Promise Verse

 God is our refuge and strength, 

an ever-present help in trouble

(Psalm 46: 1)

Promise Verse

 The eternal God is your refuge, 

and underneath are the everlasting arms.

(Deuteronomy 33:27)

Bible Study - Why Commandments?

 

Why Commandments?

Purpose and Importance of God's Commandments

Many people view the Ten Commandments as a list of restrictive rules, but they are much more than that. They are God’s covenant with His people, a reflection of His character, and a guide to holy living. Understanding why God gave the commandments helps us see them not as burdens but as a blessing.

Why did God give the commandments, and what do they mean for us today?

The Commandments Reveal God’s Character

The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God (Exodus 20:1-11). They teach us about His holiness, authority, and our need to worship Him alone.

The last six commandments focus on our relationship with others (Exodus 20:12-21). They reflect God’s justice, love, and desire for peace among His people.

"Be holy, for I am holy." (Leviticus 11:44)

The Commandments Guide Us to Right Living

They provide moral and ethical guidance. They protect us from sin’s consequences (e.g., broken relationships, injustice, and suffering).

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

The Commandments Show Our Need for Grace

No one can keep the commandments perfectly (Romans 3:23). The law reveals our sin and points us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

Jesus fulfilled the law and offers salvation through grace (Matthew 5:17).

The Commandments Are a Covenant of Love

Jesus summarized the commandments in Matthew 22:37-40:

1. Love God with all your heart.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Following the commandments is not about legalism but about love for God and others.

The commandments are not outdated rules but a divine standard that reveals God’s character, guides us in righteous living, and points us to our need for Jesus. They call us to love God and others, leading us to a life of holiness, justice, and peace.

Study the Commandments: Spend time reading and meditating on God’s laws (e.g., Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-40).

Pray for Obedience: Ask God to help you understand and follow His commands.

Share the Good News: Explain to others how God’s commandments reflect His love and lead us to Christ.

May The Lord Bless You!

 

 

Promise Verse

 No weapon forged against you will prevail

(Isaiah 54:17)

Promise Verse

 I will fear no evil, for you are with me
(Psalm 23: 4)

Promise Verse

 If God is for us, who can be against us?

(Romans 8: 31)

Message - Third Sunday after Epiphany

 

The Power of the Word

Scripture Readings:

• Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
• Luke 4:14-21
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Nehemiah, Luke, and Paul offer us a powerful reminder of how the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the Body of Christ come together to fulfill God’s purpose for His people.

The people of Israel had returned from exile and were rebuilding their community. In this moment, Ezra the priest reads the Book of the Law to them. They listen attentively, standing in reverence, as God’s Word is read and explained. (Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10). The reading of Scripture brought understanding and conviction, leading the people to weep. But Ezra reminds them that God’s Word also brings joy: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” In our lives, God’s Word is both a mirror and a lamp. It reveals our shortcomings but also brings us hope and strength. Are we giving God’s Word the central place it deserves in our lives, as the Israelites did?

In Luke 4, we see Jesus, filled with the Spirit, returns to Galilee and reads from Isaiah in the synagogue. He declares that the prophecy is fulfilled in Him: He is the one anointed to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the oppressed, and healing to the brokenhearted. Jesus’ mission is one of restoration and liberation, empowered by the Spirit. His message wasn’t just for the privileged but for all—especially those on the margins of society. Jesus’ mission is our mission as His followers. How can we, empowered by the Spirit, bring good news and healing to the “poor” and “oppressed” in our world—whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically?

Paul describes the Church as one body with many parts. Each member has a unique role, and all are indispensable. No part of the body can function in isolation, and no one is greater or lesser in importance (1 Corinthians 12). The unity of the Church comes from diversity working together under Christ as the head. Just as the human body is weakened when one part is injured, so the Body of Christ suffers when we neglect or undervalue one another. Are we using our gifts to serve and build up the Body of Christ? Are we honoring the gifts of others, even if they differ from our own? Unity in diversity is God’s design for His Church.

Like the Israelites in Nehemiah’s time, we need to return to the Word of God as the foundation for renewal. God’s Word gives clarity, direction, and joy, even in the face of challenges.

Jesus’ mission, empowered by the Spirit, calls us to be agents of liberation and healing. The Church must be a place where the poor are uplifted, the broken are healed, and all people experience the good news of the Gospel.

Each of us has a role to play in God’s Kingdom. Whether our gifts are teaching, serving, encouraging, or leading, all are needed to build up the Body of Christ. Unity is our witness to the world.

