January and February -2006 are gone. Time is passing. The moment is now. Suddenly, the sun seemed a little warmer and the distance a tiny bit closer. In reaching the corner, I took a deep breath and felt the victory of accomplishment. The walk back, perhaps, was more painful, but the sky was bluer; the woods more beautiful and a song of achievement was in my heart. Another successful moment in 2006. BE A WINNER! *Volume 80 *No. 03 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *MARCH 2006
BE A WINNER! by Nancy MARCH is here! January and February -2006 are gone. Time is passing. The moment is now. The bright sun was out, yet the wind was cold. It was time for my morning walk, but my ankles were sore, since being broken last June. Nevertheless, I knew how badly I needed that walk and decided to, at least, try. Out on the country road, the wind blew sharply, and I wanted to turn around. But the goal waited – way down at the corner - the turning- around place. I looked down to watch my dogs trotting along, smiling with their white teeth, just happy to be going somewhere. Their cheerfulness was inspiring so I pulled my sweater a little closer. Half way to the corner, I stopped, shivered and decided to go back to the warm, cozy house. Then I remembered! It takes perseverance, commitment, and determination to be a winner. I like being a winner. Suddenly, the sun seemed a little warmer and the distance a tiny bit closer. In reaching the corner, I took a deep breath and felt the victory of accomplishment. The walk back, perhaps, was more painful, but the sky was bluer; the woods more beautiful and a song of achievement was in my heart. Another successful moment in 2006. BE A WINNER! Life is hard and filled with difficulties. Last year, my first and only grandson took a detour and went straight from - minutes before his birth - right on to Heaven. His departure left behind deep sorrow and grief. Then my precious mother who had suffered with Alzheimer’s joined him in March. Again, there was no way to ease the loss. In a few weeks, I broke both my ankles and right leg, and then I wondered - is this the life of a winner? What I failed to express in the above paragraph remains yet to be said. The fact is that I was never alone in this sadness. God’s Presence was very near to our family as we passed through the “valley of the shadow.” In the suffering, our family bonded together; we prayed for understanding as tears cleansed our souls. The Holy Spirit helped us with daily functioning and also prayed for us “with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words.” (Romans 8:26) Because of Jesus, we were winners! And we remembered that God is always working for good. With assurance, we knew that God reached out with loving arms to embrace and receive little Hunter and his great grandmother, Anita. Indeed they are truly the winners! Their road led Home. The rest of who remained on Earth just stopped - and “looked down the cold, windy road”; Contents: Be a Winner! 1 Be a Winner! 2 New Feature 3 Letter from Abroad 3 Spanish Bible Institute 4 Answer to Prayer 5 A Look at the Book of Matthew 6 A Look at the Book of Matthew 7 *Volume 80 *No. 03 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *MARCH 2006
Transcript
BE A WINNER!
by Nancy
MARCH is here!
January and February -2006 are gone. Time is passing. The moment is now.
The bright sun was out, yet the wind was
cold. It was time for my morning walk, but my ankles were sore, since being broken last June. Nevertheless, I knew how badly I needed that walk and decided to, at least, try.
Out on the country road, the wind blew sharply, and I wanted to turn around. But the goal waited – way down at the corner - the turning-around place. I looked down to watch my dogs trotting along, smiling with their white teeth, just happy to be going somewhere. Their cheerfulness was inspiring so I pulled my sweater a little closer.
Half way to the corner, I stopped, shivered and decided to go back to the warm, cozy house. Then I remembered! It takes perseverance, commitment, and determination to be a winner. I like being a winner.
Suddenly, the sun seemed a little warmer
and the distance a tiny bit closer. In reaching the corner, I took a deep breath and felt the victory of accomplishment. The walk back, perhaps, was more painful, but the sky was bluer; the woods more beautiful and a song of achievement was in my heart. Another successful moment in 2006.
BE A WINNER!
Life is hard and filled with difficulties. Last year, my first and only grandson took a detour and went straight from - minutes before his birth - right on to Heaven. His departure left behind deep sorrow and grief. Then my precious mother who had suffered with Alzheimer’s joined him in March. Again, there was no way to ease the loss. In a few weeks, I broke both my ankles and right leg, and then I wondered - is this the life of a winner?
