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WHY DID SIN ENTER THE WORLD? Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s arrogance and pride (1 ) They chose to eat the forbidden fruit and hence their bodies died (2 ) Sin can be small and sin can be great The loss of innocence dictated their fate (3 ) They were cast out of Eden where safety was found (4) Thrown out to a land where giants and enemies abound Satan roamed the earth like a hungry lion devouring his prey (5) The consequence of choosing to follow Satan began a new day (6) The people grew bolder and Satan grew stronger all because of sin God grieved and His heart hurt knowing how it might have been Jehovah is a loving God so from the start He devised a plan to save man (7) He wanted to keep the hearts of men that loved Him from whence time began (8) The Bible tells us that man was made in the image of our creator (9) We are told there is no other on earth or in the heavens that’s greater So God in His infinite wisdom and divine nature sent His Son for salvation He who had no sin suffered the penalty of death to save us from damnation (10 ) While we were still sinners Christ died so all who believe in Him will see His face (11 ) Our sins are washed away in the blood of the Lamb and there is no more disgrace (12) Therefore confess your sins and accept the greatest gift that was ever given (13) Follow the narrow road leading back to Eden, accept redemption and be forgiven (14) By: Estelle P. Shrum 1. (Gen. 3:16) 2. (Gen. 3:17) 3. (Gen. 3:19) 4. (Gen. 3:24) 5. (1 Pe. 5:8) 6. (Ro. 6:23) 7. (1 Ti. 1:15-16) 8. (Heb. 7:27), (Phil. 3:7) 9. (Gen. 1:26-27), (Ro. 8:29) 10. (2 Cor. 5:21), (1 Pe. 2:22-24) 11. (Ro. 5:8) 12. (Jn. 1:29), (1 Jn. 1:9) 13. (Isa. 43:25), (Heb. 8:12), (Jas. 5:16) 14. (Mat. 7:14), (Lk. 15:7), (1 Pe. 3:18)
GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED God will not be mocked and His Word shall come to pass (1 ) Fifteen hundred years of inspired writings will forever last All the prophecies of the past, present, and future are true God’s promises, parables, predictions, and premonitions too God said that the Holy City of Jerusalem is our mother (2) He changed Jacob’s name to Israel our Jewish brother (3) God said He would restore His people to where they had cometh from When His Kingdom is preached throughout the world then the end will come God’s promise was to Abraham and the promised seed was the heir Jesus (4) All those who believe in the spiritual seed will be gathered with us (5 ) When the Son of Man returns with His ten thousand angels in all their glory (6) Believers will inherit the kingdom prepared thus ending history’s Biblical story By Estelle P. Shrum 1. (Gal. 6:7) 2. (Gal. 4:26) 3. (Ge. 32:28) 4. (Ro. 4:13), (Gal. 3:16) 5. (Ro. 2:28-29) 6 (Matt. 25:31-34)
WAS MOTHER THERESA A DOUBTING THOMAS? Yes, Mother Theresa had her doubts while she cared for the poorest of poor Imagine caring for masses of suffering people without ever seeing a cure Peter fled and hid denying Jesus three times at the sound of the crow (1) Jonah ran away from the commission God gave him and refused to go (2 ) The Lord gave Moses to the Ten Commandments and instructed him to teach Moses told the Lord I cannot lead the Jews for they will mock my speech (3) Thomas who walked with Jesus would not accept his resurrection (4) He refused to listen until he could perform a physical inspection Job who was a faithful man doubted God’s reason and wished he was never born (5 ) His trials were unimaginable but he never denied God’s love even though he felt forlorn Paul was blinded, stoned and struggled with his old nature as he took the good news to the nations (6) The Jewish leaders held contempt for him and the Gentiles were filled with confusing expectations (7) David, a great warrior slew Goliath but mourned his son with feelings of abandonment (8) Joshua who was called to do an impossible task had anticipation but remained adamant (9) Jesus went willingly to the cross but cried out Father why have you forsaken me before he died (10) Mary and the Saints were witness to the crucifixion of Jesus while they hung their heads and cried (11) All good things come from God and everything he hath created Satan is a liar who creates fear and doubt and he is to be hated (12) Even Mother Theresa doubted as we all do because good and evil really do exis t If we serve the Lord for His glory and not ours then the devil will be easy to resist By Estelle P. Shrum 1. (Mt. 26:34), (Mark 14:30-31), (Luke 22:34) 2. (Jonah 1:1-3) 3. (Ex. 3:10-11), (Ex. 4:10 -17) 4. (John 20:24-27) 5. (Job 1:6-22), (Job 2:3-10), (Job 3:1-26), (Job 19:25-27) 6. (Acts 9:5-9), (Acts 14:19-20), (Romans 7:15-25) 7. (John 10:31-33) 8. (1 Sam.17:4-11), (1 Sam.17:50), (2 Sam.13;37), (2 Sam.18:32-33) 9. (Jos.1:1-9), (Jos.6:2-6), (Jos.6:20-21), (Jos. 7:7-12) 10. (Psalm 22:1), (Matthew 27:46) 11. (John 19:25-27) 12. (John 8:44)
