Podcasts

Before the main message, Pastor David encourages us to have the correct mindset going into 2023 and reminds us that it is not what we think about but how we think that really matters. Only a change of mind can result in a change of life. We are also encouraged to treat others the way we want to be treated. Finally, Pastor David shows us in Mark 11, through the account of Jesus entering Jerusalem on an unbroken colt, that we will be celebrated when we focus on Jesus.

Minister Emelia reminds us how blessed we are to have Jesus as our focus as we enter the new year. We reflect on how God, the supreme being who sustains all things, is God with us at all times. He is not far away but dwells in all believers. He has chosen to make us his house. We can talk to him whenever we want to; his presence is always with us. Brethren, reflecting on God in us can do so many marvellous things in our life so let Him be your focus!

On Christmas day, Pastor David shows us in Luke 2:25 that you become what you give your focus to. We see that a devout man who was focused on seeing the saviour before his death, got his desire fulfilled. Brethren, Jesus has paid the price and is saying 'yes' to your expectation if you can just believe God.

Pastor David continues the series on the Cost of Living Crisis. We see that it is time to do something different from what we have been doing if we want a change. In 2 Kings 7:1-3, we see that two lepers look at their options and realise that they need to take a different step to make a change, not knowing that this is their miracle. We learn from this that we should try and do what we have not done before in faith. God has said whatever we lay our hands to do will work for us. Brethren, let 2023 be the year you venture out in faith, even if you make mistakes along the way, it will be your miracle.

Min D explains why we celebrate Christmas. If we can celebrate the Queen's birthday or that of Martin Luther King, then it is more than fitting to celebrate Jesus, who became his own creation to save humanity. The one who created all the elements and even time itself made himself restricted by his creation all to save us! We celebrate the birth of our saviour because of his huge act of humility and love. He deserves all the glory and the praise!

Pastor David continues the "cost-of-living" series by asking us, "whose report will we believe?". In Matt 22:29, Jesus said that men make mistakes because they do not know the power of God or the scriptures. When we face challenges, if we know God, it is His report we will believe rather than that of the experts. In Joshua 6:1-5 we see that God defeated a city by having the Israelite army march around and then shout! It did not make sense to the natural mind, but the city was conquered by following God's instruction. There is nothing our God cannot do. Let us believe God rather than "experts", no matter what it looks like; look for God's way in every situation, and there will be a testimony.

Minister Yinka encourages us to do what we do for god willingly. We have a great example in Jesus, who willingly died on the cross for us, the greatest sacrifice. We are reminded that working for God is a privilege, and we should enjoy doing it. When we work for God, it is not in vain, and we shall eat the fruit. Brethren, let us push even harder, joyfully, also encouraging those who are deflated. Let us work together, praying for passion, zeal and energy to progress the work of God.

Pastor David explains the new commandment, given by Jesus, to love one another. We see that God's love towards us is unconditional, irrespective of how we behave. This is the kind of love that keeps marriages and homes together. Loving people this way takes away people's shortcomings from the equation, and this is how Jesus wants us to love one another. God himself is the embodiment of love; God is love (1 John 4:8), and this love expects nothing back. This love suffers long (1 Corinthian 13:4), so it does not get short-tempered with us and is kind. Praise God that He does not get short-tempered with us! Brethren, let us follow this commandment and be long-suffering, tolerant and forgiving toward one another.

Pastor David continues the "cost-of-living" series by first assuring us that what stops our prayers is not sin but unbelief. We see in Hebrews 3:19 and Acts 16:30-31 that faith determines the success of our Christian walk. Sin has been dealt with by Jesus, and there is nothing that can be added to what he has done. The question is, can we believe God when times are hard? Can we believe God's word when what we see challenges what we are believing in? In 2 Kings 7, despite the man of God stating that there was going to be a change for the better, unbelief and limited thinking stopped a lord from believing it possible. Brethren, don't let what you see be your final judgement because what you see can still be moved.

Minister Danielle, through an account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, encourages us to routine-check our hearts. We see the difference between a heart that has faith in God and an evil heart of unbelief. We learn that it is possible to do the right thing in the wrong way and what we need to do to check our hearts so we can love God, live in faith and reap the benefits of God's Kingdom.

Pastor David continues with the series on how to face the cost of living crisis as a Christian. He starts by reminding us that our past, present and future sins have been forgiven, and therefore God is not refusing our prayers because of sin. The hindrance to our prayers is unbelief. Even in this cost of living crisis, we have a God where all things are possible, we need to take the limits of God. Just believe!

Minister Yinka exhorts us in Phil 2:2-4, encouraging us to be of one mind and to reject pride or anything that destroys our unity. We are also encouraged to be concerned about others and not just mindful of our own issues. Brethren, we have a God who thought of us above all. Let us be like Jesus and love one another, esteeming each other before ourselves and keeping the unity of the brethren.