‘Fill-fullment’!

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or search YouTube for The GOSPEL in Four Minutes (EPIC)

Voddie Baucham - ReformedWiki

 

“Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law of Moses or the writings of the Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfil.” Matthew 5:17

 

“This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you.  No one has greater love nor stronger commitment, than to lay down his own life for his friends.” John 15:13

 

“Grace to  you and peace – inner calm and spiritual well-being -- from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a sacrifice to atone for our sins to save and sanctify us so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father – to Him be ascribed all the glory through the ages of the ages.  Amen.” Galatians 1:3-4

 

“He came to ‘fill full’, or complete, the Old that He might establish the New.  In the Old Testament men were saved by faith looking for the coming Saviour; in the New Testament we are saved by faith in the Saviour who did come.  Salvation is always by faith. 

 

‘We live in the age of grace when we have the New Testament to teach us of the Saviour and His work.  We need not to bring the blood of animals to offer on the altar of any temple.[1]”

 

The Bible makes it abundantly clear, that from the beginning of time when ‘Adam and Eve’ chose to do what was right in their own eyes, God had a plan.  This plan was so unlikely, so bold and so effective and it was the only way to pay the required price to cover our sin once for all.  That is so NEAT!

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·      Ray Sr. – battling cancer and has been moved to respite care.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Andrew and Toyoko M – Please continue to pray for travelling mercies as they are in Japan and when they return to Australia.  Pray also that their time there is filled with surprising blessings and that everything goes smoothly for them.

·      Kim – lost her Mom earlier this year and recently lost her Dad.  She needs prayers while she deals with the loss of her sweet parents.

·      Rozzy and Jono – have left Sydney for Vancouver Island Canada to work with the youth in the mid-north coast (the neediest of the Gospel location in North America).  Pray for travelling mercies, robust health and that God will grant them a child. 

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is now home from an extended stay in the hospital but still frail and unwell.  Please continue to pray for her, her parents and health carers that they will discover the problem and fix it.

·      Tim – my brother – for his strength and wisdom and that he rests safely and soundly in the arms of the Lord while he deals with growing health difficulties and stresses.  Thanksgiving and praise that the Lord has provided a new health carer who seems competent and skilled.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him -- and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps, clears his sight and strengthens his heart.

·      Cathy – as she faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is unwell herself -- that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 26

Personal - About the Blood

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or search for All That I Am by Annie Herring

 

“– since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God. -- For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God, that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 3:23 and 6:23

 

[God speaking] “’Behold – pay close attention – all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine.  The soul who sins will died.’” Ezekiel 18:4

 

“In fact, under the Law almost everything is cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness – neither release from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment. – Every priest stands at his altar of service ministering daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over, which are never able to strip away sins that envelop and cover us;” Hebrews 9:22 and 10:11

 

“The theme of the Bible is the Saviour from sin.  God demands the death penalty for sin – Beginning at the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve sinned, we see the story of God’s atonement portrayed.  God clothed Adam and Even in the skins of animals.  An animal died to provide the skin; blood was shed.  The blood of animals can never take away sin, but it is a picture of the ‘Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world.

 

“Before the world was ever created or mankind was created, Christ was already chosen to be the Substitute to take the death penalty of guilty sinners who would receive Him as their Saviour.  All the sacrifices and rituals of the Old Testament were object lessons of the coming Saviour.[1]”

 

After slogging through the Old Testament (the first time at age 10), I zipped up the cover on my King James Bible and chucked it in a drawer and had a long cry and shouting match at God.  I could not stand the thought of all those innocent animals killed to ‘cover’ mans’ sins. 

 

It was totally unfair!  The poor animals were defenceless!  What kind of God wanted to kill little doves and baby goats and beautiful cows – and so many and every time you turned the page!?  It truly upset me to think of a God who needed all this death!

 

After I stopped fuming, and finally turned to read through the New Testament – well the message became convincingly clear.  I hope you have understood how important the shedding of blood is and how only the innocent blood of Jesus’ death could save us.  This gift of eternal life is yours to claim through His mysterious and generous grace!