WE THOUGHT WE UNDERSTOOD We thought we understood the love we hold for our mates. We thought we understood the love we hold for our children. We thought we understood the love we hold for our parents. We thought we understood the love we hold for our grandchildren. We thought we understood the love we hold for our friends. We thought we understood the love we hold for our brethren. We thought we understood the love we hold for our pets. We thought we understood the love we hold for nature. We thought we understood the love we hold for the Lord. But when the Holy Spirit descends upon us the love we hold is inexpressible. When the Lord shines His light and covers us with His grace it’s incredible . When the Father reaches down into our heart and ignites a fire it’s indescribable. When Jesus touches our soul and covers us with His love it is a miracle. By Estelle P. Shrum Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. Mark 12:33 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17
PEACE AND JOY Lord, restore peace in our hearts and joy in our soul. (l) Help us to remember you are always in control. (2 ) Sometimes we forget that your Spirit dwells within us. (3) We get lost in life and fail to give you our faith and trust. (4 ) We become overwhelmed with the worlds situation. (5) We mourn for the lost people of each generation. (6) Grant us the peace that passes all understanding. (7) Give us joy in a ruthless world that’s so demanding. Rekindle the fire where there was once a burning flame. (8) Help us win the good fight and give voice to all you proclaim. (9) When our burdens are heavy Lord please lighten our load. (10) When we travel a bent and curvy lane straighten the road. (11) When our hearts hurt and we feel saddened with grief. Help us remember that we are but a mist and time is brief. (12) When we feel sorrow and fear that this too shall not pass . Lord, restore our faith and know that you will come alas. (13) By Estelle P. Shrum 1. (Ps. 51:12) 2. (Ro. 8:6) 3. (Eph. 3:16-17), (Col .3:16 4. (1 Ch. 28:20), (Isa. 51:6) 5. (Ps. 65:3) 6. (Jer. 50:6) 7. (Php. 4:7) 8. (2 Ti.1:6) 9. (1 Ti.1:18), (1 Ti.6:12), (2 Ti.4:7) 10. (Mt. 11:28-30) 11. (Mt. 7:13-14) 12. (Jas. 4:14) 13. (Ps. 23:3), (Rev. 22:20)
THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10 The first is the gift of Wisdom and the way to receive it is through prayer. Solomon prayed for this gift so he could rule his kingdom without despair. There are diversities of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit but all are one part. Paul reminds us we have different members but are baptized in one heart. The second is the gift of Knowledge, which gives wise advice that is sound. The third is the gift of Faith that God’s Word without doubt will abound . The forth is the gift of Healing for people who are physically or mentally sick. The fifth is the gift of working Miracles that the Apostles did without a trick. The sixth is the gift of Prophecy and preaching the Good News of man’s salvation. The seventh is the gift of Discerning Spirits whether they are from a good or evil creation . The eighth is the gift of Tongues that is languages never learned or heard. The ninth is the gift of Interpretation of tongues, a gift that is preferred. By Estelle P. Shrum 1. Wisdom 2. Knowledge (teaching) 3. Faith 4. Healing 5. Miracles 6. Prophecy 7. Discerning of the Sprits (Distinguishing between Spirits (Devil or God) 8. Tongues (Speaking in a language never learned or heard) 9. Interpretation (Power to understand and interpret tongues)
