The NJ Podcast

Good morning, Church!

I want to start our time together with a lighthearted story. There was a little boy named Jimmy who had a deep love for drawing. One day, after church, he decided to draw a picture of God. His mother, seeing him furiously scribbling with his crayons, chuckled and said, "But Jimmy, no one knows what God looks like!" Without missing a beat, Jimmy replied, "Well, they will when I'm finished!"

This humorous anecdote brings us to our focus today, which is on the second commandment: "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments." (Exodus 20:4-6, ESV).

This commandment makes it clear that God should not and cannot be represented by an image or idol. In the Bible, we see the devastating effects when the Israelites failed to follow this commandment.

In Exodus 32, while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the commandments from God, the Israelites made a golden calf and began to worship it. When Moses returned and saw this, he was so distraught that he threw down the tablets of stone and broke them at the foot of the mountain. God's wrath was kindled against the Israelites, and He sent a plague upon them because they made the calf.

The tale of King Nebuchadnezzar, recounted in Daniel 3, also gives a stark example of the dangers of idolatry. The king constructed a huge golden statue and demanded that all bow before it or face death in a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused, honoring the second commandment even at the risk of their lives.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addressed this commandment while speaking to the Athenians in Acts 17:29: "Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man."

It's essential to understand that idols aren't limited to golden calves or towering statues. Anything that takes God's place in our hearts can become an idol. It could be money, fame, relationships, work, or even our worries and fears. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Let us pray: "Dear Lord, help us to always honor and obey Your commandments. Forgive us for the times we have allowed other things to take Your place in our lives. Help us to remove anything that has become an idol in our hearts and focus our attention and love solely on You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Let's go into this week with a commitment to uphold the second commandment and keep God at the center of our lives.

God bless you all!

Forgetting God leads to hell

Good morning, Church!

I'd like to start today with a light-hearted story. There was a young boy who was quite forgetful. His mother would constantly chide him about his forgetfulness. One day, she told him to go to the store to buy some eggs. She reminded him over and over again, "Remember, we need eggs. Don't forget the eggs!" But, by the time the boy got to the store, he forgot what he was supposed to buy. He stood there, scratching his head, and then remembered his mother's words, "Don't forget!" So, he came home with a memory game instead of the eggs!

Today, we are going to discuss a serious matter: "Forgetting God leads to Hell". Our guide verse is Deuteronomy 8:19, "If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed."

God has made it clear in His Word that to forget Him, to ignore His commandments, and to follow after other gods leads to destruction. We see this time and time again in the stories of the Bible.

Think of the Israelites. They were God's chosen people, delivered from slavery in Egypt by God's mighty hand, and yet they forgot Him. In Numbers 14:11, God says to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" Because of their forgetfulness and disobedience, an entire generation was denied entrance to the Promised Land.

Remember the story of King Saul. He was chosen by God to lead Israel, but he forgot God's commands and followed his own desires. As a result, his reign ended in disaster, and God removed His blessing from him (1 Samuel 15:23).

Consider the rich man in Luke 16:19-31. He lived a life of luxury and ease, but he forgot God. He neglected the poor man Lazarus at his gate and failed to show mercy and kindness. In the end, he found himself in Hades, experiencing torment, while Lazarus was comforted in Abraham's bosom.

"Forgetting God leads to Hell" is not just about the literal place of torment. It's also about living in a state of spiritual desolation and separation from God's blessings here on earth. When we forget God, we abandon the source of all good things, and we set ourselves up for failure and disappointment.

Let's pray: "Dear Lord, we confess that too often, we are forgetful of Your grace and goodness. We become preoccupied with the concerns of this world and neglect our relationship with You. Forgive us, Lord. Help us to keep You at the center of our lives, to remember Your commandments, and to live in a way that honors You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Brothers and sisters, let us not forget God in our lives. Let us keep Him in our hearts and minds, follow His commandments, and live a life that honors Him.

May God bless you all and keep you in His love and grace.

Thou shall have no other Gods

Good morning, Church!

I'd like to start with a little story to lighten the mood. There was a little boy who loved his action figures. He'd spend all day setting up epic battles between superheroes and villains. One day, his grandmother, trying to instill some biblical wisdom, told him, "Remember, dear, the Bible says we should have no other gods before the Lord." The little boy looked thoughtful for a moment, then picked up his favorite superhero and said, "Okay, grandma. From now on, Captain Amazing will always be second to God."

