Survival Instinct

“All of our actions come from a basic human survival instinct, which is in real sense, love for us.”

I still remember, when we went to one of the government hospitals for the vaccinations for our son, who was travelling to the US. In the reception area there was a counter to check the weight of the infants. The weighing hook was attached with a romper (shorts with the bib kind of a dress). A mother came to weigh her two months baby. We saw the baby was sleeping in her mom’s lap with all security,  she puts her baby in that bag, we noticed everything was normal but as soon as she hangs the bag on the hook again to get her weight, the baby pushed her hands and legs for survival and began to cry.

Why did the baby do so?

She felt insecure and tried to push herself in her capability for survival

You and I also do the same for our survival, 

Isn't it true!

Remember “All of our actions come from a basic human survival instinct, which is in real sense, love for us.”

We love our families, friends, relatives and neighbors too. Sometimes we love someone very special that we are ready to do anything for that person. In a way every one of us are precious for our loved ones. 

God also loves us as His family. We are so precious in God’s eye that is why He gave His only son that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life.

Way back in year 2001, I struggle in my life to that extent that for me all roads were ending to the dead end. I was in this country (Tanzania), my son was studying in a missionary school, I was interacting with the people who knew Christ, still Christ was not shared with me. I needed Him so desperately; still He was kept away from me.

I am sure there were many people who would be praying for the salvation of the lost

I am sure there were many desiring God to save the Indians

I am sure this must be taking place, still I did not have even one person coming to me and sharing the love, healing and saving message of Christ.

Until one day when I broke completely God used a friend of mine, a non believer, she asked me to go and see a person and know how she get delivered of her trouble.

I will again repeat, “All of our actions come from a basic human survival instinct, which is in real sense, love for us.”

Will you ask me what my reaction to my friend’s suggestion was?

I ran for the solution!

Say – Love for us

Say – Survival instinct

Read Matthew 9:37-38

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Jesus preached, healed and saved people.

Think – I was never visited by a believer but God used a non-believer, to tell me the way

Say - God can use any one

Say - Survival instinct

Think – what is our role in the kingdom of God

Read Romans 10:14-15

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Are you waiting for someone to send you?

Then I have good news for you

Read Matthew 28:19-20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Jesus has given you a word for you to go and preach the good news. If you will not go He will use someone else. God is irrespective of a person. I am ready He will use me. You are ready, He will use you.

Say – love your neighbours as yourself

Say – Survival instinct

The night before Jesus was crucified Peter said three times that he did not know Jesus. Peter lied because he was afraid, but later he was so sorry that he cried. The same Peter changed completely when Jesus rose from the dead; he knew the truth about Him.

Read John 21:17

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."                                    

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Today, each one of us must ask the question: "Do I love Jesus Christ?"

Jesus could have asked Peter, “Are you a man of faith, do you hold an important office in the church, have you casted out devils" But He simply asked, "Simon, Son of Jonah, do you love me?"

Some people put their love in their work, their family, their ministries, and put Jesus on hold

Say – love Jesus

Say – survival instinct

What does it mean to Love Jesus?

It means to put Him first and obey Him

Read Psalm 2:7-8

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son;

today I have become your Father.

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

Loving Jesus means love His people

Whatever belongs to Jesus He gave to the one who believes in Him. He has chosen you and me to rule till the ends of the earth

We are all like that small baby who pushed herself for survival.

There is no one who came from heaven,

There is no one who died for you and me,

There is no one who rose from the dead for you and me.

Yes, there is no one but Jesus who came from heaven who died for you and me and He alone can give us the life and no one, because He alone rose from the dead the third day

Take your step, show the people who do not know Him

Tell them He loves them

Preach the good news of saving and healing message of Jesus Christ to the lost and unsaved

If anyone who can save us from the fire of hell is Jesus alone

Say – Jesus asks you, “Do you love me”

Say – Jesus commands, “Preach the saving message”

Prayer -

father in the name of Jesus

I pray as per Luke 10:2, use me for the kingdom of God and make me your faithful servant
In Jesus name
Amen!

Do Not Delete

Do Not Delete But Unwrap The Gift

As I sat today before God for giving me the right word for you, one thing
was reminded to me.
Let us read James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of
the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows
Can it be possible about you?
Say - Yes!!!
Because you are not of your own choice but of God and given to your parents,
whether they wanted you or not!!
Say – I am a perfect gift from God
Before I move further I will share a testimony of my life
I am the last born and 7th in the family. My mother never wanted to have me because she already had six children. I was an extra luggage and she didn't want to have me.
Say – OUCH
Sometimes we are an extra luggage and people don’t want us
Right!!
But remember God wants each one of us
Say – I am God’s desire
So finally my mother had some deleting (abortion) pills because she didn't want to have 7 children
Say – Deleting pills OUCH
But it did not work
Say – I am God’s desire
then she had another round of dose
Say – Deleting pills OUCH
But still I was safe
Say – I am God’s desire
Read Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There may be many Deleting pills OUCHES in your life, someone will Delete your joy or someone will Delete your time or money but remember you are God’s desire. He will still be holding you with His right hand and no one will be able to separate you from His love.
Say – I cannot be deleted, I am gift of God
Say – I am growing and going to unwrap the gift of God
When Jesus came, He brought the gift of life for us
Let us Read Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
In Ephesians 2:28, it says
For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God
Are you ready to unwrap the gift of God today with me, then I have good news for you
You may be in impossible situation and might say, ‘It’s impossible’
But God says to you in Luke 18:27 "All things are possible"
You may be tired and might say, ‘I’m too tired’
But God says to you in Matthew 11:28-30, I will give you rest
You may be hated and might say ‘Nobody really loves me’
But God says to you in John 3:1 6 I love you
You may be discouraged and might say, ‘I can’t go on’
But God says to you in 2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient
You may be confused and might say, ‘I don’t know what to do’
But God says to you in Proverbs 3:5-6 I will direct your steps
You may be failed and might say, ‘I can’t do it’
But God says to you in Philippians 4:13  You can do all things
You may be weak and might say, ‘I’m not able’
But God says to you in 2 Corinthians 9:8  I am able
You may be low esteem and might say, ‘It’s not worth it’
But God says to you in Romans 8:28  It will be worth it
You may be defeated and might say, ‘I can’t forgive myself’
But God says to you in 1 John 1:9 I Forgive you
You may be lacking and might say, ‘I can’t manage’
But God says to you in Philippians 4:19  I will supply all your needs
You may be fearful and might say, ‘I’m afraid’
But God says to you in 2 Timothy 1:7 I have not given you a spirit of fear
You may be worried and might say, ‘I’m worried and frustrated’
But God says to you in 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares on me
You may be very simple and might say, ‘I’m not smart enough’
But God says to you in 1 Corinthians 1:30 I give you wisdom
You may be without any friend and might say, ‘I feel all alone’
But God says to you in Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you or forsake you
Can you see the love of God for your life?
In John 10:10, Jesus talks about life more abundantly
This Christmas season as many of you looking forward for some good party and gifts, remember Jesus is the reason for this season so do not delete the true reason of this season but receive all what God has in store for you through Jesus Christ
Merry Christmas to all

