Forgiveness (Greek - Aphiemi)

1 John 2:12 - I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (ASV) 

Forgiveness (Greek), Original Word,, transliterated word - aphiēmi, Phonetic spelling - af-ee'-ay-mee.


It comes from two Greek words, they are “apo” which means “from” and the other word is “hiemi” which means, “to send”. And the word “Aphiemi” means “to send away” or “to dismiss” or “to emit”. It means to remit, forgive debts, sins or offences (Matt 6:12; 14, 15). The expression “to forgive sin” means to remove the sins from oneself. Only God is said to be able to do this work (Mk 2:10).

John addresses his readers as children’s, just as he does else where in the epistle, to express their need of instruction and their state of dependence upon God and upon teachers such as himself. The reason for the apostle’s writing to all Christians in general, and for writing to children, 1Jo 2:12 “Because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake”.


They are people whose sins have been forgiven, they have fulfilled the condition laid down in 1:9, and as a result of their confession of their sin, they know the joy of forgiveness. Forgiveness, however, does not depend on human confession in the sense that this secures favor and pardon from God; it is granted “on account of his name (Jesus' Name)”.

Dr. John Gill writes in John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, “…these little children had been sinners by nature and practice, and were not now without sin, but they shared in the blessing of the forgiveness of it; which arises from the abundant mercy and rich grace of God, and proceeds on the blood and sacrifice of Christ; and therefore is said to be "for his name's sake"; not for the sake of any merits in men, any services or works of theirs, but for the sake of Christ, his blood, sacrifice and satisfaction; and it reaches to all sins, original and actual, secret and open, past, present, and to come; and here intends the application of it by the Spirit of God, and the reception of it by faith: and which, as it is a reason and argument encouraging love to God, who freely and fully forgives, and to Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sin, so to their brethren and fellow Christians; who are equally sharers in the same blessing, and when they should love, because they are loved of God and Christ; and whom they should forgive, because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven them…”

All those who experience the forgiveness of God are reminded by John that our sins have been forgive not because of our confession but by the merit of the power of his name. John is reminds us about the blood of Jesus and his role as advocate and offering for sin.

ADVOCATE (Greek - Parakletos)

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have anAdvocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 

1 John 2:2 and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. (ASV) 

Advocate (Greek), Original Word,  transliterated word paraklētosPhonetic spelling par-ak'-lay-tos

The Greek word parakletos comes from the word “Parakaleo” which means “to call”, “to call toward”, ‘to speak to’ or “to speak cheerfully”. Thus in 1 Jn 2:1, Christ is termed our substitutionary, intercessory advocate, the one who stands instead of us.

This Greek word in this passage has several shades of meaning: (1) a legal advocate; (2) an intercessor, (3)a helper generally. In the passage before us the first and second meanings are included. Christ in heaven intercedes for Christians who sin upon earth. The next verse declares that He is the “propitiation for our sins” and it is His propitiatory work which lies at the basis of His intercession. The margins of the Revised Version (British and American) and the American Standard Revised Version give as alternative readings Comforter, Helper, Greek Paraclete. Beyond doubt however, “advocate” is the correct translation in the passage in the epistle. The same Greek word also occurs in the Gospel of John (John 14:16, John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7) referring not to Christ but to the Holy Spirit, to whom Christ refers as “another comforter” whom He will send from the Father. In the Gospel various functions are ascribed to the Spirit in relation to believers and unbelievers. The word in the Gospel is inadequately translated “Comforter.” The Spirit according to these passages, is more than Comforter and more than Advocate.

In the previous section (1:8–2:2) John is dealing very practically with his first main purpose in this letter, which is to urge his readers to respond to the good news of God as light (v 5) by living in the light (v 7). The primary method of achieving this, he demonstrates, is by renouncing sin; and, indeed, to encourage such a renunciation is one of the chief purposes of this letter (2:1).

In all this, however, particular notice is taken of John’s gnostically inclined opponents, who were minimizing the effects of sin or denying its presence altogether. By way of reply to these heretics, the writer completes a trilogy of heterodox claims and orthodox counterclaims (1:6–2:1) by indicating the reality of both sin and its remedy. In the face of God’s righteousness, human unrighteousness is a fact of life. But God has not deserted us in our moment of need. Even while the believer tries genuinely to “live in the light” sin is a possibility; and in that case God has provided in his Son, our intercessor and atoning sacrifice, the possibility of forgiveness and new life (2:1–2). Jesus is the one comes along side of us when we are in real trouble.

