How to have valuable faith?

November 11, 2025 Reflexions

A Valuable Faith: The Example of Jonathan

Base Text: I Samuel 14:6–16 (NKJV)

Introduction: The Engine of Faith

A. We find ourselves in one of the most remarkable stories of faith in the Old Testament, recorded in the book of I Samuel. The people of Israel were surrounded and terrified, pinned down by a massive, hostile army of the Philistines. The odds were impossible.

B. In this scene, we meet two figures of extraordinary courage and conviction: Jonathan and a young man who carried his armor. They ventured out to confront the Philistine army, but their bravery was not rooted in physical prowess, swordsmanship, or superior numbers. Their value was founded entirely upon their faith in God.

C. Faith is the single most vital element in the Christian life. The Scripture reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is the engine that drives us forward, urging us to go further and believe bigger, even when facing the harshest adversities life can throw at us.

D. Jonathan stands as a magnificent example of this active, vibrant faith. In this passage, we will examine his actions to discover what constitutes A Valuable Faith—a faith that God can and will use to accomplish the impossible.

I. A Valuable Faith is a Continuing Faith

Text: I Samuel 14:7–10

A. It Continues Despite the Odds

A valuable faith is one that keeps marching forward despite the overwhelming difficulties. Jonathan knew the odds: it was just two of them against an entire army. Yet, that did not cause him to retreat, for he understood a profound truth: “There is no restraint for the Lord to save by many or by few” (I Samuel 14:6).

He remembered the lessons of history—how Gideon, with only 300 men, defeated an army of thousands (Judges 7:4, 7). Jonathan knew that God's power is not determined by the size of our resources, but by the size of our belief.

B. It Rejects Vacillation

Some people claim to have faith, but their faith is wavering, weak, and double-minded. The Apostle James warns that such a person is unstable in all his ways and should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-8). A double-minded faith is worthless because it is divided between God and the world, between belief and doubt.

C. It is Based on God's Sovereignty, Not Human Strength

Jonathan’s confidence was rooted in what God might do. He told his armor-bearer, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us.” (I Samuel 14:6, emphasis added). He didn't say, "We will do this because we are so mighty." He said, "Let us go, and perhaps the Lord will act."

His willingness to advance was conditional on the Lord's intervention. This is the essence of continuing faith—moving forward not because you feel brave, but because you know the resources of God are limitless.

D. The Triumph of Perseverance

Think of the Canaanite woman who faced public rejection, social dismissal, and even silence from Jesus, yet she continued to plead for her daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). Because of that faith that continued forward, her daughter was saved.

Because of this continuing faith, Jonathan won a battle. Because of this continuing faith, we too can press forward through all the trials of the Christian life. “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (I John 5:4).

II. A Valuable Faith is a Contagious Faith

A valuable faith is never stagnant or isolated; it is infectious, transmitting strength and courage to those around us.

A. The Power of Influence

Jonathan’s faith was contagious. When he spoke to his young armor-bearer, the young man immediately caught the vision and the spirit of courage.

B. Giving Courage to Others

The armor-bearer’s response to Jonathan's risky plan was magnificent: “Do all that is in your heart. Go on; here I am with you, according to your heart” (I Samuel 14:7).

The young man was willing to follow Jonathan into an impossible situation, not because he was crazy, but because Jonathan’s faith removed his fear. A contagious faith gives courage, lifts morale, and inspires others to step out of their comfort zone and into God's purpose.

C. The Faith We Display

What kind of faith are we displaying? A timid, vacillating faith that runs away from every problem? Or a faith that inspires our children, our spouses, and our fellow believers to keep going?

When we shrink from adversity, we transmit fear and doubt. But when we stand firm on God's Word, our faith becomes a rallying cry for those around us. This faith of Jonathan was so powerful that it eventually infected the entire Israelite army, giving them the heart to rush into the battle when they saw the Philistines scattering (I Samuel 14:20).

D. Injecting Faith into the Next Generation

Think of Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy. Paul reminds Timothy of the “genuine faith, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (II Timothy 1:5). They injected their faith into him. We have the sacred duty to inject this same contagious, forward-moving faith into the hearts of our children and those we disciple.

III. A Valuable Faith is a Conquering Faith

A. Jonathan and his armor-bearer did not just make a heroic gesture; they won a spectacular victory!

This is the nature of faith put into action. The book of Hebrews celebrates those who “through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions…” (Hebrews 11:33-37). Faith conquers every time.

B. Conquering the Impossible

Our ultimate victory is eternal life, and we conquer the enemy through faith. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (I John 5:4).

This is the conquering faith that Jesus praised in the Roman Centurion, declaring He had not found such great faith, “not even in Israel!” (Matthew 8:9-10).

C. The Contrast of Little Faith

In contrast, consider the Apostle Peter walking on the water. When he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the winds and the waves, he began to sink. Jesus asked him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:30-31). Peter’s faith stopped being conquering; it became small and timid, and he began to drown in the problems of the world.

If our faith is not conquering, we will inevitably sink under the weight of the world's problems, temptations, and sins.

D. Moving the Mountains

A valuable, conquering faith knows no bounds. Jesus said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).

A conquering faith is unstoppable. No obstacle, no difficulty, and no challenge can defeat it. It pushes through the closed doors, climbs the steep cliffs, and claims the victory promised by God.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer is not merely history; it is a call to action.

We must ask ourselves today: What kind of faith do I have?

1. Is it a Continuing Faith that presses forward even when the odds are against me?

2. Is it a Contagious Faith that inspires and encourages others to stand firm?

3. Is it a Conquering Faith that overcomes the world and claims the promises of God?

Don’t settle for a timid faith, an idle faith, or a faith that retreats at the first sign of trouble. Embrace a valuable faith—a faith in action—and watch as God uses your life to achieve the impossible.

Small Sins That Can Cost Salvation

November 03, 2025 Reflexions

The Danger of Hidden Sins: Small Sins That Can Cost Salvation

Base Text: Proverbs 28:13 “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Introduction: The Weight of Concealment

Friends, we gather today around one of the most fundamental truths of our faith: our relationship with God is constantly being affected by the reality of sin.

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A. The Bible is clear: sin is the violation of God’s law (1 John 3:4). When we break His law, we become sinners, and the only path back to being clean and righteous before God is to confess our sin and turn away from it.

B. The natural, human response to sin is often denial. We excuse it, we justify it, or we blame someone else. But the biblical, healthy way to deal with the inevitable reality of sin in our lives is to confess it and abandon it.

C. To confess means to "admit, declare, and agree with God" about what we have done. To abandon means to "stop doing it" and turn our backs on that behavior.

