In Week three of our message series Truths to Live By, we look to 1 John 2, on Cherishing the Anointing every follower of Jesus Christ enjoys. The promised Holy Spirit, a spiritual blessing in Christ, enables all to remain firm in the way and teachings of Jesus; in the midst of turbulent movements and deceptive teachings - seeking to make Christ followers sacrifice all that makes one a child of God.

In this message, Pastor Andrew exhorts the church not to listen or entertain this worldly allurement; but attentively embrace the timely warning for today. As even in 2023 we encounter antichrist movements and deceptive teachings contrary to our identity in Jesus. Nonetheless, by the anointing every believer has in Jesus Christ, we may be poised to discern and redeem all the work of the enemy - as we partner with Holy Spirit. As the turbulent waves of deception increase in these last days, we can discern deception and redeem what is contrary to our identity in Christ - through the anointing of Holy Spirit.

In Week Two, Pastor Isaiah preaches from Matthew 25 on Stewarding Your Gifts.

It's Day One of 2023. Why not begin with the resolve to cross over into the New Year by devoting yourself in service to the LORD. Yesterday has passed and today is a new day to witness the wonders of the Lord in your life.

In Joshua Chapter 3, we are shown that when we consecrate ourselves to the cause of God's kingdom, we become vessels fit for service and encounter wonders by way of the grace of God. No obstacle is too big for God to bring you through.

The vantage point of the Nativity story in Matthew 2, shows us the great lengths God works to capture our attention. Like the star which led the Magi Wise Men to Jesus, God also uses the seasons in our life to draw us unto Himself in worship.

The gift of his leading presence is so precious a gift. When we open our spiritual eyes to His leading, we too like the Wise Men, are overwhelmed with joy in God's faithful leading.

What PEACE and JOY we have in the knowledge of faith that Jesus Christ is saviour, the true light of the world, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Worship of Him is never in vain.

As we worship him with our very life, we are like shining stars of God's handiwork (Daniel 12:3) . His divine power has given us all we need for life and godliness.

This Christmas do not discredit the power of your witness. By the power of God's Holy Spirit, Christ in you the hope of glory, you are anointed in such a season to draw people to Jesus.

Do you remember the greatest gift you ever received?

Sometimes and appropriately so such a ‘gift’ fosters within us, an attitude of gratitude and praise towards those who love us. Perhaps even better, a restoration of faith, "they love me, they really do love me".

‌The Nativity Story proclaims to us, God really loves us.

The occasion for Christ's birth calls us to receive Christ in Faith. Encounter the glory of God in the highest heaven, as reflected in Jesus, the Greatest Gift ever given.

In Jesus, we encounter the radiating presence of God himself. We encounter His unparalleled glory through faith.

Like the Shepherds who heard the proclamation of 'peace' from the multitude of angels, so also by the Holy Spirit, we are equally beckoned to waste no time in seeking out the things of God, In Christ.

Like the Shepherds, who did not waste time in seeking out Jesus, living on the edge ‘so to speak’, when we are willing to step out in faith, we too will encounter the glory of God in Christ for every season of our life.

Have you experienced 'perfect peace' in your thought life?

In Week two of our Advent Series, we look to the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. The Bible tells us in Isaiah that those whose minds are set on the Lord will be kept in perfect peace. Imagine that, PERFECT PEACE!

The Nativity of Jesus and Mary's role is no different. At first, Mary thought upon the Angel Gabriel's greeting and was troubled by the introduction. "Greetings favoured woman, the Lord is with you", but through conversation with the Angel Gabriel, hearing out the Lord's plan for her role as mother to Jesus, Mary's perspective changed and she was filled with perfect peace (v.38).

The promise of scripture as spoken through the prophets applied also to her. As her mind was focused on the plan of the Lord to overshadow her and empower her for her role as vessel for the Messiah to be born, her mind was equally kept in perfect peace. "Let it be done to be, according to your word".

Peace in the Lord! Uniquely and totally set apart. Just as the birth of Christ and the mother's role was totally set-apart.

On this side of the Nativity story, all Christians are filled with the anointing power of the Holy Spirit and can encounter a similar peace, as we look to the scriptures and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives..

Advent of Hope

The Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year, for a good reason! No, it's not the feasts, as delicious as they are. It's not even the about the gifts, as cool as they are to receive. It's also not about the parties, as great as it is to get together with family and friends. Christmas is an opportunity to celebrate the true reason for the season, the 'arrival' of Jesus.

As we look at the Nativity Story, the occasion for the birth of Jesus, and the prophecies fulfilled, we are moved to appreciate the arrival of Jesus to manifest hope for all mankind.

The scriptures beckon us to celebrate our saviour's arrival, as we also look with equal desire and anticipation for the return of Christ.

Part 2: Genuine affection alleviates affliction. So also being real in vulnerability we open ourselves up to be comforted. Do you believe this?

Are you willing to go the distance? Wherever the will of the Lord carries you? None of us are strangers to adversity or suffering. When we understand all facets of life and even our respective ministries, there will always be ‘afflictions’ to endure and overcome, in the sowing and reaping of evangelism; along with encountering the sufficient comfort that comes from God. [Then] we will not live in deliberate discouragement. Instead, [we] will lean into the ‘overflow’ of God’s comfort that we share through our bond in Christ. Our comfort in the midst of varying distress and afflictions is rooted in constant trust and dependence toward our mighty God and saviour Jesus Christ. The Good News, for all who look to Him. Our reservoir of comfort is found in Him from whom our life has ‘identity, meaning, and purpose. Through life experiences and those of ministry, we ‘GAIN A SHARED PERSPECTIVE’ of A SHARED LIFE in CHRIST. Comfort is encountered to the glory of God.

Genuine affection alleviates affliction. Do you believe this? None of us are strangers to adversity or suffering. When we understand all facets of life and even our respective ministries, there will always be ‘afflictions’ to endure and overcome, in the sowing and reaping of evangelism; along with encountering the sufficient comfort that comes from God. [Then] we will not live in deliberate discouragement. Instead, [we] will lean into the ‘overflow’ of God’s comfort that we share through our bond in Christ. Our comfort in the midst of varying distress and afflictions is rooted in constant trust and dependence toward our mighty God and saviour Jesus Christ. The Good News, for all who look to Him. Our reservoir of comfort is found in Him from whom our life has ‘identity, meaning, and purpose. Through life experiences and those of ministry, we ‘GAIN A SHARED PERSPECTIVE’ of A SHARED LIFE in CHRIST. Comfort is encountered to the glory of God.

Pastor Isaiah preaches from Proverb 4:20-27 on how to Utilize the Word of the LORD in one's life.