Very true GiGi. The need to make Christ known is even greater today than ever before, & we shouldn't draw back even though hearts seem even harder & more distant to hear about their sin that separates them from a loving God & of their only hope that lies in Jesus. May the Lord Who gives us many opportunities to share Christ, also by His Spirit, direct us to those who are languishing in sin & despair, bringing them this glorious, liberating, healing heavenly hope. Thank you for reading that post to Giannis - all that took place between 1988-90. Blessings.
Thank you so much for this fabulous testimony of your mission work.
The need is very great for people in darkness to hear/read the gospel and be called into the light of Christ by grace through faith. May the Lord Jesus send out people according to His hoy calling.
Acts 15 is a turning point for Paul and Peter. Peter had to defend Apostle Paul for the word of truth to the Gentiles. Apostle Peter knew that Jesus Christ had given him a new revelation that was hidden from the beginning of this world.
Acts 15:7-11
7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11But we believe that through the grace of theLordJesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Did Paul just say that there's two Gospels in the book of Acts, one for the Gentiles and one for the Jews ? What in the world is going on with Paul writing this verse. Peter's Gospel is put on a shelf for the kingdom on earth until the fulness of the Gentiles, but Paul's gospel is for today for the body of Christ Jesus in the Third Heaven.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, whenthey saw thatthegospeloftheuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, asthegospelofthecircumcision was unto Peter;
We may not agree with Apostle Paul's epistle, but it was inspired by the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus for us today.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received thewordofGod which ye heardofus, ye received it not as thewordofmen, but as it is intruth, thewordofGod, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the word of truth is the gospel of the Apostle Paul given to him by Jesus Christ.
Please think about this word " Least " and compare it with two books of the Bible. We know that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of the word. So all the words in the Bible should all be red .
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus theauthorand finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The spirit of Elias is in John the Baptist and he is the least of God. Remember, Jesus Christ is the author of the Bible.
Matthew 11:11-14
11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that isleastin the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Now we come to Apostle Paul's epistle and it saids that Apostle Paul is the least too. Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to write this.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
May we all take notice that Apostle Paul is important and that Jesus Christ picked him out to do a job for His honor and glory.
1 Timothy 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honourandgloryfor everandever. Amen.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Easter is coming, but I celebrate Resurrection everyday
Can we really follow Jesus's footsteps in His early ministry in the four gospels ? ? Can we really heal everyone like Jesus Christ has ? ? Can we raise the dead from the grave like Jesus Christ ? ?
Jesus Christ healed all that was sick.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Jesus casted out devils.
Mark 1:39
And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, andcastoutdevils
Peter tried to walk on water like Jesus.
Matthew 14:29
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, hewalkedonthewater, to go to Jesus.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
John 11:43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth.
Now we ask ourselves again, can we really walk Jesus Christ footsteps and follow the law without sinning ? ? The answer is a big no .
That's why Jesus Christ died on the cross so we don't have to follow the law for Salvation, because the law only condemneth us and we don't have power anymore to heal or cast out devils.
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said,Itisfinished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Jesus Christ is our redeemer for Salvation in his grace.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we haveredemptionthrough his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We now have the complete word of God. The The other stuff faded away. We are left with the Holy Spirit and the Word of Truth.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Are we having World War 3 ? ? Are we having earthquake nationwide ? ? Are Christians being killed for spreading the gospel of grace ? ?
Matthew chapter 24 speak of the Tribulation and we are not even close. We are seen bits and pieces.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Matthew 25:8-11
8All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
To really know when the Tribulation will start, there's has to be a event from Heaven happen first.
1 Corinthians 15:52
Inamoment,inthe twinkling ofan eye,at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,and the dead shall be raisedincorruptible,and we shall be changed.
That's right, the Rapture or the gathering in the clouds by the sound of on trumpet from God will happen first and then the Tribulation will start, but there's hope.
Titus 2:13
Looking for thatblessedhope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
May we all look up today in the clouds for that blessed hope in Christ Jesus.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Rapture is true and real .
Why did Jesus call Mother Mary woman ? ? Was Jesus Christ being disrespectful to His earthly Mother ? ?
John 19:26
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother,Woman, behold thy son!
Now, back in Genesis, Jesus Christ was the spoken word talking to Adam and Eve. I believe Jesus Christ was reminded Mother Mary of Genesis. It was victory that was going to happen for mankind.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and betweenthyseed and her seed; it shallbruisethyhead, and thou shaltbruisehisheel.
If anyone would of known that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would of been for Salvation for all , Satan would of stopped it.
1 Corinthians 2:8
Which none of the princes of this world knew:forhadtheyknownit,theywould nothavecrucified the Lord of glory.
Because the gospel of grace, the women became free from bondage and can work in the workplace. Apostle Paul recognized that a women was important to the ministry.
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Romans 16:1
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Romans 16:3-4
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their ownnecks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
May we all remember the gospel of grace in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 only Apostle Paul was given the secret of the mystery of the resurrection for Salvation by believing only
Is the Holy Spirit God ? ? Was Mother Mary married twice, once from the Holy Ghost and the other from Joseph. The Holy Spirit is a person from Heaven.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of theHolyGhost.
That person that is Righteous living in you is the Holy Ghost, the new creature in Christ. Just think about it, I have Jesus Christ in my heart .
1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of theHolyGhostwhich is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Now, is the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit God Himself ? ? Because I believe the three in one, yes God is the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by theSpiritofGodcalleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by theHolyGhost.
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not theholySpiritofGod, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
1 Thessalonians 4:8
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, butGod, who hath also given unto us hisholySpirit.
