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The Security of the Redeemed Psalm 31:5 Text: “Into Thine hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” Psalm 31:5. Good morning, securely redeemed Christian! You and I - and all those whom have likewise been quickened by God the Spirit, granted faith to believe; called by God with His ‘effectual call’ to Salvation in Christ Jesus - are Eternally redeemed by His Blood. Hallelujah! The Lord God has, in His Sovereign grace, given us life Eternal - not some transient claim to temporal life - and thus, we can rest in full assurance that we are securely saved. Wow! What a Saviour we have in Christ Jesus! We can commit our spirits into His safe keeping, and rest forever in His full redemption. Thank you, Lord God. All glory to Thy Holy and gracious Name! Amen. “For ye KNOW that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (entire lifestyle) received by tradition from your fathers (religion); but with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot…being born, again not of corruptible seed (biological sperm), but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” (1 Peter 1:18-23) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) One can clearly see the theme of ‘reverent reasoning’ continuing throughout the verses of this wonderful Psalm 31 - in our verse text today we find David reverently reasoning with his Lord God Jehovah. Perhaps, if one reverses the order of the lines of verse 5, one might more clearly understand this reverent reasoning process? Verse 5b. “…Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. In this latter section of verse 5, we find David stating the certain fact of his faith and trust in God. He boldly declares his heart’s belief that the Lord God of all truth, Almighty Jehovah, has redeemed, ‘bought back’; ‘ransomed’; ‘paid the full ransom price’, to buy back his soul/spirit from sin’s grip and sin’s eventual destination, Hell. Therefore, he reverently reasons that, IF the Lord God has so redeemed him, by faith in the shed Blood of His coming Christ, then he can confidently commit his spirit/soul into God’s hand. Verse 5a. “Into Thine hand I commit my spirit. David’s theology is sound and clear. He believed God’s record contained in the Book of Genesis, and thus reasoned from his knowledge of that record, trusting in the Author of it with all his heart. “ And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7) How could David trust his very spirit/soul into God’s hand? Because he fully believed that the Lord God of truth had indeed ’…redeemed…’ him and made him worthy to go to Heaven to be with him when God saw fit to take him Home. God had given mankind a ‘living soul…’ in the first place, so David reasoned correctly that his soul was not his own possession, but was a possession of God given to mankind, through mankind’s representative head, Adam. He also believed that his God-given soul and his Spirit-quickened spirit were constituents of sinful man that were so closely entwined that only the ‘Two-edged Sword of the Spirit’ could separate them. Thus, when David ‘committed’ his ‘spirit’ into God’s faithful hand, he was committing his soul into God’s hand also. Hallelujah! “For the Word of God is quick (alive) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) David was reverently reasoning that he could commit his very spirit into God’s Omnipotent hand with confidence, knowing that this same One true and faithful Lord God had redeemed him and thus made it possible for his spirit/soul to return unto Him securely. His confidence was firmly based on his knowledge of God’s great truth. “Sanctify them (the elect) through Thy truth: Thy Word IS truth.” (John 17:17) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS

Thanks for praying for Afghanistan and Albania, below are links to all the people groups of these two countries, please browse them. Then pray for one or more, the choice is up to you. Afghanistan https://joshuaproject.net/countries Albania https://joshuaproject.net/countries/AL

"Seven years of suffering, seems a little too long. But the Holy Spirit gives me courage to bear. Taking this opportunity to sharpen the knife to train my heart, to be ready to protect the sheep from the wolves, even if it seems a little too long." ~ Poem by Pastor John Cao, who was arrested in 2017 and sentenced to seven years in prison. AFGHANISTAN: Report Highlights Dire Conditions for Religious Minorities Sources: USCIRF, International Christian Concern, Christianity Today Pray that the Lord will draw Taliban members to Himself. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has stated that Christians and other religious minorities in Afghanistan face "dire consequences, including death, if discovered by the Taliban" for openly expressing their beliefs. Since most Afghan Christians are converts from Islam, all Christians are considered "apostates" by the Taliban – a crime that is punishable by death. Reports coming out of the country describe Taliban members going door-to-door looking for American allies, former government workers, human rights activists, and Christian converts. After receiving threatening phone calls, some Christians have turned their phones off and moved to undisclosed locations. The USCIRF report concludes: "While religious freedom conditions in the country were poor under the previous government, these conditions have already worsened and have become dire under the Taliban, and are likely to continue to deteriorate." To view the report (PDF download), click here. In September, VOM Canada's Greg Musselman interviewed John Weaver, a longtime humanitarian relief worker in Afghanistan, about the challenges facing the country's Christians. To watch the interview, go to this page. More recently, Greg spoke with the Christian worker again on 100 Huntley Street. To view their televised conversation, visit this page. Prayerfully uphold the people of Afghanistan as they reside under the repressive regime, asking the Lord to help them walk through this fearful time. Pray that the country's Christians will be given the courage to stand strong in their faith, seizing opportunities to reach out to those around them with the Gospel of Christ. May the believers who have fled Afghanistan in search of safety find ways to keep in touch with family members and friends who are still residing within the country. CHINA: Church Leaders Arrested Source: ChinaAid Elder Wu Jiannan, Pastor Hao Mingchang, and their coworkers. Photo: ChinaAid The Early Rain Qingcaodi Church, a church plant previously established by the Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC), is located in the city of Deyang, which is part of the Chinese province of Sichuan. Shortly after the police initially raided the ERCC in December 2018 (for more details on this incident, see this report), they also broke into the Qingcaodi church, expelling the Christians and posting a notice on the gate of the building in their efforts to ban the believers from meeting. In March 2021, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs published a list of illegal organizations, including both the ERCC and the Qingcaodi church. During a more recent raid, which took place on November 17th, the police arrested several Christian leaders from the Qingcaodi church. Elder Wu Jiannan and his wife were detained, but then released that evening. At last report, retired pastor Hao Mingchang and his wife, Yang Yufeng, remained in detention, along with Liu Wuyi, Liu Yongbo and Lan Enguang. Please remember to pray for the arrested church members who are still in custody. May each of them be mindful of God's continued presence with them through the ministry of His Holy Spirit. Also pray for the ongoing ministries of the ERCC and the Qingcaodi church, along with many other Christian groups in China, as they all seek to remain faithful to Him in the face of increasing opposition. PRAISE REPORTS PAKISTAN: Christian Prisoner Acquitted Sources: Morning Star News, UCA News Lahore High Court Photo: Wikipedia / MariyamAftab (cc) Blasphemy accusations have been used as weapo

