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BE THANKFUL & GRATEFUL TO GOD

11/21/2015

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​Duet 8:10-20
God knows all the time that people have the tendency to forget things. 
That’s why He gave us His written Word so that we have something to read & refresh.
God knew that we will forget what He has done for us on a daily basis.
So He gave us His Living Word Bible to constantly remind ourselves of those things.
I. CAREFUL DO NOT FORGET GOD (10-13)
We can read instances after instances in Old Testament where Israel often forgot God.
Moses clearly reminds them that not to forget God in their prosperity.
Not just forgetting God but also must obey His commands and instructions faithfully.
Human tendency is to forget God when we are doing well in our life.
Moses is warning Israel that they need to praise and thank God before and after a meal.
He is reminding them that they need to be grateful to God in their riches and abundance.
Same principle applies to us - thank God for our home, job, car, daily needs & cell phone.
II. FORGET NOT GOD’S BLESSINGS (14-16)
God is reminding the people of Israel their 400 years of slavery in Egypt – their 40 years of Exodus journey – God’s miraculous provision throughout.
In our own life we too go through terrible wilderness like situations of confusion, doubts, fears, frustrations, dangers and temptations we face every day.
It is always our God who has delivered us from all such situations and gave us victory.
Before we came to the Lord Jesus Christ we too were under the bondage of sin.
God has redeemed us from the bondage of sin through the Cross of Christ.
No doubt our Christian walk is full of temptations, difficulties and challenges.
But God’s miraculous provision in Holy Spirit guides us throughout our journey.
III. REMEMBER GOD IS THE SOURCE (17-18)
We should not lose sight of one important aspect of our life.
What we are today, what we have to day and what we will tomorrow is all God’s grace.
Never think for a minute that our accomplishments in life, our jobs, our homes and all that we have is God’s love & mercy towards us.
So our real source in life is God, just God.
We have to remember always that God grants us the ability to do our best in life.
He provides the ways and means to accomplish all that we can. 
IV. DREADFUL CONSEQUENCES FOR FORGETTING GOD (19-20)
Prophet Moses issues a stern warning to the people of Israel of the consequences for forgetting God and follows their own ways.
He particularly highlights one thing – replacing God with smaller gods.
Definitely idol worship replaces the Living God but we follow idols of various kinds.
Not giving God His place in life is an idol – giving top priority to material things is an idol.
Our priorities in life though very important and dear to us, should never replace God from the number one spot.
People of Israel were punished severely when their priorities got screwed up.
Just remember that all that we are today is God’s grace and kindness.
God began a new life in us through our Lord Jesus and guiding us through Holy Spirit.
We should not forget this that God loved us first before we loved Him.
From last thanksgiving to this thanksgiving lot of water flown under the bridge.
Each of us can acknowledge that God is with us and providing & protecting us every day.
God is the source for all that we could accomplish all that we will accomplish in future.
If we fail to give God the glory or thank Him for all His blessing, there will be some consequences – such severe consequences come in various forms.
Let us be grateful to God for everything He does in our life and always keep Him first.
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November 15th, 2015

11/15/2015

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1 John 3:1-10
John is saying that our works, good or bad, will not determine our salvation.
But our works as believers display and demonstrate our salvation.
Apostle John describes that habitual sinning is a proof that we do not know God. 
If we are the children of God we should not habitually living in a lifestyle of sin.
We do know that Christian will sin, but we should always live in opposition to sin. 
I. GOD’S CHILDREN IDENTIFIED (1-3)
A. God’s Love Lavished through Jesus Christ (1)
God loves all creation but His loves optimizes in Christ to those who received Jesus.
God’s love is known only through Christ – Through Him God calls us children of God.
These children have an intimate knowledge of God because they have a deeper relationship.
The world does not know God because it does not know Christ.

B. Great Expectation of seeing Christ (2)
John declares that we are now the children of the Living God because of Christ.
He talks about the future outcome of Christians which is not known to them now.
This we definitely know from the scripture that we will be like Lord Jesus Christ in heaven.
It’s the most thrilling expectation that we will see the Lord.
C. Under Sanctifying Grace (3)
Those who have this hope will stay pure and remain pure because our Lord is pure.
The only requirement is to strive hard to live a pure life in order to meet the Lord.
It is difficult and tough to pursue a life of purity in the midst of a corrupted world.
But that is what expected of a Christian – no option is given.
II. CHRIST DEALT WITH HUMAN SIN (4-6)
A. Sin Defined (4)
Lawlessness is nothing but declaring our independence against authority.
John is saying, we cannot be children of God if we live lifestyles of lawlessness.
We could be doing everything right in our outward religious ritual and rule.
But in our heart we could be a rebellious individual with all sinful thoughts.
Sins are the fruit but SIN is the root - matter of WILL - rebelliousness of our will.
Sin is not just an outward act but it is also an inward attitude.
B. Sinless Christ (5)
First of all it’s important to understand that Christ has no SIN to begin with.
That sinless Christ became sinful for all of us so that He can redeem us from SIN & sins.
C. Remain in Christ (6)
If we want to abide with Christ means to identify with Him – His sinless nature.
If we continue in sin would be a denial of the Name that we bear, “in Him (Christ), is no sin”. 
Not only it is to deny the sinless character of Christ, but also deny His cross.
III. CHRIST DESTROYED DEVIL’S WORK (7-9)
Let me summarize what Apostle John is saying here:
1. Do not be deceived by the world.
World always has an agenda – anti-Christ agenda.
Christ is righteous – Follow Him – Reject world’s philosophies.
Practicing unrighteousness is contrary to the nature of God or Christ.
2. Satan has been defeated by Lord Jesus Christ.
Satan “has been sinning from the beginning” means he is sinning without a break.
John concludes that if anyone is in a habitual lifestyle of practicing sin they belong to Satan.
3. We are born of God
Essentially it means the new life that we have in Christ, is the seed of God's life in us. 
For John is saying that the evidence that God's life and seed remains in us is a life of holiness and not a life of sinfulness.
So once God’s seed is implanted in our hearts (salvation experience) it will stay forever.
John is saying that if we are living with Lord Jesus and abiding in Him, it's because we are closer to Him, identifying with Him in His purity day by day.
John warns us that a sinful lifestyle can never ever be an alternative lifestyle to the child of God.
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November 08th, 2015

11/8/2015

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Matthew 7:13-14
In life many of us stand at the cross roads of our life and think which way to go.
Sometimes we regret for those choices which had negative impact on our life.
Yogi Berra, the legendary former Baseball player was famous for his use of words in English.
“If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it."

A fork in the road of life Demands a Decision to reach a Destination.

May we be careful the choices we make that may have devastating effect on our life.
Lord Jesus throughout Sermon on the Mount speaks of contrasts in spiritual life.
He taught everyone has two options in spiritual life – to choose life or death.
His sermon demands an absolute choice that leads to eternal life.
But Lord gives two choices only one possibility for the people to choose.
A contrast is between two kinds of roads of life – one is difficult & the other is smooth.
These two verses offer two gates, two ways, and two destinations with two outcomes.
The narrow gate that leads to a narrow way – heaven is the destination. 
And the wide gate that leads a broad way – hell is the destination.
I. THE LORD’S CHOICE (13a)   “Enter through the narrow gate.”
Lord Jesus is not speaking literally of gates but only figuratively.
Lord Jesus commands everyone to choose His choice – the narrow gate.
The Narrow Gate does not appeal to human eye but we have to choose it because the Lord said so.
I. INVITING BROAD GATE (13b)
“Wide is the gate”
This gate is so wide that it allows as many people as possible like a 6 lane freeway in USA.
This gate is always inviting and compelling – no restrictions of any kind – a smooth and comfortable to travel – above all it is so accessible to one and all.
“Broad is the road”
Allows every kind of baggage – baggage of worldly attractions – all religious beliefs – all lifestyles – all philosophies - all worldly treasures – all that this world offers.
 “Leads to destruction and many enter through it”
Lord Jesus says the final destination of this wide gate opens to a wide road that ends in eternal hell and punishment.
Unfortunately many knew about the outcome of this gate yet still prefer it because of its attractions and glitters of the world.
Momentarily all who prefer this gate & road have success – happiness- enjoyment of material things of this world.
This world does not like restrictions - the one who travels on this has no restrictions of any kind – one has lots of companions travelling on this road.
II. INTIMIDATING NARROW GATE (14)
The Lord’s command was very specific to enter through the narrow gate.
It is not an option but a command to enter this narrow gate.
The requirement for this narrow gate is every individual has to enter alone one person at a time.
So it is intensely a personal journey of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is because our love & faith in Lord Jesus we are compelled to enter this narrow gate.
The narrow road provides other disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These travelers do have an unseen companion to walk with, the Holy Spirit.
This way leads to eternal life but the starting point is here on earth.
Very few people travel on this narrow path that leads to eternal life.
The broader road leads to a place that ends in eternal destruction of the soul.
The narrow path though difficult to travel has a wonderful & blissful ending.

Entering the narrow gate is the beginning and travelling on way with the Lord is no option and devil’s temptations are always a challenge.

My friend which road are you travelling?
The Lord keeps bringing the narrow road at every corner of the broad way and provides His grace to stop and think for His plans for you.
Remember, only the narrow gate & narrow way leads to eternal heaven.
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November 01st, 2015

11/1/2015

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Detour is always a pain in the neck – it is a frustrating experience to go thru.
The Israelites did face a detour sign in front of them when they were almost there at the Promised Land.
We have to keep in mind that they were traveling for nearly 40 years to get to this point. 
In chapter 20 Moses requested permission to pass thru Edom – King of Edom rejected it.
In fact Edomites were related to Israelites thru Esau, the elder brother of Jacob.
Moses had no other recourse except to go around Edom.
Now we see another Cainite King of Arad creating another detour to the people of Israel.
Now the detour was getting on their nerves – detour of hundreds of miles – imagine with such humongous crowd of people – all were travelling on foot.  

THE DESPERATION (4-5)
First - they were impatient
Second – they were venting out their anger
In desperation people always blame somebody for the inconvenience caused.
But here the people of Israel blame God & Moses for putting them thru this ordeal.
They questioned God for bringing them out of Egypt - they detest everything so far.
A. Do we have to go thru this horrible journey? 
B. No good food - though Manna was given from heaven
C. No water supply - though water was provided thru a rock.
D. They detested everything that happened in the desert.

Sounds familiar – Today’s generation complains a lot - complain for lack of this or that.
THE PUNISHMENT & REPENTANCE (6-7)
They were still travelling thru a desert land where snakes are common thing.
God did not like their attitude or behavior – punishment comes in the shape of snakes.
Many died because of snake bites – no number given – it should be definitely alarming.
The people of Israel acknowledged their sinful behavior against God & Moses.
The punishment leads to repentance – people who realized their sinfulness repented.
Through our behavior or attitude many times we rebel against God and question Him.
Many times we don’t realize God is disciplining us in various ways – sometimes severely.
THE CURE (8-9)
God heard the prayers of Moses and provided them a cure from the curse.
He provided a cure for their bite by using the same snake as a symbol of cure. 
The text says “anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." 
Cure or relief comes from just looking at the bronze serpent on a pole.
It was purely exercising their simple faith to get the cure – it was supernatural - immediate.
Modern mind cannot rationalize or comprehend the strange cure because it defiles all scientific application.
No logical connection between looking at a bronze snake and be cured of a snake bite.
Because there was no magical power exists in the bronze snake to cure them.
Everyone bitten by snake must believe God at His word.
The Israelites were confronted with a decision, to look up and live, or not to look up and die. 
The decision to look up entirely rests with each Israelite.
God was not forcing anyone – it was their choice & option to look at bronze serpent.
The text says, "Then when anyone looked at the bronze snake, he lived". 
In many cultures snakes are held in high esteem as powerful religious symbols.
In Judeo- Christian cultures snakes are almost always symbols of evil.
Our modern medical symbol of two snakes wrapped around a staff comes from ancient Greek Mythology.
Lord Jesus mentions this particular incident in John 3:14-15
The Deliverer who is lifted up on the CROSS can save all humankind from sin.
The most important unique feature of Christian faith is that we are putting our trust in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Many are still trapped in the snake bite of sin and destined to die.
Humanity’s only option for eternal life is to look at the cross of Lord Jesus.
Look to the Risen Lord Jesus with faith and receive the cure for sin.
Today everyone has a choice & an option – Lord Jesus will never force anyone to believe.
It is everyone’s choice to avail the opportunity and be cleansed of sin by accepting the salvation freely given at the foot of the cross.
It defiles the scientific phenomenon but it is written in God’s Word.
Lord Jesus provided the cure for sin and He did not give any other option.
My friend, only Jesus cross provides the forgiveness for sin and there is no other way.
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October 25th, 2015

10/25/2015

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1 John 2:18-23
John is warning the spiritual babies in Christ about false teachers because they are most vulnerable to confusion & deception. 

I. UNDERSTANDING THE “LAST HOUR”? (18)
The last hour means a time period that extends till God calls it 'the end'
Since Christ came into the world we have entered the "last hour”.
I believe every Christian since then has been living in the last days.
Anti-Christ (s) 
The word Christ means "anointed one. 
Before knowing who is anti-Christ we need to know who Christ is?
Christ is not the last name of Jesus – Before He became a man Christ is God - Christ with God – Christ is the Word of God – Christ is the Creator God.
Christ Jesus has the glorified body (resurrected body) of Jesus – takes it up with Him forever.
Paul writes as ‘Christ Jesus” in his letters since he was referring to resurrected Jesus.
The invisible God becomes visible in eternity in Christ Jesus.
Every believer is in His image (glorified body) – the Church is called ‘Body of Christ’.
Jesus Christ was limited to certain time period – Christ Jesus is timeless.
Who is anti-Christ?

It is basically refers to a principle of evil that is hostile and opposed to God.
That principle can be in human form and existed in every generation. 
Some thought He was only a mere man; others thought He was some kind of phantom. 
So John reaffirms that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh. 
The spirit of Antichrist has always been in the world in open opposition to Christ and made attempts to replace Him.
The anti-God force in the world has taken on many forms throughout the centuries, but there will be one great and final form as described in Revelation.
John says they belonged to the church before they wandered off from the reality of Jesus into a land of deception. (19)
Today we are seeing with our own eyes the damage done to Christianity by such Antichrist elements in our world – they are aggressive – they are relentless – they are purposeful.
II. KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH (20-21)
The only person depicted in scripture as the Holy One is Lord Jesus.
Christ gives the Holy Spirit to them as a believer’s ‘resident truth- teacher’.
Holy Spirit imparts all knowledge to the believer pertaining to spiritual truth.
John presents a picture of the Christian in contrast to the antichrists. 

False teachers depart from the fellowship, deny the faith, and try to deceive the faithful. 
Christians received the truth - remain faithful – receive the anointing of the Lord.
Knowing Truth is a Gift of the Holy Spirit through the anointing.
Today the church is interpreting the scriptures conveniently for homosexual agenda. 
Colossians 3:16a "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” 
III. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LIE? (22-23)
The biggest lie according to Bible is the one who denies the incarnation and the deity of Lord Jesus Christ. 
Today many cults, modernism and liberal thinking are based on this biggest lie.
Not only this lie denies the deity of Jesus but also deny God of the Bible, the Father.
Those who deny Christ is denying the Father.
Today many people believe in God but do not believe in Christ.
Their God is not the God of the Bible because Jesus Christ revealed God.
Whoever denies Christ's deity opposes the revelation that authenticates the credentials of the Messiah. 
Whoever acknowledges and believes in Lord Jesus believes in the Living God of the Bible.
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October 18th, 2015

10/18/2015

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1 John 2:15-17
Within these three verses, Apostle John clearly draws a contrast for our day to day life.
Life of a Christian believer entirely depends upon how he/she relates to God & the world.
I. CHOOSE OUR LOVE
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 
God created all that exist today, our planet earth with the solar system and the galaxies.
John is referring to another system in our world – an organized system under Satan who operates through unbelieving people
I have seen the terrible decay of world system as a result of depraved mind & perverted thinking.
How slowly and steadily wrong became right and right became wrong.
It is so painful to notice that such evil is just a normal behavior in today’s world.
It is so difficult & confusing for a believer to live in such an atmosphere of perversion.
John is saying simply choose your love.
A believer in the Lord can easily identify the places & people we need to stay away.
The Lord Jesus says in Matt 6:24 no one can serve two entities, God & world.
In this verse the Lord did not say you ‘should not’ but “you cannot” serve.
If the believer is enticed by the evil world system, 4 things can happen.
1. We compromise with Christian values
2. Our relationship with Lord Jesus Christ is broken – no more a true disciple.
3. We lose the love for the Lord Jesus or God.
4. Our priorities are mixed up.

That is why we need to choose our love. There is no middle ground here.
II. MAINTAIN OUR LOVE
16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 
Any love between people must be maintained sincerely and faithfully or it is lost.
It is especially true in our love for God the Father whom we don’t see because it’s spiritual.
Satan always tries to entice the believer from the love of the Father with all temptations.
Lust of the flesh often associated with sexual matters – strong desire or impulse.
“Flesh” refers to our fallen nature, which is not removed at salvation. 
This fallen nature includes all sexual sins - all activities of self-seeking, godless nature.
We are born with it – it remains with us until we die. 
God designed many natural desires & them in a boundary so that human can enjoy.
Lust of the eyes – desiring to possess things even a person.
This is a sinful desire of greed and covetousness – wanted to have what others have.
Pride of life is to control others or to feel proud of what we have.
The lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes refer to the desire to have what we do not have.
The boastful pride of life refers to sinful pride over what you do have. 
This relates to a desire to glory in ourselves and in our accomplishments
Such desires, temptations, and pride do not come from the Father but from Satan.
These desires should not be our way of life because they disrupt our love for the Father.
It’s just empty talk to say that we love God if we continue to love what is not from God.
So there is need in every believer’s life to maintain the love for God.
III. KINGDOM LOVE
17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
All such desires are momentary – they are here today – tomorrow they are gone.

God never created this world to be a permanent place for believers in the Lord.
In Matt 6:19-21 our Lord highlights this issue.
Not only is the world passing away, but also all the lusts with it.
If we are hooked up to the depraved world system, we will lose our place in heaven.
A believer must weigh everything in the light of his/her eternity.
Scripture says we are living in this world but we are not of this world.
We hold and possess things of this world with a light touch but not grasping tightly.
If we love this world our love for the Father is not possible (verse 15).
If we love the world our obedience to do His will is not possible (verse 17).
So loving the Father in verse 15 and doing the will of God in verse 17 are interconnected.
A clear promise is given to every believer that we will live forever even after we die.
We are kingdom people – possess kingdom love - have kingdom priorities – doing kingdom work – are kingdom bound.
Matt 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom & His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
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October 11th, 2015

10/11/2015

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John 8:1-12 
Here we see 3 principle characters: the Accusers, An adulterous woman, and Lord Jesus. 
I. THE ALLEGATION (3-4)
The Mosaic Law was very specific on sexual immorality. 
Adultery was technically a capital offense - the law demanded literal eyewitness testimony. 
How did these men “happen” to catch her “in the act?” We don’t know.
Very clear in Levi 20:10 or Deut 22:22, both man & woman caught in adultery must be stoned to death.
Adultery by definition requires two people – So where is the man?
II. THE TRAP (5&6)
They were sure and joyful that Lord Jesus was absolutely trapped and they got Him. 
Let’s look at this woman for a second.
1. She was guilty of adultery & caught in the act. 
2. She was publicly humiliated - exposed in front of everybody - she was embarrassed - shamed and discredited.
3. The Mosaic Law condemned her to death and awaiting execution by stoning.  

