Seeking First the Kingdom,
and His Righteousness
and His Righteousness
Matt 6:33
IN THIS ISSUE:
* INTRO THOUGHTS – BRO ROBERT
* A FEW WORDS - BRO WACHANA
* PRAYER IN E. DR CONGO - PRAISE!
* HARVEST FIELD REPORTS* A FEW WORDS - BRO WACHANA
* PRAYER IN E. DR CONGO - PRAISE!
* MATTHEW EXPOSTION – CHT 9
* UPDATES & A FEW LETTERS
We at FBF
would like to Thank you again for your prayers and encouragements as the Teams
in East, Central, South and Western Africa are experiencing many advances and
serious revival that continues in the East and Central sections... all Glory to
God! East India continues to open up new territories with the Gospel, and the
Open Air preach continues in the US. All teams are training new recruits at
this time. We thank the LORD for the good work of participating with His
Kingdom advance... and with all His Church Bride who is eagerly awaiting His
soon return. This is the hour for all of God’s children to ‘rise up’ for the
gospel of Jesus Christ! It’s TIME to do all we can in Christ. His return is
more certain than ever before! Amen.
As we have been speaking out about the work and Word for the Church of Jesus Christ, along with the understanding of Brokenness and regular, corporate Intercessions... is the very real necessity of taking care of the Churches and raising up the next generation of teachers, preachers and those who will SHEPHERD THE FLOCKS of Jesus Christ. FBF is working at obeying this call and taking up the responsibility of so doing. Open Air Proclamation is great... but then, what do you do with all the converts? Build churches, raise up leadership, and "TEACH them to OBSERVE ALL that I have COMMANDED YOU!" Word's of Jesus Christ.
This is the 2nd part of the Great Co-Mission... and in this edition, you will find reports on the many who are working steadfastly at the full measure of the Work of His Church. FBF salutes the faithfulness of all those who are committed to this work 'till the day of Jesus Christ! Amen. We appreciate all your prayers.
As we have been speaking out about the work and Word for the Church of Jesus Christ, along with the understanding of Brokenness and regular, corporate Intercessions... is the very real necessity of taking care of the Churches and raising up the next generation of teachers, preachers and those who will SHEPHERD THE FLOCKS of Jesus Christ. FBF is working at obeying this call and taking up the responsibility of so doing. Open Air Proclamation is great... but then, what do you do with all the converts? Build churches, raise up leadership, and "TEACH them to OBSERVE ALL that I have COMMANDED YOU!" Word's of Jesus Christ.
This is the 2nd part of the Great Co-Mission... and in this edition, you will find reports on the many who are working steadfastly at the full measure of the Work of His Church. FBF salutes the faithfulness of all those who are committed to this work 'till the day of Jesus Christ! Amen. We appreciate all your prayers.
The focus of
the Pastoral Letter (PL) is along the lines of generally edifying and
encouraging Preachers to establish more of Christ in our lives, promoting the
Kingdom of God where ever we go, Establishing God fearing Churches, mission
updates (Africa, India, US), missions reports, focus points, teaching,
exposition, a short list of mail-ins (with some excerpts). We are committed to
the Great Co-Mission for all, as being salt and light are not an option in the
church of Jesus Christ. Matt 5:13-16 ... We continue to bless all those who are at
work in the advancement of the Kingdom of God... for Jesus sake. We continue to
call all men to Jesus, and to the simplicity of Christ that we find in the Book
of Acts Church... to His Glory and Praise! Bro. Robert
Acts 2:42, 46-47, Mark
16:15-16
May the LORD
leave His richest blessings upon each one of you as you Press On with
Jesus!
"'Not called!'
did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say.
Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of
the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity,
and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear
the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and
sisters and servants and masters not to come there. Then look Christ in the face
— whose mercy you have professed to obey — and tell Him whether you will join
heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to
the world.
~William Booth, founder of the Salvation
Army
A FEW THOUGHTS
BROTHER WHACHANA
blue shirt dark pants
blue shirt dark pants
My dear brother Robert...Special thanks come to you who endeavor to labour for
missions particularly to our regional Uganda.
In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 the bible
says that when we are united it is better than a person standing alone. For it
one falls down his friend help him/her up. I would like just to inform you that
the thirty quarter of church leaders conference will take place at Bwagu zone on
24th August to 25th 2012.
We shall share about what does the cross or the blood
covenant exchange for us? What did it give us? What did it give Jesus?
First, it gave Jesus everything we are. He died a criminal’s
death because we were rebels.
