Several interesting 'short & sweet' messages!
2 Greatest Commandments
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what is Salvation?
Our Heavenly Father sent His Only Begotten Son (Jesus) to earth to live as a man and to die a cruel death so that we might be redeemed from the penalty of sin. His sacrifice was unprecedented, yet through it, He provided an avenue for all who believe in Him to be adopted into His family. It is called the Plan of Salvation.
Let's celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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3 IMPORTANT THINGS on SPIRITUALITY - we ought to know in our life on earth!
1)God's grace is that we RESPOND by - repentance unto God & believing in Lord Jesus Christ
2) thereafter we RECEIVE
a) The hope in forgiveness of our sins
b) A new life on this earth
c) The eternal life (be part of 'Kingdom of Heavens')
3) Believing in Jesus means loving Jesus & obeying His commands
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Three things you need to know
By LOVE, we enjoy the Lord & thereby keep His word (John 14:23)
By HOLINESS, we express the Lord & thereby see Him (Heb.12:14)
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what to do in this earthly Life?
In this world and particularly during our teen/youth days, we all think about our Creator, purpose of life, life after death, what we need to do,so on & so forth!
But as a Believer of Lord, what is that we need to conclude and Interestingly it's clearly told in our Bible - Wow! Refer to Ecclesiastes 12:13,14
"Now all has been heard;here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil"
So let us "..Remember (y)our Creator, in the days of (y)our youth.." and do our duty i.e what He says!
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"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you!" - Jesus Christ in Mathew 7:12, Luke 6:31
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Yesterday He died for you to save from the penalty of sin
Today He is living for you to save you from the power of sin
Tomorrow He is Coming for you to save you from the presence of sin
-- (above) quote courtesy :: Hebron Literature centre'
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Go, Preach, Baptize and make disciples of Jesus by following all of His commands!
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The Song of Moses & the Lamb(Jesus Christ)...And let us also sing!
“Lord God who rules over all,
everything you do is great and wonderful.
King of the nations,
your ways are true and fair.
Lord, who will not have respect for you?
Who will not bring glory to your name?
You alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you.
They see that the things you do are right.”
-- From Revelation 15:3,4
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Praise to 'Word of God', the HOLY BIBLE - Your words are Joy to me, Salvation to me, Strength to me, Life to me, Health to me, Comfort to me, Hope to me, Food to me & more AND more to me!!!
And from Revelation 19:13(Holy Bible), we infer -- "He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God."
And from John 1:1(Holy Bible), we infer -- "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"
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In The Lord's Prayer - that Jesus taught His disciples:
"Our Father, who art in heaven...
...GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD...
Thank you God for you give us our daily food. And you are so awesome that you give that in 'Abundance'; in 'variety' and for 'All' (both good & the evil)
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Oh what a troublesome & wicked world!
You are my only Hope, my Joy & my Strength - oh My Lord !!!
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Excerpt from "Daniel Plan"
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2
Diets, quit-smoking plans, and other self-help efforts based on will-power eventually fail. The entire time you are forcing yourself to change, you are under tension because your old thought patterns are unconsciously telling you to keep doing what you’ve always done. We get tired of doing what feels “unnatural” and soon quit exercising, or start smoking again, or return to our bad habits and destructive ways of relating to others.
The good news is that God can change your mental autopilot far faster than you can. He specializes in renewing your mind. That new mind-set will change the way you feel, which will change the way you act.
— Rick Warren (Saddle-back church)
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"With good will render
service, as to the Lord, and not to men" (Ephesians 6:7)
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AWESOME WORDS of Jesus while hanging on the cross - (1) FORGIVING those who persecuted Him, (2) SAVING a soul (a sinner) from destruction, (3) LOVE & CARE for His believer cum mother(Mary)
Reference Bible versus:
(1)Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."-Luke 23:34
(2)Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."-Luke 23:43
(3)When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. - John 19:26,27
Thank you Lord for your FORGIVENESS, SALVATION & LOVE!
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To know more about Jesus, just check out this
brief presentation - http://www.slideshare.net/jesusforgivesme2/why-jesus-is-lord-god
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"..the Son of Man(Jesus) did not come (to earth from heaven)to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom(to die so that believers may be freed from the power of sin and death)for many.” - Mark 10:45
"And Jesus said to His disciples, “This is My blood of the [new] covenant, [My blood] which is being poured out for many [(people who believe in Him) for the forgiveness of sins]." - Mark 14:24
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Tips to youth or whoever wants to win - from Bible (II Tim 2:3-7)
1) Have Focus (And please the One who will save you from destruction! Your Creator & Saviour!!)
2) Play by Rules (Be fair & justful so that you win the Heavenly race)
3) Initiative/hard work (It's not that easy but you reap what you plant)
II Tim 2:4-7 says: "3 Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. 5 And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Think over the things I am saying [grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything."
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Following Jesus...
we need to grow to this stage! And is possible by His grace and our inclination to it !!
Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple." - Luke 14:27 (Amplified Bible)
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“What do you want Me to do for you?”
A beautiful question by Jesus from which we can learn something to solve our problems!; He was asking this query to Bartimaeus, a blind man seeking 'sight' from Him and got healed because of his frank answer (I want to see) & of course his faith in Jesus' power!
Solution revealed: So whenever we face a situation where people (mainly family members) look for/depend on us to do something for their happiness/peace or soliciting an amicable solution, let us ask this question to them - “What do you want Me to do for you (so that you will be happy)?”
And of course, let's do it/offer it if it's good for all and brings peace to the recipient + you are sure it's a right thing and pleases God + possible for you but may have to leave your preference, comfort, money (this is out of 'love'we can do!). Above all, this brings peace & happiness to us as well.
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Do you love GOD? Then do what JESUS says! It's as simple as that!
Check out these ref. in Holy Bible --
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And Jesus said, "If you continue in My word, (i) you are really my disciples, (ii) you will know the truth, (iii) and the truth will set you free. -- 3 wonderful blessings as we abide in the 'word of God' (Bible) - Ref. John 8:31,32
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The Start of Change
Resolutions and rules aren’t enough to change the human heart. Heart transformation requires the love of God inside you. The beginning of healthy change starts inside you. When you invite Jesus to be the Savior and Lord (manager) of your life, your past is forgiven, you get a new purpose for living, you get a home in heaven, and you plug into God’s power to change your life.
why can't you just Try Jesus?
Note: Above content is shared from the book "The Daniel Plan" by Rick Warren
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The Greatest ever told Love story - Holy Bible in just 3 minutes (video)
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why WE need to PRAY?
Because Jesus told to do so (Reference verses below) and He too did it! Period!!
# "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Mark 14:38
# Jesus told "...(you) should always pray and never give up" to his disciples along with a parable - Luke 1:8
# "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man" - Luke 21:36
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Practices of sinful nature - by which we CANNOT inherit Kingdom of God.
They are - sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality[lack of self-control], idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions[that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness & riotous behavior.
Fruits of (Holy) spirit - by which we CAN inherit Kingdom of God.
They are - Love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner]peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control.
For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other.
-- Let's practice the later! Above content from Holy Bible: Galatians 5:19-22,17
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Let's live a life that expresses gratitude to God for (y)our salvation!
Referring to Ephesians 4:21-24 in Holy Bible:
21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], 22 that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], 24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]
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A model church? - The [TOP 10] Bible verses hidden within 1Thessalonians 1:2-10, almost covers on how we need to be as Believers though these words were actually commended on Thessalonians...let's take cues from it!
1)..your work energized by faith..
2)..your service motivated by love..
3)..unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ.
4)..[witness to others as] chosen by God
[all above-verses 2&3]
5)..you welcomed our message(Word of God/good news[regarding salvation]) in [a time of] great trouble with the joy of Holy Spirit
6)...you became imitators of us(preachers like Paul) and of the Lord [verse--6]
7) you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia (surrounding region) [verse--7]
8) the word of the Lord has resounded from you and has echoed, not only in Macedonia and Achaia...but in every place [the news of] your [great] faith in God has spread (The Evangelism!) [verse--8]
9) (reports on)...how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (The Repentance!) [verse--9]
10)And you [look forward and confidently] wait for His Son from heaven (The eagerness for Lord's coming!) [verse--10]
Seem The church of Thessalonians was an role-model to other churches in Paul's times!
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Life's most important 1,2,3!
1. Know the Gospel (Good news) of (God’s) grace!
# Salvation is offered to everyone across the globe (even if you are a sinner), but each individual must choose to accept or reject God’s gracious offer! – For Bible says - "God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge & recognition of the [divine] truth“ – 1Tim.2:4
2. Our Action item & end result of it!
# Your action -- Repentance (of your sins) unto God
and faith in Lord Jesus Christ
# The Result -- Forgiveness of sins & born again as
'children of God' with assurance of "eternal life"
3. Thereafter what should we do as we live in this earth?
1) As our gratitude to God’s saving grace – Start loving our God whole-heartedly and also love others as we love ourselves.
2) As we love God now - we must obey His commandments (As said in Holy Bible - Specifically Lord Jesus’ teachings in Mathew 5,6,7, etc. and pursue holiness as our Father in heaven is holy.
3) And as our prime duty - proclaim the good news about Salvation & Spirit of God's great love toward us and be a witness to the Lord.
-- And above 3 could be attained & grown further as we
i) Worship God & Pray daily
ii) Read & meditate Bible daily
iii) Align to a local Church & engage in Church activities
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Think before you speak!
So let us speak VERY carefully and of course that is desired by God!
