Talk Tuesday-JESUS, The Light of the World: The Mission of Christ, Pt. III

42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:42-50 (NKJV)

Jesus' ministry took place amidst great opposition from the religious leaders and rulers of the time. The very first chapter of John's gospel sets the foundation for understanding who Jesus truly is and what his ministry is all about. “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. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” John 1:1-5. The interesting thing about darkness, is that it is an absence of light. Our vision is obscured and our understanding hindered by what we do not perceive. Jesus came to bring light that we might see and gain spiritual insight. This light illuminates the reality of sin and our need for salvation. It gives us the power to overcome!

The mission of Christ is also our mission. We are His hands and feet here on earth. If you are considering following Him, do not allow others to dissuade you. If you are already a Christ follower, then live with your vocation in mind. May the LORD continue to bless and strengthen you!

“14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Talk Tuesday - Salvation's Call: The Mission of Christ, Pt. II

1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10 (NKJV)

Why does JESUS choose to go to Zacchaeus' house, when he could have chosen the home of a more 'righteous' man? The crowd's complaint is a telling indictment against tax collectors. It was through their efforts that their people were 'robbed' of money that not only went towards the building of the despised Roman Empire, but lined their own pockets through extortion and dishonesty. Notably, Zaccheus is described as a 'chief tax collector' who was 'rich'. This is akin to calling him a 'traitor' and a 'master thief'. This is who JESUS summoned!

Something happens to the heart of Zaccheus in the presence of JESUS- salvation, repentance and restitution. The mission of Christ is inherent in his response, “...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. Salvation's call is for all who would hear. What does that mean for the believer and non-believer alike?

“19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

 “6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

“16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Talk Tuesday-Remember Your First Love (Series): Pt. II

The title for the series, 'Remember Your First Love,' came from the depths of my own journey with the LORD. Last week, I shared about my road to salvation and what it looked like when I made that personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ. When I first 'got saved' there was such an unyielding passion to honour God in what I read, how I dressed, what I did, what I said, what I thought and how I spent my time. Do you remember the Apostle Paul? When he had his 'Damascus Road conversion' (read Acts chapter 9), he eventually declared, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me,” Galatians 2:20. Well...that basically sums it up for the rest of us who follow Christ. We no longer live for ourselves, but for the One who saved us.

So, what led to the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart from Revelation 2:1-7 those times that He did? Busyness, distraction and complacency. I mean, when I began to read Revelation 2, I started feeling...well...good about myself, “...you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary,” Revelation 2:3. Then I read verse 4, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Huh? Wasn't I part of various ministries serving God's people inside and outside of the church? Didn't I read my Bible daily? Yet, the truth is that the embers of my passion had truly dimmed. I wasn't rushing home to spend quiet time with the Lord. I wasn't taking up my guitar as often as I used to so that I could sing songs of praise and worship to the One who gave me abundant life. I had become careless in what I read, did, said, thought and how I spent my time.

Have any of you ever fell in love? Do you remember what it was like at first? You couldn't stop thinking about the person, talking about them, wanting to spend time with them...until you either got married or broke up. If you got married, then chances are you started taking them, and the relationship, for granted. Or, then kids came along, life happened, and busyness just crowded into your one on one time. If you broke up...well...you know the rest! I mean, what keeps a marriage interesting, fresh and exciting? Spending time with that person, loving on them in meaningful ways and keeping those fires burning! It is the same with the LORD.

Do you know what the Bible calls the church? The Bride of Christ! After his conversion, the Apostle Paul, who began ministering to the various churches, said to the church in Corinth, "For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ," 2 Corinthians 11:2. Revelation 19:7-10 says, “'7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.' 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, 'Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!''And he said to me, 'These are the true sayings of God.'” 

So, let us ask ourselves this question. Do we still have the passion of our first love?

Talk Tuesday-What's So Merry About Christmas? Pt. II

Last week we read about Jesus Christ, the Incarnate One, 'Immanuel' who is 'God with us.' The Bible tells us that while the shepherds kept watch over their flocks, an angel of the LORD announced, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord,” Luke 2:10-11. The birth of JESUS heralded good news and glad tidings for all mankind. It meant that the bondage of sin would be broken, freeing us from its power and its penalty, restoring us to right relation with God, bringing salvation to all who would believe.

