26th April 2024

FCI Ministries

26th April 2024

CORNELIUS THE MAN OF INFLUENCE

April 26, 2024 • Dr Zubeda Sing, Pastor Zubeda Sing

The early days of Christianity were exciting as God’s Spirit moved and people’s lives were changed. Converts were pouring in from surprising backgrounds. Even the dreaded Saul (Paul) became a Christian, and non-Jews were responding to the Good News about Jesus. Among the first of these was the Roman captain Cornelius.

Because of frequent outbreaks of violence, Roman soldiers had to be stationed throughout Israel to keep the peace. But most Romans, hated as conquerors, did not get along well in the nation. As an army officer, Cornelius was in a difficult position. He represented Rome, but his home was in Caesarea. During his years in Israel, he himself had been conquered by the God of Israel. He had a reputation as a godly man who put his faith into action, and he was respected by the Jews.

Four significant aspects of Cornelius’s character are noted in Acts: (1)

He actively sought God,

(2) he revered God,

(3) he was generous in meeting other people’s needs, and

(4) he prayed.

God told him to send for Peter because Peter would give him more knowledge about the God he was already seeking to please.

When Peter entered Cornelius’s home, Peter broke a whole list of Jewish rules. Peter confessed he wasn’t comfortable, but here was an eager audience, and he couldn’t hold back his message. He had no sooner started sharing the gospel when God gave overwhelming approval by filling that Roman family with his Holy Spirit. Peter saw he had no choice but to baptize them and welcome them as equals in the growing Christian church. Another step had been taken in carrying the gospel to the whole world.

Cornelius is a welcome example of God’s willingness to use extraordinary means to reach those who desire to know him. He does not play favourites, and he does not hide from those who want to find him. God sent his Son because he loves the whole world—and that includes Peter, Cornelius, and you.

Strengths and accomplishments:

A godly and generous Roman

Well-respected by the Jews even though he was an officer in the occupying army

He responded to God and encouraged his family to do the same

His conversion helped the young church realize that the Good News was for all people, both Jews and Gentiles

Will you be the next Cornelius and influence your world? Make a difference today.

CONFESSION/PRAYER

Heavenly Father thank you for your giftings and calling in my life. You have given me good success in many areas of my life. This story of Cornelius makes me realise there is an evangelist in me to win the Lost. I am your disciple, please show me how.

30th April 2024

April 30, 2024 • Dr Zubeda Sing, Pastor Zubeda Sing

After these things, he went away from Athens, and came to Corinth. And there he came across a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by birth, who not long before had come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had given orders that all Jews were to go away from Rome: and he came to them; And because he was of the same trade, he was living with them, and they did their work together; for by trade, they were tent-makers. Acts 18v1-3 The most prosperous Roman province in Asia Minor, and Ephesus (v. 8), its most prosperous city. Aquila and Priscilla. They had relocated with Paul to Ephesus (Acts 18:2-3,18, 24-27); the Corinthians knew them. church that is in their house. Churches, like some other associations with limited resources, met in homes, normally those large enough to host them (see note on Acts 12:12). Priscilla & Aquila were a couple who met Paul on a ministry trip. It can be seen from the above scripture that this was an affluent couple who were transformed by the Gospel preached by Paul. They invited him into their home and travelled with him whenever he went from place to place. They were also in the same trade as Paul so they worked alongside him in the ministry as well as in their everyday life. They were passionate and fervent in their pursuit of God, so much so that they started a church in their home. They even influenced Apollos, a minister of the gospel who ministered to many. When they came across him they realized that he did not have the full gospel so they taught him the full message so he could be an effective minister. This is the same Apollos where the word says, Paul plants, Apollos waters and God gives the growth. Imagine, each one took their place in ministry and the church was impacted and established as a result of their relentless pursuit of God and the message of salvation. How wonderful it is when each one plays their role in bringing the word to their world. One plants the word into the hearts of people, one waters the word preached by encouraging and building up God’s people and as a result God gives growth to those saved individually and then grows and establishes the church. Are you willing to open your home to minister to those in need? Will you builder and encourager to those around you so the church can grow and be a powerful influence to the nations of the world. We need you. CONFESSION/PRAYER Holy Spirit like Priscilla & Aquila, help us to fulfill the call to ministry in our lives to influence our world and impact the nations so Jesus is preached to every man and every woman. Show us how to be effective in our world by being a blessing to those in need. We love you, Jesus.

