MATTHEW 4: BE DEPENDENT ON THE WORD

 

MATTHEW 4:1-11

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”

8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

OBSERVATION: 

Jesus was led by the spirit to the wilderness, He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights (V2)-just imagine the physical exhaustion Jesus had experience--also notice that Satan knows, so it came to distract Jesus through temptations.

    1.Physical Temptation (V3-4)

--also known as the Lust of the flesh

--tempting Jesus to use His Devine power to meet His own Physical needs rather than relying on God.

    2.Tempation of Pride (V5-7)

--challenging Jesus to Display His power and demonstrate Kingship (having all authority and control)

    3.Tempation of Power (V8-10)

--tempting Jesus with material covetousness (e.g. wealth, possessions)

Amidst these temptations, Jesus never sinned, for He relied His strength on GOD.

And in all this, Jesus Responded, through the Word of God, on what is written--that even Satan knows(v6).

Jesus,  demonstrating His  dependence on the Word of God, as a result the Enemy Left Him (V11)

APPLICATION: 

As the Lord hear the desires of our hearts, our needs, our thoughts and our prayers, the enemy also listens.

Temptations can come in different aspects of our life---for it is the way of the enemy to drift us away from our relationship with God.

However, we Have Jesus to demonstrate us on How to battle these temptations--battle it with the word of GOD--anchor your strength on what is written--Go back to your bible, Go back on what the Lord had promised.

V4-encouraged us to feed ourselves with the word of God, for in feeding we will be able to:

     *Know God's heart

     *Stand Firm on truth

     *Recognize Deception, False teachings if we hear one

     *Grow in Faith that is Grounded, Rooted-- that does not easily drift. 

The word of God is Alive and Active (Hebrews 4:12)--Jesus was Tempted but never sinned because He knows where to anchor His strength, that is to GOD, in His Words. Our will power will never be enough, we always need God's guidance and words to rebuke temptations.

Let's Pray: 

Father, we  thank You for enduring and sustaining us through your Words.

We pray that You constantly make us thirst and hunger to grow our knowledge of You and Your Words, that we may be able to be dependent on you in times of temptation in life.

In Jesus Name, We pray, Amen.

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ELDER KHEN - JCRC RIYADH

MATTHEW 3: TRUSTING GOD’S PERFECT TIMING

 

TRUSTING GOD’S PERFECT TIMING

“But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.” Matthew 3:15 

This moment between Jesus and John the Baptist is quiet, but deeply powerful.

When Jesus came to be baptized, John hesitated. In his understanding, it did not feel right. Jesus was sinless He had no need for repentance. To John, the timing seemed off, the action unnecessary

So John resisted.

But Jesus gently responded,

 “Let it be so now.”

In that simple statement, Jesus revealed something meaningful:

There are moments in Gods plan that wont  make sense to human understanding but they are still perfectly right in His timing.

Jesus was not  just agreeing to be baptized - He was choosing obedience over explanation.

He was embracing humility over position - He was trusting the Fathers will, even when it did not need to be justified.

He submitted to the “now” of God.

What This Means for Us:

We all go through seasons where Gods timing feels hard to understand

There are prayers that seem delayed.

Doors that dont open when we expect them to.

Situations that stretch us, humble us, or even break us.

And we quietly ask:

 • “Lord, why now?”

 • “Why this path?”

 • “Why this waiting?”

Sometimes, like John, we struggle because it does not align with what we think should happen.

But Jesus shows us another way.

Instead of resisting, He trusted.

Instead of demanding answers, He obeyed.

Instead of delaying, He surrendered.

Because He knew this truth: Gods timing is never random it is always purposeful.

Even the uncomfortable “now” has meaning.

Even the delay is doing something in us.

Even the process is part of fulfilling Gods righteousness in our lives.

God is not only preparing our future He is shaping our heart in this very moment.

A Gentle Reminder

Sometimes, obedience will feel:

 • Unseen

 • Uncelebrated

 • Uncomfortable

But it is never unnoticed by God.

That “small yes” we  give today

That step of faith in uncertainty

That surrender in a season we dont understand

It matters in heaven.

Just like Jesus baptism was the beginning of something greater, our obedience in the “now” may be preparing us for what is ahead.

Heart Check:

• Am I trusting God only when I understand or even when I dont?