What I failed to express in the above paragraph remains yet to be said. The fact is that I was never alone in this sadness. God’s Presence was very near to our family as we passed through the “valley of the shadow.” In the suffering, our family bonded together; we prayed for understanding as tears cleansed our souls. The Holy Spirit helped us with daily functioning and also prayed for us “with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words.” (Romans 8:26) Because of Jesus, we were winners!
And we remembered that God is always working for good. With assurance, we knew that God reached out with loving arms to embrace and receive little Hunter and his great grandmother, Anita. Indeed they are truly the winners! Their road led Home.
The rest of who remained on Earth just stopped - and “looked down the cold, windy road”;
Contents: Be a Winner! 1 Be a Winner! 2 New Feature 3 Letter from Abroad 3 Spanish Bible Institute 4 Answer to Prayer 5 A Look at the Book of Matthew 6 A Look at the Book of Matthew 7
*Volume 80 *No. 03 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *MARCH 2006
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then we began to walk, slowly, stumbling, falling, but persevering.
And finally, with determination, we became better persons! Because of our loss and because of the tears, we learned that winners are made by God. Their trust in Him makes achieving the impossible………possible!
There is nothing more valuable than a relationship with the Creator. Matthew 13 records a story that Jesus told. “… a pearl merchant was on the lookout for choice pearls. He discovered a real bargain – a pearl of great value – and sold everything he owned to purchase it.” Being a winner begins with discovering the greatest of all treasures – the LOVE of God.
Previously in the scripture, Jesus had explained that in hearing the Good News of His love, many allow the cares of life and the love of money to choke out His life-changing Words. In doing so, eternal goals take second place to a search for temporary success.
A winner believes in the love and goodness of God. In valuing those qualities, a champion turns away from those things that would hinder the completion of the goal. God made us for greatness, and by opening our lives to His power, we can achieve our potential.
If, however, one finds himself/herself wavering in that compelling spiritual quest, there is still HOPE. For, perhaps, even a conqueror might stumble and make unwise choices as the “road of life” twists and turns.
Persevere! Never give up! God forgives! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
The Love of Jesus intercedes for us with the Father when we fail. The Holy Spirit helps us in our needs.
“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit…” (Romans 8:25-27a)
God’s will is for us to be winners in life, trusting Him through the earthly troubles and trials. Jesus’ suffering not only opened the door to
forgiveness, but also to abundant living, and eternal life.
“…If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all- how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?...in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us…” (Romans 8)
At times, that cold, windy country road looks impossible, but a winner knows that “…with God, everything is possible!” (Matthew 19:26)
Knowing that we are God’s children assures us of “making it to the corner” and then of going HOME to our Father’s arms.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome…because the One Who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Faith Messenger
Permit #695 Periodical Paid at Corpus Christi, Texas
Published monthly, except July and August. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187
905-909 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, Texas 78405 ***********************
L.Y. Janes, Founder (deceased); Steve Beletic, President; Israel Hernandez, Vice-President; William Anderson, 2nd Vice-President; Diana Beletic, Secretary/Treasurer; Una Collins, Asst. Sec./Treas.
This periodical is issued without charge in the name of the Lord Jesus to help inspire child-like faith and maintain Christ-like simplicity among the people of God. To send donations or for your FREE SUBSCRIPTION, write to the address above or contact Christian Triumph Co. at [email protected]. Or see us on the web at christiantriumphcompany.com
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NEW FEATURE
Just Who Are the Christian Triumph Workers?
Una Nolavyn Collins
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
Granddaughter of Founders -Rev. L.Y. and Una Janes Daughter of Noel and Evelyn Janes
Anderson.
(A Personal Profile by Una Anderson
Collins)
At present I attend Shareholder and Board meetings by telephone conferencing and am available for questions and advice. If needed, I would more actively assist with the Secretary/ Treasurer duties; however, at present, Diana (Hernandez) Beletic is doing a very capable job. The missionary work benefits from the enthusiasm and talents of younger adults. Brother Israel Hernandez (Vice President and Pastor of the Church), Diana (his daughter who is Secretary/Treasurer), and Steve Beletic (President and husband of Diana) have all proven throughout the many years to be good soldiers of Christ. They are very faithful and careful to do things God's way. Formerly, I have written some articles for the Faith Messenger and hope to do more again soon. I see Christian Triumph growing and improving after some difficult years. God is blessing, and His work is going forward which I am sure would make my grandparents, L.Y. & Una Janes, very pleased.