29th April 2024

April 29, 2024 • Dr Zubeda Sing, Pastor Zubeda Sing

Lucas a friend and companion of Paul during his imprisonment at Rome; Luke (q.v.), the beloved physician (Philemon 1:24; Col. 4:14). the evangelist, was a Gentile. The date and circumstances of his conversion are unknown. According to his own statement (Luke 1:2), he was not an "eye-witness and minister of the word from the beginning." It is probable that he was a physician in Troas, and was there converted by Paul, to whom he attached himself. He accompanied him to Philippi, but did not there share his imprisonment, nor did he accompany him further after his release in his missionary journey at this time (Acts 17:1). On Paul's third visit to Philippi (20:5, 6) we again meet with Luke, who probably had spent all the intervening time in that city, a period of seven or eight years. From this time Luke was Paul's constant companion during his journey to Jerusalem (20:6-21:18). He again disappears from view during Paul's imprisonment at Jerusalem and Caesarea, and only reappears when Paul sets out for Rome (27:1), whither he accompanies him (28:2, 12-16), and where he remains with him till the close of his first imprisonment (Philemon 1:24; Col. 4:14). The last notice of the "beloved physician" is in 2 Tim. 4:11. Luke was an ordinary Physician going about his daily work until he encountered the gospel through our beloved Apostle Paul. He was so attracted to the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit taught by Paul that he became a scribe and companion of Paul. Luke was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the gospel of Luke. (read this account of the gospel and see his version of the greatness of our God, through the eyes of a Physician, Jesus was known as the great Physician). He put aside his great learning and skill to follow a man who was imprisoned, yet he served him gladly and with passion. He helped Paul fulfil his call in writing for most of the gospel. What humility from this man who was not even a Jew, but called by God to serve. You and I called of God and set apart from our mother’s womb. We were called even before the foundations of the world. We are sanctified and made holy by this calling, just like every one of the men and women who have been called. We are unique in our calling and the Holy Spirit is waiting on us to yield to him so he can train us to reign in this life. He wants to teach us the ways of the Father so we live a divine life in this earthly realm. Luke understood this, even though he was already a successful doctor in his world. He needed more, a more satisfying life following Jesus. Will you yield today, so you too can lead a more satisfied and successful life? Servant and discipleship is not something everyone in this world and time considers important, but for you and I, the destiny of many lies in our hands so we need to fulfil our call, no matter what we are doing in this life. God is waiting on you. CONFESSION/PRAYER Lord, I come to you in Jesus' name and commend my life into your hands, I have been serving you but I never quite understood what it was that I needed to do. I want to yield to you and fulfil this divine calling in this earthly realm. There is more to this God's life and I want more of you, each and every day.

28th April 2024

April 28, 2024 • Dr Zubeda Sing, Pastor Zubeda Sing

He had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually, he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. John 4v4-18 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” There is no name given for this woman, yet her responses and demeanour made an impact on the master. He saw potential in her and the ability to win a city. She on the other hand was consumed by the fact that he was a Jew and he should not be speaking to her. She was bothered by the fact that he wanted to give her water but he had no bucket to get the water with. Jesus asked the questions and waited for her response, he already knew she was the influencer he needed to win the lost in the city she came from. He did not look as a man looked at the woman, a woman who already had 5 husbands. No, he saw a soul winner. Son/daughter of God Jesus sees you not as you are, but as the great potential that is already on the inside of you. His word and His spirit in your life will mine the gold out of you to make you the vessel of honour that he originally called you to be. Step up and take your place. CONFESSION/PRAYER Thank you, Lord, that you never leave us where you found us, day by day you change and transform us into the person you originally called us to be. Forgive us for our shortcomings and our failure to recognize the greatness you have placed in us. We are willing to be used by you.