What is sin?

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: WHAT IS SIN?

What Is Sin - The Big Question

We live in a culture where the concept of sin has become entangled in legalistic arguments over right and wrong. When many of us consider "What is sin?" we think of violations of the Ten Commandments. Even then, we tend to think of murder and adultery as "major" sins compared with lying, cursing, or idolatry.

The truth is that sin, as defined in the original translations of the Bible, means "to miss the mark." The mark, in this case, is the standard of perfection established by God and evidenced by Jesus. Viewed in that light, it is clear that we are all sinners.

The Apostle Paul says in Romans 3:23: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

In light of this, it does no good to compare ourselves to others. We cannot escape our failure to be righteous in our own strength. This is by God's design, because only when we understand our weakness will we consider relying on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.

What Is Sin - A Biblical Perspective
Sin is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible, starting with the "original" sin when Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge. Often it seems as if sin is simply the violation of any of God's laws, including the Ten Commandments.

Paul, however, puts this in perspective in Romans 3:20, when he says, "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."

God wanted us to recognize our sins. Even those who have not murdered or committed adultery will find themselves convicted of lying, or of worshipping false idols like wealth or power ahead of God.

Tragically, sin in any amount will distance us from God.

"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear," says Isaiah 59:1-2. "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

We must resist the temptation to act as if we are righteous, especially by leaning on our good works.

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives" (1 John 1:8-10).

What Is Sin - A Call to Repentance
The good news in all of this is that, once we recognize ourselves as sinners, we need only to repent and embrace Jesus to be forgiven. Jesus can forgive us because he died and rose again three days later in victory over sin and death.

The Apostle Paul refers to this process of recognizing sin and being responsible for it as "godly sorrow."

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death," Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11. "See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN JESUS NAME I CONFESS MY SINS BEFORE YOU, LET YOUR PRECIOUS BLOOD WASH MY SINS IN JESUS NAME

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SALVATION

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: SALVATION

WHAT IS SALVATION ? WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE OF SALVATION ?"

Salvation is deliverance from danger or suffering. To save is to deliver or protect. The word carries the idea of victory, health, or preservation. Sometimes, the Bible uses the words saved or salvation to refer to temporal, physical deliverance, such as Paul’s deliverance from prison (Philippians 1:19).

More often, the word “salvation” concerns an eternal, spiritual deliverance. When Paul told the Philippian jailer what he must do to be saved, he was referring to the jailer’s eternal destiny (Acts 16:30-31). Jesus equated being saved with entering the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24-25).

WHAT ARE WE SAVED FROM ?

In the Christian doctrine of salvation, we are saved from “wrath,” that is, from God’s judgment of sin (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). Our sin has separated us from God, and the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Biblical salvation refers to our deliverance from the consequence of sin and therefore involves the removal of sin.

WHO DOES THE SAVING ?

Only God can remove sin and deliver us from sin’s penalty (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5).

HOW DOES GOD SAVE ?

In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

HOW DO WE RECEIVE SALVATION ?
We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN JESUS NAME, LET YOUR SAVING POWER TOUCH OUR SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY FOR TOTAL DELIVERANCE IN JESUS NAME.

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THE BLOOD OF JESUS RESCUED US OUT OF OUR SINFUL WAY OF LIFE

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: THE BLOOD OF JESUS RESCUED US OUT OF OUR SINFUL WAY OF LIFE

You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Being ransomed from futile ways is another benefit Christians have through the blood of Jesus. We are rescued from a life lived devoid of meaning and are brought into a relationship with God and the ability to live in his will and with purpose.

Compared to the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the most valuable things of this earth (like silver and gold) are reduced to meaningless, perishable things. That is because the blood of Jesus gives Christians salvation of their souls, forgiveness from sins, access to God, victory over the enemy, and the power to live with a clear conscience, something that the gold and silver items in the Old Testament temple could never do.

