http://www.agfbrakpan.co.zaThe latest ministry available from Brakpan Assembly of God Fellowship.Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.Abraham, whose birth name was Abram, is honoured by adherents of the 3 great monotheistic 'Abrahamic' religions namely Christianity, Judaism and Islam. After Moses who is mentioned 80 times (NASB), Abraham is the most frequently mentioned Old Testament character in the New Testament. He is mentioned 73 times in contrast to David (59) and Elijah (30). But in Hebrews 5-7 we see that Jesus is greater than Abraham.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78810/29/2011 9:13:44 AMThe term ‘beatitude’ comes from the Latin adjective ‘beatus’ which means happy, fortunate or blissful. The Beatitudes are a set of teachings by Jesus from his famous “Sermon on the Mount” as recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. They present a new set of Christian ideals that focus on love and humility rather than force and exaction; they echo the highest ideals of the teachings of Jesus on mercy, spirituality and compassion. This is the manifesto of the kingdom of God, but unlike a worldly kingdom, there are totally different values. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8142/4/2012 6:28:07 AM1 John 1:5-7 (NIV1984) 5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8152/5/2012 8:50:24 PMThe greatest thing is to be found at one's post as a child of God, is living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years. -- C. S. Lewis http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8121/29/2012 10:10:40 PM2 Chron 16:7 At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. 8 Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” 10 Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8132/3/2012 4:47:41 PMThe Bible is rich in God’s promises. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies". Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Psalms 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8111/29/2012 9:06:28 PMMark 4:23-25 He who has ears to hear let him hear. Consider carefully what you hear, with the measure you use it will be given to you and even more. He who hears will be given more, he who does not hear even that which he has will be taken away.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8091/15/2012 7:22:00 AM(NOTE: Poor audio quality between minutes 3 - 6) Psalm 50:14-15 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay your vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8101/16/2012 6:51:03 AMBrendan Bentley shares his testimony of how God called him to be a mighty spiritual warrior. Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8071/8/2012 5:16:08 PMOur ability to have good GODLY relationships is affected by how we value others.   So you can only build good relationships with people whom you come into contact with on a daily basis IF YOU VALUE THEM. Why do you call your spouse your best friend? Because you value them, and because you value them you love them. QUESTION: Do you value God? Then BUILD a RELATIONSHIP with Him. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=8081/9/2012 8:04:34 PMAt Christmas time we not only give gifts to others, but we remember the time when God gave us the greatest gift of all - His Son. 2 Cor 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=80312/26/2011 8:55:56 AMProverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish. If your vision dies, you die. The renowned blind lady Helen Keller when asked what is worse than being blind replied: “To be able to see and have no vision” http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=80112/11/2011 11:05:59 AMSome feel that it is unimportant (or even sinful) to celebrate Christ’s birthday at all. The arguments used by anti-Christmas proponents are normally: - The Bible is silent on the date of Jesus birth. - The December 25th date of Christmas and the many associated customs all come from pagan sources. All Christmas celebrations are therefore pagan. - Christians never observed Christmas until the 4th century. Therefore it must have been the emperor Constantine or "some pope" who introduced the festival as a form of honour to the sun god. There is no instruction or precedent in the Bible to celebrate Jesus' birth.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78710/28/2011 6:37:54 AMActs 13:36 As David was called so You are called to serve God’s purpose in your generation.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=80212/12/2011 6:32:29 AMJer 50:22 The noise of battle is in the land, the noise of great destruction! 23 How broken and shattered is the hammer of the whole earth! How desolate is Babylon among the nations!http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79912/4/2011 1:55:07 PMHave you ever given your children back to God? I’m not suggesting you return your kids to God because you can’t handle them. What I am asking is: Recognize that your children are a precious gift from the Lord, and they belong ultimately and always to God first - not to you?http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=80012/5/2011 5:19:09 AMMatthew 7:24-27 (NIV1984) 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79811/28/2011 6:04:14 AMMelchizedek is a type of Jesus in the following ways: (1) Priesthood not based on ancestry (2) Both were King-Priests (3) Similar priestly elements (4) Both were greater than Abraham (5) Both were kings of righteousness (6) Both were kings of peace (7) Both had an eternal priesthood.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=77410/2/2011 5:14:07 PMThe Israelites had seen the mighty hand of God for 40 years. He brought them safely out of Egypt and through the Red sea, He gave them food and water and victory over all their enemies, only one barrier remain between them and the promised land they must go through Jordan River.