On December 25th, Christmas Day, many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus the Messiah and the beginning of His earthly Life and Ministry.
Below you'll find a beautiful short video/movie — in which Matthew 2:1-12 is read over scenes reflecting the recitation of the "wise men's" journey to find the prophesied new-born King Jesus, and to worship and offer valuable gifts to Him. *
You'll find a screen capture of Matthew 2:1-12 embedded under the video.
This short movie features an excellent cast — and the cinematography, costumes, locations and acting are all superb.
Scenes From The Video Below
* It's interesting to note that many Bible teachers believe their gifts of gold, frankincense, and
myrrh were symbolic of Jesus' Kingship and Priesthood, and a
foreshadowing of His death on the cross.
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
From the YouTube Description for the video found below:
"Did you know that Isaiah 53 is a FORBIDDEN CHAPTER in most synagogues?
We read this powerful prophecy with Israelis on the streets. See how deeply they were moved as they came face to face with their Messiah! This video has reached over 8 million views in various languages. Please like, share, and spread the message! God is opening the eyes of the Jewish people to their Messiah more than any time in 2,000 years! To find out more, support, and get our newsletter with inspiring stories, please visit:
You'll find a text image of the entire chapter of Isaiah 53just under the video
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Video summary:
In the video, a likeable and friendly young interviewer asks Israelis to to read a prophecy regarding the Messiah from Isaiah 53 in the Tanakh < The Hebrew Bible or to Christians, the Old Testament).
Isaiah 53 describes a man who has no beauty that would make him desirable, and that he would be despised and rejected by men.
Still this man would bear our grief, he would be stricken and afflicted and wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities — and that by his stripes <blows that cut in) we would be healed — and the Lord would lay on him our iniquities.
Further, Isaiah 53 says that he would be oppressed and afflicted — and he would not open his mouth but would be like a lamb led to slaughter — and that ultimately he would die and counted as wicked though he had "done no violence, nor was there any deceit in his mouth."
Still it pleased the Lord to do this and make his soul an offering for sin — and that through his labor and sacrifice this righteous Servant will justify many.
Then the interviewer talks about all of us being separated from a Holy God by all of our selfishness, pride, and sin, and because of that we all need forgiveness and atonement from God.
Each person interviewed agree they want and need that.
Then the interviewer shares the good news — that God does indeed loves us and doesn't want us to be eternally separated from him, and originally He gave the sacrificial system of the Torah — which took on itself the sins of the people.
That system was prophesied to end however, and instead God would send a beautiful and perfect Messiah who would take on himself all our sin — offering us redemption and forgiveness through his willing sacrifice when we accept Him and His Grace.
The young interviewer shows the Tanakh gave many other prophesies that needed to be fulfilled by the Messiah, indicating to us who he is so that we could identify him.
As he shares some of those prophecies he asks the interviewees if there is anyone in history they can think of who fulfilled all of them.
Ultimately it is revealed in the video that only one person in all of history can make that claim.
It is wonderful to see many of them appear to grasp what Isaiah 53 told us about who the Messiah is.
Learn who He is below. *
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The video is wonderfully done—and reveals God's love for us—and the final atoning sacrifice made by His Perfect Messiah!
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
Last month, YouTube began recommending videos to me by Mike Thompson, a Christian Bible teacher who calls Las Vegas, Nevada home.
Intrigued by one title, Vision of the Lion's Army, I clicked on it and found myself being inspired, uplifted, and Blessed by the video of Thompson sharing a vision he had had in October of 2018—about each Christian's membership in the Lion of Judah's army—and what we can do right now to help manifest God's Will and Victory on earth in the last days.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
(Revelation 12:11)
Screen Caps From The Video Below - Mike Thompson Describes His Vision Of The Lion's Army
You'll find the video—where Thompson shares the vision he saw—under this synopsis/transcription of it:
In Thompson's vision, he saw advancing hordes of grotesque, disfigured demonic spirits on the darkened far side of a battlefield. They were screaming and screaming at the top of their lungs in anger and rage—with violent, blood curdling screams meant to intimidate and psychologically throw Christians off. But behind their screams was a deep fear of losing the fight—a fear that was so strong that it caused the demonic spirits pain.
