Hosting Pastor: Bishop Mike Berdin, Charismatic Revival Center Fellowship
“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:7). Jesus is our joy and delight. Without Him, we are nothing. Some may think that God doesn't hate anything because He is a God of love. But because He is also holy and righteous, He despises and detests wickedness.
We don’t hate people, we hate the evil that they are doing. Evil is deceptive, destructive and deadly. To love righteousness is to forsake and depart from evil. If we love righteousness, and hate wickedness, God will reward us with joy. True righteousness cannot be earned by works. It is not dependent on self-efforts but through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work at the cross. We are to worship Him, not ourselves, and not any other idols. God hates hypocrisy and false worship. There are counterfeit salvation and sanctification, which are abomination to Him. True faith is not following a list of rules and regulations, but it is a way of life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Many of us are quick to judge others for outward sins, such as when they commit sexual immorality, financial fraudulence or other desires and passions of the flesh. Yet, there are other more “secretive” and subtle inward sins of the heart and spirit, such as pride, lying, gossip and slander, that are just as wicked and abominable in the sight of God. We need to cry out to God, to break our hearts for what breaks His. To love what He loves, and hate what He hates. What are the things He hate?
Let us look at Proverbs 6, verses 16 to 19, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” From this list of sins, we can see the anatomy of the human body being illustrated, especially the first five signified by physical parts: the eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet. These members of the body, and really, our entire being, are to be set apart for the Lord, to love Him and live for Him. To hide God’s Word as treasure in our hearts.
God hates sin, but He loves us enough to warn us to repent from sinful lifestyles and practices. Let us love what God loves, and hate what He hates.
Hosting Pastor: Carlito Tablero, A Light Shine
A message based on Numbers 13:30 and Isaiah 6:1-8
Hosting Pastor: Rey Delicano, Christ's Ambassadors Fellowship (AG)
“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:7). Jesus is our joy and delight. Without Him, we are nothing. Some may think that God doesn't hate anything because He is a God of love. But because He is also holy and righteous, He despises and detests wickedness.
We don’t hate people, we hate the evil that they are doing. Evil is deceptive, destructive and deadly. To love righteousness is to forsake and depart from evil. If we love righteousness, and hate wickedness, God will reward us with joy. True righteousness cannot be earned by works. It is not dependent on self-efforts but through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work at the cross. We are to worship Him, not ourselves, and not any other idols. God hates hypocrisy and false worship. There are counterfeit salvation and sanctification, which are abomination to Him. True faith is not following a list of rules and regulations, but it is a way of life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Many of us are quick to judge others for outward sins, such as when they commit sexual immorality, financial fraudulence or other desires and passions of the flesh. Yet, there are other more “secretive” and subtle inward sins of the heart and spirit, such as pride, lying, gossip and slander, that are just as wicked and abominable in the sight of God. We need to cry out to God, to break our hearts for what breaks His. To love what He loves, and hate what He hates. What are the things He hate?
Let us look at Proverbs 6, verses 16 to 19, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” From this list of sins, we can see the anatomy of the human body being illustrated, especially the first five signified by physical parts: the eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet. These members of the body, and really, our entire being, are to be set apart for the Lord, to love Him and live for Him. To hide God’s Word as treasure in our hearts.
God hates sin, but He loves us enough to warn us to repent from sinful lifestyles and practices. Let us love what God loves, and hate what He hates.
Hiligaynon / Ilonggo Interpretation by Kim Porras
Hosting Pastor: Carlito Tablero, A Light Shine
In the Old Testament, King Solomon, who was a type of Christ as the Prince of Peace, was chosen to build the temple. The temple portrayed God’s grace and glory. It was a picture of the coming kingdom of God. The various furnishings in the temple have their significance. Whether it is the pillars, table of shewbread, candlestick, altar of incense, or any other vessels, they reflect the presence and worship of God. Then, the Israelites would travel to the temple to meet and commune with God. No priest could enter the Holy of holies without first being cleansed.
Today, we are the temple, the residence, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Thank God, we can now enter into the inner sanctuary, the throne of grace through the blood of Christ. We are living epistle of Christ, the salt of the earth, the light of the world and a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
As the temple of the Holy Spirit:
· We are being built together for a habitation of God
· We are to be a pure maiden to Christ
· We are stamped with His seal
· We have this treasure in earthen vessels
· We are to cultivate the fear of the Lord
· We are to defeat the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life
· We are not to quench or grieve Him
· We are a living sacrifice
Do we hunger for God’s Word? How much time do we spend in seeking Him in prayer? Or have our careers and even hobbies draw our time and hearts away from God?
