Be Prepared To Follow

We are often reminded of our need to pray and study God’s Word. These essential disciplines allow us to abide in the presence of God and “hear” when He calls; they are also necessary for strengthening our faith in order to obediently follow where He leads.
God’s Word encourages us that when He calls, He also provides the tools to accomplish our assigned task; “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). And we are comforted that as we respond, we will never be alone; “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). But God’s call also carries responsibility. His call says He has made His choice – He has chosen us to take part in His wonderful plan; and, in faith, we must respond.
After delivering many of God’s messages to the people of Israel – calling them to repent and return to the worship of the One True God – the prophet Jeremiah became impatient with God’s timing: “I would speak with You about Your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?” (Jeremiah 12:1). Jeremiah complained about how long he had to wait for the wicked to be punished. He was following God and calling others to do the same, but the ungodly seemed to continue living the “good” life. Sounds much like our complaints today. But God’s response was not what Jeremiah was hoping to receive.
Jeremiah 12:5
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?”
God told Jeremiah that the situation in Israel was going to get worse in the coming days, and He asked Jeremiah if he was truly ready for the challenge. Jeremiah had been called to be God’s messenger and now was not the time to complain. This was the time to be a soldier and trust with ALL his heart; it was a time to renew his strength and push toward the assigned goal.
Our Heavenly Father dearly loves us and desires an eternity of intimate fellowship. He is a God of great comfort, but He is also our Commanding Officer who challenges us to prepare for the spiritual battles ahead. This world often appears corrupt and unjust, but the conditions of today are preparing us to fight in the trenches of tomorrow. We must trust now more than ever that God chose the right person when He gave us our assignments. He has made His call and promised to provide all the necessary tools at the proper time.
Let’s spend more time worshipping at His feet and loving Him with all our heart. Let’s rely on His strength and trust His understanding. Let’s draw closer to His side and always be prepared to follow.

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

Leave No Regrets

My wife Mrs.Vijaya Kumari  Garnepudi died of breast cancer when she was fifty - five. This situation is difficult to understand; and it is made even more perplexing. Over the years, and more so in the last several months, I have often pondered my own life and asked the questions: “What if this day was my last? Would I have any regrets?”
John the Baptist discovered the uncertainty of each moment of life as he sat in prison.
I guess they call me “John the Baptist” because I preached a message of repentance and baptized with water while pointing the way to Jesus (John 1:31-33). “The Baptist” isn’t such a bad name. I could have been called “John the Wearer of Camel Hair” or “John the Eater of Locusts.”
King Herod must have been mad at me for exposing his sin of marrying his brother’s wife (Matthew 14:3-4). I sure wish I was back in the desert preaching, but God must have a plan for me here in prison. I think Herod actually likes me. He often listens to me talk and seems genuinely interested (Mark 6:20). It’s pretty loud in the palace tonight. They must be having quite a party. Matthew 14:6-10

“On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.’ The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.”

Wow, that was fast! No time to say good-bye or write letters to my friends – no time to even gather my thoughts – just, “lean over and put your neck on the block.” I sure wish I would have…..
No one knows when they will breathe their last. We may have sixty years or sixty minutes; but no matter how long we have, it will seem to pass in an instant – it amazes me how fast life passes by. The time to place our saving faith in Jesus is NOW! The time to restore relationships and encourage others with the gospel is NOW! The time to enjoy our family is NOW! And the time to praise God for His blessings and grace is absolutely NOW!!
Each of us enters this day with things we wish we could change, decisions and words which have not been honoring to God. But each of us also enters this day with the ability to begin, right this very moment, to live a life which glorifies God in all we do. Let’s begin today to live fully committed to following Christ. Let’s give Him our ALL and live toward an end which will leave no regrets.


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

Spiritual Wisdom And Understanding

Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians to show that Jesus is sufficient to supply every need of the believer. In the opening verses, Paul wrote that the Colossians had a reputation for great faith in Jesus Christ – their love, hope, and hunger for the Gospel was bearing fruit and had been growing “since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace” (Colossians 1:6).
Paul was thankful for their strong faith, but he wanted them to have even more and was committed to praying for their continued growth; “We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9).
Paul then explained the purpose of his prayer.
Colossians 1:10-12
“We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.”
Though God’s gracious gift of Salvation is free, the cost is high. We can do nothing to earn or maintain this gift besides believe in His Son; but the faith through which His grace flows is a faith committed to Him without reservation, prepared to follow anywhere He leads, and willing to honor Him in all we do.
Paul didn’t pray for the details of an honoring life; rather, he prayed for what truly produces change: “the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” We never please God by focusing on specific activities, we please Him by drawing near and allowing His blessings to flow in and through our life. This is a life which bears fruit and is filled with endurance, patience, and thankfulness.
The God honoring life is available for us today…regardless of our circumstances. But we must draw nearer to our Heavenly Father and hunger for a better understanding of His will. We must long for His presence and continue to grow in love and faith. God has infinitely more to give and will pour His blessings upon those who continue to seek Him with all their heart.
Dear Lord, we pray that You will give us a continued passion for You and an increased hunger for Your Word. We pray that You will strengthen our faith and use our life for Your glory. Heavenly Father, we pray that we will abandon ourselves to You and that You will fill us with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

