St Paul's Anglican & Methodist Komga ., Church Street (2025)

07/09/2025

Luke 14: 25 - 33;
The cost of being a disciple.
Jesus said that if those who did not carry their own cross and follow Him,
could not be His disciples. In saying this all who heard knew exactly what He was saying, because the Roman's made a person condemned to hang on the cross, carry his own cross. It signified submission to Rome and warned observers that they too better submit.
Jesus spoke this teaching to get the people to think through their enthusiasm for Him. He was saying that those who were superficial should either go deeper in faith or turn back - don't be lukewarm. Following Christ means total submission to Him - perhaps even to the point of death.
When a builder is about to build, he / she will first calculate the cost. If the calculation is out and comes up short, the building may be left half built and then abandoned. Will your life be only half built and then abandoned because you did not count the cost of commitment to Jesus? So what are those costs? Christians may suffer loss of social status or wealth. They may have to give up control over their money, their time, or their career. They may be hated, seperated from their family, and even put to death. Following Christ does not mean a trouble-free life. We must carefully count the cost of becoming Christ's disciples so that we will know what we are getting into and won't later be tempted to turn back.
Salt is used to add flavor to food and all animals need salt to live. This salt is ingested through what they eat. If salt loses its saltiness (flavour) it is useless and must be discarded. Many Christians blend into the world and avoid the cost of standing up for Christ. But Jesus says that if Christians lose their distinctive saltiness, they become worthless. Just as salt preserves food, so are we to preserve the good in the world, help keep it from spoiling, and bring new flavour to life. This requires careful planning, willing sacrifice, and unswerving commitment to Christ's kingdom. Being "salty" is not easy, but if a Christian fails in this function, he or she fails to represent Christ in the world. How salty are you?

06/09/2025

Luke 6: 1 - 5;
Jesus and His disciples were walking through a wheat field, on the Sabbath, the disciples were picking kernels and eating them. According to the Pharisees this was a no,no. Interesting Jewish legal tradition there were 39 categories of activities forbidden on the Sabbath and harvesting was one of them. The teachers of the law said that picking, rubbing between the hands and eating was harvesting. God's law was that farmers were to leave the edges of their fields unharvested so as to leave food for the poor and for hungry travelers. The disciples were not violating God's laws, they were hungry.
The Pharisees thought that their religious system had all the answers. They could not accept Jesus because He did not fit into their system. We could miss Christ for the same reason. Be careful of thinking that you or your church have all the answers. No religious system is big enough to contain Christ completely or to fulfill perfectly all His desires for the world.
Jesus when accused of Sabbath breaking, used the case of David, when he was hungry, going into the sanctuary and, with his men eating the consecrated loaves (the bread of the Presence) this bread, after its use in the temple was only to be eaten by the priests. David and his men's need was more important than ceremonial rules and regulations.
When Jesus said that He is the Lord of the Sabbath, He meant that He had authority to overrule the Pharisees' traditions and regulations because He had created the Sabbath. The Creator is always greater than the creation.

05/09/2025

Luke 5: 33 - 39;
The Religious Leaders ask Jesus About Fasting:
The Religious leaders came to Jesus, wanting to know why John the Baptist's disciples fasted and why their disciples fasted and yet Jesus' disciples did not?
Jesus knew that His death was coming. After that time fasting would be in order. Although He was fully human, Jesus knew He was God and knew why He had come - to die for the sins of the world.
Jesus also used the analogy of wineskins. These were goatskin sewn into watertight bags. Because new wine expands as it ages, it had to be put in new, pliable wineskins. An old wineskin had stretched and become hard and as such would burst if new wine was poured into it, as there was no space for expansion.
Therefore the Pharisees and Religious Leaders were like old wine skins, too ridged to accept Jesus, who could not be contained in their traditions and rules. Christianity requires new approaches, new traditions, new structures.
Our church programs should not be so structured that they leave no room for a fresh touch of the Spirit, a new method, or a new idea. We too need to be careful that our hearts don't become so ridged that they prevent us from accepting the new way of thinking that Christ brings. We need to keep our hearts pliable so we can accept Jesus' life-changing message.

04/09/2025

Luke 5: 1 - 11;
Jesus Provides a Miraculous Cartch of Fish:
The lake of Gennesaret is also known as the Sea of Galilee or the sea of Tiberius.
The fishermen on the lake Galilee often used bell shaped nets which they threw out flat. These nets had lead weights around the edges which would make the net sink around the fish and entrap the fish inside.
Simon (Peter) was awestruck at this miracle, and his first response was to feel his own insignificance in comparison to Jesus' greatness. Peter knew that Jesus had healed the sick and driven out demons, but he was amazed that Jesus cared about his day-to-day routine and understood his needs. God is interested not only in saving us, but also helping us in our daily activities.
There are two requirements for coming to God. Like Peter, we need to recognize our own sinfulness. Then like these fishermen we must realize that we can't save ourselves. If we know that Jesus is the only one who can help us, we will be ready to leave everything and follow Him.
This was the disciples second call (Matthew 4: 18 - 22; Mark 1: 16 - 20). Peter, Andrew, James and John had gone back to fishing. They continued to watch Jesus, however, as He established His authority in the synagoues, healing the sick and driving out demons. Here He also established His authority in their lives - He met them at their level and helped them in their work.
From this time on they left their nets and remained with Jesus. For us, following Jesus means more than just acknowledging Him as Savior. We must leave our past behind and commit our future to Him.