If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, you are really missing out of the power of Jesus blood in your life and destiny, and you are depriving yourself from the spiritual benefit to enjoy in your life time. But.... But.... But... Do you know what....?

It's never too late for you to give your life to Jesus. You can do it now, where you are, just tell him to forgive you sins and come into your heart, do this with all sincerity of your heart and decide to forsake your sinful way, surely the blood of Jesus will wash you in and out.

Feel free to write IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL here for assistance spiritually. Pastorisraeloisrael@gmail.com.

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST, LET THE POWER OF YOUR PRECIOUS BLOOD RESCUE US FROM ALL EVIL IN JESUS NAME

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WE ARE ABLE TO CONQUER THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: WE ARE ABLE TO CONQUER THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN
THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Because of Christ’s sacrifice and the pouring out of His blood on our behalf, we can trust in the righteousness of Christ and not our own righteousness when we are accused by our enemy.

Revelation 12:11 says, “And they have conquered him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”

As believers, we know that we cannot stand on our own merit or because of our own deeds. We know that our good deeds are as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6) and that the Christ’s righteousness attributed to us is how we are able to stand up against accusations.

Charles Spurgeon spoke these comforting words:

I know what the devil will say to you. He will say to you, ‘You are a sinner!’
Tell him you know you are, but that for all that you are justified.
He will tell you of the greatness of your sin.
Tell him of the greatness of Christ’s righteousness.
He will tell you of all your mishaps and your backslidings, of your offences and your wanderings.
Tell him, and tell your own conscience, that you know all that, but that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, and that, although your sin be great, Christ is quite able to put it all away.

Hallelujah, brethren, your confessing and your testimony is a great weapon to destroy all the accusation of the accuser against you, because in it is the blood of Jesus Christ working out our victory against the accuser

LET US PRAY,
FATHER IN JESUS NAME, MAKE US AN EVERYDAY CONQUERORS AGAINST OUR ACCUSER IN JESUS NAME.

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WE ARE PROGRESSIVELY CLEANSED FROM OUR SIN THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: WE ARE PROGRESSIVELY CLEANSED FROM OUR SIN THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

Last week we started a topic on the power in the blood of Jesus Christ and what we benefit from it. We continue this week again by this topic...
We are progressively cleansed from more and more sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Not only are we forgiven from sin, but we are also sanctified through the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 13:12 tells us that “Jesus also suffered…in order to sanctify the people through his own blood” (Hebrews 13:12). God is calling his people be holy as He is, which is one of the reasons Jesus suffered. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

After we are forgiven of our sins and able to enter into a new relationship with God, it makes sense that God doesn't wants us to be in a relationship with the sin that previously condemned us anymore . That is why he gives us the power, through the blood of His Son, to be cleansed from our sinful behaviors.

As you go out this week remember the blood of Jesus has cleans you from your sins and work in the freedom of God, never go in to the same sin again. Pray to God to help you continue in the cleanliness of his holiness which he has given you through the washing of his blood.

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST, GIVE US POWER TO STAND AGAINST SIN AND MAKE US SPIRITUALLY VICTORIOUS IN JESUS NAME

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THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST CLEANSE OUR CONSCIENCE

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST CLEANSE OUR CONSCIENCE

Hebrews 9:14 says, “…how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”

Consciences cleansed
Through the blood of Christ, Christians receive the cleansing of their consciences.

This is an amazing promise! Christ cleansing our consciences from acts that lead to death! How does He do it? By the blood of Christ, because on the cross He offered Himself unblemished to God! He offered Himself—His unblemished, perfect life—as a sacrifice to God for us on account of our sins. Therefore, He alone is able to cleanse our consciences through His blood.

Even though all of our minds have been corrupted by sin and seared as with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2), Christ can cleanse our consciences. We are able to live right lives and think right thoughts once again in Christ.
This is great news for those who are burdened by a sinful past and corrupted consciences.

