Witness for Christ Blog

Package from Hell

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

I was awakened in the mornin' by a knockin' on the door
So I got up and went to see what all the knockin' was for
There stood the devil with a box addressed to me
He said "Boy, I've got something here I think you oughta see!"

I said, "I know that I don't want it if it's anything from you
'Cause I hate everything you say and don't like anything you do."
But then he pointed with his finger and he smiled kinda sly
'Cause the package said "from God" there in the corner, way up high

So I said, "If it's from God, then why'd He send it here by you?"
He said, "He always send' me when there's dirty work to do...
And this box is full of misery, poverty and shame
To perfect you through your sufferin' 'til you're worthy of His Name

Well, I'd been pretty patient, but that last line took the cake
I just couldn't take no more, I'd taken all that I could take
So I told him what I thought of him and all his filthy lies
Then I fired the shot that got him right between the eyes

I told him "Jesus took my sickness and my poverty away
You nailed it to the cross yourself when you murdered Him that day
The suff'rin' that I do will be for love-- not for shame
I'm already worthy by His blood to wear His name

And I know my Father loves me and has only good in store
So you just pack up all that jive and get away from my front door
You can write my name on packages until I'm ninety two
But every single one I'm sending back to hell with you"

I said I know my Father loves me and has only good in store
So you just pack up all that jive and get away from my front door
You can write my name on packages until I'm a hundred and thirty-two
But every single one I'm sending back to hell with you"

Listen to this song from Don Francisco

How to Talk to Your Atheist Friend About Jesus Christ

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

We shall assume that indeed you are talking to a friend you have known for sometimes, that you have learned to trust each other through some common experience and that you respect each others' opinion. Here is how to go:

It would be best if you waited for the atheist to bring up the subject. Being convinced that God doesn't exist and then finding out that He is real can be a traumatic experience.

The best tack is to be Christ-like to your friend until they can't hold themselves anymore and beg you to spell out what this Jesus of yours who lives on the inside is like.

It is best not to argue about the creation and the many obvious clues to you that God's presence is everywhere. Instead you should drive the conversation to the issue of sin and the perfect dispensation of grace brought about by Christ's death at Calvary.

Atheism is a cover up to avoid dealing with the issue of righteousness. If there is no God then there is no need to confess our sins and there is no need for the blood of Jesus for atonement.

The root issue is of course rebellion. If there is no God then there is no need to be accountable for our lives. Another area to probe is the issue of death. If there is no heaven and no hell what will give a purpose to our short sojourn on planet earth?

You must undergird your effort in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to speak through you. You don't need to be a scholar in the Scriptures to lead someone to Christ. The next best thing after the Words of God is your own testimony. How you met Christ, what changed in you as a result of that encounter is something that is so real to you and that nobody can dispute.

Even as you well know, someone brought up in a Christian environment will backslide and have a day of reckoning to rediscover Christ for themselves in a very personal way. Just stress that you are no better or more deserving than your atheist friend. You simply grabbed your chance to connect with Christ and make Him the Lord of your life. That opportunity is extended also to your friend. The Lord is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Making a decision to receive Christ into one's life is only the start of the journey. Later you will learn to disciple your friend, study the Scriptures together and put them into practice.

Lizzie Reezay commented:
My friend just declared on facebook that he is atheist. It makes me incredibly sad, and so I'm going to pray to have the wisdom to share Jesus with him.

Pilgrim's progress - even more relevant in the 21st century

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

John Bunyan's immortal allegory has passed the test of time. It holds some nuggets of truth for those weary cyberpunks amongst us.

There is a price to pay to make it to heaven. There is a judgement day for each one of us to give an account for our lives. The allegory of a man aptly called Christian, making his way to the celestial city has kept audiences spellbound for generations.

The reason why this book is more relevant today than ever is that it translates the vicissitudes of the spiritual life into an adventure path, an obstacle course - a pilgrimage.

The characters and the locations have all names descriptive of an attitude or mindset. Christian shares the journey with the likes of Faithful, Talkative, Ignorance and travels through Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Doubting Castle, Enchanted Grounds, etc...

Life is full of choices and the choices you make along the way have a critical impact on your future and destiny. The battle is in the mind as each one of us wrestles to choose between the easy and compromised way or the steady and rewarding outcome.

One of the most obvious evidence of the presence of God is the fact that each one of us has the privilege to exercise our choice of seeking after God or turning our back on Him. The compassionate side of God is demonstrated by the fact that a second or third chance is given to those who wise up to the impending danger and make a u-turn. On the other hand is the dreadful outcome of those who persist in their evil ways and get caught out in ways out of their control.

