Ignite

"Marriage and Love"

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 11:16:00 +0000

"come let us get up early to the vineyards." let us see if the vine flourish... there will I give thee my loves." (Songs of Solomon 7:12)

Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages.” (Songs of Solomon 7:11)

Marriages fail because it is devoid of fun. Fun cease shortly after we’ve tied the knot. We do nothing about achieving bonding. Perhaps we feel marital bonding will fall like manna from like the days of old.

Solomon gives us a clue on the importance of taking our spouse out for sightseeing and relaxation. He was quick to reveal what takes place between the married couples on such outing “…there will I give thee my loves!”

Continuous courting in marriage union refreshes the two people involved. Sightseeing involves intimate fellowship and opportunity to once again appreciate each other. If properly handled, communication becomes the major actor; and in the process doubts and fears are cleared. Sometimes such outings could be a holiday together. (Just the two of you) The result is that you would both have succeeded to fill such outings or holidays, you carry each other's presences.

It is something that is easily observed in the woman- she is seen laughing and behaving like the first day she was proposed to

"Don't Be Alarmed" Go Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:08:00 +0000

The days of the end of the times are here, so do not be alarmed by the things you see going on in the world today. The prophesies of the scriptures must be fulfilled as concerning the last days, but by who?Like it is written; that, the son of man shall be betrayed, but woe unto the man by whose hand the saviour shall be betrayed:Luke 22:48.The scriptures are given to us for; correction , edification and so on, but we have the right to choose on whose side we want to belong.

I have taken a careful look into the happenings around , and have seen the attitude of many, especially the custodians of our great faith(Christians) in Jesus Christ and have discovered that truly; many are called ,but few are chosen. we are even sliding into the time of scarcity of faith, the time of it does not matter, the time of anything goes. I was in a church youth night programme a couple of years back and was ashamed. The programme was nothing short of a night party. The only thing missing was public romancing between boys and girls in the auditorium that night. I was one of the guest artist that night, and I ministered in one of my favourite songs"Run Run". the first line of the song says" the day of the Lord shall be like Sodom, the day of the Lord shall be like Gomorrah and he that have ears let him hear what the spirit is saying"... suddenly the energetic youths became very uninteresting longer; it dawned on me that; very few are expecting the coming of the Master. a song that should give us hope that one day we all shall be going home with our Master.

we must get ready for the separation, we must go back to where we started from. Can you just look back and see the day you first believed. can you feel the fire you felt that day? The desire to serve the Lord was unquenchable, you could dare anything for the Lord. from whence did you fall from you daughters of Zion? The Lord was proud of you, He spoke of you before the angel as a dependable one. one good thing is that He is still looking forward to that partnership. His gifting and calling are without repentance. Romans 11:29

"The Divided House"

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:53:00 +0000

God cannot be boxed or restricted in His move. So many of us have "traditionalized" God and indoctrinated the christian faith to suite ourselves. The issue of denomination has hampered the growth of Christianity as many work for their denominations rather than work for God.
Churches have abandoned the commission to win souls and have embraced capacity building and so on.The desire to remain un-scattered like the builders of the tower of babel has instituted the decline in the growth rate of Christianity. The commandment is:Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matt: 28:19.

The woman by the well of sameria preached the message of division, but the Lord Jesus corrected her wrong doctrines; John 4:21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 4:22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Yes there may be increase in the rate of church planting, but does that reflect in the faith growth? Many join churches to "belong", but not really to be safe or saved, as there are lots of competition out there among churches; many claiming to be "mega", and others; the "best". Many have adopted corporate identities to be able to sell and sell-out.
we need to go back to our first love, doing what the Master wants of us. We did not choose our-self, but He choose us, and commissioned us for His glory.

True Worship Of God

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:32:00 +0000

True worship of God is an expression of love and loyalty unto Him. God desires us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worship from us is likened unto sacrifice unto God;"Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." - Romans 12:1

The quality of worship we offer unto Him, show the value we place on Him. True and sincere worship unto God is one of the sweetest part of our relationship with Him; it is an intense affectionate display of love unto Him; declaring His glory, thus provoking His presence.

I can still remember most of my encounter with God were born out of heartfelt worship that changes lives.

God is jealous God, who does not share His glory with another.He is a God of complete devotion, who is devoted in loving us and expresses His love unto us.

