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Will daily post up the Youversion verse of the day and do a study on it and share it on here!

08/10/2023

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:12‭-‬13‬ KJV
[12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; [13] and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

We should respect the authority of our Pastors and feel good about them. Work, supervision, and instruction in the truths of the Bible are all part of the pastoral responsibilities. For people to respect their pastors for who they are, they must be connected to them.

Biblical qualifications of a Pastor?

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:1‭-‬7‬ ‭KJV‬‬
[1] This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. [2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; [3] not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; [4] one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) [6] Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. [7] Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

‭‭Titus‬ ‭1:5‭-‬9‬ ‭KJV‬‬
[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: [6] if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. [7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; [8] but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; [9] holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

07/10/2023

October 6, 1536 | William Tyndale martyred on charges of heresy

By 1536, Bible translator and Reformer William Tyndale had spent more than a decade fighting for a singular cause: to get the Holy Scriptures into the hands of the God’s people in their own language.

Tyndale was convinced that the root of the errors in the Roman Catholic church was hiding the Scriptures from the eyes of the people. This was accomplished in England through a ban on the translation to English.

Years earlier, however, Tyndale had famously told a priest,

"I defy the pope, and all his laws. . . If God spares my life, ere many years pass, I will cause a boy that driveth the plow shall know more of the Scriptures than thou dost.”

Tyndale was true to his work. The reformer was able to publish the first English translation of the New Testament from Greek in 1526. Using Gutenberg’s printing press, Tyndale was able to circulate hundreds of copies of this translation throughout England.

Tyndale had to do much of his work in secret, hiding out in Germany to avoid British persecution until 1534. Sadly, he was betrayed that year by Henry Phillips, a British lawyer, and arrested by ducal authorities representing the Holy Roman Empire.

After a year and a half, Tyndale was condemned on a charge of Lutheran heresy. As a result, he was to be burned at the stake as a public warning to those who opposed the Roman church’s dogma. Of those who persecuted preachers of God’s Word, Tyndale wrote:

“It is impossible to preach Christ, except thou preach against antichrist; that is to say, them which with their false doctrine and violence of sword enforce to quench the true doctrine of Christ.”

“Brought forth to the place of ex*****on, he was tied to the stake, strangled by the hangman, and afterwards consumed with fire, at the town of Vilvorde, A.D. 1536; crying at the stake with a fervent zeal, and a loud voice, "Lord! open the king of England's eyes." (Foxe's Book of Martyrs)

Soli Deo Gloria.

Amen.

21/09/2023

Without God's involvement, human efforts are meaningless. We must seek His guidance and rely on His power in everything we do.

I pray we have the wisdom to seek God today in everything we do today.

03/07/2023

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
John 14:6

One way, one truth, one life, once to die.

Jesus' exclusivity as the only way to the Father is emphasised. There is only one route to God, not many.

The world teaches that there are many truths, but truth will never contradict itself. 'My truth, your truth' is a familiar phrase, yet as humans, we are flawed and fallible and the infallible Word of God is truth. Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Word will expose superficial beliefs and deceitfulness and reminds me that I may distinguish what is right and wrong in the Word.

Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life. Know Jesus and become free!

02/07/2023

May God soften our hearts and open our eyes to see and know him more fully. Hope y'all had a blessed Lord's Day!

27/06/2023

I find serenity in perusing God's Word during my quiet time. This is one of my go to verses which serves as a guidepost or a lighthouse in my life. Thought I would share what I got from it today.

Jeremiah 2:5 addresses Israelites' unfaithfulness and tendency to follow false gods, emphasizing divine authority and the Lord's authority in addressing their actions. The verse questions Israelites' iniquity, highlighting their lack of legitimate reason for rejecting God. Israelites walked after vanity, becoming vain, devoid of true meaning and purpose, pursuing worthless, useless things.

How can I apply this into my life?

This verse is a powerful reminder of the dangers of turning away from God and pursuing things that have no real value or significance. As such, there are several ways in which I can apply the message of this verse to my own life.

1. Fathom priorities: Reflect on life's important aspects and align them with God's will.

2. Fortify against idolatry: Is there any areas of my life where I may be putting something or someone above God. Protect against idolatry and focus on God.

3. Find fulfillment in God: Pursuing worldly things will leave me empty. Seek the fulfillment only God can give through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

4. Faithfulnes of God: Finally, take comfort in the fact that God is faithful and true, even when I am not. Remember the ways in which God has been faithful to me in the past and trust in His love and provision for my life.

Praise the Lord for His Word!

24/06/2023

Paul emphasizes relying on the Holy Spirit for understanding God's truths and wisdom,not human reasoning.

Have a blessed Lord's day!

15/06/2023

Why read the Word of God daily? Why study it? Because like it's Author, it is infallible.

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."
Psalm 19:7

11/06/2023

Worry is a sin of distrusting God's promise and providence,

The English word worry comes from the German word to strangle or to choke. Worry is a major contributor to mental and physical illnesses. Worry is a narrow channel of fear that can lead to negative outcomes.