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

Trust And Move On

Moses received clear instruction as God spoke to him from the burning bush; “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10). Moses debated with God regarding his assignment and pushed God to the limit of His patience; “The Lord’s anger burned against Moses” (Exodus 4:14).
But once he began to follow, Moses maintained a close relationship with God and witnessed His mighty hand in many different ways. God worked through Moses to bring plagues against the Egyptians and to miraculously bring the Israelites out of Egypt. As Pharaoh released the Israelites and they began their journey into the desert, Moses witnessed more of God’s power; “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light” (Exodus 13:21).
But as the Israelites approached the Red Sea, “Pharaoh and his officials changed their mind” (Exodus 14:5). Every chariot in Egypt was sent to bring the Israelites back. With no escape route in sight, and the Egyptian army closing in, the people cried out to God. Moses tried to calm the people, “The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). But being still was not in God’s plan.
Exodus 14:15-16
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.’”
God had been in close communion with Moses. He had given His direction and demonstrated His awesome power. Now at this moment of crisis, God expected Moses to know what to do: “Why are you crying out to Me…move on!”
We must diligently seek His will in stillness and prepare our life to follow where He leads; “be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). But we cannot allow our stillness to make us immobile: “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4). The conditions will never feel perfect nor will we ever feel fully prepared (beware of a never-ending mission analysis which paralyzes us from action). In the end we must remember: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
There will always come a time when God expects us to demonstrate our faith in what He has provided. Let’s prepare for that time by drawing near and learning to trust in HIS ability. Let’s live with an active faith such that when we know His power, know His provision and know His direction, we are able to trust and move on.

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

Opportunity To Praise

There are going to be days when we just don’t feel like being thankful – we wake up and don’t seem able to praise. We know we should “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4); we’re trying to learn “the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12); and we want to believe that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). But sometimes it’s just difficult.
There are many reasons for days like this. We sometimes may lose the eternal perspective of our life and our surroundings. We take our eyes off Jesus and begin to look at the gathering storm (Matthew 14:30). We may become entangled in the weeds and get choked by “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” (Matthew 13:22). Or we may simply become tired and weary.
Days like this are to be expected. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33a) – and our trouble will sometimes strain our relationship with God. But even in the midst of our trouble, we are all being “transformed into His image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). When we place our life in His hands, He begins the process of transformation – a process which WILL continue; “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Even though we may sometimes struggle and find ourselves in a dry desert, we are still progressing from what we once were to what we will yet become. God will use these difficult seasons to mold our heart if we will simply continue to trust, love, and praise.
We must NEVER forget that Jesus also said of our troubles; “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). We must continue to grow in our relationship with God until He is so near that we can truly see how He has overcome; and praise Him all day and every day. He desires our praise, and He is, without a doubt, deserving of our praise!
Psalms 113:3
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
The Psalm writer is stating a simple fact: The Lord IS to be praised! Jesus affirmed this truth when He was riding into Jerusalem and made it clear that He will receive praise with or without our participation. Crowds had begun to praise Him and some of the religious leaders told Jesus to make them stop. But Jesus responded; “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40). Either we offer up our praise to the Creator of the Universe, or the rocks will begin to sing!
No matter what our situation is today, let’s remember He is worthy of our praise! He has picked us up, cleaned us off, and adopted us into His Family. It is sad and a terrible shame, but we often forget how many reasons we have for being thankful. Let’s rise up and use this and every other moment of the day to rejoice with thanksgiving in our heart. Let’s not miss another opportunity to praise.

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

Patiently Trust His Timing

God’s direction and timing is always perfect and always with a purpose – but it’s often with a purpose we may not initially see or understand. Even when we earnestly ask for direction through prayer and the study of His Word, God’s answers are usually not what we expect and are often perceived as slow in arriving. However, His direction and timing still remains, always perfect and always with a purpose.
God called Abraham to follow Him when Abraham was already seventy-five years old. But God blessed Abraham with great abundance and soon promised he would have many descendants; “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted” (Genesis 13:16).
Although this was a wonderful promise from God, it certainly did not seem possible. Not only was Abraham an old man, but his wife, Sarah, had never been able to have children and was now long past the normal child bearing years. Therefore, when Sarah failed to become pregnant – when God’s promise was apparently going to be unfulfilled – she formulated a plan to “help” God.
Genesis 16:2
“The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.”
Since this was an accepted practice and seemed like a reasonable way to fulfill God’s promise, Abraham agreed. Not surprisingly, great tension soon developed between Sarah and her maidservant. This tension increased when Ishmael was born and even continues today with the unfortunate hostilities we see in the region of the Middle East. Abraham clearly heard the call and promise of God, but he became impatient with God’s timing and resorted to a worldly solution.
It was another thirteen years before God fulfilled His promise through the birth of Isaac. These were thirteen long years of waiting and wondering if God had forgotten…but God’s direction and timing is always perfect and always with a purpose. With Abraham one hundred years old and Sarah ninety, the birth of Isaac left no doubt that God was in complete control and guiding the events in Abraham’s life.
In a very real sense, we are foreigners in this place and time; “Aliens and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13). We will never understand how all the pieces fit together until we stand before the Creator of the Universe. Until then, we must continue to love and worship Him with all our heart. We must continue to seek His face and ask His guidance for every step. We must continue to follow His direction and patiently trust His timing.

