Mercy and Grace are 2 sides of the same coin. Mercy is when God does not give us what we deserve, i.e. punishment for our sins against Him and others. Instead He forgives us for our sins. Grace is when He gives us what we don't deserve, i.e. the assurance of everlasting life in heaven with Him and the strength and wisdom and the heart to pray to Him, to wait upon Him and cooperate with Him so that His plan for our life bears fruit. So actually, it's not Mercy vs Grace, but Mercy and Grace.
The unique thing about the coin of Mercy and Grace is that it falls with both sides up, making you a winner 2 times over!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Forgiveness, God's Way
Forgiveness of sins is difficult. Forgetting them is even more so. This small but interesting story conveys a significant point:
Two monks were walking down a path when they came to a river. A lady stood there, beautifully dressed. She requested them to carry her on their back so she would not get wet. Immediately, one of the monks lifted her up and began carrying her on his back.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Psalm 12:6 - Trust His Word
"The words of the LORD are pure words,
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times." - Psalm 12:6
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times." - Psalm 12:6
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Bible Studies from Greater Grace Church
Studying the Bible is as important as praying. In the early days of my Christian faith, I was taught that we speak to God through prayer, while God speaks to us through His Word - the Bible.
Greater Grace World Outreach has a wonderful Bible education system.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Isaac Newton on the Bible
“I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.” - Sir Isaac Newton
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
"Mark of the Beast" - What is it?
In one of our services, Pastor Karl taught about this mark (the number 666 as stated in Revelation 13:18) that will be necessary if people are to buy or sell anything. The Bible says that those who do not bear this mark, will not be able to buy or sell anything (Revelation 13:17).
So what is this "mark?"
So what is this "mark?"
Monday, June 8, 2009
Church Service: My First Day
The first Church service I attended was about four months after I gave my heart to Christ.
I was a struggling singer in May 2002. I did not want to do a job, but only wanted to be a singer. After I confessed my sins to Jesus and prayed the Salvation Prayer, God began to change me from within. I took my parents' advice and took up a job as a management trainee.
I was a struggling singer in May 2002. I did not want to do a job, but only wanted to be a singer. After I confessed my sins to Jesus and prayed the Salvation Prayer, God began to change me from within. I took my parents' advice and took up a job as a management trainee.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday Service: Diary of My Learning
Sunday services are like battery recharges in mobile phones. In order to effectively communicate with God, the world, as well as with ourselves through the week ahead, we need to replenish our spiritual strength by going to church every Sunday.
My pastor has always stressed on the importance of carrying a Bible, a notebook and a pen or pencil to service. Public memory is short, and I too am a member of the public! A pen will serve me (and you) in good stead. It has, so far. And I am pleased to compile my learning into easily digestible capsules in the form of blog posts here. I will organise my posts in a way that packs in just enough to sustain your interest yet does not leave you feeling hungry. But don't you not feel hungry for more - of the Word of God! Keep the fire in your belly burning for the Lord. That is the fire that has - at least in my case - kept the kitchen fire burning. Jehovah Jireh is the Provider. Praise Him!
My pastor has always stressed on the importance of carrying a Bible, a notebook and a pen or pencil to service. Public memory is short, and I too am a member of the public! A pen will serve me (and you) in good stead. It has, so far. And I am pleased to compile my learning into easily digestible capsules in the form of blog posts here. I will organise my posts in a way that packs in just enough to sustain your interest yet does not leave you feeling hungry. But don't you not feel hungry for more - of the Word of God! Keep the fire in your belly burning for the Lord. That is the fire that has - at least in my case - kept the kitchen fire burning. Jehovah Jireh is the Provider. Praise Him!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Greater Grace Church: Celebrating 25 Years
The India chapter of Greater Grace Church (http://www.ggwo.org/) is celebrating 25 years of existence by holding a conference in Mumbai India from 23rd April to 26 April 2009.
I have not been able to attend as I work with Taxsmile.com, an online tax filing portal. This is a busy time for us. I have found time to write this post after so many days! God-willing, I will make time next year and profit from the teachings. Amen.
I have not been able to attend as I work with Taxsmile.com, an online tax filing portal. This is a busy time for us. I have found time to write this post after so many days! God-willing, I will make time next year and profit from the teachings. Amen.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Good News Friday
Yesterday was Good Friday. My local church Pastor Karl Silva began aptly when he said the day was as much a Good News Friday as it was Good Friday. This day, 2000 years ago, God the Father "gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Imagine eating out at a restaurant and running up a huge bill you cannot foot. A man walks by and sees your plight. He has compassion for you. Out of grace, he approaches the manager and volunteers to pay your bill, so that you can walk away free!
Imagine eating out at a restaurant and running up a huge bill you cannot foot. A man walks by and sees your plight. He has compassion for you. Out of grace, he approaches the manager and volunteers to pay your bill, so that you can walk away free!
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