This shocking story is repeated in many repressive countries where AWR broadcasts. Some details may sound familiar but each person is distinct and precious in God’s heart. I received her story [name withheld] the other day from a pastor working in an unnamed location. You’ll soon see why I have so few details. I am sharing this story with the request that it not be utilized in any way that may jeopardize the safety of our believers in these places. I know you will understand.

The Letter:

One Friday evening, I found an unfamiliar face in my church. Her tanned face was like that of an athlete in her early 30s. “Who is she?” I softly welcomed her and led the vespers service.

After worship, the woman silently sat in the vacant church—as if she is waiting for someone. “Well,” I pondered… “She might have something to talk about.” I walked up to her and broke into her silence.

“I escaped North Korea.” She said quietly. With a troubled look, she continued talking, “I am so sorry, but could you do me a favor?”

“How can I help you?” I responded.

An awkward silence hung between us for some time. She said in a low voice. “I know there is prejudice against North Korean refugees.” I was surprised and supposed that she would ask for a safe shelter where she could hide, money to move, or a way to defect to South Korea. But she said, “I want to be baptized. This is the only thing I want to ask of you. Please give me baptism.”

I responded, “I cannot give you baptism without preparation. Do you know what it means to accept Christ and be baptized?”

“Yes,” she said. “While hiding out I learned about the Lord through daily radio broadcasts.”

She continued her surprising story: When she escaped North Korea she met a goodhearted Chinese family, and stayed in hiding with them for several years. But life was hard because they did not speak Korean and she was constantly afraid of being arrested.

One day, while flipping channels on the radio, she heard a Korean language broadcast. The radio program was the Voice of Hope from Adventist World Radio. At first, she couldn’t understand the concepts of Christianity. But the program became the real hope of her life—a life that was full of hardship and loneliness. She began to listen every morning and evening—finally accepting Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.

“This is the last chance for me,” she said. “I must try to get to the South.

“Even if I am arrested, I want to die in faith. I’ve been led by God’s grace and it was not an easy way. So, please let me get baptized.”

What pastor could reject such a desperate request? So I asked her to stay one more week for Bible studies. She postponed her schedule to leave and started studying the Bible. Her concentration was incredible. I’ve never seen a person like her stand before God with such a thirsty soul. We could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. After the week, we had a secret baptismal ceremony.

We locked all the doors and windows and began to praise the Lord with lowered voices and tears of joy. In the small bathroom of the worship place, I put her into the bathtub. Although the ceremony was humble, I believe that it truly delighted God.

Then, she left to seek her freedom—the church members and I eagerly praying for her safety.

Just before crossing the border of China, I received a phone call from her—her voice full of hope. Her words still ring in my ears. “I safely arrived at the border. Please pray for me. Tonight is the time. I will call you later in South Korea.”

I wondered, “Will it be possible for her to climb over eight wire fences to cross the desert of death?” I was filled with regret. I should have stopped her but the only thing I could do was to pray.

Several months later, a guide who led her to the border called me and told me the devastating story. That evening she was caught by police while jumping over several fences. She was taken to North Korea and executed. I stood frozen, so surprised I couldn’t move.

The memory of her baptism came vividly to mind. Tears of joy had flowed from her eyes and down her cheeks. I remembered her crying out, “I want to die in faith.”

Maybe she had a premonition of her future, I don’t know. But I know we will meet her on that day of Christ’s second coming.”

She is now asleep in Jesus, but praise God, she experienced His love and will join Him in the clouds when He returns. Yes, because of compassionate supporters like you, AWR is able to broadcast the message of hope over closed borders and past guards who are willing to kill all who attempt escape.

As many of us sit securely in a nation of many freedoms, it’s almost impossible to imagine the hardships and suffering the people of some countries face at this very moment.

The people of North Korea are dying without Christ—without any hope, but your financial gifts can change that! Your partnership with AWR will bring hope and eternal life to many people. One hour of broadcasting which will blanket all of North Korea is only $115. A full week of broadcasts is just $1,619 and you can sponsor an entire month for slightly over $7000.

Remember: AWR goes where missionaries cannot go!

In His Service,
Dowell Chow
President AWR ( Adventist World Radio )

Ingredients

Makes about 4 servings

For the tofu paneer:
1 16-ounce block firm tofu
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or ginger paste
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon garam masala
salt, to taste

For the palak:
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 tomatoes, chopped
salt, to taste
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 bunches fresh spinach, chopped roughly and boiled in about 1/4 cup water until tender, or 1 16-ounce bag frozen spinach (approximately 4 cups steamed)
1/3 cup plain soy yogurt or other plant-based yogurt

Directions

To prepare the tofu, place it in a flat colander (or plate) with a weight on top for at least half an hour, or preferably overnight, keeping it in the refrigerator. One can also use a tofu press to prepare it. Ensure all the water is drained and the tofu is suitable to marinate. Cut tofu into cubes or roughly one-inch squares.

