Sunday Re Cap (13th Nov 2011)

The Life of Abraham-Faith Expressed Through Giving

Gen 14:17-24

Abraham honored Melchizedek by paying him tithes of all. This is the first instance of tithing in the Bible, and it occurs years before the giving of the Mosaic Law. Today, we are going to see why so we are to do the same. We believe there are at least three reasons Abram gave that day.

1. Because he recognized God already owned it all.
In verse 19, Melchizedek said that God was the possessor of heaven and earth, a phrase that Abram repeats in verse 22. God owns it all, and He owns it all in three ways.

He owns it by right of Creation. "In the beginning God created…”
He owns it by right of sustaining.
He owns it by right of purchase. He owns it all because Jesus shed His blood to redeem both man and the creation.

When we give, we don’t give God anything He doesn’t already possess. He expects us to express our recognition of His ownership through a faithful tithe back to Him.

2. Because he recognized that Melchizedek represented God to him and his tithe was an expression of faith, an offering of love and gratitude.

Melchizedek was a type of Christ, and God explained this principle in Hebrews 7:1-10. It shows us how Christ is symbolized by Melchizedek and is greater than him.

Hebrews (7:4–10) indicates that these tithes were paid (in type) to Christ, suggesting that believers today are following Abraham’s example as they bring tithes to the Lord.

Abraham was not under the law. He tithed before the law was ever given to the Levites. Why did Abraham pay tithes before he was commanded to do so? Because he recognized that Melchizedek represented God and Abram, out of a heart of love and gratitude expressed his faith in God by giving.

2 Cor 9⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

He doesn’t want to force our offerings; He wants us to express our heart toward Him through faith. When we give, we express love and gratitude and trust.

To be continued…

Sunday Re Cap (6th Nov 2011)

Abram-Faith Expressed Through Giving

Gen 14:17-24

Read Heb 6:12-15

Who is the writer of Hebrews asking us to imitate? In v13, it’s Abraham (waited patiently and received what was promised).

Abram was great because of his faith in God. He was not always faithful, but God saw him through and his faith was strengthened and settled.

We are going to see a third event in Abraham’s life that is an example of his faith and it concerns giving.

Following the victory, Abraham faced a greater temptation as he met the King of Sodom. It is usually true that Satan tempts us immediately after a great spiritual victory. The King of Sodom wanted to bargain with Abraham and get him to compromise by accepting the wealth of Sodom, but Abraham refused. The wealth of Egypt had proved a snare. The wealth of Sodom would be worse. Abraham ignored the king of Sodom, but he honored the king of Salem.

Hebrews 5–7 makes it clear that Melchizedek (“king of righteousness”) is a type of Christ, our heavenly High Priest. As King of Salem (“peace”) Christ gives us peace through His own righteousness, made possible by His death on the cross.

What an encouragement it is to see Melchizedek meeting Abraham just when the king of Sodom tempts him! As King and Priest, Christ is able to give us “grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

The bread and wine (v. 18) typify Christ’s body and shed blood and like Melchizedek, the heavenly priesthood of Christ is made possible through the cross. Melchizedek met Abraham, fed him, and blessed him. What a wonderful Savior!

Abraham honored Melchizedek by paying him tithes of all. This is the first instance of tithing in the Bible, and it occurs years before the giving of the Mosaic Law. Abraham refused the riches of the world but shared his wealth with the Lord, and God richly blessed him.

Hebrews (7:4–10) indicates that these tithes were paid (in type) to Christ, signifying that believers today are following Abraham’s example as they bring tithes to the Lord.

Why did Abraham pay tithes before he was commanded to do so? Because he recognized that Melchizedek represented God, Abram, out of a heart of love and gratitude he expressed his faith in God by giving.

Sunday Re Cap (30th Oct 2011)

The Life Of Abraham: God’s Ways Are Higher (Than Our Ways)

Gen 14:1-7 This is the first war listed in the Bible. Zumim: TALL or Powerful Ones; Rephaim: STRONG ones. These were the first attacked to strike fear in all the other kings. It was a one sided and devastating war. Keep this picture in mind.

Gen 14:8-12 These 5 kings were no match to this well organized army. Calvin captured the mood when he said, “The runaways chose the pits rather than be captured”. They took LOT. This man fell from the height of worldly riches to the depth of captivity. The prosperity we long for is captivating; it can both entice us and enslave us if our motives are not in line with God’s desires.

1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil…

The abduction shows so clearly that separation from Abram meant forfeiting the divine protection provided by the favored patriarch. We must remain in Christ’s favor.

