Nun Leaves Catholicism

A Roman Catholic nun who has been working in Africa recently made contact with a woman in Atlanta, Georgia. The woman gave the CARM website to the nun to check out the articles written on Catholicism. 

As a result of her examining her church and comparing it to Scripture, she now knows that Roman Catholicism is not true. She has trusted in Christ as her Savior! Please pray for her because she is in the long process of leaving Catholicism. We will give more details on this later.

As a side note, some of you may not know what Roman Catholicism teaches regarding salvation. Consider this. "...the mission of teaching all peoples, and of preaching the Gospel to every creature, so that all men may attain salvation through faith, Baptism and the observance of the Commandments." 

God has a plan!

Do you ever feel that you are just floating along with no purpose or goal? Do you know that God has a specific plan for YOUR life?

JEREMIAH 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

How High is Your Mountain?

Written by John Grant

Discover the power of a Spirit-filled life! Take our online study of the book of Galatians

Please open your Bible and read John 3:1-21.

“O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain.” Psalm 30:7

Expect a Harvest

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

Give and it shall be given unto you. That statement came straight from the mouth of Jesus. Yet there are a great many believers who flatly refuse to believe it. In fact, they actually have the mistaken idea that it's wrong to expect to receive when they give.

The truth is--it's wrong not to!

What would you think about a farmer who planted seeds, then let his crop rot in the field? You'd think he was a fool, wouldn't you? And if he did it when others were starving, you'd think he was criminally irresponsible.

Well, it's just as irresponsible to give financial seeds and ignore the harvest God promised. Especially when that harvest could help send the gospel to people who are starving to hear it. It's just as wrong to ignore the key to prosperity that Jesus Himself gave us as it is to let a wheat crop rot in the field.

Put Your Faith Where Your Action Is!

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth 

"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17, NIV).

Friend to Friend 

I remember a time, back in 1993, when I was swept up in the whimsical world of wedding planning. Every detail mattered. I was excited to be marrying Brad Smith and I wanted our wedding day to be a magical springboard to a life filled with amazing adventures and deep years of God-centered love. From the cake choices - to the dress choices - to the music choices - to the guest list choices - to the bridal registry choices: I was all about the business of wedding prep!

The bride of Christ is purposed to be all about the Father's business - to prep for eternity by making choices to bring Him glory throughout our days; to intentionally worship the Lord through our service. As daughters of God, we are called to connect our believing to our behaving; our convictions to our conversations; our lip-service to our life-service.

The Biblical mandate for each believer is this: put your faith where your action is. "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17).

Heavenly Rates at the Heavenly Gates

A man dies and goes to heaven. One of God’s angels meets the man and says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

"Okay," the man says, “I never ate a piece of non-kosher food in my 90 years. Nothing.”

"That's wonderful," says the angel, "that's worth three points!"

"Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended synagogue all my life and always gave as much tzedakah as I could."

"Terrific!" says the angel, "that's certainly worth a point."

How Can I Become Holy?

Ask Dr. Stanley: How Can I Become Holy?

Q: “I’ve tried to be holy by doing things I thought were good, like reading my Bible and praying. But then I heard you say that God does the work to make us holy.

I wanted to cry because my efforts never seem enough. I’m confused about my responsibility in this relationship.”

A: First of all, you’re to be commended for your efforts. The truth is, they reflect a sincere desire to seek God, and no doubt about it, that pleases Him already. I would, however, like to ask you a question that may be helpful: What else motivates these actions? Is it to measure up for the Father’s acceptance, or do you think that by working hard at those things you’ll remain saved?

If so, you wouldn’t be the first to live under that burden, but thankfully, it’s not one you or any of God’s children have to carry. Salvation doesn’t depend on being perfect one moment to the next, or on completing a checklist of good works. We are saved once and for all by faith in Jesus Christ and the awesome work that He accomplished. According to 1 John 1:7, the blood that He shed on the cross continually cleanses us from all sin.

Prostituting Our Daughters

Scripture Passage : Leviticus 19:29

1. 
   
   
   

Introduction: We face a great battle today of which I am afraid we are ignorant. One by one our strengths are becoming weaknesses. We are waving the white flag and we don’t even know it. We have often discussed the importance of having Godly men who are strong in the faith, but I’m afraid that we have focused so strongly on other areas that we have neglected one of our greatest weapons. The future strength of this church as well as many others like ours is heavily dependent upon what we do as relating to this battle. This battle is the battle for our women and in particular our daughters. Satan has robbed the church blind of its daughters. Do names like Jessie Daniels, Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Shelly King, and Britney Spears ring a bell? They all started out either going to Church as children or are in Church now. Who’s next? It may be that my daughter or your daughter is the next target of Satan. So what shall we do?