GLORIFY GOD Psalm 29:2 , I Chronicles 16:2

EXALT GOD Psalm 99:5 , Deuteronomy 10:17

PRAISE GOD Psalm 22:3, Psalm 8, 19, 23, 46, 95, 100, 150

HONOR GOD I Samuel 2:30 (Place great value on God)

REVERENCE FOR GOD Psalm 95:6 , Nehemiah 8:6c , Hebrews 5:7

BLESS GOD Psalm 100:4b , Psalm 31:21 , Nehemiah 8:6

GIVE THANKS TO GOD Psalm 100:4 , I Thessalonians 5:16-18

REJOICE & ENJOY GOD Philippians 4:4 , I Thes. 5:16-18 , 2 Corinthians 6:4-10

VERBAL TESTIMONY Nehemiah 8:6b , Psalm 66:16-20

Church vs God

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:48:00 +0000

Believe it or not, we are living in the end time.Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. With all the happenings around us, it is quite clear that the prophecy about the end time are been fulfilled day by day. It really amazes me on the stand point of the church, it all appears to me that the church of God is now working against God.
So many have neglected the calling of God, and are fulfilling their own personal call(ambition). People are no more interested in the mind of God concerning the dying world; instead, the church seems to be going the same direction with the world. Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Many are boastful of their achievements, most times taking the glory upon them self. They speak of how much they have in the banks,etc. 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, ...

Know Yourself Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:00:00 +0000

God is the Almighty one who does not change, but changes situations. He is never moved by complains, rather He responds to our faith in Him. He is never movede by our tears, rather by the heart that makes the eyes to cry.

Close Encounters of the God Kind: Experience the Power and Glory of a Trip to Heaven Close Encounters of the God Kind: Experience the Power and Glory of a Trip to Heaven Close Encounters of the God Kind: Experience the Power and Glory of a Trip to HeavenIn my little fellowship with God, I have come to understand that He(God) cares for us more than we could imagine.He desires that we be like Him in speech, in actions, and in walk; this is one of the reasons He gave us Himself in the person of the Holyspirit, to teach us all things.

God calls us gods; "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes" (Psalm 82:6-7).
We must not be ignorant of who we are or else we will be short-changing ourselves. we must always depend upon the Spirit of God for everyday living.God wants us to live a full life on earth hence in Gen.1:28, He gave us the command to rule over all things; both living and non-living. Yes! man fell, but God has restored us to a more glorious position in Christ.We not only dominating the earth, we are also ruling with Him in eternity.

The Thoughts Of God

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:34:00 +0000

It’s impossible for God to forget you. When the spikes were fastening His hands to the cross, your name was being autographed on them! Don’t ever think He’s forgotten about you. When you go through situations that has no reason to be in your life, you have access to make inquiries from the maker of your life
.
The plan of God for your life is not of sorrow; as a child of God, no matter what the council that is given. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Jeremiah 29:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.psalm 84:11. His thoughts for us are so numerous for me to start counting.

“O Israel, trust in the Lord: He is their help and their shield. O House of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great. May the Lord give you increase more and more, you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:9

It’s impossible for God to forget you. When the spikes were fastening His hands to the cross, your name was being autographed on them! Don’t ever think He’s forgotten about you.

We must not give the enemies an opportunity to rob us of our blessings by the lies he tells.he is the father of all lies(the devil).

Jos Mayhem- Love Your Enemies

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:55:00 +0000

I sometimes wonder what the true meaning of love is;yes love is God, know doubt about that. But in some circumstances it seems easier said than expressed. I read through the dailies in the past few weeks and saw the extent of carnage men will perpetrate in the name of religion. this is the story of the Jos, Nigeria inhumanity of man to his fellow man.
Well let me not bore you with tales of horror of reality.

Lets hear from our Master: JESUS CHRIST

Luke 6:27-36

[27] "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you.

[32] "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:10:00 +0000

I greet you all in the matchless name of our Lord and Master JESUS CHRIST:The immortal, invisible; the only wise GOD, who has given us yet another opportunity to make a change in our lives and the lives of people that would come our ways in 2010. it is a great privilege to welcome you all into this fruitful year; "the year of gathering". In my subsequent articles, we shall be sharing the mind of God concerning nations of the world, especially the land where we dwell individually.
I must announce that recent global and local events, indicates the beginning of the end of this present world we are living in, and there is cause for attention!
once more welcome!
Bro. Kennedy

God and Man!

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:53:00 +0000

when God made man, he made him to represent him in all sphere.

God' Abode

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:43:00 +0000

The immotal, invincible the only wise God, the Almighty; creator of the heavens and the earth; the King of kings, mighty warrior, the prince of peace, the first and last, the timeless God; whose throne is the heaven, and the earth His footstool... I can go on and on!

