http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-23-13-communion http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-23-13-communion Sat, 23 Feb 2013 11:11:00 +0000 Dr. Peter Villanueva talks about the meaning of communion. communion, Dr. Peter Villanueva Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-23-13mp4-2 http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-23-13mp4-2 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:53:00 +0000 Aubrey Hinds talks about Sanctification by Faith, third meeting. Aubrey Hinds, faith, sanctification Aubrey Hinds http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-16-13-when-gods-glory-is-gone http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-16-13-when-gods-glory-is-gone Sat, 16 Feb 2013 17:15:00 +0000 Episode 10 - When God’s Glory is Gone Ezekiel 10:18 “…then the glory of the Lord departed.” It’s one of the most terrible statements contained in the Bible. Everything good that we still enjoy on this Earth comes from the Father of Lights. Thus, a life, a family, a church, an institution or a world from where God departs remains in a state of evil and wickedness. This coming Saturday we’ll take a look at four factors worthy of consideration when we’re talking about God’s glory departing. Here is a brief description of each: It is a possibility. In the Bible over again this possibility is mentioned at the personal and corporate level: the flood, the fire over Sodom and Gomorra; the people of Israel who left without His presence; Samson for a while, David for a short time, Saul for the last years of his life as well as others. This is historical evidence of the reality that God’s glory can leave. God’s reason for leaving. Simply put, God is Holy. The angels who remain in His continuous presence remind us of His holiness: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord…” The reason God leaves is due to sin’s a degeneration and Lawlessness, which is an affront and reproach of God followed by abandonment of God. The hesitation of God’s departing. It looks like God is reluctant to leave His people even after they abandon Him. Don’t you see that the goodness of the Lord is His supreme argument in His call to repentance? The outcome of God’s glory departing. Israel experienced God’s departure with terrible consequences. Some died right away after God left while others lived on just to discover how terrifying life is without Him. Is the Spirit’s intention to terrorize us with the thought that one day God could be so displeased with our sin that He would leave us? Is He trying to warn us about the dangers of taking God’s presence for granted? Certainly not. He does it because God is transparent regarding His ways. Knowing that God’s presence is the absolute manifestation of His grace and that it cannot be taken for granted is the reason God speaks. He will always speak the truth. Because of this we will always know where we stand with God. glory, gone, Pr. Nick Zamfir Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-16-13-sanctification-by-faith-iii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-16-13-sanctification-by-faith-iii Sat, 16 Feb 2013 17:14:00 +0000 Aubrey Hinds talks about Sanctification by Faith, third meeting. Aubrey Hinds, faith, sanctification Aubrey Hinds http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-9-13-sanctification-by-faith-ii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-9-13-sanctification-by-faith-ii Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:39:00 +0000 Aubrey Hinds continues his talk about sanctification by faith. Aubrey Hinds, faith, sanctification Aubrey Hinds http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-9-13-the-remnant-moved-into-gods-glory http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-9-13-the-remnant-moved-into-gods-glory Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:38:00 +0000 Glory on Display In Chapter 9 Ezekiel moves us from the Shadow of Death to the Brightness of God's Glory. We see that Israel had a similar experience years earlier. At the end of forty years when the last dead body belonging to that rebellious generation perished, God said to the new generation, “It is enough! How much longer will you wonder in this wilderness? Let's enter the Promised Land and experience the leading Glory of God." In the book of Ezekiel amidst the dead bodies of those killed by the six angels of God in the temple court and everywhere in the city, God's Glory lead out in a new direction. Sudden Changes But why is the transition so sudden and severe? Why is the glory of chapter 9 rising on the heels of the slayed in chapter 8? The severity is actually a display of God's tenderness in judgment. It is His healing glory at work for the benefit of the remnant. As frightening as death can be, sometimes it is a needed end in order to establish a new beginning. Through God's judgment the remnant were saved from further influencing by apostate leaders and wayward family