Time flies so quickly and you only have one chance with your life on earth. The story of Pilgrim's Progress is rewarding and challenging for the Christian believer because it motivates you to seek out the relevant Scriptures to support the spiritual truths encountered.

John Bunyan wrote the manuscript while in jail for preaching the gospel outside the jurisdiction of the church of England. Since the first publication in 1677 the book has been translated in many languages. It has never run out of print. It is available in modern English as well as illustrated editions for children. It is referenced in many works of literature and it has been made into a
film and an opera.

Does the blood of Jesus avail for you?

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Contrary to popular culture doing good is not what is going to get you into heaven. A relationship with the Son of God is what will get you in. Make sure you have friends in high places.

Trying to run our lives independently of God is not endearing to the creator of the universe. In fact he demonstrated his compassionate character by sending His own Son to address our predicament once and for all.

A divine exchange took place at the cross. Ignore it at your own peril. Curiously a lot of folks don't want to have anything to do with God - or worse they only want to know about a God that suits them and does not challenge them.

If you enjoy comfort and the good life you may think that you have plenty of time to think about those issues. This is a game of Russian roulette. You do not know when your number will be called. Having to give an account of your life when you've been caught in the wrong lifestyle will reward you with eternal suffering in hell.

What if there is no heaven and no hell? How come there are so many religions and they don't even agree with each other?

What if there was a God who sent His Son to take the place we deserved for the sins we committed? What if it was true and you missed out by gambling your life?

What if being born in sin, our minds are so warped that we have a pre-disposition to oppose God and turn our back on Him? What if He really did reach out to us and we ignored Him - bar a few we love to ridicule?

If these possibilities make you feel queasy maybe your conscience is trying to tell you something. So how do you avail yourself of the blood of Jesus? God is interested in a relationship with you. Amazing isn't it? The Bible tells us that we are made in the image of God. Could that be why He is interested in you? If God has already reached down to you don't you think you have a duty to yourself to reach back to Him?

2000 years ago when Palestine was under Roman occupation, Jesus Christ walked this earth and demonstrated his authority as the Son of God. Because His perfect life was showing off the Jewish leaders evil intent they decided to levy false accusations against him and have him killed by crucifixion (a Roman torture to put undesirable people to death by having them left hanging on a wooden cross with their hands and feet nailed to the timber). Three days after His death he was brought back to life.

So here is the deal: His death has paid for your eternal life, his suffering has paid for your deliverance, his righteousness has paid for your sinful ways, and the list goes on... Salvation is a free gift from God for those who believe and put their trust in Him.

Love is a choice not a feeling

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Why is true love so hard to find? If we are searching for true love then there must be plenty of false or fake love abounding all around. So what is the difference?

If you are driven by your feelings you are sure to be misled. The paradox is that the moment you choose to forget about your own big self and consider someone else's welfare ahead of yours - then you release an open door for you to be blessed in return.

How does that work? Well your actions always speak louder than your words. So if you are found doing something worthwhile for someone who can never pay you back - that adds some brownie points into your love account...

You can't play split personalities. If you are one kind of person in public - that is also the person you will be in private. If you ignore the plight of your fellows at work, you won't be much fun to be around at home.

Discover the boomerang effect. It is by helping others reach their full potential that you will empower yourself to be loved and become who you ought to be. Bizarre isn't it? Maybe too many people you have come across are singing to themselves the trilogy of me, myself and I. How much baggage do you carry around from the failure of past relationships? How much of that failure were you responsible for? Did you learn anything good out of it? Are you about to re-offend just in the vain hope that your needs might be met this time? Why do lonely people go from one disaster to another? Is it bad luck, is it selfishness? The truth is that hurt people continue to hurt others out of their single-mindedness.

The cure? Do yourself a favour. Go and find an unlovable person and break their defense barriers by showing that you truly care for that person. Go and do the groceries for an elderly person. Use your car to drive a disabled person to places. Record books on tape for a blind person. Mind the children of a single mum while she is seeking work. Do you need any more suggestions?