An important & interesting message from a parable of Jesus (in Luke 15:3-7)
3.Then Jesus told them this parable 4.“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5.And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6.and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7.I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - Jesus Christ in Luke 5:32 (Holy Bible)
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Are YOU still sacrificing animals? - The message of GOOD FRIDAY
While in ancient times, people who feared God were sacrificing animals placing their sins on them and believed to be forgiven by God, but in these days, we have a privilege owing to God's grace! And this is how -> At a pre-destined time, God sent his only begotten son (~ 2016 years ago) to express His love over mankind and as He was righteous, caused Jesus to be an atoning(recompense) sacrifice (once for all!) so that Man need not sacrifice any animals hereafter but believe in Jesus as his/her atoner and hence be redeemed from their sins & bondage(s) and have a new life in Him!
What a beautiful ordinance of LOVE from God! And Thank you Jesus for your awesome love of offering us a GOOD FRIDAY (forever) though it was really a BAD FRIDAY for you that day (the crucifixion day), nearly 2016 years ago!
And Bible says in 1John2:2- "Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." And in John 1:29- "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world". And the world's most popular Bible verse says...John 3:16- "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
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3.Then Jesus told them this parable 4.“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5.And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6.and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7.I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - Jesus Christ in Luke 5:32 (Holy Bible)
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19“Sir, I can see that you are a prophet,” the woman replied. 20 “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you people say that the place where one has to worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 Jesus said, “Woman, believe me, the time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You people don’t know what you are worshiping; we worship what we do know, because salvation comes from the Jews. 23 But the time is coming — indeed, it’s here now — when the true worshipers will worship the Father(God) spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshiping him. 24 God is spirit; and worshipers must worship him spiritually and truly.”
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3 things that we could (or should!) do
as a believer that will bring GLORY to GOD!
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1.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2.He was with God in the beginning.
3.Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
14.The Word became flesh(Jesus) and made his dwelling among us (in Earth). We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
18.No one has ever seen God; but the only and unique Son, who is identical with God and is at the Father’s side — he has made him known.
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He was in the world — the world came to be through him — yet the world did not know him.
He came to his own homeland, yet his own people did not receive him.
But to as many as did receive him, to those who put their trust in His person and power, He gave the right to become children of God, not because of bloodline, physical impulse or human intention, but because of God.
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37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[Or and to people far in the future, or and to the Gentiles]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
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Because it's a command to them by Jesus & hence they do, my friend -- Just 2 references from Bible
Jesus to His disciples before ascending to heaven:
Mark 16:15 -- "Go into all the world and preach the Good News(Gospel) to everyone"
And Peter(Jesus' disciple) while addressing to a group of people:
Acts 10:42,43 -- “Then (God)He commanded us to proclaim and attest to the people that this man(Jesus) has been appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets(who were born before Jesus came to earth) bear witness to him, that everyone who puts his trust in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Comments & responses for above article when shared in Facebook:
# Friend 1: Preach & Spread the good news does not mean Conversion ! I like Christians, I love what jesus preached, however i hate the evangelists who spread the Religion rather than what jesus stood for. One need not get converted to a religion which was created 800 years after christ. Christianity is Big business. Bible is the world's best seller for a long time. Vatican - No comments hhh.
#Response 1: Thanks for your open comment, my friend. I appreciate. As in every spiritual movement, there are both kinds...people who preach with good & true intention and the other kind (whom God knows and will Judge them). And as you know, sometimes the media & politicians spread wrong or hatred information about a movement for several 'hidden' reasons. So it's the people who are supposed to be "converted" (as per your term, which is a wrong terminology or I would say a perception) should have the discretion to accept or reject....here again there are two kinds - the one who accepts with a true heart as they experience God by means of a transformation/ receiving a miracle and the other kind - who just accept for money and other worldly benefits (this will not last long though!) Today the world is so polluted with commercialism that our minds think everything as business...but that's not the case, friend. So what Jesus said was "Manam Marungal" (change (repent) your mind) and NOT "matham marungal" (Change your Religion)!
# Friend 2: Mams... being a human being is more important than being a pious person... love and affection ... being selfless and doing no harm to our brethren in the society is the greatest service to God ... irrespective of what ever faith and following we have in terms of religious beliefs....... first be a Good Human being and rest will follow....
# Response 2: well said, my friend and that's what Jesus said - "Love others as you love yourself"; Also it's important, we find the 'way' to eternal life as almost every pious person believes in life after death! You need to find it!
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So, No confusions! It's a clear instruction!!
"I am the Way, the Truth and the (Eternal) Life" - Jesus Christ
28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ 29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors(behaved as sinners in those days grabbing excess money from people) and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John(a messenger from God to pronounce the coming of Jesus to earth) came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this (my miracles), you did not repent and believe me.
So let's humble ourselves, repent from our sins and believe in God!!!!!
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from Holy Bible (Romans 13:1,5-8)
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"He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight." - Luke 16:15
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For God’s “nonsense” is wiser than humanity’s “wisdom.”
And God’s “weakness” is stronger than humanity’s “strength.” - 1 Cor. 1:25
But God chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise; God chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the strong; 28 and God chose what the world looks down on as common or regards as nothing in order to bring to nothing what the world considers important; 29 so that no one should boast before God. 30 It is his doing that you are united with the Messiah(Christ) Jesus. He has become wisdom for us from God, and righteousness and holiness and redemption as well! - 1 Cor. 1:25, 27-30
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Praise be to God! - Romans 11:33-36 (Holy Bible)
# O the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How inscrutable are his judgments!
How unsearchable are his ways!
For, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Who has been his counselor?’
Or, ‘Who has given him anything
and made him pay it back?’
For from him and through him
and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever!
Amen.
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Excerpts from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (Holy Bible)
Love is patient and kind, not jealous, not boastful,
not proud, rude or selfish, not easily angered,
and it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not gloat over other people’s sins
but takes its delight in the truth.
Love always bears up, always trusts,
always hopes, always endures.
And Jesus said (in John 15:13), "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." And Jesus did for us!!
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"Pain handled in God’s way produces a turning from sin to God which leads to salvation, and there is nothing to regret in that! But pain handled in the world’s way produces only death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10
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THE RECONCILIATION -- Here's the appeal of Jesus' disciples and which is a good news to all who have sinned:
20 Therefore we are ambassadors of the Messiah (Jesus); in effect, God is making his appeal through us. What we do is appeal on behalf of the Messiah, “Be reconciled to God! God made this sinless man (Jesus) be a sin offering on our behalf, so that in union with him we might fully share in God’s righteousness.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20,21 (Holy Bible)
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But God is so rich in mercy and loves us with such intense love that, even when we were dead because of our acts of disobedience, he brought us to life along with the Messiah — it is by grace that you have been delivered. - Ephesians 2:4,5
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"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" -- Philippians 4:6-7
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The season have arrived! Let's celebrate Christmas!!
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4 God wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth. 5 For God is one; and there is but one Mediator between God and humanity, Jesus the Messiah, himself human, 6 who gave himself as a ransom on behalf of all, thus providing testimony to God’s purpose at just the right time. -- 1 Timothy 2:4-6
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Great beyond all question is the formerly hidden truth underlying our faith:
He was manifested physically
and proved righteous spiritually,
seen by angels
and proclaimed among the nations,
trusted throughout the world
and raised up in glory to heaven
-- 1 Timothy 3:16
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13 God has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, Jesus Christ.
14 It is through his Son that we have redemption — that is, our sins have been forgiven. 15 He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is supreme over all creation, 16 because in connection with him were created all things — in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, lordships, rulers or authorities — they have all been created through him and for him. 17 He existed before all things, and he holds everything together. -- Colossians 1:13-17
+ It is in him that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden --Colossians 2:3
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6 Though he(Jesus) was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be possessed by force.
7 On the contrary, he emptied himself, in that he took the form of a slave by becoming like human beings are. And when he appeared as a human being, 8 he humbled himself still more by becoming obedient even to death — death on a stake as a criminal!
9 Therefore God raised him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name;
10 that in honor of the name given Jesus, every knee will bow — in heaven, on earth and under the earth —
11 and every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus the Messiah(Christ) is LORD — to the glory of God the Father.
-- Philippians 2:6-11 (Holy Bible)
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"The time has come," Jesus said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" - Mark 1:15 (Holy Bible)
And in John 10:10 we read "The thief(Satan, the (temporary) ruler of this world) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that people may have life, and have it to the full."
Let's believe & look forward to the Kingdom of God which is the World of goodness, World of Peace, World of Love, where Jesus is the King (of Kings!)
And we read below in Acts 13:40,41(Holy Bible):
40 Watch out, then, so that this word found in the Prophets(Old Testament-Holy Bible) may not happen to you:
41 ‘You mockers! Look, and marvel, and die!
For in your own time, I am doing a work
that you simply will not believe,
even if someone explains it to you!’”[Habakkuk 1:5]
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Excerpts from Titus 2:3-8 (Holy Bible)
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3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But -
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
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"...focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy."-- Philippians 4:8
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when I want to post today, FB asked me,"what's on your mind"?
And this was thought today --
Life looks interesting when you are nearing a weekend whereas it looks tiresome while you are on initial days of the work week...so I understood that Life is all about how we perceive!