While tofu is being pressed, mix together ginger, lemon or lime juice, garam masala, and salt in a bowl adding water to the mixture if it’s too thick.

Put the tofu cubes in the freshly prepared marinade in a baking pan and let it stand about 30 minutes to an hour, turning it a couple of times to make sure all the surfaces absorb the marinade.

Bake tofu for about 20 minutes at 300 F.

While tofu is cooking, heat a large sauté pan and dry roast cumin, coriander, chili powder or crushed red pepper, and turmeric over low heat, otherwise the spices will burn. Add ginger and tomatoes with any liquid from the tomatoes. Cook mixture over medium heat until the juice from the tomatoes is almost evaporated, and the tomatoes are cooked.

Separately, in a large sauté pan add a little salt to the chopped onion and “fry” it in its own juice. Add steamed spinach. Add tomato and spice mixture and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to absorb the water. Then add plant-based yogurt, mixing thoroughly. Add tofu cubes and cook until warmed through.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/4 recipe):

calories: 144; fat: 5.9 g; saturated fat: 1.1 g; calories from fat: 34.5%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 14.8 g; carbohydrate: 12.9 g; sugar: 4.8 g; fiber: 5.3 g; sodium: 420 mg: calcium: 466 mg; iron: 8.2 mg; vitamin C: 32 mg; beta-carotene: 8945 mcg; vitamin E: 3.4 mg

Brown Basmati Rice

Ingredients

Makes 3 servings

1 cup dry brown basmati rice
2 cardamom pods
salt, to taste
1 whole clove (optional)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions

Place rice in 2 cups water for 1 to 2 hours. The soaking is not necessary but helps to reduce the time of cooking, and the rice will be nice and fluffy.

In a medium saucepan, roast cardamom pods (and clove and cinnamon, if using) over low heat until an aroma arises. Add soaked rice with soaking water and a bit of salt to the pan. Cook over low heat until rice is tender. Alternately you can cook this in a rice cooker.

Tip: Make sure the rice is cooked according to personal preference before turning down the heat. If reheating is needed, add additional water as necessary.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/3 recipe):

calories: 223; fat: 1.1 g; saturated fat: 0.2 g; calories from fat: 4%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 4.6 g; carbohydrate: 48.5 g; sugar: 0.4 g; fiber: 3.6 g; sodium: 153 mg: calcium: 16 mg; iron: 0.8 mg; vitamin C: 0 mg; beta-carotene: 0 mcg; vitamin E: 0.1 mg

Recipes by Nandita Shah

Qualifications
* I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
* I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
* The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background
* I’ve only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
* I’ve never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
* My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences
* Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
* I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
* Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background
* I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and     understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
* In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
* My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
* I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments  
I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
* I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
* I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
* I’ve miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
* There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here.
You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot – the BIBLE. You don’t need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References
* Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.  In Summation Now that you’ve read my resume, I’m confident that I’m the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart.
In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start?
Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15)

Ingredients

Makes about 6 servings

4 cups water
1 cup dry short-grain brown rice
1 cup dry hulled or pearl barley
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Bring water to a boil, then add rice, barley, and salt. Reduce heat to a simmer, then cover and cook until grains are tender and all the water is absorbed, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1 cup):

calories: 261; fat: 1.4 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 4.9%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 6.8 g; carbohydrates: 56 g; sugar: 0.9 g; fiber: 9.9 g; sodium: 403 mg; calcium: 24 mg; iron: 1.5 mg; vitamin C: 0 mg; beta-carotene: 5 mcg; vitamin E: 0 mg

The disciples were given the Great Commission by Jesus in Mark 16:15-16:

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Christ told his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel and have a concern for all people. Jesus wants all to be saved.

The disciples clung to the commission that Jesus just gave them. In the Book of Acts 1:4-8, when the Holy Spirit comes on people, the people have power. If we call ourselves Christians and we do not have power in our lives, then we are missing the boat. Jesus said these things to His disciples because He loved them and wanted them to experience power in their lives.

Did the disciples experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Yes, they did. On the day of Pentecost, the Christian believers received the Holy Spirit power and Jesus was being coronated in the Sanctuary in heaven.

