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Hell is Real
February 6, 2012
Hell may be a politically incorrect topic these days, but many people enter hell everyday. Many sincere folks cannot comprehend the idea of a Loving God sending anyone to an eternal place of fire and doom. However, if a person believes in God at all, then the fact that God allows world suffering to exist must be taken into consideration. Why does God allow war? Why does God allow the innocent to suffer as evildoers? The fact is friend, God does allow it. The reason is because of Man’s wicked sin. Sin kills, steals and destroys!
Sadly, out of the estimated 150,000 people that die everyday, most end up in hell. Jesus taught, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13,14). There are an estimated 4 billion people in the world. Do the math! If a person lives to be an average of 70, how many people will die on average in a day? The answer is 156,555 people per day. The Bible clearly teaches that FEW people make it to heaven; MANY go into eternal destruction. Sadly, I fear that 99% of these 150,000 people end up in hell!
Hell is a real place friend, despite the fact that people laugh and say that they want to go there. Billionaire, Ted Turner, mockingly said he looked forward to going to hell because he knew he deserved it. Bill Gates said he doesn’t know whether there’s a God or not. Warren Buffet in an atheist. So many people “think” they have heaven upon this earth, but hell awaits them. They simply don’t understand how terrible hell is. Just because you’ve never seen hell doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. We have a searing, accurate description of what hell is like in God’s word (We’ll get to some scriptures in a minute). Hell is awful and you truly don’t want to go there. Before I was saved, I had idolized rock-stars like Ozzy Osbourne. I didn’t think much of it back then in my teenage years, but now as I get older; I am seeing these rock-stars of my youth growing older.
These old codgers are all dying their hair, wearing wigs, makeup and the works. My heart goes out to them because I grew up with their music. Even though I now realize the damnation behind their Satanic works, I hurt for their souls because I know judgment day is fast approaching for them. I hurt when I hear of someone like Ozzy dying in his sins. I was saddened at the death of Frank Sinatra; He lived his life in sin and shame. He mocked the great evangelist Billy Sunday in his hit, “Chicago”–”The town Billy Sunday couldn’t shut down!” I am totally convinced that Sinatra went to hell–that is my opinion. Hell will be filled with the Ozzy’s, Madonna’s and Michael Jackson’s of the world. I would not want to have to stand before God for leading millions of youngsters into sin and unbelief. How sad! How tragic!
Satan, the god of this world, WILL NOT always cause havoc. His doom is already foretold, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). Did you know that if you do not belong to Jesus Christ you belong to Satan? You don’t have to be a card carrying Satanist to serve Satan. You don’t have to be a murderer, drunkard or drug addict either. All you have to do is ignore Jesus Christ. If you don’t have Jesus today, you are deceived and hell bound–you are a child of hell, a child of the devil. Though this may sound harsh, it is true friend. God loves you and wants to save you; He asks nothing in return. “…him that cometh to me in will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).
How many times have I heard someone say, “A loving God wouldn’t put His creation in hell.” I have news for you, friend; God doesn’t put anyone in hell–their sin of unbelief puts them there! Hell was created for the devil and his angels–
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS. (Matthew 25:41)
Men and women go to hell because they choose the devil’s way and reject the Lord Jesus. God is holy and cannot allow any sin into His kingdom. As a result, when people die in their sins they are forever banished from the presence of God to a place called hell. Incidentally, Satan won’t be ruling in the lake of fire. He’ll be screamin’ and hollerin’ just like everybody else–
the devil…shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
God does not want you in hell! Jesus came to save you from that horrible place! Don’t lie and say God puts people in hell! Get right with Jesus and you won’t go there! Look at these scriptures:
“As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die.” (Ezekiel 33:11)
“The Lord is…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9)
The Bible says that God loved the world so much, that the Creator of this universe (Jesus Christ); came to “taste death” for every man. Jesus wasn’t just some baby for a manger scene. He is God come in the flesh to destroy the power of death and hell. Jesus is the key to heaven! If you say “yes” to Jesus, hell won’t be your final destination; If you say “no” to Jesus, hell will be your eternal home. It’s Jesus or hell, turn or burn.
Regardless of whether you believe it or not, hell exists! The Bible says that hell is never full. I’ve heard many folks say that hell is just the grave (Sheol). Well, let’s take a look at what the Bible says. Here are a few scriptures that teach about hell and the lake of fire. At the final judgment; hell, death and those not written in the book of life will be cast into the lake fire.
Matthew 25:41 (Jesus speaking to unbelievers at the great while throne of judgment), “…Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Revelation 14:11, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night.”
Revelation 20:12, 15, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life…And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Matthew 10:28, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Luke 12:5, “But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which AFTER he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”
Matthew 18:8& 9, “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.”
Matthew 25:46, “And these shall go away into EVERLASTING punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
II Thessalonians 1:9,
Who shall be punished with EVERLASTING destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
Isaiah 66:24, “And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be abhorring unto all flesh.”
Mark 9:44 (speaking of hell), “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” (Some believe this worm refers to the conscience. Unbelievers will have an eternity to regret their foolish decisions; whereas, Believers will someday have every tear wiped away by God Himself–Revelation 21:4).
