Offerings on the Altar



I remember that at the other denomination, where I used to be a member, most of the church members had a good financial condition, but when it came time to give their offerings, all you would see them bringing up was R$5 (about US$2.50). There was usually a clinking of coins falling into the treasury and no one questioned it, no pastor ever explained it.

Some, who were more generous, brought their mission offerings in envelopes, which we had to fill out with our name, address and value, just like the tithe envelopes. Shortly before I left, they invented a new strategy to "encourage" contributions: they sent out monthly statements by mail, informing the person of how much they gave as their tithe, how much they gave for missions... When I saw that, I thought it was so ridiculous that I stopped writing my name on the envelopes.

This experience caused me to have two impacts when I came to the Universal Church. First, I was overjoyed to see that there wasn't a space to put my name on the envelope, no one supervised who was giving their offerings or withholding their tithe, nor how much anyone was giving, it was between the person and God. However, I was somewhat startled by the ease with which people gave offerings that I considered high. People happily got up to give R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50! And what about when the pastor called out the value of the offerings, so that everyone wouldn't go up all at once? The offering that was given by the rich in the other church, was now one of the lowest, which people with poor financial conditions insisted on placing on the altar. What was happening? Why were these people so happy to give their offerings?

I never criticized the fact that the pastors of the Universal Church ask for offerings, not even when I was part of the other denomination. My mother was a member of the Universal Church and I remember saying this to several classmates that questioned: "I see where my mother’s offerings to the Universal Church go. They are always building churches and it must not be cheap to build and maintain a church. Not to mention the radio and TV programs, and other things. But I have no clue where the offerings I give to my church end up!" (The new temple of my former church took about twenty years to be completed.)

My heart raced when it came time to give my offering, because I no longer felt as good and comfortable during that moment. It was easy –and cheap– to pose as a Super Christian at the other church. Here, at the Universal Church, hypocrisy screamed out my name whenever I felt like I didn’t want to give up the larger bills I had in my wallet. It was as if my mask had come off. I was the only one there who could see my nakedness, but it struck me hard. It wasn’t the pastor asking for an offering that struck me, it, was the fact that I had to admit that I didn’t want to give that offering. And I did not want to give it because I wanted to spend it on myself, because I was more important.

It makes a great difference to learn that the value of your offering goes way beyond its monetary value. Jesus taught us this when He saw the poor widow giving her offering. There were only two coins, but it was all of her income, it represented more than just money, it represented her trust in God and her regard for Him. Its worthless to give a high value only to show off, like the hypocrites did during Jesus’ time, nor give a small amount to portray your humbleness, like many hypocrites do nowadays. God sees beyond the value of what you bring to Altar, He sees what is in your heart.

Now I understand what the Bishop means when he says that the offering shows God what is within the offering giver. My offering represented me. It was leftovers. I gave what I didn't need, almost like scraps, because I did not understand. From the moment when God actually became the first in my life and I learned to trust, my attitude about giving offerings changed, and I saw the results in my life, in absolutely every aspect.

Learning about the true meaning of an offering made me more generous in other areas too. I don’t think twice about helping someone when I can, even if I have to work hard to do so. I don’t find it difficult to buy a book to donate, to donate clothes, food, my time...

You can strive to make the necessary changes and show the Kingdom of God in this world. You detach yourself from yourself and from the confidence you have in your own resources and learn to truly trust in God.

When your life is on the Altar and you are the actual offering, your priorities become reversed. Your navel is no longer the center of your universe. You learn about yourself, and to love God above all things.

But an offering is not just monetary. Everything you do is an offering. When you learn to dedicate your life in favor of this greater Cause, you start living on another level.

Fast of Daniel: 23rd September, 2013

On September 23 we will begin a campaign that has transformed the lives of millions of people worldwide through a real experience with the living God.As with the prophet Daniel (read Daniel 9:10) when they feel overwhelmed and embittered towards the difficult living situation, held a fasting 21 days depriving yourself of desirable things of his time in search of the answer needed, and God answered, we will also be in the same order.

How to participate?

You must abstain from all kinds of information not Christian, entertainment, television, internet, games, music, film, films, novels and any other type of content that does not refer to God for 21 days.

Moreover, you should seek to engage with things that contribute to their faith, as the Bible reading and our books, watch our programs on television and on the internet, through Universal TV,blog of Bishop Macedo and other bishops site Universal Ark and social networks Church officials, in short, matters that tighten your relationship with God. You who are bitter, depressed, tired of religions and promises are not fulfilled, drowned in problems and concerns and want to know the true God to achieve complete transformation of your life, join this way of faith

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT!