Though John exhorts believers not to sin, it possible that at times believers fall into temptation. John makes his purpose clear that his readers would both recognize their sin and confess it – and also seek to live without sin. John wished that his readers would recognize the all-pervasive character of sin and live a life totally consecrated to God. So it is important for us to understand that the temptation will be there, but we must try not to yield ourselves into it. And if we fall, we have an assurance, that there is an advocate to come along side of us and cleanse us of our sins, when we confess it before Him. He is just to forgive us and restore us.

Lean on (Hebrew - Shaan)

Do not lean on your own understanding...

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. 

Lean on (Hebrew), Original Wordtransliterated word shâ‛an, Phonetic spelling shaw-an, a primitive root, meaning to support one’s self: - lean, lie, rely, rest (on self), stay.

God’s people are exhorted to trust in the Lord. The scriptures do not prohibit growing in wisdom; it is always advisable for a person to get understanding but we are not to put our trust in it.

The Hebrew word used here very clearly states that leaning on one’s own understanding could be disastrous. God’s people must trust God for continual providence. We must totally rely in the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, assuring ourselves of the extent of his power to provide to all the creatures and all their actions. We must therefore trust in the Lord with all our hearts (Pro 3:5); we must believe that he is able to do what he purposes, wise to do what is best, and good, according to his promise, to do what is best for us, if we love him, and serve him. Our duty is to depend upon him with an entire submission and satisfaction, to perform all things for us, and not lean to our own understanding, as if we could, by any forecast of our own, without God, help ourselves, and bring our affairs to a good issue.

The Word of God is very clear that if we put our trust in our own strength, we will fail. In all our conduct we must be diffident of our own judgment, and confident of God's wisdom, power, and goodness, and therefore must follow Providence and not force it.

Proverbs 2&3 poses an apparent paradox in spiritual life. We strive hard to get wisdom and understanding (2:1-5), yet we are not to lean on it apart from the Lord (3:5-6). Even good wisdom apart from God’s grace can become a snare. Trust in the Lord is the secret of the wise man. It is to be whole-hearted and full time. The phrase “in all your ways” is a rebuke o the part-time godliness which does “lean on our own understanding” when paths seem familiar.

This verse presents one of the strongest promises of the Bible. God complains as much of a divided allegiance as none. We are to trust with “all our heart” and the extent of our trust should be “in all our ways”. Few will refuse to acknowledge a superintending providence at certain times and in certain operations that are counted great, but God wants us to confide in Him in the little close and kindly things.

The secret behind putting our trust completely on God is the realization of human inability. God starts to work when our ability comes to a still stand. If we realize our own limitation, unworthiness and helplessness as human beings, we will trust Him with all our heart.

Go to the ant, you slugggard... and be wise

Go to the ant, you slugggard... and be wise

Pro 6:6-8 : Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no chief, Overseer, or ruler,  Provideth her bread in the summer, And gathereth her food in the harvest. (ASV) 

Sluggard (Hebrew), Original Word  Transliterated word - ‛âtsêl, Phonetic spelling - aw-tsale, meaning - indolent: - slothful, sluggard or idle.

Solomon had plenty to say about the sluggard or habitually lazy person. He contrasts the sluggard with the ant, who works diligently during the summer to gather enough food for the winter. In Pro. 20:4, Solomon describes the sluggard as one who refuses to work hard during the growing seasons and so has nothing at harvest time. The sluggard makes only one commitment: to his leisure. He will try and excuse to shy away from honest labor, even excusing himself through irrational claims of danger (Pro.22: 13).

Solomon addresses the sluggard who loves his ease, lives in idleness, minds no business, sticks to nothing, brings nothing to pass, and in a particular manner is careless in the business of religion. Slothfulness is as sure a way to poverty, though not so short a way, as rash suretiship.

Everyone who wants to make a difference should pay attention to the metaphor of the ant. It is amazing that one of the smallest of God’s creatures can become one of His greatest teachers. The lessons the ant teaches us can be summarized this way:

1. A – Attitude Of Initiative
Ants don’t need a commander to tell them to get started.
2. N – Nature of Integrity.
Ants work faithfully and need no outside accountability to keep them doing right.
3. T – Thirst for Industry
Ants work hard and will replace their anthill when it gets ruined.
4. S – Source of Insight
Ants store provisions in the summer.

If we consider and learn from the ways of the ants we can grow wise.