1. Recognize the value of Daughters
1. Old Testament battle plan
1. Pharaoh (Exodus 1:22
   )
2. Moses (Numbers 31:15-18
   )
3. The men of Israel (Judges 21:10-12
   )
2. Master’s female servants (Exodus 21:4
   , 7)
2. Recognize Satan’s plan for Daughters
1. Destroy man’s relationship with and worship of God (Exodus 34:16
   ; Numbers 25:1
   ;Judges 3:6
   )
2. To destroy a seed or a people (Genesis 6:1-2
   )
3. To get rid of the men of God (Mark 6:22-25
   )
3. Abstain from endangering our Daughters
1. Selling our daughters to the world (Genesis 19:8
   )
2. Surrounding them with the enemy (Genesis 34:1-5
   )
4. Recognize and teach God’s plan for Daughters
1. Don’t give the daughters to the world (Ezra 9:12
   ; Nehemiah 13:25
   ; Deuteronomy 7:3
   )
2. Virtue (Proverbs 12:4
   ; Proverbs 31:10
   )
3. To fear Him (Proverbs 31:30
   )
4. To be taught by the elder women and mothers (Ezekiel 16:44
   ; Titus 2:3-4
   )
5. Minister to Christ (Mark 15:40-41
   ; Matthew 27:54-55
   )
6. To be full of good works (Acts 9:36
   )
7. To worship Him (Acts 16:14
   )
8. To be holy in body and spirit (1 Corinthians 7:34
   )
9. To labour in the gospel (Philippians 4:3
   )

Conclusion: We are in an uphill battle. All of the odds are against us. The forces of Hell, Hollywood, Fashion, Schools, Family, Modern Churches are launching every attack known to them. Are you willing to deny yourself and fight the fight for your daughters? Are you willing to suffer persecution to spare your daughters? Are you willing to change the way you act, dress, talk and walk to rescue your daughters? If you are willing, God will both enable you to fight and reward you for fighting. THE QUESTION STANDS, ARE YOU WILLING?

Andrew Ray

http://www.learnthebible.org/sermon-outlines/prostituting-our-daughters.html

How Do We Know Other Religions Aren’t True?

by Ken Ham

Answer:

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Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

John 10:30; 14:6;Ephesians 2:8-9

No religion other than Christianity has a book like the Bible that tells us about the origin of everything, and who we are, where we came from, what our problem is (sin), and what the solution to our sin problem is. 

No other religion has a Savior who is alive (He rose from the dead). All other religions require people to do something to work out their future—only Christianity has the solution that we can’t save ourselves, only God can do it. So how can we know if other religions aren’t true? Well, if they don’t agree with the Bible they are not true! 

There are two main tests I want you to use though. First of all, any religion that claims to be true MUST believe that Jesus is God! Remember, Jesus Himself told us that He and the Father are one. Many religions talk about God a lot . . . but if they don’t believe in Jesus and that He is God, and they don’t believe that Jesus’ death on the cross and His Resurrection results in our sin being forgiven if we will receive it, then it is not the truth! 

The other test is to find out if they believe that salvation is given to those who trust in Jesus. There is nothing you can do to save yourself. We could never do enough good works to get us to heaven, but Jesus did it when He died for us! Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.

gotquestions  http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/kw/other-religions-arent-true

Masterpiece in the Making

Gwen Smith, www.GwenSmith.net





And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. ~Philippians 1:6, AMP

It took four years of fresco painting for the Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, to finish the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Commonly known as Michelangelo, his time painting was mostly spent alone, on his back, lying on scaffolding. (How painful!) The painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of the most remarkable in the history of Western art. One thing is for sure: the process that altered a ceiling from plain to fabulous required a lot of time, great discipline, and the hand of a master artist. The same is true for us. The journey from broken into beautiful is a lifelong transformation that requires both discipline and a Master Artist.

As Michelangelo was working, I’m sure that lots of people came through the corridors of the chapel and stood in amazement. As they looked up at the beauty of his work, I bet they said things like, “That is the most fantastic work of art I have ever seen!” or “Extraordinary!” To which he might have said, “It’s not done!” But did the unfinished state of the project negate that parts of the ceiling were beautiful? No! The parts that were complete were still extravagant and breathtaking.

