开云体育

EPHESIANS 1 7 according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight LAVISHED GRACE I love strawberries and cream, I love to pour cream on my strawberries, I love to lavish them with cream. When God gives something to us, such as forgiveness, such as redemption and grace, he does not hold back. He gives it to us lavishly, his grace is rich and deep. Can you come to a full understanding of that, I certainly can't, it is beyond our understanding. He gives it to us, knowing all about us, knowing all about us, but he still gives it. But again, he can only give it to us because he had to see his beloved son suffer on Calvary, he can only give grace, because he gave up his son to be the scapegoat for our sin. He punished his son, so that he could lavish his grace and his love on us. What a glorious salvation True, Total, Rich and Lavished upon us God blesses you KK Ephesians 1 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: MYSTERY AND MAJESTY All through the Old testament, we have pictures of redemption, through the series of sacrifices and feasts, the old testament writers wrote about grace, they earnestly and fervently wrote about him, but we see the fulfillment, in 1 Peter1,we read this: 10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. But in these days, Christ is revealed to us, in Hebrews 1, we read this: 1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Now he has been pleased to reveal Christ in all his fullness... to us. We get the benefit of this, but in a recurring theme, he does it for his good pleasure and his glory, God does everything according to his purposes and for his good pleasure. He also reveals Christ, to draw all the strings of history together, the cross and resurrection are the central point of history, he brings everyone and everything together in Christ, he brings different people from different nations together in Christ. We are together in Christ, we are redeemed in Christ, we are one in Him. In the fullness of time, he has brought true salvation to all men. People through history have longed to look at these things, David, Moses and Isaiah wrote about these things, but we can see them, we have the benefit. What a wonderful joy to be In Christ. God bless you KK Who am I? I am an ordinary Christian just like you and me, I love to study the scriptures and share what God shows me. I am from the UK, and at present live in Nanjing China. I am an English teacher. I have been saved from my teenage years, am now eligible for Pension. I believe the whole of the bible, especially love the five Solas of the reformation. I am saved by GRACE alone by FAITH alone in CHRIST alone through the WORD OF GOD alone for the GLORY OF GOD alone. RESOURCE CENTRE.. If you are in China, you may need a Vpn to access some of these links. Please make use of the resources BELOW, either click on the links or copy and paste them into your browser. Please share these devotions. If you are not yet subscribed to receive these emails, please reply to keitherichobkirk@... THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS MINISTRY

EPHESIANS 1 7 according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight LAVISHED GRACE I love strawberries and cream, I love to pour cream on my strawberries, I love to lavish them with cream. When God gives something to us, such as forgiveness, such as redemption and grace, he does not hold back. He gives it to us lavishly, his grace is rich and deep. Can you come to a full understanding of that, I certainly can't, it is beyond our understanding. He gives it to us, knowing all about us, knowing all about us, but he still gives it. But again, he can only give it to us because he had to see his beloved son suffer on Calvary, he can only give grace, because he gave up his son to be the scapegoat for our sin. He punished his son, so that he could lavish his grace and his love on us. What a glorious salvation True, Total, Rich and Lavished upon us God blesses you KK Ephesians 1 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: MYSTERY AND MAJESTY All through the Old testament, we have pictures of redemption, through the series of sacrifices and feasts, the old testament writers wrote about grace, they earnestly and fervently wrote about him, but we see the fulfillment, in 1 Peter1,we read this: 10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. But in these days, Christ is revealed to us, in Hebrews 1, we read this: 1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Now he has been pleased to reveal Christ in all his fullness... to us. We get the benefit of this, but in a recurring theme, he does it for his good pleasure and his glory, God does everything according to his purposes and for his good pleasure. He also reveals Christ, to draw all the strings of history together, the cross and resurrection are the central point of history, he brings everyone and everything together in Christ, he brings different people from different nations together in Christ. We are together in Christ, we are redeemed in Christ, we are one in Him. In the fullness of time, he has brought true salvation to all men. People through history have longed to look at these things, David, Moses and Isaiah wrote about these things, but we can see them, we have the benefit. What a wonderful joy to be In Christ. God bless you KK Who am I? I am an ordinary Christian just like you and me, I love to study the scriptures and share what God shows me. I am from the UK, and at present live in Nanjing China. I am an English teacher. I have been saved from my teenage years, am now eligible for Pension. I believe the whole of the bible, especially love the five Solas of the reformation. I am saved by GRACE alone by FAITH alone in CHRIST alone through the WORD OF GOD alone for the GLORY OF GOD alone. RESOURCE CENTRE.. If you are in China, you may need a Vpn to access some of these links. Please make use of the resources BELOW, either click on the links or copy and paste them into your browser. Please share these devotions. If you are not yet subscribed to receive these emails, please reply to keitherichobkirk@... THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS MINISTRY

Ephesians 1 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 12 to the praise of his glory. 14 to the praise of his glory. ITS ALL ABOUT HIM Why does God do things? Why does he save us? We get so many benefits, surely it's for our benefit Well, no it's to show forth the glory of his grace. It's so that his grace, would show forth his glory and that his glory would be seen in his grace. So many times, we hear testimonies and it's all about that person, what happened to them, how they changed etc. But in truth, it isn't and shouldn't be about them, it's all about God, it's all about what he has done for us, remember that we are dead in our sins, we cannot help ourselves, left to ourselves, we would never move towards God, it is he who draws us, it is he who gives us the faith to believe, it is the precious Holy spirit who convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgement. Next time you tell your testimony or share with another person, make sure, it's all about Jesus and not about you. Remember, you are only saved to show forth the glory of his grace. Are you doing that on a daily basis? God bless you Keith Ephesians 1 TRUE ACCEPTANCE 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In Matthew 3:17, Jesus is being baptized by John the Baptist, the Spirit of God descends on him and the Father says this: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. So many people, don't feel accepted in society today. They crave to be accepted, if they are not accepted by this or that person, then they feel let down and take drastic measures, they try to change their appearance, some even change gender and some sadly commit suicide. True acceptance comes through Christ. How can we be acceptable to God, through the beloved, God's son. We are accepted because of him, because of his atoning death on the cross. These are truths to cling onto, these are defining truths for your life. We are accepted because we are in the beloved, we are in Christ. He is in us and we are in him, because we have that relationship, we can know true acceptance. When people won't or can't accept you as you are, know thus, that God in Christ, has accepted you, because you are in Christ.. HIS BELOVED SON. Matthew Henry says this: The next spiritual blessing the apostle takes notice of is acceptance with God through Jesus Christ: Wherein, or by which grace, he hath made us accepted in the beloved, v. 6. Jesus Christ is the beloved of his Father (Matt 3 17), as well as of angels and saints. It is our great privilege to be accepted of God, which implies his love to us and his taking us under his care and into his family. We cannot be thus accepted of God, but in and through Jesus Christ. He loves his people for the sake of the beloved. God bless you Keith