Then when you front up to your next blind-date you will have stories to tell that might shine some light on your true character. A loving person worth loving in return. Someone has to start first. It might as well be you...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Cor 13:4-7 NIV)

Declaration of confidence in God's protection

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper and every voice that rises against me in judgement I do condemn. This is my heritage as servant of the Lord and my righteousness is from You, O God. If there are people who have been speaking or praying against me or seeking harm or evil to me or who have rejected me - I forgive them and having forgiven them I bless them in the name of the Lord. (Isa 54:17, Mat 5:43-45, Rom 12:14)

Now I declare O Lord that You and You alone are my God - and besides You there is no other - a just God and a Saviour: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - and I worship You!

I submit myself afresh to You today in unreserved obedience. Having submitted to You, Lord, I do as Your Word directs. I resist the devil: all his pressures, his attacks, his deceptions, every instrument or agent he would seek to use against me. I do not submit! I resist him, drive him away from me and exclude him from me in the name of Jesus Christ. Specifically I reject and repeal infirmity, pain, infection, inflammation, cancer, malignancies, allergies, viruses, failure, lack, isolation, loss and every form of witchcraft.

Finally Lord I thank You that through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross I have moved out from under the curse and entered into the blessing of Abraham whom You blessed into all things exaltation, health, reproductiveness, prosperity, victory and God's favour. (Gal 3:13-14, Gen 24:1)

You are the Lord my Healer

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.
Who forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
Who redeems my life from the pit
And crowns me with love and compassion (1).

Lord I am waiting for You.
Who renews my strength
I will soar like an eagle
I will run and not grow weary
I will walk and not be faint (2).

Surely you took up my infirmities and carried my sorrows.
Yet we considered You stricken by God,
Smitten by Him and afflicted.
But You were pierced for my transgressions,
You were crushed for my iniquities,
The punishment that brought me peace was upon You
And by Your wounds I am healed. (3)

I cast all my anxieties and problems on You because You care for me. (4)

You Lord are my Healer. (5)

1- Ps 103:2-4
2- Isa 40:31
3- Isa 53:4-5
4- 1 Peter 5:7
5- Exo 15:26

Confession for overcomers

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

My body is a temple for the Holy Spirit (1), redeemed (2), cleansed (3) and sanctified by the blood of Jesus (4).

My members, the parts of my body are instruments of righteousness (5) yielded to God for His service and for His glory.

The devil has no place in me, no power over me, no unsettled claim over me. All has been settled by the blood of Jesus (6).

I overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony and I love not my life unto the death (7).

My body is for the Lord and the Lord is for my body (8).

1- 1 Cor 6:19
2- Eph 1:7
3- 1 John 1:7
4- Heb 13:12
5- Rom 6:13
6- Rom 8:33-34
7- Rev 12:11
8- 1 Cor 6:13

By this I overcome the devil

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

We overcome Satan when we testify personally to what the Word of God says the blood of Jesus does for us. (Rev 12:11)

Through the blood of Jesus I am redeemed out of the hands of the devil. (Eph 1:7)

Through the blood of Jesus all my sins are forgiven. (1 John 1:9)

Through the blood of Jesus I am continually being cleansed from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

Through the blood of Jesus I am justified, made righteous just as if I'd never sinned. (Rom 5:9)

Through the blood of Jesus I am sanctified made holy, set apart to God. (Heb 13:12)

Through the blood of Jesus I have boldness to enter into the presence of God. (Heb 10:19)

The blood of Jesus cries out continually to God in heaven on my behalf. (Heb 12:24)

Are you a talented servant?

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

What you treasure is what has conquered your heart. We have basically two mutually exclusive choices: either operate in self-protection mode and rely on the security of money stashed away for a rainy day or throw ourselves headlong into building kingdom works and trusting God to replenish our supply as we go.

You have to be crazy for God to step out of your comfortable boat. Some of us are bored out of our wits to figure out what we are supposed to do in a world that is reeling in drunkenness. But evangelism always starts in our own backyard. If you pray about it and keep your eyes and ears opened it won't be long before someone expresses a need that you might be able to meet.

That's why God has gifted you with resources so that you can be a blessing to others. In doing so you will earn the right to explain that your altruistic motives stem from your love of God. You simply can't help yourself displaying the love and compassion of Christ because He lives in you. Not only that but the Holy Spirit likes to ooze out of you in ways you never thought possible...

Just to keep you on the right track there is also the concept of accountability. Life on earth is short (believe me, I'm already in my fifties...)

When was the last time you cooked a meal for a sick neighbour? When was the last time you replaced a flat tyre for an upset commuter? When was the last time you put on a party to invite, entertain and get to know some new folks? When was the last time you mowed the lawn for someone down the street?

