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Living the Word: Becoming Doers of God's Word

James 1:22-24 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers who deceive yourselves. For any who are a hearer of the word, and not a doer, are like a man seeing his natural face in a glass: For he sees himself, and goes his way, and immediately forgets what manner of man he was.   Today, I want to share with you a message that calls us to action, to live out our faith in tangible, meaningful ways. It is a message about being not just hearers of God's Word, but doers of the Word. James 1 is a powerful reminder that our faith is not just about hearing or reading God's Word, but about putting it into action in our daily lives.   We live in a world that is full of noise. We are constantly bombarded with information, opinions, and ideas. It can be easy to hear God's Word, to nod in agreement, and then to go on with our lives as if nothing has changed. But James challenges us to do more than just listen. He challenges us to act.   It means to love our neighbours a...

Modern Christianity: Challenges in the 21st Century

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. We find ourselves in a transforming world. The 21st century has brought with it a whirlwind of technological advancements, societal shifts, and new challenges that our forefathers could scarcely have imagined. Yet, amidst these changes, one thing remains constant - our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.   In the book of Hebrews, we are reminded that " Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever " (Hebrews 13:8). Despite the shifting sands of time, our Saviour remains steadfast. His love for us is unchanging, His promises are unshakeable, and His grace is unending.   In this era of smartphones and social media, we are more connected than ever before. Yet, paradoxically, we also face an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Many are searching for meaning, purpose, and genuine connection in a world that often feels superficial and transient. Herein lies our opportunity, dear brothers...

The Unsurpassed Power in the Name of Jesus

Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Today, I will share a message of hope, strength, and victory. A message that is deeply rooted in the heart of our faith, a message that is as old as the church itself, yet as fresh as the morning dew. It is a message about the power in the name of Jesus.   The name 'Jesus' is not just any name. It, my dear brethren, is a name that encapsulates the divine, a nomenclature that is steeped in the sacred, and one that bears the echoes of the love that the Almighty showers upon us. In the name of Jesus, there is power, a power that transcends our understanding, a power that transcends the confines of this corporeal plane.   The book of Philippians 2:9-10 declares: “ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,...

Hellenistic Judea: Jews in the Epoch of Jesus

The first-century Judea, the cradle of Christianity, was a dynamic and diverse society marked by cultural exchanges and political shifts. Let us seek to explore the life of Jews during Jesus' time, highlighting the striking influence of Hellenistic culture, as evidenced by the usage of Greek names.   In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great's conquests led to the spread of Hellenistic culture, which had a significant impact on Jewish society in Judea. This manifested in various aspects of life, including language, names, and, to some extent, religious practice.   The usage of Greek names among Jews was not a mere trend, but showed the cultural shift occurring within their society. Although Hebrew was the liturgical language, Greek had permeated daily life, including in names given to children. Simon (Simon Peter), Andrew, Philip, and Stephanos (Stephen) are a few examples of Greek names in the New Testament.   Simon, for instance, is derived from the Greek n...

Guarding Your Heart: Protecting Your Inner Sanctum

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it   Today I invite you to join me in exploring the act of guarding yourself. The theme of our devotional today is drawn from the wisdom-filled book of Proverbs. In these simple yet profound words lie an immense truth about our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.   First, let us grasp the meaning of 'heart' within this context. Biblically, the heart does not merely relate to our physical organ, but it symbolises the core of our being - it is the principal place where our feelings, desires, passions, and commitments dwell. Hence, when we are guided to guard our hearts, we are being called to protect our inner sanctums where the essence of who we are lives.   Why is it so critical to guard our hearts? Our heart dictates our thoughts, actions, and the course of our life. When our hearts are unguarded, we become vulnerable to forces of negativity, cynicism, doubt, and fea...

Pursuing Joy: Seeking the Lord's Abundance

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Beloved brothers and sisters, let us direct our hearts, minds and souls to a fundamental understanding in our walk with Christ - seeking the joy of the Lord. In the book of Nehemiah, Chapter 8, Verse 10, it is beautifully written, " The joy of the Lord is your strength ." This simple yet powerful statement holds a deep ocean of wisdom. What is this joy of the Lord, and how do we seek it? My dear brethren, let us explore and embrace the joy that is ours in Christ. The joy of the Lord is not merely an emotion; it is a deep-seated conviction that God is in control, regardless of our circumstances. It is a spiritual thermostat that transcends the highs and lows of life, that remains steady, even when the storms of life try to shake our world.   There are countless ways to seek the joy of the Lord, but today, let us focus on three essential paths: Through Prayer, through God's Word, and through Service. ...

Following not Resisting: Embracing the Holy Spirit

Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.   Dear beloved, let us delve into God's Word with utmost humility and openness, as we discuss a matter of crucial importance to our Christian journey - the peril of resisting the Holy Spirit.   Scripture reminds us of the prominence that the Holy Spirit has in our lives. In Ephesians 4:30, we are cautioned, " And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption ." This scripture underscores the critical role that the Holy Spirit plays in our redemption and sanctification. Thus, in our journey of faith, it is paramount we yield to the Holy Spirit instead of resisting Him.   When we resist the Holy Spirit, we stifle His divine counsel and guidance. Let us reflect upon Acts 7:51, where Stephen reproached the Sanhedrin saying, " You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resis...

Hearing the Word: Nourishment for the Soul

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.   One of the most significant aspects of our spiritual journey, one that can remarkably influence our relationship with God, is the incessant need to hear the Word of God. Often, in the hustle and bustle of life, amidst all the noise that surrounds us, we neglect the importance of hearing God's Word regularly. The din can drown out that quiet, solitary voice we long to hear. Today, we discuss why hearing the Word of God is incredibly significant for our spiritual growth and well-being.   In the book of Romans 10:17, Apostle Paul tells us, " So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God ." This passage signifies the essence of hearing God's Word. Our faith draws sustenance from it, our souls find nourishment in it. Every time we listen to the Word, our spiritual strength is renewed, our faith fortified.   Consider when you plant a seed in your garden. To grow a...

The King James Bible: Mighty Sword of God

Psalm 12:6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.   The King James Bible is not just a book, but a divine instrument that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has given us. Dating back to 1611, it has been an essential cornerstone in the lives of faithful Protestants worldwide. It is the wellspring of our faith, the reference for our doctrines, and the compass guiding our spiritual and moral conduct. It is only fitting, therefore, for every Christian to show profound reverence to this Holy Book.   Scripture reminds us, " Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away " (Matthew 24:35). This is not a simple saying; but a promise from our Lord, God Almighty. The promise extends far beyond seeing us through life's tribulation. It is a divine guarantee that His Word, our guiding light and source of spiritual sustenance, will persist through ages, untouched by decay.   In Isaiah 40:...

Embrace Eternity: Lay Hold of Eternal Life

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our Almighty Creator, in His unfathomable love and profound benevolence, has set before us a path that leads to everlasting life. It is a path ordained with divine purpose, an invitation to partake in the eternal banquet of God’s kingdom. Through His Word, God beckons us saying, “ Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses ” (1 Timothy 6:12).   Our Lord Jesus Christ, by His sacrifice on the cross, has laid the cornerstone of this path. He has washed away our sins and offered us a new covenant of grace, setting us free from the bondage of sin and death. Through Jesus, we have received the promise of eternal life. But how do we, as faithful followers, lay hold of this precious gift?   Laying hold of eternal life requires more than a casual nod of acceptance; it demand...