The NJ Podcast

Fix Your Character

Good morning, brothers and sisters! Before we begin our sermon today, let me share a funny story with you.

There once was a man who was known for his quick temper. He would often fly off the handle at the slightest provocation. One day, his friend asked him, "Why do you have such a short fuse?" The man replied, "Well, it runs in my family. My father had a short temper, and so did his father before him." His friend responded, "That may be true, but it doesn't mean you can't change. You have the power to fix your character."

We may chuckle at this story, but it brings up an important truth. Our character is not set in stone. We have the ability to shape and mold it through our choices and actions. Today, I want to encourage you to fix your character and strive to become the men and women that God created us to be.

Let us turn to a powerful Bible verse in Proverbs 4:23 (NIV): "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This verse reminds us that our character is rooted in our hearts. It is the wellspring from which our thoughts, attitudes, and actions flow.

We often focus on external appearances and achievements, but God is more concerned with the condition of our hearts. He wants us to have hearts that are pure, humble, and filled with love. It is through the transformation of our hearts that our character is shaped.

In the Bible, we find stories of individuals who underwent incredible character transformations through their encounters with God. One such example is the apostle Paul. Before his conversion, Paul, then known as Saul, persecuted Christians and was known for his violence and hatred. But when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life was completely transformed. He went from being a persecutor to becoming one of the greatest champions of the faith.

Paul's transformation teaches us that no matter how deeply entrenched our flaws and weaknesses may be, God has the power to change us from the inside out. We must be willing to surrender our hearts to Him, allowing Him to shape and mold us into the image of Christ.

Fixing our character requires self-reflection and a willingness to confront our flaws and shortcomings. It means being honest with ourselves and acknowledging areas where we need to grow. It also means seeking God's guidance and relying on His strength to make the necessary changes.

We must also surround ourselves with a community of believers who can support and hold us accountable on our journey of character development. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." When we have godly relationships, we can encourage and challenge one another to become the best versions of ourselves.

Lastly, we must remember that fixing our character is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. It requires daily surrender to God and a commitment to walk in obedience to His Word. As we do so, we will experience the fruit of the Spirit manifesting in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Brothers and sisters, let us fix our character. Let us guard our hearts and allow God to transform us from the inside out. May we become men and women of integrity, reflecting the character of Christ to the world around us. As we do, we will bring glory to God and impact lives for His kingdom.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Stop Blaming The Devil

Good morning, brothers and sisters! Before we delve into today's sermon, let me share a funny story with you.

There was a man who was always blaming the devil for his troubles. Every time something went wrong, he would say, "The devil made me do it!" One day, his friend asked him, "Why do you always blame the devil?" The man replied, "Well, it's easier than admitting that I made a mistake!" 

We may chuckle at this story, but it brings up an important point. Blaming the devil or external circumstances for our own choices and actions can be a convenient way to avoid taking responsibility. Today, I want to encourage you to stop blaming the devil and instead take ownership of your choices and decisions.

Let's begin by looking at a powerful Bible verse in James 1:13-14 (NIV): "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed."

This verse reminds us that our own desires and choices can lead us into temptation, not the devil. The devil may tempt us, but it is ultimately our decision whether to give in or resist. Blaming the devil for our actions is an attempt to shift the responsibility away from ourselves.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve faced temptation from the serpent. However, it was their own choice to eat the forbidden fruit that led to their fall. They couldn't blame the serpent or anyone else. They had to face the consequences of their own decision.

In our lives, blaming the devil can become a dangerous pattern. It can prevent us from growing, learning, and taking responsibility for our actions. It can hinder our relationship with God and hinder our spiritual growth.

Instead, let us turn to God's Word for guidance. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." This verse reminds us that we have the power to make choices, but it is God who ultimately directs our paths. We must seek His guidance and follow His will.

We also need to remember that we have been given the Holy Spirit as our guide and helper. Galatians 5:16 (NIV) says, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Spirit empowers us to resist temptation and make godly choices.

Blaming the devil is a distraction from the work that God wants to do in our lives. Instead, let us take responsibility for our actions, confess our sins, and seek God's forgiveness and guidance. When we do this, we open ourselves up to His transformation and His power to overcome any temptation or struggle we may face.

Brothers and sisters, let us stop blaming the devil and start taking responsibility for our choices. Let us seek God's guidance, walk in the Spirit, and trust in His power to lead us on the right path. Remember, we are not victims of the devil; we are victorious in Christ. May we always strive to live in that victory and bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

In Jesus' name, amen.

