ROMANS 1: UNCOMPROMISING TRUTH

 

In the last part of Romans 1, Paul shows how sinful human beings can be. He lists the bad things people do when they turn away from God. These terrible actions were not just a problem in Paul's time—we see them happening everywhere today. The worst part is that modern society does not just accept these sins; it actually celebrates them.

According to Romans 1:28–32, because people refused to keep God in their minds, God let them have worthless minds to do things they should not do. This led to a long list of sins:

●      Wickedness and Greed: People wanting more and doing wrong things to get it.

●      Hate and Jealousy: Hearts full of envy, murder, and fighting.

●      Gossip and Lies: People talking behind backs and tricking others.

●      Pride and Disobedience: Being boastful, inventing new ways to do evil, and disobeying parents.

●      No Mercy: Being untrustworthy, unloving, and unkind.

The Danger of Tolerance

In the Scriptures, Satan is sometimes called Beelzebub, which means "Lord of the Flies." This name provides a powerful spiritual warning. Think about how flies operate in nature: when a fly lands on a tiny, open wound, it leaves behind bacteria. If that small wound is ignored, it quickly becomes infected, grows into a much bigger problem, and can ultimately lead to death.

This is exactly how moral decay happens in our society. When we tolerate seemingly small sins today, we open a spiritual wound. Over time, those small compromises build up.

This pattern creates a dangerous cultural timeline:

●      Today: Sin is tolerated.

●      Tomorrow: Sin is normalized.

●      The Future: Sin is celebrated.

The Path to Spiritual Blindness

When society reaches the point where sin is not just accepted but actively celebrated, people's hearts and minds become spiritually blinded. This blindness stops people from repenting. These unrepented sins become deep, open wounds in our souls—the perfect landing spot for the "flies" of the enemy.

The ultimate danger of this cycle is spiritual death. When we constantly romanticize and normalize sin, we lose the ability to tell the difference between right and wrong.

Eventually, this complete blindness can lead to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Because the heart has become entirely hardened and no longer recognizes sin, it completely rejects the Holy Spirit's call to repentance—cutting a person off from the very grace that could save them. This is why protecting our morality today is so urgent, not just for ourselves, but for the sake of future generations.

The Compromise Within the Church

Tragically, this decay is not just happening in the secular world. Many Christians nowadays—who are supposed to stand up and fight for the Truth—are actually the ones encouraging, excusing, and defending these very acts.

Instead of being a light in the darkness, they bend to cultural peer pressure. This happens because many believers are no longer grounded in the Scriptures. Without a deep, unwavering foundation in God's Word, they confuse compromise with love, and they end up leading others astray by validating the very things God warns against.

The Moral Lesson from Romans 1: Guard Your Heart Early

The core moral lesson of Romans 1 is that spiritual drift happens one small choice at a time, and the ultimate judgment for ignoring God is being left to our own desires.

Romans 1:21 says that society's downfall began because "although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him." They did not start with major sins; they started with ingratitude and ignoring God. Because they tolerated those "small" spiritual wounds, verses 24, 26, and 28 reveal the terrifying consequence: "God gave them over" to their own sinful minds.

Furthermore, Romans 1:32 warns against those who "not only continue to do these very things but also give hearty approval to those who practice them." When Christians endorse unbiblical behaviors, they fall directly into this trap of giving "hearty approval" to sin.

The takeaway for us is clear:

Do not let the "flies" of compromise land on your heart or your church. We must protect our minds today by staying deeply rooted in the Scriptures. If we tolerate small wrongs now, we risk losing our ability to see the truth later. Guard your conscience, refuse to cheer for what God calls wrong, and keep your faith firmly anchored in the Word of God and do not be afraid to stand with the truth avoiding the danger of tolerance of the said sins. Lastly, Reach out for those who are blinded by the romanticization of sin with Love, Patience and Guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
 
Doon tayo sa Tunay. In short Doon tayo kay Jesus.

--------------- ELDER JERO

ACTS 28 : FROM A SNAKE-BITE TO A TESTIMONY

 

Acts 28:5 (Highlight verse)

"But Paul shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm."
 
 
The Viper Will Come, But It Cannot Cling - v.5
Paul didn't go looking for a snake. He was serving - gathering sticks for the fire - and the snake latched on because of the heat.
The enemy often attacks right after God shows you mercy [Paul had just survived a shipwreck] and right when you are serving faithfully. The attack is not proof God left you, it's proof the fire of God on your life disturbed the enemy.

The enemy can strike, but he cannot shake the throne holding you.

Don't negotiate with the snake, shake it off. Fear, betrayal, sickness, anxiety - shake it into the fire of God's presence.

