will know Him.
      
4. DIVINE PRESENCE: His presence will go with us.Exo 33:14.
   
   1. We can be ASSURED of HIS PRESENCE when we know that HE KNOWS US BY NAME!
      
5. He will give us DIVINE REST. Exo 33:14
   
   1. Many Christians are living in ignorance and cannot rest. Prov 29:18; Luk 10:20.
      

We need to have a revelation that HE KNOWS OUR NAME! GO AHEAD SAY IT; "HE KNOWS MY NAME" (3 Times).

Mat 11:28-30-Coming to Jesus is coming to His finished work of the cross. It's only there can we find rest.

© Pastor Samuel Hari, GROW BM.

Sunday Re Cap (19th July 2009)

Stronger
by David Lai

• Job 1:12 Power was given to Satan by words. Satan has no power of himself. We can hear ourselves when we talk and know if we have given the power to the adversary.
  
• Satan does not know what we think except when we talk.
  
• Do we really believe what we say? Is there a voice of defeat?
  
• There are irritations around the world which will try to derail us back to Egypt. Like Jacob and his family during the time of famine. The economic situation, political climate around the world are irritations that may try to derail us.
  
• However we need to understand that God will simply reposition us to engage with the marketplace, (our Egypt, place of irritation) to position ourselves for a greater stage!
  

1Sam 17:32- David said-let no one's heart fail. It is important not to allow our hearts to fail and to keep strong through our words! We are also not to be intimidated by the words of the Goliaths' around us. Our victory depends on staying strong with God's Word.

Job 1:4-5; Job 3:25-Job reinforced what he feared thorough his words. Therefore it manifested. Many times, we reinforce our fears instead of our faith through our words. Death and Life are in the power of our tongues (Pro 18:21)

1 Sam 17:33-37-memory of past defeats, failures-how do we break them?

• David recalled his past victories through God and used it to strengthen himself through his words to Saul. He did not allow Saul's words of discouragement to affect him but instead recounted God's faithfulness boldly even though Saul was far more experienced and powerful positionally than him.
  
• Through Imaginations-God took Abraham to see the stars.Gen 15:5. New imagination. A new mindset that is stronger than the past. Jeremiah made excuses based on his personal experience-God showed him a new imagination-almond tree. Jer 1:6-19
  

The Word of God is powerful. It has substance. Even our words describing something sour in our mouth can cause us to squirm. The Lemonade illustration. How much more the word of God!

1 Kgs 17:9-12 The widow was probably angry and offended with Elijah for being the cause of the draught hence her harsh words and selfishness which was substantiated. How many times do we justify our wrong words because of our circumstances?

However, Elijah's words brought a new imagination which changed the widow's circumstances. V14-15.

Heb 11.13-16-the children of Israel had the opportunity to return. Where? Firstly, in the mindset and then the natural manifestation!

Let's get STRONGER through God's Words! Satan has been driven out of the presence of God and can no longer accuse us.(Col 2:14-15). In his place is our King of kings, Jesus Christ, who is the High Priest of our confession.(Heb 3:1). God watches over His word to perform it (Jer 1:12) As we speak words that are according to Jesus' finished work on the cross, Jesus also confesses them and the Father brings about the manifestation. Speak words of healing, provision, protection, NOW! Begin to imagine BIG!

Sunday Re Cap (12th July 2009)

Where is Your Security?

By Dr. T. Moses

Text: Matt 14:22-31

1) "JESUS IS ALWAYS WATCHING US."
They were sailing upon the Sea of Galilee, just the 12 of them. Jesus told them to SAIL to the other side and He was going to the mountain to be alone and pray.
His disciples were being completely obedient to what Jesus had commanded them to do. Sometimes people think that IF they ARE doing what Jesus told them to do, then there will be no storms for them to sail through; everything will be mountain experiences. But such thinking is not always true and real.

- Knowing Christ and making Him known is what we are called to do.

2) GOD WALKS TOWARD US:

v.25 "Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea."
God is always walking towards His people who are struggling and wrestling with their needs.
That means He is there every day of our lives, regardless of what storms we sail against; Jesus never wants us to be fearful, but to place all our confidence, hope and assurance in Him.

- Jesus Christ will come on time; He will meet each one of us where we want to meet Him. God is interested in each one of us individually.

3) JESUS WORKS FOR US
Jesus walked on the water toward them and the disciples thought He was a spirit, a ghost. Peter cried out, "Lord, if it is You, bid me to come unto you."

- And in the very midst of the storm, the winds blowing and the waves rocking; Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. He had his eyes on Jesus.

