Pastor Jean

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and those who keep those things which are written in it” (Rev 1:3; NKJV). According to this verse we will be blessed by just reading (and obeying) the book of Revelation (even if we don’t understand it). The word blessed can be translated as extremely happy. There are actually 6 specific blessings found in this final book of the Bible. Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds will follow them” (NLT). This infers that we should be doing some good works while we are on the earth (so they can follow us). The second blessing is found in Rev 16:15 which tells us we are blessed if we are spiritually prepared for the Lord’s return. Thirdly, Rev 19:9 tells us that we are blessed if we are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. If you have made Jesus the Lord of your life then you are invited, in fact, you are the bride! Then Rev 20:6 says, “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.” If you are a Christian, whether you die naturally or are raptured, then you are part of the first resurrection. Finally, Rev 22:7,14 assure us that, “blessed are those who do His commandments, that they have the right to the tree of life.” Hallelujah! Read the book of Revelation and be supremely blessed.

Pastor Norman

The apostle Paul described the struggle he often contended with, his new nature (spirit or heart), that resulted from giving his life to Jesus Christ, wanting to serve God but his soul (mind, will and emotions), wanting to live in sin like the world. This struggle originates in our thoughts. We need to, “set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col 3:2; NKJV). As Christians, Paul tells us not to walk according to the dictates of our soul or fleshly sinful nature but under the direction of our spirit, directed by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:1-2). Paul went on to say that to be carnally or fleshly minded results in a life of sin and suffering whereas to be spiritually minded brings peace and the God kind of life (Rom 8:6). Paul exhorted us, “not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2; NKJV). We do this by, “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:56; NKJV). This involves immersing ourselves in God’s word. Jesus gave up His life for His church, “to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word” (Eph 2:5b-6; NLT). We need to think God’s way not only at church and in our prayer times but during everyday life; God is interested in every aspect of our lives. We speak what is in our heart (Luke 6:45); our words will show how much our thoughts are directed by the Holy Spirit, but remember also that, “The Lord knows the thoughts of men” (Ps 94:11; NKJV). Food for thought!

Pastor Jean

According to John 3:16 (NKJV), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. In 1 John 5:13 (NKJV) we read, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life”. Based on these verses we have the hope of heaven if we believe in Jesus, not because we do good works (Titus 3:5). The word “believe” in both verses means more than just head knowledge but to trust completely, a trust that leads to submission and obedience. If we have that kind of belief, we can be confident in our hope of heaven. John 14:1-3 tell us that Jesus is already preparing a place for us in heaven (see also 2 Cor 5:1). It was the hope of heaven that inspired the patriarchs of old to keep going; they desired, “a heavenly country” (Heb 11:16; NKJV). We are just passing through this world as we are actually citizens of heaven and, “looking forward to a home yet to come” (Heb 13:14; NLT). Let’s make sure we don’t get too attached to this world but keep our focus in the direction we are headed; let the hope of heaven fill our souls (see Col 3:1-3). “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40; NKJV).

Pastor Norman

Jesus said to His disciples, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees” (Matt 16:6; NKJV). The disciples concluded that Jesus wasn’t happy with them for not bringing any bread with them on their journey (Matt 16:7). Jesus reminded them of the miracle of feeding the four thousand as if to say, “hey guys providing bread is no challenge for Me, what I was saying was watch out for the leaven or yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees, their negative legalistic and harmful false doctrine” (Matt 16:1-12). In a cursory reading of our Bible, we too can miss the point. In school I had Bible classes; but the Bible was largely a mystery to me. The greatest mystery (1 Tim 3:16) we need to see is Jesus Christ, His life on earth, sacrifice, resurrection and victory over all the powers of darkness. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. (See the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Through His sacrifice and resurrection Jesus won forgiveness for us (Col 1:14), enabling us to be born again spiritually (salvation, John 3:1-7) and enter into fellowship with God (John 14:6). At salvation we asked Jesus to be Lord of our lives (Rom 10:9-10) and He came into our lives as the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:22). As we prayerfully study God’s word the Holy Spirit opens up the Bible to us giving us revelation and understanding (John 16:12-15). God’s word comes alive to us, changing us to be more like Jesus (1 Cor 3:18).

Pastor Jean

“Constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8; TPT). The Greek word used for “echo” in this verse is actually the same, echo; it can mean to have, hold or possess but The Passion Translation simply uses the word “echo.” In other words, imitate or copy God’s love. A tall order I know! In order to do this, we need to immerse ourselves into this love by fellowshipping with Love Himself and through reading and meditating on the word concerning God’s love. Just like people become evil by spending time with evil people, the same is true with love. Verse 8 tells us why this love is so important and that is because it will cover a multitude of sins. We are also told this in Proverbs 10:12, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins” (NKJV). When we love with God’s agape love, we forgive those that sin against us. How easily we get hurt when people say mean things to us but if we are “echoing” God’s love we will forgive them and move on. Jesus told us in Matt6:14 to forgive others and in Mark 11:25 we learn that forgiveness is necessary if we want our faith to work. Jesus forgave His tormentors who delivered Him up to be crucified; Stephen echoed this love by forgiving those men that were stoning him. Let’s spend time with God so we can be enveloped in His love and be an echo in the darkness.