And Jesus rightly said - "...Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" in Mathew 6:34 (Holy Bible)
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An interesting & deep message to a follower of Jesus by a disciple of Jesus -- 2 Timothy 2: 3-7
3 Accept your share in suffering disgrace as a good soldier of the Messiah(Christ) Jesus.
4 No soldier on duty gets involved with civilian affairs, since he has to please his commanding officer. 5 Also an athlete can’t win a contest unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The farmer who has done the hard work should be the first to receive a share of the harvest.
7 Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will enable you to understand everything.
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All Scripture (words in Bible) is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work. -- 1 Timothy 3:16,17 (Holy Bible)
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God is Good "for All" -- Yes our God is good to all of mankind!
Our Lord is God for all & He is so awesome that He bestows his blessings for all nations & He is so wonderful to take care of Eunuchs (Transgender) too!
Read these verses carefully from -- Isaiah 56: 1-8
1.This is what the Lord says:
“Be just and fair to all.
Do what is right and good,
for I am coming soon to rescue you
and to display my righteousness among you.
2 Blessed are all those
who are careful to do this.
Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest
and keep themselves from doing wrong.
3 “Don’t let foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord say,
‘The Lord will never let me be part of his people.’
And don’t let the eunuchs say,
‘I’m a dried-up tree with no children and no future.’
4 For this is what the Lord says:
I will bless those eunuchs
who keep my Sabbath days holy
and who choose to do what pleases me
and commit their lives to me.
5 I will give them—within the walls of my house—
a memorial and a name
far greater than sons and daughters could give.
For the name I give them is an everlasting one.
It will never disappear!
6 “I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord,
who serve him and love his name,
who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest,
and who hold fast to my covenant.
7 I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem
and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer.
I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices,
because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
8 For the Sovereign Lord,
who brings back the outcasts of Israel, says:
I will bring others, too,
besides my people Israel.”
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13 Therefore, get your minds ready for work, keep yourselves under control, and fix your hopes fully on the gift you will receive when Yeshua(Jesus) the Messiah is revealed (again). 14 As people who obey God, do not let yourselves be shaped by the evil desires you used to have when you were still ignorant. 15 On the contrary, following the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in your entire way of life; 16 As it's written in scriptures, “You are to be holy because I(God) am holy.” -- 1 Peter 1:13-16
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"More than anything, keep loving each other actively; because love covers many sins" -- 1 Peter 4:8
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3 For loving God means obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are not burdensome, 4 because everything which has God as its Father overcomes the world. And this is what victoriously overcomes the world: our trust. 5 Who does overcome the world if not the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? -- 1 John 5:3-5
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So what is that "GOOD" in the FRIDAY tomorrow?
while "Good Friday" is a day remembered annually by Christians all over the World, it has to be celebrated by all people of the world to show our gratitude to Jesus who shed his sinless blood & gave his life as an atoning sacrifice, to save us from eternal death because of our sins!
The "good" in the Friday refers to this goodness of God and of course this is a "Good News" to all of mankind,as we are saved because of Jesus act on 'Good' friday! Yes, the Bible says in Romans 8:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord". And in Ephesians 1:7, we read "In Him(Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace".
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Most of you will agree that we are in end times. You could see then "lawlessness" is prevailing everywhere and in fact on the rise! Here is what Jesus prophesized about the same, towards the end of the World; So let's see to it that our Love towards God & People does not go down --
"Because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But whoever endures to the end will be saved............So be alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. - Mathew 24:12,13 & 42
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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” -- Psalm 34:18
JESUS CHRIST - Every child, male and female, should become intimately acquainted with this Friend and Savior (God) during his or her developmental years. - James Dobson
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The Start of Change ::
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Resolutions and rules aren’t enough to change the human heart. Heart transformation requires the love of God inside you. The beginning of healthy change starts inside you. When you invite Jesus to be the Savior and Lord (manager) of your life, your past is forgiven, you get a new purpose for living, you get a home in heaven, and you plug into God’s power to change your life.
— Rick Warren (Preacher)
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"Therefore produce fruits in keeping with repentance!"- Luke 3:8
Meaning - Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God!
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See How good GOD is!
we always feel guilty and quote that often to be away from God whereas He says, I have come to earth to save YOU only!
Referring to Luke 5:8(Holy Bible) When Simon Peter saw this(a miracle), he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord"...whereas Jesus was willing to forgive him & accept as he is!
Referring to Luke 5:32 -- Jesus says "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
You are beautiful LORD!!
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"The person who is faithful with very little is also faithful with much. And the person who is unrighteous with very little is also unrighteous with much." - Jesus (Luke 16:10 - Holy Bible)
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Ecclesiastes 12 - 13,14 (Holy Bible)
"Here is the final conclusion, now that you have heard everything: fear God, and keep his commands; this is what being human is all about. For God will bring to judgment everything we do, including every secret, whether good or bad."
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How to have (y)our prayers answered by God? -- Excerpts from Holy Bible
1. A healed person witnessing Jesus in John 9:31 -- "We know that God does not listen to sinners. But he does listen to anyone who worships God and does his will."
2. And Jesus says in Mark 11:24
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. "
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Some revelations while Jesus heals a man born blind: excerpts from John 9:1-3 (Holy Bible)
As Jesus was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Teacher, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that God’s works might be revealed in connection with him."
So let's love the physically challenged people and try to help them as possible as we could...!
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Then Jesus called out, “The one who believes in me does not believe in me only, but in him (God, The Father) who sent me. And the one who sees me sees him (God) who sent me. -- John 12:44,45
And we read in Colossians 1:15 (Holy Bible) "The son (Jesus Christ) is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation"
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HOW CAN I BORN AGAIN? -- Excerpts from John 3rd Chapter, verses 3-8 (Holy Bible)
Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again"
So the person who heard this asked Jesus “How can someone be born when they are old?”
And Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit"
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WHAT SHOULD WE DO?(TO BE BORN AGAIN) -- This was the question asked to Peter(a disciple of Jesus) when he gave his first sermon to nearly 3000 people in Jerusalem, nearly 2018 years ago.
And He replied “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
-- Excerpts from Acts 2nd Chapter, verses 37-39 (Holy Bible)
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"...For you gave me(Jesus) authority over all flesh, so that he may give eternal life to all those you have given him.
THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent (to this World)" -- Jesus "high Priestly" prayer (Holy Bible -- John 17:2&3)
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"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - Jesus (Holy Bible -- John 13:34,35)
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“This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you continue to do the things I instruct you." -- Words of Jesus to his disciples (Holy Bible -- John 12:12-14)
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Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Philippians 2:4 (The Message)
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Excerpts from Romans 11:33-36 (Holy Bible)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments
and how untraceable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his adviser?”
“Or who has first given to God
that he will be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
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"For the wages of sin is death, but the undeserved gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23 (Holy Bible)
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9 Certainly, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses, resulting in salvation.
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So what does God expect from us?
Answers from the book of Holy Bible, Micah 6:8 -
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God"
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Throughout my childhood, I struggled to find the answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Now that I am grown up, I have finally found the answer - "I want to be a child again!"
HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY!
And Jesus Christ have interestingly said, "YOU HAVE TO BECOME LIKE A CHILD TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD"!!!
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"Mental and spiritual health in your family begins with the acceptance of life as it is and a willingness to make the most of what has been given" –
From the book "Solid Answers" by James Dobson
And the word of God consoles us as below:
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7, Holy Bible)
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YOU CAN WIN IF YOU WANT TO...HAVE A GREAT 2019!
Tips to youth (specifically) or whoever wants to win - from Holy Bible (II Tim 2:3-7)
1) Have Focus (And please the One who will save you from destruction! Your Creator & Savior!!)
2) Play by Rules (Be 'fair' & of 'just' so that you win the Heavenly race)
3) Do have Initiative/hard work (It's not that easy but you reap what you plant)
II Timothy 2:3-7(Holy Bible) says: "3 Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. 5 And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Think over the things I am saying [grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything."
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Can I smoke or drink liquor? Can I watch movies? Can I tease others on public (social) media? and so on & so forth queries...
So as a Christian, how we have been asked to live about?
And of course, we get the answers for these queries too, from our Holy Bible - 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
3 key practice(s) - Try it out!
#1 whatever you do or before you do anything, think for a while, if it brings Glory to God!- Verse 31=> Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
#2 In anything you do, let it not be an offense to other people! Verse 32=> Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks(gentiles) or to the church of God, (THIS MEANS, TO ANY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD)
#3 Always seek not only the benefit of you but others around, as you do anything! - Verse 33=> just as I(Paul, the Writer) also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
And how beautifully Bible describes if we act so in 1 Thessalonians 1:3:
"We remember before our God and Father
->your work produced by FAITH,
->your labor prompted by LOVE, and
->your endurance inspired by HOPE
in our Lord Jesus Christ"
God bless you!
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"For bodily training is beneficial to an extent, but godliness is beneficial in all things, because it holds promise both for life now and for the life to come. This saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance." -- 1 Timothy 4:8,9
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10 reasons to BELIEVE in the BIBLE
http://read.ourdailybread.org/10reasons-to-believe-in-the-bible/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Dynamic_content&utm_campaign=10reasons-to-believe-in-the-bible
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Things to ponder...
