30 June 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Mark Chew spoke about parables three

In Matthew twenty one and twenty two we see

The focus of all three is actually Jesus, the Son

“What do you think?” is appropriate for everyone

The parable of two sons Jesus shared, not afraid

One son pretended obedience, the other delayed

True obedience is like Jesus, following God’s will

It may not sound that exciting but it sure does fulfil

Obedience also reveals the trust we have in God

It is the hallmark of Jesus so we should be awed

The parable of the talents talks about stewardship

And faithfulness to use our talents on our life’s trip

For this is how we should give honour to our God

Fruitfulness serves to revere the Son we applaud

This parable also acts to foretell Jesus’ final days

His suffering and death due to others’ evil ways

The wedding banquet parable has persuasion

The first invitees were indifferent to the occasion

So the invitation then became open to everyone

Akin to our imputed righteousness via the Son

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

9 June 2024 - ENCS

The series on Matthew Vicki Tekwani did continue

Chapter nineteen from verse thirteen on we did view

“Entry Requirements of the Kingdom” was the title

For this is often discussed, it is a topic most vital

Vicki began by sharing what such entry it is not about

Age and experience do not guarantee a heavenly route

Similarly, good deeds alone can never earn eternal life

Likewise even if our efforts and achievements are rife

So what are the requirements, the question becomes

Having a childlike faith leads to the desired outcomes

Implying utter dependence on God, not on what we do

Absolute surrender to God’s will we should not eschew

And for those who gain entry, what rewards do await

Children of God inherit the kingdom, per Romans eight

The treasures in heaven far outweigh those on earth

And of course eternal life provides for immense worth

2 June 2024 - ENCS

The series on Matthew Pastor Josh did today continue

The second part of chapter eighteen we did thus view

Josh reminded us to remember what is on God’s heart

Having relationships with both God and others is smart

How to deal with sin in the church starts in verse fifteen

Start with a one on one conversation it is clearly seen

Then bring two or three others and then to the church

Always doing so in love, being careful not to besmirch

If all these steps fail, like a “pagan or tax collector” treat

And remove tham from any leadership position or seat

But remember that Jesus said everyone we should love

In the same way, we sin but are still loved from above

The subsequent versus touch on the topic of forgiveness

Forgive seven times, Peter in verse twenty one did express

“Seventy seven times” is the response Jesus did give

Which is still far less than how often He does us forgive

In summary, Josh shared points in a voice quite vehement

Relationships require honesty, accountability, agreement

Unforgiiveness results in anger, ruins lives, rejects mercy

Forgiveness requires God’s grace, as so often we do see

26 May 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on Matthew today

About value, based on chapter eighteen he did say

Who is the greatest in heaven the disciples did ask

Calling a little child, Jesus Christ took them to task

Jesus said that only those who have faith like a child

Will end up in heaven and with the Lord be reconciled

For children are also willing followers, seemingly lowly

Jesus came not to lead but to serve, as we often see

Ergo, we must take care not to cause others to stumble

Although we have much power, we must remain humble

Watching where we go, what we do, and what we say

From sources of temptation, we must clearly stay away

The real message of the lost sheep in verse thirteen

Is the lone sheep’s isolation presents dangers unseen

God is our shepherd who doesn’t want any to perish

So saving lost sheep is something we should cherish

The shepherd’s voice often comes through other sheep

By sharing God’s word with others, His plan we do keep

Pastor Josh then showed how to do so with the SQ App

In “Proclaim", “The Good News” button we should tap

We should value little and lost ones, and lowly positions

Avoiding sights, words, and places with tempting conditions

We can receive the love of God, our Shepherd from above

Then with the rest of the world, show and share His love 

19 May 2024 - ENCS

The Matthew series was continued by Pastor Vicki

Saying that “What Ifs” often lead to much anxiety

In Matthew chapter seventeen from verse fourteen

Vicki said three such “What Ifs” can be clearly seen

First is what if our faith isn't enough, Vicki did sayeth

Remember that miracles require having an active faith

Jesus continues to show compassion and His grace

Through which our weaknesses He does displace

The genuineness of faith matters more than the size

As First Peter one verse seven more than just implies

The second example is what if the call gets too difficult

In verse twenty two, Jesus said his death would result

As Christians there is a call to suffer, not just be blessed

There is also a call to go through pain, often as a test

We must answer a call to step out of our comfort zone

Remember that Jesus promised hope as His capstone

Vicki said the final one is what if it does not make sense

The annual tax Peter did not want Jesus to dispense

God’s authority is above worldly systems, it is true

But we should not offend with the things that we do