D. Only those who confess and renounce their sin will find mercy (1 John 1:9). The danger lies not in the fact that we sin, but in the refusal to confess it.

E. Today, we are going to look at four common sins—sins we often dismiss as "small" or insignificant—but which absolutely need to be dragged into the light of God's grace and confessed before Him. These are sins that can, and will, cost us our spiritual prosperity and even our salvation if we allow them to remain hidden:

1. The Sin of the Tongue.

2. The Sin of Idleness.

3. The Sin of Envy.

4. The Sin of Not Listening to God.

Proposition: Only those who confess and renounce their sin obtain God’s forgiveness and mercy.

Interrogative: What sins do we need to confess today to be fully restored before God?

I. We Must Confess the Sin of the Tongue

Text: Proverbs 13:3 - “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

The tongue is a small member, yet it directs the whole course of our lives.

A. The Tongue Can Destroy Lives The Apostle James warns us that with the tongue we bless God and yet we curse men (James 3:9). The mouth that is opened too wide brings calamity (Proverbs 13:3). Indeed, the Bible teaches that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).

B. An Illustration of Talking Too Much There is an old fable about two birds carrying a frog across a swamp. To do so, they told the frog to hold onto a stick with his mouth, with each bird holding one end. They warned him, "No matter what happens, do not open your mouth." As they flew over a village, a farmer looked up and exclaimed, "What a brilliant idea! Who thought of that?" The proud frog, desperate to take credit, opened his mouth and croaked, “I did it!”—and instantly plummeted to his death.

In the same way, many perish, or at least severely damage their lives, relationships, and reputation, simply because they refuse to restrain their tongue.

C. The Tongue is a Dangerous Fire The tongue is a fire, full of deceit (Psalm 10:7) and poison (Psalm 140:3). It causes strife and separates even the closest of friends (Proverbs 6:19; 16:28). Gossip, criticism, and cutting words are tools of the enemy, and we have wielded them carelessly.

D. God Calls Us to Use the Tongue Well We are called to use our speech for edification (Ephesians 4:29), to be graceful and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). We are to speak justice and truth (Psalm 35:28) and, above all, to keep our tongue from evil (Psalm 34:13; 1 Peter 3:10).

Partial Conclusion: If we have sinned with our tongue—gossip, slander, destructive criticism, or hurtful words—we must confess that sin now and ask God for forgiveness and the strength to guard our lips.

II. We Must Confess the Sin of Idleness

Text: Proverbs 6:6 - “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!”

Idleness, or slothfulness, is a sin that seems mild, but it eats away at our purpose and spiritual vitality.

A. God Commands Us to Be Diligent In Romans 12:11, we are told, “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” The ant is held up as an example: working tirelessly, without a supervisor, with order and purpose. The ant is wise because it knows time is short and work is necessary.

B. From the Beginning, God Ordained Work From the creation narrative, Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to "work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15). Later, when God provided manna for Israel, they were given enough for each day, forcing them to be diligent and gather it daily (Exodus 16:16-24). Diligence is built into God's plan for humanity.

C. God Values Diligence We are commanded to “Guard your soul diligently” (Deuteronomy 4:9). The soul of the diligent will be prospered (Proverbs 13:4). Most importantly, we are called to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Partial Conclusion: Idleness is sin. It is a theft of the time and potential God has given us. We must confess it, because a lack of diligence weakens our faith, blinds us to opportunity, and distances us from God’s divine purpose.

III. We Must Confess the Sin of Envy

Text: Proverbs 14:30 - “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”

Envy is often considered a polite sin—a silent internal struggle—but the Bible calls it a spiritual cancer.

A. Envy is a Spiritual Cancer It destroys relationships, steals joy, and turns our hearts cold toward our brothers and sisters. The Proverbs writer calls it “rottenness to the bones.” A peaceful heart brings life, but envy brings decay.

B. The Example of Joseph's Brothers Think of Joseph’s brothers. Because of envy, they “could not speak peaceably to him” (Genesis 37:4, 11). That envy eventually escalated. What started as resentment led to planning his murder, and finally, selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:20, 28). Envy never remains a small, internal issue; it always seeks outward destruction.

C. Envy Breeds Hatred, Selfishness, and Strife Envy leads to anger (Job 5:2). It is a root of contention. The excellence of another’s work often provokes the envy of man (Ecclesiastes 4:4). And Jesus, in a piercing question, challenged the envious by asking, “Are you envious because I am good?” (Matthew 20:15).

D. Envy Even Contaminates Ministry Paul acknowledged that some preached Christ out of “envy and rivalry” (Philippians 1:15, 17). This sin is so destructive that the Bible explicitly warns: “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).

Partial Conclusion: If envy dwells in our hearts—jealousy over a friend’s success, bitterness toward a coworker, or resentment toward a fellow believer—we must confess it and abandon it. Love “does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

IV. We Must Confess the Sin of Not Listening to God

Text: Proverbs 28:9 - “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.”

This is perhaps the most dangerous "small sin" of all, because it cuts off the very source of our spiritual life.

A. Not Listening to God is a Grave Sin God speaks to us primarily through His Word, the Bible, yet many willingly turn away their ears. They are too busy, too distracted, or simply indifferent. The consequence is terrifying: “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” Our petitions become disgusting to the Lord if we are simultaneously rejecting His commands.

B. The Promise to Those Who Listen to God The promise of God’s blessing is always attached to our willingness to hear Him. “But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm” (Proverbs 1:33). And again, “If you fully obey the Lord your God… He will bless you” (Deuteronomy 15:5-6). Security, peace, and blessing are the rewards of an attentive ear.

C. The Danger of Rejecting the Word Jesus Himself warned, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48). If we refuse to listen to God today, we cannot expect Him to listen to us tomorrow. Indifference to the Word is indifference to the voice of God.

Partial Conclusion: We must examine how much time we dedicate to hearing God’s voice through the Scriptures and confess if we have been indifferent or rebellious toward His Word.

General Conclusion: The Path to Mercy

A. Sin, regardless of how "small" it seems, is still the violation of God’s holy law. And Proverbs 28:13 is the eternal truth: “He who conceals his sins will not prosper.” Hidden sin always leads to a spiritual rot in the soul.

B. But there is a promise of restoration! “…but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” The moment we stop covering up and start confessing, God's limitless mercy is released.

C. There is no such thing as a small sin in God's eyes; they are all serious enough to require the sacrifice of Christ. And they all must be confessed.

D. Today, God calls us to examine our hearts in the light of His Word:

• Have we sinned with the tongue?

• Have we been idle or lazy in our responsibilities?

• Have we harbored envy or selfishness?