DOES IT MATER THAT THINGS CAN BE WORSE? Does it make us feel better that others are suffering more than we are? Do we compare trials and tribulations on a scale, which would be bizarre? Does it make us feel better that we have more food than the entire globe? Do we take comfort that our neighbor is being tested as the servant Job? Does it make us feel better about our loss if others have loss much more? Do we feel better that we are blessed and everyone else’s pain we ignore? Do we say to those hurting how much harder things could really be? Do we patronize their sorrows by idioms or give them sympathy? Does it make us feel better when we are told it could be so much worse? Do we placate ourselves by thinking that others suffer a greater curse? Does it appease us that our friends are having more worries or cares? Do we take pride in our blessings or offer them our heartfelt prayers? Do we not give credit that everyone knows there are worse fates or events? Does it matter that things can be worse, it’s not relevant, so hold that two-cents? By Estelle P. Shrum 1 Corinthians 12:26 - KJV And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all members rejoice with it. We are all healers who can reach out and offer health, and we are all patients in constant need of help. -- Henri Nouwen You know how people remind you that it could always be worse - well I really dislike that expression, so I woke up the other day with this message on my heart to let people know that's like telling a pregnant woman who just had a miscarriage that it was meant to be - or God knew the baby would not be normal, so He took him/her home. If someone lost an arm - do you remind the person they still have another one? Everyone knows things could be worse. But it certainly doesn't make us feel any better in the knowledge that others are suffering worse, or that you could be suffering even more than you are now. I can't imagine that it would make anyone feel better to look at their neighbor and say, " I feel better because they are suffering more than I am." Let's think about what we say to those who are going through a valley. BUT IN ALL THINGS GIVE THE GLORY TO GOD!
ENDURANCE Endurance is going through trials even when you want to run. (1) It is conquering pain and suffering until the task at hand is done. Endurance is forging ahead when you know there is no relief. It is showing courage and trusting a higher power in your grief. (2) Endurance is getting up every time you are knocked down. It is standing firm with your feet planted on solid ground. (3) Endurance is facing whatever you are called to do. Even if you are frightened you will see it through. Endurance is Job’s strength although all was lost. (4) He stayed true and faithful no matter what the cost. (5) Endurance is Moses who was left in the desert for forty years. (6) He maintained integrity even through the Jews anger and tears Endurance is David when he slew Goliath with tenacity. (7) He succeeded the impossible through Godly capacity. Endurance is Esther when she went before the King unannounced. (8) She disregarded her fear knowing her death might be pronounced. Endurance is Jesus and the great sacrifice he did for you. He laid down His life and will make all things new. (9) By Estelle P. Shrum 1. (1Cor. 9:24-25) 2. (1 Cor. 16:13 3. (Ephesians 16:13) 4. (Job chapter 1) 5. (Job 19:25-27) 6. (Josh. 1:5) 7. (1 Sam. 17:41:51) 8. (Esther 4:15-16) 9. (2 Peter 3:13)
WHAT OUR HOME SHOULD BE Our home should be filled with joyful kindness and a loving spirit. (1 ) It should be a place where everyone who enters can feel it and share it. (2) Our home should be a shelter and refuge while we are here on earth. (3) It should be a place for our possessions, but not about financial worth. Our home should represent the lessons of the future, present and past. It should be about the memories we hold so dear that longingly last. Our home should be clean and comfortable, whether we are rich or poor. It should be a witness that we serve the Lord, and are safe and secure. (4 ) Our home should be decorated in the life style that we live. It should make a statement of what our hearts have to give . Our home is where we want to spend the majority of our time . It should be a place of peace and rest where we can clear our mind. Our home should be built on the laws of God, and love for another. (5 ) It should be about loving yourself as you do your sister and brother. (6) 1. (Titus 2:5) 2. (1 Timothy 5:14) 3. (Psalm 84:3) 4. (John 14:23) 5. (Proverbs 3:33), (Deuteronomy 6:7) 6. (Psalms 133:1), (Hebrews 13:1), (1 Peter 3:8) Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
