Revelations 1: THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE BELIEVERS

 

Revelations 1: THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE BELIEVERS

In the first chapter of the book of revelation, John provided a short vision from his visions of the things that will take place. He gave greetings to the seven churches of Asia coming from God Almighty – the omnipresent God, from the seven spirits (the holy spirit), and from the Lord Jesus. John was not talking about one persona but the presence of our Godhead-three in one.

⁴Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 

Through Jesus, we are called;

-       Loved                                - Kingdom

-       Freed                                 - Priest

⁵ and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ⁶ and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

We have our identity through Christ who called us Beloved and Freed us from sins, who made us a kingdom and Priest. In the second coming of the Lord, we are anticipating of His return so we will be lifted up with Him. Are we really ready to see Him face to face? If we are to face Him, are we sure He will recognize us? In verse 7, in the coming of the Lord, everyone will see Him. Those who pierced him, all tribes of the earth – including us, His believer.

⁷ Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail^[b] on account of him. Even so. Amen.

We will appear before the Lord just as what is written in verse 7, every eye will see…… on account of Him. There has no exemption, no shortcut, no VIP pass. We are accountable of the things we have done on earth. As a believer, a servant, as someone who receive and is entrusted to His gospel. It is not just about the people who doesn’t know the Lord, it is not just about the people who mock the Lord, nor the people who persecuted the servants of the Lord, it is also about us who knows the Lord.

The question is……

-       How’s our life when we accepted the Lord – does it lead us to His path or did we go back to our own path?

-       How’s our relationship with the Lord – is it growing or dying?

-       How’s our heart for the Lord – is it still in love or fall out of love?

-       How’s our service for the Lord – is it with obedience or rebellion?

-       How’s our love for the Lord – does it lead us to preach His word or just go with the world.

-       Do we love people whom God loves?

-       Did we follow His commands?

When we received the gospel, we are not ought to sit still. We are given a special task to share. It is not done by force but an indicator (identity) that we share His character. It is not done out of obligation but because of love. It is not about how hard we’ve work but our heart when we work.

John 14:12      ¹² “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

 When we are born of God, we are not for our own for we become selfless. We have the heart of the Lord, we always wanted to find the lost soul, we take care and share the identity from the Lord. Now that we are the follower of the God, we become accountable of the people He entrusted to us.

2 Corinthians 5:10      For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

 While we are anticipating for His second coming, we just need to be faithful in our labor. We are a carrier of His light through His word and is seen by our works. Through it we are known and will be recognized by Him.

Matthew 7:21    ‘’ Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father in heaven’’

 John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him

Let us stand firm on to our faith in hope of His second coming. He is our hope that has come and will come. As we wait, let us be prepared and continue what He has started on us.

Matthew 24: 42, 44     ⁴² Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming ⁴⁴ Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

  

Let’s Pray,

Heavenly Father, in the name of your son Jesus Christ, powerful Holy spirit, we thank you for your word. As we anticipate for your second coming, may we be prepared to welcome you. May we truthfully and faithfully labor in your field with love knowing that we are accountable of the land you have entrusted to us. We claim all your promises to us- your people that helps us to move your way for your kingdom’s cost. Thank you Lord! This we pray in Jesus’ mighty name….. AMEN

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ELDER MANILYN – JCRC CAMBODIA

 

JUDE 1 : RESPONDING TO LIES OF THE ENEMY

 Epistle of Jude chapter 1 says that false teachers secretly entered the church. They misuse God’s grace to justify immoral behavior and deny Jesus Christ.

Jude describes them as dangerous and useless, like:

- hidden dangers at church gatherings

- clouds with no rain

- trees with no fruit

- They are selfish, proud, and follow their own desires instead of God.

Jude 1:8 “Yet in the same way these men also by dreaming defile the flesh, reject authority, and revile angelic majesties.”

In Jude 1:10 “ But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these they are destroyed.”

These false teachers do not encourage holy and godly living. They follow their own natural thinking instead of the Bible. Their minds are not being transformed by the word of God to understand what is good and what God wants.

*How should we respond to false teachings around us? 

*How should we respond to messages that change the gospel and focus only on wealth and health? 

*And how should we respond to the lies of the enemy?

Jude 1:20-21“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those of who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Based on Epistle of Jude 1:20–23, we respond to false teachings in these simple ways: 

1. Build up your faith – stay strong in your most holy faith.

2. Pray in the Holy Spirit – keep praying and trusting God.

3. Remain in God’s love – continue following the teachings of Jesus Christ while waiting for eternal life.

4. Show mercy to others – help those who doubt and guide them back to the truth.

5. Save others from sin – warn and help people turn away from wrong teachings and sinful ways.

In short: stay strong in faith, pray, remain in God’s love, and help others return to the truth.

