Day 1 UNLEASHED FOR MISSION! Know Jesus as Our Living Savior
John 17:3
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
OUR SAVIOR DIED FOR OUR SINS ON THE CROSS HOWEVER HE DID NOT REMAIN IN THE GRAVE HE ROSE AGAIN! THIS IMPELS US FOR MISSION EVEN IN LIFE THREATENING SITUATIONS
Revelation 1:17-18
“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
Low in the grave He lay
Jesus my Savior!
Waiting the coming day
Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain
And He lives forever with His saints to reign
He arose! (He arose)
He arose! (He arose)
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Vainly they watch His bed
Jesus, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead
Jesus my Lord!
Death cannot keep his prey
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away
Jesus my Lord!
Acts 1:1-3
“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”
CHRIST’S RESURRECTION WAS IN FULFILLMENT OF SCRIPTURE
Luke 24:17-20
“And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.”
Luke 24:25-27
“Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
Luke 24:32
“And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?””
KNOWING THE LIVING SAVIOR UNLEASHES ONE FOR MISSION YOU CAN NOT BE SILENT AFTER PERSONALLY MEETING HIM
Luke 24:33-35
“So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.”
“Let’s pray that God would open our eyes to know Jesus is alive and present in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit.“
Love ❤️ at Home: Having No ❌ Child, Should not be a kill Joy in the Home 🏡
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
HAVING NO CHILDREN IN THE HOME CAN BE A SOURCE OF DISCORD IN THE HOME, BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE! GOD’S GRACE CAN BE SUFFICIENT FOR YOU AND YOU CAN MAINTAIN YOUR JOY IN THE LORD.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
BARRENNESS DID NOT KILL THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN’S GENEROSITY
2 Kings 4:8-10
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. 9And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. 10Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
SHE WAS BARREN AND CONTENT WHEN THE PROPHET ASKED IF HE COULD SPEAK FOR HER TO THE KING SHE REFUSED
1 Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”
2 Kings 4:11-17
And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. 12And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. 13And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. 14And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. 15And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. 16And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. 17And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
BARRENNESS DID NOT STOP ZACHARIAH AND ELIZABETH FROM BEING FAITHFUL TO EACH OTHER AND TO SERVE AND WORSHIP GOD WITH OTHERS IN THE TEMPLE!
Luke 1:5-10
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. 8And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, 9According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
Psalm 84:11-12
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold...
NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHHOLD FROM YOU! SO DO NOT LET THE LACK OF A CHILD KILL YOUR JOY
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Love ❤️ thy Neighbor: Dead Parents Can’t Bless you‼️Treat Your Living Parents Well
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
Proverbs 23:24-25
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice.”
WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR PARENTS HAPPY THEY WILL BLESS YOU
Genesis 27:1-4
“Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”
IT IS THE LIVING PARENTS THAT HAVE CAPACITY TO BLESS, TREAT THEM WELL DON’T CAUSE THEM PAIN AND SORROW
Proverbs 10:1
“The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.”
Proverbs 17:25
“A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.”
Proverbs 30:11
“There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother.”
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley ….
Deuteronomy 27:16 ESV
“‘Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”
God cannot prosper those who go directly contrary to the plainest duty specified in His word, the duty of children to their parents.... If they disrespect and dishonor their earthly parents, they will not respect and love their Creator. – {Adventist Home p. 293.2}
Ephesians 6:1-3 NKJV
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
DEAD PARENTS NO LONGER HAVE THE CAPACITY TO BLESS OR CURSE‼️DEATH IS THE LAND OF FORGETFULNESS
Psalm 88:10-12
“Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?”
Ecclesiastes 9:4-6 NKJV
“But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.”
Job 7:9-10 NKJV
“As the cloud disappears and vanishes away, So he who goes down to the grave does not come up. He shall never return to his house, Nor shall his place know him anymore.”
