Pastor's Corner: What Christ Did Not Say On The Cross

Pastor's Corner: What Christ Did Not Say On The Cross: As Bible readers, we find instruction throughout all of the Scripture.  We are fascinated by all parts, from general discourses to specific ...

Pastor's Corner: A House is NOT a Home

Pastor's Corner: A House is NOT a Home: Recently, in Baltimore, a car load of us passed by a few blocks of newly built houses. They were architecturally "homey" with beau...

Disappointed about a dead tomb ?

John 20

We see 2 pictures of love here... Mary was the last one at the Cross and the first one at the tomb.

None of JESUS's disciples really understood the scripture prophesying JESUS will rise again. The disciples went back home - despaired, downcast and disappointed. Mary too felt the same feelings yet she didn't go back home. She was at the tomb wondering where the body was.

Many times we are like Mary. We can identify with Mary. We remember the hurts, the disappointments... But CHRIST has risen ! As Christians we don't have to dwell on the dead things :-)

We don't stand outside dead tombs but in front of the Risen Savior !

JESUS asks Mary two questions - Why are you weeping and who are you seeking ?

Disappointments have a way of blinding us. Of blinding us to the presence of GOD and the possibilities of GOD ! 

No Reserves. No Retreats. No Regrets.

In 1904 William Borden graduated from a Chicago high school. As heir to the Borden family fortune, he was already wealthy. For his high school graduation present, his parents gave 16-year-old Borden a trip around the world. As the young man traveled through Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, he felt a growing burden for the world's hurting people. Finally, Bill Borden wrote home about his "desire to be a missionary."

     One friend expressed disbelief that Bill was "throwing himself away as a missionary."
     In response, Borden wrote two words in the back of his Bible: "No reserves."

Even though young Borden was wealthy, he arrived on the campus of Yale University in 1905 trying to look like just one more freshman. Very quickly, however, Borden's classmates noticed something unusual about him and it wasn't that he had lots of money. One of them wrote: "He came to college far ahead, spiritually, of any of us. He had already given his heart in full surrender to Christ and had really done it. We who were his classmates learned to lean on him and find in him a strength that was solid as a rock, just because of this settled purpose and consecration."2

During his college years, Bill Borden made an entry in his personal journal that defined what his classmates were seeing in him. That entry said simply: "Say 'no' to self and 'yes' to Jesus every time.

Although he was a millionaire, Bill seemed to "realize always that he must be about his Father's business, and not wasting time in the pursuit of amusement."9 Although Borden refused to join a fraternity, "he did more with his classmates in his senior year than ever before." He presided over the huge student missionary conference held at Yale and served as president of the honor society Phi Beta Kappa.


Upon graduation from Yale, Borden turned down some high-paying job offers. In his Bible, he wrote two more words: "No retreats."


William Borden went on to do graduate work at Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. When he finished his studies at Princeton, he sailed for China. Because he was hoping to work with Muslims, he stopped first in Egypt to study Arabic. While there, he contracted spinal meningitis. Within a month, 25-year-old William Borden was dead.

When the news of William Whiting Borden's death was cabled back to the U.S., the story was carried by nearly every American newspaper. "A wave of sorrow went round the world . . . Borden not only gave (away) his wealth, but himself, in a way so joyous and natural that it (seemed) a privilege rather than a sacrifice" wrote Mary Taylor in her introduction to his biography.

Was Borden's untimely death a waste? Not in God's perspective. Prior to his death, Borden had written two more words in his Bible. Underneath the words "No reserves" and "No retreats," he had written: "No regrets."

The CROSS is the answer!

Chapter 5 of The Book of Revelation talks about 3 things - The Book, The Lamb and The Song.

Here we know that whatever CHRIST did HE did forever. .. What's written here is complete and finished. 

JESUS is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has the heart of a lamb.

The CROSS is the answer to humanity - human frailness, weakness and sinfulness.

What CHRIST did on the Cross was unimaginable. .Why did HE have to go through all these things - hunger,  tiredness, loneliness, shame, rejection?

FOR ME  - so I will know HE has experienced all this for me !

What GOD has started in my life HE will complete.

HE is not in the manger, HE is not on the Cross, HE is not in the tomb - HE is risen... HE is alive !

We are known by GOD

God used the Midianites to discipline the Jews. They oppressed the Jews and GOD raised Gideon to deliver them.

 The 2 men just went down on the orders of GOD.

A barley biscuit rose into the camp and smote the Midianites. The poor would eat barley and not wheat. And wheat is a stronger grain.

GOD gave that dream to that man. The instruments of GOD are so unusual. The instrument is unimportant but it is the power of GOD that makes things happen.

They were so amazed in Luke 17 that even that the devils flee in JESUS’ name.

When we are moving in the power of GOD around us, and behind us and we can take up a whole troop.

GOD wants us to know that we have HIM behind us and that we are known by GOD!

If this is a difficult season for you, I want you to know that you are known by GOD. HE knows. HE will use unusual things to give you your breakthrough. Healing, employment, peace, victory, a dream, relationship or marriage... any of these situations is possible with the GOD who raises us and makes things happen !