members. To the remnant death offered a chance to start anew without demonic interference among them. War in Heaven: An Example Take a look at the war in heaven. After plotting to destroy God’s dominion and purpose and ultimately God Himself, only 1/3 of the angels could be deceived. And once fallen, these angels were soon separated from God's Glory. glory, Pr. Nick, remnant Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-2-13-who-feareth-judgement http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-2-13-who-feareth-judgement Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:23:00 +0000 Moved by the spirit Episode 8 - Who Feareth Judgment? The perspective of Judgment Day terrorizes the soul of every human being. We all within ourselves recognize the history of sin. We understand that none of us is without sin; that we are not perfect. Ezekiel presents a judgment day that starts with the house of God and passes to each individual amongst the people. Every person is either killed by God’s angel or kept alive. It is a scary thing to know that on the day of God's judgment every person alive will either die or live eternally; and those are the only two choices. The Book of Ezekiel presents the justice of God in the Kingdom perspective of salvation provided by the Old Covenant. But what about us who live under the New Covenant, the covenant of Grace and Mercy? Has the reconciliation through Jesus made a difference in the way we ourselves are judged and in what may result? As you come to worship this Saturday come prepared to renounce your preconceived ideas and accept the truth. Also, come ready to give up your usual sitting place for one that will better fit this new momentous occasion. Why? This Saturday we will be recording the service as though we are already live! So, come prepared! During break, be ready to reach to your neighbor to get acquainted with his/her trials and offer your intercessory prayer right on the spot. We are on this journey together as a family. And we are experiencing a new beginning! Let’s continue with one other, lifting each other up! judgement, Pr. Nick Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-2-13-sanctification-by-faith http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/2-2-13-sanctification-by-faith Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:19:00 +0000 Special guest Aubrey Hinds talking about sanctification by faith. Aubrey Hinds, sanctification Aubrey Hinds http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-26-13-supreme-love-for-god-ii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-26-13-supreme-love-for-god-ii Sat, 26 Jan 2013 00:07:00 +0000 Supreme Love for God-Your Safety Net God informed Ezekiel of His decision to destroy most of the Israelites along with Jerusalem and even the Sanctuary due to the idolatry of the people. However, the people claimed the reason they entered into idolatry was out of frustration with God. They felt God was not answering their prayers, or protecting them from their enemies; they were forgotten and abandoned by God they said. And because of this, idols appeared to be a reasonable alternative. But what they accomplished by their rebellious choice was to attract the wrath of God and kindle His well-established anger toward idolatry. God's position regarding idolatry has always remained the same: destroy it. The reason is not due to a competing danger because of ritual or religious variety; simply the underlined danger of idolatry lies within its makeup: idols are demons in disguise. To exercise religious devotion over an idol is equal to manifesting devotion over a demon. And this devotion is nothing short of religious submission to their damaging oppression giving them full control over mind, body and heart. There is no turning back from such a state and in Romans Chapters 1 & 2 we are informed that what follows is sin and depravation. No wonder God sees destruction as the justifiable reason of dealing with idolatry. The end purpose is to save the remaining ones and to spare them from total destruction. In this lesson we learn the potential dangers of idolatry in our own lives and how to avoid and eliminate their presence. A must see video! love, Pr. Nick, safety, supreme Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-26-13-supreme-love-for-god http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-26-13-supreme-love-for-god Sat, 26 Jan 2013 00:05:00 +0000 Supreme Love for God-Your Safety Net God informed Ezekiel of His decision to destroy most of the Israelites along with Jerusalem and even the Sanctuary due to the idolatry of the people. However, the people claimed the reason they entered into idolatry was out of frustration with God. They felt God was not answering their prayers, or protecting them from their enemies; they were forgotten and abandoned by God they said. And because of this, idols appeared to be a reasonable alternative. But what they accomplished by their rebellious choice was to attract the