(by pastor Norman)

I was reading in the book of Ephesians where the apostle Paul prays that we would get a revelation and understanding of all God has for us (Eph 1:16-18). As part of that he wrote, “And what is the exceeding greatness of the power towards us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead” (Eph 1:19-20a; NKJV). Three Greek power words are used here. One is Dunamis, the miracle working power of God, from which we get the English word dynamite. The second is Energeia, referring to God’s supernatural power at work, from this word we get the English word, energy. Lastly, we see the word, Kratos, meaning might or great power and authority over all things. God’s power is available to us as Christians. This same power restored Jesus to His place next to the Father in heaven, with authority over all things and headship of His body, the church (Eph 1:22-23). We are His body or church, filled with His fullness, this fullness encompasses His power, riches and mandate to be His ambassadors on the earth (Eph 1:23). Through the power of His death and resurrection we who were spiritually dead and separated from God have been given new spiritual life in restored fellowship with God (Eph 2:1-6). Paul calls us God’s workmanship, a work of art, a poem created by God (Eph 2:10). Let’s change the world around us by His power. Praise God for His power in us!

(by pastor Jean)

“But just as He who called you is holy. So be holy in all you do; for it is written “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15,16; MEV). Peter was quoting Leviticus 19:2 and 11:44 in the Old Testament. This sounds like a tall order but let’s see what we can learn about holiness from the Bible. God sets the example of holiness and we are made in His image (Gen 1:26). Holiness in the Bible means to be separate from the world or sanctified. It means to be morally upright and blameless. It is the opposite of sinful. This is something we grow in by a process called sanctification; we will never be perfectly holy but it is something to aim at. In the Old Testament the 10 commandments were given to help people do what was right and therefore develop holiness. The Jews were meant to live differently from the surrounding nations (Lev 18:34). In order for us to become holy we need to renew our minds which will help us line up our values with the word (Rom 12:2). We also need to get those things out of our lives that could compromise holiness such as certain music, movies etc. and even the company we keep. Then of course we need to put into practice what we learn from the word regarding holiness, asking the Holy Spirit to help us because we cannot depend on our own human ability. As we cooperate with the Holy Spirit our lives will begin to reflect God’s holy character and so we will shine brightly for the world to see (Matt 5:16).

(by pastor Norman)

In six days, God completed His work of creating the “heavens and the earth” (Gen 2:1-2; NKJV) and everything in them. God rested on the seventh day and set that day apart for mankind to rest from his labours (Gen 2:3). When God led His people Israel out of slavery in Egypt He promised them perpetual rest in the promised land. The rest was delayed 40 years due to disobedience (Ps 95:10-11). This world around us is a sin-filled environment over which satan has dominion (Luke 4:5-7) and he comes to, “steal, and to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10a; NKJV). However, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b; NKJV). Now that sounds like rest to me! Jesus through His sacrifice, death and resurrection stripped satan of all power and authority (Cool 2:15) and paid the price for our sins (Col 2:15), so we could receive forgiveness (Coll 1:14). If we believe in Jesus and ask Him to be Lord of our life, to have control, we will be saved or made new in fellowship with God (Rom 10:9-10). In the epistle to the Hebrews, we read that God has a continuous life of rest for His people; we can rest from our labours (Heb 4:9-10) and burdens. Jesus said, “Come to Me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28-30). Jesus exhorted us to live life according to His Word, for His ways are easy and not burdensome, in so doing we will find His perpetual rest.

(by pastor Jean)

The epistle of Paul to his spiritual son, Titus, is for the most part instructions on how Christians should behave. I find it interesting that he says we should do good works five times in 3 short chapters. If something is repeated that many times we should take note of it. He says we should be an example of good works (2:7), ready to do good works (2:14), maintain good works (3:8), continue doing good works (3:8) and be “zealous of good works” (Tit 2:14; MEV). To be zealous means to be eager, enthusiastic, on fire. In his epistle to Timothy, Paul told him to be, “rich in good works” (1 Tim 6:18; MEV). Paul also encouraged the Ephesians regarding good works when he told them they were created for good works (Eph 2:10). We are also told to inspire each other to do good works in Hebrews 10:24. In instructing the Galatians, Paul told them to never get tired of doing good and to use every opportunity they had to do good (Gal 6:9). Of course, our first and foremost example of someone doing good is Jesus because we are told that is how He spent His time, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38; NKJV). We have been anointed with the same Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20,27, 2 Cor 1:21-22), let’s look for opportunities to do good today and remember that whatever we do we are doing it as unto Him (Matt 25:40).

(by pastor Norman)

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing that God wants us to do” (2 Tim 3:16; NLT). Our Bible was written by men under the inspiration of God; it reveals God to us, His character, His ways, purposes and plans for mankind. His word can change us from our old sinful ways to be like Christ (2 Cor 3:18), to live the abundant life He has for us (John 10:10) and enable us to be His ambassadors, His ministers on the earth (2 Cor 5:20). In Hebrews 4:12, we read that God’s word is powerful and will expose our thoughts and desires for what they are and show us where change is needed for good. His word is a beacon of light guiding us in God’s ways (Ps 119:105). We must live a life based and directed by His word (Matt 4:4). His word is truth and will grow us in holiness (John 17:17). The apostle Paul exhorted the Galatians to, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16; NKJV). As Christians God’s word must be our sure foundation (Matt 7:24-25), we must adhere to it and into practice (Luke 11:28, James 1:22). God’s word will never pass away (Matt 24:35) and will always bring the results God intends (Isa 55:11). Finally, let’s be encouraged by the apostle John, he wrote that if God’s words abide or stay and remain in us, “You will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7; NKJV). Praise God for His sacred word to us.