There are only two sides: the good side and the evil side
The side of light and the side of darkness.
The side of those who do the will of God by obeying his word, and the side of those who do not do his will by turning their back on his word.
Those who are part of the Army of the Lord of Hosts and those who are part of the enemy's army.

Which side are you on?
By directly obeying the word of God without beating around the bush, I will show which side I am on.
Its yes, yes or no,no! There will be no need to speak or try to show something that i am not.

No way!
My behavior, my character and my testimony will allow everyone, including the devil, to see which side I am on.
As a consequence, my life will be a mirror that reflects which side that I am on.
If I am on the wrong side, I can't expect to happen what would happen if I were on the right side.
If I am on the wrong side solely because of my decision and evil comes, would it be God's fault or my fault because of my poor choice.

My choices today will determine what will happen tomorrow!
Those who choose to stay on God's side IMMEDIATELY turn their back on lying,m stealing, adultery, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery and so many other things that will never be found on God's side.

Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), then Moses stood in the entrance of the compound said, "Whoever is on the Lord's side- come to me!" And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.... (Exodus 32. 25-26)

Moses was DIRECT, STRAIGHT TO THE POINT!
God always separated those who are part of his army.
Those who are, from those who are not.
How can you belong to his army without obeying his word?
Leading a reckless lifestyle?
It is impossible

This is Faith!

Add caption

Good afternoon, Bishop!
I returned to my Father's house on the 28th of January.
For almost a year, I was involved in the world of crime. I sold drugs and betrayed my wife, I was completely destroyed. I was an assistant for one year. During this time, I lost my mother. She was the pillar of our family and my son was only 4 months old.
Moved by the circumstances, I fell for the first snare the devil used to deceive me. It was from 11Am to 11Pm. This is when I asked to leave the Work of God. I did not trust in God, and look what happened.
In short, during the Fast of Daniel I received my Comforter. I repented with all of my heart. The meeting on the 7^th was very strong for me.
I was baptized in water. It was so strong that I thought I had also been baptized with the Holy Spirit. I am never going to forget that day! On the 14^th, a miracle happened. It was very strong.
I only manifested once. The pastor that is responsible for the "Rescue" here in Bahia – Brazil prayed for me once and I was delivered. But the shortest way for this to happen in my life was through sacrifice.
I started listening to everything that was being preached and began to let go of certain material things. I started surrendering myself to the Holy Spirit, because nothing else was worth it for me.
I started to give. First it was the tithe, the pastor preached about what we represent to God. After this, it was one success after another! I often say that without sacrifice you can just forget it: it is impossible!
A person comes to God, and their offering represents what lies within them. In fact, it represents who we are to God.
To say that we believe in God is easy, and I am not just talking about giving our offerings, I’m talking about sacrificing all of our lives.
I thank God for having the opportunity to share my experience with others. On the 14^th of April, I was certain that this would happen. I believed in what said that day. If I could have been dressed in a new outfit, I would have.
I felt like a woman on her wedding day. When I got off the bus, near the church, the tears already began to roll down my cheeks. I could not control it, I did not know what was happening, it was inexplicable. This God is powerful! There are many things still to tell.
I returned because of my wife’s faith. She determined it during a Tuesday meeting, that next time I would be there sitting in the chair next to her, and we were separated at the time. That same week, the police almost killed me. I went into a wooded area, where I used to pray, but this time I was there to be killed. But, from inside the trunk, I cried out to God: I called out to Pastor Vicente’s God and to Bishop Macedo’s God. I asked God to send the same angels that serve these men of God and that if they did not touch me, I would leave that lifestyle. I asked God to make them forget that I was inside the trunk of that car, and that's what happened.
Today, I am unable to repay the Holy Spirit all the days of my life. I was supposed to be in hell right now, but the mercy of God found me.
Thank you, Bishop, for everything!
Where would we be if it were not for God and the Universal Church! May the Holy Spirit restore your strength!
We aren’t worthy of all the things we have received from God through you. I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude. We have no idea what we have.
Thank you, Bishop! GOD bless you.
Joao Paulo dos Santos

A supper like no other

When Jesus was sent to earth, His mission was simple: to die on the cross, for the redemption of His people. He loved us so much, that He obeyed the will of His Father and went through much grief and pain for our sake.