JESUS came for our redemption: “11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14

JESUS came to give His life as a ransom for ours: “5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6

JESUS came to justify us: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Romans 4:25

JESUS came to reconcile us to God: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” Romans 5:8-10

JESUS came for our salvation: “12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Receive the best gift Christmas has to offer and you will never be the same! "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord," Romans 6:23.

What's so Merry about Christmas? It's the PEACE, JOY, HOPE and LOVE that JESUS brings to one and all! We at BGO would like to wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Talk Tuesday-The Way That Leads To Life

The Bible warns us that,”There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,” Proverbs 14:12. Many times my errant ways seem justified to me. When I get hurt, feel betrayed, frustrated, angry or indignant, my thoughts often stray into the territory of unforgiveness and retribution. Then God's Word redirects my heart towards life and peace. “14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins,” Matthew 6:14-15; “ Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you,” Matthew 7:1-2.

The Psalmist writes, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands,” Psalm 119: 1-6. In a world that preaches self-gratification and glorification of our mortal flesh, how can we find the way that leads to life? The Psalmist also asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” Psalm 119:9. Then the answer is revealed in his own response, “By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” Psalm 119:9-11.

 The end of our earthly lives will come. Enter through the 'narrow gate' and find the Way that leads to life. “Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,'” John 14:6; “He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it,” Luke 11:28.

Talk Tuesday-Easter Edition: The Call Of The CROSS

As Good Friday and Easter Sunday approach, let us meditate on the significance of the CROSS and the meaning of the BLOOD that was shed on Calvary's hill. What Jesus did was no easy thing. Jesus Christ, the Incarnate One, came to earth in full humanity. This means that while He was fully GOD, He was fully man.

This Easter read the following chapters: Genesis 1-3, Leviticus 16, Matthew 26-28 (or Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24 or John 18-21) and Revelation 5. You will find a brief chronological history of the Easter story. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve's sin brought the curse of death and ruptured our relationship with God. The imago Dei or image of God (Gen. 1:26-27) with which we were created became defaced yet never effaced-it remained, albeit in a marred state by the act of our sin. What happened in Eden was The Fall of mankind. Yet, this did not change who God Is. God is Love (1 John 4:8). God is Holy (Leviticus 19:2, 1 Peter 1:16). God is Just (Psalm 89:14). God is Merciful and God is Gracious (Psalm 103:8). All of these characteristics of God are displayed on the CROSS where His Only Begotten Son was crucified on our behalf. The declaration, 'It is finished,' John 19:30, are words of Victory that proclaim our freedom, deliverance, acceptance, redemption, and the atonement of our sins. It heralds the restoration of our relationship with God. Why the CROSS? It is at that moment that Jesus bore the sins of all mankind in a final act of love, in an experience of dereliction. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul,” Leviticus 17:11. He TRIUMPHED over the CROSS. He ROSE again. He will RETURN!

 “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10

In End, at the Eschaton, Jesus Christ will return. “5 Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.' 6 And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.'”  Revelation 21:5-6

“And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

Come to the CROSS today and meet the One who died upon it just for you!

Talk Tuesday-Do You Have Life?

When I was a young university student, I experienced three consecutive deaths in my family in my 3^rd year. I remember thinking, 'What is the purpose of life?' I seemed to have everything I needed-family, friends, money, opportunity, an eduction-yet there was an inexplicable void that remained. Although I was raised in a Christian family and attended church, I did not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I kept looking to the world to fill me, and it didn't...it couldn't. Then when death came knocking on our door, I felt that void grow deeper. I stood back in the distance as I witnessed my mother, father, brother and sister each come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The change was immediate, evident and profound. It seemed as though everything they did centred around Jesus. They had this incredible passion, zeal, joy and purpose that was otherworldly. I wanted what they had. I wanted life.

The Bible tells us that, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life,” 1 John 5:12. What does it mean to 'have life'? Romans 6:23 teaches us that, “...the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus' death on the cross means that our sins are washed away by His blood, atonement is made on our behalf, we are justified before God the Father, our relationship with Him is restored and we have been redeemed. In other words, we have been set free to live a life of purpose to bring honour and glory to God, and to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate act of love which demands that we reject sin, and live surrendered, holy lives for the One who gave us this gift of life. Today, we implore you to, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near,” Isaiah 55:6. Turn away from the world, “...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,” 1 John 2:16, give up your worldly life for a life in Christ, then you will truly live. Accept by faith Jesus' finished work on the cross, and invite Him to be Lord of your entire life. In June 1996, I did just that and the void was filled. I finally had life.

