Posted by: missionventureministries | February 9, 2015

ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Tim 3 vs 16

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Biblical message inspired by God is His revelation in written form, in order to precisely preserve and propagate the truth. The word revelation means an uncovering, a removal of the veil, a disclosure of what was previously unknown. Revelation of God is God’s manifestation of Himself to humankind in such a way that men and women can know Him and have fellowship with Him.

The Bible declares, hundreds of times, to be the written Word of God. The Old Testament Scriptures were acknowledged by Christ and the apostles as divinely inspired and completely infallible. When Jesus said: “The scriptures cannot be broken” (John 10:35), He was speaking of God’s written word. The events, actions, commandments, and truths from God are given to us and cannot be broken.

The Lord Jesus Christ identified truth with the written Word. In His great, high priestly prayer (John 17:17), He said, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” This was consistent with the declarations in which the Holy Spirit continually proclaims that the revelation from God is truth: “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psalm 119:160). There is no other source than the Scripture to which this statement applies. Only this source, the Holy Scripture, is the standard of truth for the believer. Actually, the Bible is the only foundational source of truth.

In the temptation, the Lord Jesus resists Satan three times saying, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4-10). In stating “It is written,” the Lord used the exact same phrase that is used in the Holy Bible numerous times. Therefore, the persistence of the repeated phrase underlines its importance.

People need to be very cautious regarding religious traditions, because quite often they attempt to give human traditions higher authority than God’s Word. This was true of the Jews of Jesus’ day and unfortunately it is also true of many religions today. In refuting the errors of the Sadducees, the Scripture records the Lord saying, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29). Jesus continually reprimanded and rebuked the Pharisees because they gave their traditions equal power to the Word of God. By doing so they were corrupting the very basis of truth. So Jesus declared to them: “You are invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.” (Mark 7:13)

Since Scripture alone is inspired by Almighty God, it alone is the ultimate authority and not tradition.

The Word of the Lord says as a commandment: “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.  Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)

God commands that we are not to add to His Word; this shows emphatically that it is only God’s Word that is pure and unadulterated. Jesus has some stern warning for us also in Revelation 22:18-19.

We need to realize that Scripture can only be understood correctly in the light of Scripture, since it alone is uncorrupted. It is only with the Holy Spirit’s light that Scripture can be comprehended correctly. The Holy Spirit causes those who are the Lord’s to understand Scripture and Jesus promised us that: “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14: 26). Therefore “It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth” (1 John 5:6).

If you want to be true to God in this important matter, follow His instruction, “Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you” (Proverbs 1:23). Be assured that if you are longing for truth the Lord will not despise a broken and contrite heart. (Psalm 51:17)

When we look at Scripture versus tradition we read that Scripture is the authoritative record that God has given His people. Therefore, to appeal to a tradition for authority, when God did not give it, is futile. The idea that somehow sayings and events from the Lord have been recorded in tradition is simply not true. If you want to get your theology straight, read and study the Bible carefully.

 “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.” (John 14:23-24)

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

Jesus Christ looked only to the authority of the Scriptures, as did His apostles after Him. They confirmed the very message of the Old Testament. “For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 33:4).

The believer is to be true to the way of the Lord, following only what is written, because, “The Word of the LORD is right and true.” AMEN


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Posted in 1 John, 2 Timothy, John, Mark, Matthew, Proverbs, Psalms, Revelation | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | February 2, 2015

WHOEVER BELIEVES WILL NOT ACT HASTILY – Isaiah 28:16

Isaiah 28

“Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.” (Isaiah 28:16)

Behold I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation. God is the one who lays a stone and we are asked to behold God’s foundation and build our life upon it.

It is so easy to rush ahead of God instead of waiting for His leading. With good intentions and admirable zeal, Christians plan many things and become involved in a thousand-and-one good activities, all in the name of Christ and for His kingdom. Many feel and urgency, because they believe, that time is short and they feel they must hurry. The problem is that they forget to first consult with the Lord and then wait for His answer and directions.

What is this foundation? 1 Peter 2:6 applies this passage directly to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the foundation for our lives and only with a secure, stable foundation can anything lasting be built. Anything “added on”, not built upon the foundation, is sure to end up in ruins.