I have written this study, so you can share with your unbelieving friends, please place it wherever it can be seen by people. Please also listen to the sermons at the end. PSALM 14 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. PSALM 53 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. WHY I AM NOT AN ATHEIST When someone repeats themselves, you need to sit up and take notice. Well in two of the wonderful psalms , God repeats himself. We have many today, who call themselves atheists, and it is to them, that I address this message. In the Hebrew, the true meaning is: THE FOOL HAS SAID IN HIS HEART, NO GOD So, let's get this straight, you aren't an atheist, you are an idolater. You are someone who worships an idol, which is anything that takes the true place reserved for God and you won't let it go. Romans 1 verses 18-32, give a clear outline, why people are idolaters, they love sin and they won't let it go. At the start, let me, pull no punches, the evidence is clear and I wish to tell you, Why I am not an atheist, by the end of this message, you won't be either. First of all, I don't believe in Chance, Atheism is strongly linked to evolution, which says that we came about through some explosion many millions of years ago. That is like looking for a ten-dollar bill in a stack of hay, the chance of finding it is so remote, you wouldn't waste your time even trying. Secondly, I don't believe in chaos, if there was an explosion, all explosion, lead to chaos, they leave everything in disorder, look at the order in the world, the earth is spinning on its axis, if it moved off its axis a small amount, we would be all burnt alive by the sun rays. We have seasons, we have order in our universe. We have order and not disorder. Look at the evidence: Creation and the cosmos Atheists believe that we have slowly evolving over millions of years, that we came from monkeys or that we climbed out of the sea. Look at the beauty of creation, look at a flower, so many beautiful flowers/animals and birds, brightly coloured. Do you think, this just happened over millions of years? Yes, I believe in intelligent design, because all designs need a designer. God created all we see around us in six literal days, he did it all, I know it astounds the mind, but our finite minds are unable to grasp this, it is almost too wonderful for words. Look at the human body, everything, we even have the most advanced waste disposal system, God thought of everything. Look at the cosmos, it would take us 100 years to reach the end of our galaxy flying at the speed of light, and there are many millions of galaxies, did they happen by chance? Look at man's conscience, man is the pinnacle of creation, he is the only one, with a moral conscience, he is capable of regret, of compassion, he/she has emotions. Again, I ask you, did these unique features come about by chance or evolve over millions of years. Look at man's chasing, every single people group, worship something, there are people all over the world, that worship trees, spirits, rivers and animals, why?. There are tribes in deepest China, that worship nature, everyone seeks something to worship, even so-called Atheist's worship something, even if it is themselves! Because they know deep inside them, that there is something else, something outside them. Look at Man's crisis, he surely is in trouble, the deeper he/she goes and the further we go into history, the worse it gets. History goes from one disaster, everyone worse than the last. Wars and disease are now man's daily battle, it is like a chain weight around his neck. What disaster will it be next, Covid has surely shown man's complete impotence, he is helpless, but still, he seeks to handle things on his/her own, he/she refuses to hand things over to God and acknowledge, who God is, and that he has made a complete mess of things. It would man would have to humble himself, and believe me, he is far too proud to do t