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79711/27/2011 3:35:06 PMThe Bible has much to say about the heart of man. The word “heart” in the New King James Version of the Bible is found 835 times in 775 verses. (Ref “E-Sword”.) God knows all of our hearts, I Kings 8:39 (NKJV) “For you alone know the hearts of all the sons of men.” The question is, do you and I know our own heart?http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79611/20/2011 6:50:07 PMMinistry at the AGF ministers meeting. Heb 6:17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79311/19/2011 5:11:19 PMMinistry (Portuguese and English) at the AGF ministers meeting. Matt 26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ”‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79411/19/2011 5:15:45 PMMinistry at the AGF ministers meeting. Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79511/19/2011 5:19:52 PMIn many large stores, employees are instructed to take customers to find what they are looking for rather than simply giving them verbal directions. Now the same can be true when someone enquires about your faith or your church or what you believe. John 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79211/17/2011 8:23:13 AMThe 4 vital ingredients in the early Church are found in Acts 2:41,42. Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to (1) the Apostles’ teaching (2) to fellowship (3) to the breaking of bread (4) to prayer http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79011/13/2011 6:21:14 AM50 days after Easter Sunday - the day on which Jesus rose from the dead – all the Jews were gathered to celebrate the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) Acts 2:1 (NIV 1984) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. The disciples were also gathered in the Upper Room. And what happens next is prophesied. Acts 2:2-4 (NIV1984) Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=79111/14/2011 7:05:55 AMFeedback on Candice's mission trip to Cambodia and the Philippines.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78911/6/2011 1:05:01 PMJesus is greater than Aaron because: (1) He is sinless (2) He serves in a better tabernacle (3) He officiates for a better covenant (4) He offered a better sacrifice (5) His intercession is superior (6) He has a greater ministry (7) He has a better order of priesthood (the order of Melchizedek). http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=77310/2/2011 5:03:52 PM2 Kings 22:8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD." He gave it to Shaphan, who read it. 9 Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: "Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the LORD and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple." 10 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.' And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. 11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 13 "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us." http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78610/23/2011 2:55:14 PMProverbs 4:3 Guard your heart with diligence for it is the wellspring of life. From the scriptures we can see that there is a dire need for us to guard our hearts and keep them on track. REMEMBER: THE MIND ALWAYS JUSTIFIES WHAT THE HEART EMBRACES. We put alarms on our houses and cars and put password protection on our computers and bank accounts, but we leave our hearts and minds open to be infiltrated by envy and lust and bitterness as we expose ourselves to TV programs and magazines/books and bad company with advice and suggestions and ideas that are contrary to God’s Word.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78410/16/2011 9:16:17 PMThe English name Joshua is a rendering of the Hebrew 'Yehoshua', meaning "Jehovah is salvation". 'Jesus' is the English of the Greek transliteration of 'Yehoshua' via Aramaic. So the name 'Jesus' is the same as Joshua meaning "Jehovah is salvation". Matt 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." So while Joshua saved the Israelites by leading them from the land of slavery to the Promised Land, Jesus saves "all who believe" from a much greater slavery – that of slavery to sin. John 8:34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7719/27/2011 4:16:52 PMFruit of the Holy Spirit is the descriptive name given by the Apostle Paul to a NINE Christ-like attributes of a true Christian life. In the Gospel of John 15:15-17, Jesus says, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other." Paul illustrates with these attributes the kind of love that marks a true Christian life.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78310/9/2011 3:00:49 PMAGF Conference 2011 - Servanthood means that you give away comfort, reputation, status and expectation and "get your hands dirty" to see the job done.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=77910/8/2011 5:42:10 AMAGF Conference 2011: If you believe and I believe - And we together pray - the Holy Spirit will come down - And Africa will be saved.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78110/8/2011 7:19:22 AMAGF Conference 2011 - "I would go to a church where": - Everyone can come as they are - They teach you the Book - You don’t have to pay to be taught the Book - They live what they say - They help poor people - They heal the sick http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=77710/8/2011 4:53:29 AMAGF Conference 2011 - Question & Answer session for "Doing Church in Kingdom Style".http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=77810/8/2011 5:04:30 AMLuke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78010/8/2011 6:28:52 AMAGF Conference 2011 - THE CALLING TO BE "CHURCH" (1) GRACE AND RESPONSE (2) COME-AND-GO (3) "BE" AND "DO" (4) DO RESTFUL WORK (5) BE HEALED AS YOU HEAL (6) INHALE AND EXHALEhttp://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=77610/7/2011 7:36:31 PMAGF Conference 2011 - EVERY CHURCH, IN