JOSHUA’S UNWAVERING FAITH.

JOSHUA.

Joshua demonstrated strong faith in God when he led the Israelites into the Promised Land and throughout his life. It was an act of faith to replace Mighty Moses, the man who spoke face to face with God.

Joshua followed God’s commands when they were complicated or unusual and remained steadfast in his belief that God loved and would protect them.

Just as we need encouragement, God encouraged Joshua. Several times during the long and arduous journey to the Promised Land, God reminded him to be “STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE.”

Do you need the certainty that God is with you step by step in your journey to Heaven?

God is with you at all times, and He will never leave you or forsake you, even if you can’t sense His presence at all.

This is when your obedience becomes an act of your will and not your feelings.           Feelings lie, faith does not!                    We exercise faith one step at a time.

Joshua is to be admired because he obeyed meticulously by following God’s instructions even when they were more unorthodox. (Contrary to what is usual or acceptable)

It was courageous to attempt to lead a congregation of rebellious, questioning, doubting, whining and unbelieving people across the wilderness for forty years. Joshua must have possessed an unwavering faith in God alone and no one else.

 His courage demonstrated itself when facing formidable enemies, while leading Israel to victory.

He trusted in the promises of God, that God would always come through for him and never let them down, never losing His grip on them.

Read about the amazing fall of Jericho by faith. Joshua chapter 6.   The great conquest!!

Joshua remained totally committed to God’s Covenant and reminded Israel to serve Him with their whole heart, soul and mind.

He lived in a close relationship with God and knew the Lord God, Jehovah, for himself. He did not follow Mose’s God or look to Idols made by man. 

That great promise given to us in Scripture encourages us to,

“DRAW NEAR TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU.”

Do you know God personally? If you do… you will do great exploits with Him.( Bold and Daring things!)

You cannot rely on people or your own understanding. God must be first and foremost in your life.

You, as Joshua, will have good success in all that you venture to do.

Finally, Joshua never feared because of his unwavering faith in the Goodness of God.

We honour him because of his unwavering faith, and he became one of the finest leaders in the Bible. A book populated with leaders that possessed adamantine faith         ( unable to be broken)

IF THE EVIDENCE OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS FOUND IN YOUR FAITH IN GOD’S WORD.                            RECEIVE MORE NOW IN JESUS’ NAME.

Amen.

To know God as a person, you need to come to Him through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the “Way”, the “Truth” and the “Life.”

Jesus died for you, shed His blood to cleanse you from all sin and take you to Heaven when you die.

Ask Him today to forgive, save, and deliver you from Hell. He will come into your life, change you, and give you a brand-new life. He will never leave you or forsake you, and you will live in the presence of the King of Kings forever.

If you pray this prayer for salvation, please contact Heather Dalzell, MSM. 0417545814.

To support this ministry financially you can email me on heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

To read more studies. Website Address:

lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

Up, up, and away!!!

 

MORE  GREAT  SAINTS OF FAITH.

MOSES’S MOTHER JOCHEBED.

Before we honour Moses, we should honour his wonderful mother, Jochebed. She was indeed a woman of fearless faith.

Read Exodus 2:1-10.

Her faith was certainly passed on to Moses, the future deliverer of Israel. She was also the mother of Miriam and Aaron, who played key roles on their brother’s side in seeing the people of God to their Promised Land.

Courageous Jochebed hid her son Moses at the time when Pharoah murdered countless children to raise his own dynasty.

Imagine placing your baby into a sealed basket in the river Nile (one of the largest rivers in the world!), trusting the Lord would deliver him. Can you imagine the wrestling of faith it took to come to that decision.

The Lord used Miriam, his big sister, to seize the opportunity to bring Moses back into  Jochebed’s life so she could continue to nurse him until he became Pharaoh’s daughter’s son.

Imagine being paid to nurture your own flesh and blood!!

“FEARLESS FAITH ACTED UPON WILL BRING EMPOWERMENT FROM THE LORD GOD TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE THINGS.”

MOSES.

Paul, the writer of Hebrews, discusses Moses himself, a mighty Prophet and Leader of Israel. He was indeed unique among the Israelites of his day in that he was reared in a Palace and also walked among them, understanding their plight and leading them out of slavery and captivity.

