John 12:1-111.
1. Be at the centre of God’s Will
Jesus was going to die.
He went to Bethany, around 2 miles from Jerusalem
He came back to the same place where He did raise Lazarus from the dead
2. Be with God’s people
a. JESUS taught and bless them
Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.
42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
b. They blessed JESUS offering the best they had: “about one year’s wages of worker”
c. A fellowship was born between them: They received JESUS as a guest
3. Be prepared for the obstacles
Judas Iscariot: a thief
Judas Iscariot: a liar
Judas Iscariot: a hypocrite:
John 12:5 (NKJV) 5 "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"
4. Prioritize your life
a. JESUS comes first, always: in missions, in my family, in my job, in my church
b. Social work is important and the work never ends.
John 12:8 (NKJV) 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."
5. People want to see JESUS through YOU
John 12:9 (NKJV) 9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.
6. The testimony
a. JESUS’ miracles are always public. There is no “secret service”, or “secret teaching”, or “secret group”
b. People will come to see God’s miracle
c. Among the sincere are always those who want to destroy “the evidence”
John 12:9-11
Mar 29, 2010
Feb 3, 2010
Softening the Soil - Pr. Antonio Nasser - January 31st, 2010
Read Luke 8:5-8,11,12
Examining the first part of the parable...(3 Gospels)
Matthew 13:19 (NKJV) 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. […]
Mark 4:15 (NKJV) 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Luke 8:12 (NKJV) 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
Definition:
The seed is the Word of God
The different soils are people
The “birds of the air” are the devil
The devil comes and takes away the Word out of their hearts,
The ultimate purpose of the devil is to keep people away from the faith and from the salvation.
Questions:
1. Why do peoples hearts go to the wayside?
2. How does the devil take the Word of God from people’s hearts?
3. How can we prevent it from happening?
HEART
In Ancient Hebrew means "authority inside". The consciousness of man is seen as coming from deep inside the chest, the heart.
1. The heart is the source of all sins
Matthew 15:19 (NKJV) For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
2. God wants us to have an obedient heart
Deuteronomy 5:29 (NKJV) Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!
3. God asks for our hearts
Proverbs 23:26 (NKJV) My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
4. Jesus is the example of a soft heart
Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV)28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
How does the devil work in a hardened heart?
1. He blinds people
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
2. He binds people as slaves
Colossians 1:13 (NLT) 13 For he (GOD) has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,
3. He steals, kills and destroys people’s lives
John 10:10 (NKJV) 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
How can we prevent the devil to steal the Word of God from people’s heart?
1. The Power is in JESUS, the Savior
Colossians 2:15 (NIV)15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
2. The Church must be aware of this task
Acts 26:17-18 (NIV)
17 … I am sending you to them
18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
3. We must fight with God’s weapons
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
4. We must submit ourselves to God and resist the devil…
James 4:7 (NIV) 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Soften your heart before the Lord
Trust in the Lord right now
Fight for people, in Jesus’ name!
Clean the air, and people will understand the Gospel.
Examining the first part of the parable...(3 Gospels)
Matthew 13:19 (NKJV) 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. […]
Mark 4:15 (NKJV) 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Luke 8:12 (NKJV) 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
Definition:
The seed is the Word of God
The different soils are people
The “birds of the air” are the devil
The devil comes and takes away the Word out of their hearts,
The ultimate purpose of the devil is to keep people away from the faith and from the salvation.
Questions:
1. Why do peoples hearts go to the wayside?
2. How does the devil take the Word of God from people’s hearts?
3. How can we prevent it from happening?
HEART
In Ancient Hebrew means "authority inside". The consciousness of man is seen as coming from deep inside the chest, the heart.
1. The heart is the source of all sins
Matthew 15:19 (NKJV) For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
2. God wants us to have an obedient heart
Deuteronomy 5:29 (NKJV) Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!
3. God asks for our hearts
Proverbs 23:26 (NKJV) My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
4. Jesus is the example of a soft heart
Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV)28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
How does the devil work in a hardened heart?