EPHESIANS 1 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love GOD'S CHOSEN ONE As, I start to write about these wonderful truths, I am like the psalmist, these things are too wonderful for me, they may me too wonderful for me, but if you are truly born again, they are a reality for you as they are for me When I was at school, and we played football, we had to pick teams, this was something I dreaded, because I knew that I would be left to last, ever felt, like that? Well, it's not the case with God.. amen. He chooses us.. yes, he choose me and he choose you. In 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Paul says GOD chooses the foolish things, the things that the world thinks are useless and unworthy, how amazing。 We might not be anything in the world's eyes, but we are everything in God's eyes. I can't fully comprehend all this, truly it is beyond my understanding. God the Father made a conscious choice to choose me and you, if you are truly born again. it shows surely that we have no part in our salvation it is God who takes the initiative, it is God who draws us to himself, it is God who loves us. 1 John 4:19 Why did he choose us? So, we could be holy and blameless before him, we were tainted by sin, but now because of the cross, we can be blameless. ? What motivated or constrained him? Love, pure and beautiful love. He had no need of us, he knew that we would reject him, but still he chooses us, still he loved us and now praise God, he has you and me, for his very own.. amen. Matthew Henry writes on this verse: We have here the date of this act of love: it was before the foundation of the world; not only before God's people had a being, but before the world had a beginning; for they were chosen in the counsel of God from all eternity. It magnifies these blessings to a high degree that they are the products of eternal counsel. The alms which you give to beggars at your doors proceed from a sudden resolve; but the provision which a parent makes for his children is the result of many thoughts, and is put into his last will and testament with a great deal of solemnity. GOD BLESS YOU KK Chapter 1 verse 5 5 he predestined us[b] for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ADOPTED AS ONE OF HIS OWN We can get tied up with the doctrines of election and predestination and yes I completely believe in them, but we need to focus on this fact, that we are adopted into God's family as sons of the most high God. Why did he do this? Remember that God didn't have to do this, he didn't and in my case, I have no idea, why he did it. Adoption is one of the great doctrines of the bible, we don't have to understand it it fully, we just have to embrace the fact that we are adopted. So many believers are insecure in their faith, they wonder if God truly loves them. If they got a grip of the magnificent doctrine of adoption and the fact that God is their father and they are his son, and that he/she has done nothing to deserve that, then they would feel completely reassured and live in confident faith. God adopted us to himself, we are his child, he is our Father. He adopts us in a personal way, to himself, once adopted, we are linked to Him, he is our father, we are his child. He did it through Jesus Christ, all that the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, has we have, we have access to the Father, free and unlimited access, we are clothed with Christ's righteousness. Again, adoption is a sovereign gift, all the things, we will talk about, are love gift from the Father, through the Son and applied by the Spirit. Being a child of God, you are chosen, you are predestined to be sons of the Lord of the universe. There is no higher privilege than that.. amen Matthew Henry says this: Predestination has respect to the blessings they are designed for; particularly the adoption of children, it being the purpose of God that in due time we should become his adopted children, and so have a right to all the privileges and to the inheritance of children God bless you Keith Who am I

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS We all love receiving gifts, especially at Christmas and on our birthdays. amen. But as Christians, we have received gifts that are beyond measure, we are totally blessed. What have we received: Firstly Grace- simply unmerited favour, we do not deserve anything God gives us. What we have is God's gracious gift to us, he doesn't have to give us anything, but he does, that's why it's grace. Secondly Peace-with God and with others. We are now at peace with God, Paul outlines this much more in chapter 2, peace with people and most importantly God Finally- where do these gifts come from, they are personal gifts to us, given by God the Father, because of the sacrifice of Jesus. They are personal to us; they are HIS love gifts to us. In the following devotions, we will open some of these beautiful love gifts. Praise his name God bless you KK 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places WE HAVE IT ALL We often complain that we are lacking this or that in our lives, but spiritually speaking, we have it all. Every single spiritual blessing we could ever dream of is ours.. amen God has blessed us, these are of course applied to every true believer, they are personal gifts from the Lord to us. They come to us, because of Christ, his work on the cross and resurrection, it is nothing to do with us, grace gives every gift listed in the following verses. We have these blessings because of Christ's finished work, not to boast about ourselves,? but to show God's glory. These are not ordinary gifts, they are heavenly gifts, we cannot find these gifts anywhere on earth, they are given by God the Father, because of the finished work of Christ and applied to us by the blessed Holy Spirit. Every true and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights, he has given you these love gifts, No wonder the first word in this awesome passage is of praise, BLESSED. Oh, he is to be blessed, who else can give gifts, ones that we don't deserve. BUT GOD As a Christian, you truly HAVE IT ALL.. AMEN God bless you KK RESOURCE CENTRE.. If you are in China, you may need a Vpn to access some of these links. Please make use of the resources BELOW, either click on the links or copy and paste them into your browser. Please share these devotions. If you are not yet subscribed to receive these emails, please reply to keitherichobkirk@... THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS MINISTRY AND PRAY FOR CHINA http://chinapartnership.org/prayer/ Soundslikereign.. beautiful music, you can download this music for free https://www.soundslikereign.com/ Persecuted church News of the persecuted church https://www.persecution.com/ SERMON CENTRE JOHN KNOX INSTITUTE BY WILLIAM MACLOED REDEMPTION APPLIED https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/applicationredemption?lesson=1164 https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/applicationredemption?lesson=1157 https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/applicationredemption?lesson=1158 https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/applicationredemption?lesson=1159 PRAYER CENTRE PRAY FOR NEPAL https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/nepal/ https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17069/NP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/20751/NP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16429/NP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15366/NP