ONLY AFTER THE RESURRECTION WILL THE DEAD PARENTS LIVE AGAIN
John 5:28-29
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”
Job 14:14
If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Love ❤️ thy Neighbor: Obey your Parents in the Lord
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
When children have unbelieving parents, and their commands contradict the requirements of Christ, then, painful though it may be, they must obey God and trust the consequences with Him. – {Adventist Home p. 293.3}
THE HONOR OF GOD SUPERSEDES THE HONOR OF OUR PARENTS
Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Matthew 10:37
“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”
John 12:26
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
Matthew 16:24-26
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
LOVE AT HOME MAKES IT EASY FOR CHILDREN TO LOVE AND HONOR YOU
John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Colossians 3:20-21
“Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
The best way to educate children to respect their father and mother is to give them the opportunity of seeing the father offering kindly attentions to the mother, and the mother rendering respect and reverence to the father. It is by beholding love in their parents that children are led to obey the fifth commandment.... – {My Life Today p. 278.2}
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Malachi 4:6 NKJV
“And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAY FOR THEM
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
2 Timothy 3:15
“and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Job 1:5
“So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.”
Lamentations 2:19
Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.
Psalms 145:18-19
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.”
Love ❤️ thy Neighbor: Remedy for Marital Unfaithfulness (Part 2)
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
A HAPPY HOME IS A BARRICADE TO MARITAL UNFAITHFULNESS
Proverbs 15:16-17
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred.”
Our homes must be made a Bethel, our hearts a shrine. Wherever the love of God is cherished in the soul, there will be peace, there will be light and joy.
Jesus wants to see happy marriages, happy firesides. – {The Faith I Live By p. 255.7}
Ecclesiastes 9:9
“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.”
Genesis 26:8-11 RSV
“When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac fondling Rebekah his wife. So Abimelech called Isaac, and said, “Behold, she is your wife; how then could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I thought, ‘Lest I die because of her.’ ” Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.” So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever touches this man or his wife shall be put to death.”
1 Corinthians 7:3 NIV
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”
1 Corinthians 7:5 NIV
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
DON’T LINGER NEAR TEMPTATION FLEE
Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Proverbs 5:3-5
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. 5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
Proverbs 5:8-9
“Remove your way far from her, And do not go near the door of her house, Lest you give your honor to others, And your years to the cruel one;”
Read Genesis 39:7-9
Genesis 39:10-13
“So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside,”
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”
PRAY AND ASK JESUS TO KEEP YOU FROM FALLING
Micah 7:7-8
Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. 8¶Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.
Jude 1:24-25
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Love ❤️ thy Neighbor: Remedy for Marital Unfaithfulness (Part 1)
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
LET NONE DESPAIR OF THEIR SINFUL TENDENCIES. WE CAN LIVE RIGHTEOUS AND FAITHFUL LIVES THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD‼️
Roman 7:24
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
Philippians 2:13-14
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world
THE WORD OF GOD CAN IMMUNIZE YOU FROM INFIDELITY
Psalms 119:9-11
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”
Build a wall of scriptures around you, and you will see that the world cannot break it down. Commit the Scriptures to memory, and then throw right back upon Satan when he comes with his temptations, “It is written.” This is the way that our Lord met the temptations of Satan, and resisted them.
Hang in memory’s hall the precious words of Christ. They are to be valued far above silver or gold. – {Last Day Events p. 67}
Titus 2:11-14 NIV
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
1 John 3:2-3 NIV
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”
Psalm 51:5-7
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
The converting power of God can transform inherited and cultivated tendencies; for the religion of Jesus is uplifting. “Born again” means a transformation, a new birth in Christ Jesus. – {Adventist Home p. 206.1}
Romans 8:4
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Ezekiel 36:26-27
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Malachi 2:14-16 NLT
“You cry out, “Why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows. Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.””
GOD RING-FENCED MARRIAGE WITH TWO COMMANDMENTS IN THE MORAL LAW
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.””
BE CONTENT WITH YOUR WIFE
Job 31:1-4
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. For what is our lot from God above, our heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Does he not see my ways and count my every step?”
