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!

Sunday Re Cap (24th May 2009)

Citizens of the Kingdom VI

Matt 6:33

Jesus said seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and ALL things be added unto you.

It is through a revelation of Jesus Righteousness that we unlock the blessings of the Kingdom. To unlock something, we need the keys. What are the keys and what do they unlock?

What does it unlock? What is added?

1. Right believing produces right living and right behaviour Heb 8:10-12.
   
2. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation. Rom 1:16. Soteria: It also means deliver, health(Strong); deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation (Thayer). WHOLENESS!
   
3. Matt 16:19 The key to powerful prayers.
   

So what are the keys? There are 4 keys:

1. The key is intimacy with God.
   
   1. This is accomplished through Worship, Holy Communion.
      
   2. Phil 3:6-9: Intimacy with God produces TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS as opposed to RIGHTEOUSNESS BY THE LAW (SUPPOSED RIGHTEOUSNESS, IN THE SIGHT OF MAN-basically the religions of the world).
      
      1. Why wasn't Paul satisfied with Righteousness by the law? It did not produce intimacy. Legalism made him look good in the eyes of the world and the eyes of man but it made him a wretch on the inside.
         
      2. God was supposedly hard and difficult to please. Nothing you do is quite enough. Even with all his achievements!
         
      3. There was a deep longing in his heart to draw closer. How? Righteousness by faith which is right standing with God through the perfect and complete work of Jesus on the CROSS! Jesus became HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!
         

Continued next week….

© Pastor Samuel Hari (GROW BM)

Sunday Re Cap (17th May 2009)

Citizens of the Kingdom V

Matt 6:33

Jesus said seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and ALL things be added unto you.

OLD COVENANT VS NEW COVENANT

We need to be absolutely righteous to have ALL things added to us.

In the Old Covenant God left the people to seek their own righteousness through the LAW. "THOU SHALL, THOU SHALL NOT, THOU SHALL, AND THOU SHALL NOT!" I.e. performance, strife, hard work, and basically ALL religions of the world practice this principle. DO GOOD GET GOOD, DO BAD GET BEAT! RIGHT BEHAVIOUR PRODUCES BLESSINGS. Rom 2:5-11

The CROSS changed everything.

In the New Covenant, God said seek His kingdom and HIS righteousness.

2 Cor 5:17-21 New Creation Realities, We are given the gift of righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

Rom 5:17: Says that when we receive the gift of Righteousness and the abundance of God's unmerited grace we shall reign in life!

God invites us to intimacy, He says HE WILL, HE WILL, He WILL! Heb 8:10-12

Righteousness is no longer obtained right doing but right standing. When we stand in the right place "HE will" do it!

It is through a revelation of Jesus Righteousness that we unlock the blessings of the Kingdom. To unlock something, we need the keys. What are the keys and what do they unlock?

What does it produce?

1. Right believing produces right living and right behaviour Heb 8:10-12
   
2. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation. Rom 1:16-What is salvation? It is more than saving us from our sins.
   
   1. Soteria: It also means deliver, health(Strong); deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation (Thayer). WHOLENESS!
      
   2. For everyone who believes! The condition is simply, believe! Do you believe that the gospel is salvation to everyone who believes? "I believe, therefore I have health, salvation, healing, protection, safety!
      
3. Matt 16:19 The key to powerful prayers.
   

So what are the keys? There are 3 keys:

1. The key is intimacy with God. This is accomplished through worship, Holy Communion.
   

Continued next week….

© Pastor Samuel Hari (GROW BM)

Sunday Re Cap (26th Apr 2009)

Citizens of the Kingdom (Part 2)

Text: Matt 6:19-34

1. We are lovingly instructed by our LORD to seek 2 things to help keep us in perspective.
   
   1. Seek God's Kingdom.
      
   2. Seek His Righteousness.
      
   3. The Result? all these things shall be added to you.
      

Need to emphasize that all revelation has to line up with the word of God. God will not tell us to commit adultery, murder, cheat, lie, crime, etc. Our church stand is we are opposed to sin but we love the sinner because Jesus died and rose again for the sinner to free us from our sins. We are vehemently opposed to sin.

Most of us have a pretty good idea of what the Kingdom of God is all about. So why aren't we seeing all things being added to us?

1. No revelation of RIGHTEOUSNESS! Without a revelation of righteousness, we cannot appropriate the benefits of the Kingdom.
   
