Pastors Ray Viola and Ben Hiwale go through the Bible line-by-line, precept-by-precept in a series of in-depth teachings. Our prayer for this podcast series is that you would KNOW CHRIST, GROW IN CHRIST, PROCLAIM CHRIST, and bring GLORY TO GOD.
Gospel opposition is inevitable. When we stand with Christ, the world will stir up opposition. Not only was this warned of in Scripture, but it was promised. And it was a promise that came from Jesus' very own lips:Luke 21:12 “But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.”John 15:20-21 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”And when the church began, they faced fierce opposition:Acts 7:57-58 “But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him.”Acts 8:1 “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”But we ought to take heart:Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”John 5:1-18 shows us two things about Gospel opposition: why is it stirred up? And how do we steer through it?Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
Today, we are going to hear of the miracle of healing that the Lord Jesus performs on the nobleman's son. We read in John 4:47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. The Lord Jesus replied to Him, Go; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him, and he departed (John 4:50). Praise be unto God for the many miracles that He does in our lives every single minute of every single day.David, the man after God's own heart declared in Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Dear fellow follower of the Lord Jesus, today, you and I are loaded with a multitude of benefits from God. That next breath that you and I are taking? That's one of the benefits. Our God is an incredibly beneficent God. He doesn't just “trickle” us with His benefits, He loads us. In Psalm 116:12 we read, What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? The Psalmists response? Psalm 116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. What is our response to the question, what shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? Is it one that calls upon the Name of the Lord with thanksgiving and praise for Who He is to us? The Lord Jesus Himself is the bestower of every good and perfect gift in our lives.Listen to what Abba says to you and me today: Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. As we hear Gods Word about how Jesus ministers to the nobleman and his son, your need may be desperate as well. You may not be “feeling” the reality of God's benefits. What really matters beloved is this. Calvary was the ultimate demonstration of these incredible benefits towards us. May His living word fill each one of you with His miraculous benefits of healing, comfort, peace, strength and love today. SELAH Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
The Lord Jesus repeatedly said that He was going to rise from the dead on the third day. In Matthew 12:40 He said. For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. In John 2:19 He said: Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Even His enemies remembered after they crucified Him that He said that He would rise from the dead. Matthew 26:63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 23:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.This morning all Christians around the world are gathered together to celebrate the resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ! In Mark 16:6, the women who came to anoint the anticipated body of Jesus were told these words that shocked the world! Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.How important is the empty tomb my friend? According to 1 Cor 15:4, if there is not bodily resurrection of The Lord Jesus from the dead, there is no gospel. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Please note that this glorious gospel of Jesus resurrection from the dead was according to the Scriptures. God promised the resurrection of Jesus, and God fulfilled that promise.Acts 2:23,24 declares Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. The angel declared in Matthew 28:5,6 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.If Jesus did not rise from the dead, our sins could not be forgiven and mankind is left without any hope of being reconciled to God. (1 Cor 15:14-19). How important is the empty tomb? Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Reader, you must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sin and rose again from the dead to your Lord. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
The woman at well is a wonderful example of what happens inside of the person who has had a heart-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a transformation that begins to take place. Priorities change. Desires change. Likes and dislike change. Probably the most obvious change that takes place is the fact that you become more aware of the eternal souls of others. This woman is going to be used by God to plant the seeds of the gospel in the hearts of the very same community that may have previously rejected and shunned her.The Father sent Jesus to engage in a conversation with this woman that ended with her believing that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. She then went back home and told others to come and see for yourselves that Jesus is the Messiah. He then gave the exhortation to His disciples, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest (John 4:35). The great commission is a daily lifestyle that tells others in both word and deed to Come and see. It is simply loving the God who created us supremely, and telling others to believe on His Son Jesus who was sent by the Father to die on the cross for our sin debt, only to rise again the third day!The transformed is Not I, but Christ live the in me (Galatians 2:20). Jesus said that His food was to do the will of the Father that sent Him and to finish His work. Redemption is God's work. Carrying out the will of God is the work of every person in the body of Christ. The prophet Isaiah declared, Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. May that response of Isaiah be the heart cry of both writer and reader on this devotional. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