• Have we stopped listening to God?

Final Call:

If the Holy Spirit has pricked your heart regarding one of these sins, or any other sin, you have a clear command and a beautiful promise.

Confess and abandon them now, because “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Do not leave this place weighed down by the heavy burden of concealed sin. Find mercy today!

Walking Towards the Impossible

October 30, 2025 Reflexions

Walking Towards the Impossible

Base Text: Exodus 14:26–31

Introduction: The Impossible Situation

We are looking today at one of the most extraordinary events in all of Scripture: the moment the people of Israel faced an impossible situation.

They had just been freed from four centuries of slavery in Egypt and were on the march, led by the cloud by day and the fire by night. But then, their journey came to an abrupt halt, trapping them in a corner of terror:

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• In Front of Them: The vast, impassable Red Sea.

• On Their Sides: The harsh, unyielding desert.

• Behind Them: The thunderous charge of Pharaoh’s entire, vengeful army.

Israel had only three options in that moment:

1. Stay where they were → This meant death.

2. Return to Egypt → This meant returning to slavery.

3. Keep moving forward → This meant trusting God and finding salvation.

Like Israel, we all face moments in life where the path seems closed, where there appears to be no way out of the crisis—whether it’s financial ruin, relational breakdown, or spiritual stagnation.

But here is the foundational truth: God always opens a way. Our challenge is to decide whether we retreat, stand still, or press forward in faith.

I. Faced with Impossibility, Some Choose to Retreat

When pressure mounts, the first temptation is always to turn around.

1. The Danger of Turning Back

When the dust cloud of Pharaoh’s chariots appeared, Israel was terrified and immediately thought it was better to return to Egypt (Exodus 14:10-12). Fear and unbelief made them completely forget the promises of God—all the miracles they had just witnessed!

To retreat is to surrender before you see the victory. It is to let the pressure of the moment erase the memory of God’s faithfulness.

2. The Temptation of the Past

Even later in the wilderness, the people complained, longing to return to Egypt (Exodus 16:2–3; Numbers 11:4–5). They remembered the food—the onions, the leeks, the fish—but they conveniently forgot the slavery, the beatings, and the crushing oppression.

In the same way, many Christians look back at the "pleasures of the world" or the "comforts" of their old, sinful life (Ephesians 2:2–3). They remember the excitement but forget the emptiness, the bondage, and the destruction that sin always leaves behind.

3. The Biblical Exhortation

The Bible makes our position clear: “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39).

God calls us to advance, not to look back (Proverbs 16:17). When the pressure hits, the devil whispers, "Go back! It was easier then!" But the Holy Spirit urges us, "Keep trusting! God is faithful!"

Application: Retreating will never be an option for the faithful believer!

II. Faced with Impossibility, Others Choose to Stop

A second group doesn't retreat, but they fail to advance. They stop moving, paralyzed by fear or indifference.

1. The Trap of Spiritual Neutrality

Some believers attempt to maintain a position of "spiritual neutrality," avoiding commitment or action. They think they can simply stop, watch the battle, and wait for the dust to settle.

But the Lord Jesus was very direct: “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad” (Matthew 12:30). There is no middle ground in the Kingdom of God.

2. The Danger of Lukewarmness

This is the sin of the church of Laodicea, which God condemned: “You are neither cold nor hot... I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16).

Many prefer not to be fully involved in the work of God, not to defend the faith, and not to serve with passion, thinking that by doing so they will avoid problems. They choose safety over sacrifice.

But God calls us to courage, not indifference (1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3).

3. God Rejects Spiritual Cowardice

The Bible gives a stern warning: “The cowardly... shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

To stand still is to lose purpose, to lose ground, and to lose the opportunity to experience the miraculous movement of God.

Application: God cannot use a neutral believer. In the spiritual battle, there are no spectators—only soldiers. The one who stops, loses territory!

III. Faced with Impossibility, God Says: Go Forward!

When Moses cried out to God, God’s response was not a lecture on theology or a plan for retreat. It was a clear, simple command.

1. The Mandate of God

“Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exodus 14:15).

Even though the sea looked like an insurmountable obstacle, obedience was the key that unlocked the miracle. When we walk in faith, God opens pathways where there were none before. The miracle doesn't happen until the feet move.

2. Examples of Advancing Faith

We see this faith throughout Scripture:

• The Four Friends of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1–10): They didn't stop because of the crowd. They advanced—up the roof and through it—until they brought their friend to Christ and achieved the miracle.

• Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10): He didn't let the multitude prevent him from seeing Jesus. He ran and climbed a tree. His commitment to advance brought salvation into his home.

3. The Victory of God’s People

Israel stepped into the closed sea and walked through the depths on dry ground (Exodus 14:22). There, God definitively delivered them from the power of Egypt (Exodus 14:30–31).

In the same way, the believer who keeps moving forward will obtain the victory and the eternal salvation promised by God.

Application: Every obstacle in the believer’s life is an opportunity to see the power of God. Keep marching, even if the sea looks closed, because God will open it at your step!

See Also

General Conclusion: The Decision to March

In the face of the impossible, we are left with three choices:

1. To Retreat: To look back to the past, forgetting God's promises and risking perdition.

2. To Stop: To live in spiritual lukewarmness and disobedience, losing purpose.

3. To Go Forward: To trust God and obtain eternal life through faith.

The enemy will always say, "Retreat." Your flesh will say, "Stop." But God, our commanding officer, always says, "Go Forward!"

The choice is ours: Will we stay paralyzed, or will we march toward the impossible, trusting fully in the power of God?

Final Call:

The sea will not open while you stand still. You must take the first step of faith! God calls you to advance, even when it seems humanly impossible, because where your strength ends, the miraculous power of the Lord begins.

Preaching on Seeing God Face to Face

October 26, 2025 Sermons

Sermon: Seeing God Face to Face

Theme: The Promise of Contemplating God's Presence

Introduction

A. Throughout history, the human heart has harbored a deep and ancient desire to see God face to face. Some have searched for signs, others have explored the vastness of the heavens or the depths of science, but our physical sight has always reached the limit of the invisible.

B. Many people reject faith because they cannot see God with their natural eyes. Others, with wavering belief, wish to see Him in order to believe. However, the Scripture is clear: faith does not come by sight, but by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).

C. Nevertheless, the Bible—the truth of God—reveals that there is a way, a glorious day, when we will be able to see God as He is. And that way is summarized in one requirement: faithfulness and holiness.

D. Question: Do you long to see God face to face? In this study of Scripture, we will uncover what the Bible teaches about that greatest human aspiration.

Only the faithful, those with clean hearts and holy lives, will be able to see God face to face.

