BEN-HUR: A TALE OF CHRIST

BEN-HUR: A TALE OF CHRIST

  July 19, 2017    The Ambassador

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‘Ben-Hur’ is a novel by Lew Wallace which tells the fictional story of a young Jewish prince, Judah Ben-Hur alongside with the true story of Jesus Christ. The book guided readers to see how the life and sacrifices of Jesus was able to stare up love and forgiveness in the heart of Judah Ben-Hur.

The author, Lew Wallace, read and researched the Bible, and in turn wrote about Christ in his book, ‘Ben-Hur’ which led him to confess, “I have seen the Nazarene... I saw him perform works which no mere man could perform.”

Today the New Testament hold records of the life of Jesus – the miracles He performed, His words of wisdom, and His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. At the end of the gospel of John, he wrote, 

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31).

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AN IDENTITY THAT REFLECTS LOVE

AN IDENTITY THAT REFLECTS LOVE

  June 26, 2017    The Ambassador

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My heart beat suddenly became heavy and went down almost immediately; I slowly lost consciousness. When I woke up so many thoughts ran through my head, mostly questioning who I was and what I had represented.

Am I the friend who comes up with beautiful excuses, or the friend that always wants to make you smile? Am I the colleague that’s sarcastic when seriousness is needed, or the one that gives an undivided attention? Am I the brother that chooses to keep things to himself because he doesn’t want anyone to be worried, the son that never got to be celebrated by his parents, the husband that will go any length just to be around for his children and wife? Whoever am I, am I known for love?

God is love, His actions reflects love – sacrificing His only son for us (John 3:16). God’s love is seen in his wonderful creation. 

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WHAT COMES AFTER THE DECISION TO CHANGE

WHAT COMES AFTER THE DECISION TO CHANGE

  June 25, 2017    The Ambassador

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I have decided to follow Christ. I made the confession – Jesus is my Lord and personal savior, but nothing is different about me. I am still attracted to the same old things.

There is no magic in making a decision… anybody can make one. Making a decision is definitely the first step to change but it’s not the whole walk. There are places you visit, conversations you engage in, movies and music that we give our attention – all these fuels your wants and desires.  

Become actively involved in the things that will break you free from your addictions – you know them better than anyone else.

Finally, study the Bible, know God’s word concerning your life, know His truth about all situations, and be approved by Him.

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ONE LAST TIME

ONE LAST TIME

  June 14, 2017    The Ambassador

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The conscious decision to change is relevant for breaking free from bad habits. However, something comes before that decision - the need to be a better person, to be a good example for those around you especially your loved ones.

When you’ve decided to change for the better, the devil agrees with you - it is good for you, but then he tells you, "one last time won't kill you".

Giving your life to Christ is not a bad idea. Saying No to drugs, alcohol or fornication is actually a good thing… but the prettiest girl is finally warming up to you, are you going to turn her down? This is your final exam in school – one last malpractice won’t cause you anything.

One last time is all the devil needs to keep you under his control.

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THE TEMPTATION

THE TEMPTATION

  June 03, 2017    The Ambassador

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Nobody likes to lose. Most of us like to fight until the very end; it’s the same with the devil. He doesn’t want you to be saved and hence he is ready to fight to the end.

The devil reminds you of what you once had, shows you all the pleasures you could have, and tells you one compromising decision is all you need to have all that he’s offering. He knows your weaknesses.

When the devil strikes, you may think this is it; you are going back to the old you. But that’s not true, the moment you surrender your life to Christ, God gets a foothold in your life - He that has begun a good work in you will follow it up to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6).

Never be in doubt, God will not let anything you can’t overcome come to you.

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NO ONE KNOWS YOU LIKE GOD

NO ONE KNOWS YOU LIKE GOD

  March 16, 2017    The Ambassador

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Days in which I had trusted my own agenda; I’ve been desperate, anxious, scared, filled with uncertainty, and easily frightened. God showed me my plans, my reservations, my pride, my selfishness and how much I needed Him.

David wrote, “Search me, LORD, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Ps. 139:23). Even though David asked the LORD to search him, he was already aware that God knew him very well (Ps. 139:1).  Today I find myself asking God to take away all of my cares and motives, and replaced them with His; because I know that He knows what’s best for me.

The best day of your life is the day you realize that you are desperate without Christ. Then you see yourself as He sees you, complete in Him. A man not of this world but of God.

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THE SECRET TO EFFECTIVE CHANGE: A CALL BY GRACE

THE SECRET TO EFFECTIVE CHANGE: A CALL BY GRACE

  March 09, 2017    The Ambassador

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I was going through a terrible time; psychologically, emotionally, physically and mentally. I could not put my acts together. There is only one way I knew how to get through this situation, flirt. This feeling wasn’t new to me, I’ve experienced it a couple of times. Flirting takes my mind of things like this . .  it gets me distracted. That’s one way to get through this.

I did what i knew how to do best, flirt, but I wasn’t feeling any different . . . Yes! I was distracted but I needed a lasting solution. I approached the girl, apologized and told her I wasn’t interested. I didn’t know of any solution at this point. I am not one of those that fancy churches; I don’t used to go to church. I don’t like sharing with people; I don’t think there is anything they can say that I haven’t heard. In search of a solution, I traveled to a place where I could be alone. I stayed there for a couple of weeks while trying different ways to solve my problems. Nothing seems to work, so I decided to travel back. On my way back, I had a miracle. I met Jesus on the way.

When we don’t know God and the extent of his power, we do things the way we know best. If the problem persist, we are good at coming up with several back up plans. We are good at taking decisions but not the perfect solution. 

By asking Jesus for help, we admit to our own inadequacies. He will not come to us unless we seek Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Furthermore, Christ said, “my peace I give to you, not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, neither it be afraid” (John 14:27).

When we choose to let God take charge, His peace calms our troubled mind. We can walk boldly through the valley of the shadow of death because we know He is control.

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WHAT IS NEEDED FOR CHANGE

WHAT IS NEEDED FOR CHANGE

  March 03, 2017    The Ambassador

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God made us in His image, and this means we can think, reason and make decisions. We are able to choose between right and wrong. Even if our whole life is dedicated to doing bad, or we simply enjoy the wrong things or we feel enslaved by it... We can still decide to redirect our lives. During this process of change, our old selves will not let us go without a fight, but every time we say ‘NO’ to its call, we are taking a step further away from its hold on us.

The LORD said in Ezekiel 18:30, “Repent, and turn yourselves from all iniquities; so iniquities shall not ruin you". Yes! That which you do that is not right can ruin your life (Rom. 8:13). There is a label that is associated with everyone of us. This label is define by our attitude and actions - Whenever something good is done, are you the one people think is responsible? When something bad happens, are you the first suspect? These labels are not what God wants us to be known for; He has already given us a label...  His royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9).

This change begins with one choice - No more gossip. No more lies. No more hate. No more jealousy. No more...... (You fill in the blank). You can choose to change; and with God's help, it shall be permanent.

Change begins with a choice! 

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