Please make use of the resources at the bottom of this email, either click on the links or copy and paste them into your browser. Please share these devotions. Thanksgiving Devotion EVERY DAY IS THANKSGIVING DAY 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. It's thanksgiving day in the USA soon, a time for giving thanks for all of God's blessings to us. Most of the rest of the world, does not celebrate this holiday, some do. It's not just a good idea to give thanks to God, it's a command of God. In fact it's his will for us to give thanks, it's not an option for us. God wants the church and us as individuals to give him thanks, we give thanks when we receive something from someone and we have received so much from the Lord, just look at the verses in Ephesians 1:3-14, to see what you have received from Him. Every good and perfect gift is from the father of lights: James 1:17 King James Version 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. If the gifts, we receive from God are so good and perfect, how much more should we give thanks for them. Not only should we give thanks for everything God has given us, but we should thank Him everyday for all his good and perfect gifts. Thanking God is one of the best practices, that we can have, make every day thanksgiving day. In America, they have a big table filled with many dishes, think of every dish on that table, as a gift from God, the table is filled with so many dishes, every day God fills our table with so many good things, let us thank Him everyday for everything and make every moment and every day: THANKSGIVING TIME Think of all the blessings, God has given you, if you need to, write them down. Are you thanking God, for everything he is giving you? Let us finish with one of the greatest psalms: Psalm 100 King James Version 100 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. God bless you Keith RESOURCE CENTRE.. If you are in China, you may need a Vpn to access some of these links THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS MINISTRY AND PRAY FOR CHINA http://chinapartnership.org/prayer/ Soundslikereign.. beautiful music, you can download this music for free https://www.soundslikereign.com/ Persecuted church News of the persecuted church https://www.persecution.com/ SERMON CENTRE SERMONS ON THANKFULNESS Why Should I Be Thankful to God? Mark Chanski | A Thanksgiving Sermon Harbor Reformed Baptist Church sermonaudio.com/sermon/1120065197 Toward a Trusting, Thankful Faith Don Green Truth Community Church sermonaudio.com/sermon/541622564410 Thankfulness for a Miracle Dr. Peter Masters | 1 Thessalonians Metropolitan Tabernacle sermonaudio.com/sermon/1023171113158 Thankful for the Cross Brian Baer Evangelistic Outreach sermonaudio.com/sermon/31218118152 PRAYER CENTRE PRAYER FOR ISRAEL https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/israel/ https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11661/IS https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14600/IS https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14669/IS

Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, Jesus These were all great moral teachers, but one is different to the others, Jesus is different and unique because of the following reasons. But it is important to note that Jesus is not merely “different” than these men: He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Here are some more reasons why Jesus is more than just a great teacher. 1. Jesus is the Son of God In Matthew 3, Jesus was baptized by in the Jordan by the prophet John the Baptist. As He came out of the water, the heavens opened and His Father spoke saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16). There is no other person in human history whom God refers to as His Son. 2. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary Jesus is the only One who was conceived by the Holy Spirit. In Luke 1, the Angel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary and declares to her that she had been chosen to give birth to the Son of God. 3. Jesus died for ME 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that “He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” Jesus is the only One who was willing and able to give His life for you and for me. And it is His blood, and His blood alone that makes atonement for sin and makes us right with the living God. 4. Jesus rose from the dead Jesus is the only One who rose the dead. Confucius, Mohammed, and Buddha died and they are still dead. In Matthew 28, we have one of several accounts of Christ’ resurrection. Mary goes to the grave of Jesus, expecting to anoint His body to slow the pace of decomposition. However, she is met by an angel who tells her that He is not there, but that He is risen from the dead. She then meets her Saviour who is resurrected! Her sorrow over the death of Christ is immediately replaced with the joy of knowing that He has risen. And it is His resurrection that sets Christianity apart from every other religion on earth. 5. Jesus is the only way to God. There are some that say there are several ways to get to God. Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father, except they come through me.” If you want to know God, you must go through Christ. How do you do that? By asking Him to forgive you of your sins, repenting of your sin, realising that you can't save yourself and throw yourself on his mercy and grace. How does God save us? He saves us by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 say, “For by grace are you saved through faith, and not the of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast." 。 What will you receive when God saves you? You will receive life in abundance, you will have God's Spirit living inside you as you go through life to guide and comfort you. You will have a new Christian family and you will have the assurance of heaven and eternal life. That abundant life starts here on earth as you have fellowship with God as your relationship with Him has been restored. There are millions across China and across the world, who have made this commitment and as someone who made it 40 years ago, it is the best thing I have ever done. Are you ready to receive Jesus? Say this simple prayer: Father God, I realise that I am out of fellowship with You, because of my sin and I come before You, to ask that You would forgive my sin, because of the shed blood of your precious Son on the cross. I repent from every evil way and give my life over to You to use in any way You see fit. Thank You for making me a child of God and I will live for You and You alone. In Jesus name, amen If you prayed that prayer, here is what you should do next: Pray... Talk to God about everything. Read the Bible. Start in the Gospel of John. Fellowship... join with your brothers and sisters in the faith on Sunday and during the week. Share... tell others what has happened to you. Baptism... be immersed in water. RESOURCE CENTRE.. If you are in China, you may need a Vpn to access some of these links THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS MINISTRY AND PRAY FOR CHINA http://china