Yes it costs money to be a good Samaritan - that's precisely why God gives you the ability to earn some. Someone has to start somewhere. God has done it all on the cross. Re-read His book just to make sure. Now it's your turn to step out in faith and use what is in your hand before the enemy snatches it away.

What you do speaks louder than your words. Instead of buying a useless gift or a get-well card at the shopping mall why don't you invest some of your time and substance to bring good news to someone who has reason to otherwise be depressed.

When you do that you release God to back you up in whichever amazing way He may come up with. Yes it is risky business to step out in faith and do something you know you should care about. But frankly something even more risky lurks about if you stay on the sidelines: being rejected by God for not investing your resources into the kingdom.

Bad Company Corrupts Character

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Are you being tenderized to lower your standards and put up with profanity? Do you tag along with so-called friends to watch a movie you'd rather not see? Where do you draw the line when enough is enough?

If you are afraid of being called prudish you will become spineless. Just look around and see how moral values have been erased in the last 10 years. In a world where heads of state don't bother to wear a tie when giving a television interview it seems that everything goes. The political correctness is a facade which does nothing to protect moral values.

Authorities go after paedophiles and rightly so - but you are being showered with sexual connotations in the media, in advertising, in the workplace, everywhere you look.

It is not easy to swim against the tide but it has its rewards. In an epicurean society you are labelled a sourpuss if you do not dissipate into the same indulgence as everybody else. There is a case for filtering the garbage that comes out of the TV and radio. Just record the programs you are interested in and watch them offline so to speak and use fast forward to skip the junk.

Why not spend the evening reading a good book. Challenging your mind by reading good writing is a lost activity for some. Dare to be different. Reading causes your mind to go at your own pace and explore connections with other material you have come across lately. Movies on the other hand force you to go at their rhythm and nothing is left to imagination because the picture is always there.

Is there a higher ground? A place where deep calls onto deep? Instead of "let us drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" can you find solace in making your mark in society rather than being railroaded to the lowest common denominator?

Can you be a leader instead of a follower? In a world that has lost its marbles surely it wouldn't be too hard to stand-up for something? Are there any social issues that really resonate with you? Should it be where you could spend your time and energy?

People will ask you "Hey, what makes you different? How come you manage your time and resources so well?"And your answer will be: "I have the peace and determination that I will indeed reach my goals through Jesus Christ. Would you like to walk some of the journey with me?"

Is God asleep at the wheel?

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Each year the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras goes on you would expect the earth to open its mouth and swallow them alive like in the days of the rebellion against Moses.

It looks like the devil and his hordes of demons are polarizing the world to sort out who would follow them as opposed to who would remain faithful to the gospel. The argument here is the parable of the weeds and the wheat which are both allowed to grow side by side until the day of the harvest where they will each meet their fate.

There is a sense of contending in the faith - operating in the authority of our inheritance in Christ while yet having much territory to reclaim from the enemy.

The knowledge of things to come is hidden from us for our own good. You are not going to get a word of knowledge about tomorrow's lotto numbers or the fate of the stock market in order to pay off your mortgage overnight. Instead we are told that the borrower is slave to the lender.

But we have read the last chapter of the book so we know how the story ends. That should not make us behave like fatalistic robots whistling to the wind "que sera sera" Rather we are soldiers under orders from our commander the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in a conflict of galactic proportions. We bring about His will in our environment with the good news of the gospel.

The Christian life is an adventure - not always to your liking. Sometimes you would like some answers. The way to get them is simply to follow the protocol. You approach God with praise and worship. This is especially important when we are in the midst of adversity. Your faith needs to be tested otherwise it is no faith at all. You do not choose how and when this will happen but rest assured it will happen. The sooner you learn to knuckle down with God and discern how to hear His still small voice the better off you will be. Life will never be boring anymore as your identity in Christ gives you your purpose and vocation.

Prayer is a two-way street. God likes to meet with you in the secret place but you have first to learn how to quieten the turmoil around you and meditate on some Scripture until it becomes a rhema word for you, just for today.

When everything else fails - try this secret weapon

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Prayer and fasting is not very popular in the 21st century Western church and one could wonder if there is a correlation with the lack of signs and wonders which are supposed to follow the preaching of God's Word.

(Mat 6:16-18 NIV) "When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Jesus didn't say "if you fast", He said "when you fast"... fasting is depriving oneself of food for spiritual reasons. If you do not fast you are depriving yourself of the reward. God cannot bless you if you do not meet the condition.