May we all believe and search the scriptures for Salvation and doctrine for today.
Should a Christian pray for someone to die because of sin or teaching another doctrine ? ?
Peter wanted to kill one of the high priest' s servant when Jesus was taken .
Jesus Christ was not having anyone to fight for him, he stopped it right away.
John 18:10
Then SimonPeterhaving a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his rightear. The servant's name was Malchus.
Apostle Paul pray that the young man should be taken by Satan because of the relationship between him and his stepmother . I truly believe, Apostle Paul regret saying that and repented.
1 Corinthians 5:5
To deliver such an one untoSatanfor the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
I had a Pastor that prayed that God would take away his backsliding sister, she was a bad testimony for the church. Years past on, my Pastor wife passed away and he got remarried and then my Pastor died. I loved the man, but I think he man a mistake. God will love who he wants to love.
Romans 9:13
As it is written,Jacobhave I loved, but Esau have I hated.
We will never know God's thoughts. I can never look at someone and say because they said this and that, they should never live. It's God choice to let Satan to take us out.
Isaiah 55:8
Formythoughtsare not yourthoughts, neither are your waysmyways, saith theLord.
May we all live a great life with Jesus Christ and continues the race and finish it in Faith.
Should a Christian man touch his girlfriend ? ? I know we all live in a world that touching runs very rapidly in our society.
My dad always told us, no girls in the house. I was scared to death to even think of a girl around my dad.
Apostle Paul warns us about touching a woman. It also means the opposite as well. If we have problems with lust, touching will be more of a problem.
1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good foramannottotouchawoman.
How should a man date a woman ? ? A man and woman should both be in there Bibles studying and thanking God for Salvation. They should never be alone for temptation will come. It's best to have godly people around at all times.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath notemptationtaken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with thetemptationalso make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Once and man and a woman touch each other, they become husband and wife. Jesus Christ said to the Samaritans woman, you have five husbands.
John 4:18
For thou hast hadfivehusbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
We all know that the New Testament speaks of one husband and one wife in marriage. The Old Testament, there were man with more wife's.
1 Corinthians 7:3
Let thehusbandrender unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto thehusband.
It's really comes down to what doctrine are we going to follow to live a great Christian life, I choose the Apostle Paul's epistle because he was chosen from the ascended Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:34
For David is notascendedinto the heavens: but he saith himself, TheLordsaid unto myLord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is achosenvesselunto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Apostle Paul always writes to believers in all his epistles.
For all that is in the world, thelustof the flesh, and thelustof the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Apostle Paul talks about sinning in the lust thereof .
Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in thelusts thereof.
We cannot escape lust, it is part of our inner body, but we can control it by the word of God and the help of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:17
For the fleshlusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
But if we are in the word daily, then we will receive the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
ButthefruitoftheSpiritis love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against suchthere is no law.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the body of Christ Jesus has been resurrected to the Third Heaven
Grace is nothing new in the New Testament. The Old Testament has men that found grace . Noah found grace.
Genesis 6:8
But Noah foundgracein the eyes of the LORD.
Jacob found grace.
Genesis 33:10
And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have foundgracein thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
Joseph of the Twelve Tribes of Israel found grace.
Genesis 39:4
And Joseph foundgracein his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
Moses found grace.
Exodus 33:12
And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also foundgracein my sight.
The best one of them all is Jesus Christ was full of grace.
John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full ofgraceand truth.
Jesus Christ is Grace.
John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, butgraceand truth came by Jesus Christ.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 please believe the gospel of grace
Apostle Peter explained how the prophets searched for the grace of God but couldn't find it and here God gave it to Apostle Paul to write.
1 Peter 1:10
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of thegracethat should come unto you:
Jude warns the believing Jews to be careful with false brethren with fake grace.
Jude 1:4
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning thegraceof our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Philippines are partakers of Apostle Paul's grace. That means we are to take notice of Paul's grace given to him.
Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Apostle Paul only wanted to spread the Gospel of Grace to the Jews first and then the Gentiles.
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of thegraceof God.
Apostle Paul's epistle is where we find grace for today.
Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by hisgracethrough the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
May we enjoy our free grace from the ascended Lord Jesus Christ in the third Heaven.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Grace is free by just believing the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ only .
Which Bible translation is the Holiest one ? This question will definitely offend others. My advice is, choose a Bible that glorifies Jesus Christ the most.
The translation Bible should be as pure as possible to the original.
Psalm 12:6
Thewordsof theLordarepurewords: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
God's Word is pure.
Proverbs 30:5
EverywordofGodis pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
God's Word will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Most popular Bibles on earth.
New International Version
King James Version
English Standard Version
New Living Translation
Christian Standard Bible
New King James Version
Reina-Valera (Spanish)
New International Reader's Version
New American Standard Bible
New Revised Standard Version
Every time we read the Bible, just think that Jesus Christ wrote it.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus theauthorand finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
God's ways are the only way . We tend to forget that God is our priority.
Proverbs 14:12
There isaway which seemethrightuntoaman, but the end thereofare the ways of death.
Adam was Eve story was the start of worldwide death for all of us. Adam's way got him into trouble with God. Adam knew if he eats of the forbidden tree, he would die spiritually.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
We can not use our ways to get to Heaven, it will fail. We have to know we are lost and born a sinner.
Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of theway, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
God will only direct His way for us.
1 Thessalonians 3:11
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct ourwayunto you.
God will always point our hearts to Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lorddirectyour hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
The only way to Salvation is to believe God's word.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God untosalvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Trust God for Salvation today.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of yoursalvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The gospel is located 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 just believe it and that's it.
