God's Love Never Fails. His Love Endures Forever

Pr Steve Dixon
29-10-2017

Jude 1:1-2
JudeNew King James Version (NKJV)
Greeting to the Called

1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,

To those who are called, sanctified[a] by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

2 Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

JudeThe Message (MSG)
1-2 I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!

We can trust God's perfect love. (1 John 4:18)

1 John 4:18New King James Version (NKJV)
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Love expels all the fears. 

God's love will absolutely endure forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

1 Chronicles 16:34New King James Version (NKJV)
34 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

It is only when we love deeply that we can trust God in the things that we do not understand.

God's love will restore the brokenness in our lives.

God heals in such a way that our brokenness becomes our strength.

Broken promises do not justify the breaking of a relationship. But we remove ourselves from God and we hide ourselves because of our disappointment and shame.

John 18:15-27New King James Version (NKJV)
Peter Denies Jesus

15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”

He said, “I am not.”

18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.

Jesus Questioned by the High Priest

19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.

20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet,[b] and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”

22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”

23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Peter Denies Twice More

25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?”

He denied it and said, “I am not!”

26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?”27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

John 21:15-17New King James Version (NKJV)
Jesus Restores Peter

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah,[a] do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah,[b] do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time,“Simon, son of Jonah,[c] do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

God has not changed His plans for your life although you have failed.

"I love you."
"I forgive you."
"Dinner is served."

There is a place reserved for everyone at the table.

Jesus suffered for our sins but not the shame. He rejected the shame.

You may have disappointed God but His love never fails to meet us if we have a broken and contrite spirit.

His love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:7New King James Version (NKJV)
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins and cleanse our unrighteousness. 

1 John 1:9New King James Version (NKJV)

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God Loves Every Single Soul

Joanna Dorai
08-10-2017

Matthew 19:14New International Version (NIV)
14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Why children? Why not grandmas or youths?

It is not about focusing solely on an age group and alienating the other groups.

Understand the nature in which Jesus comes to a person.

According to statistics, children aged 4-14 are most likely to meet Jesus compared to 14-29 and those above 30.

"What you believe at the age 13 is pretty much what you're going to die believing."
- Researcher George Bama, author of Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions

There is a movement and a season when there is extra grace.

God loves every single soul.

Children make up one of the largest age groups in Malaysia.

God is sowing the seeds of the gospel.

The Lord is faithful and He is looking into the future of our nation.

Matthew 19:13-15New International Version (NIV)
The Little Children and Jesus

13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.

14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

May today's words rest on fertile ground and all of us are able to find our destiny.

Children need to be brought. (v13)

The Story of Samuel and Eli. (1 Samuel 3)

1 Samuel 3New King James Version (NKJV)

Samuel’s First Prophecy

3 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see,3 and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle[a] of the Lordwhere the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4 that theLord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” 5 So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”

And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down.

6 Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!”

So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.)

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.”

Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

11 Then the Lord said to Samuel: “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. 14 And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”

15 So Samuel lay down until morning,[b] and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision. 16 Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!”

He answered, “Here I am.”

17 And he said, “What is the word that the Lord spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you.” 18 Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is theLord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.”

19 So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. 21 Then the Lordappeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

But the disciples rebuked them. (Matthew 19:13)

Matthew 19:13New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Blesses Little Children

13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.

The disciples saw no value for children to be among Jesus.

Children know what it feels like to meet Jesus.

Include them in every place with Jesus--their studies, fun time, bed time.

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. (v14)

Bring the children to the Lord.

Do not stop them (from being used by Jesus).

When he had placed their hands on them (v15)

Jesus blessed them.

Every child deserves to be blessed by God.

There is a difference when a child comes into personal contact with the Father.

He went on from there. (v15)

There is a season of grace for everyone. They have everything to lose and everything to gain.

Today Jesus may not be a physical man that we see but the Holy Spirit comes with power.

Today the Lord (and the latter glory) comes in a greater magnitude.

Because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Understand the nature by which the Lord pursues someone.

During this time (4-14), if no one brings someone to Jesus, the Lord still pursues. But we cannot guarantee that when they're older, they'll come to faith the same way when they were younger.

What can we do?

Lead them to Jesus.

1) Do you know that you would be in heaven and with Jesus... when you die?

2) Heaven is a free gift. But man have sinned.

3) But God is a just and loving God. He doesn't want to punish you. He loves you.

4) He sent His son and Jesus came to die for you and I. And He rose again so that we could be seated at the right hand of God.

5) Do you want to be with Jesus? Receive Him as your personal Lord and Saviour today.

Breaking News at the Antioch Church (Acts 11-14)

Elder Dorai Manikam
01-10-2017

Acts 11:21New King James Version (NKJV)

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

Acts 11:24New King James Version (NKJV)

24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Acts 11:26New King James Version (NKJV)

26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Acts 14:1New King James Version (NKJV)

At Iconium

14 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.

1) People were sharing the gospel. (Acts 11:19-24) (cf Acts 8:4)

Acts 11:19-24New King James Version (NKJV)

Barnabas and Saul at Antioch

19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Acts 8:4New King James Version (NKJV)

Christ Is Preached in Samaria

4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

Sharing the gospel is very good work.

Get out of your comfort zone and share the gospel wherever you go.

In the early days in the Book of Acts, whatever the apostles held in their hearts, they held it with conviction. The gospel is central in their lives.

You and I are cloaked with the gospel.

You should be sharing the gospel. You should be evangelising.

Ordinary people were sharing the gospel. (Acts 11:21)

Acts 11:21New King James Version (NKJV)

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

-Clear
-Reproducible
-Transmissable
-Simple enough

1 John 1:7New King James Version (NKJV)

7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven... when you die?

If you were to stand before God, and God were to ask you, "Tell me. Why must I allow you to enter heaven?"

Eternal life is a free gift from God. But all men have sinned. Man cannot deserve it because of sin. God is loving and merciful but He is a just God. He must judge us. Jesus came, He died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin. He died, He rose to give us this free gift of eternal life.

Would you like to receive this free gift?

Saving faith is trusting. (editor's note: understanding, acceptance, and trust)

Acts 11:22New King James Version (NKJV)

22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.

Pray for open doors.

Pray for open hearts.

Pray for open mouth -- your mouth.

Mass evangelism is essential. Group evangelism is essential. Personal evangelism is the missing piece.

2) People were becoming disciples. (Acts 11:25-26)

Acts 11:25-26New King James Version (NKJV)

25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Paul discipled them so that they become effective witnesses. (Acts 19)

3) People were going out to spread the gospel (Acts 13:1-5)

Acts 13:1-5New King James Version (NKJV)

13 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Preaching in Cyprus

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

4) People were obeying the Lord. (Acts 11:23, Acts 13:1-5)

Acts 11:23New King James Version (NKJV)

23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

"Follow Me and I will make you fishers of man."

Matthew 28:19-20New King James Version (NKJV)

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Mark 16:15New King James Version (NKJV)

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

The Lord is with you.
When Jesus is with you, you would be sharing the gospel.

When you share the gospel, the Lord is with you.

5) People were relentlessly spreading the gospel. (Acts 13:49, Acts 19:10)

Acts 13:49New King James Version (NKJV)

49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.

Acts 19:10New King James Version (NKJV)

10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Share the gospel. It is the Holy Spirit to convict and convert.