Just Deserts! Psalm 28:4-5 Text: “Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours; give them after the work of their own hands; render to them their desert.” Psalm 28:4. Good morning, constantly oppressed and concerned, Christian! The 21st Century has seen so many churches closing their doors due to lack of interest; so much open apostasy being first accepted, then practiced by professing ‘Christians’; so much ungodliness being openly promoted on national television screens; social media; Hollywood movies; and even in the classrooms of our local schools. In recent times, there has been a call from Humanists and Atheists to have Britain re-specified as a ‘Non-Christian Nation’. Political life, and the lives of our social and religious leaders, have become a byword for financial and sexual corruption. Wickedness and unbelief are at the most dangerous level of ungodliness that I have witnessed during my 68 years living within the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (U.K.). FACT. If ever there was a need for National repentance from sin - it is right now! “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man/woman soweth, that shall he/she also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6:7-8) Verse 4. “…The wickedness of their endeavours. Ungodly reader, what will be your lot when the Lord deals with you? Our ‘endeavours’ are taken as facts; God takes the will for the deed and punishes or rewards accordingly.” (C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David, page 140) The motives of the heart, and the thoughts of the mind, are equated fully with our actions in the sight of our Lord God Almighty. Thus, when a man looks upon a woman, or vice versa, a woman a man, with lust - in God’s mind that person has already committed adultery! Thus, our motives, our weaknesses and faults, are all concluded under the heading of SIN in the eyes of our pure, and infallibly sinless, Lord God. “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I (the Lord Jesus Christ) say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) Adultery, in the Old Testament dispensation, was a capital offence punishable by death. Nowadays it is looked at as ‘normal’ social behaviour, and promoted and encouraged on our television screens continually! Has God’s Holiness changed? Has God suddenly changed His mind from being a Holy Lord God of absolute wrath against sin to a God that condones such adulterous practice and promotion? Never! God forbid! All that is not Christ-like, is SIN. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent; hath He not said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19) No! The Lord God is a Holy Lord God - He never changes, He must punish all sin! If we refuse His offer of Salvation in Christ Jesus, we will have our just deserts! Verse 4. “Give them according to their deeds. Great God, Thou hast from the beginning been only occupied in saving men. Thy very benevolence towards mankind solicits Thy thunders against these corrupters of society. They labour incessantly to put men far away from Thee, O my God, and in return Thou wilt put them far away from Thee forever and have the desperate consolation of being such themselves to all Eternity. Frightful necessity of hating Thee forever! (Jean Massillon Baptiste 1663-1742) Atheistic, and militant detractor of Bible-based Christian faith, beware! Your efforts to become popular and gain favour on national television screens; social media; Hollywood movies; and even in the classrooms of our local schools, will eventually reap you a just desert of God’s fearful wrath against such blatant opposition to His Word. Your unbelief is enough to see your never-dying soul damned to a Christ-rejecter’s Hell for Eternity - think more, then, of what

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT DESPISE THAT GREAT OPPORTUNITY! “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it” (Hebrews 4:1 NKJV). Everyone who works aspires to rest after work. There is even an adage that says, “Rest is sweet after work.” God also desires that His people should have a rest after their toiling in life. Six hundred thousand men besides women and children of the Israelites left Egypt for the Promised Land (Exodus 12:37). Unfortunately, only Caleb and Joshua made it to the Promised Land. The others (including Moses) could not enter this rest, but died in the desert because of disobedience (Numbers 32:11-12). There are many kinds of rest referred to in Hebrews chapter 4: a) God’s rest after His creation of the world (verses 3-4); b) the rest of the Israelites after their forty-year wandering in the desert on their way to the Promised Land (verse 8); and c) the eternal rest with God in heaven (verses 1, 3, 5-7, 9-11). Of paramount to the discussion here is the third kind of rest. The first and second kinds were types or illustrations of the third. This rest is a more spiritual and excellent one (that is reserved for the people of God) than that of the seventh day or that into which Joshua led the Israelites. It is a rest of grace, comfort, holiness, and glory. It is a rest where the people of God will enjoy the end of their faith – the object of all their desires. However, there are prerequisites to entering this eternal rest – obedience and faith in God (verses 2, 6, 7, 11). God promises that anyone who does not have these prerequisites will not enter His rest. The admonition of the writer to the Hebrews is that no one will fail to enter the rest by following the example of the disobedience of the generation of the Israelites that left Egypt. God is expecting people to obey His living and active word that is sharper than any double-edged sword. He has given people the opportunity to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, who now acts as the High Priest. Anyone who accepts Him as Saviour and Lord can approach the throne of grace with confidence. God wants everyone to enter His rest. However, it depends on each person to make efforts to enter the rest. God is not partial. Only those who have faith in Him and obey His commands will enter His eternal rest. Anyone that disobeys God will not enter His rest no matter the efforts such person makes. Do you want this rest at the end of your toils on earth? Do you want to enter God’s rest? Then, do not be a disobedient fellow. Do not despise that great opportunity! Accept Jesus Christ into your life. Obey God’s words. You will enjoy His rest of grace here and the rest of glory hereafter. His eternal rest will be your portion in Jesus’ name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not despise the great opportunity of eternal rest of God by your act of disobedience.

My Manna Christmas is not about the birth of the baby. It is about what that baby grew up to become- - how He decided to live His life and the choices and the sacrifices He made in the end. Christmas points to the redemption, the redeeming power of that man. Yes, the Christmas history is about God’s love and grace and the humility and servanthood of the little baby that was born. But that baby grew up to be a man, and He came to redeem for our Heavenly Father what is rightfully His in the first place -us. Jesus came to pay the greatest price for our redemption- His life, by dying for our sins on the cross. The history of Christmas doesn’t stop at the manger! It continues through His perfect, sinless life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead. The history of Christmas is that the Father desires for every single one of us to be redeemed. Our part is to accept His gift of redemption in faith. That’s how we can truly celebrate the history of Christmas!

