Mathew 19: HARDENED HEART

 

Mathew 19:7

They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 

 The Hardness of Heart (Divorce): Jesus states that Moses permitted divorce as a concession to the "hardness of your hearts”. This indicates a stubborn, calloused resistance to God's will and a disregard for His original design of permanence in marriage. This heart condition is not just about cruelty, but a deeper refusal to obedience of God's purpose. Matthew 19 provides insights into the human heart, it is prone to hardness, idolatry, and selfishness, while setting the standard for a transformed life. The core observation is that God's ideal (perfection/lifelong marriage) is often unmet due to human "hardness of heart"

 Mathew 19:16

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”17So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

 

Mathew 5: 48

Therefore, you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

 

The Idolatry of the Heart (Rich Young Ruler): The rich young man's heart was divided. While he obeyed outward commands, he loved his possessions more than God. His heart was possessed by his possessions, identifying a condition where earthly wealth takes the place of God.

Reminder:

 Mathew 6: 24“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

The Need for Childlike Faith: Jesus contrasts the hard hearts of the Pharisees and the divided heart of the rich ruler with the heart of a child (Matthew 19:14).

Mathew 19:14

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

The Kingdom belongs to those with a humbled, obedient, dependent trusted heart.

 Humble-put others above us, Love others (THE Agape Love), Pleases Dependent trusting heart-like a child depends on parents, we as children of God, depend on God who we call Abba Father.

Eziekiel 36:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things And desperately wicked;

 

Who can know it?

 

The Necessity of Spiritual Transformation: Matthew 19 implicitly highlights that a "hard, Idolatrous, divided heart cannot keep the law perfectly, requiring a transformation that only comes through Jesus (grace) rather than strict legalism, the disciples, witnessing this, realize that only God can change hearts to achieve such a high standard.

 

²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

 

The chapter shows that the natural human heart is prone to seeking loopholes (divorce) and putting earthly security (riches) before God. Jesus points back to the "beginning" (creation) to call for a return to a "soft" heart—one that is fully surrendered, humbled, loving, trusting, depended , and pleasing which is only possible through repentance ,inviting Jesus in your heart as LORD and SAVIOR so our Human heart has to die so Jesus heart in the spirit can live in me,(ALL OF ME)to flow through Me, than I am  not  trying to Follow Jesus but letting him lead, live  in us, his words in Mathew 19:28 when we obey, leave everything of this world we do not just inherit eternal life and even rewarded 100 folds .

Galations:20

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Let’s pray

10Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

13Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

And sinners shall be converted to You.

14Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

The God of my salvation,

And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

15O Lord, open my lips,

And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

16For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;

You do not delight in burnt offering.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,

A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise.

 

In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

 

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PASTORA KATHY – JCRC FIJI

MATTHEW 18: AS CHILDREN

 

 

MATTHEW 18:1-5 AS CHILDREN

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And Jesus called a child and set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." 4 Whosoever therefore humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whosoever receives such a child in my name receives me.

LET'S ASK OURSELVES, WHAT IS A CHILD'S HEART LIKE?

·       Simple and pure.

·       Humble.

·       Absolute trust of the father.

·       Dependence on the father throughout his life.

God wants us to acknowledge our own littleness before the almighty Father, with spiritual innocence guarding healthy doctrine as a precious treasure, with the immediate ability to forgive, having a healthy heart toward others.

Jesus our only Lord gave as an example - a child to highlight the greatness of his kingdom that is not about ego, nor pride, but about a heart clean from the vain world that's far from God, and showing us that his kingdom is based on love and humility and not on power and vain glory. A malleable and open heart ready for the service and extension of his kingdom.

Prayer

Dear Father, I praise and acknowledge the wonders of your creation, Lord, make us like children with a simple heart never to depart from you, mold every heart willing to be moldable to your pure word, and to be kept and sown in every heart; may your church remain absolutely dependent on you, like children who depend on their Father for care, and assurance of your salvation.

Thank you  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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Elder Catalina  - JCRC Latin

SPANISH:  

 MATEO 18:1-5 COMO NIÑOS

En aquel tiempo los discípulos vinieron a Jesús, diciendo: ¿Quién es el mayor en el reino de los cielos? 2Y llamando Jesús a un niño, lo puso en medio de ellos, 3y dijo: De cierto os digo, que si no os volvéis y os hacéis como niños, no entraréis en el reino de los cielos. 4Así que, cualquiera que se humille como este niño, ese es el mayor en el reino de los cielos. 5Y cualquiera que reciba en mi nombre a un niño como este, a mí me recibe.