- Jesus will knock on the door, but never force the door open. In Jesus Christ each one of us will be spotted anyway, anytime and everywhere.

4) DO NOT DOUBT (Matt 14:30-31)

³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

- Peter fell because he doubted. How much do we doubt Jesus who is our personal Saviour?

John 14:1
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

BELOVED, THAT IS THE KEY TO OUR DELIVERANCE AND OUR VICTORY. NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE AND NO MATTER WHAT WE ARE BATTLING AGAINST, IF WE KEEP OUR EYES CONSTANTLY FIXED UPON JESUS, WE HAVE VICTORY AND ASSURANCE.

-Where is your security? Is it in Jesus Christ?

Sunday Re Cap (5th July 2009)

When Abba knows you by Name!

Exo 33:12-14 Then Moses said to the LORD, "See, You say to me, 'Bring up this people!' But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. Moreover, You have said, 'I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.' (13) "Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people." (14) And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest."

Observation

1. Moses is anxious to know "who", "how to", etc. Many times we are given an assignment at work or school and wonder who is going to help us and how are we going to finish the task. We may have challenges at home or work and need God's favour and guidance daily to overcome.
   
2. The Lord seems to connect knowing Moses by name to finding favour in His sight.
   
3. We need to cultivate a sense of "ABBA knowing us by name!" We are not a face in the crowd. He knows us personally. Eph 1:4-5
   

Application

When we cultivate a sense of ABBA knowing us by name:

1. We have divine
   favour (unmerited, unearned and undeserved). Exo 33:12-13
   
   1. We don't need to worry "who" will help us anymore! Who's going to help me in my assignment? My problem at work? With my children?
      
   2. Many times we try to seek to be known by men and then we are let down when they are no longer in power or a place of influence.
      
   3. The only favour we are to seek is the favour of ABBA and that we have when we KNOW that ABBA knows us by name!
      
   4. ABBA will bring the right people at the right time because we have His favour!
      
   5. It is not a matter of how much we know Him because our knowledge of Him is limited and fluctuating. His love for us is consistent whatever the circumstances. It is our sense of ABBA knowing us that brings us favour!
      
2. We will divine guidance. Exo 33:13
   
   1. We don't need to be worried about "how?"
      
      1. We only reveal our detail plans to those we know intimately. When we know that ABBA knows us, He will reveal His most detail plans for our lives and we don't need to get fearful or anxious! Joh 15:16
         
      2. BETTER COVENANT, BETTER PROMISES! Heb 8:6. He was talking about the law (our ways, strife, stress) versus His ways (rest, secure, inheritance).
         
      3. STOP getting stressed out and striving. Remember this is the biggest cause of sickness and disease.
         

What is the key to ABBA's FAVOUR and GUIDANCE for every situation? REST and KNOW that ABBA knows you by NAME!

© Samuel Hari, GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (28th June 2009)

Receiving All Things (Pt 1)

1. Invoking The New Covenant
   

Heb 8:10-12: 4 Clauses Of The New Covenant.

The frequency that invokes the first 3 clauses the New Covenant:

"For YOU will be merciful to my unrighteousness, and my sins and my iniquities YOU will remember no more."

1. Invoking Full Rights as Sons
   

Gal 3:29: And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise.

Heir-klēronomos (klay-ron-om'-os): one who receives his allotted possessions by right of sonship

How do we receive our full allotted possessions? We receive our allotted possessions because we have the right to be sons! Not in the future; NOW!

Gal 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, (5) so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Sons-uihos (hwee-os') : the placing as a son, that is, adoption (figuratively Christian sonship in respect to God): - adoption (of children, of sons) Or A mature full grown son.

Gal 4:6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

Heir-one who receives his allotted possessions by right of sonship.

We invoke our sonship by crying ABBA Father. Cultivate the sense of intimacy and sonship.

Some examples of Invoking the Frequency of SONSHIP:

• Gen 33:9-11 Jacob and Esau-Sons have everything!
  
• Rom 8:15 Spirit of sonship casts out the spirit of bondage again to fear.
  
• Matt 4 Jesus refused to perform for the devil and maintained His position as a BELOVED son
  
• John17:11 (sense of protection), 26 (sense of His love)
  
• Num 13:25-55-Not just filled but FLOWING with Milk and Honey for SONS!
  
• Num 14:22-24 Possession is a matter of spirit.
  
• Lk 15:24-Hwee-os'-mature full grown son
  
• Lk 15:31-Teknon-older brother-child
  
• 2 Kgs 2:12 Elijah and Elisha-invoking the Double Portion of the Anointing by crying "My Father, My Father!"
  

Continued next week….