Jude 7, “Sodom and Gomorrha…are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
Matthew 22:13,” …Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 13:41-42, “The Son of man (Jesus) shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Revelation 21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Psalm 9:17, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
Isaiah 14:11-15 (Satan’s final doom), “Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee…all they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee…thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Daniel 12:2, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and EVERLASTING contempt.”
The following is a true story as told by the Lord Jesus in Luke 16:19-31. This is the factual account of the rich man and Lazarus. We know this is an factual account because Jesus did not say it was a parable. Jesus always announced when He was going to speak a parable. Furthermore, Jesus never mentioned “specific” names of people when He told a parable. He would refer to a “certain man” or “a far country.” In this account of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus mentions literal names: Abraham and Lazarus. He does refer to the rich man as “a certain rich man” , I believe to be ethical. Surely, the rich man had been known by many people; Jesus does not criticize him by name. However, Abraham and Lazarus are real people. This account is real. Jesus said in John 14:2, “…if it were not so, I would have told you…” Jesus was a Man of His Word; He said what He meant, and meant what He said. Here is what He said…
19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
28. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Friend, either you will repent from your unbelief by turning in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ; or you will BURN in hell-fire for all eternity for your sins. No, this is not a popular teaching; Yes, it is Biblical. If you reject the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be tormented in the flames forever without a single, solitary hope. God does not want this to happen. You say, “But I don’t believe in hell.” Unbelievers are condemned already, “He that believeth not is condemned already…” (John 3:36). No need to argue about this. God said Hell is real, your argument is with Him and you won’t win. You have been warned friend. Won’t you trust Jesus now! You need not give up anything to be saved except your foolish unbelief. Confess your sinful condition to Jesus Christ (God Almighty).
Trust on Jesus as your personal Savior. Ask Christ to forgive you of your sins and write your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life in Heaven (Acts 10:43). It matters not what you say friend, just as long as you know you’re a sinner in need of a Savior. You need not open your mouth. From your heart, go to God and ask Him to save you. Believe that Jesus died by the shedding of His blood, was buried and rose again after 3 days. This is called the “Gospel” (good news). You have heard the bad news and the good news. The bad news is that you’re on your way to Hell; the good news is that Jesus paid for your sins and you need only trust Him as your Savior to be forgiven. The decision is yours!
Eternal life is a free gift (Romans 5:5; 6:23), paid for by Jesus’ literal precious blood (1st Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 1:5). No amount of self-righteousness can help you get to Heaven (Romans 3:20; 10:3-4). In fact, even the slightest bit will keep you out of Heaven forever (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:19; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9). The Gospel is simple: We are SINNERS and Jesus is the SAVIOR! Salvation is not something you do to get; it’s something you receive to have. John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” Amen and amen!
Lyrics to Life Itself : by.Aaron Shust
November 29, 2011Lyrics to Life Itself :
by.Aaron Shust
My heart cries out to You
Where I’m surrounded by my night
Here all my weaknesses will wait upon Your mercy
The hope of dawn from black to white
From black to white
I love You more than life itself
Lord, You are so good to me
I need You more with every breath
So won’t You breathe some life in me
Won’t You breathe some life in me
Awakening the dawn, with all my heart
I sing to You
You are the reaSon that I live
Under me, over, all around I know You’re with me
Never condemning: You forgive
No matter where I go
No matter where I stand
Your Spirit always speaks to me
And tells me whose I am
With every breath I take
And every choice I make
My heart will always sing to You
Who is Christ?
Who is Christ? Christ “messiah” (mashiach) or the Anointed One. Is God became man (John 1:1–8) 1In 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 men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. He became flesh meaning Jesus Christ became a man like us to die on the cross to purchase us in heaven so that’s why I can say that Jesus in my Savior not my Religion.
Jesus Christ came down to earth to save us of our sins and not to promote a religion, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; NO MAN cometh unto the Father, BUT BY ME.” — Jesus Christ (John 14:6) Christ Jesus is the only way to heaven.
W.W.J.D (stories for teenagers)
March 12, 2010ARE YOU MAKING THE RIGHT
DECISIONS IN LIFE?…
Let these encouraging stories of other
teenagers inspire you!…
You face a lot of tough decisions every day.
decisions about family, friends
temptations, honesty, school, your
future, and a whole lot more.
So, waht’s the best way to make the
right decisions? Find the answer in this
collection of true-to-life stories where
other teenagers have been challeged
by asking “What Would Jesus Do?”
It’s tough when your bestfriend has
become more popular and you feel left
behind or when you fall at the start of
the most important race of your life.
That’s the kind of stories you will read
about as you discover hoe other
teenagers have done the right thing,
even when it was hard to do, because
they figured out what Jesus would do.
By reading these true-to-life stories,
you’ll learn from other teenagers just
like nyourself. You’ll discover that you’re
not alone and, while many of them have
experienced some of the same tough
decisions you may face today, they have
decisions you may face today, they have
turned their loves around for the better
by asking, “What Would Jesus do?”….
Jesus Save My Soul (christian testimony)
February 1, 2010
Something was wrong with my life. I was fourteen. I had enjoyed a wonderful upbringing in a loving family, attended church, worked a part-time job, made decent grades in school, planned to attend college, played lead drum master in a successful rock band, and was very unhappy. Despite the shiny future ahead of me, I felt a deep sense of hopelessness within me. I wasn’t sure what meaning or purpose my life had. I couldn’t bear living with such sadness every day. What was I to do? I began to pray.