Why should we be " in Christ " ? ? Who invented " in Christ " ? Are special people become " in Christ " ?
When Jesus died and was Resurrected, He took the Saints from the grave with Him . Every Jew that got saved , they became in Christ .
Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also wereinChristbefore me.
All Salvation from the time Jesus Christ death, burial and resurrection are saved " in Christ " automatically. Apostle Peter recognized his Jewish followers as " in Christ ".
1 Peter 5:14
Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that areinChristJesus. Amen.
Apostle Paul recognized his followers as " in Christ".
2 Corinthians 1:21
Now he which stablisheth us with youinChrist, and hath anointed us, is God;
Because of Jesus Christ being the redeemer for the whole world on the cross and finished nailing everything, we are now justified and it didn't cost anything but our faith in believing.
Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that isinChristJesus:
We that are all saved in the Body of Christ.
Romans 12:5
So we, being many, are one bodyinChrist, and every one members one of another.
We can receive wisdom for being in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are yeinChristJesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Apostle Paul wants us to follow his Epistles in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousandinstructersinChrist, yet have ye not many fathers: forinChristJesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Apostle Paul sent Timotheus to teach the church , the way of Apostle Paul in his Epistles
1 Corinthians 4:17
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithfulinthe Lord, who shall bring youinto remembrance of my ways which beinChrist, as I teach every whereinevery church.
To be in Christ is having the Holy Spirit living in your soul. Christ and the Spirit are one.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man beinChrist, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
We that are saved are no longer part of this world.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors forChrist, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray youinChrist's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
We that are saved are in the heavenly places in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord JesusChrist, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessingsinheavenly placesinChrist:
We are living in a age where God word is really happening right now in Christ.
Ephesians 1:10
Thatinthe dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather togetherinone all thingsinChrist, both which areinheaven, and which are on earth; eveninhim:
To trust God with praise and glory is in Christ.
Ephesians 1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trustedinChrist.
Jesus Christ is right now sitting on the right hand of God in Christ.
Ephesians 1:20
Which he wroughtinChrist, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right handinthe heavenly places,
Jews and Gentiles are in Christ in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit togetherinheavenly placesinChristJesus:
We work for God because we are in Christ.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, createdinChristJesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walkinthem.
Apostle Paul writes about the gathering in the clouds with Jesus Christ and the saved dead saints will rise first in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
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 deadinChristshall rise first:
Always give thanks in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Inevery thing give thanks: for this is the will of GodinChristJesus concerning you.
Apostle Paul is a preacher, a teacher and a Apostle in Christ.
1 Timothy 2:7
Where unto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truthinChrist, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentilesinfaith and verity.
Deacons are in Christ.
1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldnessinthe faith which isinChristJesus.
No body knew before the world began, that Apostle Paul was going to be given a revelation in Christ about the gospel of grace .
2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given usinChristJesus before the world began,
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,infaith and love which isinChristJesus.
Being strong in the grace in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be stronginthe grace that isinChristJesus.
If we don't suffer for God, then we might not be in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godlyinChristJesus shall suffer persecution.
All that we learn as a child in the scriptures may come to us because we are in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which isinChristJesus.
Apostle Paul writes more about in Christ then anyone in the Bible. Apostle Paul made a pattern for us to follow and that's his epistles.
1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for apatternto them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Apostle Paul is the Masterbuilder of the grace of God for us to build on his foundation.
1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wisemasterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Apostle Paul is our Apostle, teacher and preacher in his Epistles for Salvation and doctrine to live by everyday.
Thanks Fuji for looking into that, as you get time to do so. And it might be best to share maybe a couple of Scriptures only that you feel best reflects your understanding, rather than a dozen or more, making discussion cumbersome. In that way, we could, if you wish, discuss them, and maybe along with those that I believe show Christ's Deity. After all, since we both study God's Word, we must also be aware of those Scriptures; so comes down to discussing/analyzing verse by verse to see what they are conveying to us. I'll look for your response in another thread. GBU.
That country was now closed to my re-entering, but India was open, so the Lord led me there - and that's another story. Sorry, to give so much detail brother, more than you probably expected, but I hope that it has given a brief overview of the work there, but most importantly that we all should learn, that nothing - NO NOTHING, is impossible with the Lord. When He calls or directs us to do something or be somewhere, He will also assure us of His Presence & provide us the wherewithal to live for Him & be His Mouthpiece to those who desperately need His precious Son. Every blessing brother.
I just asked the Lord, Who had delivered us many times before, to do a miracle that would prevent him from getting details of the vehicle, thereby putting our whole work & presence in the city in jeopardy. As we crossed the road to our vehicle, I mentioned to my young brother, let's just turn around to see this man once more. What we saw was the same man looking across the road, but his eyes were scanning up & down the road to find us. We were right there looking at him & very close to our vehicle, but it seemed that we had disappeared before his eyes. We got into the van, drove off, leaving this man floundering in wonder & disbelief. I've always wondered whether that man would have received another special revelation from the Lord, bringing him to his knees.
But in time, I sense that the 'city must have gone into an uproar' because of the extent of Christian literature reaching many hands & hearts. We soon had the police knocking at our door, & we were taken to the station in an open caged truck, charged, and taken before the courts, all on the same day. Fortunately, only a substantial monetary fine was given by the court, which of course we couldn't pay, but the Mission intervened. But the police were restless by our presence & wanted us out from the country, so eventually my Dutch brother & I were given our marching orders and expelled from the country. I felt very bad that our full term there (two years) couldn't be met, but the same Lord Who called me, led my team through interesting & challenging situations, was the same Lord Who knew our time to leave had arrived & He had other plans for missionaries there & for the special people of Pakistan (still very much on my heart). Onto Page 6.