We were all rebels and criminal before God redeemed us.
Adam and eve’s sin was rebellion (i.e not obeying God’s voice
and word). We were born into rebellion or sin. Ephesians 2:1-6 says, and he has
made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once
walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the
power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience
among whom we also had our way of life in times past, in the lust of our flesh,
fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the thoughts and were by nature the
children of wrath, even as others. But God is rich in mercy for his great love
with which he loved us (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive
together with Christ (by grace you are saved) and has raised us up together and
made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.
The story about Barabbas Matthew 27:16 says the Barabbas was
notorious prisoner. There were three crosses on Golgotha. The two on either side
were made for criminals. Who was the middle cross made for Jesus? No,
it was made for Barabbas. Jesus took his place.
Isaiah 53 says Jesus took our place, FOR WE ARE ALL NOTORIOUS
CRIMINALS. Isaiah 53:4-6 says, surly he has borne our grief and carried our
sorrow; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was
wounded for our transgressions; and with his stripes we ourselves are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned each one to his own way, and
the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
I remain yours
WACHANA BONVENTRY
PRAYER IN DR CONGO
A WAR ZONE
THE SHORT EMAIL SAID:
Moise DRC Trouble with rebels Bukavu
It's very importante that you have
interest for us, surely we are in hard time, rebels has come from East of
DRCongo and they want to come to Bukavu. so please pray hard for us.
Our
family and church are doing well. Moise
This is a SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST for the nation of DRC and specifically the Eastern towns of Goma and Bukavu... larger concerns with cities that are big in keeping the supplies moving for the peoples all about. THE LORD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO HEAR PRAYERS, AND KEEP THE REBELS OUT OF THESE TOWNS OVER THE PAST MONTH SINCE THEY FIRST APPEARED. WE PRAISE JESUS!!
Bro Robert,
We are ok. We thank God for His protection and encouragement in spite of
the troubles in this part of the country. In fact, there is a group of soldiers
who separated themselves from the army to start a new rebellion. They of the
tutsi tribe. It has been discovered that they are support by Rwanda. This has
caused other tribes to create defensive armed groups. Now, there are a lot of
turmoils in the surrounding villages of Goma.
We thank God for your assistance of prayer! Didi
HARVEST FIELD REPORTS
A NEW GENERATION OF CHURCH LEADERS
GHANA - BRO FRANCIS REPORTS:
FBF would like to salute Brother Francis and his team for some outstanding achievement, who is a strong advocate for the Open-Air preach, and is a teacher, and discipler who is very active in starting Bible schools and churches. Please keep him in your prayers, as he has just gotten back from Rwanda after spending 6 weeks teaching 40 future leaders about doctrine and counseling. Today... FBF is also working on preparing the next generation of preachers for the Harvest... should the LORD tarry. The Book of Acts continues...
Dear Brother
Robert,
Greetings to you
in His Holy name! Amen. I arrived home save and sound yesterday afternoon, and I
met my family well.
I was sent to
Rwanda to help teach a Bible School one of the churches started. The students were about 40 in numbers. I thought End times and
Revelation for 3 weeks. I also thought
Counseling for
another 3 weeks making all 6 weeks.
Rwanda is a place
I think the gospel need to go because people leave in fear and the Church is not
attractive as compare to West Africa and in Ghana. The government is making laws
that is not making the churches free to function. For example if a Church is not
registered it cannot function freely and this registration is a long
process. I did not see any
street preacher, not one. I think they need street preachers but who will go,
and if one go there then he may be must get a permit from the police before he
can function freely. I tried to talk to some few people one on one basis on
the street. Not all places have FREEDOM for the PREACHING!
It is a nice
country and the people are nice too. I believed a good seed has been sown in their heart and with time the Lord will reap a good harvest.
I came home very
tired week physically because I was teaching two classes a day for three hours
each, and because I was sick by the food they were given me, I stop eating them
and fasted many days. But am grateful to Lord for opening such a door for me.
Thank you so much
for praying for me. God
bless.
Best regards in
Christ, Francis
________ * ________
|
East India - Bro Prasanna - 42 come to Jesus!
...takes his family out when there are no men available.
Bro Prasanna knows how to do MUCH with LITTLE!!
PRAISE THE
LORD!
Greetings in
Jesus name to Dear Pastor.ROBERT EPHRATA and Beloved Brethren.