Jesus came to set you Free-2

Blessings means - good favor, victory, success productivity
Curses means - oppression, negative atmosphere, defeat, non productivity
How will you know if you are under curses?
There are mainly seven areas.
1 - Mental or emotional breakdown
2 - Repeated or chronic sickness, medically no diagnosis
3 - Repeated miscarriages, female related illness
4 - Marriage problems, separation etc.
5 - Financial insufficiency, jobless
6 - Accident prone
7 - Suicidal or unnatural deaths
You may ask -
- But why did these curses come upon me
- What did I do???
- Can someone tell me my mistakes???
Read Proverbs 26:2
"Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest."
Root cause of all curses is not obeying God's voice
1. Not obeying God's commands
Deuteronomy 28:15 
"However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you:"
2. Worshiping idol, false gods, or participating in occult practices
1 Samuel 15:23
"For rebellion is like the sin of divination,and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,he has rejected you as king.”
3. Not respecting your parents
Ephesians 6:1-3
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
4. Illicit or unnatural sex
5. Injustice to the weak
6. Trust in man
Jeremiah 17:5
"This is what the LORD says:“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,who draws strength from mere fleshand whose heart turns away from the LORD."
7. Failure to fulfill promises 
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.
8. Being stingy towards God 
Malachi 3:8-10
8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
9. Spoken words said by people in authority.
10. Self-imposed curses.
11. Curses from people representing satan.
12. Soulish prayers, utterances & gossip
13. Generational curses 
Exodus 20:1-6
1 And God spoke all these words:2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
The good news is Jesus has paid the price for you and me.
Galatians 3:13-14
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[a] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
How to be free from curses? 
1. Put your trust in the word 
1 John 3:8
The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
2. Be obedient to God's word 
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:
3. Confess your and your parent's and forefather's sins. 
4. Forgive every person 
5. Renounce all contact with other gods. 
Deuteronomy 7:25-26
The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God. 26 Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.
6. Release yourself in the name of Jesus
Matthew 18:18 
“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Now pray and be free as per Galations 3:13-15
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. 15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case.
Amen

Above All Guard Your Heart

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.If the first two fruits, love and Joy are not present in a person it will be hard to posses the third fruit.
Before I move further, I have some questions
Do you have peace in your life?
Do you have peace in your family?
Do you have peace with your parents?
Do you have peace with your children?
Do you have peace at your work?
Do you have peace with your boss?
How valuable peace in your life is?
What would you pay for it?
What would you do in order to bring peace in your life?
What did God do to bring peace in your life?
Say- Gave His son
What did His son do to bring peace in your life?
Say- Gave His life
Then what happened?
Read John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
He gave His peace and He left His peace with us and said do not let your hearts be in trouble
It means God is concerned about our lives.
When He gave us His Holy Spirit, He gave His fruit also.
God’s love is unconditional; it means He always loves us.
Joy is from the Lord.
Peace, that we are going to talk about will also be found where there is love and joy.
God is in the midst of a family and fruit of His Spirit will grow in the midst of people only
Would you like to see God’s fruits growing in the midst of you or not
If yes, then you must know that there is a cost for it
If you do not want to pay the price, how will you be called of Jesus?
Read John 17:16-18
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
You are in the world but not of the world. Jesus works through your body in others lives. It means He is very close to you so you are likely to be like Him slowly
Are you transforming like Him or like the enemy?
Test yourself -
Search your heart-
1. Is God’s peace with you?
Read Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
If God’s peace is not with you, you will be influenced by the world and your faith will waver then how can you receive from God? This is very dangerous because it allows Devil’s will not God’s will be done
Read James 1:6-8
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
2. Do you have peace in your life
Read Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
When you have tough time in your life where do you turn?
God is our father He will surely shape us so that we can have a better personality
You must know that God’s word gives us peace not the fear
3. Is there conflict between peace and pride?
Read Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus is talking about our every day’s burden. It may be related with family, with job, with health. These burdens we have to carry everyday.
Are you living a prideful life?
How many times has your pride put you in trouble?
If you, who are of the Lord will have the ways of the world, then don’t you think devil will hinder your progress?
4. Do you have peace even among stubborn people?
Read Romans 14:12-19
So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
God has called us for the reconciliation not for judging each other. He has called us to remain in His love, joy and peace.
Read Matthew 18:19
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
God does not want anyone of us to perish, that’s why He is asking to agree with each other. If we do not work in harmony the devil will win and destroy us.
If you love the world, then it is dangerous.
Some points to remember-
1. Jesus said His path is narrow but the world’s ways are wide
2. It seems we are living life but it leads to darkness
3. It brings disrespect and the devil seems to dominate
4. It breaks your inner peace
One Advice -
Read Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Guard your heart because the battle field is this world and its ways
Read Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
My last question
Who is holding your heart the world or Jesus?
If Jesus then you are not made for defeat
Read Proverbs 24:16
for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Say- I am God’s righteous and His peace is with me
My Prayer-
Father in the name of Jesus,
I give you thanks for giving success in the lives of the people who trust in you.. I pray and thank that these people have faith in you and you provide them the peace. The best days are about to come in their lives. You have blessed them richly. God’s ways are peaceful this you have revealed through your spirit.
Amen

