ARE WE WORKING OUT OUR SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING?

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Paul tells us “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippian 12-13

“With fear and trembling” sounds daunting and certainly not pleasurable. In fact, is it even possible?

Working out your salvation is not possible if you have not accepted Christ as your Savior. But once you have, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of you.

With His partnership you can “work out” your salvation. You can experience practically in your everyday life the unlimited resources of peace, joy, and hope that accompany the Holy Spirit’s presence inside of you.

Sadly, you have to question how many people in our churches today are born again and have received the Holy Spirit as their counsellor, teacher and comforter. It is only the Holy Spirit that produces the fruit of the spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace. patience, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, kindness and self control. It is only the Holy Spirit that provides the gifts of the spirit for ministry: word of knowledge, word of wisdom, prophecy, faith, healing, miracles, discerning of spirits, tongues and interpretation of tongues.

The “fear and trembling” Paul is referring to is the attitude Christians are to have in pursuing this goal. We are to have a healthy fear of offending God through disobedience and an awe and respect for His majesty and holiness.

How we act right now as followers of Jesus will greatly impact our internal peace. Fear and trembling simply means, approach God with humility and ask him for His peace to be increased to a greater measure than the anxiety you are experiencing. Say to Him, “Lord, I humbly ask for your peace to be increased in me. I need it Lord to get through my day. Please help me Lord.”

And guess what? God will. God promises us in Philippians 2:13 that “He is at work in us both to will and to work for his good pleasure“. This is a promise.

Obedience triggers greater peace in our lives and greater peace triggers greater effectiveness for us as witnesses for Christ. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:15 that obedience brings blamelessness into our lives in the midst of a crooked and twisted world and this enables our light for Him to shine brighter.

We have to hold on to God’s Word, be in God’s Word, and apply God’s Word to our lives if we hope to maintain any sense of peace in this world. If we hold fast to God’s Word we are fixing our gaze on God by reading His Word and applying it to our lives regardless of our circumstances.

Much of this article was taken from a post by Pastor Kelly a Guest Contributor to http://www.patheos.com entitled Working Out Peace In Your Life In 2021

JUDGEMENT ON AMERICA

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Jonathan Cahn shares how God’s judgement on America was prophesied in the Scriptures. The timing is incredible particularly concerning what has and is happening to New York. You will be encouraged and challenged as never before how God is in control of all that happens on His planet. Also, Jonathan stresses the fact that God wants to use each one of us for His purposes but we need to repent and ask Him for guidance.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

DISCIPLESHIP – AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

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“Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again?” It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” Matthew 5:13

Disciples today would do well to remember that they run the risk of uselessness in the Lord’s mission if they relegate themselves to the shelf and not, in appropriate ways, apply themselves in the very contexts in need of their salty presence (that is, salty as defined here in Matthew’s gospel).

The disciple’s presence is required throughout the earth, especially in those areas running the risk of spoiling or in the bland corners in need of life-giving flavor. In fact, it is precisely in the unsavory and/or rotting contexts where salt is most necessary.

Following this salty comment, Jesus introduces another word picture:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Notice that both here and in the instruction given about salt earlier that the entire world is in view. Jesus tells his disciples they are the “salt of the earth” and here he says that they “are the light of the world” With this big picture in mind Jesus continues by suggesting that the light given off by a city set on a hill is fairly conspicuous to the surrounding areas that are more in the dark. Light from such a city is an especially powerful presence amid darkness, providing illumination, perspective, and, perhaps, guidance to those in the darkness. Disciples have not been given the light of Christ (John 1:4; 8:12) to keep for themselves or to only turn on in the safety of their carefully insulated spheres of influence. Instead, Jesus demands:

“Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Those who need to see this will not happen upon life and truth-giving light by accident. Light must shine where it can be seen (in the shadows) so that those in the dark might be directed to the Father in heaven and potentially bring him glory. Unfortunately, many are choosing to shine their light only in well-lit and more comfortable areas, neglecting, as Jesus encourages here, to shine what they have been given where it is most needed—in the darkness.