Today with my
family and Bible women in the churches went to 5 villages by walk and we went
door to door house and shared about Jesus to Hindu families and distributed
tracts 7000, New Testament Bible 200, and old & New Testament 80. We spend
much time in prayer before going to for outreach for the anointing of God to be
with as we share about Jesus to them God may speak to them and receive Jesus
Christ.
We are very
thankful to God and also for your prayer for us and we would able to reach 7
villages and we able to bring 42 people to the Lord. All Glory and Honor to
Jesus Christ. We reached these 5 villages by We do not have vehicles to reach
more villages, Please pray for rest of souls God may speak to them as we share
about Him and gave tracts , New Testament Bible and also pray that God may give
Van to us to reach more villages to bring lose souls towards
Him
We are very
poor in the world but Rich in Jesus and faithful to work of God to reach India
for Jesus Christ.
YOU ARE IN OUR
HEARTS AND DAILY PRAYERS.
Thank you so
much your loving support in this New Year 2012 I have received 4 days back your
loving support in rupees. After I received your support I purchased new bibles
and new tracts our church ministry. Please we need Hand mike System cost is $
200 dollars please pray for us. i am send some photos to please keep your holy
hand and pray our churches ministry.
Your brother in
Jesus.
Pastor.Prasanna
1. We need to
1500 Holy Bible and 50000 tracts to distribution in villages and tribal
people.
2. We are need
of Hand mike System to sharing about Jesus and sing sings in
streets.
________ * ________
Bro Michael visiting
some of the younger churches – with Pastoral Team
Tanzania
|
________ * ________
MATTHEW EXPOSITION
cHAPTER 9
(Matthew 9:1) And he entered into a ship, and passed over,
and came into his own city.
Rejected by the Gergesenes, the Savior recrossed
the Sea of Galilee and came to Capernaum, which had become His own city after the people of
Nazareth attempted to destroy Him (Luk
4:29-31). It was here that He performed some of His
mightiest miracles.
(Matthew 9:2) And, behold, they brought to him a man sick
of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of
the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven
thee.
Four men came to Him, carrying a paralytic on a mat. Mark's account tells us that because of the
crowd, they had to tear up the roof and lower the man into Jesus' presence
(2:1-12). When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are
forgiven you.” The words “be of good cheer” are from the Greek
word tharseō used here for the first of seven times in the New Testament
[Mat 9:2, Mat
9:22; Mat 14:27;
Mark 6:50; Mark 10:49; John
16:33; Acts 23:11]. It means “to take courage or cheer up.” Notice that He saw their faith. Faith prompted the men to bring the invalid to
Jesus, and the invalid's faith went out to Jesus for healing. Our Lord first rewarded this faith by
pronouncing his sins forgiven.
Apparently the illness had resulted from his sin. The Great Physician removed the cause before treating the symptoms;
He gave the greater blessing first. It
appears that Christ never healed a person without also imparting
salvation.
(Matthew 9:3) And, behold, certain of the scribes said
within themselves, This man
blasphemeth.
Jesus was claiming divine authority, for only God
can forgive sins (Mark 2:7; Luke 5:21). The leaders stumbled over this and said to themselves, Jesus is blaspheming! This was the first opposition of the religious
leaders to Jesus.
(Matthew 9:4-5) And Jesus knowing their thoughts said,
Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
For whether is easier, to say,
Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and
walk?
When some of the
scribes heard Jesus declare the man's sins forgiven, they accused Him of
blasphemy within themselves.
After all, only God can forgive sins—and
they were certainly not about to receive Him as God! The omniscient (all-knowing) Lord Jesus read
their thoughts, rebuked them for the evil in their hearts of unbelief, then asked them
whether it was easier to say,
“Your sins are forgiven you,” or to
say, “Arise and walk.” While either statement could be spoken with ease, the first
would be “easier” in that it could not be disproved by onlookers. If, however, Jesus had first said, Get up and walk, and the man remained
paralyzed on his mat, it would be clear Jesus was not who He claimed to be.
Jesus therefore spoke not only the
easier words, but He also spoke of healing, thereby proving He has power to
perform both acts, healing and forgiving sin.
(Matthew 9:6-7) But that ye may
know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,
(then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take
up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he
arose, and departed to his house.
In order to show the scribes that He had authority
on earth to forgive sins (and
should therefore be honored as God), Jesus condescended to give them a miracle
they could see.
(Matthew 9:8) But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had
given such power unto men.