I have over the times noticed the priority we have placed on physical structures in the church of God, we have laid so much emphasis on beautifying the physical structure of the church than the real dwelling place of God( our bodies)2 Corinthians 6:16b. “For we are the temple of the living God”!. The bible reminds us that our body is the temple of the living God and must be presented as such.

Before Solomon’s temple, God revealed his glory in the tent or tabernacle which Moses constructed. It was there that God would come, dwell, and meet with his people. “Let them make me a sanctuary,” the Lord spoke to Moses, “that I may dwell in their midst” (Ex. 25:8). It was there that “the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and [there that] the Lord would speak with Moses” (Ex. 33:9). It was there that “the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Ex. 40:34). The tabernacle was where the people of Israel would draw near to hear from God, to worship God, and to stand in his presence (cf. Lev. 9:23; Num. 14:10).

We are His dwelling place and must always put our focus on keeping His abode sacred.

What Does God Expect Us?

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:49:00 +0000

Have you ever thought and asked yourself this question; "What does God expect of me?" God made us in His image and likeness, and gave us the power to rule over all things He had made.
The Master's expectation is for us to be exactly like him in deeds , not just in quotations ( word). Many christians do know the word in the head which actually is death "the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life"

Depending on the HolySpirit for our christian living is the only way to successfully meet God's standard. Another important question is, "how do one depend on the HolySpirit?" We shall be treating these issues in our subsequent posts and I

God Or Mammon?

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Have you noticed that everything in the world is running in the fast lane? The rate of everything is alarming and I think there is cause for alarm.
The bible clearly tells us of this time, and we are all seeing it in our own time.I do not have to write a long article on this issue, but just want to remind us to watch and pray!
The love of money and abandoning of the faith is the order of the day, even the very elect have been deceived.
My prayer is that, the Holyspirit would keep us burning till the Master comes.

No Controversy! Jesus Is God...

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Whether it is believed or not, the truyh remains that Jesus Christ is God who came in the luikeness of man. His mission on earth is to restore and build back the relationship with man. God had this in mind; "if you want a job well done, do it yourself" so, he had to come himself.

If Jesus were not God, how then did he perform all the miracles? oh! others also did. Yes, but how many of them still does?

Jesus promised he will be with his followers, that he will be with them alway, and he's kept his promise. After over 2000years, Jesus' word and the power in his name have remained relevant and potent.
To address these questions, let's consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18: “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth.” What does it mean that Jesus has been “given” authority?
Prior to Jesus taking on human form, we are told that he eternally coexisted with his Father, and as God he had all authority. But Philippians 2:6-11 tells us that even though Jesus had existed in the form of God, he “stripped himself” of God’s powers to be born a human being. Yet the same passage tells us that after his resurrection Jesus was restored to his former glory, and someday “every knee will bow to him as Lord.”
So, what did Jesus mean when he claimed to have complete authority in heaven and on earth? Authority” was a well-understood term in Roman-occupied Israel. At that time, Caesar was the supreme authority in the entire Roman world. His edict could instantly launch legions for war, condemn or exonerate criminals, and establish laws and rules of government. In fact, Caesar’s authority was such that he himself claimed divinity. So, at the very least Jesus was claiming authority on a par with Caesar himself. But He didn’t just say he had more authority than the Jewish leaders or Roman rulers; Jesus was claiming to be the supreme authority in the universe. To those he spoke to, it meant that he was God. Not a god—but the God. Both their words and actions testify to the fact that they truly believed Jesus is God.

What do you think?

Chronos vs Kairos

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:18:00 +0000

I welcome you back to this inspiring blog. I know for weeks now you would have been expecting a time I would post my regular inspiring articles. Yes! I think the time has come for more of your comments and motivation.

Today, we shall be discussing a topic that cut across all sphere of our existence and beyond. The bible says in eccl.3: 1-8 that to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:...TIME: is a major player in the affairs of men; it starts with man and ends with man.

It is the yardstick for a man' existence.

There are two kinds of time; the chronos and kairos. the former represents the timing of men, is systematic, orderly, measurable. it is measured by the clock and calender which makes it periodic in operation.

When men are fully subjected to the operations of chronos, he gets depressed when he is racing against it.

When a child is born, he/she is immediately subjected to chronos, and time is being counted on him/her; expectation are begining to gain momentum, progress reports are tagged with time and when doesn't meet up to their expectations, he is labelled a failure.

Kairos simply means Gods time or an opportuned time. eccl.9:11-12...time and chance...the birth of Isaac wasn't in the timing of man, but in kairos, the healing of the woman with the blood issue wasn't in the system of man, but in God's.

