God is still on the throne
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Posted:Dec 2, 2010 5:44 am
Last Updated:May 9, 2024 5:17 am 5891 Views
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My dear friends am still under the blessing of God. I have just been busy. I missed you so much
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LONG TIME
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Posted:Aug 24, 2010 4:11 am
Last Updated:Dec 2, 2010 5:44 am 5750 Views
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HI THERE BIGCHURCH AM BACK GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE.
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The Grace of Giving
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Posted:Jun 3, 2009 2:48 am
Last Updated:Nov 7, 2011 10:28 pm 6114 Views
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2 Corinthians 8
When Paul met with the original apostles, they agreed to divide the mission field–Paul would focus on the gentiles, and they would focus on the Jews (Gal. 2:9). But they did make one request of Paul: that he remember that many believers in Jerusalem needed financial help (2:10).
Paul was happy to remember these needs, for it gave gentile believers an opportunity to have some involvement with Jewish believers. Since the gospel began among the Jews, it was appropriate for gentile Christians to acknowledge and be thankful for the Jewish people. They could do this by sharing some of their material blessings.
Therefore, as part of his work with the gentile churches, Paul coordinated an offering for the saints in Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-28; 1 Cor. 16:1 etc.). He described the importance of this offering in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.
Poverty and generosity
He began by describing how generous the believers in northern Greece had been: "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity" (8:1-2). Although they were very poor, they were very generous, and Paul attributes this to the grace of God. God had given them the willingness to give what little they had, and to do it with joy.
"For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints" (8:3-4). Since the Macedonians were poor themselves, Paul did not ask them to give anything to the poor in Jerusalem, but they learned about the collection and wanted to help. They gave more than Paul thought they could. (We can read Paul’s thank-you in his letter to the Philippians.)
"And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will" (8:5). Why did they give? Because they gave themselves to Christ, which would include a willingness to use all that they had to further his work. As they submitted themselves to Christ, they wanted to participate in this offering.
Paul no doubt wanted the Corinthians to follow this example. The Macedonians showed that spiritual maturity leads to material generosity. The Corinthians had more money and should be even more generous.
Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians
"So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part" (8:6). Titus had apparently begun the work of collecting the offering in Corinth, so Paul asked him to finish it. By calling the collection an act of grace, Paul connected it with the gospel and suggested voluntary generosity.
Paul then appealed to the tendency of the Corinthian Christians to think of themselves as better than others. "Just as you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us–see that you also excel in this grace of giving" (8 ). Some of the Corinthians boasted about superior faith, speech and knowledge. Paul says they should also strive to be sincere, loving and generous. They should demonstrate their faith by the way they live.
"I am not commanding you," Paul says, "but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others" (8: . Paul did not tell them how much to give, but he would know how much they gave, and their quantity would be a reflection of their quality.
Many people today do not want to be compared to others, especially when it comes to donations, but Paul apparently felt that Corinth would be helped by a comparison. Their contributions showed their sincerity.
Paul then used the supreme example, Jesus: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (8:9). Although Jesus enjoyed equality with God, he willingly gave it up to save us (Phil. 2:5-. He became a curse for us so that we might escape the curse and be blessed instead (Gal. 3:13).
Through Christ’s willingness to give, we share in his riches. Grace is not an abstract theory–it is practical. It had physical results in the life of Jesus, and it should have physical results in our lives, too.
According to ability
Paul then appealed to the Corinthians’ previous generosity: "And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it" (8:10-11). In other words, keep up the good work.
Paul then added a qualification: "according to your means" (8:11). Give according to your ability, for God looks on the heart, on the willingness, not the amount. "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have" (8:12).
Paul did not want the Corinthians to impoverish themselves (there was probably little risk of that), but for them to share some of their material blessings. "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality" (8:13). If the wealthy Corinthians aimed for equality and gave according to their ability, their gift would be generous.
At that time, they had plenty and could share. But the time might come when they would be needy, and other Christians would then give to them. "At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality" (8:14).
Paul then adds a quote: "As it is written: ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little’ " (8:15; Ex. 16:1. This quote is from the story of gathering manna in the wilderness; it is not about people sharing with one another. Paul quotes it not as a proof, but as a proverbial saying that illustrates equality.
Three trustworthy men
To help the Corinthians be confident that their offering would be used in the right way, Paul put in a few good words for Titus, who would accompany the offering: "I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative" (8:16-17).
Titus was concerned not only for the offering, but for the Corinthians themselves. He volunteered to travel to Corinth and serve as a security guard for the collection.
Paul then mentions a second person, whom he does not name: "And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help" (8:18-19).
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians also served as a letter of commendation for the couriers he sent. He expresses his confidence in them, so that the Corinthians can also be confident that these people were trustworthy. Here, Paul mentions that the churches chose this man to accompany the offering to Jerusalem–and Paul reminds them that his own motivation is to serve the Lord and to help his people.
