Let it Die

During the three short years of Jesus’ earthly ministry, He performed many miracles and preached to crowds large and small. But the moment of greatest acceptance came the week before Jesus was crucified as He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. A large number had gathered from all over Israel in preparation of the Passover: “They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!’” (John 12:13).
Many would view this as the high point of Jesus’ ministry. He had gained a great following and the people even hailed Him as the new King of Israel. But Jesus knew this was not His Father’s will. Jesus came for a much greater purpose than to be a temporary king; He came for an eternal glory which required His death.
John 12:24
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Jesus spoke these words in reference to His sacrifice on the cross which would occur in a few short days, but His message of death was also intended for us today. Obviously He’s not saying we should all be physically crucified, but Jesus IS saying we must experience a death; “whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it” (Matthew 16:25). Paul explains this even more directly; “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5).
Our earthly nature is home to all our sinful desires, but it is also the source of all the ambitions and dreams not formed by God. When we tightly hold to our dreams and are driven (or drive others) by our own ambitions, we choke what God desires to accomplish and never see the full potential of Christ – never see the abundant life God desires us to live.
We have a tendency to dream and make plans, and then spend our time and energy pursuing the dream rather than truly pursuing Christ. Our dream may even appear very Godly – we may strive for a dynamic ministry or children who love and follow God – but until we allow EVERYTHING within us to die and be replaced by the love of God, we will never experience His very best or witness His most beautiful fruit; “and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Let’s allow the plans of Christ to reign absolutely supreme. We were created for so much more than we can imagine! Let’s cast off all sin and leave ALL we hold dear at His feet. He will raise up what He desires to use for the glory of His name, but first we must resolve to let it die.

For more information, Prayers and counseling you can contact,
Rev. Adbhuta Rao. Garnepudi
Millinium Baptist Church
Nambur, Guntur (Dist), A.P
milliniumbaptistchurchministries@yahoo.com
mbcministries.india@gmail.com
(+91)9848150491, 9908054910

Our Privileged Responsibility

God has always set aside a select group to carry forth His Word and to help guide His people. In the Old Testament times God designated the descendants of Levi to be priests. The priests were to perform the various sacrifices, give instruction regarding God’s Law, and be the general interface between God and man. Since the priests were accountable to God for maintaining His standard, this great privilege also carried an enormous responsibility.

Malachi served as a prophet of God approximately 900 years after the Levitical priesthood had been established. The priests had once held a deep reverence for God, but they now ceased to teach the truth and lost all sense of their calling. Through Malachi, God sent the priests a sharp rebuke.
Malachi 2:7-9
“The lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction – because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble…you have not followed My ways.”
In one regard, this speaks directly to those called into Church leadership – those who are given the responsibility for leading a congregation in the way of truth. But it also speaks to ALL who now believe in Jesus Christ and are committed to following His ways. We must not cause others to stumble by failing to follow the ways of God!
When Jesus came to earth and gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, a new covenant was established. No longer is there only a select group of priests who have access to God; rather, all believers are now declared “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9).
The primary duty of a priest in the Old Testament was to seek God’s will and effectively communicate the truth of God’s Word to those placed within his care. And as members of God’s New Covenant royal priesthood, we all have this same responsibility – this same privilege! We must seek His will and speak truth to whoever God places in our path. We do not have the option of watching others wander from God. Allowing someone to destroy their life and their intimate relationship with God through a life of unbelief and sin is neither gracious nor loving – it’s cruel and irresponsible!
We are never held accountable for the response of others, only for our presentation of the truth. We must now become faithful to our calling. We must become a priest within our family, at our work, among our friends, and even within our church. We must diligently seek His will and not stray. We must learn His truths and live by them…and speak His truth with grace and compassionate love. Let’s give thanks for the opportunity to serve and for being allowed to lead others to a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. Let’s praise Him and faithfully accept our privileged responsibility.

For more information, Prayers and counseling you can contact,
Rev. Adbhuta Rao. Garnepudi
Millinium Baptist Church
Nambur, Guntur (Dist), A.P
milliniumbaptistchurchministries@yahoo.com
mbcministries.india@gmail.com
(+91)9848150491, 9908054910
 

Give Them Something To Eat

 
Our world is full of people in deep spiritual need. Most have never placed their trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and are literally starving right before our eyes. But even many Brothers and Sisters who love the Lord are desperately hungry to know Him more, or they have been wounded and are in need of long term spiritual nourishment.
God’s Word tells us to have open eyes and a soft heart such that we can recognize the needs and bring them before our Father in prayer; “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). But then we are told to carefully listen for God’s leading and fully expect to be put to work.