We may not feel comfortable with receiving the Holy Spirit. We may have fear. God doesn’t want us to be fearful. He wants us to have power in our lives and be a powerful Christian witness so that we can go with the Great Commission of spreading the Gospel.

Acts 9:31
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

The disciples had power through the Holy Spirit and the Christian church began growing rapidly. What does it mean to be edified? The disciples were willing to recognize their sinful, helpless, hopeless life. They realized without Jesus they were nothing. The disciples were willing to walk in the fear of the Lord.

What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord? People may think do I have to be afraid? No, it means to Love, Honor, and Respect the Lord! The disciples were so passionate about Him, that their hearts were fully surrendered to Christ. The disciples honored God by the way they lived. They were not afraid of what others might think of them. It is easy to go to church and believe what everyone at church believes. When we are out in the community, we should not worry about the reaction from people that are not Christians. We should not be ashamed or scared to advance the Gospel.

We should stand up for who we are in our workplace, with our friends, our relatives. Are we worried about what others may think about us? Do the relatives think I lost my mind?

Pastor Korter remembers when he was a child his father was a police officer in New Orleans. His father had to make a choice do I do what is right or what is expected of him. His father knew he had to do what is right, and stand for the Lord Jesus. He did not worry about what others thought of him. Policemen and firemen are in a select group of people. And if you are not in their group, you are an outsider. Pastor Korter’s father was required to go to training on Sabbath. His father decided that Jesus came first and did not go to training exercises on Sabbath. He chose to stand up for Jesus and the Ten Commandments.

The disciples experienced walked in the fear of the Lord-honoring, loving, and respecting Jesus so they did not care what others said or did. The result was the disciples walked in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will walk with you and give you power and strength. We should do the same-put Jesus first and we also will have the Holy Spirit and Jesus with us.

When we stand for Jesus, He will take care of all our needs. We may get our wants mixed up with our needs. Jesus has stated He will take care of our needs. Is Jesus the most important thing in our lives? When we live this way with Jesus first, we are a powerful witness to others.

Here are some statistics from the times of the disciples. The Roman Empire population was between 180 and 200 million. The percentage of Christians to the world population was too small to calculate. There would have been one Christian to every 1.5 – 2 million people. Today we have 1 Adventist Christian to every 422 people in the world. The task of the disciples was much more immense than ours is today.

The disciples did not have technology, satellite television, publishing house, world wide education system, world wide hospital system or social media. There was no Facebook, Twitter, or the Internet. But the early church during the time of the disciples grew between 15-20 thousand in just 8 weeks. Do you see how nothing is impossible with God?

The New Testament church began and grew so fast that a Roman writer said you Christians are everywhere. Every part of Roman society had believers. They served in the Roman military, in the Senate, in the schools, and in every aspect of Roman society. Ninety years later in 200 AD, Tertulian was a powerful Roman lawyer. He became a Christian. He wrote a letter to the Roman emperor. He boasted that almost all of the citizens of all the cities are now Christians.

In Acts 10, when Cornelius was converted, the door opened to tens of thousands to be converted to Christianity. The churches were edified and they multiplied.

Genuine revival builds up and edifies Christ. It leads to evangelistic outreach. There is no genuine revival without a corresponding evangelistic outreach. Revival without witnessing is either self-righteous or spiritual complacency.

Jesus said in the Book of Revelation. The last church was the church of Laodicea. Jesus said I would rather you be hot or cold but you are lukewarm. God is calling for you today to be a church on fire for Jesus, on fire for the Gospel. When we go outside these doors is when we need to be passionate to share Jesus with others and witness to people.

Acts of the Apostles, page 593.

The Church Triumphant

More than eighteen centuries have passed since the apostles rested from their labors, but the history of their toils and sacrifices for Christ’s sake is still among the most precious treasures of the church. This history, written under the direction of the Holy Spirit, was recorded in order that by it the followers of Christ in every age might be impelled to greater zeal and earnestness in the cause of the Saviour.

The commission that Christ gave to the disciples, they fulfilled. As these messengers of the cross went forth to proclaim the gospel, there was such a revelation of the glory of God as had never before been witnessed by mortal man. By the co-operation of the divine Spirit, the apostles did a work that shook the world. To every nation was the gospel carried in a single generation.

Jesus came on time. The Holy Spirit came on time, The Latter Rain is coming on time. We can take His Great Commission and cooperate with Him. The Christian church went from 120 members to millions without the resources we have today.

Great Controversy page 611

The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third angel’s message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of world-wide extent and unwonted power is here foretold. The advent movement of 1840-44 was a glorious manifestation of the power of God; the first angel’s message was carried to every missionary station in the world, and in some countries there was the greatest religious interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation of the sixteenth century; but these are to be exceeded by the mighty movement under the last warning of the third angel.