The sluggard in the physical sense does nothing for the world around him; he leaves it untouched, except of pillaging some of its resources. The sluggard in the spiritual sense is little different, he leaves the world no better than he found it, and perhaps little poorer. When leaders become lazy and loose their diligence in doing good for God, they become spiritual sluggards and worthless to the Kingdom of God (Mat: 5:13).

Wise people understand their time is limited. They know they have no way to retrieve misused or wasted time. Jesus stressed this when he said “I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day, the night is coming when no one can work”. We, as the body of Christ, must remain diligent in doing good and in encouraging others to do like wise.

Flesh

Gal 5:17: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. 

FLESH (Greek, Sarx) Original word  transliterated word, sarx


The Greek word for flesh is Sarx. This term reproduces most of the O.T meaning of Basar. It denotes fleshy part of the body, as in references to eating flesh [Rev 19:18] or to the whole body [Gal 4:13]. Flesh is used in ordinary sense as bodily flesh [Rom 2:28]. It is used of natural human descendant of all relationship [Rom 1:3]. It is also used in a sense of mankind [Rom 3:20].

In the O.T., flesh is the basic material of human (and animal) life. As flesh men are distinguished from God whose dwelling is not with flesh [Dan 2:11]. Flesh may denote human nature in its weakness and morality[Ps 78:39]. It is against this background that we must understand the Pauline usage of the term “Sarx”.

In the books of Romans &Galatians, Paul makes two important theological observations on the meaning of flesh. One is sinful nature in the believer. When Paul speaks of “My flesh” he means his sinful propriety inherited from Adam. There is nothing good in it [Rom 7:18].

Secondly unregenerated human nature “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me.” [Gal: 2:20]. In Gal 5:17, what was implied in verse 16 is now made explicit: the flesh & spirit are diametrically opposed to each other. It is this opposition which explains why walking by the spirit will inevitably result in the desires of the flesh not being carried out.

If we walk in the flesh we “sets our desires” on the things offered by the flesh. But if we walk in the spirit we will allow the Holy Spirit to mold us and prepare us for greater service. We will hunger after the things of God and will crave the fruits of the Holy Spirit. So let’s long for God’s spirit; let’s depend on the spirit rather than on the flesh.

My Identity in Christ

Who I Am In Christ?

 
 

• I am God's child. (John 1:12)
  
• As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. (John 15:15)
  
• I have been justified. (Romans 5:1)
  
• I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
  
• I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
  
• I am a member of Christ's body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
  
• I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. (Ephesians 1:3-8)
  
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
  
• I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:9-10)
  
• I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 4:14-16)  
  

 

 
 

• I am free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
  
• I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. (Romans 8:28)
  
• I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:31-39)
  
• I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
  
• I am hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-4)
  
• I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. (Philippians 1:6)
  
• I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
  
• I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
  
• I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18)
  

 

 
 

• I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. (John 15:5)
  
• I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
  
• I am God's temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
  
• I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
  
• I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6)
  
• I am God's workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
  
• I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
  
• I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) 
  

"The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!" (From Victory Over the Darkness , by Dr. Neil Anderson)

An Amazing testimony from Egypt

A True Story from Egypt

Muslim man in Egypt killed his wife and buried her with their infant baby and 8-year old daughter. The girls were buried alive! He reported to the police that an uncle killed the kids. 15 days later, another family member died. When they went to bury him, they found the 2 girls under the sand ALIVE !

The girl was asked how she had survived. "A man wearing shiny white clothes, with bleeding wounds in his hands, came every day to feed us. He woke up my mom so she could nurse my sister. " She was interviewed on Egyptian national TV, by a veiled Muslim woman news anchor. She said on public TV, "This was none other than Jesus, because nobody else does things like this!" Muslims believe Isa (Jesus) would do this, but the wounds mean He really was crucified, and it's clear also that He is alive!

The country is outraged over the incident, and the man will be executed. But it's also clear that the child could not make up a story like this, and there is no way these children could have survived without a true miracle. Muslim leaders are going to have a hard time to figure out what to do with this, and the popularity of the Passion movie doesn't help! With Egypt at the center of the media and education in the Middle East, you can be sure This story will spread. Christ is still turning the world upside down!

History of Prophetical Movement in the Old Testament

Moses, perhaps Israel's greatest leader, was a prophetic prototype (Acts 3:21-24). Israel looked for a prophet like Moses (Deut. 34:10).