The Gospel of The Word of Faith

Good morning, church! Before we begin today’s sermon, let me share a funny story with you.

There was a little boy who wanted a bicycle for his birthday. Every night, he'd kneel beside his bed and pray, "Dear God, I've been very good this year, and for my birthday, I'd really like a bike." But as his birthday drew nearer, he began to worry. So he decided to help God out by writing Him a letter. He began, "Dear God, I've been very good this year, and for my birthday I'd like…" But he realized that he hadn't been that good. So he started again, "Dear God, I've been somewhat good this year…" He stared at the letter, then crumpled it up. He knew it wasn’t quite true. In desperation, he went to his mother's room, took her statue of Mary, wrapped it in a blanket, put it in a shoebox, and hid it under his bed. Then he wrote, "Dear God, if you ever want to see your mother again…”

Isn’t it funny how we sometimes try to negotiate with God? But the Gospel of the Word of Faith isn't about negotiation. It's about confession and belief.

Our main verse today is Romans 10:8-9 (NIV), "But what does it say? 'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

The Gospel of the Word of Faith teaches us that we are saved not by works or negotiation, but by faith - a faith that is spoken and believed. 

Let's look at the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34. She had suffered for 12 long years, but when she heard about Jesus, she said, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." She declared it and believed it, and indeed, she was healed.

Our words have power when they are backed by faith in God. Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Let us also look at the life of Abraham. God promised him that he would become the father of many nations when he didn’t even have a child. But Abraham believed God’s promise and declared it. His faith was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:18-22).

So, what is the confession of your heart? What do you declare with your mouth? The Gospel of the Word of Faith is not just about speaking positively; it's about speaking in faith, grounded in the promises of God’s Word.

Remember, faith isn’t about negotiating with God; it’s about trusting Him. As we confess with our mouths that "Jesus is Lord" and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we are saved. It’s that faith - that spoken and believed faith - that anchors us. And that, my friends, is the power of the Gospel of the Word of Faith. Amen.

Dedicate Everything To God

Good morning, Church! Before we delve into today's sermon, let me share a funny little anecdote with you.

There was a pastor who loved to play golf. One day, he decided to skip Sunday service to enjoy a round of golf on a nearby course. In heaven, the angels were shocked and asked God, "Aren't you going to do anything?" God replied, "Just watch." On his first swing, the pastor hit a hole-in-one. The angels were astonished. "Why did you reward him?" they asked. God replied, "Yes, but who's he going to tell?"

It's amusing, isn't it? But it points to a sobering truth. Sometimes, our priorities get mixed up, and we fail to dedicate everything to God. 

Our theme verse today is from Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

It’s not easy to dedicate everything to God. It requires trust. Trusting Him with our plans, dreams, and even our everyday activities. And this trust grows as we continually submit to Him and see Him faithfully guiding us.

Let's look at the story of Abraham. God asked Abraham to dedicate his son Isaac to Him. It seemed like an unthinkable request. But Abraham trusted God. He was willing to give up what he loved the most because his love for God was even greater. In the end, God provided a ram for the sacrifice, and Isaac was spared (Genesis 22:1-14).

The apostle Paul also sets an example for us. He considered everything as loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:7-8). He dedicated his life, his ambitions, his very identity to God. And God used him mightily for the growth of the early church.

In the New Testament, Jesus tells us in Luke 14:33 (NIV), "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." Dedicating everything to God is not a suggestion; it’s a requirement for discipleship. It involves surrendering our entire lives to God, trusting Him to guide us, and acknowledging Him in every area of our lives.

So, what's your 'golf game'? What's keeping you from dedicating everything to God? Remember, God doesn't just desire a part of us; He wants all of us. May we learn to trust Him with all our hearts, lean not on our own understanding, and submit to Him in all our ways. And then, we will witness how He makes our paths straight. Amen.

Being Expelled From The Kingdom of God

Good morning, Church! Before we dive into today’s message, let me start with a lighthearted story.

There was a little boy named Johnny who loved to play king in his backyard. He built a tiny castle out of cardboard and declared himself the king of his imaginary kingdom. He had a little sister, and he decided that he would expel her from his kingdom for the grave crime of stealing his chocolate cookies. But when lunchtime came around, he found out that his mom had entrusted the sandwiches to his little sister. Suddenly, Johnny’s kingdom didn’t seem so appealing without lunch!