As temple of the Holy Spirit, we need His manifest Presence. We desire to be filled with the Spirit, walking and living in the Spirit, having the fruit and gifts of the Spirit.
Hosting Pastor: Ernesto Teodoro Jr., Calvary Temple Harvest International
In Matthew 25:1, we see that “ ...the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” If we will notice, there are ten virgins but only one Bridegroom. “Virgins” represents those who belong to the Lord. The Church, with many members, are the Body of Christ. We are also the Bride of Christ. We wait in anticipation for the day when we will be united with our Bridegroom. We are “virgins” watching and waiting for the rapture, or resurrection, to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Of all the ten virgins, five of the them were wise, while the other five were foolish. Outwardly, all of them look the same by carrying lamps. Yet, fifty percent of them were smart and the remaining half were silly. Could this be said of believers in the Church today?
Are we experiencing spiritual fruitfulness or barrenness? Are we ignited and on fire for the Lord, or lukewarm? If we are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, the Lord will spue or vomit us out of His mouth.
Who then, are the wise virgins? They are those who being filled and re-filled with the Holy Spirit. Those who are being refreshed and replenished in God’s presence.
While all virgins trimmed their lamps, there is indication that the foolish virgins neither trimmed the wick, nor carried extra oil. Spiritually-speaking, many Christians do not trim the wick. We fail to lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us. We give out more smoke than light to others around us.
When the foolish virgins ran out of oil, they ask the wise virgins for it. The wise replied, Not so. Every one must have his own oil of the Spirit, and not think that he can live off someone else’s anointing. Sadly, in many churches, we depend on the spirituality of others, and become lazy and lethargic in our own walk with the Lord. Do not misunderstand. There are gifts and callings of God that are being used to bless and edify others in the Body of Christ. We thank God for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, who provides leadership and oversight over the flock of God and perfect the saints. But each of us must still depend on God’s grace to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Our faithfulness and consecration must come from our hunger for the Lord. We are to rest and remain in Christ the vine, to grow in the knowledge of the Word, His truth, righteousness and holiness.
As the foolish virgins went to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Today, there are many who profess to know the Lord. They have an outward show of godliness but no inward spiritual life and energy. They boast of their past Christian experience but lacks a fresh touch from the Lord right now. They run out of the oil of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation is a gift through faith, not by works or keeping the laws. At the same time, we have a responsibility to believe and obey all of His Word, not just some parts. We will experience failures in our Christian life, but as long as we keep our faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial work on the cross, we will not lose our way.
We do not know the day nor the hour when the Jesus will come, but we are to watch and live our lives as if He is coming today. Let us watch and pray, occupy and always abounding in the work of the Lord until He comes. Are we ready?
Hiligaynon / Ilonggo Interpretation by Kim Porras
Hosting Pastor: Trefena Yagao Blasco, Full Gospel Charismatic Voice of Truth Ministries
In Matthew 25:1, we see that “ ...the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” If we will notice, there are ten virgins but only one Bridegroom. “Virgins” represents those who belong to the Lord. The Church, with many members, are the Body of Christ. We are also the Bride of Christ. We wait in anticipation for the day when we will be united with our Bridegroom. We are “virgins” watching and waiting for the rapture, or resurrection, to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Of all the ten virgins, five of the them were wise, while the other five were foolish. Outwardly, all of them look the same by carrying lamps. Yet, fifty percent of them were smart and the remaining half were silly. Could this be said of believers in the Church today?
Are we experiencing spiritual fruitfulness or barrenness? Are we ignited and on fire for the Lord, or lukewarm? If we are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, the Lord will spue or vomit us out of His mouth.
Who then, are the wise virgins? They are those who being filled and re-filled with the Holy Spirit. Those who are being refreshed and replenished in God’s presence.
While all virgins trimmed their lamps, there is indication that the foolish virgins neither trimmed the wick, nor carried extra oil. Spiritually-speaking, many Christians do not trim the wick. We fail to lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us. We give out more smoke than light to others around us.