Instead we should demonstrate maturity in authority

For God’s provision for our submission we will see

This sermon resonated with me in many different ways

Especially given what has been going on for many days

The suffering and the pain I often struggled to endure

Only served to confirm that in God’s hands I am secure

12 May 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series from gospel Matthew

Talking about what Mountaintop Moments actually do

Josh focused primarily on chapter number seventeen

When the story of the Jesus’ Transfiguration is seen

Up the mountain, Peter, James, and John Jesus took

Jesus shone like the sun as the three disciples did look

“This is my Son whom I love and I am well pleased”

God’s voice said these words on which they seized

Jesus told them not to be afraid but also not to share

For like John the Baptist, He would suffer - beware!

Life is a journey with highs but is at times demanding

Greater encounters lead to greater understanding

In conclusion our faith is affirmed, anchored, aligned

Our relationship remembered, reset, restored, refined

Our ministry gains more conviction and commitment

And most importantly, we become more competent

24 March 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on Matthew today

His sermon was aptly titled "Melt The Doubt Away"

John the Baptist asked questions in Matthew eleven

About whether Jesus was the One sent from heaven

We all face challenges when offences come through

Answered prayers in the SQ App we can now view

We face difficult situations and painful circumstances

Then often disappointment or self-doubt advances

In hard times, remember what we’ve seen and heard

Repent and believe what is written in God’s Word

Only then can we receive what Jesus has revealed

And be blessed for on our behalf He has appealed

Josh said in childlike faith is thus the way we respond

We should come to Him for He has never us conned

Taking his yoke and respect His direction and speed

For in Him we will find the peace and rest we need

17 March 2024 - ENCS

On the topic “Worth It”, Pastor Josh did speak today

Continuing the series on Matthew this St Patrick’s Day

In that Irish spirit, some of us decided to wear green

But from Josh’s sermons several points we did glean

Jesus’ discipleship is not about crowds, Josh did say

Sometimes He pulled away to with His disciples pray

Nor is it about comfort, but wolves sheep can overcome

And control is ceded to God’s guidance and wisdom

Jesus often called the unlikely, unliked, and unclean

Eating with tax collectors and sinners he was seen

For Jesus did not call the righteous but the sinners

New wine into new wineskins so all became winners

Jesus sends ua with prayer, power, and perspective

These three serve to make His disciples effective

For taking up Jesus’ cross requires follow through

But Jesus watches, cares, and sees all that we do

10 March 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on the book of Matthew

Moving from Jesus’ words to the miracles Jesus did do

He referred to events detailed in chapters eight and nine

Which somewhat coincidentally are favourites of mine

About the power of Jesus, Josh did immediately share

For those hit by sickness and disease Jesus did care

In Matthew eight, He healed the leper and the servant

To fulfil prophecies in Isaiah, from heaven He was sent

Jesus had power over storms, from verse thirty three

Great winds and waves the disciples did fearfully see

He rebuked the great winds, saying “ye of little faith"

Remember that trials will oft hit us, Josh did sayeth

Over demonic spirits Jesus also had complete power

In the presence of possessed men, a town did cower

Jesus sent the demons into swine who then did perish

Then for Jesus to leave the area, the townfolk did wish

The compassion of Jesus was also evident in the book

He touched the “unclean” even if others dare not look

He loved the “least” and the “impossible” He did engage

Which means from our sin and pain, Jesus can assuage

In conclusion, how we should respond Joshua did ask

Not with fear and refusal or with false accusation bask

We should humble ourselves and in God fully trust

"Walking by faith, not by sight" as is often discussed

3 March 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on Matthew today

Scripture without Jesus is merely words, he did say

God does want us to prosper - starting with our soul

Incorporating Jesus into our lives should be our goal

"Judge not, that you be not judged" per Matthew seven

Remember that eternal judgement comes from heaven

Focus on the plank in our eyes before other's speck

Otherwise our hypocrisy will be a visible side effect

Verse seven talks about asking, seeking, knocking

When we do, the Lord's response will not be blocking

Remember not to act before asking - and praying

We need to wait to hear what God to us is relaying

Hebrews six verse ten states that God is not unjust

In His plans and timing we should thus have trust

This requires both faith and patience, Josh said

The latter concept is one which many of us dread

Per Matthew, the golden rule Jesus does eschew

Do unto others as you would have them do to you

We need God’s love in order to truly show love

For our heart, not actions, are judged from above

25 February 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Vicki spoke on Matthew chapters five to seven

Specifically the Sermon on the Mount, words from heaven

Sharing principles that also apply to our current reality

And today’s sermon entitled “An Antidote to Anxiety”

