16 February 2025 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued his “spirit-empowered” series yesterday

Knowledge needs to turn to wisdom, Josh did pointedly say

We are all given spiritual gifts but need to remember the giver

Because God loves us, no matter the gift, we should not quiver

Josh referred to Ephesians chapter four and Romans twelve 

Into First Corinthians thirteen and James one he also did delve

Since every good and perfect gift comes from God above

We should know they come to us personalised with love

Gifts can be motivational, of ministry, or for manifestation

We must share our gifts with others without any hesitation

Spiritual gifts equip us to edify Christ’s body by serving

Even if at times the concept may seem quite unnerving

The Validity of Spiritual Gifts  is that they are given by God

That means they are good and perfect, far from slipshod

Each gift is valuable due to The Variety of Spiritual Gifts

The different gifts combine into one body which uplifts

The Value of Spiritual Gifts is to overcome evil with good

Equipping others to serve and to grow, as we all should

16 June 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Arnie Manzano this morning shared wisdom aplenty

His sermon “Lord Like No Other” based on Matthew twenty

Starting with an important reminder from the chapter before

Many who are first will be last, many who are last will get more 

Arnie said Jesus being The Generous Master is clearly seen

Per the parable of vineyard workers in verses one to sixteen

For expectations develop easily and can go on to breed envy

Comparison is the thief of joy, per the Roosevelt named Teddy

God’s salvation is open to all so we should trust His generosity 

For it is by His grace we are saved, in Ephesians two we see

Jesus The Servant Leader is seen through verse twenty eight

He shared with His disciples what in Jerusalem did Him await

Entitlement breeds expectations but Jesus said to be selfless

Those wanting to be great must serve and then God will bless

Jesus gave His life for many so we must trust Jesus’ sacrifice

Isaiah fifty three had prophecied that Jesus would pay the price

Jesus is The Compassionate Healer per the final eight verses

Two blind men were persistent despite others yelling curses

Jesus hears our cries and He causes change to be revealed

We should trust God’s compassion and to the Holy Spirit yield

24 May 2024 - Freedom

Pastor Josh Harris led a session entitled “Freedom” last night

We were made for freedom, as in Genesis two Josh did cite

Freedom enables us to choose life, per Deuteronomy thirty

As the alternative has implications for one's generational tree

Being rightly related to God is known as spiritual freedom

Being rightly related to others is called relational freedom

And being rightly related to ourselves is physical freedom

While being rightly related to resources is financial freedom

Through God’s truth and God’s spirit, His freedom we see

Per John eight verse thirty two, His "truth will set us free”

"For where God’s spirit is, there is freedom” is thus seen

In Second Corinthians chapter three verse number sixteen

Spiritual freedom releases us from spiritual disobedience

Also from spiritual oppression which we may experience

Alternatively it enables us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly

And to experience fruitfulness by  loving others willingly

Spiritual freedom in turn empowers freedom relationally

From unforgiveness and bitterness which are far from holy

Also from relational dysfunctions which are hard to survive

But to forgiveness and walking in love, per Ephesians five

For physical freedom, spiritual freedom also does empower

Taking us away from anxiety, stress, and pasts that are sour

Instead into the peace of God, per Philippians chapter four

As well as to power, love, self-discipline, and so much more

Spiritual freedom also does empower freedom financially

Financial aspects include time, energy, as well as money

From addictions, habits, and false refuges Josh did tell

But into serving others and stewarding God’s grace well

7 January 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh kicked off a new series on holiness

‘Holy" can be taken in two ways, Josh did express

It can describe God who is above all that is bad

But many view it in a judgemental way that is sad

In chapter six, Isaiah saw God sitting on a throne

The fact that King Uzziah was a kind of milestone

Reminding us that in order to obtain our inheritance

We must at times from our old ways put a distance

Because God is holy, from the world He is separate

Human infirmity, impurity, and sinfulness are our fate

We all fall short of God’s glory, per Romans three

So were dead in our sins, in Ephesians two we see

God's perfect love can make us healthy spiritually

That helps us mentally, emotionally, and physically

Per Romans five, we have been justified by faith

By His grace we have been saved, Paul sayeth

God is holy - separate, sacred, and superlative

We are not holy - sinful and selfish in how we live

God makes us holy - setting us right and free

Enabling us up to do His good works with glee

17 December 2023 - ENCS

The Christmas sermon series Pastor Josh did continue

Uncertainty surrounds, as in Psalm four we did view

David asked The Lord God to lift up the light of His face

If we see God, then good things appear in every place

A contrast to Jesus the Saviour we see in Luke two

Born in a manger,  far from a king’s traditional debut

The angels promised peace on earth, goodwill to all

Supernatural God can change things big and small 

In Psalm four, David lay down in peace and sleep

For the Lord would allow David in safety to keep

Jesus will fix everything, either in this life or the next

That is mentioned or alluded in many a biblical text

God himself is our peace, as per Ephesians two

Jesus preached that peace for all should ensue

Remember peace is relational, not circumstantial

Our access to God via the Spirit is substantial

In Second Corinthians five, we are a creation new

We receive God’s peace as a major breakthrough

And because we are now in Christ a new creation

Jesus has given us the ministry of reconciliation

17 September 2023 - ENCS

About Spritual Quotient, Pastor Joey did today continue

Talking about “The Thief” that in John ten we did view

Our struggle is versus spiritual forces, per Ephesians six

So we pray that the eyes of our hearts on God do affix

Per Isaiah fourteen, the thief is called the morning star

God thwarted his attempted coup and said au revoir

Per Revelations twelve, his name is Satan or devil

Also several other names that we should not revel

About one-third of heaven's angels on his side fought

But omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent he is not

God lets him live so that we can exercise our free will

But his future, per Revelation twenty, torment will fill

God made us a bit lower than angels, per Psalm eight

To overcome the devil, God’s power we can activate

This is very clearly stated in Hebrews chapter two

Jesus will destroy Satan, in First John three we view

The enemy’s names tell us what he is trying to do

As he did with Eve, the serpent will try to tempt you

The devil tries to deceive, telling us all sorts of lies

Satan accuses us - so listening to him is unwise

To stop the enemy from stealing submit to God

For God’s armour Ephesians six gives the nod

Pray against temptation, meditate over deception

Proclaim the gospel, fellowship over accusation

10 September 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Joey continued the “How is your SQ” series today

“In the heavenly realms” many times Ephesians does say

Spiritual forces of evil our earthly struggles often disguise

Today’s sermon was appropriately titled “Open Your Eyes” 

For those with closed eyes, the spiritual realm is not real

Per Psalm fourteen, the fool says God is not the real deal

Ones with closed eyes are fearful, insecure, powerless

Pastor Joey said they are also bold, blind, and clueless

The spiritual realm is real for those whose eyes are open

Per Colossians two, due to our sin Jesus was roped in

Supreme is the power of Jesus, in whom our faith rests

For He is above all, Ephesians one more than suggests

So to keep our eyes open, PMPF we should implement

Pray without ceasing and Meditate on His word frequent

Proclaim your identity and with God’s people Fellowship

Per Romans eight, the love of God is always in our grip

3 September 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Joey started a series “How Is Your SQ?" today

Following on “Foundations” and “Maturity” he did say

In Ephesians, five times ‘heavenly realms’ is referred

There was a clearly a reason this phrase Paul preferred

In the heavenly realms is where all our blessings are

Per Ephesians one, God’s blessings form a reservoir

The heavenly realms are where power actually resides

And from where manifold wisdom the Lord provides 

From the heavenly realms physical struggles emanate 

Against dark world powers, as Ephesians six does state

Spiritual manifestation in the natural, seen in Daniel ten

Daniel’s humility and prayer helped him time and again

It is quite clear that Spiritual Quotient starts with prayer

In Matthew six, the Lord’s Prayer we are made aware

First Thessalonians five says to pray without ceasing

Matthew eighteen encourages joint prayer increasing

6 August 2023 - ENCS

From the Firm Foundations series, Pastor Joey did follow

Per Hebrews six, more than baby food we should swallow

In order to be "taken forward to maturity", we then viewed

He therefore titled today's sermon “Beyond Baby Food”

