Work for the Faith

Work for the Faith This page promotes the three angels message which dwells on the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

19/06/2015

As we get close to the Sabbath we give glory to God having been faithful to us since last Sabbath and now we are about to get into the next Sabbath. I want to share the following words that God wants us to hear this evening:
We need to be fully surrendered to Jesus day by day, moment by moment. Without abiding in Him and He in us, we have no power to do any good thing. But, when Christ is enthroned upon the heart, we can do all things through Him. He has promised He will not allow us to be tempted byond what we can bear.Have a blessed sabbath and may God bless u abundantly

21/04/2015

On behalf of relatives and friends of the late elder Jameson Momanyi who passed away last week, I invite you to a fundraising today at Embakasi SDA church as from 4PM to cater for his funeral expenses.You are welcomed to join hands in raising funds towards his funeral.His burial will take place on Friday 24th April 2015

17/04/2015

Its with deep sorrow we announce the passing on of elder Jameson momanyi.I know it is a very dificult moment for family, friends and members of Embakasi SDA church but lets put our hopes in God that elder is temporarily asleep and we will meet him when God comes.He was a good man who always spoke his mind and contributed alot in the spiritual growth of Embakasi SDA church.God promises me in 1st Thessalonians 4:13 onwards that we Christians should remember that one day all that have died will resurrect and that those who passed on in christ will resurrect first and meet our God in the air.and Revelations 21:4 says "there shall be no more death,neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.As christians as we mourn the death of elder Momanyi thats our only hope.

12/03/2015

this coming saturday 14th March 2015 it will be choir day at Embakasi SDA church and am told many choirs have comfirmed.Come and get the word of God through choirs and the sermon.God bless you as you plan to attend

05/11/2014

Wednesday November 5

Abraham's Faith

Read James 2:21-24 and compare it with Romans 4:1-5, 22-24. How is the faith of Abraham described in these texts, and on what is justification based?

Interestingly, both James and Paul quote Genesis 15:6, but they seem to arrive at opposite conclusions. According to James, Abraham was justified by works, but Paul seems, in Romans 4:2, to deny this possibility explicitly (compare vs. 24).

However, the immediate context of Romans 4 has to do with whether circumcision is necessary for justification; that is, whether Gentiles had to become Jews in order to be saved (Rom. 3:28-30). Paul shows that Abraham's faith, not his "work" of being circumcised, was the basis of justification, because Abraham believed even before he was circumcised. Abraham was circumcised later as an outward sign of his inward faith (Rom. 4:9-11). But works alone, even circumcision, are not sufficient for justification, because only those "who also walk in the steps of that faith [of] our father Abraham" (Rom. 4:12, NKJV) will be justified.

Is this emphasis really so different from that of James? Paul even goes on to use the same "proof" of Abraham's faith that James does (see Rom. 4:17-21). Abraham believed that God could resurrect Isaac because He "gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist" (vs. 17, NASB 1995; compare Heb. 11:17-19). Paul also defines saving faith as "being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform" (Rom. 4:21, NKJV). In short, faith that trusts God to keep His promises and obediently relies on His word is saving faith. These works are not "works of law" but "works of faith." Or, as James puts it: "Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?" (James 2:22, NKJV, emphasis added).

Many stress the importance of faith and works, but even this separates the two, at least to some extent. True faith is "faith working through love" (Gal. 5:6, NKJV). Good works are not just the outward sign of faith; they are the outworking of faith. Abraham's faith in the God who created all life motivated him to obey God in offering up his only son, Isaac. According to James, it is by obedience that faith is made perfect.

What is your own experience with how works (or the lack thereof) impact your faith?

04/11/2014

Julius Alfayo
3 mins · Edited

Tuesday November 4

The "Faith" of Demons

If works are absent, there is only one other way to "prove" the genuineness of one's faith: by orthodoxy. If I believe the right things, then I must have faith, right?

Read 2 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:4; James 5:19-20; 1 Peter 1:22; and 1 John 3:18-19. What do these verses tell us about how important knowing truth is?

There is no question that an intellectual knowledge of truth has its place, a very important place. Yet, that knowledge, in and of itself, is not sufficient to prove that a person has saving faith.

What warning is given to us in James 2:19 about a false concept of what true faith is?

The most fundamental statement of faith in the Old Testament is Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!" (NASB 1995). Known as the Shema (because this is the Hebrew word it begins with), this verse neatly summarizes belief in one God. Every other biblical teaching flows from this cardinal truth.