wrath of God and kindle His well-established anger toward idolatry. God's position regarding idolatry has always remained the same: destroy it. The reason is not due to a competing danger because of ritual or religious variety; simply the underlined danger of idolatry lies within its makeup: idols are demons in disguise. To exercise religious devotion over an idol is equal to manifesting devotion over a demon. And this devotion is nothing short of religious submission to their damaging oppression giving them full control over mind, body and heart. There is no turning back from such a state and in Romans Chapters 1 & 2 we are informed that what follows is sin and depravation. No wonder God sees destruction as the justifiable reason of dealing with idolatry. The end purpose is to save the remaining ones and to spare them from total destruction. In this lesson we learn the potential dangers of idolatry in our own lives and how to avoid and eliminate their presence. A must see video! love, Pr. Nick, safety, supreme Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-19-13-really-is-that-simple-ii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-19-13-really-is-that-simple-ii Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:04:00 +0000 Moved by the spirit Episode 6 - Really? It’s that simple? In the generation of those living on the edge of God’s grace, things can become precarious. God doesn’t always wait until the end of grace to ask men to make enormous decisions and demonstrations of loyalty to Him. And the frustrations increase as God’s grace is replaced by forfeited blessings in the midst of rebellion and separation from a just God. Interestingly, the most frustrated people are usually the ones who seek God for all the wrong reasons. The ones who seek God for Himself are never frustrated. The remnant are the people who learned throughout their life experience to seek God only for Himself without allowing side goals to derail from their efforts and become a source of frustration. The question is…are you part of that remnant? Pr. Nick, simple Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-19-13-really-is-that-simple http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-19-13-really-is-that-simple Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:01:00 +0000 Moved by the spirit Episode 6 - Really? It’s that simple? In the generation of those living on the edge of God’s grace, things can become precarious. God doesn’t always wait until the end of grace to ask men to make enormous decisions and demonstrations of loyalty to Him. And the frustrations increase as God’s grace is replaced by forfeited blessings in the midst of rebellion and separation from a just God. Interestingly, the most frustrated people are usually the ones who seek God for all the wrong reasons. The ones who seek God for Himself are never frustrated. The remnant are the people who learned throughout their life experience to seek God only for Himself without allowing side goals to derail from their efforts and become a source of frustration. The question is…are you part of that remnant? Pr. Nick, simple Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-12-13-sharing-in-gods-suffering-ii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-12-13-sharing-in-gods-suffering-ii Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:11:00 +0000 God, Pr. Nick, suffering Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-12-13-sharing-in-gods-suffering http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-12-13-sharing-in-gods-suffering Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:09:00 +0000 Moved by the spirit Episode 5 - Continued Pr. Nick continues a very interesting discussion on the life of Ezekiel who remained in the presence of God. As we continue studying this powerful book, we’ll discover that Holiness of Heart is the fruit of the power of God’s presence available to change our nature. And that’s an exciting truth to behold! God, Pr. Nick, suffering Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-5-2013-why-our-prayers-seem-not-to-be-answered http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-5-2013-why-our-prayers-seem-not-to-be-answered Sat, 05 Jan 2013 08:48:00 +0000 Aubrey talks about some of the myths about God's answers and tries to explain the reality of the Bible. answers, Aubrey, prayer Aubrey Hinds http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-5-2013-first-chat-with-special-guest-greg-wallac http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/1-5-2013-first-chat-with-special-guest-greg-wallac Sat, 05 Jan 2013 08:44:00 +0000 Greg talks about God's role in getting us to work together and have the same goals. goals, Greg Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-29-12-taken-from-his-presence-into-the-spirit http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-29-12-taken-from-his-presence-into-the-spirit Sat, 29 Dec 2012 15:34:00 +0000 By the time of his encounter with God, Ezekiel