This is a picture of Violeta and Magdalina. I introduced them to Paul, Marshall, Wes and David last week. Yesterday we did lessons 9 and 10 in the second book, Faith Power. We also had a new helper, potential leader, assist us for the first time- Adana. (sp?) She was great help and is very strong in the Lord. She is 21 and I am praying that she will be a big help to us. The lessons are about the development of the early church and how they had so much trouble with the leaders of the established religion of their day.One thing that did come up was the issue of Mary worship. It seems that the girls were a little shocked at how little we teach on Mary. This issue didn't come up except for Violeta had read a book that was written by an x-priest and it really opened her eyes or better yet disturbed her.
So this is one more thing that she must let go of. It is almost impossible to know what the Orthodox believer is really trusting in when they pray the prayer of repentance. It is so much better to just keep them pointed at the Word of God and systematically bring them to the JESUS of the Bible.
We had a great lesson and they are already asking..."are there any more books to study after this one?"
Well, it is a rainy dismal day here in Galati....but the Lord is with us...!
Oh! Bogdon and Paula celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary yesterday, Bogdon's new job is going well, He is more tired now..but he does want to continue doing his job a zone leader. PTL. Pray for us as we decide the best course of action to take as winter is coming!
Of course you know we really try to avoid these issues and just bring them directly to Christ, when God has opened their eyes to His Son it is must easier to navigate these treacherous waters. 2Tim 2:23-26
In Luke 1:46-47, Mary said: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour". Mary knew that she needed a savior.
Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". Revelation 15:4 says, "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy". Romans 3:10 says, "There is none righteous, no, not one".
Jesus is the only person who is referred to in Scripture as sinless. Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
1 Peter 2:22 says, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth".
In contrast, Mary said that God is her Savior. (Luke 1:47) If God was her Savior, then Mary was not sinless. Sinless people do not need a Savior.
In the Book of Revelation, when they were searching for someone who was worthy to break the seals and open the scroll, the only person who was found to be worthy was Jesus. Nobody else in Heaven or on earth (including Mary) was worthy to open the scroll or even look inside it. (Revelation 5:1-5)
Matthew 1:24-25 says, "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." "Till" (until) means that after that point, Joseph did "know" (have sexual relations with) Mary. (See Genesis 4:1 where Adam "knew" Eve and she conceived and had a son.)
Jesus had brothers and sisters. The Bible even tells us their names. Matthew 13:54-56 says, "
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hatch this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us?"
Other Scripture verses which specifically refer to Jesus’ brothers are: Matthew 12:46; John 2:12; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; and Galatians 1:19.
These are all comments from a x-nun I found on the internet....they are not to attack or defend just to shed light....and bring people to Jesus!
Just a little more Truth to help set people free!