The chief cornerstone carries the weight of the structure. If laid properly, the weight of the building is evenly distributed and the structure remained sound. A solid, level foundation is a must, because without that strong base, the wall will eventually fall.

Jesus taught us this principle in the parable about the house built on the rock (Jesus) versus the one built without a foundation on the sand and great was its fall. (Matthew 7:24-27)

In this great Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament, God promised a Savior who would be the sure foundation of the eternal temple of God; yet it was 700 years before the promise was fulfilled. God did not “act hastily,” but His promise, nevertheless, was fulfilled. No doubt many believing Jews wondered why it was taking so long, “but when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son…” (Galatians 4:4).

Our Messiah was a tried stone. Jesus was tried, was tested, and was proven to be the glorious, obedient Son of God in all things.

Jesus a precious cornerstone. Our Messiah is precious and our cornerstone. The cornerstone provides the lines and the pattern for all the rest of the construction. The cornerstone is straight and true, and everything in the entire building lines up in reference to the cornerstone.

Our Messiah a sure foundation. Jesus is our sure foundation and we can build everything on Him without fear.

If we trust, obey and believe we will not act hastily and God will be exalted: “The Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 30:18). And once we get the complete assurance of His leadership we must not fail to follow Him, because He will lead us through the Holy Spirit and His Word. 

We need to be absolutely sure that we are following the Lord’s leading, because all too often decisions made in haste results in confusion and regret.  

Next time we are tempted to act before we have heard or considered all the facts and circumstances, let us remember God’s profound admonishment and encouragement found in His Word.

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).  

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

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Posted by: missionventureministries | January 26, 2015

SHOW ME YOUR WAYS, LORD AND TEACH ME YOUR PATHS – Psalm 25:4-5

Psalm 25 vs 4-5

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)                   

When we wait on God it shows a spirit of trust and humility, of loving obedience, of hope and confidence, of a most intimate friendship and of the deepest reverence for our Creator. 

Waiting on God was one of the reasons David was called “a man after God’s own heart”. God was his security and he trusted Him in every aspect of his life. He trusted Him for guidance and instruction (v. 5), for help and defense (Psalm 33:20), for victory over his enemies and vindication (Psalm 37:7-9), for deliverance from trouble and destruction (Psalm 40:1), and so much more.    

Nothing proves our faith like waiting on God for answers to prayer, because when we wait we are demonstrating our submission to Him. 

Waiting does not necessarily mean abstaining from all activity; it is obedience to God because He has the right plan for us. Waiting on God means that all of our life is brought under God’s authority and direction. If we run ahead of God, we will experience anxiety, exhaustion, and failure. When we take matters in our own hands there can be some irreparable consequences and there are many examples in the Bible like Abraham and Sarah getting ahead of God and Saul’s usurping the role of a priest. 

The Word says, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). So what do we learn while we are waiting? We learn to trust in God in expectation of His revelation because God is in charge of every detail of our life. His timing is perfect if we really want Him to show and teach us His ways. He is omniscient, and gives us confirmation of His omnipresence through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who guides us and teaches us if we let Him. 

God gives us assurances of His real power and He gives the grace to await His purposes until the precise moment when He gives evidence that He was working all along. Without this faith, it is impossible to please Him, for all who come to God must believe that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) 

The answer to waiting is through prayer, with strength and courage (Psalm 27:14). And we rejoice and trust in His Holy Name and in His unfailing love (Psalm 33:18-24).  

Our greatest desire should be to learn to be patient and obedient, desiring to know God’s truth. We need to expectantly and faithfully believe His promise and know that if we ask and expect with the right motive we will receive. 

The Lord declared: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12) 

And Isaiah 40:31 tells us: “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” 

Waiting is not easy but, if we can learn to wait on God we will live a more rewarding and stress free life. Having patience and trusting in the Lord is one of the greatest life principles we can ever learn.  

