Church Of The Lost Sheep

" Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." -Apostle Paul writing to the 1st church in Rome, 1st century Romans 15:13 in the Berean Study Bible Edition [This is the  26th  message in this series] The end of the old year and the start of the new year is always a great time to look back on both our mistakes and our triumphs. It is also the time to thank God for His faithfulness. And to pause to bask in this surreal moment. It was another difficult year of course. It has been for billions of people around the world. We are not alone.  It has actually been two straight challenging years for most. But through it all, we can still sense that God was working behind the scenes. God has brought us through what some might consider their most trying times. And at this moment in time it is important to receive God's joy and peace. The world's joy and the world's pe

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and ‘you will find rest for your souls.’  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” -Jesus of Nazareth Matthew 11:28-30 Even though some things may have slowly gone back to normal, many of us still have not found comfort since the effects of the pandemic of 2019 started. Many of us got sick and still have lingering side effects even after having survived the disease. Many of us have family and loved ones who are sick right now or have died. Some have lost their jobs or their businesses or means of livelihood.  On top of this, some of us also have gone through a natural calamity.  And for some, it seems like it is just one trial after another, like a strong earthquake happened and tsunamis are just coming at us again and again and again. Nothing is Hidden From God God knows what we are going through. And He wants us to do what Chri

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:16-17 Thanksgiving It's Thanksgiving Week and although many of us may find it hard to be thankful with anything right now, but really there is always something to be thankful for.  If we can't think of one, maybe it is because we have taken it for granted that Christ saved us from the comparatively more miserable and purposeless lives we were living before He found us. If we have no idea what the Good News of the Kingdom of God is all about, maybe this is the week to find out and join the ranks of the living. How to Live the New Life The Good News of Salvation is still the best news and most times the only good news. Pandemic The world we live in is already in a state of pandemonium.  With the pandemic it just got

" Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt." Genesis 45: 4-8, Jewish Scriptures Looking at our time right now, still in a pandemic after two years, we can see from the excerpt above that the story of Joseph is something we can relate with. The scene we read above is after Joseph revealed himself to his brothers who have talked with him several times but

Before Jesus went to the cross, He told His disciples to: "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world." Mathew 28:19-20 And then after appearing to them on various occasions for 40 days, after having risen back out from the tomb, He told them: “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 The original disciples of Jesus did that. Now Jesus didn't come to start a religion. He didn't start a church or built a church building. The Church The people who believe in Him is the church . And wherever believers got together and met in Jesus' name, there He was in the middle of it -- His holy presence, the Promised Holy Spirit . They met in homes, enco

" The second beast forces all people—important and unimportant people, rich and poor people, free people and slaves—to be branded on their right hands or on their foreheads. It does this so that no one may buy or sell unless he has the brand, which is the beast’s name or the number of its name." Revelations 13:16-17 Nature of Believe it or not, we are still in a (worldwide) pandemic. I know, we all are so over this pandemic virus. But pandemics do take a long time to subside, years. And even after it has subsided, the effects and the virus (and variants) still linger/s on. Peculiarities of Now this particular pandemic is unique in the sense that it is the first full blown pandemic during the social media age. This is the first when news, both real and fake reaches everyone, anywhere in the world with a smart device and wi-fi in real time. Politics of This pandemic has been politicized, politicians and people in positions of power and big business have used it to stay

'The woman said, “I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.” “I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.”  Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it. The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves." -The Apostle John John 4:25-30 This pandemic has now shown the world that it is the real thing. Regardless of the number of people getting vaccinated and many still under pandemic restrictions and social distancing, masks and mandatory body temperature checks, worldwide the number of people getting infected a

" And do not neglect our own meetings, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another—and all the more so as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 Depending on where you are located, going to church (meeting together for church  worship services) have either been completely closed down or regulated one way or another because of the ongoing pandemic. But while church buildings have been shut down, given restrictions such as sitting capacity limits or only allowed services to take place outdoors, church services have thrived online, on social media, on TV and radio throughout this pandemic time. New Normal So while most people have grown used to this current church attendance setup, there actually are two things that church goers have not been able to do with the new normal, with this online church attendance. Two Things These two would be the only things church goers have been missing and one of which may still not be available anytime soon, depending on their

  "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. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.  If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.  And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." -Apostle Paul, second letter to the early believers in Corinth 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7 The whole world is now entering the second year of living in a time of a pandemic. A few places have gone back to some semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy (and not really sure if we could ever go back to what was normal) but overall, today most peopl

"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.  And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another."  -Jesus of Nazareth, 1st century Matthew 24:6-10 I Am Offended The internet era and the age of social media has given rise to a phenomenon unique to our generation today. We call this as the cancel culture. Essentially, cancel culture is about certain "influential" people or groups of people being "offended" over something someone was reported to have said or caught on record to have said or something someone was rumored to have

"That is why we are not discouraged.  Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day. Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine.  We don’t look for things that can be seen but for things that can’t be seen.  Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can’t be seen last forever." - Apostle Paul, 1st century 2nd Letter to the Corinthian Church The year 2020 may be coming to a close but surely the hiccups, the speed bumps, the trials and the suffering it has brought is still with us. Welcome 2021 The incoming new year is upon us and a new beginning is what we need to look at and not the disaster and the disappointments of the outgoing year. We shouldn't be discouraged even though there may be good reasons for us to do so. Our current condition and suffering are temporary and does not compare to what our Lord is preparing for us for eternity.