Growing in Christ

Lesson 5 Growing in Christ
(Romans 6, 1 John 3, Ephesians 6)
   
Copr. 2012, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D.  All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society,  unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.

Introduction: Last week we learned the heart of the gospel: salvation is by free grace alone, there is nothing we can do to earn it. Our studies for this week and the next two are about how those who are saved should live. Have you ever been embarrassed by a member of your “group?” It might be your family, your church, your organization, or, perhaps, a Christian leader. Someone did something that brought shame. Since a battle rages between good and evil, and those saved by grace have chosen the side of good, shouldn’t we do everything we can to aid good, to repay love with love, and not harm the name of Jesus? 
Let’s plunge into our Bible and see what it teaches us about how those confident of their salvation should live!
I.    Death to Sin
A.    Read Romans 6:8.
How did we “die with Christ?”
(Read Romans 6:1-3. That is one of the amazing things about grace. The penalty for sin is death. The Bible says that when we are baptized, we participate in Jesus’ death on our behalf. Our debt is paid!)
A.    Read Romans 6:4-7.
What is our relationship with sin after baptism?
(Our old self died, therefore we have been “freed from sin.”)
1.    Does it feel that way?
(I struggle with sin. If you say you don’t struggle with sin, you likely struggle with honesty.)
1.    When Paul writes that we are “freed from sin,” how has our relationship to sin changed?
(I think he means we are freed from being forced to choose sin. Sin is no longer our involuntary master.)
I.    The Choice
A.    Read Romans 6:8-10.
Pay close attention here. If we died with Christ, does that mean in some supernatural way I have died to sin, even though it still seems to plague me?
A.    Read Romans 6:11.
If we died to sin in baptism, why is Paul asking us to “count yourself dead to sin?”
(I think Paul is making a common sense argument, not a supernatural argument. He says salvation was won for you by Jesus. In baptism you participated in Jesus’ death on your behalf. Now live like you are dead to sin.)
A.    Read Romans 6:12.
If something supernatural happened to me to kill my old sinful self, why is the Bible telling me not to let sin reign in my body?
(This shows living a holy life is a choice. Paul asks us to choose to reject sin.)
1.    Whose evil desires are we discussing?
(Sin in my “mortal body” has evil desires. This text brings great light. The post-baptism person, whose old self was crucified, has evil desires!  Now we are talking about something that accords with my experience in life.)
 1.    Notice a very important word, “reign.” What is Paul saying about the nature of sin in our life when he says, “do not let sin reign in your mortal body?”
What is he not saying about sin?(He is not saying “No molecule of sin can exist in your life.”  No, he says, “Don’t let sin be in charge of your life!” If you find yourself (a person certain of salvation) wrestling with sin, welcome to the journey to holiness!)
A.    Read Romans 6:13.
How should we contend with sin?
(Choices. Choose God, not sin. Use your body to do what pleases God, don’t use your body to do what is wicked.)
A.    Read Romans 6:14. Is the outcome in question?
(As long as you are saved by grace, you know sin cannot be your master.  You might wonder at times, but the outcome is clear. Paul says “Live like someone assured of salvation.” Notice again the concern is sin being your master, reigning over you, as opposed to the ordinary struggle with sin.)
A.    Read Romans 6:15.
Why does Paul add this question here?
(People say the same thing today that they said thousands of years ago, “If I’m saved by free grace, and there is nothing I can do to earn salvation, then I might as well sin!”  Or, if you are a critic of grace, you say, “Free grace means it doesn’t matter what you do!”)
A.    Read Romans 6:16-18.
Why does sin still matter to those confident of their salvation?
(We have made a choice. We have chosen God has our Master. God has freed us from the penalty for our sins. Therefore we need to be loving and loyal to our Commander.)
I.    The Big Picture
A.    Think about your favorite (or most troublesome) sin.  Got it in mind?
How does it impact others?
Does that impact on others reflect love or selfishness on your part? 
Do your actions advance or hinder the Kingdom of God?
1.    Do you spend much time thinking about how your sins (or contemplated sins) harm others?
A.    Read Ephesians 6:10-13.
What is the nature of the conflict over sin?
(It is God versus “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”)
1.    How are we a part of this conflict? (The counsel to put on “the full armor” sounds like we are warriors. We are soldiers.)
1.    What is the source of our power? (God.)
1.    Who is not the enemy? (Not other sinners.)
1.    What kind of fight is this? How can we fight Satan and demons?
A.    Skim Ephesians 6:14-18.
What do these articles of war have in common?
(With the exception of the sword, they are all purely defensive weapons.)
1.    What does this suggest about the nature of our battle?
(You are the battle ground! Your life is the battle ground.)
1.    If your life is the battle ground, does it make sense that how you act is important?
A.    Read 1 John 3:1-3.
How do children feel about normal, loving parents?
(They stand together as a family against the world.)
1.    What happens if someone attacks a member of your family?
(Your natural reaction is to defend the family member.)
A.    Read 1 John 3:4-5.
How does our understanding of the family guide our thoughts about sin?
(God is in a battle against sin. As part of His family we are part of this battle.  Jesus died to save us from sin. If we look at the “big picture,” rather than focusing on the temporary excitement of our sin issues, we will realize how important it is to take a stand against sin in our life.)
1.    How does this “family” analogy fit with the armor analogy in Ephesians 6?
(It fits perfectly. We are saved by grace, but we are in a fight to preserve the integrity of our “family” (God and fellow Christians). We avoid bringing shame on the family. We help other members of the family.)
A.    Re-read 1 John 3:4-7 and then read Romans 7:14-18.
How can you reconcile the apparent contradiction between John and Paul?
(I think Paul is arguing the “little picture,” meaning, “What does the sin in my life mean?” 
He answers, it means you are human.
John, on the other hand, is arguing the “big picture.”
If we are part of the “God family,” if our family is in a world-wide fight against evil, then we will want to avoid sin and evil in our life.  Lawyers have a phrase that illustrates John’s point,
“How can you ride with the cops and cheer for the robbers?”)
A.    Read 1 John 3:8-10, Romans 8:1-4 and Romans 8:9-11.
We see here that the apparent gap between John and Paul has narrowed. This is where the big picture and the little picture come into the same frame. How does this help us to better understand grace?
(We are saved by grace alone. The decision to accept Jesus is a decision to choose to live in accord with the Holy Spirit and not in accord with our sinful nature. Our goal must be holiness - and we must be serious about our goal.)
A.    Read Colossians 2:13-17. What does this suggest about the nature of sin?
(In our goal for holiness, we need to realize that sin focuses on our relationship to Jesus. This is an issue we will continue to explore.)
A.    Friend, do you care about the sin in your life?
Has salvation by grace alone made you sloppy when it comes to obeying God’s will?  Why not decide today to make holiness your goal?