Peter provides a good summary for us: we are ambassadors that need to proclaim His excellencies, His Gospel. Our conduct must be above reproach and we do good deeds so that God is glorified.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:9-12

END TIMES KINGDOM

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Satan’s kingdom is massing powerful forces of hate, anger and evil. They masquerade as good and fair values that liberate, confirm and advance culture and civilization. But they are doing the very opposite!  Events and trends have reached a point of no return. If I denigrate in any way gay marriage, homosexuality and LGBT issues then this post would be censored. A Christian must be armed with a solid faith in God to withstand the battle of life before us. It is time to check our faith—protected by a shield that cannot be penetrated by doubt, fear or weakness. A strong belief and confidence in God’s firm hand in our life is the anchor we need during these times. Jesus asked a question with profound implications for each of us: “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8. Faith in Jesus is growing increasingly rare in our secularized society.

Many people today view the values and promises of the Bible as judgmental and archaic. The popular approach is to accept and validate all opinions, no matter what they are. But the same people don’t realize that such an approach inevitably produces doubt, which undermines faith. We may not deny the existence of God, but, because of the materialism, humanism and moral relativism of the world around us, we convince ourselves that God is not involved in human affairs. We see through a prism that leaves God out of the picture. The religion of many professing Christians is superficial. They have not received the Holy Spirit and therefore lack the power to live the Christian life. Moreover, as a result their knowledge of God’s Word is rudimentary. They certainly are not aware of the many prophecies concerning Jesus soon coming return. Far too many have come to believe that every aspect of life is simply a matter of personal choice and that nothing matters beyond their feelings. Instead of relying on God, they trust only themselves to solve their problems. Confirmation of the superficiality of faith is to be found in the fact that, although 90 percent of Americans say they pray, many are unsure that their prayers make any difference (National & International Religion Report).

KENYA HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENT

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My report on the Kenya House Church Movement consists of three emails from pastors there. The final email being from Pastor Charles the founder and leader of the KHC Movement. In it he mentions a project I would like to fund. It is to provide Pastor Charles with a computer and large TV Screen to enable them to connect with me and other Para Church organisations via Zoom. We need approx $1500 if you are able to donate please do so by clicking on our Donate icon on the Home page.

The first is from Pastor Maurice who just lost his wife to Covid 19.

The burial of my wife, the late Hellen, ended well yesterday. I’m very thankful for the support of kshs 20000/, I received from you, through my leader Charles. Your support helped me a lot! I’m thankful to all my co-pastors and the community of KHC, brothers and sisters who stood with me all through this period of difficult time.

I would request you all to put me and my family in your prayers, for peace, health and restoration.

Your well done work, will remain forever in my heart. Thank you and who helped contribution to ensure the program went through and successfully.

Pastor Maurice

The choir members purchase their own robes so it is not a burden on the finances of KHC.

The second report is from Pastor Alfred who attended the funeral with members of his Home Church.

Some of my church group believers, my wife and I, are back home after attending the burial of Pastor Maurice’s wife. After much of a struggle and a sleepless night, we were able to give pastor Maurice’s wife, Helen a successful farewell, a burial which was attended by nearly all our KHC, believers. Before the presence of Pastor Jacob, and all the KHC leadership team, Charles was able to give Kshs 20,000/, a good amount which helped us so much in paying hospital bill and part of the mortuary bill.

We are so thankful for you being supportive of us, and for standing behind pastor Maurice and the KHC movement leadership team. All went well and I believe Charles will be able to give you the full report of the funeral

Pastor Alfred

The third report is from Pastor Charles, the leader of the KHC Movement.

Dear Ron and to all the community of believers, friends and followers of Living Eternal Now,

I would first want to give my thanks to you all, for all your prayer support and the long journey you have taken with the Kenya House Church Movement.

In the last few years, your prayers and financial support has caused the KHC movement to grow both spiritually and physically.

Prayers : Your prayers have enabled us get a breakthrough in our spiritual ministry, thus enabling us to step into new places and territories with the gospel invading and destroying the work of Satan and bringing lost souls to salvation and repentance, by the power of the Holy spirit.

You will remember, that recently our team was able to take the gospel to a new territory, it was at Kogaja near the border of Kenya and Uganda and a new Home Church Group was founded that are eager to grow the movement.

Through the power of your prayers, we have seen the mighty works of God and His hand upon us, in all the places and the new territory we have visited with the Gospel.

 As part of our 2021 discipleship and evangelism plan we have two pending invitations waiting for us to fulfil both in the Republic of Tanzania, Nyamuzi and Mwanza.