When the foolish virgins ran out of oil, they ask the wise virgins for it. The wise replied, Not so. Every one must have his own oil of the Spirit, and not think that he can live off someone else’s anointing. Sadly, in many churches, we depend on the spirituality of others, and become lazy and lethargic in our own walk with the Lord. Do not misunderstand. There are gifts and callings of God that are being used to bless and edify others in the Body of Christ. We thank God for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, who provides leadership and oversight over the flock of God and perfect the saints. But each of us must still depend on God’s grace to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Our faithfulness and consecration must come from our hunger for the Lord. We are to rest and remain in Christ the vine, to grow in the knowledge of the Word, His truth, righteousness and holiness.
As the foolish virgins went to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Today, there are many who profess to know the Lord. They have an outward show of godliness but no inward spiritual life and energy. They boast of their past Christian experience but lacks a fresh touch from the Lord right now. They run out of the oil of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation is a gift through faith, not by works or keeping the laws. At the same time, we have a responsibility to believe and obey all of His Word, not just some parts. We will experience failures in our Christian life, but as long as we keep our faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial work on the cross, we will not lose our way.
We do not know the day nor the hour when the Jesus will come, but we are to watch and live our lives as if He is coming today. Let us watch and pray, occupy and always abounding in the work of the Lord until He comes. Are we ready?
We are the temple, the house, the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are bought with a price, which is the precious shed blood of Christ. We are to glorify God in our body and spirit. Not just the spirit, but the body and spirit.
As Christians, we face temptations and there are times we fall into sin. We need to ask the Lord to forgive and cleanse us. Sin must never be taken lightly. Those who continue to practise sin, habitually and repeatedly, are bound for eternal separation from God.
Christianity is not a religion. We do not follow a list of rules and regulations, or a system of dos and don’ts. Rather, it is relationship with Jesus Christ who transforms our heart and life. His grace does not give us a licence to sin, but liberty to live a holy life. Christ has won the victory and we are more than conquerors through Him. We are overcomers through faith in Him, according to first John, chapter 5, verse 4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
Do we realize that there is no greater joy and honor than to have the Holy Spirit dwelling and residing within us?
On the other hand, do we tremble at the solemn warning on the destructive power of the sins of the flesh?
Idolatry, adultery and fornication are physical acts, but they start from the heart. We cannot live a victorious and holy life by our own strength or willpower, but only by surrendering and yielding to the Holy Spirit. This is the source of spiritual power and grace.
Sexual relationships between a husband and a wife are meant to reflect the intimate love between Christ and the church. Hence, whether married or unmarried, any sexual intercourse other than with one’s spouse is sin. Marriage is a covenant, a commitment of faithfulness. Sexual expression is not just physical, but holy and spiritual. When a man and a woman is united in holy matrimony and consummate the marriage, they become one flesh. They can procreate and bring forth children, who can be a blessing in the home.
Spiritually-speaking, when a person confess and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, he or she experiences the new birth, and is one spirit in union with Christ. This Christian is to be fruitful and make disciples for the Lord. In essence, he or she produces spiritual children in the family of God.
As our bodies are His temple, we are to keep it pure by His grace. We humans have three distinct parts – spirit, soul and body. We are to yield each part to our Lord Jesus Christ. Not one part, not two parts, but all of our being. First Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 23 says, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
In Mark 9:2, Jesus took his disciples “Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.” Until now, these disciples have seen Jesus perform miracles. They know the power of Christ. However, what they are experiencing now is not just about what Jesus can do, but an encounter and revelation of His glory – of who He is! They see the transfiguration and transformation of Jesus who is not just someone in human body, but also a powerful manifestation of His divine nature, holiness and purity! Jesus is not just a reflection of light, but He is the very source and epitome of light!
Here, the disciples see Elijah and Moses talking with Jesus. We know that through Moses, God gave humankind the laws, which includes the Ten Commandments. As for Prophet Elijah, even though He lived during the time of the Old Testament, He represents grace and the new covenant. At the transfiguration of Christ, where He appeared with Moses and Elijah, it demonstrates a pivotal point in time in the mission of Jesus, where He came to fulfil the law and the prophets, and to establish the covenant of grace. Jesus was to fulfil the law by meeting all the demands and satisfying the curse of the law through His precious shed blood on the cross!