And before this great feat, He set us all an example by performing a custom that must be remembered for all time – the Lord’s Supper. The eating and drinking of the bread and the juice may mean different things to different people.

For some, it’s a holy ritual symbolising the denial of one’s self and the renewal of a vow to stay true to the One who saved him.

For others, it’s the start of something new; the acknowledgement of His sacrifice and a new decision made to follow Him.

So whatever category you fit into, come and share in this opportunity to renew your vow or start a new life with Him, by participating in the Lord’s Supper.

Date: Sunday 26th May
Where: At your local HelpCentre
Time:7am(10am,6pm)

For more information call our 24-hr helpline on 592-2251557,226-4934

Day of Distinction

Why does God promise to make a distinction in our lives?
Because it’s the only way to show those who do not believe that our God is DIFFERENT and TRUE.
When we are determined to change and obey God, we become different from the inside; however, this difference has to show on the outside as well, so that those who do not believe may see and believe.
When should this distinction be seen?
NOW. Here on EARTH. In heaven there will be no need for God to show that He is true and Living God; but here on earth this manifestation is necessary!
What do I have to do to see this Distinction?
You have to walk in righteousness, stop doing what is wrong, and obey God; I cannot demand a distinctive life, if I do not change my attitude. Only those who live in righteousness have rights.
Do we deserve that God makes a distinction in our lives? No, we don’t. It’s not about one’s merits; it’s about FAITH. It’s about practising God’s justice in order to live a different life.
Why have I not seen this distinction in my life?
Because you have not surrendered your all to Him. God would be unjust if you had given your all to Him and He did not make a difference in your life.
There can only be a DISTINCTION when you surrender your all to Him.
What’s going to happen on September 23rd? What’s it all about?
A TOTAL LIFE TRANSFORMTION. The men in the past not only made a difference, but they were the DIFFERENCE.
We know the stories of the men in the past, but the difference they made in the past cannot glorify the living God in the present. For this reason, He said that He would ONCE AGAIN make a distinction between us who serve Him and those who don’t.

Day of Distinction – it’s now or NOW!

Are you tired of being the joke of your family? Of being the unemployed one? Or the divorced one? Or, maybe, you’re the addicted, destroyed and self-loathing one!
If one or more of the above pertains to you, you’re definitely standing out, but for all the wrong reasons!
But what if this could change? What if the distinction you make is one which gets people to listen when you speak, to want the kind of life that you have? What if you could get the answer you’ve always wanted and your life could change NOW!
Day of Distinction! At all UCKG
Sunday 23rd September at 7am,10am,6pm
For more information, call our 24-hrs helpline number 592-2251557,2264934
What are you waiting for?

At Jacob’s well

“It’s not good for man to live alone,” this was the first major conclusion that God came across about human beings. But many live this sense of loneliness, even when they are accompanied. Anyone who has experienced it ensures that a “bad marriage” is much worse than being alone.

Yet, many procrastinate their love lives, saying they want to study and pursue a career or success, as if love were an obstacle for them to accomplish all these things or could be on standby.
Others, in order not to be alone, marry the first person that comes their way. Unfortunately, many people have fallen away because of their love life. This is why we will go to Israel – to Jacob’s Well to be more precise – with a mission: to solve your love life!

The Campaign of Israel is a campaign of faith that involves sacrifice. Many people wonder why they should sacrifice to God, because He already did the ultimate sacrifice for us when He gave His life on the cross (rightfully so). And following the Lord Jesus’ example, we offer Him our spiritual sacrifice.

We sacrifice for the sake of something they want to achieve. Our sacrifice will only benefit us. When we act out our faith, we show God that we trust and depend on Him.
Are you in need of God’s intervention in your love life, to bring a transformation in your marriage or help you find the right person? Then this campaign is exclusively for you.

If you would to participate in this Campaign of Israel for your love life, you can visit our local UCKG Churches for more information or call our helpline number 592-225-1557/226-4934