A local Christian minister had made an impression on me once when I visited his church. There was something very different about this man that caught my attention. I could tell that he loved people. He went around the community helping the sick, poor, troubled or anyone with a need. He loved people with what seemed like a superhuman love. I wanted to get to the source of this love.
He took the time to sit down with me and answer all my questions about God from the scriptures. He explained that Jesus Christ was a real person sent from God to take the punishment for my sins and that He was actually alive today. I received Him into my life and discovered that He would literally enter me and live in me, my body being a temple for his Spirit. I had just begun a relationship with the Creator of the universe.
The fact that I had believed the words of Jesus and put them into practice made all the difference imaginable. My life took on purpose and depth as I experienced the Savior through faith. Many years of discovery followed. I witnessed powerful miracles as well as painful trials as a Christian. I remain convinced that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and is still alive today.
Dont waste your time coz Jesus my soul!… (=
Lukewarm Christianity
ukewarm Christianity is defined in this way:
- Ye are neither heathens nor Christians — neither good nor evil — neither led away by false doctrine, nor thoroughly addicted to that which is true. In a word, ye are listless and indifferent, and seemed to care little whether heathenism or Christianity prevailed. Though they (the lukewarm Christian) felt little zeal either for the salvation of their own souls or that of others, yet they had such a general conviction of the truth and importance of Christianity that they could not readily give it up.1
I like this definition because it speaks to the heart of the problem; where zeal for the things of truth lack, apathy tends to prevail. I’ve battled spirits of apathy in my life for as long as I can remember. Whether I refuse to take seriously my role and responsibility as a husband to my wife, or a father to my children, or refuse to take ownership for my relationship with Christ, or refuse to love His beloved the way He’s demanded I do. I’ve also been apathetic about my lifestyle liberties, where dabbling in this or experimenting with that was ok, because grace ushers me back into good report on the other side of my apology. But at some point in my life, I chose to exchange apathy for zeal, or lukewarm Christianity for a truth driven lifestyle, or… Pink Christianity for Red Christianity, and an Abandoned Lifestyle!
Lukewarm Christianity - Pink Christianity
We sum up the terms “Lukewarm Christianity” or “Cafeteria Christianity” or “Christian Apathy” by using the term “Pink Christianity.” Pink, because though Christ bled red blood on the cross, we’ve diluted and numbed down the truth of that sacrifice to the color of Pepto-Bismol. We’ve done this by our bad societal compromises, by believing false identities about ourselves as well as others, and by excusing injustice in our lives, churches, and neighborhoods on the basis of “tolerance.” Beloved, Christ did not die that we could live a heathen lifestyle rooted and grounded in nothing to spend eternity with the Almighty Lord. Rather, He died for love, that we might find freedom from the bondage of death as it is expressed in every form of addiction to the temporal and fleshy things of this life, as well as it is expressed in mortality.
Shedding the pink in your life starts with daily choosing to live atop the foundation of truth. Truth is only found and specified in the Holy Bible. In this text, I’d like to give you two (among hundreds of) simple truths that will go a long way for you, as you pioneer a life that refuses to live under the heavy yolk of Pink Christianity (lukewarm Christianity).
Lukewarm Christianity - Simple Truths
First is the truth that your relationship with Christ is your responsibility; it is your journey. Our Lord appointed the Holy Spirit as a helper in this journey, and He also gave some as Apostles, some as Prophets, some as Teachers, some as Pastors and some as Evangelists, for the building of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11). You have helpers all around you, but you gravely misunderstand this faith if you believe it is a helper’s job to spoon-feed you the depth of revelation and intimacy needed to shed the Pink in your life, and adopt the truth found in the color red.
Second is that living according to a truth-driven lifestyle is a fundamental necessity for anyone hoping to shed the pink in his/her life. When we say “fundamental,” we mean to say that nobody can sustain a zealous life comprised of intimacy with the Father, authority before man, and relevance in this age devoid of a daily choice to not be swayed off of the rock of truth. We must teach ourselves to believe that lifestyles outlined to us by the Apostles of the New Testament of the Holy Bible are not polite suggestions. They are requirements of the faith.
Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual Warfare: What is it?
Spiritual warfare exists in the unseen, supernatural dimension, where God is all-powerful and Satan is in revolt. As any Christian soon discovers, although spiritual warfare is unseen, it’s absolutely real. The Bible speaks of spiritual warfare in many places, but most directly in Ephesians 6:12, where Paul speaks of putting on the full armor of God:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Spiritual Warfare: How Do We Go Into Battle as Christians?
Spiritual warfare is an image that many of us would rather reject. However, since the Bible uses terms of warfare, it’s best that we accept God’s imagery, so that we’re properly prepared for real battle. As Christians, we’re going through more than a mere “struggle” on earth – and its seems that war imagery captures this reality better than anything else. Since it’s warfare, God instructs Christians to use a very specific set of armor and weapons in Ephesians 6:14-18:
“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”
God’s list of weaponry is rather unique – these are “weapons of peace.”
