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JUDGE NOT

TEXT: *Matthew 7:1*   “Stop judging, so that you won’t be judged.” Our text today is not a suggestion, it is a clear instruction from our Master, Jesus Christ Himself.  As simple and straightforward as this command sounds, it is one of the most difficult Christian virtues to consistently practice. Judging often comes naturally to us. We assess people by their actions, words, appearance, background, or even by what we think we know about their story.  Many times, we unconsciously place ourselves on a moral high ground, forgetting that we, too, are works in progress. At times , we use Scripture legalistically, not as a tool for love, correction, and restoration, but as a weapon to condemn and control. We quote verses to justify our opinions, yet we lack full understanding of the person, the struggle, or the season they are in. The truth is that: *only God sees the complete picture.  *We may see actions, but God sees motives.*   *We may see the present, b...
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FAITH AND WORK

TEXT: James 2:18.  “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” A genuine believer cannot be hidden. A genuine faith cannot be hidden. It naturally expresses itself through visible actions that glorify God and bless others.  Many people claim to have faith, but when their lives are examined, there is little or no evidence of good works that validate their faith claim. James confronts this contradiction by making it clear that faith and works are inseparable. Faith is the root, while good works are the fruit. To “be good” is not merely about moral behaviour or religious appearance; it is about allowing the life of Christ within us to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.  When the Holy Spirit rules our hearts, goodness flows effortlessly from our lives. Our works then become a testimony that our faith is alive and active. A life surrendered to God will naturally reflect His go...

COSTLY ASSUMPTION 2

TEXT: Joshua 9:14-15. So the leaders of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not ask the LORD about it.b They made a treaty with them, guaranteeing their lives with a covenant, and the leaders of the congregation confirmed it with an oath to them.*  Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a costly assumption that costs Isreal a great deal. When the Gibeonites heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they took the initiative by preparing their provisions shrewdly: they took tattered sacks for their donkeys, worn-out, torn, and mended wineskins, worn-out, patched sandals for their feet, and worn-out clothes. All of their food was dried out and covered in mold. Then they approached Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and addressed him and the Israelis, “We’ve arrived from a distant country, so please make a treaty with us right now.” Joshua 9:3-6. This was the emotional speech the Gibeonites gave to the Israelis' leaders and they assumed they were saying the truth without hearing from...

COSTLY ASSUMPTION

TEXT:  Luke 2:44  But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. Though the word 'assumption' was never directly mentioned in the bible at any point in time, but it occurred many times with different characters in the bible.   *Assumption is believing or acting upon that which is not true.*  The very first costly assumption was committed by our first parents - Adam and Eve. The devil is the inventor of assumption. He deceived Adam and Eve, and made them assume that they could enter into a better estate than where they were or who God has made them to be.(Gen. 3:1-7) Having gone up to Jerusalem for worship, Joseph and Mary assumed that Jesus, their 12 year old boy was returning home with them. They were not cognisant of the fact that he had stayed back in Jerusalem.  In the same manner, many are in church today who assume  that Jesus is with them. They assume that bec...

COUNT THE COST-2

TEXT: Luke 14:28  For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it? In our study text, Jesus Christ was teaching about counting the cost of following the Lord.  There is a cost that comes with following the LORD, and you must sit down to count such cost in order to be a good disciple of the Lord.  The Lord used two analogies to explain how his followers should  count the cost  of following Him.  He cited the case of counting the cost of starting and being able to finish a building project. And He also talked about a king sitting down to count the cost of going to a battle front against his enemy in order to ascertain whether he has enough soldiers to fight the battle or not. The Lord now concluded by saying. " *So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."* (Luke 14:33).  This is the cost Jesus is talking about. Following the Lord entail...

COUNT THE COST

TEXT: Luke 14:28  For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it? Whatever task you wish to undertake, whatever  decision you are about to take, or whatever plan you are putting up, our Lord Jesus Christ strongly instructs that you should first sit down and count the cost. When you begin to learn how to count the cost of your decisions and undertakings , your sorrow and regrets will drastically reduce. Sitting down to count the cost will always reduce negative impacts in your faith journey and life endeavours generally.  It's possible you've made many mistakes in life in the past, but if you start obeying Jesus' instruction on planing henceforth, your  remaining days shall be full of joy and fulfillment.  *There is always a cost and price attached to every decision you have made or that you will be making.* There is a price to be paid for following the Lord. There is a price to pay f...

GRACE AND TRUTH

TEXT: John 1:17 “ For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Grace and truth are the full expression of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Before Christ came, humanity related with God mainly through the law.  The law showed what was right, but it did not give the power to live right. It exposed sin but could not heal the sinner. When Jesus came, He brought more than rules, He brought grace, truth, forgiveness, and transformation. Grace is God reaching down to lift man up. It is an unmerited favor.  Grace is strength for the weak, hope for the hopeless, and mercy for the undeserving.  Truth, on the other hand, is the light that exposes God’s standard and reveals His will. *Truth shows us the way to walk; grace gives us the ability to walk in it. That is why both must work together in the life of every believer.*  Many people want grace but avoid the truth. They desire God’s blessings but reject His instructions. Others hold tightly to truth...