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . A thousand candles light the earth announcing MESSIAH the SAVIOR’S birth. A thousand universes sing, the coming of our LORD & KING! Y’SHUA CAME DOWN "No one has ascended to heaven but HE WHO came down from heaven, that is, the SON OF MAN WHO is in heaven." [John 3. 13] Even this secular, materialistic world so far, makes much of the CHRIST CHILD at Christmas time; that BABE WHO was born in a stable and laid in a manger. Yet very few ever recognize that HE had been eternally ONE (Hebrew: echad) with the FATHER in heaven before HE chose to come down. And, exceedingly less ever stop to learn the reason HE chose to come down. The reasons are replete in HOLY SCRIPTURE as the PROMISED ANOINTED ONE wanted us to know. The NEW COVENANT gives the first reference to HIS coming, Y’SHUA HIMSELF speaks the most significant detailed motivations for HIS coming: "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." [Matthew 5. 17 - 18] Y’SHUA, the SOVEREIGN KING was totally committed to HIS FATHER’S will that is recorded in the WRITTEN WORD. This was the first thing HE came to confirm and fulfill. "The SON OF MAN has come to seek and to save that which was lost." [Luke 19. 10] "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." [Luke 5. 32] "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." [Matthew 10. 34] "For I have come down from heaven, not to do MY OWN will, but the will of HIM WHO sent ME. This is the will of the FATHER WHO sent ME, that of all HE has given ME I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of HIM WHO sent ME, that everyone who sees the SON and believes in HIM may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." [John 6. 38 - 40] "HE WHO descended is also the ONE WHO ascended far above all the heavens, that HE might fill all things." [Ephesians 4. 10] "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the GOOD SHEPHERD. The GOOD SHEPHERD gives HIS life for the sheep." [John 10. 10 - 11] MESSIAH then notably expressed the reason for HIS coming — for it was in regards to HIS second coming: "Behold! I am coming quickly, and MY reward is with ME, to give to every one according to his work. I am the ALPHA and the OMEGA, the BEGINNING and the END, the FIRST and the LAST." Blessed are those who do HIS commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life, and may enter through the gates into the City." [Revelation 22. 13 - 14] So when asked— "WHO has ascended into heaven and come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in the hollow of HIS hand? WHO has bound the waters in HIS garment? WHO has established all the ends of the earth? What is HIS NAME or HIS SON'S NAME, if you know it?" [Proverbs/Mishle 30. 4] It is then you can boast in giving them the answer — HE is the MAJESTIC & INEXPLICABLE CREATOR, the BABE of Bethlehem, the GLORIOUS KING of the whole world. "HE WHO testifies to these things says— Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, LORD JESUS! The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all." [Revelation 22. 20 - 21] Amen & Amen Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! ”Eem eshkakhech Yerushalayim — If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither.” Psalms 137:5 Most welcome Sabbath of Vayeshev – “And He Dwelt” [Parasha-the appointed reading: Genesis 37:1 -40:23; Amos 2:6 – 3:8; Matthew 1:18-25] We thank YOU, GREAT & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR grace we were taught the blessed holiness of the weekly day of rest; and Sabbath is the sign of the tie that binds us to YOU. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect rest. Amen. On Sabbath, we are reminded that justice is our duty and a better world our goal. May the REDEEMER of all ages make you holy and may you grow in HIS wisdom and favor. Walk boldly in

Families in Uganda are still mourning. Traumatized. Recent twin suicide bombings in Uganda’s capital city killed and injured dozens of people. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Terrorism is on the rise in Uganda. And it’s not just IS militants. In the north, an extremist cult called the Lord’s Resistance Army is responsible for killings and child kidnapping. Yet in the midst of this darkness, Jesus remains the Light of Uganda – the Light of the World. We celebrate that Uganda’s Church has seen growth and revival across several denominations in the past few decades! Church attendance is high and public prayer is common. May the dark shadows of death and terrorism be expelled by the life and light of Jesus Christ. And may the Body of Christ be a pure and bright reflection of that light in this critical time. Together let's watch and pray, The Prayercast Team Pray for Uganda

Dear friends Please use this as an outreach tool, to reach many people with the glorious gospel of Christ. Please place it on Facebook and other social media sites, so that people can read it and come to TRUST JESUS. WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN So, I am not an atheist, I am a Christian! You may be saying, but there is no evidence for God, yes there is. Why Do I believe in God, why Christianity? First let's look at the influence of Christianity. It is a faith that is: Counter Cultural, it is the one faith, the culture may say one thing, but Christianity says another. It does say that we are to obey government and the authorities, but it teaches that we need to go against the flow of society and to live as lights in the world. The people of God are the salt and light of this world. It breaks country barriers, no other faith is in every country in the world, the same faith is in China, Usa, Uk and Egypt. The faith of these people in different lands is the same, it is the only true global faith. Atheists say, where is God, if there is a God, where is He? Christ came to earth, lived on earth and died the death you deserve. God has shown his compassion and care for us. God has sent his son for us, he cared enough to come. So where is God? He has come and lived amongst us for thirty years, and died for us. How much care and compassion do you want? Christianity is the only faith, that centres on a person. It centres on Christ. You may be an atheist, but you cannot deny that Jesus was a historical person. What made him different? What has made millions of people give up their lives and follow him over the last 2000 years? CS Lewis said, that Jesus was either a Liar, Lunatic or Lord. He was one of the other, you cannot ignore the man of Galilee. He had a supernatural conception He lived a perfect life He said words that were beyond belief He dies a terrible death He rose from the grace and defeated death He changes lives Christianity centres on the cross, every other so-called religion has made reaching up to God, but Christianity has God reaching down to man. The cross is central, no other so-called prophet like Mohammed or Buddha has done anything to deal with man's sin. Christianity calls for change, a radical one that it calls Conversion. It starts with the Holy Spirit convicting man/woman of their sin and calling them to repentance. Christianity is the only faith that changes the human heart, it has brought about change in millions of people, who were thought beyond help. It has transformed Murderers, Drug addicts, Prostitutes and the like. It also breaks the cycle of sin, man is trapped and has no way out, we go on living day to day and then we die, the atheist says, we have seventy years if we lucky and then we are no more. If that is the case and they are right, what is the point of life? Jesus said, I am come that they might have life and have it in abundance John 10:10. He offers life with a capital L, not just here in this life, but he opens the way to heaven, he alone can give us peace with God and eternal life. The message is clear, Jesus came and died and then rose again, defeating death and will come again. It is a true message; it couldn't be any clearer. The bible speaks with clarity, creation speaks with clarity, people with changed lived speak with clarity. The clock is ticking, we all have a limited time on this earth, the most important question, we face is this: What we will do with Jesus? As CS Lewis said he is either a liar, Lunatic or he is Lord. As an atheist, you can't get away from this fact, one day you will die. Are you scared, you bet you are!. But Jesus has defeated death and the grave and he offers life, the one you refuse to believe in loves you and went to the cross for you. God's command is for everyone to repent, man's greatest need is peace. Peace with God. Man's burden is sin, it is like pilgrim in Pilgrim's Progress, he carries it around, it burdens him. There were many people who tried religion and good works to get rid of their sin, but the only place, sin is dealt with, is at the cross of calvar