has been deported 5 years. In the meantime, he must have learned from Jeremiah (Daniel 9:1) that God would not come for his people before 70 years had passed, and thus, there would be no rescue for him. That means that Ezekiel sought after God’s presence not at all for the purpose of being rescued but for His PRESENCE only. Ezekiel started out at the same place where other great men of God first had their beginning; Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, David, as well as others. Moses’ life history proves that the Presence is the place where a man/woman of God discovers God, acknowledges a new status and can experience new abilities collected through his/her association with God. It is also the place where Moses received his divine commission. In like manner, the Presence prepared Ezekiel to be able to eat the scroll of the word of God (see Ezekiel 3:1); to personalize it and turn it into his own nature. It also prepared him to receive in his heart the word of God. Once these things were accomplished, Ezekiel was prepared to have unusual experiences in the Spirit. He was lifted up and taken in the Spirit, was transported miles away in his physical body where he continued his ministry. Paul also was taken in the Spirit but at the end of his experience found himself in the same place from where he started. But Ezekiel traveled in his own physical body, and being lifted up by the Spirit was carried away. These experiences propelled Ezekiel to move in the physical realm in the same way that he would in the spiritual, without the encumbrance of boundaries or limitation of physical laws. The Bible introduces different levels of adventures in the Spirit: showered with the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, having the Spirit upon, praying in the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, being lifted up by the Spirit and being taken in the Spirit. This Saturday, we will take a deep look into the many outcomes God’s presence brings. While others are calling upon us to be good Christians, God invites us to be His supernaturally empowered sons and daughters and to experience the Spirit’s freedom, “for, where the Spirit is there is freedom.” Pr. Nick, Presence, spirit Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-29-12-taken-from-his-presence-into-the-spirit-i http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-29-12-taken-from-his-presence-into-the-spirit-i Sat, 29 Dec 2012 15:30:00 +0000 By the time of his encounter with God, Ezekiel has been deported 5 years. In the meantime, he must have learned from Jeremiah (Daniel 9:1) that God would not come for his people before 70 years had passed, and thus, there would be no rescue for him. That means that Ezekiel sought after God’s presence not at all for the purpose of being rescued but for His PRESENCE only. Ezekiel started out at the same place where other great men of God first had their beginning; Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, David, as well as others. Moses’ life history proves that the Presence is the place where a man/woman of God discovers God, acknowledges a new status and can experience new abilities collected through his/her association with God. It is also the place where Moses received his divine commission. In like manner, the Presence prepared Ezekiel to be able to eat the scroll of the word of God (see Ezekiel 3:1); to personalize it and turn it into his own nature. It also prepared him to receive in his heart the word of God. Once these things were accomplished, Ezekiel was prepared to have unusual experiences in the Spirit. He was lifted up and taken in the Spirit, was transported miles away in his physical body where he continued his ministry. Paul also was taken in the Spirit but at the end of his experience found himself in the same place from where he started. But Ezekiel traveled in his own physical body, and being lifted up by the Spirit was carried away. These experiences propelled Ezekiel to move in the physical realm in the same way that he would in the spiritual, without the encumbrance of boundaries or limitation of physical laws. The Bible introduces different levels of adventures in the Spirit: showered with the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, having the Spirit upon, praying in the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, being lifted up by the Spirit and being taken in the Spirit. This Saturday, we will take a deep look into the many outcomes God’s presence brings. While others are calling upon us to be good Christians, God invites us to be His supernaturally empowered sons and daughters and to experience the Spirit’s freedom, “for, where the Spirit is there is freedom.” Pr. Nick, Presence, spirit Moved by the spirit http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-22-12-i-got-jesus-for-christs-mass http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-22-12-i-got-jesus-for-christs-mass Sat, 22 Dec 2012 17:02:00 +0000 Unwrapping gifts is