What Was Meant To Kill You Will Become Your Pulpit. The people waited for Paul to die. When he didn't, verse 9 says the whole island came to be healed. God will use your snake-bite story to bring healing to others and God will turn your snake-bite into a testimony.
 
Acts 28:30-31 (HIGHLIGHT)
"He lived there two whole years... proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."

Paul was under house arrest. Earthly circumstances had changed. People had left. His freedom had failed - but look - even chained, he was unhindered. Why? Because his refuge was not Rome, not freedom, not people. His refuge was the eternal throne.

God's Word is Unstoppable, God's People are Unstoppable Because He is the UNSTOPPABLE GOD
 
Chains can bind your Hands, But not your Calling. 

God's miracles:
v.5 - He delivers you FROM the trial [The snake dies]
v.30-31 - He sustains you IN the trial [You thrive even while still chained]
 
True peace is not when everything around you is unhindered, but when you remain bold and unhindered INSIDE, because your soul has found peace at the throne.

Run TO the throne, not FROM the storm. Your security is positional. The safest place is not where storms disappear, but where the King still reigns.

Use Your Authority. Authority doesn't work until you open your mouth and use it. Shake it off. Speak the Word. Luke 10:19 Binigyan ko kayo ng kapangyarihang tapakan ang mga ahas at mga alakdan, at daigin ang lahat ng kapangyarihan ng kaaway; at walang makakapanakit sa inyo.

Luke wrote the Book of Acts in detail and faithfully - the acts of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Paul and the apostles. May we be the same in proclaiming the goodness and power of God at work in us.

Live Unhindered Either Way. Whether God removes the viper instantly or allows the chain to remain for a season, decide this: "I will proclaim the Kingdom with all boldness. I am held, I am covered, I am unhindered."

ACTS 26: WHEN THE LIGHT OF GOD SHINES ON US

 

Scripture: Acts 26:12-18 (ESV)

12“In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ^a ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Observation 

In this account of Saul’s conversion, he mentions that the light from heaven did not only shine around him, but also around those who journeyed with him (v13). Further down in the passage in v17 & 18 Jesus told him the He is sending Paul to the gentiles (the very people he intended to persecute) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light.

Firstly, if we look at the sequence of events, God’s light fell on Paul first, but also on those around him, before sending him to the gentiles to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light. There is no coincidence in how the event of Saul’s conversion and calling unfolds.

Jesus shines His light on Saul. Then after Saul responded and ask Jesus, who are you Lord, did Jesus then reveal His identity to Saul. After Jesus revealed Himself, did He appoint Saul and sent him as Paul.

Secondly the light intended for Saul, also fell on the travellers who were with him on the road. The divine appointment was for Saul, but others were also witnessed it. In Acts 9:8 the Bible tells us that those who were with him, guided (the now blinded) Paul to Damascus completing the intended journey with him.

Thirdly a journey was planned for specific destination, with one purpose to persecute and destroy. But when the light of God was shined on the journey and that travellers, the purpose changed, same destination, but different purpose to bring light and life in stead of darkness and death.

Application

When God convicts you of something, will you respond ("Who are you, Lord?") and then obey, stand up and go when He commands you to move? When the light of God shines on us, our transformation spills over to those closest to us.

God often uses the people around us to guide us through seasons of spiritual blindness. Allow others to help you walk when you are figuring out your new path. Also be of help when you are witness to someone coming into the light from the darkness.

What is the current goal of the path you are on? Are you walking towards a destination with a spirit of pride and selfishness? Surrender you path to God and allow Him to work in you. He is all powerful to turn our misguided intentions toward His light, His purposes, His glory when we surrender our plans to Him

Prayer

Lord, help us to respond in obedience to Your commands. Search our hearts, our plans, our motives and bring correction where it is needed. Help us by the power of your Holy Spirit to surrender and yield to corrections so that we continue to walk in Your light and purpose so that You alone may be glorified. Amen.

 

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PAS HESMA - JCRC SA

 

ACTS 24: PAUL OR FELIX: WHOSE PATH WILL YOU CHOOSE?

When we choose to follow Christ, we should not expect the world to applaud us. The world rejected Jesus, and it will often reject those who faithfully walk in His footsteps. Acts 24 presents two contrasting responses to God: one through the life of Paul and the other through Felix.

The Nature of the World

The world is not merely the people around us but the sinful system that opposes God.

* It is driven by sin and selfishness.
* It rejected and crucified Jesus Christ.
* It values self-interest over God's will.

The world's message today is simple: “Live for yourself. Do what makes you happy. Put yourself first. "But God's kingdom calls us to deny ourselves and follow Christ.

Paul: One Who Refused the Ways of the World

- Paul stood before Governor Felix, falsely accused by the religious leaders. His only "crime" was faithfully preaching Jesus Christ.

