16 July 2023 - ENCS

The Firm Foundations series Pastor Joey did continue 

About elementary truths in Hebrews five we can view

Repentance, faith, baptism, laying on of hands we see

Today Joey focused on resurrection, Embracing Eternity

To start, we must have an understanding of physical death 

For it is just a matter of time before we take our last breath

As per Second Corinthians four, we waste away outwardly

Our days are finite, in Psalm ninety and James four we see

Ecclesiastes three states that there is a time for everything

When we are born or when we die, control we cannot bring

The verse goes on to say everything is beautiful in its time

That God has set eternity in the human heart is a paradigm

Pastor then said we must understand Christ's’ resurrection

After Jesus died for our sins despite having no imperfection

As per Mark twelve, God is for both the living and the dead

So many resurrection witnesses could not have been misled

Acts seventeen says we are God’s offspring and should obey

Meaning that we should repent and in His name act and pray

This clearly has implications for our lives each and every day

We have God's power to resurrect any part of life, Joey did say

First Corinthians fifteen talks about our resurrection spiritual

The body that is sown is perishable but is raised imperishable

Similarly, the dishonourable becomes glorious thanks to Christ

The weak become powerful, in eternity for what He sacrificed

26 March 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Joey concluded the relationship series

Referencing The Lego Principle and its theories

Lego bricks can connect, disconnect, reconnect

For our relationships, a great analogy in effect

Pastor read from verse one of Ecclesiastes three

There is a time for everything and every activity

Likewise a time to be born as well as a time to die

This applies to people and relationships, no lie

Our time is limited to twenty four hours a day

That limits our relationships, Pastor did say

A reminder is found in First Corinthians fifteen

Bad company corrupts good character, it is seen

The reality is that relationships do change over time

Relationships need pruning when not in their prime

Relationships change in part because evil exists

But the core rationale for relationships still persists

Our best response to this reality is to directly speak

With God’s help we should restoration try to seek

Yet there are times when separation is necessary

Even when many others may say to the contrary

Even with separation there is always redemption

Maintain hope for the person without exemption

Trusting God for healing and His reconciliation

That is a very powerful and potent combination

20 September 2020 - ENCS

Today Pastor Joey spoke about the topic of health

Most sermons focus on our souls, minds, or wealth

But given the environment we are living in today

Look at what Ecclesiastes nine four has to say

That anyone who is among the living has hope

So staying physically healthy helps us to cope

Related to our bodies, there are two extremes

The body obsessed, preoccupied even in dreams

The body abused, who neglect most of the time

We must find the appropriate balanced paradigm

This relates to choices, looks, nutrition, and rest

Coming up with what is right and what is best

Per oft quoted First Corinthians six verse nineteen

Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, it is seen

A temple is where we meet God, so holy and pure

Our bodies belong to Jesus, His death did procure

Per Ephesians two, we are God’s workmanship

To do His good works, our bodies He did equip

On what defines our bodies, Pastor then did talk

Essence, value, and purpose in our earthly walk

Our bodies and behaviour should honour God

Taking care of our bodies is more than a facade

We must also fill our bodies, per Acts chapter two

To get the Holy Spirit, to repent is what we must do

Acknowledging God and under His influence being

Per Ephesians five, this is actually be quite freeing

Unlike alcohol which if drunk too much can debilitate

The Spirit is unlimited and always is a positive state

Out of Spirit flows living water rivers, per John seven

This is a promise directly from the Son of heaven 

Walking by the Spirit is different, per Galatians five

We must be decisive so the Spirit’s fruits come alive

Be determined as those fruits take time to mature

The result will be both health and holiness for sure

And be dependent on the Spirit by keeping in step

That is without a doubt the best type of health prep

1 September 2019 - ENCS

On the tenth verse of John ten Pastor Josh did opine

For in this one quote from Jesus is a veritable goldmine

For “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy”