Who will see God face to face, and how can we prepare for that day?

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I. Many Have Desired to See God, But Could Not

A. An Ancient Human Desire

The longing to see God is as old as humanity:

• Hagar believed she had seen God, calling Him "The God Who Sees" (Genesis 16:13), but it was the Angel of the LORD who spoke to her (v. 11).

• Jacob thought he had seen God face to face at Peniel (Genesis 32:30), but the prophet Hosea clarifies that he wrestled with an angel (Hosea 12:4).

• The people of Israel wanted to approach and see God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:21), but God warned them—under penalty of death—to keep their distance.

B. The Human Impossibility

The problem lies with our current condition:

• Moses, the man closest to God, asked to see His glory (Exodus 33:18-20), but the Lord gave him a solemn reply: “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.”

• With this mortal, corruptible, and weak body, we cannot endure the immensity, power, and radiance of His glory (1 Corinthians 15:40–44).

• Only when we are transformed into glorious, incorruptible bodies will we be capable of contemplating His presence without being destroyed.

C. Biblical Testimonies

• The prophet Isaiah believed he had seen the Lord "sitting on a throne, high and lifted up" (Isaiah 6:1) and thought he would die for being an unclean man (Isaiah 6:5).

• Despite these partial, mediated visions, the Scripture firmly states: “No one has ever seen God” (John 1:18; 1 John 4:12).

• God dwells in unapproachable light, "whom no one has seen or can see" (1 Timothy 6:16).

• The only perfect manifestation of God has been in Jesus Christ: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). In Christ, God made Himself visible and tangible.

II. God Has Manifested Himself Through His Created Works

Although we have not seen Him face to face, we are not without His testimony.

A. Creation Reveals God

• “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1, ESV).

• “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

• Everything created, from the vastest galaxy to the smallest cell, speaks of His eternal power and divine nature, clearly perceived through the things that have been made (Romans 1:20).

B. No Excuse for Unbelief

• Even though we have not seen Him in His essence, creation is a visible, constant, and sufficient testimony to His existence.

• His glory, wisdom, and power are revealed in everything He has done.

• Therefore, no one can reasonably claim that God does not exist. The creation is His signature upon the universe.

III. Who Will See God Face to Face?

We have established that natural man cannot see God, and that His testimony is in creation. But who will finally be able to behold His glory? The Bible gives us the answer.

A. The Pure in Heart

• Jesus declared it in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

• Purity of heart here does not mean sinless perfection—for we are saved by grace—but sincerity, faithfulness, a holy life, and pure motives before God. It is a heart that has been cleansed by faith in Christ and longs only to please Him.

• God looks for internal cleansing, not just an external facade.

B. Those Who Live in Holiness

• The writer of Hebrews is unambiguous: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

• Seeing God requires a life set apart from sin, guided by the Spirit, and faithful in obedience. Holiness is not an option; it is a prerequisite for entering God’s presence.

C. The Transformed Children of God

• The Apostle John gave us this glorious promise: “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

• In heaven, the redeemed will receive glorified bodies, finally capable of contemplating the glory of God without fear or death. Our transformation is our preparation for His presence.

See Also

Conclusion

A. No one has ever seen God in His fullness, but we have the sure promise that one day we will see Him face to face.

B. Only the faithful, the pure in heart, and the holy will have that glorious privilege.

C. Today, we know Him through Christ and through the works of His creation, but soon we will see Him in His ultimate glory.

D. Let us live in faithfulness and holiness, so that when that day arrives, we may joyfully say:

“Face to face in His glory, my Redeemer I shall see.”

Amen.

Take Heed, Lest You Fall 1 Corinthians 10:12

October 17, 2025 Reflexions

Sermon: Take Heed, Lest You Fall

Base Text: 1 Corinthians 10:12

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

Introduction

The Apostle Paul issues a sober warning to believers in this verse, a warning about the great peril of spiritual self-confidence.

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If you think you are standing firm, Paul says, be careful, lest you fall. This passage comes after Paul recounts the history of the Israelites, who, despite experiencing God’s saving power, fell away due to sin, lust, and idolatry. Their experience serves as an example for us.

No one is exempt from the danger of falling. We are all exposed to spiritual attack and the subtle creep of sin, and we must be vigilant.

It is remarkably easy to observe the failures and flaws of others while neglecting our own spiritual lives. Many Christians spend their time criticizing and condemning others, without ever examining their own condition. But the prudent Christian watches their own life closely and works out their salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12).

Let us heed Paul’s warning today: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

I. Take Heed, Lest We Fall

1. Our Salvation is Paramount.

Our salvation is the most important matter in our lives, and we cannot neglect it or trust in our own strength (Heb. 2:1). Self-confidence is often the very thing that leads to a fall, as it did with the Apostle Peter. Peter confidently declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you!” (Mark 14:31). Yet, hours later, he denied Christ three times. Self-confidence sets us up for a fall; trust in God keeps us steady.

2. It is Easy to See the Sins of Others and Forget Our Own.

King David is a powerful example. After committing adultery and arranging a murder, the prophet Nathan told him a parable about a rich man who selfishly stole a poor man’s only lamb. David, in righteous indignation, judged the sin of this "other man" severely, pronouncing him worthy of death—only to have Nathan declare, “You are the man!” (2 Sam. 12:7). Jesus taught us to live by the principle, “The measure with which you measure will be measured back to you” (Matt. 7:2). We must check our vision before we check others.

3. No One Can Say, "I Will Never Fall."

Even the great Apostle Paul, recognizing his own vulnerability, declared, “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27). He continually pressed on toward the goal (Phil. 3:13-14). As long as we are in this life, the danger of falling exists.

4. Examples of Believers Who Neglected Their Vigilance.

We see churches that lost their grip. The Ephesians had lost their "first love" (Rev. 2:5). The Galatians were so distracted by false teaching that they were "severed from Christ" and "fallen away from grace" (Gal. 5:4). Complacency and distraction are dangerous enemies.

5. It is Not Enough to Guard Our Doctrine; We Must Guard Our Heart.

Many Christians do not fall into public sins like adultery or theft, but they fall into the silent sins of the heart: pride, arrogance, self-righteousness, or deceit (Rom. 11:20-22). The enemy does not care how you fall, only that you fall.

6. We Must Examine Ourselves.

The Scripture commands, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). Only the one who has properly examined and removed the log from their own eye can safely help a brother with the speck in his (Matt. 7:1-5).

Lesson: Guarding our salvation is a personal and constant responsibility.

II. Factors That Can Cause Us to Fall

We must not only be vigilant but also identify the specific dangers.

