Monday, October 29, 2007

Want to fight spiritual obesity?


Put on the full armour of God so you can stand against the devil's schemes...Pray also for me that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I can FEARLESSLY make known the mystery of the gospel. (Eph 6). We all know about God's armour but do we know what battle it's for? The devil and his demons know a lot more than the average person. They know the power of the name of JESUS. When this little baby was born to an unmarried mother in a poverty stricken overcrowded outhouse in an occupied middle east country the demonic powers were so enraged that all the boys in Bethleham and its vicinity aged 2 and under were massacred in a savage attempt to wipe Him out! " Awake, Awake O Zion, clothe yourself with strength...shake off your dust; rise up...free yourself from the chains" (Isaiah 52). Want to fight spiritual obesity? (too much good food of the word and too little exercise of His will) Find someone who is doing the work of the Lord and join them. Peter had the faith to raise Dorcas from the dead because he was with Jesus when Jairus' daughter was raised! Some are out sharing their faith in different ways...Join them and let God teach you directly by doing (the Jesus teaching method!!).

The photo was taken this morning when I was out in front of 11,000 Dublin City Marathon runners. Every single breath taken during the race was a gift from God...think about it! Ant 0879795454

Monday, October 22, 2007

Stewards of what?


What are we stewards of as believers? Ephesians 6:19 "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel". We are entrusted with the MYSTERY of the Gospel WHICH IS Christ in you the hope of glory. No-one is righteous but Jesus and it is his righteousness in us that is the ONLY hope of reconciliation and avoidance of wrath!...Oh dear did i mention a forbidden word (wrath)... Well here's another one HELL..the place where you and me deserve to go to because of our violoation of the perfect law of my Creator. Let's Get this straight: NO one is good...all have turned aside. In Christ alone can we stand...Think about it and check out the "Sin" animation on the right. It's funny and clever but deadly accurate in its message. We never Outgrow the Gospel.

The photo shows John and Freddie (the dog) at Naas last Friday. Myself and John witnessed, gave out tracts and preached outside the town hall. We had a good time and trust that the seeds that were sown will bear a rich harvest. To God be all the glory. Ant

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Miracle in Swords.


Adam and his mate were fascinated. Why in Swords is there a chap lifting up a sign with just "JESUS" written on it on a Friday evening at 6pm. They had to ask and when they learnt that it was about sharing God's good news about how to get into HIs Kingdom and be assured of forgiveness the mate said He didn't believe in God and "where was the proof?". He was then asked if he had any pains or sicknesses because if he did Jesus could heal him now! Adam said he'd a calf injury from sports and following prayer he turned in shock to his mate and said he was better "..Swear to God...". After a further discussion about the great exchange at the cross of Calvary where Jesus took our sin on himself Adam proclaimed "I get it!". God alone can open eyes and bring revelation.

I was asked to do an architectural job in Ashbourne and I initiailly declined but when the client begged me I realised that if I scheduled it for a Friday afternoon perhaps I could go "fishing for men" afterwards. When I finished the job I was driving towards Ashbourne and praying in the Spirit. When I saw the sign for Swords I felt a leading to go there instead. When I parked the car on the main street I felt slightly nervous and unsure where and how to start lifting up His name but I found a small quiet park in front of the County Buildings. I opened my pocket BIble at Romans 1 and saw "I am not ashamed of the Gospel".

NO I am not ashamed of the One I love who is Jesus! I then positioned myself outside the Londis shop and near the bus stop at a busy intersection and lifted up the sign. In a micro second I received such a baptism of Joy...God is so good. Dozens of eyes fixed on the sign instantly, one woman stood frozen at the shop entrance and stared for about 10 seconds. Some car horns hooted, teeneagers approached to ask and ...you guessed it...Adam and his mate approached...

The photo is about 2 weeks old and is of our friend Leonidas who has now gone back to Burundi...but with a fire in his heart to preach the gospel in central Africa. Pray for him, he is a special brother. Ant

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Every Good Thing



I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (Philemon 1:6 (New International Version)). This verse expresses what I've known and experienced since I began a year ago to regularly go on the streets to share my faith. I believe and trust that the many witnessing, worshipping, preaching and prayer moments have been a blessing to some but I also know with great certainty that I too have grown in the knowledge of "every good thing we have in Christ". Regarding the full understanding...aint there yet! That's why this blog has a reply button!

Yesterday we were on George's Street in Dun Laoghaire (all 3 of us) holding high the Name above all names. God was with us. I called over a group of local teens (rough diamonds) who were chatting nearby (about us!) and puled out a million Euro note and offered it to the one who could answer my question "Why did Jesus go to the cross?". After many failed attempts to answer I explained about God's demonstration of His love to us by satisfying His Holy Justice at the cross. I was particularly struck by the yougest and smallest chap saying "Do you mean God really loves me?"