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

3 September 2017 - ENCS

The series on Life and Death, Pastor Joey Bonifacio did conclude

Speaking about the "King of Kings”, or Christ Jesus, with certitude

He should be the foundation of all that we build, we clearly see

For fire tests the quality of our work, per First Corinthians three

Revelation nineteen says Christ’s eyes are like flames of fire

Implying that into our actions, from heaven He will duly inquire

Jesus’ throne in heaven is surrounded, per Revelation four

By twenty four elders who then laid their crowns on the floor

We are all promised crowns in heaven, Pastor Joey did state

Crowns of righteousness, imperishable, glory and life do await

The righteousness crown is awarded, per Second Timothy four

To those who have kept the faith by fighting the fight with vigour

To get the imperishable crown, per First Corinthians nine

Joey stated that we must treat our faith as a passion genuine

The crown of glory can be ours, per First Thessalonians two

If we use boldness in reaching others in what we say and do

The crown of life is promised to those, per James chapter one

Who persevere under trial and stand the test in the long run

The elders cast their crowns, Pastor Joey did paraphrase

For the King of Kings Christ Jesus is worthy of all our praise

16 April 2017 - ENCS

Pastor Josh spoke as Easter Day came to a conclusion

In Genesis three, the serpent sowed seeds of confusion

Leading Adam and Eve to eat forbidden fruit, the first sin

So the natural question is whether Satan did actually win

Per Revelation, God has won the war but battles rage

God opted for an interesting option at that early stage

He did not take our freedom away, but free will He gave

Even though consequences can follow us to the grave

Righteousness is impossible, the Old Testament did show

For relationship trumps religion, God wants us to know

The God of peace will crush Satan, Per Romans sixteen

Which links back to God’s words in Genesis three fifteen

Per Revelation five, only Jesus can open the book of life

For He has won the victory against all the enemy’s strife

As a result, we once again have with God a relationship

And be assured of our destination at the end of life’s trip

Jesus paid that price but also felt what we go through

So He understands completely if it is He that we turn to

Per Romans sixteen, Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies

We owe Him everything so our actions should aim to please

12 February 2017 - ENCS

Pastor Harris started by asking why do people get jealous

Often because we are not sure what we have, he did tell us

God has a plan and a place for each of us, per Genesis two

As such we should let God guide us in what we should do

For with all pleasant things God’s original garden was filled

Adam and Eve should've understood that and been thrilled

But instead they ignored God’s command about one tree

Introducing sin to the world, the consequences we still see

In Psalm sixteen, David acknowledged that God had a plan

And of course God’s knowledge exceeds that of any man

As part of His plan, lines or boundaries God does introduce

Boundaries limit us but also protect us, we should deduce

David recognised that only God gives us eternal inheritance

In tough times, it may be worth to give this psalm a glance

About a young boy looking through a fence, Josh did share

But when he turned around, into Disneyworld he did stare

This reminds us, despite boundaries, of how blessed we are

For looking to God for our happiness is the best path by far

On how to get there, four points Pastor Josh then did share

To pray, meditate, proclaim, and fellowship we are all aware

If we lack wisdom, we should ask God per James one five

Per Joshua one eight, to repeat His Word we should strive

The enemy was conquered by words, per Revelation twelve

The tongue has immense power, if into the Bible we delve

Paul says to build each other up in First Thessalonians five

Romans fourteen says the Spirit provides while we are alive