The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the “former rain” was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause
the upspringing of the precious seed, so the “latter rain” will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest. “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

When Napoleon took his armies into Egypt in 1799, he said: “Soldiers 40 centuries have passed and God is looking down today”. If God is looking down on you today from heaven, is there anything in your life that you need to get rid of? Are you going to be ready when Jesus comes?

Say to the Lord this morning: “Lord, I want to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit like the disciples received at Pentecost. I want to experience being a partner with you. Come into my heart now and hear my confession and repentance. Take my heart now Jesus”.

This was the sermon given on Sabbath, 1 October 2011 at Bellingham, Washington Seventh-day Adventist church by Pastor Brandon Korter.

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America . If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation.      If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along.    Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.    Please forward this to your praying friends.  

Can we put off our relationship with God to the last minute? Look in Matthew 25 and you will see a powerful parable about being prepared.

Matthew 25:1-6
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’

Do we believe that there is a cry that will go out? There are 21 of Jesus parables in Matthew and 14 of them refer to the Kingdom of God or the church. Jesus is very concerned about the spiritual condition of His people. Jesus is addressing His people-His church.

Notice in this parable Jesus is speaking about the ten virgins waiting for Jesus soon return. In the Bible, a woman represents the church. Jesus is speaking directly to the church. The number 10 is the smallest number of men to comprise a synagogue.

Notice in verse 2 how 5 of the virgins were wise and 5 were foolish. Jesus doesn’t make a distinction between the loyal or disloyal, the obedient or disobedient. Jesus points out that all 10 virgins go out to meet the bridegroom.

All of the virgins were asleep. Are we asleep to the Godless culture around us? God’s people are a people with a message-a people with a mission to share-to share a message of light to a community of darkness.

The message of the Seventh-Day Adventist church is to share Jesus with a dying world. All of the 10 virgins are part of the church. Half of the virgins missed out on the opportunity to spend eternity with Jesus because they were foolish.

In the ancient world, lamps could only hold a certain amount of oil. The lamps all looked the same. Lamps were designed so they could be held in their hands. You could use the lamp in your house or while out walking to see someone. The lamps could only hold so much oil. Wise people not only had the oil in their lamps but also took a small flask of extra oil so they could replenish their lamps when they went out.

The foolish virgins had oil, but they did not have enough oil to add when their oil was used up. The oil represents the Holy Spirit. When the foolish virgins ran out of oil, the bridegroom came. Jesus did not allow the foolish virgins in because they did not have the Holy Spirit.

In the New Testament, oil is used as healing and represents the healing power of the Holy Spirit healing us from our sins. The foolish virgins depended on oil that they had acquired in the past. They made a fatal mistake. They had oil but it was not enough oil. They cried: “Our lamps are going out!” They were not ready for that special day when the bridegroom came.

Are we depending on a religious or spiritual experience once upon a time, or has our experience now slipped away? Are we living in the past? Are we depending on an experience with God that is in the past tense? The foolish virgins did not have enough oil with them. They trusted in their past experience.

Are we in the church in 2011 trusting in our past experience? The foolish virgins neglected to nourish their souls. They are not hypocrites. They have not fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit. The foolish virgins were not developing their relationship with Jesus.

Ezekiel 33:30-32
“As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.’ 31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. 32 Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.

The foolish virgins have a casual knowledge of the church and are not fully prepared. Jesus wants us to get to know him personally. Jesus said perilous times are coming. We need a relationship with the Lord to strengthen us now.

The foolish virgins had the Word of God in their heart. The foolish virgins were informed but not transformed. They were instructed but not changed. Doctrinal correctness does not save. Has the truth that we believe and share with others transformed our lives? The foolish virgins wanted what the wise virgins had. There is plenty supply of God’s love for the entire world.

No one can be spiritual for us. We have to study God’s word and pray to the Father as part of our being wise.

Gospel Workers Page 274
It is not human, but divine power, that works transformation of character. Those who plant and those who water do not cause the growth of the seed; they work under God, as His appointed agencies, co-operating with Him in His work.

A third evil angel said there is no worry.

Do you have struggles now? Jesus is passionate about every single one of us. All of us today are the 10 virgins. We have a choice to be wise virgins or foolish virgins. Is the oil in our lamps running low today? Are we depending on a recipe we made 30 years ago?

