ACTS 12: WHEN THE BODY OF THE CHURCH PRAYED

Acts 12: 5

‘’  ⁵ So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.’’

In Acts 12 v 1-5, the disciples of the Lord are seized by King Herod. They also put Peter in prison. However, the church prayed unceasingly for him (v5). In the following verses (v6-10), are the events of how Peter is led out of prison even if surrounded by guards and in chains.

This reading reminded us how powerful the prayer when the Family in Christ comes together in agreement to their petition to God – as it is said in Matthew 18:19-20.

‘’¹⁹Again I say to you, if two of you ^uagree on earth about anything they ask, ^vit will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are ^wgathered in my name, ^xthere am I among them.”

It made me realized that…..

1. Praying together strengthens the faith of the believers and creates unity. It also fosters mutual understanding that enable to bear each other’s burdens and to share the joy (v14).  So, when the body of the church prayed, the head is also praying with them and therefore strengthening them.  

2. Praying together makes the request easily granted. God hears and delivers (Psalm 34:17). Before Peter was rescued, the church prayed for him and so the Lord sent his angel to rescue him.

3. Praying together breaks every barrier/ obstacle along the way. Even if Peter is in the situation where it is difficult for him to get out, God can still make His divine intervention that can break chain and can remove obstacle that hinders him to be free.

Praying together carries the depths and weights that only God can measure. It shows our unity in Christ as a disciple (John 13:34-35) whom God recognizes through oneness (John 17:22-23). That is why, it's very important to come together as a church, praying and lifting each other’s prayer.  Together we pray, we are more encourage to  advance in God's kingdom, we grow faster in Christ, and our walk is full of joy and support which enables us to carry on no matter how many challenges comes our way.

When the body prays, the voice of the saints becomes louder than the attacks of the enemy. It shutS the enemies attack and every hindrances are broken. It stirs each other's faith. And the light of God  radiates.

Reflection....

- How do your confidence, spiritual growth, and relationship with God differ when you pray alone versus when you pray with the church?

- What distractions do you experience during personal prayer and during group prayer?

United prayer shakes the enemy's ground, that couldn't hold its grip on us. They themselves flee by the presence of God

 

Prayer 

Father God, we thank you for letting us understand the importance of unity in prayer. It helps us to be strengthened as we walk through our faith. May we continue to come to be the courage of each other. May you be glorified in every prayer meetings. Thank you Father, this we ask in prayer, in Jesus name..... Amen!

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ELDER MALYN - JCRC CAMBODIA

JOHN 4: I AM HE

 

Scripture:

²⁵ The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

²⁶ Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4:25-26

Jesus reveals His identity to a Samaritan woman. Then the woman shares the news to everyone. By doing so, Jesus breaks down the religious, ethnic and gender barriers. He showed that salvation is for all people, and He empowered a societal outcast to become one of the bible’s first evangelist. Jesus trusted a woman with complicated past with His vital truth, proving that no one is beyond redemption. The woman upon hearing the revelation of Christ, didn’t waste any minute, she immediately left her water jag behind to spread the message bringing her entire village out to meet Jesus and successfully evangelizing her community.

Let us reflect:

After we know Jesus, did we immediately leave our past and follow Jesus?

Are we still hesitant to share the truth about Jesus?

Do we doubt if Jesus can use us for His kingdom?

 

Let us pray.

Papa God,

Thank you for the revelation of Your word and for the conviction it brings.

Thank you Lord for letting us know that you can use anyone for your kingdom thus even we are sinners, even we feel that we are not worth of bringing the good news, through this verse, you have told us that we can.

Help us to know you more so we can bring you to everyone around us. Just like the Samaritan woman, may we bring out our own village/community/work place to come to you. To know you, and to be one with you. Let us understand that there is no gender, no ethnicity, no status can hinder you from revealing yourself to them.

Lord please let them know you, so you can come soon. Maranatha Lord Jesus Christ.

These I ask in the mighty name of Jesus.

Thank you my Lord, my God and my King. Amen.

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JOHN 3: NEW BIRTH, NEW LIFE

 

Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)

 

1. We Must Be Born Again

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a respected teacher, and a leader. He came to Jesus at night, curious but careful. Jesus did not talk about miracles or religion. He spoke about new birth.

⁷ Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again. (John 3:7)

This shows that being religious, educated, or respected is not enough. Our first birth gives us physical life, but only the second birth gives us spiritual life. Without this new birth, we cannot see or enter God’s kingdom.

 

John 3:5 — ⁵ Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 

John 3:6 — ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 

Salvation is not about fixing old habits or trying harder. It is about getting a new life from God. Just like we cannot give birth to ourselves physically, we also cannot give birth to ourselves spiritually. Only God can give us this new life through His Spirit. We don’t save ourselves. God saves us.