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST, LET YOUR BLOOD CLEANSE US ALL FROM IN AND OUT OF OUR LIVES IN JESUS NAME.

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FORGIVENESS OF SIN THROUGH JESUS BLOOD

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: FORGIVENESS OF SIN THROUGH JESUS BLOOD

Ephesians 1:7
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Because of Christ’s shed blood, God is able to forgive us for our sins and give the punishment that we deserved to Christ.
To be able to enter into God’s presence through the blood of Christ, we are also forgiven of our sins.

Christ had a special way of explaining this to his disciples during the Last Supper, which also was the Passover meal celebration.

He said, “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). He was telling His disciples that just as the blood of the lamb delivered the Hebrews from the night of terrors in Egypt, so Christ’s own blood would deliver the people who were covered by it from the judgment of God on the last day.

This truth is expressed beautifully in the hymn, “Nothing But the Blood”

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! Precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus…

We suppose to be happy as christian, that Christ has cleansed us from our sin with his blood!
Hallelujah

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST, LET YOUR BLOOD BE ALWAYS ENOUGH FOR OUR CLEANSING IN JESUS NAME

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THE POWER IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: THE POWER IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

There are many criticisms of Christianity because they thought it was a “bloody religion,” with all its wars, its frequent mention of blood, and the bloody death of its founder, Jesus Christ.

What is it about blood, which we normally think of as grotesque, that has caused Christians in every generation to actually celebrate it? Here is just a sampling of the hymns and songs that have been written throughout the ages about the blood of Christ:

1. Nothing But the Blood
2. Are You Washed in the Blood?
3. Oh, the Blood of Jesus
4. Power In the Blood

WE GAIN BOLD ACCESS TO GOD IN WORSHIP AND PRAYER THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.

The Bible is clear that every person is alienated and separated from God because of our sin (Colossians 1:21). That means even the best of us are actually unable to approach God to offer worship or prayer. Because of our sins, we remain at a distance from Him.

But the Bible tells Christians to come boldly into God’s presence, “We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).
If you are a Christian today, you can have boldness and confidence as you approach God with your prayers and your worship, because you are no longer far away from God, “Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).

It is because of the blood of Jesus Christ that we have the great privilege of pouring our hearts out to God (Psalm 62:8) casting our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and praying any time and any place in the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). Does your prayer life reflect the kind of relationship you have with God through the blood of His Son?

LET US PRAY
DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, LET THE BLOOD OF JESUS SPEAK BLESSING INTO OUR LIVES IN JESUS NAME. AMEN

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WATCH YOUR WAYS

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC WATCH YOUR WAYS

TEXT: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeki ng whom he may devour. 1 Pet. 5:8.

God is speaking to us, because He knows the mission of Satan here on earth. God does not want us to loose out of His kingdom on the last day, but He is saying watch your lifestyle, the types of friends you keep, the way you talk, the way you treat your neighbours, the way you handle Spiritual matters and what you also do with your body.

It is written, Do you not know that you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you. If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is Holy, Which temple you are. 1 Cor. 3:16-17.

Apostle Paul knew the importance of WATCHFULNESS, that was why he was able to say to himself in the book of 1 Cor 9:27, But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Are you still living a life of sin? Adultery, Fornication, Abortion, Envy, Drunkenness, Unforgiveness, Violent, Greediness, Covetousness, Boasters, Inventors of evil things etc. God is saying, to you WATCH your ways of life so that, all this evil act will not take you to HELL on the last day. Gal 5:19-21.

Brethren, this is the time everyone of us, as Christians need to be steadfast with the Spiritual assignment given to us by God Almighty, because a DAY is coming when the books of records shall be open, what will you be remembered for? ,
a man that chooses to please God Almighty or a man that chooses to please the devil by living in SIN?
It is written, Behold, I am coming quickly; Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Rev. 3:11, 1 Cor 15:58, Lk 17:32 and 2 Cor 5:10.