Matthew 5:27-28
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Proverbs 6:21-29
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: 24To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. 27Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
1 Corinthians 6:15-20 ESV
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
… The man who allows his wife to occupy the second place in his affections is dishonoring himself and his God. This thing is one of the signs of the last days. But surely you do not desire to fulfill this sign. – {Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce p. 200.5}
Proverbs 5:18-21
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. 20And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
CHRIST IS FAITHFUL TO THE CHURCH SO MUST HUSBANDS BE TO THEIR WIVES
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it
Lamentations 3:22-23
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
YOUR HOME WILL BE AS SWEET AS THE WORDS SPOKEN IN IT.
Words that intimidate, creating fear and expelling love from the soul, are to be restrained… If we drink of the water of life, the fountain will send forth sweet water, not bitter. – {Adventist Home p. 308.3}
Harsh words sour the temper and wound the hearts of children, and in some cases these wounds are difficult to heal. Children are sensitive to the least injustice, and some become discouraged under it and will neither heed the loud, angry voice of command nor care for threatenings of punishment. – {Adventist Home p. 308.4}
James 3:2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
SEASON YOUR WORDS WITH SALT, MANY MARRIAGES ARE DESTROYED BY RECKLESS WORDS. EVEN WHEN SPEAKING THE TRUTH DO SO IN LOVE
Proverbs 12:18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Ephesians 4:15
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ
The Saviour never suppressed the truth, but He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exercised the greatest tact, and He was always kind and thoughtful. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave unnecessary pain to a sensitive soul.… He never made truth cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity. – {Gospel Workers p. 117.1}
Proverbs 31:26-30
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Ephesians 4:29-32
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
PRAY FOR GOD TO HELP YOU TO SPEAK SWEET AND KIND WORDS ONLY IN THE HOME. WE WILL GIVE ACCOUNT FOR EVERY CRUEL AND RECKLESS WORD WE UTTER IN THE HOME
Matthew 12:36-37
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Psalms 141:3 NIV
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Under a storm of stinging, faultfinding words, keep the mind stayed upon the word of God. Let mind and heart be stored with God’s promises. If you are ill-treated or wrongfully accused, instead of returning an angry answer, repeat to yourself the precious promises:
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). {Ministry of Healing p. 486}
Psalm 71:8
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation….
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Love ❤️ thy Neighbor: Divine Limits to the Wife’s Submission
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
Ephesians 5:22-23
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
BEING THE HEAD OF THE WIFE IS NOT AN ARBITRARY RIGHT BUT A RESPONSIBILITY TO LOVINGLY ❤️ TAKE CARE OF HER
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
THE WIFE’S SUBMISSION IS NOT AN OPEN CHECK‼️ THERE ARE DIVINE LIMITS TO THE WIFE’S SUBMISSION, WHEN YOUR HUSBAND ASKS YOU TO DO THINGS CONTRARY TO THE WORD OF GOD HE HAS CROSSED THE LINE OF HIS DIVINELY DELEGATED AUTHORITY‼️
Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
There is One who stands higher than the husband to the wife; it is her Redeemer, and her submission to her husband is to be rendered as God has directed—“as it is fit in the Lord.” – {Adventist Home p.116.1}
When husbands require the complete subjection of their wives, declaring that women have no voice or will in the family, but must render entire submission, they place their wives in a position contrary to the Scripture. In interpreting the Scripture in this way, they do violence to the design of the marriage institution. – {Adventist Home p.116.2}
NO POWER ON EARTH SHOULD SEPARATE A SPOUSE FROM HIS OR HER ALLEGIANCE TO GOD‼️
Ephesians 5:1-2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Acts 4:18-19
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Matthew 10:37
“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”
Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:7-8
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Love ❤️ thy Neighbor: The Wife’s Voluntary Submission (Part 2)
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
THE WIFE’S VOLUNTARY SUBMISSION TO HER HUSBAND IS LIKENED TO THE CHURCH’S LOVING SUBMISSION TO CHRIST
1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us.
1 John 5:2-3
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
Ephesians 5:21-31
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife,…
The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened. – {Desire of Ages p. 22.1}
Song of Solomon 2:4
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
Song of Solomon 6:3
I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.