As we finished laying this matter before the Lord, we had a couple of pastors come to the flat seeking to buy a number of books/Bibles - we now received enough so I could buy dinner for the team - how good is the God we love & serve, & how mindful is He of each one of His children no matter where they are & whatever they may be facing. 'His Arm is never shortened'.
Brother, I know this is long - probably more than you expected, but I actually have shared all this very briefly. And yes, there have been, as you've read, about killings of those who speak against their prophet or their Quran - even those family members who have left Islam have had to flee for their lives. We had a group there in the city, who took in those who turned to Jesus & gave them food, shelter, teaching, & other help. And one of them, an American, John Tarzwell, went in ministry to some rural areas, but was never heard of again. We knew what happened to that special brother. But these things should not prevent us from reaching lost, hungry souls with the message of Life & Hope in Jesus, and so we pressed on undaunted.
Just one story only, since you asked (but I've shared this before here, so please excuse the repetition): while my Dutch brother & I were selling or distributing literature in a small enclosed shopping area, I suddenly heard a lot of noise & commotion. I went over to find him surrounded by a mob & one very vocal Muslim maulana (a Muslim priest). I tried to appease him & began to take my brother away, while receiving his threats. We were told to leave the area at once, and so proceeded to do so, but frequently looking back to see if he was still following us. He was always a few steps behind with rage in his eyes & urging us forward. I even asked if we could have a tea stop to distract him, but that was rejected. Soon after, our van was appearing into view; the Maulana didn't know that of course. Onto Page 5.
So, in our small flat with two bedrooms & one bathroom, we had to jostle for space amongst the 6 or 7 of us at any one time. Our days were filled with selling Gospel packets, Bibles, etc. to Muslim shop-keepers (at very low prices of course), talking to those able to converse in English, & getting to learn about where the 'common man' was in life, as a Muslim & resident of Pakistan. I also continued my own readings of the Quran so that I could better understand & converse with those who had questions. We rested in the evenings or preparing messages to share with Christian youth groups or taking Bible studies/preaching at various Fellowships. And Fridays of course, was our worship day, which took a little getting used to.
Yes, working as a Missionary in Pakistan (as per the special visa granted to us), was both delightful & challenging. I found the people very warm & welcoming, ready to talk 'religion', unlike the apathy we see in the West. But we were always aware of dangers around us, even as one shopkeeper lifted up his 'kamiz' (the extra-long shirt that reaches the knees) & revealed to me his holstered pistol. He warned me that what I was doing was very dangerous, but of course He didn't know the God Whom I served & Who called me. For me, I don't believe I ever considered the danger, though aware of it, because the fire that the Lord lit in my heart was sufficient to fulfil my responsibility to get God's Word out & leave the other matters to the Lord. Even when we ran out of money (from poor book sales in the market place) & I let my team know this, we went to prayer about the matter. If the Lord provided, we could eat - if not, we would continue to fast & pray. Onto Page 4.
In a short while, I received an unknown call from the UK by someone wanting to buy my house. I found that incredible as I didn't know him, nor had he seen my house. But through his agent in Aust., he purchased it above the market value, having never seen it & my never ever meeting him. And he bought all my furniture as well. This I knew could only be the Lord's doing, & His Word to GO was confirmed to me.
My first stint (Summer Campaign) with the Mission, was in France. Our team was called, L'Equipe Commando (or, Commando Team). We only had a smattering of French between us, so all we had to do, could do, was go from town to town in central France & 'bombard' them with Tracts & invites to a local Evangelical Fellowship. Life was a little difficult for us, as six of us travelled in a van, slept in tents in the fields, & subsisted on meagre rations (though only for a month). But we prayed that many, in a Roman Catholic dominated country, would be challenged afresh with the Gospel of Christ.
From there, the next Summer campaign I was placed into, was in Dewsbury, W. Yorkshire, U.K. Here, we batched in the local Church (Church of the Nazarene) accommodation & went door-to-door in a predominantly Muslim area. Not sure of what impact that had, but we knew that the Lord would take His Own Word & apply to every readied heart. For my next area of service, I had been given the option as to where to go. After prayer & wondering how the Lord was leading me thus far, I opted for Pakistan, having had that little exposure (for the first time) to Muslims & Islam in the U.K.
I was made the team leader of the Karachi Men's Team, probably being the oldest volunteer rather than from any other qualification. We had a dedicated team of three: a young Dutch lad, a really lovely godly young Pakistani brother, & myself. But we had brothers (mainly from the U.S.), who were based & serving in India but sent over to join with our team for short spells. Onto Page 3.
Thanks brother Giannis for your earlier question, hence this new thread.
So true, those we believe are too primitive or uneducated to know better, are quite often those who have learned to sort out their difficulties, whether in day-to-day matters or even dealing with sickness (by using the vegetation around them). It's just that we have refined ancient methods because of developments in technology & trial & error attempts to get over hurdles in life.
And yes, I'm happy to answer your query: I'm not of Pakistani origin, but of Indian origin: a hybrid actually, where my Father was Indian & my Mother was Armenian. As you would know that country: where the mountains of Ararat are located in that area comprising eastern Turkey & western Armenia. During the Armenian genocide (1915-1916) by the Ottoman Empire, a million or so Armenian Christians were either slaughtered or deprived of food, etc., though some escaped into nearby countries (my grandparents were amongst those who fled & went first into Iran & then into India to settle there).
