• The Advent Truth.
    “New covenant” does not mean “no law,” and “a new commandment” does not mean Jesus replaced the Ten Commandments with a vague command to love.

    Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). What was new? Not the command to love. Leviticus 19:18 had already commanded, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” centuries earlier.

    And Jeremiah 31 actually proves the opposite of the “law abolished” argument. God describes the NEW COVENANT Himself:

    “I will put MY LAW in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33).

    Notice what God does NOT say: “I will abolish My law and replace it with another law.” The difference is where the law is written. Under the new covenant, God writes His law upon the HEART.

    Hebrews repeats Jeremiah’s prophecy: “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts” (Hebrews 8:10; cf. 10:16).

    Yes, Jesus said, “This cup is the new testament Abdulaziz Ibn Muhammad in my blood” (Luke 22:20). His blood ratifies the new covenant—but what covenant does Jeremiah say it is? The covenant in which GOD WRITES HIS LAW ON OUR HEARTS.

    The problem with the old covenant was never that God’s moral law was defective. Scripture says, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Romans 7:12). Hebrews identifies the problem: “finding fault with them” (Hebrews 8:8). The people promised, “All that the LORD hath spoken we will do” (Exodus 19:8), but human strength could not produce obedience.

    The new covenant provides what the old covenant experience lacked: forgiveness through Christ, a transformed heart, and God’s Spirit producing obedience from within.

    And what does love look like?

    “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).

    Grace doesn’t erase God’s law. Grace writes it deeper.

    The old covenant could point to righteousness. The new covenant puts Christ within us to live it.
    The Advent Truth. “New covenant” does not mean “no law,” and “a new commandment” does not mean Jesus replaced the Ten Commandments with a vague command to love. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). What was new? Not the command to love. Leviticus 19:18 had already commanded, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” centuries earlier. And Jeremiah 31 actually proves the opposite of the “law abolished” argument. God describes the NEW COVENANT Himself: “I will put MY LAW in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33). Notice what God does NOT say: “I will abolish My law and replace it with another law.” The difference is where the law is written. Under the new covenant, God writes His law upon the HEART. Hebrews repeats Jeremiah’s prophecy: “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts” (Hebrews 8:10; cf. 10:16). Yes, Jesus said, “This cup is the new testament [covenant] in my blood” (Luke 22:20). His blood ratifies the new covenant—but what covenant does Jeremiah say it is? The covenant in which GOD WRITES HIS LAW ON OUR HEARTS. The problem with the old covenant was never that God’s moral law was defective. Scripture says, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Romans 7:12). Hebrews identifies the problem: “finding fault with them” (Hebrews 8:8). The people promised, “All that the LORD hath spoken we will do” (Exodus 19:8), but human strength could not produce obedience. The new covenant provides what the old covenant experience lacked: forgiveness through Christ, a transformed heart, and God’s Spirit producing obedience from within. And what does love look like? “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). Grace doesn’t erase God’s law. Grace writes it deeper. The old covenant could point to righteousness. The new covenant puts Christ within us to live it.
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  • THE PILGRIMS GUIDE

    THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

    INVITATION TO DIVINE WISDOM

    A WORD FROM THE WORD:

    "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…" James 1:5 NIV.

    One of the greatest gifts God gives to His children is wisdom, that is, the privileged ability to see life from His perspective and make decisions that align with His will. Wisdom, from every sense responsibility, is more than knowledge or intelligence; it is in proper perspective, divine insight, spiritual understanding, and the capacity to choose rightly in every situation.

    Many frustrations in life come from decisions made without wisdom. Opportunities are missed, relationships break, time is wasted, and unnecessary battles arise. But when a person operates with God’s wisdom, confusion fades into insignificance and clarity takes its rightful place.

    The young King Solomon knew this, which was the reason he sought for wisdom above riches or power. His life demonstrated that when you get wisdom, everything else aligns.
    A peep into God’s wisdom shows the numerous benefits for His children who subscribe to it. It guards you from deception, and helps you to properly discern people and opportunities. It keeps you from repeating perennial mistakes, and directs you to the right path when there seem to be no clarity.
    God's wisdom plants you on the pedestal for long-term peace and successful endeavours.

    God is inviting you today to ask for His wisdom. He does not withhold it, but gives it liberally to as many as His children who ask. Seek wisdom and you will walk securely.

    PRAYER BULLETS:

    LORD Jesus, thank You for the privilege and invitation to ask for Your divine wisdom today. Guide my thoughts, decisions, and steps as I walk in, and operate in Your supernatural understanding.
    .
    FURTHER READING:

    1 Kings 3:5-12; Proverbs 4:7; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 1:9-10; James 3:13-18.
    __________________________________________

    Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026.

    If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others.

    And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967.

    #ThePilgrimsGuide.
    THE PILGRIMS GUIDE THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026 INVITATION TO DIVINE WISDOM A WORD FROM THE WORD: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…" James 1:5 NIV. One of the greatest gifts God gives to His children is wisdom, that is, the privileged ability to see life from His perspective and make decisions that align with His will. Wisdom, from every sense responsibility, is more than knowledge or intelligence; it is in proper perspective, divine insight, spiritual understanding, and the capacity to choose rightly in every situation. Many frustrations in life come from decisions made without wisdom. Opportunities are missed, relationships break, time is wasted, and unnecessary battles arise. But when a person operates with God’s wisdom, confusion fades into insignificance and clarity takes its rightful place. The young King Solomon knew this, which was the reason he sought for wisdom above riches or power. His life demonstrated that when you get wisdom, everything else aligns. A peep into God’s wisdom shows the numerous benefits for His children who subscribe to it. It guards you from deception, and helps you to properly discern people and opportunities. It keeps you from repeating perennial mistakes, and directs you to the right path when there seem to be no clarity. God's wisdom plants you on the pedestal for long-term peace and successful endeavours. God is inviting you today to ask for His wisdom. He does not withhold it, but gives it liberally to as many as His children who ask. Seek wisdom and you will walk securely. PRAYER BULLETS: LORD Jesus, thank You for the privilege and invitation to ask for Your divine wisdom today. Guide my thoughts, decisions, and steps as I walk in, and operate in Your supernatural understanding. . FURTHER READING: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Proverbs 4:7; Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 1:9-10; James 3:13-18. __________________________________________ ©️ Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026. If you're blessed by this, please, do share with others. And if you'll like to partner with us, kindly check page 3 of our hard copy edition or better still send us a WhatsApp message or call on +234 8098421967. #ThePilgrimsGuide.
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  • ANGRY SNAKE