MOSES eventually led them to the Promised Land, though he did not enter himself due to an act of disrespect for God.

Are you still wandering in the wilderness of your life due to an act of disregard or disobedience to God? It is not too late to repent and be reconciled to God. He loves you and will certainly forgive you, restore you back to the narrow path of righteousness, and enable you to fulfil His plan for your life.

Sometimes, the second best can work out to be “the best!”

MOSES, though impulsive, gave in to his emotions. God still honoured him, and he had the privilege of appearing with Elijah at Jesus’s transfiguration. My, what an awesome privilege! After all, he got to see the promised land and tasted the Heavenly Kingdom of God.

Precious reader, we all fail and blunder in our walk with God. Praise His glorious Name… He remains Faithful and He will complete His purposes for your life.

Come back to Jesus today and remember; That,

“All things work together for good to them who are the called according to His plan and purpose for your life.”

Amen.

To support this ministry financially, contact me by Email

heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

For comments MSM Heather Dalzell….

Phone no. 04 27 545 814. Love to hear from you.  

To read more blogs: Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

Blessings!

THE HEROES OF FAITH.

Another explanation of the difference between faith and hope is:

Faith is looking to God and trusting Him for everything.

Hope is looking at the future and trusting God for it.

Faith is the currency of Heaven a substance you need for God to work.

We need to learn to give everything over to God so He can work His plan through us unhindered.

Faith comes first, then hope, and followed by love.

As your faith grows, your understanding will increase, and you will begin applying the hope principle.

Faith is not just an unquestioning belief, but a firm assurance based on the promises of God and a clear perception of Spiritual realities. It is not wishful thinking, but a firm, confident belief in the future based upon what God has promised in His Word.

The things you cannot see or feel with your senses. Such as the Spiritual realm.

This verse shows us how reliable and faithful God is toward us.

Faith is the assurance of what we hope will undoubtedly become a reality.

It’s believing that God is already at work to give us what we desire according to His Word. It’s believing the unbelievable and making the impossible possible!

Jesus Christ tells us not to waver in our hearts; otherwise, we will not receive anything from the Lord, and we will not bring pleasure to His Heart.

The heroes of faith in the Old Testament had their faith grounded in God’s promises so much that the things they envisioned with substance and assurance would someday come true—even though they never saw them and went to their graves in death.

They believed in the trustworthiness of God and believed never-the-less.

Isn’t that what we must do… Believe that God has said it! Whether we experience it or not. 

It is settled in Heaven whether you believe it or not!  It’s all about believing His Word.

Let’s ask God to plant the seed of His Word in our hearts so deeply that the evil One cannot steal, choke or destroy it.

Dear reader, don’t delay any longer and obey His will for your life. And step out of the boat into the raging waters of this life and walk on water knowing that Jesus is holding you up.

With Him, you will never drown!!

Amen.

This ministry is one of faith and God is blessing people through it.

Please seek the Lord for His guidance if it is His will for you to partner with me. Thank you.

If God leads you to support this ministry financially, you can contact me through my Email Address.

Heather Dalzell777@Gmail.com

To read more studies: Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

Email address. heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

To comment or share your experience of faith. You can…

SMS Heather Dalzell 04 17 545 814.

Dear Follower.

Thank you for reading my Mini Bible studies this past year.

Thank you also to those of you who have supported me financially. God will bless you indeed for your faithful giving to this vital ministry.

I am looking for ways to reach the whole World with the Gospel of Christ by enlarging my audience. I need more finances to do this.

It costs $ 70:00 per week to use WordPress Blaze to spread the gospel over the World into every country.

Would you consider helping me to reach thousands of people who are lost in sin and are in dire need of Salvation.

If you share my burden for the lost, this is sure way to spread the Gospel without travelling yourself to foriegn lands.

Yes, we are sowing the good news by faith and may not physically see the results. The Lord knows, and you will be rewarded.

The cost of keeping this ministry going is at the moment $200.00 Australian dollars per month. To extend my audience would cost an extra $70:00 per week which amounts to $480 dollars per month.

That would mean 8 more people giving consistently $35:00  per month.

Pray about it as time is short before the Lord Jesus returns. My heart breaks for those wbo are not yet saved and are lost in sin.

Any extra money would go to printing these blogs into one book through a publisher.

The sending out of Gospel tracts is now in the process of being printed.

