Faithful Writing

John 14:6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.   In an era of post-modern relativism, where truth is reduced to subjective interpretation and the universalist view that “all roads lead to God”, Jesus' claim that He is the only way to God, can bear an edge of exclusivity that potentially sounds rigid and intolerant to many.   To comprehend the profundity of Jesus' declaration, it is crucial for us to understand the context. He spoke these words to His disciples, who were not strangers to His teachings, miracles, and proclamations. He shared this truth with men whose hearts were open and yearning for the divine. It was to them that Jesus made this absolute affirmation. The disciples knew His character, His love, and His sacrifice, providing them with the background to absorb this revelation with love, understanding, and faith.   Jesus, being “The Way”, signifies that He is the road to the Divine. Jesus paves an accessible pat...

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.   Today, let us reignite our passions for the divine realm, be encouraged and uplifted through the recognition of our sacred calling. You have been called out, called to forsake the trappings of the world, and to step into His marvellous light.   Friends, whilst we are in the world, we are not of the world. We have been called out of the darkness of worldly matters and into the marvellous light of God. It is imperative to acknowledge that being called out is not merely about physical separation from the world. Rather, we are called to be spiritually separable, to consecrate ourselves for the Lord and His Kingdom. We are called to maintain our Christian standards, not compromising on our beliefs and values even when the world's noise tries to drown out our faith. ...

Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.   Beloved, today, in the spirit of reflection and guidance, I invite your hearts and minds to ponder on a subject that is often challenging, yet undeniably paramount in our walk of faith – the notion of 'Walking Away.' Yes, you heard that right, walking away, not in defeat or cowardice, but with grace, courage, and a solidified faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.   We may wonder, isn't our purpose to remain steadfast, resilient, to face every tribulation head-on? Absolutely so! We, as Christians, are indeed called to be persistent warriors. Yet, there are instances, situations or people from which we must consider walking away to protect our peace, our faith and our relationship with God.   Take a moment to reflect on the life of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Even He, in His infinite wisdom and grace, knew when it was ti...

1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that does not love does not know God; for God is love.   I stand before you today with a message of love, a testament of our humanity and our shared purpose in this journey we call life. Often, we encounter in our path those who do not know love. They are the embodiment of indifference, seem marred by apathy and, in the worst cases, bestow upon others the affliction of hatred. So how do we deal with people who do not know love?   Our Saviour teaches us that love is the greatest commandment. " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. " (Matthew 22:37-40) This, dear friends, is the crux of our faith, the core of our belief. ...

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.   Today pur focus will be on this powerful admonition contained in Philippians 2:3. First and foremost, let us focus on the first part of the verse, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory." Strife and vainglory can be seen as synonyms for discord and pride. The Holy Scripture advises us not to undertake any action, not to say any word that could potentially incite strife or reflect our own pride or ego. Our actions and words should never be driven by the hunger for power, recognition, or selfish ambitions. Instead, they should always spring from a place of love, humility, and service to both God and our fellow human beings.   The scripture further instructs us in the latter half of the verse to "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." It is a divine directive for us to adopt an attitud...

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any do not provide not for their own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Today I am moved to speak on a topic very dear to my heart and foundational to the heart of God. I wish to delve into the significance of those who have been given unto us, whom we call family. Precious and treasured are these bonds, for they are woven deeply into our souls and contribute immensely to our lives.   The Bible graciously tells us, "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand" (Mark 3:25). This verse serves as a divine reminder that unity within the realms of the family fosters the strength and stability required for weathering the torrents of life.   Family is God's initial gift to us even before we are born. Arriving into this world, we are nestled within the embrace of those who share our blood, our lineage, and often, our very likeness. The family is the divine reflection of God...

Proverbs 6:16-19 These things the Lord hates: a  proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a  heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a  false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren.   Today we shall delve into Proverbs 6:16-19. Here, wisdom is personified in the words of Solomon, who God Himself blessed with divine understanding and discernment. The verses in focus reveal seven things that the Lord despises. These seven things juxtapose God's perfect nature; thus, He abhors them. Let us highlight each point in depth:   1. Pride First, 'a proud look.' Our God values humility. Pride is festering arrogance and self-importance. We are reminded constantly through scripture that God sets Himself against the proud.   Pride often leads to arrogance, a sense of superiority, and it distorts our perception of reality. It creates a barrier between us and God, as it foste...

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.   My dear brothers and sisters, I greet you this day with all the love and joy that springs forth from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Today, I would like to talk to you about one of the most profound virtues we find in Christ - peace. Not just any peace, but peace that emerges from faith and belief.   Our Saviour spoke these words, and they reassure us that His peace differs from what the world gives. It is the peace that quiets our troubled hearts, provides a sanctuary during our storms, and gives us breath when the world leaves us breathless. And you ask, how can we access this peace? The answer lies in one simple yet profound act - believing.   My dear brothers and sisters, believing is not merely acknowledging the existence of God. Even the demons do that and tremble. (James 2:19). Believing is pla...