Specifically offering us peace and joy and righteousness

Which provide us with love so that others we can bless

23 March 2016 - BSF

Seven letters to seven churches in Revelation two and three we do see

They represent all the churches in the past, present, and what will be

Jesus rebukes and warns; He makes promises and encourages with love

Churches are to faithfully proclaim His gospel until He returns from above

Too much integration with non-believers can lead to doctrinal deviation

If churches are not acting as the salt and light they face condemnation

The Ephesian church was commended for their deeds and perseverance

But that along the way they had lost their “first love” was Jesus’ stance

Howe Lai said that having truth without love leads to mere cold power

While love without truth ceases to be genuine, seemingly by the hour

The advice given was to remember, repent, and return to our true love

Which of course means turning to God, Jesus, and the Spirit from above

The loftiest preference of one person for another is how love can be termed  

Giving us life as we overcome is an indication of how God’s love is affirmed

The church in Smyrna was reminded that Jesus triumphed over death

So as believers, we should expect eternal victory after our last breath

While Satan is behind all persecution, God puts limits on what we endure

So we know that we will all face attacks on our spiritual life, that is for sure

But faith that perseveres through suffering reveals Jesus to a world broken

Love and grace, not conquest, changes hearts was the truth well spoken

The journey of life is in that way more important than our eternal goal

We can walk in assured victory because Jesus is well and truly in control

24 February 2016 - BSF

At BSF we are starting the study of John's book of Revelation

“God is in control and wins” was Clarence’s strong proclamation

Howe Lai’s lecture centred on the core concept of prophecy

What it is, its characteristics, and its purpose quite clearly

“Prophecy is God confiding in His people” was the first summary

For it is a foretelling of future events that have or will come to be

In Revelation, God unveils worlds both physical and spiritual

General and specific revelations that are so clearly veritable

God does this so that believers do not feel clueless or alone

He provides God-centred confidence for tomorrow’s unknown

“Prophecy proves that God is in charge of yesterday, today, tomorrow”

Helping us deal even in times that are challenging or filled with sorrow

God will not act without revealing through a prophet His plan

Prophecy can be both foretelling and forth telling for all man

As it contains truths about both the present and the future

With warnings, there is time to repent and change for sure

One-quarter of the Bible is prophecy, half has been fulfilled

Those are facts on which our faith and actions can build

“Fulfilled prophecy gives God’s people assurance of future fulfilment”

Changing our heart and actions is one reason prophets were sent

In terms of the Bible, fulfilled prophecy shows its accuracy

And reveals God’s power and wisdom, for everyone to see

God’s plan and purpose through Jesus Christ is also revealed

The overarching purpose is faith to be produced and sealed

In conclusion John received visions and wrote them down

We should take them to heart and obey God with crown

We cannot create our own future but must heed the warning

Allowing this study to transform our lives from each morning

20 December 2015 - ENCS

The “Christmas Foretold” series today Pastor Larry did complete

But the key messages from the last two weeks he first did repeat

Isaiah chapter nine verse six talked of Immanuel, God is with us

Isaiah chapter fifty three verse five spoke of how God saves us

Today’s message of “God anoints us” was from Isaiah sixty one

In Luke four, Jesus said it was fulfilled, in other words it was done

Pastor Larry said that as believers we are anointed to proclaim

Sharing the good news with the poor in spirit should be our aim

Luke chapter two said angels brought "good news of great joy"