Satan has tried many devious ways to shut me down. In four years, I have purchased three Ipads and six phones, and paid for numerous technicians’ fees to fix problems that are beyond my control.

This ministry is wholly dedicated to the Lord and for tbe extension of His Kingdom on this earth, and to encourage Christians to live a life well pleasing to the Lord.

So dear friends, pray earnestly for me and this calling and ask the Lord to lead you to become an integral part of GOD’S ‘LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS.’

Bessings, HeatherDalzell@Gmail77.com

Phone 0417 645 814.

THE HONOURED SAINTS.

Today, we focus on the courageous men and women in the,

“Faith Hall of Fame.”

Though they lived in different times and places and faced many challenges, they had one thing in common: Loyalty to the Lord their God.

Hebrews 11:35-36 is a perfect example of a powerful passage that encourages us, as believers, to live by faith and trust God’s promises through the eyes of faith.

“CAST NOT AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE, WHICH HAS A PAYDAY OF REWARDS … YOU NEED TO BE PATIENT, FOR AFTER YOU HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, YOU WILL RECEIVE THE PROMISE.”

“THE JUST WILL LIVE BY FAITH.” Verse 38.

Faith is the fundamental aspect of our Christian lives, and it leads to a deeper connection with God and a better future to gain.

In your time of discouragement, when you feel you cannot continue and are tempted to  give up your Christian walk, review these faith-filled believers to encourage you to keep on going despite how you feel and keep your faith through disappointments, betrayals, abandonments, loneliness and pain, because “He is Faithful and He will also do it”

FAITH IN CREATION.

We never saw the creation of the world; we only know of it. We know by faith that the world was created by a Master Designer. This faith goes beyond reason and does not contradict reason. See Psalm 33:6, 9.

” HE SPOKE AND IT WAS DONE; HE COMMANDED AND IT STOOD FAST.”

It’s exciting to read the whole passage from verses 6-9 and discover how God did it.

He created the visible from the invisible. How miraculous!

THE FAITH OF ABEL. Chapter 4:3-5.

He offered a more acceptable sacrifice than his brother Cain because Abel’s sacrifice was offered by faith. God was pleased with his sacrifice and commanded fire from Heaven to consume the accepted sacrifice. Cain, in an angry rage, killed his brother Abel. Abel did not receive any reward on this earth but the reward of God’s acceptance of his offering, the testimony of Abel’s righteousness, and the value of his blood, which reminds us of the value of eternity.

THE FAITH OF ENOCH.  Verses 5,6.

Such was a man who walked with God and “was not, ” meaning God translated Him from Earth to Heaven. He did not taste earthly death as God took him to Himself. (This is a type of Rapture.) Meaning, (caught up.)

THE FAITH OF NOAH.

Noah was warned about things he couldn’t see. He believed God would flood the earth and obediently built an Arc. You see that genuine faith will not sit back and ask other people’s opinions before taking action. 

Allow me to ask… What has God called you to do with your life? Are you doubting that it was God who summoned you? Are you doubting your own ability? Allow Godly fear to motivate you to obey His call, and do not delay any longer. God can reach millions of people with one totally surrendered person.9

FAITH IN THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS.

ABRAHAM.

First, we will follow Abraham’s journey of faith. He did step out in faith, going to an unknown place that God had promised. But his faith was less than perfect.

In Acts chapter 7:2-4. Reveals that he only went halfway to where God told Him and only eventually obeyed completely.

Yet thousands of years later, God chose not to remember his delayed obedience and mightily blessed him.

You may have faltered in your walk with God and not completely obeyed his call, but you soldiered on by faith and completed his command. God will not condemn you. He will honour your perseverance and faith. I’m sure you have learned some valuable lessons along the way.

Notice that Abraham was a sojourner in the land, not owning any of it. A dweller, not an owner.               The word “dwell in ancient Greek is “Paroikos”, meaning “Alien” He was not a permanent resident there.

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob always lived in tents and not houses.

So, you and I are not permanent residents on this earth. Our home is in Glory. With them, we look forward to a better city… Which has the foundations of “WHOSE BUILDER AND MAKER IS GOD!”

SARAH’S FAITH.