• Is there a “now” in my life that Ive been resisting?

• What is God asking me to surrender today?

• Can I choose obedience over explanation, like Jesus did?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God of perfect timing. Even when  we dont understand the seasons we are in help us to trust that You are working all things for good.

Teach us to say “yes” to You, even when it feels uncomfortable or unclear. Give us a humble and obedient heart like Jesus willing to follow Your will in every moment.

Strengthen us in the waiting, guide us in the process, and remind us that You are never late you are always right on time.

We surrender our “now” to You.

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ELDER JOAN - JCRC RIYADH

MATTHEW 1: NOT JUST A NAME

 

MATTHEW 1:1-2 - 1The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,  the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: 2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.

NOT JUST A NAME….

3 POWERFUL TRUTHS:

❇️ JESUS IS THE PROMISED SAVIOR

“JESUS CHRIST” – not just a name. This is identity. 

This is mission. “JESUS “ means Savior.

”CHRIST” means the Anointed One, the Messiah 

ROMANS 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us 

❇️ JESUS IS THE PROMISED KING

God keep His promises across generations. From Abraham to  David to Jesus.

God’s plan never failed.

LUKE 2:11 For there is born to you this day in the city of  David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD.

❇️ JESUS IS THE PROMISE KEEPER

And even when it seemed long…even when heaven felt silent…even when nothing seemed to be happening…

Jesus came.

The promise was not delayed— it was fulfilled exactly in God’s perfect time.

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.

NOW, HOW DO WE RESPOND TO THESE POWERFUL TRUTHS?

IF JESUS IS OUR PROMISED SAVIOR

✝️ Receive Him as Savior 

Jesus saved us—not because we earned it, but because He loves us.

IF JESUS IS OUR PROMISED KING

✝️ Submit to Him as King 

A King is not just admired—He is obeyed.

IF JESUS IS OUR PROMISE KEEPER

✝️ Trust ALL His promises.

God doesn’t break His promises—even when it feels delayed.

If Jesus is your SAVIOR, KING AND PROMISE-KEEPER, it will show. LIVE FOR HIM!

The genealogy we often think is boring….is actually beautiful.

Because behind every name – there is grace.

Behind every generation –there is faithfulness.

And at the center of it all---is JESUS.

💟 REMEMBER THIS: 

Your past is not a hindrance.

Your family background is not a hindrance.

Your weaknesses are not a hindrance.

Because God can still write His story…. through you.

And one day, your life will also point to one Name—

The Name above every name ---- JESUS

JESUS

Our Promised Savior, 

Our Promised King,

And Our Promise-Keeper

❤️ Let us reflect:

1. Do I truly believe that Jesus is my Savior- or am I still trying to save myself?

2. Is Jesus really the King of my life - or just part of my life?

3. Do I trust God’s promises- even when I don’t see results yet?

4. Am I willing to wait on God’s timing without giving up?

Philippians 2:9-11

9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

NOT JUST A NAME….

BUT THE NAME OF... 

JESUS 🙌🙏🙌

Pastora Sherly 

JCRC Riyadh

Matthew 2: From Herod to Heaven’s Way

 

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:8-12

⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

OBSERVATION

Herod’s words were filled with deceit, pretending he wanted to worship Jesus, but his heart was corrupt (Jeremiah 17:9). In contrast, the wise men’s hearts were sincere, and God honored their pursuit. The star guided them faithfully, reminding us of God’s promise in Psalm 32:8-“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.”

When they encountered Jesus, their response was worship and giving. They bowed before Him, presenting gifts that symbolized His kingship, priesthood, and sacrifice (Philippians 2:10–11). But the encounter did not end with worship—it changed their direction. God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod, and they obeyed, departing by another way. This illustrates that a true encounter with Christ leads to transformation, a new path, and a turning away from the old, ungodly ways as stated in2 Corinthians 5:17-“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

APPLICATION

Like the wise men, we too are called not only to seek Christ but to allow Him to change the very course of our lives. A genuine encounter with Jesus does not leave us the same—it shifts our priorities, reorients our worship, and even alters the paths we take. When the wise men met the Child, they could not return to Herod; instead, they were led “by another way.” This is a powerful picture of transformation.

