Archives June 2024

Gospel , Ministry

The Comfort That God Gives

Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

We live in a world filled with challenges and difficulties. At some point in our lives, we all experience sorrow, pain, and heartache. Yet, in the midst of our troubles, there is a profound truth that brings us hope and peace: God is the source of all comfort. Today, we will explore the depth of the comfort that God provides and how it transforms our lives.

1. God is the Father of Compassion

Paul begins by praising God as the “Father of compassion.” This title signifies that God’s very nature is to be compassionate. He understands our pain and is moved by our suffering.

Psalm 103:13-14: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”

God’s compassion is like that of a loving father who is tender-hearted towards His children. He is not distant or indifferent; He is deeply concerned about every aspect of our lives.

2. The God of All Comfort:

God is described as the “God of all comfort.” This means that His comfort is comprehensive and sufficient for every situation we face.

Isaiah 49:13: “Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”

The comfort God provides is not temporary or superficial. It is a deep, abiding comfort that reaches the very core of our being. It is a comfort that sustains us in times of trial and gives us the strength to persevere.

3. Comfort in All Our Troubles:

Paul assures us that God comforts us in all our troubles. There is no pain too great, no sorrow too deep, that God cannot reach us. His comfort is available in every circumstance.

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When we are overwhelmed by life’s difficulties, God’s presence brings peace. He is close to us, walking with us through the darkest valleys, providing solace and hope.

4. Comfort with a Purpose:

God’s comfort is not just for our benefit. Paul explains that we are comforted so that we can comfort others.

2 Corinthians 1:4: “…so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Our experiences of God’s comfort equip us to be agents of His comfort to those around us. When we have tasted the goodness of God’s comfort, we can extend that same comfort to others who are hurting.

5. The Ultimate Comforter:

Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who is often called the Comforter or Advocate. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, providing ongoing comfort and guidance.

John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.”

The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, offering comfort that is always available, reminding us of God’s promises, and guiding us into all truth.

How do we realize the comfort?

1. God’s Presence in Our Lives:

One of the greatest sources of comfort is knowing that God is always with us. The Bible says in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” No matter where we are or what we are going through, God’s presence is a constant in our lives. He is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

2. The God’s Promises:

The scriptures are filled with God’s promises to us, promises that offer comfort and hope. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “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.” God’s promises are a source of deep comfort because they assure us that we are never abandoned and that His plans for us are good.

3. Through Prayer:

Prayer is a powerful way to experience God’s comfort. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we turn to God in prayer, we are enveloped in His peace, which surpasses all human understanding.

4. Comfort in Community:

God often uses the people around us to provide comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” We are called to be a source of comfort to one another, to support and uplift each other in times of need.

5. The Hope of Eternal Comfort:

Our ultimate comfort comes from the hope of eternal life with God. Revelation 21:4 gives us a glimpse of this promise: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” The knowledge that we will one day be with God in a place where there is no suffering must bring immense comfort to our hearts.

In a world where pain and suffering are inevitable, the comfort that God gives is a precious gift. He is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ready to embrace us in our times of trouble. As recipients of His comfort, we are called to share that comfort with others, becoming vessels of His love and grace.

Let us rest in the assurance of God’s comforting presence and be instruments of His comfort to a hurting world. May we always remember that no matter what we face, we are never alone—God, the ultimate Comforter, is with us.

Gospel , Ministry

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Dear beloved, today, we want to assess one of the most challenging and profound teachings of Jesus Christ: the call to take up our cross and follow Him. This call is not just a suggestion but a fundamental aspect of discipleship. It’s an invitation to a life of surrender, sacrifice, and ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

To truly grasp what Jesus means by “take up your cross,” we must first understand the significance of the cross in His time. The cross was a symbol of suffering, shame, and death. It was an instrument of Roman execution, representing the ultimate cost. When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, He is inviting us to embrace a path that includes suffering, self-denial, and a willingness to endure hardship for His sake.

