March 22,2015 | The Bait of Satan vs. Prayers of Saints

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Today we will be discussing about, "The Bait of Satan vs. Prayers of Saints"

Exodus 8:25-28, “25 Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” 26 But Moses said, “It would not be right to do so, for the offerings we shall sacrifice to the Lord our God are an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice offerings abominable to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not stone us? 27 We must go three days' journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the Lord our God as he tells us.” 28 So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away. Plead for me.””

"But don't go too far..."

Satan is like pharaoh. He doesn't want us to go too deep into God. He is trying to keep us away from being close to God. He was torturing people mentally and physically. 

Prayer-life is the most important aspect of our Christian life. 

He is keeping churches away from praying. 

When we are connected with God, we have power. But enemy wants us to be disconnected with God. 

When we are not praying we aren't listening to God. 

Different types of baits by Satan against prayer:

1. Enemy wants us to study, read and talk about prayer but never put it into practice. 

Matthew 15:8, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me”

How much time do we take to clean our inner self vis-a-vis cleaning our house? 

We need to be listening and acting disciples of the Lord. 

2. Satan brings discouragement to us. 

Many people give up praying halfway because answer may not quickly. 

Luke 18:1, “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”

Daniel 10:12, “Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.”

God heard Daniel from the time he was praying. 

When we pray we believe. We walk in faith and not by sight. 

Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.”

Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Isaiah 40:31, “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” 

1 John 5:14, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”

3. Satan will make us give God the 2nd place. 

In our lives we have many things are primary and more valuable than God. But that becomes and idol. God needs to be #1. 

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Illustration: a lady bought a speaking parrot. At home he didn't talked. She brought back to pet shop. He asked if there is a mirror, she did. Next day she was recommended a ladder. Third day he recommended, swinging. The next day she was really sad and frustrated. She said parrot died. 

Did he ever said anything before parrot died, she said yes. "Don't they sell any food in pet shop?"

In life we are running after swing, ladder etc but we are forgetting important things.

All things of worlds have become priority in our lives and prayer as well as God has become secondary. 

Illustration: there are so many pigeons is our city, do we care? No! Only God cares. 

We are putting worldly things on priority and God as secondary. 

God will bless and provide. Don't have any idols in your lives. We must give time to God and allow God to work: 

4. Our enemy cause people not to forgive one another in the body of Christ. 

Enemy knows how to hinder our prayers. 

Mark 11:25, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” 

Forgiveness is the key. God will not listen to our prayer is we don't forgiveness. 

Reconciliation is tougher. 

Unforgiving spirit stops the power of prayer. 

James 3:16, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

Luke 23:32-34, “Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[a] And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Acts 7:59-60, “59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

We all are precious in the sight of God. Love one another and forgive one another. 

Dr. S.I. McMillan once told, the two greatest causes of the physical problems are guilt and resentment. “It’s not so much what you eat, it’s what eats you that matters.” 

Resentment makes you unhealthy. Physical / emotional consequences. Leads to depression / stress / fatigue. Matthew 5:43-45

5. Satan causes strife among family members so it becomes difficult to pray.

We see so many times we have arguments within the family

1 Peter 3:7, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Love one another. Read bible what it says.

God is ready to hear our prayers. 

Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

We encourage all of you to seek Lord if you are still trying to know Him. God is good and He loves you. Put your trust in Him and He will deliver. We hope you enjoyed today’s service. God Bless!

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March 15, 2015 | How to have divine intervention?

Welcome to the Nathan Report, a preferred read for church-goers!

Today's study is taken from the Acts of Apostles chapter 12.

