Church Of The Lost Sheep

Jesus Anointed at Bethany " While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. The poor you will always have with you,b but you will not always have Me. By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Matthew 26:6–13 in the Berean Study Bible Edition [This is the  28th  message in  this series ] The act of worship is an act of love. It is personal. It is intimate and reflects the kind of relationship one has with Our Creator, Our heavenly Father, Our

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13  in the English Standard Version [This is the  27th  message in this series ] This is a familiar memory verse. Lots of believers have this as their go to verse, their catch all, end all or otherwise favorite verse. It is a powerful passage. There are one or two worship songs that most believers sing that is based off of this. Literally it is among the most widely used and quoted bible verses of all time. Several prominent people, athletes and celebrities use this as motivation.  We also have discussed about this a few times in various teachings. This excerpt is often misused, so we come back to it as often as the Lord leads us to do so. Half Baked The issue is some believers only quote the first half of that beautiful passage -- I can do all things. The problem is even unbelievers claim that. In fact that is an unbelievers credo. It sums up their ego, their self-worth, their self-sufficiency, self-d

" 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 the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword—piercing right through to a separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 [This is the  25th  message in this series] Quiet Times with the Lord is mostly about us telling God about our day, our highs and lows, our joys and sorrows, our hopes and dreams, our questions or hesitations, and us knowing that as a loving Father, He is always there waiting to listen and to give good advice. Be Still Now our quiet times with the Lord can really be quiet. It is a place and time to breathe in peace and tranquility, a time of refreshing, rejuvenation. In the silence is a moment to be still and to wait upon the Lord. And it is also a time for listening. God is speaking. He has always been speaking, and He still is speaking, through everything, all around us. Romans 1:19-20 "because that which is known about God is evident

"God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is, There is only one God, and Christ Jesus     is the only one who can bring us     to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself     to rescue all of us. God showed us this     at the right time." 1 Timothy 2:4-6 [This is the 24th message in  this series ] There is a song, a modern worship song that sounds like an old hymn and the second verse of this song goes like this... ' Behold the man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders; Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life – I know that it is finished' The first and  third verses of this song complete our redemption story. And it is all about God's love for us, and reminds us of our sins which was the reason why Christ was up on that cross, from the third to the ninth hour that first Good Friday. -- secu

' One day Jesus was in a city where there was a man covered with a serious skin disease. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground. He begged Jesus, “Sir, if you want to, you can make me clean.”  Jesus reached out, touched him, and said, “I want to. So be clean!” Immediately, his skin disease went away. Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone. Instead, show yourself to the priest. Then offer the sacrifice as Moses commanded as proof to people that you are clean.” The news about Jesus spread even more. Large crowds gathered to hear him and have their diseases cured. But he would go away to places where he could be alone for prayer.' Luke 5 [This is the 23rd  message in  this series ] This is what we meant when we say "quiet time".  Jesus did the preaching, the healing and the miraculous in the front end but in the back, He goes away by Himself... to be alone and have quiet moments with Our  Abba Father . [A way from the limelight and the spotligh

"If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter 4:13-14 NASB Jesus discipled a small group of followers while He lived among them, and Peter was among three of his closest disciples. This, even though Peter was probably the one that Jesus rebuked the most. For we are aware that Peter boasted on himself and said things that he couldn't back up. But nonetheless, even with his weaknesses and shortcomings, Jesus never gave up on him. And along with John and James, became the pillars of the Jerusalem church. Now being probably the disciple who has been forgiven the most, Peter was also the most changed, the most real and the one who has the most love for his Savior. His teachings reflect these as he wrote on how other believers should live their lives and conduct themselves as true believers and followers of Christ. When Peter wrote his letters to the early believers, they were being mocked a

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul wrote to the church of the Thessalonians, a relatively new church, to write them an answer addressing a question they had, how to continue conducting themselves, and also to exhort them to wait for the coming of the Lord by spending their time in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Joy He urged them to keep their joy (which is a fruit of the Spirit), commune with our Father in heaven (with the barrier already taken down by Christ's ultimate sacrifice) and be in an attitude of thanksgiving, at all times. Holy Spirit How? In a nutshell, by seeking after the Lord and being in constant awareness of His presence and open to and attentive to the nudging, correction and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because this was God's will for them, and for all believers, everywhere, for all time -- us included. Quiet Times The

"So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light." Colossians 1:9-12 One of the first signs that you are living a victorious life in your new life in Christ is that you have the same passion (and compassion) as Christ has for everyone. This is hard to fake or produce by yourself. Continually praying for others is a concrete and outward manifestation of this inward (invisible/unseen

"I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live I live by believing in God’s Son, who loved me and took the punishment for my sins." Galatians 2:20 (GW) In his letter to the Roman believers, the Apostle Paul puts it this way "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We live this new life of ours only because Christ died... All because God loves us so much to send us Jesus Christ to die in our place. And not only that, His Spirit now lives inside us, and thus we can do all things. Although the opposite is also true, apart from Him we can do nothing. Love And all these because of one thing and one thing alone -- love; love that conquers all. Now let us live out our new life in Chri