Financial support:- As you all know, money is just a tool in the hands of the carpenter needed to help the work be done. For this reason we have been very grateful for the help LEN has provided for both ministry and in times of crisis. For example in March, 2020, my daughter was abducted and later rescued from the hands of her abductors in the republic of Tanzania. In October 2020 , Pastor Alfred lost his daughter to Covid 19 whilst his wife survived the disease. In November, 2020, My wife underwent caesarian surgery. In December 2020 Pastor Maurice’s house was burnt down, and nothing was rescued. And now in February 2021, Pastor Maurice’s’ wife Helen died from Covid 19.

Through all these crises/difficulties, and ministerial needs, Brother Ron has been actively giving financial help to all these our brothers and sisters within the KHC Movement despite him being old and a pensioner.

Still his heart is burning with passion, to help buy a computer and a large TV screen for zooming, this is to help KHC movement to get connected with other parachurch organizations and to help learn sound doctrine on end times teachings etc. We kindly appeal to all LEN followers and anyone willing and interested to help join hands with brother Ron, in giving support to the Kenya House Church Movement.

May you prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

Pastor Charles Otieno Owino

SHEEP AND GOAT NATIONS

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Lawmakers in Honduras garnered national headlines last week when they voted to ratify a change to the national constitution that effectively bolsters the ban on abortion in the Latin American nation.

The lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in favor of the amendment on Jan. 21, with a second ratification vote last Thursday solidifying what supporters call a “Shield Against Abortion in Honduras.”

“The unborn shall be considered as born for all rights accorded within the limits established by law,” the amendment reads. Language was added to the amendment stating that “it is prohibited and illegal for the mother or a third party to practice any form of interruption of life on the unborn, whose life must be respected from conception.”

Jesus said He will judge sheep and goat nations on His return can I suggest that Honduras and Brazil where abortion is a crime will be among those sheep nations. Remember the Saints will have been raptured prior to Jesus return. Jesus will return with the saints to begin His Millennial reign on this earth.

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Matthew 25:31-33

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire.” Matthew 25:41

Living Eternal Now: Ready for Jesus Return – Now in paperback – February 4, 2021 on Amazon

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Author Mr Ronald William Edwards 

 See all formats and editions

Living Eternal Now – Ready for Jesus Return is about living our lives knowing that everything we give ourselves to will be judged in the fire of Jesus’ coming. Everything. If it isn’t yoked to eternity, it will burn up. The book provides abundant proof God exists and His Word (Holy Bible) is inerrant from Genesis to Revelation providing an accurate history of this Cosmos. It includes direct links to videos and articles that support this thesis which make eBooks particularly useful. It provides testimonies of prominent people, PhD scientists, famous actors like Denzel Washington. that are already living life with an eternal focus clearly in mind. The essential elements for living eternal now are covered in detail, so you can live with an eternal perspective knowing God’s purpose for your life. The last chapter, Discerning the Times, establishes we are living in the last days hence there is an urgency for you to know His will for your life.

If you would like an autographed copy of my book then you need to email me on ron@bakb.com.au providing your home or shipping address and donate equivalent of US$12.99 (includes postage anywhere) by clicking on the Donate icon on the Home Page.

GOD ANSWERS THE GOVERNOR’S PRAYER IN WEST VIRGINIA

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In West Virginia, not only are the number of COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations coming down, they’ve vaccinated more people per capita than almost any other state.  

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice credits God and common sense as the State leads U.S. in vaccine rollout.

Jim Justice realises God exists and that He loves to respond to the heartfelt, repentant prayers of His children. Their success was due in large part because Jim prayed on behalf of the State of West Virginia. The governor proclaimed March 25th of last year as a statewide day of prayer. He urged West Virginians to pray for God’s mercy and intervention with the coronavirus during a virtual prayer service at the state capitol.

“But Father, I pray for all of us in our great state that You will intervene now and hear our words as I know You will, and someway, somehow intervene to stop this terrible virus,” Justice prayed. 
 
The governor says although they’ve seen their share of tragedy and loss of life, he knows God has been with them through it all. He has surely guided the boat since that day, (that we prayed) I can promise you that. This State is blessed because they have a Governor who believes in God’s goodness and His promises and acts accordingly.

HISTORY PROVES GOD RESPONDS WHEN NATIONS REPENT

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In the year 1849 in the United States a major cholera epidemic broke out and quickly spread. Soon  more than 150,000 died.  The death rate was far higher than today’s covid19.  In response President Zachary Taylor called for a Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer – a solution that had been called by Americans many times previously, beginning with the Pilgrims.   Within days the epidemic was stopped. God responded.