Here, Peter probably had good intentions to make three tabernacles – one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. However, while Moses and Elijah were great men of God, Jesus alone was both God and Man. Jesus was fully divine and fully human. True, we need to honour and esteem those who are called and anointed of God. Yet, only Jesus Christ and Him alone deserves our worship! All others must fade into the background! No one has, is, and will ever be equal with Christ! We must never exalt any individual to be on par with Jesus – the King of kings and the Lord of lords!
In the awesome holy and righteous presence of God, these three disciples cannot but feel unworthy and undone. Not only did they stand in cloud of God’s Skekinah glory, which rested on the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, the disciples heard the voice of God the Father declaring Jesus as the Beloved Son and the Messiah! It is a declaration of the deity and mission of Christ! This is not just an ordinary dream or even a vision, but a supernatural revelation that Jesus is preeminent and supreme! Jesus is not just a great teacher and prophet, but the very and only begotten Son of God! Here, even though these three disciples had witness the transfiguration, Jesus charged them to tell no one, until after the resurrection!
When we have a real encounter with God, we will be transformed. When we seek His face and behold His glory, we will never be the same again! Our hearts and spirits will be filled with awesome wonder and holy fear of God! We will not speak lightly of what we have experienced. Any spiritual and supernatural experience must not contradict what the Bible says. Otherwise, it must be rejected and renounced. We must not elevate spiritual experience above God’s Word. We are not to boast or be proud about such encounters within themselves, but rather to glory in the Lord and His finished work on the cross!
It is easy to be part of the crowd who admire Jesus for His miracles and what He can do. But for Peter, James and John, who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, they experienced Jesus for who He is! You and I may never have exactly the same encounter with Jesus as these disciples, but let’s press in, draw near to God, seek His face and let Him transform us! As Christians, it is wonderful to have mountaintop experiences. Let us behold the glory and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we are filled with His Spirit in His presence, let us also go down to the valley, where we can minister to the lost and hurting!
Nicodemus was a Jewish Rabbi, member of the Sanhedrin, and one of the richest men in Jerusalem. He is a type of many people, even religious ones, in our world today. They profess that Jesus is a good moral man, a great Teacher and Prophet, but not the Son of God.
Some people take pride in the country, the class or the family that they are born into. Others are religious or perform many good works, thinking that this would get them to heaven. In the natural, Nicodemus has these impressive attributes and qualities. Yet in John chapter 3, Jesus introduces a spiritual truth where an individual needs to be born again to see the kingdom of God. Jesus is not referring to natural birth, but new spiritual birth – to be born again of both water and Spirit. The “water” here is not water baptism, though water baptism is an important outward ordinance of the new covenant. Rather, the “water” here speaks of God’s Word. As Ephesians 5:26 says, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” Also, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and if we repent, put our faith in Christ and what He has done for us on the cross, our hearts and spirit experience a new birth.
Though Nicodemus is a knowledgeable and religious person, yet He needs a revelation of what it means to be born again. His eyes of spiritual understanding needs to be opened. In Mark 10:27, Jesus said, “ …With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Thank God! There is evidence that later on, Nicodemus believed and accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour!
In our pluralistic world, the gospel of Jesus Christ may not be politically and culturally correct. Yet, we must proclaim the truth and light of the glorious good news! In John 14: 6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is only one Saviour. There is only one door of salvation! We must be born again! The encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus reflects one of the most important truths in the Word of God. Being born again is not a cliché. Jesus is not talking about a physical rebirth of entering again into our mother’s womb. He is talking about being born of water and of the Spirit, according to John 3:5. It is being born from above!
We want to invite you to be born again. We were born physically, when we came into this world. But we need to be born again of the water of the Word and of the Spirit – in order to enter the Kingdom of God! We need to ask Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Saviour. As the Holy Spirit brings conviction,
Admit the fact that you are a sinner, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23); Be willing to repent from disobedience and rebellion against God, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3); Believe that Jesus is your only Saviour, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16); Confess and trust, and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).
Please pray this prayer and do mean it with all your heart:
"Dear Lord Jesus, I now recognize that I am a sinner and I am in need of salvation. I accept the sacrifice You paid for me on the cross of Calvary and I allow Your precious shed blood to cleanse me. I now surrender myself to You and invite You to be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart. Take full control of my life and help me live and serve You from this moment forward. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen."
If you prayed this prayer in all sincerity, you are now a child of God. We encourage you to find fellowship in a Bible believing, Spirit filled church and obtain a copy of the Bible and that you read it diligently so that you will be the kind of Christian God wants you to be.