Like Abraham’s faith, Sarah’s was not perfect. When the Angel told her she would bear a child in her old age, she laughed in unbelief. “At this old age, would I find pleasure?”  The pleasure of sex and conception? Or the pleasure of birth at her time of life at age 90? She laughed and denied it!!

Yet later, she laughed in the  promise fulfilled. Isaac’s name means … “Laughter”

Sarah according to Hebrews judged God to be faithful and believing this she received strength to conceive a child. She knew in her heart ❤️ that God is faithful to Abraham and herself.

The result was that they became Parents to a multitude as large as the stars of Heaven… Unnumbered!

Their faith had an impact on more lives than they had ever dreamed.

Hey, precious Christian… DARE TO BELIEVE!!

Amen.

To support this ministry you can contact me by Email address. heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

To comment. SMS

04 17 545 814.                 I would love to hear from you.

Just last week, a person said to me,

“Christmas is just another day.”

Sadly for those people, it’s just how it is; they really don’t like Christmas, so it’s just “another day”

Is that what Christmas means to you? Another day just to be tolerated.

WHY IS CHRISTMAS SO IMPORTANT?

Is it because you can connect with your whole family at one time?

Is it the delicious food, beautifully arrayed on the dinner table, that tempts us to consume far more than we should?

Could it be the sparkling lights on the decorative Christmas tree? Or the mysterious bulging presents underneath its branches that we can’t wait to open?

Is it Santa Claus who visits the homes of all the children who have been on good behaviour all year?

Is that what Christmas is all about?

The answer to that question is…

CHRISTMAS IS MORE THAN THOSE TEMPORAL THINGS.

Christmas is meant to be a life-changing experience, a miraculous transformation from spiritual darkness into God’s marvellous light. It is a Spiritual awakening that finds its source in God. Christmas is God’s idea!

It all centres upon what is called,

THE INCARNATION.

So it is at Christmas we reflect upon the fact that Almighty God became a man in the flesh, being born of a virgin, laid in a manger in a stable in the place called Bethlehem.

The true meaning of Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. He is prophesied in the Old Testament as “Immanuel,”  meaning

“God with us.” It is also interpreted, “God became one of us.”NLB.

In the book of Isaiah, He is prophesied as,

Wonderful,

Counsellor, Mighty God,

The Everlasting Father and the,

Prince of Peace.

Isn’t that enough to make you excited and jump for Joy?

The coming of Jesus demonstrates God’s great love for us, who are lost in sin. He came not just as a beautiful baby but as the Saviour of the World.

The One who came to die that we might live! He offers life to whomsoever may come.

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON.” ( Spiritually generated as one with the Father.)

Jesus said, “I am in the Father and the Father in me.”

“THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.”

You see dear reader,

We are all sinners, and there is no one Righteous, not even one.

Trying to do good things for people at Christmas, such as spending all your hard-earned money on expensive gifts or inviting strangers to share a meal, will by no means earn your way to Heaven.

You and I, no matter how nice we are, can lift ourselves up to Heaven by our own bootstraps.

All of us need to come to the Father through Jesus Christ. He is the WAY. THE TRUTH. AND THE LIFE.John 14:6.

I promise you that Chistmas will definitely take on a new meaning once you accept Jesus as your Saviour.You will experience…

A NEW START IN LIFE.

A NEW HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.

A NEW MEANING FOR YOUR LIFE NOW.

THE HEALING OF YOUR BODY.

BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS MENDED.

YOUR PAST SINS FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN.

As you grow in obedience to His Word, do His Will, you will draw closer to Him and in turn, He will pour out His blessings upon you, not only at Christmas but all year through.

Prayer of Salvation.

“Lord God, thank you for sending your Son to earth specifically to die for my sin.”

“Thankyou that He rose from the dead.    I now ask you to forgive my sin, take over my life and save my soul.”

“Thanks for Christmas, Lord.” 

Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, please let me know by contacting me on…

Heather Dalzell SMS 0417 545 814. Bless you.

To read more studies Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

If you feel led by God to support this ministry financially, please email Heather at heatherdalzell777@gmail.com.

Have a Blessed Christmas.

A big Thankyou to all of you who have followed “Light in the Darkness” and have faithfully read my blogs. I truly pray that you have been encouraged by the Word of God and grown in your relationship with Him. In the Wonderful Name of Jesus I bless you with Heavenly blessings in Jesus Christ during this Christmas season.