“For all the people” so that the enemy our God can fully destroy

That Jesus fulfilled more than three hundred fifty prophecies

Defies all odds of random occurrence, per lots of analyses

In John chapter one, about Jesus did John the Baptist speak

That Jesus would take away the world’s sins, rather mystique

The word of testimony, per Revelations twelve verse eleven

Needs to declare Jesus is Lord, seated with God in heaven

From the Old Testament, proclaiming good tidings we do see

Bringing joy as per First Chronicles sixteen verse twenty three

Pastor Larry said that as believers we are anointed to heal

God mends broken hearts and bones, Isaiah does reveal

To those from broken homes and families, we should reach out

Per First Peter two, words from Jesus can heal, have no doubt

So that he could help so many others, Peter himself was healed

Per Acts three, great power in his words Peter did then wield

Pastor then said God answers us the minute He hears our prayer

We may need to wait, but that does not mean He does not care

Like when the wise men brought Jesus gold, incense, and myrrh

The lengthy and arduous two year journey did not serve to deter

Pastor Larry said that as believers we are anointed to love

Because He loves us so, to earth Jesus came from above

Likewise, in this dark world we are each to be a shining light

Such a love revolution can assuredly make this world right

John thirteen verse thirty five says we are to love one another

For this shows that in Jesus, we are each a Christian brother

Per First John three, we have been called to do God’s work

The fact that God’s glory appears in us is a wonderful perk

In conclusion, we are anointed to proclaim, heal, and love

For these are instructions from our dear Lord God above

6 December 2015 - ENCS

Pastor Josh stated a new series entitled “Christmas Foretold”

Based on Isaiah, which had many prophecies very bold

It was so accurate that many doubted its original date

But the Dead Sea Scrolls then set the record straight

In chapter forty nine, Isaiah said he laboured in vein

But looking forward to eternity, he did not complain

God told him that even bigger was his real destiny

For in time, Isaiah would be a light for all to see

Very powerful were Isaiah’s words and prophecies

For God always fulfils His Word and does not tease

The fruit of his labour, Isaiah did not on earth see

For many of us, that is just the way things will be

God has a master plan that He did clearly reveal

In Matthew one, the place in Micah became real

In a similar manner, per Isaiah chapter seven

A virgin birth brought us Jesus from heaven

'God is with us’, His name Immanuel does mean

Our sin hurts that relationship, it is regularly seen

Per Isaiah fifty nine, this leads to pain and separation

For those in Christ, however, there is no condemnation

Jesus lived the life that we were supposed to live

As the perfect sacrifice, His life He did then give

To renew our link with God, Christ came to earth

Only He can give us new life, aka a new birth

Only the Holy Spirit brings us to this new life

So we can sit with God and avoid any strife

With us forever, God clearly wants to be

His intentions for us are great, per John three

Josh then referred to Revelation twenty one

For God to be with us, sin must be done

2 November 2014 - ENCS

Pastor Larry continued the series entitled "Redemption Stories"

Redemption saves us from sin, enabling us to receive God's glories

Because Jesus redeemed us so we can have life eternal

Changed should be our lives, both internal and external

Pastor then read from Revelations twelve verse eleven

The exiled John heard these words, directly from heaven

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb" we did see

And then, as importantly "by the word of their testimony"

The enemy wants us to feel defeated and facing damnation

But God says we are victors, not victims, in every situation

 

By the blood of Jesus, Pastor Larry said we can overcome

Jesus' sacrifice was required, so we should be far from glum

We have all sinned and fall short, per Romans chapter three

The penalty should be death, in Romans six we clearly see

But per Hebrews nine, we have now secured redemption

Our sins are forgiven, so from death we have exemption

Isaiah fifty three prophesied that by His stripes we are healed

So when we claim victory, the enemy will be scared and yield

 

We also overcome by the work of our testimony, Pastor did say

Per Colossians one, God has rescued us out of harm's way

Since we live in freedom, we all have a testimony to share

They can encourage others who may be feeling despair

Redemption stories were then shared by Alymark and Marisol

About how they escaped troubled pasts, they both did tell

Pastor Larry referenced Psalm one hundred twenty four

And told of man who paid to release a bird out a cage door

Similarly, Jesus loves each of us so much that he gladly died

After living an earthly life that still acts for us as a perfect guide

He effectively opens our individual cages and lets us go

In return we should tell our testimonies instead of lying low

 

By not loving our lives is the third way that we can overcome

Per Mark ten, Jesus' life was ransomed for many, not just some

He expects the same from His followers, both then and now

In Romans one, unashamed of the gospel Paul did avow

For the gospel is the power of God that is salvation for all

So from telling others our testimonies, we should not stall

20 April 2014 - Easter (ENCS)

On Easter, the "Cross Words" series was ended by Pastor Larry Matsuwaki

When Jesus said "it is finished", He meant that it was a complete victory

While "I thirst" was an obvious sign of Jesus' humanity

It also referred to what in Psalm sixty nine we do see

We need a relationship with God, as Jesus well knew

The "it is finished" statement meant that He did not rue

The Greek word "tetelestai" is in the perfect tense

The action happened once but lasts for eternity hence

Jesus finished three things, Pastor Larry did then say

Sacrifice, substitution, and salvation all came that day

 

