Ablaze Worship Team

In the tapestry of our lives, forgiveness is a thread that weaves together the fabric of our faith. As Christians, we are called to embrace forgiveness not only as a virtue but as a transformative power that reflects the very essence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let's delve into the profound teachings of the Bible on forgiveness and discover the spiritual journey it invites us to embark upon. Forgiveness Defined: At its core, forgiveness is an act of mercy and grace. It is a deliberate choice to release feelings of resentment and the desire for revenge toward those who have wronged us. The Bible speaks of forgiveness not only as a commandment but as a gift we receive and extend. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) The Divine Model: Our ultimate example of forgiveness is found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Despite the betrayal, mockery, and crucifixion, Jesus uttered the ...

The phrase "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand" comes from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, verse 17. This phrase is part of the message that John the Baptist and later Jesus preached when they began their ministries. In this context, "repent" means to turn away from one's sinful behavior and to turn towards God. The phrase is a call to change one's ways and to prepare for the coming of God's Kingdom. It is a message that encourages people to examine their lives, to acknowledge their mistakes and shortcomings, and to seek forgiveness and salvation through faith in God. The Kingdom of God refers to the rule of God over all things, including the hearts and lives of people. It is a future reality that Christians believe will be fully realized at the end of time, but it is also a present reality that can be experienced in the lives of believers. Repenting and turning towards God is seen as a way to par...

How to select songs for Sunday Service Worship? Selecting songs for a Sunday service can be a thoughtful and intentional process. Here are some tips on how to do it: 1. Consider the theme of the service: Every service has a theme, such as salvation, grace, love, or forgiveness. Choose songs that align with the theme and reinforce the message of the service. 2. Look at the Bible readings for the day: Many churches follow a lectionary, which is a schedule of Bible readings for each Sunday. Choose songs that reflect the messages and themes of the readings. 3. Think about the congregation: Consider the demographics of your congregation, including age, ethnicity, and musical preferences. Choose songs that will resonate with your congregation and that they will enjoy singing. 4. Choose a mix of old and new songs: Include hymns and contemporary songs in your selection to cater to the different preferences of your congregation. 5. Balance the tone: Choose songs that balance the tone of the ser...

Evangelist Ravi Zacharias was a well-known Christian apologist and evangelist who passed away on May 19, 2020, at the age of 74. He had been battling a rare form of cancer called sarcoma. Allegation Following his death, there were also allegations of sexual misconduct made against him by multiple women, including claims of sexual abuse and manipulation. These allegations were investigated by an independent firm hired by Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), the organization he founded, and the results of the investigation were released in December 2020. Investigation The report found that Zacharias had engaged in sexual misconduct and that there was evidence of him having sexually abused and harassed multiple women over the course of many years. The report also found that Zacharias had created a system of deception, including the use of electronic devices and the manipulation of financial records, to carry out his misconduct. Revelation The revelations about Zacharias's m...

In a world that often clamors for our attention and approval, the Christian faith calls us to shift our focus to an "audience of One." This profound concept challenges us to live our lives with a singular purpose—to seek the approval and honor of our Creator rather than the fleeting applause of the world. Let's explore the biblical foundation of the "audience of One" and discover the transformative power it holds in our Christian journey. The Biblical Foundation: The idea of living for an "audience of One" finds its roots in various passages throughout the Bible. One key verse that encapsulates this concept is found in the book of Colossians: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." - Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) This verse emphasizes the shift in perspective from seeking the approval of men to working wholehearte...

  “Because everything that is born of god overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith,” (1 John 5:4). 1. BE BORN OF GOD. Jesus taught us how we could be born of God: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God ,” (John 3:5).   “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith,” (Ephesians 3:17 )     “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God,’ (1 John 3:9). Our spiritual nature keeps us from the traps of deceit and of sin.   2. OUR FAITH Faith is not human, it is not material, is not emotional nor intellectual. Faith can only come from a spiritual nature; and can only grow in those that have rendered their lives to Jesus Christ. Faith makes us partakers of the same nature as Christ. Faith and fear are in conflict.   Genuine faith frees us from fear. Through faith, we go forwa...

Paul said, “For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor” (Galatians 2:18 NASU) I had just started my Christian life and found out that a cousin had become a Christian. One day we met at a family reunion and what a surprise it was for me to see him drinking alcohol just like the rest of the unbelievers.   This saddened my heart so much, that I asked him why he was doing it, to which he answered, “I want to enjoy life but before I die, I’ll repent.” I told him, “You don’t know how much longer you’re going to live!” Although I tried to reconcile him with God, it was of to no avail.   Two months later his young man drowned without getting a second chance. He was the light of salvation for his whole family but he got trapped by getting involved with the past. We should understand that within us there exists a nature that tries to rebel against God in order to make us slaves to our own desires and passions.   Our carnal nature ...