As Psalm 16:11 declares, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” In Christ, we discover a new path filled with joy and purpose. And Proverbs 3:6 reminds us, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Meeting Jesus means surrendering our old ways, sins, and patterns, and walking in the newness of life guided by His Spirit.

For us as believers, and especially for JCRC—Jesus Christ’s Remnant Church—this truth is central to our identity. We are not a people who return to Herod, to the old life, but a transformed community continually seeking His presence and following His direction. Our encounter with Christ must be evident in the way we live, worship, and walk together in obedience, showing the world that meeting Jesus truly changes everything.

 

PRAYER

Hallelujah! Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of the wise men who sought Jesus with all their hearts, worshiped Him with their treasures, and obeyed Your voice to walk in a new direction.

 Lord, may our encounter with Christ daily transform us, redirect us, and renew us. I also lift up to you the remnants to be a people who not only seek You but also live out the new path You set before us. May our worship be genuine, our obedience steadfast, and our lives a testimony that meeting Jesus changes everything. In His mighty name we pray, Amen.

From Herod to Heaven’s Way: True Encounter with Christ Leads to Transformation

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PASTORA JEANNIE – JCRC SORSOGON

MATTHEW 1 : SI HESUS

 

MATTHEW 1

               Dito sa chapter one ng Mateo ay pormal na ipinakilala si Jesus. Kung saan siya nag mula na lahi at kung sino ang kaniyang mga magulang. Ipinaalam din sa atin kung paano siya na buhay sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng Banal na Espiritu kaya nag dalang tao si Maria. Si Jose na asawa ni Maria ay galing sa lahi ni David na naging physical Father ni Hesus. Ibig sabihin si Hesus ay isang hudyo o  Jews or the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which is the royal lineage.

So, it shows that He’s the legal Messiah dahil galing siya sa royal lineage. Ang legal na tagapagligtas na sinasabi noon sa old testament. Ang kaniyang pagkabuhay ay fulfillment ng prophecies.

 

Bakit nga ba na buhay si Hesus? Ano ang sinasabi ng propesiya tungkol sa Kaniya?

              Na buhay si Hesus dahil nagkasala tayo sa una palang. Sa Genesis palang ay nagkasala na si Adan at Eba kaya ang buong sangkatauhan ay nanganganib at kailangan ng tagapagligtas. Bakit tayo nanganganib? Dahil makasalanan tayo. Ang gumagawa ng kasalanan ay mapupunta sa impyerno. Ngunit ayaw iyong mangyare ng Diyos. Kaya ibinigay niya si Hesu-Kristo sa atin upang tayo ay iligtas at linisin sa ating mga kasalanan.

 

ü  Genesis 3:15, The “seed of the woman” who would crush the serpent’s head,(Ang binhi niya ang dudurog sa iyong ulo) representing the victory over Satan. Dito inihayag ng Diyos ang kaparusahan na mangyayare sa ahas, sa babae at kay Adan noong sila ay lumabag sa utos ng Diyos. Ang sabi ay ang binhi ng babae ang dudurog sa kaniyang ulo at sa sakong niya’y ikaw ang tutuklaw. Nakasulat na sa una palang na iyan ang trabaho ng kalaban na tuklawin tayo upang mapatay ng makandag nitong laway. Pero ang antidote ng lasong iyon ay ang binhi rin babae na si Hesus and that is through the blood of Jesus we are saved. That is why He is our Redeemer.

ü  Isaiah 52:13-53:1-12, Ang nag durusang lingkod. Or the suffering servant predicts the suffering na pag dadaanan ng ating Panginoong Hesus. While reading this ay nalulungkot ako at nagiging grateful because na buhay upang mamatay para sa atin. Nakaka-touch that I feel so special dahil isa ako sa mga sinave Niya. But my heart broke sa chapter 53:5, “dahil sa ating kasalanan kaya siya nasugatan…” the pain na in-endure niya for us…ganun niya tayo kamahal. Kaya bigyan natin ng kabuluhan ang kaniyang pagtitiis.

ü  JOHN 3:16, FOR GOD SO LOVE THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON FOR WHOSOEVER BELIEVE IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE AN EVERLASTING LIFE. Ito na nga yun. Na buhay si Hesus dahil ito ang kalooban ng Diyos at alang-alanhg sa Kaniya kaya tayo ay papatawarin.

