I stand in awe - Part 1

I cannot contain the excitement I feel, within myself, towards the Creator for the Wonder of Creation, anymore. So I have decided to publish a series of blogs under this subject.

As I start this series, I wish to point out that I am not here to make long arguments about technical aspects of science or to become embroiled in these with dogmatic University priests, who have the arrogance to believe in hypothetical theories, but do not have the common sense to believe that everything we see, hear and feel had to be created by a Creator. These people cannot have any wisdom if they do not start at the beginning of wisdom which is the fear of God. (Ps. 111:10). I only wish that atheists like Richard Dawkins can understand this.

Don’t let your encounter with God leave you untouched!

Since it is Christmas time, I'd like to share with you one of my favourite poems and discuss the meaning of it. I hope you enjoy it, and find a little bit of the hope of the Christmas miracle by reading this.

Don’t let your encounter with God leave you untouched!

"Journey of The Magi" by T. S. Eliot

Which one are you feeding?

TWO WOLVES

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. 

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. 

"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee replied, "The one you feed ..."

Which one of the wolves are you feeding??

Spirit versus Emotion

Yesterday my daughter showed me how she progressed with her guitar lessons, and sang a song while playing the guitar - a song which they sing in church during Holy Communion. During the song she suddenly started to cry and asked me - can you not feel the presence of the Holy Spirit - which I could not at that stage. I just told her to let go and let God have His way, but then she did what all of us do - suppress the spirit and composed herself.

It reminded me of my own early experience with the Holy Spirit.

The Rapture and The Bride

Adult Sunday School - Part 13 - The Rapture and The Bride

The rapture refers to a group of Christians, known as the Bride of Christ, leaving the earth, in their transformed, bodies, whilst alive, to go to Heaven, in order to  be the bride at the Marriage of the Lamb.

It is not spelled out in detail in the Bible, but we have quite a few scriptures which hints at it, and there are many stories and prophecies out of which we can learn about it.

Religion versus Spirituality

There is a new kid on the block (or is it on the blog) called Spirituality, and I wonder whether 99% of the people who go for this new gimmick, really know what it is and what they are letting themselves in for. It is quite nice and hip and cool and fashionable these days, when you are not religious, to at least say or admit that you are spiritual. It is even more hip to state that you are trying to come into contact with your spiritual side, much the same as people get into contact with their sensual side.

Absalom

Adult Sunday School - Part 12 -  Absalom

We looked previously as Joseph as a type for Jesus Christ, and we find the same type of story repeated in another form with another person named Absalom.

It starts strikingly in form of Absalom was the son of David. 2 Sa 13:1  And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David ... Compare this with : Mark 10:48  And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. So they both were sons of David prophetically speaking.

Let my people go

Adult Sunday School - Part 11 - Let my people go 

by P.K.Odendaal - August 2012

Now that we have learnt what a type is and how one story is mapped to another, we can look at Exodus and Revelation, in which Exodus is mapped to Revelation. Both have the central theme of releasing God's people from bondage into bliss.

To understand this story we must start with what belongs to whom.

God has made the earth and it belonged to Him, but He decided to give dominion over it, without any strings attached, to Adam and Eve, to dress and to keep: Gen 1:26  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Santa Claws?

When conclusions are drawn about the origin of Santa Claus, extreme statements should be avoided. This short article has shown that the modern Santa Claus has been shaped by many factors and is a conglomeration of myths and legends. I feel compelled, however, to make several observations.

First, it is absolutely inaccurate to claim that "Santa Claus is a Christian" or that "Santa Claus is St. Nicholas." Though it is true that the historical St. Nicholas was a Christian man, the preceding has shown that the modern Santa Claus has nothing to do with Nicholas of Myra, other than his name. The modern Santa Claus has been greatly influenced by the custom of "the visit of St. Nicholas," in which the saint would show up on the eve of his Feast Day to give gifts to children. 

Revenge

Adult Sunday School - Part 9 : Revenge

We have seen that the law had to come, and that minimised but partly legitimised revenge, although it was not meant to. It was meant to give redress only.

But, despite this, mankind persisted in revenge on a grand scale, and we have only to look as Samson to see this. Samson is out type for revenge, because that is more or less what his life consisted of. And the sad part was that he was such a man of God called a Nazarite.