(Heb 11:6 NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Fasting is not dieting. Without proper care you are in danger of putting back all the weight you lost plus some. Fasting is not a hunger strike. You do not manipulate God to obtain what you want. Instead you humble yourself to seek God's face. Blessed are those who aim for nothing for they shall not be disappointed (!) For your fast to be successful you need to be quite clear in your mind as to why you are fasting. Keep a prayer diary to remember those things.

Here are several reasons as to why you should fast:

To humble yourself
(1 Cor 6:19-20 NIV) Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.

(2 Chr 7:14 NIV) if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

(Psa 35:13b NIV) I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.

(Mat 23:12 NIV) For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

To come closer to God
(James 4:8a NIV) Come near to God and he will come near to you.

To understand God's Word
(Isa 58:8a NIV) Then your light will break forth like the dawn

To find God's will and receive direction
(Ezra 8:21 NIV) There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

To seek healing or deliverance
(Isa 58:8b NIV) your healing will quickly appear
(Mat 17:21 NKJV) However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

To get God's intervention in some particular crisis
(2 Chr 20:2-3 NIV) Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.

(2 Chr 20:17-18 NIV) You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'" Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD.

To make intercession of behalf of someone else (unsaved loved one) or to appoint someone in authority
(Acts 13:2 NIV) While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

(Acts 14:23 NIV) Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

Practical tips for fasting

Don't go on a week long fast if you have never done it before. You may want to start by just skipping the evening meal. If you drink coffee you will have severe headaches. Stop the caffeine one day before you start the fast. You stomach will contract. Do not end a fast with pastry or anything greasy, fat or heavy. You may block your intestines! Instead use salad, fruit, green vegetables, a tin of warmed peeled tomatoes, etc...

The first day of the fast you may face an attack of many symptoms. After that your body hits ketosis, where energy is now drawn from your fatty tissue and you are on a high. Even Eastern religions use it to get elated.

Never go without liquid. Use water, fruit juice, broth, soup, herbal tea, (not caffeine) etc...

Fasting is both our duty and privilege as Christians. Let us heed God's call to pray and fast, individually and corporately, trusting Him that He will fulfil His promise to reward those who diligently seek Him.

Are you finding yourself in an impossible situation?

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Ever wondered why God is not coming good in the midst of your circumstances? Faith which hasn't been tested is no faith at all. Cold comfort for those who are battling it out.

So what would be the right attitude? Compare for instance the reaction of Zechariah, father of John the Baptist with the reaction of Mary the mother of Jesus when they both had an angelic visitation.

Zechariah doubted the word of the Lord and had to be made mute until the birth of the child so he would not speak unbelief into the prophet's destiny.

On the other hand Mary was quite accepting of her role in the virgin birth of our Saviour. When Joseph thought of divorcing her quietly because of her pregnancy, the Lord gave him a dream to reassure him.

Sometimes you would like to have a good story to tell - a testimony that would point people to the faithfulness of God in your life. Instead all you have left is your faith and the taunts of unbelievers who murmur "you believe in God - let God pull you out of your hole, I am not going to lift a little finger to help you out..." If you are not careful the enemy will also whisper in you ear the same teasing hoping you would roll over and give up.

The best way to keep your sanity is to develop the ability to praise God in the face of adversity. For a start is gets all demons to flee - they cannot stand it! Now while it is just between you and God it is OK to pour out your heart and say to Him: "It is not fair!"

But the currency in the kingdom of God is not fairness - it is faith. The ability to see beyond your emotional horizon. The ability to speak forth - to prophecy your future. Speaking of things that don't exist in this world is labelled as hypocrisy. In the kingdom of God it is called wisdom!

Instead of mulling over your impossibility you'd better spend your time asking God what He would like you to gain from the experience. The flip side of this is that if you don't learn anything this time around you may have to pass that test again and again... until you are refined in the furnace of life as pure gold. OK let's have a head count. Who still wants to be a Christian now? Salvation is free but following Christ will cost you everything you are.

Do you think God owes you a little explanation? God is sovereign and is not accountable to us. Instead we are accountable to Him. So what do you do in the meantime? If God has given you a vision or a dream and it seems further out of reach as ever what do you do? You may end up in jail betrayed by your brothers and Potiphar's wife like it happened to Joseph (son of Jacob in the Old Testament). But even in jail his management skills couldn't be hidden and in due course he was pulled out to save not only Egypt but Israel also.