2 KINGS 6 15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. PRAYER PICTURES Are you in a situation like Elisha and Gehazi? Do you feel overwhelmed? Like there is no way out? In this passage, Elisha looked through the eyes of faith; Gehazi looked through the eyes of fear. Note some things here: Elisha rose early. Early morning prayer and communion with God is the best time to experience Gods presence, and if you are looking to have a good day, start it off with a time of worship and fellowship with almighty God. Elisha encouraged Gehazi with the words, “Fear Not.” Gehazi viewed the situation through the lens of fear, something that most of us tend to do when confronted with a problem that appears to be too great for us to overcome. Gehazi uses the word Alas, when we say that in English it's like, Oh! What’s going to become of us? We are doomed! He was very discouraged and thought that there was no hope in this situation. When the coronavirus hit, a lot of people were saying, “alas!” But we know that God is greater than any foe, and when we trust Him, we move from fear to faith. It says that Elisha prayed. And his prayer is a lesson for you and I to consider when facing our own trials. Elisha prayed, ‘Lord, I pray thee, open his (Gehazi) eyes, that he may see.’ So often when we encounter believers who are overwhelmed, counsel may not be effective because they are paralyzed by fear. The best thing to do in that case is not to argue or become frustrated, but to pray and ask God to open their eyes. This is a prayer that God is pleased to answer. Not only will He open their eyes, He will open up a way for them to escape and overcome every trial. When in trouble…pray like Elisha… ‘Lord, open my eyes that I may see’. God bless you GUEST DEVOTION The Wednesday Word The Loveliness of Jesus D.G. Miles McKee 2 Corinthians 5:21. Christ’s loveliness consists mainly in this … He knew no sin! If He had had just one tiny sin of His own, He could not Have suffered for ours. Remember, in Hebrews 7:26 we are told that our High Priest (Jesus) was holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners. We would think that such a person should be welcome in any community. But no! He got terrible treatment. The people despised, rejected and hated Him… But Jesus suffered this wretched behaviour on our behalf. That makes Him altogether lovely. Do any of us hate Him? Hate Him? Yes, hate Him. Do any of us use His name as a common swear word? If we do, we are speaking as though we despise Him. If we are guilty of that crime, it doesn?t seem that He is lovely to us. Also, if we will not trust Him alone for our salvation is that not yet another way of despising Him! When you stand before God on Judgement Day, is there anything more that you would like to add to the perfect righteousness of Christ to save you? If there is, you have not yet grasped the Gospel and the Gospel has not grasped you. However, when believers stand before God, it will be as if they had never sinned. They will stand before him in the immaculate righteousness of the worthy Lamb. He is altogether Lovely! So, how did the Father deal with the spotless Christ? In Isaiah 53:5-6 we are told the shocking truth that ‘the Lord laid on Him the iniquities of us all.’ This is dreadful. The Father heaped upon the Lord Jesus the thousands and millions of our sins till at last He was so covered, in God’s sight, that nothing but sin appeared. He was treated as though He was one entire mass of sin. He was dealt with by the Father as if He was sin from head to toe. We tend to think of the agonies of the cross as being merely physica

NEHEMIAH 2 17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So, they strengthened their hands for the good work. THE CAN-DO-MAN Times were bad in Jerusalem. The walls were broken down; Nehemiah had returned and he was a man on a mission. He inspects the walls, and is eager to do something. He is not going to be put off by Tobiah and his friends and some of the people who were compromising. In verse 18, we have two very penetrating statements, Nehemiah told them that the Hand of the Lord had been upon him, this is so important, Nehemiah came but he came in God's power, remember what Jesus said in John 15, without me , ye can do nothing. Nehemiah was a man, we are mere men, can we be can-do Christians, yes, but only in God's power. To do any work for God, the hand of the Lord has to be with you Also, he told them of the words that the king had spoken to him, He had the king's promise, so do we. Promises such as Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:8. Again, when we do a work for God, we rely and stand on the promises of God, sure we can be can-do Christians, but only through god's power and holding on to God's promises It only takes one man/woman who has a passion to fan the flames of revival in a city or neighborhood. Nehemiah was a can-do-man. He saw the state of the walls and was determined that the walls must be re-built. Nehemiah is an inspiring person; he said the encouraging words God had said to him and he inspired others. But also, he saw the state of the walls, and saw that the Jews were being laughed at and held in derision, this made his blood boil, so to speak. Does the state of the church today make you take action? When you see the walls of the church broken down, what is your reaction? Do you care or do you have the reaction of Nehemiah? There are too many can't-do people in the church today; you can't do this, you may upset our neighbors, you can't speak out the truths of God's word, it might rock the boat in society. One of my favorite sermons is called, "Preaching Outside the Pulpit," by Todd Friel. It encourages pastors and their church members to get out and open air preach. Some maybe can't, but others can, but won't. Most Christian evangelism is not done on Sunday, or during the week by Christians living their lives and going to the world in love. Jesus said GO, yet so many can't-go Christians are in our churches. We need to rebuild the walls in our schools, communities and towns/cities, so let's get out and share the gospel. There will be people in our churches that will say, you can't do that. In my home town in the UK, every Saturday morning, there is a small group of seven or eight dedicated believers who share the gospel week after week, but where are the others? They are there when there is some Christian event and will gladly come to church and give God one morning per week. But they are can't-do Christians... "Oh I can't do that! What would people think of me?" Answer: They would call you a fool for Christ It is time to arise and rebuild the walls, so that the church is not held in derision anymore. It is time to be like Nehemiah and to be a can-do Christian and inspire and encourage others. Are you a can-do Christian or a can't-do Christian? Or even worse, are you a won't do Christian? God bless you, KK RESOURCE CENTRE.. If you are in China, you may need a Vpn to access some of these links. Have you enjoyed these devotions, then please share them, we can reach the world for Christ. THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS MINISTRY AND PRAY FOR CHINA http://chinapartnership.org/prayer/ Soundslikereign.. beautiful music, you can download this music for free https://www.soundslikereign.com/ Persecuted church News of the persecuted church h

