(by pastor Norman)

How often do we stop and check our conversations? Jesus said, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt 12:36-37; NKJV). Wow! However you read that verse above the message is clear, watch your conversation! Let’s look into this a little further. James, the brother of Jesus, encourages us to focus on hearing, to take time before we speak and to restrain anger (James 1:19). King Solomon made it very clear that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21; NKJV) and “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov 25:11; NKJV). In all our conversations we should seek to bring God’s grace and build others up (Eph 4:29b). We are never to speak badly of brothers and sisters (James 4:11, Titus 3:2), our conversation should be fair, non-abrasive, gentle and tempered by humility whilst bringing peace. “A gentle tongue (with its healing power) is a tree of life (Prov 15:4; AMP). We should always speak truth in a spirit of love (Eph 4:15); words that are acceptable to God (Ps 19:14). As a final thought we should remember that Jesus made it clear that our words reflect what is in our heart (Matt 15:18-19). Hmm, a thought to remember.

(by pastor Jean)

There are many, many things in the Old Testament which are types and shadows of the New Testament. Think of what happened when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Gen 22:1-19). Abraham prepared wood for his sacrifice just as Jesus died on a wooden cross. Abraham had to prepare his sacrifice on the third day and it was on the third day that Jesus was raised from the dead. The ram for Abraham’s sacrifice was caught in a thicket or thorn bush pointing to the thorny crown that Jesus wore. Then in Leviticus 16:5-28 we read about the “scape goat” and the day of Atonement. The High Priest laid his hands on the goat and confessed all the sins of the children of Israel and the goat was taken into the wilderness. Jesus became our scape goat and we no longer need a day of Atonement because Jesus completely wiped away our sins (Isa 53:6). Then there is the bronze serpent of Numbers 21:4-9 which Moses instructed the children of Israel to make and put it on a pole which points to the cross. All they had to do if they were bitten by a snake was to look at it and they were healed. In the same way, if we fully put our trust in Jesus we are saved, which includes healing. Thirdly, we read about the Passover lamb in Exodus 12:1-28. The sacrificial lamb had to be perfect and its blood was put on their doorposts so no one would be harmed by the death angel. Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb. On the day Jesus was crucified He died at around 3 in the afternoon which was the same afternoon as the Passover lambs were sacrificed in the temple (Matt 27:45-50, Mk 15:33-37, Luke 23:44-46). How remarkable is that?

(by pastor Norman)

The church is not a building but people that believe in Jesus (Rom 12:5) and have made Him their Lord and Saviour (Rom 10:9,10). The church is the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27) and Jesus is the head (Col 1:18; NKJV). In the early church believers met in the temple and in people’s homes (Acts 2:46, 1 Cor 16:19). In Jerusalem, the apostles led the church with James the brother of Jesus as the head (Acts 21:18). As the church grew and spread elders (plural; Acts 11:30) were appointed in every new local church (Acts 14:23). The elders were also called overseers or bishops and functioned as pastors or shepherds, preaching and teaching (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-2). Members of the early church focused on the teaching of the apostles and elders (Acts 2:42, Acts 4:33). There was no written New Testament at that time. The church embraced people of all nations and ethnic backgrounds from all parts of society (Acts 2:5-13, Gal 3:28). There was a special spiritual fellowship with God and each other and a strong sense of unity (Acts 2:46, 4:32). They people broke bread in remembrance of what Jesus did for them in His death and resurrection (Acts 2:42). Prayer was emphasized (Acts 2:42) as well as praise and worship (Acts 2:47). Resources were shared such that there was no lack among the people (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). This was a caring church that love was building (John 13:34-35). Thousands were added to the church and signs, wonders and miracles were common (Acts 2:43; 3:1-10; 20:9-12). It’s good to reflect on the early church, surely, we should be its continuation.

(by pastor Jean)

In 2 Corinthians 1:3 God the Father is described as the God of all comfort (paraklesis). This word can also mean encouragement as the Amplified Bible translates it in 2 Cor 1:4, “who comforts and encourages us.” God comforts and encourages us so we can, “comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble” (2 Cor 1:4; AMP). Verse 5 of the same chapter goes on to say that the comfort or encouragement of Christ is more than enough to enable us to endure what we have to. None will go through life without difficult times. The Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Ps 34:19; NKJV). Jesus told His disciples that because they lived in the world, they would have tribulation and suffering but they could be encouraged because He had overcome the world” (John 16:33). David said that even though we go through “the valley of the shadow of death” God is with us. Moses told the children of Israel that “It is the Lord your God that goes with you. He will not fail you nor abandon you” (Deut 31:6; AMP) (See also Heb 13:5). Jesus encouraged His disciples by saying, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20; NLT). Finally, Isa 41:10 gives us great encouragement whatever we may be going through, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (NLT).