 

2. The Spirit Brings Transformation

Jesus compared the Spirit’s work to the wind. We cannot see the wind, but we see its effects. In the same way, we may not fully understand how the Spirit works, but we see the change He brings.

⁸ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8)

The Spirit gives us a new heart, new desires, and new strength to live for God. Transformation is not by human effort, but by God’s Spirit.

 

John 3:10 — ¹⁰ Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 

John 3:12 — ¹² If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

 Nicodemus struggled to understand, but Jesus reminded him that the Spirit’s work is promised in the Scriptures. We may not understand everything, but we can trust the Spirit to change us.

 

3. The Cross Brings Salvation

Jesus pointed Nicodemus to the story of Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the wilderness. Just as Israel looked at the serpent and lived, we look to Jesus lifted on the cross and receive eternal life.

¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should ^[c]not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:14–15)

Salvation is not earned, it is received by faith. Looking to Jesus means trusting Him, not ourselves.

John 3:18 — ¹⁸ “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 

John 3:36 — ³⁶ He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Faith is not about doing more, but about trusting more. We must look to Jesus daily, not to our own strength. The cross is the center of our hope.

 

4. God’s Love Is Limitless

The heart of the gospel

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  (John 3:16)

 

 

 

God’s love reaches everyone, rescues anyone, and holds us always.

John 3:17 ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:21 — ²¹ But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

God’s love is the reason for salvation. He gave His Son, the greatest gift, so we could have everlasting life. Even when we feel weak or unworthy, His love secures us.

 

Nicodemus was religious but not reborn. Jesus warns us:

⁷ Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again. (John 3:7).

Religion without rebirth is empty. Faith without sharing is silent. Life without remembering Jesus is weak. But new birth in Christ makes us strong, bold, and alive forever.

Warning Against Darkness

John 3:19 — ⁹ And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Jesus is calling you right now to step fully into His light. Give Him your whole heart, not just a part. Do not hold back. Do not stay halfway. Let His Spirit make you alive, bold, and strong.

Safe faith is powerless faith. Wholehearted faith is living faith. Jesus wants all of you, not some of you.

 

Reflection

· Am I truly born again, or just following religion on the outside?

· Do I let God’s Spirit change me each day?

· Do I look to the cross with faith, not my own good deeds?

· When I feel afraid, do I rest in God’s love?

 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us new life. Thank You for Your Spirit who changes us, for the cross that saves us, and for Your love that never ends. Help us to live each day in this new life, to trust Your Spirit’s power, and to share Your love with others. Keep us from weak faith and make us bold to follow You always. Amen.

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PAS MAY - JCRC STEUNG MEANCHEY

 

JOHN 2: DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

⁶ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.^[b]

⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

⁸ Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.  John 2:5-9

 

The first miracle done by Jesus was in this chapter where He turns the water into wine at a wedding celebration. Careful planning was made to ensure that plenty of provisions were ready for everyone to enjoy.  To run out of wine was more than a social embarrassment.  When Mary saw that the wine supply ran out, she took the problem to her son. 

Mary, Jesus’ mother, noticed the problem that there’s no more wine. She didn’t have the resources to fix it or even a plan. But she knew who to turn to. This is where faith begins—not in knowing what to do, but in knowing who to turn to when you don’t.

What do you do with your problems? Do you just focus on the obstacle, or do you follow God instructions?

 Let’s be like Mary and the servants. When facing a problem beyond our ability to resolve, let’s also.. 

1.    Tell Jesus (John 2:3)

2.    Trust Jesus to handle the situation

3.    Do whatever He tells you to do, even if it doesn’t make sense. (John 2:5)

 

³ When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” John 2:3

⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

 

Mary told Jesus the problem and trusted Him to handle the situation.

Mary told the servants to do whatever He tells them to do.

Servants obeyed

Many times, things happen that we simply don’t understand. But that’s okay—God doesn’t expect us to have everything figured out. We can trust that He knows and will take care of everything. And at times, God reveals His mind, His heart, plans and actions through His Church- teachings and applications. God simply asked us to do the things he would want us to do as His children, as His servants- and He will do His part in our lives. Let us just continue to do whatever Jesus tells us to do currently which is to...

 

-         Pray unceasingly

-        Trust in God’s promises

       Renewing our mind with God's Word

-        Doing the mission

-        Attending bible studies

-        Being equipped

-        Serving others

-        Forgiveness

-        And so on..

 Because in trusting and obeying God’s command gradually transforms our perspective in life and God fills the gap that is in our hearts. And whatever it is that is lacking or running out in our lives, God will fill it up, making it abundant.

 Just like what Mary and servants did. They obeyed Jesus command and witness the miracle. 

 They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.