But Jesus comes to bring us life that is filled with joy

About how the enemy steals from us, Pastor Josh did talk

Recognising it is tough to find our path on which to walk

The first area is time or at least how we perceive time

Asking “are we there yet” can become a bad paradigm

Looking to the future is okay, as long as within reason

For per Ecclesiastes three, everything has a season

We should focus on the present and its opportunities

And thus we train so God's future plans we can seize

The second area is when we dwell too much on the past

Memories of both bad and good events should not last

Per Isaiah forty three, the past can muddle the present

In verse nineteen, living in the present is God’s intent

We may have challenges, like streams in the wasteland

But God never fails us, for his promises go as planned

The third area is when we focus on ourselves too much

In Isaiah chapter thirty nine, Hezekiah was out of touch

He cared about his life but not the more important legacy

In Genesis twenty five, Abraham cared for his entire tree

We should each do the same with the next generation

For family, church, and career - build a strong foundation

Thus in conclusion, live each moment as God does intend

And per Second Timothy, fight the good fight until the end

By doing so, we can impact others and create that legacy

And then our rewards will come in heaven for eternity

Remember that we can not take things when we die

Only our relationships with God and people do qualify

27 August 2017 - ENCS

Pastor Josh spoke on Genesis five at service today

After saying that in the Bible, Genesis shows the way

We are all made in God’s likeness, per verse two

But remember that we are sinful physical beings too

God set eternity in our hearts, per Ecclesiastes three

But because of our human nature, not all we can see

Josh asked what happens after we physically die

Per Hebrews nine, judgement awaits us in the sky

For three different reasons this can be a scary event

Our guilt, the judge, or the basis of the judgement

We are all guilty for from sin none of us are free

Paul made this quite clear in Romans chapter three

This sin then separates us from God, per Isaiah nine

Per First John one, to think otherwise is out of line

For sin is absolute, not relative to what others do

We are judged against perfection, not a worldview

Per Psalm ninety six, God will judge with equity

For He is righteous and faithful, very heavenly

But even if we have one sin, guilty we would be 

(In James two, this concept we can clearly see)