Throughout the Bible, you will find examples of God’s weaponry in action. For instance, King Jehoshaphat sent out praise singers in front of his soldiers to cause disarray among the enemy; Joshua used singing and trumpets to bring down the great city of Jericho; and what better example of using faith in battle than David fighting Goliath with a slingshot. Of course, the lesson in all these examples (as in all spiritual warfare today) is that it’s only God who allows us to claim victory over evil!
Spiritual Warfare: Be Strong in the Lord
Spiritual warfare is a reality of the Christian life. But remember, we know the ending – our side wins. Since the Devil has already lost, he has nothing to lose in trying to take as many people with him in defeat. Therefore:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
True Meaning of CHRISTmas
December 23, 2009
he historic record of the birth of Christ can be found in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20. Unlike any other baby, the one born that night in Bethlehem was unique in all of history. He was not created by a human father and mother. He had a heavenly pre-existence (John 1:1-3, 14). He is God, the Son—Creator of the universe (Philippians 2:5-11). This is why Christmas is called the incarnation, a word which means “in the flesh.” In the birth of Jesus, the eternal, all-powerful and all-knowing Creator came to earth in the flesh.
Why would God do such a thing? Why would he come as a baby, instead of appearing in power and majesty? Why make himself a true man and live among us, when he knew full well how terribly he would be treated?
It was LOVE! It was necessary, if you are to be saved!
Watch this exciting NEW on-line video which clearly explains how Jesus Christ was born and why—starting at the very beginning, at the dawn of Creation…
Emmanuel: A Christmas Reflection
The boy’s name Emmanuel \e-mma- nuel\
It is time to leave for the Christ Mass. The painted plaster figures of Jesus and Mary and Joseph stand serenely in the soft glow of tiny multicolored lights. Nearby shepherds and sheep stare in timeless, frozen adoration. On the windowsill wise men of three races wend their way, moved forward inch by inch by little hands each day. For a quiet moment, between the bustle of buying and the apprehension of giving and receiving, hope happens, prayer is answered, peace seems possible.
Of course, a couple thousand years ago it could not have been more different. The village square was packed and alive with vendors hawking their wares, animals bleating in their pens, villagers bustling about their business, visitors seeking their way, con artists flim flaming the unwary, tax collectors levying duties, dogs gleaning scraps, Pharisees and Sadducees preening, parsing, praising and shaming and, around the perimeter, Caesar’s soldiers and Herod’s spies securing the interests of the state.
Unnoticed, into this cacophony, this offal assault of cooking, animal and human body odors, this blur of non-sanitized activity, a carpenter with calloused hand led his near-term, pregnant teenage wife. Anxiously they sought a place to stay while they registered for a census. Every place was full but a pious innkeeper, noting the woman’s condition and being observant of the law and not wanting to commit Sodom’s sin of inhospitality, suggested they might stay in his inn’s barn, an offer they accepted with relief and thanks.
Then, as the ancients so delicately put it, “her time was accomplished and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger.” Maybe because men told the tale or because time mellows memory, we are left to fill in the details: the pain, the screams, the blood and messiness of childbirth in the midst of the smells and roughness of a barn. Did Joseph gently and firmly hold Mary’s hand in his rough own as is expected of modern metrosexual men? Or like most men in most ages did he wait outside, his masculine superiority thoroughly threatened by Eve’s strength, waiting until things had quieted down and were cleaned up before cautiously poking his head through the door to see how mother and child fared? Old icons hint at the latter. They show Joseph sitting off in a corner, holding his head in his hands, wondering how he got involved in this scenario.
Who helped? Who was the midwife? Did the inn owner’s wife come bearing hot water and clean cloths? Perhaps it was a cousin or two in this Bethlehem of Mary’s ancestors. Instead of gritty details, Matthew and Luke write a retrospect of mythic embellishments, worshipful shepherds, caroling angels, and adoring Zoroastrian priests whose gifts make our lotteries look meager by comparison.
Every Christmas tugs us between human reality and lovely mellow myth and mystery, between the conflict that surrounds us and the peace for which we yearn. Modern tanks and soldiers in Manger Square confront the chanting of ancient prayers in Bethlehem’s Church of the Holy Nativity repeating a never-ending loop of oppression and hope. We seem caught between the contradiction that befuddles and the consistency that binds.
But could it be this is the point? God enters our life dead center neither ignoring the nasty and frivolous nor denying the glory and the power, but being with us in the wholeness of our humanness. Once again, do we not dream with Joseph, “‘They shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.’”?
THE FREE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE
November 16, 2009
ALL THIS I DID FOR THEE.
I CAME … because of “your” sin
I DIED … to pay for “your” sin
I AROSE … to keep “you” saved eternally
I CAME … because of “your” sin.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: ” Romans 3:10
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;” I Timothy 1:15a
I DIED … to pay for “your” sin.
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, heing now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:8 & 9
“In whom we have redemption through his blood? even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:14
I AROSE … to keep “you” saved eternally.