NUMBERS 21 4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” 6 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. 7 And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze[c] serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. LOOK UPON ME Another day, another reason to complain. This time it was the manna they were complaining about, note what they said, it is worthless food. Are we like that, do we complain about our pastor? This church doesn't feed us properly, the messages are worthless food. How often we criticise and complain against God's servants! Moses must have been fed up. God certainly was because he sent fiery serpents among them. Note that only when these serpents began to bite and devour the people, if God hadn't have acted in this way the people would have gone on and on moaning and complaining. God needs to shake us up sometimes; remember he hears all your complaining. Believe me I have a gold medal in complaining! He hears it and doesn't like it. True repentance moves God's heart. The Children of Israel admitted their sin, - there is an answer to complaining and it lies at the foot of the cross. Another way to stop complaining is to praise God; if only the children of Israel had concentrated on what God had done for them. God provided an answer though, a fiery serpent. What a picture of Christ. What did Jesus say of himself: ‘If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people unto myself.’ In Isaiah 45 we read these words: 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Everyone who looks at Jesus will live. This is the great news for people who have been bitten by the serpent of sin. Charles Spurgeon heard this verse preached on in 1853. He had his heart opened and he said that he looked to Christ and Christ alone for Salvation. Have you looked to Jesus for Salvation? God bless you KK GALATIANS 5 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. DUAL PERSONALITY Ever wondered why you struggle to do something? You want to wake up to pray at 6 am, but why is it that at 6 am you struggle to wake up? The reason can be summed up in this verse for when you get saved you receive a new heart, but your flesh remains. Your flesh has to be defeated and destroyed. Someone said How do you defeat the flesh; you don't feed it. If you want to wake up at 6 am, you need to sleep early. You don't need to watch TV the night before and fill your mind with rubbish. We are in a daily war; it's going on 24/7. 365 days a year. It never stops. We see in Ephesians 6 that we have weapons. Why do we need weapons? if we aren't at war? Paul in Romans 7 said that things he wanted to do, he didn't do and things he didn't want to he did. Surely if Paul struggled, we will also, but there is hope if we further look at Romans 7: 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with

1 TIMOTHY 1 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as an example to show everyone how patient he is with even the worst sinners, so that others will realize that they too, can have everlasting life. (living bible) The Goal of Mercy Mercy is God’s compassion demonstrated in the pardoning of sinners. Of all the people in the New Testament, Paul was the ultimate example of God's mercy. Prior to his conversion, Paul was a member of a religious sect known as the Pharisees. But he was no ordinary Pharisee. Paul was a Pharisee on a mission…a mission to destroy the church of Jesus Christ. Consider this account of Paul in Acts 8:1-3 (Living Bible): 1 And a great wave of persecution of the believers began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem, and everyone except the apostles fled into Judea and Samaria. 2 (But some godly Jews came and with great sorrow buried Stephen.) 3 Paul was like a wild man, going everywhere to devastate the believers, even entering private homes and dragging out men and women alike and jailing them. Fast Forward 30 years and you have Paul, the great Missionary to the Gentiles writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, about the mercy of God. After all of those years, Paul never forgot about the day God showed mercy to him on the road to Damascus. And like Paul may we never forget the moment that our God showed us mercy and brought us into His divine family. Why does He show mercy to us? Why does He save us? He saves us to show people that his grace and mercy can save even the worst sinners. Sinners like you and like me. There is no one beyond the reach of God's mercy. God saved us to show the world that His love is real and that His mercy is available to all. You and I are the evidence that God is merciful and gracious. May we live in such a way that others will be drawn to the amazing grace of our amazing God. God bless you Keith 1 TIMOTHY 1 17 Now to the King of the ages [eternal], immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. ALL GLORY TO GOD? What is the ultimate point of salvation? Why does God save us? The reason God saves us is because He chooses to save us. Instead of giving us what we deserve He gives us what we need, His mercy. But for what purpose? To bring glory to Himself. Look at the following passage: 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV) Also consider 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Check out the end of verse 7, that "the excellency of the power may be of God and not us.” Salvation is for the sinner, but the glory belongs to God. It is verses 12-16 that produces the praise of verse 17: 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patienceas an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. All of us have a time in which we experienced verses 12-16. But thank God that we now live in verse 17: "Now to the King of the ages [eternal], immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." May we live in such a way that others will se

THE LETTER M PSALM 119 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. 148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. When we think of the word meditate or meditation, it has a picture of some eastern mystic babbling some crazy words, but this is not what true meditation is. It means to mull over or think deeply about something, in Colossians chapter 3, we have these words: 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. To dwell with us, means it lives deeply within our hearts, it is a welcome guest in our lives and meditating on the word of God, allows us to have a spirit that is filled with wisdom and worship. Look at verse 16. When we read our bibles, we are not to read it, just to turn the required number of pages on our bible reading scheme, we are to meditate on particular verses. Recently I took ten days to read John chapters 1-3, because it is so deep, you cannot go too fast. Joshua was given sound advice by the Lord, as he entered the promised land. Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Meditate on it day and night you say, we can't do that. Well what is the job of the holy spirit, he will bring you remembrance of these things, of what things, of the things of Christ. Often he brings to my mind a verse of scripture, a promise, a challenge or a rebuke. Paul is giving pastoral advice to his protege Timothy, in Chapter 4 of his first epistle, he says: 11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. Paul was telling Timothy to meditate on these things, especially to doctrine, we all want to be so practical, have you ever meditated on deep doctrines such as the Deity of Christ and the Trinity. Again to meditate, we must take time to do this, put down your cell phone, turn off social media and do a bible study. Find a quiet place, get out your bible and drink deeply of the word od God. One of my favourite things to do is to get my bible and notebook and say Lord, what do you have to say to me. God's wants and is eager to speak, but we have to set aside time for him to do it, remember he spoke to Elijah in the still small voice, Can you hear him? Have you taken time to meditate on his word? We need to stop rushing away from God's word, we treat it like a hot potato sometimes, as soon as we pick it up, we want to put it down. By meditating on his precious, this is how we grow. I challenge you. Take 15 minutes each week to meditate on a bible verse or couple of verses. Let these verse dwell or live in your heart. Make them welcome. God bless you KK RESOURCE CENTRE THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china Five Solas, One Faith Don Green | The Five Solas Truth Community Church https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/89181147424 Sola Scriptura Don Green | The Five Solas Truth Community Church sermonaudio.com/sermon/1017181440291 Soli Deo Gloria Don Green | The Five Solas Truth Community Church WORSHIP https://