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

Here am I – Send Me

In the beginning of Isaiah’s ministry, he was allowed to see a vision of God seated on the throne in Heaven. He was allowed to witness the full majesty of God and hear His Heavenly praise; “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). The vision of God was so pure and so holy that Isaiah was immediately confronted with his own sinful condition; “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5).
But God comforted Isaiah by letting him know his sin had been removed; “Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7). God had a purpose for revealing Himself to Isaiah. He was looking for a messenger to deliver His Word to the people of Israel: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8).
If we were asked such a question, we might be tempted to request a few details before answering. We might like to know where we would be sent and what we would be doing. But Isaiah had just experienced the full glory of the Lord. He had seen absolute perfection, recognized his utter sinful condition, and received complete forgiveness from a loving Father. With this understanding of the One who was asking, Isaiah had only one reply.
Isaiah 6:8
“And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
Isaiah had no way of knowing his reply would be the start of sixty years of ministry. He had no way of knowing the many hardships his answer would cause, nor the many joys he would experience through walking in the presence of God. But Isaiah knew the One who was calling…and that was enough!
As a child of God who has seen and understands His glory, there should be only one response when our Father calls. There’s no need for lengthy questions regarding the how, why, or what. When the Creator of the Universe calls, we can assume He has made a wise and perfect choice. And that should be enough!
God never makes mistakes and will never call us without also providing the tools to accomplish everything in His plan: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). We have received His forgiveness and are seeking to abide in the glory of His presence. We must now learn to trust Him more and follow wherever He leads.
God always calls the right person for the job and always provides all we need to fulfill the calling. When God calls, let’s trust Him and boldly answer: Here am I – send me!

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

The Cry of Our Heart

In the beginning, after the creation of the heavens and the earth, “God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27). The image of God did not refer to our physical appearance but rather the character of our spirit. The spirit of man was created in the image of God for the purpose of bringing Him glory and dwelling with Him for all eternity; “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
But when man sinned, a separation immediately formed with God; “they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). Though man was physically banished from the garden and forbidden to experience the joy of walking side by side with his Creator – and though sin and the resulting separation was inherited by all future generations – there forever remains a damaged spirit which longs to return home.
Psalm 84:1-2
“How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”
This passage was written by one who knew God and the joy of His presence. But the author also knew of man’s inability to be satisfied with anything less.
Before we know God we attempt to stop the cry with all sorts of pacifiers, but nothing satisfies. We pursue pleasures of the flesh, challenges of the mind, and advancement in status, but the cry remains. Sooner or later (Oh Lord, may it be sooner!) we realize that Solomon was correct when he said; “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
Many things of this world are worthwhile as they are done for the glory of God; but in the sense that they attempt to satisfy, they are all meaningless. The ONLY answer to the unsettled and restless longing deep within our soul is to return to a restored relationship with God. When we place our life in the Father’s Hands through faith in Jesus, He gives us His Spirit and says, Welcome Home! “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). And as we learn to walk in this restored relationship, we will finally be at peace.
There are so many things of this world which can occupy our time and consume our thoughts, but none that will truly satisfy. Our search can continue until our time on earth is gone but the emptiness will remain. Let’s return to the Father today and live the rest of our days fully devoted to loving Him. Let’s put an end to the chasing and wandering, and finally allow Him to satisfy the cry of our heart.

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

Always Seek His Counsel

As Moses was about to die, he transferred leadership of Israel to Joshua. God gave His approval of Joshua with the instructions, “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7).
Initially, Joshua sought God’s counsel for every step he took. Joshua received direction for crossing the Jordan river (Joshua 3), building a lasting memorial (Joshua 4), renewing the covenant of circumcision (Joshua 5), and defeating the fortified city of Jericho (Joshua 6). In all of this Joshua listened and obeyed; “So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land” (Joshua 6:27).
However, after the miraculous success at Jericho – after Joshua witnessed the city walls fall with the sound of a trumpet and a shout – Joshua’s confidence began to grow. When it was time to attack the small city of Ai, Joshua relied on his own strength and the advice of men rather than seeking God.
Joshua 7:3-4
“‘Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there.’ So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai.”
Attacking the city of Ai seemed an insignificant decision. It was a small city and the Israelite army was mighty. And God had already given general instructions to conquer the entire land and an assurance of victory in battle; “I will give you every place where you set your foot…No one will be able to stand up against you” (Joshua 1:3,5). But, unknown to Joshua, there was sin in his camp – spiritual battles which would hinder any physical victory; “That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies” (Joshua 7:12). The assurance of victory always assumes we are walking with God and trusting in His strength.
When did we last seek and received counsel from God? If it’s been longer than the time it took to begin our last step, we may be attempting to fight a battle we cannot win. We must never presume to know God’s specific plan without asking for specific directions. Just because He said “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), doesn’t mean we can presume on His method or His timing; “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
God will show us the way, but we must ask for His guidance; “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). Our battles are never won because of our strength or the enemy’s weakness. They are won only as we allow God to guide and then boldly follow where He leads. No matter how insignificant the decision may appear, let’s be sure to walk in His strength and always seek His counsel.