I.    Next week: Victory Over Evil Forces.

Salvation: The Only Solution

Lesson 4 Salvation: The Only Solution (Genesis 4, Leviticus 1 & 6, Galatians 3, Romans 3)
Copr. 2012, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D.  All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society,  unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: . Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.  Introduction: My wife recently attended a conference of clergy and church school teachers. Through the wizardry of modern technology, in one session the audience could give electronic feedback that was instantly computed and displayed on a screen at the front. The question posed to the audience was whether they were confident of their salvation.  The positive response was discouragingly low. 

If you have made a decision for Christ, but are uncertain of your salvation, you must get this “big picture” theology right. Join me in this important journey through the Bible to discover the true meaning of grace!
I.      Old Testament Grace
A.      Read Genesis 4:2-5.
Why is Abel’s offering more acceptable than Cain’s?
Is this occupation discrimination?
A.      Read Genesis 4:6-7.
What similar things did both sons do?
(They both labored in the field. They both chose their best (first fruits) for God. They both brought an offering to God.)
1.      What, then, is God talking about when he says that Cain must “do what is right?”
Cain and Able have done essentially the same thing! (It is not that one did work and the other did not. It is that one followed God’s instructions for an offering.)
1.      What is the purpose of this offering?
A.      Read Leviticus 1:1-2.
What is being discussed here? (Animal offerings - the same subject as in the Cain and Able story.)
A.      Read Leviticus 1:3-4.
What work was required under the Old Testament system to have a person made right with God?
(No work was required for the forgiveness of sin. Atonement came solely from having the animal die on behalf of the person. Note, however, that God is interested in property rights, and in Leviticus 6:1-7 requires stolen property to be returned with a 20% penalty. However, this reflects God’s concerns for property rights between individuals, the thief is not repaying God for his sin.)
1.      What does our short journey into Leviticus teach us about why Cain’s offering was unacceptable? (Read Genesis 3:2-4. The penalty for sin is death. The death of the animal brought atonement for sin. The “death” of an apple does not. Blood, not apple juice, makes atonement for sin.)
A.      Under the Old Testament system, could hard work ever bring a right relationship with God? (Ask Cain.  Cain’s arrogance and anger over being wrong on this point of truth caused him to kill his brother.)
A.      Have you previously considered that the Old Testament system for forgiveness of sins modeled grace?  Read Titus 1:1-3.
How long has God had His grace plan in effect? (It was promised “before the beginning of time!”  It makes perfect sense that the sanctuary system would serve as a model of grace.)
I.      The Cain Problem Today
A.      Whenever I teach about grace, I receive notes from readers protesting that we are “saved from our sins, not in our sins.”  What do you think this means? Does it mean that if we are sinful we cannot be saved? If so, who is free from sin?
And, what, exactly, is meant by “sin?”
A.      Read Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 5:14, Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:9-12.
Based on these texts, if we cannot be saved “in our sins,” who can be saved? (No one.)
A.      What is the problem facing those who believe, like Cain, that some work on their part will make them (their offering) acceptable to God?
(They are lost.  No one is righteous. If you think that your behavior saves you in any way, you are like Cain. Not only did Cain become angry with his brother, but he was rejected by God for failing to follow the only path to salvation.)
A.      Let’s get back to the introduction. If a Christian has given his heart to God, and he is uncertain of his salvation, what does that mean?
(It means that Christian believes that his actions have in some way caused him to lose salvation. This is Cain thinking.  That belief, rather than sin in the life, poses the greatest danger to salvation. Cain’s works offering was unacceptable to God.)
1.      Does this mean that once a person is saved they are for all times saved?
(No! The issue is whether you choose to be an Abel, choose to be on God’s side, and to accept His method of salvation.  You can always turn away from God, you can break that connection with Him, and you can choose to live a life outside God’s will.)
I.      Assurance of Salvation Through Grace Alone
A.      Read Galatians 3:6-9. Who does Paul point to as our example of righteousness by faith? (Abraham, an Old Testament hero.)
A.      Read Galatians 3:10-14.
What is so dangerous about having the Cain attitude that our works determine our standing before God? (“All who rely on observing the law are under a curse.” Trying to keep the law is a no-win situation.)
A.      Read Romans 3:21-23.
When Paul says “there is no difference,” what difference is he talking about? (There is no difference between us sinners. We have all sinned. Some sin greatly, others sin less, but because we are all sinners, there is no difference in God’s eyes.)
A.      Read Romans 3:24-26.
What is the only path to salvation? (Grace! We are justified freely by grace.)
1.      If a person is uncertain of salvation, what would be the reason for that?
(They would be thinking about some imperfection in their life. Something they needed to work on.)  a.      What does the “no difference” statement say to this person concerned about still being “in sin?” (You have no “minor sin” in your life. As far as God is concerned, there is “no difference” between you and a serial killer! “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. If you fall short, you fall short whether it is by an inch or a hundred miles. Grace is a gift, it does not turn on your works.)
A.      Read Romans 3:27-30.
Paul says “no boasting.” Why?
(Because our works have nothing to do with grace.)
1.      What is the opposite of boasting?
(Feelings of inferiority or inadequacy.)
a.      If boasting is out, are feelings of inadequacy out?
(Yes! Praise God they are no more logical than boasting. A lack of confidence in our Lord’s grace, is no better than our boasting about our role in the Lord’s gift of grace.)