Friends, you might have passed the frame time of man and you have been surnamed failure; I've got good news for you; there is a higher dimension of life where things happens outside the standard of men."Your Miracle Is Sure"...

Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:57:00 +0000

Thanks for the patience. We are now back and better!

Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:41:00 +0000

Thanks for the patience. We are now back!

What's Your Stand on Divorce?

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:32:00 +0000

How tragically does the modem world violate the clear teaching of the New Testament on the permanence of marriage! We have already noted that the purpose of the Christian home is to add to human happiness by fulfilling the human need for security, love, and companionship; and also to provide a godly environment in which to rear those children with which God normally blesses a home. Certainly we may also say that the Christian home should be a unit of love, peace, and godly faith in the midst of a wicked society. In only one way can these purposes of the Christian home be realized: that is by a faithful keeping of one's marriage vows until death. And that is precisely the teaching of Christ and the apostles. In Matthew 5 we read: "It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery" [Matt, 5:31, 32]. Jesus repeats In Matthew 19: "Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery" [Matt. 19:8, 9]. In this case the great uncial manuscripts vary slightly, particularly on the inclusion of the last clause: 'and he that marrieth, her when she is put away committeth adultery," possibly a paraphrase of Matt. 5:32b.

CrossActs

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:57:00 +0000

CrossActs' web site will soon be open for registration, but the test reg. is already on at the top right side of this blog site. Invitation for reg. will get to your church soonest!

"Curse Not The Curseless" Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:37:00 +0000

As I sat in the congregation and listened to the man of God as he taught the word, I picked up some important points he made on the issue of curses; he said and I quote” you cannot stop the birds from flying over your head, but can stop them from nesting on it”; as a Christian, you cannot be cursed by anybody since you are blessed of GOD.
Recently, I had a minor issue with a fellow Christians, and all they did was to lay curses without justification;all I did was to concern every negative pronouncement in the name of Jesus.
First of all, the believer needs to realize that we live in a cursed world. There are people who are cursed all around us. Many of these people curse others. But God's provision for his people is great! We should be focusing on our God who is our source of strength, provisions and protection and not fear the enemy's might as Israel did in the wilderness.Fearing Satan, his hosts or curses only gives the enemy more power in your life. Fear is not trusting God. It is yielding to the lies and intimidation of the enemy. If the truth will set people free (Jn. 8:32), then believing the enemy's lies keeps people in bondage. God's children must live by the truth.
Secondly, God is able to protect his people from curses.
When Balak, the king of Moab called upon Balaam to curse the Israelites, God stopped Balaam from doing it. "But God said to Balaam, 'Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.' " (Numbers 22:12)
"However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you." (Deuteronomy 23:5)
Thirdly, God has promised protection to the righteous from curses resting on them.
"Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest." (Proverbs 26:2)
Learn to stand on the truth and the armor of God will be firmly in place upon your life. (Eph. 6:10-18)...

"Let That Marriage Work"

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:50:00 +0000

I would imagine that the vast majority enter marriage without serious thought. They certainly do not think in terms of "making a marriage successful." The continuing high divorce rate and many now simply " living together" suggests lack of serious thought.
Recognize God’s authority. God is the creator of man and woman (Gen. 2). He is also the author of marriage (Gen. 2 ; 3). Since God knows man and woman and is the author of marriage, He certainly has the right to tell us how to have a successful marriage. From the Genesis account learn that Eve was to be a "help meet," Adam was to leave mother and father and "cleave unto his wife," Adam was also to provide, and Eve was to be subjection to Adam (Gen. 2:18, 24, 3:17-19, 16). Other scriptures tell us more about marriage (Eph. 5: 22-6:4). Marriage, as ordained by God, is monogamous and permanent. (Matt. 19:4-10).
There must be denial of selfishness. One of the paramount cases for failure in marriages is selfishness. The "love" of Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33 is an unselfish love. This love actually has as its action the seeking of what is best for another. I Corinthians 7: 3-5 contains teaching which is illustrative of selfishness.
Recognize a spiritual partnership. Beloved, the ideal marriage is a marriage which is based on strong spiritual conviction and a spiritual foundation (1pet. 3:7; Matt. 7: 24-28). Both should be Christians – having the same beliefs, goals, and values.
Marriage is a beautiful institution. It is in this union that man and woman find their ultimate social, emotional, and biological fulfillment. Marriage, as established and ordered by God, is desirable and successful.

"Let that marriage work".

Opportunity!