Hosting Pastor: Bishop Mike Berdin, Charismatic Revival Center Fellowship
In the Old Testament, King Solomon, who was a type of Christ as the Prince of Peace, was chosen to build the temple. The temple portrayed God’s grace and glory. It was a picture of the coming kingdom of God. The various furnishings in the temple have their significance. Whether it is the pillars, table of shewbread, candlestick, altar of incense, or any other vessels, they reflect the presence and worship of God. Then, the Israelites would travel to the temple to meet and commune with God. No priest could enter the Holy of holies without first being cleansed.
Today, we are the temple, the residence, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Thank God, we can now enter into the inner sanctuary, the throne of grace through the blood of Christ. We are living epistle of Christ, the salt of the earth, the light of the world and a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
As the temple of the Holy Spirit:
· We are being built together for a habitation of God
· We are to be a pure maiden to Christ
· We are stamped with His seal
· We have this treasure in earthen vessels
· We are to cultivate the fear of the Lord
· We are to defeat the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life
· We are not to quench or grieve Him
· We are a living sacrifice
Do we hunger for God’s Word? How much time do we spend in seeking Him in prayer? Or have our careers and even hobbies draw our time and hearts away from God?
As temple of the Holy Spirit, we need His manifest Presence. We desire to be filled with the Spirit, walking and living in the Spirit, having the fruit and gifts of the Spirit.
Bahasa Indonesian Interpretation by Henok Hariyanto
Hosting Pastor: Henok Hariyanto, Macedonia Ministry
Jesus said that before He comes back to earth again, our world will be just like it was in the days of Noah. People are eating, drinking and partying. Many are consumed with pursuing money, power and sex. Now, there is nothing wrong with having the legitimate things in life, such as having food and sleep. But life is not just about fulfilling our physical needs. It is also to follow the Lord and seek His Kingdom.
Today, we see all kinds of perversion and depravity. People are not only openly living
sinful lifestyles, but want others to accept their behaviours. We are living in a day and age where evil is called good, and good is called evil. We have all kinds of blasphemers, mockers and scoffers of Jesus Christ. There is a spirit of violence that is persecuting those who believe God’s Word and walk in His way.
The ark was a type of Christ. He calls us to come into the ark of His presence, protection, safety, shelter, refuge and rest. A storm is coming upon our world. It is a storm of judgment. Society will not get better and better, but rather worse and worse. We are a generation of vipers – sin has increased rampantly.
Do we weep over lost souls? Do we warn people to flee from the wrath to come?
We are close to the midnight hour, where the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, is coming soon! Are we ready to meet Him? Now is the day of salvation. Some of us are religious. We may even attend church regularly, have a form of godliness but denying its power. We do many good works, but are not resting in the cross and the blood of Jesus for our salvation. Today, we must make our calling and election sure! The door of the ark is still opened right now. But it won't be long before the door will be closed.
Hiligaynon / Ilonggo Interpretation by Mark Winston Gabutero
Hosting Pastor: Johann Bernajo, Promisecity Church Victorias City
Jesus said that before He comes back to earth again, our world will be just like it was in the days of Noah. People are eating, drinking and partying. Many are consumed with pursuing money, power and sex. Now, there is nothing wrong with having the legitimate things in life, such as having food and sleep. But life is not just about fulfilling our physical needs. It is also to follow the Lord and seek His Kingdom.
Today, we see all kinds of perversion and depravity. People are not only openly living sinful lifestyles, but want others to accept their behaviours. We are living in a day and age where evil is called good, and good is called evil. We have all kinds of blasphemers, mockers and scoffers of Jesus Christ. There is a spirit of violence that is persecuting those who believe God’s Word and walk in His way.
The ark was a type of Christ. He calls us to come into the ark of His presence, protection, safety, shelter, refuge and rest. A storm is coming upon our world. It is a storm of judgment. Society will not get better and better, but rather worse and worse. We are a generation of vipers – sin has increased rampantly.
Do we weep over lost souls? Do we warn people to flee from the wrath to come?
We are close to the midnight hour, where the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, is coming soon! Are we ready to meet Him? Now is the day of salvation. Some of us are religious. We may even attend church regularly, have a form of godliness but denying its power. We do many good works, but are not resting in the cross and the blood of Jesus for our salvation. Today, we must make our calling and election sure! The door of the ark is still opened right now. But it won't be long before the door will be closed.