    A carpenter went home after shutting down his workshop. When he was gone, a poisonous snake entered his workshop. The snake was hungry and hoped to find its supper lurking somewhere within. It slithered from one and to another. Finally it bumped into an axe and got very slightly injured. In angry and revenge, the snake bit the snake with full force. What could a snake’s bite do to the metallic axe? Instead the snake’s mouth started bleeding.

    Out of fury and arrogance, the snake tried its best to strangle and kill the metallic axe - The object that was causing it the pain by wrapping itself around the axe. The next day the carpenter opened the workshop. He found the dead snake wrapped around the blades of the axe. Here the snake did not die because of someone’s fault.

    But it faced these consequences merely because of its own anger and wrath. Sometimes when angry, we try to cause harm to others. But as time passes by, we realise that we caused more harm to ourselves. It is not necessary that we react to everything. Step back and ask ourselves if the matter is really worth responding to.
    ANGRY SNAKE A carpenter went home after shutting down his workshop. When he was gone, a poisonous snake entered his workshop. The snake was hungry and hoped to find its supper lurking somewhere within. It slithered from one and to another. Finally it bumped into an axe and got very slightly injured. In angry and revenge, the snake bit the snake with full force. What could a snake’s bite do to the metallic axe? Instead the snake’s mouth started bleeding. Out of fury and arrogance, the snake tried its best to strangle and kill the metallic axe - The object that was causing it the pain by wrapping itself around the axe. The next day the carpenter opened the workshop. He found the dead snake wrapped around the blades of the axe. Here the snake did not die because of someone’s fault. But it faced these consequences merely because of its own anger and wrath. Sometimes when angry, we try to cause harm to others. But as time passes by, we realise that we caused more harm to ourselves. It is not necessary that we react to everything. Step back and ask ourselves if the matter is really worth responding to.
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  • Brenda Walsh Ministries
    Reasons to Praise God.

    There’s a verse in the Bible that has some people scratching their heads and wondering what in the world did God mean? It’s found in James 1:2, where it says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Now, one might say, “Just wait one minute! Does God actually want me to enjoy my heartache?” Well, of course not! Keep on reading verse 3, “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” And verse 4, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” God is perfecting our characters, to prepare us for heaven, and we must persevere to stay strong, fight the good fight, and finish the race! There’s a reason God allows us to experience trials, although it doesn’t mean every time we go through heartache, that it’s God’s fault - sometimes life just happens as the result of sin! But how we respond to our hard times is what’s important! Instead of blaming God, lean on Him! Ask for strength, courage, and comfort, and you’ll find that working through each trial grows perseverance that is faith-building, and even in the midst of the trial, you’ll find reasons to praise God! Text: Romans 5:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Hebrews 12:1, 1 Peter 1:6-7
    Brenda Walsh Ministries Reasons to Praise God. There’s a verse in the Bible that has some people scratching their heads and wondering what in the world did God mean? It’s found in James 1:2, where it says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Now, one might say, “Just wait one minute! Does God actually want me to enjoy my heartache?” Well, of course not! Keep on reading verse 3, “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” And verse 4, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” God is perfecting our characters, to prepare us for heaven, and we must persevere to stay strong, fight the good fight, and finish the race! There’s a reason God allows us to experience trials, although it doesn’t mean every time we go through heartache, that it’s God’s fault - sometimes life just happens as the result of sin! But how we respond to our hard times is what’s important! Instead of blaming God, lean on Him! Ask for strength, courage, and comfort, and you’ll find that working through each trial grows perseverance that is faith-building, and even in the midst of the trial, you’ll find reasons to praise God! Text: Romans 5:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Hebrews 12:1, 1 Peter 1:6-7
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  • James 1:2-12

    2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
    3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
    4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
    5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
    6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
    7 That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
    8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
    9 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.
    ...
    James 1:2-12 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. ...
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  • If you lack wisdom, ask God. He gives generously to all without finding fault. He’s ready to guide you

    #James15 #PottersFieldMinistries #AskForWisdom #DivineGuidance #GodGivesGenerously #SeekHisTruth #ScripturePower #BibleEncouragement #WisdomFromAbove #FaithInAction #TrustHisVoice
    If you lack wisdom, ask God. He gives generously to all without finding fault. He’s ready to guide you 💛✨ #James15 #PottersFieldMinistries #AskForWisdom #DivineGuidance #GodGivesGenerously #SeekHisTruth #ScripturePower #BibleEncouragement #WisdomFromAbove #FaithInAction #TrustHisVoice
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  • Daily Bible Lesson.
    “BEHOLD THE MAN!” THE INNOCENT SAVIOUR REJECTED FOR A CRIMINAL.

    Key Text: John 19:5
    “Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!”

    This is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the Bible. Pilate hoped that after seeing Jesus bruised, bleeding, and humiliated, the crowd would show mercy. Instead, they hardened their hearts and demanded His death.

    ① PILATE TRIED TO SAVE JESUS THROUGH COMPROMISE
    Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged and mocked.
    Not because He was guilty...
    But because he hoped the cruel punishment would satisfy the angry crowd.
    Pilate thought:
    The people would pity Jesus.
    The priests would finally be satisfied.
    An innocent Man could be released.
    But compromise never satisfies evil.

    ② THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST SAW PILATE'S WEAKNESS
    The religious leaders quickly realized:
    Pilate was afraid.
    He wanted to avoid conflict.
    He lacked the courage to do what was right.
    Their determination only grew stronger.
    Every compromise gave them greater confidence to demand Christ's death.

    ③ “BEHOLD THE MAN!”
    Pilate presented Jesus before the multitude and declared:
    John 19:5
    “Behold the man!”
    Again he testified:
    John 19:4
    “I find no fault in Him.”
    Standing before the crowd was:
    The Son of God.
    Wearing a crown of thorns.
    His back torn by cruel scourging.
    His face covered with blood.
    Yet His expression revealed:
    Gentleness.
    Patience.
    Dignity.
    Compassion for those who hated Him.
    Even in suffering, Jesus displayed perfect love.

    ④ THE GREAT CONTRAST: JESUS OR BARABBAS
    Beside Jesus stood Barabbas.
    A hardened criminal.
    A rebel.
    A murderer.
    The contrast could not have been clearer.
    Jesus—the innocent Prince of Peace.
    Barabbas—the guilty lawbreaker.
    Yet the crowd chose the criminal...
    ...and rejected the spotless Lamb of God.

    ⑤ SOME HEARTS WERE TOUCHED
    Not everyone remained unmoved.
    Many spectators wept.
    Their hearts were filled with sympathy.
    Even the priests and rulers felt conviction deep within.
    They knew Jesus truly was who He claimed to be.
    But conviction without surrender leads to tragedy.

    ⑥ THE CHOICE STILL STANDS TODAY
    Every person must choose:
    Christ or the world?
    Truth or compromise?
    Obedience or rebellion?
    Eternal life or eternal loss?
    The crowd chose Barabbas.
    What will you choose?
    Joshua 24:15
    “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”

    LESSONS FOR US TODAY
    Never reject Christ for the pleasures of this world.
    Do not silence conviction when the Holy Spirit speaks.
    Stand for truth even when the majority chooses otherwise.
    Jesus willingly suffered so that we might receive eternal life.
    Isaiah 53:5
    “But He was wounded for our transgressions... and with His stripes we are healed.”

    PRAYER
    Lord Jesus, thank You for enduring shame, suffering, and rejection to save me. Help me never to choose the world over You. Give me the courage to stand with You, even when others turn away. May my life always declare that I have chosen Christ above everything else. In Your precious name, Amen.
    Daily Bible Lesson. “BEHOLD THE MAN!” THE INNOCENT SAVIOUR REJECTED FOR A CRIMINAL. Key Text: John 19:5 “Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” This is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the Bible. Pilate hoped that after seeing Jesus bruised, bleeding, and humiliated, the crowd would show mercy. Instead, they hardened their hearts and demanded His death. ① PILATE TRIED TO SAVE JESUS THROUGH COMPROMISE Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged and mocked. Not because He was guilty... But because he hoped the cruel punishment would satisfy the angry crowd. Pilate thought: The people would pity Jesus. The priests would finally be satisfied. An innocent Man could be released. But compromise never satisfies evil. ② THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST SAW PILATE'S WEAKNESS The religious leaders quickly realized: Pilate was afraid. He wanted to avoid conflict. He lacked the courage to do what was right. Their determination only grew stronger. Every compromise gave them greater confidence to demand Christ's death. ③ “BEHOLD THE MAN!” Pilate presented Jesus before the multitude and declared: John 19:5 “Behold the man!” Again he testified: John 19:4 “I find no fault in Him.” Standing before the crowd was: The Son of God. Wearing a crown of thorns. His back torn by cruel scourging. His face covered with blood. Yet His expression revealed: Gentleness. Patience. Dignity. Compassion for those who hated Him. Even in suffering, Jesus displayed perfect love. ④ THE GREAT CONTRAST: JESUS OR BARABBAS Beside Jesus stood Barabbas. A hardened criminal. A rebel. A murderer. The contrast could not have been clearer. Jesus—the innocent Prince of Peace. Barabbas—the guilty lawbreaker. Yet the crowd chose the criminal... ...and rejected the spotless Lamb of God. ⑤ SOME HEARTS WERE TOUCHED Not everyone remained unmoved. Many spectators wept. Their hearts were filled with sympathy. Even the priests and rulers felt conviction deep within. They knew Jesus truly was who He claimed to be. But conviction without surrender leads to tragedy. ⑥ THE CHOICE STILL STANDS TODAY Every person must choose: Christ or the world? Truth or compromise? Obedience or rebellion? Eternal life or eternal loss? The crowd chose Barabbas. What will you choose? Joshua 24:15 “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” LESSONS FOR US TODAY Never reject Christ for the pleasures of this world. Do not silence conviction when the Holy Spirit speaks. Stand for truth even when the majority chooses otherwise. Jesus willingly suffered so that we might receive eternal life. Isaiah 53:5 “But He was wounded for our transgressions... and with His stripes we are healed.” PRAYER Lord Jesus, thank You for enduring shame, suffering, and rejection to save me. Help me never to choose the world over You. Give me the courage to stand with You, even when others turn away. May my life always declare that I have chosen Christ above everything else. In Your precious name, Amen.
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  • Good evening, brethren.
    1. Evening devotion for today.

    ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
    (COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

    *DATE:*
    WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST, 2026

    *SUB-THEME:*
    YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD'S GRACE.

    *TOPIC:*
    YIELDING TO GOD'S MOULDING PROCESS.

    *TEXT:*
    JEREMIAH 18:1-6
    [1] The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
    [2] “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear My words.”
    [3] So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.
    [4] And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.
    [5] Then the word of the Lord came to me:
    [6] “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

    *TOPIC:*
    YIELDING TO GOD'S MOULDING PROCESS.