Today, we are focusing on the very first commandment, "Thou shall have no other gods before me," found in Exodus 20:3.

In ancient times, people worshipped numerous gods, and when God delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses, He made it clear that He alone is God, and He alone is worthy of worship. In a world full of false gods and idols, this commandment was a revolutionary call to monotheism.

Consider the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 18. The Israelites had started worshipping Baal, a Canaanite god. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to prove who the real God was. Despite their efforts, the prophets of Baal could not evoke a response from their god. But when Elijah prayed to the Lord, fire fell from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. This event led the Israelites to confess, "The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God."

Look at the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. They refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, choosing to risk being thrown into a fiery furnace rather than dishonoring God. Their courage and steadfast devotion to God served as a powerful testimony to all of Babylon, including King Nebuchadnezzar, who eventually declared: "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."

In today's world, we may not encounter golden idols or Canaanite gods, but there are still many 'gods' that demand our attention, time, and devotion – material wealth, power, popularity, pleasure, or even our fears and anxieties. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Let's pray: "Father, we come before you today, acknowledging that you alone are God. Help us to remove any idols in our hearts and to worship you alone. Give us the strength and courage to choose you above all else. In Jesus' name, Amen."

As we go through this week, let's remember to put God first in all things. Remember the first commandment, "Thou shall have no other gods before me."

May God bless you and keep you, and may His peace be with you.

Nobody Voted God In and No One Can Vote Him Out

Good morning, Church!

Let's kick things off with a bit of humour today. There was once a young girl who was learning about the government in school, and she was very impressed with the concept of democracy. So, one Sunday, she asked her Sunday school teacher, "Did the angels vote God in?" The teacher chuckled and replied, "No, sweetheart. God's reign is not like our government. Nobody voted Him in." The little girl thought for a moment and then asked, "So, does that mean they can't vote Him out?"

Our theme today is "Nobody voted God in, and no one can vote Him out," and our guide verse comes from Psalm 90:2, "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

Indeed, God is the eternal ruler, sovereign in all His ways. No earthly power voted Him in, and none can vote Him out.

Consider the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. He boasted about his kingdom and his power, but God humbled him until he acknowledged in Daniel 4:34-35, "His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'"

Look at Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, who enslaved the Israelites. He was a powerful king, but when he tried to oppose God's command, he failed. Exodus 9:16 records God's message to Pharaoh: "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

Remember the words of Jesus to Pilate in John 19:11: "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." Pilate was a Roman governor, a man with significant earthly power, but Jesus reminded him that even his power was subject to God's authority.

These stories remind us that God is sovereign. He is the Creator, the sustainer, and the ruler of all. His reign is not dependent on any earthly power or authority.

Let's pray: "Lord, we thank You for Your sovereign rule over all creation. We praise You because You are from everlasting to everlasting. Help us to trust in Your sovereignty and to rest in the knowledge that You are in control. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

Friends, as we go about our lives this week, let us remember that we serve an unchanging and all-powerful God. His reign is eternal. Nobody voted Him in, and no one can vote Him out.

May God bless you and keep you, and may His peace be with you.

Good morning, Church!

Let's start with a chuckle today. There's an old joke about a man who is driving in a thick fog. He is completely lost and has no idea where he is going. In his desperation, he looks up and sees a sign: "God is the way." Overwhelmed with relief, he follows the sign... and drives straight into a tree. As he stumbles out of the car, he looks up at the sign again and realizes that he had misread it. The sign actually says: "Go this way."

Our guide verse today is from Proverbs 19:21: "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

The story I just shared may make us laugh, but it also illustrates a profound truth: despite our best intentions and plans, it is God's purpose that ultimately stands. The Bible reassures us time and again that God is in control.

Let's consider the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, accused falsely, and imprisoned. But in Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Despite the circumstances, God was in control and used it for a greater purpose.

Think also about Job, who lost everything - his family, his wealth, and his health. Yet, in all these, Job 42:2 attests, "I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted."

Consider the Apostle Paul, who endured numerous trials and tribulations for the sake of the Gospel. Yet he was able to say in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

These stories show us that even when situations seem dire, even when we can't possibly see a way out, God is in control.