Gen 14:13-14 Abram was bold enough to take on this task because he had seen God’s divine protection before. We also see that Abram went to rescue LOT. What would we have done in the same situation? Abram could have just left Lot. He goes to rescue him! Why?? Abram was able to extend that kind of forgiveness because he had experienced that kind of forgiveness himself when God sovereignly rescued him and Sarai from Abimelech in Egypt. Remember the parable of the unforgiving servant? When we have difficulty forgiving, we may have lost sight of the CROSS.

Abram took 318 servants only but with God one is a majority against this ruthless and powerful army.

Gen 14:15-16 Hobar is north of Damascus; almost 200km? (One Way) to recapture! Were the 318 servants super soldiers? No way! God intervened! God did miracles!

Common pattern…God deliveres…self reliance…rebellion…captivity…cry out…God delivered….again and again.

Sometimes the way God works and they way we think HE SHOULD work are completely opposite. Is 55:8-9

When we surrender our destiny to Him, HE can work miracles and gets ALL the glory!

God wins the battle because the battle belongs to the Lord. Eph 2:8-9 says we are saved by grace…lest anyone should boast…God despises boasting in our own abilities!

The church is full of life when Christ, and not man is in charge. Let’s surrender ourselves through the 10 days of fasting and prayer and see God move in our nation and in the church.

Sunday Re Cap (23rd Oct 2011)

Life Of Abraham-Give Us an Undivided Heart

How do bring ourselves to having an undivided heart before God in every situation?

Gen 13:1-4

It is not only how a man responds in times of adversity (Gen 12) but also in times of prosperity (Gen 13) that reveals his true heart. 

How do we develop an undivided heart?

1.      Abram REPENTED & RETURNED to the place where he WORSHIPPED and HEARD God’s voice.

We need to understand the difference between condemnation and conviction. Condemnation drives us away FROM God but conviction draws us TO God.

Ps 103:8-13

Abram got back up and fell on his knees. Worship always gives us a fresh start.

Gen 13:5-13

2.      The way we handle wealth (SUCCESS) reveals the nature of our heart. It will determine our testimony and destiny.

Lot fell for the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and the pride of life. 1 John 2:15-17

What happens to Abram? Did he lose out? Let’s read on in Gen 13:14-16. Abram’s life was now in a life of obedience and surrender… It was gracious of Abram to give Lot the freedom to choose where he wanted to take his family and possessions; but even that was going to be Abram’s.

Gen 13:17-18

3.      God tells Abram to Arise, Walk… But HOW???

What does the land represent? It is God’s Promised Land to Abram; but to us it is the promises of God in Christ Jesus. We need to hold on to the word of God. This is the most precious key to having an undivided heart!

For us the Promised Land is the Word of God. ONLY the WORD can give us STRENGTH to ARISE & WALK!

Sunday Re Cap (9th Oct 2011)

Abraham-THE CALL & THE BLESSING

 

Gen 12:1 The Call of Abraham; Gen 12:2-3 The Blessings/Promises to Abraham

Matt 28:18 -20a (THE CALL); Mt 28:20b (THE BLESSING) is Christ’s calling upon Christians.

So is the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3) A PROMISE OF BLESSING or is it a CALL OF GOD?

This is found in WORLD MISSION. An Analysis of the World Christian Movement, published by the William Carey Library when it mentions these verses:

This biblical text is one of the foundation stone of the Christian missions.

“The church of God is a multinational missionary community, under orders to evangelize until Christ returns” John Stott

The purpose of today’s message is to bring greater clarity to what was THE CALL and what is THE BLESSING in the LIFE of ABRAHAM. Only then can we see how it PROPERLY relates to us:

1.      Why study THE CALL of Abraham?

As we look at his life, we get a better picture of our call in Christ. Our call in Mt 28:18-20 is the full expression of Abraham’s call Gen 12:1-3.

2.      Clearly define THE BLESSING.

He gives us ALL the BLESSINGS we need to fulfill HIS PURPOSE, not ours! It is the supernatural enablement, timing, resources, gifts of the Holy Spirit, talents, finances, contacts.

3.      Understand that we are LIVING for the CALL and not for The BLESSING.

What is the difference between a pilgrim and a drifter? A pilgrim lives for THE CALL of GOD. In the process he is BLESSED with everything he needs to fulfill that CALL…and MORE! A “Christian” drifter lives for the BLESSINGS. In the process he loses HIS BLESSINGS and everything else.

Conclusion

What are we living for today; THE CALL or THE BLESSING?

Sunday Re Cap (18th Sept 2011)

Abraham-Not of this world

Gen 12:1-9

As we look at the life of Abraham, we are going to see his heart and his attitude towards God.