Jesus begins by saying, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves.” This is countercultural in a world that often promotes self-fulfillment and self-indulgence. Denying ourselves means putting aside our own desires, ambitions, and comforts to prioritize God’s will. It is an act of submission and trust, acknowledging that God’s plans for us are far greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves.

Taking up our cross involves a daily commitment to live out our faith, even when it is difficult. It means being willing to face ridicule, opposition, and even persecution for our beliefs. It is a call to be steadfast in our journey with Christ, no matter the cost. This can manifest in various ways: standing up for righteousness, serving others selflessly, and persevering through trials with faith.

Following Jesus is the essence of discipleship. It means walking in His footsteps, emulating His love, compassion, and obedience to the Father. It is a continuous journey of learning, growing, and becoming more like Christ. As we follow Him, we are transformed by His presence and empowered by His Spirit to live out our calling.

Jesus presents a paradox: “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” This statement challenges our natural inclination to preserve our lives at all costs. True life, Jesus teaches, is found in surrendering our lives to Him. When we let go of our own agendas and entrust our lives to Jesus, we discover the abundant, eternal life He promises.

Jesus asks, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” This question invites us to consider the eternal perspective. Our earthly achievements and possessions are temporary, but our souls are eternal. Prioritizing our relationship with God and our spiritual well-being is of utmost importance. We are called to invest in what lasts forever, rather than chasing after fleeting worldly gains.

The call to take up our cross and follow Jesus is a radical and transformative invitation. It requires us to deny ourselves, embrace the path of sacrifice, and follow Jesus with unwavering devotion. As we respond to this call, we find true life, purpose, and fulfillment in Christ. Let us commit ourselves anew to this journey of discipleship, trusting that as we lose our lives for His sake, we will find the abundant life He offers.

Gospel , Ministry

ABIDE IN ME

Scripture Reading: John 15:1-11

Dear Beloved. Today, we explore into one of the most profound and intimate teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. In John 15:1-11, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the essential relationship between Himself and His disciples. The central message is clear: “Abide in Me.” But what does it mean to abide in Christ, and how can we practically live out this command in our daily lives?

The Vine and the Branches: Our Source of Life

Jesus begins by identifying Himself as the true vine and God the Father as the vinedresser. We, His followers, are the branches. This imagery powerfully conveys that our life and vitality come from our connection to Christ.

Verse 1-2: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.“

What do we Learn? Just as branches draw their sustenance from the vine, we draw our spiritual life from Jesus. Without Him, we can do nothing. The pruning process, though sometimes painful, is necessary for our growth and fruitfulness.

Abiding in Christ: A Call to Intimacy

Abiding in Christ is not a passive state but an active, ongoing relationship. It involves remaining in Him, being rooted in His love, and continually drawing from His strength.

Verse 4-5: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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.“

What do we Learn? To abide in Christ means to maintain a close, personal, and unbroken fellowship with Him. It is through prayer, reading His Word, and obeying His commands that we stay connected.

The Fruit of Abiding: Love, Joy, and Obedience

When we abide in Christ, our lives bear the fruit of His Spirit. This fruit is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Verse 9-10: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.“

What do we Learn? The evidence of abiding in Christ is seen in our love for God and others. Obedience to His commands is not burdensome but a natural outflow of our love for Him. Additionally, abiding in Christ fills us with His joy, making our joy complete.

The Power of Prayer in Abiding

Abiding in Christ also transforms our prayer life. When we are in sync with His will, our prayers become powerful and effective.

Verse 7: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.“

What do we Learn? A life that abides in Christ aligns its desires with His. Thus, our prayers are in harmony with His will, and we see God’s power at work in and through us.

Jesus’ invitation to “Abide in Me” is an invitation to a life of deep, meaningful, and life-giving relationship with Him. It is a call to depend on Him wholly, to draw our strength from Him, and to let His life flow through us, producing abundant fruit.

As we are here today, let us examine our hearts. Are we truly abiding in Christ? Are we experiencing the fullness of His love, joy, and peace? If not, let us draw nearer to Him, spend time in His presence, and allow His Word to dwell richly in us.

May we all remain in Him, as He remains in us, so that we may bear much fruit for His glory. Amen.