THE HUSBAND WHO RUTHLESSLY DEMANDS SUBMISSION HAVE LOST HIS FIRST LOVE ❤️ WHERE GENUINE LOVE IS PRESENT THE WIFE’S VOLUNTARY SUBMISSION WILL BE AUTOMATIC
Revelation 2:4-5
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”
Continue the early attentions. In every way encourage each other in fighting the battles of life. Study to advance the happiness of each other. Let there be mutual love, mutual forbearance. Then marriage, instead of being the end of love, will be as it were the very beginning of love. The warmth of true friendship, the love that binds heart to heart, is a foretaste of the joys of heaven. [5] – {AH 106.1}
1 John 4:8 ESV
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one another—this is the best gift that our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse, but a divine principle, a permanent power. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around. – {Acts of the Apostles p. 551.2}
LET AS PRAY FOR HEAVEN’S BEST GIFT OF LOVE TO BE MANIFESTED IN OUR HOMES
In the married life men and women sometimes act like undisciplined, perverse children. The husband wants his way, and the wife wants her way, and neither is willing to yield. Such a condition of things can bring only the greatest unhappiness. Both husband and wife should be willing to yield his or her way or opinion. There is no possibility of happiness while they both persists in doing as they please. – {Adventist Home p. 118.3}
Read 1Corinthians 13:4-8
1 Corinthians 13:13
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Love ❤️ thy Neighbor: The Wife’s Voluntary Submission (Part 1)
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
A LOVING WIFE RESPECTS HER HUSBAND IN OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD
1 Peter 3:1-6
“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.”
THIS SUBMISSION IS NOT FORCED NOR DEMANDED IT SPRINGS FROM LOVE
Compelling power is found only under Satan’s government. The Lord’s principles are not of this order. His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the presentation of these principles is the means to be used. God’s government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power. – {Desire of Ages p. 759.1}
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Titus 2:3-4
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children”
A VIRTUOUS WOMAN DOES GOOD AND NOT EVIL TO HER HUSBAND
Proverbs 31:10-12
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
1 Peter 3:9
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Galatians 6:11-10
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
GOD WILL ALWAYS REWARD GOOD WORKS EVEN IF OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS MIGHT NOT APPRECIATE
2 Chronicles 15:7
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Love ❤️ thy Neighbor: Husbands Love your Wives
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
YOUR CLOSEST NEIGHBOR IS YOUR SPOUSE ‼️
Ecclesiastes 9:9
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise, let neither husband nor wife harbor the thought that their union is a mistake or a disappointment. Determine to be all that it is possible to be to each other. Continue the early attentions. In every way encourage each other in fighting the battles of life. Study to advance the happiness of each other. . . . Then marriage, instead of being the end of love, will be as it were the very beginning of love. {Ministry of Healing p. 360}
DO NOT NURSE GRUDGES AND BITTERNESS IN THE HOME
Ephesians 4:26-27
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil.
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
James 3:13-18
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Ephesians 5:24-28
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
THE BLESSED HOUR OF PRAYER AND ALL FASTING WILL BE OF NO BENEFIT IF YOU DON’T TREAT YOUR WIFE WELL
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Isaiah 58:4
Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.
Matthew 5:23-24
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Proverbs 28:9
“One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.”
1 John 3:22
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Your Family is your Priority in Life‼️Take Time with your Children (Part 2)
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
BE THE BEST FRIEND TO YOUR CHILDREN OTHERWISE THE VACUUM WILL BE FILLED UP WITH EVIL COMPANIONS
1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV
“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
Isaiah 38:19
The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
Psalm 78:2-4 ESV
“I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE TRUTH IN LOVE
Ephesians 4:15-16
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Colossians 3:20-21
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
DISCIPLINE IN LOVE ❤️ UNDISCIPLINED CHILDREN ARE A DISASTER TO THE FAMILY, THE COMMUNITY AND THE NATION.
Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Hebrews 12:5-8 ESV
“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-6 NKJV
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;”
Administer the rules of the home in wisdom and love, not with a rod of iron. Children will respond with willing obedience to the rule of love. Commend your children whenever you can. Make their lives as happy as possible.... Remember that children need not only reproof and correction, but encouragement and commendation, thepleasant sunshine of kind words. – {Adventist Home p. 18.3}
LOVE TAKES TIME WITH SOMEONE. IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN YOU WILL SPEND TIME WITH THEM
1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Your Family is your Priority in Life‼️Take Time with your Children (Part 1)
By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba
MANY ARE NEGLECTING THEIR FAMILIES FOR THE PURSUIT OF MONEY AND POWER BUT IN THE WORD OF GOD FAMILY COMES FIRST! SHAPING THE CHARACTER OF YOUR CHILDREN IS BETTER THAN PROVIDING THE BEST TEMPORARY NEEDS
Song of Solomon 1:6
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Genesis 18:18-19
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
ABRAHAM THE FATHER OF FAITH WOULD GO AND PRAY ALONE WITH HIS SON! HE TAUGHT HIM THE REQUIREMENTS OF WORSHIPING GOD AND THE IMPORTANCE OF TIME ALONE WITH GOD. LET NOT OUR NEGLECT OF SPIRITUAL MODELING LEAD OUR CHILDREN TO REBELLION.
Genesis 22:5-7
And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. 6And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. 7And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
Genesis 24:63
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.
GOD WILL CALL US TO ACCOUNT FOR NEGLECTING OUR FAMILIES
Hebrews 13:17 ESV
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Jeremiah 13:20
Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?
PRAY THAT YOUR HEART MAY BE TURNED TO YOUR CHILDREN. THERE IS A LONGING IN THE HEART OF EVERY CHILD THAT CAN NOT BE SATISFIED BY SOPHISTICATED TOYS OR MONEY 💰
Malachi 4:5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
SONG DADDY MY DADDY TEACH ME HOW TO PRAY 🙏
by Jim Reeves
One night a sleepy little boy knelt beside my bed
He smiled and looked into my eyes and this is what he said
Daddy my daddy you've taught me lots today
So daddy my daddy teach me how to pray
You brought me home a brand new kite showed me how to fly
And there ain't no wonder kid who's dad can knock a ball so high
I'd like to thank God for you but I don't know what to say
So daddy my daddy teach me how to pray
I'd had to turn and leave his room he began to cry
I didn't want my boy to know but so did I
His best pal forsaken him but what was there to say
For daddy yes daddy had forgotten how to pray
(Daddy my daddy teach me how to pray)
Unto us a Child is Born: The Event is more Important than the Exact Date‼️
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
THE BIBLE IS COMPLETELY SILENT ON THE EXACT DAY OF CHRIST’S BIRTH. HOWEVER, IT IS RESOUNDINGLY STATED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT THAT CHRIST WAS TO BE BORN ON EARTH TO SAVE SINNERS. THE NEW TESTAMENT RECORD AFFIRMS THAT THE PROMISED SAVIOR WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM IN FULFILLMENT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY ABOUT HIS BIRTH AND MISSION. WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL IN SEEKING TO REFUTE CERTAIN DATES CLAIMED BY SOME TO BE THE BIRTHDAYS OF JESUS THAT WE END UP KNOWING MORE ABOUT PAGAN DEITIES AND FESTIVALS THAN WE KNOW ABOUT WHY CHRIST WAS BORN.
More about Jesus I would know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
Micah 5:2 NKJV
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
Matthew 2:1-6 NKJV
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The twenty-fifth of December is supposed to be the day of the birth of Jesus Christ, and its observance has become customary and popular. But yet there is no certainty that we are keeping the veritable day of our Saviour’s birth. History gives us no certain assurance of this. The Bible does not give us the precise time... – {Adventist Home p. 477.2}
As the twenty-fifth of December is observed to commemorate the birth of Christ, as the children have been instructed by precept and example that this was indeed a day of gladness and rejoicing, you will find it a difficult matter to pass over this period without giving it some attention. It can be made to serve a very good purpose. – {Adventist Home p. 478.1}
The youth should be treated very carefully. They should not be left on Christmas to find their own amusement in vanity and pleasure seeking, in amusements which will be detrimental to their spirituality. Parents can control this matter by turning the minds and the offerings of their children to God and His cause and the salvation of souls. – {Adventist Home p. 478.2}
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:21-23
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Unto us a Child is Born: The Coming King
Hebrews 9:28
“so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”
John 14:1-3
““Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Acts 1:9-11
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.””