12 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Peter Is Rescued

6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

The Death of Herod

20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

James was one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Christ told that they should drink of the cup that he was to drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that he was to be baptized with, Mt 20:23. Now the words of Christ were made good in him; and if we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him. Herod imprisoned Peter: the way of persecution, as of other sins, is downhill; when men are in it, they cannot easily stop. Those make themselves an easy prey to Satan, who make it their business to please men. Thus James finished his course. But Peter, being designed for further services, was safe; though he seemed now marked out for a speedy sacrifice. We that live in a cold, prayerless generation, can hardly form an idea of the earnestness of these holy men of old. But if the Lord should bring on the church an awful persecution like this of Herod, the faithful in Christ would learn what soul-felt prayer is.

A peaceful conscience, a lively hope, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit, can keep men calm in the full prospect of death; even those very persons who have been most distracted with terrors on that account. God's time to help, is when things are brought to the last extremity. Peter was assured that the Lord would cause this trial to end in the way that should be most for his glory. Those who are delivered out of spiritual imprisonment must follow their Deliverer, like the Israelites when they went out of the house of bondage. They knew not whither they went, but knew whom they followed. When God will work salvation for his people, all difficulties in their way will be overcome, even gates of iron are made to open of their own accord. This deliverance of Peter represents our redemption by Christ, which not only proclaims liberty to the captives, but brings them out of the prison-house. Peter, when he recollected himself, perceived what great things God had done for him. Thus souls delivered out of spiritual bondage, are not at first aware what God has wrought in them; many have the truth of grace, that want evidence of it. But when the Comforter comes, whom the Father will send, sooner or later, he will let them know what a blessed change is wrought.

God's providence leaves room for the use of our prudence, though he has undertaken to perform and perfect what he has begun. These Christians continued in prayer for Peter, for they were truly in earnest. Thus men ought always to pray, and not to faint. As long as we are kept waiting for a mercy, we must continue praying for it. But sometimes that which we most earnestly wish for, we are most backward to believe. The Christian law of self-denial and of suffering for Christ, has not done away the natural law of caring for our own safety by lawful means. In times of public danger, all believers have God for their hiding-place; which is so secret, that the world cannot find them. Also, the instruments of persecution are themselves exposed to danger; the wrath of God hangs over all that engage in this hateful work. And the range of persecutors often vents itself on all in its way.

Many heathen princes claimed and received Divine honours, but it was far more horrible impiety in Herod, who knew the word and worship of the living God, to accept such idolatrous honours without rebuking the blasphemy. And such men as Herod, when puffed with pride and vanity, are ripening fast for signal vengeance. God is very jealous for his own honour, and will be glorified upon those whom he is not glorified by. See what vile bodies we carry about with us; they have in them the seeds of their own dissolution, by which they will soon be destroyed, whenever God does but speak the word. We may learn wisdom from the people of Tyre and Sidon, for we have offended the Lord with our sins. We depend on him for life, and breath, and all things; it surely then behoves us to humble ourselves before him, that through the appointed Mediator, who is ever ready to befriend us, we may be reconciled to him, lest wrath come upon us to the utmost.

When our strategies fail. When finances cannot save us. When people go away from us. When we are troubled. God is always with us. 

Jesus was crucified just one year ago before this event. Earlier there were no people in the church but now there were 8000 people. Peter was the senior pastor here. 

His divine intervention will happen. The same God who rescued Peter, is here with us.

If you are suffering, if you are feeling things are not moving, if you feel your office is not doing justice to your work, God will intervene. 

There were three major religions during that time. Roman's + Greek's religion, Jews and Christians.

How to have divine intervention? 

1- To have divine intervention you must raise people to pray for you. 

Peter was kept in prison but Earnest prayer was made by the church. We must be a prayerful church. We should have prayer partners. 

Illustration: A pastor’s wife was on death bed. Pastor and his wife both wept and cried. She was miraculously healed. God intervened.

Pray for you wife, husband, children, brothers and sisters and for all you meet every day. God intervenes! 

2- To have divine intervention, have divine peace in the time of trouble. 

Do not panic and run here and there. Many people do this and do not stay at one place. 