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·      Ray Sr. – battling cancer and has been moved to respite care.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Andrew and Toyoko M – Please continue to pray for travelling mercies as they are in Japan and when they return to Australia.  Pray also that their time there is filled with surprising blessings and that everything goes smoothly for them.

·      Kim – lost her Mom earlier this year and recently lost her Dad.  She needs prayers while she deals with the loss of her sweet parents.

·      Rozzy and Jono – have left Sydney for Vancouver Island Canada to work with the youth in the mid-north coast (the neediest of the Gospel location in North America).  Pray for travelling mercies, robust health and that God will grant them a child. 

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is now home from an extended stay in the hospital but still frail and unwell.  Please continue to pray for her, her parents and health carers that they will discover the problem and fix it.

·      Tim – my brother – for his strength and wisdom and that he rests safely and soundly in the arms of the Lord while he deals with growing health difficulties and stresses.  Thanksgiving and praise that the Lord has provided a new health carer who seems competent and skilled.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him -- and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps, clears his sight and strengthens his heart.

·      Cathy – as she faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is unwell herself -- that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 25

Why Believe the Bible?

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Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txbC6j71bng

or search YouTube for Voddie Baucham:

This is why we believe the Bible is true

 

 “Listen, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth and be willing to learn.  I will open my mouth in parable to instruct using examples; I will utter dark and puzzling sayings of old that contain important truth – which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 

 

“We will not hide them from their children, but we will tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord and to tell of His great might and power and the wonderful works that He has done.

 

“For He established a testimony – a specific precedent – in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commended our fathers that they should teach to their children – the great facts of God’s transactions with Israel,

 

“that the generation to come might know them, that the children still to be born may arise and recount them to their children, that they should place their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments,” Psalm 78:1-7

 

“I choose to believe the Bible because it's a reliable collection of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies and claim that their writings were divine rather than human in origin.” Voddie Baucham

 

“The whole Book is a harmony.  There is but one theme, one Hero, one purpose![1]”

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·      Andrew and Toyoko M – Please continue to pray for travelling mercies as they are in Japan and when they return to Australia.  Pray also that their time there is filled with surprising blessings and that everything goes smoothly for them.

·      Kim – lost her Mom earlier this year and recently lost her Dad.  She needs prayers while she deals with the loss of her sweet parents.

·      Rozzy and Jono – have left Sydney for Vancouver Island Canada to work with the youth in the mid-north coast (the neediest of the Gospel location in North America).  Pray for travelling mercies, robust health and that God will grant them a child. 

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is now home from an extended stay in the hospital but still frail and unwell.  Please continue to pray for her, her parents and health carers that they will discover the problem and fix it.

·      Tim – my brother – for his strength and wisdom and that he rests safely and soundly in the arms of the Lord while he deals with growing health difficulties and stresses.  Thanksgiving and praise that the Lord has provided a new health carer who seems competent and skilled.

·      Ray Sr. – battling cancer and has been moved to respite care.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Jenny S – Bible teacher at a local Bible school for curiosity under change, as the vision of her organisation changes with new leadership.  Help her identify the balance of her unique contribution with the new focus.  Pray the Lord maintains her health as she walks through this time of stress.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him -- and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps, clears his sight and strengthens his heart.

·      Cathy – as she faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is unwell herself -- that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 24

A Touch of Right in the Wrong

 

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Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loCTJBKRAfI

or search YouTube for Why is it important to study the Bible in context?

Bible Study Tips | GotQuestions.org

 

Isaiah speaking] “’When the people, instead of trusting God, say to you, ‘Consult the mediums who try to talk to the dead, and the soothsayers who chirp and whisper and mutter,’ should not a people consult their God?  Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?  Direct those people to the law and to the testimony!  If their teachings are not in accord with this Word, it is because they have no dawn. 