 John 2:6-8

 Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone jars with water. Then He transformed the water into wine. When we trust and obey Jesus.. His power and glory will manifest.

 Jesus’ power..

-       -  Turns problems into opportunities

-        - Turns sorrow into joy

-       -  Turns ordinary to extraordinary

¹¹ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

TRUST + OBEDIENCE   = GOD WILL DISPLAY HIS GLORY

 GOD DESIRES TO REVEAL HIS GLORY- His Glory is the beauty of His spirit, His heavy presence, His goodness, and in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus demonstrating his grace, truth, love and justice to all of us sinners

OUR PROBLEMS GIVE GOD OPPORTUNITY TO WORK IN OUR BEHALF AND DISPLAY HIS GLORY.

 God promises that trusting and obeying Him will result in abundant blessings- to bless your work, your provision and everything you put your hand to wherever you go. Jesus promised that keeping His commands allows us to remain in His love so that our joy may be full and complete. And that our obedience positions us for God’s favor and eternal fellowship with Him.

 When we invite Jesus into our lives, he shifts our thinking from scarcity to abundance. This transformation isn’t always about physical resources; it’s often about a change in perspective. Remember, we may run out of things in this world, but we are not going to run out of love of God. When we ask for anything. He promise to fill us because we are His children. Lacking of resources and problems may arise everyday and there are many options to take. But the BEST OPTION WOULD BE SIMPLY BE - DO WHATEVER JESUS TELLS YOU TO DO – TRUST AND OBEY HIM AND HE WILL DISPLAY HIS GLORY.

 Prayer,

Lord Jesus, I surrender my will to Yours. I pray for the grace and courage to do whatever You tell me to do, no matter how big or small the task. Let my everyday actions and choices be a clear reflection of Your love. Work in and through me so that Your glory is put on display for the world to see. In Your holy name, Amen.

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JOHN 1: WITNESS TO JESUS

 

John 1:6-8

[6] There was a man sent from God whose name was John. [7] He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. [8] He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

A witness is someone who testifies to the truth based on what they have personally seen, heard, or experienced.

In John 1, we see many parts on witnessing about the Lord Jesus

...John the Baptist witnessing to priests and Levites - John 1:23, 26-27

[20] He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”

[23] John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ”

[26] “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. [27] He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

 

...John the Baptist witnessing to people  -John 1:29, 32, 34

[29] The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

[32] Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.

[34] I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

 

....John the Baptist witnessing to his two disciples - John 1:35-36

[35] The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. [36] When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

 

....Andrew, a disciple of John the baptist witnessing to Simon - John 1:41-42

[41] The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). [42] And he brought him to Jesus.

 

....Philip, a follower of Jesus witnessing to Nathaniel -John 1:45-46

[45] Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” [46] “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

 

.... also John the apostle who has written this chapter have revealed many truths about Jesus - John 1:1-4, 14

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

[14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

This truth is very important to us and so much more to those who have not yet known the truth.

Being a witness Jesus bring about great blessing to people especially to those who seeks for the truth.

 

- Witnessing informs/reveals truth

John 1:34  I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

 

- Witnessing points to the truth

John 1:36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

 

- Witnessing creates path/encounter with Jesus

John 1:37-39 [37] When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. [38] Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” [39]  “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him.

 

- Witnessing saves people

John 1:7, 12 [7] He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

 

- Witnessing changes lives

John 1:4-5 [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

What a profound profession that we can all do for the Lord and to the people. LET’S BE WITNESSES TO JESUS!

 

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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Luke 24: JESUS STILL SHOWS UP

 

JESUS STILL SHOWS UP

Even after His resurrection, Jesus did not remain distant from His followers. He personally showed up to them in their moments of grief, confusion, and fear.

Luke 24 reveals three ways Jesus still shows up to His people today:

1. Jesus Shows Up to the Women Luke 24:1–8

- The women came to the tomb seeking Jesus, even in their sorrow. There they received the message: “He is not here; He has risen!” (v. 6).
- Jesus reveals Himself to those who faithfully seek Him, even when they do not fully understand what He is doing.

2. Jesus Shows Up to the Men on the Road Luke 24:13–32

- The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were discouraged and disappointed. Jesus walked alongside them, explained the Scriptures, and opened their eyes to recognize Him.

“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road?” (v. 32)

- Jesus draws near to those who are discouraged and helps them see God's purpose through His Word.

3. Jesus Shows Up to the Eleven Disciples Luke 24:36–49

- The disciples were gathered behind closed doors, filled with fear and uncertainty. Jesus suddenly stood among them and said, “Peace to you.” (v. 36)
He showed them His hands and feet and reassured them of His presence.

- Jesus meets His followers in their fears and replaces anxiety with peace and assurance.


How Does Jesus Show Up to you Today?

Jesus showed up to the women who sought Him, the men who were discouraged, and the disciples who were afraid. The same risen Savior still shows up today—to those who seek Him, struggle with disappointment, and battle fear.

No matter where you are—grieving, discouraged, or afraid—Jesus still shows up.

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PASTORA MATET - JCRC HANOI

LUKE 23: DEEPEST COMPASSION

 

Scripture: 

Luke 23:34 "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing". And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Luke 23 shows Jesus suffering from the hands of the accusers but He offers ultimate grace to His tormentors who shown Him greatest humiliation.

In verse 1 says, “Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate”. All the people, rich and poor, sinners and righteous, believers and unbelievers, with and without authority, all the multitude send Jesus to Pilate to crucify Him, to kill Him.

The sins that people committed -

• Ø  False accusation, pride, mocking (verse 2-11)
• Ø  Cruelty (verse 18)
• Ø  Injustice (verse 21)
• Ø  Insults (verse 35)

We sin continuously and never deserving of God’s forgiveness and just like the multitude in verse 1, we too, we sent Jesus to crucify Him.

We crucify Jesus when we -

False accusation, pride, mocking (verse 2-11)

•      Misrepresenting Jesus teachings or attributing false motives to His ministry
•      No humility, self-dependence, doing things according to own self
•      Using God’s name in vain, ignoring and neglecting God’s word even if already taught and knew

Cruelty (verse 18)

•         Mocking God’s message by disrespecting, ridiculing or suppressing God’s teachings of love, forgiveness and compassion
•         Persecuting believers by discrimination or harming individuals simply for practicing their faith in Christ by humiliation
•         Neglecting those people in need, ignoring the poor basic needs, the sick, the hungry and the homeless
•       Not praying for others

Injustice (verse 21)

•  Compromising truth for personal gain and approval from others
•  Twisting God’s word and fitting to what we want
•  Condemning others while ignoring personal hypocrisy
•  Abandoning the core command to love your neighbor

Insults (verse 35)

• Discarding or actively speaking against the Bible teachings
• Idolatry, holding on to the favorite sins and justifying those in our lives
• Disobedience, negligence, no desire or totally ignoring on God’s word and no transformation

But Jesus on the cross, He asks God to forgive His executioners, verse 34 Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  

God's grace is extended even to those who cause profound suffering, ignorance, and injustice.

Jesus deep compassion provides -

         Ø  Unconditional forgiveness: Jesus forgives his tormentors without them asking for it. We are forgiven completely and saved so we may live according to God’s purpose.

         Ø  Mercy over Retaliation: He focuses on the spiritual peril of his executioners rather than his own physical pain. The urgency of sharing the good news on Jesus and to accept Him as our only Lord and savior, our only deliverer from hell.

        Ø  Exposes blindness through Sin: His phrase "they know not what they do" highlights that humanity is blinded by spiritual ignorance. The Holy Spirit exposes our sins so that we may be convicted to make it right with God and not to condemn us leading to falling away

       Ø  True repentance: That we may persevere daily to follow Christ even it cost us leaving our comfort, family, career and dreams. To always seek God immediately when we fall and never to give the devil the chance to rule our lives.

       Ø  God’s message to us: Intercessory prayer, to extend prayer to our families, Brothers and Sisters, our nation, and to the lost, as the Bible teaches that we are responsible for the need of a Savior. Believers are to love their enemies, pray for their persecutors, and release bitterness to anyone.

Jesus assures us it is never too late to turn to God, verse 42 the criminal who is also crucified said to Jesus, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And verse 43 says, Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

People might have done to us as well –

• ·         Unkind words
• ·         Discrimination
• ·         Harsh judgement
• ·         Slander
• ·         Gossip
• ·         Lying
• ·         Self-righteousness leading to deception.

Have we shown compassion to them by leading them to Christ?

Have we set aside the emotions, the rights “I deserve”, the worldly response “that’s his problem not mine” by rebuking them and showing them Jesus love?

Is our lives a testimony of God’s forgiveness who forgives those who wronged against us?

Have we allowed Jesus correction in our lives as a response to His deep compassion to us in the cross?

Are we persevering to follow Christ not only in words but in action in response to Jesus plead to the Father to forgive us from our sins?

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father thank you that even now you are merciful and compassionate apart from our sinful lives. Forgive us Father God for the times that we keep on crucifying you through our hardened hearts, disobedience, being lukewarm and turning our back from you. No words to describe how good you are to us; we are unable to measure the depths of your love even we are never and will never be worthy of it all. Lord Jesus, may we take your sacrifices in the cross with humility and complete surrender. May we deeply recognize your purpose in our lives, to live daily aligned with your word and to lead others especially the lost to Jesus. In Jesus mighty Name we pray, Amen.

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