A word of meditation from Pastor Mark, February - March 2023

Greetings to all in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Let us look at Nicodemus’ visit with Jesus, John 3:1-17.

“2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” However, he spoke for himself, but he acknowledged that the entire Council was aware of Jesus’ divine ministry. Signs accompanying Jesus’ ministry confirmed God’s presence. Jesus instantly proceeded to make Nicodemus’ visit aware of the path of salvation. ”3 Jesus replied, ”Very truly I tell you, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again.” What a dynamic change. Jesus teaches Nicodemus how to enter the Kingdom of God. I have to quote Jesus’ words addressed to Nicodemus, and these words are addressed to all who want to enter the Kingdom of God. ”7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” First, the necessity stated by Jesus, ‘You must be born again.’ Secondly, the presence of the Holy Spirit is not limited to a particular place, and the presence of the Holy Spirit takes place “wherever it pleases.” This transformation can happen at any stage of your life. It is connected and conditional on feelings, the breath of the Spirit, and breathing the wind for your inner and spiritual transformation. You don’t know “where it comes from or where it is going.” Because it is done by the power of Heaven, not by you. Thirdly, being led by the Holy Spirit is out of your body’s control. The inner power reflects, anticipating the Kingdom of God, and leads you to speak, walk and act as agents of the Kingdom, the Kingdom of God. Lastly, being born again and/or from above is an unfathomable feeling and experience. Simply, your human language ability cannot fully express what you have received until you accept “the wings on your shoulders.” You are steeped in into the sanctification process. Our beliefs call on us to accept and follow what Jesus told Nicodemus. ‘You must be born again.’ Suppose you want to enter the Kingdom of God. Therefore, this story needs to be about our individual visits with Jesus. So, reclaim, renew, and revive an individual life with your Savior entering the Kingdom of God. Amen.

A Word of Encouragement from Pastor Mark, January 26, 2023

Greetings to all in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

As a New Year entry, I want to set up a challenge for all of us for spiritual growth, development, and spiritual expansion.

1. Go high when others are silent or going low.

2. Witness to others of God’s grace and love.

3. Practice Jesus’ discipleship every day and shine, and Jesus will shine on You.

This setup idea has been a constant challenge in my heart since I became a believer and a newborn in Jesus and for Jesus. I do not have any resolutions or promises to challenge myself with except for one goal since I surrendered my life to Jesus. I want to constantly walk beside Jesus as the two disciples walked with Jesus to Emmaus. Today, addressing these words, I challenge you to do justice to your soul every day. Let New Year’s Day remind us of what is in us since we confessed that Jesus is the Light for our lives. Let everything related to Jesus’ name remind us about His Light and all moral values radiating in us and through us.