A wise person is one who obeys God and His Word, thus avoiding moral pitfalls and failures. In contrast, a fool is one who says, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). The writer of Proverbs contrasts the wise and the foolish (Proverbs' Chapters 10-15), comparing their attitudes, actions, and speech. Proverbs 15 describes the wise person as one who is discerning (v. 21), seeks godly counsel (v. 22), speaks graciously (v. 23), lives cautiously (v. 24), is humble (v. 25), pure (v. 26), honest (v. 27), self-controlled (v. 28), prayerful (v. 29), teachable (vv. 31-32), and fears God (v. 33). The foundation for such a godly life is stated at the beginning of Proverbs in 1:7, repeated in 9:10, and reiterated again in 15:33: viz. *** THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS BEGINNING OF WISDOM ***
- INSIGHT by K.T.Sim (Our Daily Bread)
(Excerpts from the book of Proverbs in Holy Bible)
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Life's short | Heaven's forever!
For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, boasting about material possessions— is not from the Father (God) but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever - 1 John 2: 16,17
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May 15th -- Global Family Day
What does the Bible say about family?
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – LORD Jesus Christ (Mark 10:9)
About Family values & unity:
# “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12
# “Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
About Family Love:
# "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord" –Ephesians 5:22
# “Husbands, love your wives, just as Jesus Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” –Ephesians 5:25
About Family discipline:
# Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. –Ephesians 6:1
# Fathers [or Parents], do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. -Ephesians 6:4
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Gentle yet Powerful! And Jesus was so!
- In Isaiah 40(Bible), we get a picture of God that shows Him to be both gentle and powerful. In verse 11 we read: “He tends his flock(people) like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms.” But that verse follows this: “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm” (v. 10). Full of power, but gentle when it comes to protecting the vulnerable.
- And think of Jesus, who used powerful words to denounce the Pharisees[who claimed to be righteous] (Matthew 23) but forgave a woman who needed His gentle mercy (John 8:1-11).
- While there may be times to stand up with power for the weak and challenge others to pursue justice — we’re also to “let [our] gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5). As we serve God, sometimes our greatest strength reveals a heart of gentleness to those in need.
Gentleness helps us make a point without making an enemy!
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A season of Joy -- It's Christmas!
Let's celebrate by recalling Jesus Christ's key words:
Greatest Commandments | Great Commission | Golden Rule
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"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the (HEAVENLY/HOLY) city"
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Yes - In this uncertain world, God is a safe place to be...
And the Bible says in Psalm 46:1
"God is our safe place(refuge) and our strength.
He is always our help when we are in trouble."
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SAY WHAT YOU CAN DO & DO WHAT YOU SAID!
Let's learn this from a parable told by Jesus Christ!!
There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
And Jesus Asked “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” the people answered.
(Excerpts from Mathew 21:28-31 (Holy Bible))
The message here by Jesus is that however bad we are, if we repent from those and do the will of the Heavenly Father, we will be saved!
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Interesting message on the back of an Auto Rickshaw!
It says,"A true warrior is one, who is able to control his anger when he gets angry"
And Bible says in Proverbs 16:32:
"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city"
Also in Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry"
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when I googled to find out the "Purpose of Life", I found this interesting search result as revealed in Bible! -- "Only by restoring fellowship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, can purpose in life be rediscovered. The purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We glorify God by fearing and obeying Him, keeping our eyes on our future home in heaven, and knowing Him intimately."
In all, our purpose in life is to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, (make sure to) do it all for the glory of God!!
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Jesus is the true light that enlightens every human on earth!
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”- John 8:12
As prophesied -- # "In him was (eternal) life, and that life was the light of all mankind" - John 1:4 # "The true light was that which, coming into the world, lightens every man." - John 1:9
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God's judgement of sins of Parents/Children:
"The one who sins is the one who will die. The son/daughter will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the son/daughter. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them" -- Ezekiel 18:20 (Holy Bible)
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The Wicked and the Righteous -- Truly God's grace is amazing and of course He is Just too!
If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider(repent) all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die -- Ezekiel 18:26-28 (Holy Bible)
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How great is God's love!!!
"For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!"
-- Ezekiel 18:32
"As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live" -- Ezekiel 33:11
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# Yesterday(2020 years ago) -- Jesus' first coming to earth - *Christmas* - As in Bible, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him"(John 3:17) and Jesus said, "For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world"(John 12:47)
# Today -- While we celebrate his 1st coming every year, let's be alert and prepare ourselves for his 2nd coming!
# Tomorrow (meaning 'Anytime')-- Jesus' second coming to earth as King, to judge & rule this earth forever - *Judgement Day* - As in Bible, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of (Jesus) Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad" and Jesus said, "Yes, I am coming soon"(Revelation 22:20)
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'A thankful heart is a happy heart' - This is one of life's lesson that I have learnt and been experiencing...
The Bible says in (Psalms 118:1)--"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"
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To love God is to obey God!
This is what the Lord Almighty says in Jeremiah 7:23 (Holy Bible) - "But this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you"
Jesus said, "If you love me, (you will) keep my commandments" -- John 14:15(Holy Bible)
Today He is living for you to save you from the power of sin
Tomorrow He is Coming for you to save you from the presence of sin
-- (above) quote courtesy :: Hebron Literature centre'
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The Song of Moses & the Lamb(Jesus Christ)...And let us also sing!
“Lord God who rules over all,
everything you do is great and wonderful.
King of the nations,
your ways are true and fair.
Lord, who will not have respect for you?
Who will not bring glory to your name?
You alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you.
They see that the things you do are right.”
-- From Revelation 15:3,4
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Praise to 'Word of God', the HOLY BIBLE - Your words are Joy to me, Salvation to me, Strength to me, Life to me, Health to me, Comfort to me, Hope to me, Food to me & more AND more to me!!!
And from Revelation 19:13(Holy Bible), we infer -- "He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God."
And from John 1:1(Holy Bible), we infer -- "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"
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In The Lord's Prayer - that Jesus taught His disciples:
"Our Father, who art in heaven...
...GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD...
Thank you God for you give us our daily food. And you are so awesome that you give that in 'Abundance'; in 'variety' and for 'All' (both good & the evil)
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Oh what a troublesome & wicked world!
You are my only Hope, my Joy & my Strength - oh My Lord !!!
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Excerpt from "Daniel Plan"
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2
Diets, quit-smoking plans, and other self-help efforts based on will-power eventually fail. The entire time you are forcing yourself to change, you are under tension because your old thought patterns are unconsciously telling you to keep doing what you’ve always done. We get tired of doing what feels “unnatural” and soon quit exercising, or start smoking again, or return to our bad habits and destructive ways of relating to others.
The good news is that God can change your mental autopilot far faster than you can. He specializes in renewing your mind. That new mind-set will change the way you feel, which will change the way you act.
— Rick Warren (Saddle-back church)
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Excerpt from "Family Love on Which to Build"
There are times even in a good
marriage when husbands and wives don’t like each other for a while. When that
happens, look for ways to make the relationship better, but never give up your
commitment to one another. – From the Book "Solid Answers" by James Dobson
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AWESOME WORDS of Jesus while hanging on the cross - (1) FORGIVING those who persecuted Him, (2) SAVING a soul (a sinner) from destruction, (3) LOVE & CARE for His believer cum mother(Mary)
Reference Bible versus:
(1)Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."-Luke 23:34
(2)Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."-Luke 23:43
(3)When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. - John 19:26,27
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What
CHRISTMAS is all about & why do Christians all over the world celebrate
with joy –
It is *Celebration* -
because it's Birthday of Jesus Christ, savior of this world! &
*Joy* - because the
"birth of Jesus" paved a way of bringing salvation to mankind!
Wishing you a Happy
CHRISTMAS & a Flourishing 2016!!!
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An interesting story by Jesus about our love towards God! -- "the one who is forgiven little, loves little and the one who is forgiven more, loves more!"
A certain moneylender had two debtors: one owed him five hundred denarii (local currency), and the other fifty. When they had no means of repaying [the debts], he freely forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?”. Simon(his disciple) answered, “The one, for whom he forgave more.” Jesus said to him, “You have decided correctly.”
He had to explain his saying by a story when a woman (who was a sinner) came to Him with an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head to express her act of love and devotion with tears (seeking forgiveness). Jesus said to her,"Your faith [in Me] has saved you; go in peace."
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What to GOD expect out of us? or What is GOODNESS, as our friends/colleagues may ask us?
"O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
1)to do what is right,
2)to love mercy, and
3)to walk humbly with your God"
- Micah 6:8 in Holy Bible
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In this uncertain World,
Only you are certain!
Only your words are certain!!
Only your kingdom is certain!!!
Oh Lord Jesus Christ.
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I AM BLESSED because:
- Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven.
- Blessed are those whose sins are taken away.
- Blessed is the person whose sin the Lord never counts against them.”- Psalm 32:1,2 or Romans 4:7,8
So..."When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners."- Romans 4:4,5
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What to GOD expect out of us? or What is GOODNESS, as our friends/colleagues may ask us?
"O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
1)to do what is right,
2)to love mercy, and
3)to walk humbly with your God"
- Micah 6:8 in Holy Bible
In this uncertain World,
Only you are certain!
Only your words are certain!!
Only your kingdom is certain!!!
Oh Lord Jesus Christ.
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Significance of JESUS' BLOOD
"And Jesus said to His disciples, “This is My blood of the [new] covenant, [My blood] which is being poured out for many [(people who believe in Him) for the forgiveness of sins]." - Mark 14:24
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Tips to youth or whoever wants to win - from Bible (II Tim 2:3-7)
1) Have Focus (And please the One who will save you from destruction! Your Creator & Saviour!!)
2) Play by Rules (Be fair & justful so that you win the Heavenly race)
3) Initiative/hard work (It's not that easy but you reap what you plant)
II Tim 2:4-7 says: "3 Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. 5 And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Think over the things I am saying [grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything."