But even the demons believe this truth. In fact, they know it! And yet, what good does it do them? They tremble in God's presence, as they did also when confronted by Jesus and commanded by Him to come out of their victims (Mark 3:11, 5:7).

An intellectual faith that has no effect on how we act is useless; in fact, it is the same faith that demons have, demons who are actively at work to deceive us with false doctrines and lies. As with Israel at the time of Jesus, demons will encourage people to believe their deceptions based on their victims' desire to hold onto impure and unrighteous behavior: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1).

Faith must be manifested in our lives or else it is not saving faith; it is, instead, "the faith of demons," and such a faith won't save us any more than it will save them.

03/11/2014

on sunday part the following question was asked How can we learn to better express our faith through our works while protecting ourselves from the deception that our works save us?

03/11/2014

Monday November 3

Saving Faith

Read James 2:18.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.

What is the main point James is making? How do we show our faith by our works?

James uses a common rhetorical technique whereby a potential objector comes forward. In this case, the objector tries to drive a wedge between faith and works by suggesting that as long as a person has one or the other, he or she is fine. But the whole point James is trying to make is that Christians cannot hope to be saved by faith if there are no corresponding works: "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." (vs. 18).

The key point is that not just any faith will save. Genuine faith, saving faith, is characterized by good works. Likewise, works are only good works if they spring from faith. Faith and works are inseparable. Like two sides of a coin, one cannot exist without the other. Also like a coin, one side is the head and the other the tail. Faith comes first and then leads the way to corresponding works.

Consider Paul's attitude toward works in Ephesians 2:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Timothy 5:25, and Titus 2:14.

2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

5:25 Likewise also the good works [of some] are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Why are good works so important?
Paul was not against good works per se. He was against works as a means of salvation (see Gal. 2:16). In fact, Paul said that those who rely on works of the law to be saved are under a curse, because no one who tries to be saved by keeping the law actually succeeds in keeping it (Gal. 3:10). Obedience is possible only through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Amen!
"If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him."-Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, p. 20.
Why should the great news that we cannot work our way to heaven motivate us, out of a love for God, to do all the good works that we can?

14/10/2014

Today's lesson is talking about: Every Good and Perfect Gift: God's whole purpose in the plan of redemption is to reconnect sin-battered and broken human beings with heaven. The rift was so big and so wide that nothing humans could do could have ever bridged it. Only God's Word in human form, Jesus, could reconnect heaven to earth. The inspired Word (2 Tim. 3:16) is uniquely able to breathe spiritual life into those whose hearts are open to receive the gift.

In short, our "Father of lights" so loves us that, even as underserving as we are, He gives us "every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17, NKJV), the best of all gifts being Jesus and the new birth that He offers.

26/09/2014

Discussion Questions:

Though we need to believe in the nearness of Christ’s return, how can we avoid the dangers of fanaticism? That’s not always so easy. After all, how many fanatics really think that they are fanatics?

Dwell more on the idea that the Second Coming is never far off from each one of us on a personal, individual level because our death is never really that far off, no matter how long we live. What does this idea tell us about just how close the Second Coming really is as far as we each are concerned?

How do you respond to those who mock the idea of the Second Coming? Before you respond to them, try to put yourself in their shoes, looking at things from their perspective. After you do that and see their arguments, think through ways that you can respond.

What about this idea that we, as a people, can either help hasten or delay the Second Coming? What are the arguments either way in that discussion?

If you knew that Jesus was coming next week, what in your life would change now?

26/09/2014

as we prepare for Sabbath let us wind up our lesson discussion for this week which was about the Second coming of Jesus Christ:
Friday September 26

Further Study: Ellen G. White, "On the Mount of Olives," pp. 627-636, in The Desire of Ages; "Heralds of the Morning," pp. 299-316, in The Great Controversy.

"Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror. . . . With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way. The firmament seems filled with radiant forms-"ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." No human pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to conceive its splendor." — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 640, 641.

Discussion Questions:

Though we need to believe in the nearness of Christ’s return, how can we avoid the dangers of fanaticism? That’s not always so easy. After all, how many fanatics really think that they are fanatics?

And how many believe those who walk in the light of God's counsel are fanatics? Sadly, there are more of these then there are "fanatics" in God's church. How do we avoid the danger of being a fanatic? The answer is always the same. If we will make a full surrender to Jesus, if we are truly converted and thus have His Spirit in us, then we will not become fanatical. We will manifest the fruits of His Spirit. But, I assure you that the world will see us as fanatics. Think of those who refuse to drink alcohol, eat animals, won't dance, eat only twice a day and at times fast, wear long dresses and won't wear a bathing suit. Yes, I could go on and on, but I fear that even among church members, I would appear as a fanatic because I love God and keep His counsel.
Dwell more on the idea that the Second Coming is never far off from each one of us on a personal, individual level because our death is never really that far off, no matter how long we live. What does this idea tell us about just how close the Second Coming really is as far as we each are concerned?

