Friday Reflection – April 30, 2021
The Gospel of Peace

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)Acts 10:36 KJV 
*Background*
Jesus did not come into the world, for some, but for all men: Jews , Gentiles and all nations. It was foretold through the prophet Isaiah ( 9:6-7) and again in Acts chapter 10, we hear Peter proclaiming this same Gospel of peace ( Jesus is Lord of all).
*Application*
 Jesus Christ, by whom peace is made between God and man, is Lord of all. *There are 3 things we should note about this Gospel of peace:*
1.  The Gospel of peace through Jesus Christ advocates for right standing not just with God, but also peace among men ( all nations).
2. The Gospel of peace is the extended grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to ALL people. Not Just ‘Christians’, but to all those who seek a relationship with him. 
3. The Gospel of peace is everlasting. There is no end to this peace that is offered through Jesus Christ. 
*Pronouncement*
May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus. May you be able to stand before God and man as one who is overshadowed by the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. May your mouth speak only the things that will facilitate peace and love. May you never forget or discredit the peace which Jesus offers to all people. Let peace everlasting guide you in the way you are to go. 
Until next week, let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.
Many Blessings,Shaneka Raymore Euphfa

Thursday Reflection – April 29, 2021Jesus our Advocate

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1 NRSV
Good night friends,
We have breaking news. We now go to court in session.
Bailiff: Please rise. The Court of the Heavenly Kingdom, is now in session, the Honorable Judge the Lord God Almighty presiding. 
God: Everyone may be seated.God: Let me remind you that this is a bench trial where I am judge and jury. 
God: Bailiff what is today’s case? 
Bailiff: Your Honour, today’s case is The Kingdom of Heaven versus the person reading or listening this reflection.   
God: Is the prosecution ready? 
Satan: Yes, Your Honour.  
God: Is the defense ready? Jesus: Yes, Your Honor.  
God: Satan can you give us your opening statement. 
Satan: God today I will prove that the person reading this message has sinned against you and is deserving of death. This person has sinned against you not once, not twice but countless times. We know what the scripture says, “For the wages of sin is death” and this sinner before you deserves to die. How can a just God be associated with such a sinful person. 
In 1 John chapter 1 Saint John says that those who have fellowship with him and live in darkness lie and do not have the truth in them. The person reading this has sinned and therefore the truth is not within them, hence they are deserving of death. That is all your honour. Thank you. 
God: Jesus your opening statement. How does your client plead? 
Jesus: My client pleads guilty your honour. Indeed the person reading this has sinned. There is no doubt about that. Indeed the punishment for sin is death. But I want to highlight that my client does not make sinning  a habit as Satan puts it.  If Satan had continued reading into chapter 2 of said 1 John he would have realised that whilst we do not want anyone to sin, however  IF by some moment of weakness they do sin, the person who sins has an advocate in Jesus. 
Your honour Satan is trying to create the picture that this person is deserving of death, but must I remind Satan as advocate I’ve already paid the price for this person’s sin.  Therefore, the sin of the person reading and listening to this reflection is not held against them once they have accepted me in their heart and sincerely confess their sin. 
God: I’ve listened to both arguments and I have decided to dismiss the case against the person reading this Reflection. Once they accepted my son Jesus and confessed their sins, they are free to go. Case dismissed. Court adjourned. 
Friends we have an advocate who makes Intercession for us when we sin. This does not mean we continue sinning because of our advocate but in the event that we do Jesus is there for us. 
Shalom
Christopher Euphfa