Please take a few minutes to pray for this country, to click the links and to share with others. Please place this on Facebook, share with your church and social media contacts/groups. The prayercast video is so touching, please join this dear lady as she prays. Thank so much Keith Operation world, please buy the book https://operationworld.org/locations/algeria/ Prayercast video https://prayercast.com/algeria.html Joshua project un-reached people All people groups, make your choice of which one to pray for. https://joshuaproject.net/countries/AG Below are the four most needy. Arabic Speaking https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10379/AG Berber, Shawiya https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14899/AG Saharawi https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14639/AG Berber, Kabyle https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12399/AG

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . Mankind may be the cause of events in this world, but GOD works all things together, the good and the evil, all the pieces of the puzzle, for the purpose of redemption WHO IS HE Agur ben-Yakeh, the writer of the Proverb, surveyed— "WHO has ascended heaven to and come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in the hollow of HIS hand? WHO has wrapped the waters in HIS garment? WHO has established all the extremities of the earth? What is HIS NAME or HIS SON'S NAME, if you know it?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The LORD Y’SHUA, the WORD OF GOD that took on flesh and became a MAN, is the ONE being spoken of in this text. JESUS is the SON OF THE LIVING GOD. "A CHILD is born to us, a SON is given to us. And authority (government) has settled on HIS shoulders. HE has been named — WONDERFUL (SECRET), COUNSELOR (PLANNER OF GRACE), the MIGHTY GOD, ETERNAL FATHER, RULER OF PEACE." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] It was through Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH that ALMIGHTY GOD'S purpose might prosper. Out of HIS anguish the "RIGHTEOUS SERVANT makes the many righteous, it is their punishment that HE bears; assuredly, I will give HIM the many as HIS portion, HE shall receive the multitude as HIS spoil. For HE poured out HIMSELF to death and was numbered among the sinners, whereas HE bore the guilt of the many and made intercession for sinners." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 11 - 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im] In love, the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH "gave HIMSELF for us, that HE might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for HIMSELF HIS OWN special people, zealous for good works." [Titus 2. 14] "We know that the SON OF GOD has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know HIM WHO is true; and we are in HIM WHO is true, in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. This is the TRUE GOD and ETERNAL LIFE." [1 John 5. 20] "You are MY witnesses— declares the LORD— MY servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe in ME, and understand that I am HE. Before ME no god was formed, and after ME none shall exist — none but ME. I, even I, am the LORD, and besides ME there is no Y’SHA` (SAVIOR)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Our LOVING CREATOR alone is a GREAT OMNIPOTENT GOD WHO proclaims beforehand what HE will do. There is no other GOD besides HIM WHO became as we are that HE might deliver us from sin's grip. The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL exclusively saved us for HS glory, redeem us back to the HEAVENLY FATHER, and purified us from all unrighteousness. Then, HE made us HIS OWN special people. Now we are HIS witnesses, proclaiming and broadcasting publicly that HE is LORD of lords, GOD of gods, the KING of all ages. "Indeed before the day was, I am HE; none can deliver from MY hand. When I act, who will reverse it?" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The LORD of Hosts has sworn this oath— As I have designed (thought), so shall it happen; what I have planned, that shall stand (come to pass)... For the LORD OF HOSTS has planned, and who can annul or foil it? HIS hand is stretched out (poised, prepared), and who can stop it (turn it back)?" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 24, 27 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Isn't HE wonderful! Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! ”Eem eshkakhech Yerushalayim — If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.” Psalms 137:5 We have an AWESOME GOD, and HE is on HIS Throne ruling over the affairs of men. The LORD is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in difficult times. May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel, Amen.

