Sunday Evening 012912

Just a note:  On Sunday evening we will be devoting the entire evening service to prayer.  There may be one song of praise, but then we will be praying specifically for the needs of our church, each individual in the church; the needs of our Nation [USA], our sister churches – locally, State wide, nationally and world wide; and our Missions out reach.

If you cannot join us with your presence, then join us in the Spirit of Christ where ever you find yourself.

-Tim A. Blankenship

VOM Prayer for South Sudan, India, and Laos

These are posted so Christians who come here may join us in praying for our brethren around the world who are faithful to Christ and suffering for it.

VOM-USA Prayer Update for January 27, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Hebrews 13:3

SOUTH SUDAN—Gunmen Attack Village
Source: VOM Contacts

Job 5:10–12

He gives rain on the earth,
And sends waters on the fields.
He sets on high those who are lowly,
those who mourn are lifted to safety.
He frustrates the devices of the crafty,
So that their hands cannot carry out their plans.

Gunmen shot and killed a number of people in a South Sudan village last week, exposing VOM workers to potential danger. On Jan. 17, a VOM worker reported that gunmen had killed a man named Godana, who had gone to fetch water for his family. “Godana was the watchman at the compound for more than 20 years,” the worker said. “I knew him well.” The town is small, and residents walk between shops and the market, making them vulnerable to attack. “I’m very concerned about our staff and their families,” the worker said. Pray for the safety of our staff in the region and for other Christians during this dangerous period.

India—Hindu Nationalists Attack Prayer Meeting
Sources: Global Council of Indian Christians, Asia News

2 Corinthians 2:8–10

Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

Hindu radicals invaded a pastor’s home on Jan. 9, severely beating several of the 20 believers who had gathered at the home near Bangalore for a prayer service. At about 10:30 p.m., a group of Hindu nationalists rushed in with clubs and iron rods and began to beat the Christians. The attackers, who accused the Christians of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, disappeared after the attack. Pastor Shanthakumar, 39, lost a finger on his left hand during the attack, a young man received a serious injury to his leg, and a woman received head injuries and suffered nerve damage in her right hand. All those admitted to the hospital were released two days later. Police are searching for the attackers, but no arrests have been made. Pray that the faith of these believers will remain strong and that they will be obedient to God. Pray also for Pastor Shanthakumar, who oversees two churches that he founded in the area.

Laos—Christian Leaders Released
Source: Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

Seven Christian leaders who were arrested during a Christmas service nearly one month ago in Boukham village, Laos, were unconditionally released on Jan. 12. The village chief ordered authorities to raid the service on Dec. 16, 2011, and the seven leaders were held without charge until Dec. 30. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the Lao constitution, so authorities were unable to charge the pastors with violating a religion law. Instead, the leaders were eventually charged with violating the village’s customs and beliefs known as hiit, and they were fined the equivalent of $1,425, about 35 times the average monthly wage. International organizations pressured authorities to release the Christians, and they received their unconditional release three days after their families filed complaints against Boukham village authorities. Praise God for the release of these Christian leaders, and pray for them as they return to their families and churches.

Thanks for your prayers.

-posted by Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 012712

“Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: and they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in His clearness.  And upon the nobles of the children of Israel He laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.”  Exodus 24:9-11 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 24 – 25

Verse of the Day 012612

“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.   Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:   Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.”  Exodus 23:1-3 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Verses -

Exodus 21 – 23

Wednesday Bible Study 012512

GRACE: NOT BY MAN

Enemies Because of the Truth – Galations 4:12-20

Verse 12 -   Though Paul has been very stern with them; rebuking them for their departure from the truth of the gospel he still is calling them “brethren”.

“Beseech” is a word which means to “beg”, “petition” or “requests”, thus Paul is begging the people to get back to the gospel, away from the condemnation of the law which the Judaizers have deceived them.

Paul assures them that they have caused him no harm.  Paul’s interest is far greater than any personal harm.

Verses 13 – 14 -  The Christians of Galatia had accepted Paul when he was there and received the message of the gospel of Christ.  The “Infirmity of the flesh” he speaks of could be either a physical weakness of his own; or a weakness on their part.  Which ever it is the gospel was preached by Paul and received by the Galation – Gentiles.