PURE JOY IS IN THE LORD Joy is a feeling of happiness and pleasure gladness and a delight. It is satisfaction and rejoicing in celebration when all things are right. We experience it through suffering knowing we will persevere. (1) For we know the Lord disciplines his children and we have no fear. (2) There are many joys, but the joy of the Lord is incomprehensible . The joy we long for is the crown of life and that is indispensable. (3) God is our strength and He gives us purpose to win the race. (4) As we long for pure joy when we will see Him face to face. (5) The trees of the forest will sing with joy of praise. (6) And in the heavens we will dwell for all of our days. (7) The presence of the Holy Spirit is the purest joy there is. (8) It is a genuine and glorious feeling knowing that we are His. 1. (James 1:2) 2. (Pr. 3:11-12), (Rev. 3:19) 3. (Php. 4:1), (2 Ti. 4:8), (Rev. 2:10) 4. (1 Co. 9:24-25) 5. (1 Co. 13:12) 6. (Ps. 96:12) 7. (Rev. 12:12) 8. (Ps. 21:6)
HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF GOD? There are people who claim that believing in God is for the mindless and weak. (1) They reason that religion came to pass as a crutch for the mild and meek. (2) They question all faith because the concept of God is vast and divided. (3) But, Jesus said there is only one God with three natures that is undivided. (4) They wonder why a God would allow the existence of evil and utter madness. (5) But, Jesus prayed tears of blood for the sins of man with great sorrow and sadness. (6 ) They say there is no justice and ask where is God in the midst of mass devastation. (7) But, Jesus said I am the light of the world and will help you in times of desperation. (8) There are people who put their faith in science and rely on their own understanding (9 ) But, Jesus said God created everything seen and unseen with no misunderstanding. (10) They reason that a perfect God would not create human beings who are so lowly. (11) But, Jesus said we should love one another as He loves us and we too shall be holy. (12 ) They say that life is just what it is and there is no God or a divine plan. (13) So, how can we understand God’s nature when we look at the nature of man? (14) The answer is that we have knowledge of good and evil and freedom of choice. (15 ) Lo, we are made in His image and through the Holy Spirit we hear His voice. (16) By Estelle P. Shrum 1. (Ps. 14:1) 2. (Ps. 37:11), (Mt. 5:5) 3. (Mt. 7:15), (Mt. 24:11), (2 Pe. 2:1) 4. (1 Ki..8:27), (2 Ch.6:18), (Isa.44:6), (Titus 3:13), (Mt. 28:19), (Jn.10:38) (Col. 2:9), (1 Ti.2:5) 5. (Ps. 57) 6. (Lk. 22:44) 7. (Mt. 28:20) 8. (Jn.8:12) 9. (Job 36:26), (Ps. 46:10) 10. (Ge.1:1), (Job 12:10-25) 11. (Job 36:5) 12. (Ro.Chap.12) 13. (Ge. 3:14-15), (Eph. 1:11-14) 14. (Job 11:7-9) 15. (Ge. 2:16-17) 16. (Ge. 1:27), (Jn. 20:21-22), (Acts 2:38), (1 Cor. 2:10-16)
AS OUR EYES ARE OPENED As our eyes are opened with the wisdom that only God can give We grow humble in His presence and for Him we want to live With wisdom and knowledge the clearer it is to understand His ways The closer we grow in truth and spirit the more we give Him praise We no longer worry about the past and the future holds no fear We live in the moment and trust our Savior as we persevere It is our desire and privilege to serve a wondrous God with dedication As our eyes are opened it is the truth of God’s Word that is our inspiration By Estelle P. Shrum (Psalm 119:18), (Proverbs 3:7), (2 Corinthians 4:18), (1 Peter 3:12)
GOD IS GOOD God is good all the time, and all the time God is good (1) He is the light in the darkness for the lost and misunderstood (2) He is the teacher who gave us laws to lead a healthy life style (3) He listens to our prayers and lets us know we are worthwhile (4) He is the Father who disciplines so we don’t go astray (5) He knows what is best and will keep us from harms way He speaks to us in human terms through his Holy Word He gives us the Holy Spirit so his voice is clearly heard (6) He has compassion for everyone and everything he hath created (7) He promises our sorrows will turn to joy and we will be elated (8) He is kind and merciful and anything bad is the devil’s façade (9 ) God is good all the time, and everything that is good is of God (10) By Estelle P. Shrum 1. (Psalm 34:8), (Psalm 84:11) 2. (2 Sam.22:29), (John 8:12), (1 John 1:5), ( Rev. 21:23) 3. (Dt. 8:3), (Mt. 28:20) 4. (Dt. 4:7), (2 Ch. 30:27), (Ezr. 8:23), ( Mk. 11:24), (1 Pe. 3:12) 5. (Hebrews 12:10) 6. (John 20:22) 7. (Psalm 145:9) 8. (John 16:20) 9. (1 John 3:8-10) 10. (1 Timothy 4:4)