Acts 24:5
We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among all the Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect."

- The world misunderstood Paul because he refused to compromise. Instead of following culture, he followed Christ.

Paul boldly declared:

Acts 24:14
However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.

- Paul was not ashamed to be identified with the Way. He did not seek the approval of people but the approval of God. His life was marked by integrity.

Acts 24:16
“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."

- A believer who chooses God's way may be criticized, misunderstood, or falsely accused, but a clear conscience before God is worth more than the approval of the world.

Felix: A Friend of the World

- Felix listened to Paul preach, but his heart remained unchanged. Paul spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment—the very truths Felix needed to hear.

Acts 24:25

"As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.

- Instead of responding in repentance, Felix delayed obedience because he was more concerned with his own comfort, power, and personal gain than with surrendering to God.

Acts also reveals another motive.
Acts 24:26
“At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe."

And finally,

Acts 24:27

"...Wanting to grant a favor to the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison."

- Felix sought the approval of people rather than the will of God. He heard the truth but refused to let it transform his life.

Our Choice Today

Acts 24 places before us the same decision.

Will we be like Paul, who stood firm in obedience despite opposition?
Or will we be like Felix, who chose convenience, popularity, and self-interest over obedience to God?

The enemy can accuse us, criticize us, and even persecute us, but he cannot take away the life that Christ has given us. As followers of Jesus, our calling is not to gain the world's approval but to remain faithful to God.

Paul chose God's approval despite opposition, while Felix chose the world's approval over obedience. 
Like Paul, let us keep a clear conscience, boldly proclaim the truth, and remain steadfast even when the world stands against us.

For our lives are not in the hands of the world—they are in the hands of the Lord.

Acts 24:15

"...I have the same hope in God... that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."

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PAS MATET - JCRC HANOI

ACTS 18: GOD'S SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU, OBEDIENT ONE

 

“Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”

                                                                — Acts 18:10

 

While Paul was in Corinth, God spoke to him in a vision. After facing persecution in many places

Paul may have felt afraid or discouraged. God encouraged him to keep preaching by giving him three promises.

 

1.     "For I am with you." (Acts 18:11)

- Paul remained in Corinth for 18 months, boldly teaching God's Word because he was strengthened by God's presence.

2.      "No one will attack you to harm you." (Acts 18:14–16)

-          When Paul was brought before Gallio, God protected him. The charges were dismissed, and Paul was neither arrested nor harmed.

3.      "For I have many people in this city." (Acts 18:8, 11)

-          God was already working in Corinth. Crispus, his household, and many Corinthians believed in the Lord, and many more came to faith during Paul's ministry.

 

God's presence, protection, and sovereign plan gave Paul the courage to continue serving faithfully despite opposition. The same God is with us today as we faithfully obey His calling.

 

Reflections:

1.      What fear is keeping me from obeying God's calling?

2.      Will I continue sharing the gospel even if I face rejection?

3.      Am I trusting God to work in people's hearts, even when I don't see immediate results?

 

Like Paul, may we faithfully obey God's calling, trusting that God is already at work and that His purposes will always be accomplished.

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ELDER BAYIS - JCRC HANOI

 

Acts 16: God Opens Hearts and Breaks Chains

 

 God Opens Hearts and Breaks Chains

 

Scripture

Acts 16:25-26

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, ²⁶ and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.

 

It shows that God directs our steps, opens hearts, and uses even suffering to bring salvation.

God works in surprising ways:

• Paul takes Timothy as a helper, showing the importance of training others in faith.
• The Holy Spirit closes some doors but opens a new one through the vision of the man from Macedonia.
• Lydia, a businesswoman, listens to Paul’s message and “the Lord opened her heart.” Her home becomes the first church in Philippi.
• Paul and Silas are beaten and locked in prison, yet they sing hymns at midnight. Their worship brings freedom—chains fall, doors open, and lives are changed.
• The jailer, hopeless and afraid, finds salvation when Paul tells him: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

 

It teaches us how to live with faith that transforms:

Let us Trust God’s leading When life doesn’t go the way you planned, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Sometimes God closes one door so He can open a better one.

Let us Keep our hearts open Be like Lydia, ready to listen, ready to let God’s word shape your life and even your home.

Let us Sing through the struggle Paul and Silas worshiped in chains. When we choose praise in hard times, it lifts our spirit and can even inspire freedom for others.

Let us share love to other People around us are searching for answers. We don’t need complicated words just the simple truth that Jesus saves.

 Let our faith spread One person’s open heart can spark change in a family, a workplace, or even a whole community.