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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Posted in Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 29:11-12, LORD AND TEACH ME YOUR PATHS – Psalm 25:4-5, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 25:4-5, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 33:18-24, Psalm 33:20, Psalm 37:7-9, Psalm 40:1, Psalm 46:10 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | January 19, 2015

FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU – Isaiah 41:10

Isaiah 41 vs 10 Fear not

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) 

In this verse God is speaking with tenderness and is promising us; fear not, for I am with you. The first thing that the Lord wants to impart to us through this verse is that He doesn’t want us to be afraid. “I am with you.” He is with us at all times, everywhere we go. Just like God told Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). And Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) 

“Be not dismayed, for I am your God.” When we give the Lord His rightful place in our lives, He becomes responsible for our welfare and well-being. He becomes our Protector and Provider. He fights our battles for us. And He makes Himself available to us every moment of every day. If we let God be God in our daily life, He will fulfill His purposes for us, and bless us beyond our expectations. 

“I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you.” Sometimes, we may feel as though we’ve been attacked by a sudden blow or dilemma, but nothing that happens in our life is a surprise to God. That should give us great comfort in distressing moments. Before we ever have a problem, God already has a solution prepared for us. And we know that no matter what happens, we can endure and overcome anything when we rely on God to strengthen and help us.  

The Lord knows that while faith in Him and His Word opens the door to His plans and purposes for us, fear can open the door to Satan’s. If we keep these things in mind when adversity confronts us, we will do everything in our power to resist becoming fearful, including praying, praising, and immersing ourselves in God’s Word. 

“Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” The Bible tells us repeatedly that our God is a God of justice. For this reason, He is committed to seeing that those who are faithful are upheld by His righteousness. As we look at the lives of Joseph and Daniel we see two great encouraging examples for our life. God upheld both of these men in His righteous right hand and He will do the same for us if we like Joseph and Daniel trust in Him and obey His commandments.  

Memorize this precious promise and claim it with faith. By doing so we will open the way for our loving and mighty God to reveal Himself to us like never before! 

God will hold tightly to those who have accepted him as Lord and Savior. He will not let us go. He will hold us securely in His hands. There is nothing that can remove us from His grasp and that makes it the most secure place we could ever be.  

Jesus said: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30) 

Free yourself to live the life God wants you to live. Assert that each day is a blessing from God and claim the strength that is yours in the Lord.  

“When we live under His Lordship we are secure in His fathomless love.” 

FEAR NOT FOR GOD IS WITH YOU!

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Posted by: missionventureministries | January 1, 2015

A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR THE NEW YEAR – Philippians 4:6-7

New Year 2015 a

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 

This is one of the most comforting and encouraging texts in the Bible. Believers can always find renewed strength here. The wonderful truth is that God is present with us always. He is near to every believer every moment of every day and He knows what we are going through.  

Be anxious for nothing stands in contrast to worrying which reveal a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty and power. As believers, we need to realize that our confidence in life does not come from ourselves but from the all powerful God of the universe. That is why Paul tells us not to worry about anything. If we worry we are basically saying that God cannot handle it.  By contrast we are to take everything to God in prayer and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. Believers, who stand firm in Christ, respond to trials and endure hardship with thankful prayer.  

But in everything by prayer and supplication. Paul emphasizes our great need to take all things without exception to God in prayer. As soon as we have a need or problem we are to take it to the Lord in prayer. We present our requests to the Lord with trust, relying upon His assured and gracious provision to help us in our times of need. 

With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. The attitude we are to have when presenting our supplications to the Lord is one of thankfulness trusting Him for the answers that He will reveal to us through His Holy Spirit. God causes everything to work together for our good and His glory.  

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God will give us a peace beyond understanding that will guard our heart and mind as we endure and stand firm in the Lord.  

We can have this wonderful peace as believers. God will answer our requests in His way and time, and will give us His peace which surpasses all our comprehension. It is a peace that is greater than anything we could ever imagine. It is a stable and securing factor that will give us rest in our sovereign Lord. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)  

There needs to be daily surrender, and a renewed commitment to the only One who guides us and keep us strong. Once we have peace with God, we can then go on to enjoy the peace of God, day by day. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

The Bible says: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) 

We pray that you will draw near to the Lord this year; feel His love and experience the peace which surpasses all understanding which only God can give you in Christ Jesus. 

Have a blessed 2015 

Mission Venture Ministries

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Posted by: missionventureministries | December 28, 2014

MAN’S BIGGEST PROBLEM IS HIS SEPARATION FROM GOD – Romans 3:23

Man-Sin-God

The Bible teaches us that; man’s biggest problem is his separation from God. This problem is solved only when we truly repent of our sins and accept Christ as our Savior and make Him the Lord of our life.