Now to my short-term ministry: I went out with a specific calling by the Lord to serve overseas, even given the name of the Mission group, which I hadn't heard of before. Prior to that call, there was a group of us who went out each week to evangelize on the city streets, by preaching, tract distribution, & discussions with any who would listen (of course not many did). As my Church Fellowship (in Australia) was very missionary oriented, I remember many of the sermons were focussed on serving the Lord, always with the strong challenge: "why are you still sitting here comfortably instead being out there making Christ known?" In time, the Lord answered my prayer & the call to serve came very clearly whilst in morning prayer. I wasn't sure that it was His Word or just the surfacing of my earnest desires to serve, so my fleece was put out concerning the sale of my home & furniture. Onto Page 2.
Thank you so much for this fabulous testimony of your mission work.
The need is very great for people in darkness to hear/read the gospel and be called into the light of Christ by grace through faith. May the Lord Jesus send out people according to His hoy calling.
Acts 15:7-11
7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11But we believe that through the grace of theLordJesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Did Paul just say that there's two Gospels in the book of Acts, one for the Gentiles and one for the Jews ? What in the world is going on with Paul writing this verse. Peter's Gospel is put on a shelf for the kingdom on earth until the fulness of the Gentiles, but Paul's gospel is for today for the body of Christ Jesus in the Third Heaven.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, whenthey saw thatthegospeloftheuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, asthegospelofthecircumcision was unto Peter;
We may not agree with Apostle Paul's epistle, but it was inspired by the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus for us today.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received thewordofGod which ye heardofus, ye received it not as thewordofmen, but as it is intruth, thewordofGod, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the word of truth is the gospel of the Apostle Paul given to him by Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus theauthorand finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The spirit of Elias is in John the Baptist and he is the least of God. Remember, Jesus Christ is the author of the Bible.
Matthew 11:11-14
11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that isleastin the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Now we come to Apostle Paul's epistle and it saids that Apostle Paul is the least too. Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to write this.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
May we all take notice that Apostle Paul is important and that Jesus Christ picked him out to do a job for His honor and glory.
1 Timothy 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honourandgloryfor everandever. Amen.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Easter is coming, but I celebrate Resurrection everyday
Jesus Christ healed all that was sick.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Jesus casted out devils.
Mark 1:39
And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, andcastoutdevils
Peter tried to walk on water like Jesus.
Matthew 14:29
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, hewalkedonthewater, to go to Jesus.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
John 11:43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth.
Now we ask ourselves again, can we really walk Jesus Christ footsteps and follow the law without sinning ? ? The answer is a big no .
That's why Jesus Christ died on the cross so we don't have to follow the law for Salvation, because the law only condemneth us and we don't have power anymore to heal or cast out devils.
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said,Itisfinished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Jesus Christ is our redeemer for Salvation in his grace.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we haveredemptionthrough his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We now have the complete word of God. The The other stuff faded away. We are left with the Holy Spirit and the Word of Truth.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
May we believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The word of truth is the gospel of grace.
Are we having World War 3 ? ? Are we having earthquake nationwide ? ? Are Christians being killed for spreading the gospel of grace ? ?
Matthew chapter 24 speak of the Tribulation and we are not even close. We are seen bits and pieces.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Matthew 25:8-11
8All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
To really know when the Tribulation will start, there's has to be a event from Heaven happen first.
1 Corinthians 15:52
Inamoment,inthe twinkling ofan eye,at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,and the dead shall be raisedincorruptible,and we shall be changed.
That's right, the Rapture or the gathering in the clouds by the sound of on trumpet from God will happen first and then the Tribulation will start, but there's hope.
Titus 2:13
Looking for thatblessedhope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
May we all look up today in the clouds for that blessed hope in Christ Jesus.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Rapture is true and real .
John 19:26
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother,Woman, behold thy son!
Now, back in Genesis, Jesus Christ was the spoken word talking to Adam and Eve. I believe Jesus Christ was reminded Mother Mary of Genesis. It was victory that was going to happen for mankind.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and betweenthyseed and her seed; it shallbruisethyhead, and thou shaltbruisehisheel.
If anyone would of known that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would of been for Salvation for all , Satan would of stopped it.
1 Corinthians 2:8
Which none of the princes of this world knew:forhadtheyknownit,theywould nothavecrucified the Lord of glory.
Because the gospel of grace, the women became free from bondage and can work in the workplace. Apostle Paul recognized that a women was important to the ministry.
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Romans 16:1
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Romans 16:3-4
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their ownnecks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
May we all remember the gospel of grace in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 only Apostle Paul was given the secret of the mystery of the resurrection for Salvation by believing only
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of theHolyGhost.
That person that is Righteous living in you is the Holy Ghost, the new creature in Christ. Just think about it, I have Jesus Christ in my heart .
1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of theHolyGhostwhich is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Now, is the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit God Himself ? ? Because I believe the three in one, yes God is the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by theSpiritofGodcalleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by theHolyGhost.
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not theholySpiritofGod, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
1 Thessalonians 4:8
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, butGod, who hath also given unto us hisholySpirit.
May we all believe and search the scriptures for Salvation and doctrine for today.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Peter wanted to kill one of the high priest' s servant when Jesus was taken .
Jesus Christ was not having anyone to fight for him, he stopped it right away.
John 18:10
Then SimonPeterhaving a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his rightear. The servant's name was Malchus.
Apostle Paul pray that the young man should be taken by Satan because of the relationship between him and his stepmother . I truly believe, Apostle Paul regret saying that and repented.
