- Taken at 1:50 AM on May 02, 2008 - cameraphone upload by ShoZu
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
BIBLE STUDY PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11
#1. What benefits do we have in our relationship with God? [:1]
#2. why is it important for us as children of God to be in one spirit and purpose? [:2-4]
#3. In your own view do you think it is easy for belivers to be in one accord? [:2-4]
#4. What do you think hinders unity in the body of christ? [:2-4]
#5. Paul is encouraging us to have the attitude of christ. What would we say was the attitude of christ in relation to his ministry? [:5-8]
#6. What was the reward of his attitude? [:9-11]
#2. why is it important for us as children of God to be in one spirit and purpose? [:2-4]
#3. In your own view do you think it is easy for belivers to be in one accord? [:2-4]
#4. What do you think hinders unity in the body of christ? [:2-4]
#5. Paul is encouraging us to have the attitude of christ. What would we say was the attitude of christ in relation to his ministry? [:5-8]
#6. What was the reward of his attitude? [:9-11]
Thursday, April 24, 2008
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY IS NOT MEANT TO TAKE US AWAY FROM GOD, BUT TO BRING US CLOSER GOD.
TECHNOLOGY IS NOT MEANT TO TAKE US AWAY FROM GOD, BUT TO BRING US CLOSER GOD.
TECHNOLOGY REVEALS TO US THE SCIENTIFIC MIND OF GOD.
HUMAN ADVANCEMENT IN THE FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY IS AS A RESULT OF THE VERY FACT THAT A HUMAN MIND IS A PROTOTYPE OF GOD'S MIND.
THEREFORE WE NEED TO BE GREATFUL OF TECHNOLOGY AND UTILIZE IT TO THE GLORY OF GOD.
About a year ago I installed an electronic bible on my mobile phone. So wherever I go I move with my Bible on my phone. It's so handy. I get to read my bible literary wherever I go. And with its inbuilt search programme I get to use it as a concordance as well.
If you want the electronic bible installed on your mobile phone, visit the website below and download it to your phone: http://gobible.org
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
FORGIVENESS
Matthew 18:21-35.
Why is there forgiveness?
Forgiveness exists because of the imperfection of mankind. Meaning we need to forgive each because no one is perfect. Everyone person has the potential to hurt or disappoint another human being because we all have our own faults, failures and weakness.
It is this fallible, imperfection state of mankind which makes forgiveness necessary. Imagine if we had no forgiveness in the world, we would be cannibal; in that we would eat each other alive. But thank God, that in His great wisdom, God established forgiveness, that there may be balance and co-existence among human beings..
Who needs forgiveness?
Everyone needs and deserves to be forgiven; the pastor, the elders, deacons, yourself, your children, your parents, your spouse, your relatives, your friends, your boss, this congregation, our church as a whole. We all need to be forgiven at one point or the other for our shortcomings.
Why do we need to be forgive?
Because all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). In others words, we are all sinners in the sight of God. Actually the Bible continues to echo these words that "there is non who is righteous". For all we like sheep we sometimes go astray according to Isaiah. Each one of us going our own separate ways chasing the cravings, lust and evil desires of our sinful nature and in the process hurting others, whether it is done in the open or in private, intentional or unintentional that is besides the point. The fact remains that we should forgive each other because of our imperfection.
That is the why when Peter asked Christ in Matthew 18:21, "Master how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" Christ knew that a human being is fallible, and will make mistakes time and again, and so in his answer he was preparing peter to have open mind and to be prepared to forgive at all times. An attitude which we all need to embrace.
We need to forgive because every one deserves a second chance
There are a number of people in the Bible whose wrongs were forgiven and given a second chance; people like: Zaccheaus who was a thief, the woman who was caught in adultery, Hosaiah's wife who was a prostitute, Paul who was a murderer, peter who betrayed his master, Jacob who swindled his brother Esau of his inheritance, the list is end less.