1. Unbelief.

The Israelites in Romans 11:20 were broken off "because of their unbelief." Only a firm and living faith in Christ keeps us standing. When we stop believing God's promises, we stop obeying His commands.

2. A Weak Foundation.

Jesus warned that the one who hears His words and does not act on them is like a foolish man who builds his house on the sand. When the storms come, "it fell, and great was the fall of it" (Matt. 7:24-27). Christ alone must be the solid foundation of our life.

3. Following Wrong Leaders.

Jesus said, “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Matt. 15:14). Many fall because they follow charismatic, popular, or powerful men instead of following Christ and His clear Word. Our loyalty must be to the Shepherd, not merely the sheep.

4. Unremoved Stumbling Blocks.

Jesus' teaching is stark: “If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out... If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off” (Matt. 5:29-30). This is hyperbole to emphasize the necessity of radical action. Anything that causes you to stumble—a persistent sin, a toxic friendship, a dangerous habit, a specific place—must be identified and eliminated.

Lesson: Identifying and removing stumbling blocks is an essential part of spiritual self-care.

III. Only in God Can We Stand Firm

The good news is that we are not left to stand on our own shaky feet.

1. God Sustains Those Who Trust in Him.

The Psalmist declares, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Ps. 37:24). The righteous may fall seven times, but they will rise again (Prov. 24:16). Our strength to stand is not in ourselves but in His sustaining power.

2. God Always Provides a Way of Escape.

The very next verse after our base text is a beautiful promise: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). He knows how to deliver the godly from temptation (2 Pet. 2:9).

3. True Security is Only in God.

Faith in oneself brings about a fall; faith in God brings firmness. It is God’s grace alone that raises us up and keeps us secure until the very end.

Lesson: Our firmness does not depend on our own strength, but on the power of God that sustains us.

Take Heed, Lest You Fall 1 Corinthians 10:12

Conclusion

No one is so firm that they cannot fall. Spiritual vigilance is a vital necessity for every believer.

Let us stop looking at the faults of others and instead look to our own personal salvation. Let us discard every stumbling block and remain in Christ, “who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24).

Final Call:

I urge you to examine yourself today.

• Are you primarily trusting in yourself or in God?

• Are you diligently guarding your own salvation or are you distracted by watching and criticizing others?

Remember the warning: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” May we all walk humbly, watchful, and upheld by the mighty hand of God. Amen.

3 Spiritual Things We Should Desire

October 08, 2025 Reflexions

The Spiritual Yearning

The Heart's Deepest Desire

The world around us is filled with desires. We long for a better job, a nice car, a beautiful home, or a loving family. These desires often focus on what we can see, touch, and possess—material things. But what if we were meant to long for something more? The Bible challenges us to redirect our deepest desires from the temporary things of this world to the eternal things of God.

The Greek word for this kind of longing is epithumeo, which means to "desire eagerly" or "to have a strong impulse." It's not a casual wish; it's a profound, inner yearning. Today, we'll explore what it means to truly crave the things of God.

The Bible makes it clear: our longing should be for spiritual things.

1. A Thirst for God's Law and Salvation

The Psalmist, in Psalm 119:174, cries out, "I long for your salvation, Lord." He found joy and readiness in God’s presence, saying, "I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’" (Psalm 122:1). He had a palpable desire to be in God's presence, to worship and to learn from His law.

Do we share this same passion? Do we feel a thrill at the thought of gathering with other believers to worship? Or do we find ourselves reluctant and unenthusiastic? Our desire for God’s house and His Word is a direct reflection of our true desire for our own salvation.

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2. A Deep Hunger for His Presence

In Psalm 42:1-2, the Psalmist uses a powerful metaphor: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." This image of a hunted, thirsty deer captures a desperate, life-sustaining need.

Just as a deer longs for water to survive, our souls should have an overwhelming thirst for God. Is our desire for God as urgent as a desperate thirst? Do we relentlessly pursue Him, knowing that He alone can give us the living water that quenches all our spiritual needs? Jesus said that He is that living water, and that whoever drinks of Him will never thirst again (John 4:13-14).

3. A Craving for His Word

The Psalmist also expressed an intense desire for God's commandments, saying, "I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands" (Psalm 119:131). He longed to consume God's Word as his spiritual food. The prophet Ezekiel was similarly instructed to eat a scroll given to him by God, making the Word a part of his very being (Ezekiel 2:8, 3:1-3).

We are called to be like newborns, who crave pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2). Do we hunger for God’s Word? Do we eagerly study it, allowing it to nourish and strengthen our inner man? Our spiritual health is directly tied to our appetite for God's truth.

See Also

A Call to Action

Our spiritual desires are not meant to be passive wishes; they are meant to drive our actions. We should:

• Seek God Diligently: As Isaiah 26:9 says, we should seek God with our whole spirit, diligently and with urgency, every day of our lives.

• Long to Hear His Word: Like the proconsul Sergius Paulus who "longed to hear the word of God" (Acts 13:7), we should always be eager to listen to and learn from His teachings.

• Strive for Spiritual Service: The desire to serve God's people is a noble one. The Bible says it is a "good work" to aspire to be a spiritual leader, such as an overseer (1 Timothy 3:1).

Conclusion

Our world tempts us to pursue material wealth and fleeting pleasures, and while it's not a sin to be prosperous, it becomes a sin when these material things replace God in our hearts.

The Bible is clear: our true happiness and eternal life are found when we redirect our longing to spiritual things. Let us not grow weary in our pursuit of God. Let us hunger for His presence, thirst for His living water, and crave His Word with all our hearts. These are the desires that will lead us home.

3 Terrible Consequences of Sin

October 03, 2025 Reflexions

The Terrible Consequences of Sin

Sin is a reality we can't ignore, but many people in the world today treat it as a joke or something normal. Some believe that sin is only about obvious wrongdoings like stealing, killing, or drinking. But the Bible gives us a much clearer definition: sin is the transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4). When we break God's law, we commit sin. And when we do, there are serious, eternal consequences.

God has given us free will, but our choices come with a price. Here are three terrible consequences of sin.

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1. Sin Makes Us Slaves

In John 8:31-32, Jesus told His disciples that if they held to His teaching, they would know the truth, and the truth would set them free. The Jewish people listening to Him didn't understand. "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone," they replied.

But Jesus clarified that He was not speaking of physical slavery. He said, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). Sin holds us captive. It binds us with habits, desires, and behaviors that we often can't break on our own. It promises freedom but delivers chains. The more we indulge in sin, the tighter those chains become, making it harder and harder to break free.