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

A Vessel of Purity

When Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, He said it was to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). God wants ALL of our love! He has no desire to share our love with any of the little “gods” of this world; “For the Lord your God is a jealous God” (Deuteronomy 4:24).
Giving God the fullness of our love requires that we live a very focused and holy life; “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). Our love must be intently focused on the holy things of God rather than the corrupted things of this world. Any time we allow our love for God to mix with our love for the world, the worldly love initially dilutes and eventually completely overtakes any love for God.
James 3:11-12
“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
Are we trying to walk on both sides of the fence? Do we maintain our “Godly” activities along side our “ungodly” activities? Do we praise God and discuss Biblical issues during certain portions of the week and then lust after the world during the other? If so, beware! The ungodly will soon overtake and totally consume the Godly…and we won’t even be aware it’s happening. If we’re not careful, we will one day look at what consumes our attention and say, “How did I come to this place in my life? When did I leave God’s path?”
The good news is we have been given the Holy Spirit as the Great Purifier. If we make the time to carefully listen, He will “guide us into all truth” (John 16:13). If we submit to His leading, He will strain, sift, distill, and refine until all that remains is the fresh and the pure.
Purity does not come by separation from the world, it comes as our heart is wholly separated unto God. We have been planted amongst the weeds of the world and there we will remain until the day of the great harvest (Matthew 13:24-30). But while we must live and minister among the things of this world, and while we can certainly be thankful for some of God’s worldly blessings and provisions, we must never give our worship to the things of this world: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
Jesus has made us into a new vessel and asked that we be filled with what is pure and holy. Let’s stop mixing fresh and salty water, Godly and ungodly devotion. Let’s commit every area of our life (without compromise!) to our Heavenly Father and glorify Him in all we do by becoming a vessel of purity.

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

Father’s Day

  [ My Mom and Dad.... Eve. Joseph Garnepudi and Lizamma Garnepudi. Who are inspired me to serve the Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST...]

1.Prayer:

God our Father,
in your wisdom and love you made all things.
Bless these men,
that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
may honor them always
with a spirit of profound respect.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

2.The Introduction:

On the occasion of Father’s Day it becomes important  for all of us to examine the significance and the meaning of Father as Christians living in the twenty-first century! As children we have always viewed our fathers as superhuman, all powerful, with immense strength, as epitomized by the advertisement with the catch line, “my daddy strongest!”  As we grew up we realized that our father was as human as we were, with the usual human weaknesses, tiredness, mood swings, mixed with  concern , a desire to sacrifice for his children and a readiness to go that extra mile for us.There would have been moments when he would be strict with us, and reprimand us when we did wrong! The ideal father, appears to one with a judicious mix of strictness and kindness as exemplified in the passage in 1 Corinthians 4:14-21, written by Paul to the church in Corinth:

“I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?”

This passage may be viewed as the Biblical Model of what fatherly intervention, correction and discipleship should be in the context of effective parenting!

As we grew up, we began to examine instances from the Bible describing the qualities of effective fathers.  In the Bible  ideal Fathers are seen as those fathers who have displayed immense patience and forgiveness, fathers who have been a source of inspiration and encouragement and support. The Father in the Holy Bible forms part of the Trinity of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit! In the Book of Genesis 1:1 we view God the Father as the Creator who made not only the world, but also Adam and Eve, “In the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth.” But then we also see an angry Father  when he banishes Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, in Genesis 3:23-24, “Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden...he drove out the man.”

The coming of Jesus Christ however, shows us a Father who is forgiving.  In the prayer of penitence we are reminded of how  “God so loved the world that he gave his only son Jesus Christ to save us from our Sins”.  Jesus’ unquestioning faith in a Father he loved is reflected throughout his life and specially in the words he said before surrendering his spirit on the cross: “ And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit”-Luke 23:46. So, then what is it in a father that commands so much trust and faith in a child?

3.Some important Father figures in the Holy Bible:

The Holy Bible also has mentioned some important Father figures who act as important role models for all fathers. Some of the noteworthy Father figures mentioned in the Bible are as follows:

1.      Noah, whom God liked  so much that he and his family was selected to be saved from the flood.

2.      Abraham, whose immense Faith in God is reflected in his unquestioning readiness to sacrifice his son Issac. This obedience to his Maker is a victorious affirmation of faith and trust. When God saw that Abraham was about to sacrifice his son Issac, then God stopped Abraham’s hand saying, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad...for now I know that thou fearest God seeing thou has not withheld thy son thine only son from me”-Genesis 22:12

3.      Lot was a righteous family man, an excellent Father, so it was only his family that was saved from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah!

