Forty Hour Fast For Freedom

Independence Day, True Freedom

July 2, 1776 Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain.

July 3, 1776 John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail: “The second day of July, 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty" (my emphasis).

One of the best known sentences in the English language comes from the Declaration of Independence. It says: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Thomas Jefferson is remembered as the man who was delegated with the task of writing the Declaration of Independence. But he isn't the Real Champion of Freedom. Nor was it John Adams or Ben Franklin. No the Real Champion of Freedom is none other than the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Jesus Christ; because it was his precious blood that bought our freedom.

1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (NKJV throughout).

1 Cor. 6:19-20 ...you are not your own. For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

All who have died with Christ have been raised up with him in the newness of life (Rom. 6:1-11). Thus we are free from the law of sin and death but live by a new law of the Spirit of Life in Christ (Rom. 8:1-3). Life in Christ has set us free from sin and death (John 8:32,36). Now we use our freedom to serve one another in love (Gal. 5:13).

Therefore, I invite you to join with me in celebrating true independence, freedom in Christ. My prayer is that everyone will experience true freedom. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell those you know who are hurting, that you will be joining in this celebration, and that you will be remembering them through prayer and fasting.

If you would like to participate in this event, start fasting (abstain from food and drink) at 4pm Friday, July 2 through Sunday, July 4 at 4pm (or sometime in between). I'm calling it the “Forty Hour Fast For Freedom”. You can fast for one hour or all forty hours (please use wisdom if you're weak or sick you don't need to fast for all forty hours).

“ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18).

BrotherJoeRadosti visits Agape Church of the Savior

Brother Joe with his good friends, Ezekiel, Jean Marie & Pastor Stan.

Here is a summary of the message given by Brother Joe. The Gospel Through The Life Of  Richard Wurmbrand, founder of The Voice of the Martyrs.

His life is a testament to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:44-48; "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you."

What are the lessons learned from the life of Richard Wurmbrand? Wurmbrand was in chains, but never was he in captivity! Because long before he was put in prison and tortured, he was set free by the precious blood of Jesus the Christ. Wurmbrand didn't own any of that "currency" and neither do we. Only Jesus had the currency needed, his own precious blood, to buy our freedom (1 Peter 1:18-19). Blood speaks a universal language. There is no lukewarm in blood. There is no hypocrisy in blood. The blood of hatred is demonstrated every day; it's the history of this world and it cheapens life. But the blood of Incomprehensible Love of Christ, was demonstrated once for all mankind (Romans 5:8) and it makes everyone expensive! It's the blood of fervent love and it has no limitations. It breaks all the barriers of language, culture and race. It transformed the heart of an atheist like Richard Wurmbrand and even the hearts of those who tortured him.

... because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible).

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7 New Living Translation).

There is a lot of talk today about the failing currencies of over-indebted nations and many people have turned to gold as a safe haven. But the best and only "currency" needed for our salvation is the precious blood of Jesus Christ and it has already been used to free us from the captivity of sin and death. 

                      .

.

American Idol Gives Back 2010

I appreciate the efforts of all those involved in the American Idol Gives Back fund raiser. Some of last night's performers included: Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Carrie Underwood and Elton John. The Emmy Award winning TV series has raised over $140 million dollars for charities. Some of the money raised:  helps fight Malaria, helps provides health care to children of low income families, helps feed the hungry, helps children in emergency situations and helps educate children. All are noble causes. But what about the unborn babies? In Roe v. Wade, the court held that a fetus is not a person. There is only one solution for a world in darkness and that is Light (John 8:12)! In Jeremiah 1:5, God says to Jeremiah: "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb." Approximately 1 million unborn babies are killed every year in the United States by abortion. Should anyone have the right to stop what God is forming?

Life Isn't About "I"

It was getting late. Now the disciples got into a boat and started to row across the Sea of Galilee destined for Capernaum. They had rowed several miles and now the wind had picked up and the sea became rough. Beyond the crashing waves they saw something or someone and they were filled with fear. "Do not be afraid. I AM."  It was Jesus. He could have said, "It is I." But he didn't. He said, "I AM." No argument ensued. Why would they argue? They knew their history. I AM is the one who met with Moses and led Israel out of Egypt. He fed them for forty years while they wandered in the desert. Earlier in the day the disciples had just witnessed another miracle. Jesus had not only fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish, but he also provided a basket of food from the leftovers for each of his disciples. Now Jesus comes to them dancing on the waves. Suddenly they are at peace. They reach out to take Him into the boat, but miraculously, Jesus takes them boat and all to Capernaum. That added an exclamation point to what Jesus had just said. It makes me think of my life and how many times I have been rowing in my little boat trying to get to "Capernaum". If only "I" rowed a little harder and a little faster... Then the wind and rough seas pick up and I'm afraid and exhausted. But then I hear his voice, "I AM who I AM."  Life isn't about I, It's about I AM.

Book of John & Hillsong

I have been studying the book of John for months doing Bible studies and preparing to give a sermon-more to share later. But I wanted to share this music with you. The Lord has spoken to me through this song. Hillsong has so many great worship songs. I can't tell you how many times God has used music to help me through some personal trial. I hope this song will inspire you the way it has me.

 

 

Time Out

This past Sunday my Pastor gave a sermon about Lent . He encouraged us to spend more time with the Lord through prayer, fasting and Bible study. He also encouraged us to take the money we save on food, from fasting and giving up some things that we enjoy, and use it to bless someone else. So I started thinking about how I am spending my time. Because obviously, if I am going to do more of something, that means I have to do less of something else. If I fast, I don't have to prepare food and I don't have to clean up. That saves me both time and money. My Pastor got me thinking about my priorities and the choices I am making. Since I consider myself a Christian, my choices and priorities are focused on two things: Jesus and people (Mat.22:37-40). So I can't see how my life would be focused on Jesus and people, if I am not spending time with them. Jesus made a choice he didn't have to make but did. He said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work," (John 4:34) and that is exactly what He did. 

What is Brother Joe Radosti all about?

Joseph-He shall add; Radosti-Happiness & joy.

It's about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. It's about living out my passion. It's about participating in his love, compassion and mercy for humanity. Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:1,14; Mat. 1:23; 1 Tim. 3:16). He is a witness of what is in heaven (John 3:31-34). He is love and life eternal.

(1 John 4:16; John 5:26). Once we understand who Jesus is and believe, it changes us-transforms us. When we participate in his love, compassion, and mercy; all things are possible! Sharing the gospel means sharing the love of Christ with others. So in addition to visiting and praying for sick and afflicted people at nursing homes and hospitals, we also have Bible studies and distribute clothes and blankets. We hold support group meetings to encourage those who are suffering from various hardships. We also stir one another to share God's love, compassion, and mercy with others by using our gifts, talents and resources for His glory. This blog was created to communicate Jesus' love with others and to discover additional ways to improve the way we serve Christ and those in need. My passion is to know the Lord Jesus more deeply each and every day and to express his love more effectively.

Please share your comments and suggestions. You may post them here at this blog.