THE LETTER L WHATS YOUR LEGACY? We are all here for a short time, we are blessed if we live past 80. Cd Studd said: Only one life, will soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last. Life is so short, we fritter away time so easily, I know I sit on my cell phone, watching some funny video or doing something wasteful, we are told in Ephesians 5: 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. How can we create a legacy for the next generation. We can mentor and train people in our church? Christian parents and especially Christian men, you can lead your children to the Lord. When we leave this earth, what will your legacy be? Charles Spurgeon, was one the greatest preachers, who ever lived. He has left a treasure trove of hi writings, which are still blessing millions even after all these years. Everything you do, whether good or bad, will be tested by fire, look at these verses in 1 Corinthians 3: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. What will be burnt up and what will be gold and precious stones? What legacy are you leaving your children? What will people say after you die? Have you trained anyone in the things of Christ? Or are you going to be saved by fire vs 15, you will be saved, but the reward will be lost. It's time to stop wasting your life on trifles and create a legacy for your children. The best legacy is to share Christ, I want to take as many Chinese as I can to heaven with me. May the passion of your heart be that you share the gospel, it's the only thing that matters. God bless you KK RESOURCE CENTRE THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china JOHN KNOX INSTITUTE https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/biblicaltheology?lesson=1 https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/biblicaltheology?lesson=2 https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/biblicaltheology?lesson=3 https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/biblicaltheology?lesson=4 WORSHIP https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/biblicaltheology?lesson=4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nTMshn5Coc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDcis8A_8lU PRAY FOR IRAN AND ITS PEOPLES https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/iran/ AHVAZ IRAN https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/ahvaz/ IRANIAN ARAB https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12246/IR CENTRAL TATI https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18861/IR DEAF https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19007/IR LAKI https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19313/IR GULF SPOKEN ARAB https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10376/IR AFGHAN TAJIK https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14372/IR

THE LETTER J Born in Joy The letter to the Philippians is the book of joy, maybe that is because it was born out of Joy. Just imagine the scene: It's late at night in a dark prison and suddenly two prisoners who had been wrongly arrested, beaten, arrive at the prison, they are guarded by a savage and mean prison guard, who lived in constant fear and paranoia. It's after midnight and the prisoners want to sleep, but suddenly these two new prisoners start singing and it's not any singing, they are thanking and praising God. You see my friends, joy is supernatural, it is not just being happy, you are happy because of your circumstances, not in spite of them. Paul and Silas were in the most dire of circumstances, stuck in the middle of a dirty rotten prison, but they had supernatural joy. Well over ten times in this short epistle is joy or rejoice mentioned, this was a church born out of joy and birthed in Joy. Love is the glue that binds the church together, but joy is the outflow of that love. People cannot understand, why believers who are going through the deepest hurt and pain, can have this supernatural joy. Paul says in Chapter 4 that there is peace that passes understanding for the Christian when we come to God in prayer and that is so true. Peter says in his first epistle chapter 4 these words: 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. He also says these incredible words in Chapter 1 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Jesus said out of your belly, would flow rivers of living waters, we have incredible, unspeakably glorious joy, that will enable us to overcome any circumstance and any obstacle. Are you a joyful Christian? I echo the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians chapter 4: Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice So needful that Paul had to repeat himself. God bless you KK THE LETER K TO KNOW HIM AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN PHILIPPIANS 3 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; COLOSSIANS 4 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 2 THESS 3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: The words at the top sum up the Christian life. People ask, what is the purpose of life? Why does God save us? When we are first saved, we have a basic knowledge of God, over the years, we will grow in that knowledge 2 Peter 3:18. Paul who by now, was a mature believer was still saying, I want to KNOW HIM, this is his deepest desire, he reminds me of Caleb in the OT, who says at age 80, give me this mountain, give me the hardest part of the work. I am retired, having reached a certain age, but I pray i never retire from the Lord's work, you do have a retirement date, when Gid decides to take you home, until then, keep working and keep striving to know God. To know God is the best thing, to bring others to the same knowledge is beyond words, you know as I write and share, I pray that something of my deep love for God rubs off on people, maybe someone will come to know Christ better through me. Moses trained Joshua, Jesus trained the twelve apostles and Paul trained Timothy, Titus and many more. Our heart cry should be I want to know God more, and our vision should be to pass on that knowledge to others, either by mentoring ones in your church or sharing the gospel to people around you. May you know Christ and make him known. God bless you KK PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS OR COPY AND PASTE THEM INTO YOUR BROWSER RESOURCE CENTRE THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category

THE LETTER I INTIMACY WITH GOD GENESIS 3 8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? The call of God throughout the bible is one of Intimacy, GOD knew man had sinned, but still he wanted intimacy with his creation, but man refuses that intimacy with his creator, now let me say this, God is not lonely, he doesn't need company, he desires and wants it with his creation. All of God's choicest saints in both the OT and NT, has a deep and intimate relationship with God, look at some of them, how would: Joseph have coped with betrayal and prison Moses have coped with the children of Israel's complaining David coped with the uprising of his own son Daniel coped with the lions den The reason, they had a deep and intimate relationship with God, they didn't run from God they ran to God Jeremiah 33:3. Men and women who sinned in the OT, did so because they lost that intimacy with God, look at David, Moses and others. They took their eyes off the Lord and fell headlong into sin and failure As we go into the NT, we see people like Peter failing because he lost that intimacy with God, for a short time. It is not enough to go to church on Sunday, the Christian life, is a deep intimate relationship between you and God, as his Holy spirit lives in you, there will be an increase in holiness , as he works in your heart. Daily and minute by minute intimacy with God happens when: You take everything to God in prayer, look at the verses 1 Peter 5 and 1 Thessalonians 5 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 17 Pray without ceasing. The word of God becomes part of your whole being, look at these precious verses in Colossians 3 and Joshua 1: 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. There are many other things, I could point to, but let me finish with this: Intimate prayer may mean you are still and say nothing to God in prayer, but are quiet and just soak in his presence. Let him speak, prayer is two way communication. When God spoke to Elijah, God spoke in a still small voice. Intimate bible reading is taking time to read the bible, the Chinese way is to read many chapters, to be a page turner, but this is not intimate bible reading, we are told to meditate and to study, we are told to good Bereans. Acts 17. Jesus who had the deepest and most intimate relationship with his father, went up to a mountain to pray ALONE, if he went and did this, then surely, we should do it too. Some ways to be closer and more intimate with God in prayer and bible reading. The earlier it is, the better it will be. Turn off all distractions, that means cell phones, tv and social media, I know that this is a terrible thing that I am saying! Go to a place such as a park or quiet place by the river and just walk or sit. Say nothing, ask the Lord, I want to hear from you, I want to hear your voice. Say like Samuel: 1 Samuel 3 10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. God promises to come and have deep and intimate fellowship with those, who open the door of their lives: Revelation 3 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. James 4 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Intimacy with God, for the apostle Paul, was being completely linked to Christ. Do you wa