Let's pray: "Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are in control of everything. We may not understand Your ways, but we trust in Your wisdom and goodness. Help us to remember that no matter what we face, You are with us and for us. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

Friends, as we navigate through life, may we always remember that our God is in control. No matter the circumstances, no matter how insurmountable the challenges may appear, let us take heart. Our God is not only a way-maker and miracle worker but also a promise keeper. He will see us through.

May God bless you and keep you, and may His peace be with you.

How to Read and Interpret the Bible

Good morning, Church!

I want to start with a funny little story. A Sunday School teacher was explaining to her class how Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Little Johnny, always the curious one, raised his hand and said, “That’s nothing. My mom looked back while she was driving, and she turned into a telephone pole!”

Our theme today is “How to Read and Interpret the Bible.” Our guide verse comes from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Let's delve into five principles to help us read and interpret the Bible effectively:

Pray for Understanding: Before we even open the Bible, we should pray for understanding. The Psalmist says in Psalms 119:18, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."

Read in Context: The meaning of a verse is often influenced by the verses around it. A good example of this is Jeremiah 29:11, often quoted for comfort. But when read in context, we see it was initially a promise to the Israelites in exile, not an immediate promise of prosperity.

Understand the Genre: The Bible is a collection of various genres – poetry, history, prophecy, letters, and more. Understanding the genre helps us interpret correctly. For example, the apocalyptic language in Revelation is symbolic and should not be interpreted literally.

Know the Historical & Cultural Background: Understanding the historical and cultural background helps us grasp the original meaning. For instance, knowing the significance of the Passover in Exodus 12:1-14 helps us appreciate Jesus as our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Apply the Message: Reading the Bible is not merely for knowledge, but transformation. James 1:22 reminds us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

Let's pray: "Dear Lord, as we open Your Word, we ask for wisdom and understanding. Help us not only to be hearers of Your Word but doers. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

Beloved, I encourage you to approach the Bible prayerfully, read in context, understand the genre, know the background, and apply the message.

May God bless you as you dive into His Word, and may it become a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path (Psalm 119:105).

Who Do You Say I Am?

Good morning, Church!

Let's begin with a little humor. There were two men, Fred and Bob, who were avid baseball fans. One day, they were discussing what happens when one dies. Fred asked Bob, "Do you think there's baseball in heaven?" Bob replied, "I don't know, Fred. But let's make a deal. Whichever one of us gets to heaven first should try to let the other know if there's baseball there." Not long after, Bob passed away. One night, Fred heard a voice, "Fred, it's me, Bob." Amazed, Fred asked, "Bob, is that really you? And tell me, is there baseball in heaven?" Bob replied, "Well, Fred, I've got good news and bad news. The good news is, there's baseball in heaven. The bad news is, you're pitching next Tuesday!"

Today, we will reflect on the question, "Who Do You Say I Am?" Our guide verse comes from Matthew 16:15-16: "But what about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Jesus asked His disciples this question, not because He didn't know who He was, but because He wanted them to express their understanding of His identity. Let's look at four different responses to this question:

Peter said, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Peter recognized Jesus as the promised Savior and the divine Son of God. This confession is the rock upon which our faith is built.

Thomas declared, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Thomas, after witnessing the resurrected Christ, declared His faith, acknowledging both the lordship and divinity of Jesus.

Paul wrote, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15). Paul acknowledged Jesus as the visible manifestation of the invisible God, and preeminent over all.

John proclaimed, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). John recognized Jesus as the Word made flesh, revealing God's glory, grace, and truth.

These responses are not just intellectual affirmations, but declarations of faith that transform lives.

Now, Jesus asks each of us the same question, "Who do you say I am?" Your response shapes your relationship with Him. Do you acknowledge Him merely as a great teacher, a moral leader, or do you confess Him as your Savior, your Lord, and your God?

Let's pray: "Lord Jesus, we declare that You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. You are our Savior, our Lord, and our God. Help us to grow in our understanding and experience of who You are. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen."

Beloved, as we go out this week, let us ponder this question and allow our answer to mold our lives. Remember, our understanding of who Jesus is should not just shape our words, but also our actions and our relationships.

May God bless you, and may your understanding of who Christ is continue to deepen and transform your life!

The 7 Greatest Miracles in the Bible

Good morning, Church!

I’d like to begin with a humorous story. There was a boy named Tommy who was learning about miracles in Sunday school. The teacher asked, "Can anyone give me an example of a miracle?" Tommy eagerly raised his hand and replied, "When my mom makes my dad’s favorite dish, meatloaf, and he eats it without complaining – now that's a miracle!"