Hosting Pastor: Bishop Mike Berdin, Charismatic Revival Center Fellowship
The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, unveils the power of the New Covenant. He was given the mission to preach and proclaim the gospel to the world. Yet, until his conversion, Paul who was known as Saul at that time, was a hater of the church. He persecuted the followers of Christ, arrested and thrown them into prison. He stood by, approved and consented to the stoning of Stephen unto death. But on the road to Damascus, he had a dramatic encounter with Jesus Christ. He was blinded physically, but his eyes were opened spiritually. Suddenly, he saw a light from heaven.
Often, it is persecution and not prosperity that results in lives being transformed. We like to have palace-like experiences in our Christian life. Yet, there are also pits and prisons in this journey of faith. It is opposition that has been a catalyst to spread the gospel. We want the hand of the Lord upon the church, to win the lost and make disciples. Yet, we must be prepared for trials and adversities in order to experience revivals and reap the harvest of souls. In the natural, none of us want to be a prisoner. Yet, we see that the very man who sought to destroy the Church and imprison its disciples, later became imprisoned himself. From a persecutor of the church, Paul became a great proclaimer and promoter of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today, as was in the early church, the world still hates and persecutes Christians. It is not just the ungodly who are hostile to us. Often, there is also intimidation from parts of the religious world. Some religious leaders are outrightly false, others are backsliden and apostate. Paul, before his conversion, was zealous toward God, so he thought, until his encounter with Christ that dramatically changed his life.
We can choose to be a prisoner of the world, a prisoner of false religion, or a prisoner of Jesus Christ. We may or may not be put in a literal prison, but we will face unjust accusation, ill-treatment and opposition at times. Paul’s life is to pursue, apprehend and attain Christlikeness. He wants to apprehend Christ and also, to be apprehended by Christ. In the natural, to apprehend means to catch, to capture, to arrest. It is to be handcuffed and chained to Jesus, to be a prisoner of His love.
As a prisoner of the Lord, Paul bore scar marks on his body as the result of persecutions he has endured. He was in prison frequently, received lashes, beaten with rods and stoned. When the world looks at us Christians, what brand do we represent? No, I’m not talking about the name of our church, our denomination or our ministry. I’m talking about whether we are faithful and fruitful to the call of God, whether we are standing for truth and righteousness, whether we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, whether we are anointed and preaching the cross of Jesus Christ who saves, heals, baptizes in the Holy Spirit and is coming again! Unlike brands of physical goods and services, we do not seek to be popular. Instead, we are often mocked, hated and persecuted by people of this world and even those from false religious institutions.
The world wants to silence our voice, but we will not retreat. We are to be bold as a lion. Yet, we are also sheep in the midst of wolves. As we put our faith in Christ and Him crucified, His power will work exceeding abundantly in us. God can work mightily through us as individuals as well as corporately as the church. We have our unique gifts and callings and yet united and interdependent with other members in the body of Christ. Presently, we are living in the church age, or the age of grace. At the second coming of Christ, we will enter into the Kingdom age. We the redeemed, glorified saints of God, will live forever, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Until then, we are wanted! We are arrested, charged and convicted as prisoners of our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us proclaim the mystery of the cross, the revelation of the New Covenant, the gospel of grace!
Hiligaynon / Ilonggo Interpretation by Melbert Fajarito
Hosting Pastor: Carlito Tablero, A Light Shine
The Holy Spirit comes upon and baptizes us, operates within us to develop character and produce fruit, empowers and works through us as laborers in His harvest field.
Khmer Interpretation by Esther Soun
Coordinating Pastor: Melbert Fajarito
The Holy Spirit comes upon and baptizes us, operates within us to develop character and produce fruit, empowers and works through us as laborers in His harvest field.
Khmer Interpretation by Seila Iep
Hosting Pastor: Melbert Fajarito, Lighthouse Christian Assembly Ta Khmao City
Jesus said that before He comes back to earth again, our world will be just like it was in the days of Noah. People are eating, drinking and partying. Many are consumed with pursuing money, power and sex. Now, there is nothing wrong with having the legitimate things in life, such as having food and sleep. But life is not just about fulfilling our physical needs. It is also to follow the Lord and seek His Kingdom.