             

              Marami pang supporting verses sa propesiya ng pagkabuhay ng Panginoon at lahat ng ito ay sa isang purpose lang. Ito ay upang iligtas ang sangkatauhan sa kasalanan. At nangyare nga ang propesiya kaya tinatamasa natin ngayon ang kaligtasan na nagmumula sa KANIYA. ANG KANIYANG GRACE THROUGH HIS BLOOD.

              Pero have you noticed the inclusion of five women sa lineage ni Jesus. Sina Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Uriah’s wife, and Mary. Sila yung may broken background sa royal lineage. Dito hina-highlights ang grace ni Lord hindi lang sa jewish people kundi including ang mga gentiles. That He is God of everyone. That He is the Saviour of the mankind.

              Gentiles are fellow-heirs too, ibinuhos din sa atin ang Holy spirit hindi lang sa jews. The salvation didn’t only focus sa Israel pero pati narin sa buong bansa through faith kay Jesus Christ.

              Kaya samakatuwid, ang pagkasilang kay Hesus ay isang act of love ni Lord sa sangkatauhan. Hindi ba’t ito ang buod ng ini-evangelize natin? Na noong una, ang first goal ng Diyos ay makasama tayo ngunit hindi iyon nangyare dahil tayo ay nagkasala. Ang bawat kasalanan ay dulot ang kamatayan. Ngunit ayaw iyong mangyare ng Panginoon kaya niya ibinigay sa atin ang kaniyang bugtong na anak upang mag silbing tulay pabalik sa relasiyon sa kaniya. Sabi sa Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Tanggapin natin si Hesus bilang Diyos at tagapagligtas natin at humingi tayo ng patawad at magsisi tayo sa kasalanan upang tayo ay magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.

 

Tayo ay manalangin.

 

              HALLELLUJAH Father GOD, Ibinababa ko po ang aking sarili upang itaas ka Panginoon. Pinupuri kita at sinasamba. Ikaw lamang ang aking Diyos at wala ng iba. Lord, You are the Lord of lords, and King of kings. Thank you for today Lord God, for waking us up, for all the blessings, for the peace, strength, and healing. Patawad po sa mga nagawa naming kasalanan. Baguhin mo po ang puso’t isipan. Tulungan mo po kaming mamuhay ayon sa iyong kalooban. Salamat for giving us Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Thank you for the unconditional love. Maghari ka po sa aming buhay. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

 

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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ELDER MC - JCRC SORSOGON

REVELATION 22: THE GRAND INVITATION: EVERYTHING IS READY.

 REVELATION 22

THE GRAND INVITATION: EVERYTHING IS READY. Sa chapter na ito , the word “Come,” appears 7 times” .

7 represents divine completeness and perfection. The table is set, the groom is ready, and the Father has prepared the eternal home(Revelation 21).

Meaning everything is now fully complete and the plan for the union of Jesus (Groom)and the Bride (Church) is perfectly set. THE HOME IS READY Revelation 22:1-5 [1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb [2] down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. [3] No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. [4] They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. [5] There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. THE INVITATION HAS BEEN PROCLAIMED Ang invitation ay hindi ibinibigay ng last minute, ito ay laging ahead of time so no one will come unprepared . Everyone is invited, every tribe, every nation, every generation and every language received the invitation at lahat ay pinaghahanda. v.16 “I, Jesus, sent my angel to you to give you this testimony to share with the congregations. “ And if you received the invitation, you are now a messenger. Tell others about the Wedding! Ibahagi natin ang mensahe ng kaligtasan dahil yun ang kalooban ni Jesus. Stop delaying your salvation! Prepare! Tell others! Don’t let the door close while you are still “getting ready” The invitation is in your hands, but it requires a response. HOW’S YOUR GARMENT? To enter the wedding banquet, ang kasuotan ay non-negotiable. Theme: White(holiness and purity) Attire: White robes and fine linen (Revelation 22:14 19:8) v14Wonderfully blessed are those who wash their robes white so they can access the Tree of Life and enter the city of bliss by its open gates.