Today’s message remind us that renewal comes through God’s Word, liberation through the Spirit of Christ, and unity through the Body of Christ. As we live out our faith, let us:

1. Recommit to God’s Word as the source of joy and strength.
2. Embrace Jesus’ mission of bringing good news and healing.
3. Celebrate and honor the diversity of gifts within the Body of Christ.

Let us work together, empowered by the Spirit, to shine the light of Christ in the world.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

 The law of the Lord is perfect, 

converting the soul;

The testimony of the Lord is sure, 

making wise the simple

(Psalm 19: 7)

Conversion of St Paul the Apostle

 God shall bless us,

And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

(Psalm 67: 7)

Promise Verse

 The Lord will fight for you; 

you need only to be still

(Exodus 14:14)

Promise Verse

 God is our refuge and strength, 

an ever-present help in trouble

(Psalm 46:1)

Bible Study - Repentance

 

Repentance

The Ten Commandments are not just a list of rules—they are God’s covenant with His people, a guide to holy living, and a mirror to reveal our sin. When we fail to live up to their standard, repentance becomes the bridge that restores our relationship with God. True repentance is not just about feeling sorry but about turning away from sin and walking in obedience to God.

Repentance is more than remorse; it is a change of heart and direction. Psalm 51 shows David’s heartfelt repentance after breaking multiple commandments (adultery, murder, and deception). He cries out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10).

Why Repentance Matters:

Sin separates us from God, but repentance bridges the gap.

Repentance transforms us from within, aligning our lives with God’s will.

Obeying the commandments is how we show our love for Him (John 14:15).

The Ten Commandments set a standard we cannot meet on our own. But Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and made a way for us to live in grace. God doesn’t just call us to repent—He gives us the power to change. The Holy Spirit enables us to live according to His commandments, not out of fear but out of love. Repentance is not a one-time event but a daily turning back to God, relying on His grace to overcome sin and grow in holiness.

Imagine driving on the wrong road after missing a turn. The farther you go, the harder it becomes to turn back. Repentance is like a U-turn—it stops us from going further away from God and redirects us to His path of righteousness.

Let us examine our hearts today and respond to God’s invitation to repent, renew, and realign our lives with His commandments. As 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Promise Verse

 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; 

the righteous run to it and are safe

(Proverbs 18:10)

Promise Verse

 But the Lord is faithful, 

and he will strengthen you and 

protect you from the evil one

(2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Promise Verse

 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; 

he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged

(Deuteronomy 31:8)

Message - Second Sunday after Epiphany

 

First Miracle of Jesus

The first miracle of Jesus—turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11)—is a powerful sign of God’s provision, transformation, and the joy found in Christ. This miracle also reflects the work of the Holy Spirit, whose gifts enable believers to serve and glorify God

Just as Jesus transformed ordinary water into exquisite wine, He can transform our lives. He can take our brokenness, our struggles, and our limitations and turn them into something beautiful and meaningful.

The miracle at Cana wasn't about scarcity, but about abundance. Jesus provided more than enough, ensuring that the celebration could continue joyfully. This reminds us that God's blessings are overflowing and that we can trust in His provision.

The wedding feast was a time of celebration, and Jesus' miracle enhanced that joy. This reminds us that God desires us to experience joy and fulfilment in our lives.

Just as Jesus performed miracles through His own power, He empowers us to live abundant lives through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and love, are not meant to be hoarded but to be shared with the world.

The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage to overcome challenges, to love others unconditionally, and to be witnesses of God's love in the world.

The gifts of the Spirit can transform us into the people God created us to be, enabling us to live lives of purpose and meaning.

Just as the miracle at Cana provided an abundance of wine, the gifts of the Spirit offer us an abundance of grace, love, and joy.

The miracle at Cana and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are a reminder that God desires to bless us abundantly and to empower us to live lives of joy, purpose, and meaning. Let us open our hearts to His grace and allow Him to transform us and use us to bless the world.

 

 

 

Bible Study - Commandments

 Commandments

Commandments are foundational to understanding God’s covenant with His people. They were given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20: 1-17) as a moral and spiritual guide for living in obedience to God and in harmony with others. These commandments remain timeless principles for a life that honours God and promotes justice and love.

When God created man, He gave certain commandments to the man and wrote it in his heart (Romans 2: 14, 15). Accordingly at the time of Moses, God wrote the commandments in two tablets and gave it to him. “Then the Lord delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words which the Lord had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire in^[c] the day of the assembly” – Deuteronomy 9: 10.

Summary of the first tablet is you need to love your God with all your heart and soul (Matthew 22: 37) and of the second tablet is you need to love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22: 39). Summary of all the commandments is “LOVE”. It is given to you, me and everyone.

The commandments show us that God is the creator and redeemer and the commandments are given for our good. According to the commandments we are called to live holy lives, reflecting God’s character in our actions. Living according to the Ten commandments reflects our commitment to God’s holiness and truth in our daily lives.

May The Lord enable you to study the commandments, know about the truth and live accordingly.

May The Lord bless you!

 

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

Therefore the children of men put 

their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

(Psalm 36: 7)

Confession of St Peter the Apostle

 The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

(Psalm 23: 1)

Promise Verse

 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted 

and saves those who are crushed in spirit

(Psalm 34:18)

Promise Verse

 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, they comfort me

(Psalm 23:4)

Promise Verse

 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, 

as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 

since you know that you will receive an 

inheritance from the Lord as a reward

(Colossians 3:23-24)

Promise Verse

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, 

according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church 

and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

Promise Verse

 May He give you the desire of your heart 

and make all your plans succeed

(Psalm 20:4)

Message - First Sunday after the Epiphany

 

The Baptism of our Lord

Baptism of Lord Jesus is a significant event, marking the beginning of His public ministry. This moment also reveals Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.

"And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'"
— Matthew 3:16-17

God created man to be His own, His own children. But sin came between man and God and man became unholy. God chooses a people called Israel to be His chosen ones, but still they went against The Lord.

Even though God was sad regarding the sins of His people, He gave them sacrifices to have cleansing from the sin. But every sacrifice was temporary. So, He decided to provide His people an ultimate sacrifice so that the mankind can become righteous and have communion with Him. God came himself as a human and obeyed the Laws and then took all the punishments that we have done and became an ultimate sacrifice to cleanse our sins and make us righteous.

The people of Israel were rescued by God from Egypt and through supernatural miracle God helped parting the red sea to cross them on dry ground. God wanted them to leave the life in Egypt, to leave the life as a slave and be the chosen ones to possess the promised land.

God came to the world in the form of man – Jesus Christ. He was born as a child and He grew up and became an adult. He wanted to show to the world about how we need to be born again in Him.

Before Jesus’ public ministry, He studied the word, obeyed it and then He came and took baptism from John the Baptist.

This moment symbolizes that we are leaving our sins by accepting Jesus who became our saviour through the ultimate sacrifice He had done on the cross. Same way as Israel left Egypt where they were slaves, we are leaving the evil ways in which we were slaves and starting our new life. It means that we have killed our evil ways and are being resurrected as a new person in Christ, same way how Christ was resurrected from the dead.

Through baptism we are being called to life a holy life pleasing to God. We are also been called as His children, His chosen people, the New Israel.

Baptism marked the beginning of Jesus’ mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Similarly, our baptism is a call to live out our faith in action, to life a moral life that can influence people to Jesus.

May The Lord provide you His Spirit to accept Him and be baptised and be a blessing and an example. May The Lord bless you!

First Sunday after the Epiphany

 The Lord gives strength to his people;

    the Lord blesses his people with peace.

(Psalm 29: 11)

Promise Verse

 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, 

and all these things will be given to you as well

(Matthew 6:33)

Promise Verse

 Commit your way to the Lord; 

trust in him and he will do this.

(Psalm 37:5)

Promise Verse

 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and

approve what God’s will is - 

his good, pleasing and perfect will.

(Romans 12: 2)

Bible study - About the Laws

 

Law shows us that we are lost because of our sins. Whatever God has written in the law, we have disobeyed it and that disobedience in sin, and the penalty for sin is eternal death.

“For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin” – Ecclesiastes 7: 20.

In fact, in the Old Testament the blessing and curses God gave to His people, Israel, He warns them that the ones who disobeys the laws, curses will be upon them and their generations.

Traffic Laws are given to the citizens to obey, so that everyone will have a safer travel. It decreases the accidents and people will be much safer than when there are no rules. Same way, the Laws of life that has been given to us by God is to make sure that we have a healthy and a blessed life.

Those who obey God’s commandments and Laws will be blessed physically, spiritually and financially. “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” – 1 Timothy 4: 8. God loves the ones who try to obey His laws, and so He can bless them for generations.

God wants us to obey all His commandments. He wants us to obey all, not only in our actions but in our hearts also. “Therefore, you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” – Matthew 5: 48. But because of sin, no one is able to obey Lord’s commandments fully. “They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one” – Psalm 14: 3. Noone is righteous according to the Law.