Jesus' sinless sacrifice finished God's plan that had been so often foretold

Per Matthew five, over three hundred fifty prophecies from the Testament Old

To Hebrews nine, Romans five, and Revelation twelve Pastor did refer

Saying that Jesus' blood gives us forgiveness, righteousness, and power

 

Jesus' substitution atoned for our sins, Pastor did say

A very high physical and emotional price Jesus did pay

Per Romans five, Second Corinthians five, and Isaiah fifty three

Jesus took all of our sin and justified by His blood now are we

That word "tetelestai" also means "paid in full", like our debt

Per Romans eight, no condemnation about which to fret

We are forever free of guilt and shame and of being afraid

For granted we should not take the great price that He paid

 

Jesus died to give us life, per John three verse sixteen

As long as we believe in Him, in John eleven it is seen

We should not live for other relationships, career, or money

For the enemy wants to kill and destroy, in John ten we see

But to destroy the devil's work is why Jesus did appear

We should walk in victory and no longer anything fear

And by listening to God more than to the enemy

Going to waste, we won't let Jesus' action be

 

Jesus has conquered death and He reigns forever

His love for us and our salvation He will not sever

9 March 2014 - The Attributes of God (part two of two)

In Psalm eighty six, to God David did earnestly pray

“Hear…and answer me, for I am…needy” he did say

“You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you”

“Have mercy on me” for I call to you in everything I do

“Bring joy to your servant, for to you…I lift up my soul”

For God is “abounding in love to all”, David did extol

Per Ephesians two, all were dead in their transgressions

“Gratifying the cravings” and desiring many possessions

By following the “desires and thoughts” of our sinful nature

“We were by nature objects of wrath”, the law does ensure

But our God is merciful and “made us alive in Christ”

Proving that His love and grace more than sufficed

“Job replied to the Lord”, Job chapter forty two reported

“You can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted”

In Psalm sixty eight, the power of God David did proclaim

For God is all-powerful and awesome, deserving acclaim

Jeremiah, in chapter thirty two, did on God praise shower

God “made the heavens and the earth by [His] great power”

“Nothing is too hard” for the “great and powerful God”

His great purposes and mighty deeds are no facade

For His “eyes are open to all the ways of men”

He rewards everyone’s conduct, time and again

In Revelation four, John said that worthy is the Lord

His “glory and honor and power” should not be ignored

In Psalm one hundred thirty nine, David did declare

He could not flee from God, for God is everywhere

In the heavens, on earth, and “on the far side of the sea”

To guide and protect, God’s right hand would there be

Jeremiah twenty three emphasized God’s great worth

He is nearby and far away, filling “heaven and earth”

The disciples were commissioned in Matthew twenty eight

His authority over everything, nobody should ever debate

“Go and make disciples of all nations”, Jesus did say

“Everything I have commanded you”, “teach them to obey”

His last words were “and surely I am with you always”

“To the very end of the age”, throughout all the days

God knows everything, per Psalm one thirty nine

He knows our actions and thoughts for He is divine

Before we speak, He knows the words on our tongue

This is true even if we are very old or very young

In Romans eleven, Paul talks about God’s knowledge

It is unfathomable no matter how many years of college

“The word of God is living and active”, per Hebrews four

It is sharper than any sword, so every heart it can explore

Since “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight”