The “Temptation” the apostle writes of could be the weak eyes he is often noted for, the trials of persecution he has experienced or the peril of his life through storms on board ships.  Paul commends them for accepting him as they would an angel of God or Christ Himself.

Veses 15 – 16 -  Upon the receiving of the gospel of Christ is the possible understanding of “Where is then the blessedness ye spake of?”  They had professed blessing and joy and peace in receiving Christ, but now; where is it.  When an individual or a whole community of believers leaves the gospel of Christ and puts themselves under the law; they lose the “blessedness” of the gospel.

The enemy loves to cause enmity between brethren; but that is not of God (Psalm 133:1-3).  Because Paul is challenging these believers, trying to convince them of the danger they are in; there are some who evidently are making him an enemy.  The truth is hated by the enemy.

Verses 17 – 18 -  The Judaizers had a zeal for what they taught.  Some of what the legalizers wanted was to isolate – “they would exclude you”; which seems to be the aim of any cult; ancient or modern; to hold on to their labors.

It is good to be “zealous” in good things “always”.  That zeal for God and the gospel needs to be present in one’s everyday life; not just when the apostle or pastor is present.

Verses 19 – 20 -  “My little children” Paul referring to the Gentiles as his spiritual children whom he has fed milk; and now they are needing some meat (Hebrews 5:12-14).  The apostle finds their departure from the gospel painful; comparing it even to a mother in labor of childbirth; as to birth them again.

Paul desires to be with the Galations, however, impossible.  He finds himself “to be at wits end” or “Stand in doubt of you”.  He is greatly perplexed by their backsliden condition.  As Christians of all ages should be about legalism.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 012512

“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.  And they said unto Moses, ‘Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.’  And Moses said unto the people, ‘Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.’  And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.’”  Exodus 20:18-21 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 17 – 20

Verse of the Day 012412

“Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?   Thou stretchedst out Thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.  Thou in Thy mercy hast led forth the people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength unto Thy holy habitation.”  Exodus 15:11-13 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 14 – 16

Verse of the Day 012312

“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, ‘Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:’ but God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.   And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, ‘God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.’”  Exodus 13:17-19 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 11 – 13

Verse of the Day 012212

“And the LORD said unto Moses, ‘Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, ‘Thus saith the LORD, ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me.  Else, if thou wilt not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are.   And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.  And I will put a division between My people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.’    And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants’ houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies.”  Exodus 8:20-24 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 8 – 10

VOM Prayer for Pakistan, Israel, and Comoros

VOM-USA Prayer Update for January 20, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Pakistan—Evicted Couple Stands Strong
Source: VOM Contacts

Micah 5:2

“ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”

A Pakistani couple who have endured several years of persecution from villagers and local authorities remain strong in faith even after losing their home and possessions. Arif, 35, used to spend evenings in his small village visiting friends and neighbors, sharing the gospel and praying. But in 2009, several men began to harass Arif, trying to compel him to deny Christ. He was beaten seven times, and police continued the beatings for 13 days after arresting him on Sept. 27, 2009. When Arif refused to return to Islam, he was imprisoned on false robbery charges. Arif was released four months later when his wife paid his bail. But that same evening, the village leader confiscated their livestock and home and told them to leave. They left with $2 in their pockets. Last month, a VOM staff member met with the couple for several days to pray through the events with them. Arif prayed, “O God, we thank you because you have not left us. … But [now] we have seen and experienced that you never leave us. … Lord, we are ready to obey you.” Praise God for the testimony of Arif and his wife.

Israel—University Forbids Contact with Messianic Jews
Sources: VOM Contacts, Ariel University of Samaria, IsraelNationalNews.com

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

One of the largest universities in Israel has made it clear that Christian students will have their visas revoked if they work with or fellowship with Messianic Jews, according to VOM contacts. Many Christian students have submitted to Ariel University’s stipulations. “Believers allow their God-given freedom of choice and worship to be taken away in order to spare themselves,” wrote a VOM contact. Ariel University of Samaria, which serves more than 11,000 students, is located in the West Bank city of Ariel. Every student at the university is required to take classes in Judaism, Jewish heritage or Land of Israel studies. The VOM contact continued, “May God give us the strength when the time comes to cling to the words of Yeshua, ‘Greater love has no man, than to lay down his life [or his self-interest or his ministry] for his brother.’” Pray for the body of Christ in Israel.