1. Abraham chose to Obey God. The first thing we notice is that Abraham had a choice and he chose to obey this call.

• Matt 10:37-39

2. Abraham had a promise Gen12:2-3. Five times bless...God will do it. Not within us. Every good gift from Abraham..Imagine Abraham sharing with Sarah about living in tents... will have children...promise to make them a great nation.

3. Abraham would be a blessing. “You will be a blessing”. How? The blessing... to make your name great.

• Abraham I will take away your name and give you a far better name… Jesus

• God takes away our identity to give us a far better identity.

4. Bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you….

• Melchizedek & Abimelech blessed Abraham and they were blessed, Hagar cut off because she despised her mistress Sarah, the Canaanites who persecuted and troubled the Jews are gone. Greeks who overran Palestine and desecrated the Temple were overrun by the Roman Empire; …..God blesses those who bless Israel.

• Ps 122:6:9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

• Through Abraham, all families of the earth blessed. Nations, people groups…are blessed with JESUS! What a promise!

5. Abraham was not PERFECT. We do not need to be perfect to be heroes…it is not because of our gifting, talents, attributes, it is simply God’s call…we are the called. Now, we need to make the choice to obey the call wholeheartedly.

6. Abraham Preached. Peopled acquired-slaves or souls? Although Abraham was still in his journey, not seen any fulfillment of God’s promise, Abraham preached! V6.

7. Abraham Worshipped.

• His heart of worship even though not seen the promise. More to this life.

• Bethel (House of God) before me, Ai (the dump/world) behind me…where I am, I will continue to worship…Abraham established an altar…

Like Abraham, we are not of this world. What does the life of a pilgrim look like?

A life faith demands that we are not of this world, this is not my home, a pilgrim, declare the praises. A sojourner, a pilgrim.

Col 3:1-4; Rom6; Matt 6 19; 1jn 2:15-17 The pursuit of things creates emptiness.

We are pilgrims not drifters...we have a goal-to be with the King..build tents, preach, worship! Build tents but don’t expect to take it with us.

Sunday Re Cap (4th Sept 2011)

A Modern Day “Hall of Faith” by Don Boots

Text: Hebrews Chapter 11

In verse 32, it talks about some very interesting people of faith.

Gideon – Judges 6: 11 – 13
Barak – Judges 4: 6 -8
Jephtah – Exodus 20: 13
Samson – Judges 16
We see these people as flawed but God sees them as people of faith.
We look at the outward appearance but God looks at the hearts.

1 Samuel 16: 7

What will the Books of History write about us?

If Hebrews Chapter 11 was being written today, what would this faith chapter say about us?

V4. Abel brought an offering
V5. Enoch walked with God
V7. Noah built an ark
V8. Abraham was called ‘God’s friend’
V31. Rahab – the prostitute – believed God’s promises for over 40 years

Daniel 3: 17 & 18

“My God is able to deliver me from you”

“But even if He doesn’t, I won’t serve your false gods!’

Do we have this kind of Faith in God today.

Do we trust Him?

Do we trust Him to make the final decision about our future?

Do we really trust that He has our best interests at heart?

 
Hebrews 11: 38 – 40 (The Message)

Let us then be an example that others would like to follow.

Let us put our trust in the King and the Kingdom of God today.

Let us trust God with our whole lives.

Sunday Re Cap (7th Aug 2011)

We Are Favored

It's hard to say that when some of us face sicknesses, challenges in our families, trials in our homes, working places or even mounting debts? The last thing we feel like is that WE ARE FAVORED. It’s important that in this day and season, we focus on God and what He has said in HIS Word.

Just as God called Abraham out from his own land, family and people, God has called us out as a people from our old life, comfort zones and in the bigger picture he is still calling us out to step out and walk by faith. Walking by faith involves stepping out.

Gen 12:1 -3 The Abrahamic Covenant outlines God’s redemptive purposes for the world through God’s people; “and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Gen 12:3b

What RIGHT do we have to this COVENANT?

Gal 3:6-9 ⁹ So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

1.      God told Abraham wherever you go, I will make you into a great nation. Today, wherever you and I go, God wants to establish a great nation, HIS KINGDOM, Through US! How?

2.      By blessing us…what is THE BLESSING? It’s not just favor, influence or prosperity which Abraham had…we have a blessing that is far greater than anything that Abraham had; we have JESUS who is THE BLESSING. Abraham experienced BLESSINGS but we have THE BLESSER! Today THE BLESSING is not just material things or health or influence; We are THE BLESSING of GOD to the dying world around us. This means that irrespective of the circumstances we find ourselves in, we are still God’s BLESSING to the world in CHRIST JESUS simply because we are BLESSED by THE BLESSER to be a BLESSING!