PREGUNTEMONOS ¿COMO ES EL CORAZON DE UN NIÑO?

·       Sencillo y puro.

·       Humilde.

·       Confianza absoluta del padre.

·       Dependencia al padre en toda su vida.

Dios quiere que reconozcamos nuestra propia pequeñez ante el padre todo poderoso, con la inocencia espiritual guardando la dotrina sana como un tesoro preciado, con la capacidad inmediata de perdonar, teniendo un corazón sano para con los demás.

Jesús nuestro único señor puso como ejemplo a un niño para resaltar la grandeza de su reino que no se trata de ego, ni orgullo, sino de un corazón limpio del mundo vano lejos de Dios, y mostrándonos que su reino se basa en amor y humildad y no en poder y vanagloria. Un corazón abierto moldeable dispuesto para el servicio y la extensión de su reino.

Oración

Padre amado, té alabo y reconozco las maravillas de tu creación, señor haznos como niños con un corazón sencillo para nunca nos apartarnos de ti, moldea cada corazón dispuesto a ser moldeable a tu palabra pura, y que se quede guardada y sembrada en cada corazón; que tu iglesia permanezca dependiendo absolutamente de ti, como niños que dependen de su padre para cuidado, y la seguridad de tu salvación.

Gracias señor padre, hijo y Espíritu Santo.

Amen.

Catalina iglesia latina.

MATTHEW 17: CHRIST ALL IN ALL

 

TITLE                                 CHRIST ALL IN ALL

SCRIPTURE                      2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.

                                           5He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

                                           6When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.

                                           7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

 

OBSERVATION           Jesus is Light!  His works, his teachings and now his appearance! In Him is absolutely NO Darkness!

He is the son of the Most High God! He is the exact imprint of God the Father therefore in him is the nature and character of our Father!

Jesus is God made flesh! And fulfill his purpose to destroy the works of the satan by offering his body and shedding of his blood on the cross, preserved in holiness by the power the Holy Spirit.

 

APPLICATION           When our eyes are opened and we have met Jesus, received him in our hearts, made him Lord of our lives – WE RISE! HAVE NO FEAR! WE LISTEN TO HIM AND HIM ALONE AND OBEY! OBEDIENCE IS ACTIVE! IT IS NOT A THOUGHT NOR A CONCEPT! IT IS ACTION! LIKE FAITH, OBEDIENCE IS COMPLETED BY WORKS!

 

PRAYER                      Heavenly Father, you are the Most High God, Holy, Holy, Holy are you Lord. We thank you that you are Father, our God, our Sanctuary.  I come before your Holy Presence and present your body – JCRC – do as you will, LORD.  Holy Spirt, I pray that your power manifests in every JCRC remnant, serving the Lord in love and in holy fear, in complete obedience and surrender, giving honor, praise and glory to the True and Living God who lives and reigns forever and ever.  Amen.

 

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PASTORA MARILOU – JCRC AL BUSTAN

MATTHEW 16: The D.T.F PRINCIPLE

 

In this world, we have so many principles in life that we live by. Like celebrate your success, follow your passions, make the best use of your time, stay away from doubt and fear, feed your brain with positive thoughts and so on..

 Principles are rules that guide our life. Extension of values converted into actions. Principles that get you want out of life. It is essentially our recipes for success – as citizens of this world.

 Spiritually, the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we’ve become citizens of God’s Kingdom. Our identity had been shifted to become children of God who follows and obeys the father. And our purpose in life shifts from..

 SELF to SERVICE

TEMPORARY TO ETERNAL,

OUR PLANS TO HIS PURPOSE.

 ALL LEADING FOR US TO HAVE THE IMAGE OF CHRIST.

 Following Christ has a cost.

Jesus has given us a principle for us to follow Him. Making us align to God’s purposes.

 

The D.T.F PRINCIPLE

 

SCRIPTURE

 ²⁴ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

 

 OBSERVATION

 Jesus told His disciples..

 Jesus is addressing His twelve disciples directly-specifically after rebuking Peter.

 

DISCIPLE –  a devoted follower and learner of Jesus

Whose:

-          Trusting in His teaching

-          Imitating His life

-          Committing to His mission

 

If anyone would come after me,

-          Jesus extends this requirement to all future followers, not just the original twelve.

 

If anyone would come after me, let him (needs action).. deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

 

3 key action principles

D – eny

T- ake up

F- ollow

 

Jesus lays out the cost of being His disciple. He makes it clear that following Him isn’t about seeking comfort or ease-it involves sacrifice and commitment.

