10 April 2016 - ENCS

Nate Curtis spoke about Acts chapter three, part of a historical narrative

The full book is focused on the Holy Spirit and how the apostles did live

In terms of world evangelism, it is clear that the church continued to grow

As chapters six, nine, twelve, sixteen, nineteen, and twenty eight show

The title of Nate’s sermon - and the entire service - was “Power to Heal”

Peter instructed the cripple to walk where before he could not even kneel

Peter refused to take any credit, as he had merely invoked Jesus’ name

Every time a miracle occurred, the disciples' responses were the same

Peter reminded the people of what they did to Jesus, who was heaven sent

He continued in strong words, instructing the people to immediately repent

This message was seemingly delivered every time Peter had an opportunity

We should do the same, for per Acts one it is every follower’s responsibility

Returning to the concept of healing by God, it is true that He will intervene

Yesterday, today, tomorrow, into real lives and stories real healing is seen

And when we hear about such heavenly healings that are obviously great

We should share the testimony with many others and of course celebrate

Nate pointed out that Peter was not well-educated or seemingly qualified

On Jesus' last night, his relationship with Jesus Peter three times denied

Yet because he believed in Jesus, Peter could invoke his healing power

Similarly, our God can use us to fulfil His plan on any given day or hour

Throughout the Bible, God used people with all sorts of sordid backgrounds

Such as  Rahab the prostitute and David whose sin at times knew no bounds

He can therefore use any of us to take the gospel to the ends of the earth

As such, it is important to remember that each of us has significant worth

But Nate then asked whether our relationship with Jesus is evident to others

Or whether we keep it hidden except from our Christian sisters and brothers

For if we want to help others by invoking Jesus’ name to heal any malady

Our love for Christ and our faith must be visible for everyone else to see

27 September 2015 - ENCS

About James chapter four, today Nate Curtis did speak

As usual, he was knowledgable and emphatic, not meek

The chapter covers types of conflict numbering three

Perspectives on planning for tomorrow we also did see

On some relatively silly courses of war, Nate did share

About beards and buckets people clearly did overly care

Of conflict among ourselves, these examples were reflective

For it happens even if with fellow Christians we happen to live

Even though the first verse of Psalm one hundred thirty three

Says that it is good when God’s people live together in unity

Remember Abraham and Lot, Paul and Barnabas, and others

All were biblical examples of conflict between believing brothers

Nate said that James assuredly had other conflicts in his sights

Wars about class and employment as well as intra-church fights

There is also inflict within ourselves, a war inside our heart

Largely due to unchecked desire and selfishness on our part

To wrong thoughts and actions, this does all too often lead

And to unanswered prayers, for we don’t know what we need

Nate said that conflict with God is actually the overarching source

For this affects all other relationships and conflicts in due course

Being friends with the world, our flesh, and the devil take the form

Of unlawful desires, pride, and temptation becoming the norm

To enjoy peace with God we must therefore fully submit to His will

We draw near to God if purity and humility in our hearts we instill

And if we regularly resist the devil, the enemy will surely flee

Thus making our walk easier and bringing to God more glee

Verses thirteen to seventeen talk of perspectives on tomorrow

It is sin if we do not do good things that from the Bible we know

It is not wrong to plan, but we must always let God’s will prevail

His will is revealed in the Bible and the truisms never go stale

But Nate added that we must not just stick to the law’s letter

For actions may be permissible, but we should try to do better

In summary, we should understand the source of conflict in our life

And then take steps to rid ourselves of ungodly conflict and strife

And because we are but vapour wisps in time, per verse fourteen

We should live and plan our lives so that God’s will is always seen

13 September 2015 - ENCS

On the book of James and its messages, Nate Curtis did continue

After providing some interest context, he focused on chapter two

By way of background, when James wrote his letter, Nate did say

The Roman Empire was at its zenith and all the people had to obey

There was a lot of social inequality which led to rising resentment

Similar to what we read about today, some people turned violent

“James the Just” encouraged people to do good deeds and work

Even in the face of persecution and often dealing with a big jerk

Many of his followers and readers would be tempted to retaliate

He said for them to have faith, persevere, and to love not hate

The first point Nate then talked about was the “sin of partiality”

Highlighting that we were all made in God’s image, “imago dei”

If we show favoritism, it implies one part of God we value more

Instead, remember that who we are in Christ should be our core

God loves us no matter what, but He also wants more from us

Differences among believers are irrelevant, Paul did oft discuss

In verses eight through eleven, James says favoritism is sin

If not merciful, we face judgment without mercy - with chagrin

Nate then quoted six reasons James said favouritism is wrong

Although he also said that the full list would be extremely long

When thinking about what this means for each of us individually

It is not merely a matter of those we come in contact with daily

Although we can all treat each person the same and with respect

There are situations with refugees and modern slavery to correct

Using a website, Nate has sixty eight slaves supporting his lifestyle

His points were hard hitting, making everyone think for quite a while

The second point Nate highlighted was about faith and action

“Grace+faith=salvation+good works” applies to every faction

From verse fourteen onwards, James talks about faith and deeds

We are called righteous when above our faith, our action exceeds

Every individual is God-created and part of a global community

By our love and actions, our Christian faith others will clearly see

Opportunities arise if we look at situations with a new perspective

Other societies and socio-economic groups can see how we live

Nate said the gospel is good news, but doesn’t always have advice

But is a way of life, in response to the fact that Jesus paid the price

In summary, Nate asked how we are being partial and what we can do

And with our every action, would James say that our stated faith is true

22 February 2015 - ENCS

Concluding the series, Nate Curtis spoke on "Spiritual Family"

To describe family, some pictures and diagrams we did see

About our family, four concentric bubbles reflect our perception

The inner one is of course ourselves, there is never an exception

To the immediate family our understanding then does grow

Then local and global spiritual families we come to know

 

Family is very important to God, as Nate did very adroitly distill

In Matthew twelve, Jesus' family includes all who do God's will

Per First Corinthians twelve, the church is one body, many parts

From those two concepts, knowledge of a spiritual family starts
A family, natural or spiritual, provides an identity and destiny

Remember that within any family, differences there will be

But since Jesus is coming back not for a harem, but for His bride

That means that the church must work together and not divide

For those who believe in Jesus, this includes all, not just some

Whether Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, or Coptic they are from

 

Spiritual families are important as they form building blocks that are key

The kingdom of God, our identity, as well as a stable and safe society

Spiritual families multiply, teach, train, exercise knowledge, and love

This is in keeping with biblical teaching which comes from God above

First Corinthians twelve also states that if one part suffers, all parts do

Likewise if one part is honored, every other part rejoices with it too

About the Coptic Christian martyrs, a powerful poem Nate did then read

They were praying and singing hymns to God right until ISIS' ugly deed

The twenty one refused to deny Christ even when facing certain death

They remained true to God and the Christian faith until their last breath

 

Nate proceeded to tell us how we should fit into the family

Dive in and do good in whatever role we have is the key

God's blueprint for the family can only in Genesis be found

The linkages between God, us, and others are quite sound

Per Hebrews ten we should meet and encourage each other

In that way, toward love and good deeds we spur our brother

Romans twelve talks about being devoted in brotherly love

With passion, joy, and patience serving our Lord God above

 

In conclusion Nate said we should join in, jump in, and stay in

God's family is open, always waiting for another next of kin

We should strive to make a difference in whatever way

Thus in God's presence and family we will always stay