Life Broken Down

If the LORD gives you 70 years to live, you spend...

23 years sleeping
14 years working
8 years watching television
8 years in family time
6 years eating
4 years traveling
4 years talking
1 year reading
8 months = Church + Praying 10 minutes in the morning + 10 minutes in the evening.



 

ONE

GOD has always been after the one...

Luke 15 is all about One - One Sheep, One Coin, One Son.

GOD went after these 'Ones' - HE goes after each lost... someone who is hurting, going through a difficult phase of HIS life. GOD is concerned. HE will take care of you.

HE is a personal GOD. When I understand this I understand my responsibility - routine faithfulness.

HE knows you by name - not as the one who left, not as the one who is backsliding, not as the one who is lost... but by your name !

 

Mary Magdalene

Magdala was known for 2 things - Fishing & Prostitution.

Mary was from Magdala... JESUS delivered her from 7 demons in Luke 8. She became a disciple.
Wherever Christ went she followed. Along with the other ladies she served CHRIST and the other disciples.... when JESUS rose from the dead she searched for Him. She was the first to see JESUS resurrected. HE addressed her as Mary - without her past !

Thats the love and the grace of GOD in our lives... HE is not interested in what happened...

When you realize how much GOD loves you, you cant help but do something about it !

How do the shepherds know their sheep ? The shepherds know the one with a limp, and the one with a bitten ear, and the one with a bruised nose, one with the blind eye. He knew each one by the weaknesses one had. GOD knows each of us by our weaknesses.

HE knows us and looks out for us. HE watches over us. HE watches out for us !

GOD Gives and Adds To It !

Mark 7:31-37 tells us the story of the deaf and mute man whom JESUS healed.
This miracle is unique to the book of Mark. Not appearing anywhere else in the Gospels. Though Matthew records many other miracles that happened in the same region of Decapolis this one only appears in the Book of Mark.

When JESUS was in Decapolis, He spoke to the Gentiles about the Good News. Here is a principle for us to take home - if we have a problem, we bring it to CHRIST.

This miracle was so great and people responded to that saying in verse 37 HE has done all things well !

This is true from Genesis to Revelation. From my birth to going home. From sin to forgiveness...

When I don't understand situations in my life I can say - HE does all things well !

HE doesn't do things half and half or 95% or even 99.99% but when HE does something HE does it beyond what our needs and still adds to it Ephesians 3:20.

The way of the devil hasn't changed since Genesis. Sin has never delivered what it promises and GOD never fails with anything HE has promised. King Solomon said - "Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses." 1 Kings 8:56

HE not only restores but adds to it.

GOD does things well !

When doubts come in --- we cling to GOD's promises.

The Bee Humming Bird measuring just 5 - 6 inches, flies to the Panama in winter and back to North Canada in summer. Who taught the Bee Humming Bird where to go ?  If GOD can order the this tiny bird's way how much more will GOD do for us (Matthew 6:26) !!!

In Mark chapter 16 JESUS sends the 1st message, after the resurrection to Peter. Not only did GOD forgive Peter for denying Him, but He also makes him the head of the church.

2 Kings 20:1-11 tells you the story of King Hezekiah who was going to die.GOD not only healed Hezekiah but adds 15 years to his life.

The life of CHRIST is good... Everything HE said was good and amazing !

What is that for us ?
Physical healing is good. But we want our eyes and mouth opened. We need to hear more from JESUS so that we can talk more about Him. I want to hear YOUR voice, what YOU want to say to me. The more we hear the more we are quickened. Rom 10:17

We want the deeper life - the doing of GOD's work - this gives us the satisfaction like nothing else.

When JESUS is the object of my faith...All things are Possible !

(this message was preached  in its entirety on 29th January 2014 at the Greater Grace Church, Mumbai-India)

Hebrews 11:6 says without faith its impossible to please GOD.

GOD has put a measure of faith in every person's life. In our life we place out faith in many things. But in whom do we place our faith ?
That's why everyone can place our faith in CHRIST. Anyone can do it. We think that the size of my faith will be proportionate to the results.But JESUS said - Faith as small as a mustard seed !

We often think that GOD can do things for those who have more faith. But its really not how much but whom have we placed our faith in.
When I know GOD and understand who HE is then the size of my faith doesn't matter.
You may have faith as tiny as a mustard seed but that's all GOD wants.

GOD doesn't give us faith to change HIS will but to accept HIS will... Faith to understand HIS will...
In Acts  Paul is released in a day after a day
Acts 24 Paul is released after 2.5 yrs.

Its wasn't about Paul's faith but about GOD's will.

Not the faith to push in my strength.

This life of faith is a journey. When we became believers the answers came faster. Now its a place of growth. Its a journey where we grow in faith. Not overnight.

Mt 14 the storm in the sea. The professional fishermen couldn't handle the storm. JESUS walks on the water. And calls Peter. Peter saw the circumstances and began to drown. It seemed like Peter failed but he grew in faith. Comparatively the 11 apostles failed. They didn't even step out. Peter's faith was radical. He could walk on water because his eyes were on CHRIST.

That's the journey of faith.