1 Corinthians 5:5
To deliver such an one untoSatanfor the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
I had a Pastor that prayed that God would take away his backsliding sister, she was a bad testimony for the church. Years past on, my Pastor wife passed away and he got remarried and then my Pastor died. I loved the man, but I think he man a mistake. God will love who he wants to love.
Romans 9:13
As it is written,Jacobhave I loved, but Esau have I hated.
We will never know God's thoughts. I can never look at someone and say because they said this and that, they should never live. It's God choice to let Satan to take us out.
Isaiah 55:8
Formythoughtsare not yourthoughts, neither are your waysmyways, saith theLord.
May we all live a great life with Jesus Christ and continues the race and finish it in Faith.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Heaven is waiting for all of us.
Should a Christian man touch his girlfriend ? ? I know we all live in a world that touching runs very rapidly in our society.
My dad always told us, no girls in the house. I was scared to death to even think of a girl around my dad.
Apostle Paul warns us about touching a woman. It also means the opposite as well. If we have problems with lust, touching will be more of a problem.
1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good foramannottotouchawoman.
How should a man date a woman ? ? A man and woman should both be in there Bibles studying and thanking God for Salvation. They should never be alone for temptation will come. It's best to have godly people around at all times.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath notemptationtaken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with thetemptationalso make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Once and man and a woman touch each other, they become husband and wife. Jesus Christ said to the Samaritans woman, you have five husbands.
John 4:18
For thou hast hadfivehusbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
We all know that the New Testament speaks of one husband and one wife in marriage. The Old Testament, there were man with more wife's.
1 Corinthians 7:3
Let thehusbandrender unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto thehusband.
It's really comes down to what doctrine are we going to follow to live a great Christian life, I choose the Apostle Paul's epistle because he was chosen from the ascended Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:34
For David is notascendedinto the heavens: but he saith himself, TheLordsaid unto myLord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is achosenvesselunto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Apostle Paul always writes to believers in all his epistles.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
I love my gospel of grace
first and that is covet or lust .
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, thelustof the flesh, and thelustof the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Apostle Paul talks about sinning in the lust thereof .
Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in thelusts thereof.
We cannot escape lust, it is part of our inner body, but we can control it by the word of God and the help of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:17
For the fleshlusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
But if we are in the word daily, then we will receive the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
ButthefruitoftheSpiritis love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against suchthere is no law.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the body of Christ Jesus has been resurrected to the Third Heaven
Grace is nothing new in the New Testament. The Old Testament has men that found grace . Noah found grace.
Genesis 6:8
But Noah foundgracein the eyes of the LORD.
Jacob found grace.
Genesis 33:10
And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have foundgracein thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
Joseph of the Twelve Tribes of Israel found grace.
Genesis 39:4
And Joseph foundgracein his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
Moses found grace.
Exodus 33:12
And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also foundgracein my sight.
The best one of them all is Jesus Christ was full of grace.
John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full ofgraceand truth.
Jesus Christ is Grace.
John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, butgraceand truth came by Jesus Christ.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 please believe the gospel of grace
Apostle Peter explained how the prophets searched for the grace of God but couldn't find it and here God gave it to Apostle Paul to write.
1 Peter 1:10
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of thegracethat should come unto you:
Jude warns the believing Jews to be careful with false brethren with fake grace.
Jude 1:4
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning thegraceof our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Philippines are partakers of Apostle Paul's grace. That means we are to take notice of Paul's grace given to him.
Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Apostle Paul only wanted to spread the Gospel of Grace to the Jews first and then the Gentiles.
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of thegraceof God.
Apostle Paul's epistle is where we find grace for today.
Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by hisgracethrough the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
May we enjoy our free grace from the ascended Lord Jesus Christ in the third Heaven.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Grace is free by just believing the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ only .
The translation Bible should be as pure as possible to the original.
Psalm 12:6
Thewordsof theLordarepurewords: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
God's Word is pure.
Proverbs 30:5
EverywordofGodis pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
God's Word will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
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Every time we read the Bible, just think that Jesus Christ wrote it.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus theauthorand finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The King James Version has been great
Proverbs 14:12
There isaway which seemethrightuntoaman, but the end thereofare the ways of death.
Adam was Eve story was the start of worldwide death for all of us. Adam's way got him into trouble with God. Adam knew if he eats of the forbidden tree, he would die spiritually.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
We can not use our ways to get to Heaven, it will fail. We have to know we are lost and born a sinner.
Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of theway, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
God will only direct His way for us.
1 Thessalonians 3:11
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct ourwayunto you.
God will always point our hearts to Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lorddirectyour hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
The only way to Salvation is to believe God's word.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God untosalvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Trust God for Salvation today.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of yoursalvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The gospel is located 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 just believe it and that's it.
Ray in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
I am saved by believing the gospel.
When Jesus died and was Resurrected, He took the Saints from the grave with Him . Every Jew that got saved , they became in Christ .
Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also wereinChristbefore me.
All Salvation from the time Jesus Christ death, burial and resurrection are saved " in Christ " automatically. Apostle Peter recognized his Jewish followers as " in Christ ".
1 Peter 5:14
Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that areinChristJesus. Amen.
Apostle Paul recognized his followers as " in Christ".
2 Corinthians 1:21
Now he which stablisheth us with youinChrist, and hath anointed us, is God;
Because of Jesus Christ being the redeemer for the whole world on the cross and finished nailing everything, we are now justified and it didn't cost anything but our faith in believing.
Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that isinChristJesus:
We that are all saved in the Body of Christ.
Romans 12:5
So we, being many, are one bodyinChrist, and every one members one of another.