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27 & 28
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” I John 5:11
YOU MUST REPENT … admitting you are guilty, that you cannot do “anything” to save or help save yourself, and that you need Jesus Christ.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
“Let the wicked forsake his way. and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God. for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 55:7 & 8
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done. but according to his mercy he saved us,” Titus 3:5a
“But to him that worketh not, but believcth on hhn that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5
YOU MUST TRUST … putting your “complete” faith in Jesus Christ to save you.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. And being fully persuaded that. what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:20 & 21
“To declare, I say at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:08.
WHAT IS YOUR DECISION?
I CHOOSE TO TRUST JESUS AS MY SAVIOUR.
“He that believeth on him is not condemned:” John 3: 18a
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13
I CHOOSE TO REJECT JESUS AND KEEP MY WAY.
“… but he that believeth not is condemned already. because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3 :18b
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
Signs of End Times
October 14, 2009SIX SIGNS GIVEN BY JESUS TO INDICATE HIS COMING AND THE END OF THE AGE
Signs of the End Times
#666 Why its the end of the world as we know it.
SIX SIGNS GIVEN BY JESUS TO INDICATE HIS COMING AND THE END OF THE AGE
In Matthew24:3 Jesus was asked, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?” Jesus told his apostles to look for the following signs prior to his second coming and the end of the age.
1. FALSE PROPHETS AND CHRISTS
Matthew 24:5 “For many will come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and will mislead many.”
Matthew 24:11 “And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many.”
In the last several years many have claimed to be the Messiah. Jim Jones and David Koresh are examples of these false christs as well as countless others who are not as newsworthy. These false prophets are a prelude to the ultimate false christ, the antichrist. Many New Age groups, some even NGO’s working for the United Nations, are anxiously awaiting the antichrist, preparing the way for his acceptance as the head of the hierarchy of gods and the one who will usher in world peace.
2. WARS
Matthew 24:6 “And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.”
Rumors of wars in all areas of the world now occur frequently thanks to instant media coverage and the availability of a multitude of 24-hour news sources.
Matthew 24:7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.”
More people have been killed in warfare in this century than at any other time in history. As the death toll rises in the Middle East, more and more countries work feverishly to develop devastating weapons of mass destruction. Add to that the expanding threat of terrorism and unpredictable dictators such as Saddam Hussein, and the potential for the outbreak of war exists in nations, kingdoms and places across the globe.
3. FAMINES
Matthew 24:7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.”
As white, Christian farmers are driven out of Zimbabwe in increasing numbers, and foreigners move in to replace life-sustaining crops with poppies that now supply 25% of the worlds drugs, famine spreads across the African continent. The undernourished are not limited to Africa, however. A large portion of the worlds 5 billion people suffers from a shortage of food.
4. EARTHQUAKES
Matthew 24:7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.”
The number and intensity of earthquakes this century is at a level higher than any other time in history. A staggering number of seismic events occur around the world daily. The earthquake seismic monitor IRIS shows all major earthquakes for the last year. Indicated by yellow and red circles, the seismic events of the last 15 days provides strong evidence of the fulfillment of Matthew 24:7 in our day. By contrast, in the years from 1890 to 1900 there was only one major earthquake in the world.
5. TRIBULATIONS
Matthew 24:8-9 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of my name.”
Christians are under attack throughout the world today. In the United States Christians still enjoy freedom to worship God without suffering much more than ridicule, hatred, or discrimination at work and school. However in many other countries such as China, Sudan, Africa, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Russia, and many Muslim nations, Christian suffer much greater persecution and often times death for their faith. During the tribulation this suffering will be worldwide and will continue even to the point of martyrdom. These first 5 signs will increase in intensity and severity as the tribulation approaches, much like the birth pangs or contractions of a pregnant woman worsen as the delivery time approaches.
6. THE GOSPEL WILL BE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.”
This prophecy has already been fulfilled through television, radio, missionaries, the translation of the Bible into many languages, and the internet. People all over the world now hear the message of Christ from missionaries who have the means to travel the globe, and via technology that allows us to communicate with people on the other side of the world right from our own homes, churches and offices.
Occult signs and symbols
Satanism:
How can I overcome temptation?
July 19, 2009Question: “How can I overcome temptation?”
Answer: The Scriptures tell us that we all face temptations. First Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.” Perhaps this provides a little encouragement as we often feel that the world is caving in on us alone, and that others are immune to temptations. We are told that Christ was also tempted: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
Where, then, do these temptations come from? First of all, they do not come from God, although He does allow them. James 1:13 says, “For God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” In the first chapter of Job, we see that God allowed Satan to tempt Job, but with restrictions. Satan is roaming around on the earth like a lion, seeking people to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Verse 9 tells us to resist him, knowing that other Christians are also experiencing his attacks. By these passages we can know that temptations come from Satan. We see in James 1:14 that temptation originates in us as well. We are tempted when we are “carried away and enticed by our own lust” (verse 14). We allow ourselves to think certain thoughts, allow ourselves to go places we should not go, and make decisions based on our lusts that lead us into the temptation.