Verse nineteen says not to lay up treasures on earth

For heavenly treasures have infinitely more worth

Remember that where our treasure is, so is our heart

That provided Vicki with a concept on which to start

Vicki then asked three questions on which to reflect

First, what is the treasure we want most to collect

Second, what are we filled with - darkness or light

We cannot serve both  God and money, Vicki did cite

Third, who are we serving or who is our life’s guide

Like Daniel, before being tempted we should decide

That then led Vicki to ask what do we do from here

Anxiety arises when the above answers are not clear

As Jesus said not to be anxious, it must be doable

We should trust God’s nature, always renewable

Plus seek first His kingdom and His righteousness

Then we can say goodbye to anxiety and stress

18 Febrary 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on Matthew today

Focusing on chapters five and six with much to say

Per Jesus in John five, reading the Word is not enough

For the Pharisees, acknowledging Him was very tough

Per Matthew five, Jesus came to fulfil the OT Laws

And therefore to release us from sin’s powerful jaws

His words really turned up the heat of righteousness

Sin is not just actions but what our thoughts express

In Matthew six, Jesus taught us how we should pray

Give honour to God, give thanks each and every day

Submit to His will, pray for sustenance and strength

And His guidance to avoid temptation at every length

Josh then talked about purpose, referring to chapter five

We are to be salt of and light for the world while alive

Letting our light shine is rightly representing the Lord

And linking back to the start, is as critical as the Word

11 February 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Joey continued the Knowing Jesus series today

Although from laryngitis his voice must rest, he did say

Pastor referred to Matthew chapters two through five

About two distinct contrasting kingdoms, he did derive

Jesus and Herod represented the clash of kingdoms

One legitimate, one illegitimate, thus two outcomes

One validated via a Micah prophecy, one invalid

One the Son, the other an imposter turned pallid

The Spirit of Two Kingdoms seen in Matthew four

Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted and more

He resisted, preferring the Spirit to flesh as a guide

Submission over power and humility over pride

The Values of God’s Kingdom, as per Matthew five

The Beatitudes say to new values we should strive

Humble, meek, and merciful may make some frown

Because these everlasting values seem upside down

4 February 2024 - ENCS

Vicki Tekwani preached this morning on quite short notice

About the person of Jesus, he delivered a magnus opus

Things like mission, vision, strategy, and denomination

Along with leadership style as well as political affiliation

These are all good but are in reality a means to an end

Knowing Christ is key, as in Philippians three Paul penned

Vicki took us to chapter sixteen of the gospel of Matthew

Jesus really wants to know who He is to me and to you

The fundamental premise is knowing and being, not doing

Our level of intimacy with Jesus is key to our well-being

To study who Jesus is, Vicky went back to Matthew one

Written after four hundred years of silence was done

Jesus is the Messiah, as prophesied in the Old Testament

To save us from our sin, He is the Saviour fro heaven sent

Per verse twenty two, He is also Immanuel or God with us

He will never forsake us nor in our suffering, kick up a fuss

Vicki’s final point was highlighting who Jesus came for

For those waiting in hope, our Lord God does not ignore

His promise and His Abrahamic covenant, God remembers

Covering all rejected, excluded, and disqualified members

Look at Jesus’ earthly geneology for many who did stray

Christ Jesus came for those willing to believe and to obey

25 December 2023 - Blessed Christmas

“Why do…the peoples plot in vain?” says Psalm two

The Lord and His Anointed One the leaders try to outdo

From heaven, the Lord scoffs and rebukes them all

For His King on Zion – the holy hill - God did install

“You are my Son…and I [am] your Father,” God said

God will make “the nations [His] inheritance” instead

“Therefore, you kings, be wise [and] be warned”

For they should serve the Lord they once scorned

 