Preparation is God calling for people in this last generation. God shares compassionately. When we seek the Lord and acknowledge Him, He calls us to be a wise virgin and not be lost. Jesus is asking us to be a wise virgin. If you are ready, raise up your hand and make sure you are ready for eternal life.

Jesus wants us to have a Joy with Him in heaven. Are you going to be prepared? Will you partner with Jesus?

This sermon was given by Pastor Korter on Sabbath, 17 September 2011 at Bellingham Seventh-day Adventist church.

Prayer is not a privilege. Prayer is an absolute necessity in this life. We need prayer to make it to heaven. How serious are we about getting to heaven? Do you know very many people that say they don’t want to go to heaven?

In New York City, people were interviewed out on the street and asked the question: “Do you want to go to heaven?” When the survey was done not one person said they don’t want to go to heaven. Are we willing to do what is necessary to be there? That is where the reality of our Christian life is revealed.

Jesus is interceding right now in the Most Holy Place. He is interceding right now for people. He is doing ministry on your behalf and my behalf. He is filled with passionate love for you. He loves all mankind. Are we willing to have that kind of love for Jesus? Are we willing to open up and walk with Jesus?

Are we deliberate in seeking Jesus to walk with Him everyday? Jesus understands how hard it is to live in this world. We are here struggling and Jesus is watching what goes on here. Jesus walked on this earth, interacted with people on this earth and ministered to people here. He reached out to the downtrodden and lower classes and healed the sick.

Jesus was tempted here and overcame. The same way He overcame is available for us. He left His Word in the Bible for us to follow. Jesus has the solution to life’s challenges. He has the power and he wants to give it to us so that we can be winners.

John 16:7-10
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more.

General MacArthur stood on the beach in the Philippines during World War II and said to the people: “I will return”. Jesus gave us what we need to be saved and He is coming back to get those that believe in Him.

Daniel 1:8-12
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Daniel made a deliberate choice to not defile himself. He did not take the King’s wine or meats. Daniel was convicted by the Holy Spirit.

John 5:32
There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true.

When the Holy Spirit witnesses us, does He see a true follower of Christ? If there is something going on in our lives that makes us feel uncomfortable, the reason is the Holy Spirit is convicting us every day. He is pleading with us.

There are many Christians today without Joy in their lives? Why is there no Joy in the Christian life? When the convicting power of the Holy Spirit comes, Jesus says He will convict people of sin. Our society doesn’t like being convicted of sin. The devil is waiting to say Jesus is unfair. Jesus wants to save all. He doesn’t want one person to be lost. There are people out in the world saying hell is created for people. Hell is created so the devil and his evil angels can be destroyed at the second coming of Christ.

People will not be in heaven if they reject over and over again the spirit of God. God is patient however accepting the Holy Spirit is very important for people because we never know when we will die.

Pastor Korter visited a man who had not been in church for a few months. The man said the reason he has not been in church is he is looking for people that are genuine in their Christian life. That hurts. People are looking for genuine Christianity. People that are full of Christ’ love is what people are seeking.

God is doing something here in Whatcom County. If you will be willing to give in to the Lord Jesus, you will have a peace and comfort and love that is unimaginable. Are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus? Lay down our personal interests and be involved in the ministry of this church reaching out to the local community is what Jesus is asking us. Jesus said seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and all of our other desires will be fulfilled.

When the Holy Spirit genuinely comes in, we will be willing to sacrifice for Jesus. Turn to Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

When we sacrifice to the Lord and do the work of ministry for Him, he will bless us. There are people who need the Lord Jesus. The first place to start is your own life. Say Lord, I need Jesus, I am helpless without Him. Great things are happening here in Whatcom County. Don’t fight the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Korter heard about a group of 36 children trapped in a classroom that was on fire in Chicago. Flames and smoke had filled the stairway and 36 little faces were glued to the windows. Mark Spencer who lived 2 blocks down the street came running to the school and he shouted to the children: “Break the windows and jump out”. He called to them: “Jump and I will catch you”. He had 35 children jump out into his arms except Mike.

Mike turned and looked at the flames. All of the children were yelling: “Jump Mike!” Mark Spencer yelled: “Jump son!” All of the children were saved except little Mike because Mike would not jump. Mark Spencer was there yelling at his son to jump into his safe and loving arms, and Mike would not jump. The fire department found Mike’s burned body the next morning.

Jesus is pleading with us to jump into his arms. He wants to take us and comfort and protect us. If you will jump into the arms of Jesus, you will make it to the city of God. There are many people here this morning from different backgrounds. There are lost people that need to jump into the arms of Jesus.

If you are willing to partner with the Lord and be convicted by His Holy Spirit, would you please stand.