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

16/08/2025

Matthew 19: 13 - 15;
Jesus Blessed Little Children:

The disciples must have forgotten about what Jesus said about children (18: 4-6) Jesus wanted little children to come because He loves them and because they have the kind of attitude needed to approach God. He did not mean that heaven is only for children, but that we need childlike attitudes to trust in God.
The receptiveness of little children was a great contrast to the stubbornness of the religious leaders who let their education and sofistication stand in the way of the simple faith needed to believe in Jesus. We don't need to have high education or to be rich, we just need to humble ourselves and believe like little children.

15/08/2025

Luke 11: 27 - 28;
Jesus Teaches About Family:
Jesus was speaking to people who put extremely high value on family ties. Their genealogies were important guarantees that they were part of God's chosen people. A man's value came from his ancestors, and a woman's value came from the sons she bore.
Jesus' response to the woman - "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." - meant that a person's obedience to God is more important than his or her place on the family tree. The Great Commission, ( Matthew 28: 19 - 20), Jesus said, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. And surely I Am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Family is important but God is all important. The patient work of consistent obedience is even more important than the honour of bearing a respected Son.

14/08/2025

Matthew 16: 13 - 23;
Peter Says Jesus Is the Messiah:
Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They answered with the common veiw - that Jesus was one of the great prophets come back to life. ( John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah.) Peter however, confessed Jesus as divine and as the promised and long awaited Messiah.
The rock on which Jesus would build His church has been identified as,
1) Jesus Himself (His work of salvation by dying for us on the cross.
2) Peter (the first great leader in the church at Jerusalem.
3) the confession of faith that Peter gave and that all subsequent true believers would give. It seems most likely that the Roch refers to Peter as the leader of the church. Jesus Peter had revealed the true identity of Christ, so Jesus revealed Peter's identity and role.
Later Peter reminds Christians that they are the Church, built on the foundations of the Appostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. All believers are joined into the church by faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, the same faith that Peter expresses here.
Jesus then explains that He has to go to Jerusalem and suffer. Peter takes Him asside and rebukes Jesus, " Never, Lord! He said, this will never happen to you!" Peter Jesus' friend and devoted follower, who had just eloquently proclaimed Jesus' true identity, sought to protect Him from the suffering He prophesied. But had Jesus not suffered, Peter and we would have died in our sin.
Great temptations can come from those who love us and seek to protect us. Be cautious of advice from a friend who says, "surely God doesn't want you to face this." Often our most difficult temptation come from those who are only trying to protect us from discomfort.
Peter had just recognized Jesus as Messiah, here, however he forsook God's perspective and evaluated the situation from a human one. Satan is always trying to get us to leave Christ out of the picture. Jesus rebuked Peter for this attitude.

13/08/2025

Matthew 18: 15 - 20;
Jesus Teaches how to Treat a Believer who Sins:
Today we look at Jesus' guidelines for dealing with those who sin against us. They are meant for 1) Christians, not unbelievers.
2) sins committed against you and not others and 3) conflict resolution in the context of the church, not the community at large. Jesus' words are not a license for a frontal attack on every person who hurts us or slights us. They are not a license to start a destructive gossip campaign or to call for a church trail, or a license to go and spread the issue to the world. They are designed to reconcile those who disagree so that all Christians can live in harmony.
When someone wrongs us, we often do the opposite to what Jesus recommends. We turn away in hatered or resentment, seek revenge, or engage in gossip. By contrast, we should go to that person first, as difficult as that may be. Then we should forgive that person as often as he or she needs it. This will create a much better chance of restoring the relationship.
The binding and loosing refers to the decisions of the church in conflicts. Amongst believers, there is no court of appeals beyond the church. Ideally the churches decisions should be God guided and based on discernment of His word. Believers therefore have the responsibility to bring their problems to the church, and the church has the responsibility to use God's guidance in seeking to resolve conflict. Handling problems God's way will have an impact now and for eternity.
Jesus, looking ahead to a time when He would be with His followers, not in body, but through the Holy Spirit, in the body the church intimated that the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ's Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God's will, not their own, thus their request will be granted.