Why read the Bible?

Because it’s message is true and timeless:

All men are like wild grass and all their glory is like it’s flower. The grass dies, it’s flower falls off, but the Word of the Lord remains forever. 1 Peter 1:24-25

The Words of the Lord are true and all His works are dependable. Psalm 33:4

Because it is God’s inspired Word:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults and giving instruction for right living. 2 Tim 3:16

You will do well by paying attention to it, because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your hearts. For no prophetic message ever came just from the will of man, but men were carried along by the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God. 2 Peter 1:19-21

The Blood of Jesus Christ

The phrase "blood of Christ" refers to the Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Blood represents judgment - the judgment for our sins while Christ was bearing them on the Cross (His spiritual death). The physical death of the animal in the Old Testament sacrifices is analogous to the spiritual death of Christ.

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." 1 Pet. 2:24

Joseph as a type for (of) Jesus

Adult Sunday School - Part 8 - Joseph as a type for (of) Jesus

- by P.K.Odendaal - August 2012

We find the story of Joseph in Genesis chapters 30 to 50, and nowhere else in the Bible has one man gotten so much coverage as Joseph, except Jesus Christ, and the point is that it is a very important story. Not so important as a story of Joseph, but much more importantly, as a foreshadow of the story of Jesus Christ.

The story of Joseph contains numerous intrigues, prophecies, examples and lessons interspersed with the best mankind has in terms of courage, long-suffering, forgiveness and love - characteristics we find in Jesus Christ himself. So we are not going to read this story as a story of Joseph. We are going to delve deeper into it and regard it as a story of the life and times of Jesus Christ.

Baptism in water

It is the identification with the Death and Resurrection of Christ . Baptism was ordained to have a unifying effect on members of the body of Christ. Baptism should not be an empty ritual – an outward act carried over from past traditions. Baptism should carry meaning and have a positive effect upon the believer. “Being Born Again” is only the beginning of the life in Christ.

The words themselves imply a beginning – and growth! Salvation is a process the believer now launched upon. This is the salvation process – being rooted out of this evil world and moved on toward completeness in Christ.

Adult Sunday School #6: The Law

The Law 

We find ourselves in the beginning of the world. Adam and Eve, who knew God personally, may have died already. What do we find? Violence, revenge, war, aggression - and people in bondage, even slavery. And this despite God's will that we be kind to each other and enjoy His creation.

How did this transpire then? It is because we could sin with impunity. There was no law. God wanted us to be free and not subject to any laws other than the one forbidding us to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil.

Are you well equipped?

We suggest that you equip yourself when you become a Christian. Knowledge is of utmost importance when trying to get through the daily hurdles of your new life in Christ. There will be times you fail and times you triumph, but ultimately you will grow and become stronger.

Here are a few suggestions:-

Adult Sunday School - #5:The earth is shaken for a last time

The earth is shaken for a last time.

Whilst we are busy with the destruction of the earth and the subsequent reconstruction and replenishment on many occasions, it will be prudent to take it to its final conclusion. What we know is that in most of these cases only the earth was shaken, but in the end of times, the heaven will be shaken as well as in:

Heb. 12:26  Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

In previous parts I have already dwelt on the meaning of heaven as referring to the sky. Our conclusion is thus that one many of the occasions when the earth was destroyed it was done from inside itself as a sort of implosion, but in Revelation the skies will also be shaken, meaning that the whole earth will tumble as in:

Isa 24:20  The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.

HALLOWEEN! Harmless? or Hazardous??

The History of Halloween

CELTIC NEW YEAR
October 31 is the most important day in the satanic year. It marks the Celtic new year, and is always at the end of the growing season, thus it became the "Festival of Death." On this day, the god of the Celtics was to have called up the spirits of the wicked dead who had died during the past year. 

At the same time, other evil spirits arose and went about the countryside harassing the people. On October 31, the Celtics expected to be harassed by ghosts, evil spirits, and demons; and it was no fun and games to them! They would light bonfires to guide the spirits to their own town and to ward off evil spirits.

Adult Sunday School - Part 4: The first sin

The first sin:

And so the world was new again and there was no sin and no law and no evil, only a serious warning by God that they should not eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, because they would then die (spiritually).