 THIS CALL IS FOR ALL WHO DESIRE TO FOLLOW JESUS.

A CALL TO SURRENDER DAILY.

 APPLICATION.

 

 (D.T.F PRINCIPLE)

 

1.      DENY HIMSELF

 -          Abandoning SELFish desire, SELF-centeredness, SELF as the center of life to live for God’s purposes.

 Jesus denied Himself by consistently placing less importance of His own human will, desires and rights to the will of God the Father. Just like Jesus, we too have to deny ourselves.. Self denial is not meant to destroy us, but to align our life with a higher purpose.

 And our PURPOSE is to be CHRISTLIKE. In order to be like Jesus – where there is humility, obedience and submission, we need to constantly, deny ourselves.

  Let’s deny the thoughts that is on our heads that we are that we are still weak, lazy, unworthy, unlovable, unable to do things for God. Let’s deny that we are in this world and can still do unpleasant things. Believe that we have been changed from OLD to NEW self. Believe that HIS WORD IS ALIVE, ACCURATE and TRUSTWORTHY. Believe that you and I are just like Jesus, who undergo series of pain, trials, struggles, sacrifices, and overcomers and victorious in the end. Believe that you are not alone in this journey and that you are able to do things God would like you to do and that God is always with you.

 

DAILY, LET US ..

 o   RENEW OUR MIND WITH THE WORD OF GOD.

o   DAILY SURRENDER

o   DIE TO SELF

o   CREATE MORE TIME FOR GOD.

o   PRIORITIZE OTHERS BEFORE YOUR OWN.

   

2.      TAKE UP HIS CROSS

 To take up our cross is to totally die to our own self and flesh,& totally surrender to God and His will with being obedient and in walking by faith with love whereas we will bear the fruit of the Spirit rather than doing the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-23.

 Jesus is telling us that we must be willing to endure hardship in this life for our faith in Him.

 “God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.” - James 1:12

 o   SUBMIT TO GOD’S WILL DAILY.

o   ENDURE SUFFERING

o   DAILY SACRIFICE

o   SUBMISSION TO GOD’S WILL

 3.      FOLLOW ME (JESUS)

(Join me, walk with me, come after me, accompany me)

 - walking the path He walked which includes humility, obedience and faithfulness.

 o   It means to adopt His way of life, values and mission, leaving behind previous lifestyles, careers and priorities.

o   It is making Jesus the leader, or manager of your life.

o   It means actively loving, serving and sacrificing for others.

o   It is a continuous, daily decision to follow, not a one-time event.

 We are blessed to have different ministries in the church in which we can show our ways to follow Jesus. In evangelism and mission minsitry wherein this is the heart of Jesus for lost souls where he preach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out demons. Prayer which is the backbone of the church which shows dependency of Jesus to the Father. Education ministry- Jesus commanded us to teach what we have learned from Him and also disciple others. Jesus also insisted on welcoming the children for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them as well. In finance that teaches us to become a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to us. And also, worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth through a singing hymns and songs for He is worthy to be praise.

 Praise God, for we know that we just don’t belong to one of the ministries of the church but he exposes us in all ministries. These ministries help us know who Jesus is. It also helps us to act, walk, behave like Jesus. It helps us to keep align with God’s purpose in our lives.

 ____________________________________________________________________

 Following Jesus is costly, sacrificing one’s old life for Him, leads to TRUE, ETERNAL LIFE.

 This verse reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. It calls us to surrender our lives to God’s purposes, trusting that His love and grace are sufficient for whatever challenges we face.

  

PRAYER,

 Heavenly Father,

Help us to surrender our self centeredness and to place our trust completely in your plan for our lives. Give us strength and courage to take up our cross and endure hardships. Empower us to live a life that reflects your love, grace, and your unwavering commitment to your people. Thank you for your grace, your guidance and your love.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

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PASTORA PAULA – JCRC CAMBODIA

MATTHEW 15: LORD, HELP ME

 

MATTHEW 15:21-28

LORD, HELP ME

When feeling overwhelmed, scared, or unsure, the simple, honest prayer "Lord, help me" is a powerful cry for strength and guidance. It is a humble acknowledgment of needing divine support to find peace, wisdom, or endurance during difficult times.

✝️ DESPERATE NEED

❇️ HUMILITY TO SUBMIT

v21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. v22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” v23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.

When life hits hard and you have nowhere else to go, you’ll cry out in faith, even if you don’t have it all together. 