2. Sin Separates Us from God

Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This means sin creates a barrier between us and God. It's not that God can't see us or doesn't want to hear us; it's that sin, by its very nature, separates us from a holy God.

Isaiah 59:1-2 explains this perfectly: "Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Sin builds a wall between us and our Creator, blocking our fellowship with Him and making it impossible for us to receive His help. We lose the ability to connect with the very source of life, comfort, and peace.

3. The Wages of Sin Is Death

Perhaps the most terrifying consequence of sin is found in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death." This isn't just about physical death. The Bible is talking about spiritual death—a permanent separation from God. This spiritual death is the ultimate consequence of being separated from the "glory of God" we just talked about.

Ephesians 2:1 says that we are spiritually dead in our sins and transgressions. When we are separated from God, the source of spiritual life, we are spiritually dead. Sin robs us of our spiritual vitality and condemns us to an eternal state of separation.

The Path to Forgiveness

If sin has such terrible consequences, what can we do? How do we break free from its slavery, tear down the wall of separation, and escape spiritual death? The only way is to have our sins forgiven.

The Apostle Peter gave the answer on the day of Pentecost when he told the crowd what to do after they had heard the Gospel. In Acts 2:37-38, they asked, "What shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

God has given us a clear path. We must repent of our sins and be baptized for their forgiveness. It's the only way to be cleansed, to have the barrier between us and God removed, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift is a "seal" or "guarantee" from God (Ephesians 1:13-14), confirming that He will give us eternal life—a promise God cannot break (Titus 1:2).

The terrible consequences of sin are real, but so is God's grace. Through repentance and baptism, we can leave our slavery behind, restore our fellowship with God, and gain the promise of eternal life.

Preaching on Romans 8:35 Who Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ?

September 27, 2025 Sermons

Who Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ?

This is a powerful question asked by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:35, and it’s one we should ask ourselves today. Paul lists a number of formidable obstacles—things that could easily cause us to falter—but he insists that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Let's look at the challenges he mentions and see how our faith can stand firm.

The Trials That Test Our Faith

Paul knew that life is full of difficulties, but he had a deep conviction that God's love is stronger than any hardship. He mentions six specific trials that we might face:

1. Tribulation: This word refers to suffering caused by external pressures or opposition. For many, tribulations lead them to abandon their faith. But Paul saw things differently. He "rejoiced in our sufferings" (Romans 5:3) and endured them with patience (2 Corinthians 4:12). He understood that trials have a purpose: they produce perseverance (James 1:3). Are the pressures of life causing you to stray from God? Instead, see them as opportunities to strengthen your faith and receive the "crown of life" (James 1:12).

2. Distress: This means "narrowness" or "tightness of place." It's the feeling of being in a desperate situation with no way out. We may feel overwhelmed and depressed by life's anxieties, just as Jesus did in the garden (Matthew 26:37). But as Paul wrote, we can be "afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair" (2 Corinthians 4:8). No matter how tight our situation feels, it's not a reason to turn away from Christ's love.

3. Persecution: In the early church, persecution was a daily reality. Christians were hunted and harmed for their faith. Jesus said that those who want to live a godly life will be persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12, 2 Timothy 3:12). Paul and Barnabas faced intense persecution (Acts 13:50), but it didn't stop them. Today, we may not face physical persecution, but we still face ridicule or opposition for our beliefs. Are we willing to stand firm?

4. Famine: To go without food is a basic, desperate need. For some early Christians, persecution meant being stripped of their property (Hebrews 10:34) and even being forbidden to buy or sell (Revelation 13:17). This kind of hunger could tempt a person to sell their soul, just as Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew (Hebrews 12:16). But Paul learned the secret of being content in all circumstances, whether he had plenty or was in need (Philippians 4:11-12). God will not let the righteous go hungry (Proverbs 10:3).

5. Nakedness: This refers to having no clothing or shelter, a sign of extreme poverty and destitution. Paul himself faced this (1 Corinthians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 11:27). Yet, he didn’t let his circumstances separate him from Christ's love.

6. Danger: Paul's life was full of danger. He was in constant peril from robbers, fellow Jews, and even false believers (2 Corinthians 11:26). His life was always on the line for the sake of the Gospel. Today, most of us don't face these life-threatening dangers. So, what "dangers" are keeping us from living for Christ?

7. Sword: In the first century, the sword was the ultimate weapon of death. Both John the Baptist (Matthew 14:10-11) and the Apostle James (Acts 12:2) were executed by the sword. Paul is saying that even the threat of death itself cannot separate a true believer from the love of Christ. Are we willing to die for our faith? If not, we could easily be led astray by lesser challenges.

An Unbreakable Love

Paul's conclusion is a bold declaration of faith. He continues in Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The love of Christ is an unbreakable bond. It should compel us, as Paul says, to live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:14). Are you living in a way that shows nothing can separate you from His love?

Who Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ?

This is a question the Apostle Paul asks the Roman church in Romans 8:35, and it is a question we should all ask ourselves today. Paul lists things that seem powerful enough to break us, but he insists that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of Christ.

More Than Conquerors

In Romans 8:38-39, Paul gives us the ultimate answer: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

What a powerful declaration! There is nothing in all of existence—not the struggles we face, the spiritual forces we can't see, or the things to come—that can sever the bond between us and Christ's love.

This isn't just a promise; it's a statement of our new reality in Christ. Because of His victory, we are "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37). In Christ, we are more than just survivors; we are triumphant. He has already overcome the world and all its challenges (John 16:33). And with Him, we can overcome them too.

God gives us the victory through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). Through Him, we always triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14). This victory is for those who are born again, for "everyone born of God overcomes the world" (1 John 5:4). Our faith is the key to this victory.

Apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5), but through Him, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). The question is, do you truly believe this? Are you living as if you are a conqueror in Christ, walking in the victory He has already won for you?

Preaching on Romans 8:35 Who Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ?

See Also

A Final Challenge

So, what is separating you from the love of Christ today? Is it your job, your family, or personal problems? The truth is, nothing and no one can separate you from His love, because you are a conqueror in Him.

Take a moment to ask yourself and answer with all sincerity: What can separate me from the love of Christ?

Preaching on Great Flood: Lessons for our Spiritual Lives

September 23, 2025 Sermons

Lessons from the Great Flood Genesis 6:1-8

The story of the flood in Genesis is more than just a historical event; it's a powerful and timeless lesson for our spiritual lives. As the Bible tells us in Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:6, these Old Testament accounts serve as examples and warnings for us today. The flood reveals a core truth: God is patient, but human wickedness always brings judgment.

