The Obedient Family (Part 2)- But What About...?
Many people want to keep their favorite parts of the Law. Some Jewish Christians refused to give up circumcision as a requirement (Acts 15:1-5), and they could offer strong arguments: - Circumcision was given directly by the mouth of God, long before the Law (Gen 17:9-12; Jn 7:22). - Circumcision was an "everlasting covenant" made with Abraham himself (Gen 17:13). - In the Law of Moses, circumcision was essential for covenant worship (Ex 12:48; Lev 12:3; Jn 7:23). - John and Jesus, who are surely our examples, were circumcised (Lk 1:59; 2:21). - Many early Christians were circumcised (Acts 10:45; 11:2; 16:3).
Yet all these powerful arguments could not overcome one simple fact: "The grace of our Lord Jesus" removes the yoke of the Law (Acts 15:6-11). To require circumcision now is to return to "the whole Law" and to fall from grace.
If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole Law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Gal 5:2-4).
Today people advance similar arguments for the Sabbath. It was first mentioned after creation (Gen 2:2-3), and given by God's mouth in the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:8-11), to last from generation to generation (Ex 31:13). It was kept by Jesus (Lk 4:16), and some early Christians seemed to use it (Mt 24:20; Acts 13:14,44; 17:2). Yet all these arguments fail to overcome the simple principle of the Law's unity. To require one part obliges one "to obey the whole Law." That same principle means that the removal of the Law amounts to the removal of all its parts ("with its commandments and regulations," Eph 2:14-15). The similar passage in Col confirms that this applies even to Sabbaths. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ (Col 2:13-17).
When the Law was in force, its people were judged about their keeping of the Sabbath. If a man gathered firewood on that day, he was stoned to death (Nu 15:32-36). Why are Sabbath-breakers not killed today? Because the Law of Moses is no longer in force. Christ "canceled the written code, with its regulations...He took it away, nailing it to the cross" (Col 2:14). This is the context explaining why OT food rules and special days, including Sabbaths, no longer judge Christians. It also calls OT laws "shadows" that pointed ahead to the "reality" of Christ. Thus Sabbaths were shadows (dim pictures) that gave clues about what was to come. Today we enjoy real spiritual rest in the gentle grace of our Lord Jesus (Mt 11:28-30). At the same time, we "make every effort to enter that rest" where we will cease from all our labors, as God did (Heb 4:10-11). Heaven, in other words, fulfills the ultimate meaning of the Sabbath. There God's people "will rest from their labor" (Rev 14:13).
But What About...?
Notice that the NT says nothing about Sunday as the new day of rest. When Jesus removed the Sabbath, He did not merely move it from Saturday to Sunday. The New Covenant gives no direct command to rest on a special day. Instead, as regards a day for meeting and remembrance, the NT gives background information and examples. Legalists who want to show off can exploit no obvious command. But all who truly seek to honor Christ's death and resurrection have good evidence from the NT to see how the early Christians did that. God seeks true worshipers (Jn 4:23). He has no desire for a Christianity' that follows the devil six days, then honors' God one day (see Isa 1:13). True Christians offer their priestly sacrifices every day (Lk 9:23; Rom 12:1-2; Heb 13:15; 1 Pet 2:5). In this sense, the New Covenant makes every day sacred or special. Yes, Rev 1:10 uses the term "the Lord's day." Yes, Sunday is special as the day we meet to remember our Lord through His Supper (Acts 20:7). But why is it special? Because of a legal requirement? Hardly, when no command, in a direct or legal sense, exists for that day. We meet because of sincere hearts (Heb 8:10; 10:22-25) that want to honor God, hearts that see in apostolic examples the ways to fulfill that desire every day and on that special day.
Remember that Jesus called Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" (Mt 12:8). He gave the Sabbath its meaning and purpose. As Lord of the Sabbath, He also had the sovereign right to remove the Sabbath law, which He did by "abolishing in His flesh the Law with its commandments and regulations" (Eph 2:15).
This change was not the work of mere men. God Himself gave the Law of Moses. God Himself intended for it to be temporary, as He showed in Ex 4:29-35 (with 2 Cor 3:7-18), Dt 18:14-19 and Jer 31:31-34. God Himself brought that Law to a natural end by fulfilling its purposes. God Himself now speaks through His Son (Heb 1:1-2), and shines on us the fullness of His "truth and grace" (Jn 1:9-17). God Himself warns us not to return to shadows of the Law, including its Sabbaths (Gal 5:1-10; Col 2:14-22). To realize that the New Covenant makes the Old Covenant "obsolete" is simply to accept the truth revealed by God Himself (Heb 8:13). To accept Jesus is to recognize Him as the Mediator of the New Covenant, which is definitely "not like" the Old Covenant (Heb 8:6-9).
Dear Members or Friends, True Disciples or Leaders and Rulers
Lord Jesus' first disciples included His apostles. But they were not the last disciples, for He trained them to train others.
"Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).
Jesus our King did not say, "Make believers." A person may have some sort of belief, but never become a disciple. Our King Jesus does not say, "Make worshipers." People may give prayers and offerings without being disciples. All disciples believe and worship, but not all 'believers' and 'worshipers' are disciples. Our savior and King Jesus commands, "Make disciples." That term, as commonly used at that time, means, "Train learners who are committed to following their Teacher's instruction and example." Lord and our healer Jesus reinforces the meaning of continuing learning by saying, "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). Some refer to Matthew 28:20 as the second half of the Great Commission. It may be more difficult to fulfill, but it is essential for spiritual health as you "grow up in your salvation." Hearing and obeying Christ our Lord and Savior, these are like air to the disciple. To stop breathing that air is to cease being a disciple.
INTRODUCTION AND TESTIMONY
Grace Kingdom Ministry international(G.K.M.I) was birthed in 2011 December in Buru Buru Phase 5 ,Nairobi,Kenya when the founder or Visionary Pastor Stephen Olita met the Lord Jesus Christ and gave him a vision of the Kingdom of God, to preach the Kingdom of God to all Nations Mathew 24:14 and to teach about our Lord Jesus Christ as we to raise leaders in Africa starting with Kenya, Africa and the Whole world. Acts 28:31, Philippians 4:13.
Grace kingdom ministry international is a Church, Leadership and Humanitarian organization with it headquarter in Nairobi, Kenya in Kiambiu Slum in Buru Buru phase one on outering road. We are mandated to address both spiritual, mental or emotional and physical needs for the oppressed people in our society including Widows, Orphans and disables, James 1:26-27.
We have seen and we are still seeing all kinds of crimes, Sexual abuse, murder,prostitution,adultery,rape,gang warfare Galatians 5:16-26 in our streets taking toll on our people especially targeting our young People with drugs and drug dealers are influencing our youth or our young People. Now is our responsibility as a Church to invest all our efforts into Sports, Business, Arts, Films and Music, Talents, Skills and gifts search and to bring our young People out of crime in our streets to our Lord Jesus Christ and to know Him better through these activities so they can discover their Purpose, Passion, Potential and their destiny which is a hope and a future.
OUR VISION-Transforming followers into leaders and leaders into agent of change (Raising Leaders and Rulers, shaping vision, influencing society and culture through Christ).Philippians 4:13
OUR MISSION-Preaching the kingdom of God, Teaching about Lord Jesus Christ and saving the lost at any cost. Mathew 24:14
Our Church as Leadership organization is mandated to train and raise over 3 Billions disciples or Leaders in Nairobi, Kenya ,the whole Africa and the whole world between now 2019 to 2035 and beyond. These trained Leaders will in return train others Disciples close to over 3 Billion and these circles of Multiplication goes on and on by grace and will or mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ as we preach the kingdom of God and teaching about Lord Jesus Christ as we follow His instruction to fulfill the great commission in Mathew 28:18-20.This is the main core of our vision and mission of our organization and we are looking for resources to fulfill this goal and plan from our Partners and well-wishers around the World including you and others.
SUBJECT:KENYA,AFRICA and The WHOLE WORLD are IN NEED OF YOU.Take action now.Don't watch things happening.make a difference.
WE Grace Kingdom Ministry International(G.K.M.I),WE are trying to plant our over 11 Churches and Orphanages(James 1:26-27) in Kenya,Malawi,India,Pakistan,Uganda,Ghana,South Africa,Tanzania,DRC Congo,Zimbabwe,Somali(al-Shabaab),Nigeria(Boko Haram), Sudan (South and North) , Philippines,Haiti ,Zambia,Australia, Onalaska Washington State USA for the Glory of GOD to fulfill the Great Commission Mandate in MATHEW 28:18-20 at a cost of over USD 7 Million.Acts 1:8,Acts 9:31.Acts 12;24,Acts 16:5,Revelation 2:9-10, Revelation 3:7-13.
Our vision and Mission is focused beyond 2035 if we will be alive by that time but if not we are planning it now for the generation now and the coming new future generation. As per below stated, We have two phases,Phase one is for Kenya to raise over 20 million leaders and Phase Two is the whole of Africa and the whole world to raise over 3 Billion leaders from now to 2035 and beyond. We believe we will fulfill this great commission by reaching out to the whole World or Nations by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as He commanded us to preach in Mathew 24:14 and Mathew 28:18-20 if these resources are met as suggested.