The Lord said to Jesus, according to Psalm one hundred ten

To “sit at [His] right hand” and rule over all earthly men

For on “the day of battle”, “[His] troops will be willing”

Jesus is a “priest forever”, thus old prophecies fulfilling

God “will crush kings on the day of His wrath”

For Jesus will always be found on God’s path

There have been many priests, per Hebrews seven

But only one lives forever, He was sent from heaven

“Therefore he is able to save completely” any person

“He lives to intercede for them” before their lives worsen

 

The birth of Jesus is briefly written about in Luke two

Joseph went to Bethlehem, for a census all had to do

He went with Mary, his betrothed who was expecting

She gave birth to her son in a stable without objecting

There were shepherds in the nearby fields with their flock

The glory of the Lord shone, and their knees did all knock

But an angel came and told them about the good news

That in Bethlehem had been born the King of the Jews

They were told to rejoice, for they were not in any danger

They would find Jesus wrapped in clothes lying in a manger

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem,” per Matthew two

Magi from the east came, a star in the sky was the clue

The king of the Jews is who they wanted to worship

So they brought gifts with them on the very long trip

King Herod was disturbed; the Magi in secret he did call

They were to report back to him; his evil plans not to stall

The child they did find as to the star they did refer

They worshipped him with gold, incense, and myrrh

About Herod’s evil plot from a dream they did learn

So by another route to their country they did return

15 October 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Joey today spoke on “The Heart-Eye Connection”

Per Matthew six, our eyes are like lamps giving direction

If our eyes are healthy, then our body will be full of light

If our eyes are unhealthy, our body will be dark like night

The biblical perspective is that values determine vision

So what, why, and how you see follows with precision

Social media algorithms reveal what our focus has been

If values are wrong, we see the wrong thins on screen

Vision is powerful, so the devil wants to take it away

The eye is the lamp of the body, Matthew six does say

Per Proverbs twenty nine, without vision, people perish

In Jeremiah twenty nine, God’s promises are not bearish

Joey concluded with how to have a healthy vision 

Pray unceasingly, as Daniel did when facing a decision

Always meditate on God’s word as per Philippians four

And fellowship with God’s people, find a good mentor

In other words, treat the ENCS mantra as a big tip

Always PMPF - Pray, Meditate, Proclaim, Fellowship

8 October 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Mark spoke on “Values, Treasures, and the Heart”

In Matthew six, about types of treasure Jesus did impart

We should not lay up temporal treasures here on earth

As eternal treasures in heaven have so much more worth

Mark said we should remember that our hearts do pursue 

Those things, temporal or eternal, which we most value

Firstly, recognise how valuable we are in Christ’s eyes

His words in Matthew six about birds we should memorise

Per John ten, we are so valuable He will not let us go

As Romans five, Hebrews thirteen, and Luke twelve show

We are valuable masterpieces, per Psalm one thirty nine

Because per John one, we are in Christ’s direct bloodline

Secondly, realign our perspective using heaven's eyes

Doing things that upset God is foolish and clearly not wise

We should all create and add value to people around us

Although storing and increasing value is not superfluous

In First Timothy six, in a passage that is never outdated

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, Paul stated

Finally, reposture our hearts and reorder our values

Do a heart check and seriously consider God’s views

For the heart is often deceitful, per Jeremiah seventeen

So the Lord tests our hearts, in the passage it is seen

We should clear the blockages and take proactive care

“Slowing, stopping, silence, solitude” Mark did share

And in the absence of those on a South African trip

I would add “Pray, Mediate, Proclaim, Fellowship”

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

30 July 2023 - ENCS

About living life to the full, Pastor Josh did speak

Per John ten this is what Jesus wants us to seek

Jesus said to find and follow Him, per Matthew four

And then very importantly to go fish for even more

Josh said Second Peter three has words to cherish

The Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish

For God wants everyone to come to repentance

So that nobody has to face their due sentence

So per Charles Colson, now how shall we live?

Lots of answers Second Peter three does give

Saying to make every effort to be found spotless

At peace with God as well as being blemeless

That passage says to add to your faith, goodness

In the original Greek meaning excellence, no less

Then come knowledge, self-control, perseverance

And godliness, mutual affection, love adherence

Love is actually the sum of all of those attributes

There is no fear in love, as First John four imputes

As per First Peter two, if those qualities increase

Our effectiveness and productivity will not cease