HALLOWEEN Here are some more ideas, for you to oppose this evil. You can pray binding the power of Satan.. and get your church and house group together to do the same. Have a prayer meeting at your church on the date of Halloween or open up your home for a prayer meeting You can prayer walk you area.. applying the blood of Jesus to every house. You can give out gospels to every child who comes to your house Trick or Treating. You can speak out against the evils of Halloween.. we need people who will stand up and say "THUS SAYS THE LORD." Please share this devotion with all your friends and groups esp place on Facebook. Thanks, and God bless Keith NOONDAY DEVOTION BY KEITH REPROVE AND CHALLENGE ALL EVIL WAYS 11 Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] [d]expose and reprove and convict them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible andclear there is light. 14 Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light. 15 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), 16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. The Lord has laid this devotion on my heart. I feel very passionately about the evils of Halloween. Now I know many believers think I am going over the top on this issue, so let's start with these verses in Galatians 5 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry,witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Do you notice anything believer?.. yes, Witchcraft is included in this list. Jesus talks about things like adultery and murder in the Sermon on the Mount; He says that if you do them in your heart, you are as guilty as those who actually do them.. what about participating in Halloween? Well, if you let you children dress up in ghostly costumes, or place carved pumpkins outside your house.. you are involving yourself in this evil practice, when God clearly tells you in his word to have nothing to do with it.. forgive me, I am a bit slow.. but even a slow person like realises that this for what it is.. DISOBEDIENCE. What does the first part of Ephesians 5:11 say.. HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WORKS OF DARKNESS.. IT MEANS EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS!!!. The Ephesian believers had a great bonfire and burnt all their pagan books.. they took these verses to heart, more to the point, they obeyed them. Believers want God to be their friend.. well, He is.. If you obey Him. He demands that you burn all this Halloween stuff and that you do not participate in this godless and pagan holiday. If Christians acted like the Ephesian believers and burned all this rubbish, we would have bonfires stretching all across America and other countries. I estimate and I am just guessing here that Evangelical Bible believing Christians spend up to 100 million in many currencies on Halloween food, costumes etc. How much would world missions benefit if that money was given to support the work of the church overseas? How many missionaries are struggling for support and the church wastes money on this rubbish? Now I won't be the only person teaching or preaching this in the run up to Halloween, but some people do not get it.. it is TIME TO OBEY THE LORD AND TO HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE WORKS OF DARKNESS. This so-called holiday is in the realm of the devil.. he is our enemy.. it seems some Christians have crossed over to the enemy's side for

"When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer; 1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV VIETNAM: New Believer Slain by Unknown Assailants Source: VOM Australia A village in Vietnam. Photo: Flickr / Michael Mooney (cc) In August of this year, a widower and father of two referred to as "Brother Man" came to faith in Christ. When news of the believer's conversion became known, he began to encounter intense pressure from local authorities. In the first incident, Brother Man was ordered to leave his home. When he refused to do so, the local authorities then confiscated his land and forbade him from contacting any other Christians. Despite the opposition, the follower of Jesus remained firm in his newfound faith. On September 24th, Brother Man had been home alone while the rest of his household was out working. When his family members returned home later that day, they found the slain believer's body on the floor. It was also discovered that the deceased Christian man had a bruise on the back of his neck. An in-country ministry partner who works closely with Voice of the Martyrs Australia has asked for prayer on behalf of Brother Man's grieving family members during this difficult time. One of the representatives from the Australian office reported that needed financial assistance has been provided to the family. For further reports addressing the suffering of Christians in this Southeast Asian nation, including videotaped segments, go to our country profile. Prayerfully remember Brother Man's loved ones as they grieve their sudden loss. May God's loving presence, peace and comfort be tangibly experienced by this mourning family, as well as by fellow Christians in their community and other areas of Vietnam. Ask the Lord to provide these persecuted believers with divine wisdom and guidance as they deal with the oppressive restrictions being imposed on them from all levels of government. Pray that the assailants responsible for this attack would be revealed and thus duly held accountable; and that, despite the opposition towards Christianity, the message of God's saving grace will continue to spread powerfully throughout the nation. INDIA: Pastor Sentenced for Alleged Forced Conversions Sources: International Christian Concern, ECSPE A pastor in India sharing God's Word. Photo: VOM International A church leader in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has been convicted on false charges of forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity. On September 25th, a court in Jhabua sentenced Pastor Vikas Nimach to five years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of over $1,600 CAD. His legal team intends to appeal the recent verdict, claiming that the trial lawyer mishandled the proceedings. The convicted pastor was arrested in December 2021, along with five other believers. The complainants claimed that these Christians had allegedly bribed Hindus to come to their church with promises to provide each of these congregants approximately $16 CAD per month, a motorbike, plus free medical treatment and education for their families. While the other five Christians were granted bail, Pastor Vikas spent nine months in jail before obtaining bail in September 2022. Madhya Pradesh is one of the 12 Indian states that have implemented anti-conversion legislation. These laws are frequently misused by individuals with personal vendettas, as well as by those seeking to stoke religious divisions. For more details on the persecution facing Christians in India, go to our country report. Please uphold Pastor Vikas in your prayers as he begins to serve his prison sentence, asking our Heavenly Father to keep this church leader strong in his faith and provide for all of his physical, spiritual and emotional needs. In addition, pray that Pastor Vikas' appeal hearing will be successful, enabling him to soon be set free. Continue to remember the numerous other followers of Jesus throughout this nation who are facing similar situations, praying that they too will receive ongoing