“Everything is uncovered and laid bare”, Paul did write

Moses told Israel “the Lord is One” in Deuteronomy six

Love God with all heart and soul, so there are no conflicts

God “will be king over the whole earth”, per Zechariah fourteen

Then, only one Lord, his name being the only name, will be seen

Romans three says God is of the Jews and the Gentiles too

Since there is only one God, he will justify all without ado

“There is but one God”, in First Corinthians chapter eight

“From whom all things came”, the apostle Paul did state

“There is one body and one Spirit”, per Ephesians four

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism” Paul did implore

About God, Psalm one hundred twenty four imparts

“O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts”

“End the violence of the wicked”, David did then plea

“Make the righteous secure”, for righteous God will be

God talks of a righteous Branch in Jeremiah twenty three

“The days are coming” when “a King will reign wisely”

Then “Judah will be saved” and Israel will not be mauled

“The Lord our Righteousness” is the name He is called

Jesus will speak to God in our defense, per First John two

He is the atoning sacrifice for sins the world does accrue

1 February 2014 - The Names of God (part three of three)

Per Psalm 29, “the Lord sits enthroned over the flood”

“The Lord is enthroned as King forever” with royal blood

He gives His people strength and blesses them with peace

From the psalmist David, praises for God never cease

In Isaiah chapter forty three verse fifteen, God is speaking

“I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King”

Pilate asked Christ, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

In Luke twenty three, Jesus confirmed that news

In Revelation 19, John did a rider on a white horse espy

King of Kings and Lord of Lords was on his robe and thigh

God spoke to Israel in Isaiah sixty verses fifteen and sixteen

Their nation had “been forsaken and hated” it was seen

But God promised to make them “the everlasting pride”

“And the joy of all generations”, for He was on their side

That He was their Redeemer, they would then know

“The Mighty One of Jacob” would help them grow

After finding out she was with child, Mary did say

“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior” every day

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me”

“Holy is His name” and wonderful is His mercy

He helped Israel, Luke chapter one does then continue

Speaking to Abraham’s descendants all the years through

In chapter nineteen of the book bearing his name

“I know that my Redeemer lives”, Job did proclaim

“And that in the end He will stand upon the earth”

For Job would see God at the time of his rebirth

In Psalm nineteen verses twelve to fourteen, David did pray

For God to forgive his faults and keep “willful sins” away

Then David would be blameless and innocent of transgression

Making his words and meditations a pleasing progression

In Isaiah chapter forty four verses six through eight

“I am the first and I am the last”, God did solemnly state

To believe otherwise is to His uniqueness mock

There is no other God and “there is no other Rock”

Psalm nine says “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed”

“A stronghold in times of trouble”, He is up to any test

Those who know His name will trust in him, per verse ten

For The Lord has never forsaken them, be it now or then

In Psalm sixty one, David asked God to listen to his prayer

From the ends of the earth, facing any enemy he would dare

For God was David’s refuge, “a strong tower against the foe”

To take shelter in God’s tent forever, David wanted to go

Jeremiah called on the Lord, his strength and his fortress

Per chapter sixteen, Jeremiah’s “refuge in time of distress”

To God the nations will come from the ends of the earth

Their ancestors only had false gods which had no worth

God will teach them, his power and might he will show

That His “name is the Lord” then everyone will all know

To Israel, in Deuteronomy thirty two, Moses did recite a song

His words came from the Lord so they could not be wrong

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect” per verse three

“A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He”

In 1 Samuel chapter two, to the Lord Hannah did pray

“There is no Rock like our God” she did earnestly say

David penned Psalm eighteen whilst hiding from King Saul

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress” to whom David did call

The Lord God did declare, in Isaiah chapter forty three

“So that you may know and…understand that I am he”

“And apart from me there is no savior”, per verse eleven

“I have revealed and saved and proclaimed” from heaven

God’s grace has appeared to all, per Titus chapter two

It teaches us to be upright and godly in all that we do

While for our Savior Jesus Christ’s return we do wait

Knowing that He will purify his people, Paul did state

Per Isaiah forty, “the Sovereign Lord comes with power”