We can receive wisdom for being in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are yeinChristJesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Ray, in Christ 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Apostle Paul wants us to follow his Epistles in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousandinstructersinChrist, yet have ye not many fathers: forinChristJesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Apostle Paul sent Timotheus to teach the church , the way of Apostle Paul in his Epistles
1 Corinthians 4:17
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithfulinthe Lord, who shall bring youinto remembrance of my ways which beinChrist, as I teach every whereinevery church.
To be in Christ is having the Holy Spirit living in your soul. Christ and the Spirit are one.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man beinChrist, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
We that are saved are no longer part of this world.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors forChrist, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray youinChrist's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
We that are saved are in the heavenly places in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord JesusChrist, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessingsinheavenly placesinChrist:
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
We are living in a age where God word is really happening right now in Christ.
Ephesians 1:10
Thatinthe dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather togetherinone all thingsinChrist, both which areinheaven, and which are on earth; eveninhim:
To trust God with praise and glory is in Christ.
Ephesians 1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trustedinChrist.
Jesus Christ is right now sitting on the right hand of God in Christ.
Ephesians 1:20
Which he wroughtinChrist, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right handinthe heavenly places,
Jews and Gentiles are in Christ in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit togetherinheavenly placesinChristJesus:
We work for God because we are in Christ.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, createdinChristJesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walkinthem.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Now that we are in Christ, let's not ever forget the blood of Jesus Christ .
Ephesians 2:13
But nowinChristJesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood ofChrist.
Jews and Gentiles in the same body in Christ.
Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promiseinChristby the gospel:
Bishops and Deacons are in Christ.
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of JesusChrist, to all the saintsinChristJesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
We work for a prize in Christ.
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GodinChristJesus.
Our faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:5
For though I be absentinthe flesh, yet am I with youinthe spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faithinChrist.
We are in Christ and Christ is in God. God and Christ are one .
Colossians 3:3
For ye are dead, and your life is hid withChristinGod.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Apostle Paul writes about the gathering in the clouds with Jesus Christ and the saved dead saints will rise first in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
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 deadinChristshall rise first:
Always give thanks in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Inevery thing give thanks: for this is the will of GodinChristJesus concerning you.
Apostle Paul is a preacher, a teacher and a Apostle in Christ.
1 Timothy 2:7
Where unto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truthinChrist, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentilesinfaith and verity.
Deacons are in Christ.
1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldnessinthe faith which isinChristJesus.
No body knew before the world began, that Apostle Paul was going to be given a revelation in Christ about the gospel of grace .
2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given usinChristJesus before the world began,
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Apostle Paul has sound words in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,infaith and love which isinChristJesus.
Being strong in the grace in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be stronginthe grace that isinChristJesus.
If we don't suffer for God, then we might not be in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godlyinChristJesus shall suffer persecution.
All that we learn as a child in the scriptures may come to us because we are in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which isinChristJesus.
Apostle Paul writes more about in Christ then anyone in the Bible. Apostle Paul made a pattern for us to follow and that's his epistles.
1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for apatternto them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Apostle Paul is the Masterbuilder of the grace of God for us to build on his foundation.
1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wisemasterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Apostle Paul is our Apostle, teacher and preacher in his Epistles for Salvation and doctrine to live by everyday.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Salvation doesn't require anything but believe.
That country was now closed to my re-entering, but India was open, so the Lord led me there - and that's another story. Sorry, to give so much detail brother, more than you probably expected, but I hope that it has given a brief overview of the work there, but most importantly that we all should learn, that nothing - NO NOTHING, is impossible with the Lord. When He calls or directs us to do something or be somewhere, He will also assure us of His Presence & provide us the wherewithal to live for Him & be His Mouthpiece to those who desperately need His precious Son. Every blessing brother.
I just asked the Lord, Who had delivered us many times before, to do a miracle that would prevent him from getting details of the vehicle, thereby putting our whole work & presence in the city in jeopardy. As we crossed the road to our vehicle, I mentioned to my young brother, let's just turn around to see this man once more. What we saw was the same man looking across the road, but his eyes were scanning up & down the road to find us. We were right there looking at him & very close to our vehicle, but it seemed that we had disappeared before his eyes. We got into the van, drove off, leaving this man floundering in wonder & disbelief. I've always wondered whether that man would have received another special revelation from the Lord, bringing him to his knees.
But in time, I sense that the 'city must have gone into an uproar' because of the extent of Christian literature reaching many hands & hearts. We soon had the police knocking at our door, & we were taken to the station in an open caged truck, charged, and taken before the courts, all on the same day. Fortunately, only a substantial monetary fine was given by the court, which of course we couldn't pay, but the Mission intervened. But the police were restless by our presence & wanted us out from the country, so eventually my Dutch brother & I were given our marching orders and expelled from the country. I felt very bad that our full term there (two years) couldn't be met, but the same Lord Who called me, led my team through interesting & challenging situations, was the same Lord Who knew our time to leave had arrived & He had other plans for missionaries there & for the special people of Pakistan (still very much on my heart). Onto Page 6.
As we finished laying this matter before the Lord, we had a couple of pastors come to the flat seeking to buy a number of books/Bibles - we now received enough so I could buy dinner for the team - how good is the God we love & serve, & how mindful is He of each one of His children no matter where they are & whatever they may be facing. 'His Arm is never shortened'.