When you have a problem, you need to have divine intervention. Our God is a great God. When God intervenes, we will not run or scream or stay silent or shout, but, we will be in Joy.

True believers have hope!

3- To have divine intervention, obey divine commands. 

Many people have not taken water baptism, do it. This is commanded by our Lord. 

Go to church. Love your wife and your husband. Obey your elders. Obey your parents. Pay your tithe. Give your offerings. Read the Bible. 

Throw habits away that you need to be a good person. Divine intervention will happen. 

4- Exercise your spiritual gifts. 

Verse 8

Peter exercised his gifts and was peaceful. What happened he thought was a vision? 

If you do these things, Lord will send Angels like Peter was sent an angel. 

We hope you enjoyed this week’s sermon. See you all next week. God Bless!

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March 8, 2015 | God is at work, Listen to His voice

Welcome to 'The Nathan Report'. God is at work, Listen to His voice

This week we will be learning about "God is at work". Those who are discouraged I tell you, be encouraged because God is at work. Keep trusting and you will see the mighty working of our Lord.

Acts 27, "1 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

The Storm at Sea

13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.”

27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.

33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

The Shipwreck

39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land."

Acts of apostle is an act of Holy Spirit. Book of acts is not closed, it's open. We are the one who has to carry on. We need to thank God for this opportunity. 

Paul sails to Rome, not with his own will but was taken as a prisoner for trial to caesar. On the way, there was a storm. All were scared.

Verse 25 (see above)

In the midst of storm, Paul says, "I have faith in God, do not be afraid". Generally we find it difficult to cope up, but here Paul says, "take courage, I have faith in God".

The next portion of scripture beautifully describes how Paul's faith is in unfailing God. This means Paul had trust in God. Paul tells that I have to meet Caesar and I am already in the midst of the storm, however he is not afraid. This gave him courage and strength. 

The important thing to do is to listen what God is speaking to us.

Illustration: A businessman required 7 million $ to invest but had no money. He went to church and goes towards the alter and prays with tears in his eyes.

Prayer is the preparation time where we spend time seeking the face of the Lord.

He knelt down and over heard that another person was praying and asking for 100 $, this man pulled money from his pocket and have it to the other man. Other man went away joyfully. Now this businessman said, "God you have undivided attention."

God is not having problem of listening to us it is our problem. Bible says, Ezekiel 12:2, "“Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house."

We need to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is speaking. 

Acts 27:10 (See above)

The centurion who was taking these people had faith in the captain of the ship. He said, I don't have to listen to you Paul since I know people who have much expertise. 

How can we listen to God when he speaks to us?

There are three ways, so listen/read this carefully...

1: Do not allow thing and people to influence us more than God Himself and stop us from listening to him. 

Sometimes we do not listen to God because we love some things or people more than God and we tend to listen to them than to God. 

This also distract us from our responsibility.

We want our children to listen to us but not ready to listen to what God wants us to listen.  

Deuteronomy 6:3, "Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey."

Isaiah 55:7, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." 

Are you listening to the voice of God? Have you ever asked, "I want to hear from you, I need one word today, I need one sentence from you today, I need a sign from you, I need a promise from you today."

Illustration: A pastor was preaching in the church about "bringing your bible". Next week he preached the same message and no one seemed to object to the repetitive message and moreover few people didn't even recognized. This kept on going for another 4-5 Sundays. After these Sunday's, few people realized that this is the same message from last 4-5 services so they asked, "why are you preaching same thing again and again?"

Pastor responded, "If you heard my message properly, then, "where is your Bible?"

We need to listens to the voice of God. Listening is the only way to know Him better and to know what is the purpose of our life.

John 10:14, "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me."

How can we have an intimate relationship with God without listening to Him? God is speaking to us, hear Him. 

God sometimes speaks in a supernatural way. He chooses different ways to speak with us. We need to listen to Him else we might miss important things and blessings of our Lord. It is important for us to listen to Him. 