This is a call to action, reminding us that our faith is precious and worth defending. In a world filled with distractions and conflicting messages, standing firm in our beliefs is crucial. Just as a soldier defends their post, we are to guard the truth of the Gospel with passion and dedication.

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ELDER MARISSA - JCRC CAMBODIA

3 JOHN 1: BE COMMENDABLE

 

BE COMMENDABLE

 

3 JOHN 1 vv 2-4 ² Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. ³ It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Be faithful to the truth – it is a commendable character of a Christian. Faithfulness to the truth, when visible to believers helps them more faithful and when observe by unbelievers, it makes them believe. Let us continue to walk in faithfulness to the truth.

 Vv 5-8 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

Be hospitable – it is a commendable character of a Christian. Hospitality felt by fellow believers encourages them to do the same and hospitality experienced by unbelievers make them appreciate our God, our belief. Hospitality received by missionaries helps them continue to do the work for the Lord and together we work for the truth.

Vv 11-12  Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

Be imitator of good – it is a commendable character of a Christian. When you imitate good, you are associated to God, means you know God. Goodness seen by believers convicts them to do more good and goodness felt by unbelievers encourages them to do the same.

Be like Gaius. Be like Demetrius. Be a good Christian. Be commendable.

 

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

 

 Let us pray.

Papa God,

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

Papa help me to be a good Christian.

Make me hospitable and helpful to everyone especially to missionaries.

Make me faithful to you as you are always faithful to me.

Protect me from sinning Lord and help me not to be away from you.

Make me cooperate with the Holy Spirit and all His character manifest in me.

Make me persevere in doing what is right and may I glorify You always in everything I do.

That I will imprint in my heart that You are my God, my savior, my all and all, my everything.

Give me steadfast faith that I can do all things for You, to serve you, to please You.

I love You, my Lord, my God and my King. Amen.

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ELDER MAYEN - JCRC CAMBODIA

 

2 John 1: Truth and Love: The Path of a Disciple

 

Truth and Love: The Path of a Disciple

2 John 1:4,6

4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.

John writes like a father who loves his children. His heart is full of joy because he sees believers not only knowing the truth but also living it. Truth is not just something in the mind—it is a way of life. It is eternal, it never changes, and it connects believers across cultures, languages, and generations.

Ø Truth anchors us.

In this world, opinions change quickly. What is popular today may be forgotten tomorrow. Feelings rise and fall, but God’s truth never changes. His Word is steady like a rock. To walk in truth means we do not follow trends or emotions—we follow Scripture.

• “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
• “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

Many of us say, “I am too busy with work, I have no time for God.” But this shows that we value our job more than the One who gave us life. Work is important, but it is not eternal. If we give all our strength to our career and leave no room for God, we are building on sand. The Lord calls us to repent of neglecting Him. He reminds us that His Word must guide us even in our workplace, our schedules, and our daily choices. To ignore Him is dangerous, but to obey Him is safe and strong.

6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. (2 John 1:6)

John also speaks about love. Love is not a new idea. From the very beginning, God has commanded His people to love. But love is not only words or feelings—it must be lived out every day. Real love means obeying God’s Word. To walk in truth is to walk in love, and to walk in love is to obey God.

 Ø Love Is Obedience

Love is more than words. It is more than feelings. Real love shows itself in action. To love God means we obey His commands, even when it is difficult or costly. Love is proven when we choose His way instead of our own way.

• If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15)
• For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3)

Obedience is not always easy. Sometimes it means giving up something we want. Sometimes it means forgiving someone who hurt us. Sometimes it means standing firm when others laugh at our faith. But true love for God is shown when we obey Him, even in those hard moments.

Love is not just about saying “I love God.” It is about living in a way that pleases Him. When we obey, we show that our love is real. When we obey, we bring joy to God’s heart.

 Discipleship is not about one-time decisions or occasional steps. It is a lifelong journey. Truth and love are the path of a disciple, and they must always go together.

Ø Discipleship is a walk.

John rejoiced not in believers who only knew the truth, but in those who walked in it. Our faith must be lived out daily, step by step.

• I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

Discipleship means following Jesus every day. It is not just about knowing the truth in our minds—it is about living it out in our lives. John was happy when he saw believers not only believing the truth but also walking in it. Faith is not something we keep inside; it must be seen in the way we live.