4.    The Father of the Prodigal Son: Part of the answer to the question I asked in the Introduction, “ What is it in a father that commands so much trust and faith in a child?” might be found in the Parable of the Prodigal son. The Father welcomed back a son whom he had lost with arms held wide open. The son who had fallen into bad ways, squandered all his money, and became a caretaker of swine. He later repented and set up on a path of reformation, accepted his wrongdoing and decided to return to his father. His father gave him his ring, got the servants to bathe him, dress him in fine clothes and hosted a sumptuous feast honouring his son’s return! How many fathers are ready to let go of their vindictiveness and ego to forgive their sons?

4.What does the Bible say about the role of Fathers?

A large number of verses provide guidance and suggestions about the challenges and difficult roles played by Fathers especially in today’s context.

Malachi 4:6

“6 And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

In today’s times of stress, struggle, and material responsibilities it becomes very important for fathers and children to connect together. It is important for fathers and their children to spend quality time with each other. The lack of communication, empathy, and understanding between fathers and children is known to alienate them from each other, often resulting in children straying from the path of Righteousness and joining bad company, resorting to drugs and other harmful habits!

Psalm 103:13

“13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;”

A model father should have compassion for his children. He should display immense patience for his children, guiding them on in life, sharing with them his love, and showing to his children that he really care for them!

Ephesians 6:4

“4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

Fatherhood is about patience and love. It is about training children to be good human beings, righteous, and honest without being too harsh, hostile and  overly aggressive with them. Excess harshness is known to provoke aggression in children, and makes them stubborn!

Proverbs 3:11-12

“11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Chastisement, training, and discipline are important duties and challenging roles for the father. While no doubt compassion and love play important roles in fatherhood, training and disciplining of children should not be  ignored otherwise children will turn out to be pampered and spoiled.

How should we treat our Fathers?

Exodus 20:12

“12 “ Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.”

It is clear that true success, longevity, and prosperity depend on honouring our parents. Children who respect their parents are blessed! This is also an important commandment which is also a promise.

Psalm 112:1,2

“1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments. 2 His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed”

The same sentiment is echoed in the above passage as in the previous one.

5.Conclusion:

Ultimately the challenges before all fathers, and of course their children are numerous in today’s times of technological advancement, dissemination of information and the impact of Globalisation as a result of the Internet. Fewer and fewer children are going to church today. In many western countries, a large number of people attending mass are the middle aged or the very aged! Today Youth fellowship is dwindling in Churches across the country. The ideal father should try to be more involved in the lives of his children. He should try to share the fact that his success in life is the result of his Faith in the Almighty Lord, and what God has done for him! Ultimately it is the Father’s responsibility to bring his children up in the Christian Faith, and Christian Spirit.

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

Trust His Vision

After entering the promised land, the Israelites were ruled by a series of Judges. This time was characterized by God’s discipline when the hearts of His children turned away, and deliverance when they repented and cried out for help. Unfortunately, this cycle was repeated many times! Deborah led the Israelites to forty years of peace, but then; “the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years He gave them into the hands of the Midianites” (Judges 6:1).
After seven years of oppression, “Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help” (Judges 6:6). The Israelites were living in such fear that when God answered their cry and called Gideon to be the next deliverer of Israel, he was “threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites” (Judges 6:11). Gideon would eventually lead a small army to victory and rule Israel for another forty years; but when God first called, he was fearfully sifting grain for his next loaf of bread.
Judges 6:14-15
“The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?’ ‘But Lord,’ Gideon asked, ‘how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’”
Gideon was scared and saw himself as one with little worth, “the least in my family,” but God saw the next brave leader of a nation. Gideon saw weakness, but God saw strength. Gideon saw his past failures, but God saw the future victories of a mighty warrior. Gideon’s vision required him to fearfully work for his next loaf, but God’s vision was calling Gideon to boldly lead many others closer to His side.
God sees each of us much differently than we see ourselves; “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Not only does God see deeper, He sees with an expanded spiritual spectrum which we can scarcely imagine. Our Father is intimately aware of all our failings…and He loves us anyway! He not only sees who we are, but also who we will become as our heart is fully devoted to Him and we learn to walk in step with His Spirit. He sees every opportunity we will ever have to glorify His name.
Let’s put aside the baggage of our past which clouds and distorts our view. Let’s refuse to look through the filter of our present understanding and perceived limitations; “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” (2 Corinthians 4:18). God has called us into His Glorious Kingdom, uniquely equipped us for His service, and given us an assignment to share His love and truth. Our Heavenly Father sees our full potential as we walk in His strength. Let’s answer the call and move forward with confidence as we trust His vision.

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

Such a Time As This

 When the Persians overthrew the Babylonians and allowed the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (538 BC), not all the Israelites chose to leave their new home. A whole generation had been born and raised under Babylonian captivity and many had become content with their life. Therefore many Jewish communities thrived under Persian rule.
When Xerxes was King of this vast empire, he commanded the Queen to be displayed before all the visiting dignitaries at a banquet. But when the Queen refused, Xerxes removed her title and began to search for a replacement. The search resulted in a young Jewish girl named Esther being made Queen – not a normal position for a young Jew!
Meanwhile, a plot had developed to kill the Jews in all the provinces of Persia. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, knew of this plot and pleaded with Esther to approach the King for help, but Esther was understandably reluctant. She was being very well cared for and approaching the King without first being invited could lead to death. Mordecai encouraged Esther to view her life as being part of God’s wonderful plan.
Esther 4:14
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
God allowed Esther to become Queen, not as a reward for being good, but “for such a time as this.” God could have used other methods to save the Jews, but He chose to invite a beautiful young woman to play a part. Esther put her life at risk, persuaded the King, and saved her people from certain destruction.
The wisdom and truth of Mordecai’s words resound through the ages: God’s work WILL be accomplished, His plan WILL unfold, deliverance WILL arise! It’s humbling, and often very freeing, to know that God really doesn’t need us – He’s perfectly capable without our help! But it’s also very comforting to know that God is inviting us to join Him in His work and walk by His side to certain victory.
We may never be invited to a role as dramatic as Esther’s, but we can join our Heavenly Father from right where we are today! We have come to our particular position – no matter how elevated, no matter how low – for the purpose of bringing Him glory and honor. Let’s listen carefully for what He’s asking us to do and understand we are right where we need to be and right where He wants us! He has created us for a purpose. He has brought us to our present situation for such a time as this.

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

Nothing Too Hard

Jeremiah had been a prophet for nearly forty years by the time Jerusalem came under attack by the Babylonians. He had long been proclaiming a message of repentance, but the people continued to ignore his words. Now, the enemy had surrounded Jerusalem and the end was near. In this time of great turmoil, God told Jeremiah to purchase a field from his cousin.
This was a strange request but Jeremiah obediently purchased the field. However, he soon began to question God’s reasoning: “See how the siege ramps are built up to take the city? Though the city will be handed over to the Babylonians, You say to me, ‘Buy the field’” (Jeremiah 32:24,25). Jeremiah had been a prophet for many years. He had been given the privilege of talking directly with God, but this command just didn’t make sense. Why should he purchase a field when the enemy was invading and taking prisoners?
God answered Jeremiah with a simple, yet challenging, question.
Jeremiah 32:27
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?”

Yes, the enemy had invaded the land and would soon overrun the city of Jerusalem. But God’s plan was for the people to one day return: “I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in My furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be My people and I will be their God” (Jeremiah 32:37-38). Jeremiah’s field was to be a reminder that God would one day restore His people – a reminder that He could be trusted even in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
We often have a difficult time seeing how all the pieces of God’s plan fit together. He leads us down a path and we fail to see the purpose – especially when the enemy begins to attack. We want to fight back, but God says to patiently trust Him and pray. We want to determine a solution and solve the problem, but God says to love Him with all our heart and share His love with others.
The times in which we are most tested and pressed down ought to be the times of greatest growth and closeness with our Heavenly Father. When it seems we have no where else to turn, we ought to rejoice and trust Him even more! Let’s put our life firmly in His Hands and submit to His guidance – even when we may not see where we are going or how we will get there. Let’s trust His ways and always remember…for God, there is NOTHING too hard!

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

His Disciples

One of the last commands Jesus gave was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The making of a disciple is the complete work of the Holy Spirit; but we are told to join in this work by teaching people to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, to humbly submit control of their life into His hands, and to “obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).
God’s Word contains the complete description of what it means to believe, submit, and obey. Jesus taught extensively on each of these issues. But the single command which will have the greatest impact on the world around us is the command to love.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
The phrase “As I have loved you” ought to rip at our heart. Though there was nothing in us to deserve His love, Jesus gave His life. And long before He gave His physical life, He gave something even greater; He “made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus loved enough to give up who He was for those completely unlovable; and this is the level of love we are called to demonstrate to one another.
We are called to a sacrificial love – a love that gives and considers the needs of others ahead of our own. We are called to give our time, our tears, our understanding, and even our material resources when necessary. We are called to love enough to rejoice when others rejoice, but also to hurt when others hurt, and to forgive simply because Jesus first forgave us. We are called to love!
But notice why we are called to such love. Our love for others is certainly an expression of gratitude to God and a maturing process as we grow into the likeness of Christ, but Jesus also says our love for others is the one sure way of telling the world we are followers of Christ. Our love becomes an act of worship because, through love, we are boldly declaring Jesus is Lord! As we love – even when others may not “deserve” our love – we actively show the world the joy and peace found only in Jesus.
The world is overflowing with people who need love, who have run out of hope, longing for someone to let them know they care. We are those who must care! We must reach out to one another with a love that defies all worldly wisdom and understanding. We must love as Jesus loved us. This love will be used to work miracles; this love will bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father; this love will show the world that we are truly His disciples.