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Following Jesus...
we need to grow to this stage! And is possible by His grace and our inclination to it !!
Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple." - Luke 14:27 (Amplified Bible)
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“What do you want Me to do for you?”
A beautiful question by Jesus from which we can learn something to solve our problems!; He was asking this query to Bartimaeus, a blind man seeking 'sight' from Him and got healed because of his frank answer (I want to see) & of course his faith in Jesus' power!
Solution revealed: So whenever we face a situation where people (mainly family members) look for/depend on us to do something for their happiness/peace or soliciting an amicable solution, let us ask this question to them - “What do you want Me to do for you (so that you will be happy)?”
And of course, let's do it/offer it if it's good for all and brings peace to the recipient + you are sure it's a right thing and pleases God + possible for you but may have to leave your preference, comfort, money (this is out of 'love'we can do!). Above all, this brings peace & happiness to us as well.
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Check out these ref. in Holy Bible --
“If you [really] love Me, you
will keep and obey My commandments." - John 14:15
"If you keep My
commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love" - John 15:10
"You are my
friends if you keep on doing what I command you." - John 15:14
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The Start of Change
Resolutions and rules aren’t enough to change the human heart. Heart transformation requires the love of God inside you. The beginning of healthy change starts inside you. When you invite Jesus to be the Savior and Lord (manager) of your life, your past is forgiven, you get a new purpose for living, you get a home in heaven, and you plug into God’s power to change your life.
why can't you just Try Jesus?
Note: Above content is shared from the book "The Daniel Plan" by Rick Warren
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The Greatest ever told Love story - Holy Bible in just 3 minutes (video)
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why WE need to PRAY?
Because Jesus told to do so (Reference verses below) and He too did it! Period!!
# "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Mark 14:38
# Jesus told "...(you) should always pray and never give up" to his disciples along with a parable - Luke 1:8
# "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man" - Luke 21:36
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Practices of sinful nature - by which we CANNOT inherit Kingdom of God.
They are - sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality[lack of self-control], idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions[that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness & riotous behavior.
Fruits of (Holy) spirit - by which we CAN inherit Kingdom of God.
They are - Love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner]peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control.
For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other.
-- Let's practice the later! Above content from Holy Bible: Galatians 5:19-22,17
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Let's live a life that expresses gratitude to God for (y)our salvation!
Referring to Ephesians 4:21-24 in Holy Bible:
21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], 22 that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], 24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]
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A model church? - The [TOP 10] Bible verses hidden within 1Thessalonians 1:2-10, almost covers on how we need to be as Believers though these words were actually commended on Thessalonians...let's take cues from it!
1)..your work energized by faith..
2)..your service motivated by love..
3)..unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ.
4)..[witness to others as] chosen by God
[all above-verses 2&3]
5)..you welcomed our message(Word of God/good news[regarding salvation]) in [a time of] great trouble with the joy of Holy Spirit
6)...you became imitators of us(preachers like Paul) and of the Lord [verse--6]
7) you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia (surrounding region) [verse--7]
8) the word of the Lord has resounded from you and has echoed, not only in Macedonia and Achaia...but in every place [the news of] your [great] faith in God has spread (The Evangelism!) [verse--8]
9) (reports on)...how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (The Repentance!) [verse--9]
10)And you [look forward and confidently] wait for His Son from heaven (The eagerness for Lord's coming!) [verse--10]
Seem The church of Thessalonians was an role-model to other churches in Paul's times!
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It's CHRISTMAS season! Let's ponder some
message(s) around that...!
1. Why did God (our Lord) come to earth?
Here is the answer: in Hebrews 2:16-18
16 For, as we all know, He (Jesus
Christ) does not take hold of [the fallen] angels [to give them a helping
hand], but He does take hold of [the fallen (meaning Human Sinners)]
descendants of Abraham [extending to them His hand of deliverance]. 17
Therefore, it was essential that He had to be made like His brothers (human) in
every respect, so that He might [by experience] become a merciful and faithful
High Priest in things related to God, to make atonement (propitiation) for the
people’s sins [thereby wiping away the sin, satisfying divine justice, and
providing a way of reconciliation between God and mankind]. 18 Because He
Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and
provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to
suffering.
2. Thank you Lord Jesus for You have born in this earth for me, a sinner!
A disciple's (Paul) confession & witness!
"This is a faithful and trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance and approval, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - 1Tim 1:15 (Holy Bible)
And John, the disciple, who was with Him in person says - "We have seen and testify [as eye-witnesses] that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world" - 1John 4:14
And of course Jesus said,"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" - Luke 5:32 (Holy Bible)
"This is a faithful and trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance and approval, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - 1Tim 1:15 (Holy Bible)
And John, the disciple, who was with Him in person says - "We have seen and testify [as eye-witnesses] that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world" - 1John 4:14
And of course Jesus said,"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" - Luke 5:32 (Holy Bible)
3.
"And great, we confess, is the mystery [the
hidden truth] of godliness:
He (Jesus Christ) who was revealed in human flesh,
Was justified and vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up (to Heaven) in glory."
4.
And finally Did you miss the “Gospel of
Grace’?
If so, here you go --> Salvation is offered to
everyone across the globe, but each individual must choose to accept or reject
God’s gracious offer!
"(For) God wishes all people to be saved and to
come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth"-1Tim. 2:4
·
Our Action item --> Repentance unto
God & faith in Lord Jesus Christ
·
End Result --> Forgiveness of sins
& born again as 'children of God'
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Life's most important 1,2,3!
1. Know the Gospel (Good news) of (God’s) grace!
# Salvation is offered to everyone across the globe (even if you are a sinner), but each individual must choose to accept or reject God’s gracious offer! – For Bible says - "God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge & recognition of the [divine] truth“ – 1Tim.2:4
2. Our Action item & end result of it!
# Your action -- Repentance (of your sins) unto God
and faith in Lord Jesus Christ
# The Result -- Forgiveness of sins & born again as
'children of God' with assurance of "eternal life"
3. Thereafter what should we do as we live in this earth?
1) As our gratitude to God’s saving grace – Start loving our God whole-heartedly and also love others as we love ourselves.
2) As we love God now - we must obey His commandments (As said in Holy Bible - Specifically Lord Jesus’ teachings in Mathew 5,6,7, etc. and pursue holiness as our Father in heaven is holy.
3) And as our prime duty - proclaim the good news about Salvation & Spirit of God's great love toward us and be a witness to the Lord.
-- And above 3 could be attained & grown further as we
i) Worship God & Pray daily
ii) Read & meditate Bible daily
iii) Align to a local Church & engage in Church activities
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If you seriously note, you will find,"LOVING" is 'GIVING'!
And what&all you may have to give, if you want to love others?
You may have to give away your
1)time 2)comfort 3)money 4)preference 5)authority 6)privilege 7)pleasure
And God too 'gave' to express His 'love' as we see in John 3:16 (Holy Bible)=> "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (Jesus Christ), that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life"
Part of above content inspired (taken) from the book - "The purpose driven life" by Rick Warren
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Might look difficult but by GOD's grace it should be possible!
Just follow this while you live on this earth...you shall be fine!!
Just follow this while you live on this earth...you shall be fine!!
And those are The Greatest Commandment(s) - Excerpt From Mathew 22:36-40 in Holy Bible --
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
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In this world of uncertainty, let's always think about the The end of World - the JUDGEMENT DAY - and be prepared for it!
Since everyone who goes before the great white throne is to be tried and sentenced for his deeds, and no one is sinless, the only way to escape condemnation and the “lake of fire”(Hades/Hell) is to have one’s name in the “Book of Life” through authentic faith in Jesus as Lord (References from Psalm 69:28; Phil.4:3; Revelation 3:5)
"And if anyone’s name was not found written in the 'Book of Life', he was hurled into the lake of fire"- Revelation 20:15 (Holy Bible)
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Think before you speak!
"I tell you this: on the Day of Judgment people will have to give account for every careless word they have spoken; for by your own words you will be acquitted, and by your own words you will be condemned.” - Jesus (in Mathew 12:36,37 - Bible)
So let us speak VERY carefully and of course that is desired by God!
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An important & interesting message from a parable of Jesus (in Luke 15:3-7)
3.Then Jesus told them this parable 4.“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5.And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6.and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7.I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - Jesus Christ in Luke 5:32 (Holy Bible)
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Do you know that Jesus is "Word of God"?
# And from Revelation 19:13(Holy Bible), we infer -- "He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God."
# And from John 1:1(Holy Bible), we infer -- "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"
Praise to 'Word of God'...been fully expressed in the HOLY BIBLE - We praise You GOD for Your Word is Joy to us, Salvation to us, Strength to us, Life to us, Health to us, Comfort to us, Hope to us, Food to us & more AND more to us!!!
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What a beauty! Jesus didn't look for fame but it happened the other way!
From Bible references, we could see:
* "I am not seeking glory for myself"- Jesus in John 8:50;
* Whenever the impure spirits saw Jesus, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. - Mark 3:11,12
* After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world. And When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself - John 6:14,15
# Around that time, Herod, the regional governor (Under Roman Empire), heard of the fame of Jesus.- Mathew 14:14
# News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.- Mathew 4:24,25
# Ultimately, the history was divided as B.C. & A.D., with reference to Jesus FIRST coming to earth!
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Are YOU still sacrificing animals? - The message of GOOD FRIDAY
While in ancient times, people who feared God were sacrificing animals placing their sins on them and believed to be forgiven by God, but in these days, we have a privilege owing to God's grace! And this is how -> At a pre-destined time, God sent his only begotten son (~ 2016 years ago) to express His love over mankind and as He was righteous, caused Jesus to be an atoning(recompense) sacrifice (once for all!) so that Man need not sacrifice any animals hereafter but believe in Jesus as his/her atoner and hence be redeemed from their sins & bondage(s) and have a new life in Him!