There are times we will be called to take this step of faith. Failures shouldn't make a difference. What people say when we are responding to faith shouldn't make a difference.

If I take my eyes off CHRIST and HIS Word my faith will not grow.

If I keep walking by faith...I will grow !

The only thing that will hold us back is my past, my failures, and people.

In Numbers Chapter 13 out of the 12 spies sent to the Promised Land 10 gave a negative report. And 2 spies believed GOD and not their sight ! The majority isn't right if its HIS call. Today we remember Caleb and Joshua but not the other 10. Because of their faith.

Nothing will happen overnight... Its a journey.

There is a place where our faith gets tested. We are all curious about a place called 'The future' ...but GOD takes us there with complete dependence on JESUS. Face the unknown future completely dependent on ME and you will have fun.

Just trust HIM !

In life.. Whatsoever I give to GOD HE will give back multiplied. Anything I hold in my hands, anything I don't give to GOD will become an area of worry for me.
In life.. Whatsoever I give to GOD HE will give back multiplied. Anything I hold in my hands, anything I don't give to GOD will become an area of worry for me.
Abraham gave Issac - his most cherish loved treasured son. What did GOD give Abraham in return ? GOD gave him Isaac and descendants that outnumbered the stars of the sky and the sands on the shore.
Are we going to give GOD all our heart, all our mind, all our soul. There are things we don't want to give into the hand of GOD.

1 Cor 1:9 10:13 GOD is faithful and trustworthy.
Are we going to give GOD all our heart, all our mind, all our soul. There are things we don't want to give into the hand of GOD.
1 Cor 1:9 10:13 GOD is faithful and trustworthy.
1 Cor 1:9 10:13 GOD is faithful and trustworthy.
There are areas and times in my life when I'm not sure about what to do. Then I turn my eyes on JESUS. What GOD starts in my life HE finishes. The plan and purposes for our life JESUS will fulfill.
This faith overcomes the world. The faith put in JESUS CHRIST.

HE is not a tough task master HE is a loving SAVIOR.

If you knew CHRIST was praying for u how would that make you feel.... ???

HE is able and HE can !
There are areas and times in my life when I'm not sure about what to do. Then I turn my eyes on JESUS. What GOD starts in my life HE finishes. The plan and purposes for our life JESUS will fulfill.
This faith overcomes the world. The faith put in JESUS CHRIST.
HE is not a tough task master HE is a loving SAVIOR.

HE is able and HE can !
HE is not a tough task master HE is a loving SAVIOR.
If u knew CHRIST was praying for u how would that make you feel.... ???
When object of my faith is JESUS...

Lamentation 3:23 Great is HIS faithfulness

Does GOD have favorites ? ? ?

(this message was preached  in its entirety on 19th January 2014 at the Greater Grace Santacruz Church, Mumbai-India)


Does GOD have favorites ? Are some people special to GOD ?

GOD wants to be close to everyone...
Many people want to be close to GOD, however not everyone is willing to pay the price. There is a price to pay... Obedience !

I Samuel 15:22 says Obedience is better than sacrifice...

Some people seem to have a closeness with GOD, a powerful prayer-life, a GOD centered thought-life, a peaceful countenance, a joyful heart ! We wonder what makes the difference.... They paid the price. They daily made a choice to draw near to GOD 

In Exodus 19:23 The Glory of GOD descended upon Mt Sinai.

However GOD forbids all the people from coming close to the mountain or they would die. They could only watch His presence come down on the mountain but not touch it. They belonged to the outer circle.

Not because GOD was being biased but because GOD knew their heart. HE knew that they didn't really love HIM. They say with their lips they want to follow GOD but their hearts are far from HIM. They have a golden calf in their life - materialism, pride, jobs, friends or things that are obstacles in growing deep with GOD.

The outer crowd sits in church but they are not worshiping GOD ! Just satisfied observing from a distance...

In Chapter 24:9 GOD calls the elders - Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and 70 elders are called to be on the mountain with GOD. 

The elders of Israel saw the Glory of GOD. They reach half way. They eat and drink there. They see the pavement as clear as sapphire.

Yet no commitment, no convinction ! When the time came to take a stand for GOD, they agreed with the majority !!!

Being regularly in church does not mean my relationship with GOD is deep. If I dont let the Word work in my life, then my life hasn't truly change.

When they looked at the Glory of GOD they saw a consuming fire. They didn't choose to draw close to know the loving living GOD.

Exodus 24:13-15 is a picture of the believer who is moving closely with GOD. They love to serve GOD when no one is looking...

As the mountain gets higher people are fewer. Only Moses and Joshua are high up on the mountain.

Why was Joshua there with Moses?

We read that in Exodus 33:11, When Moses left the Tent of Meeting, Joshua did not leave. He lingered there.
Joshua had a hunger... A thirsting after the Living GOD. Like Psalm 42:1-2 

The church is far away from the camp, and those who sought the LORD would choose to walk that distance to the tent of meeting (verse 7). And then there was also another group that worshiped from their doorposts... from a distance...

If you hunger after GOD you will look for places and opportunities to meet with HIM !

Are you comfortable with the distance ? 

OR

Do you want to draw close ?