How then do we resist the temptations? First of all, we must return to the example of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness by Satan in Matthew 4:1-11. Each of Satan’s temptations was met with the same answer: “It is written,” followed by Scripture. If the Son of God used the Word of God to effectively end the temptations—which we know works because after three failed efforts, “the Devil left him” (v. 11)—how much more do we need to use it to resist our own temptations? All our efforts to resist will be weak and ineffective unless they are powered by the Holy Spirit through the constant reading, studying, and meditating on the Word. In this way, we will be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). There is no other weapon against temptation except the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” If our minds are filled with the latest TV shows, music and all the rest the culture has to offer, we will be bombarded with messages and images that inevitably lead to sinful lusts. But if our minds are filled with the majesty and holiness of God, the love and compassion of Christ, and the brilliance of both reflected in His perfect Word, we will find that our interest in the lusts of the world diminish and disappear. But without the Word’s influence on our minds, we are open to anything Satan wants to throw at us.
Here, then, is the only means to guard our hearts and minds in order to keep the sources of temptation away from us. Remember the words of Christ to His disciples in the garden on the night of His betrayal: “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Most Christians would not openly want to jump into sin, yet we cannot resist falling into it because our flesh is not strong enough to resist. We place ourselves in situations or fill our minds with lustful passions, and that leads us into sin.
We need to renew our thinking as we are told in Romans 12:1-2. We need to no longer think as the world thinks, or walk in the same way that the world walks. Proverbs 4:14-15 tells us, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by; Turn away from it and pass on.” We need to avoid the path of the world that leads us into temptation because our flesh is weak. We are easily carried away by our own lusts.
Matthew 5:29 has some excellent advice. “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw if from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” That sounds pretty severe! Sin is severe! Jesus is not saying that we literally need to remove body parts. Cutting out the eye is a drastic measure, and Jesus is teaching us that if necessary, a drastic measure should be taken to avoid sin.
Steps to accept Christ as a Savior to your life….
July 16, 2009- Knock and it shall be opened. Yet, because we are all born sinful, we are unable for our own whimsical or deep reason–or in our own strength and morality–to please a perfect God; so we accept Jesus when the Holy Spirit calls you–not merely our thinking and reasoning it out, but realizing that it is based on God’s provision and His gift. In fact, Christianity is not just a volunteer religion. (Jesus called his disciples, they generally didn’t come to him already determined to follow him.) In the same way we cannot merely “accept” Jesus, but we can receive what he gives us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does call us–all to repentance and to follow God–through the preaching of God’s Word and accepting the Good News (Gospel). Those who do not believe have rejected God’s free gift, those who do believe only have faith because it is the free gift of God (grace).
- Taste and see that the gifts of the Lord are Good. Believe that God loves you; He has shown this by giving His Son as a face your punishment and die in your place as your sacrifice for all you’ve done wrong and for all your sins.
- Admitting that you have sinned is a prerequisite to accepting Christ, and the hardest step to take. Once you understand that we are and you are a sinner and that all have sinned, turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness by repenting of your sins.
- Repentance is the decision to turn away from sin and to turn to God and obey him. Once you have done this, every other step will fall into place. If you still have a hard time with this concept, trust Jesus as Lord over you as well as Savior.
- Know that the Bible is God’s Word to mankind, written by people God chose to write it. The people who wrote the Bible were inspired by God to write it.
- Know the Bible teaches that all people have sin in their lives. Sin is anything that displeases God.
Romans 3:23 (NIV)
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
That means ‘everyone’. Sin separates us from God, who is perfect. The payment we pay for sin is death-permanent separation from God.
Romans 6:23 (NIV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Know that a free gift of God is His son Jesus as your representative and as your ransom.
John 3:16 (NIV)
“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.”
Belief is trust and faith that God is who He says He is. He provided the payment for our sin by His own son’s death.
- Understand the difference between heaven and hell, and how Jesus can help you avoid the latter. All sins, past, present and future were forgiven by Christ at the cross.
Hebrews 10:10 (NIV)
“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
- Know when Jesus was nailed to the cross He bled.
Hebrews 9:22 (NIV)
“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Jesus died to pay for the sins of man.
- Talk to God in your own words. Say this prayer to God, and really mean it, “God, I know I’m a sinner. I know I’m not perfect. But I want You to come into me life. Be my God for the rest of my life. I turn from my sin now. Help me to stay with you all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen”
- Congregate regularly with other Christians who can help you grow in your new life.
- Follow Christ’s teachings.
[edit] Tips
- If you have accepted Christ as your savior,
Romans 10:13 (NIV)
“for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
You are now a child of God. Just believe what the bible says, and accept what it says practically, as if what it says is exactly what it means.
- Now that you have chosen to accept Christ and receive his forgiveness for your sin, don’t take advantage of his forgiveness and commit wrong like watching bad movies, reading porn magazines, etc. Don’t beat yourself up if you do sin, remember that we will only be perfect once we get to heaven! Doing bad things and saying that God will forgive you is not what it means to accept Christ.
- Christianity may be metaphorically compared to a race. A race to reach the finish line (Heaven) is our ultimate goal, but how we run the race is more important than when we finish the race. We pause to help others along the way (benevolence, and bringing others to Christ), and sometimes stumble on obstacles in the way (our sin, others’ sin). Christianity isn’t an easy path. It may be easy to ‘run the first lap’, but the race becomes more difficult as we mature in our faith. Never forget to ask Jesus’ help, because we are not alone in the ‘race’.
- You can approach God anytime. talk to him as you would with a regular friend. We have direct access to him!
