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)

Sunday Re Cap (22nd May 2011)

What is Your Sign?
Reasons for Obedience (Phil 1:28b-30).

Text: Phil 1:28b-30
This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Introduction:
The Christian life can be described as Spiritual Warfare. It will come to us one way or another.The warfare can sometimes get so intense that we can become discouraged and feel like giving up. Last week we heard HOW we should conduct our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel. This week we are going to look at Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians Christians as to WHY they are to live as citizens of heaven.

Testimony of Steadfastness (v28b).
a.    Christians to stand firm in one spirit, contend as one man for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way because this would a testimony of their courage (“a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.”).
The courage of Christians is a sign. Just like the courage of an army is a sign to their enemies that they are up against formidable opposition. Illustration:  Ex 15:13-15; Josh 2:9-11; 5:1; are some examples. We may think that we are the only Christians in our families, workplace, schools but if we stand firm, our courage becomes a sign to our families, colleagues and classmates that God is with us and that they need the Lord. This is more powerful than eloquent preaching!

b.    Christians to stand firm in one spirit, contend as one man for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way because of the grace that they have received (“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”).

Suffering is a gift of God as much as the act of believing in Christ.

A direct translation of  Phil 1:29 from the original text implies the meaning “you have (graciously) been granted the privilege of suffering for Christ”

Their suffering was no accident, nor is it a mark of divine punishment as though God were angry with them. On the contrary it is a sign of His favor; it comes as a gift of His grace. To suffer on behalf of Christ which can mean the same as “for the faith of the gospel” is actually a privilege given by God. Christ Himself is identified through the affliction of His followers.

c.    Christians to stand firm in one spirit, contend as one man for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way because it is their duty as soldiers of the cross (“since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.”)

To stand firm in one spirit and to contend as one man has the connotation of soldiers at their battle stations. Likewise the duty of the soldiers of the cross is to have the privilege to courageously fight for the gospel to spread.

Conclusion
Whatever happens, Christians should conduct themselves as loyal and patriotic citizens of God’s Kingdom because this would testify to their opponents of their impending destruction and that God is saving the Christians; God has graced them with suffering along with salvation, as faithful soldiers of the cross.

Sunday Recap (27th Feb 2011)

Faith Talks


Pro 18:20-21 ..Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Words of FAITH bring LIFE and words of unbelief bring forth death. Find out how to fill up on God's Word and start saying things that truly make a difference.

Where does it word of faith begin? The heart or the mouth?

Pro 4:23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

However, a few verses before:

Pro 4:20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.

Luk 6:45: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

The good treasure or bad treasure comes from the source where we heard it from.

Luk 6:47 "Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like:

Rom 10:8-10
Faith starts with the mouth. God’s mouth! The Word of God tells us what is in God’s mouth. Our confession must begin with God and His word in our ears. His word in our mouth.

The devil is out to steal our faith. How? By talking yourself out of your healing, or your prosperity or whatever else you have been trusting God to give you.

Words are crucial and the devil knows it. Words of faith are your connection with the supernatural power of God. Words of unbelief cut off your source of power.

Mark 11:23
Jesus connected speaking with believing. Faith and words. They are inseparable. Faith is a supernatural force from heaven that flows into your heart, comes out of your mouth through your words and changes this natural world.

Real faith always shows up in two places: in the heart and in the mouth. Faith talks! That is one of its distinguishing characteristics. The apostle Paul put it this way, “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;...” (2 Corinthians 4:13).

It is only when faith comes out of your mouth that it begins to change things in the natural world.

Sunday Re Cap (2nd Jan 2010)

Jump Into The Field Of Faith

Introduction
Jesus has never rebuked his disciples for having too much faith; "O you of too much faith!". NEVER! What was His rebuke?

Matthew 8:26
But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 14:31 NKJ; Matthew16:8 NKJ
However, Jesus marveled at GREAT FAITH!

Matthew 8:10 NKJ
When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! Matthew 9:2 NKJ; Matthew9:22 NKJ

Matthew 9:29 NKJ
Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you."

All this verses brings us to one conclusion. Faith has no limits. Why? Because Our Father has no limits! It can accomplish anything and overcome every obstacle we face in this natural world. All we have to do is walk in it by speaking and believing God's Word. Discover how to plant scripture in your heart and release your faith...and get ready to reap an abundant crop of God's promises.

"Lord, increase our faith!"

That was the cry of Jesus' first 12 disciples…and it's been the heart cry of untold millions of believers ever since. And why shouldn't it be?

Again and again in the New Testament we see people receive miracles from God…according to their faith. We hear Jesus say, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20). We read the words of the apostle John who wrote, "…this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).

The Bible makes it absolutely clear: Faith can overcome anything in this world order. There is literally no limit to what faith can do.

Why then aren't more Christians enjoying the limitless blessings that faith can produce in their lives? Primarily because we've limited ourselves to this natural realm. We've spent most of our time looking at the things we can see with our physical eyes, and believing what our natural senses tell us. We haven't cultivated the vast field of faith that's available to us.

You might say, we've fenced ourselves in by unbelief.

It's time for us to jump the fence of unbelief into the limitless field of Faith in God! In the few weeks that follow, we are going to learn how to plant the word of God deep inside our hearts and release our faith; Get ready to see God move in every area of our lives!


Ps Samuel Hari © GROW BM

Sunday Re Cap (31st Oct 2010)

The 5 Stones

Let us see the significance of the 5 stones that David picked to slay Goliath in the light of the NEW COVENANT. The number 5 represents GRACE who is embodied in the person of JESUS. Jesus is known as the Son Of David. Therefore David, as a picture of the Father is able to destroy every Goliath in our lives through the 5 stones, JESUS.
1 John 3:8b For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

1. The Stone of The Past

• JESUS IS (OUR) THE STONE OF THE PAST.

This is THE most important stone as it is the 4th of the New Covenant on which all the other clauses hang on! Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,
and their sins and their lawless deeds[a] I will remember no more."[b]

2. The Stone of Prayer

• JESUS IS (OUR) THE STONE OF PRAYER

Romans 8:34 ... who also makes intercession for us.; Hebrews 7:25 ... since He always lives to make intercession for them.

3. The Stone of Priority

• JESUS IS (OUR) THE STONE OF PRIORITY (The Father may be glorified).

JESUS IS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE FATHER'S GLORY:

• John 1: 14; John 17: 24; John 14: 13

The purpose of Jesus' coming was to glorify the Father i.e. to shine forth the Father's glory. So what do we need to DO to bring the Father glory? There's nothing we can DO! That is Jesus' role; not ours. So what do we do?

John 6: 28 Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent." .

This believing is not just in the area of salvation but believing God for every area of life i.e. marriage, healing, salvation. Our idea of glory and Jesus' idea of glory may be different in the aspect of the outcome. One way or the other, God WILL get the glory! WE KEEP BELIEVING FOR GOD'S PERFECT WILL TO BE DONE.

4. The Stone of Passion

• JESUS IS (OUR) THE STONE OF PASSION

We develop Godly passions; abide in JESUS! Joh 15:1-11

5. The Stone of Persistence

• JESUS IS (OUR) THE STONE OF PERSISTENCE

2Ti 2:13 If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself.

When we are pushed to the point, where we cannot see answers, deliverance anymore, we have no more strength to be persistent, JESUS continues to persists! Rom 9:33 ; 1Co 10:4

When we are in Christ, we have these 5 stones as all these 5 stones speak of Christ. The key to these 5 stones that defeat every taunting of Goliath in our lives is, JESUS!

Samuel Hari @ GROW BM