When God created the first man and woman, He placed in them a desire and a need to feel that their counted for something. Adam and Eve were given a work to do. They were to take care of the garden which God had planted for them. They had daily fellowship with their Creator. They had true significance because they knew that they were part of God’s great plan for the world. 

But Adam and Eve rebelled against God. Instead of doing God’s will, they chose to disobey Him. This decision affected all of mankind because Adam and Eve passed their selfish, independent natures on to the whole human race. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) 

Since man has rejected God’s authority and God’s plan, he no longer has a purpose in life that makes him feel worthwhile. Therefore man tries many things in his effort to meet his need for significance. 

The Bible tells us about one man who had everything his heart could desire. His name was Solomon. He was the wisest and richest king who ever lived. 

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells how he accumulated silver and gold beyond measure. Using his great wealth and power he devoted himself to many projects. He planted gardens and orchards, he built cities, and he built an elaborate palace. His greatest project was building the temple of the Lord. It was the most expensive, most magnificent building that the world has ever seen. 

Yet, with all his possessions and accomplishments, Solomon was not satisfied. His deep inner needs were not met. Solomon said, “But then I looked over everything my hands had done. I saw what I had worked so hard to get. And nothing had any meaning. It was like chasing the wind….So I hated life….” (Ecclesiastes 2:11, 17)  

Today, people are still seeking for something that will give them a feeling of significance. Some people work hard to accumulate money because they feel that money gives them a sense of importance. But money cannot satisfy our deep inner needs. 

Other people seek to satisfy their heart’s needs by accumulating things, such as cars, houses, and property. But “things” can never satisfy the deep needs of our heart. The Lord Jesus said, “… Life is not made up of how much a person has.” (Luke 12:15) 

Many people seek purpose and fulfillment in religion, however religion can never bring satisfaction; yet, a personal relationship with God through Jesus, His Son will bring great purpose, joy and satisfaction.

God’s way of meeting our need for significance is this: He puts us in Christ. He makes every believer a vital member of Christ’s body. God gives believers spiritual gifts and opportunities to use those gifts. In this way every believer is significant because he becomes part of God’s great eternal plan. 

In the book of Ephesians, God tells us that all true Christians are members of the body of Christ. Just as we live and work through our body, so the Lord Jesus does His work through His body. Each born-again believer is different from the other believers, but each is a member of Christ’s body and therefore is important. 

In our body we have many different members, such as eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Each member is different from the other members, but each has a vital function in the body. Our hands cannot take the place of our eyes, and our eyes cannot do the work of our hands, however, every member in our body is important. 

The body of Christ likewise has many members. Each member is different from the other members, but each has a vital function. The Bible says that the body of Christ is “joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16) 

God not only has a work for every believer, but He also equips them to do that work. Every believer is given a gift and or gifts by the Holy Spirit in order that he may contribute to the growth and health of the body of Christ. The Bible says, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) 

We need to know that the local church is not the only place where you can serve God. Many Christians are effective witnesses for Christ in their places of work. Some have Bible studies in their homes. Others give their lives to serve God as missionaries. Still others are winning people to Christ and grounding them in the Word of God by sharing through the Internet. The opportunities for serving are virtually limitless, but you must search for what He wants you to do.

In Christ, God has provided every believer with an opportunity for serving Him. If you are wondering why you have not found the work God has for you, it may be because you have never given yourself totally to Him. God does not require every Christian to lay aside his job and preach the gospel full-time, but He does require us to be totally consecrated to Him. 

We must give ourselves to Him completely as the Bible says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2) 

God has purchased us with the blood of His own Son and we belong to Him, if we accept Him as our Savior. (John 3:16)

 Romans 3 vs 23

Therefore, God expects us to live in such a way that His presence is always before us so that our walk, our lifestyle and behavior is perfect, complete, whole, healthy, with nothing inhibiting our relationship with Him. 

Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. (Leviticus 19:2)

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Posted by: missionventureministries | December 21, 2014

JESUS THE MOST PRECIOUS AND WONDERFUL GIFT OF ALL – Luke 2:1-18

3 Shepherds and the anouncement of Jesus' birth

Christmas reminds us once again, that Earth has been touched by Heaven in a precious and wonderful way. And that wise men and women still seek, love and adore Him. May all the love, wonder and joy of that first Christmas be yours at this special time of the year. 

We do not know the exact date of Jesus’ birth, but one night in Bethlehem, our Lord was born. And God revealed His good news first to the shepherds, because God has always had a special place in His heart for shepherds. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were shepherds. King David was called from tending the sheep to shepherding God’s people.  

Who would have thought that Messiah would be born as a baby, and in such humble circumstances? God brought the wonderful news of Jesus’ birth first to the humble shepherds in the field: “For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The prophet Micah (5:2) had prophesied about 700 years before, that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David. This baby fulfilled that prophecy, plus hundreds of others. He was the Christ. The baby in the manger of Bethlehem is none other than the Lord God in human flesh! 

God brought salvation to Adam’s fallen race by taking human form, yet without sin. Then, as our sinless substitute, He bore our sin to satisfy the righteous justice of God, so that God may be both “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26). How simple! Children can understand the simplicity of the gospel, and yet learned theologians cannot understand its depths! 

We should respond to the Christmas message just like the shepherds responded. They believed the word of God through the angel, as shown by their leaving their flocks and going to Bethlehem. Then, the shepherds having believed went to tell others. “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” (Luke 2:17)  And they went back to their sheep, glorifying and praising God. Their lives were never the same again. 

True belief always results in obedient response. When God reveals Christ to our soul, we must believe His word. We must personally believe the revelation which God has given concerning His Son. When a person truly believes in God’s Son, they won’t be going on about life just as they were before. There will be notable changes in the way they live.  

When you believe in God’s Son, you cannot be silent. It was not a “silent night” once the shepherds visited the manger! They told others what they saw, they spread the good news and so should we. 

Not everybody is going to respond positively to the gospel. But if we believe in God’s revelation concerning His Son, how can we be silent? Jesus is the Savior! He is God’s simple solution for every need of every human heart! If we really believe that, we have to share! 

Being the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus said: “I am the good Shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). And He cares for us as no other can. He watches over us more carefully than any earthly shepherd could watch his sheep. He knows our deepest needs. He will protect us from wolves and thieves who would destroy our soul (Psalm 23:4; John 10:10-13). 

Now, if the Good Shepherd has called us to Himself, then He also wants us to shepherd others. We may not be called as a pastor in the church. But like these shepherds of Bethlehem, the ordinary people God calls to the Savior are sent back to shepherd the sheep. It may be a Bible class, sharing with our family or teaching a new searching soul God brings across our path. As we grow to be more like the Good Shepherd, He will empower us to be good shepherds, because our focus is steadfast on Him. Like Jesus told His disciples, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20) 

We wish you have a happy and joyous Christmas celebrating the most precious and wonderful gift of all,

baby

Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior

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Posted by: missionventureministries | December 17, 2014

Christmas – A Gift of Love, Forgiveness and Healing

Christmas message 2014 (E)

It was a few days before Christmas. Late one evening Dr. Paul Young was preparing to leave the hospital after an exhausting day of operations in the emergency room. As he was preparing to exit the hospital, he received an urgent request to come back to the emergency room immediately. 

He was told that there was a severe accident and that the patient was in critical condition. He quickly prepared himself for another surgery, but he was not prepared for what he saw when he entered the emergency room.  

Lying on a gurney was Mary, his 18 year old daughter whom he had not seen or spoken to for 5 months. Her face was broken and cut; she had a broken arm, two broken legs and severe internal bleeding. 

Five months ago, Mary had decided that mom and dad’s Christian values and teaching were too restrictive; she wanted to party and live life in the fast lane, so she packed her car and left home. She got away from home, away from God and the truth that her parents had taught her.  

Dr. Young had not been looking forward to this Christmas, who wants to celebrate and open gifts, when your daughter, your only child is missing?  

Mary’s condition was very critical, so Dr. Young immediately went to work, trying to stabilize her vital systems so that she could survive. 