At present, I am working full time, and my husband, Sam, and I are deeply involved in the little struggling church which we attend on Andros in the Bahamas. Earlier last year (2005), our pastor suffered a stroke and experienced bleeding in the brain stem. He was not expected to live, and even if he did, the doctors believed he would be unable to function. However, the Lord had other plans for him! Although he is not the strong person as before, he is still alive and getting better every day. Our church is presently without a building, but we do have property on which to construct one. Late in December, we met two men who discussed erecting a church for us with no major expense. This - with the assistance of another group who donated some funds - will make it possible for us to again have a church in which to worship but is also our own. We can only thank God for the marvelous way He provides and works things out for us. It also proves that God is still performing Miracles throughout the United States and the World.
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(Editor’s note: Una Nolavyn spent many dedicated hours working with her Grandfather Janes. Early on, she became an efficient, vital part of Christian Triumph Ministry.)
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From: A. Didier, Ghana
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the Saints…for this reason we also do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will…we also know that God will bless us abundantly through the gift you have send to us…with this reason, we are also thanking you for if you want to help us more in all activities in preaching the Word of God to people…as we labour together..for the Kingdom.
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The Spanish Bible Institute
2006
Pictured is Pastor Israel Hernandez, the Director of the Spanish Correspondence Bible Institute. To his right is Elena, his sister, who shares in this ministry as a teacher and assistant to the Director. To Israel’s left is Vitalina, his wife whose constant faithfulness and loyalty to him and to Christian Triumph are outstanding! To Elena’s right is Diana, Secretary-Treasurer and Office Manager of Christian Triumph Ministry. Along with her many duties, she assists in areas such as the Spanish Bible Institute. This correspondence course now has over 200 Spanish speaking students – enrolled from South America, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.A. Prisoners in America who speak Spanish have been writing to ask for these Bible lessons as well.
To undertake and complete the course, a student needs to read and understand five different books. Questions are sent after each book for the student to answer and return for assessment by the Christian Triumph teachers. Each book costs between $2.00 and $5.00, depending upon their availability. Diana responsibly searches to find the least expensive prices. Postage is required for all these activities; book rate is used except for sending the questions.
After completing the lessons, a student is congratulated and mailed a very professional certificate. These diplomas can then be used by the students to apply for ministerial positions in their country. This Bible Correspondence Course has long been a vital part of Christian Triumph ministry and continues with a new enthusiastic appeal to
Spanish-speaking persons seeking Bible study and a closer relationship with God.
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RADIO MINISTRY
The Christian Triumph radio ministry is still going strong. Pastor Israel faithfully preaches the Word of God every Saturday.
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BOOK
The book, GOD Almighty! HIS WORD for
Christians, Jews, and Moslems, may be purchased through Christian Triumph Company – ADDRESS: PO Box 5187, Corpus Christi, Texas 78405-1799.
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Dear Friends,
I appreciate all the good work you are doing and the
good Faith Messengers you have been sending to me.
Sincerely, M. Doty
* Sunday school materials were sent by our friends from: -Community Church of God, KS. -A. Farley, VA.
* Greetings to all at Christian Triumph, I wish you a very happy and blessed 2006. Today I enjoyed reading the year’s first issue of the Faith Messenger, El Mensajero. Your faithful efforts in the work to further the precious gospel of Christ continues to bless. I encourage you in this work; my prayers are with you. Yours in Christ’s love, E. Borjas (missionary work is rewarding and blessed are those found faithful and obedient.)
NEW AUTHOR
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ANSWER TO PRAYER By Anita
“His Eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me!”
My husband, our foster children, and I were heading to California on a long trip to visit my brother. Before we left, I made the effort to take our car to a garage, asking that everything be checked that might cause problems. Not too far into our journey, the car began to sputter and choke up. Yet we traveled on, hoping to arrive in a larger city that would have an auto repair business. All of a sudden, the sputtering stopped; but just as sudden, it began again. Finally, the car slowed, and the engine quit. There was no power steering or power brakes, but my husband managed to guide the car to the side of the road. In a matter of seconds, he anxiously turned on the key, and, pronto, the car started just like new! It was impossible to understand what was causing the difficulty. Driving on, we finally came to a freeway as night was drawing near. Surely, my brother would be concerned if we did not arrive on time. Fear began to increase and my thoughts ran wild. What if gets dark? What if our car quits where there are
no lights? What if there is no place to get off the
freeway?