© Ps Samuel Hari, GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (21st June 2009)

How does the Father See Us? Why Are God's Children Not Possessing Their Inheritance?

Nehemiah (The type of The Holy Spirit) asks for 3 things and HE reminds believers to keep 3 things in perspective to possess our inheritance. Neh 2:6-8

1. Time- Now is the time to possess
   
2. Letters-Bible, will and the testament of our LORD JESUS CHRIST!
   
3. Timber-keep in perspective the cross! This is the focus of the Holy Spirit.
   

On This Father's Day; what is it that will please our Daddy God the most? That we possess our inheritance.

Gal 3:29 We are heirs! Not heir apparent.

Gal 4:1
Many times misinterpreted saying we need to mature, grow up spiritually to possess. Many times we are taught that; we don't possess because we are a child and need to grow spiritually.

Gal 4:2-3 This term of "children" does not refer to immature, imperfect believers and Christians who are born again at all; but refers to the Jews, including Paul, who were held under the law. The law was the guardian until a specific time!

Gal 4:4-7

• Paul uses another term here. "Hwee-os"
  
• The placing as a son, that is, adoption (figuratively Christian sonship in respect to God): - adoption (of children, of sons).
  
• mature full grown son.
  

• So if we are "hwee-os'" why are we not inheriting?
  
  • V6-the spirit of sonship operates by this spontaneous cry of ABBA, FATHER!
    
  • Cultivate the spirit of sonship and this spirit will cast out that very spirit of fear!
    
• Elisha cried out "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" 2 King 2:12
  
• This is picture of the church when Jesus was taken up and the double portion of the mantle of the Holy Spirit fell upon us!
  
• Elisha perform double (16) the miracles of Elijah (8).
  
• What was the key that released this? The cry "My Father, My Father".
  
• Jesus said the things that I do you will do and greater things because I go to My Father! The same picture as Elijah and Elisha! Double portion! John 14:12
  
• Christians are still looking for the mercy of God from the outside when God has said that out of your belly shall flow "rivers"! John 7:38
  
• Our healing is within us and the more we cultivate the spirit of sonship, the more we will receive the spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will quicken our mortal bodies. Rom 8:11
  
• How do we stir it up? The right frequency, when we say "ABBA FATHER".
  
• It's RIVERS of LIVING WATERS.
  

Let's tune in to the right frequency!

© Ps. Samuel Hari (GROW BM)

Sunday Re-Cap (14th June 2009)

The Presence of the Living God
By Ps. Abel Phillips

Ex 33:13-15
13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” 14 And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.

God wants to give His presence to each and every one of us as we proceed in the highway towards our promise and purpose that God has for each one of us.

Four Aspects of the Presence of God
1. The Common /General Presence – for everyone Act 17:28 the apostle says: In Him we move, live and have our being - Omnipresent.

2. The Relational Presence of God
This relational presence is what all of us should seek for that the reason why Jesus Christ came for 2000 years ago– relational presence of God to be restored. Relational presence is where our impurity is taken away by God not by ourselves

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (Mt 7:21-23; 1 John 1:5-7 & 1 John 3:3-6)


3. The Working Presence of God (Active)
2 Chronicles 20 – King Jehoshaphat and Israel was invaded by the neighbouring nation, and they hear the WORD of the Lord saying: Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

As a result of Jehoshaphat’s obedience and the songs of God’s people, Israel was delivered from the hands of the invaders. That’s the active presence of God; and Israel did not do anything to win that war.

4. THE TRANSCENDENT PRESENCE
The Lord wants us to have the presence that goes beyond the earthly; goes beyond our dimension. God wants to do that for every single one of us, church. Not just for some selected Christians, He wants to do it for everybody.

Peter who denied Jesus before the servant girl, now on the Day of Pentecost was able to preach to thousands with no intimidation because of the change through the Transcending Presence of God.

Without the Presence of the Living God:
Ø WE HAVE NO SUSTAINABILITY – If we allow His presence; He sustains us because He is the author & finisher of our purpose in life. Israel in the desert for 40 years was sustained by God.

Ø WE CAN’T FULLY BE PROTECTED -When people abandoned God’ presence they have no protection and Moses understood that concept. He couldn’t move into the next dimension and everything that God has for him. E.g. Daniel’s friends saved by God from the furnace of fire.

Ø WE CAN’T DISCOVER GOD’S ANSWERS - He wants us to have His presence so that he will help us discover His answer for a situation.

Ø WE LACK GOD’S COMPANIONSHIP - Without His presence, we don’t have companionship that produces peace.