Abraham Lincoln called three times during the Civil War for such Days of Humiliation

The Lord has allowed today’s global pestilence. New more virulent virus strains of the Covid virus are emerging worldwide. God typically uses catastrophes whether it is pestilences, famines, floods, wars to cause nations to repent and turn to Him. Read the story again of Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 3:6-10).  If sincere repentance happens, “God will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:12-14). Abraham Lincoln called three times during the Civil War for such Days of Humiliation, He said, “But we have forgotten God; we have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplies and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

Yet this simple but humbling solution is ignored by not only our nations leaders but most church leaders.  I would suggest we are living in the last days Jesus spoke of prior to His return to rule and reign on this earth. Jesus said, lawlessness will abound like the days of Noah and Sodom and Gomorrah. Apostasy in the church, a great falling away, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)
 
Personal and national repentance is typically not on the agenda of most political leaders and most churches. In that vacuum, you and I, are called to be examples, if necessary to start a prayer network, certainly to join other prayer networks, participating, for example, in Global Days of Repentance.  The next Global Day of Repentance focuses on Australia on February 7, 2017. If you want to join in then do so by going to: www.globalrepent.com

DOES GOD SPEAK TO US?

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Dr Martin Luther King certainly knew He does. God speaks especially to His people but also to anyone in order to achieve His purposes in His world. Even kings such as Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:1-3) and Darius (Daniel 6:28), to name two kings of major empires, Babylon and Persia. Read one of Martin Luther’s encounters from his book Stride Toward Freedom (1958): “I got out of bed and began to walk the floor. Finally I went to the kitchen and heated a pot of coffee. I was ready to give up. With my cup of coffee sitting untouched before me I tried to think of a way to move out of the picture without appearing a coward. In this state of exhaustion, when my courage had all but gone, I decided to take my problem to God. With my head in my hands, I bowed over the kitchen table and prayed aloud. The words I spoke to God that midnight are still vivid in my memory. “I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But now I am afraid. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter. I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I’ve come to the point where I can’t face it alone.”

“At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine as I had never experienced Him before. It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying: “Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth; and God will be at your side forever.” Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything. “Three nights later, on January 30, I left home a little before seven to attend our Monday evening mass meeting at the First Baptist Church. A member of my congregation, Mrs. Mary Lucy Williams, had come to the parsonage to keep my wife company in my absence. After putting the baby to bed, Coretta and Mrs. Williams went to the living room to look at television. About nine-thirty they heard a noise in front that sounded as though someone had thrown a brick. In a matter of seconds an explosion rocked the house. A bomb had gone off on the porch.

“The sound was heard many blocks away, and word of the bombing reached the mass meeting almost instantly. Toward the close of the meeting, as I stood on the platform helping to take the collection, I noticed an usher rushing to give Ralph Abernathy a message. Abernathy turned and ran downstairs, soon to reappear with a worried look on his face. Several others rushed in and out of the church. People looked at me and then away; one or two seemed about to approach me and then changed their minds. An usher called me to the side of the platform, presumably to give me a message, but before I could get there S. S. Seay had sent him away. By now I was convinced that whatever had happened affected me. I called Ralph Abernathy, S. S. Seay, and E. N. French and asked them to tell me what was wrong. Ralph looked at Seay and French and then turned to me and said hesitantly “Your house has been bombed.” I asked if my wife and baby were all right. They said, “We are checking on that now.”

“Strangely enough, I accepted the word of the bombing calmly. My religious experience a few nights before had given me the strength to face it. I interrupted the collection and asked all present to give me their undivided attention. After telling them why I had to leave, I urged each person to go straight home after the meeting and adhere strictly to our philosophy of nonviolence. I admonished them not to become panicky and lose their heads. “Let us keep moving,” I urged them, “with the faith that what we are doing is right, and with the even greater faith that God is with us in the struggle.

What is your experience with prayer? Hopefully, we can learn from Martin Luther King’s experience: if we are doing what is right and are moving forward in trust, then God will orchestrate the outcome.

Some of us will have an experience like that of Martin Luther particularly when we come before God in our weariness, confessing our inability to continue confronting a godless world. Sadly, much of the church no longer believes God answers prayer and is in total control of His universe. What about you?