(by Pastor Jean)

We are not saved by our good works but for good works, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph 2:10; NKJV) and, “You are saved by grace through faith” (Eph 2:10; CSB), “not from works so that no one can boast” (Eph 2:9; CSB). When it comes to good works Jesus is our prime example; Acts 10:38 tells us that He spent each day simply “doing good.” What did Jesus tell others about doing good works? In the sermon on the mount Jesus said, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father” (Matt 5:16; NLT). Later on, in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus told His disciples that if they did anything kind even if it was as simple as giving a glass of water, they would be rewarded. James addresses the issue of good works in his epistle, saying that if our faith does not have corresponding good works then it is dead faith (James 2:14-17, 26). He says that genuine faith, “produces good works” (James 2:14; AMP). Paul encouraged the Galatians not to grow tired of doing good (Gal 6:9) and he also told Titus to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14; ESV) and then in Titus 3:14 he says that people should devote themselves to good works. Finally, let’s heed the admonition in 1 Cor 16:14 to, “let everything you do be done in love” (ESV). Always remember that whenever you do something for “one of the least of these” you are doing it for Jesus (Matt 25: 35-45).

(by pastor Norman)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a special people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9; AMP). It pays for us to take note of who we are as Christians as the apostle Peter so eloquently describes above. We are a very special people belonging to God, called out from the darkness in this world for a specific purpose, to tell of the wonders of Jesus to those we come in contact with. We are temples of God (2 Cor 6:16), of His Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) and Jesus paid a high price, His life (1 Cor 6:20) so that we could be forgiven (Eph 1:7) and become God’s children (John 1:12), His Christian people. The apostle Paul exhorts us to live lives separate from non- Christians (2 Cor 6:14, 17); we need to witness to them (Acts 1:8) but not follow their lifestyle. God wishes to bless us abundantly (John 10:10) but warns against loving or seeking after the evil ways of the world (1 John 2:15, Eph 5:11). Jesus Himself said that He calls us out from the world around us and people in the world will not love us (John 15:19). We need to be careful in our choice of friends, bad company will influence us negatively (1 Cor 15:33, James 4:4). We must let God’s love shine through us and allow our words and lifestyle to attract those around us into His victorious eternal life.

(by Pastor Jean)

According to Psalm 103:20 the function of angels is to bless the Lord, to do His word, obey His voice, do His will and minister on God’s behalf. Hebrews 1:6 adds to this that all the angels are to worship Jesus. Then in Hebrews 1:14 we are also told that angels are ministering spirits sent out by God to “serve (accompany, protect) those who will inherit salvation” (AMP). (See also Heb 1:7). Angels appeared to several people in the Bible including Abraham, Lot, Moses, Gideon, Hannah, Balaam, Daniel, Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Philip and Paul. An angel also delivered Peter from prison and angels carried Lazarus to his eternal destination when he died. The Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to John by an angel (Rev 1:1). The function of angels is also to protect us as we see in Psalm 91, “God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go, defending you from all harm” (Ps 91:11; TPT). Also, in Psalm 34:7 we are told that the angels surround and protect those who fear God. It also appears from scripture that each believer has designated angels (Matt 18:10, Acts 12:15). Angels also oppose and do warfare against evil angels as we read in Rev 12:7-9 and Dan 10:12,13. In light of the above, let’s remember that even though we can’t usually see angels we know that they are there and that God sends them to help us when we pray (Acts 12:5,11).

(by Pastor Norman)

“God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5; NKJV). This verse contrasts the perfectly sinless and holy character of God with the dark, sin-filled nature of man without God. Jesus came as a light to the world around Him (John 9:5b); He was a burning and shining light (John 5:35). He shone in the darkness of the world (John 1:5) but many men rejected Him, preferring to live in the worldly darkness of sin (John 3:19-21). However, Jesus said, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness “(John 12:46; NKJV). If we believe in Jesus and have asked Him into our lives to guide and direct us (Rom 10:9,10) then the light of Jesus is in us and the Holy Spirit enables us to, “Walk as children of light) (Eph 5:8,9; NKJV), children of Jesus. Jesus has, “called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9b; NKJV). If we are truly walking in God’s light, we can experience an amazing sense of fellowship with each other (1 John 1:7). We should be a light to the world around us; we are not to hide our light but to let it shine (Matt 5:14-15). People should be able to see Jesus the light in all we do and say, causing them to give glory to God (Matt 5:16, 2 Cor 4:4-6). As Jesus said to the apostle Paul, we are to open the eyes of the people around us so they can leave darkness and experience the light (Acts 26:18). The question is, do people see the light of Christ in us?

(by Pastor Jean)

“So, if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13; NLT). Of course, we know the answer to the question, God is so much more reliable than we are and will of course give the Holy Spirit to all who ask. In Luke chapter 12, Jesus is telling His disciples not to worry about food. He uses the example of the birds and how God takes care of feeding them and then He says, “How much more valuable are you than the birds!” (Luke 12:24; AMP). Then a few verses later, He is telling them not to worry about clothes and uses the example of grass and again says, “How much more will He clothe you?” (Luke 12:28; AMP). God takes care of our every need. Paul also uses this phrase in Romans 5:20, “For if the many died by the transgression of one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ overflow to the many!” (NIV). Paul was comparing the grace of God to Adam’s sin and showing how much more powerful God’s grace is. We serve a much more God but if you are still doubtful about that then read 2 Cor 9:8, “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (NLT). We are told in Genesis 17:1 that God is El Shadai (The God who is more than enough). That is who we serve. How much more should we trust Him?