(by pastor Norman)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17; NKJV). Sounds like God’s word in our Bible is our handbook for a successful Christian life. The word convicts’ people of their need for Jesus (Rom 1:16) and opens the door for eternal life with God (John 6:68). God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and life (John 6:63) and that truth will set us free from all the sin that beset us in our former life without Christ (John 8:32). We are to build our lives on the solid foundation or rock of Jesus’ words (Matt 7:24). God’s word is powerful exposing our very thoughts (Heb 4:12) so we can change and grow in the life He has for us and do all He requires of us (John 10:10 b, Josh 1:8). Faith to walk according to his word comes by hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17). We are assured that God’s word will never pass away (Matt 24:35). We are exhorted to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col 3: 16a; NKJV), to hide it in our hearts (Ps 119:11) and hold firmly to the word of life (Phil 2:16). We obviously need to make time in our Bible a real priority. In the early church there was no Bible but the Christians “continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship” (Acts 2:42a; NKJV). We must not only immerse in the word but live it and do it! (James 1:22). Are we really steadfast in studying, living and doing the word?
(by pastor Jean)
The Bible tells us that, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Everything we have and do in this life is “in Him.” According to the apostle Paul we are blessed, “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3; MEV). This is our position and it means all of Christ’s authority, power and blessing He shares with us. It is “in Him that we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins” (Eph 1:7; MEV). It is also “in Him that we have an inheritance” (Eph 1:11) and are “sealed with the Holy Spirit” (Eph 1:13). Because we are “in Christ” we have been made “new creatures” (2 Cor 5:17) and we have also been made righteous (2 Cor 5:21). We triumph “in Christ” (2 Cor 2:14) and therefore we are, “more than conquerors” (Rom 8:37). “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph 2:19; MEV) and it is in Him that we have “boldness of faith” (Eph 3:12). Because we are “in Him” God can do amazing things through us (Eph 3:20). In addition to all this God has given us His name (Mark 16:17) and also His armour (Eph 6:10) to put the devil to flight when we are under attack. Make sure you know what belongs to you because you are “in Him” and then you can walk in authority and confidence as His child.
(by pastor Jean)
In Proverbs chapter 4 and verses 20 and 21 we are given some very specific instructions regarding the word of God. Firstly, we are to “attend” to it. To attend means to pay attention to, to mark well. In other words, to focus on it. Next, we must, “incline our ear” to it or as some translations say, “listen closely” or “listen carefully.” Then, verse 21 tells us to “not let them depart from your eyes.” So, even if you know the Bible by heart, you must still read it. Finally, in verse 21, we are to keep the word “in the midst of your heart.” How do we do that? By meditating on it, rehearsing it and speaking it. To me, all of this tells me that we have to give the word of God priority in our lives, remembering that Jesus is the word (John 1:1). The more time we spend in the word, the more like Jesus we will become. However, that is not all because verse 22 says that God’s word brings us life and health. The word for health there is “marpe” and it also means healing, cure or medicine. So, every time you read your Bible you are taking your spiritual medicine which according to Proverbs 4:22 can bring physical healing. When dealing with physical health challenges that is a good time to gather up all the scriptures on healing and take them like medicine – meditate on them and speak them twice a day for as long as needed, no side effects!
(by pastor Norman)
The prophet Isaiah quotes the Lord as saying, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isa 54:17a; NKJV). That is God’s protection. In Psalm 91 we read a lot about God’s protection. God is our refuge and fortress (verse 2), our shield (verse 4) and He covers us with His feathers (verse 4). Isaiah also wrote that others may fall beside us under the evil attacks of satan but God and His angels will protect us (verses 7-11, John 10:10a). Elsewhere in Psalms we read that God is our hiding place and preserves us from trouble (Psalm 32:7). God is also described as our strong tower (Ps 18:10), our rock and stronghold (2 Sam 22:3,4). Are you getting the picture? The apostle Paul wrote, “Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. All glory to God for ever and ever. Amen” (2 Tim 4:18; NLT). God guards us from all the attacks of satan and satan cannot touch us (1 John 5:18b). With God on our side, we don’t need to fear, people cannot hurt us (Ps 118:6) and no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28). I love Psalm 121, we are assured that, “The Lord keeps watch over us as we come and go, both now and forever” (Ps 121:8; NLT) and that, “He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps” (Ps 121:4; NLT). God has us protected no matter where we are or what time it is. “I will both lie down in peace and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:8; NJKV). God’s protection is ours, but we need to have revelation of this promise and receive it by faith.