This Sunday morning, reality provokes us to examine the genuineness of our worship. While Gospel Assembly Fellowship believes our doctrines are correct, every other denomination does too. Thus, we are not here to pass judgment. Instead, let us critically examine our efforts to worship God the Father according to His will, not our own.

During worship, we sang a beautiful chorus, 'MY DESIRE IS TO BE LIKE JESUS.' Our Pastor posed a question that may have made some of us uncomfortable. 'Is it truly our desire to be like him?

We older saints may underestimate the challenges and struggles of youth today coping with the evils and despair of a society gone mad. Br James blessed our Saturday evening service with his energetic testimony. Brother John followed him, recounting the struggles of his youth, reflecting his love for Christ's church. "LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house and the place where thine honor dwelleth." (Psalm 26:8) 

As evidence of God's judgment falling on humanity increases, Brother Singh asserts that righteous living by the elect shields a community. Conversely, if the elect fails to conform to divine laws and principles, judgment will strike that community. Imagine if a tsunami or tornado were to devastate this area; it would be a clear sign that we are not living according to God's will.

As Jesus sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples asked, "Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming and the end of the world? {the consummation of the age}." (Matthew 24:3).

Referring to the state of the world and our understanding of Biblical history, Brother Singh reiterates, "If ever there was a time to make changes in our lives, it is now."

The disciples were anxious about the timing of Jesus's return, asking, "Lord, willt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." (Acts 1:6-7). 

 What constitutes worshipping God in the Spirit? It is an important question, for many congregations presume shouting, jumping, and outlandish body gyrations are necessary. In this essential lesson, Brother Desmond Singh shows us from scripture such behavior is fleshly, not spiritual.

The Prophet Isaiah's caution is a call to discernment, for God's people, the Jews, historically found themselves in rebellion. Yet, they believed they were serving God faithfully. 

Whether an assembly can try apostles, like Ephesus (Revelation 2:2), or will follow false apostles, like Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:13), is according to the Father's will. If we receive not a love of the truth, we will be damned. (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

We live in perilous times, but it is not a time to hate or criticize people, for Jesus will return soon. Instead, we must fervently embrace love and reconciliation. Learn to pray for our enemies and those who despitefully use us. And while we Gentile Christians may often pray, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!" This lesson will show that Christ can only return once Israel recognizes its need for him and repents.

While the world focuses on Israel and the geo-political events in the Middle East, fulfillment of prophecy always has an element of surprise attached. In other words, we cannot interpret prophecy before it happens.

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17). But liberty is not the right to scream and shout and act wild in the house of the Lord. It is the right to strive for holiness righteously. Building on Wednesday's lesson, "Developing Christ," Brother Sam reminded us that God has a reason for everything in our lives (good or bad). Chastening is necessary, for the Lord disciplines the one he loves.

In this lesson, Brother Singh takes a practical, non-theological approach to the concept of 'developing Christ 'in this lesson. It's about cultivating Jesus's temperament, thinking, and nature within ourselves and integrating those traits into our daily lives. We often find ourselves trusting the devices and means the world offers rather than trusting God. However, the day may soon come when these worldly resources are unavailable, and we have no choice but to trust Him.

The chastisement that befell Nebuchadnezzar was madness and banishment to live like a beast in the wilderness for seven years until he repented and worshipped God. 

The lesson we are to draw from this example is that even raw gold requires refinement before it can be used. God, in his wisdom, processes each of His elect. The Apostle Peter wrote: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13)