1. He blinds people
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
2. He binds people as slaves
Colossians 1:13 (NLT) 13 For he (GOD) has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,
3. He steals, kills and destroys people’s lives
John 10:10 (NKJV) 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
How can we prevent the devil to steal the Word of God from people’s heart?
1. The Power is in JESUS, the Savior
Colossians 2:15 (NIV)15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
2. The Church must be aware of this task
Acts 26:17-18 (NIV)
17 … I am sending you to them
18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
3. We must fight with God’s weapons
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
4. We must submit ourselves to God and resist the devil…
James 4:7 (NIV) 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Soften your heart before the Lord
Trust in the Lord right now
Fight for people, in Jesus’ name!
Clean the air, and people will understand the Gospel.
Jan 11, 2010
The First and the Best II– The Anointing - Pastor Brent Cantelon - Jan, 10th, 2010
Psalm 16:8 - Review
Psalm 92:10 - But my horn (strength), You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.
1. Strength
• Afraid of nothing, like a Cape Water Buffalo (Africa afraid of nothing not even lions).
• Unconquerable power.
2. Fresh oil
• Most pure, most valuable, most effective, most abundant.
• There are 2 results when we receive the anointing, that you receive by faith.
3. Refreshment - Cleansing
Instillation into office (Ministry). Receiving the “Go Ahead” from the Lord.
-How do we receive the anointing?
• Water Baptism – This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.
• Day of Pentecost – Being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Fresh anointing, fresh oil, for this time, this task, this challenge. I want this anointing!
-Receiving action:
-I need my strength exalted. My heart is stirred to some action, task or assignment in God. I need to be equipped in the Holy Spirit.
-I've been discouraged, heavy, and fearful I need refreshment.
-I'm willing to obey you Lord, willing to take that new step.
-Solemn installation to a splendid office: Calling of God unique to you.”
-Purity, cleansing, washing, and restoration.
-Desire to do something. Not just sit, not just feel, do more than talk.”
Ministry Time
1. Press into the Lord now and wait on God when each one feels they are ready that the Lord is about to anoint them with fresh oil have them stand to their feet with their hands open to receive. Pray together and receive the fresh oil anointing of the Lord.
2. Talk about areas that those in the small group need to look into.
3. Baptism, prayer, encounters , tithe info, financial help, alpha, CLA101, homeland missions, overseas missions, marriage help, other areas that God is speaking into their hearts.
4. Encourage each one of them to watch Pastor Brent's message on line from this past week.
Psalm 92:10 - But my horn (strength), You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.
1. Strength
• Afraid of nothing, like a Cape Water Buffalo (Africa afraid of nothing not even lions).
• Unconquerable power.
2. Fresh oil
• Most pure, most valuable, most effective, most abundant.
• There are 2 results when we receive the anointing, that you receive by faith.
3. Refreshment - Cleansing
Instillation into office (Ministry). Receiving the “Go Ahead” from the Lord.
-How do we receive the anointing?
• Water Baptism – This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.
• Day of Pentecost – Being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Fresh anointing, fresh oil, for this time, this task, this challenge. I want this anointing!
-Receiving action:
-I need my strength exalted. My heart is stirred to some action, task or assignment in God. I need to be equipped in the Holy Spirit.
-I've been discouraged, heavy, and fearful I need refreshment.
-I'm willing to obey you Lord, willing to take that new step.
-Solemn installation to a splendid office: Calling of God unique to you.”
-Purity, cleansing, washing, and restoration.
-Desire to do something. Not just sit, not just feel, do more than talk.”
Ministry Time
1. Press into the Lord now and wait on God when each one feels they are ready that the Lord is about to anoint them with fresh oil have them stand to their feet with their hands open to receive. Pray together and receive the fresh oil anointing of the Lord.
2. Talk about areas that those in the small group need to look into.
3. Baptism, prayer, encounters , tithe info, financial help, alpha, CLA101, homeland missions, overseas missions, marriage help, other areas that God is speaking into their hearts.