All well and good - so what do you do in the meantime? What can you do to get from where you are to where you ought to be? A glib answer: spend time with God. You obviously need Godly wisdom to solve you conundrum. God may send your way some kinsman redeemer to sort you out but the enemy could also send you a time waster to get you off course. Have you considered your secret weapon - prayer and fasting? More on this in a following article.

larimar91 commented:
Thank you for giving us hope through FAITH in Lord Jesus Christ.. God bless you for teaching us that Miracles didn't cease with the death of the Apostles. This is so important for us to remember, today, & we need your encouragement .

Sozo - salvation, healing and deliverance all in one package

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

If you are saved in Jesus Christ, but have not experienced healing or deliverance you might be running on just one cylinder instead of three.

The little Greek word sozo in the New Testament means three things at once: to save, to heal and to set free. Depending on the context it is rendered as one or the other. But we miss out in the translation the fact that all three are part and parcel of the same deal: namely that Christ purchased all three for us by His blood shed on the cross.

This is consistent with what Isaiah says:

(Isa 53:5 NIV) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Sozo appears 120 times in the New Testament. Here are a few examples:

Salvation
(Luke 19:10 NIV) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save (sozo) what was lost."

(John 3:17 NIV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save (sozo) the world through him.

(Rom 10:9 NIV) That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (sozo).

Healing
(Mat 9:21 NIV) She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed (sozo)."

(Luke 17:19 NIV) Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well (sozo)."

(Luke 18:42 NIV) Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed (sozo) you."

Deliverance
(Luke 8:36 NIV) Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured (sozo).

(2 Tim 4:18 NIV) The Lord will rescue (sozo) me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(Jude 1:5 NIV) Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered (sozo) his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.

So what's the big deal? How is that relevant to the church in the 21st century? Well the issue is that we have just come to the realisation God is interested in transforming the whole person. Body, soul and spirit. We are familiar with having a born-again spirit when we invite Jesus Christ to rule our lives. Why should we miss out on having our body healed and our soul set free from bondage?

After denying for so long that miracles ceased with the death of the last apostles who walked with Jesus we now see supernatural healings taking place everywhere.

The next step is to admit that the enemy of our souls is very cunning at enslaving our minds with strongholds, mindsets and lies planted by demons. Why should we miss out and not apply the blood of Jesus to that also? Then we will be whole and able the remove the spec of dust from our brother's eye - having removed the plank in our own eye beforehand!

Searching God for a female identity

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Could we have at least one lady out of the three? God is three in one. That's the mystery of the Trinity. We go astray every time we try in our carnal mind to explain things out. Peace comes when you admit that your mind cannot for now wrap itself around some spiritually discerned matters. Look at H2O which can take 3 forms: ice, water and steam. The same matter in 3 different manifestations.

Nobody has any problem seeing The Almighty as our Father. We can all relate to a Creator, a Provider, a Healer. Things become more nuanced with the Son. We can relate to a Redeemer, a High Priest, a King of Kings. But women can also sometimes see themselves as the Bride of Christ and fantasy having an embrace with Him.

Things become more dicey with the Holy Spirit. We can understand a Counsellor, a Comforter, a Guide. But it is tricky to relate to someone who moves like the wind, who can be quenched and grieved and who shies attention and passes everything back to Jesus instead - who in turns refers back everything to the Father... and so we have gone full circle - hence the Trinity.

People relate to God out of their human experience. Those of us who have been hurt or ignored by our earthly father have a hard time putting their trust in God until we have the courage to forgive our parent and take steps to repair what is left of the relationship.

Jesus calls us friends rather than servants. We are supposed to be seated in heavenly places with Him. We can relate to Him as our sibling who came to our level, performed what no-one else could do to save us from our predicament and returned to the glory of God to intercede for us.

But there is one critical figure that is missing in the equation. All of us once were totally dependent on mommy who fed us, clothed us, wiped our nose and our rear, saved us from the big bad wolf, tucked us into bed and sang lullabies to send us to sleep... Could that be the Holy Spirit? Maybe not. We are to mature in Christ and leave the childish things behind...

God is Spirit and spirits (angels) have no gender. We will have quite a (pleasant) surprise when we inhabit our resurrected bodies. God is above the sexual divide (He created sex). Even Jesus said some bizarre things like comparing Himself to a hen gathering her chicks under her wings... Women are often more in tuned with spiritual things because they operate in the realm of intuition while men operate in the realm of logic. Women make great intercessors who labour in prayer for a cause dear to their heart. Let us thank God for the way He made us and let us not cause strife by trying to swap places.