Meditating on God's Word keeps me from worry… and also prayer

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Philippians 4:6

Prayer helps to relieve the mind and seek direction and help when burdened, strengthening faith in God's provision.

11/06/2023

People had already heard of the resurrection and believed in it. However Paul acknowledged that some had a superficial faith even tho there was evidence of eyewitnesses to support the resurrection's truth.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep."
1 Corinthians 15:1‭-‬6

15/05/2023

The best safeguard against false doctrine is to carefully study and understand the Bible, which is the ultimate source of truth for Christians. This involves reading and studying the Bible regularly, with the help of trusted teachers and resources. It also involves prayer and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit to understand and discern the truth.

Another important safeguard is to be aware of the historical context and cultural background of the Bible, as well as the original languages it was written in. This can help prevent misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the text.

It is also important to be aware of false teachers and teachings, and to test all teachings and claims against the Bible. This involves comparing what is being taught with the clear teachings of Scripture, and being willing to reject any teaching that does not align with the Bible.

Finally, it is important to be part of a healthy, Bible-believing community of believers who can provide support, encouragement, and accountability in our faith journey.

13/05/2023

It is Sunday here in New Zealand. May my brothers and sisters in Christ have a blessed Lord's day!

Praise God for His wonderful grace!

"God has surely promised His grace to the humbled: that is, to those who mourn over and despair of themselves. But a man cannot be thoroughly humbled till he realizes that his salvation is utterly beyond his own powers, counsels, efforts, will and works, and depends absolutely on the will, counsel, pleasure and work of Another — God alone"
Martin Luther

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8‭-‬10

17/04/2023

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
James 5:16

James exhorts us to regularly confess our sins to one another and pray for one another. James is advocating here for appropriate preventative healthcare. He counsels us to maintain contact and to make use of the face-to-face, heart-to-heart communion of prayer and confession. The goal is for Christians to enthusiastically and seriously pray for one another as they discuss their sin in an open and honest manner. As Christians, everyone of us requires a partner to hold us responsible. Someone who is available to check in on them at any moment and will be entirely honest in doing so; someone they can contact at any time for guidance and assistance.

16/04/2023

Tracing the Development of Sin
by Dr R.C. Sproul

"You will be like God" (Gen. 3:5). This was the original temptation, the archetypal seduction aimed at our first parents by the Serpent. Created as vice-regents with dominion over the earth, Adam and Eve wanted more. They reached for autonomy, stretching greedy arms toward the throne of God, only to fall headlong into the abyss of evil.

Expulsion from Eden was their fate. They could not go back. Paradise was lost. An angel with a flaming sword stood guard at the gateway to the garden. This is the first reference in Scripture to a weapon of any sort. Before God gave the "power of the sword" to men, He gave it to the angel to patrol and guard the border west of Nod.

With the fall came a rapid expansion of sin. One son of Adam and Eve murdered his brother, introducing fratricide to human history. Then came Lamech, who celebrated warfare in his famous "sword song" (Genesis 4:23-24). Man used his nascent technology to turn the tools of farming into implements of war. The plowshare became a sword, and the call to subdue the earth was distorted into a conspiracy to conquer one's brother. The means of production became the means of destruction, and human technology and scientific discovery were used not to honor God but to assault Him, by attacking His creation and His image-bearers.

Then God said no to the expansion of corruption and brought the flood, a storm of judgment upon the earth, a deluge to clean the planet.

CORAM DEO
How is the first temptation, "You will be like God," evident in temptations you have faced or are facing? What should be your response?

PASSAGES FOR FURTHER STUDY
Genesis 3:4-5
Genesis 3:22-24

08/04/2023

The Gospel: Christ died and rose again is a fact.

It is Sunday here in New Zealand, Have a blessed Lord's day!

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."
1 Corinthians 15:3‭-‬8

06/04/2023

Good Friday! Thank you Jesus for taking my place on the cross and receiving divine wrath for my sin!

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Isaiah 53:4‭-‬6

05/04/2023

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
Hebrews 3:13

Locate a community of believiers with whom you may discuss your challenges with and whom offer support.

03/04/2023

"Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 4:18

No matter whats going on in life may we comfort one another with the truth that one day Christ will return and the dead will be ressurected! When I am reminded of this truth in hard times I find peace.

02/04/2023

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
Colossians 3:16

Dwell
Greek: enoikeō
Definition: to inhabit

Allow the Word to fill you and rule over you!

Teach - do this
Admonish - don't do that

As our knowledge of the Lord grows, so too should our appreciation of music that more accurately captures His depth.

02/04/2023

From God's grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone!

Today is Sunday in New Zealand! Have a blessed Lord's Day!

01/04/2023

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

When believers bear one another's burdens, they fulfil Christ's law!

31/03/2023

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

To believers. Your future should reassure, encourage and fortify you!

29/03/2023

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
Galatians 5:13

Christian freedom is for serving others!

28/03/2023

"And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."
Romans 15:14

Admonish

Greek: νουθετέω
Transliteration: noutheteō
Pronunciation: noo-thet-eh'-o
Definition: to put in mind that is (by implication) to caution or reprove gently.