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1. The Reality of Human Wickedness

The book of Genesis paints a grim picture of humanity before the flood: "Every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time" (Genesis 6:5). People had traded the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:24-26), and their corruption was complete. The world was filled with violence, just as it is today. When a culture is dominated by evil, judgment is an inevitable result (Psalm 5:4).

This raises an important question for us: are we just following the current of a corrupt world, or are we standing firm in our commitment to holiness?

2. God's Warning to the Wicked

Even in the face of such evil, God showed incredible patience. He declared that He would not strive with man forever, giving them 120 years before the flood (Genesis 6:3). During this time, Noah, a "preacher of righteousness," warned his generation (2 Peter 2:5). God gave time for the people to repent, but they refused.

This is a recurring theme in the Bible. God gave time for Pharaoh to change his heart, and Jesus warned the churches in Asia to repent before it was too late. God is patient and "does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). But the warning is clear: just as the door of the ark was eventually shut, the opportunity to repent will not last forever.

Today is the time to repent and turn to God. Tomorrow might be too late.

3. God Always Preserves a Faithful Remnant

In the midst of all the wickedness, Noah "found favor in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8). He was God's faithful remnant. We see this pattern throughout Scripture: Lot was preserved in the wicked city of Sodom (2 Peter 2:7-8), and Elijah believed he was alone, but God had preserved 7,000 faithful people who had not bowed to false gods (1 Kings 19:18).

You are not alone in your spiritual battle. No matter how dark the world becomes, God always has a faithful people who stand firm against evil.

4. God Provides a Safe Refuge

For Noah and his family, the ark was their refuge from the coming storm. For Lot, it was the safety of the mountain. For us, our ultimate refuge is in Christ. He is our Savior and protector.

While this world and its wickedness will eventually be judged, God has prepared an eternal refuge for His faithful people in heaven (Revelation 21:1-4). This is the blessed hope for all who put their trust in Him.

Preaching on Great Flood: Lessons for our Spiritual Lives

See Also

Conclusion

The story of the flood teaches us four key lessons:

• Human wickedness always leads to judgment.

• God is patient, giving us time to repent.

• God always preserves a faithful people.

• God provides a secure refuge for those who follow Him.

Just as Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, we too can find grace through Jesus Christ. If you are struggling with sin or feel lost in this world, today is the day to turn to Him. He is the only true refuge.

Preaching on Oneness of the Church

September 19, 2025 Sermons

Sermon on Oneness of the Church

Oneness is a central command from God and a deep desire of Christ for His church (John 17:20-23). As the psalmist beautifully wrote, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). While some things are good but unpleasant (like surgery) and others are pleasant but not good (like constant entertainment), unity in Christ is a rare combination of both: it's good and pleasant.

Unity makes us strong. A divided kingdom cannot stand (Matthew 12:26), and without unity, there can be no victory.

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Biblical Expressions of Oneness

The Bible describes the church's oneness in many powerful ways. We are called:

• A nation and a people: Together, we form a distinct community set apart for God (1 Peter 2:9-10).

• One body: We are many parts, but we are all members of one body in Christ. Each part has a unique role, but all work together (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:13-17).

• A family: We are not strangers but fellow members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19; Galatians 6:10).

• A bride: The church is presented as a single bride, holy and pure, awaiting her groom, Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-30).

• A temple and a building: We are living stones being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:20-21).

• One flock: We are a single flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ (John 10:16).

The message is clear: the church is meant to live in a singular, unified state.

Christ Prayed for Oneness

Before His death, Jesus's final prayer was not for Himself but for the unity of His followers (John 17:20-23). The early church took this prayer to heart. We see them in the book of Acts:

• Together and in one accord in the upper room (Acts 2:1).

• Persevering with one accord in the temple (Acts 2:46).

• Being of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).

This oneness spread to the crowds, who also received the word "with one accord" (Acts 8:6).

To preserve this oneness, we must:

• Think the same way: Strive for harmony in our thoughts and attitudes (Romans 12:16; 15:5-6).

• Maintain love, spirit, and purpose: Work together with a shared mind and heart (Philippians 2:2).

• Speak the same things: Align our words and actions with God's truth (1 Corinthians 1:10).

• Follow the same rule: Respect and abide by the teachings of God's Word (Philippians 3:16).

• Guard this unity: View unity as a sacred responsibility given by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 1:27).

What Breaks Oneness?

Unfortunately, oneness can be broken. The primary causes are not legitimate differences but rather human flaws:

• Unnecessary disagreements: Quarrels over non-essential matters (1 Corinthians 15:36-39).

• Worldliness and envy: Carnality and jealousy that divide people (1 Corinthians 3:3).

• False teachers: Doctrines that mislead and cause division (Titus 3:10; 2 John 9-10).

• Hypocrisy: Insincere behavior that creates mistrust and fractures relationships (Galatians 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:1).

Lack of unity is often a result of selfishness, pride, and disobedience, not a genuine difference in belief.

See Also

Preaching on Conviction: I Know Whom I Have Believed 2 Timothy 1:12
Preaching on Storms in the Life of a Christian
Preaching on Intimate Relationship with God Revelation 3:20

Conclusion

Oneness is a divine command that is both good and pleasant. It is a sign of a healthy, strong church and a testament to Christ's love. By following His example and guarding the oneness He prayed for, we can reflect God's heart to the world.

Who was Leah in the Bible? The Woman Who Was Unloved

September 15, 2025 Women

Who was Leah in the Bible: The Woman Who Was Unloved

We're going to explore the story of Leah, a woman from the book of Genesis. You may know her as the wife of Jacob, but her story is much more than that. It's a powerful narrative about finding worth and purpose when you feel overlooked and unloved.

Leah was a central figure in the family of Jacob. Her father was Laban, and her younger sister was the beautiful Rachel. We know that Jacob worked for seven years to marry Rachel, only to be tricked by Laban into marrying Leah instead. This set the stage for a lifetime of rivalry and heartbreak.

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Her Appearance and Character

The Bible tells us that Leah had "weak eyes" (Genesis 29:17), while her sister Rachel was "lovely in form, and beautiful." This contrast is critical to understanding Leah's struggles. Her physical appearance was a source of her husband's neglect. Jacob loved Rachel, but he did not love Leah. This constant rejection shaped her character.

We see moments of strength, and even defiance, in Leah's story. She stood up to her sister, Rachel, when they were competing for Jacob's affection and to have children (Genesis 30:15). She also confronted Jacob about his clear preference for Rachel (Genesis 29:30-33). While some of her actions may seem harsh, they reveal a woman fighting for her place and her husband's love.

This part of her story serves as a lesson for us today. While we shouldn't act out of anger or jealousy, we can see that Leah was a woman with a strong will. Her life demonstrates how being unloved can lead to difficult feelings and actions. We can learn from this to treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of what we think of their appearance. We should always try to win people over with grace and submission, as the Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 3:1-2.