the most exciting part of Christmas. With much expectation and anticipation we open gift after gift, enjoying everyone else’s surprise as well as our own. Since we deserve nothing from God, everything He gives us comes to us as a gift; the greatest being the atoning life of His Son, Jesus Christ. Humanity unwrapped this gift 2000 years ago and it was so unlike any other gift we ever received, we decided to remember it forever by commemorating this special moment in time. During this season we enjoy seeing the pleasantness in the souls of our loved ones. We try to do better every year, and yet, there is always something...an inexplicable feeling that it could have been better, somehow. Could it be that instead of celebrating Jesus, we’ve turned the tradition into a shallow, secular outlet? Why? Has God suddenly stopped giving? Do we think there isn’t any gift greater than that of His Son and that’s it? What more than the redeeming death of His Son could God give us? The gift of His Son LIVING in us. On this holiday season let's put something else on the wish list and expect to receive FROM GOD the manifested presence of His Son inside of us. Finally, in that moment, greater will be the One in us than the one in this world. Indeed, that would make for a very Merry Christmas for each and every one of His children. Christ, Christmas, Mass, Pr. Nick Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-15-12-from-ichabod-to-shekinah http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-15-12-from-ichabod-to-shekinah Sat, 15 Dec 2012 18:32:00 +0000 Episode 3 - From I-Chabod To Shekinah When the Ark of God's Shekinah was captured by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4, Phineas' wife named their new born baby I-Chabod which means the Glory of God left Israel. The presence of God's glory identified Israel as God's people. He led them successfully into battle, blessed them in their Promised Land, inspired their Prophets and protected their nation; His glory was the very definition of salvation: God in the midst of His people. Then it was all gone; the glory going into captivity left behind Temple, people, Promised Land—everything the people of God held dear. The reason the Shekinah left them is the very reason we might not experience it today-sin. Ezekiel was born in the year the temple of Jerusalem was dedicated and Shekinah came to dwell in the Most Holy Place. But during Ezekiel’s youth people's sin caused Shekinah to be removed. As a result on three different occasions the people of Israel were taken as captives and dragged to Babylon. In the first sweep, Daniel was taken captive; in the second Ezekiel was taken. Ezekiel was the son of a priest and a priest himself in his mid-20’s, but without a temple and without Shekinah there was to be no priesthood ministry for him. The call of a priest was to go before Shekinah to atone for the sin of the people. However, without Shekinah in Jerusalem, the very purpose of Ezekiel's life seemed derailed. And then one day God's Shekinah came to the priest Ezekiel as he stood in captivity. The glory came because God comes close to those who seek Him and because He wanted Ezekiel to minister as a priest and prophet to His rebellious people, to those who were under punishment of captivity for their sins. disappointment, Pr. Nick Redeemed in the Family http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-15-12-from-i-chabod-to-shekinah http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-15-12-from-i-chabod-to-shekinah Sat, 15 Dec 2012 18:27:00 +0000 Episode 3 - From I-Chabod To Shekinah When the Ark of God's Shekinah was captured by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4, Phineas' wife named their new born baby I-Chabod which means the Glory of God left Israel. The presence of God's glory identified Israel as God's people. He led them successfully into battle, blessed them in their Promised Land, inspired their Prophets and protected their nation; His glory was the very definition of salvation: God in the midst of His people. Then it was all gone; the glory going into captivity left behind Temple, people, Promised Land—everything the people of God held dear. The reason the Shekinah left them is the very reason we might not experience it today-sin. Ezekiel was born in the year the temple of Jerusalem was dedicated and Shekinah came to dwell in the Most Holy Place. But during Ezekiel’s youth people's sin caused Shekinah to be removed. As a result on three different occasions the people of Israel were taken as captives and dragged to Babylon. In the first sweep, Daniel was taken captive; in the second Ezekiel was taken. Ezekiel was the son of a priest and a priest himself in his mid-20’s, but without a temple and without Shekinah there was to be no priesthood ministry for him. The call of a priest was to go before Shekinah to atone for the sin of the people. However, without Shekinah in Jerusalem, the very purpose of Ezekiel's life seemed derailed. And then one