On the near side of the battlefield were warrior believers—a mighty army wearing armor and carrying shields and drawn swords with light reflecting off them—joined by warrior angels. This army was covered in light and glory, and filled with strength and determination—recognizing the importance of the battle and their Authority, and standing in confidence against the screams of the advancing horde.
Then a thundering voice, from behind the righteous army, flooded across the battlefield with words filled with authority and power—saying to the screaming demonic legion: "YOU HAVE LOST! WE HAVE WON!"
As that voice thundered in the vision, Thompson turned to look and saw that the voice came from a large Lion immediately behind the righteous army—the LION'S ARMY!
The words of the Lion entered the Godly army—and simultaneously with the Voice of the Lion, these warriors released the same words. It was as if with one voice though thousands, or millions perhaps—all came forth with the Lion's voice. "YOU HAVE LOST! WE HAVE WON!"
The Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed! (Rev 5:5)
It was a faith declaration—with the strength, the confidence, and the authority from heaven—from the throne, through the LION, though the backs of the warriors and out of their mouths—and it was like the sound of many waters as it flowed across the battle field toward the advancing horde.
At that point in Thompson's vision, the Lion's army was lifted up into the air and was carried over the heads of the advancing demonic horde, and the warriors began to SPEAK down upon the advancing horde—words of authority, the word of God, faith declarations—SPEAKING against them in GREAT Authority and Power—and when they did there was a flaming sword that came out of their mouths, and the swords launched straight down on the head(s) of those advancing legions.
There were angels in the fire—in the swords—and when the fire would hit one of the demonic spirits, his power was diminished—he slowed—his screams weakened and it was having an affect.
Then Thompson noticed behind the legions arose a great beast—and he knew it was the same beast that he had seen in other visions. He knew it was the same beast that was connected with Leviathan and with Jezebel. The same beast that he'd seen before, come up to the west coast of Europe, jump into the ocean, swim over and crawl up on the east coast of the United States.
The beast began to yell as loud as he could, saying, "Scream harder, scream harder! But it was too late. The screams were no match for the flaming swords of the LION in the mouths of His warriors.
Thompson could feel it and knew instinctively—that the beast had the ability to influence and call in more warriors and more screams—and its power was in their screams.
But the Authority in the advancing Army of God—the LION'S Army—was also coming out of their mouths. In prayer, in faith proclamations, in prophetic declarations, in speaking the Word, in pulling down the strongholds, the strategies and structures, all the unrighteousness—what's going on in the spiritual atmosphere over America—from what's going on in politics and elections—the screams, the violence, the threats....
And the Lord says, "Do NOT be afraid, For He who is in you, is greater than he who is in the world.
The Lion;s Army is well able to do it's job—with Flaming Words of Authority will rise up and defeat the enemy."
Thompson feels that this is a "progressive revelation/vision"—that we will see come to pass in various forms through the upcoming years.
He declares: If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ—YOU are part of the LION'S ARMY.
If you will dare to stand up in prayer, YOU are part of the LION'S ARMY. If you WILL stand against the unrighteousness. If you will stand against the work of the beast.
YOU don't have to fight the beast—the LION will destroy the beast—but you are part of the army that is launching those fiery projectiles down on the heads of the legions of the damned.
And it it IS disempowering them. It IS stopping them. It IS paralyzing them. It IS diminishing their power and authority in the earth and in America—against the body of Christ—against God's purposes and plans for the political structure of our nation—the destiny that He HAS already proclaimed.
YOU are a warrior! Clothed in beauty, and garments of praise—the armor of God, Shield of Faith, Sword of the Spirit.