We have targeted to raise over USD 7 Million to plants or build the following Churches in Nairobi and the whole Kenya ,Africa and the whole world namely,Eastleigh,South B and C and along Ngong road ,Kibera area,Eastern province in Thika Makongeni, Nyatta plateau,Machakos,Nakuru,Kitale,Kisii,Homa Bay,Migori,Kuria Land,Kisumu,Siaya,Busia, Malawi,India,Pakistan,Uganda,Ghana,South Africa,Tanzania,DRC Congo,Zimbabwe,Somali(al-Shabaab), Nigeria(Boko Haram), Sudan (South and North),Philippines,Haiti ,Zambia,Australia, Onalaska Washington State USA. These Churches will include all the necessary facilities and resources for training Leaders or Disciples with also centers for feeding for the orphans and other vulnerable Children. Our own Radio ,TV station,Books,Publishing Company, Print Media, Universities, Holy Bible Colleges and institutes,Banks,Media centers and institutes for music and film making, Hotels resorts and Business buildings. and other systems of influence for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8,Acts 9:31.Acts12;24,Acts 16:5,Revelation 2:9-10, Revelation 3:7-13,Galatians 3:14,26-29.
Any support to help us raise the needed funds as mentioned in the above for the planting or building of these Churches in Nairobi ,Kenya, Africa and the Whole world as explained in the above will be will be honored and appreciated for the sake of saving souls for the kingdom of God to fulfill the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mathew 28:18-20.
WE need Partners, Holy Bibles, Financial Support, Lands in the Cities, Towns or Villages near you to do this worthy noble cause. Acts 4:28-37.
The following are our Church Bank details. Bank Name: Kenya Commercial Bank Swift Code:KCBKENX Bank Code:100 Branch Code:0107 ACCOUNT NUMBER:1253041768.
Also you can use Western Union Money Transfer or Money Gram addressed to Stephen Olita,+254722761587,email:pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com.Please also do send me the copy of the Bank Slip to enable me access the Money and do the will of GOD. James 1:26-27 New International Version (Niv),Luke 6:38,2 Corinthians 9:5-15.
SEE WHAT THE GLORY OR GRACE OF GOD HAS DONE.https://web.facebook.com/groups/1773715129514690/ https://www.facebook.com/GRACE-KINGDOM-MINISTRY-521008011400445/
THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU SHOULD PARTNER WITH US AND DONATE ANY RESOURCES INCLUDING MONEY. https://web.facebook.com/groups/1773715129514690/ https://www.facebook.com/GRACE-KINGDOM-MINISTRY-521008011400445/\
Contact me for more information Pastor Stephen Olita,+254722761587,+254734939308 or email me:pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com
With regards Pastor Stephen Olita https://pastorolita.wixsite.com/mysite https://web.facebook.com/groups/1773715129514690/ https://www.facebook.com/GRACE-KINGDOM-MINISTRY-521008011400445/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYpNuUymWgg https://twitter.com/OlitaPastor https://www.facebook.com/stephen.olita.3 https://ke.linkedin.com/in/stephen-olita-b337a6109 For free Kingdom Counseling and Prayers call +254722761587,+254734939308 email:pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com https://web.facebook.com/groups/1773715129514690/ https://www.facebook.com/GRACE-KINGDOM-MINISTRY-521008011400445/
For Kingdom of God Preaching’s and Teachings Series in Relationship,Equipping,Attitude and Leadership(R.E.A.L) Ask for them in Series in Books,Tapes,Audios,Videos,DVD’s,CD’sVCD’s,MP3’s,MP4’s and in Flash disks. Please call +254722761587,+254734939308 Or Email us: pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com
Thanks sharing this and Amen. Glory be to Almighty God for His redemption and commitment to bring us to a better life.
The Answer .Are there problems? Of course! Personalities clash and racial tensions flare. False teachers and sectarians try to hijack the faith, just as in the first century. Modern problems remain basically the same as the old problems. And the very same solution also continues unchanged.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). He still saves and transforms sinners. His Spirit still empowers. The revealed mind of Christ still solves every problem that trusting children bring to Him. As "Head over everything for the church,"
Jesus has the answer to every question. The goal of His family remains exactly the same: to defeat Satan's schemes and bow in everything to one Lord.
The days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is" (Ephesians 5:17)
Thanks sharing this and Amen. Glory be to Almighty God for His redemption and commitment to bring us to a better life.
In Christ, we become the living temple of the living God! Citizens of Ephesus and Corinth may call their famous buildings 'temples. 'But those earthly buildings are empty lies, tombs made fancy only to cover up the deadness of the idols within. A temple's magnificence depends, not on its outward appearance, but on the majesty of the God within. God's very presence with us testifies to our reconciled condition. His Spirit certifies our new status: Yes, we really are royal sons! Yes, we truly inherit the kingdom of God!
This marriage to Christ gives us far more than rules. It gives us life! "There is now no condemnation" for us while we remain in Christ (Rom 8:1-4). His Spirit helps us to overcome sin (Rom 8:5-14). The result is that we enjoy complete salvation (Rom 8:15-39). Later, in Rom 10, Paul draws a contrast between Jews and Christians. Jews sincerely try to obey the Law of Moses, yet they remain unsaved. Christians know that "Christ is the end of the law," and He gives them righteousness.
The days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is" (Ephesians 5:17)
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