4. Encourage each one of them to watch Pastor Brent's message on line from this past week.
The First and the Best - Pastor Brent Cantelon - January 3rd, 2010
The Lord wants you to know:
• He see's your efforts to serve Him and that pleases Him.
• He knows the ruthlessness of the enemy and understands your flesh.
• He accepts your love. He loves and accepts you in return.
• He believes your intentions and is patient with your procrastinating.
• He knows the plans He has for you, He knows you and your name.
• Knows where you are at and knows where you want to be.
Psalm 16:8 – What does it mean to “set the Lord always before me?”
Ex 23:19 Prov 3:9,10 - What can we offer as the first and the best?
1) The first of the New Year - January 3-8th - Be involved in the opportunities this next week to pray and to gather together. Fast in whatever way God is asking of you. Attend the services. Come to all night prayer.
2) The first of the week (1 Cor. 16:1,2) - Devote the first day of the week to the Lord. “The Lord's Day” Worship, reading of the Word, fellowship with the saints. Decide that Sunday is a priority – be in church. Have no bondages in your life that keep you from the House of God. (2 Tim 2:21)
3) The first part of the day (Psalm 63:1, Mark 1:35)
• Before any other voice: “Your voice Lord,”
• Before any other pursuit: pursue You Lord
• Before any other advice: “your wisdom, Your will, Your word to my day”
• Before the news, sports, facebook, stock market, texts- YOU LORD
4) The first and the best of my strength (Matthew 6:33,34 Col 3:1-3)
• The first part of the year.
• The first part of the week.
• The first part of the day.
• The first of my strength.
WHY?? There is an enemy in the land. We are calling on the Lord in our distress. There is a battle brewing. We need the Lord's help. Other idols have stolen our affections. We have drifted from the Lord. It is time to return to the Lord with repentance and humility. Press into faith – expecting an answer, preparing for His blessing. (1 Thess 5:23)
Ministry Time:
1) Pray for one another that we will all begin again.
2) Hold each other accountable this year to complete what we have started.
3) John 17:17 - Read the Word.
4) Rom. 15:16 - Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
5) James 4:7 - Cleanse our hands, draw near to God.
6) 2 Tim. 2:22 - Commune with those who have pure hearts.
• He see's your efforts to serve Him and that pleases Him.
• He knows the ruthlessness of the enemy and understands your flesh.
• He accepts your love. He loves and accepts you in return.
• He believes your intentions and is patient with your procrastinating.
• He knows the plans He has for you, He knows you and your name.
• Knows where you are at and knows where you want to be.
Psalm 16:8 – What does it mean to “set the Lord always before me?”
Ex 23:19 Prov 3:9,10 - What can we offer as the first and the best?
1) The first of the New Year - January 3-8th - Be involved in the opportunities this next week to pray and to gather together. Fast in whatever way God is asking of you. Attend the services. Come to all night prayer.
2) The first of the week (1 Cor. 16:1,2) - Devote the first day of the week to the Lord. “The Lord's Day” Worship, reading of the Word, fellowship with the saints. Decide that Sunday is a priority – be in church. Have no bondages in your life that keep you from the House of God. (2 Tim 2:21)
3) The first part of the day (Psalm 63:1, Mark 1:35)
• Before any other voice: “Your voice Lord,”
• Before any other pursuit: pursue You Lord
• Before any other advice: “your wisdom, Your will, Your word to my day”
• Before the news, sports, facebook, stock market, texts- YOU LORD
4) The first and the best of my strength (Matthew 6:33,34 Col 3:1-3)
• The first part of the year.
• The first part of the week.
• The first part of the day.
• The first of my strength.
WHY?? There is an enemy in the land. We are calling on the Lord in our distress. There is a battle brewing. We need the Lord's help. Other idols have stolen our affections. We have drifted from the Lord. It is time to return to the Lord with repentance and humility. Press into faith – expecting an answer, preparing for His blessing. (1 Thess 5:23)
Ministry Time:
1) Pray for one another that we will all begin again.
2) Hold each other accountable this year to complete what we have started.
3) John 17:17 - Read the Word.
4) Rom. 15:16 - Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
5) James 4:7 - Cleanse our hands, draw near to God.