And the angels are flowing like fire from your mouth as you speak into the second heaven—the spiritual atmosphere—the words of the LION:
"YOU HAVE LOST! WE HAVE WON!"
And every other Word that He places in your mouth.
Stand up and give it with third heaven authority!
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Read Psalm 35 about our victory over our enemies through our God!
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Find the complete video below.
You'll also find a longer video presentation at the bottom of this post—where Bible teacher Mike Thompson elaborates on the same vision and explains "3rd heaven authority"—and if you've never heard that kind of teaching—it will transform your thoughts about achieving victory through Jesus.
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If you don't already know Jesus as Lord—you can learn more about how to start your new life with Him under the video. ✝
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
-------------------------------------
Mike Thompson Teaches on The 3RD Heaven & The Lion's Army
If you follow American professional football perhaps you've already seen the interview 2018 NFL Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles gave discussing his sidelining injury, a broken left collarbone.
Immediately after a question regarding his injury and reaction to it, Foles make an unapologetic and unequivocal
statement about his faith in Jesus.
His response is being called "bold" by some, because in today's "politically correct" climate in the US, many professing Christians are now suffering wide-spread and open persecution.
So to hear Nick Foles talk freely and genuinely about his faith is being celebrated by many believers.
Video Below
Screen Grab From The Video Below — NFL Star Nick Foles Boldly Testifies About His Faith In Jesus
I first learned about his interview through a news story that linked to a November 13, 2019 Sports Spectrum Tweet about it that included the 2 minute video interview.
You can check that out on Twitter, or view the video below.
You'll also find a transcript of what Foles said under the video below as well.
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I pray that Foles testimony about his faith will speak to your heart about the wonderful abundant Grace, Peace, and Comfort found only through faith in Jesus—the Risen and Living King of all kings, and Lord of all Lords!!
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If you don't already know Jesus as Lord—you can learn more about how to start your new life with Him below. ✝
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Transcript:
A reporter asks Foles about not playing week after week (during his recovery), references that Foles is a "man of faith, and asks if he has any doubts because of the injury.
Foles replies:
"No, right when I felt this thing (collarbone) break, and I was going into the locker room, I just realized, 'God this wasn't what exactly what I was thinking—but at the end of the day—God if this is the journey you want me to go on, I'm gong to Glorify You in every action good or bad'—and I still could still have joy in an injury. People hear that and say 'that's crazy'—but when you believe in Jesus and you go out there and play—that changes your heart—and you only understand it when that purpose in your life...just like when I hoisted the Lombardi trophy...the reason I'm smiling is my faith was in Christ, in that moment I realized didn't need that trophy to define who I was because I was already in Christ. And that's my message when I play. Same thing happens when I get injured. We tend to make this so much about us, as human-beings—we tend to make it about us as athletes. It's not about us. It really isn't.
If you make it about yourself, you're probably going to go home at night, lay your head on your pillow and be very alone and very sad—and then hopefully some day you can find That purpose in your life.
'Cause my purpose isn't football—it's impacting people and my ministry happens to be the locker-room—and I've been able still to get to know people, get to know these guys through an injury. Though I might not be playing—that is difficult from a fleshly perspective—but from the spiritual perspective, from my heart, I've been able to grow as a human being to where, I feel like I'm in a better situation here as a person than when I was before, because of the trial I just went under.
And I know that's a sermon in it's self, but that's how I go through life, and the Good Lord's been there, to, you know...it's not always about prosperity,
I don't believe in the "prosperity gospel." I believe if you read the Word of God and you understand it, there's trials along the way but they equip your heart to be who you are. So, when I step on the field I'm going against a man named Frank Wright, who's very similar. He's a guy that I admire more than anything. He's a guy that has impacted my life so much. And he's going to be on the opposing sideline, and so that's going to be fun."
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
Below you find a video testimony from a former New Age "Channel," who shares that when he began to follow Jesus he discovered that his spirit guides, who'd been masquerading as aliens, departed family members, and helpful friends who were "part of God" and leading him—quickly revealed that they were evil demons who turned on and attacked him.