"We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men" (8:20-21). Paul had been accused of improper motives when he preached the gospel; he was even more likely to be accused when taking up a collection. So he took precautions, much as we today might use an auditor to verify that the offerings are being used for the purpose for which they were collected.
Paul then mentions a third man: "In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you" (8:22). Paul commends this man in terms of his attitude to God and in his attitude toward the Corinthians; both are important in this offering.
Paul closed this chapter by praising the men again: "As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it" (8:23-24).
We are proud of you, Paul says, so please give the kind of generous offering we know you are capable of. This will show the sincerity of your love not only to these three men, but will also be an example to other churches. Just as we told you of the Macedonians’ generosity, we will tell others about you.
Fund-raising is often a thankless job, but it is essential. In order for the people who have an abundance to share with those who have need, church leaders must communicate those needs, and must encourage people to be generous. Paul used several methods of persuasion: his own relationship with the givers, their relationship with God, their reputation with others, their desire to excel and prove themselves, the example of Christ, the example of others, and assurances of faithful handling of the offering.
Why would Paul, who focused on the cross of Christ, use so much of his letter asking for donations? Because he understood that there is a logical and spiritual connection between the cross and Christian behavior.
Jesus’ willingness to give is an example that believers are to follow. Our priority in life is not our own comfort–it is service, and we are to serve Christ by serving others. His grace toward us should be reflected in our grace toward others–grace not only in forgiveness, but also in the material blessings we have been given and should share.
Our attitude about offerings has spiritual significance. Paul says it is evidence of our love–our concern for others. We all need to excel in the grace of giving.
Stay blessed.
Sis P
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Does age realy matter
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Posted:Jan 16, 2009 5:57 am
Last Updated:Nov 7, 2011 10:31 pm 6231 Views
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I have a question. Does age really matter in marriage. Society has made us to believe that a man should be older than a woman in marriage. I always have some brEthren coming to me needing some counselling on the issue.
God bless
Sis P
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The joy of the Lord
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Posted:Nov 17, 2008 5:43 am
Last Updated:Nov 7, 2011 10:32 pm 6053 Views
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The joy of the Lord is my strength, we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength.This past weekend I went to minister at a village 300 km from the city. During preparation time I was overwhelmed by the program to be too much for me. So I started to ask my christian friends if they can be of assistance, to my surprise everybody was engaged.I was a bit disappointed.
People of God, his ways are not our ways and our thoughts are not his. The first group was a seminar for 2 sessions for women, the from 9 am to 12 noon, then from 2pm to 5pm. Followed by a ministry to youth at a secondary school from 7 pm to 9pm, the following day 10 am to 12 noon, then travell back. God gave me the strength beyond my understanding.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt so much. I was so touched by the souls who are hungry to hear and recieve the word of God. Testimonies were already there before we left. One of them from the man who confessed to be delivered from sexually abusing his daugther, not forgeting those who gave their lives to christ. It was a great revival even to us.Blessed be the name of the Lord and may he recieve the glory.
The ministry which invited me has recieved a lot of challenges from the village leaders that it is taking people from their cults movement and satanism. The Pastor has been taken for hearing at the village court on two occassions and all of them ended up in confusion as the acusers fought each other. On another instance, the students confessed to have been used by one of the leaders to set up the church so it can be closed. They were used to give other school water and charms and say it was from the Pastor. The agents of the enemy ended up confessing they have sent those to cause mischief.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says ' I will build my church and gates of hell shall not prevail against the church". We continue praying for this Pastor for God to give Him the strength and wisdom.
God bless
Sis P
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Touching Moments
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Posted:Oct 21, 2008 11:02 am
Last Updated:Nov 7, 2011 10:36 pm 6114 Views
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Last week after church I was walking at a shoping mall with my girls. A 20 month old girl came rushing to me and held me.She asked me to look at her t-shirt and skirt, the flowers on the shirt. So I started talking to her though she was just using signs. Then she grabed my skirt to indicate I should lift her up. Her mother and father were just staring at her.
I lifted up this girl for a moment and tried to hand her over to the parents she refused and cried so loud. She put her head on my shoulder and didnt want any body to touch her.The mother told me that the was swapped at the hospital during birth, so 3 months back the babies were returned to their biological parents. She said the girl thought I was the former mother and it seems she has not adapted to the new family.
Well it was so touching because I had to spend 45 minutes with them because the was crying so much if any body tried to take her from me.Eventually the mother just grapped her and run away and I looked at the streched hands of th baby crying mumy mumy to me.
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Excuse me, Are you Jesus?'
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Posted:Sep 25, 2008 5:13 am
Last Updated:Aug 24, 2010 4:21 am 6203 Views
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Just want to share this story. God bless
"A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE!!! He paused, took a deep breath , got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been
overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
Hewas glad he did.
The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly
crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up
the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, 'Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?' She nodded through her tears.. He continued on with, 'I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly.'
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered
blind girl called out to him, 'Mister.....' He paused and
turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, 'Are you Jesus?'
