Snack for the Soul

The Outcast Encounters the Savior MESSAGE BY PASTOR RATAN Snack for the Soul Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa June 5, 2024 The Samaritans were a mixed race, descended from Israelites who intermarried with Gentiles after the Assyrian conquest. They were looked down upon by the Jews as religious half-breeds and heretics. This Samaritan woman Jesus met faced triple discrimination – for her race, gender, and immoral lifestyle of living with a man who was not her husband.   When Jesus asked her for a drink, she was shocked that a Jewish man would speak to her, a Samaritan woman (John 4:9). But Jesus saw past her outward circumstances to her deep spiritual thirst. He offered her “living water…welling up to eternal life” (John 4:10,14).   Their conversation revealed that though the woman was religiously ignorant, she was spiritually hungry. Jesus exposed her sinful lifestyle, yet treated her with compassion (John 4:16-18). The woman perceived He was a prophet, leading Jesus to reveal He was the long-awaited Messiah (John 4:25-26)!   Jesus broke down racial, gender, and moral barriers to bring this ostracized woman the good news of His salvation. He offered her the “living water” of eternal life as a free gift, not dependent on her works or religious pedigree, but through faith in Him alone.   The woman was so impacted that she left her water pot and became an evangelist, calling others to “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:28-29). Many Samaritans believed in Jesus as “the Savior of the world” because of her testimony (John 4:39,42).   This immoral, outcast woman was transformed by her encounter with the Savior. Like her, when we admit our spiritual bankruptcy and receive Jesus by faith, He forgives our sins and gives us the “living water” of abundant, eternal life.   Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of the “living water” only you can provide. Thank you for pursuing me with your love and offering me salvation as a free gift. I believe you are the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Forgive my sins and come into my life. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may worship you in spirit and truth. Use me to tell others about you. Amen // Recent Post edit post How To De-Stress September 23, 2024 edit post Pray Like Jesus September 22, 2024 edit post Wait for the Lord and not to be put to Shame September 21, 2024 edit post The Lord is my Rock and Fortress and Deliverer September 21, 2024 edit post The Cross Cannot Be Concealed September 21, 2024 edit post Unwavering Faith June 11, 2024 // Categories Snack for the Soul Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries

A Wee Little Man Finds Big Salvation MESSAGE BY PASTOR RATAN Snack for the Soul Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa June 5, 2024 Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector who had gotten rich by defrauding others (Luke 19:2,8). As a chief tax collector, he was a notoriously greedy sinner who exploited his own people for profit. Yet when Jesus came to Jericho, Zacchaeus desperately wanted to see Him, so he climbed a sycamore tree to get a glimpse over the crowds (Luke 19:3-4)   When Jesus saw Zacchaeus’ spiritual hunger, He shockingly invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ home, much to the disdain of the crowd (Luke 19:5-7). This divine encounter transformed Zacchaeus’ life instantly. He repented, saying “I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone, I will pay back four times as much” (Luke 19:8).   Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house…For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:9-10). Though Zacchaeus was a “lost” sinner, when he repented and received Jesus by faith, he was gloriously saved!   This mirrors the truth that “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Like Zacchaeus, when we repent and put our faith in Christ, we are born again to new life (John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17).   Have you had a life-changing encounter with Jesus like Zacchaeus? Or are you still lost in your sins, trying to climb the tree but unable to see the Savior? Jesus came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10)- that includes you! Surrender your life to Him today.   Prayer Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of your salvation. Like Zacchaeus, I want to see you and have you come into my life. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again. Forgive me and save me. I repent of my sins and put my faith in you as my Lord and Savior. Come into my life and transform me. Thank you for your free gift of salvation! Amen. // Recent Post edit post How Do You Handle Your Valley? October 1, 2024 edit post Are You Bearing Much Fruits? October 1, 2024 edit post How To De-Stress September 23, 2024 edit post Pray Like Jesus September 22, 2024 edit post Wait for the Lord and not to be put to Shame September 21, 2024 edit post The Lord is my Rock and Fortress and Deliverer September 21, 2024 // Categories Snack for the Soul Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries

Born Again to Live Again MESSAGE BY PASTOR RATAN Snack for the Soul Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa June 5, 2024 Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? A void that couldn’t be filled by money, relationships, or accomplishments? Jesus tells us in John 3 that we must be born again to truly live. Nicodemus, a religious leader, came to Jesus perplexed about being “born again.” Jesus explained using an illustration from the wind – you can’t see where it comes from, but you can see its effects (John 3:8). Likewise, you can’t fully understand the Spirit’s work, but you can see the new life it produces. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in himshould not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). We were spiritually dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1), but God made a way through Christ’s death on the cross. When we put our faith in Jesus, we are born again spiritually (1 Peter 1:3). What is this salvation? It’s not just eternal life after we die, but abundant and everlasting life starting now (John 10:10)! To be saved, you must repent of your sins and believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9). It’s like being re-born as a newborn baby, getting a fresh start in the family of God (John 1:12-13). The old has passed away, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17)! Have you been born again? Surrender your life to Christ today to truly live! Prayer Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again. Please come into my life as my Lord and Savior. Help me be born again by your Spirit to live the abundant life you promised. Amen // Recent Post edit post How To De-Stress September 23, 2024 edit post Pray Like Jesus September 22, 2024 edit post Wait for the Lord and not to be put to Shame September 21, 2024 edit post The Lord is my Rock and Fortress and Deliverer September 21, 2024 edit post The Cross Cannot Be Concealed September 21, 2024 edit post Unwavering Faith June 11, 2024 // Categories Snack for the Soul Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries

The Wisest Path: Embracing God’s Wisdom MESSAGE BY PASTOR RATAN Snack for the Soul Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa May 9, 2024 Wisdom is a precious and powerful gift, one that the book of Proverbs repeatedly urges us to pursue with all our hearts. In Proverbs 4:5-8, we find a particularly compelling exhortation to acquire godly wisdom our highest priority in life. This passage paints a vivid picture of the immense value of wisdom and the blessings that come to those who diligently seek it. The Hebrew word for “wisdom” used here is “chokmah” ( ה ָמ ְכָח(, which derives from the root “chakam” (םַכָח(, meaning “to be wise, act wisely, make wise, show oneself wise”. This suggests that true wisdom involves not just intellectual understanding, but the ability to discern inner qualities, relationships, and the proper application of knowledge. The Greek word “sophia” (σοφία) carries a similar meaning, encompassing a broad and full intelligence, the knowledge of diverse matters, and the ability to judge what is true, right, and lasting. The Priceless Value of Wisdom The opening verses of Proverbs 4 make it clear that wisdom is a gift from God that far surpasses earthly treasures: “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you” (Proverbs 4:5-6). The passage portrays wisdom as a precious jewel to be sought after and cherished above all else. This sentiment echoes the words of Job, who declared, “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). The wise King Solomon also extolled the virtues of wisdom, writing, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver” (Proverbs 16:16). The Pathway to Life and Honor Proverbs 4:7-8 further emphasizes the transformative power of wisdom, stating, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.” This promise of exaltation and honor resonates with the words of the psalmist, who declared, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding” (Psalm 111:10). The Greek philosopher Plato echoed this sentiment, writing, “Wisdom is the knowledge of knowledge”. In other words, true wisdom goes beyond mere facts and figures; it is the ability to discern the deeper truths that lead to a life of purpose, meaning, and honor. Guarding the Gift of Wisdom However, Proverbs 4:5-8 also cautions us that wisdom must be diligently sought and faithfully guarded, lest we forget or forsake it. The passage urges us to “not forget” and “not turn away” from the words of wisdom, for to do so would be to invite trouble and lose the blessings that come from walking in the ways of the Lord. This call to vigilance is echoed in the words of the apostle Paul, who warned the Colossian believers, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). In a world that constantly seeks to pull us away from the truth, we must guard our hearts and minds, keeping them firmly rooted in the wisdom that comes from God. In Proverbs 4:5-8, we are presented with a powerful and timeless call to make the pursuit of godly wisdom our highest priority. This wisdom, which is a precious gift from the Lord, holds the key to a life of abundance, purpose, and honor. By embracing the principles of wisdom outlined in this passage and diligently guarding the gift we have been given, we can experience the transformative power of walking in the ways of the Lord. So let us heed the call to “get wisdom” and make it our life’s mission to know and follow the wisdom that flows from the very throne of God. For in doing so, we will discover the wisest path forward, one that leads to a life of true fulfillment and eternal blessing // Recent Post edit post How To De-Stress September 23, 2024 edit post Pray Like Jesus September 22, 2024 edit post Wait for the Lord and not to be put to Shame September 21, 2024 edit post The Lord is my Rock and Fortress and Deliverer September 21, 2024 edit post The Cross Cannot Be Concealed September 21, 2024 edit post Unwavering Faith June 11, 2024 // Categories Snack for the Soul Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries

Changing Times- Unchanging God MESSAGE BY PASTOR RATAN Snack for the Soul Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa January 4, 2023 A New Year, A New Season Begins today! While people all over the world party, celebrate, and welcome the new year in the tune of the world, we as Christians should welcome in the tune of God who has granted us another year. In the new year, people look forward to new things. For many think days and season will change their lives and destiny. They expect all good and great to happen. Once Days and seasons are gone, we are back to the old. Now everything seems normal again. Bible says, there is a time for everything under heaven. A Time for Everything | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 1. For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:2. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;3. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;4. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6. A time to seek, and a time to close; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7. A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war and peace. Seeing trends before they start We are living in uncertain times! Things can change overnight. People desperately looking for change and new things. This generation with all the technology is the most unhappy and unsatisfied generation of all ages. People are trying new things. We don’t like the old and the normal, the abnormal is the new normal and the normal and the good seem weird. A man in Japan spends $16000 to turn himself into a dog, and now he feels insecure and unhappy. German-born Jessica, A 21-year-old girl, who spent more than $70,000 on cosmetic surgery in order to turn herself into a ‘human Barbie’, says she has been cut off by her entire family over the dramatic transformation. She spends the money her parents gave her to take driving lessons and uses for her surgery and feels very happy. Living in relationships, couple swapping and all kinds of unhealthy relationships are approved, celebrated, and affirmed by the world. Because deep within man is not satisfied, empty, and rotten. There is an unending deep hole in the heart of man, and nothing seems to fill that void, because it’s a God-sized hole, which only God can fill it. People are looking at what the world can offer them. 1 John 2:16 says, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” While we look forward to this New Year, we are not certain about what it holds. Ralph Abernathy said, “I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.” As we enter the new year, let’s be assured that, no matter what God is Unchanging! While people change, governments collapse, inflation in the economy, wars, and deathFloods and drought, are unexpected events that take place in your life. God is unchanging. 1. GOD OF ALL AGES Mal. 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. All through the Bible, God says, “do not fear-I am with You”. The God who was with Noah was the same God who was with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the next generations. He comes to their time and again and reminds them of His covenant and assures them that He is with them. When my father passed away- God said, “I am your father, I am with You.” Isaiah. 41:10 Daniel was serving in the Babylonian kingdom, four powerful kings come and go away, but Daniel remains there still. It’s not Daniels’s greatness, but we see God’s unchanging nature, and that He is in control. Kings and rulers come and go, but God remains. Paul says, in 1 Timothy 1:17“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”(ESV) Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 2. GOD OF ALL TIMES AND SEASONS Our God is God who is in control of times and seasons. Joseph- went through different seasons in life. He was put in the pit by his own brothers, then Sold to Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites sold Joseph to Potiphar in Egypt and went to Prison for a wrong he did not commit. But raised him from the prison to the palace. Knowing our God is in control of times and seasons, we got to be patient and let God lead and drive us to our destiny. Your time and season of promotion and prosperity will come. God will give you a breakthrough at the right time. He will restore to you all that you have lost and are supposed to have for your life. Joel 2:25 Says, “I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you.” God will restore, repay, payback, recompensate, and make up for all that the enemy has destroyed and stolen. God says, “Be still and know that I am God”- (Psalm 46:10) God promises in His word, “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole

A Christmas for All people MESSAGE BY PASTOR RATAN Snack for the Soul Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa December 26, 2022 Christmas is a great time of the year. It’s season to celebrate. It’s a time to rejoice and remember Jesus the savior of the world, born for all humanity. Christmas is for all people because Jesus was born for all People to dispel darkness and shine His glorious light, to break every bondage and give freedom and life. Christmas gives the world a unique and undivided message that Good News of Great Joy for all people- Luke 2:10 God Loves all people- John 3:16 Redemption & Salvation for all people- Mt. 1:21; Lk 1:68 Life & Light in Jesus is for all people- Jn 1:4-5 Through Jesus there is Hope for all People May you know the wonderful savior, the wonderful gift of salvation and wonderful gift of life that God offers to all people through Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, the reason for this season God’s gifts of Wonder The gifts of Magie- Wise Men from the east. Powerful people- came to Jesus on caravans and brought gifts for the Newborn King They had the power to set kings and bring them down, so King Herod was very worried. Gold- For the King Frankincense- perfume used for the high priest- Jesus the High Priest Myrrh- Emblem used for burial- Lamb of God Gifts of God- Is. 9:6 The gift of Jesus- the second Adam A Child was born unto Us- Lamb of God-Swaddling clothes- Symbolizes the unblemished lamb Mt. 1:21- Jesus will save His people Luke 4:18- Christ the anointed. – Matt 1:16 Salvation from burden and bondagesFinancial bondagesMental bondages A son was Given- Is 9:6Jon 1:1- The eternal Son- the word of GodGod gave His son- Jn 3:16The Son has life- 1 Jn 5:11-12Free gift of salvation and eternal life- Eph 2: 4-8Salvation is the free gift of God Illustration: The King, his picture collection and the beggar who had it all Sovereign God Wise men came asking where is the New Born King- Matt 2:1-2; 9-11Is. 9:6- Mighty GodKing- Lord- Master- Prince of Peace Illustration: The King who stays at a poor man’s house. // Recent Post edit post How To De-Stress September 23, 2024 edit post Pray Like Jesus September 22, 2024 edit post Wait for the Lord and not to be put to Shame September 21, 2024 edit post The Lord is my Rock and Fortress and Deliverer September 21, 2024 edit post The Cross Cannot Be Concealed September 21, 2024 edit post Unwavering Faith June 11, 2024 // Categories Snack for the Soul Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries

Christmas Hope A WORD BUFFET FOR THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS MESSAGE BY PASTOR RATAN Snack for the Soul Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa December 2, 2022 CHRISTMAS HOPE #1 Fear. One of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. Worry, anxiety, and fear…can overwhelm us with a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision. “Through Chri s t Jesus we have received a Spirit of Boldness. Defeat every FEAR through FAITH you have received in Christ.” SHARE THE HOPE IN CHRIST #1 | FEAR NOT “And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” LUKE 2:10 There are many people today who are trapped by fears that imprison them and put them in bondage. The first-century Christians were also afraid of many issues, as 97% of the population were poor, slaves, and illiterate. There were constant wars, invasions by foreign nations, oppression by the emperor, and also the fear of bandits and barbarians. So, they lived in constant fear and were hoping for freedom and peace. At a time such as this, a host of angels appears to the shepherds and declares “FEAR NOT”. They are going to be rescued by a savior who will remove the fear they were living with. He will bring light to the darkness, peace to the restlessness, and joy to their fearful lives. They will no longer live in fear. They were overjoyed at this good news and rushed to see baby Jesus. He returned with faith, courage, and much joy. Are you living in fear today? No matter what kind of fear you have, know that Christ was born to take away all your fears and give you peace. BIBLE VERSE FOR INSPIRATION READ AND MEDIATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” ~ Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” ~ Psalm 118:6-7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6 “’For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” ~ Isaiah 41:13-14 “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” ~ Proverbs 29:25 “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 “Then He placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.’” Revelation 1:17 // Recent Post edit post How To De-Stress September 23, 2024 edit post Pray Like Jesus September 22, 2024 edit post Wait for the Lord and not to be put to Shame September 21, 2024 edit post The Lord is my Rock and Fortress and Deliverer September 21, 2024 edit post The Cross Cannot Be Concealed September 21, 2024 edit post Unwavering Faith June 11, 2024 // Categories Snack for the Soul Daily Inspiration // Gallery Explore Our Ministries Come and Join Ministries