Heather Dalzell.

THE HALL OF FAITH!

Come with me now as we walk down the Hall of Faith to view the lives of great men and women of faith. We will see faith in action, faith in sacrifice and faith unto death. Faith that overcomes fear and doubt. The kind of faith that brings victory over every trial and circumstance we face.

First we will discover together what true faith is, what it means to you in your everyday life and the future God has planned for you.

THE EXPLANATION OF BIBLICAL FAITH.

What is faith?

Paul in his letter to the Hebrew Christians in chapter eleven explains the meaning of faith.

“NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS WE HOPE FOR AND THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS WE CANNOT SEE.”

Hebrews 11:1      

Hope sees the Physical… Faith sees into the Spiritual World.

The New Living Translation puts it this way.

“NOW FAITH IS THE CONFIDENCE IN WHAT WE HOPE FOR AND THE ASSURANCE OF WHAT WE SEE.”

The Passion translation states it this way.

“NOW FAITH BRINGS OUR HOPES INTO REALITY AND BECOMES OUR FOUNDATION NEEDED TO AQUIRE THE THINGS WE LONG FOR.”

Our heroes from the Hall of Faith testify to the kind of faith we need from previous generations to enable us to walk by faith and not by sight.

I strongly recommend that you read this chapter slowly and carefully several times. Stop and meditate upon each character as they, through faith and by faith, accomplish extraordinary things, yes, even miracles for the glory of God.

Right from the creation of the world and the unseen world that exists simultaneously.       

“THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.

Hebrews 10:35.

Faith must be your driving force to enable you to survive in this dark world of sin.

Your conversion to Christ was an act of faith. You cannot be saved unless you believe in Christ’s finished work by His birth, death, and resurrection.

You cannot exist without exercising faith in your life. Faith empowers you to step out in obedience to God’s promises; it means taking a risk to obey, even when you can’t see the outcome of that decision.

Why? Because “He is faithful who calls you, and He will do it through you.”

Faith is also a Spiritual gift from God, and as we exercise it, it grows and changes from “Little faith to Great faith.”

Always keep in your mind that it is His faith in and working through you. He is always the direction of your faith.                                    This means that you possess “miracle-working faith” that can break through every power of evil, heal the sick, raise the dead and remove the mountains of impossibility.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Do you realise that God has placed within you an immeasurable dynamite potential to change the world… You, yes you! 

You copy Christ, and you will do the greater things. You can win souls for Christ; even the most complex criminal will submit to the Gospel. The highly addicted drug addict can be set free from its power. You will cast out demons in His name.

In the meantime, He is melting away all your inhibitions and transforming you into His image.

Start small and watch your faith grow… Just do it !

Gone are the days when you attended church, took in all the outstanding teaching, and did nothing. In these last days, you have been urged to count the cost and pay the price to reach people with the gospel of Christ.

It’s not easy, so it takes faith—the faith of Christ working in and through you. You trust and obey. You obey by faith, then trust! 

Make Jesus Lord of your life, surrender all to him, holding nothing back, and you will be totally surprised by what He will do with and because of you.

Amen.

Philippians 4:13.

This is a challenge to all Christians, pass it on to those God puts on your heart. Press the share button.

May the Lord raise you up to do the impossible by faith for the glory of God.

To read more studies:

Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

To support this ministry you can contact me via email address. heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

To comment… SMS

O41754584.

INTRODUCTION.

PAUL ENCOURAGES PERSECUTED BELIEVERS.

Hebrews was written to new believers of that Church who were exposed to fierce persecution, including physical assault and imprisonment.

The author is said to be Paul the Apostle due to its style of writing.

Weary from intense Tribulation, Jewish Christians in particular were tempted to return to  the familiarity of their old faith.

This left the writer of the book of Hebrews with a significant task of convincing these believers the necessity of drawing close and holding fast to Jesus.

Therefore in Hebrews Christ is the zenith (the highest form) of God’s redemptive plan – being prophesied under the Old Covenant and fulfilled in the New.

Hebrews bridges the gap between the old and the new Covenant of Judaism and Christianity.

In Christ, we are free from the law (a happy condition). Jesus has shed His blood, and there is remission. We were cursed by the law and damned by the fall. Hallelujah, Christ has redeemed us … Once and for all!