“His recompense accompanies him” every single hour

“He tends his flock like a shepherd” who is doing his part

Gathering his lambs and keeping them close to his heart

In Hebrews chapter thirteen verse twenty, it was clearly said

God brought Jesus, the great Shepherd, back from the dead

So that He could equip people with everything to do His will

Enabling people to please Him as His plans they do fulfill

About the angels, John wrote in Revelation seven

He then described the throne of God in heaven

“The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd”

“Who will lead them to springs of living water” undeterred

21 January 2014 - The Names of God (part one)

“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh”, Moses did God ask

In Exodus three, God said He would be with Moses for the task

Moses asked what name he should use when referring to God

“I AM WHO I AM” came the response, which sounded a bit odd

“Yahweh is the God of your fathers” – of the entire Israelite nation

And that this was how He should be remembered in every generation

For although to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob He had appeared

His name Yahweh to them He had until this time not volunteered

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed…and in times of trouble”

Psalm nine says that He will not forsake those, even in rubble

Exodus twenty verse seven says not to misuse the Lord’s name

He will punish anyone who does, the commandment does exclaim

We are to praise His greatness, per Deuteronomy 32 verse four

His works are perfect, his ways are just - and there is much more

We are to call on His name, per 1 Chronicles chapter sixteen

And make known to the nations all the wonders that have been

From Proverbs 18:10, the Lord’s name is a strong tower

“The righteous run to it and are safe” because of His power

Similarly, Jeremiah ten verse six does state

That “no one is like you, O Lord, you are great”

King David said to the Lord, in 2 Samuel seven verse twenty two

“How great you are, O Sovereign Lord…there is no God but you”

David also said that God had redeemed Israel as a nation

His “great and awesome wonders” are cause for celebration

God established the Israelites as His “very own forever”

Thus implying that God’s ties to them, nothing can sever

Psalm 68 says that God helps us escape from death

Psalm 70 states that God is our hope in every breath

He will destroy the unfaithful, as per Psalm seventy three

Being near God and making him our refuge is the key

“Lift up your heads, O you gates” says Psalm twenty four

So “that the King of glory may come in” through the door

For He is strong in battle and is the Lord Almighty

This is something on which the psalmists all agree

About angels singing, in Revelation fifteen John did write

“Just and true” are His ways, throughout both day and night

“All nations will come and worship before [Him]” per verse four

For revealed to all will be his righteous acts and so much more

In Job chapter thirty four, Elihu makes a statement quite strong

“Far be it from God to do evil” or “the Almighty to do wrong”

And for what a man and his conduct deserve, God will repay

“It is unthinkable…that God would pervert justice” Elihu did say

“The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power”

But because he does not oppress, we should not cower

Psalm ninety one says that God “is my refuge and fortress”

Acting as our “shield and rampart” will be his faithfulness

“I am the Alpha and the Omega”, said God in Revelation 1:8

“Who is, and who was, and who is to come” He did state

6 January 2014 - The Creation (part three)

Then God said “let there be lights in the expanse of the sky”

Verse 14 says “to separate the day from the night” was why

“They will serve as signs…to mark seasons and days”

The sky will thus “give light on the earth” is the next phrase

God made two great lights, to govern the day and the night

He made the stars, and he saw that all was good and right

“And there was evening, and there was morning – the fourth day”

God’s eternal city is what Revelation 21:22-26 does portray

“The glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is its lamp”

There will be no night, for with His honor God will it stamp

Then God said, “let the water teem with living creatures”

He created fish and birds, each with individual features

Some swam and some flew; some big and some small

“God saw that is was good” and “God blessed them” all

“Be fruitful and increase in number” in the sea and on land

There was evening and morning – the fifth day God planned

“How many are your works, O Lord” says Psalm 104

He cares for them all, whether in water or on shore

4 January 2014 - The Creation (part one)

I just started "The One Minute Bible Day by Day"