 

Ø Truth and love must stay together.

Truth and love are like two friends who must always walk side by side. If we have truth without love, it can feel hard, cold, and harsh. If we have love without truth, it can feel weak, shallow, and empty. But when truth and love stay together, they show the real path of a disciple.

• “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)
• “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

Truth guides us. It shows us what is right and what is wrong. Love softens our hearts. It helps us care for people and forgive them. Together, truth and love make us strong disciples who live like Jesus.

So,

John teaches us: if we want to follow Jesus, we must live in truth and love. Truth keeps us safe from lies. Love shows that we belong to Him.

We cannot grow alone. Real joy comes when we meet together in church. Online is good, but face-to-face fellowship is God’s way. We must choose to go and encourage one another.

Faith is not only about starting. It is about finishing strong. Hold on to truth and love until the end, and God will give the full reward.

To be a true disciple: guard your heart, go to church, and keep walking in truth and love.

Let us reflect!

• Am I walking daily in both truth and love?
• Do I measure my love by obedience to God’s Word?
• Is my discipleship a steady walk, or just occasional steps?

 

Let’s pray

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your truth that never changes and for the love You have given since the beginning. Please teach us to walk in Your truth each day and to show real love by obeying You. Help us not only to know Your Word but also to live it step by step. Make us faithful followers who live in both truth and love, so that our lives bring joy to You and encouragement to others. Give us strength when we feel weak, remind us when we forget, and guide us when we are unsure. May our walk be steady, our love be true, and our obedience be complete.

In Jesus ‘name, Amen.

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PASTORA MAY – JCRC STEUNG MEANCHEY

1 JOHN 5: BELIEVERS ARE BORN OF GOD

 

1 JOHN 5:1-4 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. ² By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. ³ In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

  BELIEVERS ARE BORN OF GOD

 5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 

 Our belief in Jesus Christ changes our position in life as being born of God- where there is a spiritual rebirth and God imparts new divine life, making us a children of God. Being born of God made us new- new identity, new mind and new heart, a heart that is thankful and grateful for what Jesus has done for us and that causes us to love Him back. That love

                

HOW DO WE KNOW THAT WE ARE TRULY BORN OF GOD?

 It is when:

 1.   WE LOVE THE CHILDREN OF GOD

 ² This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.

 Natural outcome of being born of God is loving both the Father and His children (fellow believers). Belief and love are always together. It’s not enough to say you believe in Jesus with your mouth but then not care about God’s family. Real belief leads to a changed heart, and that heart shows itself by loving others who also belong to God.

1.   WE LOVE GOD AND DO HIS COMMANDS

 1 John 5:2-3^a This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.

 Loving other believers isn’t just about feelings or words. It’s shown in how we love God and how we live out what He tells us to do. If we say we love God’s children but ignore God or disobey Him, our love is incomplete.You can’t truly care for God’s people if you are not first and foremost loving God Himself. And how do we show love for God? By obeying Him. True love is backed up by actions. Love for God’s family flows out of love for God and is seen in obedience to His commands.

1.   WE OVERCOME THE WORLD THROUGH FAITH

 ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith

 Obedience to God builds our faith in which we become overcomers. 

No matter what the world gives such as trials, temptation, fear, rejection, or hardships in life—we do not have to overcome because Jesus already did. If we are born of God, we can live in victory, not defeat.

Our faith in Jesus is our strength. The victory comes through faith in Him.

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 When a baby is born, there is a new life. The baby is a new being who begins to start life and grow to look like parents.

 A kitten grows up to look like a cat.

A calf grows to look like a cow.

An infant grows to look like an adult human.

 

As baby grows to look like the parents to whom it was born, so we do grow to be more like Jesus who is loving, obedient and victorious when we are born of God.

 

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Prayer,

Heavenly Father, I thank that through Jesus Christ, I am born of God- a new creation, born of Your Spirit and Your Word. Because I am born of You, I declare love will overflow through me to others. I declare that I am obedient to your commands. And I declare that I overcome the world for Your nature of righteousness and victory is imparted to me. Holy Spirit, teach me to live in this reality daily. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

_______________

PASTORA PAULA - JCRC CAMBODIA

 

 

No matter what the world gives such as trials, temptation, fear, rejection, or hardships in life—we do not have to overcome because Jesus already did. If we are born of God, we can live in victory, not defeat.

Our faith in Jesus is our strength. The victory comes through faith in Him.

 

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When a baby is born, there is a new life. The baby is a new being who begins to start life and grow to look like parents.

