The Gospel Of Grace

Sin separates us from GOD. However grave the sin and however far the separation, GOD'S grace reaches us where we are. This gap is bridged by the LORD JESUS CHRIST Who came down to earth, suffered and died for the sin of mankind and rose again.
Once we experience GOD'S grace revealed through the LORD JESUS, we are saved from sin. We are saved from the guilt of sin and the power of sin to live a victorious life in JESUS CHRIST.
The LORD abides in us as we love Him and meditate on His word. We abide in Him as we walk in obedience to Him by loving others according to His word. Thus we grow in the grace of GOD and progress toward GOD in the knowledge of Him.

GOD -------> SIN-------->MAN 
GOD ---> ---------- GRACE )
         ---<-----------------MAN )        sin-->judgement
       

 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 

 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:11-14 

 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:9-12 

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 
 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:14,17-18 

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
Hebrews 10:26-27 

  

                        

HOMOSEXUALITY

                                                         Homosexuality


Do these work together?
  Ball & socket, hook & loop, padlock & key, nut & bolt, plug & plug-point, knife & fork, bread & butter, bulb & holder, salt & pepper, cup & saucer, paper & pen, male & female --
Of course they do work together beautifully complementing each other!

Now how about the following sets? Do they work together?
-- male & male, plug & plug, pen & pen, paper & paper, female & female...--
Of course they don't. How absolutely absurd would it be to imagine that they could work together?

And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?  Matthew 19:4-5



It is possible to pretend and live in a make-believe situation of lies and deception.
There is no truth and there can be no fruit in such a situation.

there has to be a male and a female and contribution from a male and a female for children to form. Any intelligent person would understand that two individuals of the same sex cannot bring forth children. Therefore children who are adopted and brought up by such couples are in an environment of deception, falsehood and pretense. Putting a child in such a situation is a great offence and sin that displeases GOD.

 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 18:5-10 


Every male who holds another male and every female who holds another female in a carnal sexual relationship causes offence and sins against that partner, keeping him/her from GOD'S plan of marriage and relationship with one of the opposite sex.

 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4 

 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 




The people and animals that entered Noah's ark were male and female.

 And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark--you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female.  Genesis 6:17-19

So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood.
So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in.  
So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive.  Genesis 7:7,16,23

What is your image?

What is your image?

In the beginning, GOD, the original artistic Creator, fashioned and made all the galaxies and the earth. In the process of creation He made light, the firmament, the seas and the dry land; the plants, trees and all vegetation, the sun, moon and the stars; the birds, living creatures in the seas and waters, creeping things, cattle and beasts.

 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27

After finishing a painting or a work of art, the artist would complete it with his own signature! That is exactly what GOD did when He created mankind - you and me!! 

What is GOD'S image?

 It is impossible for us to comprehend the image of the Triune GOD with our puny minds. Since we are created in GOD'S own image, we can understand GOD'S image as a reflection of our image. In the Holy Scriptures we see references to GOD the Father, GOD the Son and GOD the Holy Spirit. This we refer to as the Holy Trinity. There seems to be a basic family unit of father, mother and child within the image of GOD.

What is our image?

We reflect GOD'S image. Looking back to our origin, He created us male and female in His image, according to His likeness. Therefore we reflect the image of GOD in a complete union as male and female.

What is our place in creation?
GOD has given mankind dominion over all living things.

What is our purpose?
Having been made in GOD'S image, we can have a relationship with Him. GOD wants us to worship Him and Him alone so that we may reflect His glory.

You shall have no other gods before Me. "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, Exodus 20:3-5

What is our inheritance?
After making man in His own image as male and female, GOD blessed them. We are blessed by GOD and walk in His favor when we submit to His purpose and plan in our lives as male and female.

 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:28

What is the command?


GOD commanded Adam and Eve in such a state as man and wife to be fruitful and to multiply. The family unit as father, mother and child once again is a reflection of the image of the Triune GOD.

Are you reflecting the glory of your Creator by worshiping Him alone?

Are you reflecting the glory of GOD as a male and a female in a marriage relationship as husband and wife?

If so, GOD'S favor and blessing will be on you.

He will make your union fruitful and bless you with children who are the fruit of the womb. As a family unit you will reflect GOD'S glory and enjoy His Presence in your lives and His blessings.

Any other lifestyle that deviates from GOD'S plan is a curse.

 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD. Psalm 128:1-4 

                            BE BLESSED!!

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Today we celebrate Easter, remembering the resurrection of our LORD JESUS from the dead. JESUS is the First Fruit and when we see Him we shall be like Him. Easter gives us the hope of new spiritual life on earth in CHRIST JESUS and eternal life in Heaven in a new resurrected celestial body!

 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' " ( Luke 24:6-7 )

 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 6:4-11)  

 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)  

 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  Colossians 3:1-4 

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 
 (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)   

Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:23-25)

Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise? ( Psalm 106:1-2)

    

ENJOY A MEANINGFUL BLESSED EASTER!

Have you received your G Ticket?

Have you received your G Ticket?

Imagine that your friend has paid and purchased an E Ticket for you to fly to Paris to spend time with him!. The ticket is in his name. These days most air tickets are purchased on line. Although you may not hold the paper ticket in your hand, you know for sure that it is there in the system. The officer at the check in counter is able to access your details. Because your friend loves you and is trustworthy, you will most probably  receive this gift with gratitude.