03/09/2025

Mark 4: 38 - 44;
Simon Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a high fever and they asked Jesus to help her. Jesus healed her so completely that, not only did the fever leave her, her strength was restored as well so that she could get up immediately and took care of others needs. What a beautiful attitude of service she showed. God gives us health so that we may help others.
The people then came to Jesus, bringing the sick and others were demon possessed. They came when the sun was setting, because this was the Sabbath, their day of rest. The Sabbath lasted from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. The people did not want to break the law that prohibited travel on the Sabbath so they waited until the Sabbath hours were over before coming to Jesus, and Jesus healed everyone.
Why would Jesus order the demons not to reveal his true identity:
1) Jesus commanded them to remain silent to show His authority over them.
2) Jesus wanted the listeners to believe that He is the Messiah because of His words and not what they heard from demons. At the same time, many Jews did not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Many, still today believe that the Messiah has not yet come.
3) Jesus was going to reveal His identity according to God's timetable and He would not be pushed by Satan's evil plans. The demons called Jesus, "Son of God" or "The Holy one of God." To reveal His identity as King too soon would stir up the crowds with the wrong expectations of what He had come to do.
Jesus had to get up very early just to get some time alone. If Jesus needs solitude for prayer and refreshment, how much more is this true for us. Don't become too busy that you leave no time for quite time and refreshment with God.
The kingdom of God was good news to the Jews, because they had been waiting for the promised Messiah ever since the Babylonian captivity. It is good news for us also because it means freedom from slavery to sin and selfishness. The kingdom of God is here now because the Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of believers. It is also in the future because Jesus will return to reign over a perfect kingdom where sin and evil no longer exist. COME LORD JESUS, COME.

02/09/2025

Love, nurture and care for your children, Jesus said, " Suffer the little children to come into Me."

02/09/2025

Luke 4: 31 - 37;
Jesus had moved from Nazareth to Capernaum, after He had been driven out of Nazareth. Matthew 4:13; Capernaum was a thriving city with great wealth as well as great decadence. Because it was the headquarters for many Roman troops, word about Jesus could spread all over the Roman empire.
Jesus was allowed to preach in the synagogues because they did not have permanent Rabbis, so the leader would ask a traveling Rabbi to read and teach.
On this occasion, a man possessed by a demon was in the service where Jesus was teaching. This man made his way into the service and verbally abused Jesus. It is naive to think that we will be sheltered from evil in the church. Satan is happy to invade our presence wherever and whenever he can. But Jesus' authority is much greater than Satan's; and where Jesus is present, demons cannot stand for long.
The people where amazed at Jesus' authority to drive out demons - evil spirits ruled by Satan and sent to harass people and tempt them to sin. Demons are fallen angels who have joined Satan in rebellion against God. Demons can cause a person to become deaf, mute, blind, or insane. They will also cause people to institute laws that totally violate God's commandments. Jesus faced many demons during His time on earth, and He always exerted authority over them.
Evil permeates our world and it is no wonder that people are often fearful. But Jesus' power is far greater than Satan's. The first step to conquering fear of evil is to recognize Jesus' authority and power. HE HAS OVERCOME ALL EVIL, INCLUDING SATAN HIMSELF.

01/09/2025

Matthew 28: 16 - 20;
The great commission;
When someone is about to leave us, wether to be with the Lord or leaving for another country, their last words are very important. On this occasion Jesus left His disciples with these last words of instruction, they were under His authority, they were to make more disciples, they were to Baptist and teach these new disciples to obey Christ; Christ would be with them always.
In previous missions Jesus had only sent His disciples to the Jews (10: 5 - 6;) their mission from now on would be worldwide. Jesus is Lord of the earth, and He died for the sins of people from all nations.
We are to go - wether next door or to another country - and make disciples. It is not a request, it is a command to all who call Jesus "Lord." We are not all evangelists, in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the Great Commission. As we obey, we are comforted with the knowledge that Jesus is always with us.
Jesus also tells us to baptise them, "into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, the three in one nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We and those whom we baptise are to be taught to obey everything that Jesus had commanded. So many people ask, "How can a loving God send people to hell?" Well here we see Jesus saying that all must be taught to obey the commandments given by Christ. God does not send us to hell, if we refuse to listen to God and adhere to His commandments, then we have chosen to go there ourselves, in other words, we send ourselves to hell.
Jesus is presented as King of the world - not a military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and rule in the heart of every person. If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects, fit only to be banished from the kingdom. But we have the free will to choose. Are you going to make Jesus King in your life and worship Him as your Savior, King, and Lord - or are you going to follow the Father of lies. I pray you make the only way to salvation - Jesus Christ the Messiah.