2: Do not allow distractions to keep you away from listening the voice of God. 

One of the thing that we fail to listen to the voice of God is voices on background. Are you halfhearted listeners? God wants your whole heart. You are rich or poor doesn't maters. 

Illustration: A Young boy listened to God saying, "Samuel! Samuel!". He asked his master, "did you called me?"Master refused but not asked two more times. Master understood that God is speaking and helped him to come in tune with God. 

Someone said, Listening is waiting to hear.

Illustration: At times we get text messages and we do not wait to read it. Many times there are advertised messages but even while we are busy such as driving, we pull over to read the text. 

Do we have time to listen to the God? 

Psalms 123:1-3, "1 To you I lift up my eyes,

    O you who are enthroned in the heavens!

2 Behold, as the eyes of servants

    look to the hand of their master,

as the eyes of a maidservant

    to the hand of her mistress,

so our eyes look to the Lord our God,

    till he has mercy upon us.

3 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,

    for we have had more than enough of contempt."

3: Do not allow your own interest to stop you to listen to the voice of God. 

Sometimes we like to watch action movies or daily soap etcc

Illustration: A lady was coming down from chair and she asked he husband, what's that on Couch. He responded I am killing flies. She asked how many flies have you killed on which he responded 2 female flies and 3 male flies. She asked how did you figured this out? He responded, two were sitting on phone and 3 in remote control. 

We get so busy even with the church work that we miss worship. God doesn't appreciates works much unless we have a connection with our God. 

At times we get so busy that we have no time for God. Nothing will satisfy you friends only the voice of God.

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

God says I have plan for you to give you hope, to give you peace, to satisfy you, to strengthen you. 

We must receive, accept and listen carefully to the word of God. The Bible is the inspired word of God. Sometimes he speaks through books, bible, any situation at home or work. Listen to God. 

God wants to grow in our prayer life, in our personal lives, in the commitment to the house of God. Are you listening?

I encourage all of you to read this out loud, "Lord I come to You, Speak to me Lord, Your servant is ready to listen!"

We hope you enjoyed today's service, we will see you again next week. God bless!

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March 1, 2015 | Have you recognized Jesus' presence yet?

Dear All, welcome to 'The Nathan Report'. Today we will be learning about, "God is always with us".

Today is first Sunday of March 2015. Time at the house of Lord is much important than the rituals.

Luke 24:13-35, "13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread."

This appearance of Jesus to the two disciples going to Emmaus, happened the same day that he rose from the dead. It well becomes the disciples of Christ to talk together of his death and resurrection; thus they may improve one another's knowledge, refresh one another's memory, and stir up each other's devout affections. And where but two together are well employed in work of that kind, he will come to them, and make a third. Those who seek Christ, shall find him: he will manifest himself to those that inquire after him; and give knowledge to those who use the helps for knowledge which they have. No matter how it was, but so it was, they did not know him; he so ordering it, that they might the more freely discourse with him. Christ's disciples are often sad and sorrowful, even when they have reason to rejoice; but through the weakness of their faith, they cannot take the comfort offered to them. Though Christ is entered into his state of exaltation, yet he notices the sorrows of his disciples, and is afflicted in their afflictions. Those are strangers in Jerusalem, that know not of the death and sufferings of Jesus. Those who have the knowledge of Christ crucified, should seek to spread that knowledge. Our Lord Jesus reproved them for the weakness of their faith in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Did we know more of the Divine counsels as far as they are made known in the Scriptures, we should not be subject to the perplexities we often entangle ourselves in. He shows them that the sufferings of Christ were really the appointed way to his glory; but the cross of Christ was that to which they could not reconcile themselves. Beginning at Moses, the first inspired writer of the Old Testament, Jesus expounded to them the things concerning himself. There are many passages throughout all the Scriptures concerning Christ, which it is of great advantage to put together. We cannot go far in any part, but we meet with something that has reference to Christ, some prophecy, some promise, some prayer, some type or other. A golden thread of gospel grace runs through the whole web of the Old Testament. Christ is the best expositor of Scripture; and even after his resurrection, he led people to know the mystery concerning himself, not by advancing new notions, but by showing how the Scripture was fulfilled, and turning them to the earnest study of it.