12/08/2025

Matthew 18:1 - 5, 10 - 14;
The Disciples Argue about Greatness, Jesus Teaches Humility:
The disciples wanted to know who the greatest is in the kingdom of heaven? In Mark's gospel we learn that Jesus actually knew what they were discussing amongst themselves and He then asked them what they were discussing amongst themselves? The disciples had become so preoccupied with the organisation of Jesus's earthly kingdom, that they had lost sight of His divine purpose. Instead of seeking a place of service, they were seeking positions of advantage. It is easy for us to lose our eternal perspective and compete for promotions and status in the church.
Jesus used a child to help his self-centred disciples get the point. We are not to become childish, (like the disciples, arguing over petty issues), but rather childlike, with humble and sincere hearts. Are you being childlike or childish?
Our concern for children must match God's treatment of them. Certain angels are assigned to watch over children, and they have direct access to God. These words ring out sharply in cultures where children are taken lightly, ignored or aborted. If angels have constant access to God, the least we can do is to allow children to approach us easily in spite of our far to busy schedules.
Just as a shepherd is concerned enough with one lost sheep to go searching the hills for it, so too God is concerned with every human being that He has created. ( He is "not wanting anyone to perish.2 Peter3:9) We come into contact with children who need Christ at home, at school, in church, and in the neighborhood. Steer them toward Christ by your example, your words, and your acts of kindness.

11/08/2025

Matthew 17: 22 - 27;
Jesus Predicts His Death a Second time:

Once again Jesus predicted His death, but more importantly, He predicted His resurrection. Unfortunately the disciples heard only the first part and so they became discouraged. They were probably thinking, "why would our Lord go back to Jerusalem, if He knows that He will be killed?" The disciples did not understand the purpose of Jesus" death and resurrection until Pentecost. We should not get upset with ourselves for being slow to understand everything about Jesus. After all the disciples were with Him, saw His miracles, heard His words, and still had difficulty understanding. Despite their questions and doubt, however they believed. We should do no less. The disciples were hoping that Jesus was going to set up a political kingdom in Israel. His death would dash all their hopes for the defeat of the hated Roman's.
All Jewish males had to pay a temple tax to support the.ple upkeep. Tax collectors set up booths to collect these taxes. Only Matthew records this incident - perhaps because he himself had been a tax collector.
As per usual, Peter answered without really knowing the answer, putting Jesus and the disciples in an awkward position. Jesus used this situation, however, to emphasize His kingly role. Just as kings pay no taxes and collect none from their family. Jesus, the king owed no taxes. But Jesus supplied the taxes for both Himself and Peter, rather than offend those who did not understand His kingship.
As God's people, we are foreigners on earth because our loyalty is always to our real king - Jesus. Still we have to cooperate with the authorities and be responsible citizens. An ambassador to another country keeps the local laws, in order to represent well the one who sent him. We are Christ's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5: 20). Are you being a good foreign ambassador for Him to this world?

10/08/2025

Luke 12: 22 - 30;
Jesus Warns Against Worry:
Jesus commands us not to worry. But how can we avoid it? Only faith can free us from the anxiety caused by greed and covetousness. It is good to work and plan responsibly, it is bad to dwell on all the ways our planning could go wrong. Worry is pointless because it can't fill any of our needs; worry is foolish because the creator of the universe loves us and knows what we need. He promises to meet all our needs, but not necessarily our desires.
Do not be worried or upset Jesus told them (John 14: 1). Jesus Tells us time and time again not to worry. He also says that we cannot add one single day to our bodies by worrying. He also said that we need to believe in God and believe in Him.
We need to realise that if there is a problem, we need to take it to the Lord in prayer. There is amazing power in prayer.