Prophets also played a role in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The prophetess Deborah predicted victory, pronounced judgment on doubting Barak, and even identified the right time to attack (Judg. 4:6-7,9,14). Samuel, who led Israel during its transition to monarchy, was a prophet, priest, and judge (1 Sam. 3:20; 7:6,15). He was able to see into the future by vision (3:11-14) and to ask God for thunder and rain (12:18). Samuel led in victory over the Philistines (1 Sam. 7), and God used him to anoint kings. Gad and Nathan served as prophets to the king. Elijah and Elisha offered critique and advice for the kings.

The prophets did more than predict the future; their messages were directed to Israel, calling them to honor God and receive His blessings. Their prophecies were not general principles but specific words corresponding to Israel's historical context.

Israel's political turmoil provided the context for the writing prophets. The Assyrian rise to power after 750 BC furnished the focus of the ministries of Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Micah. The Babylonian threat was the background for much of the ministry of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The Persian Empire in the latter part of the sixth century set the stage for prophets such as Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Thus the prophets spoke for God throughout Israel's history.

The prophets influenced almost every institution of Israel, despite the fact that they were often viewed with contempt: they were locked up (Jer. 37), ignored (Isa. 6:9-13), and persecuted (1 Kings 19:1-2). In addition to serving judges and kings, the prophets also addressed Israel's worship. They criticized vain worship (Amos 5:23-24) and priestly failures (Amos 7:10; Mal. 2). The word of the Lord was also spoken in worship (Pss. 50:5; 60:6; 81:6-10; 91:14-16; 95:8-11). The prophets' call to covenant faithfulness revealed an awareness of the law (Isa. 58:6-9; Ezek. 18; Mic. 6:6-8; Hos. 6:6; Amos 2:4; 5:21-24).

Prophets formed guilds or schools (2 Kings 4:38; 1 Sam. 10:5; 19:20). While most references to prophetic schools belong to the period of the monarchy, there is some evidence to believe the schools continued (Jer. 23:13-14). The mere existence of the books of prophecy is probably due in part to the prophets' helpers (Jer. 36:4). Perhaps their words were recorded because they provided a moral challenge to the entire nation and not merely to a king or individual. Surely once the prophet's words were written, they were not ignored but continually studied and reapplied.

Historicity of the Patriarchal stories in the Bible

The life of Abraham has been variously interpreted. Some like Philo of Alexandria call it an allegory, some as an exaggeration of a historical figure, some say it is a fiction, but others affirm it is historical and trust worthy. The biblical description of the background and setting of the patriarchs fits exactly with the culture of the second millennium B.C. Archeology has cast interesting light upon the background of this section.


The Mari age was one of considerable political and cultural importance for Assyria. Parrot, the French Archaeologist, discovered a highly developed civilization there.

“Even more important was the discovery of over twenty thousand clay tablets in various rooms of the palace. They included correspondence between Hammurabi and Zimri-Lim, the last king of Mari, as well as a huge collection of business documents.”

 This period of Amorite history is very important as it throws light on the lives and practices of the Patriarchs. Some tablets contain reference to the “Habiru”, Some of the place names that survived in the area of Haran corresponds with the Patriarchal names: The names of cities like Serug, Terah, and Nahor were all located in the vicinity of Haran, The names like Abraham, Isaac, Laban, Jacob and Joseph seemed to have been in common use at this time: A-ba-am-ra-ma, A-ba-am-ra-am, and Ya-”qub”-e and Ya-ah-qu-ub-i. The Mari tablets also have a reference to a warlike nomadic tribe known as Banu-Yamina. Some scholars see the similarity with Benjaminites of the Biblical narratives.


The texts of Nuzu (a Horite city in northern Mesopotamia) also have some bearing on the patriarchal time. The adoption of Eliezer by Abraham (Gen.15:2f) bears similarity to the adoption law found here which states the responsibilities of the adopted son to the childless parents and forfeiting of these rights in case of the birth of a legal son after adoption. These tablets also talk about the barren wife obliged to give her handmaid for raising children to her husband. Because procreation was understood to be the chief purpose of marriage (cf.Gen.16: 2; 30:3; 21: 11). According to Nuzu tablets the “birthright” of first born is negotiable (cf. Esau’s forfeiting birthright). Even Rachel’s stealing of “teraphim” could be understood in these customs. The Nuzu law recognized as the leader of the family (associated with the right of inheritance) the one who possessed the household idols.