Whenever you fast, it should not be a ritual. During this time we need to be on the Guard of our God and stand in the presence of Miracle maker. When you take communion, it should not be a ritual or a tradition but we need to understand that we are present with the Lord our God. 

All people who were present there had faith and hope in Jesus who believed that Jesus is God. Now when the Passover ended, the messiah was crucified and people were sad who already had believed that Jesus is God. 

These two people were discussing and feeling discouraged because they were heartbroken. They had lost hope because Jesus was crucified.

Jesus walks with us all the time. Whether we are happy or sad. Remember God is always with us. 

There were sadness on their face. At times we smile and we laugh even though we are troubled. But God knows what's inside us.  Likewise these two people thought that who is this stranger. 

Jesus says, "come to me"! In Him all things are possible. 

Many people were sad because the prophet of Nazareth had died. 

At times we do not do work with heart because we think God is nowhere. But, God is always on work. There are so many doubts in the world, but, do not doubt on God. 

These two men did not realised that they were walking with God. They thought Jesus died but totally unaware that God is walking with this. 

Sometimes the big picture of God is behind comprehension. How many times problems and sickness have consumed us that we do not see light at the end of the tunnel. This morning, we would like to encourage you to put your trust in God. 

Bible says, He is same yesterday today and tomorrow! 

Sometimes we see disappoints in our lives. At times our prayers aren't answered and we ask Lord, "What is happening?" Sometimes we walk through the road of discouragement. Like these two men, they were also walking, but Jesus was walking with thin. They failed to recognize Him. No matter how bad the situation is, remember that Jesus is walking with you and you are not alone. 

If He can walk with these two people on the road of discouragement, can't He walk with you? 

Many times we feel sorry for ourselves and tell people and at times we put our head on someone's shoulder and tell our troubled tales. In the reference above, this was same scenario.

We must believe what the word of God says. There are many people today who do not understand the word of God that is why there is so much confusion today. People have twisted the word of God and come up with their own theology. 

The word of God, praise and worship should burnt in your heart. We do not want a simple tradition but we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Now these two friends have come for the supper and Jesus sat next to them at the table. Normally the owner prays but Jesus who was a mere stranger here or a guest offered the prayer. The eyes of these two men were opened. 

The first event after the death of Christ was the communion with these two people. Communion is not a ritual but sharing the time in the presence of God. 

Are you back in fear or doubt today in your life? Are you troubled because your dreams are not fulfilled or maybe you think God hasn't fulfilled His promise?

Our God is the one who fulfills His promises. Many say, "promises are meant to be broken", but this is not the case when Jesus has taken control of our lives. We must believe and exercise faith. When we are not disappointed we do not pray, but pray when troubled. Friends, pray and ask Lord, "Speak to me. Show me your way and your will." God will answer your prayers. 

Before the death He took bread and after death He did the same. It was the time of the night when these two men realize that Jesus was walking with them, all their fears were gone and were filled with hope. Not because of communion try took but because thy met Jesus. Fearlessly they left in the night to inform other disciples that, "Jesus is alive". 

Have you thought what will you do in your life? Think about it what matters? Good job? Good life partner? Good privileges? These two people were joyous not because they had privilege of nice meal or something else, but, Jesus was with them. 

The worst sinner of this world can also be saved. If you have not given your heart to Jesus, repent and seek forgiveness from Jesus. He will save you and fill joy in your lives. He will help you in the road of disappointment, trouble etc. The way Jesus was present on the road of Emmaus, He is always with you.

We hope you enjoyed today's sermon, see you next week.

God Bless!

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