Apostle Paul finished well, because he was WATCHFUL enough to please God always and he said in the book of 2 Tim. 4:7-8. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, will give to me on the DAY, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

WHAT WILL BE OUR TESTIMONY ON THE DAY OF GOD’S VISITATION ?

LET US PRAY,
Confess your sins and tell the Lord to have mercy on you
FATHER GIVE US GRACE TO FINISH WELL IN THE KINGDOM RACE IN JESUS NAME AMEN .

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THE VIRGINS AND THEIR LAMP

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: THE VIRGINS AND THEIR LAMP

Mathew 25:1-13.

The five virgins who have the extra oil represent the truly born again who are looking with eagerness to the coming of Christ. They have saving faith and have determined that, whatever occurs, be it lengthy time or adverse circumstances, when Jesus returns, they will be looking with eagerness.

The five virgins without the oil represent false believers who enjoy the benefits of the Christian community without true love for Christ. They are more concerned about the party than about longing to see the bridegroom. Their hope is that their association with true believers (“give us some of your oil” of verse 8) will bring them into the kingdom at the end.

This, of course, is never the case. One person’s faith in Jesus cannot save another. The “Lord, lord” and “I do not know you” of verses 11 and 12 fit very well with Jesus’ condemnation of the false believers of Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”

May we not be found “going away to make the purchase” (v. 10) when Christ returns. Take the time now to fill your lamp with oil and take extra along. Keep waiting and watching with joy and anticipation.

LET US PRAY
LORD JESUS CHRIST, KEEP OUR LAMP BURNING TILL THE END OF DAY AND KEEP US AWAKE TO YOUR TRUTH IN JESUS NAME.

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READY FOR CHRIST RETURN

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: READY FOR CHRIST RETURN

Matthew 25:13 KJV
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Being ready for Christ’s return ultimately involves one major thing which manifests itself in several areas of our lives. If we would be ready for Christ’s return, we must be born again through saving faith in Jesus Christ…His death, burial and literal resurrection from the dead (John 3:16; 14:6; Romans 10:9 and 10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 2:1-10).

Saving faith in Jesus Christ will manifest itself in every aspect of our lives.
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) will begin to show. A desire for greater holiness and less sin will be apparent. And a consistent looking for His coming will mark our lives.

One of the best passages articulating what saving grace and faith look like in a believer’s life is Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN JESUS NAME KEEP US READY FOR YOU ALWAYS AND NEVER ALLOW WORLDLY THINGS TO CARRY US AWAY FROM YOUR LOVE IN JESUS NAME

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5. BENEFITS OF FAITHFULNESS TO GOD ?

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: 5. BENEFITS OF FAITHFULNESS TO GOD ?

To some, perhaps the most beneficial aspect of faithfulness to God would include the fact that the faithful will not suffer God’s judgment. Until our judgment day, there are many other benefits while we are here on earth.

1, HE WILL NOT FORSAKE US
Psalm 37:28 - “For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.”

2. WE SHALL HAVE LONG LIFE
Proverbs 3:12 - “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring your prosperity.”

3. WE SHALL BE LIVING AT PEACE
Proverbs 16:6-7 - “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”

4. WE SHALL BE RICHLY BLESSED
Proverbs 28:20a - “A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”
Revelation 2:10 - (NKJV)

5. WE SHALL HAVE CROWN OF LIFE
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

The most significant element in our Christian life is faithfulness to God. In the days we now live in, we are unsure of what will happen next across the globe. There are wars, famines, economic collapse, and many natural disasters. Being faithful to God gives us great peace and assurance that we will be brought through by His promises of blessings and the reward of eternal life in Heaven.

Our faithful allegiance to Almighty God is the only thing that we can really count on; He is our hope in a fallen world. His provision of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus is the greatest benefit of all if we are faithful believers.