NOTE: Some people believe there has been a kind of "feminizing" of the church, so that many men don't feel comfortable getting involved. Too much wishy-washy music, tugging at the heart-strings, and softly-softly preaching. Is there a revolution coming where this is going to change? Below are some insightful comments on this: WHERE are THE MEN?? Rodney Francis writes: "In my travels around the world I continually notice in Christian meetings the shortage of MEN! While putting this article together, I spoke in a church I had not been to before, and could not help but notice the shortage of men in the meeting. So I counted up the adults - and the women outnumbered the men seven to one! "Men always seem to be in the minority. I remember a number of years ago reading the statistics of people on the mission fields of the world. It was a staggering sixteen women to every one man! This does not seem to be right, nor is it God's will that more and more responsibility for the proclaiming of the Gospel should be upon the women (this in no way reflects upon the women - many are doing a marvellous work). But we do have to ask, "WHERE are the MEN?"" Rosalie Foote writes: "We were talking about this amongst ourselves and came up with the fact that men like to do things. Sitting in the pew was never what God wanted. David's mighty men were doing people - they were already doing things before they came to support David. Men love to work together and see a result, practically or spiritually. That's why there are so many men's service clubs now - they are the pseudo church. God's people are all supposed to be doing stuff. Everyone has gifts and should be using these gifts for the furtherence of God's Kingdom." Tom Whitestone writes: "Quote: "Some people believe there has been a kind of "feminizing" of the church, so that many men don't feel comfortable getting involved. Too much wishy-washy music, tugging at the heart-strings, and softly-softly preaching. Is there a revolution coming where this is going to change?" Answer: "The "feminizing" is not specifically of the church but the spirit within the church. From my experience speaking with other men I have found them to be oppressed by the very spirit of "Love" within the "church" that has disguised itsef as the Spirit of Love. The church has become a habitation of unclean spirits and this has darkened the Gospel that was given by Holy men of God. The spirit that has infiltrated the "church" has caused many men who are "real men" to be repulsed by its presence." KDT writes: "My pastor's wife suddenly kept getting the word from the Lord "Get rid of the pink in the church!" "Get rid of the Pink!" We looked around the beautiful sanctuary, decorated so elegantly, yet predominantly feminine mauves and muted pinks." It was a word for our church and we knew it was because we had many more women than men, something we'd been praying about."

"Christmas Cleaning" Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart Diocletian, a cruel persecutor of Christians, found that multitudes of Christians had gathered in a church in Nicomedia to celebrate the nativity of Christ. He ordered the church doors shut and commanded that the building be burned. Everyone and everything was soon ashes. "T'is the season" is upon us. In honor of the season, today I took out my only ornament, a 1/2 inch santa penguin, and looked at it. However, if you are waiting for the Winnie the Pooh Christmas special or the Beauty and the Beast enchanted Christmas special, both on ABC, you missed them, they were on last night … sorry. Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer was on last week. Everyone is talking Christmas stuff. So what of it? What is the "Christian" position on Christmas? Should we dive into the culture, max out our credit cards, purchase everything red, green & snowy frosted, and gain 13 pounds? Maybe the righteous thing to do is to thumb our nose at the whole party and condemn it as a pagan practice. After all, there is no evidence that the New Testament church celebrated the birth of Christ, and even if we were to celebrate it, scholars put His birth at another time of the year anyway. Maybe we can avoid these extremes by doing a little of both. We all hear talk about how the meaning is lost in the commercialization of the "real" message of Christmas. And yet the same person who says this will often confess at a different time that they really "overdid" it on gifts this year. Even when finding a balance, there is often a lack of balance. I have an idea for Christmas this year. Give yourself a gift. Examine your heart, look deep, and confess to God that this year you have not lived up to the high standard of being a follower of Christ. Confess specific sins that come to mind and resolve in your heart and before God to live like a Christian from now on. This is the greatest gift you could get or give. Give it to yourself! Spend as much time this year vacuuming the filth in your heart as you do vacuuming your rugs for your guests. If you plan to fill your stomach with good chow, spend equal time filling your heart and refreshing your spirit with spiritual food. And most of all, if you are planning to give good gifts to others, do something for yourself also. Ask God to bring the sanctification that is a reality in Christ, into the experience of your life on a deeper, fuller level. In doing these things and those like them, Christmas will take on a new significance to you and those close to you this year.

Please remember and pray for these two countries, they are small, but they are in great need. Again, if you need further information, please buy the book Operation World. Please share these links with all your social media contacts and groups. AMERICAN SAMAO Operation world https://operationworld.org/locations/american-samoa/ Joshua Project people groups https://joshuaproject.net/countries/AQ Samaon https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14676/AQ ANDORRA Operation world https://operationworld.org/locations/andorra/ Joshua project people groups https://joshuaproject.net/countries/AN Prayercast https://prayercast.com/andorra.html Spanish https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15077/AN

