Living by faith is not easy, but it’s possible.
The biblical book of ‘Hebrews’ teaches us how to live by faith, by looking at the life of Abraham.
Click here to listen to this practical message.
Tos4god serves as the Senior Pastor of Richmond Christian Church in Staten Island, NY. To learn more, visit richmondnyc.org.
Loss is inevitable in this fallen world.
Moth and rust can destroy our earthly possessions.
The enemy tries to steal what rightful belongs to us.
Unforeseen tragedy can wipe out decades of memories or even snatch away a life.
It becomes important for us to know what is imperishable.
Beloved, here are FIVE THINGS we have as believers:
We have a hope as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure.
We have our foundation on the rock; despite the rain and the wind we will not fall.
We have an Advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ.
We have a Shepherd; we fear nothing.
We have a God who has power to do what He promised.
Rev. Teddy Otobo-Sheriff (tos4god) serves as the Senior Pastor of Richmond Christian Church in Staten Island, New York.
Yesterday, it was announced that Ebola is in New York City. It’s okay to be concerned, but we have no reason to panic because Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” As Heaven bound believers, we should not be alarmed by these news reports because Jesus told us: “There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places and fearful events…”
While we know that efforts are being made by our government to address this outbreak, Psalm tells us: “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who built it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stay away in vain.”
Friends, always remember that we put our hope not in man but in the Lord. And we give thanks for how God is equipping medical personnel and government leaders to contain this outbreak. Let’s balance practical wisdom with trust in Jehovah Rapha (the Lord our Healer).
Rev. Teddy Otobo-Sheriff (tos4god) serves as the Senior Pastor of Richmond Christian Church in Staten Island, NY.
Sources Consulted:
http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/reason-hope-ebola-outbreak
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21:11&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15%3A26&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14:27&version=NIV
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits… Psalm 103:2
The verse is plain, but our understanding is questionable.
The command is direct, but our obedience is not always immediate or total.
When it comes to praising the Lord with a heart of gratitude, our record is spotty.
If we examine ourselves with brutal honesty, our thanksgiving offerings are often times conditional.
Truth be told, it’s easier to “praise God” when the promotion comes, when we pass the test, when we make the profit, when progress is made, when the pain stops, when the problem goes away.
Most people in general, Christians are no exception (myself included), say thank you when we receive a compliant, when we get a gift, when we are on the end of favor, opportunity, or some human or divine act of kindness.
We consider prayers that are answered according to our desires & deadlines, as Heaven-sent; and we attribute “delayed” answers as interference caused by demons or even the Devil himself.
We chalk up “blessings” as whatever makes us smile, laugh, or feel good. And we write off hardship, heartbreak, & hellish situations as a lost, a waste or in some cases “divine judgement and punishment”.
But what if we’re calculating incorrectly?
What if our math is wrong?
What if our perspective is incomplete, immature, dare I say, unscriptural?
Joseph has credibility to speak on these matters and he shares his insight: when people mean to do evil, God will use it for good.
Paul echoes this kind of teaching in Romans: all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord.
Jesus was constantly challenging people’s religious belief that, God’s blessings alway translate into perfect physical health, uninterrupted earthly wealth & the absence of any emotional pain, spiritual problems, or relational persecution.
Let me be clear: Bad things happen to blessed people.
Exhibit A: Jesus Christ on the Cross.
We like to pray for our cups to overflow, but what if God has prepared a table with a cup of suffering?
Here’s the point: Whatever God allows (because He is Sovereignly in control) to touch our lives it is for our good and for His glory.
That’s the definition of a “blessing”. And we are to thank Him for every blessing; forgetting not one of His benefits.
Tos4god serves as the Senior Pastor of Richmond Christian Church in Staten Island, NY.
God’s not finished with you yet (Phil. 1:6).
God knows the plans He has for you (Jer 29:11).
God is not limited by your past or present circumstances (Luke 1:37).
Dear God,
I know that I am not perfect
I know sometimes I forget to pray
I know I have questioned my faith
I know sometimes I loose my temper
But thank you for loving me, unconditionally and giving me another day to start over again!
Only the power of Christ can bring…
sweetness out of bitterness
strength out of weakness
triumph out of tragedy
blessing out of heartbreak
~Believer’s Commentary
tos4god 