We need to forgive because we need to keep the bond of peace
We need to forgive because we need to remove the speck before the log
We need to forgive because it is a command (and not a request) by God: In our covenant or contract with God is a close which states that if we refuse to forgive our offenders or those who do wrong to us, God will not forgive us too. Hence our failure to forgive others brings a cures on us.
Is it possible to "forgive and forget?"
The word "forget" has been very contentious to many, especially those who have been aggrieved. The reason why this word has been contentious to many is because it has not been put or used in the right context within the framework of the Word of God.
In Jeremiah 31:34 The Lord declares, "For I will forgive their wickedness and I will remember their sins no more"
You see when we talk of forgetting, we are not talking of erasing what was done to us from our memory. But rather because you have forgiven, you should not ponder or dwell on the issue anymore. We should not attach any anger or grief to what happened anymore. Meaning that the scar may remain in your mind, but it should not carry the pain with it. It is just a scar, everything else is history.
Allow me also to point out that forgiveness is not only verbal; it should be accompanied with action. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 2:7 that "when you have forgiven someone you need to reaffirm your love to your brother or your sister. So that they do not go on living and feeling a though they are not forgiven". That is what true forgiveness is.
The major obstacle to forgiveness is our Pride
You see immediately we begin to focus on our ego, it becomes quite difficulty to forgive.
Matt 27: 30 say, "They spat on Christ, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they mocked him, they striped him of his rob and they led him away to crucify him."
& In Luke 23:34, Jesus says to his offenders, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
What are the dangers of having an unforgiving spirit?
Firstly, it leads to one developing things like Grudges, rage, resentment & Bitterness towards your offender. And God does not associate himself with these things. Hence we should never allow ourselves as children of God to entertain a spirit of unforgiveness, because it is not of God.
Secondly, the spirit of unforgiveness leads to self destruction. In failing to forgive, the person who is hurt the most in the process is you. Because the person who is eaten up by the rage, the anger and the bitterness is not the one who has offended you, the person who is eaten up is yourself. And it is not worth it.
Thirdly, it hinders progress, especially when the people involved are in the same institution like; a marriage, a church or workplace. Progress will be hindered in the sense that a spirit of unforgiveness will tune you to see only the worst in the person and literally oppose everything that comes from the person. All this is because of anger. Proverbs 29: 22 says that "An angry person stirs up dissension, opposition or conflict."
What does God expect you to do when you are offended?
Be open enough to share you grievance with your offender
If s/he appologises, you would have won him over. Forgive them.
If s/he refuses to appologise, you have said your peace, forgive them and move on with your life. Do not allow the situation to derail or frustrate your life.
If you choose to forgive your offender even without talking to them, that is your decision, and there is nothing wrong with that. Although as a pastor, I would recommend that it is always important to talk about an issue when you are have been injured.
What does God expect you to do when you offend someone
If someone comes to you and they say to you, "you have stepped on my toes"; be humble and appologise. You may not have meant to hurt the person, but the fact that you did appologise and restore the peace.
The importance of forgiveness
It relieves you from carrying the burden of hate and bitterness. In short there is healing that takes place when you forgive.
It brings reconciliation, peace and tranquility within our own individual lives and our relationships with others.
It puts us right with God.
Why is there forgiveness?
Forgiveness exists because of the imperfection of mankind. Meaning we need to forgive each because no one is perfect. Everyone person has the potential to hurt or disappoint another human being because we all have our own faults, failures and weakness.
It is this fallible, imperfection state of mankind which makes forgiveness necessary. Imagine if we had no forgiveness in the world, we would be cannibal; in that we would eat each other alive. But thank God, that in His great wisdom, God established forgiveness, that there may be balance and co-existence among human beings..
Who needs forgiveness?
Everyone needs and deserves to be forgiven; the pastor, the elders, deacons, yourself, your children, your parents, your spouse, your relatives, your friends, your boss, this congregation, our church as a whole. We all need to be forgiven at one point or the other for our shortcomings.
Why do we need to be forgive?