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord... The human mind constitutes an intricate tapestry of emotion, intellect, intuition, and logic. Religion, characteristically a matter of faith, belief, and emotion, may seem to exist outside logical argument. Yet, Blaise Pascal, a renowned 17th-century mathematician, physicist, and Christian philosopher, would beg to differ. Let us explore the rationality of trusting in Jesus Christ as a saviour via a thought experiment — Pascal's Wager.   Pascal's Wager is not an argument for the existence of God but rather a pragmatic justifying commitment to belief when one has no overriding reason to disbelieve. In simplistic terms, the wager lays out a game of chance with the following possibilities:  If God exists and one chooses to believe, there is infinite gain (Eternal life). If God exists and one chooses not to believe, there is infinite loss (Eternal damnation). If God does not exist, the gain or loss is finite,...

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.   Today, I want to speak to you about a feeling I am sure we've all experienced in our lives — regret. Regret has a way of wrapping its icy fingers around our hearts, haunting us with the ghosts of what we could have, should have, or would have done differently. It tirelessly whispers the mistakes of our yesteryears deep into our thoughts, painting our present with the blush of remorse. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness .” This scripture elucidates God's abounding love and forgiveness. It reminds us of His unwavering promise to cleanse us from all guilt and shame associated with our past mistakes, if we will only confess and repent. Regret often holds us captive, convincing us to believe that our past is unforgivable. It threatens t...

James 1:26 If any among you seem religious yet do not control their tongue, they deceive their own heart, and their religion is in vain.   I am led to believe that the Spirit seeks to instruct us today on an aspect of our communication, a facet of our discourse that often goes unnoticed but carries the potential to either build or demolish bridges among us. This concept is about 'not saying things for the sake of arguing.' Let us anchor our study in the Word of God, from the book of Proverbs 15:1: " A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger ."   In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in our social interactions, discussions, and even within the sacred walls of our church during fellowship, we frequently encounter situations that spark debates. Often, we feel a compelling urge to assert our viewpoint, to make a statement, to be heard. However, today, I want us to delve deeper and ponder: should we always voice our opinions, even if they...

Isaiah 25:1 O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. We serve a magnificent God, one whose handiwork can be glimpsed in the sun's rising, the gentle sway of the trees, the intricate beauty of a tiny flower, and the wonder of a newborn baby's smile. All around us, His miracles abound, some too grand for our comprehension, others touching our lives in quiet, invisible ways. Yet, despite their ubiquity, it is easy for us to fall into the trap of scepticism and doubt, especially when life presents trials that weigh heavily upon our hearts.   First, let's remember Moses at the Red Sea, a familiar narrative found in Exodus 14. Pharaoh's army was closing in, mountains were on either side, and the vast Red Sea lay before the Israelites. Human logic screamed of impending doom. But the Israelites were not ordinary; they were God’s chosen people. In their moment of d...

1 Kings 18:22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Beloved, today I want to bring you into a story of a man named Elijah. Despite being one of the most revered and legendary prophets in the Bible, who called down fire from heaven and slew all the prophets of Baal, but even after all this there was a moment when he, like many of us, was overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness, fear, and despair. This is the story we find in 1 Kings 19.   The chapter begins with a threat to Elijah's life from the wicked queen Jezebel, forcing him to flee into the wilderness. Feeling despair and deeply depressed, he asks God to end his life. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." (1 Kings 19:4)   Have you ever felt abandoned? Have you ever been so overwhelmed by the circumstances that you wanted to give up? You are not alone. Elijah...

Proverbs 4:18 the path of the just is as the morning light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. God, in His infinite power and wisdom, is not yet finished with us. Haven't we all felt, at times, that we have reached the end of our path? The truth, however, is far from this. " Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! " (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old you is past, and you are being transformed into the image of Christ, day by day. In the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul brings forth this comforting truth. He says in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse, beloved, is a promise that echoes the voice of a loving and caring God who is intimately involved in our lives. He is the Potter, and we are the clay, constantly being moulded into the very image of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. The story of Peter, one of Jes...

Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   Ephesians implores us to hold fast to the Sword of the Spirit. But what does that mean and how can we apply this to our everyday lives? The sword referred to in Ephesians is not a physical weapon. It represents the Word of God, the Bible. It is the only offensive piece of armour in the full armour of God. This means it is not only used for defence, but for attacking the enemy – the lies and deceit that try to overthrow our faith.   Just as a soldier holds fast to his sword during battle, we too must clutch steadfastly onto the word of God in our times of testing. We live in an unpredictable world filled with challenges and temptations. The enemy is always lying in wait, hoping for a moment of weakness to slip in and cause havoc in our lives.   But dear ones, do not be afraid. For just as the soldier trusts his sword, so we too should trust in the Word of God....

Judges 6:12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Dearly beloved, though we are beset at all sides by spiritual adversity in the devil and his wicked spirits, which if one were to face alone, in our own power, would surely defeat us. But we also have spiritual advocacy in a far mightier power: God and his heavenly warriors, the angels, these loyal servants of the Lord never fail in their missions. The Holy Bible offers many instances of angelic presences in the lives of God's people. God positions angels as ministering spirits dispatched to serve those who will inherit salvation. They are ethereal beings, divine messengers who have been tasked by God to keep watch over us, guide us, and offer us comfort and hope in times of despair.   In Psalm 34:7, it is written: " The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. " This verse, my dear brothers and sisters, carrie...

Isaiah 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. I feel compelled to share a message of hope, of courage, and of encouragement as we collectively navigate the often-daunting passage of life. The topic today is one that is close to all our hearts, and it is this: dealing with the process of aging, and the perceived loss of acuity that comes with it.   Let me start with a passage from the Bible, from Proverbs, Chapter 16, Verse 31. It says, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; we gain it in a righteous life ." This verse suggests that getting older should not be seen as a burden or an ailment, but as an honour, a reward for a life lived under God's teachings.   In this world, where youth and vitality are often glorified, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the changes that come with old age. Losing physical strength or disability, the slowing down of our cognitive f...

Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him Let us take an exciting opportunity for each one of us to delve deeper into our relationship with the Lord, to encounter His abiding presence in our lives, each moment of our existence. Walking with Jesus is not a route marked by extraneous pomp and show. It is a humble path  — a path of love, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. It is a journey that transcends our worldly comprehension and elevates us to a level of divine wisdom and consciousness.   As we walk with Jesus, we walk in the light. In his light, we find our way, stumble less, and rise faster. His light illuminates our path and sheds clarity on our vision. His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.   Faith is our essential companion in this journey. It serves as the anchor, that holds us firm amidst all of life's storms. Even when our sight fails us, our faith keeps us strong, steadfast, unwavering. ...

Exodus 3:7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people..and have heard their cry..for I know their sorrows Often, we walk through life feeling as though we are invisible, as though our struggles, our fears, and even our hopes are unseen and unheard. It is in these moments, when you feel most alone, that it's important to turn your eyes towards the heavens and remember that we are never invisible to our loving Father.   Let us delve into the scriptures. We find in Psalm 139:14, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Our God, our Creator, our Sustainer, is fully aware of you. He who formed the stars in the sky and the fish in the sea, He who paints the sunset with glorious colours every day, He knows you and He sees you.   When Hagar found herself cast out into the wilderness, afraid and alone, God met her there. She names God "El Roi" — the God who sees. He saw her...

Ephesians 9:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.   As we gather here today, let us delve into understanding this crucial aspect of our Christian walk. The spiritual warfare against devils and curses is not for the faint-hearted; it requires strength, faith, and a steadfast spirit to stand tall against the tactics of the enemy.   The world is not just physical; it is also spiritual. Both realms are intertwined, and often the battles we face physically are manifestations of the spiritual warfare waged in the heavenly realms. Devils and curses are not mere myths or figments of the imagination; they are actual forces of darkness that seek to disrupt our lives and distort our faith.   However, beloved, let us not be dishea...

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.   Today, let us focus is the dual yet harmonious process of correction and encouragement, a spiritual dance, if you will, that is integral to our journey of faith. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, beautifully encapsulates the purpose of God's Word – to instruct, to reprove, to correct, and to train. Let us pause and reflect on the role of correction in our spiritual journey.   Correction, dear ones, is not a sign of disapproval or rejection; it is, rather, an expression of God's immense love for us. It is the loving act of a Heavenly Father who desires to see His children grow and mature in righteousness. Proverbs 3:12 tells us, " the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights ." God's correction is not intended to discourage or condemn us; it steers us away from paths of d...

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.   I write to you today with a heart full of love and reach out to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith. In this moment, I want to remind you of a crucial truth: the importance of not being discouraged, no matter the trials or tribulations we face.   We are in a world that often seems filled with uncertainty and turmoil, yet it is in these very times that we must remember to hold steadfastly to our faith. It is the beacon of hope that guides us through the darkest nights: the anchor that grounds us when the seas of life become tumultuous.   Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:28: " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose ." This scripture reminds us that no matter the trial...