EVERY TIME AND EVERY PLACE, IS "UNDER STANDING ORDERS" (MATTHEW 28:19-20; MARK 16:16-20): (1) CONTINUE THE MINISTRY OF JESUS (2) INVITE GOD’S RULING PRESENCE (3) PREACH THE GOSPEL (4) PLANT CHURCHES (5) FORM COMMUNITY (6) HEAL THE SICK (7) CAST OUT DEMONS (8) MAKE DISCIPLES http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=77510/7/2011 6:28:18 PMAGF Conference 2011 - Guest speaker Mosa Sona is founder and Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church which was established in September 1983. Matt 16:18 "And I say also to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=78210/8/2011 7:51:49 PMExodus 17:8 Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand." 10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=77210/2/2011 2:33:20 PM1 Sam 1:12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine." 15 "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief." 17 Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." 18 She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him." http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7629/26/2011 2:18:48 PMRom 1:25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7659/26/2011 3:09:58 PMWhile the Scriptures teach about miracles, signs and wonders they must be kept in perspective. The cross must always be foremost because signs and wonders don't change hard hearts. An overemphasis on the miraculous is a sign of spiritual immaturity. Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." 18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7689/26/2011 4:49:21 PMEph 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7639/26/2011 2:26:19 PMLuke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7669/26/2011 4:10:41 PMChildren from the ages of 1 - 7 learn by imprinting. Children from the ages of 8 – 13 learn from role models. From the ages of 14 – 20 your value system is tested by peer pressure. By the age of 21 your value system is solid except for a life changing experience like conversion. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7679/26/2011 4:28:43 PM2 Cor 7:8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it - I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while - 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7699/26/2011 5:16:27 PMJohn 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (KJV)http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7709/26/2011 10:06:57 PMIn it's truest sense, revival is to bring back to life that which once was alive before.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7649/26/2011 2:31:34 PMMal 2:4 And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. 5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. 7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. 8 But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. 9 Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. (KJV)http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7619/25/2011 4:46:34 PM1 Corinthians 1:20-27. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things that are despised God has chosen, and the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7609/18/2011 5:23:09 AMThe Biblical perspective of what it means to be lost and why we need to be saved. Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7579/16/2011 8:53:23 AMMark 8:31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7589/16/2011 9:07:25 AMJohn 8:3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 "No one, sir," she said."Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7599/16/2011 9:27:11 AMPhilippians 4:8-9 (NIV) 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7569/11/2011 3:12:16 PMThe fellowship Paul is referring to in fellowship in Christ. 1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7549/5/2011 8:29:44 PMGoing to your favourite shop, you may see many things that you'd like to have. There's one snag though – they all have a price tag. Many people get themselves into deep debt because they don't "count the cost" when they purchase something. Easy availability of credit cards has exacerbated the problem where people are in an economic mess because they failed to count the cost. When Jesus said we must count the cost, he wasn’t talking about 'becoming' a Christian, but about 'being' a Christian. Salvation is free – but there is a cost to discipleship.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7247/12/2011 3:13:35 PMPaul encourages in the chapter that: - Although Jesus is Lord of all He became a SERVANT to all. - We should follow His example. - Our ATTITUDE should be the same as that of Jesus. - And that ATTITUDE requires that we put others before ourselves. And then: - We need to WORK OUT OUR SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7559/5/2011 10:51:00 PMWords unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead, but even God can’t kill them when they are said.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7448/28/2011 7:03:25 PMWill 2012 mark the end of the world? Can Nostradamus and Mayan prophecies be trusted and should Christians be paying any attention to them? Is Barack Obama the Antichrist? Where and when will the 3rd Jewish temple be rebuilt? Why must Jewish sacrifice be reinstituted? Who will broker the Middle East Peace Treaty?http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7398/11/2011 5:45:23 PMQUESTION – Why a letter to the Philippian church? Paul had a vision – “Come over to Macedonia and help us” Acts 16:9 So Paul responds to the vision – READ Acts 16. And a couple of years later after leaving Philippi he is again in chains after been falsely accused and on his way to prison in Rome. He then writes this letter to the Philippian church.