 Jesus Feeds Four Thousand "About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples replied, “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Seven loaves,” they replied. So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to his disciples, who distributed the bread to the crowd. A few small fish were found, too, so Jesus also blessed these and told the disciples to distribute them. They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were a

  "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." -Jesus of Nazareth, 1st Century written by the Apostle Matthew I know most people all over the world has had a bad year. For many Christians, this was also the worse Christmas they've ever had. And for everyone, this could actually be our worst year ever. And so not making light of what people have been going through but truly a lot of us have been concerned and anxious about our future and about what to eat, what to drink, what to wear and all the other necessities of life. Perfect Storm It is hard not too, as the global pandemic raged on countless small business have closed shop, companies had to let go of people, entire industries are done for and th

  "Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."  Hebrews 13:1-3 Concluding Words The writer of the letter given to the early Jewish (Hebrew) Christians were divided into 13 chapters. The excerpt above were the opening lines of the concluding chapter. I am guessing that in that place and time, siblings love one another. And that they do not normally extend the same to people they aren't related to or people they do not know -- especially people from another place, culture or belief system, or even those who look and speak differently than them. Judging Others They also do not care for those who have been incarcerated, sinners and low lifes and those who were suffering among them, including the poo

"There are many different languages in this world, and all of them make sense. But if I don’t understand the language that someone is using, we will be like foreigners to each other." -Apostle Paul 1 Corinthians 14:10-11 Jesus taught using illustrations, stories, metaphors and other figures of speech, also by healing and doing good to people. Many times people did not understand what he was saying, mostly He did so on purpose. In the excerpt from one of Apostle Paul's letters to the first believers in Corinth, He was teaching them about the use of a language that others do not understand.  He likened those speaking in a different tongue (or speaking in tongues) to foreign people speaking a different language from the locals. Obviously when they do so, the locals may not understand them. This is much the same way when Jesus was speaking in stories (or parables) and metaphors. His disciples had to ask Him what He meant, many times. In fact in many occasions, Jesu

"Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. So he told Jesus, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep." John 21:17 One of the last things written down that Jesus did was to ask Peter if he loves Him. He asked this three times. And each time Peter (who was named Simon by his parents) told Jesus that He knew that he loves Him. And to which Jesus told Peter to do three things: 1. Feed my lambs. 2. Take care of my sheep. 3. Feed my sheep. Such is the work of those who love Jesus. Feeding Lambs New believers are lambs in the faith. They need nurturing and milk to grow up and become mature. As such those who are mature in the faith needs to teach them like six or seven year olds. It is our desire that this teaching will be an upcoming new series for the new year. Taking Care of the Flock We already know that wolves in sheep

Saul Becomes a Follower of Jesus "As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, sir?” The person replied, “I’m Jesus, the one you’re persecuting. Get up! Go into the city, and you’ll be told what you should do.” Meanwhile, the men traveling with him were speechless. They heard the voice but didn’t see anyone. Saul was helped up from the ground. When he opened his eyes, he was blind. So his companions led him into Damascus. For three days he couldn’t see and didn’t eat or drink." Acts 9:3-9 In the current Advent Series we have talked about the blinding of Saul . Indeed, we mentioned there that we will discuss this matter separately. Here it is. Saul of Tarsus The story of Saul we can likened to the pandemic time we are in. For he was like all of us, busy with our daily routine and then out of no

Sing Praises to the Lord "I will praise you, Lord,     with all my heart     and tell about the wonders     you have worked. God Most High, I will rejoice;     I will celebrate and sing     because of you." Psalm 9:1-2 (A psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune “The Death of the Son.”) 2020 Vision 2020 was the year that allowed humankind to see clearly.  For the first time, everyone in this big ship we are all travelling in (as we go around the sun once every 365.25 days), most if not all of us onboard got affected, many of us got sick, some of us died, many are still suffering and our daily routines changed, whether we like it or not. And all due to a little virus. Titanic And whether we believe it or not, or whether this pandemic virus is deadly only among the more vulnerable among us, all of us in this ship we call earth, are all in this together -- literally, like those who were aboard the Diamond Princess, that cruiseship with close to 4,000 peo

"Which one of you fathers would give your hungry child a snake if the child asked for a fish? Which one of you would give your child a scorpion if the child asked for an egg? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks." Matthew 11:11-13 It looks like we have come to the end of this series (unless the Lord has more for us on this topic).  But there is no better way to end this than to talk a little bit more about God's goodness. Goodness of God In the previous messages of this series , we have gone through God's gifts to us (His children) -- joy, peace, hope, faith, love, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. Now it all comes together with this last one (goodness) because He is a good father and He gives us good gifts. There For the Asking All of these are gift-wrapped in the person of the Holy Spirit. When we ask our Father f

Teaching about Revenge “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also." Matthew 5:38-39 In this ongoing series, we have been discussing about joy and the other fruits of the Spirit, today we will talk a little bit more about what comes out of a person who the Spirit of God dwells in. Self Control Jesus of Nazareth is one such person. He walked this earth as a human being but He was not controlled by this world or the flesh but by the very Spirit of the Living God. Walked the Talk He taught about God, Our Father not just by what He said but more so by what He did. He particularly showed this to His closest followers when on the night He was being arrested, He scolded the hot tempered Peter who in his usual manner (acting out of impulse) cut the ear off of the servant of the high priest. Jesu