The NJ Podcast

Good morning, church family!

Let's start off with a little humor today. A four-year-old boy was asked to return thanks before dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. The boy began his prayer, thanking God for all his friends, naming them one by one. Then he thanked God for Mommy, Daddy, brother, sister, Grandma, and Grandpa. Then he began to thank God for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the stuffing, the Christmas pudding, even the cranberry sauce. Then he paused, and everyone waited. After a long silence, the young boy looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the broccoli, won't He know that I'm lying?"

Ah, the honesty of children! Now, moving to the heart of our sermon today, we're going to look at the two new commandments Jesus gave us in the New Testament. 

In the book of Matthew, chapter 22, verses 37-40, Jesus gives us these new commandments: "Jesus said unto him, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.'"

The essence of these commandments is love - love for God and love for others. In 1 John 4:8, we learn that "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." So, when we love, we are fulfilling God's command and reflecting His nature. 

The Good Samaritan parable, found in Luke 10:25-37, is a practical example of what it means to "love your neighbor as yourself." A man was robbed, beaten, and left half-dead on the roadside. Two religious men passed by without offering assistance. But a Samaritan, considered an outcast by the Jews, showed compassion. He bandaged the man's wounds, took him to an inn, and paid for his care. This Samaritan displayed true neighborly love, showing kindness and compassion without expecting anything in return.

In conclusion, these two commandments Jesus gave us call for a complete orientation of our lives. We are to love God with every part of our being and love others as we love ourselves. These commandments are not merely about religious rituals but are about living a life of love in our everyday interactions with God and others.

Let's pray: "Father, help us to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May our lives reflect these commandments, not just in word, but also in deed. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

As you go out this week, remember to show love in all you do, for in doing so, you are fulfilling the commandments of Christ. God bless you all!

Tenth Commandment

Good morning, church family!

I'd like to begin with a funny story. There was a little boy named Timmy, who, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, said, "I want to be a billionaire, have a beautiful wife and three kids, and when I die, I want to go out like my grandfather did - peacefully in his sleep, not screaming like all the passengers in his car." 

It's humorous, sure, but doesn't it say something about how our culture is often driven by coveting what others have? And that's the theme we are exploring today. Our focus is the Tenth Commandment, Exodus 20:17, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

Covetousness is an intense desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. It's often the root of many other sins. As the Apostle James wrote in James 4:1-2, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight."

Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, speaks of covetousness as a form of idolatry. In Colossians 3:5 he urges, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and covetousness, which is idolatry." 

This is not a call for us to be complacent or not strive for better, but rather, it's a warning against unhealthy desire that leads us to want what isn't ours, what we have not earned, or what God has not intended for us. Instead of coveting, we are to be content with what we have and trust in God to provide for our needs, as Paul exhorts in Philippians 4:12-13, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."

In conclusion, brothers and sisters, the Tenth Commandment calls us to be content with God's provision and timing. To find peace in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide in His perfect timing.

Let's pray: "Father, we ask for the strength to be content, and the wisdom to discern our needs from our wants. Help us not to covet, but instead to be satisfied with Your perfect provision. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

Go forth this week, resting in God's abundant provision and grace. Remember, it is God who gives us the power to gain wealth and to enjoy the blessings He has for us. Let's focus on His goodness rather than what others have. God bless you all!

The Ninth Commandment

Good morning, church family!

Before we delve into today's teaching, I want to share a funny incident with you all. The Sunday school teacher asked her class, "Now, children, do you all know what the sin of lying is?" Little Johnny's hand shot up like lightning and he answered, "Yes, ma'am. It's when you tell the truth, but nobody believes you!"

Well, I think Johnny may have misunderstood just a bit, but it's a great segue into today's topic, the Ninth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:16, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."

The Ninth Commandment is primarily concerned with the power of our words. It is a commandment against lying and spreading falsehoods, especially in a context that could harm others.

Consider the book of Proverbs, where Solomon provides wisdom on this topic. In Proverbs 6:16-19, he writes, "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community."

Note that out of the seven detestable things, two relate to false witness and lying. It shows us the gravity of bearing false witness.

Consider also the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. They sold a piece of property and lied about the price they received, keeping part of the money for themselves. When confronted by Peter, they maintained their lie, and as a result, they both fell down and died. This is a drastic example, but it illustrates the seriousness of dishonesty in the eyes of God.