What a beautiful ordinance of LOVE from God! And Thank you Jesus for your awesome love of offering us a GOOD FRIDAY (forever) though it was really a BAD FRIDAY for you that day (the crucifixion day), nearly 2016 years ago!
And Bible says in 1John2:2- "Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." And in John 1:29- "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world". And the world's most popular Bible verse says...John 3:16- "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
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An important & interesting message from a parable of Jesus (in Luke 15:3-7)
3.Then Jesus told them this parable 4.“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5.And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6.and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7.I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - Jesus Christ in Luke 5:32 (Holy Bible)
Simple but Important truths found in Jesus' conversation with a Samaritan woman, who was a sinner! - John 4:19-24
19“Sir, I can see that you are a prophet,” the woman replied. 20 “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you people say that the place where one has to worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 Jesus said, “Woman, believe me, the time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You people don’t know what you are worshiping; we worship what we do know, because salvation comes from the Jews. 23 But the time is coming — indeed, it’s here now — when the true worshipers will worship the Father(God) spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshiping him. 24 God is spirit; and worshipers must worship him spiritually and truly.”
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3 things you can do to Glorify GOD
# Share the Gospel (the Good news of
Salvation) - let others too, get the life's most important hope that you had
obtained; Refer: Mathew
28:19,20
# Share your money viz. your worldly resources
to the needful so that people are happy & glorify God because of your
deeds; Refer: Mathew 5:42
# Share your talents viz. your worldly
knowledge of goodness, education, skills, etc. so that people raise in their
lives & be fruitful to others; Refer: Luke 16:9
And of course, Let’s pray to God daily for His
grace & guidance to us to act on above duties of us.
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How to become a FRIEND of JESUS? -- Excerpts from John 15:12-14
12 “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you." - Jesus Christ+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TRUTH REVEALED :: Who is Jesus? - Spiritual insight from 5 verses of Bible in John 1st Chapter
1.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2.He was with God in the beginning.
3.Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
14.The Word became flesh(Jesus) and made his dwelling among us (in Earth). We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
18.No one has ever seen God; but the only and unique Son, who is identical with God and is at the Father’s side — he has made him known.
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More of REVELATION on 'who is Jesus?' from the same book/Chapter -- John 1:9-13
This (Jesus) was the true light, which gives light to everyone entering the world.He was in the world — the world came to be through him — yet the world did not know him.
He came to his own homeland, yet his own people did not receive him.
But to as many as did receive him, to those who put their trust in His person and power, He gave the right to become children of God, not because of bloodline, physical impulse or human intention, but because of God.
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Acts 2:36-40 in Holy Bible - Jesus' disciple, Peter's first sermon:
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah(Christ)!”37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[Or and to people far in the future, or and to the Gentiles]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
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Friends, Why do Christians preach about their God/Lord Jesus?
Because it's a command to them by Jesus & hence they do, my friend -- Just 2 references from Bible
Jesus to His disciples before ascending to heaven:
Mark 16:15 -- "Go into all the world and preach the Good News(Gospel) to everyone"
And Peter(Jesus' disciple) while addressing to a group of people:
Acts 10:42,43 -- “Then (God)He commanded us to proclaim and attest to the people that this man(Jesus) has been appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets(who were born before Jesus came to earth) bear witness to him, that everyone who puts his trust in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Comments & responses for above article when shared in Facebook:
# Friend 1: Preach & Spread the good news does not mean Conversion ! I like Christians, I love what jesus preached, however i hate the evangelists who spread the Religion rather than what jesus stood for. One need not get converted to a religion which was created 800 years after christ. Christianity is Big business. Bible is the world's best seller for a long time. Vatican - No comments hhh.
#Response 1: Thanks for your open comment, my friend. I appreciate. As in every spiritual movement, there are both kinds...people who preach with good & true intention and the other kind (whom God knows and will Judge them). And as you know, sometimes the media & politicians spread wrong or hatred information about a movement for several 'hidden' reasons. So it's the people who are supposed to be "converted" (as per your term, which is a wrong terminology or I would say a perception) should have the discretion to accept or reject....here again there are two kinds - the one who accepts with a true heart as they experience God by means of a transformation/ receiving a miracle and the other kind - who just accept for money and other worldly benefits (this will not last long though!) Today the world is so polluted with commercialism that our minds think everything as business...but that's not the case, friend. So what Jesus said was "Manam Marungal" (change (repent) your mind) and NOT "matham marungal" (Change your Religion)!
# Friend 2: Mams... being a human being is more important than being a pious person... love and affection ... being selfless and doing no harm to our brethren in the society is the greatest service to God ... irrespective of what ever faith and following we have in terms of religious beliefs....... first be a Good Human being and rest will follow....
# Response 2: well said, my friend and that's what Jesus said - "Love others as you love yourself"; Also it's important, we find the 'way' to eternal life as almost every pious person believes in life after death! You need to find it!
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So, No confusions! It's a clear instruction!!
"I am the Way, the Truth and the (Eternal) Life" - Jesus Christ
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Lesson to be learnt :: The Parable of the Two Sons (Mathew 21:28-32) - Told by Jesus Christ
28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ 29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors(behaved as sinners in those days grabbing excess money from people) and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John(a messenger from God to pronounce the coming of Jesus to earth) came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this (my miracles), you did not repent and believe me.
So let's humble ourselves, repent from our sins and believe in God!!!!!
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Why we need to pay our taxes?
Everyone is to obey the governing authorities. For there is no authority that is not from God, and the existing authorities have been placed where they are by God... Another reason to obey, besides fear of punishment, is for the sake of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes; for the authorities are God’s public officials, constantly attending to these duties. Pay everyone what he is owed: if you owe the tax-collector, pay your taxes; if you owe the revenue-collector, pay revenue; if you owe someone respect, pay him respect; if you owe someone honor, pay him honor. Don’t owe anyone anything — except to love one another;from Holy Bible (Romans 13:1,5-8)
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A lesson learnt this Saturday!
Though this (Bible) verse was addressed to Pharisees(a sect of Jews in those days) who were lovers of money and who desire for praise & honour from people, it's a message to me!"He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight." - Luke 16:15
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For God’s “nonsense” is wiser than humanity’s “wisdom.”
And God’s “weakness” is stronger than humanity’s “strength.” - 1 Cor. 1:25
But God chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise; God chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the strong; 28 and God chose what the world looks down on as common or regards as nothing in order to bring to nothing what the world considers important; 29 so that no one should boast before God. 30 It is his doing that you are united with the Messiah(Christ) Jesus. He has become wisdom for us from God, and righteousness and holiness and redemption as well! - 1 Cor. 1:25, 27-30
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Praise be to God! - Romans 11:33-36 (Holy Bible)
# O the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How inscrutable are his judgments!
How unsearchable are his ways!
For, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Who has been his counselor?’
Or, ‘Who has given him anything
and made him pay it back?’
For from him and through him
and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever!
Amen.
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Excerpts from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (Holy Bible)
Love is patient and kind, not jealous, not boastful,
not proud, rude or selfish, not easily angered,
and it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not gloat over other people’s sins
but takes its delight in the truth.
Love always bears up, always trusts,
always hopes, always endures.
And Jesus said (in John 15:13), "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." And Jesus did for us!!
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"Pain handled in God’s way produces a turning from sin to God which leads to salvation, and there is nothing to regret in that! But pain handled in the world’s way produces only death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10
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THE RECONCILIATION -- Here's the appeal of Jesus' disciples and which is a good news to all who have sinned:
20 Therefore we are ambassadors of the Messiah (Jesus); in effect, God is making his appeal through us. What we do is appeal on behalf of the Messiah, “Be reconciled to God! God made this sinless man (Jesus) be a sin offering on our behalf, so that in union with him we might fully share in God’s righteousness.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20,21 (Holy Bible)
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But God is so rich in mercy and loves us with such intense love that, even when we were dead because of our acts of disobedience, he brought us to life along with the Messiah — it is by grace that you have been delivered. - Ephesians 2:4,5
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"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" -- Philippians 4:6-7
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The season have arrived! Let's celebrate Christmas!!
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4 God wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth. 5 For God is one; and there is but one Mediator between God and humanity, Jesus the Messiah, himself human, 6 who gave himself as a ransom on behalf of all, thus providing testimony to God’s purpose at just the right time. -- 1 Timothy 2:4-6
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Great beyond all question is the formerly hidden truth underlying our faith:
He was manifested physically
and proved righteous spiritually,
seen by angels
and proclaimed among the nations,
trusted throughout the world
and raised up in glory to heaven
-- 1 Timothy 3:16
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13 God has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, Jesus Christ.
14 It is through his Son that we have redemption — that is, our sins have been forgiven. 15 He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is supreme over all creation, 16 because in connection with him were created all things — in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, lordships, rulers or authorities — they have all been created through him and for him. 17 He existed before all things, and he holds everything together. -- Colossians 1:13-17
+ It is in him that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden --Colossians 2:3
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6 Though he(Jesus) was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be possessed by force.