Maybe this is the way God and others see our lives. It’s common for people to notice the work God has done in us and comment on the beauty. And even though compliments are nice to hear, I’ve been known to resist them. (Admit it, you probably have too.) It’s not so much a humility thing as it is an “I-don’t-see-myself-as-beautiful” thing. From my limited perspective, I can see only the unfinished work. But in truth, my vantage point doesn’t negate the beauty of the work God has done and is doing in my life.

Real beauty isn’t about a finished or flawless product. It can’t be. It’s not possible on this side of eternity to have completed beauty. Our restoration will be complete in the presence of God when we see Him face to face.

Now, you might be saying, “But Gwen, I can’t be beautiful! You don’t know what I’ve done…or what I’ve been through…or what I’m going through!”

Friend, God knows where you have been, what you have been through, and where you are now. He knows what your flaws are and loves you in spite of your imperfections. His tender love is far-reaching and complete.

Your past sins do not define you.

Your painful scars do not define you.

Your present sufferings do not define you.

They are just shards of brokenness that God will use to lovingly refine your beauty. The transformation from broken into beautiful is neither easy nor instantaneous. It demands a yielded heart and can be quite painful, but it comes with great reward. God will need your broken pieces—your scars, shame, insecurities, disappointments, betrayals, and failures.

Do you have some of those?

Are they tucked away in a safe, do-not-enter part of your heart?

You might find it hard to hand over hurts. I get that. It’s hard for me too. But difficult as it may be, it’s time to hand them over and let our masterful Lord create a stunning work of beauty in you. And He’s going to need all of your broken pieces to complete the restoration.

Holy Father, I am humbled by Your willingness to love and forgive someone like me. Please take the broken pieces of my life and don’t allow me to have them back. I surrender to Your healing. Mold me and shape me into a beautiful reflection of Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

http://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/masterpiece-in-the-making.html

Your Deeds Do Make A Difference!

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
“Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn. 3:18 NIV). Wow! What a command! How often do we forget to back up our feelings with good, old-fashioned action? How often do we fail to show Christ’s love to others through our behavior? I am talking specifically about caring for one another’s needs.
This reminds me of the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” I always thought this meant, “Don’t do things to others that you yourself would not like done to you.” But it doesn’t say, “Don’t do.” It does say, “Do.” And that means we should actually do for others what we would like people to do for us.
More and more, I find that it isn’t all that hard to serve another. Service can be many things: from small actions like a kind word or an encouraging hug, to larger ones such as listening to another’s problems or helping with a task. Whether small or large, our actions will make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Have you ever watched the face of a person when you do something for them that is completely unexpected? It’s great! Do you know what else is great? It’s contagious! One good deed encourages others to do good deeds too. Sometimes a simple hug can totally change a person’s day! I know because it has happened to me, and I’m sure you can remember when it has happened to you.
The Bible says that we are to “serve one another in love.” Then it says that this command must be our law: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:13-14). It is no mistake that “the fruit of the Spirit” within us is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). These are the things that are to be displayed through our actions, and what a difference they make!
The Bible also says that we are to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.“ (Eph. 6:7). Whatever we do for another, we are doing for our Lord. And believe me, He notices - no matter how small a thing we do. Why? Because “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Eph. 2:10).
Think of it: we are actually created to do good works! Praise the Lord! We are not alone in our walk with Christ. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, and it’s a remarkable privilege to have such a loving family! God has given each of us special talents, gifts, and interests, so we can serve Him. What better way than to minister to the needs of others?
This reminds me of Tabitha (or Dorcas) in Acts 9:36-42. Though she was a woman of no special status, she was well known and loved for serving the poor and the widows by making them clothes. She used her God-given talent for His glory. What a difference we could make if we did the same!
Let me give you a simple example from my own life: an elderly Christian man in our church, my “adopted grandpa” I called him, took an interest in me since I was a child. He showed me how to work with wood, how he built things, told me stories and gave me a hug every Sunday at church for nearly 28 years. A hug is a really simple thing, but his had a great impact on my life. Who knows how different I might be were it not for his ongoing expression of love to me?
Our deeds do touch lives. They will be the things that people remember about us, and they might even lead others to Christ. We may never have the opportunity to be missionaries, but we can all be servants. Be encouraged today that the little things you do for the Lord and for others are worth your effort; they do make a difference. Let’s always remember the servant-like character of Christ, and mirror it in our lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather Darling worked in the mail room at Grace & Truth while studying to become a veterinary technician. When not caring for animals, she serves the Lord by teaching pre-school children in Sunday School, assisting in a teen ministry and conducting an e-mail ministry of encouragement with adults.
Grace & Truth Magazine February 2000