3.      Why isn’t it happening? We are ignorant, don’t believe, think we are too small, don’t care. God is waiting. WHO WAS ABRAM?? A shepherd in the desert! Some of us want the blessing and don’t get it because we want it for ourselves… let’s be honest…James 4:1-6

4.      I WILL…NOT you will…He wants to expand our spheres of influence…and make us a BLESSING…some are tapping into it but get overwhelmed and forget why they are blessed.

5.      Whoever curses, we need not curse! He will curse…what are we to do? To bless…NOT CURSE! ALL will be blessed through us! Matt 5:44-48

6.      What do we need to do? It’s all GOD! Abraham believed God and it was accounted to Him as righteousness…accounting was not based on Abraham’s reputation, talent, wealth, good deeds; but simply based on obedience!

It is so important that we recognize God’s favor over our lives in these challenging days. The only way we can make an impact is by constantly being aware of God’s presence and promises through Christ.. Christ is the link between the Abrahamic Covenant and us. To ABIDE in HIM is TO ABIDE in THE BLESSING!

Rev. Samuel Hari @ GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (3rd July 2011)

The Insignificant Significant

Text: 2 Kgs 5:1-27

Today’s message shows how God can use the insignificant to do significant things for His purposes.

1.      The Israelite Slave Girl  (2Kgs 5:1-3)

The Hebrew term suggests a girl below 12 years of age. The contrasting situation of the helpless young slave girl and the famous battle hardened general is difficult to ignore.

We learn some very powerful lessons through this unknown slave girl.

        i.            She Kept Her Focus On God.

She could have easily been discouraged and bitter but she chose to maintain her focus on God. If we focus on ourselves then our response will be our own strength, our failure, weakness. We will end up having a victim mentality. If we focus on God and His power working through our lives, then whatever happens, we have a victorious mentality.

       ii.            She Chose To Do The Right Thing.

She had every reason for resentment towards her captors or even God for her circumstances but we see her doing the exact opposite.

    iii.            She Became A Powerful Influence For God.

What happens when we keep our focus on God?

It was not by chance that she was placed in the home of a powerful official. She was put in a place where she could be an influence where no one else could. She responded well.  Read 2 Kgs 5:3-6

In today’s context, this account is a great encouragement to Christians. Although we may sometimes be in an unpleasant situation, God is able to use us in our situation to point others to Christ. 

samhari@yahoo.com

Sunday Re Cap (19th June 2011)

The Call of a Father

Eph 6:4  “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” NIV

Ephesians disclose the awesome blessings of grace and the awesome dimensions of spiritual authority over evil (“according to the power that works in us” (3:20)). But this is after the believer accepts the discipline of unity (4:1-16), purity (4:17-31), forgiveness (4:32), and walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit (5:1-21). With this, every relationship at every point must be in order (5:22-6:9), the idea being that true spiritual power flows from true obedience to divine order in  relationships and personal conduct.

1 ­ Avoid Exasperation (“do not exasperate your children”)
The first duty is negative ­ we are told to “not exasperate our children.” This is a caution or warning designed to put us on guard against stirring up anger in our kids either purposely or unknowingly.

Some common ways that fathers can exasperate their children:
1. Overprotection.
2. Overindulgence.
3. Favoritism.
4. Unrealistic Goals.
5. Discouragement.
6. Neglect.
7. Excessive Discipline.

2 ­ Provide Nurture (“bring them up”)
The NIV translates this verb as “bring them up”. This is the same phrase that is used in 5:29 referring to the husband’s role of “feeding and caring” for his wife.

3 ­ Provide Discipline (“training”)
It’s important to understand the difference between discipline and punishment. The purpose of punishment is to inflict penalty and focuses on the past. The purpose of discipline is to promote growth by looking to the future.

4 ­ Provide Instruction (“instruction”)
Our goal is not merely to get our kids to outwardly conform to a list of rules. Our mandate is to develop children who seek to glorify God with their lives. It is not enough to teach them to do good things; our job is to teach our children how to develop a lifestyle of kingdom servanthood.

Fathers, you don’t have to make all these changes on your own. In Malachi 4:6, the prophet looks ahead to the ministry of John the Baptist and writes this: “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Let us be encouraged in knowing that:

1. There are no perfect fathers, except our Heavenly Father.
2. We can all be better fathers if we will work at it.
3. We do not father alone. That’s why we need to pray daily for our families.

Samuel Hari (GROW BM)