Some even appeared to him as hateful beings in terrifying forms.
Another revealed it could take the appearance of any person or entity in
order to deceive him. The demons also made it clear that they wanted
to kill him and the truth about them was coming to the surface.
Screen Grab From The Video Below
At other times they offered him wealth and to fulfill his desires but only IF he remained with them and didn't turn to Jesus Christ.
But he had also seen what Jesus had done for a friend of his, "changing her in a moment", and he wanted to have what he'd seen in her—and when he in fact turned to Jesus himself he was "filled up inside with life and the fullness of God that was healing and restoring."
If you are searching for truth, then this man's testimony will offer you direction and hope to the only real Truth found in this world, Jesus Christ and the Lord of life and risen Savior.
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
Kanye West made a name for himself over the years with his rap music, marriage to Kim Kardashian, wild ways and publicity stunts, but now according to The Christian Post:
"2019 everything changed for him, and he began his Sunday Service events
featuring a Gospel choir that reimagined mainstream songs with Christian
lyrics.
West said he became a born again Christian during this process
and has now devoted his life to 'working for God.'"
Some wonder about the sincerity of West's "conversion," while others like professing Christian Patrician Heaton, star of Carol's Second Act and Everybody Loves Raymond, worry that West will encounter difficult opposition that he may not be prepared for.
Never-the-less, West's bold declaration of his Christian faith is making news—and even more so now that his latest album, called Jesus is King, is Number One on Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.
According to Billboard, "Kanye West returns to a familiar spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as his latest release, Jesus Is King, debuts at No. 1. It’s his record-tying ninth consecutive debut at No. 1, matching Eminem’s still-active streak for the longest in the chart’s history."
While writing in chains during his imprisonment, Paul declared in Philippians 1:1-15, that no matter the motives of those doing the preaching, he rejoiced when Christ was preached.
So we can follow Paul's example and rejoice that Kanye West has made an outspoken declaration about his Christian faith and decision to "work for God." and that his "Gospel" album has the attention of much of the press and world—and will no doubt lead many to consider faith in Jesus—the Lord of life and risen Savior!
God is so Good.
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If you don't already know Jesus as Lord—you can begin your life with him today:
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9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
In 2016, Steven Bancarz shared the video testimony you'll find below, about his transformation from New Age seeker and teacher to Jesus.
He talks about being raised in a Christian home and going to church but never embracing it—and then as he got older he began looking into new age philosophies.
In time, that interest grew and he created "spirit science and metaphysics" social media pages and websites that drew hundreds of thousands of people to them—and through advertising placed on them he began to make a lot of money.
He thought at the time that he was being rewarded by God for helping humanity.
But then he relates that greed, materialism and money took hold of him—and though he believed he had "spiritual knowledge" and on on the outside he was "living the dream" (having the house, the car, and all the money he wanted)—he felt empty and unfulfilled.
Then things started "blowing up" in his life and he had to confront and face "all the skeletons" in his closet.
That's when he started to "warm up" to Jesus—feeling that there was always "something different about Him." And while he didn't' become a Christian immediately he started to study more about Jesus and eventually one day he completely surrendered himself to Him.
That's when he says EVERYTHING in his life was changed.
A Screen Grab And Quote From The Video Below
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It's a wonderful testimony and I pray it will re-enforce your faith—or if you don't already know Jesus, that it will help open your eyes and heart to Him.
He is the Lord of life and light and love—and my beautiful Risen Savior!
---------------------
If you don't already know Jesus as Lord—you can learn more about how to start your new life with Him below. ✝
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
On Dec 6, 2017, a young woman named Wendy posted a video called, "Demons are Real and Jesus Saves - My Testimony."
In it she describes the unhappiness in her life—and having a hole in her heart that she was trying to fill with paganism/wicca, partying, free-living, and drug use.
Unknowingly, she explains that during that time she opened the door to a demonic oppression—and later because of it begin to feel that she was losing her mind.