- Plug into a church or a youth group. They will help you know more about God and be closer to him. Don’t be too proud by thinking that you can walk with God alone. Christian friends build you up and encourage you, so plug into a church as soon as possible.
- Church does not mean a building. It means, and has from the beginning, a group of people who have accepted Jesus as the One True God meeting in the same place to celebrate what they have and learn from each other how God is working in their lives. This can happen anywhere, at set times, or even spontaneously.
- If your parents don’t approve of the church thing, seek the help of the pastor or youth leader of the church you want to go to, or any other church. Technically, you aren’t a member of the church yet; you’re just seeking the help of a pastor or youth leader.
- Remember that God is the Saviour of all mankind, not just white men, or men that have been taught in the ways of a religion. Anyone who accepts Christ as their Savior and leads a good life, as God would have had him live it, will be accepted into heaven joyfully. For ours is a forgiving God, who gave his son for us, to forgive all original sin, and therefore, these children are no less accessible to heaven then the Pope.
[edit] A Simple Key
- Learn about Jesus and believe that He died, rose from the dead as your Savior and then pray and repent to the one, true God saying: “I am sorry for my sin, all my wrong doing; I want to change, and I truly thank you for everything and that I am now forgiven and saved from the penalty for my sins as a free gift, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” Now tell others that “There is one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who is Lord and Savior for everyone who believes, repents and follows him:” which should include going to Christian meetings, being baptized as a sign of accepting your new life, praying to God, showing God’s love by kindness, forgiving others, making peace, fellowshipping with believers, and when you sin asking for (and accepting) forgiveness, expecting consequences for some wrongs, and going on, all in Christ Jesus’ name — with God as the one, true Judge of all things good or bad.
[edit] Warnings
- Do not expect that this is an easy life. Some example may be found in books like Jesus Freaks, The Hiding Place, Boom, Heavenly Man, or Christian magazines such as OpenDoors International or Voice of the Martyrs to find out what true faith looks like worldwide. People may make fun of you for doing this. But that doesn’t mean that you’ll be miserable for the rest of your life. You can have eternal joy for the rest of your life if you’ve accepted God.
- Don’t ever suppose that God doesn’t care about what you do from now on. Always be aware that he doesn’t want you to go back and do the sin that you were used to. He has made you a different person so you can live ‘above’ sin, not fall back into it. Always remember that you will undoubtedly be tempted to sin, but you can pray daily that God will keep you from failing. If you do sin, ask forgiveness from God right away, and ask him to help you not to do it again. If you have wronged someone else, go and apologize. No matter how hard it may be it will always be worth it to make restitution. Again, do not dwell on it, but get back to following Jesus and His example.
- For some people becoming a Christian is an emotional step; for others it is a simple act of trust without emotions. God will save you with or without emotions.
- Do not expect all your family and friends to like the new you, but it is OK, Jesus never said that it would be easy, He just said that it would be the truth. This does not mean at all that your family members will not accept Jesus. They just need to have the power of God in them and work in them so that they might become new like you.
- The grace of Jesus covers all sins. None of your words or actions can ever keep you from salvation and God’s loving embrace. The only exception to this is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, but this only applies to those who are already believers and speak vile words or commit vile acts against the Holy Spirit.
Luke 12:10 (NIV)
“And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”
Aside from this only exception, the grace of Jesus is yours when you believe in Him — when you commit yourself to Christ.
Ephesians 1:12-14 (NIV)
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
- Be aware, once you’ve accepted Christ into your life, that persecution knows no bounds. Now that you understand and feel the love of Jesus, you may become one of Satan’s prime targets. Fret not, though, because nothing on earth or in Hell can harm your faith with God daily at your side. Do not worry about it, but rather remember this when you face temptations to sin.
- God will always love you for no matter what you do. And he always has loved you. But now that you’ve become a Christian, you must not do the things that you have previously done. Just because you’re a new person, doesn’t mean you can do other things you’ve done before that were wrong.
- For more advice, talk to a pastor at a church, or another Christian, or just talk to God. He will guide you all the days of you’re life, and He knows whats best for you.
Evangel Family Church
July 9, 2009Their first step
into Philippine soil elicited no instantaneous applauses, nor hurrahs! “Kids…” the Philippine A/G District Superintendent amusingly muttered under his breath as he circumspectly surveyed the four would-be missionaries: Pastor Toh Nee Lim, Lily Ang, Andrew Kwong and Jerry Tan, all of whom were commissioned by Evangel Singapore to spearhead its first mission church in Iloilo City, Philippines. This initial response however, did not dampen the zeal for God’s call upon their lives. But much like King David, they gave God their youth and allegiance…not counting the costs!
Uprooted from their homeland, they would plunge headlong into a nation and culture totally unfamiliar to them. Yet God’s love poured out upon their hearts, would eventually lead them to embrace this foreign land, it’s people and heritage. In time, they would learn to speak the local vernacular “Ilonggo,” complete with Singaporean accent. As well as develop a keen fondness for native Filipino dishes such as “adobo” and “pinakbet.” They not only came…but became one with the Filipinos!