One afternoon, a crowd of over 5000 people had gathered to hear Jesus teach; “He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing” (Luke 9:11). The disciples saw it was getting late and would soon be time to eat. They recognized the need of the people, came before Jesus, and “presented their request.”
Luke 9:12-13
“Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to Him and said, ‘Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.’ He replied, ‘You give them something to eat.’”
When the disciples approached Jesus, they presented the need…but they also presented their solution. They knew the people were growing hungry, but their solution was to send them elsewhere for food. We often make this same mistake when we limit God by our own vision and understanding. Jesus’ solution to this need was to bless the few provisions the disciples could gather and then accomplished His work through their hands; “They all ate and were satisfied” (Luke 9:17).
God never asks us to do something without also providing the necessary tools to accomplish all He desires. We have been empowered by His Spirit and equipped through His Word. Yes, we must continue to pray; but our prayers ought to be with an understanding that God may very well direct US to carry His life-giving food and be a vessel for His healing.
There can be no greater work here on earth than to take part in restoring someone’s relationship to our Heavenly Father. Only God can truly heal, but He has invited us to join Him in this awesome work. Let’s continue to lift up the many needs to God in prayer, but then let’s prepare for His answer – His invitation – which calmly says, “You give them something to eat...”

For more information, Prayers and counseling you can contact,
Rev. Adbhuta Rao. Garnepudi
Millinium Baptist Church
Nambur, Guntur (Dist), A.P
milliniumbaptistchurchministries@yahoo.com
mbcministries.india@gmail.com
(+91)9848150491, 9908054910

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel

INTRODUCTION

1. The importance of sharing the gospel of Christ with those who are

   lost cannot be over-emphasized...

   a. Jesus wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation

      - Mk 16:15-16

   b. The gospel is God's power to salvation to all who believe it

      - Ro 1:16-17

   -- BUT WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO REACH PEOPLE TODAY?

2. The Millennium Baptist Church Ministries asked over 1000 people this

   question:

   "What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?"

   Their replies were . . .

   a. I had a special need - 3%

   b. I just walked in - 3%

   c. I liked the minister - 6%

   d. I visited there - 1%

   e. I liked the Bible classes - 5%

   f. I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%

   g. I liked the programs - 3%

   h. A FRIEND OR RELATIVE INVITED ME - 79%

3. What do we learn from a survey like this?

   a. IF CHURCHES ARE TO GROW, IT WILL BE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF

      INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

      1) Preachers, programs, classes may help, but in most cases they

         will only maintain the size of the congregation

      2) Such congregational efforts are worthwhile, for they can reach

         people with whom we might otherwise never come in contact

   b. THE GREATEST POTENTIAL LIES WITH THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SOME

      CONTACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL CONGREGATION

      1) Each of us have daily contact with tens of people who need the

         gospel of Christ

      2) In addition to efforts designed to reach people "en masse"

         (via television, radio, mail), we need to utilize the contacts

         made through the members (i.e., provide a "TWO-PRONGED"

         APPROACH TO EVANGELISM)

4. Two things are needed to utilize the contacts made through

   individual members

   a. CONCERN for the lost by those members - cf. Mt 9:36-38;

      Ro 9:1-3; 10:1

   b. KNOWLEDGE OF HOW we can increase our opportunities to share the

      gospel with those with whom we frequently come into contact

5. Assuming that the concern is there, in this lesson I wish to share

   suggestions on HOW anyone who is a Christian can INCREASE THEIR

   OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE THE GOSPEL...

I. DO THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR A CARING CONGREGATION

   A. OUR LOVE WILL HELP PROVE THAT WE ARE WHO WE CLAIM - Jn 13:35

      1. I.e., that we are truly the disciples of Christ

      2. Correct doctrine, organization, worship, etc., is important

      3. But it will be our love for one another that will convince the

         world that we are truly the disciples of Christ!

   B. OUR LOVE MAKES US USEFUL TO THE LORD - Re 3:7-8

      1. The Lord knows the true condition of His churches!

      2. If we are a congregation that can be used by Him...

         a. To reach others with the gospel

         b. To assimilate them into the Family of God

         c. To nurture them in their spiritual growth

         -- Then He will "open doors" for us!

      3. But suppose that we are not a place where new Christians can

         grow spiritually in an atmosphere of love...?

   C. HERE ARE SOME "ACTION STEPS" TO TAKE...

      1. Make it a point to get to know ALL the members by name

         a. Get a church directory and begin to place names with faces

         b. Try to learn someone new at each service until you know

            them all

      2. Practice "hospitality" towards the members - 1Pe 4:8-9

         a. Invite them into your home, or out to eat (set a goal of

            one new family or member per month)

         b. Visit other Christians frequently (esp. the sick, shut-ins,

            new members, absent members)

II. MAKE A LIST OF SOULS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE SAVED

   A. THIS MAY NOT SEEM IMPORTANT, BUT IT IS!

      1. It utilizes a very helpful technique used by people successful

         in all walks of life (i.e., having a "things to do" list)

      2. For us, it helps to focus our attention upon those we hope to

         reach for the Lord, and not neglect them

   B. IN MAKING UP THIS LIST...

      1. Start with those who are close to you and work outwardly

         a. Family

         b. Friends

         c. Co-workers

         d. Neighbors

         e. Relatives of fellow church members

         f. Regular visitors to the services of the church

         g. Casual acquaintances (mailman, store clerk, etc.)