When the multitudes saw him walking home with his pallet, they showed
two emotions—fear and wonder. They were
afraid in the presence of an obviously supernatural visitation. They recognized the authority behind such actions, and
they praised God. But they completely missed
the meaning of the miracle. The
visible healing of the paralytic was designed to confirm that the man's
sins had been forgiven, an invisible miracle. From this they should have
realized that what they had witnessed was not a demonstration of God giving
authority to men but of God's presence among them in the Person of the Lord
Jesus Christ. But they didn't
understand.
As for the scribes, we know from later events that
they only became more hardened in their unbelief and hatred.
(Matthew 9:9) And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw
a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him,
Follow me. And he arose, and followed
him.
The tense atmosphere building up around the Savior is temporarily
relieved by Matthew's simple and humble account of his own call. A tax-collector or custom house officer, he
and his fellow officials were hated intensely by the Jews because of their
crookedness, because of the oppressive taxes they took, and most of all, because
they served the interests of the Roman Empire, Israel's overlord. As a result, he is
hated more than a Gentile among the Jewish body because he is a co-worker with
the Romans and helping them suppress his people. As Jesus passed the tax office, He said to Matthew, “Follow Me.” The response was immediate; he arose and followed; leaving a
traditionally dishonest job to become an instant disciple of Jesus. As someone has said, “He lost a comfortable job, but he found a
destiny. He lost a good income but he
found honor. He lost a comfortable
security, but he found an adventure the like of which he had never dreamed.”
Not the least among his rewards were
that he became one of the twelve and was honored to write the Gospel which bears
his name.
(Matthew 9:10) And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in
the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his
disciples.
The meal described here was arranged by Matthew in
honor of Jesus in his own house (Luk
5:29). It was his way of
confessing Christ publicly and of introducing his friends to the Savior.
Necessarily, therefore, the guests were tax-collectors and others generally
known to be sinners!
(Matthew 9:11) And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth
your Master with publicans and sinners?
It was the practice in those days to eat resting
on couches and facing the table. When the Pharisees saw Jesus
associating in this way with the social riff-raff, they went to His disciples
and charged Him with “guilt by association”; surely no true prophet would eat
with sinners!
(Matthew 9:12) But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are
sick.
The Pharisees considered themselves healthy and were unwilling to
confess their need for Jesus. Actually
they were extremely ill spiritually and desperately needed healing. The tax
collectors and sinners, by contrast, were more willing to acknowledge their true
condition and to seek Christ's saving grace. So the charge was true! Jesus did eat with sinners. If He had eaten with the Pharisees, the charge
would still have been true—perhaps even more so! If Jesus hadn't eaten with sinners in a world
like ours, He would always have eaten alone. But it is important to remember that when He
ate with sinners, He never indulged in their evil ways or compromised His
testimony. He used the occasion to call
men to truth and holiness. The Lord’s
response demonstrated that His ministry is directed toward those who realize
they have a need: Only sick
people need a doctor. The Pharisees did not think they were sinners (sick) so they would never
have sought out the Lord (the Physician).
(Matthew 9:13) But go ye and learn
what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not
come to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance.
The Pharisees' trouble was that although they
followed the rituals of Judaism with great precision, their hearts were hard,
cold, and merciless. So Jesus dismissed
them with a challenge to learn
the meaning of YHWH’s words, “I desire mercy, and not
sacrifice” (quoted from Hos
6:6). Although God had
instituted (started) the sacrificial system, He did not want the rituals to
become a substitute for inward righteousness. God is not a Ritualist, and He is not pleased
with rituals divorced from personal godliness—precisely what the Pharisees had
done. They observed the letter of the
law but had no compassion for those who needed spiritual help. They associated only with self-righteous
people like themselves.
(Matthew 9:14) Then came to him the disciples of John,
saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast
not?
By this time John the Baptist was probably in
prison. His disciples came to Jesus with a problem. They themselves fasted often, but Jesus' disciples did not. Why not?
(Matthew 9:15) And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the
bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be
taken from them, and then shall they fast.
The Lord answered with an illustration. He was the bridegroom and His disciples the
wedding guests. As long as He was with them, there was no reason to fast
as a sign of mourning. But He would be
taken from them; then His
disciples would fast. He was taken from them—in death and
burial, and since His ascension He has been bodily absent from His disciples.
While Jesus' words do not command
fasting, they certainly approve it as a fitting exercise for those who
await the Bridegroom's return.
(Matthew 9:16) No man putteth a
piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up
taketh from the garment, and the rent is made
worse.