Thus the basis for judgement is unrighteousness

In Romans three, this is a point Paul did stress

But if we acknowledge our sin through our life’s race

Then with confidence the eternal judge we can face

Because the blood required for our sin’s forgiveness

Was provided by the Lord Jesus Christ, nobody less

Per Hebrews nine and ten, Jesus is the high priest

And the sacrifice so we can have an eternal feast

Josh said we should approach the throne of grace

And with confidence our judgement we can face

We should start our spiritual journey without delay

And stay true to Jesus and His Word every day

28 May 2017 - ENCS

The focus of Pastor Josh’s sermon today was Genesis four

But first he reminded us that context we should not ignore

If one reads just Ecclesiastes chapter ten verse nineteen

The wrong message is taken from the words that are seen

For food, drink, and money were not Solomon’s solution

For in eternity they actually do not make any contribution

Turning back to Genesis, Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel

Even though her relationship with God was far from stable

Eve may have believed that Cain would be the Messiah

But his meager offering actually made him more of a pariah

Cain got angry as he did not understand God’s reaction

But giving God an offering is never part of a transaction

In every person, there is indeed a mix of evil and good

Thus to be healed, our own darkness must be understood

God only compares us to Jesus and to our own potential

Given different talents, versus others is inconsequential

Per Isaiah twenty nine, worship is often based on rules

But not looking to God is a path only taken by fools

Micah six says to act justly, love mercy, and humbly walk

Doing this is tough but must influence how we act and talk

Acting justly implies a difference between wrong and right

We should give our best to God in order to share His light

Loving mercy means judgement we may need to forego

Walking humbly with God teaches what we need to know

If the focus of worship is on actions, it is invariably vain

But if worship is merely from the heart, it is a false domain

True worship focuses on God, that much should be known

Per Ezekiel three, God wants to replace our heart of stone

And then the Holy Spirit enables us to obey from our heart

Thus allowing each of us to use our talents and play a part

20 November 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh again spoke on “Words of Wisdom”, this was part three

Before looking at Proverbs three, Ecclesiastes seven we did see

As there are bandwidths to wisdom, the extremes are dangerous

Josh said it is important that principles of understanding drive us

God’s word was timely when it was given, Ravi Zacharius did say

But it is also timeless in its implications, even for all of us today

Proverbs three verse one says the we are not to forget teaching

And ensure our heart keeps commandments that are far-reaching

Josh said that depth is not in understanding, but in its application

Love, not just pure knowledge, is what leads to wisdom inflation

This then leads to more quality and quantity of life, per verse two

Life and peace will be added to what wise people are able to do

Josh then used a diagram to talk about the spectrum of new to old

Going too far in either direction is actually more foolhardy than bold

One direction leads to emotional decisions that are short sighted

The other leads to stubbornness and legalism that is not excited

Verse three says to let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake

Because from relationships, wisdom into our hearts we can take

The wise man can find favour and good success, per verse four

In the sight of God as well as many other people, that’s for sure

Verses five and six say to trust in the Lord with all your heart

For leaning on your own understanding is not wise or smart

When trust is broken, our hearts can easily become hardened

When trust is rebuilt, love will follow and mistakes pardoned

In order to turn away from evil, per verses seven and eight

Then in our own wisdom we should not give too much weight

For what God and Jesus did for us is what should really amaze

And letting God drive the depths of our wisdom all of our days

In summary, we must combine the new (heart) and the old (head)

True wisdom comes learning to obey God, Pastor Josh then said

Josh again highlighted four steps to help us on life’s wisdom trip

To pray, meditate on the Word, preach, and engage in fellowship

21 February 2016 - ENCS

Tonight Pastor Josh covered “Heart of the Matter” part three

Though the first part of “Why marriage?” came from wife Nani

Three “C” reasons to get married she proceeded to outline

Based on biblical passages, the list was more than just fine

The first is children, as per Genesis one verse twenty eight

“Be fruitful and multiply” God did say to Adam and his mate

For God was seeking godly offspring, per Malachi chapter two

Bringing life and light to this world is one thing we should do

Children are a heritage from God says Psalm one twenty seven

And He will provide for them because His love is from heaven

The second is companionship for God knows who we need

Although not all are to be married, as from Paul we do read

Ecclesiastes four talks of a man alone with no end to his toil

And that two are better than one even when working the soil

The third is a love beyond all others, Christ and the church

His sacrificial love is a paradigm and example we can research

Per Ephesians five, marriage helps cleanse each other’s heart

Making for a union much stronger than each individual part

To add some more comments on how, the stage Josh took

And into Paul's letter to the Ephesians he did carefully look

He pointed out that of God’s standards we have all fallen short

Remember the Pharisees with the adulteress and Jesus’ retort

It is not for us to condemn those who in Jesus do not believe

We should show love and pray that His grace they do receive

For per Ephesians chapter one, Christ’s blood gives us grace

We all need this as we attempt to navigate in our lifetime race

Per Ephesians three, we need to be strengthened by His might

For God is the perfect role model, a loving father emitting light

As believers, we need knowledge of the heart, not just the head

For the all-important love comes from the heart, Josh then said

Per Ephesians four, we should not walk as others in darkness

But must live the truth first before highlighting others’ mess

In conclusion, marriage is impossible for us, Josh did say

Unless of course God is involved and central every day

25 October 2015 - ENCS

The “Gifted” series Joy Talavera did complete today

She used Ephesians chapter two to show the way

In verses nineteen to twenty two, we were then told

We are fellow citizens, members of God’s household

Jesus is the cornerstone, joining us all together

For we are better together, no matter the weather

This enables our God-given gifts to be better applied

And the results and blessings can then be multiplied

Joy highlighted three things that can get in the way

Of using our talents and gifts appropriately every day

The first Joy termed “comparison vs collaboration”

This occurs when others’ gifts become our fixation

Of course everyone is better than us at something

But per Genesis four, this allows sin to be crouching

For whenever we compare, angry we tend to become

By collaborating, “better together” is the rule of thumb

“Cringe vs courage” was the second Joy did highlight

When God gives us a gift, He provides grace to ignite

Grace acts like the batteries for a store-bought toy

Allowing our gifts to bless others in a spirit of joy

This grace, per Ephesians chapter four verse seven

Is apportioned to each person by Christ in heaven

Using that grace, our gifts each other do complement

For with courage, “better together” becomes an event

The third tradeoff Joy said was “captivity vs community”