A.      Read Romans 4:4-5.
What is our obligation when it comes to grace?
(To trust God.)
1.      If we are uncertain of our salvation, are we trusting God?
(No. We are considering whether we have enough “credit” from our own works!)
I.      The Path to Holiness
A.      Read Romans 3:31.
What does a correct understanding of unmerited grace do to the law?
(It is not against the law. It upholds the law.)
A.      Read Galatians 5:13-18.
Once we have full and complete assurance of salvation by grace alone, how shall we live? (We are free!  We do not need to obey the law to continue in grace.  But Paul says “do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature.”)
1.      Why would it be unnatural for us to indulge the sinful nature?
(God died for my sins. He gave up His life for your sins. Sin has created a flood of pain and suffering for God and for humans. If God so greatly loved you, how can you fail to live a life of love towards others? The essence of the law is love.)
A.      Read again Galatians 5:16-18.
What is the key to living a life of love, a life pleasing to God?
(Live by the power of the Holy Spirit!)
A.      Read Galatians 5:19-25. Are we called to live a holy life? (Yes. Without doubt.)
1.      Does living a holy life, and refraining from living a sinful nature life, save us?
(No! We are still saved by grace alone. It is a gift.)
1.      Assured of our salvation, what is the goal of our life?
(To have the Holy Spirit crucify our sinful nature, with its “passions and desires.”)
A.      Dear friend, accept God’s free gift of salvation by grace alone with joy and confidence!  If you choose to confess sin, and accept Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf, you are saved. You need have no doubt of your salvation. On the other hand, if you believe your salvation turns on your right works, you are following Cain - and you are under a curse.  Will you, today, take the gift and not the curse?      
Next week: Growing in Christ.                                    

God's everlasting covenant is with you

2 Samuel 23:5

 “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
  arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
  and grant me my every desire.

“I, the Lord, refuse to accept
    anyone who is proud.
Only those who live by faith
    are acceptable to me.Habakkuk 2:4(CEV)

Success is state of mind

It is your attitude which determines your thinking. If you have an attitude of achieving success in your life, you will discipline your mind and body. That is the beginning to be an over comer
In Revelation 12:11, it says they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimonies
Who is this Lamb?
Read John 1:29, …….”Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”
Say- My sin penalty has been paid
Say – I am an over-comer
Sometime back, I read a story which talked about a poor old man who became rich. During that time cars were invented and only very rich people could afford it. To show his wealth the old man purchased a car for himself and a nice suit with hat. Every morning he would go out in his car greet people and come back without blowing his horn even once though the streets were crowded.
Do you want to know why?
Because he had two horses pulling his car the whole day
Do you want to know why were horses pulling his car?
Because he never knew how to drive the car
Most of the time we are also like him, who have God given potential of not two horses but of hundreds of horses in us, but we do not know how to operate in the realm of blessing
Say – I have potential
Say – I will operate in the realm of blessing
I am taking you bit further it will open your eyes to recognize your worth and the ability God has given you as a child of God
Read Luke 16:19-26,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
Notice few things here
1. The story teller is no one but Jesus, and He will sit on the judgment seat and judge us in the day of judgment
2. A judge has every authority to forgive or to punish, Jesus came to forgive you
3. Ask Him and He will forgive you all your sins
4. The rich-man was not right before God but was well focused in his goals that is why he gained success in this world but he missed his eternity in heaven
5. It means rich-man was sinning
6. Lazarus the beggar had all the potential to have everything on this earth as well in heaven but he missed the prosperity on the earth due to his ignorance
Read Hosea 4:6, it says “My people are destroyed from the lack of knowledge”
7. It means Lazarus was lazy and ignorant of all what God had already given to him
8. He was sick and not able to work, that’s why he was relying on the food which was thrown from rich-man’s house
9. He was unaware of his healing
But see the end result of these two men’s life, one who lived richly reached to eternal torment and the beggar in the heaven
Say – I will not be destroyed
Say – I have knowledge
Many a times as a youth I have questioned God
“Why do you allow the bad men to flourish?” The same way as Jeremiah cried unto The Lord
Jeremiah 12:1
You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
As I began to grow in Lord I understood 3 principles, which helped me to know, why it happens?
1. I learned as per Genesis 3:17, ……”Cursed is the ground because of you, through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life” Every man has to work hard to get prosperity
2. I learned as per Deuteronomy 8:17 and18, “….. my power and the strength of my hands have produce this wealth for me But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth,…”
3. I learned that one can become prosperous when he gets the inheritance from his father
To make it easier I will say one can be prosperous
1. Through his hard work
2. Through hard work and favor of God
3. Through transfer of the property from father to son etc.
4. Through cheating also
I will ask you, “Which one is the best prosperity?”
Through hard work and favor of God!! Right!
Say – I work hard every day
Say – I have favor of God
Today I am here to encourage all of you and tell you whatever may be your situation but there is always hope in Christ, come out of your situation and tap into your God given ability and allow His Holy Spirit to operate in your life to make it successful in every area of your life
God wants us to be knowledgeable
God wants us to be prosperous
God wants us to be in heaven not in hell
God wants us to be sin free
God wants us to be healed
Stand at your feet and talk to Him
Ask Him to forgive you and release His favor upon you
Amen

