Tag: Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ at the cross

Scars of Forgiveness

Leave a comment

Lessons Learned from My Sickness Part 25: Scars

Jesus Christ at the cross

I came across this fascinating theological riddle many years back, “What man-made thing is now in heaven”?

And the answer is – the SCARS in Jesus’ hands, feet and side.

Those bodily scars were created by nails and the centurion’s spear during Christ’s crucifixion.

Those marks were sought by Thomas as proof of Christ ‘s resurrection (John 20:25 – “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”).

Thereupon, when Christ saw him a week later, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” And Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26-28)

I remembered this riddle fairly recently when I took a bath and saw the scar at my side. It was the scar that resulted from a CTT tube insertion administered to drain fluids from my lungs.

When I looked at that scar, I was reminded of its significance. Without such wound, the doctor couldn’t have performed the pleurodesis procedure and I couldn’t have returned to my normal breathing pattern.

That wound has been a step towards my healing. That wound is necessary for me to be treated.

The scar resulting from that wound serves as proof that we have exhausted all means to treat my bodily problem.

Reflecting on this theologically, I am reminded of my own sinfulness, and of my deep gratitude to God for giving us his son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins.

In Isaiah 53: 5 it says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED.

Without the scars in Jesus body, we are still on our way to perdition. But thanks be to God, we were forgiven!

Posted on FB: 17 March 2015 – 1:37 PM

Jaro Evangelical Church

About the Author

Rev. Ronny Luces is the Minister for Administration and Community Service of Jaro Evangelical Church (JEC), Iloilo City, Philipines. He and wife, Martha have been with JEC’s ministry since 1994.

Pastor Ronny graduated from Central Philippine University College of Theology in 1985 and was pastor of several Baptist churches.

In January 2015, after tests and two long hospital confinements, Pastor Ronny got the word he has lung cancer. He is undergoing chemotherapy.

Praying for healing and going through all the medical processes, Pastor Ronny writes his reflections “Lessons Learned from My Sickness”.

May Pastor Ronny’s series of reflections and meditations strengthen your hope and faith as you go through your own life’s battles. Please pray for Pastor Ronny’s healing.

Come to a Healing Meeting on November 5 – 7:30 PM at Caroline Bay Community Lounge

Leave a comment

The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International of Timaru presents another night of healing meeting on November 6 – 7:30 PM at the Caroline Bay Community Lounge, Timaru.

FGBMFI Timaru has Michael Johnstone as their speaker.

healing and testimony

Michael Johnstone

Michael is married with 4 adult children. He has been walking with the Lord for 33 years now.

He gave his life to the Lord Jesus at the Timaru New Life Centre where he was set free from a life of drug and alcohol addiction.

He has been a businessman in the forest industry as a logging contractor for 39 years.

Over the years he has had the privilege of praying for and seeing many people in the name of Jesus, being set free from all types of bondage that have stopped them from walking freely with the Lord.

God has given Michael the gifts of the prophetic and teaching ministries, among others, and has opened doors for these gifts to be used both here in New Zealand and overseas.

COME, LISTEN AND BE HEALED!

 

life after death

The Power of the Last Words

Leave a comment

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

life after death

As the sunset promises a new day, Jesus Christ’s last words is our hope that there’s life after death.

Of the seven sayings of Jesus Christ on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” is considered as his last words. After saying this he then breathed his last according to Luke.

Take note that Jesus “called out with a loud voice”. Everyone around the area with eyes focused on the bodies hanging on the cross must have heard him.

The power of Jesus’ last words proves that he is the extra-ordinary person, God’s only Son whom He sent to redeem us.

In saying his last words, Jesus Christ submitted and committed his spirit to His Father, trusting and empowering Him to carry out His work beyond physical death.

The last words of Jesus make me think about the conversations I had with friends who have gone ahead.

Please allow me to share a couple of them. I got their last words from our conversation through Facebook.

Maricar was a classmate in high school. A year before her passing in July 2013, I got in touch with her and ministered through prayers. Here’s her last words:

Please pray for my total healing. I surrender everything to the Lord and I know my faith will heal me. thank you so much classmate. I really appreciate all your concern and prayers….

