We hear a lot about the 'stolen generation', kidnapped children, the slave trade, etc., but how many people are aware of the greatest theft of human life on the planet? The Word of God reveals spiritual crimes that secretly affect everyone without exception and promises to reveal and restore the losses. JOH 10:10 The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life (through the anointing of the Spirit), and that they might have it more abundantly (with added Godly blessing). Jesus reveals the true reason behind his time on earth. The real battle is not about individual crimes against humanity, but the universal battle for the souls, hearts and minds of every living person. He also reveals who is causing the trouble and how the problems can be overcome. Satan wants to remove you from the battle... to steal your time, efforts and abilities to build and reveal a true, spiritually based life.

Those who grow to be strong in the Lord, often coping with conflicts, doubts, fears and oppression: do so for a very good reason. A love of scriptural truth and a love of God’s people, gives the best opportunities to enjoy blessings, miracles and success. The pressures of life, family and friends, can work against these truths. However, those who will grow strong, remain steadfast in God’s word and its application.

Fellowship is essential for all Christians, because God's church depends on our involvement to overcome the limits of human weakness. True Christian fellowship, brings to reality the best possible results in our lives. Without balanced and faithful fellowship, personal growth is hindered, God's word is tarnished and many lives are lost to sin. It can seem to be easier to do things on our own… no responsibility to anyone else, no need to get involved in inconvenient duties or the failings of others, etc. Nowhere in the Gospels did Jesus ever hint that church members should be self seeking, or self justifying. In fact we are strongly reminded, that a church will never grow to its full capacity, if there is not a love for fellowship. The word 'fellowship' is translated from the Greek word, 'koinonia,' meaning... community, communion, joint participation.

In the absence of the big picture, all bible stories and parables can appear to be isolated events that relate to our ongoing needs and aspirations. We may be surprised to discover, that the bible is not a book defining our right to be happy and blessed. Rather, it is a book of history and prophecy that reveals the need to serve and obey God; should any hope of living be of value to us. The reality of living rests on two forces battling for supremacy of life values. On one side is God's word, his power and his revelations. On the other side, is ego driven delusions of superiority, where humans believe they know more than God. They defy or ignore the track record of continuous human failures, even death itself. Jesus revealed the power that would deliver people from death... the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the need to follow its directions in all matters of living and worship. Historically, we are very near the return of Jesus Christ and these notes address the scriptural record relating to this matter.

Some people are dubious about a God that is not limited by space or time, nor any natural laws. However, the working knowledge of this truth, offers us amazing possibilities. Can you imagine the benefit of knowing the future before it happens, likewise, knowing the thoughts and actions of your enemies and knowing how to access the power to change things that threaten or intimidate us. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we also receive access to the supernatural power that Jesus exercised. JOH 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. This is a very precise revelation that the power that potentially is able to work in us, is also not bound by space or time, or any natural boundaries whatsoever. Jesus is equally alive in the past as he is in the future... thus he is the perfect helper for every situation.

Many of our educators would have us believe that our lives and reason for living, is due to nothing more than accidental and meaningless chance. Our birth is a fortunate coincidence and our death returns us to the void of nothingness. Thankfully, there is another side to the human story, which our modern world prefers to avoid. Your life does have meaning and there is a very good reason for your existence. The most popular book on earth... the Bible... reveals much of what the self proclaimed experts, deny, or choose to ignore.

Whether rich or poor, sick or healthy, young or old; the peoples of this world have no lasting control over the things that they value the most. The first reality is, that their much loved family members have/will all pass away. Secondly, many of their relationships will fail, often multiply and their own children will only last a limited time before they also perish. Meanwhile, they are subject to erratic political changes, their jobs are at the mercy of economic factors beyond their control and their health faces unknown risks. This world is becoming less stable by the minute and real risk factors are increasingly moving beyond human control in almost all areas of life... war is looming everywhere. As dedicated Christians, our future is viewed very differently from the rest of the world. The Holy Spirit has given us options and guarantees beyond the imagination of humanity. Here is a brief overview of what serving God has given us... with all its benefits.

There is a built in mechanism within all men, which drives them to seek for the betterment of their circumstances and quality of life. This begins at birth and motivates the newly born to their first steps, first words, first day at school, etc. Similarly, those who are born again are equally equipped with the desire to seek betterment and perfection, but the difference is that this time, they already have a more mature mind and often have very little natural skills to look to bettering. This necessitates a need for strong disciplines in the spiritual arena to prevent a stunted Christian life. Just as no parent wants to see their children under achieve, neither does God want us to fall short of our basic abilities and blessings.

Trials are good for us, but we understandably, still prefer the concept of blessing and receiving. When trouble strikes we all know how to pray and be diligent, but it is during the good times that our survival is determined... not during the bad. Far too much comfort with so little genuine needs, leaves many church members struggling to live up to their achievable potential... many are like huge trees that have never faced the reality of drought or wind... when tested they quickly wither and risk perishing. This world will fail, because those with the blessing will forget the source of their comfort and instead of giving thanks to God, they will break down the very structure and values that brought them their blessing in the first place.

As humans we all need a level of fitness and expertise to survive life's demands. Those who participate at an elite level, do so to excel in their field. In simple terms, if you want to win the prize, then you have to make the effort to be fit enough to be viable. The Olympic games are a perfect example of such a challenge. The marathon tends to encapsulate the best of the efforts that an elite athlete can make... it is the ultimate medal to win. Like the marathon, we are also preparing ourselves for the greatest event in the history of the human race... the return of Jesus Christ. A level of spiritual fitness and expertise is crucial.