GOD, Who loves you, has fully paid and purchased for you in the name of His Son JESUS CHRIST, a Grace Ticket - G Ticket to Heaven to be with Him forever. The proof of the purchase of this ticket is 'In the system' and you need to make use of it 'By Faith'. You cannot pay for it or work for it. You just have to receive this gift with thanksgiving to GOD.

Receiving the E Ticket is the first step in your journey to Paris. If you are serious about your trip, you need to  take instructions from your travel agent. You have to show up at the right time at the right airport. You have to comply with the rules regarding your baggage. You may be prohibited to carry certain things and there are limits to the weights of the bags you can take. These instructions are given to you in travel documents by your travel agent.

Receiving GOD'S gift of grace is the first step towards the salvation of your soul. If your desire is to reach Heaven you need to be serious about your life on earth. Follow the instructions in the Book. B I B L E means Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. GOD'S Agent the Holy Spirit is with you and in you. He will guide you with His gentle promptings and also help you to understand the Scriptures.

Your friend has done his part. He is waiting for you in Paris.

All of us are destined to GOD'S judgement and eternal doom because of our sinful nature. The work of our common enemy, the devil,the evil one, is to scheme and deceive us to follow him to his eternal destination. All of us will be heading for hell if not for GOD'S loving and gracious intervention. The G Ticket in the name of JESUS gives us a way to escape hell and enter Heaven.

GOD has done His part. It is up to you to not only receive His gift but also to follow His instructions to take your journey to Heaven right here and now, while on earth!

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9  
 
 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 

 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 

 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 3:16

Where Are You Going?

Where Are You Going?

Are you lost? Stop, connect the GPS

The Gentle Promptings of the Spirit:

Do you know where you have come from?

Where are you going?

Do you have silver and gold

to see you through the fire?

If you’re made of stubble and wood:

In the fire you will linger.

Have you glanced back to thank The One

Whose grace has preserved you?

This is ‘Beer Lahai Roi’ :

You'll 'See The One Who sees you'.

Deviating from the path of life

Has caused you pain and strife:

Return to the path, it’s free:

JESUS paid the price you see!

JESUS has been walking with you

Though you made the choices:

Will you now let Him lead you?

Forsaking other voices?

“Come, Do not fear” He says,

“ I'll take you by your right hand:

You'll be kept from evil ways

Right up to Beulah land!

 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' 

Isaiah 41:13 (NKJV) 

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NKJV) 

Boggle

We enjoy word games as a family. One of the favourite games is 'Boggle.' We desired to get a new 'Boggle' and since we couldn't get it, our son purchased a 'Big Boggle'!

A few weeks ago, our son was suddenly taken very ill. His blood pressure shot up so high that the  reading couldn't even be taken! He developed weakness of the left side of his face and body. He was rushed to the emergency admission of the hospital. We were told that the next 36 to 48 hours would be crucial. He was kept in the 'High Dependency Area' for five days and then in the ward for ten days. His whole body was scanned and functions of the organs tested. Our son was an unusual 'Medical Case' in many ways besides displaying such levels of blood pressure at just 30 years of age. He was a good specimen for trainees and students from different medical departments.

As a family we made daily visits to the hospital. I spent hours seated by our son's bed, anxiously watching him. As I tried to work out in my mind the meaning of all the happenings, my mind was in a 'Big Boggle'!! I felt guilt and conviction as I wondered whether I had been negligent in caring for him. I felt fear as the various medical teams discussed 'This Case' and gave probable causes for this incident and consequent permanent damage to his organs. My heart ached when grim diagnoses were announced to us and further painful procedures were suggested at the bedside in 'Matter of Fact' tones by senior consultants and juniors.

Although there were instances of relief when a good report came through, I felt oppression on my mind while in the hospital. I longed to spend time alone with my LORD and have Him speak to me so that my mind would be cleared. The LORD spoke simple and clear words directly and through His children.These were rays of sunshine bringing hope in the dark valley. My shoulders were literally weighed down by a burden which I knew could only be lifted at Calvary, where I resorted frequently to pour my heart to the LORD JESUS. A gentle word spoken sensitively by anyone was like a soothing balm to a broken heart. Peace was imparted into my heart when dear ones prayed with us compassionately, short meaningful prayers in faith. Through all of these, even though the cables of my soul were strained, the anchor that held my spirit deep within, was the hope that rested on the certainty of the love of GOD which I couldn't question or doubt for a single moment. This love was revealed in tangible ways through the kindness of people - believers and also non-believers. More importantly the strength of our faith was the answer of the prayers of many intercessors around the world who stood in the gap on our behalf. Some of them did not even pray with us, but stood praying for us. They prayed individually, as groups and as churches. Behind the scenes they were effectively clearing for us the enemy's garbage of condemnation and doubt of GOD'S love that could disconnect us from GOD. These sincere prayers enabled each one of us in the family to keep our faith individually. 
And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."  Luke 22:31-32 

It is nearly a month since the onset of this ordeal and the storm is settling. Our son is making a remarkable and spectacular (as his physiotherapist exclaimed yesterday) recovery! Looking back, I realise it was a 'Big Boggle' in real life!! When Boggle is shaken there is noise and confusion. The letter dice are scattered in the box not making words or sense. Fear and anxiety seem overwhelming. Then comes the settling. Quickly we look for meaningful words. We realise this new setting is better than the former. The temporary shaking was good! There are new and better words. We discover new and deeper meaning to old words - Faith, Fear, Love, Rest, Peace - as we quietly listen to the gentle soft voice of the Precious Holy Spirit!

 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.  1 Peter 5:10-11  

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:3-9 

 Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.  1 Kings 19:11-12