What does set Christianity apart from all other religions?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The Bible from the onset presents a triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Right there from the beginning of time we have love, fellowship and unity. A direct consequence is that being a follower of Christ (a Christian) means to enter into a relationship with God - not obeying a set of rules.

The grace of God is not a licence to sin - it is a challenge to use our common sense and God given abilities to do good in our sphere of influence. Not because we have to but because we want to please the one who granted us eternal life through the divine exchange that took place at the cross.

Someone asked Jesus how you could sum-up all the Jewish law under the dispensation of the New Testament. His reply was: "1- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. 2- Love your neighbour as yourself." If you can't see that this it is a lifestyle based on proper relationships you have missed the point totally.

True Christians have an inner joy that carries them through the vicissitudes of life. Christianity has the knack to pop up in the most adverse environments. The underground church in China is buoyant. Jesus reveals Himself through dreams and visions to selected people in the Muslim world where reading a Bible is an offense. In the western world the main difficulty is to isolate yourself from the appeal of a materialistic lifestyle.

Sin could be defined as our innate ability through wrong deeds and thoughts to turn our back on God and live independently of Him. A creation that has rebelled against its Creator. Not a pretty sight but nothing can take God by surprise and He had already a plan in mind.

So what is this divine exchange that a follower of Jesus Christ would enter into? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the second person of the Godhead was obedient to the will of the Father. Having started a relationship with the Jewish people since Abraham the time had come to open it up to the whole of mankind. The good news is that Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago to perform a task nobody else could ever do: The redemption of all those who would put their trust in Him. Only Jesus was qualified to deal with the issue of the sin of mankind once and for all. By laying down His sinless life and taking upon himself the sin of humanity He died of a broken spirit. By His resurrection 3 days later He conquered death on behalf of all those who would follow Him.

Everyone born on this earth will have through their lifetime a chance to connect with God through the person of Jesus Christ. If Jesus was with the Father at the creation of the universe He has no problem in getting through to you at a time of His own choosing. Most often it is done through natural means - the corporate body of believers is obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit and will position themselves to offer you help and assistance when you need it. Only in rare circumstances (incarceration, persecution, etc...) would something supernatural happen. There is no limit to what God is willing to do to reach a lost soul. Christ died on that cross for you. That's how precious you are to Him.

Are we at breaking point?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

While everybody is sticking their head in the sand some can perceive the signs of the times. We don't know what the future lies but one thing is sure: we have well passed the point of no return and things can no longer go on merrily forever...

Economic front
Banks and governments are now so intertwined that one will pull down the other - both will collapse together. When governments can't pay their civil servants you have unrest in the streets. Investors are deprived of their shareholders' rights. AGMs are a facade hiding the shenanigans of the board of directors. Superannuation is riddled with government interference so that the only beneficiaries are the trust funds managers. The knee-jerk reaction to the GFC is that after giving loans to those who could not repay them now small businesses cannot raise capital and their share of the labour market is curtailed.

Political front
The institution of democracy is showing obvious signs of weakness when minority governments are unable to win the trust of their constituents. Governing bodies are fighting between themselves to establish their power base and interfere in the life of ordinary tax paying citizens in every possible way. Organised crime is endemic and now controls entire nations like Mexico and Russia. This sets the scene for a coup d'etat to usher in a dictatorship instead of a democracy. We are not far from it when we consider the draconian laws passed in order to counter terrorism.

Terrestrial front
There is not one week going by without the report of some hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, flood, bushfire or other natural disaster destroying people's homes and livelihood. Eventually the risk will be so widespread that no insurance policy will be able to cover you. There is a steady increase of death by wildlife. We hear of swimmers being devoured by sharks, trekkers being mauled by polar bears and villagers being attacked by wolves, tigers or elephants where in the past wild beasts used to keep well away from populated areas.

Moral front
Greed is everywhere. Corporate CEOs sign off ever larger bonus packages for themselves while decimating their workforce by outsourcing overseas to leverage cheaper (slave ?) labour.

Many are falling away to addictions such as sex, alcohol and drugs - people are bored out of their wits because they have no purpose and no future.

Young people are kept out of the property market waiting for the housing bubble to burst at long last. The suicide rate is rising because people have lost hope in a world that seems so set against them.

Senior workers are discriminated because of their age. Some mature men have lost their career, family and homes due to chronic unemployment resulting in divorce.