Gen 2:17  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

It is clear from this that when there is no law and no knowledge of evil then there cannot be any sin. This verse says that once you know what is good and evil, then you will know what is sin and then you will die of your sin.

There can be Miracles when you Believe!

Crossing the Red Sea

Mark 5:34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Jesus wants to free you too, do you believe that?

There can be Miracles:

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid

What a Friend we have in Jesus!

What a Friend we have in Jesus. Do you know the song? The words was written in by Joseph M. Scriv­en, in 1855! Scriv­en wrote this hymn to com­fort his mo­ther, who was across the sea from him in Ire­land. It was orig­in­al­ly pub­lished anon­y­mous­ly, and Scriv­en did not re­ceive full cred­it for al­most 30 years.

The poem was put to music by Charles C. Con­verse, in 1868. In World War I, the tune was paired with the words to “When This Bloody War is Over.” See the beautiful words in my comment.

I am a Friend of God!

God wants to be your best friend. You were created to live continually in God's presence and to have an intimate friendship with Him.

'Now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God - all because of what Jesus has done for us in making us friends of God.' Romans 5:11

Jesus said, "I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father."

God wants you to know Him intimately.

The Bondage of the Church

Introduction:
When we give our heart to Christ, we have a need to share our faith and testimony with the children of God, and we presume that that place is the Church. In fact, our desire for and participation in the Communion of the Blood of Christ (1 Cor.10:16), the Communion of the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16 – Holy Communion and His Church) and the Communion of the Holy Ghost (2 Cor.13:14) are essential elements of our Christian life.

It is debatable what this communion with the Body of Christ, meaning His Church on Earth is to be interpreted as, but generally it is accepted as being the Church where you worship him.

Regeneration and Replenishment of Earth

Adult Sunday School - Part 3 - Regeneration and Replenishment of Earth

And so we come to Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

We have seen in the previous part how the earth was laid waste, being void, and without form and without light. It was time for God to remake the vessel :

Jer. 18:4 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.

If we read this story as the story of creation, we will see many anomalies and discrepancies. If we read it as the regeneration of earth, we will find it interesting. If we read between the lines or on a deeper level, we will find it vital and exciting - and I will try to bring all three to you.

Disaster strikes

Adult Sunday School – Part 2 – Disaster strikes

We have seen that God has created the heavens and earth in Genesis 1:1 - and all was well.

But then, sin was found on earth ... and God destroyed almost everything on earth, with only a few souls remaining. Scripture says He shook the earth.

The aftermath of this tragedy is described in Genesis 1 verse 2 : And the earth was without form, and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. In Hebrew the word ‘hayah’ is used which means ‘it became’ and not as translated ‘it was’.

A Litmus Test for the Church.

Why a Litmus test for the church? A litmus test consists of a piece of paper impregnated with different chemicals shown by different colours on the paper, to enable one to ascertain the chemical composition of a liquid substance such as water.

When this litmus paper is inserted into the water, the different chemical substances in the water discolours these colour blocks to reveal its presence in the water. The paper also warns one of the presence of certain adverse chemicals which should not be present.

In this blog, we are going to try and design such a piece of litmus paper and insert it into the holy waters of the Church.

In the Beginning

Sunday School for Adults – Part 1:  In the beginning

The story of creation is very much misunderstood and abused and derided by atheists and agnostics, because they, and many of us think that it is narrated in the first book of Genesis.

However, if you read that carefully, you will find that it is not the story of creation. There are at least eight serious anomalies, which cannot be explained away, and thus we were taught in Church that it is merely a myth covered in a cloak of religion, much like the religion of many Christians in the world is a myth covered with a 'form of godliness, but denying the power thereof' (2Ti 3:5). We are rather encouraged to 'refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise ourselves rather unto godliness' (1Ti 4:7).  And this I will try in this series. I will go into this supposed story of creation in more detail in a next part of this series. Today I am addressing the actual story of creation.

Amazing Grace

I would like to begin a song of praise over the indescribable amount of grace that became ours through the salvation of our souls.