 

A kitten grows up to look like a cat.

A calf grows to look like a cow.

An infant grows to look like an adult human.

 

As baby grows to look like the parents to whom it was born, so we do grow to be more like Jesus who is loving, obedient and victorious when we are born of God.

 

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Prayer,

Heavenly Father, I thank that through Jesus Christ, I am born of God- a new creation, born of Your Spirit and Your Word. Because I am born of You, I declare love will overflow through me to others. I declare that I am obedient to your commands. And I declare that I overcome the world for Your nature of righteousness and victory is imparted to me. Holy Spirit, teach me to live in this reality daily. In Jesus Name, Amen.

1 JOHN 4: LOVE

 

1 JOHN 4:7

 Beloved, let us love one another, because love has its source in God, and everyone who loves has God as the source of his birth and knows God. He who does not love has not come to know God.

Ø When John says "Let Us Love" it Becomes an Invitation.

Apostle John is saying;

• "Join Me in what I am already doing"
• "You are not alone in this"

The "us" includes the Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit loving the world through your yielded heart.

Ø When it says "Love is From God" it Becomes Supply

It is a revelation of resource, not mere theology. You hear:

• "You don't have to generate love from your empty well"
• "God’s love is the Source— just come and draw"
• "God’s love in you is inexhaustible"

This addresses burnout, bitterness, and emotional bankruptcy. It will redirect you from self-effort to Spirit-empowerment

 Ø When it says "Has Been Born of God" it Confirms Our Identity

This becomes assurance spoken personally. The Spirit witnesses with your spirit:

• "You love because I birthed you"
• "This desire to love proves My seed remains in you"
• "You are truly Mine"

This combats the accusation of the enemy and the doubt of the flesh

Ø When it says "Knows God" it Becomes a Promise

This is an invitation to deeper intimacy.

• "Love Me by loving them, and you will know Me more"
• "The path to deeper knowledge is practical, not mystical"
• "I am found in the laying down of your life for others"

Self-Meditation:

Love is not a human achievement but a divine gift flowing through human vessels. When I love, I prove my new birth in Him; when I fail to love, I reveal my distance from the Source. Today, let me not ask "How can I manufacture love?" but "How can I abide more deeply in the God who is love?" For as I receive, I will inevitably give. The stream flows from the fountain, and the fountain is God Himself.

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PASTOR LORENZ - JCRC RIYADH

1 JOHN 3: OUR IDENTITY AS CHILDREN OF GOD

 

1 JOHN 3:1-3 NIV

1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called hildren of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God,  and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when Christ appears,  we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.

OUR IDENTITY AS CHILDREN OF GOD

IDENTITY ( noun) – condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc that distinguish or identify a person or thing

📍THE PRIVILEGE 

- We Are  Called Children of God

1 John 3:1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, 

Our identity is not earned – it is given.  Our value is not based on the world– it is based on God’s love. This is not ordinary love. This is divine love.

We were once sinners. We were once separated. We were once lost. But because of God’s love. He adopted us into His family. This is not because we deserve it. This is because God is loving.

Identity is RECEIVED, NOT achieved

📍 THE PROBLEM 

- The World Does Not Understand Us

1 John 3:1The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 

Do not be surprised if the world rejects you.  Do not be surprised  if people misunderstand your faith.  Do not be surprised  if you feel different.

Do not seek approval from the world. Seek approval from God

📍 THE PROMISE 

- We Shall Be like Christ

1 John 3:2Dear friends, now we are children of God,……..when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

We are children of God –but not yet perfected. But one day, when Jesus returns, we will be transformed. No more sin. No more weakness. No more pain. We will be like Him. This gives us hope in suffering.

Our future is secure in Christ.

📍 THE RESPONSE 

- Purify Our Life

1 John 3:3 All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.

If you truly know you are a child of God, you will desire to live a pure life. Not to earn salvation- but because you already belong to Him. Because holiness is the evidence of our identity.

Live in a way that reflects Jesus.

OUR TRUE IDENTITY

1. WE ARE LOVED BY THE FATHER.

2.  WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD NOW.

3.  WE WILL BE LIKE CHRIST.

THEREFORE, LIVE A PURE AND HOLY LIFE.

YOU ARE NOT ORDINARY.

YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD.

DECLARATION:

Today, I  choose to live as a Child of God. I will think what Jesus thinks, I will do what Jesus would do, I will walk in purity and holiness. I belong to God. I am His child. And I will live for His glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen! 🙏 

Pastora Sherly - JCRC Riyadh