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7 When God's chosen people were just about to enter, to possess and inherit the Promised Land, God gave them a set of commandments, the First and the Greatest of which is to Love. It is a no brainer really because God is Love and this is also what He wants His children to do. Jesus Himself asked his followers to do the same. And it isn't really hard to do. God loved us first. And Jesus loves us enough to come down and personally show us that love. God's love conquers all. God's love wins every time. God's love breaks the coldest heart, the hardest will and stubbornest spirit. Go

"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20 Scriptures say we, as children of God, are citizens of heaven. We live in this world but we are not of this world. So much like how an ambassador, diplomat, envoy, emissary or a consul will be his country's official representative to a foreign land, we officially represent Christ who is in heaven, and we represent heaven itself, to all we get in contact with here on earth. That is why the Word says let us be wary not do anything that will cause someone else to stumble. Our purpose is to lead people to Christ, share His love, get them reconciled with our Father in heaven and become new creatures like ourselves in being good role models and teaching, instructing and showing them how to live their lives just like how the Lord wants them to live it. And if ever we have a question how to do so, Colossians

'The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."' Psalm 32:8 NLT God is loving and patient. And He does not want anyone to be led to destruction, but He also does not force anyone to do what they don't want to do on their own accord. God permit things to happen in our lives, some good, some bad and some mostly because of the choices we make. He watches over us over all situations and for the most part, He is just waiting for us to stop running away from doing His will. And like the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), He wants us to give up and to come back and get reconciled with Him through the finished work of redemption and salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Redeemed Once we do, we will become adopted into His family and become a child of the Most High God. And like a child, our Heavenly Father will guide us as we live our new life with Him daily. And to do this, He uses His Spirit , His Word

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him." Colossian 2:6 Accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is not the finish line. Instead it is the starting point. Then the race begins -- not a sprint but a marathon, okay a walkathon . And everything begins and ends with Jesus. This is why the bible said, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the A and the Z. All starts with Him saving us, and ends with Him meeting us at the Lord's Supper in heaven. (Then eternity starts).  Truth And this journey starts when we accept our need of a savior and when we accept God's finished work of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Then our eyes, our ears, our mind and our heart are immediately opened to the truth. In fact, Jesus is the truth. And the truth endures, it never changes. Once we know the truth, our faith builds up and we can start walking in it -- one step at a time. And one step after another as our faith grows and matures and bears fruit that

"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles... for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need." Philippians 4:14,16 Paul wrote a letter of encouragement and thanks to the Philippian church. And in this particular verse he specifically thanked them for sending him aid when he was ministering in Thessalonica. Remember all these young churches which Paul planted were all struggling and this includes the Philippian church, but it didn't stop them from sending Paul help. For several years now, our church in Torrance helps support dozens of missionaries, ministries and churches in the U.S. and all over the world. And many of their leaders send back to us letters, updates, newsletters, postcards and online messages much like Paul did to the churches that he started. Today, as we continue to help support these ministries which are in need of financial aid, let us be reminded that their leaders, like Paul did, are also writing

"You are the light of the world. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14a,16 NIV In Genesis 1, God spoke: “Light!”         And light appeared.     God saw that light was good         and separated light from darkness. In Mathew 8 and John 8, Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In John 1, John wrote that in Christ was life, and the life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Everything about Jesus is light . And that is why those who follow Him are not just in the light, they are also light. This means they are meant to light the way for others who are lost. They are also meant to be the light in areas where there are darkness. They are also light to differentiate them from those who are in the dark or those who are darkness

"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."   1 Corinthian 2:2 ESV Apostle Paul reminded the believers in Corinth that when he was with them, he deliberately kept his preaching plain and simple. He emphasized that he shared Jesus, for who he is, Jesus then for what he did and lastly Jesus crucified. And Paul told them that he did so with much fear and trembling -- meaning he was scared to death as he did so, because when he spoke, it was supposed to be nothing about him. And he preached not with eloquence of speech or the skill of a great public speaker but with the demonstration of God's Spirit and God's power. In God Alone Why? So as to be sure the hearer's faith should not rest in his (Paul's) own skill or his own power or in the wisdom of mere mortal men but in the actual real demonstration of the power of God which they could see and experience first hand and by understanding what the real meaning of the cross wa

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."   1 Corinthians 10:13 When I was a newly born believer, the Lord placed in my heart an insatiable desire to know more about the gospel, about Jesus, about Christianity and everything about God. And I feasted on Scriptures at every opportunity and sang songs of praise and worship all throughout the day. Daily Grind But don't think for a moment that everything turned out to be a bed of roses. In fact, it was far from it. But God sure made a way for me to power through. Remember the enemy will not rest until any believer is deceived and destroyed, and will use anything and anyone, and any opportunity to do so. Daily Manna The bible verses I read and sang daily and the habit of meeting together with other believers became my weapons agai

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 NIV So many of the wise sayings the world over, have their roots in the bible. But because we might not read it enough, we might not be aware of this fact. Much of the more popular sayings are from the Book of Proverbs. Now one of the very first things a new believer would see changed (hopefully) is that they are not as potty mouthed and a gossiper/slanderer as they used to be. God's Mouthpiece Indeed the bible says that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. So if one has truly let the Lord reside in their hearts, the mouth will be a vessel of peace, joy, love, patience and encouragement among other good things. But because the believer still lives among the living dead, some of their rotten-ness do rub off and sometimes get the best of any believer. And no one is safe. In fact, the ones who believe they are immune to the influences of the world are most likely th