I am going to try to write poems the entire way

Note that I will probably end up some days combining

So if there is a silent day don't think I am resigning

Please pray that I manage to find rhyme after rhyme

I hope that you will enjoy them, if you have the time

 

The book of Genesis starts with the story of creation

Chapters 1 and 2 talk of life before the first temptation

 

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"

"The earth was formless and empty"; it had no real worth

"Over the surface of the deep", darkness did it cover

But over the waters, the Spirit of God did still hover

This story is paralleled in John 1 verses one to five

Which say that Jesus, the Word, was always alive

"The Word was with God, and the Word was God" says verse one

He was with God from the beginning, through all that He has done

"Through Him all things were made", per verse three

"In Him was life", "the light of men" that we still see

 

And then God said "let there be light" and there was light

He saw "the light was good", and thus created day and night

"There was evening, and there was morning - the first day"

God is our lamp in darkness, 2 Samuel 22:29 does say

In Psalm 27 verse one, David asks who shall he fear

"The Lord is my light and salvation" we go on to hear

Jesus is "the light of the world" John 8:12 does stress

Whoever follows Him will never ever walk in darkness

Revelation 22:5 says that "there will be no more night"

Without a lamp or sun, "the Lord God will give them light"

25 November 2013 - Name Above All Names

Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson wrote a book

Their "Name Above All Names" is worth a look

The title refers to Philippians two verse nine

In the center of a favorite passage of mine

The authors identify attributes numbering seven

Which characterize Jesus who came from heaven

 

"The seed of the woman" is the first

He came to defeat the serpent cursed

This is clear in Genesis three verse fifteen

In 1 John three verse eight this is also seen

 

"The true prophet" is the second

Through Jesus, God beckoned

Per verse 25 and 26 of John chapter 4

In Hebrews 1:1-2 we read some more

 

"The great high priest" is the third

Seated on the throne of grace we heard

And per Hebrews four from verse fourteen

Anything we face, Jesus has felt and seen

 

"The conquering king" is the fourth

A lowly donkey belied Jesus' worth

In John 12:15 and Luke 1:33

This reference we clearly see

 

"The Son of Man" is the fifth

That Jesus said this is not a myth

It was foretold in Daniel 7 verse thirteen

In Mark 8:31 his suffering was foreseen

 

"The suffering servant" is number six

Taking His Father's cup he did not nix

Isaiah 53:3-5 speaks of Jesus being afflicted

Luke 22:42-44 confirms what was predicted

 

"The Lamb on the throne" is the last

Jesus died to atone for our sinful past

John 1:29 mentions the Lamb that came to earth

In Revelations 5, only He is deemed to have worth

 

There is really nothing else that I can add

These seven attributes make me very glad

Without Him, I would pay the price for my fall

I am thankful that Jesus came to save us all

25 August 2013 - ENCS

Despite his PowerPoint disappearing, perhaps due to spam

Pastor Charles spoke on "The Nature of the Lion and the Lamb"

He started by turning to Revelations 5 verses five and six

On the bolded words Lion and Lamb our eyes did transfix

Interestingly, this is the only reference to Lion in the book

As opposed to thirty Lambs if we gave a thorough look

As a side note, in reference to First Peter five verse eight

The devil is only like a Lion, Pastor Charles set that straight

 

God's character is being formed in us all the time

Like the pressing of gold, that is pure with no grime

He wants us to have authority like the Lion

As well as the demeanour of the Lamb's scion

Sin separates us from His image, Pastor did say

So we have to make sure that we wash it away

It is not acceptable to say "but that is who I am"

Just to try to escape the consequences of a jam

We must let God do His work in and on our heart

Then His character from our personality will not part

 