The scriptures say: Eph. 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

By surrendering our will to the Lord we have therefore received so much – think about it, the salvation of our souls, the communion with the Father and his Son, a legacy that cannot be surpassed, and the privilege of being the children of the Almighty. And over and above that, protection against the world’s grief and sorrows. Think about alcoholism, drugs, love of power and money, irrationality, greed – the Lord protects us from all of these.

Children Bible Study Books

Bible Story Lessons & Study Guide for Children

Series 1: Fruit of the Spirit

Our Bible study guide for children is here! Fruit of the Spirit is the first in a series of Sunday School Lessons for children.

This book is also available in Afrikaans.

The theme is enforced with relevant Bible stories in 20 lessons over 90 pages with full colour illustrations, space for notes and an activity after each lesson. To encourage them further, we have a certificate of completion at the end.

DON'T BE A COMPLAINER!

Complaining. There is room for legitimate complaining, but if you let this deadly disease of attitude - complaining – loose, it will conquer you. Complaining can take over your life. Destroy you and leave you without anything. Nobody wants to take along a complainer. Nobody wants to promote a complainer. Nobody wants to live with one. Nobody wants to be a partner of one. Nobody wants to have one around.

Complaining leaves you out of more opportunities than you can possibly imagine if you let it take over and grab you by the throat. If you don't think complaining is bad ask the children of Israel of Old Testament fame. They are typical of us all, but their story just happened to get in the Book.

Can We Trust the New Testament as a Historical Document?

Many people do not believe that the Bible is a reliable document of history. But, the fact is the Bible is very trustworthy as a historical document. If we were to look at a chart that compared the biblical documents with other ancient documents, we would see that the Bible is in a class by itself regarding the number of ancient copies and their reliability. Please consider the chart below.

Manuscript Evidence for Ancient Writings Author Written Earliest Copy Time Span # Mss.

Caesar      100-44 B.C. 900 A.D. 1,000 yrs 10

Plato 427-347 B.C. 900 A.D. 1,200 yrs 7

What Constitutes a Good Life?

How does the decisions I make in life influence my future? How do I live a full satisfying, fulfilling life? The ultimate expression of life is not a paycheque, or a Sony Playstation. Here's the ultimate expression of life in my opinion, and that is living a good life. Here's what we must ask constantly, "What for me would be a good life?" And you have to keep going over and over the list.

Proverbs 3:1-7 My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments: For length of days, long life and peace, shall they add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart: So shall you find favour and good understanding in the sight of God. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

I hope this helps to stop the abortion argument...

STRATEGIC

SATAN'S MEETING:

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their saviour. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.."

What if His people Prayed?

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let satan have one more

What if the church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates

Do you feel Overwhelmed by your emotions?

Being a teenager is not easy! You go through many changes, both physically and emotionally. You are getting to know yourself, form a value system, get disillusioned and aren’t always too sure if you are making the best decision for that situation. This can be very overwhelming.

At least Jesus didn’t leave us without help and guidance. If you aren’t too sure of what to do, refer back to the Bible. If you are lonely or scared, don’t think it is just you alone! Jesus is always there, if you would only listen.

The Prosperity teaching - a one sided ministry.

Lately we have heard this Prosperity Teaching which is such an easy and one sided ministry. God does not even feature in any of its doctrine nor has God any say in it.

It goes like this : I am a child of God, all is well with me, God meant me to have the best, I am the King's child and I can have anything I want. Nothing bad can happen to me. God meant me to be rich, and to prosper and to be healthy and everything else is from the devil.

God's Garden

GARDENING IS THE WAY OF LIFE!!!

Plant three rows of peas:

Peace of mind

Peace of heart

Peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:

To Tithe or not to Tithe...

That is the question. 

Unfortunately the fate of many tithings...

2 Cor 9:6-9 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion,for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:"They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

I get very upset with these modern churches which run on the basis of making money, instead of doing God's work. They are stinking rich in a poverty stricken community, yet will not do anything about it.

The Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect 
Because of trial or pain 
Continue in thanksgiving 
Do not begin to blame 
Even when the times are hard 
Fierce winds are bound to blow 
God is forever able 

Purify

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

The Pilgrims Progress

The Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan:(1628-1688)


You can read the book, or watch the movie, either way, this is a fantastic depiction of our road to heaven, with the stumbling blocks and temptations along the way. It was published in February, 1678.