HOW CAN WE EXPLAIN IT? How can we explain the relationship we have with the Lord to others? It is likened to the love and respect we have with our father and mothers (1 ) It is feeling safe knowing that He is always near (2) It is comfort and assurance that we need not ever fear (3) It is knowledge and the wisdom we derive from obeying Him (4) It is confidence in the Lord even though our outlook may seem grim It is the ability to see beauty in everything (5) It is an inescapable faith to accept anything (6) It is communing with the Lord all day It is trusting in Him come what may (7 ) It is wanting to serve Him with every breath we are given It is pure love with compliance and passion that we are driven (8) How can we explain our relationship with the Lord to others who do not know ? Can we explain the beauty of winter to someone who’s never seen the snow ? Can we explain the magnificence of the sun as the rays break through the sky? Can we explain the seasons and the smell of rain, or the flowers that bloom in July? No, we can only try to explain it to others by telling them of the peace we have found (9) We can tell them to ask Jesus into their hearts so they too will receive their crown (10 ) By Estelle P. Shrum 1. (Lev. 19:3), (Mal. 1:6) 2. (Ps. 4:8), (Ps. 37:3) 3. (Isa. 41:10) 4. (Jn. 14:23) 5. (Isa. 33:17) 6. (Ro. 5:1), (1 Co. 13:2), (Heb. 11:1) 7. (Ps. 56:4), (Pr. 3:5) 8. (Ps. 18:1), (Ps. 116:1) 9. (Jn. 14:27), (Jn. 16:33) 10. (Isa. 61:3)
ATHEISM Some atheists believe that life is a power and energy of their own will and mind (Ps.14:1 ) They credit a magnetic field of the universe or a force that is not easily defined They completely discredit the history of the Bible and mock those who believe They give credence to medians and psychics, or karma, for what they will achieve (Lev.20:27) They believe that you live and die and that’s all there is, and claim to be satisfied (Ecc.3:11) Some atheists are evil and by their horrific past crimes tell us they were unsatisfied They do not believe in good or evil, heaven and hell, or consequences for their action (Ge.1:1), (Ge.2:4), (Ps. 50-6), (Isa. 51:6) Some atheists believe the spirit of life lies within themselves and the law of attraction (Ge.2:27), (1 Co.3:16) They discredit intelligent design and the balance of nature with continued resistance They will believe in anything except the possibility of God’s omnipotent existence (Isa. 44:17-18) They ignore the natural order of the universe and the magnificent detail of creation (Ge.chp.1), (Heb.1:10) They refuse to admit that mathematics and science can’t explain the atoms formation They don’t consider interstellar space, the vast universe, or the miracle of a baby’s birth (Job chap.38) They don’t acknowledge the intricacy for the detail of all the creatures upon the earth (Job chap.39) They can’t explain why human’s beings who are highest on the food chain ended evolution (Ge.1:26-30) Man is the only form of life that can think and reason but no one can give a sound resolution (Ge.2:9,16,17) If atheists can believe in energy and power and force, then why not intelligent design (Col.3:2) If they would open their minds and hearts they would see that there is a God Divine (Mt.7:7), Mt.22:37) By Estelle P. Shrum If you put pieces of a camera in a box and shook it for a million years, or infinity, do you think when you opened the box the camera would put it self together just by chance? Well, that is what the big bang theory teaches. If you consider the human body down to the smallest particle known to man you will see that everything has a purpose and master plan from an intelligent designer. That designer left us with his name, address, and phone number. If you don’t know him you are missing out on an incredible journey of love like you have never known. His name is – God, in Hebrew it is Yahweh. His address is – Heaven, all you have to do is look at the beauty around you. His phone number is – The Bible, it’s a wireless call.