THE INITIAL YEARS
For their first service at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, they had an initial attendance of five. Nonetheless, zeal for God’s house would urge them to tirelessly witness and gain souls for the Lord. Along the main thoroughfare of the city, they boldly proclaimed God’s salvation to anyone who would grant them a listening ear. Souls would be added to their church, and God did multiply this burgeoning church plentifully. In time, certain re-assignments…and a blossoming romance between Pastor Toh Nee Lim and Lily Ang would bring about certain changes in leadership. After tying the knot on June 4, 1988, Pastor Toh Nee and Lily Lim were then officially appointed to pastor Evangel Iloilo. Out of this union came forth two adorable daughters, in the persons of Joy and Jan Lim.
In the subsequent years, however, they would endure a great testing of their faith. Discord brought about by critical and insubmissive leaders of the church, would bring about a division that caused many others to stumble and leave Evangel Iloilo. Marred by bitterness and discouragement, they found their only solace in God. They emerged out of this dark episode by God’s grace,
equipped with valuable insight on leadership that would prove useful in their future ministry.
By 1992, as the church steadily grew, the necessity for a larger place of worship could no longer be delayed. It was a major step of faith, yet they believed God…and the providence came. And truly God honored their faith, by leading and directing them, to a spacious place of worship within the city’s vicinity, located at the 3rd flr., of the Lucky Plaza Bldg, Quezon St. And here Evangel Iloilo would dwell for the next 12 years.
HIGHER GROUND
In these twelve years, God would prune and refine the church. For Rev. Toh Nee and Lily Lim, trials and challenges dogged them every step of the way. Yet as the Potter’s hand continued to break, mold and shape them… He was preparing them for an even far greater task. By 1999, God would envision Rev. Lily Lim, with the burden for a great harvest of souls from this city. Thus consecrating herself to the Lord, she would engage in a one week full fast, subsisting on water and fruit juice alone. In desperate prayer she bombarded heaven with the pleas for the salvation of this city, and claiming the many souls therein as inheritance. By year end, the church would have indeed grown from 300 to 500.
The beginning of 2000, saw a fresh wave of faith and vision sweep over the church. Seeking a far greater harvest of souls for God’s kingdom. God inspired Rev. Lily Lim with a new innovation in evangelism, which later came to be established as the G12. Similarly patterned after Jesus Christ’s method of discipleship. It involved one head, overseeing 12 potential contacts, nurturing and instructing them in the ways of the Lord. Furthermore, the quality of the leadership base was the most essential factor in this strategy. Thus, key leaders were screened and chosen, basing on their track record of commitment and spirituality. As one entity, the entire church would indeed arise for the occasion, united in one heart and mind, with one mission…SOULS!
Presently, the total G12 workforce comprises of 113 leaders and workers, involved in the task of evangelism and discipleship. And since the introduction of this strategy the church has steadily expanded from 500 to 1,200 in the succeeding years. Yet, it is to God that we humbly give all the glory and honor!
The advent of the G12, brought in a steady influx of youth and teens into the church. Rev. Toh Nee and Lily Lim, seeing the vast potential in this group of people wasted no time in reinvented the youth and teens department. Drawing them to the salvation knowledge of Christ through even radical methods. Nonetheless, no matter how revolutionary the tactics… the core still centered around Christ’s saving love and grace. Now, from this generation we see God raising up for Himself, a holy people…zealous for God. Percentage wise, they make up majority of the G12 leadership, and are actively involved in it’s creative department, where music, dance and drama are involved…could they be far behind? Yet beyond their many antics, and nonsense at times, they have become the life of the church. After all, deep down their hip façade…beats a heart for God!
Soon enough, even little boys and girls were found to be of profit to God’s kingdom. The values of commitment and spirituality would similarly be ingrained in their young minds and hearts. Some as young as 7 and 8, have taken the solemn step of water baptism, desiring nothing but to commit their lives to Jesus. They would actively participate in the elaborate Christmas and Parent’s Nite presentation, staying up even in the wee hours of the night as they practiced, with nary a complaint. Presently, they too are being trained in the rigors of evangelism…and if they bring one to Christ…then they are entitled to a pet fish, bird or rabbit, as reward for their evangelistic efforts. These are our future G12 leaders in the making. And it is heartwarming to see that young as they are…they too could bless God’s heart, in their own special way.
NEW VISION, NEW LAND
In the last 17 years, God would faithfully lead Evangel Iloilo from one phase to the next. Presently, He is directing this church to a higher dimension of faith. Last year, God revealed to Rev. Toh Nee Lim, the vision for a permanent place of worship, and a center for revival in the city of Iloilo. Such an enormous task…was countered by enormous faith, as the entire church caught the vision. God’s divine intervention would distinctively be evident each step of the way, from the purchasing of a 3,000 sq. mtr. land, to the building of it’s walls. Many perils were encountered during the initial stages of construction; lawsuits, death and bomb threats summarily issued by the surrounding community. Yet, it was Jan Lim’s tragic vehicular accident, which prompted the entire church to take up the cudgels…to fight the fight of faith, and see Him work a wonder.

Sunday Service at Evangel Family Church, Iloilo City
And as God leads us to this new land, through unfamiliar terrain and unknown dangers. Yet, by faith we shall abide with the vision, moving in step with God, choosing to follow where he leads us. Choosing to remain His humble servants, now and evermore.









