January 20, 2019, Growing to Attain the Kingdom Maturity

Growing to Attain the Kingdom Maturity 

Luke 13:18-19 

Everyone who believes in Jesus has peace when we are following and worshiping God in a right way. The dilemma is that most believers are not at peace. When we reflect on our lives, we wonder why we have not changed into the perfect followers of Christ. In fact, we may even ask why has not God changed me more completely. 

The parable of the mustard seed (Luke 13: 18-19) can be used to respond to the question, "Why do I keep sinning and failing?" Pastor Donald explains how the mustard seed illustration shows spiritual growth and four Kingdom principles of growth.

Principles Governing Growth in the Kingdom

1. The principle of growth of the Kingdom needs to be intentional. It takes willingness and commitment to grow spiritually. Spiritual growth does not just happen and it is not always fun. We cannot only do things that we are comfortable with or enjoy. With international commitment you do things to grow whether it is pleasant or not. 

2. Another principle is that growth in the kingdom has a small beginning and needs care. Like the mustard seed, something very small grew into a huge tree. Our faith will be exposed to temptations, trials, challenges and resistance. We have an enemy who is trying to destroy our growth. The enemy is attacking our faith to keep it small; however through suffering and endurance our faith grows and becomes perfect. (James 1:2‭-‬8‭, ‬10‭-‬12 ESV )

  

3. Another principle of growth is that progressive requires nurturing with tenacity.  There needs to be observation of our spiritual life and determination to follow Jesus in order to cultivate our faith. 

4. The last principle of growth is perfected in their ministerial responsibility. When we put into practice our Christian life, we grow. Moreover, the responsibility of our ministry allows us best to grow. By engaging in a ministry, we set the target to serve God in His Kingdom and by this we can perfect our faith more and more. 

We need to be active in our growth. How do we do this? Here are three ways to encourage  spiritual growth in our lives. 

Actively Taking Part in the Kingdom Growing 

1. Keep receiving God's word. Keep sowing by reading the Bible, hearing His word and praying.

2. We need to actively cultivate our faith. Find prayer partners, join Bible studies join and cell groups.  

3. Put in practice the revelation that has been given to you by the Holy Spirit. It will not be easy, but remember that branches that bear fruit are cut back to bear more fruit.

January 13, 2019 Living at Peace in our "Anxiety Inflicting Environment"

January 13, 2019

Living at Peace in our "Anxiety Inflicting Environment" 

The Book of Proverbs has instructions for better living and for obtaining more peace.  Using verses from Proverbs 3:1-8, Pastor Donald shows how Christians can have peaceful lives in a society that is full of anxiety in three ways.

1. As Christians, we need to seek the word of God and to make a commitment to hold onto God's teachings. We show our to God through our obedience and this same obedience to God's laws gives us protection.

2. We are designed to live a Godly devoted life. We need to put our trust in God so that we are fully dependent on God and by this, we will achieve this peace.

3. We need to seek to live a life devoted to God. This can be done if we must think of ourselves as stewards of God's property. By committing ourselves to invest generously into God's kingdom, we will be stewards who glorify God with our cheerful giving.

December 30, 2018 The Life of a Person Surrendered to Immanuel

On the last Sunday of 2018, Pastor Donald looks at "The Life of a Person Surrendered to Immanuel" using the scriptures from Matthew 1:1-12 and reminds us that everything that happened at the first Christmas happened for a reason.  The wise men were following a star which disappeared before they had reached the new king of Israel. Instead of giving up their quest they pursued it by asking questions and eventually speaking with King Herod. It was not until they spoke with King Herod that the star appeared again. and they could move forward in their quest. God had allowed this difficulty in their search so that the wise men would have an audience with King Herod.

But how is it with us when God seems to be silent. The troubling part of silence from God is that we do not know what God wants us to do and why this happens. Many just and righteous people cannot understand why God would allow such bad things to happen. We want to know why these things happen or what God wants from us. 

Here are some suggestions on what should we do when the star disappears? 

1. Stick with the plan. The wise men stuck to the original course they stayed with their vision. Let our faith remain with the foundational knowledge of God when God is silent.  

2. Look at the bigger picture. When God is silent, try to look at the bigger picture. God needed to show the wise men and others what Herod's attitude was. God may be using you for another purpose. 

3. Let God do the fighting. God takes on the fight for those who have surrendered to Immanuel. Joseph, Mary and Jesus were rescued and God took up the fight. God will not abandon us. Even when He seems silent. We do need to be obedient, but God will protect.

For 2019, God bless you and protect you in your family as you move closer to His divine love through the grace of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.