Isn't it just like us? Sometimes we create imaginary kingdoms where we rule, but when the real necessities of life are needed, we find ourselves in a fix.

Our focus verse today is from 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV) which says, "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

The Bible is clear that certain behaviors and choices can lead to us being expelled from the kingdom of God. This is a serious matter. Yet, it's not God's desire for anyone to be excluded. He is a God of love, grace, and forgiveness.

Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son. The younger son chose to live a life of sin, effectively expelling himself from his father’s kingdom. But when he realized his folly and returned, his father didn’t just take him back – he celebrated his return (Luke 15:11-32). This is a picture of God's heart for us.

We must also remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV), "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

Simply professing faith is not enough. Our lives must reflect our faith, and our actions should align with God's will. We shouldn’t find ourselves expelled from the kingdom because we've been too busy building our cardboard castles and ignoring the will of our Father.

In conclusion, we have a loving Father who desires for all His children to be part of His kingdom. Yet, He also requires us to live in a way that honors Him. Let's take this message to heart, examine our lives, and ensure that we're living in a way that's worthy of His kingdom. Amen.

In this episode on the conversations segment, we sit down once again after three years with Rebecca Twala. Since the last time we had a conversation she has gone on to complete her (GIBBS) MBA and secure her dream job of being an executive assistant. We uncover her journey of personal growth and triumph over obstacles.

Without God, You Are Nothing

Good morning, Church! I hope you all are doing well today. Let me start with a funny story. There was once a very proud woodpecker who claimed he could peck a hole in any tree. One day while pecking at a massive tree, it suddenly got hit by a lightning bolt and split into two. Surprised, the woodpecker flew away, exclaiming, "Goodness, I didn't realize I was that strong!"

And isn't that a little like us sometimes? We think we are the source of our own strength, our own achievements, and our own importance. But we often forget the hand of God that works behind the scenes, that enables us to do what we do. This brings us to our scripture for today's sermon. John 15:5 (NIV) says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Consider the Israelites. They were slaves in Egypt, powerless and oppressed. But God delivered them, not by their power, but by His. When they faced the Red Sea with the Egyptian army closing in, they had no hope. But God parted the sea. Without God, they were nothing. But with God, they were a nation, a people chosen and loved.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon learned this truth in a hard way. He boasted about his power and achievements, and forgot to acknowledge God's hand in his success. But God humbled him. He lost his kingdom and lived like an animal until he acknowledged that "the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes" (Daniel 4:32).

We are like branches of a tree. Separated from the tree, a branch is nothing. It can't bear fruit. It withers and dies. But connected to the tree, it thrives. It's the same with us and God. Our talents, our strength, our wisdom, everything comes from Him. Without Him, we can do nothing.

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, said, "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). The apostle didn't say, "I can do all this because I'm talented, because I'm smart, or because I'm strong." No, he said, "I can do all this through Christ."

So let's acknowledge our dependence on God. Let's remain connected to the Vine, and bear much fruit for His glory. Let's say, along with the Psalmist, "Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain" (Psalm 127:1).

In the grand scheme of eternity, without God, we are nothing. But with God, we are everything He designed us to be – fruitful, blessed, and purposed. As we head into this week, let’s remember to remain in Him, to draw our strength from Him, and to do everything for His glory. Amen.

Good morning, Church! Before we dive into today's sermon, let me share a funny story with you. There was a little boy who prayed one night and said, "God, if you give me a bike, I promise I'll be good for a whole week." The next day, he woke up and found no bike. So he prayed again, "God, if you give me a bike, I promise I'll be good for a whole month!" Still, the next day, there was no bike. The boy thought for a moment, took a statue of Virgin Mary from the shelf, wrapped it in a cloth, and placed it in a drawer. Then he prayed, "God, if you ever want to see your mother again..."

Our scripture today comes from Romans 11:35 (NIV), "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?" It reminds us of a fundamental truth, God owes us nothing. We often live in an 'If-Then' mentality. If we are good, then God will reward us. If we pray, then God will give us what we want. But is that how God operates?

The story of Job is a perfect example. Job was a righteous man who lost everything - his wealth, his health, and his children. In his despair, Job questioned God, seeking answers. But God's response in Job 41:11 (NIV) was profound, "Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me." 

God owes us nothing, yet He gives us everything. He gave us life, He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation, He gives us grace, love, mercy, and the promise of eternal life. He even gave Job back double what he had lost. Not because He owed Job, but because He is a generous and loving God.