The question raised by John's disciples further
prompted Jesus to point out that John marked the end of one dispensation (era),
announcing the new Age of Grace, and He shows that their respective principles
cannot be mixed. To try to mix law and
grace would be like using a piece
of new, unshrunk cloth to
patch an old garment. When washed, the patch would shrink, ripping
itself away from the old cloth. The
disrepair would be worse than ever.
(Matthew 9:17) Neither do men put
new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and
the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are
preserved.
The word “bottles” should actually be translated as “wineskins” in
this verse. Jesus here
pictured the relationship between His ministry and that of John the Baptist.
John was a reformer seeking to bring
about repentance among those steeped in the traditions of Judaism. Jesus, however, was not out to patch up an old system, like sewing a
new unshrunk cloth on an old
garment, which would then tear, or pouring new wine into old wineskins, which
would then burst. His purpose was to bring in something new. He had come to lead a group out of Judaism
into the kingdom based on Him and His righteousness. True righteousness is not built on the Law or
on Pharisaic traditions.
(Matthew 9:18-19) While he spake these things unto them,
behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is
even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and
so did his
disciples.
Jesus' sermon on the change of dispensations
(times) was interrupted by a troubled ruler of a synagogue whose daughter had just died. This man, Jairus by name (Mark 5:22), knelt
before the Lord, requesting Him to come and restore her to life. It was unique that this ruler should seek help
from Jesus; most of the Jewish leaders would have feared the ridicule and hatred
of their associates for doing so. Jesus honored his faith by starting
out with His disciples toward the ruler's home.
(Matthew 9:20) And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with
an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his
garment:
Another interruption! This
time it was a woman who had
suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve
years. Jesus was never annoyed by
such interruptions; He was always poised (graceful and calm), accessible, and
approachable. Similarly, we should not
look upon interruptions as annoyances, but as opportunities. The
woman in this verse has to be a Gentile, otherwise she would not be allowed
there in the crowd. She would be
ceremonially contaminating (infecting) everyone there (Lev 15:19-30).
(Matthew 9:21-22) For she said within herself, If I may but
touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw
her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith
hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that
hour.
Medical science had been unable to help this woman; in fact, her
condition was worsening (Mar 5:26).
In her extremity (at her limits) she met
Jesus—or at least she saw Him surrounded by a crowd. Believing that He was able and willing to heal
her, she edged through the crowd and
touched the fringe of His
garment. True faith never goes
unnoticed by Him. He turned and
pronounced her healed; instantly the
woman was made well for the first time in twelve years. Interestingly
the duration of her haemorrhaging was the same as Jairus’ daughter’s age — 12 years (Mar 5:42). Jesus said her faith was the reason she was healed. Undoubtedly Jairus’ heart must have been
encouraged by this act, for he too had faith in Jesus.
(Matthew 9:23) And when Jesus came into the ruler's house,
and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,
The “minstrels and people making a noise” were professional
(trained) mourners. They were paid to
mourn for the dead.
(Matthew 9:24) He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth.
And they laughed him to scorn.
The story now returns to the ruler whose daughter
had died. When Jesus reached the house, the professional mourners were
wailing with what someone has called “fake grief.” He ordered the room cleared of visitors, at
the same time announcing that the
girl was not dead but
sleeping. Most Bible students
believe the Lord was using sleep here in a figurative sense for death.
Some believe, however, that the girl was
in a coma. This interpretation does not
deny that Jesus could have raised her had she been dead, but it emphasizes that
Jesus was too honest to take credit for raising the dead when actually the girl
had not died. He pointed out that the
father and all the others said she had died, but Jesus said she had not.
(Matthew 9:25-26) But when the people were put forth, he went
in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
And the fame hereof went abroad into all that
land.
In any case, the Lord took the girl by the hand and the miracle
occurred—she got up. It didn't take long
for the news of the miracle to spread throughout the district.
(Matthew 9:27-28) And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men
followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind
men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye
that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea,
Lord.
As Jesus departed
from the ruler's neighborhood, two blind men followed Him, pleading
for sight. Though deprived of natural
vision, these men had acute spiritual discernment. In addressing Jesus as Son of David, they recognized Him as
the long-awaited Messiah and rightful King of Israel. They also
affirmed His deity for they acknowledged Him as Lord.
And they knew that when the Messiah came, one of His credentials
would be that He would give sight to the blind (Isa
35:5). When Jesus tested their faith by asking if they believed He
was able to do this (give them
sight), they unhesitatingly responded, “Yes, Lord.”