2. Righteousness unlocks the KINGDOM within us!
   

• When Paul said that we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, he meant that just as Jesus is righteous before the Father, so are we. (2 Cor 5:21; 1 Jn 4:17).
  
• 2 Cor 5:21 also says that God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. This means that even though Jesus did not commit any sin, He was punished as if He had committed sinful acts. God is completely just and fair and because of Jesus punishment for sins that he did not commit, we are deemed righteous for righteous acts as if we have done them!
  
• Does this mean that we will go out and sin and just say, "we are the righteousness of God in Christ"?
  
  • Heb 8:10: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS.
    
  • I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
    
  • (11) "AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, 'KNOW THE LORD,' FOR ALL WILL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM.
    
  • (12) "FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE."
    

These are the 4 clauses of the New Covenant. When we get a revelation of v12, we allow God to perform the first 3 clauses. We allow God to write His laws on our hearts, God will be our God and we His people and finally, we will know God intimately! How can we sin?

Continued next week….

Sunday Re Cap (19th April 2009)

Citizens of the Kingdom (Part 1)

Introduction

Read Matt 6:19-34

Are we citizens of the Kingdom of God? Citizens have benefits. What are the benefits of that Kingdom? Why aren't we living and receiving those benefits? How do we live under a constant flow of those benefits instead of receiving it here and there and in pockets?

1. We are lovingly instructed by our LORD to seek 2 things to help keep us in perspective.
   
   1. Seek God's Kingdom.
      
   2. Seek His Righteousness.
      
2. This ensures that we will remain in the continuous flow of all the benefits of the Kingdom.
   
3. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God the day we receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
   
   1. We are told to seek first the KOG. What is the Kingdom of God? It is where God is King.
      
   2. When we follow the "laws" of the Kingdom, we receive the benefits. Rom 8:1-2.
      
   3. What are benefits of being citizens of the Kingdom? Ps 23. Ps 103.
      
   4. The Kingdom of God is GOD!
      
   5. How do we get information and revelation of the Kingdom? Reading the word, prayer, church attendance, listening to Christian music, testimonies, messages, fellowship with Christian believers, etc.
      
4. So if we are only going to seek the KOG, how are we going make a living? We can earn by either serving God or mammon. Serving mammon is having the love of money. (1 Tim 6:9-11; 2 Tim 3 :1-3).
   
   1. When we have the love of money, we have many other "things" following us; sicknesses, depression, disease, FEAR.
      
   2. When we seek FIRST the kingdom of God, we have "kingdom" benefits following us; love, joy, health, provision, protection, etc.
      
   3. A third category of people. Those who have been blessed by seeking God BUT now have NO time for God. Ask God for wisdom. Not everything may be of God. Don't forget God. Prov 30:7. When it takes your time with God that means there are things we need to let go off. Ex: cannot come to church (to "seek first").
      

Continued next week….

Sunday Recap 12 April 2009

The Three Aspects of Resurrection
By Rev. Jeff Padgett

Luke 24:44-49
Parallel to the book of Deuteronomy (the 2nd Teaching), where Moses reminds the Israelites not to forget who God is and what He has done for them. He reminds them that the LORD has delivered; protected, provided and always loves them. Likewise Resurrection is total recall; to reminisce or to remember with complete detail of what the Lord has done for us. We need a daily resurrection to humble ourselves and appreciate the LORD.

Luke24:44 – Jesus fulfilled all that was written in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms.
Luke 24:47-48 “…and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things.”
- Jesus reminds the disciples what they have to do from the time of His Resurrection till His return.
Paul reminds the Corinthians to stay fresh in the resurrection of Christ or the Passover Lamb sacrificed with full humility.

1. The Resurrection Factor
The tomb is empty – Jesus has restored eternal life. He restored everything to His Father’s original intent.

Psalms 16:10 He gives form to the formless. He has given us form. Jonah in the fish belly, symbolic like being in the grave was set free. Lazarus wrapped in linen (the blindness of Satan) was removed and set free.

Rapid growth of the Church because Jesus rose from the death – Peter stood up to preach and got 3000 souls saved.


2. The Resurrection Fashion
We are called to put on the Resurrection fashion – Humility.
Humus means earth or stay low, close to the earth. Reminds us where we came from.
Jesus clothed in humility by wrapping a towel around His waist and served to wash his disciples’ feet.

Isaiah 61- Put on the Garment of Praise.

