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Posts tagged ‘faith’

The House Built Upon the Sand

THE HOUSE BUILT UPON THE SAND

What a foolish man the builder of the house shown in our picture must have been! Of course, when the wind blew and the waves dashed against his house, it would fall. Look how the sea has washed the foundation away, and how the roof is falling in! And the people; see how they are fleeing to save their lives! And all this calamity because he built his house upon the sand. But the other house, shown in the distance: how firmly that stands! What a bold front it offers to the waves, and how safely it resists the fury of the storm. Its foundations are sure, because they rest upon the solid rock.

THE HOUSE BUILT UPON THE SAND

Jesus had been teaching the people. He had taught them many wonderful truths, which you will find written in the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew; and in closing He said, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man who built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” The lesson Jesus sought to impress upon the people by this parable was, that it is not enough simply to hear what He says. Many will do that; but it is only those who remember Christ’s commandments and keep them, whose work will stand when the time of trial comes.

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Letting Go of the Past: A Guide to Philippians 3:13-14

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

This is often times a difficult passage to understand especially the “forgetting those things which as behind” part. It is not possible to forget completely. I don’t believe that we are meant as human beings to completely forget. However, it is possible to learn from past mistakes.

Many years ago, I was having problems. My mom explained this verse to me. She explained that if you stay focused on the past you can’t reach what is in front of you. Jesus has plans for you. You will never accomplish His plans for you if you stay focused on the past. She used a demonstration to explain this to me. Here is the demonstration:

  • Pretend that 1 spot in your home is the past. (We used the front door.)
  • Pretend that an area in front of that 1st spot is what Jesus wants for you. (We used the living room).
  • Now start at the past. Start walking towards the future.
  • Now look back at the past and try to walk towards the future. (It is not possible.)
  • Now set your eyes where Jesus is (the future) and try to walk towards the future. (It is now possible.)

Remember the time when Jesus walked on the water and Peter asked to come out on the water to Jesus. Matthew 14:28-30 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Notice that as long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk towards Jesus, but when he took his eyes off of Jesus, he started sinking. It is the same way with us. We can only go forward to Jesus when we keep our eyes on Jesus and stop worrying about our past (forgetting those things which are behind). This sometimes takes many hours of prayer, but it is more than worth the time in prayer.

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The Children’s Six Minutes: CHEAPEST AND BEST

A business man would not consider this subject a very good advertisement. He believes that the best things are never cheapest. There are a few instances however in which that is not the case.

First, the air we breathe. It does not cost us anything, it isn’t metered out to us, so we have a saying, “as free as air.” You go down to the drug store and buy a bottle of perfume. A good perfume will cost not less than a dollar a bottle. The air we breathe is infinitely purer and better than the costliest perfume.

Second, the water we drink. Do you like ice cream soda? I am sure you do. If you do not you are not a normal girl or boy. How much do you have to pay for a good ice cream soda? That depends; some places it is ten cents and some fifteen cents. You think you might like to have ice cream soda every meal, but you would soon tire of it. The water you drink is necessary, and it costs you nothing.

Third, a book, that is this book, the Bible. If you wish to buy an up-to-date book of fiction it will cost, you anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00. But here is a book, the most popular, the most wonderful book that was ever written. You can buy a Bible for a few pennies, and if you do not have the pennies there is a great Bible Society that will give you a copy, that none may be without the Word of Life.

Finally, the things that are cheapest and best are the things of the soul, the spiritual ministries and influences of life. They are worship, communion, faith, hope, prayer and love. No one stands at yonder door and demands a dollar of you as you enter. The seats in this church are free to rich and poor, aged and young. These free seats typify the salvation that is here proclaimed.

Note: The prices have changed greatly since this was written. However, the idea is still good.

MEMORY VERSE, Isaiah 55: 1

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

MEMORY HYMN

“I heard the voice of Jesus”

THE CHILDREN’S SIX MINUTES by Bruce S. Wright

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Weekly Recap of Articles for Christians posted Oct 26th through Nov 1st

Bible

Education

Cooking

Estudio Bíblico en Español

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Mother Stories from the New Testament

“Mother Stories from the New Testament” by Anonymous is an early 20th-century collection of religious tales created mainly for children. It’s meant to help mothers and caregivers share the teachings and stories of the New Testament in a way that’s easy to understand and engaging for young readers. The book gathers some of the most notable New Testament stories, highlighting moral lessons and the values of faith, compassion, and kindness. It features accounts like the visit of the wise men, Jesus’ parables, his healing miracles, and his warm interactions with children. Each story comes with illustrations that add to the reading experience and help convey the messages of love and redemption at the heart of the Christian faith. This approachable format both teaches children about the New Testament and encourages the core values of Christianity in a relatable way.

Content:

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Understanding Jesus as the Light of the World

Then Jesus again unto them saying I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walk darkness but shall have the light of the life. John 8:12 [KJV]

What does it mean?

When we walk in truth we have the light of God.

What does it say?

True light comes from God.

Key Words

  • Light: Source of light, day light, fire light.
  • Followeth: Go or come after purse to obey, to follow or be a disciple.
  • Darkness: Absent of light or, dark , dimness.

Context

Author:John
Audience: Jews & Gentiles
When:A.D.85
Style: Historical
Purpose: To communicate a deeper understanding of Jesus and his role in salvation.