So, the Ninth Commandment calls us not just to refrain from lying but to actively uphold the truth. As followers of Jesus, who said, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), we are called to reflect His character by being truthful.

Let's bow our heads: "Lord, help us to uphold truth in all our dealings, and to speak with integrity even when it's hard. Thank you for being a God of truth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

As we go about our week, let's remember the importance of honesty, not just in what we say but in our actions as well. Let's strive to live in a manner that reflects the truth of Christ in us.

God bless you!

The Eighth Commandment

Good morning, church! 

Before we delve into our sermon, I'd like to share a little story with you. A young boy came home from Sunday school one day, proudly announcing to his mother, "Mom, guess what? We learned about a man today who got swallowed by a whale and then stolen by pirates!" With a bemused smile, his mother asked, "Oh, is that so? And what was this man's name?" The boy pondered for a moment before responding, "Um...I think they said his name was Jonah the Pirate!" Well, not quite, but we commend the young man for his active imagination!

Today, we are delving into the Eighth Commandment, Exodus 20:15, "You shall not steal." It seems straightforward enough, but let's break it down and really understand what God is instructing us here.

Stealing is, in essence, an act of disrespect and disregard for the property of others. It indicates a lack of appreciation for the hard work and efforts others have put into acquiring their possessions. This commandment calls for respect for other people's rights and possessions, but it also goes much deeper than just not taking someone else's things.

In Ephesians 4:28, Apostle Paul says, "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need." The teaching here is not just about not stealing, but about the virtues of hard work and generosity.

Jesus reiterated this when He said in Luke 3:14, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely - be content with your pay." It's a call to honesty, contentment, and respect for the rights of others.

Remember the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector? He was a man who took more than was due to him, but when he encountered Jesus, his heart changed. He said in Luke 19:8, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." This is the transformative power of Christ, turning a thief into a philanthropist.

So, let us pray, "Lord, we ask that you cultivate in us a spirit of contentment and respect for the possessions and rights of others. We ask that you guide us away from the desire to take what is not ours, and instead instill in us the will to work hard and be generous. Amen."

In conclusion, while the Eighth Commandment explicitly instructs us not to steal, its implications are broader. It calls us to respect the rights of others, to be content with what we have, and to be generous towards those in need. May we strive to embody these principles in our daily lives.

God bless you all!

The Seventh Commandment

Good morning, Church!

A little story to start us off today: A Sunday School teacher was explaining the seventh commandment to her class. "Thou shall not commit adultery," she said, "Does anyone know what adultery means?" A little girl in the back raised her hand high and confidently said, "Adultery is when a grown-up lies about their age!" Well, not quite the right answer, but we certainly appreciate the innocence of children, don't we?

On a more serious note, our focus today is the seventh commandment from Exodus 20:14: "You shall not commit adultery."

At face value, this commandment is a directive about faithfulness in marriage. But, as with all God's commandments, there is a deeper meaning, a spiritual resonance that speaks to our relationship with God and with each other.

Our marriages are a reflection of our relationship with God. Just as we are called to be faithful to our spouses, we are called to be faithful to God. When we choose to put anything else before our relationship with God, it's akin to spiritual adultery.

Paul explains in Ephesians 5:31-32: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church."

Our faithfulness to God and to each other is not merely about following rules. It's about love, respect, and commitment.

The story of King David and Bathsheba offers a powerful lesson about the destructiveness of adultery. David saw Bathsheba bathing, desired her, and ultimately committed adultery with her. This act led to deceit, murder, and the death of their child (2 Samuel 11). This story serves as a solemn reminder of the pain and suffering that can come from failing to respect the boundaries set by this commandment.

In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus expands on this commandment: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Jesus is driving home the point that adultery isn't just a physical act. It's also a matter of the heart and mind. It's not enough just to avoid the act; we must also guard our thoughts.

Let's bow our heads in prayer: "Lord, guide our hearts and minds. Help us to respect the sacred bonds of marriage, to be faithful in all our relationships. Let us not be led astray by our desires but focus on loving You and our neighbors with pure hearts. Amen."

