Does God hear our Prayer?

Dear Brethren,

'..."Lord, the one you love is sick"' John 11:3
John records, '...Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick"' (NCV). Someone went to Jesus on behalf of Lazarus and because they went, Jesus responded. The healing didn't take place for several days, but it was set in motion the moment the Lord was called on. Have you ever wondered where your prayers go? '...There was silence in heaven... And... Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden pan... with the prayers of all God's... people. The angel put this offering... before the throne. The smoke... went up... to God with the prayers of God's people' (Revelation 8:1-4 NCV). Why was there silence in heaven? Because someone was praying! Heaven pauses to hear the prayers of someone like you. The prayers of all God's... people... went up... to God. Isn't that awesome! Your words don't stop until they reach the heart of God, so keep praying. Notice, the friend who went to Jesus on behalf of Lazarus said, '"Lord, the one you love is sick."' He didn't base his appeal on the imperfect love of the one in need, but on the perfect love of Jesus. He didn't say, 'The one who loves you is sick.' He said, 'The one you love is sick.' That's different. The power of prayer doesn't depend on the virtue of the one who prays, but on the unchanging love of the one who hears. Aren't you glad? You may be deeply flawed, you may not understand the mystery of prayer, but this much is clear: action begins in heaven when someone on earth prays.

God loves the people of Japan. He requires the church of Jesus Christ to stand in the gap and intercede for them. Let us pray earnestly believing that the Lord will hear and answer our prayers for the Salvation of Japan.

This Friday, we will experience unique multimedia worship with international recording artist and twice Grammy nominated Dr. Enoch Fernando from California, USA. Please check him out atwww.enochmusic.com Dr. Fernando will start leading us into praise and worship at sharp 9:30 a.m. Kindly ensure that you are on time bringing in your family and friends.

God bless you.

Agape

Pastor Samuel Tressler

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Do We Really Need Each Other?

Dear Brethren,

'...Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak...' 1 Thes 5:14

I am sure you have heard the saying that 'God did not make man an island (To be alone always) but made him to be part of a community'. This makes it possible for people to commune with each other, bless each other , pray for each other, support each other in times of need, counsel each other, care for each other and more than anything... love each other. We all NEED each other... more than we realize.

I read a rather amusing story that I would like to share with you which explains this thought very well.

There was a mouse who looked out through a crack in a farmhouse wall and was distraught to discover a mousetrap. When he went to tell his buddies, the chicken said, 'Sorry, pal, not my problem.' The pig said, 'I'll pray for you.' The cow was busy and said, 'Come back later.' Dejected, the mouse was left alone to handle his problem. That night, a poisonous snake got caught in the mousetrap and when the farmer's wife went to investigate she got bitten. She developed a raging fever, and everyone knows you treat a fever with chicken soup. So the farmer took his axe to the barn for the main ingredient! As his wife's condition deteriorated and neighbor's gathered, he had to butcher the pig to feed them. Finally she died. So many people came to the funeral that he ended up slaughtering the cow to make dinner for them all. So, in the end, everybody lost!

The Bible says, '...Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.' It only takes one thing to be an encourager: a willingness to '...bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves' (Romans 15:1 NAS). Before deciding somebody else's problem has nothing to do with you, read this: '...If one member suffers, all the members suffer...' (1 Corinthians 12:26 NKJV). You can't sit on the sidelines while someone else is hurting; tomorrow it may be you!

We are encouraged to 'Share each others burdens...' (Galatians 6:2 NLT). When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. Our lives are woven together for a reason; each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry. So, let's learn to look beyond ourselves and meet others and the point of their needs... and I am not referring to mere financial needs.... there is more to life than that.

I encourage you to pray and look around today for anyone (Not just in AGC but at work, your neighbors and friends) who may be hurting, fearful or in pain... and then aim to meet the need. Jesus always did!

Remember, we all need each other...sometime.....

I wish you a blessed day today and I look forward to meeting with you and your families this Friday as we stand witness to the goodness of God.

Remember, "Friends of God..tell their friends...about God." I believe that you are a Friend of God...and will share the goodness of your God with all those around you. It is time for AGC to explode...not just with the praises of God... but with the saving of lost souls.

Agape

Pastor Samuel Tressler