Brother, I know this is long - probably more than you expected, but I actually have shared all this very briefly. And yes, there have been, as you've read, about killings of those who speak against their prophet or their Quran - even those family members who have left Islam have had to flee for their lives. We had a group there in the city, who took in those who turned to Jesus & gave them food, shelter, teaching, & other help. And one of them, an American, John Tarzwell, went in ministry to some rural areas, but was never heard of again. We knew what happened to that special brother. But these things should not prevent us from reaching lost, hungry souls with the message of Life & Hope in Jesus, and so we pressed on undaunted.
Just one story only, since you asked (but I've shared this before here, so please excuse the repetition): while my Dutch brother & I were selling or distributing literature in a small enclosed shopping area, I suddenly heard a lot of noise & commotion. I went over to find him surrounded by a mob & one very vocal Muslim maulana (a Muslim priest). I tried to appease him & began to take my brother away, while receiving his threats. We were told to leave the area at once, and so proceeded to do so, but frequently looking back to see if he was still following us. He was always a few steps behind with rage in his eyes & urging us forward. I even asked if we could have a tea stop to distract him, but that was rejected. Soon after, our van was appearing into view; the Maulana didn't know that of course. Onto Page 5.
So, in our small flat with two bedrooms & one bathroom, we had to jostle for space amongst the 6 or 7 of us at any one time. Our days were filled with selling Gospel packets, Bibles, etc. to Muslim shop-keepers (at very low prices of course), talking to those able to converse in English, & getting to learn about where the 'common man' was in life, as a Muslim & resident of Pakistan. I also continued my own readings of the Quran so that I could better understand & converse with those who had questions. We rested in the evenings or preparing messages to share with Christian youth groups or taking Bible studies/preaching at various Fellowships. And Fridays of course, was our worship day, which took a little getting used to.
Yes, working as a Missionary in Pakistan (as per the special visa granted to us), was both delightful & challenging. I found the people very warm & welcoming, ready to talk 'religion', unlike the apathy we see in the West. But we were always aware of dangers around us, even as one shopkeeper lifted up his 'kamiz' (the extra-long shirt that reaches the knees) & revealed to me his holstered pistol. He warned me that what I was doing was very dangerous, but of course He didn't know the God Whom I served & Who called me. For me, I don't believe I ever considered the danger, though aware of it, because the fire that the Lord lit in my heart was sufficient to fulfil my responsibility to get God's Word out & leave the other matters to the Lord. Even when we ran out of money (from poor book sales in the market place) & I let my team know this, we went to prayer about the matter. If the Lord provided, we could eat - if not, we would continue to fast & pray. Onto Page 4.
In a short while, I received an unknown call from the UK by someone wanting to buy my house. I found that incredible as I didn't know him, nor had he seen my house. But through his agent in Aust., he purchased it above the market value, having never seen it & my never ever meeting him. And he bought all my furniture as well. This I knew could only be the Lord's doing, & His Word to GO was confirmed to me.
My first stint (Summer Campaign) with the Mission, was in France. Our team was called, L'Equipe Commando (or, Commando Team). We only had a smattering of French between us, so all we had to do, could do, was go from town to town in central France & 'bombard' them with Tracts & invites to a local Evangelical Fellowship. Life was a little difficult for us, as six of us travelled in a van, slept in tents in the fields, & subsisted on meagre rations (though only for a month). But we prayed that many, in a Roman Catholic dominated country, would be challenged afresh with the Gospel of Christ.
From there, the next Summer campaign I was placed into, was in Dewsbury, W. Yorkshire, U.K. Here, we batched in the local Church (Church of the Nazarene) accommodation & went door-to-door in a predominantly Muslim area. Not sure of what impact that had, but we knew that the Lord would take His Own Word & apply to every readied heart. For my next area of service, I had been given the option as to where to go. After prayer & wondering how the Lord was leading me thus far, I opted for Pakistan, having had that little exposure (for the first time) to Muslims & Islam in the U.K.
I was made the team leader of the Karachi Men's Team, probably being the oldest volunteer rather than from any other qualification. We had a dedicated team of three: a young Dutch lad, a really lovely godly young Pakistani brother, & myself. But we had brothers (mainly from the U.S.), who were based & serving in India but sent over to join with our team for short spells. Onto Page 3.
Thanks brother Giannis for your earlier question, hence this new thread.
So true, those we believe are too primitive or uneducated to know better, are quite often those who have learned to sort out their difficulties, whether in day-to-day matters or even dealing with sickness (by using the vegetation around them). It's just that we have refined ancient methods because of developments in technology & trial & error attempts to get over hurdles in life.
And yes, I'm happy to answer your query: I'm not of Pakistani origin, but of Indian origin: a hybrid actually, where my Father was Indian & my Mother was Armenian. As you would know that country: where the mountains of Ararat are located in that area comprising eastern Turkey & western Armenia. During the Armenian genocide (1915-1916) by the Ottoman Empire, a million or so Armenian Christians were either slaughtered or deprived of food, etc., though some escaped into nearby countries (my grandparents were amongst those who fled & went first into Iran & then into India to settle there).
Now to my short-term ministry: I went out with a specific calling by the Lord to serve overseas, even given the name of the Mission group, which I hadn't heard of before. Prior to that call, there was a group of us who went out each week to evangelize on the city streets, by preaching, tract distribution, & discussions with any who would listen (of course not many did). As my Church Fellowship (in Australia) was very missionary oriented, I remember many of the sermons were focussed on serving the Lord, always with the strong challenge: "why are you still sitting here comfortably instead being out there making Christ known?" In time, the Lord answered my prayer & the call to serve came very clearly whilst in morning prayer. I wasn't sure that it was His Word or just the surfacing of my earnest desires to serve, so my fleece was put out concerning the sale of my home & furniture. Onto Page 2.