Maturity in Christ is about moving forward and growing up

As per Hebrews five, on solid food the mature should sup

Growth is gradual, imperceptible, over time and seasons

We should grow up in the right things for the right reasons

Maturity is becoming more like Christ, per Romans eight

He equips us for good works, Ephesians four does state

For God uses everything and uses everything for good

Becoming more like Christ is critical, that is understood

The Lord God matures us by giving us the ability to do so

We are earthly and spiritual, First Corinthians does show

Like a gardener, God often prunes us per John fifteen

And gives examples to follow, in First John two is seen

23 July 2023 - ENCS

The Firm Foundations series Pastor Joey did complete

Hebrews five shares six elementary truths not obsolete

The last being eternal judgment, as per Revelation five

So at the title The Glory of the Last Lion Joey did arrive

The significance of God’s justice is where Joey started

It is the foundation of God’s throne, never departed

Psalm eighty nine, righteousness and justice are key

While love and faithfulness go before us, we can see

God’s justice also ensures fairness and impartiality 

Post restitution and retribution, restoration there will be

It puts in us a holy fear, also known as a reverent fear

For God judges our work in First Peter one we do hear

So then what does eternal judgement actually entail?

It is for everyone, both old and young, male and female

Per Hebrews nine, we all die and then judgement face

Our entire life is known, there is nothing we can erase

Per Hebrews four, nothing is hidden from God’ sight

It is a time of accountability, everything comes to light

Per Second Corinthians five, all appear before His seat

Since God sees all, His judgement we can not cheat

Ephesians two says we are created to do good works

But we should do these out of love, not for the perks

Joey said that eternal judgement is also a test of quality

Our foundation is in Jesus, per First Corinthians three

Our rewards will then be crowns that last for eternity

In First Thessalonians two, crowns of service we see

The crowns of devotion, as per Second Timothy four

But to Jesus, we give all the crowns and even more

21 May 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Joey continued the series on God and work today

God’s call is irrevocable, in Romans eleven Paul does say

Our vocation is a calling, a way for us the world to impact

“Answer the call” was Pastor Joey’s title as a matter of fact

God’s call is universal for His purpose, per Romans eight

His call is unique, as each has unique skills to activate

Paul was called to be an apostle, as per Romans one

Each of us is a unique piece in a jigsaw God has done

When we listen to it. God’s call is where you are blessed

Per Genesis twelve, though Abram was older than the rest

God calls us to a relationship with others who are called

Akin to being a lighthouse for the masses so far sprawled

Per Romans one, God calls us to obedience from our faith

Everyone confirms their calling, as Second Peter one saith

God’s call is clear and evident, again per Romans eight

Passions, proclivities, and personality are clues to our fate

Your call is not just what you do, but it is God’s handiwork

Per Ephesians two, to do good works we should not shirk

In Philippians three, Paul implied your call is progressive

We have constant opportunities for as long as we will live

Your call fits God’s plans, per Jeremiah chapter twenty nine

His plans give us hope and a future much more than fine

Joey concluded by answering “How?” we answer today

Following what our conscience and God’s word do say

Ensuring that we are always acting out of faith not fear

And doing what will glorify God the most try to adhere

2 April 2023 - ENCS

From Malaysia, the preacher today was Tim Loh

He said Matthew twenty eight we all likely know

But knowing the Great Commission is not enough

Beyond the words, actually following it is tough

He then referred to Paul in Ephesians chapter six

Surprisingly, he did not pray for his situation to fix

Or even to take care of his numerous bodily pains

But referred to himself as an ambassador in chains

He prayed to declare boldly the gospel’s mystique

Per verse twenty, to speak as he ought to speak

We should also each for Jesus be ambassadors

Whether be at work or home, indoors or outdoors

In the Bible, "ought to” is a phrase so often seen

Per Romans fifteen, Ephesians five, John thirteen

Telling so many examples of what we ought to do

Prayer and testimony can lead to a break through

A caring gesture and even some basic conversation

They do not actually have to be that long in duration

There are dozens of opportunities daily to be a gem

For a small move from us can be a big move in them 

19 March 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on relationships this day

All of them are in the context of God’s big picture, he did say

We are to have an abundant life, per John ten verse ten

But so then why do we face challenges again and again?