Ø WE CAN’T MAKE THE NECESSARY RE-ADJUSTMENT TO OUR SITUATION - God helped Joshua to re-adjust and win in Ai; which they lost before. We all need to allow God’s presence to make re-adjustment to our situation.

Sunday Re Cap (7th June 2009)

Citizens of the Kingdom: Getting REAL with GOD

Text: Matt 6:33

Introduction

We are citizens of the kingdom and are supposed to be enjoying ALL THINGS added to us each and every day of our lives. However, why aren't we enjoying these benefits every day? We live in a world with real challenges. There are sometimes sicknesses, pain, suffering and we receive them as part and parcel of life. However, is this the real world? Is God real? How can we get REAL with GOD?

(2Co 4:18) we not considering the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are not lasting, but the things which are not seen are everlasting.

What we see, the pain, the sickness, the suffering are not lasting. They are temporary. Not just in the next world, but here and now. These are facts and facts are SUBJECT to CHANGE. God is the author and finisher of our faith and if we will allow HIM to, HE writes our stories. Let HIM write your story. The TRUTH, JESUS, never changes. HE is the same yesterday, today and forever. The things which are not seen, the promises of God, the TRUTH never changes and are everlasting. THIS IS THE REAL WORLD.

(2Co 5:7) for we walk by faith, not by sight;

Again, we do not walk by sight in what we see, feel, and hear by our natural senses. These are facts. We are a NEW CREATION (2 Cor 5:17) created in Christ Jesus and we have different senses i.e. spiritual senses. However, these need to be developed over time. How? Through the renewing of our mind with the Word of God. (Eph 4:22-24; Rom 12:2).

Rom 3:23-28 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, (24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; (25) whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness through the passing by of the sins that had taken place before, in the forbearance of God;

Many a times, we quote Rom 3:23 but do not see the following verses. We have been justified freely by GRACE (the unmerited, unearned, undeserved favour of GOD) through Christ. It is appropriated by FAITH in His blood; not by works. God has forgiven us completely. God the Father honours the finished works of His Son; so must we. This is REAL. It is not just a matter of head knowledge, but God offers us a direct, personal intimate relationship with us through the finished works of His Son. Healing is REAL! Prosperity is REAL! Whatever, state we live in, we do not have to remain in it. It is temporary. SUBJECT TO CHANGE!

Luk 15:21-24 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you, and am no more worthy to be called your son. (22) But the father said to his servants, Bring the best robe and put it on him. And put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. (23) And bring the fattened calf here and kill it. And let us eat and be merry, (24) for this my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry.

We sometimes see the graciousness of God in this story of the prodigal son and sometimes may even think that this is an exception where the sins of the son goes unpunished and the younger son is lavishly blessed! This was even the perspective of the older brother.(Lk 15:28-30). However, this is REALITY! We are forgiven and we are blessed lavishly by our father in Heaven. Is this fair? Why no punishment? No repentance? No consequence of our sins? This was what the older brother was asking.

Was there really no punishment and no consequence? The father says in v23, "And bring the fattened calf here and kill it. And let us eat and be merry". The fatted calf was not sacrificed somewhere else. It was sacrificed right in front of the younger son. The son was unclean; but the sinless, fattened calf was pure and undefiled. There was an exchange made. All of the sins of the son, the punishment, consequences were put of the calf and it was killed. All of the perfection of the animal was put on the son. The younger son SAW this as the perfect sacrifice and was therefore able to enjoy the blessings of the father!

GOD is a FAIR GOD! Jesus, the perfect sacrifice took all of our sins, punishment and the consequences thereof and made us perfect in the Father's sight. We are now sinless and spotless like the son. As he is, so are we in this world (1 Jn 4:17). When we see the perfect sacrifice of the SON of God, we too can enjoy the lavish blessings of our Heavenly Father!

1 Pet 3:6 6.like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Women, you are not called the daughters of Sarah by any chance. Sarah was the only one in the Bible that received the gift of renewed youth. It was very real. The king wanted her for his harem!

How do we receive this REAL blessing? By doing what is right i.e. believe in the finished work of His Son and do not give way to fear! Fear of the FACTS! What we feel in our natural bodies, joint pains, wrinkles, and what the world says about old age! Keep believing that you are daughters of Sarah. Confess JESUS and do not give in to FEAR!

Conclusion

Jesus is REAL. Allow the Father to write the story of our lives by believing in the finished work of His Son on the cross. Everything is subject to change i.e. our pain, suffering, calamities. Let us continue to develop a deep and personal relationship with our Father in Heaven. Do not receive the FACTS. Receive the TRUTH! Jesus and HIS FINISHED WORKS are the TRUTH!