I met Brutus at Faith Baptist Church in Manila. His real name is Ephraim Jacildo. In March 2013, I learned of his condition so I got in touch via FB to encourage him. He rested peacefully on 12 April 2014. His last words:

God has been manifesting His sovereignty in my condition in so many different ways. Yes I still have many questions but I trust the Lord will carry me when I need Him.


Surely, we are saddened when friends and loved ones leave but their last words bring comfort and hope, isn’t it?

The greatest comfort and hope that we have is in Jesus Christ who conquered death through his resurrection.

My friends, if you were to die today, what will be your last words?

As you end your life on earth, will you bless or curse? Will you surrender humbly or struggle in pride?

In the event of sudden death, some might have ready their last will and testament already. I wonder if they have included their faith testament?

To whom are you giving your spirit? Make sure you are ready and willing to commit your spirit to God.

The power of the last words transcends this world as we trust God to raise us from the dead and to go on living eternally in our new glorified bodies.

Think about firming up your last words now.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Sunset at Fakaofa Atoll, Tokelau by Ross-Waugh

forgiveness of God

Cancelled Without Prejudice – A Lenten Season Reflection

Leave a comment

forgiveness of God

The phrase “Cancelled Without Prejudice” is used in embassy or consulate decision to changed the current visa for correction or change of status.

For migrants or those travelling abroad, having the phrase stamped on your passport means that your other visas in the passport remains valid and does not prejudice future visa applications.

“Cancelled Without Prejudice” signifies that you have gotten a new visa that might be better than the preceding one.

In this season of Lent, I see Jesus Christ, his suffering, death and resurrection as God’s living “Cancelled Without Prejudice” stamp for us.

If receiving a visa that would make indefinite our stay in our chosen foreign land brings much joy, how much more when we’re getting a “Cancelled Without Prejudice” status from God and having the great assurance of infinite stay with Him in Heaven.

Yes, there’s more to life than just getting an earthly visa and probably, travelling round and round the world until you wear out and die.

As Buzz Lightyear of Toy Story would say, “To infinity and beyond”, let us take the chance to really travel to infinity and beyond with God.

While embassies need lots of documents and fees, God requires a contrite heart and commitment to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

It is free. No fees required for Jesus Christ has paid the price.

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-24)

Come in humility before the Lord, confess your sin and express your need of the Redeemer, accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord.

Let your sinful life be “Cancelled Without Prejudice” before God and become an eternal citizen of heaven.

One Year of Living in Timaru

Leave a comment

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Living in Timaru at Trafalgar Street

Today, 14 August 2013, marks our one year of living in Timaru.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being our Rock in a weary land,
our Shelter in the time of storm.

Dear friends and family, thank you for all your prayers and support.

Many believe that Timaru comes from Māori Te Maru, which means ‘place of shelter’. Indeed, Timaru has been a significant shelter for us.

PRAISE GOD, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW;
PRAISE HIM, ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW;
PRAISE HIM ABOVE, YE HEAVENLY HOST;
PRAISE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.

relevance of jesus christ

Relevance of Jesus Christ in my Life

1 Comment

relevance of jesus christ

Recognising my sinfulness and the fact that I cannot do anything on my will and effort to cleanse me from all unrighteousness make Jesus Christ relevant and important.

As if my spirit was an old rusty and squeaky wheel in need of repair and replacement. And through the cleansing blood of Jesus, I am now redeemed, renewed and truly living.

Acknowledging my need for a Saviour, I found the answer to the question “How can the death of Jesus Christ be ransom for all?“

The lyrics of “He Look Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need” express my sentiments so well that I’m always touched listening and singing this song.

Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise,
for it was grace that brought my liberty;
I do not know just why He came to love me so,
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Chorus

I shall forever life mine eyes to Calvary,
to view the cross where Jesus died for me,
how marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul;
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

If you’re still wondering about the redeeming power of the cross, take time to reflect…see your sinfulness, repent, receive and believe that Jesus Christ is your only Saviour and Lord.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Old Rusty Wheel by Ross Waugh

Jesus Christ is alive

Jesus Christ is Risen Indeed and In Deed

1 Comment

Jesus Christ is alive

 

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect,
but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:10-12