Today, we see all kinds of perversion and depravity. People are not only openly living sinful lifestyles, but want others to accept their behaviours. We are living in a day and age where evil is called good, and good is called evil. We have all kinds of blasphemers, mockers and scoffers of Jesus Christ. There is a spirit of violence that is persecuting those who believe God’s Word and walk in His way.
The ark was a type of Christ. He calls us to come into the ark of His presence, protection, safety, shelter, refuge and rest. A storm is coming upon our world. It is a storm of judgment. Society will not get better and better, but rather worse and worse. We are a generation of vipers – sin has increased rampantly.
Do we weep over lost souls? Do we warn people to flee from the wrath to come?
We are close to the midnight hour, where the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, is coming soon! Are we ready to meet Him? Now is the day of salvation. Some of us are religious. We may even attend church regularly, have a form of godliness but denying its power. We do many good works, but are not resting in the cross and the blood of Jesus for our salvation. Today, we must make our calling and election sure! The door of the ark is still opened right now. But it won't be long before the door will be closed.
Bahasa Indonesian Interpretation by Henok Hariyanto
Hosting Pastor: Henok Hariyanto, Macedonia Ministry
Psalm sixty-one is a Psalm of David. If there was a man who has seen the highs and lows of life, it was David. Through the ups and downs, the mountains and the valleys of his walk with God, David is without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary Bible characters.
Yet, this Psalm also refers to Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Greater Son of David. Through David’s family would come forth the Saviour of the world.
David trusted God. Jesus Christ the Anointed One, also had faith in Jehovah God His Father. Even though He suffered and died, He rose again!
Are we troubled?
Are we facing crisis and trials?
It could be in areas of health, finances and relationships.
Are we at our wits’ end?
When our world falls apart, cry out to God for help.
Faith is active, not passive. Faith is eagerly, fervently and desperately calling upon the Lord.
Whatever our outward circumstances are, when we are facing difficult times, our hope and help is in the Lord. When we’ve hit rock bottom, there is a rock we can stand on. Jesus Christ is the rock. He is the rock that is higher than us, higher than all our problems.
The first Pentecost took place some 2,000 years ago. Throughout the church age, there has been moves and waves of the Holy Spirit.
In 1906, there was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Azusa Street, Los Angeles, USA. This is the birthplace of the Pentecostal movement that has spread all over the world. Since then, hundreds of millions of believers have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. In the midst of this move of God, there was a prophetic utterance that declared in the last days, there will be an overemphasis on:
· Praise to a God we no longer pray to,
· Power rather than righteousness, and
· Spiritual gifts rather than the lordship of Christ.
We are to avoid these dangers and pitfalls. There are parts of the church that have become seeker-friendly, instead of Spirit-filled. Yes, we are to be sensitive to people, but we must first and foremost, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, but He is also a consuming fire. As we develop various means and methods of outreach in the church, let us not neglect the Person and Ministry of the Holy Spirit who still convicts sin, call for repentance and conform God’s righteousness in our lives. We need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and not grieve or quench Him in the process of drawing large crowds to our churches. In the Gospels, when Jesus said, “Follow Me”, it meant forsaking oneself and taking up one’s cross.
In the early church, the Apostle Peter preached a message that pricked the hearts of the hearers and saw 3,000 people saved. Peter’s sermon, under the work of the Holy Spirit, was convicting and hardly comfortable, yet it results in a harvest of conversion. Why? And how?
The key is the anointing of the Holy Spirit. When we are sensitive and yield to the Holy Spirit in ministry, He will discern the hearts of the ones being ministered to better than any of us could expect, or at least in the way that He intends. Thank God for the Person and Ministry of the Holy Spirit!
We need to allow the Holy Spirit to move in the House of God. A Spirit-filled church is a church that has a heartbeat for anointed worship. True worship is a lifestyle, not just an activity. It is more than simply turning up for church services, but is a reflection of loving “the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength... ” (Mark 12:30). We are called to experience not only the visitation of the Holy Spirit, but to be His habitation too, “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).
The House of God needs to be ignited with the Holy Spirit. We need a blast of wind, a blaze of fire. We need a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit today. Thank God for the first Pentecost in the early church, as recorded in the book of Acts. Thank God for the move of God throughout different periods of the church, especially the Azusa Street revival that birthed the worldwide Pentecostal movement at the turn of the 20th century. As we move ahead in this 21st century, we need a new Pentecost now.