(Matthew 9:29-30) Then touched he their eyes, saying,
According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and
Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See
that no
man know it.
Then the Great Physician touched their eyes and assured them
that because they believed, they would see. Immediately their eyes became completely
normal. Man says, “Seeing is believing.” God says, “Believing is seeing.” Jesus said to Martha, “Did I not say to you that if you would
believe you would see?” (John
11:40). The writer to the
Hebrews noted, “By faith we understand
... ” (Heb 11:3). The Apostle John wrote, “I have written to you who believe ... that
you may know ... ” (1 John 5:13).
God is not pleased with the kind of
faith that demands a miracle before believing. He wants us to believe Him simply because He
is God.
Why did Jesus sternly warn the healed men to
tell no one? He did not want to provoke
an untimely movement to enthrone Him as King. The people were as yet unrepentant; He could
not reign over them until they were born again. Also, a revolutionary uprising in favor of
Jesus would bring terrible retaliations from the Roman government on the Jews.
Besides all this, the Lord Jesus had to
go to the cross before He could reign as King; anything that blocked His pathway
to Calvary was inconsistent with the predetermined plan of
God.
(Matthew 9:31) But they, when they were departed, spread
abroad his fame in all that country.
In their emotional gratitude for eyesight, the two
men spread the news of their
miraculous cure. While we might be
tempted to sympathize, and even to admire their enthusiastic testimony, the hard
fact is that they were grossly disobedient and inevitably did more harm than
good, probably by stirring up shallow curiosity rather than Spirit-inspired
interest. Not even gratitude is a valid
excuse for disobedience.
(Matthew 9:32) As they went out, behold, they brought to him
a dumb man possessed with a devil.
First Jesus gave life to the dead; then sight to
the blind; now speech to the dumb. There
seems to be a spiritual sequence in the miracles here—life first, then
understanding, and then testimony.
An evil spirit had tormented this man with
dumbness. Someone was concerned enough
to bring the demoniac to Jesus. God
bless the noble band of the anonymous who have been His instruments in bringing
others to Jesus!
(Matthew 9:33) And when the devil was cast out, the dumb
spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in
Israel.
They did cast out demons before Jesus, so what is going on here?
The rabbis could cast out demons and
they did. However, the procedure for
exorcism in Judaism requires the demon to identify himself. Under Judaism, if you happen to be confronted
with a demon whose specialty was to render his possession dumb, he was secure.
That type
of demon was NOT exorcisable under Judaism. It was believed that only the Messiah was
able to exorcize this kind of demon.
(Matthew 9:34) But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils
through the prince of the devils.
The Pharisees answered by saying that Jesus cast out demons by the ruler of demons.
This is what Jesus later called the unpardonable sin (Mat 12:32). To attribute the miracles which He performed
by the Holy Spirit to the power of Satan was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
While others were being blessed by the
healing touch of Christ, the Pharisees remained spiritually dead, blind, and
dumb. The lesson to be learned here is
this: Don’t
ever ascribe something that God is doing to the powers of
Satan!
(Matthew 9:35) And Jesus went about all the cities and
villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom,
and healing every sickness and every disease among the
people.
This verse begins what is known as the Third
Galilean Circuit. Jesus traveled throughout the cities and villages, preaching the
good news of the kingdom,
namely, that He was the King of Israel, and that if the nation repented and
acknowledged Him, He would reign over them. A bona fide (true) offer of the kingdom was
made to Israel at this time. What would
have happened if Israel had responded? The Bible does not answer the question. We do know that Christ would still have had to
die to provide a righteous basis by which God could justify sinners of all
ages.
(Matthew 9:36) But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved
with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as
sheep having no shepherd.
As He gazed on Israel's multitudes, harassed and helpless, He
saw them as sheep without a
shepherd. Like sheep bothered by wolves, lying down and unable to help
themselves, and having no shepherd to guide and protect them, the people were
criticized by the religious leaders, helpless before them, and wandering about
with no spiritual guidance. Jesus’ great heart of compassion went out to them. Oh, that we might know more of that longing
for the spiritual welfare of the lost and dying.
(Matthew 9:37) Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the
labourers are few;
A great work of spiritual harvest needed to be
done, but the laborers were
few. The problem has continued to this day, it
seems; the need is always greater than the work-force.
(Matthew 9:38) Pray ye therefore
the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his
harvest.