Praise God for all his blessings to us. God has been very gracious to his church in China, continue to lift it up. Please pray for our small church here in Nanjing. Thank God, we have seven small groups which meet online for study and prayer, please pray that more groups may be raised up. Every housing complex around us, will have a bible study group, there are up to 40 housing complexes, within walking distance of our home. Please pray for our Pastor Z and his wife S and son A and young daughter S. They serve five other churches, please pray for them. Please pray that God would continue to raise up more men, the men's group is up to ten, please pray that more men would be called into service. Please pray for W, a young married man, who is suffering from gout and unable to walk. Please pray for him. Please pray for S another young man, who does acting. Please pray that he would find God's purpose for his life. Please pray that God, would bring more young families, children and young people into the church. Please pray for the children and grandchildren of church members, that they would come to faith, they are the next generation. Please pray that every church in China, would have its own Sunday school. Please pray God's hand of protection over the church and over all the churches in China. Please pray as there is a situation between two of the key co-workers of the church, similar to the one in Philippians 4:2 Continue to lift up those who serving godly life partners, including our daughter S, ladies P and X and men S and M. Please pray for the Christian marriages in the church, there are 3-5, many sisters are married to non-Christian husbands. Please pray these men, would come to Christ, especially H and F. On Christmas, we usually hold a celebration, maybe not this year. Please pray that we would have the opportunity to share the gospel with many people this Christmas. Please pray for those sisters and brothers, who have various ailments and illness. Please continue to pray that God would revive us and stir us to go deeper with Him. Please pray for a deep and powerful unity amongst the co-workers. Please pray for the daily prayer meetings, held from 4-7am, with 70-100 attending. Please take time to pray for China, please read and pray for the following people group, they need your prayers. Please share these prayer needs with your church and your contact/social media groups. Thanks God bless you KK HAN CHINESE XIANG Population: 40 million Evangelicals: 80,000 + Situated all over China, but largely in Hunan province, these proud and stubborn people are the most resistant of the Han Chinese. They have resisted Christianity and only a few have become strong Christians, they are very nominal in their faith and the Church in Hunan is not strong. There is much division and much disunity amongst the church. Please pray for the Xiang churches, that they would be based on the bible. Please pray for this stubborn and arrogant people, that the Holy Spiri, would break down their pride and that they would come to faith. They do not have the bible or any other resources in their own language. Please pray that these resources would be made available. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18484/CH SOAK IN SCRIPTURE Christ's Temptation in the Wilderness, Luke 4:1-13 J. C. Ryle | Gospel of Luke https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=31118175560 Jesus at a Pharisee's House, Luke 14:1-6 J. C. Ryle | Gospel of Luke https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1019182029264 Staying in the Presence of God Pastor Tony Helms https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=114210445269 The Pride Disaster Rev. Andrew Eenigenburg https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=113191617342417

"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." ~ Matthew 10:16 ESV NEPAL: Pastor Sentenced to Prison for Evangelism Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Steadfast Global, Reformatorisch Dagblad Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya of the Abundant Harvest Church in Pokhara, Nepal, was initially arrested and detained in March 2020 after a video was released in which he allegedly claimed that the COVID-19 virus could be healed through prayer. The pastor denies ever uploading the video. He was initially released on bail but then re-arrested and charged with "outraging religious feelings" and "attempting to convert." Pastor Keshav was detained in a remote area of the country with restricted access to transportation. On November 22nd, 2021, Pastor Keshav was convicted of proselytising, a crime that could carry a sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine. Despite procedures indicating that he would remain free until the appeal process has been completed, he was immediately taken to prison upon conviction. On November 30th, he received a sentence of two years' imprisonment, along with a fine of 20,000 NPR ($212.00 CAD). Because of claims from Pastor Keshav's lawyer that the proper legal process was not followed, the Supreme Court will be convened to assess his treatment. For more information on the challenges facing Christians in Nepal, go to our country report. Pray that God will justly intervene in Pastor Keshav's case, especially regarding the decisions of the court officials, so that his sentencing will be overturned. May the outcome be favourable so he can freely continue offering others in Nepal the hope and salvation that's available through faith in Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move mightily in the hearts of those involved in this case, as well as the many around the world who hear of his situation, ultimately revealing the truth of the Gospel and the reality of Christ as Saviour. ALGERIA: Pastor and Three Other Christians Facing Charges Sources: Middle East Concern, VOMC Sources Church members carried out a peaceful demonstration in 2019. Pastor Salah Chalah is the senior pastor of the largest Protestant church in Algeria, as well as the president of the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA). He and three other believers have been summoned to appear in court on December 5th. Pastor Salah faces multiple charges, including "practising non-Muslim rites without permission" and organizing an assembly. Penalties can range from heavy fines to up to five years' imprisonment. The other three Christians have received similar charges, with one of them also facing charges for allegedly taking photographs of people without their permission. The accusations likely stem from a peaceful demonstration that was held in October 2019 to protest the forcible sealing of Pastor Salah's church building (see this report for more details). The EPA, which consists of 47 churches, is the only recognized Protestant organization in Algeria. The denomination was required to re-register with the government after a change in law during 2012, but their application has not yet been approved by the authorities. For the past four years, a systematic government campaign has resulted in 16 churches being sealed and several others ordered to close. Additional reports on the persecution of Christians in Algeria are available at our country report. Please prayerfully uphold Pastor Salah, the three other mentioned Christians who are also facing charges, and fellow persecuted believers throughout Algeria, as they endure injustice from the government. May God grant the accused Christians wisdom and the right words to say as they stand before the courts (Matthew 10:19). Pray that the Algerian authorities will cease their campaign against churches and approve the re-registration of the EPA. May the country's Christian leaders continue to provide the spiritual guidance and support that's so needed during this time of oppression. NI