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST, GIVE US YOUR SPIRIT TO HELP US TO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE END IN JESUS NAME. AMEN

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FAITHFULNESS TO GOD

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: FAITHFULNESS TO GOD

Exodus 20:3-4 KJV
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. [4] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Why is faithfulness to God an important part of a Christian's life?

It's because without faithfulness to God there can be no Christian life. Christianity is based first on faith that God is, and then that through Christ Jesus we can be forgiven and are saved. Our faithfulness is a commitment to adhere to the One God who is true and supreme and to keep His commandments.

In fact, the first two of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), deal directly with our being faithful to God. “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God...” These are the words given directly from God to Moses for all people, for all time.

Since God assumes a covenant relationship with His people, He is declaring that He will not tolerate unfaithfulness and competition with anything else. An idol can be in the form of anything that you might place in a higher priority over God. This includes false images of worship or placing anything in our lives that has preeminence over God.

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST, GIVE US A CLEAN HEART TO BE FAITHFUL TO YOU IN ALL OUR WAYS IN JESUS NAME.

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Created for his glory

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: CREATED FOR HIS GLORY

TEXT: "Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, I have formed him, yes, I have made him" (Isaiah 43:7).

God created us for His own glory.
God did not create us to bring glory to the created, but to the Creator.

"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:11–12).

How do we live out God's purpose for our lives?
Since God has created us for His glory, we are to glorify God in all that we do with our lives. "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

What are you doing with your life? Are you living for His glory or your own? The apostle Paul summed up his life with this statement: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

Good news
If we fulfill the primary purpose that God created us for, we will, as a byproduct, find what most of us are looking for in this life: happiness, purpose, and meaning (see Psalm 16:11). Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

When we realize that God created us to glorify Him, and we start to act in ways that fulfill that purpose, then we will begin to experience an intensity of joy and fulfillment in the Lord that we have never known before.

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN JESUS NAME, LET YOUR GLORY SHINE ON ME AND LET MY EXISTENCE SHOW FORTH YOUR GLORY TO THE WORLD IN JESUS NAME.

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The persecuted

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: WHO ARE THE BLESSED (PT8)

THE PERSECUTED

Matthew 5:10 KJV
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The biblical passage continues to elaborate: "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).

Jesus said many times that those who follow Him will be persecuted. "If they persecute me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20-21). Before his conversion, Saul persecuted the early Church in Jerusalem, which scattered the Christians throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1).

St. Peter advised "Whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name" (I Peter 4:16). The Woman who brought forth the male child destined to rule all nations with an iron rod was persecuted in Revelation 12.

Stephen, Peter and Paul, nearly all of the Apostles, and many Christians in the Roman era suffered martyrdom. Oppressive governments and endless conflicts in the last one hundred years, such as World Wars I and II, and the Middle East wars in Iraq, Egypt, and Syria have seen their share of martyrs, such as Maximilian Kolbe, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Latin American martyrs, and Middle East Christians. St. Maximilian Kolbe offered his life in place of a stranger at the Auschwitz death camps on August 14, 1941.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor who was hanged on April 9, 1945 for condemning the leadership of Hitler in Nazi Germany. The Central American Martyrs include the 38 recognized martyrs of La Cristiada, the Cristero War from 1926 to 1929, when the Mexican government persecuted priests of the Catholic Church, such as St. Christopher Magallanes, St. Toribio Romo Gonzalez, and the 14 year old martyr Blessed Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio.

Another Central American martyr was Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, who was assassinated while saying Mass at Divine Providence Hospital on March 24, 1980 for speaking out against government human rights violations.

As in the time of Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 2:23) and the early Christian Church (Acts 24:5), a Christian in the Middle East today is still called a Nazarene or in Arabic Nasrani or plural Nasara. Middle Eastern Christians have suffered severe persecution since the crises in Iraq and Syria. At least 58 Christians were slaughtered during Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Salvation Syriac Eastern Catholic Church in Baghdad on October 31, 2010.