Because all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). In others words, we are all sinners in the sight of God. Actually the Bible continues to echo these words that "there is non who is righteous". For all we like sheep we sometimes go astray according to Isaiah. Each one of us going our own separate ways chasing the cravings, lust and evil desires of our sinful nature and in the process hurting others, whether it is done in the open or in private, intentional or unintentional that is besides the point. The fact remains that we should forgive each other because of our imperfection.
That is the why when Peter asked Christ in Matthew 18:21, "Master how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" Christ knew that a human being is fallible, and will make mistakes time and again, and so in his answer he was preparing peter to have open mind and to be prepared to forgive at all times. An attitude which we all need to embrace.
We need to forgive because every one deserves a second chance
There are a number of people in the Bible whose wrongs were forgiven and given a second chance; people like: Zaccheaus who was a thief, the woman who was caught in adultery, Hosaiah's wife who was a prostitute, Paul who was a murderer, peter who betrayed his master, Jacob who swindled his brother Esau of his inheritance, the list is end less.
We need to forgive because we need to keep the bond of peace
We need to forgive because we need to remove the speck before the log
We need to forgive because it is a command (and not a request) by God: In our covenant or contract with God is a close which states that if we refuse to forgive our offenders or those who do wrong to us, God will not forgive us too. Hence our failure to forgive others brings a cures on us.
Is it possible to "forgive and forget?"
The word "forget" has been very contentious to many, especially those who have been aggrieved. The reason why this word has been contentious to many is because it has not been put or used in the right context within the framework of the Word of God.
In Jeremiah 31:34 The Lord declares, "For I will forgive their wickedness and I will remember their sins no more"
You see when we talk of forgetting, we are not talking of erasing what was done to us from our memory. But rather because you have forgiven, you should not ponder or dwell on the issue anymore. We should not attach any anger or grief to what happened anymore. Meaning that the scar may remain in your mind, but it should not carry the pain with it. It is just a scar, everything else is history.
Allow me also to point out that forgiveness is not only verbal; it should be accompanied with action. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 2:7 that "when you have forgiven someone you need to reaffirm your love to your brother or your sister. So that they do not go on living and feeling a though they are not forgiven". That is what true forgiveness is.
The major obstacle to forgiveness is our Pride
You see immediately we begin to focus on our ego, it becomes quite difficulty to forgive.
Matt 27: 30 say, "They spat on Christ, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they mocked him, they striped him of his rob and they led him away to crucify him."
& In Luke 23:34, Jesus says to his offenders, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
What are the dangers of having an unforgiving spirit?
Firstly, it leads to one developing things like Grudges, rage, resentment & Bitterness towards your offender. And God does not associate himself with these things. Hence we should never allow ourselves as children of God to entertain a spirit of unforgiveness, because it is not of God.
Secondly, the spirit of unforgiveness leads to self destruction. In failing to forgive, the person who is hurt the most in the process is you. Because the person who is eaten up by the rage, the anger and the bitterness is not the one who has offended you, the person who is eaten up is yourself. And it is not worth it.
Thirdly, it hinders progress, especially when the people involved are in the same institution like; a marriage, a church or workplace. Progress will be hindered in the sense that a spirit of unforgiveness will tune you to see only the worst in the person and literally oppose everything that comes from the person. All this is because of anger. Proverbs 29: 22 says that "An angry person stirs up dissension, opposition or conflict."
What does God expect you to do when you are offended?
Be open enough to share you grievance with your offender
If s/he appologises, you would have won him over. Forgive them.
If s/he refuses to appologise, you have said your peace, forgive them and move on with your life. Do not allow the situation to derail or frustrate your life.
If you choose to forgive your offender even without talking to them, that is your decision, and there is nothing wrong with that. Although as a pastor, I would recommend that it is always important to talk about an issue when you are have been injured.
What does God expect you to do when you offend someone
If someone comes to you and they say to you, "you have stepped on my toes"; be humble and appologise. You may not have meant to hurt the person, but the fact that you did appologise and restore the peace.
The importance of forgiveness
It relieves you from carrying the burden of hate and bitterness. In short there is healing that takes place when you forgive.
It brings reconciliation, peace and tranquility within our own individual lives and our relationships with others.
It puts us right with God.
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