Was the Sabbath only for Jews or for all of humanity? How did Jesus put the Sabbath in its proper context? Who was to abstain from work and enjoy God’s rest? How can relieving the suffering and burdens of others lead to rest in God? Is it a sin to heal on the Sabbath? Why did God give the land a rest? What principles can we learn from Sabbath rest about Creation, redemption, and the pursuit of happiness?
What can we learn from the time period of the judges? Why did God raise up these men, women, and children? Why was victory over the army of Sisera given to a woman, Jael, rather than Barak? What can we learn from the story of Gideon about faith? How does the story of Samson show God's willingness to work through people even when they make mistakes? We will also cover the story of Ruth and Samuel. God works through human agencies when they are fully dependent on Him. Yet, even when they go down wrong paths, He turns problematic situations into opportunities.
Who was the Apostle Peter? What was he like before and after he met Jesus? How did Peter’s failures prepare him for his ministry? What were Peter’s strong points before his conversion experience? What lessons can we learn from the life of Peter as people who struggle, have flaws, and make similar mistakes? Was Peter perfect after his conversion?
Pastor Mirra continues with part 2 of "When I Feel Like God Has Abandoned Me". In the conclusion of the story of Joseph, God comes through for Joseph in an amazing and unforseen way. Many reach points in their lives in which they feel abandoned and forgotten. Joseph had reach a point in his life in which he had every reason to feel abandoned and forgotten. Yet, Joseph held on to his faith and trusted God. God was working behind the scenes in Joseph's situation, the way He may be working on your situation. Find out how in this week's episode.
The Bible teaches about a day lost in history. A day God designed for us to remember. This week's lesson uncovers the mystery of this forgotten and lost day.
The Holy Spirit quickens us to live for Christ. Abiding in Christ is allowing His words to be our sword, and faith our shield. As our consciences are activated, and we now see sin as it really is; in faith, we can reach out to Jesus to rescue us from the evil of sin, its power and its woe. There comes a time in one’s life when enough is enough, whatever it may be, the limit has been reached. You’ve had enough. It’s the same with sinning.
You have a winning smile”, I used to be told. Once upon a time, I would smile and the world would smile back at me. Back then when I smiled, my eyes twinkled. My smile was genuine because I was happy. With no cares of life and in-spite-of my impoverished life, I was happy. My twinkled eyes happy smiles had stopped, not because I became over anxious with the cares of life, but because a friend told me that I was sending the wrong signal. I was younger then and didn’t know better, so I stopped smiling. As I grew older, I allowed other things to hide my smile.
When trouble comes, your faith could be shipwrecked! So, what is it that will keep your faith from being shipwrecked or that will serve as a motivator for you to go on, rise and hope again? It’s your belief in God. Your relationship with God – if you truly know Him, will serve to buoy your spirits on. It was the same for Job – though He slay me, yet will I trust Him; it was the same for Paul – for I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor anything shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Jesus.