Women take up a large share of the labour market. Many choose a career instead of raising children. As a result the birth rate is so low that the civilization of many western democracies will be extinct in only 20 years.

The divorce rate is at an all time high. There is a concerted attack on the family. A new generation is rising up without any knowledge of the balancing effect of having both a male and female role model in the home.

I need say no more - you've got the picture. No matter how unpalatable this is we are heading on all accounts for a major showdown. Watch for a concerned attack on Israel because it is God's time clock. In the meantime get on your knees and pray while you still have a chance. If the purpose of all this is to cause you to lookup to heaven and take up the offer of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ poured out on the cross for the remission of your sins - then maybe it was all worth it. What will it take for a rebellious mankind to be reconciled to God? We wanted to have it our own way. Now God gives us a taste of what it is like to believe the lie we could ever live independently of Him.

Why Christianity does not always produce the expected results

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Jesus states 3 times in the gospels "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Indeed churches are patronized by people who like all the promises of God but have no intention of taking up their cross.

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. So if something has to change it's got to be you and me. God's unconditional love calls for unconditional trust on our part. Here comes the rub: salvation is free but following Jesus will cost you everything you are.

People lull themselves with a sweet Jesus meek and mild, baby Jesus on Christmas day, etc... Jesus has also some other titles - like commander of the armies of God and so there comes a time when you realise you are in the midst of a spiritual conflict of cosmic proportions and you'd better play your part or be defeated.

Of course you will not be tested beyond what you can bear but what does not kill you will also make you stronger. If you think that taking allegiance to Jesus Christ would grant you a red carpet treatment all the way to heaven - you are mistaken.

Nothing is new under the sun. The apostle Paul berated the Corinthian believers for not being spiritually mature. Today many in the western world do not know how to distance themselves from a consumer lifestyle.

Each one of us will undergo a baptism of fire - meaning a strip-down of your security blanket, a reeling Job type experience where everything seems to go crazy for no apparent reason. Friends will come alongside you to offer a wrong escape route and point at reasons why you brought this upon yourself.

Jesus is standing by all along the ordeal and angels are watching and cheering you on the moment you choose to worship God in the face of adversity.

Not everybody's idea of a safe and tranquil religion you must admit. That's why there are some casualties along the way. It's not what happens to you that matters - by and large you have little control over it. It's how you handle it that will make all the difference. If someone hurt you, that will be the grand opportunity to learn how to forgive. The devil can use a spouse to betray you, a boss to sack you, a friend to steal from you, whatever. Will you pass the test or will you have to go around the mountain one more time?

Keep your eyes on finishing the good race and look forward to hearing the Master's words: "Well done, good and faithful servant..."

Love, Joy, Peace - The Trifecta for Happiness

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

You might wonder why people choose instead hatred, sorrow and unrest. What would be the forces at play?

Love here should be defined as unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the well-being of another (Greek root agape) - not physical pleasure. So "love your neighbour as yourself" brings it all in context. It is the attitude that puts the welfare of others as a priority.

Joy is the fulfilment of being at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. It is not self-centred pleasure seeking - there is a name for that. It's called hedonism.

Peace is the sense of rest that comes when you are secure in who you are. Obviously you need to have a great sense of self-worth and self-esteem to get there.

Notice than in order to love your neighbour as yourself - you need to love yourself first! And so we go full circle. Could it be that a wrong self-image is the cause of all this dysfunctionality?

We are told that man was created in the image of God. Therefore if the connection with God is lost our self-image goes out the window. Instead we go for pale substitutes which quickly degenerate into hatred, sorrow and unrest.

There you have it. Ever noticed that in the last twenty years since Judeo-Christian values have been systematically removed from western institutions, things are going downhill at an alarming rate?

I guess you don't appreciate what you take for granted. You only value what cost you effort and resources.

What is true on a corporate level is also true on a personal level. Just like governments are falling asleep at the wheel no longer being able to administer the country - likewise couples are unable to keep their families together and divorce is the looming outcome.

Love, joy and peace are not pie in the sky concepts. They need to be experienced day after day. So where do you start? Take an inventory of your values and prepare to let go of number one, your big self, me, myself and I. it's only when you start having altruistic motives that put the welfare of others ahead of yours that you release a boomerang effect. God is watching and will reward those who play by His rules. Are you going to play on His team or are you going to do your own thing all your life? Are you going to be re-connected with no other than the creator of the universe or are you going to be your own god?