Today's Message: Don't be left Behind!!!

Today's message entitled "Don't Be Left Behind". The title may sound simple however, the truth behind this message alarms many christians. Pastor uses "The Parable of the Ten Virgins" as an illustration to his message today under the text Matthew 25 1:1-13.

After reading the passage given, we are being led back to Matthew 24 instead, which leads us to "The Day and Hour Unknown (or Signs of the End of the Age)". Many thought that the second coming of Jesus Christ can be well predicted, so that everyone looks good during judgement day. WRONG!!!...

So, in the bible, it does really prepare us and shows us the signs of His second coming. To be exact, in Matthew 24:40 - 41 Jesus said "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left." Well, the question that we should be asking ourselves - Are we prepared for His second coming or are we prepared to be left behind?

Many also discussed the events on the end time rapture, many has it's doubt too. In the bible, it somehow demonstrates that rapture may occur with the passage written by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18: "According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words"

...and it continues with 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 and Revelation 16:1-15.

In accordance to the above, in Matthew 25 "Jesus followed up with 3 consecutive parables that teaches us in what areas we should be paying attention to".

1) Parables of the 10 Virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13)
Preparation No.01
"Every person is responsible for his/her own spiritual condition."

Matthew 24:37-39
"Not everyone will be ready because some of us would be indulging in the leisure and pleasure of the world that our spiritual condition is one of lukewarmness and apathy."

"...these very blessings can sson become a bane, when we use these God given blessings to withdraw to our own comfort zone."

2) Parables of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30)
Preparation No.02
"We need to use well what God has entrusted to us."

"We, too must also realize and acknowledge that every talent that we have is God given"

3) Parables of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25: 31-46)
Preparation No.03
"Jesus stresses the importance of serving others in need."

"You were shaped to serve God by serving others."

Michael Guglielmucci - Healer

I have to admit that I have this obsession over this song. And now, no doubt there was a big controversy over Mike's case, however I still do not understand why does Hillsong made such a decision by removing this song from the album??

My point of view, there is no reason to remove such a beautiful well-written & composed song. The song is not the main controversy, it was only his actions that causes the controversies. We as Christians are thought to forgive, care and love yet, people are still boycotting not only his song but also as a brother in Christ. Am I to say that he has been excommunicated from all churches in Australia? Fuyoooh...

Did we forget what Jesus told us in Matthew 7:1-2?
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

There are many well-known figures in the Bible has done something that is against God's will and still it is not being removed from the Bible. Why? Because it is served as a constant reminder to each and everyone of us that even with these well-known figures that has been used by God, it doesn't mean that these figures does not give-in into our own flesh.

That is why we need Healing... And through the precious blood of Jesus Christ and by His Stripes we are being Healed!!!

My Guess:
Mike might have written this song as a reflection upon himself which he needed the healing from the Lord.

Brothers & Sisters... please ponder into the word once again. And let us do pray for him for he needs lots of prayers right now.


Healer lyrics:

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

My Healer, You're my Healer

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

http://rapidshare.com/files/155215685/Hillsongs_-_Healer.mp3