Because of all the effects of worry. Jesus Tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may 1) Damage your health.
2) Cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts.
3) Disrupt your productivity.
4) Negatively affect the way you treat others.
5) Reduce your ability to trust in God.
How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern. Worry mobilizes, but concern moves you to action.

We need to turn first to God for help, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything.

Jesus said,"Come to Me, All You who are weary and burdened, for I am gentle and humble in Heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11: 28 - 30). Trust Him.

09/08/2025

Matthew 17: 14 - 20;
Jesus Heals a Demon Possessed Boy:
The disciples had been given authority to heal the sick, drive out demons and all other things necessary for the good of the people, but they had not yet learned how to draw on the power of God. Jesus' frustration was with the unbelieving and unresponsive generation. His disciples were merely a reflection of that attitude in this instance. Jesus' purpose was not to criticize the disciples, but to encourage them to greater faith.
The disciples were unable to drive out this demon, and they asked Jesus, why? He pointed to their lack of faith. It is in the power of God, not our faith that moves mountains, but faith must be present to do so. Jesus was not condemning the disciples for substandard faith, He was trying to show them how important faith would be in their future ministry.
The mustard seed was the smallest particle imaginable. Even small or undeveloped faith would have been sufficient. Perhaps the disciples had tried to drive out the demon in their own ability rather than God's. There is great power in even a little faith when God is with us. If we feel weak or powerless as Christians, we should examine our faith, .asking sure that we are not trusting in our own abilities to produce results, but God's.
If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Only then will your work for Him be usefull and vibrant.

08/08/2025

Matthew 16: 24 - 28; Jesus Emphasis Self Denial:
When Jesus used the picture of His followers taking up their crosses to follow Him, the disciples knew exactly what He meant. Crucifixion was a common Roman method of ex*****on and condemned criminals had to carry their crosses through the streets to the ex*****on site. Following Jesus, therefore, meant a true commitment, the risk of death, and no turning back.
The possibility of losing their lives was very real for the disciples as well as for Jesus. Real discipleship implies real commitment - pledging our whole existence to His service. If we try and save our physical life from death, pain or discomfort, we may risk losing our true eternal life. If we protect ourselves from pain, we begin to die spiritualy and emotionally. Our lives turn inward and we lose our intended purpose. When we give our lives in service to Christ, however, we discover the real purpose of living.
When we don't know Christ, we make choices as though this life were all we have. In reality this life is just the introduction to eternity. How we live this brief span, however, determines our eternal state. What we accumulate on earth has no value in purchasing eternal life.
Jesus Christ has been given the authority to judge all the earth. Although His judgment is already working in our lives, there is a future final judgement when Christ returns and everyone life is reviewed and evaluated. All will face this judgement. It does not matter if you say, "I don't believe, so I will not be judged, everyone, whether believer or not, will be judged.
Because all the disciples died before Christ's return, many believe that Jesus' words were fulfilled at the transfiguration when Peter,James and John saw His glory. Others attribute this statement to Pentecost and the beginning of Christ's church. In either case certain disciples were eyewitnesses to the power and glory of Christ's kingdom.

07/08/2025

Matthew 18: 21 - 19: - 2;
Jesus Tells the Parable of the unforgiving Servant:
The Rabbis taught that you should forgive, but only three times. Peter, trying to be especially generous asked Jesus if seven (the perfect no) times was enough times to forgive someone? But Jesus answered, "Seventy seven times," meaning that we should not even keep track of how many times we forgive someone. We should always forgive those who are truly repentant, no matter how many times they ask.
In Bible times, serious consequences awaited those who could not pay their debts. A person loaning the money could seize the borrower or his family and for them to work for him until the debt was paid. The debtor could also be thrown into jail, or his family could be sold into slavery to help pay of the debt. It was hoped that while the debtor was in prison, he would sell off any land he had, or that his relatives would pay his debt for him. If not the debtor could stay in prison for life.
Because God has forgiven all our sins , we should not withhold forgiveness from others. Realizing how completely Christ has forgiven us, should produce a free and generous attitude of forgiveness toward others. When we don't forgive others, we are setting ourselves outside and above God's law of love.
Then Jesus, after saying these things, left Galilee and went to the area of Judea. Large crowds followed Him and He healed all those that were brought to Him.