31/08/2025

Luke 14: 1, 7 - 11;
A Pharisee invited Jesus to his home specifically to trap Him, but this did not faze Jesus. He knew what was going on, as He always does.
Then Jesus taught two lessons here, Firstly as a guest don't go to the place of honor, service is more important in God's kingdom. Don't rush for the best seats. We see it so often today how so many people rush for the seats of honor, how are you going to feel if the host comes and asks you to move because someone more important needs to sit there? It will be a major embarrassment. Secondly, He told the host not to be exclusive about who he invites. God opens His kingdom to everyone.
Who do we try to impress, which Joneses are we trying to live up to? Rather than aiming for prestige, we need to be looking at how we can serve and if God wants us to serve on a wider scale, He will invite us to take a higher place.
We must humble ourselves? We must never be like those who give the appearance of humility in order to manipulate others. Others again think that humility is putting themselves down.
Truly humble people compare themselves only with Christ, realize their sinfulness and understand their limitations. On the other hand they also recognize their gifts and strengths and are willing to use them as God directs. Humility is not self degrading, it is realistic assessment and commitment to serve.

30/08/2025

Matthew 25: 14 - 30;
Jesus Tells the Parable of the Loaned Money (Talents):
The master divided the money ( talents) among his servants ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITIES. No one received more or less than he could handle. If he failed in his assignment, his excuse could not be that he was overwhelmed. Failure could only come from laziness or hatred towards the master.
The talents represent any resource we are given. God gives us time, gifts, and other resources according to our abilities, and He expects us to invest them wisely until He returns. We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have.

Jesus is coming back - we know this is true. Does this mean we must quit our jobs to serve God? No, it means we are to use our time, talents and treasures diligently in order to serve God completely in whatever we do. For some it may mean changing professions. For most of us, it means doing our daily work out of love for God.
The last man was thinking only of himself. He hoped to play it safe and protect himself from his hard master, but he was judged for his self - centeredness. We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do. If God truly is our Master, we must obey willingly. Our time, abilities, and money are not ours in the first place - we are caretakers, not owners. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished.
This Parable describes the consequences of two attitudes to Christ's return. The person who diligently prepares for it by investing his / her time and talents to serve God will be rewarded. The person who has no heart for the work of the kingdom will be punished. GOD REWARDS FAITHFULNESS. Those who bear no fruit for God's kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as those who are faithful.

29/08/2025

Matthew 14: 1 - 12;
Herod was a tetrarch one of four rulers over the four districts of Palestine. His territory included the regions of Galilee and Perea. He was the Son of Herod the Great; who ordered the killing of the babies in Bethlehem.
Also known as Herod Antipas, he heard Jesus' case before the crucifixion.
Philip, Herod's half brother, was another of Palestine's four rulers. His territories were Iturea and Traconitus, northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Philip's wife Herodias left Philip to live with Herod Antipas. John the Baptist condemned the two for living immorality.
Herod did not want to kill John the Baptist, but he, having to much to drink, made a rash promise to Herodias's daughter, which gave Herodias the opportunity she was waiting for, "Get rid of John the Baptist." Herod could not back out, he had made the promise to give the girl, "anything you ask for, even to half my territories." He would have been embarrassed in front of his guests had he refused the request for John's head on a platter, so he ordered for the request to be granted.
How easy it is to be pressured by the crowd and to let ourselves be pressured into doing wrong. Don't get into a situation where it will be too embarrassing to do what is right. Determine to do what is right, no matter how embarrassing or painful it may be.

28/08/2025

John 14: 6 - 15;
This is one of the most basic passages in scripture. How can we know the way to God? Only through Jesus. Jesus is the way, because He is both God and man. By uniting our lives with His, we are united with God. Trust Jesus to take you to the Father, and all the benefits of being God's child will be yours.
Jesus says that He is the only way to the Father. Some people say this is too narrow. In reality, it is wide enough for the whole world to pass through, if the world chooses to accept it, instead of worrying about how limited it sounds to have only one way, we should be saying, Thank You God, for providing a sure way to get to You.
As the way, Jesus is our path to the Father. As the truth, He is the reallity of all God's promises. As the life, He joins His Devine life to ours, both now and eternally.
Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Jesus, He is the complete revelation of what God is like. To know Jesus is to know God. The search for God, for truth and reality, ends in Christ.
Jesus is not saying that His disciples would do more amazing miracles- after all raising the dead is about as amazing as you can get. Rather the disciples, working in the power of the Holy Spirit, would carry the Gospel of God's kingdom out of Israel and into the whole world.
When Jesus says that we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in His name - that is according to God's character and will. God will not grant requests contrary to His nature or His Christ as our Lord and Savior.

St Paul's Anglican & Methodist Komga .

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