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Life consists of a number of elements and variables. In the case of the Christian, there is the matter of providence (I Pet. 3: 12). Chance and simple eventuality play a major role in our lives. "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong…but time and chance happeneth to them all," wrote the wise man (Eccl. 9: 11). Sometimes circumstances are such that they are conducive to success, this is what we call opportunity.
There can be opportunity sought for evil. Paul wrote of the wicked, "Their feet are swift to shed blood" (Rom. 3: 15). Such people seek occasion to perform their mischief. Perhaps the best known man of infamy is the betrayal of the sinless Son of God, Judas Iscariot. Regarding Judas we read, "And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him" (Matt. 26: 16).
Opportunity for doing good. The Greek words translated "opportunity" basically suggest a "fit season." Circumstances can often be such that one can be afforded a chance for doing a good deed. Hear Paul: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6: 10). Paul realized that the prevailing circumstances might be such as to not be conducive. On the other hand, he is saying, the condition could be favorable.
As acknowledged, there are several factors in determining the shaping of life's situations. Desire and values, though, usually determine our decisions to act or not act relative to opportunity. For instance, the writer of Hebrews mentioned concerning certain faithful ones of old that, "If they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned" (Heb. 11: 15). Let us be ready to every good work (Tit. 3: 1).

Don't Procrastinate

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Procrastination is a major cause of waste and failure. Procrastination is defined as, "to defer action, delay, to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost" (R. H. C. D., pg. 1056).
Examples of procrastination in the Bible. The Bible is replete with examples of people who failed to act when they should have. Luke 14: 15-24 contains the parable of God's invitation to man to partake of His blessings. However, the parable shows that many will not partake of God's feast. Some will defer because they have "bought a piece of ground" (Lk. 15: 18). Another said, "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them" (vs. 19). A third said, "I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come" (vs. 20). They each deferred action and missed out on a wonderful opportunity, they procrastinated.
How to avoid procrastination. One way to avoid wasteful procrastination is by having the right value system. As seen in the parable of the Great Supper, each had their own priorities that kept them from accepting the invitation from God. "I do not have time to serve God" simply means people have priorities ahead of God. We must first seek matters pertaining to God (Matt. 6: 33). Successful people in the Bible were always people of immediacy, they did not defer (Acts 10: 33, 16: 33). It has been said that "tomorrow" is the busiest day of people's lives. This is because many people defer until tomorrow what they should do today. Hence, they never really address and perform these tasks.
The emphasis of the scriptures is on "today," not tomorrow (Heb. 3: 15). "For he saith," Paul wrote, "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6: 2). Beloved, opportunities are missed, lives are ruined, and souls are lost because of procrastination.

"A failures will always say tomorrow".

Fate Of The Faithless Part One

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:19:00 +0000

All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for. A lack of faith leads one to despair, which comes because of iniquity.

Can you comment on church growth?

noreply@blogger.com (Ecclesia) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 07:37:00 +0000

The question is very thought provoking. There are two ways to effect church "growth" - God’s way and man’s way. Those who track such matters tell us that much of the numerical growth experienced by religions today is "growth" which appeals to selfishness and materialism.
God’s way of creating church growth. God’s word teaches us that the church (Jesus’ church, Matt. 16: 18) is essential, viewed both from the local and universal perspective (cf. Acts 2: 47; Eph, 1: 3-7). Christians are to be members of a local church. In such a relationship they assemble (Heb. 10: 25; Acts 2: 42), edify one another (Eph. 4: 12-16), sing praise to God and one another (Eph. 5: 19), have the pure word preached to them (Acts 20: 7, 27, 28), are overseen by scriptural bishops (I Tim. 3: 1-7; Heb. 13: 7), give of their means into the local treasury (I Cor. 16: 1, 2), and observe the Lord’s Supper (I Cor. 11: 23-28). God’s growth occurs in principally two ways: (1) the saints are built up by the gospel, and (2) the lost become Christians by obeying the gospel (Jas. 1: 21; I Tim. 3: 15; 2 Thes. 1: 7-9). The pure truth is the essence of such growth (I Pet. 2: 1, 2: Acts 20: 32).
Man’s way of creating church growth. Man’s way is to have just enough of the truth to be deceiving to the undiscerning (cf. Gal. 1: 6-9). Appeals are made to make people happy by dining and providing social fulfillment. Special effort is made to socially satisfy the divorced, the young, the singles, etc. Appeals are made to people’s children, in providing secular schools and day care. The goal is to please the people, not God. Larger numbers and bigger, nicer buildings with less of God and His word is the order! Much emphasis is placed on bands and modern music with fun and frolic for all.
We must decide whom we desire to please with our growth - God or ourselves.