6) 2 Tim. 2:22 - Commune with those who have pure hearts.
Nov 30, 2009
"Give Thanks" - Pastor Antonio Nasser - November 29th 2009
Text: Psalm 116:1-19 Read through this text together as a group.
Is there suffering in our lives as Christians?
If we trust in the Lord, we will have no problems?
What does the Lord teach us about suffering?
Hope: “The Lord hears MY voice. “
• The Lord is gracious, merciful, righteous. (v.1,2)
• The Lord gives what we do not earn – grace.
• The Lord has the solution, He saves. (v.6,7,8)
Lamentations 3: 21-25: Keeping this one thing in mind: “The Lord's Mercy”
Gratitude
I will place the Word of the Lord in my mind and in my mouth. I will find hope through giving gratitude to the Lord for His benefits (v.12). What will I render to the Lord? Call upon His name.
Celebrate your salvation
• Lift up the cup of your salvation.
• Confess who you are in Jesus.
• Walk before the Lord (v.9). Have true commitment to the Lord, the church, and missions.
• Do not always be “too busy” for the Lord's work.
Have intimacy with God through prayer, the scripture, and relationship with Him.
• The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him and He will show them His covenant.
Offer sacrifice of thanksgiving
• It's not always easy to give thanks. Some days are difficult, but we are instructed to give thanks.
• Thanksgiving is the road to victory.
• If you want to win the battle in your life, family, ministry, give thanks to the Lord.
Ministry Time
Are there some who are suffering amongst you? Is there pain, disappointment, trouble?
Pray for one another. Lift up the cup of salvation together. Give thanks to the Lord. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. He will see you through.
Is there suffering in our lives as Christians?
If we trust in the Lord, we will have no problems?
What does the Lord teach us about suffering?
Hope: “The Lord hears MY voice. “
• The Lord is gracious, merciful, righteous. (v.1,2)
• The Lord gives what we do not earn – grace.
• The Lord has the solution, He saves. (v.6,7,8)
Lamentations 3: 21-25: Keeping this one thing in mind: “The Lord's Mercy”
Gratitude
I will place the Word of the Lord in my mind and in my mouth. I will find hope through giving gratitude to the Lord for His benefits (v.12). What will I render to the Lord? Call upon His name.
Celebrate your salvation
• Lift up the cup of your salvation.
• Confess who you are in Jesus.
• Walk before the Lord (v.9). Have true commitment to the Lord, the church, and missions.
• Do not always be “too busy” for the Lord's work.
Have intimacy with God through prayer, the scripture, and relationship with Him.
• The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him and He will show them His covenant.
Offer sacrifice of thanksgiving
• It's not always easy to give thanks. Some days are difficult, but we are instructed to give thanks.
• Thanksgiving is the road to victory.
• If you want to win the battle in your life, family, ministry, give thanks to the Lord.
Ministry Time
Are there some who are suffering amongst you? Is there pain, disappointment, trouble?
Pray for one another. Lift up the cup of salvation together. Give thanks to the Lord. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. He will see you through.
Nov 18, 2009
God Looks on the Heart - Pr. Brent Cantelon - Nov, 15th, 2009
The heart of God for every person alive? To bless.
- Every person is eternally valuable to God.
- The price has been paid through the shedding of Jesus' blood.
- The Father's heart is broken by the suffering caused by sin.
The human heart without God is filled with sin.
- All have sinned, fallen short of the mark.
- We are in a stand off with God – choosing our own way.
Consequences if the standoff is not reconciled?
- Separation from God – FOREVER.
- Won't see the kingdom of heaven without Jesus.
- Hell and damnation means torment, blackness, and separation.
- There is no ending to hell – it's permanent.
Romans 3:11 It's time to awaken from our slumber.
John 4 The woman at the well – everyone has a city. Look at the fields – white unto harvest.
What holds us back from inviting people? Fear or insecurity?
What is the solution? Love! Ask God for love for people.
Be prepared to talk to people – gospel tracts, production tickets, tell them about our website (www.clachurch.com), or give them Alpha information.