Paul’s letter to the Hebrews is a masterpiece of Biblical theology, demonstrating the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is “GOD IN THE FLESH,” God’s final revelation to man.        

In this beautiful book, there is no mention of the Doctrine of the Church; it goes beyond to the utmost goal of our Christian experience… He created us for a personal, individual fellowship with Himself. A pure fellowship of  “perfect love.”

Our sin severed that oneness we could have had naturally with Him and His plan of redemption opened the way to have intimacy with God. It’s possible to draw very close to God and enjoy rich fellowship with Him.

Always keep short accounts of sin by confession and claim the forgiveness that he offers to each one of us. Then your fellowship will be sweet and glorious, knowing the very heartbeat of the Lord your God.

The nine chapters of Hebrews sweeps us on to this present age, till the Lord’s return and to the millennial Kingdom and the great White Throne even to the  ultimate, New. Heaven and the new Earth.

HEBREWS: THE SPECIAL ASPECT.

To understand the real significance of this Hebrew Epistle, we must appreciate its “Standpoint.”

It corresponds with that of Leviticus in relation to Exodus.

All the sacrifices and offerings typify aspects of our Lord’s suffering and sacrifice on the cross of Calvary and the benefits for those of us who are set free. Now, under the New Covenant, we have become partakers of the Divine Nature and a Heavenly calling—what a wonderful privilege.

It is noteworthy that the Priesthood ministry of Christ began after He offered Himself in death, when He actually entered Heaven itself to appear before God for us.

                                         In Leviticus, the priests  only offered that which “had been sacrificed.” So it is with Christ in His priestly ministry.     All the sacrifices were made by the head of the household.

Jesus Christ’s death was connected not to the sacrifice, but to the Passover, where the priestly offerings were offered day in and day out, but the offering of Christ was,

“Once and for all.”

Not ever reenacted but remembered! When Jesus said, “This is my body,

This is my blood of the New Covenant,” the Passover was,

“Completely complete,”

Never to be repeated. It was a final redemption for those who put their trust in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ

Some denominations teach that it is a continuous sacrifice and they say that the blood must be continuously consumed for the forgiveness of our sins.

This procedure is utterly forbidden with any sacrifice, as the blood was poured out.

Jesus is “not” still offering Himself in Heaven, because when He offered Himself, it was only “One” sacrifice which was ‘Himself’ for our sins “Forever” and sat down at the right hand of God. When He did sit, He fulfilled the Law “Once and for all.”

Yet in Heaven, He still has a ministry, the position as an intercessor for our preservation.

He is in constant prayer for you and me before God who definitely hears and answers His prayers.

Hebrews is written for those who are truly believers and are under his New Covenant which supersedes the Levitical Law and Sacrifice.

This makes the Gospel superior to all forms of the Old Covenant.

The Gospel is  a Divine finality, an absolute finality and we can’t possibly go beyond it…add to it, and you cannot mix anything else with it.

The Gospel is a perfect Salvation, it doesn’t belittle the Jewish Law, it transfigures it, honours it by fulfilling it.

It is called, BETTER!

Which occurs 13 times in this letter.

     JESUS IS BETTER   THAN ANGELS.               

BETTER THAN MOSES.

BETTER THAN JOSHUA.

BETTER THAN AERON.

A BETTER COVENANT WITH 

BETTER PROMISES.

BETTER SANCTUARY.

BETTER SUBSTANCE IN HEAVEN.

A BETTER COUNTRY.

A BETTER RESURRECTION.

All which inherits …

GOD’S BETTER THINGS.

Hallelujah, Jesus is better than anyone, anything. So we must respond in faith of our genuine assurance in Christ to the,

BETTER THINGS,

And faithfully endure all things while patiently waiting for His return. He will fulfil all things in and through us for all eternity.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul!!

Amen

  

Prayer of Salvation.

Lord God, I am a sinner and in need of Salvation. I believe that Jesus paid the price for my sin, by shedding His blood on the cross of Calvary. That He rose again on the third day.

Jesus, please save me and live your life in me now.

Amen

            HE WILL!

For comments,

SMS.  Heather Dalzell

0417546814.

To support financially this vital ministry of Light in the Darkness.

Email… heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com. thankyou and God bless you.

To read more studies:Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

THE RUNAWAY SLAVE!