      2. Limit this list to five or eight souls (a list with too many

         and you will not be able to focus your efforts effectively)

      3. Give priority to those who are the "unchurched"

         a. I.e., who are not active members of any denomination or

            particular religion

         b. Active members of a denomination or religion are often very

            satisfied with their human traditions and are not as

            receptive to the pure and simple gospel of Christ

      4. Husbands and wives might best just have one list (as the

         suggestions to follow will require their joint cooperation)

   C. KEEP THIS LIST WHERE YOU WILL SEE IT DAILY...

      1. So you will be constantly reminded of these people

      2. So you will be more likely to do the things mentioned next...

III. PRAY FOR THESE SOULS ON YOUR LIST DAILY

   A. THAT GOD WILL WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU...

      1. To give you "opportunities" to do good for them - Col 4:3;

         2Th 3:1

      2. To give you the "wisdom" to make the most of those

         opportunities - Ep 6:19-20

   B. THAT THOSE ON YOUR LIST WILL...

      1. Have the opportunity to hear the truth

      2. Have honest hearts to be open and receptive to the truth

   C. REMEMBER, IT IS GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE - 1Co 3:5-7

      1. We are but servants whom God can use in His providential

         workings

      2. So though we may work as though it all depends upon us, let us

         pray as though it all depends upon God!

IV. DO THINGS WHICH DEMONSTRATE YOUR LOVE FOR THEM

   A. THE  IMPORTANCE OF THIS SUGGESTION...

      1. "People don't care how much we know until they know how much

         we care!"

      2. A demonstration of love will make a person more likely to be

         receptive to the gospel of love when it is shared!

         - cf. 1Pe 2:12

   B. SOME "ACTION STEPS" TO TAKE...

      1. Invite them into your home for a dinner or snack

      2. Visit them, especially in times of trial or sickness

      3. Do things with them on a social level

V. INVITE THOSE ON YOUR LIST TO ATTEND SERVICES

   A. REASONS TO WANT THEM ATTENDING SERVICES...

      1. They will (or should) have an opportunity to see a caring

         congregation in action

         a. Combined with your own demonstration of love as an

            individual

         b. ...the demonstration of love by others should make a

            lasting impression

      2. They will more likely have an opportunity to be presented with

         the gospel of Christ (more on this, shortly)

   B. AS YOU PREPARE TO INVITE THESE SOULS, BE SURE TO PRAY...

      1. Asking for "wisdom" to invite them in the best manner

      2. Asking for "boldness" to offer the invitation to attend

VI. DEMONSTRATE LOVE TOWARDS THOSE VISITORS WHO DO ATTEND

   A. WHETHER INVITED BY YOU, SOMEONE ELSE, OR ARE "WALK-INS"...

      1. Greet them, let them know they are welcome

      2. Invite them home or out for a dinner or snack

      3. Call or visit them, after they have attended - cf. He 13:2;

         Ro 12:13b

   B. IN DOING SUCH THINGS, YOU ARE PREPARING THEIR HEARTS FOR THE

      GOSPEL...

      1. For by demonstrating love as a congregation of Christians...

      2. ...they will be more likely to believe in the love of God

         demonstrated in the life of Christ! - 1Pe 2:11-12

VII. SEE THAT THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR THE GOSPEL

   A. IDEALLY, THIS WILL COME AFTER WITNESSING A DEMONSTRATION OF THE

      GOSPEL "IN OUR LIVES"...

      1. By our love, hospitality, etc.

      2. Both as individuals and as a congregation

   B. IF YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN TEACHING OTHERS, THEN APPROACH THEM

      YOURSELF AND SUGGEST...

      1. A home Bible study with them (using aids like video tapes,

         charts, or simply an open Bible)

      2. Or that they study on their own with the aid of a Bible

         correspondence course

   C. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL YOU ARE YET CAPABLE TO APPROACH THEM

      CONCERNING A STUDY, OR IN CONDUCTING THE STUDY YOURSELF...