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7438/22/2011 10:36:25 AM"Born again" is a phrase we have heard about in a bad light more often than a good light in the secular world and press. Let us look at scripture to see if this is biblical and if and why it is necessary. John 3:1-5 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do except God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7428/14/2011 5:57:58 PMMinistry (Brazilian Portuguese and English) at the AGF ministers meeting. Matt 7:15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7418/13/2011 6:33:27 PMMinistry at the AGF ministers meeting. Jesus is not looking for fans but for followers. FANS like the idea of heaven, miracles, provision, entertainment and fellowship. But when Jesus is the "last resort", you’ll find out if He is the One you were really hungry for. So the crowds following Him have to decide – Is Jesus enough? And what happens – the result of being a FAN and not a FOLLOWER. John 6:66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. The FOLLOWERS say - John 6:68 "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7408/13/2011 6:30:54 PMThe intervention of God in the affairs of His people. 1 Sam 27:1 And David said in his heart, "Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand." 2 Then David arose and went over with the six hundred men who were with him to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. (NKJV)http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7388/7/2011 12:33:13 PMJohn 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7378/4/2011 5:11:06 PMThe story is told of a poor man who happened to find Aladdin's magic lamp. On rubbing the lamp, a genie appeared and granted him one wish. So he asked for a newspaper exactly a year into the future. Upon receiving the newspaper, he turned to the section listing stock prices. His plan was to buy stocks that would gain value and thereby become a millionaire. Browsing through the paper, he was very pleased about his sudden turn of luck. However, he was soon shocked to find his name in the newspaper's obituary. Suddenly he was no longer interested in the share prices. People make so many plans, while being unaware of their approaching death date. Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:13-14)http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7297/28/2011 2:41:47 PMOften people ask, "What prophetic event remains unfulfilled to prevent the return of Jesus?" Well consider this prophecy by Jesus. In Matthew 24:14, speaking prophetically Jesus said that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Q: Now, has the whole world heard the gospel? Q: Do all people have the Bible in their own language? So while we all look forward to the return of Jesus, WE HAVE UNFINISHED WORK. "We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first." (Oswald J. Smith)http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7277/25/2011 5:57:49 AMNO! I am not talking about your money and YES! This is normally what is ministered when PROSPERITY preachers talk about giving. WHY? Because this world is driven by GREED so they try to tell you that if you give God will give back. But for me the Bible is clear, once you are a completely committed follower you inherit all the blessings of God. You don’t have to give to receive – ALTHOUGH? We have to GIVE like God gives.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7307/28/2011 9:11:31 PMFuneral of Rose Sabie.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7287/26/2011 3:52:44 PMPhilippians 1:20-21 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7257/19/2011 4:50:48 PM1 Kings 18:41-46 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. (KJV)http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7267/20/2011 9:16:20 AMJames 3:2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7217/11/2011 10:31:09 AMMatt 13:18-19 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (ESV)http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7237/11/2011 10:54:55 AMSalvation doesn't only begin at Calvary; it continues at Calvary and it ends at Calvary. We never move away from Calvary.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7227/11/2011 10:38:41 AMWhen Jesus is the "last resort" you find out if He is the One you were really hungry for. So the crowds following Him, after hearing the DTR talk, have to decide – Is Jesus enough? And what happens – the result of being a FAN John 6:66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. Because FANS like the idea of: - Heaven - Miracles - Provision - Entertainment - Fellowshiphttp://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=7207/11/2011 12:04:51 AMA look at the importance of "works of service" in the light of missions and ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6977/3/2011 2:37:45 PMREAD John 8:1-11. We read about Jesus teaching in the courtyard one morning. His teaching is interrupted by an angry mob that bursts onto the scene. The mob is made up of the religious leaders of His day. Being pushed along on the crest of the mob is this woman, and perhaps she is dressed in nothing but a bed sheet as she is shoved to the dirt on the ground in front of Jesus. One of the religious leaders gives the accusation to Jesus and says, "We found this woman in bed with a man that was not her husband. The Law says we stone her. What do you say?" This was a pushy move by these religious leaders. They tried to use the rules trap Jesus. Rules can do that to us; turn us into an angry mob of sorts. We might not form together and parade a sinner around town, although some churches would stoop to this level, but we'll huddle in whispering circles and drop someone’s name to everyone we talk to. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6987/3/2011 9:35:23 PMThere is the danger that we will love COMFORT too much. And we bring this into our relationship with church and ultimately with God. Our Buildings are air conditioned. The chairs are padded and have just enough space for us to cross our legs. There is nothing wrong with this BUT eventually our messages become "padded" with easy teaching. Our doctrines that hold up our beliefs become "lifeless". The message of the Messiah becomes nothing more than motivational – almost "New Age". Everything about the church is influenced by our COMFORT.