Who doesn’t dream of being able to sigh happily and be able to boldly say, “Actually, I don’t need a thing!” I know what you’re thinking, “This is just wishful thinking.”The truth is, in most cases, you want to be happy. But it seems you cannot. You cannot be happy when you are sick. Good health is a basic condition for a happy life. And yet, you can be healthy and lack the next important thing – financial stability. If debts are pilling up, money doesn’t stay in your hands and you find yourself constantly worrying about how you will make ends meet, then you’re still not happy. Health and wealth are not all though. You may still lack what money cannot buy: peace and love. Stories abound of the rich and famous that committed suicide or divorced for the second and third time. Maybe you have all you need materially, but inside you feel down and without direction. So what to do? If you are really looking for help, come and see if you too could benefit from the Oil of Psalm 23 event. In the famous psalm, you find the type of provision that comes to a person who puts their trust in God – a person who makes Him their Shepherd. Well-being, peace, protection, favour, and direction are but a few of the benefits that come through faith. With this in mind, on May 13 a generous amount of the Oil of Psalm 23, which was consecrated in different locations in Israel, the Holy Land, will be given free of charge, in a beautiful cross-shaped bottle, to everyone attending this event at their local UCKG  (see back for address). Learn how to use it to anoint the sick, the emotionally distressed, your loved ones and family, your workplace and objects that represent difficulties or challenges in your life. Far-fetched? There’s only one way to find out. What is your faith up for? Event: Holy Oil Date: Sunday 13th May Time:7.am,10.am,6pm  Location: At all UCKG Admission: Free The UCKG spiritual advice is to be seen as a complement to the scientifically proven treatment you may be receiving. The UCKG does not claim to heal people but believes that God can through the power of faith. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

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Exchange your cross

Family problems are stressing you out, sickness is stealing your joy, financial crisis and lack of funds are driving you crazy, loneliness is putting you down, depression has molded your character and you are so unhappy, yet it's your cross to bear, right?!

WRONG!

Who said that anyway? Who convinced you that you should accept a miserable way of living? Who compelled you to carry a cross that does not belong to you? Whose life is it anyway?

It's YOURS! It's your life and YOU decide. You have the power to choose what happens to you and there are so many people and spirits fighting to gain control of your life. If you don't exercise this power, it will naturally be stolen from you. Now, this may be a bit controversial, but sometimes religions steal your life away when all you need is faith! Sometimes your fears paralyze you when all you need is courage. Sometimes you find yourself in the same deep pit that your ancestors passed down to you and you have no idea how you got there. Yet, because you don't know what to do, you continue to carry a cross that doesn't belong to you. Actually, this cross belongs to Someone else and He actually already carried it for you!

I am sure you've heard about this amazingly courageous Man who decided to take up His cross one Good Friday many years ago. But, why? Why would He do such a thing? This is our challenge. We want that Man by the name of Jesus to exchange our cross of problems by taking it from us as He promised. On Good Friday, April 6th, the real Jesus who to this day wants to take our burdens and give us real life will show up to take up your cross of problems. Don't you feel lighter already? Do you believe? We do!

We challenge you and those you love to trade in their cross of problems for one that is light, manageable and doable!

Is your cross too heavy? It's time to let it go!

Jesus said His burden is LIGHT—why are you carrying a heavy one? Trade it in on Good Friday.

Describe the heavy cross you've been carrying on the form below and bring it with you on Good Friday to be set free—trade it in for the right cross.

Are you carrying the wrong cross? Good Friday, April 6th 

See you there! GEORGE TOWN GUYANA

Day of Revolt

Life is unfair—a statement people may find themselves saying quite often.

• I can't believe this happened to me!
• Why do bad things always happen to me?
• Why does everyone else seem to succeed and all I do is fail?
• I have what it takes for a well-paying position, but I'm always turned down.
• I work so hard, but see few results.
• I gave my life to someone who betrayed me.
• I'm given no hope to be healed.
• The list goes on...

Many will tell you that life is unfair and that certain things simply have to be put up with. Others to wait on God and hope that He chooses to save you..

God is a Just Judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. Psalm 7:11

And yet, throughout history men and women of faith experienced amazing victories only after they got angry and made an intelligent, planned out revolt against their situations.

Do you feel life is unfair? Are you tired of problems running your life? We invite you to the Day of Revolt where like-minded people will come together to change their lives and get justice from God.

If life has been unfair to you, don't miss the Day of Revolt.

Revolt always brings results.

God is a Just Judge... Psalm 7:11

Napoleón Estrada

Before:
I was anemic, had diabetes and cirrhosis.
I was an alcoholic.
I was told I needed a liver transplant and had to depend on insulin for life. After:
I was invited by a relative to the cathedral of Faith.
I decided to follow the advice I got and revolted
against my situation. I no longer depend on insulin,
stopped drinking and no longer need a transplant. The Just Judge made justice.

Alejandra B.

Before:
Worked at a restaurant washing dishes and
preparing meals in another. I was an illegal
resident and didn't speak English. After:
I was angry with my situation and I put my
trust and faith in the Just Judge, and He made
justice: Today, I have my permanent residency;
I am a real estate agent, and I have my own business.