06/08/2025

Luke 9: 28 - 36;
Jesus is Transfigured on the Mountain:

Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain to show them who He really was - not just a great prophet, but God's own son. Moses representing the law and Elijah, representing the prophets, appeared with Jesus. Then God's voice singled out Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who possessed divine authority. Jesus would fulfill both the law and the prophets.
When Peter suggested setting up three tents, he may have been thinking of the feast of Tabernacles, where tents were set up to commemorate the exodus, God's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Peter wanted to keep Moses and Elijah with them. But that was not what God ẁanted.
Peter's desire to build shelters for Jesus Moses and Elijah may also show his understanding that real faith is built on three cornerstones: the law, the prophets and Jesus. But Peter grew in his understanding, and eventually he would write of Jesus as the "chosen and precious cornerstone" of the church.
Peter,James, and John experienced a wonderful moment on the mountain, and they didn't want to leave. Sometimes, we too have such an inspiring experience that we want to stay where we are- away from the reality and problems of our daily live. Knowing that problems await us in the valley, encourages us to linger on the mountaintop. But staying on the mountain top stops us from being able to minister to others. Instead of becoming spiritual giants, we would soon become dwarfed by our self-centeredness. We need times of retreat and renewal, but only so that we can return to minister to the world. Our faith must make sense of the mountain as well on it.
God clearly identified Jesus as His Son, before saying that Peter and the others were to listen to Jesus and not to their own ideas and desires. As God's Son, Jesus has God's power and authority. If a person's teaching is true, it will agree with Jesus' teachings. Test everything you hear against Jesus' words and you will not be led astray. Be vigilant.

05/08/2025

Matthew14:22-36;
Jesus Walks on Water and Heals all who touch Him:

Seeking solitude was an important priority for Jesus. He made room in His busy schedule to be alone with the Father. Spending time with God in prayer nurtures a vital relationship and equips us to meet life's challenges and struggles. Developed the discipline of spending time alone with God - it will help you grow spiritually and become more and more like Christ.
Peter was not putting Jesus to the test, something we are told not to do (4: 7). Instead he was the only one in the boat to react in faith. His impulsive request led him to experience a rather unusual demonstration of God's power. Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. His faith wavered when he realised what he was doing. We may not walk on water, but we do walk through tough situations. If we focus on the waves of difficult circumstances around us without looking to Jesus for help, we too may despair and sink. To maintain your faith when situations are difficult, keep your eyes upon Jesus' power rather than your inadequacies.

Although we start out with good intentions, our faith sometimes falters. This does not necessarily mean that we have failed. When Peters faith faltered, He reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid but He still looked to Christ. When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you and doubt Christ's presence or ability to help, you must remember that He is the only one who can help.
Gennesaret was located on the West side of the Sea of Galilee in a fertile, well-watered area.

The people recognised Jesus as the great healer, but how many knew who He really was? They came to Jesus for physical healing, but did they come for spiritual healing? They came to prolong their lives on earth, but did they come to secure their eternal lives. People may seek Jesus to learn valuable lessons from His life or in hopes of finding relief from pain. But we miss Jesus' whole message if we seek Him only to heal our bodies but not our souls, if we look to Him only for help in this life, rather than for His eternal plan for us. Only when we understand the real Jesus Christ can we appreciate how He can truly change our lives.

Jewish men wore tassels on the lower edges of their robes according to God's command (Deuteronomy 22: 12). By Jesus day, these tassels were seen as a sign of holiness (23: 5). It was natural that people seeking healing should reach out and touch these. But as one woman learned, healing came from faith and not from Jesus' cloak (9: 19 - 22).

St Paul's Anglican & Methodist Komga .

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