Paul’s letter  written from a prison in Rome to Philemon is a personal one to   him as a friend.  Philemon as a wealthy slave owner who lived in Colosse.

Onesimus was a runaway slave who had become a Christian.

(His name means prosperous.)

BACKGROUND.

It appeared that Onesimus, the slave of Philemon, had stolen some wealth and fled to Rome for his life. Little did he know that in Rome he would meet Paul and become a Christian.

Paul sent this slave back to Colosse with Tychiceus, a travelling companion of Paul and Timothy, to make things right with Philemon, his master.

Normally a runaway slave would surely be punished or even  killed.

Paul sent this letter as a true testimony of justice, mercy, forgiveness and grace.

Suppose you caught someone stealing your car. After the police have arrived you have these alternatives…

You press charges – that would be “JUSTICE” served because your having the right to have the robber charged as he is guilty of a crime.

You could forgive him for his crime—that would be called extending “MERCY” toward the guilty.

Or you could give him the car! That would be “GRACE” giving him something he did not deserve.

WHAT IS GRACE?

It is God’s unmerited favour toward undeserving people.

Ephesians 2:8,9.

“FOR WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH AND THAT NOT OF OURSELVES, IT IS THE FREE GIFT OF GOD, NOT BY WORKS THAT ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.”

This is what Paul was asking of Philemon was to extend Grace to Onisemus.

What accompanies Grace?  Peace accompanies Grace.

Doing this, the war would be over and the conflict between the two men would cease.

Who gives this kind of Grace? Only God the Father gives Grace to those who believe.

GRATITUDE.

( See verses 4-6.)

Paul gave thanks to God for Onisemus. He was grateful for his changed life.

He also gave thanks for Philemon’s testimony, expressing his love for Jesus Christ, his faith in Christ, and his affection for the saints, and urged him to show the same love to Onesimus, a new Christian.

Paul encouraged him to continue to be a witness and an example to others. This was Paul’s heart’s desire that he would forgive Onisemus. He could have commanded it, yet he urged him to do it out of love. 

DISCIPLINE SAYS, “I HAVE TO”

DUTY SAYS, “I OUGHT TO.”

DESIRE SAYS, “I WANT TO”.

Paul saw Onisemus as a new born Child of God, a new creature in Christ Jesus, a Christian brother, no longer a Slave. He calls him his own child, a son.

What a beautiful character of Paul. He may have been the one who led him to the Lord in person.

Onisemus was now profitable to Paul as well as Philemon.

In case Philemon wouldn’t accept Paul’s plea, Paul reminded him that he also was once a sinner whom Paul himself brought him to the Lord.

GRACE IS A LOVE THAT WILL PAY THE PRICE.

That’s exactly what Christ did when He paid the price for our sin on the cross of Calvary.

We don’t know for a fact that Philemon forgave and restored Onisemus, I think that Paul’s letter persuaded him.

Look at  these persuading words that Paul used to speak to Onisemus.

“MAY I PROFIT FROM YOU… Bringing joy.”

“MAY I FIND MY HEART REFRESHED.”            

“I BELIEVE IN YOU.”    “I am confident that you will do the right thing and follow my instructions.” Paul continues… “I hope to see you in person- so I can find a place to stay when I come.”                   

Finally, Paul asked Philemon to pray for him.

Yes, Paul assumed that Philemon would forgive Onisemus without hesitation.

I believe he forgave him and saw him as a brother in Christ.

We can learn much from this passage, especially when we have been forgiven by God for our past failures and mistakes.  We pray… “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us.”

Sin does not define you. God defines you.

Forgiveness is an act of the will, you may not feel like forgiving but you can ask Christ to forgive through you.

FORGIVENESS HEALS YOUR HURT.

FORGIVENESS SETS YOU FREE…FREE INDEED.

“BE YOU KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, TENDER-HEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN GOD FOR CHRIST’S SAKE HAS FORGIVEN YOU.”

Amen.

Prayer of Salvation.

“Lord, l know that I am a sinner and deserve punishment for my sin. I am so sorry for my sin. I want to change but only you can forgive me.”

“Thankyou for dying for me so that I can receive full pardon from my sin.”

“I believe that you rose again so l could be free.”

“Come into my life and change me. Forgive my sin, and I will follow you for the rest of my life.”