Comoros—Believer Imprisoned for Faith
Source: Compass Direct News

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

The simple act of reporting a burglary cost a Comoros man his family and eight months in jail. After Musta Kim reported a burglary at his home, police officers investigating the burglary discovered a Bible and a copy of the “JESUS” film at his home. Police then arrested Musta for practicing a forbidden religion and locked him in jail. After being held eight months without a trial, Musta appealed for his freedom. He was finally granted his freedom, but his family rejected him and he could not return to his home. Musta now suffers from a skin disease that he contracted in prison. Pray for Musta and other Christians in Comoros who suffer for practicing a “forbidden” religion. May they be ambassadors for Christ in these tiny islands.

-posted by Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 012112

“And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.  But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay My hand upon Egypt, and bring forth Mine armies, and My people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.  And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth Mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.  And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.”  Exodus 7:3-6 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 5 – 7

Verse of the Day 012012

“And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.  And God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.  And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.”  Exodus 2:23-25 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 2 – 4

Verse of the Day 011912

“Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.  But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.  And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.”  Exodus 1:11-14 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 49 – Exodus 1

Wednesday Bible Study 011812

GRACE: NOT BY MAN

Backsliding Faith – Galations 4:8-11

Verse 8 -  Continuing the thought from verse 7 Paul reminds them from whence they came; of their worshipping of demons day (1 Corinthians 10:20) – “Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.”  This is contrary to, “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” They were serving bondage, enslaved to “gods” that which by nature were no gods at all, but part of creation.

As Gentiles they had no knowledge of God.  (1 Corinthians 1:21; 8:4-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 John 4:8 – 2 Chronicles 13:9; Isaiah 37:19; Jeremiah 2:11; 5:7; 16:20; 1 Corinthians 1:8)

“Them which by nature are no gods.”  From the Pulpit Commentary -

“The more approved reading suggests rather the idea that the objects they worshipped might not be non-existent, but were certainly not of a Divine nature; “by nature,” that is, in the kind of being to which they belong (taioi Eph_2:3 RAPC Wis 13:1, ma fusei). The question may be asked If they were not gods, what then were they? The apostle would probably have answered, “Demons;” for thus he writes to the Corinthians: (1Co_10:20)”

Verse 9 -  But now, “after that ye have known God” After they have received the unveiling of Jesus Christ, and know of Him; and most of all since, “or rather are known of God,”.  It is one thing to know God, about God, and even know He is; however, it is very special, and unique to be “Known of God” (1 Corinthians 8:3).

How can one’s so generously and graciously delivered by grace through faith in Chrst so soon be turned away (3:3)?  (Romans 8:3; Hebrews 7:18)

The worship of idols cannot save, and going into legalism would be nothing more than returning to idols.

Geneva Bible notes -

“They are called impotent and beggarly ceremonies, being considered apart by themselves without Christ: and again, by that means they gave good testimony that they were beggars in Christ, for when men fall back from Christ to ceremonies, it is nothing else but to cast away riches and to follow beggary.”

Verse 10 -  The “days,” “months,” “times,” and “years” could be referring to the Jewish festivals and calendar, but it could also be a reminder of their own heathen practices.
We need to remember that the Jewish days were established by God, but not for salvation, but a guard, and a “Schoolmaster” pointing to Christ.  The Judaizers had made the law of God to be more than what God had intended.
(Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16)

Verse 11 -  Paul is afraid, and seems rightly so; for them because they are departing from the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.  (Gal. 2:2, 5:2, 4; 1 Thessalonians 3:5).  This was a fearful position for the people of Galatian church to be in.
These Galations would be abandoning the true God; and returning to false gods.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 011812

“And Israel said unto Joseph, ‘Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.  Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.’”  Genesis 48:21-22 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 46 – 48

Verse of the Day 011712

“Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, ‘Cause every man to go out from me.’ And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.  And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.   And Joseph said unto his brethren, ‘I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?’ And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.   And Joseph said unto his brethren, ‘Come near to me, I pray you.’ And they came near. And he said, ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.  Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.’”  Genesis 45:1-5 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 44 – 45

Verse of the Day 011612

“And they said one to another, ‘We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.’  And Reuben answered them, saying, ‘Spake I not unto you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? Therefore, behold, also his blood is required.’  And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.   And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.”  Genesis 42:21-24 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 42 – 43

VOM Prayer Update 011312

Please Note: I have deleted yesterday’s post of the VOM Prayer update due to it being the previous weeks.  This is the updated one.