THE LETTER G It's all about grace Ephesians 2 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Psalm 40 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. 1 Timothy 1 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. It's all about grace...amen These are some of the most Christ exalting words in the bible, they show God's grace to save sinners. These verses also outline man's complete inability to save themselves. Still after all this time, man is still trying to save himself, he invents and follows religions that are set up to help him better himself, they believe in self help programmes and worst of all, he refuses to believe that there is a GOD. He doesn't realise that he can't help himself, he is dead in his sins. Can you wake up a dead man? The only way a dead man can by made alive, is by God's spirit, working in his heart. Man does not need a new moral framework, he needs a new heart. In Ezekiel 36, we have this promise: 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. God is the only one, who can spiritually make alive a person. In Ezekiel 37, he is told to speak to the bones: 1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, 2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. 4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. This is one of the greatest pictures of Grace in the bible, although Ezekiel speaks to the bones, it is God who gives these bones breath. It is God, who puts flesh upon them. At conversion, God does open heart surgery, he gives you a new heart, he breaths into your spiritually dead body and makes you alive in Christ. Has he done the above things in your life? Are you trying to reach God? Are you trying to do it on your own, through some man made method? Come to the one, who said, he that comes to me, I will not cast out. Come freely, come humbly, come in repentance. God bless you KK THE LETTER H - HOLY HUMILITY - HAVING THE SAME VIEW GOD HAS OF YOU 【Jas4:6】But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” It’s hard to by humble by Mac Davis）: There was a song that played on the radio, many years ago: It went: Boy its hard to be humble, when your perfect in every way! I used to laugh at that song, but let's get this right, this is a wrong view of humility. Humility is having God's opinion of ourselves. So what is God's opinion of us? He knows we have a short life span. Psalm 103 says this: 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. God knows that we are here today and gone tomorrow, he knows that we live for a short time and we go back to the dust. But know this, believer! Although he knows our lifespan, he still loves

EMBRACE THE LORD PSALM 18 18 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. I love the psalms, this one especially, it is so personal. All the promises of God are Yes and Amen, they are not Yes and No. Look at all the things, that the psalmist is saying, he makes God personal. Over and over, he uses the words, my and mine. God is not some being far off, he is right here with us, he is personal to us. Every one of these mighty My's are so wonderful. Make these personal to yourself. Embrace these words, cling to these words and make them personal to yourself. The bible and it's promises are not abstract, they are personal to us. Every time, you read the bible, ask, what promise does have for me today and then embrace it, bring it close to your heart. God's promises are for his people corporately, but they are also personal to me and you, embrace the power of each one. God bless you Keith FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. How are we to have fellowship with our father God, many of you have bad experiences with your fathers, some have been beaten by your father, some have been abandoned by theirs. This verse taken at face value, maybe brings bad thoughts to your mind, but it shouldn't. This is not human fear, this is reverential fear. The whole focus of the book of proverbs is to share the truth of this verse. We need to remember, who God is and who we are, he is the creator of the universe, we are his created beings, sinful beings, who were alienated from him Ephesians 2, but those who are now sons and daughters of His. Therefore, we can come not trembling, but in reverential fear, knowing exactly who God is, but knowing that God is our father, the best father. We can come to the father with confidence Hebrews 10:19-25, yes with confidence, but with reverence. We can come as little children, the parents in Luke 18:15, were bringing their children to Jesus, people tried to stop them, we are to come as little children humbly and childlike, running to the father, every need brought to him, every problem brought to him. We are to come for communion with Him, in Luke 10:38-42, Mary had the best part, she was sat at the feet of Jesus. He wants us to sit and learn of Him, for us to be teachable. I envy two people in scripture, those two guys on the road to Emanus, what a blessing that was to them, wish I could of been them. We are to come continually, never stop coming to Him, everyday seek him, run to daddy. Fellowship with your father God is the best thing, spending one minute in his presence is like spending twenty four days with anyone else, spending ten minutes in his word, is better than reading twenty books. Run for fellowship with your father, come with reverential fear, knowing that He is God, but also that he opens his arms and wants you to sit at his feet and learn of Him. He's waiting to welcome you, what's stopping you? God bless you KK THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china RESOURCE CENTRE PRAY FERVENTLY FOR CHINA HOHHOT https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/hohhot/ ADU BAI YI https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18410/CH E https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11672/CH CUN https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11446/CH PRAYERCAST https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/china/

COME UNTO ME 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. The whole of the bible can be summed up in one word, COME. We read in Genesis 3, that after man sinned, he hid and ran from God. The constant call of GOD throughout the bible is to come to him, man is still seeking to hide from God. The story of the bible is one of redemption, it is like a game of hide and seek, of man hiding and running from God and God to seeking to redeem and buy back his chosen people. Throughout the OT, God showed many signs of his coming salvation, through the ark, through the Passover, through the feasts and through prophecy. The call has always been come. Jesus says come to me, he made it personal. We can now come to God on a personal level, because of what Jesus has done on the cross, he has made a new and living way, as it states in Hebrews 10: 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh Now, we can come freely to God, because of what Christ has done. Some of the final words of the bible are probably the best, in Revelation 22, we read these words: 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. This sums up the offer, God is making through the whole bible. May you today COME. 55 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. God bless you KK Psalm 37 4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. These are some of the greatest verses in the whole bible, they have words such as commit and trust, but right in the middle is this verse, which has the word delight. We should commit everything to God, we should trust fully in him, but do we truly delight in him. Do we delight in his beauty? Do we delight in his love? Do we delight in his awesomeness? To do this means to take pleasure in, we look at the following verses: Psalm 43 4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Psalm 90 17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 29 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. God and him alone, should be our hearts delight, the true heart, will want nothing but God, everything else is a bonus. If we truly delight in God, we will have our true hears desire, which is HIM. What does your heart truly delight in? If it is God alone, then we will have our hearts desire. Jesus says as much in Matthew 6 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Seek God, delight in him, make him your first priority and everything will follow. We serve and do things for God, but do we ever take time to delight in him, to dwell in his majesty, to be quiet before him. Take time to just be completely silent, before God, that would mean turning off all electronic devices and social media.. oh no, say some people. God wants us to delight in Him, because in doing that our deepest desires of our hearts can be satisfied and the one who can satisfy is God himself. God bless you Keith THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china RESOURCE CENTRE The Spirit-Enriched Marriage Emeal (E.Z.) Zwayne | Marriage Cornerstone Bible Church sermonaudio.com/sermon/21624173125067 The Oneness-Focused Marriage Emeal (E.Z.) Zwayne | Marriage Cornerstone Bible Church sermonaudio.com/sermon/21224164735459 Every Man's Nightmare: A Disrespectful Wife Cary Green | M