Are you in the storms of your Life

Jesus is with you He desires to Lift you up, when you are thinking you are all alone

We have all had that “sinking feeling,” haven’t we? There are various types of storms in our life. 1. Situational storms. This is when circumstances seem to plot against us and everything seems to go wrong. Everything seems to go wrong at once. These are situational storms. 2. Relational storms. This is when there is tension between people. When a relationship has been strained to the breaking point - parent and child, husband and wife, friends - your life will be stormy.

3. Emotional storms. These are often hidden on the surface. We have a nice smile, but inside we’re seething and boiling in distress. Many times there’s a storm going on inside of us that doesn’t even show. Paralyzed by fear. Overcome by guilt. Raging with anger. Consumed with worry or jealousy. Those are the emotional storms of life.

The Bible says three things about the storms of life

1.    Storms in life are inevitable. They will happen. You will experience them. If you’re not in a storm right now, just wait. You will be in a storm. They are a part of life. In James 1:2 it says "When you face trials..." It does not say “If you face trials.”. Nobody goes through life easily from childhood till the  grave. 

2. Storms are unpredictable. They come suddenly. They come unexpectedly. They are unpredictable. In this story the Bible says that, "Without warning a furious storm came up". Try as we may, we cannot predict the things that will happen to us. People try anything to see if today’s going to be a good day or a bad day. But we can’t predict storms. They are unpredictable. None of us had any idea how the tragedy of the  Tsunami, World Trade Center attack would effect us, because storms come without warning. They are unpredictable.

3. Storms are impartial. They happen to good people, they happen to bad people. They happen to believers, they happen to unbelievers. They happen to all. Matthew 5:45 says, "He sends the rain on the just and the unjust." Being a Christian does not exempt us from being in storms. *There is a misconception that people have, that the only time they have tough times is when they’re disobeying God. That’s not true. The disciples got into a storm because they obeyed God. Jesus said, “Get in the boat.” They got in the boat and they sailed right into a storm. They were obeying God. They were in the center of His will. And they were right in the middle of a storm. When you’re going through a tough time, don’t automatically assume, “I must be out of the will of God.” You may be exactly where God wants you to be.
The fact is, God has not promised us a storm-free life. This is not heaven where everything is perfect and where God’s will is perfectly done. We have choices, and people make mistakes, and people get hurt. That’s why we’re to pray, "Thy will be done on earth like it is in heaven" because it’s done perfectly in heaven. God has not guaranteed us a storm-free life. *So, if storms are inevitable, and unpredictable, and impartial, then the issue really becomes what is my response going to be to the storms that are inevitably, unpredictably, and impartially going to happen in my life? There are two ways we can respond to storms. The way the disciples responded and in the way that Jesus responded. One responded in fear, one responded in faith. One trembled, the other trusted. 

When I face a storm, 1. I CAN BE FILLED WITH PANIC. It says, "The disciples went and woke Him saying, `Lord, save us. We’re going to drown." They’d been out on this sea lots of times. They’d been through many storms, but evidently this one was life threatening and had them scared. “We are goners! We’re gonna die!” That shows the intensity, what is your intensity of problem, situation? This was a major, major storm. 

It says they panicked. They got uptight. They got afraid. That is our typical reaction when a storm comes. But there is an alternative to being filled with panic. When I face a storm 2. I CAN BE FILLED WITH PEACE. Look at the contrasting reaction of Jesus in Mark 4:38 "But Jesus was asleep on a pillow." Sleeping in a storm? You talk about peace! It shows that He got tired. After a full day of ministering, teaching and preaching, He was exhausted. He lays down and He takes a nap. If you’ve ever wondered if Jesus can identify with your fatigue, this answers the question. 

This shows complete trust in God. Jesus was not worried at all by the storm. He was setting an example by the very fact of His sleep, teaching a lesson to His disciples. Did Jesus know there was going to be a storm before He even got into the boat? Without a doubt! Of course He knew. He knew they were sailing right into a storm. But He says, “I’m going to take a nap.” He knows exactly what’s going to happen yet He says, “Let us cross over to the other side.” It’s part of His plan to teach a lesson about faith. 