 

VOM-USA Prayer Update for January 13, 2011

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. Revelation 6:9–11

Uganda—Pastor Blinded in Attack
Source: Compass Direct News

2 Timothy 1:8

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

Islamic extremists attacked a Ugandan pastor outside his church near Kampala on Christmas Eve, leaving him blind in one eye. Umar Mulinde, the 37-year-old pastor of Gospel Life Church International in Namasuba, told Compass that he was returning to the church for a party with the congregation when a man approached him and called out, “Pastor, pastor.” When Mulinde turned to look, several men poured acid on his face and back. Mulinde’s face, neck and arms were severely burned and he lost sight in one eye. Mulinde had received several threats before the attack for his evangelism and opposition to Sharia courts in Uganda. In October 2011, Muslim leaders declared a fatwa on Mulinde, demanding his death. Pray for Mulinde as he suffers through the trauma and excruciating pain.

China—Shouwang Church Again Denied Facility
Source: Compass Direct News

Philippians 3:8

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

The Shouwang Church continued its outdoor worship services on Jan. 1 after authorities again prevented them from leasing a worship facility. Denied facilities three previous times, the church signed a contract with the Beijing Parkview Wuzhou Hotel on Dec. 17 and even moved some books and other belongings into the space. However, the landlord terminated the contract days later, after receiving pressure from local police, the housing management office and leaders of various government agencies. Police detained at least 48 church members when the congregation gathered on Jan. 1 but released 40 of them by midnight. Nearly 1,000 church members have been temporarily detained since Shouwang’s outdoor services began in April 2011. Pray for the Shouwang Church, which intends to continue meeting outdoors until they are allowed to rent indoor facilities.

Afghanistan—Christians Grow in Number
Sources: WORLD Magazine, Operation World

Mark 16:15

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Afghanistan’s small Christian community is surging, becoming one of the fastest growing evangelical populations. The State Department estimates that only 500 to 8,000 Christians currently exist in Afghanistan. As evangelism increases and Christianity spreads, Afghan Christians will almost certainly experience an increase in persecution. Please pray for the continued spread of the gospel in Afghanistan, and pray that believers will continue to influence society and remain strong when faced with opposition.

Verse of the Day 011512

“And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.   And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand: but he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.  Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.”  Genesis 40:20-23 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 39 – 41

Verse of the Day 011412

“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.  And he said unto them, ‘Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: for, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.’  And his brethren said to him, ‘Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us?’ And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.”  Genesis 37:5-8 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 37 – 38

Verse of the Day 011312

“And God said unto Jacob, ‘Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.’  Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, ‘Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: and let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.’  And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.  And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.”  Genesis 35:1-5 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 34 – 36

Verse of the Day 011212

“And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.   And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for an hundred pieces of money.    And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel.”  Genesis 33:18-20 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 32 – 33

Wednesday Bible Study 011112

GRACE: NOT BY MAN

No More a Servant – Galations 4:1-7

Verse 1 -  The Hebrew was under the restraints of the law.  As long as they were under the law they were as though slaves, even though, the inheritance of Christ was theirs.

The law is a “schoolmaster” (3:24-25) to teach them godly conduct, and show them their sins.  It was also like a prison guard “kept under the law” (3:23) and in a voluntary or involuntary state of bondage.

Verse 2 -  As long as a child is under tutors, governors (overseers) they are no better off than a servant.  At what time the father determines the “right time” or “appointed time”, then they will be free from the bondage of sin, and the law.

Verse 3 -  Even the Old Testament worship was limited to material things.  The blood of goats, bulls, and lambs.  The tabernacle in the wilderness was limited by its material expression of gold, silver, brass, linen, wood, bread, and a priesthood made up of fleshly men. “Elements of the world”.

