Cross Bearers in February

Our theme for this month of February is the letter “R” out of CROSS BEARERS, “Rely on Jesus.” We have focused on this theme each week; we have learned how we can be relying on Jesus in practical way.

First week, Rev. Sandra Lee from Asian Caucus of American Baptist came to encourage us that we as a church has been a great testimony to proof how we have been relied on Jesus in our ministry. When trouble storm hits in our life, Jesus is there beside us to calm the storm. Especially, she comforted to the New Comers (Refugees) to be strong and rely on the grace of Jesus daily. We appreciate her deeply for her visit and sharing God’s word to us.

Second Week, our topic is “When runs out of Luck,” based on John 5:5-9. When a man who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years encountered with Jesus at the pool of Bethesda. This man seemed to have no luck on his own to get heal. Now Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” Then he was made well according to his wish by Jesus. This story enlightens us that when thinks are not favor on us, when there is no hope in our life, Jesus is still available to be relied on. We are to rely on Jesus not on our own ability or random chances that may come.

Third week, the sermon was based on Acts.21:8-14, how to rely on Jesus when things are made known ahead but not pleasant. Paul was warned by the prophets about the danger of being arrested or cost his own life, when he went to Jerusalem. However, Paul response was to go forward for he has prepared to die for the sake of gospel. If we have this mentality, we can share gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. But the comfort zone where we enjoy is the reason of our indifferent toward sharing gospel. When we are unable to share or care the gospel we must rely on Jesus for the strength. Let us put our heart into God’s Great commission.

Fourth week, based on Acts.9:31-10:48, the pattern of church growth was imprinted in this text. Verse 31 said that the believers were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. That should be the pattern of our church growth today.

Right after this verse, there are three stories followed immediately. Aeneas who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed got healed by Peter. This news spread and brought people to have faith in the Lord. Then Dorcas, the woman who was a believer got sick and died. When Peter raised her from death, many came to know Jesus as Lord. The third story was about Cornelius, the centurion whose prayer was answered and sent for Peter to come to share gospel to his house whole. Indeed, the whole house of Cornelius was turned to accept Jesus as Savior and was baptized. In the light of these stories, we as believers face similar challenges. Like Aeneas, the Christians are sometime paralyzed in their spiritual life. They can not perform any spiritual task on their own in their Christian life. Yet, Jesus is our Lord, in whom when we rely on, then wonderful things will happen. Also just like Dorcas the believer who died and rose again by Peter’s prayer, the Christians are in likeness of death. But we all need to be revived from spiritual death then turn to re-live in Christ. Finally, just like Cornelius, we must earnestly pray for the love ones to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God will send His messenger of the gospel when we ask for help from the Lord. Let us rely on Jesus Christ for His mercy and grace. Amen.