Translation of the Bible

  1. Amplified Holy Bible
    •  Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “[a]I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life.” John 8;12
  2. Holman Holy  Bible
    • Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

What going on in the previous verse?

The Woman was caught in adultery.

Related Verses

  • John 1:4
    • In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
  • John 3:19
    • And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil
  • John 9:5
    •  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 12:35
    • Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
  • John 12: 46
    •  I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness

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The Wonderful Draught of Fishes

THE WONDERFUL DRAUGHT OF FISHES

One day, as the crowds pressed round Him to hear the Word of God, Jesus came to the Lake of Gennesaret and saw two boats drawn up on the shore. Now one of these belonged to a man named Simon Peter, who was at the water’s edge washing his nets. Jesus entered into this boat and asked Simon to push it off from the land a little. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when He had done speaking to them, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught of fishes.” Simon, answering Him, said, “Master, we have toiled all through the night and have taken nothing, but as you wish it I will let down the net again.” And they let down the net into the sea, but it enclosed so great a multitude of fishes that they could not draw them up, and the net brake. Then Simon beckoned to his partners, James and John, who were in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both boats with the fishes, so that they began to sink.

THE WONDERFUL DRAUGHT OF FISHES

When Simon Peter saw it he fell down before Jesus, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all that were with him were astonished at the marvelous draught of fishes which they had taken. And Jesus said unto Simon, “Fear not, Simon Peter; from henceforth thou shalt be a fisher of men.” Meaning that he was to go about winning souls for God, instead of being a fisherman.

And when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all they had and followed Christ.

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Jesus in the Temple

JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

When Jesus was twelve years of age, His parents took Him with them to Jerusalem to the feast of the Passover. Great numbers journeyed from different parts to keep this feast; and travelled in companies or caravans, the women and old men riding on asses or mules, and the rest going on foot. Thus Joseph and Mary, with Jesus, left Nazareth, and with many others journeyed to Jerusalem, where they kept the Passover.

When the feast was ended, as they returned homewards, Joseph and Mary discovered that Jesus was missing; but supposing Him to have been somewhere among the company, they continued their first day’s short journey. When, however, evening came, and the caravan halted, and Jesus was nowhere to be found, His parents sorrowfully returned to Jerusalem seeking Him. At last, on the third day, they went to the Temple, and found Jesus sitting in the midst of the aged and learned Jewish doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. “And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.”

His parents were amazed when they saw Jesus in such company. But Mary, while she rejoiced at finding Him, gently said, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.” Jesus replied, “How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?”

“SON, WHY HAST THOU THUS DEALT WITH US?”

Jesus was the Son of God, and doing God’s work was being about His Father’s business. Years afterwards He said, “I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.”

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The Angel’s Tidings

THE ANGEL’S TIDINGS

It was night. In the fields near Bethlehem a company of shepherds kept watch over their flocks. Probably they were holy men, and often thought of God in the stillness of the early morn. And now they may have been thinking of the coming of the promised Messiah.

While watching their flocks, the angel of the Lord came to these shepherds, and a dazzling light shone round about them. They were much afraid; but the angel said, “Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” And suddenly there was with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

THE SHEPHERDS WORSHIPPING THE INFANT JESUS

When the angels had departed, the shepherds returned to Bethlehem; and there, in a stable, they found the infant Jesus, lying in a manger, watched over and cared for by His mother Mary and Joseph. And so great was the surprise and joy of the shepherds that they went out and told all they met of the wondrous things which they had seen.

Shortly after the visit of the shepherds, the wise men from the East reached Bethlehem, and in a house, they found Joseph, and Mary, and Jesus. Then they fell down and worshipped Jesus, opening the treasures they had brought, and offering Him precious gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. But God warned them not to go back to Herod, to tell him where the new-born King of the Jews was, and they returned to their own country another way.

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The Wise Men’s Visit

THE WISE MEN’S VISIT

The birth of Jesus Christ was announced by two remarkable events: the coming of wise men from the East, and the appearance of angels to some shepherds at Bethlehem.

The wise men were probably astronomers; and in watching the stars they had seen one that had led them to leave their own country, and take a long journey to Jerusalem. Most likely they rode on camels, and their journey was a tedious one. But at last they reached Jerusalem, where they inquired saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East and are come to worship Him.” Tidings of these inquiries were brought to King Herod, and when he heard them he was much troubled. He was a wicked king; and feared that if another king had been born, he would grow up and take the crown away. Herod was also cruel and treacherous, and while pretending to act rightly, often did many evil things. And now he intended to destroy the infant King, who might one day take his sceptre away.

So, he first sent for the learned men of the Jews, the chief priests and scribes, and demanded of them where Christ should be born; and when they had replied that it was to be in Bethlehem, he secretly called the wise men before him and inquired of them what time the star appeared. After getting the information he needed, he dismissed the wise men, bidding them to go to Bethlehem “and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him,” said Herod, “bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.”

THE WISE MEN BEFORE THE KING

So the wise men left King Herod and Jerusalem, and journeyed onward towards Bethlehem; and the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child lay. And when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy, for they knew they had found Him whom they had come so far to seek.

But the wise men did not bring Herod word where Jesus was; and he was so angry that shortly afterwards he sent his soldiers and slew all the children under two years of age that were in Bethlehem and its neighborhood. He thought by so doing to kill Jesus among them, but God prevented him from doing so.

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