Next to the Bible, this is the most read Christian book in the world! It is regarded as one of the most significant works of English literature, has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print.

Bunyan began the work while in prison for holding of religious services outside the auspices of the established Church of England.
 
Enjoyable and spiritually instructive, Pilgrim's Progress is highly recommended.

Josef as Tipe van Die Here Jesus

Ons kan baie van wat in die eindtyd gaan gebeur aflei deur na die geskiedenis van Josef te kyk en dit te vergelyk met wat met die Here Jesus gebeur het. Josef word beskou as ‘n tipe van die Here Jesus en baie van wat met hom gebeur het was profeties oor  die lyde van die Here Jesus.

In plaas van om lang verduidelikings hieroor te gee gaan ek net die betrokke skrifte wat oor hulle twee lewens gaan aan te haal.

God het ingegryp om sy geboorte te bewerkstelling

Gen 30:22 En God het aan Ragel gedink, en God het haar verhoor en haar skoot geopen.

Matt 1:20 want wat in haar verwek is, is uit die Heilige Gees;

Lofsang op die Genade van God

Mense (veral in die wêreld maar ook onder bekeerdes) dink dat as hulle iets verkeerd doen gaan God hulle straf.  Niks kan verder van die waarheid af wees nie.

Die Bybel ondersteun wel die gedagte van vergewing en straf in Gen 34:7 .. wat die goedertierenheid bewaar vir duisende, wat ongeregtigheid en oortreding en sonde vergewe, maar nooit ongestraf laat bly nie; wat die ongeregtigheid van die vaders besoek aan die kinders en aan die kindskinders, aan die derde en aan die vierde geslag.

'n Mens moet hierdie skrif in konteks sien van die wet wat geheers het in die ou testament. Daar is in die nuwe testament nie sprake van straf vir mense weens hulle ouers se oortredinge nie.

Die belofte moet eers sterf

Ons ken die beloftes van die Here en weet dat dit ja en amen is, maar ons kom tog keer op keer op 'n plek waar ons voel dat die Here ons in die steek gelaat het en nie sy belofte aan ons vervul nie. Ons raak dan soms mismoedig en selfs kwaad vir die Here.

As ons egter oor die saak nadink, sal ons vind dat die Here ons nie in die steek gelaat het nie, maar dat ons die belofte verkeerd verstaan het (sy weë is nie ons weë nie) , of the tyd vir die vervulling van die belofte misgetas het (Pred. 3:1  Alles het sy bepaalde uur, en vir elke saak onder die hemel is daar ‘n tyd) of dat die belofte nie eers gesterf het nie.

Dit is oor die laaste rede wat ek hier wil praat.

Die Wet en die Heilige Gees

Een van die oudste sluiers wat die vyand ons mee bind is die wet, omdat ons so gewoond is aan wette en die Bybel ook vol is van wette. Ons voel dat ons darem aan die regte kant van die wet is, dan is ons OK.

Die skrif sê in Gal 2:21 – Want as daar geregtigheid deur die wet is, dan het Chrtistus verniet gesterwe.

Rom 7: 6 - Maar nou is ons ontslae van die wet waardeur ons gebonde was, aangesien ons dit afgesterf het, sodat ons dien in die nuwigheid van die Gees en nie in die oudheid van die letter nie.

Gal 5:18 sê die skrif Maar as julle deur die Gees gelei word, dan is julle nie onder die wet nie.

Die wet is volmaak, maar dit het skeiding en vyandskap tussen God en die mens gebring wat die Here Jesus deur sy dood moes afbreek.

My krag word in Swakheid volbring

Ons spartel meer as een dag in ons eie krag rond om dinge vir onsself en vir die Here te doen en meeste van die tyd vermag ons niks nie, omdat ons nie opmerk dat die Here ons eie planne en krag weerstaan sodat Hy sy planne en krag in ons kan volbring.

Die opskrif kom vanaf Joh. 3:30.. Hy moet meer word, maar ek minder.

Die here kyk nie na ons bekwaamhede en besittings nie – hy wil ons gebruik soos ons is. Hoe swakker ons in onsself is, hoe beter kan Hy ons gebruik en daarom moet Hy ons in ‘n sekere sin eers afbreek om ons diensbaar te maak.