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . Believing is a fine thing, but executing those beliefs is a test of strength. MESSIAH'S BIRTHPLACE "And you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, least among the clans of Judah, from you ONE shall come forth to rule Israel for ME — ONE WHOSE origin is from of old, from ancient times." [Micah (Michah) 5. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Micah indicates the birthplace of MESSIAH OF ISRAEL as Bethlehem Ephrathah (about 6 miles southwest of Jerusalem) was also the birthplace of King David. Bethlehem means "House of Bread." Ephrathah comes from the root word meaning "fruitful." Both names convey the fertility of the region (depicting the Bread and Wine). The Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH (ANOINTED ONE) is that BREAD WHO came down out of heaven, WHO was born in the HOUSE OF BREAD and WHO is the FRUITFUL ONE as it was prophesied. In this poor, meager and inconspicuous little town, ONE was to be born WHO could take the foolish things of this world and confound the wise; WHO, by HIS coming, could transform the unlovely into a thing of beauty; WHO could, by HIS very presence, compel the learned to bow in humility before HIM, and kings to lay their authority at HIS feet! Though HE was to be RULER (KING) in Israel, the LORD JESUS, GOD'S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON was meek and lowly in heart. The OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD chose a stable in the smallest town in Judah for birth of HIS UNIQUE SON, rather than a royal palace. But when the SAVIOR was born there, the unlovely, unimportant small town was transformed, and the least became the greatest. Lambs are born in stables, not palaces. GOD'S PRECIOUS GIFT came as the "LAMB OF GOD" to be sacrificed. Today, the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is still searching for a place in the heart of the insignificant, unlovely least of all the people. HE desires to take up HIS abode there withIN such hearts. And when the GREAT & MIGHTY TRANSFORMER does enter, HE will (in a sense) do with our useless, worthless life as HE did with the little town in which HE was born! With GOD, we are no longer just human for HE transforms us into "new creatures" for HIS glory and praise. We who have opened the door of our hearts and lives to the LORD YESHUA and allowed HIM room to be born there, though poor, needy, lost and unworthy we can rejoice exceedingly! The reason: We realize that GOD MOST HIGH, in HIS infinite, great and boundless love has spoken and fulfilled HIS promise to us touching our individual lives. "But you...though you are little, yet out of you shall HE come forth to ME — THE ONE — to be RULER... WHOSE goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." Just as our BLESSED LORD has promised, we are now HIS OWN special people, zealous for good works, who have been called out of darkness into HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT! Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.” Psalms 137:5 Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world HE created. May Your will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed, MOST HOLY ONE, in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel speedily and in our time, Amen. May YOU be blessed forever, even throughout all eternity. May YOU, be blessed, praised & honored, extolled & glorified, adored and exalted above all else. Amen Zey ha-yom asaw ADONAI, nagilah ve-neesmechah voh. This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it. May the LIGHT of the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, fill you with a yearning desire to submit to HIS inscrutable will and give you strength for your daily tasks.

He Became Poor For your sake he became poor. 2 Corinthians 8:9 The Lord Jesus Christ was eternally rich, glorious, and exalted; but "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor." As the wealthy believer cannot be true in his fellowship with his poor brethren unless from his wealth he ministers to their needs, so (the same rule holding with the head as between the members) it is impossible that our Divine Lord could have had fellowship with us unless He had given to us from His own abounding wealth and had become poor so as to make us rich. If He had remained upon His throne of glory, and we had continued in the ruins of the Fall without receiving His salvation, fellowship would have been impossible on both sides. Our position by the Fall, apart from the covenant of grace, made it as impossible for fallen man to communicate with God as it is for Satan to be in communion with Christ. In order, therefore, that communion might be enjoyed, it was necessary for the rich relative to bestow his estate upon his poor relatives, for the righteous Savior to give to His sinning brethren from His own perfection, and for we, the poor and guilty, to receive of His fullness grace for grace, so that in giving and receiving, the One might descend from the heights, and the other ascend from the depths, and in this way be able to embrace each other in true and hearty fellowship. Poverty must be enriched by Him in whom are infinite treasures before it can begin to commune; and guilt must lose itself in imputed and imparted righteousness before the soul can walk in fellowship with purity. Jesus must clothe His people in His own garments or He cannot admit them into His palace of glory; and He must wash them in His own blood or else they will be too defiled for the embrace of His fellowship. Believer, herein is love! For your sake the Lord Jesus "became poor" that He might lift you up into communion with Himself. Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright ? 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission.

THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS “For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts...Malachi 2:7.” How wonderful is the gift of Christmas. It is ageless in beauty, couched in eternal truth, framed by the touch of God’s love and sealed in the heart of those willing to believe. The gift of Christmas has never lost it power to reach to the lowest depths or ascend the highest levels of society; if only people will believe. Yet, how will people believe in a society which lives as if God does not exist? How will they hear without voices of truth willing to stand boldly and proclaim the Christmas message? In the Old Testament, Ezra was one of the sons of Aaron and from a priestly line. His name signified “helper”. Ezra set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it. The word “set” in this context implied being erect or standing perpendicular. The image is one of a fence post firmly fixed in the ground so it cannot be shaken by the forces of nature. Ezra’s heart was driven by his emotions, intellect and will. He was firmly established in the faith and not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. The Bible says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) The Bible exhorts us to set our mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2) The Scripture says this should be done “not by way of eye service, as men pleasers, but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart.” (Ephesians 6:6) During this Christmas season, we are God’s priests to stand against the forces trying to take Christ out of Christmas. We must be that voice and be that helper to preserve the greatest gift God has given to mankind. This priceless gift of Christmas remains from season to season as the love that frees souls, changes hearts, saves marriages, reunites families, and gives hope to the hopeless. When this gift is revealed to the heart, love springs eternal and cannot be separated or overcome by any known power on earth. Share with others that the baby lying in a manger is the One who suffered and died on the Cross of Calvary for our sins. He alone conquered death as evidenced by his empty tomb and by over 500 witnesses among the brethren who saw Him after his resurrection. He alone is the true source of life and peace given under heaven among men and by Him and no other can men be saved. Now is the time. Hearts are tender and open to The Hope behind the message of Christmas! The glorious opportunity is ours to go tell it on the mountains, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is born.