Amen.

If you prayed this prayer please contact me so I can encourage you in your new found faith.

SMS HEATHER DALZELL PHONE 0417545814.

If God lays it upon your heart to support this ministry financially email me . heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

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WHO WAS TITUS?

Titus was a Gentile Christian and one of Paul’s converts during the Apostle’s ministry. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem 17 years after Paul’s conversion. Titus was not the closest of Paul’s friends, but Paul loved him and called him “My son.”

When Paul learned that Apollos was about to go to Crete, he took the opportunity to send the letter to Titus. Titus 3:3.

THE LETTER.

The letter is full of practical advice to young Titus now the Pastor of this Church, giving him directions for Church administration and warning them about the heretics of that day.

Paul asked Titus to come to him and report to him about the condition of this Church on the Island of Crete.

Although the letter was a personal one to Titus, it undoubtedly meant to be read to the Church also.

The letter is very similar to Paul’s letter to Timothy, being written about the same time and dealing with the same subjects.

Paul’s greeting adds the word “Servant” to the usual word, “Apostle” making it the main point of the service of preaching the Word.

Paul instructs Titus to preach “Sound Doctrine,” which aims at a life of good works following salvation.  When a Church is perfectly in order and well-instructed then the God works will naturally follow and  Jesus Christ will be glorified.

Many Churches today focus on a form of Godliness in worship. They are more interested in the appearance of music styles, embracing worldly music for the sole purpose of entertainment, which is to draw people into the building. Lighting and building design that forsake the real purpose of why we worship. Some Churches have embraced the practices of the world and become Glorified Clubs.

The true worship of  God is not merely entertainment but, as the Bible teaches,

“WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS”

A Church without a solid foundation of sound doctrine is built upon shifting, sinking sands.

So must you and I build our lives upon a firm foundation of sound doctrine.

Nothing is more important than a solid foundation and nothing is more motivating than a gracious person who lives a  godly life full of good deeds.

THE RETURN OF CHRIST.             Christ’s return to this earth is the great hope, called…

“THE BLESSED HOPE.” of His return.

Titus 2:13.

“LOOKING FOR THAT BLESSED HOPE AND THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.”

As most Pastors do, Titus encountered much opposition as Paul implies,

Titus 2:15 b. 

“DON’T LET ANY MAN DESPISE YOU.”

In stronger words, Titus 1:11.

“WHOSE MOUTHS MUST BE  STOPPED.”                     

You must know Whom you believe and what you believe and stand firmly upon it.

Good sound teaching from the word of God and good moral living are grounded in the truth of the Gospel.

Jesus said, 

Luke 11:28.                         “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND “DO IT.”

Some key words in this EPISTLE are…

Saviour,                 Sound Doctrine, and Grace, Hope and Good Works.

So, to sum up  this book of Titus, we see the need for…

The Gospel Ministry.

Godly Leadership.

Right, Living.

Responding to opposition.

Promoting of Godly behavior.

Good works.

Godly Fellowship.

Appoint Godly Elders.

Maintain proper order in the Church.

Preach Truth.

Expecting Jesus to appear at any time 

Keeping the Church pure. Be a faithful, godly example.

Rebuke, reprove and refute false teachers.

KEY VERSE. The key verse of this Epistle most probably is …

Titus 3:1

BE SUBJECT TO RULERS, AUTHORITIES.

TO OBEY AND TO BE READY TO DO EVERY  GOOD WORK.

Do you belong to a healthy, Godly Church?  If not, don’t stay there just because of your friends.

Don’t stop going to Church altogether, that is not God’s plan, you can be a great encouragement to the Pastor and a godly influence for others.

Jesus met great opposition when He attended the Synagogue. He still went … every week!

Find a Church run by the teachings of Paul to Titus.

Find a Church where you can be “Most Effective” for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Find a Church whose sole purpose is winning souls and growing the Saints in good, sound Doctrine.

If you cannot find one… then start one, maybe in your own home. David said, “I was glad when they said unto me. Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Then you will influence your family and friends that the Church is what it is supposed to be… God Honouring…God Glorifying… And ready for his COMING AT ANY MOMENT!

Amen.

Thank you for your prayerful support.

Thanks to those who give financially to this ministry.

Those who would like to give can contact me through the Email address heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

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