Prayer – 6:00am Tuesdays – fight for people in the spirit.
People need spiritual food – what have you been eating? "Jesus is the Bread of Life"
Ministry Time
Repent of self focus. Start to see people as eternal souls.
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with God's love for people you meet.
Decide to begin a new prayer journey and pray for people.
Repent of going through the motions without having fire in your heart.
Repent of filling yourself with the wrong food.
Let's trust God for 2010 that it will be an amazing year and that the Lord will win many through your life and commitment to the gospel.
Nov 9, 2009
The Church: God’s Building - Pr. Antonio Nasser - Nov, 8th, 2009
… you are God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:9 (NKJV)
The Builder
Matthew 16:16 (NKJV) 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Characteristics of this Building
1 Peter 2:5 (NKJV) 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1.Spiritual house
2.Holy priesthood,
3.Spiritual sacrifices
…Acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1. Spiritual House
a) House is the place where the family resides. House = Family
b)Spiritual
“The ‘wind’ of God and man is the ‘breath’, but from a Hebraic perspective, the breath is not just the exchange of air in the lungs, it is the person’s driving force, which directs and leads him on his journey through life”. (The Living Words, vol.1 – Jeff A. Benner)
This Family has a Father.
God is the Father of the House.
This special Family is led by the Father’s path, direction, will and journey of life.
… The Church is the Spiritual House, that is, the people led by God’s Will who relate to each other as family members do.
2. Holy Priesthood
- Priests were mediators.
- Their life was dedicated to God
- We, as a Holy Priesthood are people dedicated to God ready to lead others to the Lord.
3. To offer Spiritual Sacrifices
- Jesus is God’s Sacrifice
- We offer sacrifices in our journey as God’s Family.
- Priests offered gifts and sacrifices: “For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices”. Hebrews 8:3 (NKJV)
Sacrifices we offer today as priests:
a. Our Bodies
Romans 12:1 (NLT) 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Purity/ Work/ Services/ Mission / Community
b. Our Words
Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
4. Acceptable to God through Jesus Christ
1. The Tabernacle was built by Moses’ leadership
Acts 7:44 (NKJV) 44 "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen,
2. The Temple was build by Salomon’s leadership
Acts 7:47 (NKJV) 47 But Solomon built Him a house.
3. Jesus builds His Church Himself
Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) … I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
God's Church
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
The Builder
Matthew 16:16 (NKJV) 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Characteristics of this Building
1 Peter 2:5 (NKJV) 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1.Spiritual house
2.Holy priesthood,
3.Spiritual sacrifices
…Acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1. Spiritual House
a) House is the place where the family resides. House = Family
b)Spiritual
“The ‘wind’ of God and man is the ‘breath’, but from a Hebraic perspective, the breath is not just the exchange of air in the lungs, it is the person’s driving force, which directs and leads him on his journey through life”. (The Living Words, vol.1 – Jeff A. Benner)
This Family has a Father.
God is the Father of the House.
This special Family is led by the Father’s path, direction, will and journey of life.
… The Church is the Spiritual House, that is, the people led by God’s Will who relate to each other as family members do.
2. Holy Priesthood
- Priests were mediators.
- Their life was dedicated to God
- We, as a Holy Priesthood are people dedicated to God ready to lead others to the Lord.
3. To offer Spiritual Sacrifices
- Jesus is God’s Sacrifice
- We offer sacrifices in our journey as God’s Family.
- Priests offered gifts and sacrifices: “For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices”. Hebrews 8:3 (NKJV)
Sacrifices we offer today as priests:
a. Our Bodies
Romans 12:1 (NLT) 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Purity/ Work/ Services/ Mission / Community
b. Our Words
Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
4. Acceptable to God through Jesus Christ
1. The Tabernacle was built by Moses’ leadership
Acts 7:44 (NKJV) 44 "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen,
2. The Temple was build by Salomon’s leadership
Acts 7:47 (NKJV) 47 But Solomon built Him a house.
3. Jesus builds His Church Himself
Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) … I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
God's Church
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
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