1 Timothy 3:14-16
The church is not a legal entity, a building, or a collection of people. Rather, the church is a set of imperfect relationships glued together by a perfect Christ. In other words, the church is a family of redeemed sinners.
Acts 20:17-24
What is driving us? What is at the center of our lives? The answer to these questions is a crucial one because whatever is driving us and at the center of our lives will affect every aspect of it- what we do and how we live. Many people go through life centered on the temporal and physical things of this world such as: degrees, financial security, popularity, accomplishments, family and leisure. But, we as believers need to understand that we have a Higher Calling than to just go through life here on earth. And we can know this Higher Calling through Apostle Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian Elders.
1 Timothy 2:1-4, 2 Timothy 2:20-22
At the crux of our devotion to God is a pursuit. It is our life-long chase of being more like Jesus Christ. In an era where so many live to please themselves, even Christians dangerously customizing faith to convenience their needs and desires, there is a great need to pursuit righteousness. The Bible is clear that this is no easy task, but shares great insight on how we can. Today, we commit to flee the desires of our flesh and run hard after His righteousness, faith, love and peace.
Acts 4:8-20
Today, we continue the story of a lame man who was healed by John and Peter. They are now in the temple and the story of his miraculous healing lead to thousands coming to be saved. John and Peter are arrested by the Jewish officials on the account of blasphemy. They are fearless and demonstrative of their faith in Jesus leave everyone in awe and they can’t help but to be convinced by the power of their testimony. Do we bear such witness with our faith in Jesus Christ? How many would come to know the Lord as a result of hearing our testimonies? Today, we approach the scene from the disciples’ perspective as we also are called to intimately follow Christ.
Acts 3:1-10
As we begin a brand new year, we pray that this will be the year where we take a giant leap towards growth and experiencing God on a whole another level. God has certainly been very good to us in the past two years; we have seen and heard plenty of stories where God’s hand was very evident. All of our pain, hurt, and brokenness will be renewed by His power launching us to a new season of mature and spirit-filled living. Our renewed worship will, then, fill others with wonder and amazement leading them to encounter God in the same way.
Hosea 14
On this Christmas morning, we return to the crux of the Gospel message—there is healing for the broken and hope for the hopeless in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Good News that we all want and need. More powerful than the imagery a prophet marrying a prostitute is the Holy God Himself becoming man to display His faithful, everlasting love. It isn’t enough that our hearts are warmed through this amazing story; our hearts must return to the One who has given Himself to us.
Hosea 11
Jealousy is an ugly word. Shakespeare, in Othello, said that “It is the green-eyed monster.” It has overtones of selfishness, suspicion, and distrust as it is possessive, demanding, and overbearing. Yet, the Bible clearly shows God saying that He is a jealous God. We wonder how a God who is holy, just loving, gracious, merciful, and long-suffering be jealous. In studying the book of Hosea, we remind ourselves of this important characteristic of God that should lead us to loving Him and being faithful to Him.
Hosea 2:14-23
We are far too wavering and unfaithful when it comes to our love for God. More than we’d like to admit, we are content having casual one night stands with Jesus on days and moments which we choose to be with Him. We explore deeper the metaphor of marriage that is shared with us in the book of Hosea. Today, we recognize our shortcomings but we want to commit our hearts to Him, we pledge our eternal faithfulness to Him—never wavering or doubting His immense love for us.
Hosea 1:1-2
For this year’s Advent, we will explore through the book of Hosea. Though it may seem rather unconventional, its main theme of God’s mercy, salvation, redemption, and His endless love is only appropriate for us to contemplate during this season. God powerfully communicates His love and plan for His beloved nation by allowing prophet Hosea to parallel the experience of marrying a wife who is unfaithful. Today, we establish the backdrop of how Israel’s harlotry mirrors our depravity before God.
Matthew 17:14-21
Today concludes the 8-week series on the topic of faith. Being reminded that faith is what brings launches us to the reality of God, we want to believe and live as we are encouraged by God’s Word. Faith activates God’s power and ability upon our lives, and “nothing is impossible to us.” We learn that having such faith in God is evidenced by the prayer and fasting. Do you have mountains in your life that need to be moved? Will you commit to a lifestyle of persistent prayer?