She had absolutely no hope and could not change her situation. 
She was standing before Lord Jesus, the ultimate judge of whole world.
III. THE WRITING
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 
This is the only time recorded in the Scriptures that Lord Jesus ever wrote anything in His earthly existence.
But we don’t know what He wrote.
IV. THE RESPONSE (7-11)
A. The Response of the Lord to the Accusers (7-8)
They were focusing on the outward behavior & action of the adulterous woman whereas Lord Jesus was pointing to the condition of their hearts.
B.  The Response of the Accusers (9)
They hung their heads in shame and disappeared one by one until no one was left but Lord Jesus and the woman alone.
They were caught in their own trap.
C. The response of the Lord to the Woman (10-11)
If anyone in the entire world who could have condemned her is Lord Jesus Christ.
In the recorded human history He was the only sinless person ever born to a woman.
Do you notice that there is no mention of repentance in the event?
I understand her repentance began from the moment the Lord challenged them to throw the first stone 
According to John 3:17, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (Jesus)” He came to save us but not to condemn.
Then Jesus said, “Go and sin no more” because the Lord is full of grace and truth.
What a beautiful picture of God’s grace in action.
CONCLUSION (12)
The woman caught in adultery is a picture of every person who receives forgiveness of sins through Lord Jesus Christ by faith.
The scripture says we are all guilty of sin stand condemned already in the sight of God.
John 3:18 Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son (Jesus).
On that cross Jesus was wounded and shed His blood for everybody in the world.
The sinless Jesus became sin for us on the cross and freed us from our sin once for all.
Romans 8:1 “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”.
This is amazing grace and wonderful love of God through Jesus Christ to everyone who believes in Him alone for forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
Those who believe & trust in Jesus Christ are not condemned anymore because their sins are forgiven once for all.
Only Jesus Christ can save us from our sins because He paid for them on the cross.
Are you willing to receive this amazing grace of forgiveness of your sin by faith?
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October 04th, 2015

10/4/2015

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1 John 2:1-6
Christian faith journey is entirely based on the person and works of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We can only understand our faith in the Trinitarian nature of God because it is absolutely essential to the biblical faith.
God the Father is the source of all creation
God the Son, Christ became a man, lived, died, rose again and living today
God the Holy Spirit, our present help
I. CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE (1)