 

‘’They who consult mediums and soothsayers will pass through the land deeply distressed and hungry, and when they are hungry, they will become enraged and will curse their king and their God as they look upward.  Then they will look to the earth, they will see only distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and they will be driven away into darkness and overwhelming night.”  Isaiah 8:20

 

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, but diminishes or adds to the doctrine of Christ, do not receive or welcome him into your house, and do not give him a greeting or any encouragement;” II John 10

 

“Wrong teaching will select parts of the Bible and build upon them their own fabrications and ideas.  However, a religion that has even one wrong teaching could not be the truth of God.  God does not make even one mistake.  Everyone has a right to his own opinion, but when it comes to a question of truth or error, only the Word of God can be the last authority.[1]”

A touch of right in the wrong does not make it right.  It remains wrong.  How in the world can you know if something is true?  It can’t be your opinion or how you feel about something, it has to be true.  Truth lies in facts and the facts reside in God’s Word. 

 

Perhaps, we do not refer to it often enough because we do not know where or how to look for those answers.  Hopefully, this series will empower you with new tools and new confidence to find what you need more easily.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·      Andrew and Toyoko M – Please continue to pray for travelling mercies as they are in Japan and when they return to Australia.  Pray also that their time there is filled with surprising blessings and that everything goes smoothly for them.

·      Kim – lost her Mom earlier this year and recently lost her Dad.  She needs prayers while she deals with the loss of her sweet parents.

·      Rozzy and Jono – have left Sydney for Vancouver Island Canada to work with the youth in the mid-north coast (the neediest of the Gospel location in North America).  Pray for travelling mercies, robust health and that God will grant them a child. 

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is now home from an extended stay in the hospital but still frail and unwell.  Please continue to pray for her, her parents and health carers that they will discover the problem and fix it.

·      Tim – my brother – for his strength and wisdom and that he rests safely and soundly in the arms of the Lord while he deals with growing health difficulties and stresses.  Thanksgiving and praise that the Lord has provided a new health carer who seems competent and skilled.

·      Ray Sr. – battling cancer and has been moved to respite care.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Jenny S – Bible teacher at a local Bible school for curiosity under change, as the vision of her organisation changes with new leadership.  Help her identify the balance of her unique contribution with the new focus.  Pray the Lord maintains her health as she walks through this time of stress.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him -- and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps, clears his sight and strengthens his heart.

·      Cathy – as she faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is unwell herself -- that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 25

WeakEnd Assignment - Thankfulness

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHj1dcQKZD4

Or Search YouTube for What To Be Thankful For!

By ‘SevntyOne’

 

“I rejoice greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it.  Not that I speak from any personal need, for I have learned to be content and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy, regardless of my circumstances. 

 

“I know how to get along and live humbly in difficult times, and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity.  In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing life, whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 

 

“I can do all things which He has called me to do through Him who strengthens and empowers me to full His purpose – I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.” Philippians 4:10-13

 The purpose of this WeakEnd Assignment is to consider your many blessings (even when it is not Thanksgiving).  

 

Find an hour and place will you not be interrupted.  Bring your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment.  Settle in and quiet your heart.  

Pray, asking your loving Father to help you see the delight of His provision in a new way.  Watch the video above, consider and write in your notebook what you are thankful for from what you have learned this week through:

1.    A family member or friend

2.    A situation at work or at home

3.    What key personal lesson have you learned this month?

 

And if you have time, read through the book of Philippians.

 

NOTE: Always, date your notes.  One day you will be thankful to see your insights and progress.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·      Andrew and Toyoko M – arrived safe in Japan.  Please continue to pray for travelling mercies and that their time is filled with surprising blessings and that everything goes smoothly for them and for their safe return to Sydney.

·      Family of Uncle Dwight – (brother of Doris) passed into glory over the weekend, after a life of service as a pastor and example of loving Christ.  Please pray for blessing for those who have stood by him and benefitted from his lifetime of service (he would have been near 100). 

·      Kim – lost her Mom earlier this year and recently lost her Dad.  She needs prayers while she deals with the loss of her sweet parents.