    *THE MESSAGE:*
    In a world that encourages unchecked freedom and haste, it is challenging to submit to God's purpose patiently. Jeremiah uses the image of a potter and clay to illustrate God's sovereign authority to shape our lives as He wills. Though the moulding process may be uncomfortable and impact our character, desires, and attitudes, it is ultimately for our good. Yielding to this divine process transforms us into vessels of honor, shaped by grace. The key question is whether we are resisting or willingly submitting to God's refining work in our lives. Some delays in life, such as marriage, admission, employment, travel or even promotion, may be a moulding process orchestrated by God for our later glory. Do not allow these moulding processes to discourage you. Depend on God's plans for your life.

    *REFLECTION:*
    Yield to God's moulding process.

    *PRAYER:*
    Lord, here am I; mould me. Amen.

    *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
    2 TIMOTHY 2:21.
    "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work.

    *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
    JEREMIAH 40-45.

    ED.ii. TERRIFIED

    "And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." - Luke 22:44

    After the meal, Jesus took three of His disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. It was in this garden where He became terrified. Jesus, a man of sorrows, was confronted here with a pain He never experienced before in His life as the Son of man. Jesus was always joyful and at rest, but in this garden, everything became different. His peace was gone, His rest turned into a deadly fear. He even prayed: 'Abba, Father, everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.' (Mark 14:36).

    Jesus' battle

    Jesus was waging a heavy battle. His sweat even became like drops of blood. He walked to His disciples and wanted to share His terrible fear with them. But they had fallen asleep. I always thought that Jesus was terrified because He was fighting the evil one in this garden. But then I realized that this is impossible, because Jesus already won that battle during the temptation in the desert. I understood that Jesus is talking about a cup here and He is asking His Father to take that cup away from Him if possible.

    This cup did not come from the Pharisees, nor from the evil one, nor from His sleeping disciples, nor from His traitor or other people, but from His own Father. That cup was filled with our sins, diseases and guilt. All the evil was in that cup. And now He had to drink that cup. That terrified Him, because with this cup God, His Father, would burden Him with all our sins!

    He was without fault, He was clean and holy. He could not sin. By drinking that cup, He stood in the place of sinners. The curse and the punishment had to come on Him. He was abandoned by God because of that guilt. Today we are able to come into God's presence 24 hours daily because Jesus drank that cup for us. Happy are those who believe this.


    https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

    2. Evening Prayer for today.

    WP.i. Evening Prayer

    I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ⏤ Psalm 4:8

    A quiet heart is content with what God gives. ⏤ Elisabeth Elliot

    Our waiting eyes are on You, O Lord, this evening. The close of each day adds to our debt of gratitude for Your mercies and favors. We are not worthy of even the least of all Your goodness and loving-kindness, for we have sinned against You. Yet we hope in Your mercy and cast ourselves on Your grace.

    We thank You for the protection You have given us this day. We have gone out and come in, and You have kept us safe. You have blessed our home life, keeping us from harm, providing for our needs, and giving us strength for duty. You have blessed us in our work, giving us some measure of success and enabling us to continue in our place and do our tasks.

    We thank You for the grace You have given us to resist temptation, to bear our daily crosses, and to witness for You among others.

    Great Shepherd of all Your redeemed people, we ask You to take each member of our family into Your special care tonight. We cannot protect ourselves from the dangers of the darkness, so we entrust our lives to Your gracious keeping. May Your holy angels watch over our home. You who never slumber, keep watch over us.

    We pray for all our friends and neighbors. They have different needs, and we cannot know what each one requires, but You know. Grant each one what will be the truest blessing. Lead them in right paths. Let none of them be eternally lost. Remember Your church and give it spiritual enrichment. And to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be glory forever. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/38/evening

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST, 2026 *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD'S GRACE. *TOPIC:* YIELDING TO GOD'S MOULDING PROCESS. *TEXT:* JEREMIAH 18:1-6 [1] The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: [2] “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear My words.” [3] So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. [4] And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. [5] Then the word of the Lord came to me: [6] “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. *TOPIC:* YIELDING TO GOD'S MOULDING PROCESS. *THE MESSAGE:* In a world that encourages unchecked freedom and haste, it is challenging to submit to God's purpose patiently. Jeremiah uses the image of a potter and clay to illustrate God's sovereign authority to shape our lives as He wills. Though the moulding process may be uncomfortable and impact our character, desires, and attitudes, it is ultimately for our good. Yielding to this divine process transforms us into vessels of honor, shaped by grace. The key question is whether we are resisting or willingly submitting to God's refining work in our lives. Some delays in life, such as marriage, admission, employment, travel or even promotion, may be a moulding process orchestrated by God for our later glory. Do not allow these moulding processes to discourage you. Depend on God's plans for your life. *REFLECTION:* Yield to God's moulding process. *PRAYER:* Lord, here am I; mould me. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work. *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* JEREMIAH 40-45. ED.ii. TERRIFIED "And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." - Luke 22:44 After the meal, Jesus took three of His disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. It was in this garden where He became terrified. Jesus, a man of sorrows, was confronted here with a pain He never experienced before in His life as the Son of man. Jesus was always joyful and at rest, but in this garden, everything became different. His peace was gone, His rest turned into a deadly fear. He even prayed: 'Abba, Father, everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.' (Mark 14:36). Jesus' battle Jesus was waging a heavy battle. His sweat even became like drops of blood. He walked to His disciples and wanted to share His terrible fear with them. But they had fallen asleep. I always thought that Jesus was terrified because He was fighting the evil one in this garden. But then I realized that this is impossible, because Jesus already won that battle during the temptation in the desert. I understood that Jesus is talking about a cup here and He is asking His Father to take that cup away from Him if possible. This cup did not come from the Pharisees, nor from the evil one, nor from His sleeping disciples, nor from His traitor or other people, but from His own Father. That cup was filled with our sins, diseases and guilt. All the evil was in that cup. And now He had to drink that cup. That terrified Him, because with this cup God, His Father, would burden Him with all our sins! He was without fault, He was clean and holy. He could not sin. By drinking that cup, He stood in the place of sinners. The curse and the punishment had to come on Him. He was abandoned by God because of that guilt. Today we are able to come into God's presence 24 hours daily because Jesus drank that cup for us. Happy are those who believe this. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for today. WP.i. Evening Prayer I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ⏤ Psalm 4:8 A quiet heart is content with what God gives. ⏤ Elisabeth Elliot Our waiting eyes are on You, O Lord, this evening. The close of each day adds to our debt of gratitude for Your mercies and favors. We are not worthy of even the least of all Your goodness and loving-kindness, for we have sinned against You. Yet we hope in Your mercy and cast ourselves on Your grace. We thank You for the protection You have given us this day. We have gone out and come in, and You have kept us safe. You have blessed our home life, keeping us from harm, providing for our needs, and giving us strength for duty. You have blessed us in our work, giving us some measure of success and enabling us to continue in our place and do our tasks. We thank You for the grace You have given us to resist temptation, to bear our daily crosses, and to witness for You among others. Great Shepherd of all Your redeemed people, we ask You to take each member of our family into Your special care tonight. We cannot protect ourselves from the dangers of the darkness, so we entrust our lives to Your gracious keeping. May Your holy angels watch over our home. You who never slumber, keep watch over us. We pray for all our friends and neighbors. They have different needs, and we cannot know what each one requires, but You know. Grant each one what will be the truest blessing. Lead them in right paths. Let none of them be eternally lost. Remember Your church and give it spiritual enrichment. And to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be glory forever. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/38/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • Brothers and sisters in Christ,
    Please hear my heart: this is not an attack on anyone, nor am I telling you to leave church. No, no I am still in church, and I am still part of what we call church in this modern day.
    For a very long time, God has been showing me clearly through His Word that much of what we see today is not His original design. Many have come against me and tried to convince me that these modern setups are from God, but when I open the Scriptures, I see something completely different.
    I am not telling you what to do with what I share in this group. All I know is that revelation does not mean leave, and revelation does not mean attack.