7 On the contrary, he emptied himself, in that he took the form of a slave by becoming like human beings are. And when he appeared as a human being, 8 he humbled himself still more by becoming obedient even to death — death on a stake as a criminal!
9 Therefore God raised him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name;
10 that in honor of the name given Jesus, every knee will bow — in heaven, on earth and under the earth —
11 and every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus the Messiah(Christ) is LORD — to the glory of God the Father.
-- Philippians 2:6-11 (Holy Bible)
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"The time has come," Jesus said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" - Mark 1:15 (Holy Bible)
And in John 10:10 we read "The thief(Satan, the (temporary) ruler of this world) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that people may have life, and have it to the full."
Let's believe & look forward to the Kingdom of God which is the World of goodness, World of Peace, World of Love, where Jesus is the King (of Kings!)
And we read below in Acts 13:40,41(Holy Bible):
40 Watch out, then, so that this word found in the Prophets(Old Testament-Holy Bible) may not happen to you:
41 ‘You mockers! Look, and marvel, and die!
For in your own time, I am doing a work
that you simply will not believe,
even if someone explains it to you!’”[Habakkuk 1:5]
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Excerpts from Titus 2:3-8 (Holy Bible)
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3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But -
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
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"...focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy."-- Philippians 4:8
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when I want to post today, FB asked me,"what's on your mind"?
And this was thought today --
Life looks interesting when you are nearing a weekend whereas it looks tiresome while you are on initial days of the work week...so I understood that Life is all about how we perceive!
And Jesus rightly said - "...Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" in Mathew 6:34 (Holy Bible)
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An interesting & deep message to a follower of Jesus by a disciple of Jesus -- 2 Timothy 2: 3-7
3 Accept your share in suffering disgrace as a good soldier of the Messiah(Christ) Jesus.
4 No soldier on duty gets involved with civilian affairs, since he has to please his commanding officer. 5 Also an athlete can’t win a contest unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The farmer who has done the hard work should be the first to receive a share of the harvest.
7 Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will enable you to understand everything.
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All Scripture (words in Bible) is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work. -- 1 Timothy 3:16,17 (Holy Bible)
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God is Good "for All" -- Yes our God is good to all of mankind!
Our Lord is God for all & He is so awesome that He bestows his blessings for all nations & He is so wonderful to take care of Eunuchs (Transgender) too!
Read these verses carefully from -- Isaiah 56: 1-8
1.This is what the Lord says:
“Be just and fair to all.
Do what is right and good,
for I am coming soon to rescue you
and to display my righteousness among you.
2 Blessed are all those
who are careful to do this.
Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest
and keep themselves from doing wrong.
3 “Don’t let foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord say,
‘The Lord will never let me be part of his people.’
And don’t let the eunuchs say,
‘I’m a dried-up tree with no children and no future.’
4 For this is what the Lord says:
I will bless those eunuchs
who keep my Sabbath days holy
and who choose to do what pleases me
and commit their lives to me.
5 I will give them—within the walls of my house—
a memorial and a name
far greater than sons and daughters could give.
For the name I give them is an everlasting one.
It will never disappear!
6 “I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord,
who serve him and love his name,
who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest,
and who hold fast to my covenant.
7 I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem
and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer.
I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices,
because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
8 For the Sovereign Lord,
who brings back the outcasts of Israel, says:
I will bring others, too,
besides my people Israel.”
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13 Therefore, get your minds ready for work, keep yourselves under control, and fix your hopes fully on the gift you will receive when Yeshua(Jesus) the Messiah is revealed (again). 14 As people who obey God, do not let yourselves be shaped by the evil desires you used to have when you were still ignorant. 15 On the contrary, following the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in your entire way of life; 16 As it's written in scriptures, “You are to be holy because I(God) am holy.” -- 1 Peter 1:13-16
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"More than anything, keep loving each other actively; because love covers many sins" -- 1 Peter 4:8
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For
all humanity is like grass,
all its glory is like a wildflower —
the grass withers, and the flower falls off;
but the Word of God lasts forever.
Moreover, this Word is the Good News(Gospel) which has been proclaimed to you/all nations -- 1 Peter 1:24,25
3 For loving God means obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are not burdensome, 4 because everything which has God as its Father overcomes the world. And this is what victoriously overcomes the world: our trust. 5 Who does overcome the world if not the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? -- 1 John 5:3-5
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So what is that "GOOD" in the FRIDAY tomorrow?
while "Good Friday" is a day remembered annually by Christians all over the World, it has to be celebrated by all people of the world to show our gratitude to Jesus who shed his sinless blood & gave his life as an atoning sacrifice, to save us from eternal death because of our sins!
The "good" in the Friday refers to this goodness of God and of course this is a "Good News" to all of mankind,as we are saved because of Jesus act on 'Good' friday! Yes, the Bible says in Romans 8:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord". And in Ephesians 1:7, we read "In Him(Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace".
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CHILDREN -- LOVE THEM, TREAT THEM FAIR & DIRECT THEM TO GOD!
Jesus Said - "See to it that you do not look down on one of these little ones, because I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man (Jesus) came to save what was lost" - Mathew 18:10,11 [Holy Bible]
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Just 2 days before Jesus was crucified, He was anointed by a woman (Possibly Mary Magdalene, who was actually freed from bondage of several evil spirits, by Jesus) expressing her gratitude by a fountain of love - yes, with an expensive gift that she would have possessed by her hard work over a considerable period. Incidentally, it was also God's will that Jesus accredited her act as it's was a preparation for his burial (a custom in those days in Palestine/Israel region) nevertheless He resurrected after 3 days though! (Also hidden is a prophetical saying from Jesus that God would have poor among us to see if we help them!)
Excerpts from Mathew 26:6-12 :: 6 When Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman approached him holding an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She poured it on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8 But when his disciples saw this, they were upset and said, “Why this waste? 9 This perfume could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor.”
10 Jesus was aware of this and said to them, “Why are you causing trouble for this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for me. 11 You are always going to have the poor with you, but you are not always going to have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
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Jesus' first words to the World in general:
“The time is fulfilled,
The kingdom of God has come near!
Repent, and believe in the gospel(good news),” he said. (Mark 1:15)
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"Because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But whoever endures to the end will be saved............So be alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. - Mathew 24:12,13 & 42
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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” -- Psalm 34:18
JESUS CHRIST - Every child, male and female, should become intimately acquainted with this Friend and Savior (God) during his or her developmental years. - James Dobson
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The Start of Change ::
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Resolutions and rules aren’t enough to change the human heart. Heart transformation requires the love of God inside you. The beginning of healthy change starts inside you. When you invite Jesus to be the Savior and Lord (manager) of your life, your past is forgiven, you get a new purpose for living, you get a home in heaven, and you plug into God’s power to change your life.
— Rick Warren (Preacher)
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"Therefore produce fruits in keeping with repentance!"- Luke 3:8
Meaning - Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God!
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See How good GOD is!
we always feel guilty and quote that often to be away from God whereas He says, I have come to earth to save YOU only!
Referring to Luke 5:8(Holy Bible) When Simon Peter saw this(a miracle), he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord"...whereas Jesus was willing to forgive him & accept as he is!
Referring to Luke 5:32 -- Jesus says "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
You are beautiful LORD!!
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"The person who is faithful with very little is also faithful with much. And the person who is unrighteous with very little is also unrighteous with much." - Jesus (Luke 16:10 - Holy Bible)
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Ecclesiastes 12 - 13,14 (Holy Bible)
"Here is the final conclusion, now that you have heard everything: fear God, and keep his commands; this is what being human is all about. For God will bring to judgment everything we do, including every secret, whether good or bad."
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How to have (y)our prayers answered by God? -- Excerpts from Holy Bible
1. A healed person witnessing Jesus in John 9:31 -- "We know that God does not listen to sinners. But he does listen to anyone who worships God and does his will."
2. And Jesus says in Mark 11:24
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. "
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Some revelations while Jesus heals a man born blind: excerpts from John 9:1-3 (Holy Bible)
As Jesus was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Teacher, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that God’s works might be revealed in connection with him."
So let's love the physically challenged people and try to help them as possible as we could...!
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Then Jesus called out, “The one who believes in me does not believe in me only, but in him (God, The Father) who sent me. And the one who sees me sees him (God) who sent me. -- John 12:44,45
And we read in Colossians 1:15 (Holy Bible) "The son (Jesus Christ) is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation"
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HOW CAN I BORN AGAIN? -- Excerpts from John 3rd Chapter, verses 3-8 (Holy Bible)
Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again"
So the person who heard this asked Jesus “How can someone be born when they are old?”
And Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit"
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WHAT SHOULD WE DO?(TO BE BORN AGAIN) -- This was the question asked to Peter(a disciple of Jesus) when he gave his first sermon to nearly 3000 people in Jerusalem, nearly 2018 years ago.
And He replied “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
-- Excerpts from Acts 2nd Chapter, verses 37-39 (Holy Bible)
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"...For you gave me(Jesus) authority over all flesh, so that he may give eternal life to all those you have given him.
THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent (to this World)" -- Jesus "high Priestly" prayer (Holy Bible -- John 17:2&3)
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"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - Jesus (Holy Bible -- John 13:34,35)
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“This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you continue to do the things I instruct you." -- Words of Jesus to his disciples (Holy Bible -- John 12:12-14)
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Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Philippians 2:4 (The Message)
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Excerpts from Romans 11:33-36 (Holy Bible)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments
and how untraceable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his adviser?”