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6956/27/2011 2:05:01 PMBefore we can progress from one school class to another, we have to have a test. The purpose of the test is not so that we will fail - but to enable us to go forward. That is what God does. He tests us so that we can go forward. Gen 22:1-2 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6966/27/2011 2:55:47 PMThe physical & spiritual benefits of fasting. Isa 58:3 "'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' "Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? 6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter - when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6946/23/2011 11:55:02 AMYou need to know the baby intimately to understand what it needs. And more than often it is the mother who knows. But you see it is a TWO WAY relationship. The Mother knows the Baby and the Baby instinctively knows it is it’s mother who brings comfort. Only the person that knows the baby INTIMATELY will know. And here is a tip! Don’t argue with a "Baby Whisperer".http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6936/20/2011 11:56:55 AMProv 4:1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, 4 he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6926/18/2011 12:26:40 PMLuke 9:23 And He was saying to them all, “If ANYONE wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me”. (NASB) http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6916/12/2011 4:10:00 PMThe Central Theme of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is: Ephesians 4:12-13 "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature , attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6845/29/2011 3:44:39 PMTHE AUDIENCE CHAMBER OF THE KING: A place where we come to meet the Kinghttp://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6855/29/2011 3:44:39 PMTHE THRONE ROOM: Into the presence of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lordshttp://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6865/29/2011 3:44:39 PMUnity and Maturity in the Body of Christhttp://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6875/29/2011 3:44:39 PMThe Choir and Oratory Roomhttp://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6885/29/2011 3:44:39 PMThe Armouryhttp://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6895/29/2011 3:44:39 PMThe Church is made up of people "ecclesia" - called out ones. The Church is not a beautiful building. The Church is beautiful people in a building. So wherever the church meets the Spirit of God is there. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6906/6/2011 4:53:11 PMWe are going to examine our RELATIONSHIP with Jesus. We have to DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP! Quite simply we have to find out where we stand with Jesus. So begins an exciting time where we define our personal relationship with our Saviour. And the central verse of scripture we will us is LUKE 9:23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (NASB)http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6826/6/2011 8:39:57 AMAre you using the Bible to try get God to do what you want? In Matthew 4:5-6 we see that this type of manipulation is not new. Satan used it in his temptation of Jesus in the wilderness when he said "it is written". Are you using the “it is written” line on God?http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6836/6/2011 1:40:11 PM2 Thess 3:6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6815/27/2011 5:18:16 PMWilliam Ward said, “Worry is wasting today’s time to clutter up tomorrow’s opportunities with yesterday’s troubles.” Worry not only affects us mentally, emotionally and physically – it also affects us spiritually. Jesus said, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt 6:31-24) http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=57711/1/2010 1:10:30 PMMatt 25:23 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6805/23/2011 3:14:17 PMThis is a look at the seven times in the Scriptures that Jesus bled and the significance of each instance.http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6795/16/2011 4:44:22 PMA comparison of the Qumran manuscript of Isaiah with the Massoretic text revealed them to be extremely close in accuracy to each other. A comparison of Isaiah 53 shows that only 17 letters differ from the Massoretic text. Ten of these are mere differences in spelling (like our "honor" and the English "honour") and produce no change in the meaning at all. Four more are very minor differences, such as the presence of a conjunction (and) which are stylistic rather than substantive. Out of 166 words in this chapter, only this one word is really in question, and it does not at all change the meaning of the passage. We are told by Biblical scholars that this is typical of the whole manuscript of Isaiah. (SOURCE: R. Laird Harris, Can I Trust My Bible? - Chicago: Moody Press, 1963) http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6755/8/2011 3:29:02 PMBaptismal Regeneration is the idea that water baptism is essential for salvation. It is one of the earliest heresies to enter the church as early as the 2nd century. The belief in baptismal regeneration was partly due to a misunderstanding of Jesus’ words in John 3:5. “Born of water” was seen by some as a reference to baptism. It also arose due to people confusing water baptism with baptism into the body of Christ (which is necessary for salvation). The error of baptismal regeneration is that it requires man to do something in order to be saved. Water baptism is certainly an important result of salvation, but not a means to salvation. http://www.agfbrakpan.co.za/Ministry-Archives.aspx?mId=6745/2/2011 6:45:58 AM