We cry again for a sound from heaven, a rushing mighty wind. We want to see people being baptized in the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other tongues, to be equipped for service in the Kingdom of God. We are called as a holy people and a royal priesthood.
Next, we are to be united with one accord in our hearts. In a world of racial and class divide, believers need to be united in love. We are the Body of Christ, one in communion and purpose with the Headship and Lordship of Jesus. At the same time, unity must be based on foundational and fundamental truth. The truth that Jesus saves, heals, baptizes in the Holy Spirit and is coming again. The truth that all blessings comes through the cross of Christ! Unity does not mean conformity. We are one and united in Spirit, but with have different types of gifts and ministries.
A New Testament church is ignited with the fire of the Holy Spirit, is united in love, communion and purpose. It is also to sow and reap an expedited harvest of souls. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit for employment, not enjoyment. We are employed as laborers in His harvest field. We ask the Lord for open doors. Due to the pandemic, the last few years have been difficult with all the shut downs. It’s time to step up again to usher in the final hour harvest of souls. The power of the Holy Spirit will accelerate and expedite the fulfilling of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.
Nehemiah was a trusted cupbearer to the King of Persia (Nehemiah 1:11). He received report that Jerusalem was in ruins. The city walls had been torn down, the gates were burned, leaving the residents vulnerable to the enemy’s attack and invasion. There was no peace and no security. Nehemiah was heartbroken and desperate to see the hand of God move and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Today, we see devastation of false doctrines in the body of Christ. Spiritually-speaking, there are gaps in the walls of our churches. We need to proclaim that Jesus saves, heals, delivers, baptizes in the Holy Spirit and is coming again. That we are justified and sanctified by grace through faith, on the basis of the finished work of Jesus Christ at Calvary’s cross. It’s time for us to rise up and build the walls of sound Biblical doctrines.
In our life, our ministry and in serving the house of God, there are precious truths we can learn from the life of Nehemiah. For example, there are lessons about defeating distraction, discouragement and distress. Through prayer, Nehemiah responded to God’s call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Although God is sovereign and omnipotent, He is looking for men and women with hearts who are broken and burdened to fulfil and finish His work. Today, there is so little anguish and agony in the house of God.
Do we experience the sorrow and pain of God’s heart over the sins, the backsliding and compromise in the church? Are we also grieving for lost souls and do all we can to reach them with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ?
To accomplish the task that God has set before us, we need to know that He is the Master Builder. We are to keep in step with the Spirit, know the right timing and opportunity to move in faith and boldness. When Nehemiah stood before the king with sadness on his face to seek permission to build the walls of Jerusalem, it was in essence, a ‘live or die’ moment. Thank God for the king’s compassion and favour to grant Nehemiah’s heart desire to go to Jerusalem. Yet, there are people who opposed Nehemiah. Just because we are doing God’s work does not mean that it will always be smooth-sailing. We will be distracted, discouraged and distressed at times. We can face accusation, attack, intimidation and lies against us from people. We need to stand strong, secure and steadfast in finishing the task, and not allow opponents to shut us down. We need the Word of God and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to help us not react in the flesh in such times.
Nehemiah was a role model on handling criticism and misunderstanding. He did not let discouragement stop Him from obeying God and carrying out his responsibility. He kept building the wall. Today, we may face all kinds of distractions. Worldly pleasures and wrong relationships may divert our attention from fulfilling our calling. We are to stay the course and refused to be disturbed and disrupted.
When God called Nehemiah to rebuild the walls, there was a lack of resources and people thought that the task was going to take a long time. In spite of hindrances, Nehemiah fixed his eyes on the Lord with undivided commitment and complete this massive task in just 52 days.
Nehemiah’s motives and motivations are to give God all the glory and praise. It is all about God’s plans and purposes, not our ambitions. Once the walls were rebuilt and gates restored, Nehemiah planned to revive the authority of God’s Word in the land. Gatekeepers and musicians were appointed. Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s days is a picture of the church today. Like the Israelites, many Christians are spiritually apathetic and defeated. False doctrines, idolatry, worldliness, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life have become widespread throughout the body of Christ.
The church is a called-out body, separated from worldly culture. Separated but not isolated. We need to repent of our backsliding and disobedience. Ask the Lord to revive us, restore us, and set us apart for Him, to be light that shines in our dark and evil world.