John recognized the sinful nature in every believer of the Lord Jesus during his time.
He was telling them that they don’t have to sin because they walk in the Lord’s light.
When people walk under His light cannot hide anything in their life.
He says even if we sin we have a Lawyer in heaven to plead for us before the Father.
This Lawyer is unlike earthly lawyers who are mostly crooks but a Righteous One.
The ascended Christ prays before Father God all the time for the sins we commit after 
We have to keep this in mind that we do sin and needs God’s forgiveness always.
Thus Christ becomes our Advocate to go between sinning believer and a holy God.
II. CHRIST OUR PROPITIATION (2)
Propitiation has a profound significance in Christian faith.
Propitiation means atonement 
In a secular meaning to atone means to make amends--to repair a wrong done. 
In biblical sense it means to remove guilt of human sin. 
The real and final atonement happened when Lord Jesus died for us on the cross.
Christ’s death on the cross is a universal offer whether people accept it or not.
It does not mean that everybody will be saved from sin.
Thus propitiation applies to only those who believe in Jesus by faith.
III. DO WE KNOW CHRIST? (3-5)
John was mainly focusing on two things: the talker and the walker.
The talker is the one who knows Jesus without any deeper relationship.
Unfortunately many believers in the Lord fall in this category.
The walker is the one who has the assurance as well as the obedience exercised.
Our salvation experience is determined by our knowledge of the Lord.
The important question is do we really know Lord Jesus Christ?
Assurance of salvation leads to the discipleship of the Lord.
Our obedience to the Lord gives us assurance of our salvation.
All who believe and put their faith in Him have to know that or understand seriously that they have to know Him personally.
Obedience is the key here.
When a person obeys His commands, he/she comes to know Lord Jesus intimately.
If we do not obey God’s commands, we can hardly have any confidence we know God through faith in Christ.
The life of an obedient disciple becomes a channel for God to express His redemptive love for others.
IV. CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE (6)
Those who believe in Lord Jesus must live like Him because He is our example.
In Phil 2:5 Apostle Paul talks about our attitude should be that of Christ Jesus.
Verses 6-8 describe Lord’s submission to the Father as He humbled Himself.
Christ was obedient to the Father, loved the lost so we are to imitate Christ.
So if we claim to live in Him, we have to live like Him which is a hard thing but we must try.
John Newton the converted slave-trader later became a minister of the Gospel.
He said, “I am not what I ought to be; but I am not what I once was. And it is by the grace of God that I am what I am.”
Are we different than we once were?
Is our life characterized by obedience to His word? 
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September 20th, 2015

9/20/2015

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We are continued to study the history of Israel.
Moses gave a farewell speech at the foothill of Mt. Nebo before he died.
His farewell speech contains blessings and curses from God.
His speech is recorded in Deuteronomy 28 & 29 chapters.
But God warned that the worst part of the Curses would come from others.
Much of the Old Testament is the record of the history of the Israelites.
We have records outside of the Old Testament, from Jewish historians Josephus, Greco-Roman historians Tacitus and from many archaeological monuments. 
All the sources agree and paint a consistent picture of the Israelite or Jewish history. 
Moses made his final pronouncement in Deut 30:1-5
After Moses, successive writers in the Old Testament built on this theme that there would be a restoration after the Curses.
586 - Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and destroyed 1st temple
536-142 PERSIAN AND HELLENISTIC PERIODS
332 - Land conquered by Alexander the Great begins the Hellenistic rule.
63 – Jerusalem was captured by Roman general, Pompey. 
63 BC – 313 AD ROMAN RULE 
20-23 Ministry of Lord Jesus
66 - Jewish revolt against the Romans
70 - Destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple
313- 636 - BYZANTINE RULE
The Byzantine Empire was predominantly Greek-speaking.
Under the Byzantine Empire, Israel had become a predominantly Christian country. 
636-1099 - ARAB RULE 
691 On site of the temple mount Dome of the Rock built by Caliph Abd el-Malik 1099-1291 CRUSADER DOMINATION
For the next 200 years, the country was dominated by the Crusaders under Pope Urban II who came from Europe to recover the Holy Land from the infidels (Arabs).
1517-1917:  OTTOMAN RULE
The Ottoman Empire was founded by Osman I. 
1917 - 400 years of Ottoman rule ended by British conquest
1918-1948 - BRITISH RULE
1939-1945 - World War II & Holocaust in Europe
1947 UN proposes the establishment of Arab and Jewish states in the Land.
1948 STATE OF ISRAEL
State of Israel proclaimed (1948 14 May).
Israel invaded by five Arab states (15 May)
War of Independence (May 1948-July 1949)
1948-1952 - Mass immigration from Europe and Arab countries
1956 Sinai Campaign
1967 Six-Day War, Jerusalem reunited.
1975 Israel becomes an associate member of the European Common Market.
1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty signed.
Prime Minister Menachem Begin and President Anwar Sadat awarded Nobel Peace Prize.
1981 Israel Air Force destroyed Iraqi nuclear reactor just before it is to become operative.
1992 Diplomatic relations established with China and India.
Prime Minister Rabin assassinated at peace rally.
Shimon Peres becomes prime minister.
(Most of the material was summarized from various websites and it is not my own)
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September 13th, 2015