In July 2014 the terrorist Islamic State marked remaining Christian homes in Mosul with the Arabic letter Noon - for Nazarene, Nasrani, or Nasara - and advised residents that they have 24 hours to leave, convert to Islam, or die. Sixty thousand Christians in Mosul have been displaced from their homes, and over one million Christians have fled Iraq since the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003.

It is estimated that the present turmoil in Syria has resulted in over 700,000 Christian refugees escaping to Jordan, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern countries.

But the Lord promised those that suffer for his sake will be rewarded with the Kingdom of Heaven!

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL AND GIVE US GRACE TO OVERCOME IN THE DAYS OF PERSECUTION IN JESUS NAME

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Peacemaker

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: WHO ARE THE BLESSED? (PT7)

THE PEACEMAKER

Matthew 5:9 KJV
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Jesus gives us peace - "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27).
Peace is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Peacemakers not only live peaceful lives but also try to bring peace and friendship to others, and to preserve peace between God and man. But one cannot give another what one does not possess oneself. Praying for peace will help change your heart.
The Lord wants you first to be filled with the blessings of peace and then to pass it on to those who have need of it. By imitating God's love of man, the peacemakers become children of God.

LET US PRAY
DEAR LOVING FATHER JESUS CHRIST, LET YOUR PEACE RULE OUR LIVES, OUR WORLD AND OUR NATIONS, MAKE US A PEACEMAKER IN JESUS NAME

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Good morning friends

The Pure In Heart

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: WHO ARE THE BLESSED (PT6)

Matthew 5:8 KJV
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Moses (Exodus 33:20), John 1:18, and Paul (I Timothy 6:16) all say that no one can see God here on earth! But Jesus says the pure of heart shall see God! Wow... You can imagine how beautiful it is to be pure in heart,

To be pure of heart means to be free of all selfish intentions and self-seeking desires. What a beautiful goal!
How many times have any of us performed an act perfectly free of any personal gain? Such an act is pure love. An act of pure and selfless giving brings happiness to all. But today, we are so corrupt in heart, so dirty that God temple which is out heart is even far away from God. We do things from a wicked heart, from wrong motive for earthly gain that is not worth God's glory, that is why we have not been called blessed.

Let us build the attitude of selfless service to God and other without expecting anything in return, and you will see God in all you do. And you shall be a blessed of God.

LET US PRAY
FATHER IN JESUS NAME, GIVE US THE RIGHT HEART AND RIGHTEOUS ATTITUDE TO SERVE SELFLESSLY AND BE BLESSED BY YOU IN JESUS NAME.

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Good morning friends

THE MERCIFUL

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: WHO ARE THE BLESSED (PT5)

Matthew 5:7 KJV
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Mercy is the loving disposition towards those who suffer distress. Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards one's neighbor will bring peace in your relationships.

We say in the Lord's Prayer: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. As we are merciful to others, so our Heavenly Father will be merciful with us! Jesus reminds us that whatever "you did to the least of my brethren, you did it to me (Matthew 25:31-46)."
St. Paul calls for the obedience of faith in the beginning and end of his Letter to the Romans (1:5, 16:25-27).
The following are ways to be merciful to your neighbor as well as to be obedient in faith to Christ our Savior.

THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY
1 Feed the Hungry
2 Give drink to the thirsty
3 Clothe the naked
4 Shelter the homeless
5 Comfort the imprisoned
6 Visit the sick
7 Bury the dead

THE SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY
1 Admonish sinners
2 Instruct the uninformed
3 Counsel the doubtful
4 Comfort the sorrowful
5 Be patient with those in error
6 Forgive offenses
7 Pray for the living and the dead

As you go out this week, try to be the doers of this word, practice how to be merciful and make it your day to day habit.

LET US PRAY
DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST, LET YOUR MERCY SPEAK BLESSING FOR US THIS NEW WEEK IN JESUS NAME.

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Good morning friends