When we are isolated, we walk into the enemy’s captivity

When we compare or cringe, isolation is often the result

This causes God’s family to mourn rather than to exult

Joy called on Kevin, who one chopstick could easily break

But when given a bundle, not even a crack he could make

Ecclesiastes chapter four verse twelve does state the same

To avoid being tossed about, Ephesians four says is the aim

When working as a community, God provides the sticky matter

For with community, “better together” leads the enemy to scatter

In summary, we should collaborate and with courage act

Then in community, our gifts are “better together” for a fact

11 April 2014 - Solomon: Temple and Temptation

When Hiram heard about Solomon, per First Kings five

He was pleased for with David the relationship did thrive

To Hiram, a message about a temple Solomon did send

Saying that to build one for God was what he did intend

For there were no more wars and Israel was finally at rest

It was the right thing to do, for the nation was blessed

Solomon asked Hiram that cedars from Lebanon be cut

Hiram said Solomon was a very wise man, not some nut

Solomon “devoted [himself] to study”, per Ecclesiastes one

While king of Israel, he explored by wisdom all that is done

He said that he had seen all the things done under the sun

And concluded that all of them were meaningless, even if fun

“There is a time for everything”, per Ecclesiastes three

And under heaven, there is “a season for every activity”

“”A time to be born and a time to die”, it does reveal

A time to plant and to uproot, to kill and to heal

To tear down and to build, to laugh and to weep

To mourn and to dance, also to sow and to reap

To keep and to discard, to be silent and to speak

To love and to hate, to be bold and to be meek

“Two are better than one”, it says in Ecclesiastes four

By working together, they can achieve so much more

They can help each other out in times of trouble

For their combined strength is more than double

Per Ecclesiastes twelve, “Not only was the Teacher wise”

“But also he imparted knowledge” to people of every size

He found the right words and “wrote what was upright and true”

Without change, the proverbs he wrote told everyone what to do

“The conclusion of the matter” is that God should be feared

Man’s duty is to keep the commandments that appeared

Per First Kings eleven, Solomon loved women from many a nation

Although doing so broke God’s orders and risked His condemnation

“As Solomon grew old, [to other gods] he wives turned his heart”

Unlike his father David, from God’s ways Solomon did depart

God told Solomon that He was angry that Solomon did not obey

As a result, after his death his kingdom would be taken away

23 February 2014 - ENCS

Rachel Ong concluded the series titled "The Core" this week

On "I am in a church, but am I in a community?" she did speak

It has become tougher over the years as the church has grown

The importance of life groups has thus been clearly shown

For as a church gets bigger by adding many a new member

The value of community is something we must all remember

Rachel's three communities on the screen we did see

She then shared three blessings of being in community

 

The first blessing is "to be able to walk together and do life"

This means sharing in times of joy as well as times of strife

A good community can effectively reduce life's weight

And its judgment can help us keep our walk straight

To Ecclesiastes four verses seven to ten Rachel did then refer

Without relationships, happiness the man's wealth did not confer

Despite more people in the world, loneliness is a big issue

Mobile phones and the Internet interfere - that is very true

We should spend more time connecting face to face instead

This helps us be content is what both Paul and Timothy said

 

The second blessing is that "our family and children prosper"

For the community is a safe place with role models proper

When in a community, we are also more open to feedback

For encouragement and true support we will never lack

To develop wholesome relationships, the church is the best place

We can learn how to love unconditionally while in a trusted space

Remember that according to Ephesians one verse five

By adopting us as his sons, great pleasure did God derive

 

The third blessing is that "our destinies intertwine and are fulfilled"

Per 1 Corinthians two verse nine, none of know what God has willed

But we know that was has been prepared has been with love

For that is the key attribute of our Lord God in heaven above

In a related way, a community is basically an extended family

A picture of four pastor's kids on her staff we did then see

We need courage to be vulnerable, Rachel did then say

That is much easier to do in a small community today

In such a community, we should think the best of each other

Whether it be a friend, a parent, a child, a sister or brother

That means that there should be no jealousy or envy

And offenses are forgiven quickly in this community

 

