During the summer at
SBC we run a campaign entitled ‘Operation Mustard Seed’, with the purpose of
attempting to engage everyone in missions, both locally and globally. We aim to
do this in three ways; giving, going and growing. We believe that everyone can
be involved in some way in the mission of the people of God and the work of
reaching our world with the Gospel. Whether that is giving your time, energy
and resources to support the amazing work already taking place, or going out
into the community to support those in need, or simply by growing in your
understanding of the issues and challenges our current world faces, everyone
can do something. We encourage and promote these opportunities in various
different ways, but in order to help us focus and unite on a particular issue
we have a different theme for each year.
In 2014 that theme is
‘Sowing in Prayer … Reaping a Harvest’.
Imagine the impact
that could be had if everyone connected with SBC focused on praying together
this summer? Prayer is not an ‘easy way out’ when it comes to the work of
mission; it has a vital and significant role to play.
At various times
during our Sunday Morning Celebrations through the summer we will have an
opportunity to pray for the fantastic work going on across our world, but our
particular focus this summer is going to be praying for our very own
communities.
We have divided the
Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire area into 8 key zones and are committing to
prayer walks in each of them. These will be an opportunity for us to gather
together and sow significant faith-filled prayers into our neighbourhoods,
believing that we serve a God who can transform lives.
Each zone may
approach the prayer walks different, and they will likely all have unique
elements and focuses, but we are really hoping that God will break our hearts
again for the places in which we live, and that as a result of our obedience
and our faith we will begin to see a harvest for His kingdom right here in
Scunthorpe & North Lincolnshire.
If you have any
questions and want to know more please contact Tom MacDonald (tom@scunthorpebaptist.co.uk)
Let’s
get sowing!
INTERCESSION? BY STEVE FINNELL
ReplyDeleteQuestion. Can dead Christians intercede for Christians who are living? Is it possible for deceased Popes, the Virgin Mary, and other dead saints to hear prayers and intercede for men who are alive?
THE FOLLOWING QUOTE IS FROM THE "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA" NEW ADVENT. SEE: Intercession.
Prayer is offered to a person in two ways: one as though to be granted by himself, another as to be obtained through him. In the first way we prayto God alone, because all our prayers ought to be directed to obtaining grace and glory which God alone gives, according to those words of thePsalm (lxxxiii, 12): 'The Lord will give grace and glory.' But in the second way we pray to the holy angels and to men not that God may learn ourpetition through them, but that by their prayers and merits our prayers may be efficacious. Wherefore it is said in the Apocalypse (viii, 4): 'And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel' (Summ. Theol., II-II, Q. lxxxiii, a. 4).
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There are no Scriptures that instruct men to pray to men, dead or alive. Where in Bible does it say pray to angels? There is no verse in the Bible that would indicate that dead Christians can hear our prayers. Even if they could hear our prayers there is no Scripture that states they could intercede between us and God. There is no Scripture that says dead men can be an advocate for us to God the Father.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (NKJV)
JESUS THE CHRIST
Romans 8:34 Who is he condemns? It is Christ who died, and futhermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercessions for us. (NKJV)
Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit make intercessions for Christians.
Can Christians who are alive pray for other living Christians, of course they can and should. Praying, for, is not the same as praying to someone.
Christians should not pray "to" other Christians. That would be worship. Men are to worship Jehovah God alone.
Praying to dead Popes, the Virgin Mary and other dead saints is worship. God is a jealous God.
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