Chrina Hansen from Rohei Philippines with us did share

Comfort has a habit of slipping away, despite much prayer

But their massive grief is where God’s vision in them began

God made room in their lives and hearts to see His plan 

We should deny ourselves and follow Jesus, per Mark eight

Matthew eighteen states that the least of us shall be great

To do service for other people is the position of leadership

If we follow God’s own heart, He will us adequately equip

Submission is a topic discussed in James chapter four 

Romans thirteen and Ephesians six add that much more

Gifts, talents, and opportunities can fall into submission 

Submission is what is given, what is taken is oppression

In summary, Josh said surrender, self-sacrifice, submission

Surrender your life to really live per The Great Commission

Self-sacrifice as the last will be first, per servant leadership

Submission personally, positionally, preferentially on life's trip

We should not lose heart, as per Second Corinthians four

Regardless of outwardly wasting, inward renewal is more

Our momentary troubles help us to achieve an eternal glory

So we should keep our eyes focused on the unseen eternity

26 February 2023 - ENCS

The "what is church” series Pastor Josh did complete

Called by God, church is community where we meet

“Is it really worth it?” was the key question for today

Something often asked in tough times, Josh did say

Ephesians one says if we believe, we will get a seal

A supernatural Holy Spirit from God is what we feel

To love God, we must love others - ergo, community

As we experience this, more spiritual growth we see

We get “every spiritual blessing”, as per verse three

We are chosen, adopted as sons, accepted eternally

Having redemption through His blood and forgiveness

Obtaining an inheritance so our fear is infinitely less

Christ are us alive despite our sins, per Ephesians two

Giving us constant spiritual ‘oxygen’ helps us to renew

We have been saved entirely due to Christ's grace

And with Jesus, we will surely sit in a heavenly place

Caring for someone is oft more important than advice

Per Jesus’ wisdom and encouragement to be precise

Being in a community means having something to offer

Ensuring that our talents are used, not kept in a coffer

The church can help equip its people for such service

Building up the body of Christ without being nervous

Remember that Christ is the cornerstone of the church

We all fit together, so  let’s not leave others in a lurch

4 December 2022 - ENCS

Pastor Josh spoke about hope in this Yuletide season

At times, the concept of hope seems without reason

Hold fast to hope, per Hebrews six verse eighteen

The “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” it is seen

Hope is the anchor that keeps us from ever drifting

And keeps us from crashing, as it is always uplifting

Josh said hope can also help us to hold on tight

And with our faith as an anchor, we will be alright

Faith is the substance of hope, per Hebrews eleven

Abriaham's hope came from faith in God in heaven

God never lies and made us an oath, per Hebrews six

Christ is a solid rock, thus never leaving us in a fix

It can be seen that our hope has substance by faith

This strength is by God’s faithfulness, the Bible saith

The work of Jesus Christ gives our hope security

Knowing He is with us even though we do not see

God is steadfast and ever-present, per First John four

Ephesians two says that we do not need any more

Galatians four says we can receive adoption to sonship

This legal term should be the cause of much worship

Hope in Jesus provides us to the Lord access

Offering us a new start and new spirit, nothing less

God adopts us and gives us identity and inheritance

It is impossible to get more, no matter the substance

21 August 2022 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on Evil Days Ahead

Passages from several books of the Bible he then read

Ephesians six mentions the breastplate of righteousness

God says to stand firm, First Peter five does profess

The work of righteousness is peace, per Isaiah thirty two

Romans eight states God will always see us through

No weapon formed against us by the enemy will prevail

If, per Isaiah fifty four, of God’s righteousness we avail

Righteousness is reflected and evident in our actions

Rooted in covenants and relationships and reactions

In verse six, God’s words to His people Micah did share

Comparing our righteousness to His, we should not dare

First Thessalonians five says to put on faith and love

As a breastplate to signify we belong to God above

Remember we are all unclean, per Isaiah sixty four

A message repeated in Romans three wit detail more