The Lord Jesus told the disciples to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers
into His harvest. In Matthew 10:5, Jesus Himself sends out the disciples,
so it seems clear that He Himself is the One to whom we should pray in this
matter of world evangelization. It is
interesting to note that if we are
not laboring ourselves, we won’t obey this command, because our conscience will
condemn us every time we pray this prayer. The devil therefore gets two victories: not
only does the professing Christian not labor in the harvest fields, but neither
does he pray for laborers.
TODAY... DO YOU HEAR HIS VOICE CALLING YOU MY FRIEND?
LET US WITH ALL DILIGENCE HARKEN UNTO THE LORD!
ANNOUNCEMENTS - LETTERS
AND UPDATES
Greetings my Dear brother and fellow co-laborer in
Christ!
Information about our quarterly church leader’s conferences in this
year 2012 it has started and it is going on. And this time it is
reflecting on where God brought us from, where we are and where we are
going as Fair haven Believers Fellowship. Looking back one can
confidently say “Ebenezer,” However we need to go to another level
which comes with challenges (the target is to reach everyone with the
Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ). We have seen an increase in church
planting and in leadership development through training. Please my
dear brother for give me seeming delay to write reports to you and it
is not intentional to do it but I ride bicycle when I don’t have money
for transport and journey to access internet is a bit far from where I
stay and it is about 20 kilometer.
I a sure you that your effort to be in one spirit and purpose as you
labour in the ministry is highly appreciated. As you know you are our
strong spiritually FBF Founder that dreams together for might
deliverance of Souls in Africa and beyond, striving for
professionalism to provide better service which is necessary.
I wish you the best and let us all endure the challenge knowing that
God is on our side.
But remember you asked me this “What you said about this life of
Christ delivers from all sorts of poverty is true! I like how you put
that. Was it well received by the people?”
Absolutely yes, because believers gave a good reception a bout this
life of Christ delivers from all sorts of poverty.
God bless you brother as you labour for him, we believe God has not
given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of sound mind (2
Timothy 1:6-7)
And May His peace keep your heart as you continue to serve Him and all
the saints that are there with you.
Your brother in the bonds of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Wachana Bonventry.
East Africa Regional – Brother James
Tanzania - FBF regional meeting near Geita
ANNOUNCEMENTS - LETTERS
AND UPDATES
Bro Wachana – encouragement and
blessing
Information about our quarterly church leader’s conferences in this
year 2012 it has started and it is going on. And this time it is
reflecting on where God brought us from, where we are and where we are
going as Fair haven Believers Fellowship. Looking back one can
confidently say “Ebenezer,” However we need to go to another level
which comes with challenges (the target is to reach everyone with the
Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ). We have seen an increase in church
planting and in leadership development through training. Please my
dear brother for give me seeming delay to write reports to you and it
is not intentional to do it but I ride bicycle when I don’t have money
for transport and journey to access internet is a bit far from where I
stay and it is about 20 kilometer.
I a sure you that your effort to be in one spirit and purpose as you
labour in the ministry is highly appreciated. As you know you are our
strong spiritually FBF Founder that dreams together for might
deliverance of Souls in Africa and beyond, striving for
professionalism to provide better service which is necessary.
I wish you the best and let us all endure the challenge knowing that
God is on our side.
But remember you asked me this “What you said about this life of
Christ delivers from all sorts of poverty is true! I like how you put
that. Was it well received by the people?”
Absolutely yes, because believers gave a good reception a bout this
life of Christ delivers from all sorts of poverty.
God bless you brother as you labour for him, we believe God has not
given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of sound mind (2
Timothy 1:6-7)
And May His peace keep your heart as you continue to serve Him and all
the saints that are there with you.
Your brother in the bonds of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Wachana Bonventry.
======================================================================
East Africa Regional – Brother James
Dear Bro and Rev.Robert
This is very greatful and encouraging to read
of our profound friendship i trust it's from the lord and continue to pray for
your health and God's spirit for the Kingdom.In deed Kingdom first in our lives
and to continue to declare the Glory of God for the hurting lost to be renewed
and God's direction as to how it will work transformed.
Please i had some meeting with leaders from
Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, ongo and south sudan and making more calls to
the rest it was amazing and told them about our possible plans to schedules with
you are our FBF founder and it was full of jubilation and prayer seeking as to
how it will work due to election mood in Kenya and attacked from alshabaabs who
are targeting churches and open air declaration but we trust thingas will work
out properly in God's will and purpose to be fulfilled.
Please know very well that whatever you do God
is with you and you are a real man of Faith we continue to pray for you our
dear.It is grateful news to hear that you are looking for income opportunity and
we will pray for God's mighty doors to be open because when you get it we are
all winners in Christ and celebrate with you.
thank you.