These and many more could be said about the historicity of the Patriarchal stories in the Bible. They also confirm the historical accuracy of the Biblical narratives.

Prominence of “Pentecost” in Personal Life

Act 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Act 4:32 - And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Act 4:33 - And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Act 4:34 - For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Act 4:35 - and laid them at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need. (ASV)


We need the Power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Acts 2 we read about the power of God, which came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. When we hear about Pentecost, the first thought comes to our minds is that it is a denomination where people are screaming and shouting. It is not a denomination, not just a demonstration, but it is an experience. It is the experience of the power of the Holy Spirit, which came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. And the same experience, the same power of God is available for us even today, only if we open ourselves for the work of the Holy Spirit.

It was the command of Jesus to go to all nations and preach the word of God. He asked the disciples to wait in Jerusalem till the Holy Spirit comes upon them and empower them to carry out the great task of witnessing (Acts 1:8). Only after receiving the power of the Holy Spirit they could go out and minister to the needs of the people. The power of the Holy Spirit was essential for them to lead a successful Christian life. This evening beloved, life that is pleasing in God’s eyes, if you and I want to worship God with all our hearts, if you and I want to lead a successful life, we need to experience Pentecost in our lives.

We can see mainly 3 aspects in this passage as a result of Pentecost:

1. The Pentecost Experience Turned The Weakling Disciples Into Witnessing Disciples (Vs 31).

Consider with me carefully Vs 31. When they were filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke the word of God boldly. In order to have boldness we need to experience the Pentecost in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us boldness to stand and share the word of God with courage and conviction. We can briefly look at the disciples’ life before this experience. They were so weak in their conviction, they were so weak in their faith, and they could not do anything unless Jesus was with them. After living for three and half years with Jesus, after seeing all the miracles that Jesus performed, we see Peter denies Jesus before a little girl. Peter’s boldness was so little that it could not find its place before a little girl. But after experiencing Pentecost, after experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, he witnessed boldly through out Jerusalem. Forget about the little girl, Peter stood before Sanhedrin, the religious ruling body of Jewish community and said, “We preach in the name of Jesus of Nazareth whom you crucified". What made such a change in Peter’s life? I believe it is the experience on the day of Pentecost.

Beloved, if we are going to accomplish something in life, if we are going to accomplish something for he kingdom of God, it is not going to be through our education, it is not going to be through our ability, it is not going to be through our health or wealth or experience, because my Bible says “it is not by might nor by power but by the Spirit says the Lord of hosts”.

If you think you are too weak to testify God’s grace, Holy Spirit can make you a bold witness for him.


2. Pentecost Experience Brings About Fellowship Rather Than Faction (Vs. 32)

All believers were in one heart and one mind. When the power of the Holy Spirit works in the Church, it starts to function as one body. The old proverb says, “Unity is Strength”. Where there is faction there is destruction. Before experiencing Pentecost, the disciples were not united. (Mark 9: 33-34). The disciples were arguing who was the greatest among them. They did not have the real sense of unity. Everyone wanted to be the greatest. But once the experienced the Pentecost, once they received the power of God in their lives, they stood strong and firm in faith and in unity. Their fellowship grew from then on.

Devil’s main target is the church, in fact, the worshiping church. He puts disunity among the believers and among the workers. But if we go back to the place where we had experienced the Pentecost, and ask God to fill us once again with the same anointing, with the same power, we can fight against the Satan.
The Holy Spirit brings about Fellowship rather than faction.

3. The Pentecost Experience Brings About A Tremendous Growth For The Kingdom Of God.

Jesus asked the disciples to wait in Jerusalem till they receive the power of the Holy Spirit, because with out Holy Spirit it was impossible for them to carry out the great task that was given to them. When they were filled and empowered by the spirit, they spoke the word of God boldly. God added many to their number daily. Within a few days the number of the church went up to many thousands because they were teaching and proclaiming the word of God with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1 - 120 people
Acts 2 - 3120 people
Acts 4 - 5000 people

The secret behind the church growth is not the ability of the pastor, not the benevolence program of the church, not the beauty of the church building, but the spirit of God who draws men and women to the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.

Experience the power of God in your lives. It changed Peter’s life, it changed Paul’s life, it changed other disciples’ life and it changed millions and millions of Christians’ life. It can change your life too. The key to experience the power and the anointing of God is very simple. It can be summarized in four words: PRAYER, PURITY, PASSION, and PATIENCE. Let us ask God to help us to experience it in our lives.