📍Silence: Pause / Reflect

📍Testing: Faith / Patience

📍Grace: Trust His Timing

PSALM 18:6 - In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears. 

✝️ ONLY HOPE

❇️ RELIANCE TO GOD

v25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.

When all our options have been exhausted, our only hope is Jesus. He is always present, He will never leave us, particularly in dark times.

📍Recognize the Source: Jesus is the Way, the Truth & the Life

📍Trust Completely: Reliance on His will and Authority

📍Unwavering Faith: Believe in prayer and His divine power

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

✝️ NEVER GIVE UP

❇️ PERSISTENT FAITH

v27 She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.

Persistent faith is an enduring, unwavering trust in God's promises that refuses to give up, even during trials, delays, or contrary circumstances.

📍Strength in Jesus: Admitting our own limitations

📍Confidence in His Promises: Faith that can’t be moved

📍Trust in His Timing: Weather the storm

MATTHEW 7:7

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

True faith never gives up even when God seem silent. The Canaanite woman’s persistence showed that faith is not about where you come from or how worthy you think you are. It’s about believing that Jesus can do what no one else can. With faith, nothing is impossible.

God hears the cry of anyone who seeks Him with a sincere heart. 

Her story isn’t just about healing. It’s about a Savior who responds to faith. Despite facing silence and initial rejection, her bold persistence and trust in Jesus led to her daughter's healing, earning her praise for "great faith".

❇️ DESPERATE NEED – Silence and Testing

❇️ ONLY HOPE – Reliance and Trust

❇️ NEVER GIVE UP – Persistent and Confidence 

Reflection

📌 When was the last time you ask God for His help?

📌 Have we fully surrendered all our worries to Him? 

📌 Are we still in living in fear, doubt - unbelief? 

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”.

Glory to God! 🙏🙌🙏

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Elder Joel 

JCRC Riyadh

Matthew 15: Worship with the Heart

 

Worship with the Heart

 Matthew 15:8-9

[8] “ ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. [9] They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ ”

 Worship is showing intense love, reverence, and devotion. If so, how would it be worship without one's heart?

 How deep sadness would it be in the heart of the Lord to see people come to Him giving an act of worship and honor with their lips but in vain (fruitless, to no purpose, pointless) because they do things with empty hearts. They appear to draw near to God but their hearts are far from Him.

 Matthew 15:8

[8] “ ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.

 Imagine a person saying I love you and giving you flowers or chocolates as an act of love without truly having you in their heart. People see it romantic but is merely external. You would ask if he/she is truly sincere and really having you in his/her heart. But if you know it is only an act, would you be glad?.. but since you cannot see internally, you would not be heartbroken right away.

 

But for God is different because He sees our heart instantly. He knows our thoughts, He perceives what is true and real when we say I love you, I worship you, I honor you, I give you glory and praise, when we sing to Him, when we do things for the Lord, He immediately knows if it's for Him and if it is real and if it is with love... Therefore, an act of showing our devotion, reverence and love without the heart is saddening for we do not think of the One we are giving our love and worship to.

 Knowing that He is real, living, alive and truly cares for us personally, then He truly receives the kind of worship we do, whether in pretense or of a true heart.

 Matthew 15:9

[9]  They worship Me in vain;

 Worship would just be in vain if it is just to do and obey without one’s heart.

 

Reflection: HOW IS YOUR HEART?

-going to church, kneeling/bowing down to God

-praying, reading the scripture and doing bible study to know Him

-equipping & trainings in preparation for work in His field

-mission and evangelism work

-obedience in God's word, singing of praise and worship songs

...does it have a heart for the Lord?

...do you think of the Lord, acknowledging Him as you go through the activities?

...does it shows God your love, reverence and devotion internally within?

… May puso ba ang ginagawa natin para kay Lord o eto ba ay pagsunod lng sa mga tuntunin?

 

Matthew 15:9b

[9b]  their teachings are merely human rules.’ ”

 

Matthew 15:3

[3] Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

 

Moreover, when we obey traditions and human rules over God’s commands and teaching and practicing worship that is not from God’s heart because He did not establish it Himself but by people being blind guides to false worship, this further leads us away from true worship.

 

It would be pitiful if not only that the heart is not in true worship but also the ways of worship is not from God. May we not follow blindly to these false worship practices. Let’s follow the right teachings of worship and practice it with true love, reverence and devotion to our God.

 

Since God sees all truths of our being, then let us freely show our heart and thoughts to Him when we worship Him; directly expressing our love towards God, not of pretense but of real worship.

 

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PASTORA LODY – JCRC CAMBODIA