The Lamb by nature has no defense except to run or call out

Calling to God for help is a good thing, of that there is no doubt

In the same vein, the Lamb does not retaliate even when he could

Jesus forgave the soldiers when they nailed Him to the wood

We should also remember that the Lamb is humble

Being a servant-minister, that prevents a big stumble

In that way, silence is a perfect response to a verbal attack

Turn away a rant with a soft answer instead of fighting back

 

The Lion on the other hand by nature does not retreat

Not intimidated, with boldness adversity he does meet

We should have this same Lion-like boldness with our faith

Look to the early church as an example, Pastor did saith

The Lion gives authority to pray and share the good news

Like Joshua and Caleb, being confident they did choose

For a life of negativity leads to a life that is forgettable

But our life can leave a legacy, otherwise it is regrettable

 

In conclusion, Pastor said that is our calling to be like both

As a Lion and as a Lamb, we can continue to see growth

God wants us to use the right nature at the right time

To ignore this calling is effectively a heavenly crime

In our nature, both a Lion and Lamb we should see

So that we can be everything God wants us to be

6 January 2013 - ENCS

The "Limitless" series was started by Pastor Larry

God's power is immense, our burdens He can carry

We base our understanding of God on what we know

But beyond the edges of the universe He doth go

Our God is infinite, that is what Pastor Larry meant

He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent

God created everything, per Revelation 1 chapter 8

Psalm 147:5 and Matthew 19:26 also say God is great

We then heard testimonies from Kim and Dr Abi

Nothing is impossible with God, we did hear and see

Pastor then asked what limits God's power in our life

Sin, rejecting God, and unbelief all cause strife

 

We can only hear God's word if sin is gone

Satan knows this, so he is always trying to con

From God, Satan's temptations draw us away

Our moral standards get corrupted to God's dismay

So, per James 5:16, we should confess and pray

And thus be healed and then walk in God's way

 

The Israelites turned back and limited God, per Psalm 78:41

Despite all the miracles over the years that God had done

Don't turn away from God, Hebrews 3:12-13 do implore

By encouraging each other, God can accomplish more

 

Without faith, we can not get blessings from our God

To Matthew's parable of the sower Pastor gave a nod

And if God asks something of us, we should not turn away

For He will give us the power to do that which he does say

Think of Moses in Exodus four verses ten through seventeen

God sent his brother to help speak, from the passage is seen

 

In summary, the core message of Pastor's sermon's that half hour

Instead of looking at our limitations, we should look at His limitless power

10 October 2010 - ENCS

Pastor Neli read Acts one from verse seven
Jesus' last words before he ascended to heaven
The Great Commission is also seen in Matthew
Three messages on which to chew
The first was that "all authority belongs to God"
"Go" was the second not too subtle prod
"He is with is" was the third
With his spirit and his word

Per Psalm 1, in the Lord we should delight
No matter whether it is day or night
For if Jesus occupies our heart
Nothing else can have a part
Pastor also said not to focus on our appearance
Others' views should not affect our perseverance
With God our hearts need to connect
That is what He has a right to expect
Matthew talks of giving, praying, and fasting
In private, only for the eyes of God everlasting

Per Acts chapters one and two
The disciples prayed about what to do
They praised God at the top of their lungs
In return, they received gifts including tongues
For they loved God, Pastor did explain
By doing the same, we may appear insane
"Seek God first, then get healed"
If we don't, our fate is sealed
"Seek God's face, not his hands"
That is one of the key commands

Then to Revelations 2:4 Pastor did turn
About the church in Ephesus there was one concern
Although about their deeds and work God did applaud
Their love for God had become somewhat flawed
So God (through John) told them to change
Three things that they should arrange
To remember from where they had fallen was the first
The second was to repent and have their actions reversed
The third instruction he did then impart
Was to revert to their works at the start

Pastor said that God is saying "I miss you"
Although his love for us is steady and true
At the end of the sermon today
We sang "I give myself away"
"So you can use me"
As we fell on our knee