Key Scripture: “31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, ’If you abide in my Word, you are truly My disciples...”   - John 8:31

What does it mean to abide in Jesus' Word?  The word abide [meno in Greek] also often means to remain, to dwell, to continue, to tarry or to endure. To abide in God’s Word means to “continue” in God’s Word. To continue in God’s Word requires at least a few things:

1)  To fill ourselves with God’s Word and to actually be a doer of God’s Word. 
2) The willingness to relinquish our preconceived ideas or existing philosophy that are not compatible with God’s Word.

Be hungry for God! Be hungry for His Word. Be hungry to be the doer of God's Word. Let’s remain, continue, and endure in God’s Word because that is the mark of His true disciple. AMEN!

Key Scripture: “24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one received the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercise self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified..    - 1 Cor 9:24-27

There’s something about human beings that we tend to want something more, to be better, stronger, greater, heathier, wealthier, and happier without having to put much efforts, work, investment nor commitment to what we desire. Similarly, Christians, too, fall into the same pitfall. People tend to want God’s promises, blessings and protection, but aren’t always willing to abide and live mindfully under God’s precepts wholeheartedly.

Paul probed the church in Corinth of who they were in Christ and what it meant to be a Christian. 

AIM. RUN. STAY ON COURSE! 

One of the first indications of the Christmas season is the appearance of lights – the illumination. Many people may not realize that these lights on the Christmas season are not just decorative, but it has a symbolic significance. Christmas contains many spiritual truths, and “Light” is one of them. In this Christmas message, we will reflect on this specific symbol together. 

“2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2). The light has already come!

“6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Cor 4:6). 

 Jesus as the LIGHT of LIFE came to SHOW US THE WAY and to GIVE US HOPE NO ONE COULD EVER GIVE. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Offering financial gifts unto the Lord is  an integral aspects of our loving, honoring and worshipping God. However, if we are truly honest, it is far much easier for Christians, and many are more readily, to give "offering" of praise and worship than a tangible financial gifts. There are still lingering questions, doubts and concerns about giving financially to the church or Christian mission/ministries that often unsettle the mind of believers. How should we give biblically? How could we honor the Lord with our giving? In this sermon, we will discuss how to offer an acceptable offering to Him and to be a cheerful giver. I pray that you would be edified and encouraged! 

THE TWO MAIN POINTS I want to share with you with this sermon:

FIRST, FINANCIAL GIVING & OFFERING IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR WORSHIP.
SECOND, GOD IS THE OWNER AND HAS OWNERSHP OF ALL THINGS

What “giving in faith” looks like: the story of Cain and Abel give us some clue:
1) FAITH GIVES FIRST 
2) FAITH GIVES THE VERY BEST

A TRUE WORSHIPPER KNOW THAT THEY DON’T COME TO ENCOUNTER AND WORSHIP GOD “EMPTY-HANDED”

 Jesus Christ love His Father. He offered up His life for our salvation. It is right for us to cost us something to love and honor our God and our Savior who has given His life for us.  

 “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you!” (Deut 16:17)

What "serving God" means? How do we know that we are serving Him? How can our service to God pleases Him? In this sermon, we will discuss about what how to serve the Lord in ways that are pleasing and acceptable to God biblically. May you be blessed!

THREE MAIN POINTS:
1) SERVING GOD MUST ALWAYS BEGIN BY SERVING HIS HEART FIRST!
2) it is proper to serve the Lord BECAUSE WE ARE THE REDEEMED PEOPLE.
3) Believers are called to BRING ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD and FULFILL HIS WILL.

MINISTERING TO GOD or GOD’S KINGDOM applies to ALL believers. We ALL must live under this “GOD’S MISSION” without exception. What’s the job description: 

1)   “Feed the Sheep” (John 21:15-19). 

“Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said. “You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep”. (John 21:15-19)
 

2)   “Brother’s Keeper” (Gal 6:2, Mat 25:35, Mat 20:28). 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2)

 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer Him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you … The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me” (Mat 25:35, 36, 37, 40)

3) Live like Jesus Live (1 John 2:6, Eph 5:1-2, John 13:13-17, Eph 4:22-24, John 14:15, Tit 3:1-2, Prov 3:5-6, Mat 11:29, Luk 6:46, Rom 6:4, 2 Pet 1:5-9, Rom 12:2, John 15:1-8 )

 “Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” (1 John 2:6)

 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph 5:1-2)

 “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. And Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you…” (John 13:13-17)

Do you long for a deep PEACE that is unshakable and lasting? How much such a peace would cost? What if the cost has been paid, and the peace is available for YOU?

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27). 

May this Christmas season be a reminder that a Prince of Peace was born for us, and we can live in peace IN and THROUGH Him. May you the Lord bless you and give you HIS peace! 

My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion, Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.  - Prov 3:22-23 

Do you recall those moments of frustration when you find yourself falling into the same holes, so to speak, or making the same mistakes over and over again? You knew how the adverse effects of it – whether it is pain, broken relationship, guilt or stress that leads to crisis … , and yet  still you did it again.

How can we change? How can grow and overcome our tendencies and habits? The sinful nature within us?

Change requires three things; 1) Awareness, 2) Humility, 3) Determination. 

 On Awareness - It is almost impossible for a person to change anything unless he or she has an awareness of what needs to be changed. We must sharpen our own awareness as the first step.

On Humility - Without humility, one would not even think it is necessary to develop awareness. Godly humility brings godly grieve. And that godly grieve leads to true repentance and restoration.

On Determination - To change our sinful nature, we have to be prepared to wrestle and struggle throughout our lives. The Holy Spirit is provided for us. To be our counselor, comforter and to give us the power. And yet, without our determination to employ our everything, we could never be what God desires us to be.  Persistency, consistency, and resiliency are needed to cross that finish line in this time-limited spiritual race we are in.

If you want to stop falling into the same holes … hold on to the Lord’s precepts. Develop awareness of yourself and God’s truth. Nurture a heart and soul of authentic humility. Be teachable. And be fully determined to give your life for God. Give it all up. Give it all in. All unto the Lord. AMEN!