She told friends she was being "haunted" but almost no one believed her except for a college roommate who was with her and witnessed some of those events.
A Screen Grab From The Video Below
Later, a young man who was a Christian and very open about his faith came into her life—and she relates that when met they debated for three days about Jesus.
On the third day, they watched a movie together about a woman who was demonically oppressed —and she felt very uncomfortable throughout the film—believing the movie was mirroring her "haunting" experiences.
At the end of the movie she finally confessed to the young man that she felt she was being oppressed by a demon—and when he offered to pray for her—she says she opened just a small crack in her heart to God while he did.
It was then that she experienced the presence of God and EVERYTHING in her life began to change—and from then on she saw herself and the world in a completely different way!
She was freed from the demonic oppression and her depression—and at the time of this video, she'd been sober from any mind altering substances for 8 years!
In addition, before being saved she said she had never liked people and saw them as wicked and evil—but God began to put a love in her heart for them—and over-time she began to see them as she was before Jesus came into her heart—lost and alone and searching to fill the void in their lives.
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I pray as you watch this video—that God will speak His Love and Presence into your life and heart—(and that unless you are already walking with Him)—that you will surrender your life to Jesus as Lord and Savior!
If you don't already know Jesus as Lord—you can learn more about how to start your new life with Him below. ✝
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Please note: In the video Wendy offers to answer direct questions to her and pray for anyone who reaches out to her—but adds in the video description:
"I am currently not accepting any private contact. The volume of messages
became overwhelming, and I am no longer able to respond.
I pray this video touches you, and I continually remain in prayer for my
viewers in general."
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
Imagine standing before all the nations of the world gathered at the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York City—and giving a bold witness about your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
On April 22nd, 2015 the Reverend Lee Stoneking, a self described Apostolic Christian, did exactly that.
Stoneking testified to the general Assembly that he had a heart-attack in Sidney Australia, November 12, 2003—and as a result of it he was clinically dead for 45 minutes.
He states in the video that Doctors know after just 6 minutes or less without breath or heart-beat—"with no oxygen to the brain there is irreparable brain damage"—but "God has totally raised me from the dead."
Stoneking elaborates that he was given 10 electric shock treatments—and blood had already coagulated in his limbs—and he says flatly he was "just a corpse."
He further states that when he was carried to an ambulance, paperwork which had already been competed indicated he was DOA (Dead On Arrival).
But he says "Jesus stepped on board" the ambulance—and his heart began to beat again and his breath returned—leaving the ambulance driver and paramedic completely stunned—one saying he "had never seen any recover" from what had happened to Stoneking.
A Screen Grab From The Video: Stoneking Addressing UN General Assembly
Later when Stoneking returned to his home in the US—he went for a "major check-up" and his Doctor said his test results were "absolutely excellent."
His Doctor also told him that they had checked his DNA—they found that Stoneking didn't have a single genetic marker for heart-disease " in any cell in his body"—and that "only God could do such a thing."
Stoneking says another Doctor told him that he had "defied all the laws of medical science"—but replied, "I didn't—I know the One who did. His name is Jesus!
Stoneking finalized his message to the Assembly by quoting Acts 2:38"
Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
And then closes his speech by saying:
"The answer, your Excellencies, to the violence in our day and to the human atrocities in our day, is Jesus.
He is the Prince of Peace.
I give you Jesus! God Bless you."
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If you don't already know Jesus as Lord—you can learn more about how to start your new life with Him below. ✝
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
A while ago, I was watching Jeopardy, and one of the questions was about Google celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Since its beginning in 1998, Google analyzed each use of it's search engine—and host Alex Trebek asked contestants what the number one search was for during the last 20 years.
Of course—the title of this post already gave it away—but to put it in Jeopardy form:
"What is the Bible, Alex?" *
(* For visitors who don't know—Jeopardy players must phrase their answers as a question)
Also—according to Guinness World Book Records the Bible is the number one best selling book in the world with "more than 5 billion" printed.