Remember the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20? The landowner paid all his workers the same wage, whether they had worked all day or only one hour. When some grumbled, he asked, "Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?" God's grace isn't based on our works. It isn't something He owes us. It's a gift that He freely gives.

Yes, God owes us nothing, but He has promised us everything if we believe in Him and accept His son, Jesus Christ. As Paul writes in Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

So, let us break away from the 'If-Then' mentality. Let's live not for rewards but for love. Let's serve not for repayment but in gratitude. And let's trust in God's goodness, mercy, and grace, knowing that while He owes us nothing, He has given us everything.

God bless you all as you contemplate this profound truth this week. Remember, God owes you nothing, but He loves you beyond measure. Amen.

Greetings from the church! Before we get started, allow me to tell you a humorous tale. A young boy and his mother were attending church, and the boy was starting to become restless. Keep quiet, God is watching, his mother hushed. I guess God is good at hide and seek because I can't find Him, the youngster stated as he narrowed his eyes and turned to his mother. kids, I assume?

Psalm 144:1 is the text from which our verse for today is taken: "Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." The poem depicts God as a celestial warrior who prepares His followers for spiritual combat.

When we consider combat and fighting, physical confrontation frequently comes to mind. We are, however, involved in a different type of war—a spiritual one—in our relationship with God. According to Ephesians 6:12, this struggle is not against physical enemies but rather against spiritual powers of evil.

Consider the David and Goliath tale. A shepherd child named David faced off against the seasoned warrior giant Goliath. It appeared to be a one-sided match on paper. But according to David, who made this declaration in 1 Samuel 17:47, "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

David may have had fingers trained for a sling, but his heart had been educated for faith and reliance on God. His weapon was supernatural rather than natural. We all know how the tale ends: David triumphed!

We come up against numerous Goliaths in life. Our worries, our doubts, our crimes, and our past might be scary, even though they aren't nine-foot-tall warriors. But keep in mind that God is preparing our hands for combat. He provides us with spiritual weapons, including the Word of God as the Sword of the Spirit, the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:14–17).

God is teaching us how to be skillful in spiritual combat, just as a musician must train their fingers to play an instrument or an artist must learn to make beautiful art.

So let's allow God to prepare our hands for fight this week. Let's put on all of God's protection and resist the devil's tricks with steadfastness. Let's fight with divine strength rather than human tactics. Let's also face our giants with assurance, like David did, knowing that the Lord is in control of the conflict and has prepared us for triumph!

May the Lord, our Rock, who trains our hands for fight and our fingers for conflict, give us courage. As we enter this new week, prepared and ready for the struggles that lie ahead, let's keep this message in our hearts. Godspeed to everyone!

Burden For The Lost

Brothers and Sisters

I'd like to kick off today's discussion with some humour. Two fish crashed into a wall of concrete. Turning to face the other, one exclaimed, "Dam!" Well, I hope that made you smile since we are talking about a serious topic today: our responsibility for the lost.

Today's verse comes from Luke 15:4–7. "Let's say one of you has 100 sheep, and one of them is lost. He doesn't abandon the other 99 in the open countryside and pursues the missing sheep until he finds it. And when he does, he enthusiastically carries it home while carrying it on his shoulders. He then gathers his neighbours and friends and declares, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." In the same way, I assure you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who turns to God than over 99 perfect people who do not require repentance.

In this chapter, Jesus unmistakably conveys the Father's concern for people who are lost. God gladly left His seat in Heaven, took on human form, and willingly died on a cross because His burden for the lost is so great. That is the extent of God's compassion for the lost.

We are obligated to bear a portion of this weight and experience sorrow for those who do not yet comprehend the depth of Christ's love. Jesus gave the disciples the following instruction in Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His if you don't feel the burden for the lost. In accordance with Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." We will have a heavy burden for those who do not know God when our hearts are in harmony with His.

Do you recall the tale of the Apostle Paul? Paul, a former persecutor of Christians, encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, which had a profound impact on him. Following this event, Paul travelled nonstop and relentlessly preached the Gospel out of a deep burden for the lost.

Father, please give us Your heart for those who are lost. Let's pray this together. Help us to carry a heavy weight for those who do not yet know Your love rather than to be apathetic or dismissive. Help us, Lord, to boldly and persistently spread the good news. We ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Let's shoulder this weight for the unfound this week, Church. May us never stop praying for, loving, and extending ourselves to those who do not yet know Christ, just as the shepherd rejoices over the lost sheep. Every soul matters to God, thus it makes sense that it should matter to us as well.