He worked through out the night trying to save his daughter’s life. The staff knew that he had been working in the E.R. for 14 hours; they urged him to go home and rest. He thanked them for their concern, and shared some of his thoughts. She is my child, she is my life, this is the little girl who came running to greet me with big hugs when I came home. This is the little girl who used to bake funny looking cookies for us and brought us so much happiness with her sweet childlike ways.

Around sunrise Mary’s vital signs began to stabilize, Dr Young had operated as much as he could, considering her fragile condition. He remained by Mary’s bed until she overcame the effects of being sedated. 

Dr. Young took his daughter’s hand and assured her that he would be back in a few hours to check on her, and that he and her mother would be praying for her.

On Christmas day, Dr. and Mrs. Young went to visit Mary in the hospital; they took gifts for Mary since they wanted to celebrate Christmas with their daughter.  As soon as they entered her room, Mary asked, “Daddy why did you do it, why did you stay and work on me all of those long hours after you were already so exhausted?”

After the way that I have been so unkind and disrespectful to you and mom, I have been such a rebel and prodigal, why did you even care?  

Dr. Young walked over to his daughter’s bed and took her hand in his and said, “Because you are my child, you are a very important part of our lives – all is forgiven, welcome home sweetheart.”  

Dr. young shared with Mary and the staff gathered around her bed, how God took three nails and the precious blood of Jesus and wrote the greatest love story that the world has every heard.

Love, forgiveness, hope and healing – that is the wonderful message of Christmas.

On a silent and Holy Night, a Miracle happened.  Angels announced the joyful news.

A Special Gift from God – The Birth of Jesus – This is Love – This is truly Christmas.

Christmas is an expression of Holy Love and the cradle was overshadowed by the cross. The hands that formed the universe were pierced by the nails on Calvary; that is why wise men and women still seek and adore Him. We pray that you will experience the wonderful miracle of Christmas and know the joy and peace; that only the Savior can bring. 

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Christmas.                    

David and Helena

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Posted in A Gift of Foregiveness, A Gift of Healing, A Gift of Love, Christmas, Forgiveness and Healing | Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | December 14, 2014

Division in the Family – Consequences of Christ’s Coming – Luke 12:49-53

Luke 12 vs 52 (E)

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”  (Luke 12:49-53) 

When we first read this passage it sounds like a contradiction. There are so many passages in the Bible where Christ is referred to bringing peace. In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is described as the “Prince of Peace”. Luke 2:14 refers to His coming as a time on earth where there will be peace to those on whom His favor rests. John 14:27 records Jesus’ reassuring words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you”. Although it is true that Christ came to bring peace between believer and God, He came to bring conflict between light and darkness, between God’s children and the children of the devil. Jesus makes it clear in this passage that this conflict can occur even between members of the same family (vv. 52-53). 

Fire is often used, either symbolically or literally, as an instrument of divine wrath, against sinners. The “fire” of which Jesus spoke is the same fire about which the prophets spoke of, the fire of divine wrath.  (Jeremiah 15:14, Lamentations 4:11-13, Ezekiel 20:47-48, Joel 2:1-3, Amos 2:4-5, Malachi 4:1, Revelation 20:9). When Jesus said that He had come to “kindle a fire” He is saying that He has come to bring the outpouring of God’s wrath on the sinful nation of Israel.  

Yes, Jesus did come the first time to save men (John 3:16-17), but for all that reject Him there is no other means of salvation. When He comes again, He will come to judge and condemn the unbeliever to the eternal Lake of Fire. 

How can our Lord be so zealous for this “fire” to be kindled, as His words indicate? If He is going to bring about the judgment of God upon sinners, and if this is not a work in which He takes pleasure, why is He eager for the “fire” to be kindled? The outpouring of wrath is a prerequisite of and preliminary to the establishment of the kingdom of God. In order for the kingdom of God to be established, sinners must be punished and sin eliminated.  

Jesus said that before He cast fire on the earth He had a baptism to undergo. This baptism is clearly the death which He would die on the cross of Calvary. His death on the cross would set in motion a series of events, which will eventuate in the pouring forth of God’s divine wrath on sinners. The sad reality is that it is not really necessary, because Jesus went through the full extent of God’s wrath on the cross. For those who trust in Him, that is the full payment for their sins, but for those who reject Him, there is yet to come the outpouring of God’s wrath in the Day of Judgment. 