 

Acts 16 also reminds us not to live with half-hearted faith. Timothy was young but gave himself fully to serving Christ. Lydia believed and immediately opened her home for ministry. Paul and Silas, even when beaten and chained, chose to sing hymns instead of complaining. The jailer, in his moment of fear, responded right away to the gospel.

Lukewarm faith looks very different. It avoids responsibility, resists change, complains in trials, and stays silent when others are desperate for hope. This chapter rebukes that kind of complacency. Real discipleship is passionate, obedient, and willing to suffer for Christ. Lukewarm Christianity cannot stand against the demands of the gospel—it calls us to give our whole heart, not just part of it.

 

Reflection

Acts 16 is more than a story from the past, it is a mirror for us today. God still opens hearts, still breaks chains, and still uses ordinary people to bring extraordinary change. If we trust His leading, keep our hearts open, worship in trials, and share hope, our faith will not be lukewarm but alive, bold, and contagious.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us that You guide our steps, open hearts, and break chains. Help us to trust You when life feels hard, to worship You even in our darkest nights, and to share the life of Jesus with those who are desperate for life. Make our homes, like Lydia’s, a place where Your presence dwells and Your gospel spreads. Transform us so we can help transform others.

In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

 ---- PASTORA MAY

ACTS 15: WHEN CHURCH FACES CONFLICT: GODLY LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

 

WHEN CHURCH FACES CONFLICT: GODLY LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

 

Every church, no matter how healthy, will face challenges. Differences in beliefs, traditions, cultures, and opinions can create tension. The question is not whether problems will arise, but how God's people respond to them.

 

I. Church issue (Acts 15:1)

Some believers from Judea came to Antioch teaching:

"Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1)

-          Paul and Barnabas strongly opposed this teaching because salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works.

 

We may also face difficult issue in the church such as:

• False teaching
• Doctrinal confusion
• Cultural differences
• Leadership disagreements
• Personal conflicts
•  Ignoring problems does not solve them. Healthy churches address issues with wisdom and truth.

 

B. The Leaders Action

The apostles and elders met together in Jerusalem.

1.They listened carefully.

⁶ The apostles and elders met to consider this question. Acts 15:6

 

There was much discussion before anyone made a decision.

Good leaders do not rush to conclusions.

 2. Peter testified.

Peter reminded everyone how God accepted the Gentiles through faith when He gave them the Holy Spirit.

. ⁸ God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. ⁹ He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Acts 15:8-9

 3. Paul and Barnabas shared evidence.

They reported the miracles and conversions God had performed among the Gentiles.

Their ministry confirmed God's approval.

 

¹² The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Acts 15:12

 

4. James turned to Scripture.

James quoted the prophet Amos to show that God's plan had always included the Gentiles.

The final decision rested on God's Word.

 ¹⁵ The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

¹⁶ “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,¹⁷ that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’—¹⁸     things known from long ago. Acts 15:16-18

 Godly leaders solve problems by:

• Listening carefully
• Respecting one another
• Considering God's work
• Submitting to Scripture

Opinions alone are not enough. God's Word must guide every decision.

 III. The Decision Protected the Gospel

 They refused to compromise the gospel.

• They encouraged loving consideration for others.

 ¹⁹ “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. ²⁰ Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. ²¹ For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” Acts 15:19-21

 

o   Unity is built on truth and grace.

 IV. The Decision Was Clearly Communicated

 The church sent a letter along with trusted leaders, Judas and Silas.

The believers in Antioch rejoiced because the message brought encouragement and clarity.

Conflict ended because communication was clear.

 

³⁰ So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. ³¹ The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message .Acts 15:30-31

 

-          Church leaders should communicate decisions honestly, clearly, and lovingly.

-          Poor communication creates confusion.

 

 

 

Acts 15 reminds us that church problems do not have to become church divisions.

When leaders seek God together, submit to Scripture, listen with humility, and depend on the Holy Spirit, even difficult conflicts can strengthen the church.

The early church emerged from this crisis stronger, more united, and better prepared to spread the gospel throughout the world.

May our churches follow the same example—standing firmly on God's truth while showing grace, humility, and love to one another.

 Reflection:

• Am I contributing to unity or division in the church?
• Do I trust godly leadership when they faithfully follow Scripture?
• When disagreements arise, do I seek God's truth or simply defend my own preferences?
• Am I helping protect both the truth of the gospel and the unity of Christ's church?

May we be a church that seeks God's will together, honors biblical leadership, and proclaims the gospel of grace with one heart and one voice.

  

Prayer,

Lord, give us humble hearts that seek unity, wisdom to follow Your Word, and grace to trust the leaders You have placed in Your church. May every challenge become an opportunity to glorify You and strengthen Your people. I Jesus Name, Amen.

 

 --- PASTORA PAULA