Guinness further states: "By the end of 1995, combined global sales of [just] Today's English Version (Good News) New Testament and Bible (copyright held by the Bible Societies) exceeded 17.75 million copies, and the whole Bible had been translated into 349 languages; 2,123 languages have at least one book of the Bible in that language."
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So—it becomes clear that there is huge interest in the Bible and a hunger for its message.
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For me—each time I read the Bible—I relearn or discover something new.
God through His Holy Spirit will often "speak" to me through what I've read—and answer questions that have been running through my mind—or offer wisdom and advice about the issues I'm facing.
I
pray that God's Holy Spirit will speak into your life and heart—and
lead you always further into fellowship with the one true God—the
Creator of the universe and everything in it—and a deeper understanding
of the beautiful Gift of Salvation through His only begotten Son—Jesus
the Messiah—the risen King and Lord of lords!
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
---------------------------------
If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
Recently, I went to a store that sells pre-owned books, nick-knacks, DVDs and CDs, and so on.
Just outside the front door they had a display of deeply discounted used books and Corrie Ten Boom's autobiography, The Hiding Place, caught my eye.
A Look At The Book's Cover
I'd read it years ago when I was a late teen or early 20's and remembered loving it.
As I briefly looked the book over—I noticed it was in great condition and was marked just 50 cents—so I walked right to the register with it and bought it.
It took me a bit to finally begin reading it, but once I did I could hardly put it down, and just finished it.
The book is an autobiography of Corrie's life—describing her early days—and then her and her family's involvement in the
Dutch underground during the rise of the mad-man Hitler in the early 1940's, the Nazi invasion
of the Netherlands, and her eventual arrest and imprisonment for several years in
concentration camps for that "crime" (along with
her beloved sister Betsie, father, and many family members).
Long before those dark and horrible days, Corrie's father repaired and sold watches and her family life revolved around their humble, little shop.
Her kind and loving father was a devout Christian—and lived out his life on earth with a complete belief and trust in Jesus as Lord—and many in her family, including Corrie and her sister, developed the same deep faith and love for God.
Later as the darkest days of the horrific Nazi occupation and war settled in and around them—that faith would be tested to the extreme—in ways that many of us could hardly imagine enduring.
The book is very well written (with co-authors John and Elizabeth Sherrill)—and brings to life the sights and sounds of both the idyllic life before the brutal Nazi occupation—and then the utter horror and brutality of the camps.
When Corrie was finally released she continued ministering to those wounded in every way from the war—and the words of her sister, "we must tell the world," rang in her heart and mind—and she began sharing the story of their ordeal—and eventually wrote The Hiding Place about that dark time.
Corrie tells of the many times that God answered prayers—even
while they were buffeted by the terrible storm they found themselves in.
The book also highlights Betsie's sweet, compassionate, and enduring faith, and how it had sustained Corrie many times during their imprisonment—while both sisters ministered to those around them and shared what little they had.
While reading The Hiding Place—and since—I've found myself truly desiring that same kind of unshakable faith in God and selfless service to others for Him.
Corrie lived a long life—and continued to minister well into her old age—and went to her Eternal reward when she was in her 90's.
If you haven't read The Hiding Place yet I highly encourage you to do so—or if like me it's been a while I humbly suggest that you read it again.
Corrie's book serves as a powerful reminder that our faith in and service to God and others in His name—and our eternal Hope in the future—is truly and ultimately all that is really important in this life.
I LOVED The Price On This Book AND That The "Hipster" Bookstore Filed It Under "Rock" : )
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The following link to purchase Corrie's book doesn't generate any revenue for this blog—but is provided as a service:
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
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If
you've made this decision—believed it in your heart and confessed it
with your mouth—let God speak to you by reading the Bible—and seek
out fellowship with others who also believe.
Pour
out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in
reverence)—asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your
needs. Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. God Bless You!
