Redemption: A Gift From God

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by John DoylePsalm 71:23 - 24 "My lips will shout for joy when I sing Praises to you; my soul also, which you have Redeemed, and my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long..."What comes to your mind when you hear the word "Redeemed" in the Word of God? What comes to my mind immediately is that 'Redeemed' brings me to think of God's amazing gift of salvation through the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and because of that we have been redeemed from the pit of Hell and also providing "abundant Life" here on earth. Redemption literally means "saving or improving something that has declined into a poor state". Without the redemption of our souls through faith in Jesus Christ we remain "declined and in a poor state".  Hence our Redeemer came. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer.Please read the scriptures below:The Bible says that we are -Redeemed from the "Grave" - Psalm 49:15Redeemed from Death - Hosea 13:14Redeemed from the Law - Galatians 4:5Redeemed from all wickedness - Titus 2:14Redeemed from the curse - Galatians 3:13Redeemed from the Pit - Ps. 103:4"Who redeems you from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,"  Psalm 103:4The Apostle Paul summarized it by saying, "Live a life worthy of the Lord, to please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His Glorious might, so that you might have endurance..." Colossians 1:10Gods Word is Truth and it is purposed for His people to live the Redeemed life in Christ and to have abundant "Faith, Love, Hope and JOY in our relationship with Him and each other as Believers in Christ.As a result of this great Redemptive gift from God we have free access to a Personal Relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit both now and Forever. So as we read in scripture above may our "Lips shout for Joy" our voices sing "Praise to our God" and our "tongue will talk of His righteousness all the day long".Its not an easy task to take on in these difficult days we are going through, but we are still living the 'Redemptive' Life in Christ and we have great promises from God for Living, speaking and even singing "Praises to our great Redeemer"Time to sing with me:I've been redeemed (I've been redeemed)by the blood of the Lamb. (by the blood of the Lamb.)I've been redeemed (I've been redeemed)by the blood of the Lamb,I've been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb,filled with the Holy Ghost I am.All my sins are washed away,I've been REDEEMED.May the Lord bless you and your precious Family. In the Love of the Lord Jesus, John and Barbara

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What a Wonderful World

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by Graham MolThe earlier sunrises, the later sunsets, the warmth in air, the budding blossoms and leaves, these are all things that mark the beginning period of Spring and one can sense the anticipation building for those sweet Summer rains. One of joys of the changing seasons, especially that of going from the dry, desolate Winter into Spring is that you are reminded of the incredible beauty of God's creation. Our plum trees in full blossom and now starting to sprout leaves "And I think to myself,What a wonderful world"This is the refrain Louis Armstrong repeats in his famous song, as he reflects on the things of beauty and wonder in this world. It is a delightful song, a happy song, and a good reminder to stop a moment and take in the wonder and beauty of this world around us. Although marred by the curse of sin, this world we live in still bear much of what made it "very good" in the beginning when God created it.It is good for us to look upon all that God has made and delight in it, to gaze with awe and wonder at the beauty and intricacy at which He has crafted each little and mighty thing. Our appreciation leads to worship of the One who made it all:Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:3)I would like to encourage you to look around and notice the signs of the oncoming warm weather, the hints of Springtime and as you do so take time to worship the Lord in wonder and gratitude for everything that He has made.10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines;    it flows between the mountains.11 They give water to all the beasts of the field;    the wild donkeys quench their thirst.12 The birds of the sky nest by the waters;    they sing among the branches.13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;    the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,    and plants for people to cultivate—    bringing forth food from the earth:15 wine that gladdens human hearts,    oil to make their faces shine,    and bread that sustains their hearts.16 The trees of the Lord are well watered,    the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.17 There the birds make their nests;    the stork has its home in the junipers.18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats;    the crags are a refuge for the hyrax.19 He made the moon to mark the seasons,    and the sun knows when to go down.20 You bring darkness, it becomes night,    and all the beasts of the forest prowl.21 The lions roar for their prey    and seek their food from God.22 The sun rises, and they steal away;    they return and lie down in their dens.23 Then people go out to their work,    to their labor until evening.24 How many are your works, Lord!In wisdom you made them all;the earth is full of your creatures.25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small.(Psalm 104:10-25)What a wonderful world indeed!https://youtu.be/rBrd_3VMC3cGod BlessGraham

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Confidence in the Goodness of God

https://youtu.be/C1aNl7r1naY?t=1236 Audio Recording Are you confident in your position as a child of God as you manoeuvre your way through life? As you dwell in His presence my prayer is that you will be confident in your standing, and that no matter what is going on around you, that you will walk by faith and not just by sight, and that like David, you too will be able to boldly proclaim on a daily basis, “surely goodness and the unfailing love of the Lord will pursue me every second of every day, and I will trust in the abiding presence of God.” Sermon by Calven Celliers Download the Summary

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God Will See You Through

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by Calven CelliersIf I had to ask you if you ‘have ever been thrown into a lions’ den?’ I’m certain the answer would be a definite NO! Metaphorically, however, that might be a different story. If I had to phrase the question slightly differently, and asked you, ‘have you ever been in a situation where you felt trapped, without options or a way out? Have you ever wondered if God is big enough to pull you out of that difficult thing you’re facing?’ I’m certain you would say YES! In the book of Daniel, we read that Daniel was a faithful follower of the Lord. That, however, didn’t guarantee him a problem free existence. In fact, we read that even though he had been appointed as one of King Darius’s top administrators, his peers were jealous and wanted to destroy him. So, they tricked King Darius into making a decree that anyone who prayed to any god except the king himself would be thrown into a den of hungry lions. Yet, Daniel was persistent and continued with his faithfulness to God. He prayed to God, asking for help; he trusted in God because He knew that God is more powerful than anything he would ever face in this life.“Your effectiveness and personal victory in Christ are linked to the time you spend with the Lord.”  (Charles Stanley)Daniel rested in the knowledge that God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free life, but He does promise to be with us through it all. Daniel knew that and experienced it first-hand, and so he continued trusting in, praying to, and praising God. “23 …And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” (Daniel 6:23NIV)Here’s what this Biblical account teaches us: Everyone on this planet faces hardships in life. But as Christians we have the hope that no matter what, God will see us through. No matter how dire things may look, there is no situation that God cannot change. The whole book of Daniel gives us constant reminders of God’s sovereignty. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is our one constant in a very unpredictable world. He is still a rescuer, deliverer, and miracle worker, even when circumstances are difficult. That is the great message resounding from the lions’ den. God will be with us in the midst of our adversity and difficulties. We need to place our trust in Him! No matter what’s happening to you, faithfully persist in praying, praising and investing in your relationship with Jesus.What are you having a hard time trusting God for right now? What is the seemingly impossible situation that you’re sitting in with no clear way out? The pressure may be on. You may not see a light at the end of the tunnel. But you can trust that the living God is in the den with you. He has the ability to “shut the lions’ mouths.” Keep your eyes on Jesus and be a faithful follower! God…

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