These “elements of the world” were specified by God to portray the reality of the glory of God, His Son and heaven.

Verse 4 -  After things had come to the full of God’s sovereignty and in God’s own good timing (the fulness of the time) God did what He set out to do from the beginning.  When the time had reached completion.

He sent forth His Son, after the human fashion, born of a woman, and born in the time of the law, subject to the law.

Verse 5-7 -   “Redeem” – to buy off.  In this case to pay off our sin debt.  A debt we could not pay, because of the condemnation of the law.

It was paid by the One who came, “Made of a woman, made under the law’, subject to the law, thus doing all that the Father said, concerning God and man (See John 5:17, 19).

“Adoption” – being placed by God’s decree into the position of sons of God; particularly becoming an heir with Christ Jesus.

Going back to 3:28 we can see something concerning “There is neighter Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus”.  All these are in the same position in Christ.  Look how Jesus Christ, Paul and the gospel of Jesus Christ has elevated women.

Putting all who are in the faith of Christ into the position with Christ (Romans 8:16-17; Ephesians 1:3, 11).

Those in Christ; whether Jew, Gentile, Bond, Free, male or female; are all the sons of God, and heir of God through Christ.

Even to the extent of addressing God as “Abba, Father” as simple a term as a child would call their earthly father, “Daddy” – a word of endearment.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 011112

“And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.  And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, ‘God hath taken away my reproach: and she called his name Joseph;’ and said, ‘The LORD shall add to me another son.’”  Genesis 30:22-24 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 30 – 31

Verse of the Day 011012

“Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.    And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well’s mouth.  And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well’s mouth in his place.”  Genesis 29:1-3 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 27 – 29

Verse of the Day 010912

“And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.” Genesis 25:11 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 25 – 26

Verse of the Day 010812

“The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, ‘Unto thy seed will I give this land;’ He shall send His angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.  And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.  And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.”  Genesis 24:7-9 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 23 – 24

VOM Prayer for Christians in Pakistan, Iran, and Nigeria

VOM-USA Prayer Update for January 7, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelations 11:15

Pakistan—Bibi Urges Christians, Use Your Voices
Source: Jihad Watch

Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

An American journalist, recently given the opportunity to talk to Asia Bibi about her arrest and current living conditions, reported that Bibi has forgiven those who put her and her family in their current situation. In prison, Bibi frequently prays and fasts for her family and other persecuted Christians. Although she misses her daughters, she sees her family one hour each week. She lives in a confined cell, permitted to go outside for 30 minutes each day. Bibi told the reporter she completely trusts God and accepts His will. She requested Christians around the world to continue fighting for persecuted Christians and acting as the voice for the voiceless.

Iran—Christians Request Prayers
Source: Middle East Concern, FCNN, Mohabat News

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

Iranian Christians asked for prayer after an officially recognized church was raided during a service on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. All those present were detained, including children. Mobile phones, the church’s audio-visual equipment and Christian literature were confiscated. Although most of those detained were released after a few hours, the church’s pastor, his wife and two other church members are still being held. Their whereabouts are unknown; please pray they will remain strong in the Lord. Iranian Christians feared that pressure and Christian persecution would increase during the Christmas season, specifically against Christians from a Muslim background. Pray for the officials involved, that they will love mercy, act justly and recognize their need for Christ.

Nigeria—Extremists Bomb Church
Source: The Washington Examiner

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Boko Haram, an extremist Muslim sect, bombed St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Nigeria during a Christmas service, killing 35 people and wounding 52. Many Christians were left in pools of blood and dust while local authorities struggled to get emergency medical personnel to the scene. The coordinator of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency could only send a text asking for more ambulances. Because of limited resources, the wounded Christians were taken from the church steps and placed on the cement floor of a nearby government hospital. Boko Haram often targets Christians in their attacks.

Verse of the Day 010712

“And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, and said, ‘By Myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed My voice.’”  Genesis 22:15-18 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 20 – 22

Verse of the Day 010612

“And God said, ‘Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.  And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: ‘Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.  But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.’”  Genesis 17:19-21 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Genesis 17 – 19