    Revelation means:
    Question and search the Word (Acts 17:11).
    Test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
    Read and study the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15).

    Most importantly, PRAY.
    When the disciples walked with Jesus, received all His wisdom, knowledge, and revelation, they didn't go out to fight the religious leaders or destroy the system the Pharisees had built. Instead, they asked Jesus one specific thing: "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). They knew that prayer is the ultimate source of power, the answer, and the only thing that brings true change from our Heavenly Father.
    So yes, if you want to do something about what you read here, you have my full support: pray for the Body of Christ and for HIS Church not mine, not yours, but the Church of King Jesus Christ.
    Amen, brothers and sisters

    Exposing Religion, Restoring Covenant, and Understanding the True Body of Christ

    THE ROOT PROBLEM: ADAM'S BLOODLINE VS. THE LAST ADAM
    To understand what the Church is supposed to be, we must first understand why we needed Jesus in the first place.

    The Inherited Condition: In Genesis 2:21-23, Eve was taken out of Adam’s side they shared the same life and blood. When Adam sinned, spiritual death and corrupted iniquity entered the human spiritual DNA.

    The Transmitted Curse: Just like a child born with a condition inherited from their parents through no fault of their own, every human born of human seed inherited Adam’s fallen nature (Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12).

    The Pure Virgin Birth: This is why Jesus could not have an earthly human father. The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary (Luke 1:35). Jesus was born with pure, heavenly, undefiled blood bypassing Adam's fallen seed.
    "The first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit."
    1 Corinthians 15:45

    Key Insight: Salvation through Holy Communion and the Blood of Jesus acts like spiritual dialysis filtering out the toxicity of Adam's sin and replacing it with the pure, incorruptible life of King Jesus!

    GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE AND COVENANT
    Why did God create marriage, forbid sex outside of it, and tell us not to be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14)?

    God is Eternal Community: God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Love requires relationship. When God said, "It is not good that man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18), He wasn't just fixing Adam's loneliness He was creating humanity to reflect His relational, self-sacrificial nature.

    Godly Offspring: Sex inside marriage creates a covenant shield over the home. Malachi 2:15 asks why God made two into one: "He seeks godly offspring." Born-again parents create a holy atmosphere covered by prayer (1 Corinthians 7:14).

    Important Note: Born-again parents give their children a spiritual foundation, but every child must still reach an age where they personally accept Jesus as their Savior. God has children, not grandchildren!

    Marriage as a Prophetic Picture: In Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul reveals that marriage between a husband and wife was created from Genesis to be a prophetic mirror of Christ and the Church.

    THE TRAP OF MODERN RELIGION, CULTURE, AND TRADITIONS
    In Matthew 15:6–9, Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His day with a severe warning:

    "You have nullified the word of God for the sake of your tradition. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules."

    When the modern Church strays from the Holy Spirit, it falls into three traps:

    Religion: Replaces raw intimacy with God with mechanical checklists and outward appearances.

    Culture: Waters down the Gospel to avoid offending people offering a soft "love" without Truth that leaves people bound in sin.

    Tradition: Protects "how we've always done it," defending empty human routines even when the Holy Spirit wants to move.
    The Pool of Bethesda Warning (John 5)
    A paralyzed man lay by the pool for 38 years. He said, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up." He was inside a place called the "House of Mercy," yet he was totally isolated by religious crowds pursuing their own blessings. Jesus bypassed the crowd, spoke Kingdom power, and commanded him to rise! The Holy Spirit does not need a human run-sheet; He needs obedient vessels.

    TRUTH AND LOVE: THE GREAT PHYSICIAN
    Modern churches often preach Truth without Love (Legalism) or Love without Truth (Compromise). Jesus came full of Grace and Truth (John 1:14).

    Truth without Love - Brutality: Uses Scripture like a hammer to condemn people without helping them.

    Love without Truth - Deception: Tells a drowning person they are fine while they perish in their sin.

    The Doctor Analogy: A good doctor hates the cancer, but loves the patient.

    To the woman caught in adultery (John 8): Jesus offered unconditional Grace ("Neither do I condemn you") AND uncompromising Truth ("Go and sin no more").
    Why Jesus Acted Differently with Different People:

    To the broken, lost, and hurting sinner: Jesus was gentle, patient, and merciful (Zacchaeus, the woman at the well).

    To the hypocritical religious leaders: Jesus was sharp, bold, and uncompromising ("Woe to you, hypocrites! White-washed tombs!" - Matthew 23:27).

    WHAT IS THE TRUE CHURCH (EKKLĒSIA)?
    If Jesus walked into our towns today, He wouldn't look for a brand name, a denomination, or a big building. The word "Church" in Greek is Ekklēsia, meaning "the called-out ones."

    The Origin of the Setup: For the first 300 years, the early Church met from house to house as a family (Acts 2:46). When Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 AD, church life was merged with Roman pagan structures building giant basilicas, introducing altars, and turning active believers into passive spectators watching a priest or pastor perform on stage.

    What is a "Saint"? In Scripture, every born-again believer is a saint (Ephesians 1:1). The "assembling of the saints" (Hebrews 10:25) was never meant to be watching a weekly 90-minute show. 1 Corinthians 14:26 says: "Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation."
    Whose Church Does Jesus Visit?

    Where believers gather in HIS Name (not human brand names - 1 Corinthians 1:12-13).

    Where people worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24).

    Where genuine Love is shown to the broken (John 13:35).

    Where Jesus is not locked outside the door by human programs (Revelation 3:20).

    REVELATION IS A CALL TO PRAYER, NOT REBELLION
    Testing what we hear against Scripture is biblical the Bereans were praised because they searched the Scriptures daily to verify what Paul taught (Acts 17:10-11).
    When God gives you revelation to see the flaws in religious traditions:

    Do not use it to destroy or attack: Revelation is not a weapon to throw rocks at the Bride of Christ.

    Use it as an assignment to intercede: In Luke 11:1, the disciples didn't ask Jesus how to preach or do miracles they asked, "Lord, teach us to pray."

    Follow Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17): Right before the cross, Jesus prayed for the protection and supernatural unity of His believers ("that they all may be one as We are one").

    OUR CALLING AS STEWARDS
    We do not own the Church; we are only stewards of what Jesus built. It was already perfect in the New Testament. We don't need to reinvent it with human business models or cultural traditions.
    It is time to be soft and compassionate toward the broken sheep, but bold and uncompromising against the religious spirit that keeps people trapped.
    Let us return to the original blueprint: living in the pure bloodline of Jesus, worshipping in Spirit and Truth, loving one another, and being His living Body on the earth! Amen!
    Brothers and sisters in Christ, Please hear my heart: this is not an attack on anyone, nor am I telling you to leave church. No, no I am still in church, and I am still part of what we call church in this modern day. For a very long time, God has been showing me clearly through His Word that much of what we see today is not His original design. Many have come against me and tried to convince me that these modern setups are from God, but when I open the Scriptures, I see something completely different. I am not telling you what to do with what I share in this group. All I know is that revelation does not mean leave, and revelation does not mean attack. Revelation means: Question and search the Word (Acts 17:11). Test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Read and study the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15). Most importantly, PRAY. When the disciples walked with Jesus, received all His wisdom, knowledge, and revelation, they didn't go out to fight the religious leaders or destroy the system the Pharisees had built. Instead, they asked Jesus one specific thing: "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). They knew that prayer is the ultimate source of power, the answer, and the only thing that brings true change from our Heavenly Father. So yes, if you want to do something about what you read here, you have my full support: pray for the Body of Christ and for HIS Church not mine, not yours, but the Church of King Jesus Christ. Amen, brothers and sisters Exposing Religion, Restoring Covenant, and Understanding the True Body of Christ THE ROOT PROBLEM: ADAM'S BLOODLINE VS. THE LAST ADAM To understand what the Church is supposed to be, we must first understand why we needed Jesus in the first place. The Inherited Condition: In Genesis 2:21-23, Eve was taken out of Adam’s side they shared the same life and blood. When Adam sinned, spiritual death and corrupted iniquity entered the human spiritual DNA. The Transmitted Curse: Just like a child born with a condition inherited from their parents through no fault of their own, every human born of human seed inherited Adam’s fallen nature (Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12). The Pure Virgin Birth: This is why Jesus could not have an earthly human father. The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary (Luke 1:35). Jesus was born with pure, heavenly, undefiled blood bypassing Adam's fallen seed. "The first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit." 1 Corinthians 15:45 Key Insight: Salvation through Holy Communion and the Blood of Jesus acts like spiritual dialysis filtering out the toxicity of Adam's sin and replacing it with the pure, incorruptible life of King Jesus! GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE AND COVENANT Why did God create marriage, forbid sex outside of it, and tell us not to be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14)? God is Eternal Community: God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Love requires relationship. When God said, "It is not good that man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18), He wasn't just fixing Adam's loneliness He was creating humanity to reflect His relational, self-sacrificial nature. Godly Offspring: Sex inside marriage creates a covenant shield over the home. Malachi 2:15 asks why God made two into one: "He seeks godly offspring." Born-again parents create a holy atmosphere covered by prayer (1 Corinthians 7:14). Important Note: Born-again parents give their children a spiritual foundation, but every child must still reach an age where they personally accept Jesus as their Savior. God has children, not grandchildren! Marriage as a Prophetic Picture: In Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul reveals that marriage between a husband and wife was created from Genesis to be a prophetic mirror of Christ and the Church. THE TRAP OF MODERN RELIGION, CULTURE, AND TRADITIONS In Matthew 15:6–9, Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His day with a severe warning: "You have nullified the word of God for the sake of your tradition. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules." When the modern Church strays from the Holy Spirit, it falls into three traps: Religion: Replaces raw intimacy with God with mechanical checklists and outward appearances. Culture: Waters down the Gospel to avoid offending people offering a soft "love" without Truth that leaves people bound in sin. Tradition: Protects "how we've always done it," defending empty human routines even when the Holy Spirit wants to move. The Pool of Bethesda Warning (John 5) A paralyzed man lay by the pool for 38 years. He said, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up." He was inside a place called the "House of Mercy," yet he was totally isolated by religious crowds pursuing their own blessings. Jesus bypassed the crowd, spoke Kingdom power, and commanded him to rise! The Holy Spirit does not need a human run-sheet; He needs obedient vessels. TRUTH AND LOVE: THE GREAT PHYSICIAN Modern churches often preach Truth without Love (Legalism) or Love without Truth (Compromise). Jesus came full of Grace and Truth (John 1:14). Truth without Love - Brutality: Uses Scripture like a hammer to condemn people without helping them. Love without Truth - Deception: Tells a drowning person they are fine while they perish in their sin. The Doctor Analogy: A good doctor hates the cancer, but loves the patient. To the woman caught in adultery (John 8): Jesus offered unconditional Grace ("Neither do I condemn you") AND uncompromising Truth ("Go and sin no more"). Why Jesus Acted Differently with Different People: To the broken, lost, and hurting sinner: Jesus was gentle, patient, and merciful (Zacchaeus, the woman at the well). To the hypocritical religious leaders: Jesus was sharp, bold, and uncompromising ("Woe to you, hypocrites! White-washed tombs!" - Matthew 23:27). WHAT IS THE TRUE CHURCH (EKKLĒSIA)? If Jesus walked into our towns today, He wouldn't look for a brand name, a denomination, or a big building. The word "Church" in Greek is Ekklēsia, meaning "the called-out ones." The Origin of the Setup: For the first 300 years, the early Church met from house to house as a family (Acts 2:46). When Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 AD, church life was merged with Roman pagan structures building giant basilicas, introducing altars, and turning active believers into passive spectators watching a priest or pastor perform on stage. What is a "Saint"? In Scripture, every born-again believer is a saint (Ephesians 1:1). The "assembling of the saints" (Hebrews 10:25) was never meant to be watching a weekly 90-minute show. 1 Corinthians 14:26 says: "Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation." Whose Church Does Jesus Visit? Where believers gather in HIS Name (not human brand names - 1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Where people worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). Where genuine Love is shown to the broken (John 13:35). Where Jesus is not locked outside the door by human programs (Revelation 3:20). REVELATION IS A CALL TO PRAYER, NOT REBELLION Testing what we hear against Scripture is biblical the Bereans were praised because they searched the Scriptures daily to verify what Paul taught (Acts 17:10-11). When God gives you revelation to see the flaws in religious traditions: Do not use it to destroy or attack: Revelation is not a weapon to throw rocks at the Bride of Christ. Use it as an assignment to intercede: In Luke 11:1, the disciples didn't ask Jesus how to preach or do miracles they asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." Follow Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17): Right before the cross, Jesus prayed for the protection and supernatural unity of His believers ("that they all may be one as We are one"). OUR CALLING AS STEWARDS We do not own the Church; we are only stewards of what Jesus built. It was already perfect in the New Testament. We don't need to reinvent it with human business models or cultural traditions. It is time to be soft and compassionate toward the broken sheep, but bold and uncompromising against the religious spirit that keeps people trapped. Let us return to the original blueprint: living in the pure bloodline of Jesus, worshipping in Spirit and Truth, loving one another, and being His living Body on the earth! Amen!
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  • Jesus has just said that the fate of a person who drags a child into sin is going to be so terrible that it would be better for that man to be drowned in the depths of the sea. He has also said that if one's individual appendages causes one to sin that the fate of being in sin is so horrific that it is a better fate to cut that appendage from your body and cast it away.

    Jesus was not advocating for bodily mutilation, He was bringing to mind that the penalty for sin is so severe that the horrendous alternatives to the punishment were to be considered minor in comparison.

    He uses the parable of the shepherd who lost one sheep and the man's response to finding the lost sheep being one of joy. He celebrates the find which necessitated him leaving 99 sheep who had not gone astray. Jesus specifically linked this teaching to the children. And He makes it clear that God is not willing for any of these to be lost.

    Are we training our children right? Or by following our example are we ‘teaching’ our children to sin in the same ways we do? But Jesus expands on our responsibility for our brethren. He tells us to warn our brothers if they are committing sin. “Show him his fault”

    If we have a brother or sister in Christ and they are sinning, we have an obligation to pursue them and bring them back to God. It's sad that some will suffer just because we were busy “minding our own business” when we saw a brother in sin.

    We may not even be successful in the endeavor because his response still has the freewill to reject the opportunity you present. If he chooses to reject your instruction, it is imperative to return with 2 to 3 witnesses. If he refuses to repent, it is time to address it within the church.

    If he again rejects the opportunity to repent, he is to be treated as an outsider to the church. This is the concept of what some organizations call, ‘shunning’ or ‘excommunication’. So for the churches who proudly admit that their church won't mention ‘sin’ as a selling point for attending their congregation, they are admitting that they are NOT the church of true Christianity.

    Sin is what sent Jesus to the cross. It was His very foundational reason for even coming the first time. So for organizations to ‘cover’ sin for purposes of advancing progressive doctrines is in itself a sin.

    What is being discussed here is our commitment to the Gospel. Are we faithful enough to warn a brother or sister that is diving into sinful habits or situations? Are we concerned for the eternal consequences of our temporal lives?

    We are all being tempted by the same enemy. His goal is to make sure that as many humans as possible end up in Hell with him. His hatred for the creation God intended to be higher than the angels, mankind, is palpable. Satan HATES humans. He knows it's too late for him, so all he can do is cause destruction and pain for us, and that he does on a daily basis.

    Jesus then discusses the ‘gathering together’ only requiring 2 people. What is this ‘gathering together’? It comes from the word translated ‘church’ which literally means, “the called out ones”. That’s all of us. We were called out of the world to be a part of His people.

    And when two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, not only is that a “church” but Jesus is there with the gathered ones. This was in truth the reason we started Porch Ministries. And two years ago, it was myself and a few others who would meet on my front porch for worship, prayer and to be challenged in the things of the Lord.

    And in that 2 year period I was earnestly desiring to be a part of God's kingdom as one of His witnesses. I was distraught at my physical limitations. I am incapable of going pretty much anywhere. I saw my handicap as a failure on my part. But when Porch Ministries started all I could do was these lessons and pray when asked.

    Here's the thing, many Christians treat the “I'll pray for you” as an excuse they can't (or won't) do anything else. That is dead wrong. Our ability to gather in His name with Jesus in our midst is one of the most worthwhile, beneficial and powerful works a Christian can do, period.

    God has taken the prayers I've offered as a believer and within this two year period, we've seen answers to prayer as we reach out, we are preparing to aid a mission in the Philippines where impacts are already being felt and people are being saved. And now we are praying for that mission, two schools in the same city, and we are reaching folks in Pakistan, Uganda, and Michigan.

    I've seen miraculous answers to prayer, confirmation of God moving in this work and I truly hope you will join us on Lordsbook in the Porch Ministries page. If you are looking for an avenue of service to God, join us! If you've been wanting to see God work and be an integral part of God's kingdom there's no better place than a ministry dedicated to reaching those who churches do not pursue. Addicts, bikers, church-hurt individuals who have for cultural or political reasons been ostracized from a church, not due to sin, but strictly for reasons they couldn't control.

    Does it matter if i take sin seriously? Yes. Does it matter how i treat prayer? Absolutely.


    [12] “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? [13] And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray. [14] So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish. [15] “Now if your brother sins , go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. [16] But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. [17] And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [18] Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. [19] “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. [20] For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

    Jesus has just said that the fate of a person who drags a child into sin is going to be so terrible that it would be better for that man to be drowned in the depths of the sea. He has also said that if one's individual appendages causes one to sin that the fate of being in sin is so horrific that it is a better fate to cut that appendage from your body and cast it away. Jesus was not advocating for bodily mutilation, He was bringing to mind that the penalty for sin is so severe that the horrendous alternatives to the punishment were to be considered minor in comparison. He uses the parable of the shepherd who lost one sheep and the man's response to finding the lost sheep being one of joy. He celebrates the find which necessitated him leaving 99 sheep who had not gone astray. Jesus specifically linked this teaching to the children. And He makes it clear that God is not willing for any of these to be lost. Are we training our children right? Or by following our example are we ‘teaching’ our children to sin in the same ways we do? But Jesus expands on our responsibility for our brethren. He tells us to warn our brothers if they are committing sin. “Show him his fault” If we have a brother or sister in Christ and they are sinning, we have an obligation to pursue them and bring them back to God. It's sad that some will suffer just because we were busy “minding our own business” when we saw a brother in sin. We may not even be successful in the endeavor because his response still has the freewill to reject the opportunity you present. If he chooses to reject your instruction, it is imperative to return with 2 to 3 witnesses. If he refuses to repent, it is time to address it within the church. If he again rejects the opportunity to repent, he is to be treated as an outsider to the church. This is the concept of what some organizations call, ‘shunning’ or ‘excommunication’. So for the churches who proudly admit that their church won't mention ‘sin’ as a selling point for attending their congregation, they are admitting that they are NOT the church of true Christianity. Sin is what sent Jesus to the cross. It was His very foundational reason for even coming the first time. So for organizations to ‘cover’ sin for purposes of advancing progressive doctrines is in itself a sin. What is being discussed here is our commitment to the Gospel. Are we faithful enough to warn a brother or sister that is diving into sinful habits or situations? Are we concerned for the eternal consequences of our temporal lives? We are all being tempted by the same enemy. His goal is to make sure that as many humans as possible end up in Hell with him. His hatred for the creation God intended to be higher than the angels, mankind, is palpable. Satan HATES humans. He knows it's too late for him, so all he can do is cause destruction and pain for us, and that he does on a daily basis. Jesus then discusses the ‘gathering together’ only requiring 2 people. What is this ‘gathering together’? It comes from the word translated ‘church’ which literally means, “the called out ones”. That’s all of us. We were called out of the world to be a part of His people. And when two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, not only is that a “church” but Jesus is there with the gathered ones. This was in truth the reason we started Porch Ministries. And two years ago, it was myself and a few others who would meet on my front porch for worship, prayer and to be challenged in the things of the Lord. And in that 2 year period I was earnestly desiring to be a part of God's kingdom as one of His witnesses. I was distraught at my physical limitations. I am incapable of going pretty much anywhere. I saw my handicap as a failure on my part. But when Porch Ministries started all I could do was these lessons and pray when asked. Here's the thing, many Christians treat the “I'll pray for you” as an excuse they can't (or won't) do anything else. That is dead wrong. Our ability to gather in His name with Jesus in our midst is one of the most worthwhile, beneficial and powerful works a Christian can do, period. God has taken the prayers I've offered as a believer and within this two year period, we've seen answers to prayer as we reach out, we are preparing to aid a mission in the Philippines where impacts are already being felt and people are being saved. And now we are praying for that mission, two schools in the same city, and we are reaching folks in Pakistan, Uganda, and Michigan. I've seen miraculous answers to prayer, confirmation of God moving in this work and I truly hope you will join us on Lordsbook in the Porch Ministries page. If you are looking for an avenue of service to God, join us! If you've been wanting to see God work and be an integral part of God's kingdom there's no better place than a ministry dedicated to reaching those who churches do not pursue. Addicts, bikers, church-hurt individuals who have for cultural or political reasons been ostracized from a church, not due to sin, but strictly for reasons they couldn't control. Does it matter if i take sin seriously? Yes. Does it matter how i treat prayer? Absolutely. [12] “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? [13] And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray. [14] So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish. [15] “Now if your brother sins , go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. [16] But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. [17] And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [18] Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. [19] “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. [20] For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
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