“34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them,'Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?'” Mark 8:34-36

Talk Tuesday-Are You Ready?

"Jesus is coming soon!" We have heard these words echoed throughout the ages, as men and women waited in fearful anticipation for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us to,“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming," Matthew 25:13. The Prophet Joel warns, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision," Joel 3:14. The disciples themselves questioned Jesus about His return, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3.

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:4-14

The real question is not 'WHEN is Jesus coming?', but 'AM I READY?' We have all heard the expression, 'Life is short.' The truth is that, “All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever,” Isaiah 40:6-8. The transitory nature of our earthly lives means that our opportunity to accept the gift of eternal life is limited. Choose wisely. I leave you with THREE TRUTHS to ponder:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:15

"...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9  

"8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:8-10

ARE YOU READY?

Talk Tuesday-What Are You Living For?

What Are You Living For? Today I am reminded that life on this earth is temporal. We do not know how long our earthly journey will be, but we do know that one day it will come to an end. So, how should we spend our lives here on earth?

Death is a sobering reality. When we experience loss, its painful thrust can help recalibrate the compass of our lives. JESUS tells us about eternity. We can choose to live in Him, for Him, and with Him, knowing that our lives will become a reflection of His love here on earth. We can also choose to live for ourselves, storing up earthly treasures and living a convenient comfort. Either way, the choice is ours.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

If we choose the treasures on earth, we will end up like the Rich Man in Luke 16:19-31. If we choose JESUS, salvation and eternity in heaven is ours. “...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved,” Romans 10:9; “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day,” John 6:40.

Remember, we are saved not by works but by faith; yet faith without works is dead. “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9; “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also,” James 2:26. 

While we have today, let us ask ourselves, 'What are we living for?'

RIP with Jesus, UJ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Talk Tuesday-Welcome To Jesus!

Today we live in what can be called an 'i-Culture'. We speak of our right to the pursuit of happiness. We often hear people refer to 'karma' in response to someone getting their 'just due'. The phrase, 'I'm a good person' has become commonplace. It is even popular for it to be said, 'I am a god' and that prayers uttered to ' the universe' will yield the answers we desire. The Apostle Paul writes, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen,” Romans 1:25. If we are so good, then what is sin? Can we be sinless/good?

The New Testament is written in the language of the Old Testament; it is the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament. Did you know that there are 613 Mizvot (Commandments) in the Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible)? If even one of these Commandments is broken, sin is committed. Wow! So how can I be a good person when in the secrecy of my heart and my home I 'accidentally' and deliberately say and do things that hurt others and offend God in the pursuit of my own happiness? God made provision for our sin. The Book of Leviticus speaks of the Sacrificial System, in which the blood of animals is shed for the remission of our sins, but it is not permanent, it is constantly needed. The culmination of this is the Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16 (known today as Yom Kippur), where atonement is made for the entire community and it's living space, because SIN CONTAMINATES even our very surroundings. “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life,” Leviticus 17:11.

So what about the blood in today's i-Culture? The Apostle Paul, who is described as 'a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees' (Acts 23:6), who 'studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law' (Acts 22:3) boldly proclaims:

“21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 6:23.

Welcome to JESUS!

Talk Tuesday-What Do You Have To Offer?

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:1-9 

In 2008 and 2009 I journeyed through the life changing experience of going from an extremely active person to one who was 'shut in'. As many of you know, I had two spinal surgeries to remove a tumour that begin to impinge upon my ability to walk, and could have potentially left me with a permanent disability. It was during this time of convalescing that I despondently began to wonder, 'What do I have to offer?'