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in- law” (Luke 12:51-53). 

The division which Jesus speaks of here has several interesting aspects. First, there is a division which occurs within the family. History has borne testimony to the fact that the gospel divides men and women, husbands and wives, parents and children, for faith in Christ requires ultimate allegiance to Him. And pride will always divide. 

Second, those who have come to faith in Christ will join together as the true family of God; while those who have rejected Christ will also find their allies, a new basis of unity, in opposition to Christ. This is how the Pharisees and the Sadducees could join together in rejecting Christ and in opposing Him, and ultimately in orchestrating His death. 

Paul points out that faith in Jesus will produce persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). There will be fathomless joy in heaven, but there will also be pain and persecution for Christians on earth.  

There is no way that we can avoid pain and suffering. The one who follows Christ will suffer now, and will renounce certain of life’s present pleasures, but will experience the limitless joys of heaven later (Hebrews 11:24-26). Following our Lord Jesus Christ will assuredly divide many families and reconciliation, in this instance, is impossible, unless all come to faith in Christ. 

If Jesus is coming to the earth to bring fire upon it, the fire of divine wrath (verse 49), and if men are responsible for their decisions concerning Him (verses 54-56), then men had better seek to be reconciled to Him before that final day of judgment arrives, when it will be too late. 

May none of you be a part of this second group. Jesus in His first coming has already endured the “fire” of God’s wrath. He has already died for the sins of men. Trust in Him and you will never need to fear His second coming. Be reconciled to God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20-21), and do it before you face Him as your judge, and before you face the fire of His wrath. Do it decisively. Do it quickly. Do it now! 

Because, “transgressors and sinners will be crushed together, and those who forsake the LORD will come to an end.” (Isaiah 1:28) 

Lord, we ask that You would work in hearts through Your powerful Holy Spirit. That You Lord would call those who have not yet embraced Christ to respond now while the opportunity still exists.

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Posted in 2 Corinthians, 2 Timothy, Amos, Division in the Family - Consequences of Christ's Coming - Luke 12:49-53, Ezekiel, Hebrews, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel, John, Lamentations, Luke, Malalchi, Revelation | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: missionventureministries | December 7, 2014

THE LORD KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT US – Psalm 139:1

Lord you have searched me

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” (Psalm 139:1)  

Perhaps the most amazing attribute of God is that He knows everything about us. Everything! He “searches” us and “knows” us.  

Since God is both omnipresent and omniscient, it is obvious that nothing escapes His conscious knowledge about us. He observes our ordinary activities and knows everything that we do and knows our innermost thoughts (v. 2). “You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways” (v. 3). “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely” (v. 4). That means that we are transparent to Him; we cannot deceive Him in any way. He knows what we are going to think; we cannot hide anything from Him. God knows what only we know about ourselves and things we won’t even admit to ourselves. 

Furthermore, He is everywhere around each one of us (vv. 7-10), wherever we are or could be. He fills all space, and there is no way to escape. We cannot hide from God. He is wherever we go.  

David, the writer of this Psalm is taking a look at himself and his relationship with God. He does an in-depth self-examination, something we need to do as well. We need to examine our behavior, our motives and our priorities. David asked, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (V. 23-24) 

It is comforting to know that God knows us by name and loves us. It is also important to realize that there is nothing we can hide from God and that He knows us far better than we know ourselves. 

When we confess our sins, God forgives us; as John writes, “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9). And Isaiah records: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18). We can’t remove our own sin, only God can do that. Therefore,  we need to bring our hidden sins to light so that we can acknowledge them, repent of them ask for forgiveness and more importantly, accept God’s forgiveness. 

When we are walking with God we can expect our lives to be different because our guilt and shame are removed and we have a spirit of joy and can walk in total unbroken fellowship with God.   

Physically we are the same person, but spiritually we are a new person. Paul says that we are a new creation in Jesus Christ – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through Jesus Christ we have been given the gift of the Spirit of God, “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:12).  

We must examine ourselves, repent, ask for forgiveness and joyfully walk in spirit and in truth with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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Posted in 1 Chronicles, 1 John, 2 Corinthians, Isaiah, Psalm 139, THE LORD KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT US – Psalm 139:1 | Tags: , , , , , , ,

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