9/13/2015

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For two weeks we will focus on history of Israel right from the Biblical beginnings.
I borrowed most of the material from the articles on the web and summarized for our study.
Israel’s history began with Genesis 12:1-3
Jewish history had three Patriarchs: 1st Patriarch was Abraham around 1800 BCE. 
2nd Patriarch was Isaac son of Abraham – 3rd Patriarch was Jacob son of Isaac.
Jacob was the father of the 12 tribes from whom all Jewish people descended. 
God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. (Gen 32:28)
All the Patriarchs and their children lived mostly in Canaan.
In Genesis 46 we read Jacob and his sons settled in Egypt due to acute famine.
As the time progressed, the families multiplied to a large group of people.
After the death of Jacob and his sons a new Pharaoh ruled Egypt who did not know Joseph who was the reason for all his brothers and father to migrate to Egypt.
He enslaved the Israelites for almost 400 before Moses came to lead them back to the Promised Land.
After 40 years of desert wandering the Israelites finally entered the Promised Land but only two men from the original group who left Egypt could make it – Joshua & Caleb.
Moses could not enter into the Promised Land because of disobeying God’s command.
Because of that Moses handed over the leadership to Joshua.
Before Exodus & after Exodus journey some notable miracles happened:
Ten plagues to manifest the power of God before Pharaoh
Passover night – this killed all first born Egyptians
Passover night – the blood of the lamb saved all Israelites in Goshen
Day & night Pillar of God – Firewall - stood with Israelites throughout the journey 
Manna – from the skies – Quails for meat provided
Moses received The Ten Commands – The Law – The Ordinances.
Under Joshua leadership Jericho walls fell, as an act of God.
Joshua felt God’s presence throughout his victories & settlement in Promise Land.
Period of Judges - 1200 BCE to 1100 BCE
God Raised Judges - Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar, Deborah and Barak – Gideon, and lastly Samson.
Samuel came into the picture as a judge & a prophet around 1075BCE.
He anointed the first King Saul & later anointed David when God rejected Saul.
The period from 1000-587 BCE is known as the "Period of the Kings". 
The prominent king was King David (1010-970 BCE) - Jerusalem as Capital city.
His Solomon ruled around (970-931 BCE) – He built the first temple at Jerusalem.
Solomon married too many foreign wives who brought idolatry into Israel and distracted the king to worship idols.
As a result idolatry spread throughout Israel after the death of Solomon. 
When Solomon died the kingdom was split in two.
Northern Kingdom called Israel with 10 tribes: Asher, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Joseph [2 tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh], Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun.
The Southern Kingdom called Judah with two tribes Judah & Benjamin.
Levi was not included because they had no set territory but lived throughout the 12 tribes.
From this point onward almost every king was an idol worshiper. 
During this time Lord God raised the prophets to speak out against their sin and idolatry.
Elijah - Period of His Prophecy 874-852 B.C. 
Elisha- Period of His Prophecy 850-798 B.C.
In 722 BC the Assyrians - conquered Northern Kingdom of Israel and took the ten tribes away never to be seen again.  
In 586 BCE, Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar's army captured Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled the Jews to Babylon (modern day Iraq).
King Cyrus of Persia encouraged them to return and also allowed to build 2nd temple.
God continued to send prophets (Daniel) to encourage the Hebrews that their captivity would only last 70 years.
The prophets also gave a message of hope that one day God would send His Messiah, who would not only save the Hebrews but the whole world. 
From this year onward, the region was ruled or controlled by a succession of superpower empires of the time.
In the following order: Babylonian, Persian, Greek Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Empires, Islamic and Christian crusaders, Ottoman Empire, and the British Empire.

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    Pastor John Sesham
    Abundant Grace Community Church, Hayward.

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