·      Rozzy and Jono – will soon board a plane from Sydney to Vancouver Island to serve on the mission field to work with the youth in the mid-north coast (the neediest of the Gospel location in North America).  Pray for travelling mercies, robust health and that God will grant them a child. 

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is now home from an extended stay in the hospital but still frail and unwell.  Please continue to pray for her, her parents and health carers that they will discover the problem and fix it.

·      Tim – my brother – for his strength and wisdom and that he rests safely and soundly in the arms of the Lord while he deals with growing health difficulties and stresses.  Thanksgiving and praise that the Lord has provided a new health carer who seems competent and skilled.

·      Ray Sr. – battling cancer and has been moved to respite care.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Jenny S – Bible teacher at a local Bible school for curiosity under change, as the vision of her organisation changes with new leadership.  Help her identify the balance of her unique contribution with the new focus.  Pray the Lord maintains her health as she walks through this time of stress.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him -- and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps, clears his sight and strengthens his heart.

·      Cathy – as she faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 83) who is unwell herself, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

Trust ONLY God’s Word

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXOWyjB7d24

Or search YouTube for Paul Washer

‘The Gospel. The most terrifying truth of Scripture...’

(12 minutes)

 

“There are also many other signs and attesting miracles that Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe with a deep, abiding trust that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed Son of God; and that by believing and trusting in and relying on Him, you may have life in His name.” John 20:30-31

 

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, but diminishes or adds to the doctrine of Christ, do not receive or welcome into your house, and do not give him a greeting or any encouragement; for the one who gives him a greeting and who encourages him or wishes him success, unwittingly participates in his evil deeds.” II John 10

 

“We cannot trust traditions or word-of-mouth to add to God’s inspired Word. – The foundation of our faith is Christ Himself.  All the writings of the prophets and apostles are based upon Him. – When we build our religion or beliefs on Christ and His teachings alone, we know we are right. 

 

“Wrong teaching will select parts of the Bible and build upon them their own fabrications and ideas.  However, a religion that has even one wrong teaching could not be the truth of God.  God does not make even one mistake. – Everyone has a right to his own opinion, but when it comes to a question of truth or error, only the Word of God can be the last authority.[1]” (selected)

 

I’m often asked, ‘How can I know something is true or false?’  The only way to know the truth is to “receive the message of salvation through faith in the Christ with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11b)

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·      Andrew and Toyoko M – arrived safe in Japan.  Please continue to pray for travelling mercies and that their time is filled with surprising blessings and that everything goes smoothly for them and for their safe return to Sydney.

·      Family of Uncle Dwight – (brother of Doris) passed into glory over the weekend, after a life of service as a pastor and example of loving Christ.  Please pray for blessing for those who have stood by him and benefitted from his lifetime of service (he would have been near 100). 

·      Kim – lost her Mom earlier this year and recently lost her Dad.  She needs prayers while she deals with the loss of her sweet parents.

·      Rozzy and Jono – will soon board a plane from Sydney to Vancouver Island to serve on the mission field to work with the youth in the mid-north coast (the neediest of the Gospel location in North America).  Pray for travelling mercies, robust health and that God will grant them a child. 

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is now home from an extended stay in the hospital but still frail and unwell.  Please continue to pray for her, her parents and health carers that they will discover the problem and fix it.

·      Tim – my brother – for his strength and wisdom and that he rests safely and soundly in the arms of the Lord while he deals with growing health difficulties and stresses.  Thanksgiving and praise that the Lord has provided a new health carer who seems competent and skilled.

·      Ray Sr. – battling cancer and has been moved to respite care.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Jenny S – Bible teacher at a local Bible school for curiosity under change, as the vision of her organisation changes with new leadership.  Help her identify the balance of her unique contribution with the new focus.  Pray the Lord maintains her health as she walks through this time of stress.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him -- and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps, clears his sight and strengthens his heart.

·      Cathy – as she faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 83) who is unwell herself, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

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[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 21-23