Nothing ever surprises God. “God, I’m going bankrupt!” He knows. “God, I’m having problems!” He saw them coming. Nothing ever surprises Him. Jesus is sleeping in the storm because when we know we are in a storm is we start losing sleep. That’s how we know when we are in a storm. When we’re in storms, we lay awake at night, tossing and turning, going over it in our mind, trying to figure it out, worrying, “What if…”  Yet Jesus can go to sleep anywhere. That’s what I call peace of mind.

I can be in panic or I can be at peace when I face a storm. The fact is, sometimes sleeping can be a statement of faith. You say, “God, it’s too big of a problem. I can’t handle it. It’s Your problem now. I’m not going to worry about it. I’m going to bed.” That’s a statement of faith. “God, I don’t know how You’re going to work this out, but I’m going to go to bed. I leave it in Your hands.” It’s a statement of faith instead of worrying. Where in the world do you get that kind of peace in a storm? You get that kind of peace when you apply the principles taught in this scriptures Mark 4: 35-40. How do you make it through a storm? When it seems like your ship is sinking, what do you do? They are simple but they are profound. 

1. REMEMBER GOD’S PRESENCE. That He is near you, that He is with you, that you are not by yourself, “He said I will never leave you nor forsake you”. They had nothing to fear. Jesus was in the boat. Do you think God was going to let the boat sink with Jesus in it? That in itself should have calmed them. Jesus Christ was there with them, experiencing the storm with them. If you’re going to make it through a storm, the first lesson you’ve got to learn is this: God is always with me. Say aloud- GOD IS WITH ME

There will be nothing I will face the rest of my life that I face alone. God is with me. Jesus is in my boat. We tend to forget that in storms. We think we’re all alone. We think that God is far away. God has promised every believer, "Lo, I am with you always." God has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Isaiah 43:1-2 "Fear not…When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you!" What a promise! You don’t need to worry if Jesus is in your rocking boat.

2. REST IN GOD’S PRECISION (CARE). This is the second great lesson that we must learn if we’re going to make it through storms: God cares about what we go through. Repeat this over and over until you get it in your mind: God cares about what I’m going through! How much does He care? Read the Bible. Read the promises in this book, then tell whether God cares or not. He does. 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your care on Him because He cares for you." The one thing that the disciples did right, when they got afraid, they took their fear to Jesus. They didn’t start praying to Mary. They didn’t start chanting. They didn’t call on some dead saint. They took their fear to Jesus. Why? Because He’s the only one who can do anything about it. 

3. RELY ON GOD’S PROVIDENCE. Let His power see you through. Mark 4:39 "Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still.’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." Jesus stood up in the boat in the middle of the storm and said, “Quiet! Be still!” or “Sit down and shut up!” That’s literally what He said. Instantly, it was quiet. *There was actually two parts to the miracle in this story. First, there was the wind stopping. You might be having idea that even after the wind stops, waves will continue for some time. But the sea became quite. So He talked to both of them and they became quiet.

The disciples had seen Jesus do one miracle after another. They, of all people, should have known He was competent and capable to handle this situation too. There was no need to be afraid. If you’re going to make it through the storms in life: Know that God is in control. God is with me, God cares about what I’m going through, and God is in control. There is nothing beyond the control of God. We don’t understand the storms. Many things we’re not going to understand until we get to heaven. But God is in control.

Fear comes when we experience things in life that are beyond our control. When things are beyond our control it frightens us, and the truth is there are many things in life that we can’t control. So there are lots of things to be frightened by. But the good news that the Bible tells us is that the things that are beyond my control are not beyond God’s control. And that’s good news. I can’t control everything that happens to myself, to my family, to my friends, to my business, to my church. But God is in control! That’s a storm reliever.

Jeremiah 32:17 - “Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You.” Before they got into the boat, Jesus said to the disciples, “We’re going to the other side.” He said we’re going to the other side, means it was inevitable that they were going to the other side. He didn’t say it would be an easy trip. He didn’t say they wouldn’t get wet. He didn’t say they wouldn’t have a scare, a problem in the middle. He just said, “We’re going to the other side.” And if He said it, they were going to make it. 

Notice that Jesus said to the disciples, Verse 40 “You of little faith. Why are you so afraid?” Jesus told the disciples two things: One, the root of your problem is fear. Two, the solution to your problem is faith. The greatest threat to the lives of the disciples was not the storm. It was their unbelief and fear of the storm.

The secret of their survival was faith. And it’s not the amount of faith that you have. It’s what you put your faith in that makes a difference. Everyone has faith. You have faith every time you get on the freeway. You had faith when you ate breakfast this morning that it wasn’t poisoned. Everybody has faith. It’s just what you put it in that makes the difference. You don’t need a lot of faith. Just a little faith will do. You put a little faith in a big God and you get big results. So, Jesus rebuked the storm, then rebuked the disciples - “You of little faith.”

It’s interesting that never in the Bible we ever find Jesus rebuking somebody for having too much faith. Can you believe God for too much? Can you have too much faith? Never in the Bible do you find Jesus ever rebuking anybody for too much faith. The problem was always a lack of faith. I think God is pleased when we go to our limit, and then we know it’s going to be impossible, because then He gets the opportunity to show His power. You’ve never believed God until you’ve done something that can’t be accomplished in the power of the flesh. Many Christians live lives that require no faith at all. The Bible says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” 

If God knew in advance that the storm was going to be out there, why did He let them go through it? Why didn’t He just wait? Stay on that side of the lake? If Jesus knew, which obviously He did, why did He let them go right into it? Because He wanted them to learn a lesson. It’s the same lesson that all of us must learn, and the only way we learn it is by experience. You never learn this lesson from a preacher or from a Bible study or from a tape or book. You only learn this lesson by experience. The lesson is this: Jesus can be trusted in the storms of life. The only way you’re going to learn that is to go through them. 