Your in Christ,
Pastor James.
========================================================================
|
Tanzania - FBF regional meeting near Geita
========================================================================
Bungoma – 3 new church plants
yours son and daughter isaac and eunice |
========================================================================
Mozambique – a sad note – request for prayrer
Yesterday, Sunday ended with some very
sad news. Simon, one of the seminary students here at the school, died in an
accident. He and two others were walking back from a youth meeting and suddenly
from nowhere a car came from behind and hit them. The other two men are fine…one
of them was hurt a bit, but is ok. Simon was hit full force from behind and drug
or pushed along for a good little ways and It seems he bled to death. The car
lost its breaks and was out of control.
Simon was the best of the students here!
Out of a dozen or so he’s the one that was the most active, the most zealous for
the Lord. It’s really sad…he’s also leaving behind a wife and two small
children. They live far away in the north of Mozambique. Simon made a great
sacrifice in coming here to the seminary. He could have taken only one more year
of college and then been able to teach and get a well-paying job. Instead he
choose to leave family and friends in the northern part of Mozambique and come
south in order to receive a Bible education for God. He came with no support and
only managed to survive here through the help of friends. He had a passion for
the Lord and was always going out witnessing and sharing the good news. He was
also busy here at the seminary. One day I walked over to our church and there he
was teaching the children Bible verses and songs. This past week-end he was out
the whole week-end ministering in some other place. This week-end he told a
friend of ours that he was going to rest up. Praise the Lord he is now sweetly
resting in the bosom of his precious Savior. Oh, but how sad for us left behind.
He was such an example! When the Wednesday night prayer meetings were begun
here, he was the first and only one to attend at first. He led morning prayer
meetings for the students here. Oh, why does God choose to take the best? It
seems this is what He so often does. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the
death of his saints.”
It seems like everyone is taking this
very hard. The whole school and seminary shut down for today and everyone is
just sitting around and mourning the loss of their loved one. We had a very
sweet time of prayer, crying and singing together this morning. Please pray for
Simon’s family. Please pray that this could happen for the furtherance of the
gospel of Christ and that as another soldier has laid down his arms, that ten
more would rise up to take his place! This is very touching for us as well.
Ismael, our language teacher was boarding with Simon in the same room. He came
over yesterday afternoon, weeping and sharing the sad news with us. We prayed
together and then Ismael and I caught the bus out to the hospital and were able
to see, Masaia the other young man that was hurt along with Simon. They released
Masaia from the hospital around midnight and we were able to bring him back
home.
It sounds like the body will be driven
back up north to his parents and family. Please pray for everything to work out.
They are waiting for the hospital to release the body in order to make the long
trip north. They say it will take two days to drive up there. I believe lack of
funds is keeping them from flying the body up.
It seems everyone is in shock around
here and we are trying to weep with those that weep. Please pray for us that we
would know where and how to relate. We are praying that Jesus would be glorified
through all this and that this can be anther wake up call to the backslidden and
those who are not right with the Lord. Praise the Lord for the testimony of
Simon’s life and walk with the Lord.
PRAY FOR BRO SIMON'S FAMILY - THANK YOU!
PRAY FOR BRO SIMON'S FAMILY - THANK YOU!
ONLY JESUS KNOWS OUR LAST HOUR ON EARTH...
ARE YOU READY TO SEE JESUS?
Much emphasis is given by our LORD and the
Apostles in their teaching on the importance of the PREACHING or DECLARING the
Gospel of Jesus Christ! It is the POWER of God on earth as given to men (Rom
1.16)... as it provides the most coverage in every area.
The words used for PREACH, PREACHING carry
with it the Open Air Proclamation just as a TOWN CRIER! It is never a 2 eay
conversation... but a DECLARATION TO ALL! The Church Bride of Christ is to be
the VOICE of the Bride and the Bridegroom in this untoward
generation.
It has been, and remains the privilege of
this ministry to expose men to this dimension of the Gospel as prescribed by our
LORD JESUS CHRIST! May we present the Truth in Love... as Jesus did.
Amen.
Mark 16:15-16, 1:14, Matt 9:35, 24:12-14,
Luke 4:18, 4:43, 24:47,
Acts 5:42, 10:42, 1 Cor
1:18
FBF Admin Staff, Bro Robert
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FBF - Sons of thunder -
Time for Christ
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~ we welcome
all your comments and inquires ~
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