day God's Shekinah came to the priest Ezekiel as he stood in captivity. The glory came because God comes close to those who seek Him and because He wanted Ezekiel to minister as a priest and prophet to His rebellious people, to those who were under punishment of captivity for their sins. disappointment, Pr. Nick Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-08-12s-the-hand-of-the-lord-is-upon-me-ii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-08-12s-the-hand-of-the-lord-is-upon-me-ii Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:50:00 +0000 Episode 2 - The Hand of the Lord is Upon Me Ezekiel 1:2 “On the fifth day of the month, which was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and there the hand of the Lord was upon him.” An encounter like no other Of all of God’s prophets, Ezekiel excels best in his ability to describe his encounter with God. Introducing the circumstances under which he received the vision of God, he explains two things that prepared him to receive the vision and his prophetic call: “the Word of the Lord came expressly to him” and “the Hand of the Lord was upon him.” The concept is found 136 times in the Bible. But what does it mean to have the Lord’s hand upon you? And why should the coming of the Word of God be associated with the Lord’s hand upon anyone? Can one take place without the other? Is there any advantage to experiencing them both? Since Peter invites this generation of God’s children to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt us at the proper time, this is an indication that Ezekiel’s experience can be reiterated on behalf of each and every one of us. Are we intentionally seeking to have the hand of the Lord upon us? Is there anything we can do to make this possible? And what is the danger of neglecting such a possibility? It looks like Ezekiel raises more questions than any other book in the Bible. The narration is thought-provoking and intriguing mostly because it describes an experience with God that is beyond the average and which every one of us wants to achieve. hand of the lord, Pr. Nick Redeemed in the Family http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-8-12-the-hand-of-the-lord-is-upon-me http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-8-12-the-hand-of-the-lord-is-upon-me Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:38:00 +0000 Episode 2 - The Hand of the Lord is Upon Me Ezekiel 1:2 “On the fifth day of the month, which was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and there the hand of the Lord was upon him.” An encounter like no other Of all of God’s prophets, Ezekiel excels best in his ability to describe his encounter with God. Introducing the circumstances under which he received the vision of God, he explains two things that prepared him to receive the vision and his prophetic call: “the Word of the Lord came expressly to him” and “the Hand of the Lord was upon him.” The concept is found 136 times in the Bible. But what does it mean to have the Lord’s hand upon you? And why should the coming of the Word of God be associated with the Lord’s hand upon anyone? Can one take place without the other? Is there any advantage to experiencing them both? Since Peter invites this generation of God’s children to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt us at the proper time, this is an indication that Ezekiel’s experience can be reiterated on behalf of each and every one of us. Are we intentionally seeking to have the hand of the Lord upon us? Is there anything we can do to make this possible? And what is the danger of neglecting such a possibility? It looks like Ezekiel raises more questions than any other book in the Bible. The narration is thought-provoking and intriguing mostly because it describes an experience with God that is beyond the average and which every one of us wants to achieve. hand of the lord, Pr. Nick Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-1-12-i-saw-god-ii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-1-12-i-saw-god-ii Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:04:00 +0000 In the last several weeks and months we’ve studied the books of Nehemiah, Ruth and this Saturday, we begin with Ezekiel. Pr. Nick’s new series, based on the book of Ezekiel, is a revelation of God’s way of dealing with His people. The series delves into one of God’s most important principles: Everything God does He accomplishes through the Holy Spirit. As a result, in order to experience success in any area of life we must be intimately acquainted with the manner in which the Spirit works. In this 1st episode titled, I SAW GOD, we examine the need of having a personal encounter with God. Having a personal encounter with God has always been the dream of all of God’s people. In biblical times some encountered God in a vision; others saw a representation of His presence as a cloud of fire, a cloud of darkness, burning fire, or Shekinah, the very glory of God’s presence. Regardless as to how God revealed Himself to people, when they encountered Him things dramatically changed for them. Elijah saw the glory coming and he was carried away to heaven. Elisha saw the same glory and his ministry was empowered by it. Moses saw it and his life’s purpose dramatically changed. Abraham met God and he became the father of all believers, the reason of why everyone of us is accepted into the Covenant of Grace through Jesus. Jacob saw God’s glory and it turned his life around, transforming his very nature. And the list continues with every man and woman who became useful to God’s Kingdom after experiencing God. However, the path of these people was certainly not covered with rose petals. They worked hard to maintain themselves within the parameters of God’s glory and His purpose for them. From a human perspective their lives were troubled. They were restless and frustrated; so close to God and yet so far away from the human ideal. With this in mind do we still desire to see God? We’ll explore more this coming Saturday… Pr. Nick Zamfir Moved by the spirit http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-1-12-i-saw-god http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/12-1-12-i-saw-god Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:01:00 +0000 In the last several weeks and months we’ve studied the books of Nehemiah, Ruth and this Saturday, we begin with Ezekiel. Pr. Nick’s new series, based on the book of Ezekiel, is a revelation of God’s way of dealing with His people. The series delves into one of God’s most important principles: Everything God does He accomplishes through the Holy Spirit. As a result, in order to experience success in any area of life we must be intimately acquainted with the manner in which the Spirit works. In this 1st episode titled, I SAW GOD, we examine the need of having a personal encounter with God. Having a personal encounter with God has always been the dream of all of God’s people. In biblical times some encountered God in a vision; others saw a representation of His presence as a cloud of fire, a cloud of darkness, burning fire, or Shekinah, the very glory of God’s presence. Regardless as to how God revealed Himself to people, when they encountered Him things dramatically changed for them. Elijah saw the glory coming and he was carried away to heaven. Elisha saw the same glory and his ministry was empowered by it. Moses saw it and his life’s purpose dramatically changed. Abraham met God and he became the father of all believers, the reason of why everyone of us is accepted into the Covenant of Grace through Jesus. Jacob saw God’s glory and it turned his life around, transforming his very nature. And the list continues with every man and woman who became useful to God’s Kingdom after experiencing God. However, the path of these people was certainly not covered with rose petals. They worked hard to maintain themselves within the parameters of God’s glory and His purpose for them. From a human perspective their lives were troubled. They were restless and frustrated; so close to God and yet so far away from the human ideal. With this in mind do we still desire to see God? We’ll explore more this coming Saturday… Pr. Nick Zamfir Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/11-24-12-my-mother-in-law-is-naomi-ii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/11-24-12-my-mother-in-law-is-naomi-ii Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:40:00 +0000 All relationships can be challenging and demanding. But of all close relationships the one with a mother-in-law can become the most difficult. It is hard to imagine why Ruth would choose her mother-in-law over her own family and accept to share with her an uncertain future. She thought it better to face uncertainty with Naomi rather than life with her parents. Why? What made a mother-in-law like Naomi, pleasant? We can see Naomi carrying with her that desirable atmosphere of heaven and the all-satisfying presence of God Himself, along with a transformed character and heart; all of these qualities would have been attractive to Ruth. Further, the story reveals Naomi’s service as a pre-taste of the kindness and goodness of God; once she experienced the real thing she helplessly fell in love with Him. Are you carrying with you the atmosphere of heaven? Is your character, the fruit of your heart, the words of your mouth, your daily actions, satisfying the truth of God’s presence in you as you interact with people? Have those around you received a taste of God by the time they’ve left your presence? We all are carriers of something but for what kingdom and what god? We’ll talk more on this during Saturday worship. mother in law, Naomi, Pr. Nick Pr. Nick http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/11-24-12-my-mother-in-law-is-naomi http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/11-24-12-my-mother-in-law-is-naomi Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:35:00 +0000 All relationships can