, “If I never had a problem, I’d never know that God could solve them. I’d never know what faith in God could do.” It is when we respond to the storms in life with faith that we see God’s power most visibly, and we sense His presence most intensely. The disciples really had no reason to fear. They had what every one of us have. They had the presence of Christ, the power of Christ, and the promise of Christ. You have to have those to make it through your storms. 

What’s rocking your boat? What’s flooding your ship? What kind of storm are you going through? Is it a strained relationship? Is it a financial difficulty? Is it a painful memory that’s got you so tied up that you can’t see anything else? Is it a health problem? Is it a secret storm? Something on the inside? An emotion that’s overwhelming you? Guilt? Or grief? Or anger? Or bitterness? Or jealousy? Or worry? Or fear? *Maybe you feel like the circumstances of life are tossing you back and forth and you feel like you’re just a little toy boat out there in a big ocean and you’re getting bashed back and forth every day. And you’re thinking, “I’m going under! I’m not going to make it!” 

If that’s the way you feel, then God wants to say to you today, “No matter how big the wave is, Jesus can rebuke it.” And He wants to calm the storm in your life. He wants to say, "Peace! Be still!" Only Jesus Christ can calm the restlessness in your life right now. Quit looking for somebody else, to be your solution. Quit looking to some experience to be your solution. There’s only One Person that can calm storms - Jesus Christ. 

The very last verse Mark 4:41: “Then the men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and waves obey Him.’” Good question! What kind of man is this? The answer is He isn’t just a man. He was the Son of God! He was God who came to earth in the form of a human being so we could know what God is like. Jesus said if you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen God. I can’t relate to some big unearthly thing in the sky. But I can relate when I see God in flesh. I could see how He loved, and see how He cared, and see what He did. And He will help you in your storm, but you’ve got to get Him in your boat. He’s no good if He’s back over on the shore. You’ve got to have Christ in your life to make it through the storms.

One last word: The Bible teaches that storms are inevitable. They’re going to come. Storms are unpredictable. They come without warning. Storms are impartial. It doesn’t matter how good or bad you are, you’re going to experience them. But the other thing that the Bible teaches is that storms are temporal. They’re temporary. They don’t last. 

Mark Twain (A famous writer) and a friend walked outside one day in the rain. The friend said, “You think it will stop?” Mark Twain said, “It always does.”

That’s true with any storm. You’ve got to go through it, but it’s not going to last forever. Some of us feel like we are in a major storm right now and God’s word to you is, “Hang in there!” Keep on living. Don’t be afraid. The sun will shine again. There is hope. God is with you. He’ll get you through. You’ll make it to the other side - just like Jesus said. 

Amen

A

These men are not drunk- "The Holy Spirit in You"

Jesus died

Jesus resurrected the third day

His disciples waited for something from heaven, which they did not know

Are you also waiting for something from God?

I tell little of my story-

After searching God everywhere finally I came to Jesus

Say- half hearted

I came to Jesus not even half hearted

Say  - 1%

This is the right word

We come to him just 1%

I receive him and something great happens

I feel light

Lighter

And better

I figured out the power is in the tongue

How-

When I was prayed over, nothing happened but when my pastor began to speak in tongue that evil power of torment ran all over my body

And became weak and I became better

It was the power of God which moved my heart and I became follower of Jesus

Praise the Lord

Do you also desire to be free from your trouble by the power of God?

Then you have to know two things

1. Jesus alone is your Lord

2. Believe He is Son of God

If you believe in Him you will believe in his words too, and His words will perform the rest

But the problem is you don't follow His words

Read Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away

Who is saying this-?

Say- Jesus Himself

These are not my word

Read Luke 24:49

I am going to send you what my father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high

Say- God is going to get a gown for me

What did his disciples do?

Read Luke 24:52

Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

Ask your neighbour- What are you doing? Doubting God or worshiping Him!

Those who continued - something happened to them after 50 days

Read Acts 2:1-4

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the spirit enabled them.

Do you also want to get heavenly gown?
Do you also want to speak in tongue?

Yes, you can speak too!

Provided you have two things

1. Jesus alone is your Lord

2. Believe He is Son of God

I tell you another story-

Once I was reading some old collections. This story is of 1900's. One small black boy goes in a fair. He sees one old black man selling some balloons. He sees one big white balloon floating in the air. He was amazed at it. He went near the balloon seller. Every now and then he would fill the Helium gas and release the balloon in the air and people get attracted to it and came to buy balloons. The young boy was watching him releasing red, blue, orange, pink and yellow balloons. He wondered whether black will rise up or not.

He asked, "Sir, can you please try black one I want to see if this also goes up.

The old man replied, definitely it will go up, not because of its colour but because of the gas it contains.

What do you say?

Will you doubt like this small boy or put the faith in the power of omnipotent God.

Who has made your body His temple!

Read 1 John 4:4

You dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Do you still want someone to come and shake you!

If you are facing sickness- confess-

The Holy Spirit makes my mortal body healthy

If you are confronting curses - confess-

The Holy Spirit will cause the curse to go back to the person who is trying to curse me.

If you are confronting confusion- confess-

The Holy Spirit is giving me wisdom and counsel.

Stand on your feet-

If today you want Holy Spirit to come upon you and do greater things which you do not know

Come in front

Tell I am a jar made of clay

I am nothing

Jesus thank you for coming in my body and making me your temple

Thank you Jesus for being my Lord

I believe you are Son of God-

Now I tell you-

You have the experience of his touch.

Keep praying in tongues

And receive the grace of God

Amen