“Or who has first given to God
that he will be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
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"For the wages of sin is death, but the undeserved gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23 (Holy Bible)
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9 Certainly, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses, resulting in salvation.
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So what does God expect from us?
Answers from the book of Holy Bible, Micah 6:8 -
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God"
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Throughout my childhood, I struggled to find the answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Now that I am grown up, I have finally found the answer - "I want to be a child again!"
HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY!
And Jesus Christ have interestingly said, "YOU HAVE TO BECOME LIKE A CHILD TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD"!!!
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"Mental and spiritual health in your family begins with the acceptance of life as it is and a willingness to make the most of what has been given" –
From the book "Solid Answers" by James Dobson
And the word of God consoles us as below:
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7, Holy Bible)
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YOU CAN WIN IF YOU WANT TO...HAVE A GREAT 2019!
Tips to youth (specifically) or whoever wants to win - from Holy Bible (II Tim 2:3-7)
1) Have Focus (And please the One who will save you from destruction! Your Creator & Savior!!)
2) Play by Rules (Be 'fair' & of 'just' so that you win the Heavenly race)
3) Do have Initiative/hard work (It's not that easy but you reap what you plant)
II Timothy 2:3-7(Holy Bible) says: "3 Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. 5 And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Think over the things I am saying [grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything."
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Can I smoke or drink liquor? Can I watch movies? Can I tease others on public (social) media? and so on & so forth queries...
So as a Christian, how we have been asked to live about?
And of course, we get the answers for these queries too, from our Holy Bible - 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
3 key practice(s) - Try it out!
#1 whatever you do or before you do anything, think for a while, if it brings Glory to God!- Verse 31=> Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
#2 In anything you do, let it not be an offense to other people! Verse 32=> Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks(gentiles) or to the church of God, (THIS MEANS, TO ANY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD)
#3 Always seek not only the benefit of you but others around, as you do anything! - Verse 33=> just as I(Paul, the Writer) also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
And how beautifully Bible describes if we act so in 1 Thessalonians 1:3:
"We remember before our God and Father
->your work produced by FAITH,
->your labor prompted by LOVE, and
->your endurance inspired by HOPE
in our Lord Jesus Christ"
God bless you!
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"For bodily training is beneficial to an extent, but godliness is beneficial in all things, because it holds promise both for life now and for the life to come. This saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance." -- 1 Timothy 4:8,9
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10 reasons to BELIEVE in the BIBLE
http://read.ourdailybread.org/10reasons-to-believe-in-the-bible/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Dynamic_content&utm_campaign=10reasons-to-believe-in-the-bible
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Things to ponder...
A wise person is one who obeys God and His Word, thus avoiding moral pitfalls and failures. In contrast, a fool is one who says, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). The writer of Proverbs contrasts the wise and the foolish (Proverbs' Chapters 10-15), comparing their attitudes, actions, and speech. Proverbs 15 describes the wise person as one who is discerning (v. 21), seeks godly counsel (v. 22), speaks graciously (v. 23), lives cautiously (v. 24), is humble (v. 25), pure (v. 26), honest (v. 27), self-controlled (v. 28), prayerful (v. 29), teachable (vv. 31-32), and fears God (v. 33). The foundation for such a godly life is stated at the beginning of Proverbs in 1:7, repeated in 9:10, and reiterated again in 15:33: viz. *** THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS BEGINNING OF WISDOM ***
- INSIGHT by K.T.Sim (Our Daily Bread)
(Excerpts from the book of Proverbs in Holy Bible)
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Life's short | Heaven's forever!
For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, boasting about material possessions— is not from the Father (God) but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever - 1 John 2: 16,17
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May 15th -- Global Family Day
What does the Bible say about family?
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – LORD Jesus Christ (Mark 10:9)
About Family values & unity:
# “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12
# “Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
About Family Love:
# "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord" –Ephesians 5:22
# “Husbands, love your wives, just as Jesus Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” –Ephesians 5:25
About Family discipline:
# Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. –Ephesians 6:1
# Fathers [or Parents], do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. -Ephesians 6:4
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Gentle yet Powerful! And Jesus was so!
- In Isaiah 40(Bible), we get a picture of God that shows Him to be both gentle and powerful. In verse 11 we read: “He tends his flock(people) like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms.” But that verse follows this: “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm” (v. 10). Full of power, but gentle when it comes to protecting the vulnerable.
- And think of Jesus, who used powerful words to denounce the Pharisees[who claimed to be righteous] (Matthew 23) but forgave a woman who needed His gentle mercy (John 8:1-11).
- While there may be times to stand up with power for the weak and challenge others to pursue justice — we’re also to “let [our] gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5). As we serve God, sometimes our greatest strength reveals a heart of gentleness to those in need.
Gentleness helps us make a point without making an enemy!
(Excerpts from www.OurDailyBread.org)
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A season of Joy -- It's Christmas!
Let's celebrate by recalling Jesus Christ's key words:
Greatest Commandments | Great Commission | Golden Rule
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"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the (HEAVENLY/HOLY) city"
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Yes - In this uncertain world, God is a safe place to be...
And the Bible says in Psalm 46:1
"God is our safe place(refuge) and our strength.
He is always our help when we are in trouble."
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SAY WHAT YOU CAN DO & DO WHAT YOU SAID!
Let's learn this from a parable told by Jesus Christ!!
There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
And Jesus Asked “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” the people answered.
(Excerpts from Mathew 21:28-31 (Holy Bible))
The message here by Jesus is that however bad we are, if we repent from those and do the will of the Heavenly Father, we will be saved!
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Interesting message on the back of an Auto Rickshaw!
It says,"A true warrior is one, who is able to control his anger when he gets angry"
And Bible says in Proverbs 16:32:
"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city"
Also in Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry"
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when I googled to find out the "Purpose of Life", I found this interesting search result as revealed in Bible! -- "Only by restoring fellowship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, can purpose in life be rediscovered. The purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We glorify God by fearing and obeying Him, keeping our eyes on our future home in heaven, and knowing Him intimately."
In all, our purpose in life is to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, (make sure to) do it all for the glory of God!!
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Jesus is the true light that enlightens every human on earth!
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”- John 8:12
As prophesied -- # "In him was (eternal) life, and that life was the light of all mankind" - John 1:4 # "The true light was that which, coming into the world, lightens every man." - John 1:9
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God's judgement of sins of Parents/Children:
"The one who sins is the one who will die. The son/daughter will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the son/daughter. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them" -- Ezekiel 18:20 (Holy Bible)
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The Wicked and the Righteous -- Truly God's grace is amazing and of course He is Just too!
If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider(repent) all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die -- Ezekiel 18:26-28 (Holy Bible)
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How great is God's love!!!
"For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!"
-- Ezekiel 18:32
"As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live" -- Ezekiel 33:11
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# Today -- While we celebrate his 1st coming every year, let's be alert and prepare ourselves for his 2nd coming!
# Tomorrow (meaning 'Anytime')-- Jesus' second coming to earth as King, to judge & rule this earth forever - *Judgement Day* - As in Bible, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of (Jesus) Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad" and Jesus said, "Yes, I am coming soon"(Revelation 22:20)
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'A thankful heart is a happy heart' - This is one of life's lesson that I have learnt and been experiencing...
The Bible says in (Psalms 118:1)--"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"
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To love God is to obey God!
This is what the Lord Almighty says in Jeremiah 7:23 (Holy Bible) - "But this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you"
Jesus said, "If you love me, (you will) keep my commandments" -- John 14:15(Holy Bible)
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The Goodness of God lead us into Repentance :: As in Bible, in the book of Romans 2:3,4:
3. So when you, O man, pass judgment on others, yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?
(or)
4. "Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"
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Seem SALVATION comes through Jews, as prophesied and through JESUS it is offered to all PEOPLE of the world!
As in Bible, Romans 9:5 :: "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their(Jews) ancestors, and Christ(Messiah) himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen."
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What a prophetical and consoling word from Jesus Christ during these difficult times, when we want to really pray God for His Grace! He assured that we could ‘Pray to God’ from anywhere and not necessarily you have to visit a holy place/city/country! Only thing is that we need to Worship God in truth and in good spirit!
As in Bible, John 4:21, 23 – These were the words Jesus spoke, while answering a woman for her query on insistence of worshiping God at a particular mountain -- “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father(God) neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem….But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him"
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HOW TO BE TRULY TRANSFORMED?
Here is the key -- As in Bible, in the book of Romans 12:1,2
# Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.
# Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
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From the book of Romans 12: 6,7,8 in Holy Bible
"Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe...
<<< For we the people are asking for Signs, Wisdom, etc. to believe in God and the Good news of Jesus has been a stumbling block or foolishness, etc. >>>
Jesus Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God....For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength"
-- Excerpts from the book of 1 Corinthians 1:21-25 (Holy Bible)
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Knowledge vs Love -- We need to posses 'love' rather than just be knowledgeable in faith!
Excerpts from 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (Holy Bible)
8:1-- We know that "We all possess knowledge." But knowledge puffs up while love builds up!
8:1-- Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know!
8:3-- But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes!
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The Bible says in Colossians 1:6
"This same Good News that came to you(or me) is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed (y)our lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace."
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From the book of Colossians 4:6 (Holy Bible)
"In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" - From the book of Hebrews 9:22 (Holy Bible)
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The Bible says in 1 John 2:16,17:
# For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father(God) but from the world.
# And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
The Bible says in 'John 3:16' & '1 John 3:16'
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life"
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"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters"
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Love God & love people !
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