In conclusion, the seventh commandment calls us to a high standard of faithfulness, both in our relationships and in our spiritual walk. It reminds us that our commitments, our words, and even our thoughts matter. As we strive to live out this commandment, let's remember that our faithfulness reflects God's faithfulness to us. 

May God bless you all with faithfulness in all your relationships, especially your relationship with Him. 

Amen.

Brothers and Sisters!

You know, there's a humorous story about a Sunday school teacher who was teaching her class about the Ten Commandments. She was discussing the commandments in depth, and when she reached the sixth commandment, she asked her students if any of them knew what "You shall not murder" means. A little boy raised his hand and said, "It means you must not kill someone unless they really, really get on your nerves!" Well, I'm happy to report the teacher promptly clarified that it indeed does not mean that.

Our focus today is on the sixth commandment found in Exodus 20:13: "You shall not murder." At its simplest, this commandment instructs us to respect the sanctity of life. But as we will discover, it speaks to more profound spiritual truths.

The Hebrew word for "murder" used in this commandment is 'ratsach,' which specifically refers to the premeditated or intentional killing of another human being. It's distinct from the words used for killing in warfare, accidental death, or the execution of justice. 

Jesus expanded upon the sixth commandment during his Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment." 

This passage extends the sixth commandment beyond physical action into the realm of the heart and mind. It means that not only must we refrain from physically harming others, but we should also avoid anger, resentment, and hatred.

I love this quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: "Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love." This is the essence of what Jesus was teaching. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil.

There's a profound lesson in the story of Cain and Abel, the first narrative of murder in the Bible. Cain's jealousy led him to commit the first act of murder. God said to Cain in Genesis 4:7, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." Unfortunately, Cain did not heed God's warning.

Let's pray: "Lord, help us to understand the deeper implications of Your commandment 'You shall not murder.' Teach us to rule over the sin that crouches at our door and guide our hearts to choose love over hatred, forgiveness over resentment. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen."

In conclusion, the sixth commandment asks us not just to respect life, but also to cultivate love, forgiveness, and peace in our hearts. It calls us to put a check on our anger and resentment and not let these negative emotions control us. We are all created in God's image, and every life is precious. As we respect life, we honor God.

May God bless us with the wisdom to understand this commandment's depth and the courage to live by it. 

God bless you all!

In the follow up episode, we chat again with Karabo Kerry in this unfiltered conversation on masculinity.

The Fifth Commandment

Good morning, Church!

I want to start with a little story today. A young boy was struggling with his math homework and asked his father for help. "Dad, can you help me solve this problem?" The father looked at the problem and then at his son, "Son, I'd love to help, but remember the fifth commandment, 'Honor your father and your mother.' It's been many years since I solved these kinds of problems. I think your mother will be a much better help with this."

Now, that's a humorous take on our topic today. But we will be diving deeper into the meaning of the fifth commandment, as stated in Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

In our society, we sometimes confuse honor with agreement or obedience. But in biblical terms, to honor someone means to value them highly or respect them greatly. It involves recognizing their worth and affirming them for it. We can disagree with our parents and still honor them.

Jesus provides an example of this in the Bible. In Mark 3:31-35, Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived while he was teaching. They were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. But when Jesus was told, he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" He then looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Here, Jesus was not dishonoring his mother or brothers. Instead, he was underlining that spiritual relationship and obedience to God should take precedence. Jesus’ mission and obedience to God were his highest priorities, but this did not diminish his respect for his earthly family.

There's a great quote from Billy Graham on this. He once said, "A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone." We see this truth echoed in the Bible, in Proverbs 1:8-9, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."

Honoring your parents does not stop once you become an adult or when they have passed away. Honoring our parents has no expiration date. It’s a lifetime commitment. In Matthew 15:4-6, Jesus rebukes the people who neglected their elderly parents, explaining that they were violating God’s command.

Let's pray: "Lord, we ask that you teach us to truly honor our parents. May we respect them, value them, care for them and love them as You have loved us. Guide our hearts and minds to understand the full meaning of your commandment. In Jesus' name, Amen."

In conclusion, honoring our parents is a divine mandate, but it's also a divine blessing. This commandment is the first that carries a promise: "...so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." As we honor our parents, we honor God. And in honoring God, we find blessings, peace, and longevity.