We are clothed in power; we have influence because of the resurrection power that dwells within us.


3. The Resurrection Faith
As we embrace the Resurrection, we have Resurrection Faith. He opens our minds to understand the scriptures. (Luke 24:4-5)

Peter who denied the Lord three times, stands up and preaches with full of courage.

Paul transformed from a persecutor to the one proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Rom 16 – Paul greets by name each one whom he would have killed and persecuted but now he loves everyone.

The power of resurrection cannot be contained so “LOOK ALIVE” and share the Good News and impact others!

Sunday Re Cap (22nd March 2009)

Unveiling Jesus through the Scriptures

We began to touch on the subject that every time we see the unveiling of Christ in the WORD of God, faith comes, power comes.

Luk 24:13-35

Let's see what happened to the disciples on the road to Emmaus when they heard the exposition of Jesus:

1. They SAW Jesus! Importance of Holy Communion again. The purpose is to see His grace rather than ourselves and our failures. When we see Jesus, we see His grace. His undeserved, unearned and unmerited favour. We have great faith and receive His blessings like healing upon our lives.
   
2. Their hearts began to burn. It was cold, sad, depressed, discouraged. Ever been in that place of hopelessness? Religion and works cannot help us out of this. Only a revelation of Jesus just like what happened to these disciples.
   
3. Their physical bodies were rejuvenated. They had walked seven miles, the day was almost over; this coupled with discouragement, confusion. However after they heard the word which revealed Jesus to them, they were rejuvenated.
   
4. We receive healing for our bodies. Emmaus-warm baths. There were hot springs beside these roads where people came to be rejuvenated and receiving healing no unlike what we see today.
   

Do we see these benefits of seeing Jesus? We can have these benefits. How? By seeing Jesus in every scripture.

• When we see that we are righteous on account of what Jesus has done and not because of "working" at it.
  
• When we see that He was wounded for our transgressions that we do need to be wounded anymore, we are able to believe for and receive healing!
  
• When we see that He became poor that we might become rich
  
• When we witness, we are not there to point out one another faults or demean other gods and religion but are there to unveil Christ!
  

How can Bible Study ever be boring again? It is the revelation of Jesus. When we read and confess the word, it is taking captive every thought to the obedience of CHRIST (2 Cor 10:5)! Not ourselves, not psychology. When are feeling sick, discouraged, we look at what Jesus has done! The finished works of the cross and begin to receive healing and restoration. We begin to live in dominion. Hallelujah!

Sunday Re Cap (15th March 09)

Conquering Our Thought Life
Ps. Abel Phillips



Eph 6:10-11 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil.”

- The devil’s method is makes a roadway into our minds, into our heads there releases explosives power into our lives. Your thought life is the road that Satan uses to get access into every area of your life.
- The devil (‘Diabalos’-Greek) throws accusations /lies at us. Devil keeps throwing at you until he penetrates or YOU resist those thoughts! And TAKE THEM CAPTIVE!
-This is how the devil operates and that is why the Bible says, “Don’t be conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Rom 12:2).

-The truth makes us free; but lies destroy us!
That’s why we have to deal with the lies of the devil. The liar has been defeated, but the lies remain.

When your thinking lines up with God’s thinking –Word of God; then Satan says oh dear, I can’t get in. He can’t penetrate: because, you have the breastplate of righteousness on, you have the sword of the spirit; you have the shield of the faith…..and he can’t have any activity in your life when you have closed the access point through your thoughts. (Eph 6)

3 John 2- Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

2 Cor 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

- Bring every thought captive with the right image. Good life is made up of series of good decision and bad life is made up of series of bad decisions in your life. We got to learn how to make the series of good decisions. – take every thoughts captive – one by one captive –so fast from wrong thinking; creating a new image of ourselves. Creating strongholds that will influence our decisions.
Make decisions that lines up with God’s word and it will produce God’s results.

You conquer every thought by speaking the Word of God. Your mind is the road that Satan uses to get access to enter your life; so we need put the road block.

I have POWER in my life right now. Through the Holy Spirit in me, I have the power to overcome sin; the power to change my life for the better, the power to be healed; the power to forgive; the power to praise God no matter what; the power to speak God’s Word and see His promises show up in my life. I choose to remember what God has already done which takes the limits off of my life and my expectations. I expect favor today, wisdom, understanding, and God’s blessing as I abide in Christ and in His Word! In Jesus Name. Amen!