All Nations Christian Fellowship

True devotion to God is more than simply knowing His Word, it is about allowing that knowledge to transform how we live. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of appearing close to God outwardly while our hearts remain hardened, stubborn or unwilling to change.

Our devotion to God must be built on three things: trust, time and faithfulness. It will not always be easy or popular, but true devotion means choosing God's will above everything else so that we can be transformed to become more like Jesus. It is a devotion worth living for. [Speaker: Barry]

Jesus says that in this life we will have much tribulation. This is the case no matter who you are or how long you’ve been a Christian. So we shouldn’t be surprised when trials and suffering come our way; in fact, the Bible tells us that we should expect them because God will use them to mould us into the likeness of Christ.

Trials and difficulties are not easy or pleasant, but they are the very tool God uses to deepen our faith, refine our character and draw us closer to Him. When we understand this, we can face them in a new light and with hope. So if you are in a season of trials and difficulties, seek to understand what God is trying to teach you and allow it to refine you according to its purpose. Resist temptation, walk in righteousness, and be patient and endure. Trust that God will strengthen and guide you through the storm. And remember, trials and suffering are only for a season; when you have learnt what God intended, it will pass and you will emerge refined, stronger, and with a new song in your mouth. [Speaker: CJ]

Psalm 107 shows us that God is our Redeemer - that He is ready and able to rescue, restore and set us free from all our troubles if we humbly cry out to Him.

The Psalmist describes four types of people God can rescue: the spiritually lost, who don't know where they’re going or what they’re doing in life; the disobedient who willingly reject God's commandments and find themselves in trouble; those foolishly living in sin and suffering affliction as a result; and Christians who are going through the storms of life. If we cry out and turn back to Him today, He is faithful to turn our lives around, restore us, and strengthen us in our faith. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! [Speaker: CJ]

When we face situations in life that seem impossible and we cannot see how things will turn out, we can trust in a God who is able to deliver and rescue us. We cannot afford to lose faith in that truth, but must hold on and believe that God is able. And if we feel far from God or in a place we shouldn't be, we have a God who wants to restore us. Those who call out to God will find Him. It isn't a belief in ourselves, but rather in what God is able to do for us. [Speaker: Barry]

When we face the tension between obeying God and respecting governing authorities, Jesus shows us that the two are not necessarily in conflict. But if what we are being asked to do goes against God's Word and could cause us to sin, we need to avoid it and be prepared to make a stand. When the situation is unclear, we need to wrestle it through with God and seek His guidance, making sure that Jesus remains Lord over every area of our lives and that we continue to be faithful to His Word. [Speaker: Barry]

As believers, we demonstrate our genuine faith by how we live, not just what we say. Although Daniel's name and circumstances changed, his heart and commitment to God did not. He remained faithful and stood firm despite pressure to conform, because his faith meant more to him than anything else.

We must put God’s truth above our own opinions, love Him above ourselves and live selflessly. We are to be careful to guard against pride and thinking we are wiser than what we really are, and rather walk humbly with God and allow our lives to genuinely reflect the faith we profess. [Speaker: Barry]

As Christians, we can often be very casual in our attitude towards disobedience. When God puts a conviction in us and reveals His will for our lives, we can be tempted to think we can simply ignore it or choose whether to obey or not. Yet the word of God tells us that the follower of Christ is a servant of righteousness, and that disobedience is a grave and serious offence to God. If un-dealt with, disobedience can also have serious consequences, such as pain and suffering, and lead to further sin, distorted judgement and discernment, a fractured prayer life, and ultimately reveal a heart of unbelief.

If we are in disobedience, we shouldn't ignore it, try to cover it up with good works, or twist Scripture to soothe our conscience. We must simply repent from sin and surrender whatever is keeping us from being close to God. Only then can we experience the fullness of the blessings and peace and freedom and power that comes from walking in obedience with our Lord. [Speaker CJ]