be challenging and demanding. But of all close relationships the one with a mother-in-law can become the most difficult. It is hard to imagine why Ruth would choose her mother-in-law over her own family and accept to share with her an uncertain future. She thought it better to face uncertainty with Naomi rather than life with her parents. Why? What made a mother-in-law like Naomi, pleasant? We can see Naomi carrying with her that desirable atmosphere of heaven and the all-satisfying presence of God Himself, along with a transformed character and heart; all of these qualities would have been attractive to Ruth. Further, the story reveals Naomi’s service as a pre-taste of the kindness and goodness of God; once she experienced the real thing she helplessly fell in love with Him. Are you carrying with you the atmosphere of heaven? Is your character, the fruit of your heart, the words of your mouth, your daily actions, satisfying the truth of God’s presence in you as you interact with people? Have those around you received a taste of God by the time they’ve left your presence? We all are carriers of something but for what kingdom and what god? We’ll talk more on this during Saturday worship. mother in law, Naomi, Pr. Nick Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/the-one-who-wouldnt-be-ignored-2 http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/the-one-who-wouldnt-be-ignored-2 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:28:00 +0000 The One Who Wouldn’t Be Ignored In life, does anything happen by chance? For most people the answer is yes, but for those who love God and walk in His purpose for their lives nothing happens by chance. In fact, all things work together for their good. The Spirit of God orchestrates every life event so they are able to take advantage of the benefits and the opportunities God places on their path. He delivers supplies for every demand; He is the eternal Match Maker. Ruth The Book of Ruth unveils the ancient secret for selecting a husband. Ruth - the very definition of loyalty - met Boaz who out of loyalty to his relatives was willing to pay whatever price was necessary to secure Naomi's estate, marry Ruth and build her a house and a name in Israel. In this story we find the most comprehensive list of qualities a husband should have in order to give his wife a happy living in God’s perfect will. This is a powerful message for both husbands and wives and those waiting to enter into a marriage covenant. Boaz, dating, Pr. Nick, Ruth Pr. Nick http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/the-one-who-wouldnt-be-ignored http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/the-one-who-wouldnt-be-ignored Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:26:00 +0000 The One Who Wouldn’t Be Ignored In life, does anything happen by chance? For most people the answer is yes, but for those who love God and walk in His purpose for their lives nothing happens by chance. In fact, all things work together for their good. The Spirit of God orchestrates every life event so they are able to take advantage of the benefits and the opportunities God places on their path. He delivers supplies for every demand; He is the eternal Match Maker. Ruth The Book of Ruth unveils the ancient secret for selecting a husband. Ruth - the very definition of loyalty - met Boaz who out of loyalty to his relatives was willing to pay whatever price was necessary to secure Naomi's estate, marry Ruth and build her a house and a name in Israel. In this story we find the most comprehensive list of qualities a husband should have in order to give his wife a happy living in God’s perfect will. This is a powerful message for both husbands and wives and those waiting to enter into a marriage covenant. Boaz, dating, Pr. Nick, Ruth Featured http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/11-10-12-the-lord-made-my-life-bitter-ii http://www.abidinginchristministry.com/media/11-10-12-the-lord-made-my-life-bitter-ii Sat, 10 Nov 2012 10:04:00 +0000 During the time of Judges there was a famine in the land of Israel forcing Nahomi's family to move to Moab. Her two sons married two Moabites, Orpha and Ruth. But within ten years Nahomi's husband and two sons were dead leaving her embittered with God. If we were to judge these people’s God by all of the terrible life circumstances they suffered, we could easily conclude that such a God is unworthy of worship. The totality of what Ruth had experienced with God up to that point created a picture of God that was everything but loving, caring, powerful and rescuing. And yet, in spite of the hardship and disappointment, not only was Ruth converted; she made a lifelong commitment to Nahomi's God. How is that possible? What could determine such a decision in the mind and heart of young Ruth? This Saturday, we explore the answer to this intriguing question and in the process reexamine the reasons of why we choose and continue to serve God. bitter, life, lord, Pr. Nick Pr. Nick