How do you respond to those who mock the idea of the Second Coming? Before you respond to them, try to put yourself in their shoes, looking at things from their perspective. After you do that and see their arguments, think through ways that you can respond.

What about this idea that we, as a people, can either help hasten or delay the Second Coming? What are the arguments either way in that discussion?

Argue with the truth? We have delayed His coming. Jesus would have come long ago if the church had done her work. Are there those that will argue that this cannot change, that we cannot do the work appointed and hasten His soon coming? If so, such foolishness. Of course we have delayed His coming and of course we can hasten it.

If you knew that Jesus was coming next week, what in your life would change now?

And if you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today? Jesus stands at the door of the heart of many in His church. What is He doing as He stands there wanting in? He is doing His part, He is knocking, wanting in. Are you refusing Him admittance? IF so why? What can we do to change our attitude towards Jesus? Is there something we can do to increase our trust in Christ, to increase our faith in Him and His promises?

A very simple answer would be to learn more about Him. Prove His promises for yourself.
As carnal-minded, sinful humans, we have a lot of trouble with the word "submission." But the Bible tells us that Jesus, the Son of God, is in submission to the Father. He says of His own self, He can do nothing but the will of the Father.
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

God sent His perfectly obedient, fully submitted Son as the Lamb to be sacrificed as the ultimate atonement for sin. There is a penalty to be paid for sin and Christ paid it in full and it was accepted by the Father. Our trust and faith in Christ is increased as we contemplate the great sacrifice He personally made in the flesh as God on earth among us. He set out to do the will of the Father which was also His will. He willingly laid down His life for us.
3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

To know Jesus, His purposes for us, His unthinkable sufferings and sacrifice, should cause us increased trust and faith. He has always accomplished that which He said He would do on behalf of those who would come to Him in submission and acceptance of what He has to offer - upon belief and obedience to His commands - eternal life.
We cannot submit to someone we do not know and trust. We are evil by nature and without this submission, we are forever lost. There is a statement in the Desire of Ages that explains much. If it is accepted as truth, it will reveal what we must do in order to be reconciled to God (converted daily). "Lucifer in heaven had sinned in the light of God's glory. To him as to no other created being was given a revelation of God's love. Understanding the character of God, knowing His goodness, Satan chose to follow his own selfish, independent will. This choice was final. There was no more that God could do to save him. But man was deceived; his mind was darkened by Satan's sophistry. The height and depth of the love of God he did not know. For him there was hope in a knowledge of God's love. By beholding His character he might be drawn back to God." Desire of Ages, pg. 761.

23/09/2014

Tuesday September 23

How Will Jesus Come?

In His prophetic sermon, Christ expressed concern about wrong teachings in regard to His second advent, and He warned His disciples against people who would come in His name, "saying, "I am the Christ" " (Matt. 24:5; see also vss. 23-26). He doesn’t want His followers to be deceived. Therefore, He clearly indicated the way in which He will come.

What does Matthew 24:27 tell us about how Jesus is going to return?

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Lightning cannot be hidden or faked. It flashes and shines throughout the sky in such a way that everyone can see it. So will Jesus’ second coming be. No advertisement will be needed to call people’s attention toward it. Every human being, good and evil, saved and lost, even "they who pierced Him" (Rev. 1:7), will see Him coming (Matt. 26:64).

How does 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 help us understand what the Second Coming will be like?

4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

In His second advent, Christ will be seen with all His divine glory as "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (Rev. 19:16). In the Incarnation, the Son came alone and without any external splendor, with "no beauty that we should desire Him" (Isa. 53:2). But this time He will descend with all His majesty and magnificence surrounded by "all the holy angels" (Matt. 25:31) and "with a great sound of a trumpet" (Matt. 24:31). If all that weren’t enough, the dead in Christ will rise to immortality.

If we trust the Lord regarding an event as incredible as the Second Coming, why should we not trust Him about every aspect of our lives?

Many have been greatly deceived here. There is no reason to not trust Christ. Then why do so many refuse to trust Him? It is important to answer this question correctly, for many do not see they have any part in their own conversion. It is true that our part is immeasurably small and that God's part is immeasurably large, but without our part we shall not be saved. What is our part? How can we trust Jesus with all that we are and all that we have?

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