Thursday, May 13, 2010

Sunday Re Cap (9th May 2010)

Daughters Of Sarah

1 Pet 3:1-7 You are Daughters of Sarah

Sarah was the first woman mentioned in the Hall of Faith in Heb 11.

 11 It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed[b] that God would keep his promise.

She was the wife of Abraham, the mother of Isaac who was the son of promise. She was obviously a very beautiful woman as kings desired her even at an old age and that obviously meant that she had youthfulness about her. In this portion of scripture however, it is mentioned that woman need not be overly concerned about their outward beauty but to focus on the beauty that comes from within.

3:1 When a man became a Christian, he normally brought his whole family into the church (Philippians Jailer Acts 16:29-34). By contrast when a woman came to church she normally came alone. Under Roman law, the husband and father had absolute authority over all members of his household, including his wife. Demanding her rights are a free woman in Christ could endanger her marriage if her husband disapproved. Peter assured Christian woman who were married to unbelievers that they did not need to preach to their husbands. Under the circumstances, the best approach would be one of godly behaviour; they should show their husbands the kind of self giving love that Christ showed the church. By being exemplary wives, they would please their husbands.

There is a saying that goes something like this: the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. There is some truth in that: it's not through preaching the good news by living it. Actions speak louder than words.

When we do this, at the very least, the husbands allowed them to continue their "strange" religion. At BEST, they join them and become Christians as well.

3:1-7 A changed life speaks louder and clearer and it is the most effective way to influence a family member.    

2 Timothy 1:5, "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." Pray!!!

Many a Christian mother has been used by the Lord to plant spiritual seeds that the Holy Spirit has used to bring many to Christ. Just what are some Biblical principles that can be lived out that can capture the spiritual heart of your children?

Susannah was John and Charles Wesley's Mom.

"…although she never preached a sermon or published a book or founded a church, (she) is known as the Mother of Methodism. Why? Because two of her sons, John Wesley and Charles Wesley, as children consciously or unconsciously will, applied the example and teachings and circumstances of their home life."[1]

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,  But a woman who reveres the Lord will be praised. Proverbs 31:30.

Samuel Hari @ GROW BM

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Sunday Re-Cap 02 May 2010

Jesus Christ: the Faithful and True Witness
By Pastor Abel Phillips

Revelation 2–3 reveals what Christ said to the seven churches, a select group in a circular loop. His message to them speaks across the centuries to us today.

Ephesus, the careless church, left their first love. Christ said to them, “Come back to Me!”
Smyrna, the crowned church, suffered persecution. Christ said to them, “Be
faithful to the end!”
Pergamos, the compromising church, tolerated evil. Christ said to them, “Separate yourselves!”
Thyatira, the corrupted church, joined the world. Christ said to them, “Divorce
yourself from the world!”
Sardis, the feeble church, wasn’t on guard. Christ said to them, “Wake up before it is too late!”
Philadelphia, the faithful church, was pleasing to God. Christ said to them, “Keep on keeping on!”
Laodicea, the foolish church, needed nothing. Christ said to them, “Find what you need in Me!”

What He said to the seven churches also applies to individual Christians.
Therefore, I exhort you to ask the Lord Jesus to apply His letter to the seventh church to your own heart!

Rev 2:14“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
Faithful & True Witness = He is trust worthy/ in the totality of His life and words in His ways. He can be trusted & relied upon. Faithful means He is credible.

1. A Witness is an Observer
a) Jesus has seen the Glory and the Splendor of God.
b) Jesus has seen all the demonic and devilish intentions (Jn 10:10)
c) Jesus has seen all that is going on in the world.
d) Jesus has seen everything about us.

2. A Witness Speaks and Testifies
a). Jesus is a Trusted Speaker.
b). Jesus speaks what He has Observed from the Father.
c). Jesus speaks Clearly and Boldly.
d). Jesus’ testimony contains Spirit & life ( Jn 6:63)
e). Jesus’ words have penetrating power.

His speech is so powerful with this life giving source and so accurate with power of the spirit.
a) The Centurion – received the word and his servant was healed.
b) The Disciples saw even the storm obey his words and became calm.
c) Doubting Thomas – life was changed the moment he heard the Lord spoke to him.
d) The disciples- at his words let their net on the side of the boat and experienced a great catch.

WHEN HE SAYS Come unto me you who are weary & heavy laden and I give you rest, let the penetrating power transform absolutely unload the burden we have been carrying.

WHEN HE SAYS- Trust in me, or WHEN HE SAYS Cast all your cares on Me; and let the penetrating power of the LORD come upon us.

So, let’s TRUST IN THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS and in His words/ promises today and experience the spirit led lives for His Glory! God Bless.