Her Struggles and Desires

Leah's journey was marked by three major struggles:

1. A Deceptive Marriage

Leah's problems began when she went along with her father's plan to deceive Jacob. On their wedding night, she took a place that wasn't hers, and she didn't reveal the truth to Jacob. This deception created a foundation of distrust in her marriage.

2. The Desire for Reputation

Leah desperately wanted to be respected. She sought validation from her family and her community. When she gave birth to her son Asher, she said, "Happy am I! For the women will call me blessed" (Genesis 30:13). She longed to be seen as a blessed woman, respected by her servants and her sister, and most of all, by her husband.

3. Constant Competition

Leah was locked in a constant competition with her beautiful sister, Rachel. This rivalry was for Jacob's love and affection, and it drove many of her actions. It even extended to their servants, whom they both gave to Jacob to bear more children.

Her True Attitude: A Shift Toward God

Despite all her struggles and imperfections, Leah's story takes a beautiful turn. We see her attitude shift from a focus on her husband to a focus on God. She understood that the true source of happiness and blessing wasn't her husband's love but God's grace.

She began to name her children with names that reflected her growing relationship with God. With her fourth son, Judah, she said, "This time I will praise the Lord" (Genesis 29:35). She stopped seeking Jacob's love and started praising God for the blessings He had already given her.

Unlike her sister, Rachel, who stole her father's idols, Leah praised the God of Jacob. She was the one who left her family and her past behind to follow Jacob, trusting in God's plan for their future (Genesis 31:14-16). She found her worth not in her husband's affection but in her faith.

In the end, it was Leah, not Rachel, who was buried with Jacob in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 49:31). Jacob chose to be buried with the wife he didn't love, symbolizing that she had earned his respect and found her rightful place.

Who was Leah in the Bible? The Woman Who Was Unloved

The Women on the Cross John 19:25-27
The Woman Set Free Matthew 15:21-28 and Luke 13:10-17
Woman Who Sees Miracles: The Healing of the Widow of Nain's Son Luke 7:11-17.

Jacob was initially captivated by Rachel's beauty, but he eventually learned that true beauty comes from within. It was Leah who demonstrated a spirit of faith, and in the end, her life showed that God's love is what truly matters. We are not defined by what others think of us, but by our relationship with Him.

What can we learn from Leah's journey? We learn that even when we feel unloved, we can find our true worth in God. He is the one who sees our heart, not just our appearance. He is the one who will never reject us.

Preaching on Conviction: I Know Whom I Have Believed 2 Timothy 1:12

September 10, 2025 Sermons

I Know Whom I Have Believed: The Foundation of an Unshakable Faith

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, Paul's unwavering faith provides a powerful anchor. His bold declaration in 2 Timothy 1:12 reveals the secret to his endurance: He knew whom he had believed. This certainty allowed him to face suffering without shame, to live a life of total surrender, and to trust that his "deposit" was safe with God. Today, we are called to build our lives on the same unshakable foundation, so we can face our own trials with confidence and live for the glory of Christ.

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I. The Conviction of a Life Surrendered

The first pillar of Paul's faith was his absolute conviction. He didn't just have a belief; he had a relationship. He wasn't ashamed of his chains (2 Timothy 1:8) because his identity was no longer rooted in his earthly position as a Pharisee, but in Christ alone.

• A Radical Transformation: Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:4-5) was not a casual decision; it was a complete overturning of his life. From that moment on, he pursued his new calling with relentless passion, a passion that led him to suffer for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 20:22-24).

• The High Cost of True Faith: Paul was willing to give up everything. He viewed his prestigious background and worldly achievements as "rubbish" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord (Philippians 3:4-8). True faith demands a willingness to surrender everything—our ambitions, our comfort, our relationships—for the sake of Christ (Matthew 10:37-39).

• A Faith That Does Not Disappoint: Throughout Scripture, those who truly believed in God were not put to shame. From Abraham, whose faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6), to the people of Nineveh, who believed God and were spared from destruction (Jonah 3:5-9), the pattern is clear: a life lived in conviction will never lead to shame. If we are truly convinced of our faith, nothing can separate us from the love of God.

II. The Power of the One We Have Believed In

Paul's confidence was not in his own ability to endure, but in the power of the One in whom he believed. Our faith is only as strong as the object of our faith. We believe in a God of absolute power and might.

• He is Mighty to Save: History is filled with examples of God's saving power. Think of the young men in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-18, 20-26), or Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6:16-23). Their deliverance was a testament to the power of the One they served.

• The Ultimate Proof: The greatest display of His power, however, is the resurrection of Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-21). The same power that raised Jesus from the grave is the power at work in our lives. This power guards those who believe, preserving them through all of life's trials (1 Peter 1:5).

• Unchanging Power: God has not changed. The same power that acted in the Old and New Testaments is at our disposal today. It is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We can trust in His power in all circumstances, knowing that He is able to bring us through.

III. The Secure Deposit: Entrusting Everything to God

In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul speaks of "what I have entrusted to him" or "my deposit." This phrase carries deep meaning. Paul knew that his life, his calling, and his very soul were a precious deposit placed in the care of a trustworthy God.

• A Heavenly Account: This concept echoes Jesus' teaching on storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). The "bank of heaven" is the most secure place for our investments. No one can steal what is stored there. But we must be diligent to invest faithfully—using our time, talents, and resources for God's Kingdom (Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:33; 1 Timothy 6:19).

• A Reciprocal Trust: The idea of the "deposit" is a beautiful picture of the trust between a believer and God. Paul entrusted his very being and his life's work (the Gospel) to God, and God, in turn, entrusted a sacred Gospel to him to guard and proclaim. This mutual trust is the foundation of our relationship with Him.

• The Final Vetting: Paul's confidence was that God would keep his deposit "until that day" - the day of his death and the final judgment. He knew that he would not come empty-handed. Our goal is to live in such a way that, when we face our Lord, we can also say that we have kept the faith and have lived a life worthy of the calling He placed upon us.

Preaching on Conviction: I Know Whom I Have Believed 2 Timothy 1:12

Conclusion

Paul was able to face suffering and imprisonment without shame because he knew whom he had believed. His conviction was not in a vague idea, but in a living, powerful, and trustworthy God.

Do you have that same conviction? Is your faith a foundation that can withstand the storms of life? If you are living with shame, fear, or a lack of purpose, it may be because you have not truly committed your all to Christ. He is ready to receive your deposit and guard it for all of eternity. Are you ready to entrust your life to Him?