Island ECC Podcast

The invitation to follow Jesus involves a complete overhaul of our thinking, our values, and our behaviours. It’s counterintuitive and seems risky. But in fact, it is the path to freedom.

In every society, there are outcasts – people who are at the fringes, ignored, or despised. While most societies move away from them, Jesus moves towards them. Jesus says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Our struggles against temptation are far more sophisticated than simply avoiding “big” sins. Jesus was tempted in all ways and was without sin. His “struggle” gives us insight into our own struggles…

Fishermen and tax collectors. Not exactly the pedigree you’d expect for those who would start a religious movement. No theological training, no exceptional giftedness. But ordinary people who Jesus selected to do extraordinary things. Our greatest contribution to the kingdom may be a long line of ordinary displays of faith.

Hill Chau: As we live out God’s calling to build His Kingdom here on earth, we often face obstacles and challenges. The enemy will try to stop us from living out that calling through internal and external struggles in both physical and spiritual realms. How can we overcome these obstacles and persevere through the opposition to live out the calling from God?

Zelda Cheung: Have you ever thought that God is inviting you to partner with Him? Learn what it means to be ready for every good work God calls us to as we delve into the partnership between God and His people in the book of Ezra.

Carrie Lo: The Israelites were able to worship God with passion and excitement as they returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Temple because of their anticipation of God’s presence and their priority of worship (Ezra 1 to 3). We, as one body of Christ, are God’s Temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) and these two elements should continue to fuel our worship of God. 

Daniel Tse: This is the Year of the Horse – an animal that symbolises strength, endurance, and ability to carry burdens. It’s a picture many of us can relate to – not the burden of bricks and mortar, but the invisible loads we carry every single day.  As we dive into Ezra 3, and before you step into the new year and continue building your life, what are the weights you need to unload first? 

Perseverance is increasingly rare in our day. And yet for those who follow Christ, it will be a key component in maintaining a vibrant faith.

As the saying goes, sometimes less is more. And that is certainly true in our walk with God. Sometimes there are edits to be made in our spiritual life that prove to lighten our load and enhance our experience with God.

Is it realistic that we can have a worry-free life? Doesn’t that seem a bit irresponsible? And yet we are told to worry about nothing in Philippians 4:6. 

The effects of worry aren’t just a heavy mindset. Jesus tells us that unnecessary worry limits our growth in God. Your worrisome life can make for a wasted life.

Sometimes it can be hard to notice when God disciplines us. If the purpose of discipline is for us to learn and grow, then it is imperative to know when it is happening. So what are the signs to look for and what is the part that we play in our own discipline? To explore these questions, we will delve into two insightful passages from the books of John and Hebrews, seeking wisdom and guidance on this important topic.