We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. Yes, we continue to live and work on this earth, but we are not to be influenced by the spirit and system of the world. In other words, we are not to seclude ourselves in some isolated communities, unless God has specifically called as such. We cannot escape the bombardment of the culture in our society, which is often ungodly. Yet, we are called to be set apart, reflect Biblical values, to live and shine as lights in the world.
When we are born of the Spirit and produce the fruits of the Spirit, we will face hostility from people who are in the flesh. When they are antagonistic toward God, they will hate His children too. This is the age-old conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. Sometimes, even the religious people oppose those of us who walk in the Spirit. Just as the Pharisees hated Christ, sadly, the apostate and backslidden church also hinders and rejects those who are following the Lord. In the Bible, “Egypt” is a type of the world. It looks attractive but it is not the Promised land. Consider the faith and life of Moses, who is an example for us. He could have stayed in Egypt, but have chosen to renounce Egypt.
We need God’s protection. We must live by the Word. We do not compromise by using worldly methods to reach out to the lost. What I am going to say will be controversial. I say it not with joy but with grief and burden. In some churches, they are using worldly music, and in other cases, so-called modern contemporary Christian rock music to try to reach out to the lost. Now, I am not judging the motives of these artists and musicians. They may be sincere but such methods are foolish and fleshly! They try to be seeker sensitive to the crowds but they may grieve and quench the Holy Spirit!
The gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit moves, it will convict hearts of “sin, righteousness and judgment!” We don’t win the drug addicts by taking drugs. We don’t win the gamblers by gambling. Jesus is a friend of tax collectors and sinners, but He does not adopt their lifestyles or incorporate the ways of the world!
We need a supernatural transformation of our mind and spirit! The world likes to boast and display outward expressions of success. For Christians, it is the renewing of our inner heart that is true worship. Our thoughts, words, behaviours and habits are not to please men, but to honour and glorify the Lord! God is our supreme interest and affections in our daily life! May our lives conform to the Word of God, and our hearts transformed by the Spirit of God!
To Be And Not To Be: Be Separated, Not Isolated
September 1, 2017
We Are The Temple Of The Holy Spirit
November 3, 2024
Hosting Pastor: Bishop Mike Berdin, Charismatic Revival Center Fellowship In the Old Testament, King Solomon, who was a type of Christ as the Prince of Peace, was chosen to build the temple. The temple portrayed God’s grace and glory. It was a picture of the coming kingdom of God. The various furnishings in the temple have their significance. Whether it is the pillars, table of shewbread, candlestick, altar of incense, or any other vessels, they reflect the presence and worship of God. Then, the Israelites would travel to the temple to meet and commune with God. No priest could enter the Holy of holies without first being cleansed. Today, we are the temple, the residence, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Thank God, we can now enter into the inner sanctuary, the throne of grace through the blood of Christ. We are living epistle of Christ, the salt of the earth, the light of the world and a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. As the temple of the Holy Spirit: · We are being built together for a habitation of God · We are to be a pure maiden to Christ · We are stamped with His seal · We have this treasure in earthen vessels · We are to cultivate the fear of the Lord · We are to defeat the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life · We are not to quench or grieve Him · We are a living sacrifice Do we hunger for God’s Word? How much time do we spend in seeking Him in prayer? Or have our careers and even hobbies draw our time and hearts away from God? As temple of the Holy Spirit, we need His manifest Presence. We desire to be filled with the Spirit, walking and living in the Spirit, having the fruit and gifts of the Spirit.
Come Into The Ark [English and Bahasa Indonesian]
June 22, 2024
Bahasa Indonesian Interpretation by Henok Hariyanto Hosting Pastor: Henok Hariyanto, Macedonia Ministry Jesus said that before He comes back to earth again, our world will be just like it was in the days of Noah. People are eating, drinking and partying. Many are consumed with pursuing money, power and sex. Now, there is nothing wrong with having the legitimate things in life, such as having food and sleep. But life is not just about fulfilling our physical needs. It is also to follow the Lord and seek His Kingdom. Today, we see all kinds of perversion and depravity. People are not only openly living sinful lifestyles, but want others to accept their behaviours. We are living in a day and age where evil is called good, and good is called evil. We have all kinds of blasphemers, mockers and scoffers of Jesus Christ. There is a spirit of violence that is persecuting those who believe God’s Word and walk in His way. The ark was a type of Christ. He calls us to come into the ark of His presence, protection, safety, shelter, refuge and rest. A storm is coming upon our world. It is a storm of judgment. Society will not get better and better, but rather worse and worse. We are a generation of vipers – sin has increased rampantly. Do we weep over lost souls? Do we warn people to flee from the wrath to come? We are close to the midnight hour, where the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, is coming soon! Are we ready to meet Him? Now is the day of salvation. Some of us are religious. We may even attend church regularly, have a form of godliness but denying its power. We do many good works, but are not resting in the cross and the blood of Jesus for our salvation. Today, we must make our calling and election sure! The door of the ark is still opened right now. But it won't be long before the door will be closed.
Come Into The Ark [English and Hiligaynon / Ilonggo]
March 3, 2024
Hiligaynon / Ilonggo Interpretation by Mark Winston Gabutero Hosting Pastor: Johann Bernajo, Promisecity Church Victorias City Jesus said that before He comes back to earth again, our world will be just like it was in the days of Noah. People are eating, drinking and partying. Many are consumed with pursuing money, power and sex. Now, there is nothing wrong with having the legitimate things in life, such as having food and sleep. But life is not just about fulfilling our physical needs. It is also to follow the Lord and seek His Kingdom. Today, we see all kinds of perversion and depravity. People are not only openly living sinful lifestyles, but want others to accept their behaviours. We are living in a day and age where evil is called good, and good is called evil. We have all kinds of blasphemers, mockers and scoffers of Jesus Christ. There is a spirit of violence that is persecuting those who believe God’s Word and walk in His way. The ark was a type of Christ. He calls us to come into the ark of His presence, protection, safety, shelter, refuge and rest. A storm is coming upon our world. It is a storm of judgment. Society will not get better and better, but rather worse and worse. We are a generation of vipers – sin has increased rampantly. Do we weep over lost souls? Do we warn people to flee from the wrath to come? We are close to the midnight hour, where the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, is coming soon! Are we ready to meet Him? Now is the day of salvation. Some of us are religious. We may even attend church regularly, have a form of godliness but denying its power. We do many good works, but are not resting in the cross and the blood of Jesus for our salvation. Today, we must make our calling and election sure! The door of the ark is still opened right now. But it won't be long before the door will be closed.