Category: Gospel

For the Sake of His Glory

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It’s been over a month since we returned from Kerala, India. I am still relishing in the love displayed by the Body of Christ over there. We savored the close bonds developed with Babu and the other pastors. I witnessed my wife flourish as she was showered with the love of Mercy, Bindhu and the rest of women. We saw the Holy Spirit move in such mighty ways. God’s design was exemplified and it was beautiful to witness! His glory is on display in the nations!

Scripture is clear: go and proclaim the Gospel. In God’s eyes this is done by men and women both who are strong not on their own merits, but through him who strengthens us – Jesus Christ.

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Four Weeks

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Well, it’s been 4 weeks. What has seemed to be a long visit seems to have flown by quickly. From quiet morning breakfasts to busy afternoon visits to the churches or Sunday worship, evening home worship, even death of a Pastors mother in law. Then death hit closer home, with the passing of Mercy’s sister’s father in law. Pastor visits for healing prayer, money for medication – we have started to see the daily activities of life here in Kerala, India for Pastor Babu Samuel.

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Providence

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God’s providence. We know that God is sovereign and has a plan for all things. We know he is all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful. All too often (at least for me) I can lose sight of the fact that his providence is also personal to each one of us. It is not just an over arching big thing (even though it is that too!). It applies to each of us individually.

Let me tell you a story to illustrate what I mean.

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Open Air Gospel

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On Thursday of this past week, over two weeks into our month-long visit, we visited five churches and one of the Bible training centers. These particular churches were in villages, outside of major towns. They serve the poorest of the poor. This is the focus of Grace Christian Ministry.

The training centers are a means for the surrounding people and those studying to be Pastors to receive biblical training.

So let me give you the setting: Its after sundown and there is only a lightbulb to light the front yard. There is a table set up with chairs of “honor” for us to sit in front of the gathering, and then seating for those who are attending. There is an order to how people are seated, with pastors up front followed by all others behind them. All are eagerly anticipating the teaching of the Word.

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A Living Sacrifice

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Romans 12 has been on my heart for a couple of months now, specifically verse 1. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. I had the chance to share a message on this particular verse while we have been in India.

Do you come to Church to get something from God? Please do not misunderstand me. Church is a place of refuge, replenishment for our souls, a place of worshiping our Father in heaven. But are you just taking? Are you giving back, or serving in some capacity? I want you to think deeply about what I am asking. Do you come to God always trying to get something? And has it been a fruitful experience or are you frustrated with empty results?

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Hell is Real

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About a month ago I went out to light the grill. I lifted the metal grate, fumbling with the child proof lighter as the gas built up in the grill. Just as I got the lighter to spark, a ball of fire flamed up singeing the hair on my arms along with my eyebrows, eyelashes, and portions of my fingers! It happened so fast and the initial shock made the pain minimal, not to mention the frustration at child proof lighters. Then the pain only to gradually grow.  I tried to use water, oils like lavender, and ice to lessen the pain without much success. Thankfully, I was not seriously hurt and I healed quickly.

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The Only Way

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I have been reading through the Gospel of John a lot lately. I must say some of my favorite chapters in the Bible are found in this Gospel; specifically chapters 14-17. Throughout these verses we see Jesus laying out things that are going to happen. He was going to the cross, but before he did he wanted to reassure them – and us – that though he would suffer and die, he would return.

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Look To The Horizon

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I sense a big change coming on the horizon. We serve a mighty and awesome God!! I sense that the pieces are starting to fall into place – even though I am uncertain as to what exactly those pieces are.  Have you ever experienced that? When you read in the Old Testament whether it was Moses or the prophets, when God spoke, things happened in mighty ways: parting the Red Sea, killing Egypt’s first born, just to name a couple. We have a God who acts decisively and deliberately; One who judges and saves. Even if we don’t understand it completely in the moment – he always moves at the perfect time. 

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