Rachel concluded her sermon by referencing a Tim Keller quote

Spiritual friendships go deeper, as they don't do things by rote

Remember that the purpose of everything that God has done

Is to enable friendships with others, and of course with His Son

Rachel's last line was that friendships are a sign of good health

And they are far more valuable to us that any material wealth

25 January 2014 - The Names of God (part two)

“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords”

He is “mighty and awesome”, showing no partiality to the hordes

“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow”

That is what Deuteronomy 10 verses 17 and 18 show

“How majestic is your name in all the earth”, David did state

In both the first verse and the last one of Psalm eight

If someone confesses “Jesus is Lord” from their heart

Romans ten says that God has already done His part

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”

For God richly blesses both Jew and Gentile, Paul raved

Colossians two says to continue to live in Christ as Lord

Overflowing with thankfulness that faith in Him does accord

Psalm forty six starts with “God is our refuge and strength”

It then talks about His power over the earth at some length

Psalm ninety two says to praise the Lord, O Most High

And to proclaim His love and faithfulness to the sky

Verse four says “for [He] makes me glad by [His] deeds”

“How great are [His] works”, verse five then proceeds

Ecclesiastes chapter twelve verses one through seven

Talk about the earth’s one God, who resides in heaven

 “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth”

“Before the days of trouble come”, that is the truth

Isaiah forty asked why Israel continued to complain

Thinking that its cause was looked at with disdain

“The Lord is the everlasting God” is what they should know

And, per verse twenty eight, tired and weary He will not grow

For “He gives strength to the weary” and also helps the weak

“They will soar on wings like eagles” if the Lord they do seek

In First Timothy one verses fifteen to seventeen, Paul did say

He was shown mercy so unlimited patience Jesus could display

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible” God in heaven

Paul proclaims “be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen”

Psalm 22 says that God “was enthroned as the Holy One”

David said his ancestors were saved by what God had done

From Proverbs nine these sage words do come

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”

In Luke four, there was a man possessed by a demon

Even he knew that Jesus of Nazareth was the Holy One

“The Lord reigns forever”…on “his throne of judgment”

Psalm nine says justice and righteousness are His intent

“Rise up, O Judge of the earth” requests Psalm ninety four

“Pay back to the proud what they deserve” and more

In Isaiah chapter eleven verses one through five

Prophesied about when Jesus would come alive

“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him” in many a way

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, power every day

He will judge with righteousness, not by what He hears

Relying on his pure heart rather than His eyes or His ears

“For the Lord is our judge” says Psalm thirty three

As our king, He will save us, as we so often see

3 June 2013 - Ecclesiastes 12:11

"The words of the wise are like a goad" that never fails

"And the words of scholars are like well-driven nails"

 

Each different teacher and leader helps us in a different way

Some exhort, others shepherd, and some have much to say

Some help us to develop while others lend a caring ear

But into our lives for a reason God has them appear

 

We are placed on earth to love and help others in the same way

We should make it a point to use our gifts each and every day

And as we help others on their journey

More of God's blessings we will see

7 August 2011 - ENT

At Every Nation Tallahassee Pastor Ron did speak
Into 'why is there pain and suffering' we did peek
The relevance for me was extremely high
It was part of an ongoing series entitled 'why?'

For suffering can lead to a questioning of faith
Which is somewhat natural, Pastor did sayeth
Before looking at suffering, pleasure we must assess
Miserable is the pursuit of happiness, many do profess
Look at Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Although with much wisdom he was blessed from heaven
"Pleasures are meaningless" he did rightly conclude
"What have I accomplished?" he asked and rued
"Nothing was gained" is what Solomon did say
Even though he pursued pleasure every day

Modern examples include those who win the lottery
Many of their lives were destroyed, we can see
Financial problems, death, and lots of unhappiness
Their bank accounts had more but they had less

Pastor Ron then referred to his favorite show
To The Lion King movie and musical he did go
"Hakuna matata" means "no worries, be carefree"
But this is a rather purpose-less philosophy
Simba eventually finds his life's purpose true
He then returned and did what he had to do

Pleasure, not pain, will destroy our culture is has been said
This country needs to regain its puritan work ethic instead
We must take responsibility and use our God-given gift
By blessing others with our talents, we serve to uplift