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

The Mind of Christ

In the message “Stand Our Ground” we began with a statement that our Christian walk involves a process of renewing our mind. Paul wrote to the Romans about this renewal as an on-going process of transformation (Romans 12:2). He also wrote about a renewed mind as something which has already occurred; “But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
The consistent message through all the New Testament is that through faith in Jesus we are given a new birth, with a new heart, a new Spirit, and a new mind. However, we are continually exhorted to live as a new creation, worship with a new heart, receive guidance and strength from a new Spirit, and make decisions and set priorities with a new mind. We must learn to walk according to the transformed life we have been granted!
Philippians 2:5
“Your attitude (or mind in the KJV) should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
Jesus came to give His life as a sacrifice for sin. But many portions of His life were for the express purpose of giving us an example by which to live. With all the power of the Universe at His command, He humbled Himself and demonstrated the mind and attitude of a servant; “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28).
The Son demonstrated a mind of obedience and lived to honor His Father in ALL He did – even though being obedient might result in discomfort or pain…or even death: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
As He obediently served, Jesus also demonstrated a mind void of all pride. With more abilities than we can possibly comprehend, Jesus still gave all the glory to His Father; “By Myself I can do nothing…for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me” (John 5:30). His entire life became an example of how we are to be an empty vessel through which God may work.
Moments before He died – after being beaten, whipped, spit upon and nailed to a cross – Jesus still demonstrated the mind of supreme love and forgiveness; “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Though we know we have far to go, the mind of Christ becomes our example to follow. We must develop the mind of a humble servant, void of pride, who desires nothing more than for our Heavenly Father to work in and through our life. Let’s live as His Child, loving and forgiving others as Christ first loved and forgave us. Let’s continue to be transformed, and more fully develop the mind of 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

Stand Our Ground

Our Christian walk of growing closer to God and becoming more like His Son involves a process of “renewing our mind” (Romans 12:2). Our mind is renewed as we begin to consider things of eternal value rather than the fading things of the world. But no matter how far we mature in our walk, distractions attempt to consume our thoughts and distance us from God.
Distractions always come in some form of temptation. There is a wide range of self indulging, flesh-filled desires and power hungry ambitions which tempt us at every turn; but there are also the more deceptive temptations like laziness, worry, pride, and overfilled schedules (and don’t even get me started about my selfishness!). Each of these are common tools of the enemy used to separate us from an intimate relationship with God. But God is not surprised by temptation. He understands and has provided a way out.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
In our fight against temptation, we must first understand that being tempted does not mean we have been singled out. Temptations are not an issue of Salvation, and they do not diminish God’s love – our temptations are “common to man.” Though we don’t seem very good at talking about our struggles, we ALL face forms of temptation. We are a Family and have much more in common than we realize.
Since we know we will face temptation as part of our daily battle, let’s start our day by getting prepared. No soldier enters war without the proper equipment. Neither should we enter a clearly hostile environment without making sure to get properly dressed; “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Ephesians 6:13).
The middle of a tempting situation is not the time to make decisions on how to react. Temptation decisions must be solidified in our heart long before the enemy attempts to pull us off God’s path. Conquering temptation is only possible by growing deep roots of commitment and Godly character through daily studying His Word, praying for strength, and trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide our steps – by putting on the “FULL armor of God.” I must start today asking God for the patience and strength to give myself away.
Our Heavenly Father has given us the tools, and He desires for us to live a victorious life. The attacks are going to come (and they will keep coming!) but our way out is to be prepared. If we will begin each day by getting fully dressed for battle, we WILL bear the temptation – we WILL stand our ground.

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

Be Happy

 

Smiling is the exclusive prerogative of man—flowers, bird, animals cannot smile. (Dogs smile by wagging their tales!) But have you ever had someone confront you with a statement like, “Smile!” I have—at times I feel like striking back with some stinging one-liner. However, if it is someone who is close to me and I know they have my best interests in mind it is another story—I’m quite likely to cheer up if for no other reason than I know they genuinely care about me. The Word of God gives us plenty of reasons to be cheerful. Here are some of the basic reasons. 

His Presence  ~  In the New Testament the physical presence of Christ was reason to be cheerful. “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,  ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid’” (Matthew 14:27).  When we consider that we have God living within us how can we be anything but joyful? “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27b).

His Forgiveness  ~  If you are a Christian your sins are forgiven! Be of good cheer because you have received a pardon. “When Jesus saw their faith… ‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you’” (Matthew 9:2b, also Mark 2:5).

His Hope (short-term) ~  We can, and should, have good cheer while we are experiencing the trials, tribulations, and rough events of this life. “I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship… be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me… Then they were all of good cheer” (Acts 27:22, 25, 36).

His Hope (long-term) ~  “Then they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you’” (Mark 10:49). What the early church and the puritans termed the “blessed hope” is translated in our current vernacular as an “absolute certainty” of eternal life and the return of Christ to take us to be with Him forever. It will be as the Word of God says (Acts 27:25). 