Come and bring your protest before the Righteous Judge.

below to write down the injustice in your life and bring this paper with your on the Day of Revolt.

Day of Revolt—Sunday, March 18th (times may vary by location speak to the pastor at the cathedral of Faith near you)

Baptism in water

Have you ever wanted to take your life, crumple it up, throw it away and start all over again? You can.

Baptism is this God-given opportunity to erase all the regrets, pain, hurt, shameful things you have you have said and done and start over with a new lease of life and a new direction.

Jesus is an advocate for people starting over. He loves to make all things new, this is His specialty, so why not let Him?

There’s no need to remain entangled or at war with your inner-man, you can start over and start anew from the inside out.

Your journey to a new life walking in the principles that Jesus established is one decision away.

If you would like to know more, please speak to a pastor at your local UCKG Guyana or call the 24-hr Helpline on 0870 068 2000.

Baptism in Water is taking place Sunday, 26th Feb, after the 7am/10am/6pm service. At your local UCKG Guyana

The Lord’s Supper

During this special celebration, you will take part in the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of the old life God took you from, and celebrate the new life you now have with Him.

The Word of God says that during the Passover, Jesus took the bread and told His disciples, “Take, eat; this is My body,” (Matthew 26:26) and then He took the cup and said to them “Drink from it all of you. For this is My blood…” As you eat the bread and drink the grape juice, the symbol of His “flesh” and of His “blood” you will receive strength in your soul and strength to confirm your faith in Him. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) If you have never experienced the power of God and feel that you have nothing to celebrate, you can take part determining that your life will begin to change after taking this supper.

Sunday, 26th Feb, 7am/10am/6pm at your local UCKG

How to know if you’ve been cursed.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses 
today against you, that I have set 
before you life and death, 
blessing and cursing.“Deuteronomy 30:19

A curse is a negative force that persistently works to bring harm, misfortune, injury, or great evil upon a person. Although many skeptics dismiss the existence of curses, God Himself speaks abundantly on the subject in His Word. Not only that, the most practical evidence of the existence and effects of curses is found in the lives of millions of people who have experienced it. Try to tell them that curses are not real…

But how do you know if you are under a curse?

To answer that question, first you need to understand the dynamics and the anatomy of a curse; that is, how it behaves, and what it looks and feels like. Curses are:

• Constant, always there

• Cyclical, they appear in a pattern, not necessarily at precise time-periods

• They may affect a person’s whole life or just focus on one area

• Happen too often to be called coincidence

• Have a demoralizing and weakening effect on the person – they “wear the person down.”

If you suspect you may be under a curse, the first thing to do is not to panic. You need to keep a sound mind in order to understand what is really going on. Don’t be quick to judge and call just any problem a curse.

Consider the situation or area of your life that you suspect may be under a curse. Can you trace the cause behind it? Why is it happening? Is it something that you should take responsibility for? For instance, suppose you have been financially in the red for the last five years. What started it in the first place? Did it just “happen,” for reasons beyond your control? Do circumstances keep on conspiring to keep you broke regardless of your best efforts? Or was it that five years ago you made a very bad decision and bit off more than you could chew by taking out a massive, high interest loan, which you’re still struggling to pay?

We shouldn’t blame curses for our bad decisions and choices. But equally, we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to bad things that keep on happening to us regardless of our best efforts to avoid them.

It is not a shame to admit that you may be under a curse. Remember, the devil’s greatest advantage is to get people to believe he doesn’t exist. When you don’t acknowledge the existence of a problem, you never fight it. God repeatedly called His people to acknowledge they were under a curse, so they could come to Him and be helped. Some of these people were even priests who worked inside the Temple, which shows that a person may be in the church and still be under a curse.

Just as God pointed this out to His people, so they would seek help from Him, we are pointing this out to you.

We are calling every person who feels or suspects they are up against more than just a coincidental run of bad luck to seek help from God. This Friday, the day of the week when our Lord Jesus became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13), we’ll call upon God to remove ALL CURSES from people.

Remember that what Jesus achieved for us on the cross – can be the day your curses turn into a blessing for you. “And it shall come to pass that just as you were a curse among the nations… so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing.”(Zechariah 8:13)

Claim that promise for yourself. Join us -

Event: Breaking Curses
Date: Every Friday
Time: 7am,10am,12pm,3pm,6pm
Location: Your local Guyana
Admission: Free