Pastor then referred to Judges 7 verses one to seven
How Gideon was victorious, thanks to God in heaven
God used how men drank to distinguish and separate
Those who knelt were distracted and did not concentrate
We need to identify legitimate pleasures in the same way
In the context of our God's plan for our life, Pastor did say

He then referred to Susanna Wesley, nineteen children's mother
Including the itinerant pastor John and Charles his musical brother
It is well worth remembering her definition of sin
As it helps focus us even when operating in a din
"Anything that increases the power of the flesh" she apparently said
Is sinful if it affects the Spirit and detracts us from serving God instead

And then before we approached the communion table
We remembered that Christ's suffering was not a fable
And the significance of why Christ for us did die
Was the removal of sin for both you and I
And sticking with the topic of suffering
God can relate to whatever our lives bring
For He suffered more than we ever might do
Despite having no sin, not even a few
And suffering can help us to others relate
Which can help with the Commission Great
We find that our defining moment is often the one
That was a challenge, not some good time done

Suffering, therefore, Pastor Ron did say to us
Is about redemption, significance, and purpose
This sermon reminded me of Romans 5:3-5
A very inspirational verse while I am alive

19 December 2010 - ENCS

Pastor Joey Bonifacio spoke about Psalm 1 verse 3
How fruit-yielding and unwavering our tree should be
He told us that all trees must start with a seed
The gap between the two is patience, which we all need
Pastor Joey then shared how men of patience we can be
He gave is simple principles - one, two, three

The first principle is that patience is about time
Per Ecclesiastes 3:1, about which I wrote a rhyme
"There is a time for everything and a season" too
This applies to all we even want to do
Three words for time Pastor then shared
All were in Greek, as at the screen we stared

About the passage of time Krones referred
We must use time wisely, as it can not be deferred
Psalm 90:12 says to "number our days aright"
So we "may gain a heart of wisdom" and light
Proverbs 19:11 says "a man's wisdom gives him patience"
If you think about it, this is actually common sense

The season of time is what Kairos is about
Seasons keep repeating, of that have no doubt
We should do different things in different seasons
They are all from God, for different reasons
During the winter, remember that spring will come
Use the seasons to grow, don't be dumb

Plero is about the fullness of time
The point here is a bit more sublime
As an example, per Proverbs 20:21
Riches quickly gained will likely be undone
For if we are impatient, we won't do God's will
Instead, we need to be seasoned and learn to be still
Like the men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32
They "understood the times and knew what Israel should do"
Galatians 4:4 says only :when the time has fully come"
Did Jesus appear on earth, from God He came from
If the time has fully come, the fruit will taste good
If we manage out time well, prosper we should

Patience is about perseverance is the second principle
We then read James 5 verses seven and eight in full
"Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near"
From "autumn and spring rains" there is nothing to fear
We should trust God, for He is in control
He will help us, if His will is our goal

The third principle is that patience is about God
To 2 Peter 3:8-9 Pastor gave a nod
God is patient and wants us all to repent
That is why His only Son to earth was sent
The more we look to God and spend time with Him
The more patient we become, and it won't be a whim
For as a fruit of the Spirit, patience can not be learned
But once we have it, patience need not be returned

God must be a relationship, not a religion
Do everything with God, not just a smidgen
Per Hebrews 6:12, faith and patience are key
For with them God's promises and inheritance we will see

7 October 2010 - Ecclesiastes 3:2-8

There is "a time to be born and a time to die"
"A time to tear down and a time to build" up high
"A time to weep and a time to laugh", says verse four
"A time to mourn and a time to dance" some more
"A time to search and a time to" end
"A time to tear and a time to mend"
Finally, "a time to love and a time to hate"
Even war and peace have their own fate

These words are often quoted
In all types of contexts I have noted
There is a time for everything, that is true
Reading beyond verse eight tells us what to do
Finding satisfaction in all things is one of God's gifts
And for me, knowing His eternal nature always uplifts
Another truth the passage tells me
Is that patient in these times I must be
For bad times, like good ones, come and go
I keep looking to the Lord, avoiding my foe