Die voorbeelde wat ons in die skrif kry om hierdie stelling te staaf is menigvuldig en ek haal ‘n paar aan om dit te illustreer.

Die Koningkryk van God

In die begin het God die Hemel en aarde gemaak – hoe ? Hoë energie lig is soo vogtige lug wat wolke vorm as dit afkoel ens. Lig is die sewe geeste van God en God is lig. Openb 5:6

God het heerskappy op die aarde verloor deur die slang in die paradys en deur sonde in die mens. Die Duiwel wou soos God wees en is van die godeheuwel afgegooi – net so het hy die mens aangehits om soos God te wees (Gen 3:5 maar God weet dat as julle daarvan eet, julle oë sal oopgaan, sodat julle soos God sal wees deur goed en kwaad te ken.) en die mens is uit die godeland verban.

Lofsang op die Lydensweg

Ek wil vandag 'n lofsang aanhef oor die lydensweg. Sommige van u mag dink dat dit nie 'n onderwerp is waaroor mens 'n lofsang kan aanhef nie, maar as u lank daaroor gaan nadink, dan sal u vind dat dit een van die kosbaarste elemente van u geestelike lewe moet wees.

As die Here die gawe van Genade aan ons gee, dink u Hy gee ons iets wat ons nie nodig het nie. Nee, Hy gee dit sodat ons met sy genade die lydensweg kan volg.

Die Smaad van Christus

Hebr 13:12 Daarom het Jesus ook, om die volk deur sy eie bloed te heilig, buitekant die poort gely. 13 Laat ons dan uitgaan na Hom toe buitekant die laer en sy smaad dra.

Die Here Jesus het as teken van die liefde van die Vader ons smaad gedra : Rom 15:3 Want ook Christus het Homself nie behaag nie, maar soos geskrywe is: Die smaadhede van die wat U smaad, het op My geval.

As ons dan ons liefde aan die Vader wil betoon behoort ons ook Sy smaad te dra.

Die kenmerke van sy smaad is :

Lofsang op Liefde

Toe ek hierdie getuienis vir die eerste maal gegee het het die verantwoordelike broer gesê hy het gebid dat die Here my oortuig om oor sy liefde te praat. Ek het toe 'n droomgesig gehad waarin die Here vir my sê dat Hy die mensdom so lief het dat toe die here Jesus gebore is het hy niks uitrewy oor sy wonderlike gearrdheid en dade nie maar die engelekoor in die veld het gesing - Vrede op aarde en in die mense 'n welbehae - (en dit terwyl ons Hom nog vyandiggesind was.) Die engele sing - in die mense 'n welbehae - bekeerdes on onbekeerdes.

Die Bruilof van die Lam

Dis aan almal bekend dat die profesie in die Bybel wys op die week van die voorbereiding van die bruid en die bruilofsweek waartydens die Here Jesus met sy bruid die bruilof van die Lam gaan trou.

Om net weer terug te keer na die eerste week :

In Joh. 11:1 het ek reeds daarop gewys dat Lasarus ‘n tipe is van die opstanding van die dode. Hy was 4 dae in die graf voordat hy uit die dood opgewek is. Dit staan vir die 4 000 jaar vanaf die geboorte van Adam tot op die dood van die Here Jesus. Die Here Jesus het die dooies in die doderyk opgewek met sy besoek aan die doderyk : Hef op julle hoofde o poorte.

Die Belofte en die Lydsaamheid

Ek het alreeds geskryf oor hoe ons op die Here moet wag. As ons dit verstaan en beoefen, is die volgende stap om die lydsaamheid deelagtig te word – naamlik om gewoond daaraan te word om op die Here te wag.

Die skrif sê in Hebr. 10:36 Want julle het lydsaamheid nodig, om, (nadat julle die wil van God gedoen het) die belofte te verkry.

Die Here gee ons baie beloftes en ons moet verstaan dat ‘n belofte nie ‘n gawe is nie, dis slegs ‘n belofte van ‘n gawe, en as dit nie ‘n gawe is nie, gaan ons dit nie dadelik kry nie. Soos ek dus ‘n belofte verstaan is dit ‘n manier om my lydsaamheid te leer of selfs om my te toets of om ‘n prys van my te verlang.

Genade onbeskryflik groot

Ek wil graag ‘n loflied aanhef oor die onbeskryklike groot genade wat ons deel geword het deur die redding van ons siele.

Die skrif sê : Efes 2:8 Want uit genade is julle gered, deur die geloof, en dit nie uit julleself nie: dit is die gawe van God;

1 Joh 3:1 KYK wat ’n groot liefde die Vader aan ons bewys het, dat ons kinders van God genoem kan word! Ons het dus deur ons wil aan die Here oor te gee onbeskryflik baie ontvang – dink daaraan, die redding van ons siele, die gemeenskap met die Vader en sy seun, ‘n erfporsie wat nie oortref kan word nie en die voorreg om kinders van die Allerhoogste te wee. En by dit alles nog bewaring teen die wêreld se smart en ellende. Dink aan die alkoholisme, verdowingsmiddels, beheptheid met mag en geld, redeloosheid, gierigheid. – dit alles bewaar die Here ons van.

Guns en Genade

Ek het die afgelope 4 getuienisse gepraat oor vriendskap met die Here en hoe meer ek daaroor dink hoe meer besef ek die seëninge van vriendskap met Hom.

Genade is ‘n uitkoms uit benoudheid en guns is ‘n geskenk onverdiend en onverwags. Spr. 22:1  ‘n Naam is verkiesliker as groot rykdom, guns beter as silwer en as goud.

 As ek genade in die skrif beskou dan sien ek dit word hoofsaaklik aan sondaars bewys en guns word aan vriende bewys – en ons ken dit ook so in ons daaglikse lewe. Ek wil dus poog om guns van die Here en van mense te ontvang en daarom moet ek guns aan die Here en aan mense bewys.

Drie Stappe na die hel

 In Psalm 1 verskyn die sleutel tot ons insig in die proses wat ons probeer hel toe sleep.

Hy wat wandel in die raad van die goddelose (dit is om die weg van Kain te bewandel) – m.a.w. wat nie die Here se raad aannem nie.

Hy wat staan op die weg van die sondaars – m.a.w. nie die weg van die here bewandel nie.

Sit in die kring van die spotters – m.a.w. nie die gemeenskap van die heiliges soek nie.

Daar was drie stappe.

Vrye Wil en Keuse

Ek het lank geneem om die omvang van vrye wil te verstaan. Ek het gedink dat God die Vader my net as pion gebruik om sy wil uit te voer en dat ek dus uiteindelik niks as ‘n pion in sy hande is nie.

Dit is verkeerd en as mens as volg daaraan dink is dit maklik om te verstaan:

God die Vader kan nie foute maak nie, maar ek as mens kan foute maak. As ek dus foute maak, maak ek dit uit eie vrye wil en nie as ‘n instrument of pion wat deur die Vader rondgeskuif word na sy wil nie.

Die Hart van die Mens

Die Here sê vir u en my in Pred. 23:26 My seun, gee my jou hart” Is dit ‘n kosbare of groot ding wat Hy van ons verlang ?

Wat is die hart :

Dit is ons hele wese

Dit is die slagveld van ons siele

Dit is die oorsprong van die sonde – want ons sondig na gedagtes woorde en werke

Dit is die oorsprong van die lewe. Spreuke 4:23 Bewaak jou hart meer as alles wat bewaar moet word, want daaruit is die oorspronge van die lewe.

Gehoorsaamheid

Een van die belangrikste faktore wat ons geestelike lewe beinvloed is gehoorsaamheid en ongehoorsaamheid kan ons baie duur te staan. Die Here verwag van ons absolute gehoorsaamheid en Hy verwag selfs gehoorsaamheid van die winde en die see. Hy verwag ook dat die volke aan Hom gehoorsaam sal wees : Gen 49:10 .. totdat Silo kom en aan Hom sal die volke gehoorsaam wees.

Deur ongehoorsaamheid het die volgense mense baie skade gelei:

- Adam en Eva : Gen 3:17 .. Omdat jy geluister het na die stem van jou vrou .. (en nie na my gebod nie) .. vervloek is die aarde om jou ontwil.

- Saul : 1 Sam 15:23 Omdat jy die woord van die Here verwerp het , het Hy jou as koning verwerp.

- Ongehoorsame profeet : 1 Kon 13:21 Omdat jy wederstrewig was teen die mond van die Here, maar omgedraai en brood geeet het .. sal jy nie in die graf van jou vaders kom nie .. toe kom ‘n leeu hom teë op die pad en maak hom dood.

- Israel : Jos 5:6 .. wat nie aan die stem van die Here gehoorsaam was nie; vir wie die Here gesweer het dat hy hulle die land nie sou laat sien wat Hy hulle vaders met ‘n eed beloof het nie.

Die Eenvoud van die Evangelie

Een van die  aspekte wat my ons Kerk toe getrek het was die eenvoud van die evangelie. Toe die Here my siel gered het, het ek by baie kerke, predikers en ander mense hul weergawe van die evangelie gehoor en was dit naderhand vir my so kompleks dat ek in verwarring gekom het. Wat my nog meer gehinder het was dat ek nie teenoor ander mense kon getuig nie want ek was nie in staat om so komlekse evangelie te verstaan en oor te dra nie.

Toe ek in nuut in die Kerk ingekom het,  het ek dus verwag wat Naaman verwag het in 2 Kon 5;11 .. “Naaman het gedink Elisa sal sekerlik na hom uitkom en staan en die naam van die Here sy God aanroep en sy hand oor die plek heen en weer beweeg en die melaatsheid wegneem. Is Abana en Farpar, die riviere van Damaskus , nie beter as al die waters van Israel nie. Kon ek my nie daarin was en rein word nie.

Die Tyd van die Here

Een van die moeilikste dinge in ons geestelike loopbaan is om die regte tyd aan te gryp om ‘n opdrag van die Here uit te voer, of om te besef wanneer die Here se beloftes aan ons in werking tree. Die duiwel staan altyd reg om ons te verwar en te besluier om nie die regte tyd van die Here aan te gryp nie.

Die Here het ‘n bepaalde tyd vir elke saak.

Die Storms in ons Lewe

Ons lewe is 'n reistog wat deur storms geteister word en ons kan dit nie alleen aandurf nie.

Dit kan vergelyk word met 'n skip- of vliegtuigrit. Dis maklik om 'n skip of vliegtuig te bestuur, maar net stuurmanne wat gesout is deur storms kan dit oorleef of veilig vir ons maak.

Die Here Jesus is vir ons soos 'n gesoute stuurman, wat alles alreeds gely en oorwin het, wat storms ken en alreeds baie van hulle stilgemaak het. Ons merk egter baiekeer nie op dat die Here aan die stuur is nie, maar ons moet dit glo. Het U al ooit in 'n bootrit of vliegrit die stuurman gesien terwyl die rit aan die gang is.... nee, maar mens weet daar is iemand êrens in 'n stuurkajuit besig om die storms namens ons - die reisigers - te trotseer.

Seven things God hates

Proverbs 6:16-18

there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that are quick to rush into evil,

a false witness who pours out lies

and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

How do you measure up?

Interesting Bible Facts: Other

    - The theme of the Bible is the same in both the Old and New Testaments. It is the redemption of man.

- All other religious texts were written by men who claimed to be speaking for God. Only the Bible claims to be written by God, speaking to men.

- The number 40 is used many times in the Bible. It often means God is about to usher in a new event or era. For instances, rain during the flood lasted 40 days, spies explored Canaan for 40 days, Jonah warned Nineveh for 40 days, and Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days.

Interesting Bible Facts: The Bible

The Bible was written over a 1500 year span (from 1400 B.C to A.D. 100), over 40 generations , over 40 authors from many walks of life (i.e. - kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars), in different places (i.e. - wilderness, dungeon, palaces), at different times (i.e. - war, peace), in different moods (i.e. - heights of joy, depths of despair), on three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe) in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) 

The Bible is the best-selling book of all time. How many Bibles, do you think are sold in one year? Any guesses? 150 million! And there are over 4 billion Bibles in print.

Interesting Bible Facts; Prophesies

-       Isaiah prophesied most about the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 lists more than 20 things about Jesus, all of which are true.

-       All other religious texts were written by men who claimed to be speaking for God. Only the Bible claims to be written by God, speaking to men.

-       Did you know that over 3000 times the Bible says, “thus saith the Lord.”