Righteousness gives us peace, protection, and power

Through right standing, relating, and living every hour

By letting go of self-righteousness and receiving God’s

For believing our hearts are worth it increases the odds

1 Peter 5:8

1 Thessalonians 5:8

Ephesians 6:13-14

Isaiah 32:17, 54:17, 61:1-7, 64:6

Micah 6:1-8

Philippians 3:6-8

Romans 3:10-12

14 August 2022 - ENCS

Pastor Josh Harris continued the “Be Strong” series today

Leveraing what Pastor Joey and Ephesians six had to say

Snowden famously said that truth is first casualty of war

For us to wear the belt of truth, Pastor Josh did implore

If we are falsely accused, according to Psalm forty three

We must seek God’s light and truth to combat the enemy

For the truth will set us free, states John eight thirty two

Otherwise we are slaves to sin because of the sin we do

The answers to “why truth” are thus it gives us direction

And by seeking God, truth also provides us protection

Thirdly, Pastor Josh highlighted, truth buys us freedom

So bottom line, not seeking truth would be a bit dumb

Definitions of ‘what is truth?”, there are a preponderance

Be it logical, experiential, or universal correspondence

Truth is righteously active, as stated in Isaiah eleven

And truth is embodied in Jesus sent down from heaven

To answer the “so how?”, look at Ephesians four and five

Replace our falsehoods with our true identity so to thrive

We should remember to walk and do everything in love

Thus as God's children, we can try to imitate Him above

Ephesians 4:21-24, 5:1-2, 6:13

Isaiah 11:2-6

John 8:32-36,14:6

7 August 2022 - ENCS

Pastor Joey kicked off the “Be Strong” series today

Based on what Paul in Ephesians chapter six did say

We should put on God’s full armour per verse thirteen

'When (not if) the day of evil comes"'is clearly seen

We are in the midst of evil days, Pastor Joey said

Pandemic, poverty, war, pestilence causing dread

The Bible remains relevant and in it we can trust

It is always factual, spiritual, practical, and robust

Five times in Ephesians ‘heavenly realms’ appears

Struggles against flesh and blood are not our fears

But rulers, authorities, and powers of the dark world

How we can combat these Pastor Joey then unfurled

First is to be conscious about the heavenly realm

For that is where Jesus is eternally at the helm

We have been offered a chance to sit with him

Our eternal purpose and mission is not a whim

The evil that was in the heavens, God did displace

With his perfect son Jesus Christ, He did replace

As the lyrics in the song “In Jesus’ Name” stress

God is fighting for us, pushing back the darkness

Second is to be conscious about the evil days

Be careful how we live and be wise in our ways

We should make the most of every opportunity

To watch our steps and the devil’s schemes see

These evil spiritual forces include lust and greed

Envy and pride are bad; even success can mislead

We must not let the sun go down while still angry

For the devil that is a very common opportunity

"Be conscious of the resources we have" is third

All about the ’strength of the Lord’ we then heard

Per Isaiah, strength comes from hope in the Lord 

Paul said in full armour we can stand as a horde

Ephesians 1:3, 18-21; 2:6; 3:10; 4:26-27; 6:10-17

Isaiah 40: 28-31

19 June 2022 - Father's Day

As around the world today most celebrate Father’s Day

For inspiration, I looked at what the Bible has to say

Proverbs twenty two says show children the way to go

They will not turn from the path when older they grow

Per Ephesians six, our children to anger do not provoke

But raise them with discipline and words God hath spoke

A righteous child has joyous father, per Proverbs twenty three

And he rejoices if wise his child eventually turns out to be

Have compassion on children, per Psalm one hundred three

As God does with those of us who fear Him, we clearly see

God will be our Father, Second Corinthians does say

So when in doubt, we can turn to Him and earnestly pray

I am blessed to have an earthly father who raised me well

And with whom so many memories we shared and now tell

Re Exodus twenty, I respect and honor him and my mother

The right balance of love and discipline they did us smother

Without their guidance along my life’s challenging way

I know that I would not be the person that I am today

I can only hope that with my children I have done the same

Prayerfully I have given them more than just my surname

For the many mistakes made, to them I sincerely apologise

They should know that love and pride fill their father’s eyes

And God, thank you for your guidance, patience, and love

It’s always comforting to know I have an eternal father above

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