I remember sa Matthew 22:11-13, wherein yung inanyayahan ay hindi nakadamit pangkasalan ay itinapon sa kadiliman. White robes symbolizes righteousness and the washing of one’s life through Christ Jesus, wearing the white garment shows intentionality . To show up na hindi nakadamit pang kasalan – without a heart transformed by righteousness- ay masasabing hindi o kulang sa paghahanda at walang pagpapahalaga sa occasion. Since the invitation was given ahead of time, there's no excuse na hindi nakapaghanda , we've given all the time to be prepared. Sabi nga sa v14 only those who was their robes white “ may enter the gates and access the true life. Tayo ba, are we wearing the “white robe” o are we still wearing the rags of the world? Wag lang natin pakinggan ang message; intentionality means washing our robes in the holiness of Christ today. ARE WE INTENTIONAL? God’s preparation about this union is intentional, seryoso si Lord! Seryoso that the plan for redemption was made before the world began. Seryoso sya and intentional when He sends His only begotten Son to die for us para ma present tayo ng clean, pure and Holy sa groom. He is serious, na tulad ng sa garden of Eden inihanda niya muna lahat bago niya inilgay si Adam and now ni-restore Niya ang Eden and inihanda Niya rin lahat para sa Bride. If God is this so intentional about the union. Let’s ask ourselves: Are we just as intentional being with HIM? “Come,” says the Holy Spirit and the Bride in divine duet. Let everyone who hears this duet join them in saying, “Come.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the holy believers. Amen! ------------------------ PASTORA CZAR - JCRC SORSOGON

REVELATION 21: HOME AT LAST

 

In Revelation 21, the Apostle John gives us a glimpse of the new heaven and new earth. Each detail he describes points to a world that has been completely renewed and reunited with God.

1. Freedom from Separation

In verse 1, John mentions that "there was no longer any sea." In the biblical context, the sea often symbolized chaos, danger, and the distance between people. Its absence represents a new kind of freedom—freedom from the troubles, sins, and temptations that used to keep humanity separated from God.

2. The Bride and the Wedding

In verse 2, John sees the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, "prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."

●      Who is the Bride? The New Jerusalem represents the community of God’s people—those who have been redeemed by His grace.

●      What is the Wedding? A wedding is the ultimate symbol of unity. It marks the moment Christ (the Groom) and His people (the Bride) become one forever.Purity and Sanctification

Because God is perfect, He can only be united with a bride that is pure. This is why the City is shown coming down from heaven already "prepared and adorned."

●      The Source of Purity: We cannot make ourselves perfect on our own. The bride is beautiful because she has been sanctified (made holy) by God Himself.

●      Our Hope: While we aren't perfect right now, we have hope through faith. We trust that our Lord—our Sanctifier—is the one preparing us to be presented to Him, just as a bride is presented to her husband on her wedding day.

 

3.  The union between God and His Bride is made clear in Verse 3. John hears a loud voice saying: "Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."

The fact that God is now living right among His people is the ultimate proof that they are finally united. It is a beautiful promise that our relationship with Him will be fully fixed. We are moving back to the kind of closeness seen in the Garden of Eden—where God isn't far away like He was after the Fall, but is right here with us.

This is proof that
1.) Anything that is Broken by Sin can be Fixed By God
2.) We have true Togetherness with our God
3.) That there will be a new beginning promised by God.)


4. The result of this restoration is described in verse 4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

This shows that God has finally ended the curse of sin that began at the Fall. In this new world, the things that hurt us most—death, suffering, and sorrow—will no longer exist.

For believers today, this is a source of great comfort. It promises that our current struggles are temporary and that God has planned a brand-new, eternal life for us where pain is a thing of the past.

 

What Changes in the New Order?

●      Emotional Healing: God personally comforts His people, "wiping away" the memory of grief.

●      The End of the Curse: The cycle of death and decay that started in Eden is broken forever.

●      A Permanent Promise: This isn't a temporary fix; it is a whole new way of existing.

●      A Note of Hope: We can face the hardships of today knowing that the "old order" is on its way out, and a painless eternity is on its way in.

In Summary, God is bringing us back to the close relationship we were always meant to have with Him. By getting rid of sin and death, He is fixing everything that was broken and making us His pure, holy family forever. For everyone going through hard times now, this is a beautiful promise that pain is temporary, and a happy, eternal life with God is waiting for us. 

WE ARE HOME AT LAST!

 

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ELDER JERO – JCRC SORSOGON