John 3 Study: The New Birth 1of10, Evans Olang

John 3:1-21, “3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”

Paul in his epistles helps us understand in details the mystery of the gospel, the power of God unto salvation (new birth). Jesus only here in John 3 and 4 introduces us to the nature of new birth in speaking with both Nicodemus and the woman at the well. With Nicodemus we see what must happen nd how. With the woman at the well we see it demonstrated. Most Christians know that something happened in their lives but many have little understanding of this mystery. I have often heard it quoted that “salvation is as easy as A.B.C (Admit, Believe, Confess)” in relations to a man making decision to follow Christ. This statement has no merit if its not made effective by an outward power none of us possesses. Salvation is impossible (not able to occur) with man, Luke 18:27.

Biblical Manhood – Consistency In Prayer, Evans Olang

Luke 22:39-45, “39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. …41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed,…”

The Gospel according to Luke chronicles the ministry of Jesus fueled by His prayer life. Matthew mentions pray (prayer, prayed, praying) at least 19 times, Mark 13 times, John 8 times but Luke 27 times (in the book of Acts by Luke 32 times). Of the 161 mentions of prayers in the NT, 36% (59) times are mentioned by Luke either in reference to Jesus or the apostles. I believe Luke wanted us to see how effective, fervent, consistent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Daring Faith, Part 2of2, Evans Olang

Matthew 14:22-33, “28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

I love reading about Peter, he was a regular guy like any of us. He had weakness and strengths. Peter was an ordinary fisherman who walked with Jesus. His walk with Christ changed his life and I don’t believe anyone can walk with Christ and not be changed.

Daring Faith, Part 1of2, Evans Olang

Matthew 14:22-33, “28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

The subject of faith is often preached on, taught and abused at the same time. The many faith teachings are more about what God can do for you financially and health wise. And if you’ve listened to the same, be enlightened that there is more to faith than that. Teachings on faith today mostly dwell on the byproducts of faith. We find that often times too many of us have enough faith for breadcrumbs and not enough for a whole loaf, what He has promised. Faith enough to get us by and nothing to challenge us to grow more faith in God.

Do You Hear What I Hear? Pastor Phil Sessa

Matthew 1:18-20, “18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit ”.

In this day and age there are a lot of voices speaking, but none as important as the voice of the Lord.

God And Sinners Reconciled, Pastor Phil Sessa

2Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

Merry CHRISTmas! I love saying that. We live in an age where the world wants us to be culturally tolerant, and politically correct. All other religious “holidays” are not really holidays if we agree that the word holiday is really the word HOLY DAY. How is Kwanza, or Ramadan holy? Kwanza does not focus on Christ, because the focus is on culture and man not on Christ the Lord.

Redeemed Through His Blood, Evans Olang

Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”

Of late I have been thinking about the saving grace of our Lord Jesus and I am constantly amazed at what He has done for a wicked wretched man that I am. I am forever thankful to Him for what He has done.

There are some truths that continue to humble me in learning of saving grace and here is the biggest one, Jesus did not suffer and die on the cross because man was worth saving, He suffered and died on the cross because He was worthy to save. No one’s sacrifice was worthy to satisfy the demand of the law death.

But For A Moment, Part 2of2, Evans Olang

Esther 4:14, “… Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

We know of opportunities that present themselves when least expected. At the very moment they present themselves, you weigh the possibilities of being the person to rise to the occasion while looking at who you are. I watched a comedy where this young man was afraid of swimming, he did not feel he could do it because he was just too terrified. On one particular day, he saw this girl fall in the pool drowning, he swallowed his fears and jumped into the pool to rescue the girl not knowing that he had fears before. But for a moment of time, he stepped into the occasion and did what he was afraid to do so as to rescue someone else.

One Life To Live, Evans Olang

Luke 23:39-43, “39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”; 40; But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God; ” he said; “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly; for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”; 42Then he said; “Jesus; remember me when you come into your kingdom.”; 43 Jesus answered him; “I tell you the truth; today you will be with me in paradise.” (NIV)

Luke is reporting a story after Jesus was crucified. He was at the center crucified besides two guilty criminals crucified with Him on death row.