Matthew 26:64
“Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.””
Matthew 24:29-31
Matthew 24:36-39
DEBACHARY AND MORAL DECAY ARE SIGNS OF CHRIST'S COMING
Luke 17:28-30
“Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”
Ezekiel 16:49-50
“Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit.”
Genesis 19:4-5 NLT
“But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house. They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!””
Romans 1:25-27 NLT
“They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.”
Jude 1:7
“as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
Luke 21:25-28
““And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.””
Matthew 24:42-44
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Unto us a Child is Born the Exalted Child
THE CHILD WHO WAS BORN IN A MANGER DESPISED BY MAN AND ENTERED THE GRAVE WAS EXALTED BY GOD
Psalms 110:1-2
“The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies!”
Hebrews 1:1-3
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
Hebrews 1:5-12
“For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.” But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” And: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up,..
Psalms 2:1-12
“Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.....
HUMILITY COMES BEFORE EXALTATION
Philippians 2:5-11
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
2 Timothy 2:11-12
“This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
Revelation 20:4
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Luke 12:32
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Revelation 3:21
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
Unto us a Child is Born, He didn't come Down from the Cross
Hebrews 12:2
“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Matthew 26:52-54
“But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?””
WHERE COULD WE BE IF JESUS HAD WALKED AWAY FROM THE CROSS? THANK GOD HE DIDN'T
Philippians 2:8
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Luke 23:20-21
“Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!””
Luke 23:33
“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.”
Mark 15:29-32
“And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.”
Luke 23:34-35
“Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.””
John 19:30
“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
FAITHFUL TILL DEATH IS TO BE OUR MOTTO
Luke 9:23
“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:62
“But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Hebrews 10:35-39
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”
Nehemiah 6:3-4
“So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.”
Revelation 2:10
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Unto us a Child is Born, Baptized at a Believing Age
Mark 16:15-16
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
IN THE WORD OF GOD ONLY THOSE WHO ARE MATURE ENOUGH TO BELIEVE ARE BAPTIZED. JESUS WAS NO LONGER AN INFANT WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED, HE COULD REASON WITH JOHN AND HE COULD PRAY
Matthew 3:13-17
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.””
Luke 3:21-22
“When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.””
THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH AND THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER COULD BE TAUGHT AND UNDERSTAND IN ORDER TO BE BAPTIZED
Acts 8:34-38
“So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.”
Acts 16:30-34
“And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.”
IN THE GREAT COMMISSION BAPTISM IS ASSOCIATED WITH TEACHING
Matthew 28:18-20
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Acts 2:37-39
“...Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.””
Luke 24:46-47
“Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
1 Peter 2:21
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:”
Acts 8:38-39
Acts 22:16
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’”
Unto us a Child is Born, Dedicated but not Baptized as an infant
JESUS WAS NOT BAPTIZED IN INFANCY BUT WAS DEDICATED AT THE TEMPLE
Luke 2:25-33
“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.”
OUR CHILDREN TOO IN THEIR INFANCY MUST BE DEDICATED TO GOD
Mark 10:13-16
“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”
Parents, give your children to the Lord, and ever keep it before their minds that they belong to Him, that they are lambs of Christ’s flock, watched over by the true Shepherd. Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord; and it is said of him, “Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words [the Lord’s words through Samuel] fall to the ground.” In the case of this prophet and judge in Israel are presented the possibilities that are placed before a child whose parents co-operate with God, doing their appointed – {Pastoral Ministry p. 167.5}
2 Timothy 3:15-17
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
GOD WILL TEACH AND PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN
Psalms 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”
Isaiah 54:13
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children.”
Isaiah 54:16-17
““Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.”
Isaiah 49:25
“But thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children.”
Zechariah 2:5
“For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’ ”
Zechariah 2:8
“For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”
John 10:28-29
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”