      1. Bring it to the attention of members who are able and willing

         to teach

      2. Provide opportunities for the teacher and the prospect to

         become better acquainted, and the teacher can take it from

         there

CONCLUSION

1. These suggestions are offered...

   a. With a FIRM CONVICTION that if they will be carried out,

      opportunities to share the gospel and save souls will be greatly

      increased!

   b. With the HOPE that you will accept the challenge to implement

      these suggestions

2. This approach is not only the MOST SUCCESSFUL in saving and keeping

   souls, it is also one of the MOST NATURAL and easiest ways to reach

   the lost for Christ!

   a. Remember the survey by The Millennium Baptist Church Ministries Growth?

   b. One does not even have to be able to teach to be effective in

      leading others to Christ!

   c. One simply has to be a FRIEND to Christians and to the lost!

3. And even if we do not convert a single soul...

   a. We will have fulfilled our obligation to share Christ with others

   b. We will have done it in such a way as to become better

      CHRISTIANS, a better CONGREGATION, better FRIENDS, better

      NEIGHBORS, better CO-WORKERS, etc.!

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY A CONGREGATION OR A FEW INTERESTED

INDIVIDUALS...

1. Have those interested in being involved meet together on a weekly

   basis

2. Encourage one another to SET GOALS for the coming week

   a. Share ideas for goals; for example...

      1) Having over or visiting one person or family from the

         congregation

      2) Making a list of souls for which to begin praying

      3) What you plan to do to demonstrate your love and concern for

         those on your list

      4) Who you will invite to services

      5) What visitors you will call, visit, etc.

      6) Who you will offer to have a study, or put in contact with

         someone who will follow-up with a study

   b. Write the goals for the coming week down

   c. Pray about them, together and on your own throughout the week

3. At each weekly meeting...

   a. Share and discuss how the goals are being met

   b. Set new goals for the coming week

   c. Write them, pray about them

This simple program should easily increase opportunities to share the

gospel and bring many souls to Christ!

For more information, Prayers and counseling you can contact,
Rev. Adbhuta Rao. Garnepudi
Millinium Baptist Church
Nambur, Guntur (Dist), A.P
milliniumbaptistchurchministries@yahoo.com
mbcministries.india@gmail.com
(+91)9848150491, 9908054910

VOCATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL [ Summer Camp ]

“But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” - Mark 10:14

“ And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, …. Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me” – Mark 9: 36, 37. 

Every year we are conducting Vocational Bible School for children for 3 to 5 days in different places and in our Church also. This is a very good opportunity to gather children from different kinds of background. We are providing snacks and drinks to the children during the Vocational Bible School period. In the final day, at the end of our Vocational Bible School programme, we are issuing gifts and certificates to the children. Through this programme, we are reaching the children for the Kingdom of God. This is a good opportunity for every child to mingle and have fellowship with each other and it brings unity among them.

ENJOY SOME SNAPSHOTS FROM THE SUMMER MISSIONS PROGRAM BELOW...

We are conducting vocational Bible School for children on 20,21 and 22 April 2012 at Kurichedu Mandal, Prakasam District.

[ in this Pic Pastor N.Paul, Associate Pastor and Sunday School superintend conducting Summer camp for God's Glory ]

 We are conducting vocational Bible School for children on 27,28,and 29 April 2012 at Remote area Ameenshaebpalem village, Guntur District. 

 [ in this pic pastor paul conducting Puppet show for the children in the summer camp ]

 [ In this Pic children are participating competition for picking hidden verses from the bible  ]

We are conducting vocational Bible School for children on 2, 3,4 and 5 May 2012 at rafath Nagar, Krishna District

 [ Prize distribution  by the Paul, team leader for the summer camp ]

We are conducting Vocantinal Bible school for children on 9,10,11 and 12 May 2012 at Millinium Baptist Church, Nambur, Guntur district.

 [ in this pic Rev Adbhuta Rao Garnepudi organized the summer camp for his God's Glory ]

 [ In this pic Rev Adbhuta Rao Garnepudi with his team leader paul and sunday school volunteers... ]

 [ In this pic Rev Adbhuta Rao Garnepudi Distributing certificates to the children ]

 [ in this Pic Smt Meryamma Teacher gives certificate to the Senior team of the leader Miss Susmitha]

 [ In this pic Pastor Paul gives completion summer camp certificate  to the children ]

 [ In this pic Rev Adbhuta Rao Garnepudi Gives prize to the Volunteer Miss Priya for appreciation ] 

 [ Final Blessings and guide lines for the children delivered by the Rev Adbhuta Rao Garnepudi ]

 [ In this Pic Miss Susan Angel express her experience in the summer camp with her Pastor and church members ]

GLORY TO HIS HOLY NAME.

 My Dear Viewers please remember these children and this ministry in your personal prayers for his glory...
May God be with you....

For more information, Prayers and counseling you can contact,
Rev. Adbhuta Rao. Garnepudi
Millinium Baptist Church
Nambur, Guntur (Dist), A.P
milliniumbaptistchurchministries@yahoo.com
mbcministries.india@gmail.com
(+91)9848150491, 9908054910