May we learn to honor not only with words but with our actions. Let's give our parents the respect, love, and kindness they deserve. And in doing so, we honor God, our heavenly Father.

God bless you all!

Good morning, Church!

Let me begin today with a light-hearted story. There was a pastor who went out golfing every single Saturday, without fail. One beautiful Saturday, he was about to head out the door when his wife reminded him, "Honey, isn't it time you obeyed the fourth commandment, 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy'?" The pastor, quick on his feet, replied with a grin, "My dear, I'm doing exactly that. The Bible says, 'The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.' What better place to keep silence before the Lord than out on the golf course?"

In jest, this pastor justified his activities, but today, we are going to take a closer look at the fourth commandment as it is written in Exodus 20:8-11, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

What does it mean to "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy"? At its core, this commandment is about rest and reverence. God, in His wisdom, knew we would need a day of rest. He understood the value of taking time to recharge physically, mentally, and spiritually.

You might remember the story of Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath in Luke 13:10-17. Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath, and a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years was there. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. 

The synagogue ruler was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, but Jesus replied, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" 

This story demonstrates how we are to honor the Sabbath - it's a day of liberation, not just from our physical work but also from the burdens of our spirits.

While the Sabbath is a day of rest, it is not merely a day of inactivity. It's a day to realign ourselves with God, to renew our spirits in His presence. As Jesus said in Mark 2:27, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."

In keeping the Sabbath holy, we also follow in the footsteps of our Creator. Genesis 2:2-3 tells us, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."

So, let us use this day not only for physical rest but also for spiritual rejuvenation. Let us take this day to cease from our labors, to rest in the Lord, and to honor Him in the quiet moments.

Let's pray: "Heavenly Father , we thank You for the gift of the Sabbath, a day set aside for rest and rejuvenation. Help us to understand the true essence of keeping the Sabbath day holy. May we cease from our labors, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally, and find our rest in You. Teach us to use this day to realign ourselves with You, to renew our spirits in Your presence, and to serve others in love as Jesus did. May our Sabbath observance bring honor to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

In conclusion, let us remember the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. It's not just about following a rule; it's about honoring God, taking care of ourselves, and showing compassion to others. As we navigate through our busy lives, let us not forget the fourth commandment and the wisdom it holds for us. May the peace of God be with us as we remember the Sabbath, keeping it holy, every week. 

God bless you all.

Good morning, Church!

I heard a story recently about a pastor who was teaching a group of young children about the Ten Commandments. He was explaining each commandment in turn, making it as simple as possible. When he reached the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain," he asked the children if they knew what it meant. One little boy's hand shot up, and with a confident grin, he said, "It means you shouldn't call God names that He doesn't like!"

Well, that’s a simple and sweet interpretation, but today, we're going to delve deeper into the third commandment as stated in Exodus 20:7, "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name."

What does it mean to "take the name of the Lord in vain"? The term "in vain" means to use something without due respect or consideration, to treat it lightly or carelessly. To take the Lord's name in vain is to use it casually, disrespectfully, or flippantly, and this extends to more than just speech. 

Remember when David was transporting the Ark of the Covenant, as described in 2 Samuel 6? Uzzah, one of the men handling the Ark, reached out to steady it when the oxen stumbled, and God struck him down for this irreverence. Uzzah used something sacred - the symbol of God’s presence - carelessly, and he paid the price for it. This story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to treat all things associated with God with utmost respect, including His name.

Jesus emphasizes this in the Lord's Prayer, saying, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name," (Matthew 6:9). "Hallowed" means to be made holy, to be kept sacred. The very first line of the Lord’s Prayer is a request to honor God’s name.

But this commandment also means that we must be careful not to associate God’s name with evil or injustice. Consider this: when people of faith act unrighteously, it reflects poorly on the name of God. As the apostle Paul admonished in Romans 2:24, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." 

In the same vein, we should be wary of false prophets who use God’s name for their gain, as warned in Matthew 7:21-23, "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!'"

The Name of the Lord is a name above all names, and we should use it with reverence and awe. As it says in Philippians 2:9-11, "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Let us pray: "Dear God, we ask for Your forgiveness for the times we have used Your holy name carelessly or without thought. Help us to always treat Your name with the reverence it deserves and to live in such a way that honors Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen."