“We pray because God so loves the world”
(John 3:16) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). Prayer connects us to this God who is love. In prayer, we will be reminded who God is. God’s love, mercy, righteousness and faithfulness will lead our prayers. When we intercede for people, we will think of their situation. The more we know about their situation, the more we will come to know how small and powerless we are. That leads us to pray more. And we come to know that prayer is the work of God, not the work of man. When we pray, we carry out the work of this great God, and our hearts are united with His. Our life synchronizes with God’s heartbeat. Read more... NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and jojin our English Sunday worship service. Philemon 1-25
We can learn lessons from each of the three characters. Philemon – The name means 'beloved.' Paul's good friend who planted a house church at his home, a wealthy Christian who owns some slaves, including Onesimus. He didn't judge Onesimus but forgave and accepted him. Onesimus – The name means 'useful' or 'profitable'; but he was unprofitable to his master Philemon. He robbed his master and ran away to Rome, deserving a death penalty by the Roman law. He remarkable changed as a saved man of God, later became a Bishop of Barea. Paul – The apostle Paul evangelized and discipled Onesimus to be a useful brother in the Lord, to be forgiven and accepted by his master. He appealed to someone on behalf of another person. Paul as a peacemaker here leaves us an example to be a reason someone feel extra-special, very peaceful, loved and happy. Come join us at our English service of the International Church in Yangon! Matthew 1:20-23
In a way, we all are a Scrooge of Charles Diken's "A Christmas Carol" (1843). A miser who loves only himself. We all need to be changed as now 'Ebenezer Scrooge' from living for oneself to helping others, from loneliness to having friends. With Christmas we celebrate how Jesus has come to us. Immanuel, God with us. A paradox; the Almighty God comes to us as a child. God himself is giving and sharing Himself with us. It echoes the tale of the Garden of Eden; God walks with men. Adam longs for fellowship. It echoes a future of fellowship with God and others as in Revelation (The Church as the 'Bridge' of Christ in 21:9). It connects to our purpose of living as in Westminster catechism: "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever." At Christmas let’s pause to have time with Jesus; time with each other. Be like Scrooge and open your heart to others. Reconcile where needed. Merry Christmas! Come join us at our English service of the International Church in Yangon! “Christ was with them” (Luke 2:1-20)
There was no room for them in the inn. When Joseph and Mary were rejected, Jesus was with them. In this season of Christmas, let’s remember that Christ has come to us, the Word has become flesh, God reveals himself to us who is crying “where is God?” He will show who he is and what he has done for us. He is with us and he was with us and he will. Read more... For LifeNet groups and personal reflection 1) Think about the life without love. How is it like? What is the society like if there is no justice there? Can you recognize God’s love or justice in your life? What is it? 2) How do you explain about salvation? How does your understanding of salvation affect your relationship with God? 3) Jesus is Savior and the Lord. What does it mean to you? How do you feel about it? Why do you feel so? 4) Do you have any experience that God guided you by his Word? What was it? How did that experience affect your faith? NLIF is an interhational church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service. Connect with us: www.facebook.com/nlif |
NLIFWe are an evangelical congregation emphasizing Bible centered and Spirit-empowered living. We hope to be a blessing to you. Archives
July 2022
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