Our topic today is “The 7 Greatest Miracles in the Bible.” Our guiding verse comes from Jeremiah 32:27: "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"

Miracles serve as potent reminders of God's power and love. Let’s delve into seven of the most remarkable miracles in the Bible:

Creation: The genesis of everything, from the universe to life itself, is God's first and perhaps greatest miracle. Genesis 1:1 begins, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The miracle of creation displays God's omnipotence and benevolence.

The Parting of the Red Sea: In Exodus 14:21-22, we see God part the Red Sea to create a pathway for the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians. This miracle underscores God as our deliverer.

Daniel in the Lion's Den: Daniel was thrown into a den of lions for praying to God (Daniel 6:16-23). Miraculously, he emerged unscathed. This event encourages us to maintain our faith, even in dire circumstances.

The Virgin Birth: In Matthew 1:18-25, the angel announces to Mary that she will conceive a son, Jesus, by the Holy Spirit. This supernatural conception is a testament to God's plan of salvation.

Jesus Turns Water into Wine: Jesus’ first recorded miracle in John 2:1-11, where he turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana, demonstrates His power over the natural elements and His concern for our daily needs.

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead: In John 11:38-44, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, four days after his death. This miracle demonstrates Jesus's power over death and prefigures His own resurrection.

The Resurrection of Jesus: The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Christ was crucified, buried, and then rose on the third day. The resurrection proves Jesus’s divinity and gives us hope of eternal life.

These miracles remind us that nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37). They provide us with a sense of wonder and reaffirm our faith in God’s power and love.

Let us pray, "Dear Lord, we thank You for Your mighty works that remind us of Your power and love. Help us to trust in Your ability to work miracles in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Beloved, as we reflect on these miracles, let us be encouraged to trust in God's power. No matter what you are going through, remember, the God of these miracles is with you.

God bless you, and may your faith be strengthened as you reflect on the mighty works of our God!

Good morning, Church!

Let's start with a light-hearted story. There were two old friends, John and Mike, who were known for their playful rivalry. One day, John, who was a notorious prankster, thought of a brilliant plan. He bought a devil costume, planning to scare Mike by appearing as the devil during their camping trip. The night came, and John, in his devil suit, approached Mike's tent. Suddenly, Mike came out, looked at him, and chuckled, saying, "Nice try, John. You thought you could scare me, but I've been married to your sister for twenty years. I know what real fear looks like!"

Today, we are looking at the topic, "How Satan Gets in Your Head". Our key verse comes from 1 Peter 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

One of the most potent tools in Satan's arsenal is the power of suggestion, and he often uses it to infiltrate our minds. Let's look at some ways he does this:

Satan Amplifies Our Fears and Insecurities: Remember the story of Job? Satan targeted Job's fears and insecurities to try and drive a wedge between him and God (Job 1:9-11). Likewise, he can amplify our anxieties, making us doubt God's promises.

He Twists the Truth: Just as he did with Eve in the Garden of Eden, Satan often distorts God's Word, causing confusion and leading us into sin (Genesis 3:1-5).

He Introduces Unhealthy Thoughts and Desires: James 1:14-15 warns that we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own desires. Satan knows our weaknesses and will often plant thoughts that appeal to our fleshly desires.

He Causes Discouragement and Despair: Remember Elijah's despair after Jezebel threatened him (1 Kings 19:4)? Satan uses situations to make us feel overwhelmed and hopeless.

He Plants Seeds of Discord: Proverbs 6:16-19 lists sowing discord among brethren as one of the things God hates. Satan often incites conflict and misunderstanding to break unity.

But the good news is, we have the victory through Christ! James 4:7 encourages us: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Let us pray, "Lord Jesus, we submit ourselves to you. We ask for discernment to recognize the enemy's schemes and strength to resist him. Guard our minds, and let your peace rule in our hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen."

So, brothers and sisters, stay alert! Recognize how Satan tries to infiltrate your mind, and remember, you have the victory through Christ. Let His Word be your shield and guide.

God bless you, and may your mind be steadfast, focused on Christ, who has overcome the world!

In this part of the conversations segment of the podcast, we sit down with Lethabo Sekele. She is an award-winning Rhodes Scholar, board member and an advocate for youth and social justice.