Each morning I would wake up to the sound of my parents singing praises to God and offering up intercessory prayers-for the young, old, single, married, sick, and well. The Holy Spirit began to use their example to engage me in the ministry of intercessory prayer. I, who had always been too lazy, undisciplined or self-absorbed, to devote the time needed for such prayer. However, as I had suffered, it made me more sensitive to the suffering of others. As many prayed for me, it made me want to pray for others. God began to create in me the heart of an intercessor, by showing me how the intercessory prayers of others were so effective...and necessary. He slowly began to help me build a list, and gently trained me in the discipline I so lacked, enabling me to be diligent in my new calling. I confess that at times I would become frustrated, wondering if my prayers were having any impact at all, or why my list was so long!

Fast forward to 2012. I have seen many prayers answered-prayers for people whom I only casually knew, those who didn't really know me, those who never knew I was praying for them, those whom I would never personally know, and those whom I did know. I give God praise and thanks for He is the Potter- He forms the clay, and has a purpose for each one of us, regardless of our circumstances.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 

So, if you ever wonder, 'What do I have to offer?', find yourself rooted in Christ, and like the branch that abides in the True Vine (John 15), you will bear much fruit, to the benefit and salvation of others. Peter confessed his lack of material wealth to the lame beggar at the temple gate, but He had the priceless gift and power of knowing Christ, which he freely shared. What about you?

Talk Tuesday- Happy Easter!!!

This weekend while many of us prepare to celebrate Easter, the Jewish community will be celebrating Passover. In the book of Exodus, GOD spoke to Moses regarding the final plague that He would bring upon the land of their enslavement, in response to the hardness of Pharaoh's heart. The LORD commanded Moses and Aaron to instruct the whole community of Israel to choose an unblemished male lamb to be slaughtered. The blood was to be applied on the door posts of each house:

"Then they are to take some of the blood and put in on the sides and tops of the door frames of the houses where they eat the lambs." Exodus 12:7

"On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn-both men and animals-and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will passover you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." Exodus 12:12-13

The angel of death passed through the land of Egypt but passed over the houses of those who had applied the blood to their doorposts. In the same way, the scourge of eternal death passes over once we apply the blood of JESUS to the door posts of our own hearts. JESUS CHRIST is the Passover Lamb that takes away the sins of the world!

"But now the righteousness of GOD apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of GOD, through faith in JESUS CHRIST, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS, whom GOD set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance GOD had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in JESUS." Romans 3:21-26

Have you applied the blood of JESUS to the doorpost of your heart? Have you received JESUS as the LORD and SAVIOUR of your life? Do you want to know how? The Bible says,

"That if you confess with your mouth, 'JESUS is LORD,' and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:9-10

Do you want to receive JESUS' forgiveness now? Then pray this prayer with a sincere heart to GOD. He is waiting for you. He loves you. He sent His only begotten Son just to save you.

Dear Lord Jesus,

I know that I am a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my LORD and Saviour. In your name, I pray, Amen.

If you prayed this prayer to receive JESUS CHRIST as your LORD and SAVIOUR, and need help to get started with your walk in the LORD, please feel free to email us at joinus@biblegrouponline.com

Talk Tuesday-What Is Repentance?

What does it mean TO REPENT? The words REPENT and REPENTANCE appear numerous times throughout the Bible.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel says,"'Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.'” Ezekiel 18:30

The word REPENT, used by Ezekiel in the original Hebrew/Aramaic is: sub, -which means, to turn back: from the base meaning of turning back comes from the fig. extension of restoration of relationship, as when one turns in repentance to God.

In the New Testament Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17.

The word REPENT in Greek is: metanoeo, - which means, to repent, to change any or all of the elements composing one's life: attitude, thoughts and behaviours concerning the demands of God for right living. (All references to Hebrew & Greek translations are from:James, LL.D., S.T.D. 2001. The Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan)

Our Movie Monday post features Evangelist Billy Graham (November 4th, 1986 Tallahassee, Fl.) who says, "“Now you can't change your past, but you can determine your destiny by deciding for Christ. But Christ can change your past. He died on the cross so that all the sins you've ever committed, all the things you've ever done wrong, are forgiven. What do you have to do? You have to repent of your sins, that means to be willing to change your way of living.....You may have no power to do it...but if you surrender to Christ, He'll give you the power.”

REPENTANCE implies an acknowledgement of our sinfulness, being sorry for our way of living and a willingness to turn away from sin to GOD. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. Once we REPENT of our sins and open our hearts to Jesus, He will restore our relationship with GOD. He will enable us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to truly change.

"But when the kindness and love of GOD our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4-7