But commandments and Laws are actually good for mankind. It helps us to live life carefully. Especially it helps us to know about the sins. It is almost like a mirror for us to see and evaluate our life. “I would not have known sin except through law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, you shall not covet” – Romans 7: 7.

Laws tech us how to live a life pleasing to God.

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” – Psalm 119: 9.

So, it is important to study each commandment thoroughly. With that we will understand the heart and desires of God and we will be able to try and live a life pleasing to Him.

May The Lord bless you!

Promise Verse

 I can do all this through him who gives me strength

(Philippians 4:13)

Epiphany

 

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."

— Matthew 2:10-11

Epiphany is a Christian feast day that we think about the visitation of Magi to infant Jesus and it also signifies the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

Gentiles means all the ones who are not Jews. In this day we celebrate the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ to save the world.

Earlier People of Israel were chosen to be the people of God through Abraham. But God always had a plan to use His people, Israel to show the saviour to the world. But since they became corrupted and walked away from God’s presence, at the appointed time, God revealed His son to the world as the saviour to mankind.

The journey of Magi symbolizes the search of mankind for truth and God. Magi, who was not a chosen people came to see Jesus which symbolizes that the non-Jews are eligible to be called and worship the God through Jesus. Magi coming from distant lands, represent the nations of the world being drawn to the light of Christ, which is the star they saw in the sky.

In short, Epiphany emphasizes the universal truth of salvation, as Jesus came not only for the Jews but for people of all nations.

Since Jesus came to this evil world, obeyed the commandments which we are supposed to obey, and then took the punishment for the sins, which we are supposed to take, it is our duty to accept Jesus as our saviour. For salvation, we don’t need to climb mountains, or do any things of our own. Only way is to repent on the sins you have done and ask God to forgive you in Jesus’ name, who took all the punishments for your sin. Be a new child of God

May The Lord Bless you!

Promise Verse

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and 

lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways submit to him, 

and he will make your paths straight

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

The Epiphany

 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you

(Isaiah 60: 1)

Second Sunday After Christmas

Jesus - Light of the World

 The Christmas season is over and the decorations might be coming down. We need to know that the light that Christ gave is always on. It continues to shine brightly. Jesus is the light of the world who came to provide us love, joy, peace, hope and salvation (John 8: 12). He gives His salvation to the ones who believes in Him.

Since we have celebrated Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, it doesn’t mean that it is just another historical event. His birth is a revelation of God’s love to transform our lives. He came to bring the light of God’s glory into this dark world.

After the first sin, the world as you know became sinful and corrupted. This world has been under the attack and curse of demonic powers. God gave different ways for people to come out of this bondage, but they were not able to because of their sins. Finally, at the appointed time, as prophesized, He sent His beloved son Jesus to the world as a human child, suffered all the problems that humans suffer, but He kept himself pure, and finally He took all the punishment for the sins which all of us did.

Jesus reminds us that it is vain to go behind any idols for our peace, but God himself came in search for us to give us peace.

When we understand the sacrifice He had done for us even after he obeyed all the laws, we have to acknowledge Him and His salvation. Anyone can believe in Jesus, even satan knows about Jesus. But salvation and hope are given to a person who acknowledges his sins, and believes that there is no way to come out of these sins, even sacrifices won’t be able to make us pure. Salvation is received when you repent your sins in front of God and accept the fact that Christ took the punishment for your sins and because of Christ’s sacrifice for your sins, you are cleansed by His blood and because you are cleansed by His blood you become righteous before God. There is no need to go anywhere to get the salvation. You need to be where you are and accept this fact and sin no more.

Once you are saved, through Jesus you receive grace to overcome sin and truth to guide your paths in this confusing and sinful world. The moment you are saved, it’s your duty to be beacons of light in this world, reflecting love and compassion to those around.

I pray that in this new year, you will reflect this light that Christ gave and walk through the joy and sorrows and invite everyone to have this light and eternal life. May The Lord bless you.

Second Sunday after Christmas

 Lord Almighty,

    blessed is the one who trusts in you

(Psalm 84: 12)

Promise Verse

 I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

(Jeremiah 29:11)

Promise Verse

 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles; 

they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint

(Isaiah 40:31)

Promise Verse

 If anyone is in Christ, 

the new creation has come: 

The old has gone, the new is here!

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Feast of The Holy Name - New Year Blessings

 The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace

(Numbers 6: 24-26)

The Holy Name - New Year Blessings - 2025

 

"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

— Philippians 2:9-11

Happy New Year