I may not be perfect but Jesus thinks I am to die for…
We are not worthy but He thought we were worth it…
Is what you are living for worth Jesus dying for?
Standing With Israel
October 10, 2015 by Leave a Comment
We attended the Assembly of God International Fellowship North Eastern Conference in Norwalk Connecticut this week. The theme was One God… One Word… One Truth… John 17:17 and the emphasis was on our relationship to Israel. What a joy to stand behind a pulpit draped in the Israeli flag.
Genesis 12:1-3 Now the Lord had said unto Abram And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed
The Three Graces
October 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The famous Antonio Canova’s statue is a Neoclassical sculpture, in marble and is known in Greek mythology as The Three Graces, namely Euphrosyne, Aglaea and Thalia, goddesses of such things as charm, beauty, and joy. This statue may stand in the famous Louvre Museum in Paris but the above photo is the true picture of charm, beauty and joy of The Three Graces, namely Irina, Maggie and Elaine, ladies of true grace formed by the love of the Lord on the Potters wheel.
Jeremiah 18:2-3 I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter:so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
Unity of His Body Worldwide
October 6, 2015 by Leave a Comment
What a privilege to have Pastor Stanislav Pavlov and his dear wife from Novocheboksarsk in Russia visit our home here in Pennsylvania. It was a great reunion since it was only a few weeks ago I was with them in their church in Russia. Although one in the spirit we may have had language obstacles around our dinner table but one day at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb there will be no need of interpreters.
Revelation 19:7-8 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints
Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Celebrating Christmas In September?
September 26, 2015 by 1 Comment
I know in a few months we will be hectically preparing in our communities, homes and families around the world to celebrate the fact that a Savior was born to us. Don’t get me wrong I am glad that the world at least sets aside a day each year to recognize the coming of our Savior, even if it is only for “filthy lucre”, for it gives us an opportunity to share and spread the joy that He was willing to leave heaven, empty Himself to become Emmanuel, God with us. As Christmas Carols are echoing throughout malls and stores, even perhaps for the wrong reason, I am pleased to hear the gospel being preached through the words of those carols.
But at this September harvest season of the Jewish holy feast of Tabernacles, as believers, let us celebrate His birth in our hearts where He is now tabernacled by faith, as we meditate on John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and was tabernacled among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
All important events of God’s plan of redemption occurred on a Jewish feast day.
During the Jewish Feast of Passover He was slain for us as the Lamb of God
During the Jewish Feast of First Fruits He rose again as the first fruits of those that slept.
During the Jewish Feast of Pentecost He sent the Holy Spirit.
You may ask, “Is the date really that important?
The accuracy of the details in God’s prophetic plan of redemption for the world through His people Israel is not only important but also amazing!
So surely the most important event of all, the birth of the Jewish Messiah, would not be fulfilled on a Gentile holiday but rather fulfilled on a Jewish Feast day, the Feast of Tabernacles, which inspired the apostle John to write“ and He was tabernacled among us”. During this feast Jewish believers dwell in booths representing temporary dwelling places. So isn’t it interesting that the long awaited Jewish Messiah was born in a temporary dwelling place in a stable during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles.
The ultimate fulfillment of this great feast will be according to Revelation 21:3-4 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:for the former things are passed away.
CHALLENGE: This week celebrate and rejoice during “Sukkot” as you meditate on the detailed accuracy of God’s plan of redemption while still sharing during the December Christmas season with neighbors, family and friends the joy that a Savior was born and the hope of HIs second advent.