To add to our apprehension, we had to turn onto a narrow mountain road with dangerous curves. Time was of the essence, and I cannot recount the prayers that I prayed. Please, Lord, just give us a place to pull off of the road and park for
the night. I am not even asking that we reach our
destination; just give us a safe place to get out of
this traffic until daylight. Please, Lord.
Suddenly an old abandoned service station appeared. It had plenty of room to park and even a telephone booth. THANK YOU, Lord! I will never complain again.
Dialing the Operator, I asked her to ring my brother and then please stay on the line until he answered.
“Hello, where are you?” asked my brother, Frank. After describing our surroundings, I listened intently to his comforting words of assurance.
“Don’t worry, Sis. You are near the Ranger Station, and I’ll be there to get you before long.” Fortunately, Frank soon came, and then he followed us as we drove back down the dark mountain road. The next few miles went well except for a little sputter as we went over the freeway ramp. Thank you, Lord. You are so good! Before leaving California, we tried to find out what was wrong with the car. Although efforts were made, the answer eluded all those who examined it. We fearfully wondered if it would continue to cause trouble on our long trip home.
Indeed the problem remained, and, at least, once a day, there would be a sputter. Yet we arrived safely back home in Indiana. Thank you, Lord. Later, in the same original repair shop, the mechanic took off the gas tank and cleaned it but nothing changed. With the car’s motor running, our mechanic was soon joined by other mechanics looking and listening. Abruptly, one of the men slammed down the hood. Immediately, the motor stopped! In doing so, the puzzle was finally solved. They discovered that a wire to the starter was loose. It had been just tight enough to start the car but would shake loose with only a small amount of vibration. At last, we were able to venture out again and feel reasonably safe. Afterward, when I looked at the map and found “Bells Station” on that winding mountain road near Los Gatos, California, my heart thanked God for keeping His eye on us. I am constantly reminded that we serve an Awesome God for which I am very thankful! Did I keep my promise to never complain again? I am sorry, Lord; the human side of me has complained again too many times. Forgive me,
Dear Lord.
+ (Editor’s note: Want to reread an article, but, oops, threw away the paper? No worries…go the web site, www.christiantriumphcompany.com. And click on Publications. Find the desired month, click, and reread the Faith Messenger.)
A LOOK AT THE BOOK OF MATTHEW
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2006
INTRODUCTION
AMAZING GRACE Who was MATTHEW?
This man named Matthew, chosen by God to preserve the words and actions of Jesus, was no other than a hated tax collector, labeled a “traitor” by his own people. Matthew’s occupation was extracting money from his countrymen to give to the Oppressors. Even at his home, there were found other tax gatherers and persons labeled as “sinners”. (Matthew 9:10)
As such, Matthew and his friends were expelled from the Temple and grouped together by the religious society as “evildoers.” But God had other plans for Matthew. Into the midst of his dark world came a Light, so Brilliant and Divine, that two spoken words changed everything. This marvelous Person named “Jesus” looked deeply into the eyes of this disreputable man named Matthew and offered a timeless invitation, “Follow Me.”
Redemption had begun. Perhaps, like Matthew, many of us have been caught in a world filled with disgrace and indignity. We may have felt beyond the reach of God’s approval, but this sense of despair is the very reason that Jesus came to this Earth.
The book of Matthew proves that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah (God in human flesh – come to redeem and give us eternal life.) Just as in Matthew’s time, God is offering a simple invitation, “Follow Me.” Regardless of the past, the call is current and sincere. Every person is royally invited to receive this priceless gift of a new life.
“Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound!
That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost,
But now am found; Was blind,
But now I see.” -John Newton
THE FIRST CHAPTER OF MATTHEW
The lineage of the King – Matthew 1:1-17
In the first 16 verses, Matthew explains that Jesus’ earthly pedigree is of royal ancestry. Although conception came from the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ earthly line came from the lineage of one of the greatest Kings in history, David. Thus, as nobility and as the Divine “Son of God”, Jesus had and still has all authority in establishing the eternal “Kingdom of God.” (What is the “Kingdom of God?”)
The Kingdom of God Is a spiritual dimension,
Established by the blood of Jesus. Those who believe in Him
Become Citizens of this Kingdom, And are given the Gift of eternal life.
Other scriptures describe the Kingdom as such:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven but only he who does the will of my Father Who is in Heaven.”(Matt. 7:21)
In Matthew’s impressive genealogy, he includes the names of four women who would normally have never been added to such a lineage. Historically, women were denied legal rights and were considered as possessions. More amazingly are the particular women who were chosen by Matthew. Verse Three indicates that Jesus’ royal line included Tamar who seduced her father-in-law, thus committing adultery. Verse Five adds Rahab, a harlot of Jericho and then Ruth, a woman of Moab which was a hated, alien nation. Verse Six names the “widow of Uriah”, Bathsheba, to the noble ancestry. (The story is told in 2 Samuel 11 and 12 of King David seducing her while her husband was fighting to defend his country. In a merciless moment, David also arranged for Uriah to be murdered.)
TAKE HEART!
MATTHEW IS MAKING A POINT!
Through this interesting genealogy, a great and wonderful truth appears: the Good News of the Gospel is for all persons. Each one is of immeasurable value to God, and no limits must be set on His redeeming power. As well, the barriers separating one human being from another have been
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broken. Men, women, and children are equal in God’s sight! We are all made for greatness.
This is the heart of the Gospel! God loves, forgives, and empowers any person who will receive Him.
THE LOVE OF GOD
“The love of God is greater far, Than tongue or pen can ever tell, It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell…” -F. M. Lehman
--
Matthew 1:18-24
God the Savior is with us!
To simplify Joseph and Mary’s relationship, we leave our year of 2006 and return to their historical setting. In Matthew’s account, we read - Joseph is very disturbed when hearing that Mary is
going to have a baby; in fact, he intends to divorce
her. Evidently, the couple has been engaged for
some time, perhaps, even as children, through a
parental arrangement.
Now - these years of engagement have
emerged into a one year betrothal. (Once entered
into this stage, the contract can only be terminated
by divorce.) It is at this moment that Joseph begins
making plans to secretly put Mary away because
she has been “found with child”.
However, this good man’s decision is
clearly in opposition to the will of God. An angel is
sent to redirect his thoughts and actions. In a
dream, Joseph is told to take Mary home as his wife
because her baby has been formed by God the Holy
Spirit.
We read in Genesis that God created the Heavens and the Earth through the power of His Holy Spirit; and once again, through the Spirit’s power, a new Genesis (the Kingdom of God) is created – through the conception, birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, God the Son.
The Angel’s voice continues. “She
will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the
name Jesus because He will save His people from
their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
The Year is 2006: Study books explain that the name Jesus is a Greek form of the name Joshua which means Jehovah is salvation or the Lord saves. Indeed Jesus is born as King, but more so, He has come to be the Savior of our souls. In his 22nd and 23rd verses, Matthew proves that prophecy is finally fulfilled. “God is with us!” In returning to the dream, we find that
Joseph is awake and ready to do the will of God.
He brings Mary home to be his wife but protects her
innocence until she gives birth to a son. Joseph
gives this Divine Baby Boy the Name of “Jesus”. The Baby Jesus’ birth answers our questions and fulfills our hopes for now we see what God is like. With humble gratitude, we, too, witness the immeasurable love and compassion that our God has for every person. The Light of truth penetrates the darkness of our hearts. We see ourselves for who we are, and yet discover there is better way. Our souls respond to the great Love of a Savior - come to experience this world’s sorrows so that He might share in our suffering. His perfect life was created that He might be our “merciful and faithful high priest and that He might make atonement for our sins.” (Hebrews 2:17, 18)
Those two words that Matthew, the tax collector, heard continue to echo throughout the ages, “Follow Me.”
As he arose, left his hopeless past, and began following Jesus, Matthew entered into the everlasting “Kingdom of Heaven” and there regained eternal fellowship with God.