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: 'Are you Jesus?' Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit."
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GOODNESS!
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Posted:Sep 15, 2008 5:24 am
Last Updated:Sep 16, 2008 12:02 am 6084 Views
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22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5
This message is entirely about God, you and your money. At a point in this message i would be looking at how to generate wealth, accumulate wealth and distribute wealth. Abraham was called out by God and when he obeyed he was blessed not for his belly but to be a blessing. He was chosen so that he can as well choose. God chooses you not to enrich you so you stay selfish but to duplicate your blessing unto others so they will enjoy whatever you enjoy. Life is all about giving. It is only giving that entitles you to receiving.
Romans 2:4 “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” God has been patient with you and in his goodness he was able to wait patiently so you will have a change of heart. Romans 11:22 “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” God has given and shower you with his goodness and expects you stay good and release the showers of goodness on others. The entire life and ministry of Christ was wrapped in compassion and goodness. You are not called to be a boss but to be a servant.
Good is defined as having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a specified thing; it is full and this implies having the normally expected amount; good is estimable: deserving of esteem and respect; good can be define as beneficial: promoting or enhancing well-being. To be good is to have moral excellence. It refers to something that meets a certain standard, someone’s expectations. God wants you to meet a certain standard. A good product is always selling from the shelf; as a matter of fact it is scarce as shoppers go for it. The life you are living should be a life that meets a certain standard. You are not expected to do things anyhow and think its okay.
What is a good heart? It is sincere, honest, and moral. But who defines morality? For Christians, God is the One who defines moral goodness. He sets the standards, and it is His expectations that must be met. The Scriptures reveal an ultimate and absolute definition of goodness. Goodness, or the idea of being good, means that the thing fulfils its purpose or the expectations for it. In the ultimate context of God’s expectations, goodness includes the second aspect of morality, and that is defined by God. The third aspect is that in most situations the purpose or expectation involves some form of benefit.
The good product we earlier described is good because it meets people’s expectations. The life you are living should be a statement and not just a verb. Your life should portray your assignment here on earth and your purpose. Your life should reveal the quality you have and the stuff you are made up of. ]Galatians 6:9 &10 “So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.”
Doing ‘good’ does not depend on what you get back from the one you do ‘good’ to because they are not the ones that will reward you for doing ‘good’. You will reap your harvest when the time comes. This is an indication that doing good does not always bring instant reward but there is a reward no matter how long it takes, one day it will manifest. Any emotion, person or situation that wants to stop you from doing ‘good’ is a thief and you must not allow the devil to steal your seed. Doing ‘good’ is a seed and every seed will produce a harvest in its due season when planted. Keep planting your seeds of goodness, scatter them abroad because Proverbs 11:24 “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” Doing good will increase you. God bless
Sis P
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The hand of God?
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Posted:Sep 3, 2008 7:24 am
Last Updated:Nov 7, 2011 10:47 pm 6136 Views
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My has had three encounters where she was ill and after we pray for her she will say God came and touched her and she got healed.
In one instance she had severe stomach cramps. I prayed for her, and then took her to the doctor; she was admitted at the hospital. She said at night she started crying to God to heal her. In her sleep she saw two angels one from the devil arguing with another one from heaven about her. Then there was a fight and the angel of God overpowered the other with a sword. Then the angel of God sat down and started to stitch her intestines with a very shiny instrument and thread where the angel of the devil had injured her and she was healed. She was 10 years by then.
Second instance is last week, she had very severe menstrual pains after medication she still had pains. She said at around 8:30 am (she was sleeping) she heard a voice asking her “Where do you say it’s painful" she directed the person and she saw a hand touching her and she was healed. She is now 16 years.
My question is, is this God touching her or angels. She always tell me that its Jesus who touched her.
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Putting up a big show!
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Posted:Aug 18, 2008 1:55 am
Last Updated:Nov 7, 2011 10:52 pm 6145 Views
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John 12:15 "Do not be afraid O of Zion,see your king is coming seated on a donkey'colt"
Usually when high dignitaries want to make a splash no expense is spared in lining up the vehicle they will ride in, the accompanying dignataries who will appear with them and the security people who will protect them. Then there is the publicity and media coverage to go with it all. Th more important the dignitary the bigger the show.
But when Jesus decided that he needed a " big show" he found a donkey and rode into Jerusalem on that. Normally when kings and emperors rode in triumph they used a . It was a mark of royalty, power and conquest. A donkey being a somewhat meek animal was a symbol of peace.So he who has hailed as the Prince of Peace at birth now came into Jesrusalem as King of Peace.
Jesus reversed the normal human ways of doing things. He didnt seek prestige or publicity. He had no need to impress anyone.
Can we take time and think about the way we do things. Do we do everything with one eye on the impression it will create in the minds of those who see. God looks deep into the heart and is not impressed by glamour or publicity. He can see right past the showmanship and pretence. Jesus did everything the humble way.
May God help us to do things His way.
Stay blessed Pastor P
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