Websters Dictionary

- to indicate duties or obligations to
- to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner
- to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to
- to say (something) as advice or a warning

27/03/2023

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
John 13:34

08/03/2023

The Hebrew word Torah is translated as law but is better understood as instruction or teaching. God's instruction is not a disadvantage but it is a pleasure and satisfaction to those who trust in Him.

07/03/2023

Lying to myself was a huge part of living in addiction. Telling myself 'just one more' and 'this is the last time' happened many times. Even lying to others like when I told others I'll be there but didn't turn up. However, no matter the size of the lie... lying shows allegiance...

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:44

Being honest to myself and others is a decesion I must make daily when living a life of recovery.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25

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An Ongoing Battle by Dr. Paul Chappell For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Romans 7:18-21 The noted poet and diplomat James Russell Lowell used his considerable talents to advocate for the abolition of slavery in America. He devoted many years of his life to that cause, editing abolitionist newspapers, printing magazines and writing poems calling attention to the plight of slaves. But even after all he had done, he still recognized the frailty and weakness of his flesh. It is said that Lowell told a friend this phrase should be inscribed on his tombstone: “Here lies that part of James Russell Lowell which hindered him from doing well.” Each one of us has a weak, fleshly nature that constantly fights against doing what is right. As long as we live on this earth, we will have to contend against our flesh which constantly tempts us to satisfy our desires apart from God. When we yield to the flesh, we will fall short of what God has for us to do. Paul wrote, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:7-8). Victorious Christian living requires a consistent and dedicated effort to do what God says rather than what appeals to our sinful nature. If we love Him more than anything else, we will set aside our desires for His glory. Today's Growth Principle: God has given us the power to fight and win in the battle against the flesh as we die to self to live to Christ.

Ka mea a Ihu ki a ia, Ko ahau te huarahi, te pono, te ora: e kore rawa tetahi tangata e haere ake ki te Matua, ki te kahore ahau. Hoani 14:6 #MāoriLanguageWeek #IhuKaraiti #Verseaday #Scripture #Daily

Tokotoru hoki nga kaiwhakaatu i te rangi, ko te Matua, ko te Kupu, ko te Wairua Tapu: kotahi ano enei tokotoru. 1 Hoani 5: #MāoriLanguageWeek #Atua #Verseaday #Scripture #Daily

Na, ka riro nei i a tatou he kingitanga e kore e taea te whakangaueue, kia whiwhi tatou ki te aroha noa e manakohia mai ai ta tatou e mahi nei ki te Atua i runga i te hopohopo, i te wehi: He ahi hoki e kai ana to tatou Atua. Hiperu 12:28‭-‬29 #MāoriLanguageWeek #Kauanuanu #Verseaday #Scripture #Daily

He rama tau kupu ki oku waewae, he marama ki toku ara. Waiata 119:105 #MāoriLanguageWeek #Kupu #Verseaday #Scripture #Daily

Ko to tatou maia ano tenei ki a ia, na ki te inoia e tatou tetahi mea i a ia, tana i pai ai, ka whakarongo mai ia ki a tatou: Ki te mea hoki ka matau tatou e whakarongo ana ia ki ta tatou e inoi ai, ka matau tatou kei a tatou nga mea i inoia e tatou i a ia. 1 Hoani 5:14‭-‬15 #MāoriLanguageWeek #Karakia #Verseaday #Scripture #Daily

Whakatapua ratou e koe i runga i tou pono: ko tau kupu te pono. Hoani 17:17 #MāoriLanguageWeek #Pono #Verseaday #Scripture #Daily

Ahakoa korero noa ahau i nga reo o nga tangata, o nga anahera, ki te kahore oku aroha, ka rite ahau ki te parahi tangi, ki te himipora tatangi. Ahakoa kei ahau te mahi poropiti, a kitea ana e ahau nga mea ngaro katoa, me te matauranga katoa; ahakoa kei ahau katoa te whakapono, e taea ai te whakaneke i nga maunga, ki te kahore oku aroha, ehara rawa ahau. Ahakoa ka hoatu e ahau aku taonga katoa hei whangai i te hunga rawakore, ahakoa ka tukua e ahau toku tinana kia tahuna, ki te kahore oku aroha, kahore rawa he pai ki ahau. He manawanui te aroha, a he atawhai; e kore te aroha e hae; e kore te aroha e whakahihi, e kore e whakapehapeha, kahore ona tikanga whanoke, e kore e whai ki ana ake, e kore e riri wawe, e kore e whakairi kino; E kore e hari ki te he, engari ka hari tahi me te pono; E whakamanawanui ana ki nga mea katoa, e whakapono ana ki nga mea katoa, e tumanako ana ki nga mea katoa, e whakaririka kau ana ki nga mea katoa. E kore rawa te aroha e taka: na, ahakoa mahi poropiti, e memeha; ahakoa reo ke, e mutu; ahakoa matauranga, e memeha. 1 Koriniti 13:1‭-‬8 #MāoriLanguageWeek #Scripture #Daily