His Peace  ~  We know that Christ overcame the world. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), so we can have peace. What joy that should bring! 

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

His Witness  ~  If you know Christ as your personal Savior you are His witness. “But the following night the Lord stood by him and said,  ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome’” (Acts 23:11). Because of the genuine deep joy which we as Christians possess we should consistently be a cheerful witness for Him (Acts 23:11).  

SUMMARY  ~  You can be cheerful because of Him and His work on your behalf. If you are a Christian you have the power of His Spirit living within you. “Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them — living and breathing God!” (Romans 8:5, The Message).

“And do not be drunk with wine [controlled by wine]… but be filled with the Spirit [controlled by the Spirit], speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20).

 

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

He is Our Joy

When Jesus came to earth, He took on human form and accepted many human limitations. He knew His purpose long before He was crucified: “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). But He also knew the pain He must endure…and the pain would be very real!
In the hours before His death, Jesus was beaten, whipped, spit on, laughed at, yelled at and made to wear a crown of thorns. The Creator of the Universe was required to lay bloodied and disfigured as nails were hammered through His hands and feet. His chosen people had turned against Him and demanded His death – and those He loved the most had deserted Him.
Hebrews 12:2
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus endured more humiliation, disappointment, and pain than we can imagine. But the “joy” that allowed Him to endure the cross was the very reason He came to the world. He came to bring God’s children back into a relationship with their Heavenly Father. The sacrifice of His death allowed a bridge from death to life. His joy was knowing that God’s children would be able to come to Him and truly know Him; that they could talk with Him and worship Him; that they could sit in His presence and be comforted in His loving arms.
We are those children. We are the joy that allowed Him to “endure the cross.” How much love is wrapped up in this deep sustaining joy? Enough love to walk with us through the hottest fires, enough love to carry us when we’re weak, and enough love to NEVER let us go! “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
We all face various kinds of trials, but the One who “endured” continues to walk by our side today. He has given us Himself – a true joy which allows us to endure even as He endured. He has given us an eternity to worship in His throne room, an eternity to be comforted and praise His Holy Name! He has given us a love and an unequaled strength which this world cannot begin to understand! We too can face our “cross” with great hope. We WILL endure any and all trials. We will endure because He is our joy.

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

Proof of Your Christian Faith

 

If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

The book of 1 John provides examples of where to find the evidence.

Do you love not only God but His people?  ~  The attitude of love, or lack of love, for your fellow Christians is a test of character. “We know that we have passed out of death into life by the fact that we love our fellow Christians” (1 John 3:14). “Let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” (4:7). “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves His children, too” (5:1). “This is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (3:11).

Do you seek to live in obedience to God’s Word?  ~  Your actions which show victory over sin and the old nature are a test of your confession. “Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence”(1 John 3:18-19). 

A functional Christian does not continue in habits of sin. “Whoever has been born of God does not sin” (3:9). “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him” (5:18). 

Christians who are fulfilling their calling have gained victory over the world and its allures.  “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world — the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does — comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (2:15-17).

“Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (5:4-5). 

The bottom line for a Christian who is following his operator’s manual is a righteous life before God. “If you know—perceive and are sure—that Christ is absolutely righteous (conforming to the Father's will in purpose, thought, and action), you may also know (be sure) that everyone who regularly practices righteousness (and therefore is conformed to God’s will) is born of God” (2:29).   

 

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

We Will Overcome

God’s Word contains many passages which encourage us in our struggles. Paul tells us to “press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14), “run a good race” (Galatians 5:7), and “fight the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). Each of these acknowledge the struggle and exhort us to keep moving forward. But there are times we become weary and even the thought of pressing, running, or fighting becomes difficult. Yet, we know we must endure – we must overcome!
Revelation 2:7
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
In the second and third chapters of Revelation, the Apostle John is simply dictating the words spoken by Jesus. In these two chapters, Jesus speaks seven times about “him who overcomes.” Each time there is a gift or reward for the one who is “successful” and overcomes. This is certainly good motivation for us to endure, but the question still remains: How can we overcome as our strength begins to fade?
John knew what it took to overcome. Several years earlier, he had written a letter to encourage believers to stay committed and to give the assurance of eternal life. He also specified exactly who would overcome: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world… Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5). Read this carefully and rejoice! Those who believe are those who will overcome!!
We must endure and overcome the world; but our faith in Jesus and NOT our strength is what allows us to endure. There are times we must run and times we must fight – times we will be called to be a mighty warrior for the Lord. But there are also times when we are terribly weak – times we must grab on to Jesus and allow HIS strength to carry us through the storm. These are times we will need to simply hold on!
When the battle seems unbearable, “Hold on to what you have – I {Jesus} am coming soon” (Revelation 3:11). When we feel surrounded by evil and the darkness is closing in, “Hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). And when we become overwhelmed with doubt and fear, “Hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast” (Hebrews 3:6).
When we are weary in the storm, let’s take comfort in the peaceful waters ahead. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and hold on…He will never let us go. He has given His Children a wonderful promise: as we continue to believe and trust Him with all our heart, we WILL overcome!

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