The account of Jesus with the woman at the well is a beautiful picture of God's loving pursuit of sinners with the good news of salvation, by grace alone, through faith alone, in His Son, Jesus Christ, alone. This account of The Lord Jesus meeting this woman was not a coincidence. It was by divine appointment.John tells us in John 4:3,4 that Jesus left Judea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. That little word must indicates that The Father was sending His Son on a mission to meet a woman whose life was broken by repeated divorces and all of the ramifications of how those relationships affected her both personally and socially.Hidden in this story we find how Jesus broke down the walls of race and “unacceptable” contact in reaching her with the gospel. She was a Samaritan, and Samaritans and Jews had no dealings with one another because of their hatred towards one another. Having been married five times and currently living with a man, she was obviously a woman with a lesser than acceptable moral conduct. The fact that she was at the well to draw water at noon instead of early in the morning indicated that she would be ashamed to be seen by other women who would be gathered at the well early in the morning. But Jesus used this common daily practice of gathering water as a place to have a life changing conversation with the woman about to her the greater need of living water.Jesus said to the woman in verse 10, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. He then goes on to tell her in verses 13 and 14, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.He then addresses that she had been married five times and was currently living with a man. Convicted of her sin, she then engages in a religious conversation with Jesus about the place that she was taught was as a little girl to go and worship God. In verses 22-26, Jesus says, Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. The woman left her waterspout at the well and went back to her community a changed woman, telling others that she met the Jews Messiah, and His Name is Jesus Christ.Every single saved person has a “woman at the well” testimony of how God has saved them. Reader, have you had this “woman at the well” encounter with Jesus Christ? Have you left behind the waterspout of your old life and embraced The Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Today is the day of salvation. Look unto Him and be saved. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
John the Baptizer said in response to those who informed him about the increasing “popularity” of the ministry of The Lord Jesus, He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30). That should be the heart's desire of every person who claims to be a follower of The Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus must become more prominent, and I must become less prominent.Interestingly, Jesus said to Nicodemus these words, Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (John 3:7). Did you notice the word must that Jesus used here? To enter into the kingdom of God, a person must be born again. Once a person has been born again, it should be their hearts desire that The Lord Jesus increase and they decrease. Or may I put it this way, a person who is truly growing in Jesus should become less concerned about living their lives for themselves and more concerned about living their lives for Christ and His glory.Follow Me is The Lord's call to become a disciple, and becoming a disciple is a lifelong process of being transformed into the image of The Lord Jesus Christ. Years ago there was a very popular wristband with the letters WWJD on it. The interpretation of those letters meant, What Would Jesus Do? The idea behind this wristband was that it was intended to cause us to ask ourselves that question whenever we would be tempted, tested, “caught by surprise” in some situation, or simply finding ourselves stumped about what to do about dealing with another person….You get the idea.I like to think of WWJD as reminding me (and you) of the need to cultivate the awareness of the Presence of Jesus in my life. How radical would our church be if every single one of us lived our lives with the realization that whatever we do in word or deed, Jesus must increase and be prominent, and we would decrease and be less prominent? Think about how much more fruitful and God glorifying our marriages, interpersonal relationships and various ministries would be if we all lived by the motto, Jesus must increase and I must decrease?Look at the fruit of The Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23; Is Jesus increasing or decreasing in your love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance? May The Holy Spirit cause each one of us to consider our ways, and say together, Lord Jesus, may you increase and we decrease as a church family in order that You are glorified! SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
As we come to Isaiah 21 and 22, the message is both urgent and deeply personal: be awake, be alert, be ready.Isaiah is given a vision of judgment—nations falling, Babylon collapsing, cities in chaos. But what is striking is not just the prophecy, it is the prophet's heart. He is not cold. He is not detached. He is broken. He feels the weight of what is coming, and it causes him to tremble.That is something we need today. It is easy to talk about prophecy, about heaven and hell, about the condition of the world—but do we feel it? Do we carry a burden for souls? Isaiah did. And that is the heart God desires in His people.We are also reminded that pride blinds. Babylon thought it was secure. The walls were strong. The city seemed invincible. But while they were eating, drinking, and celebrating, judgment was already at the door. That is the danger of pride—it tells us everything is fine when we are actually in great danger.And then comes the call: watch. Be sober. Be vigilant. Jesus said we do not know the hour of His return, so we must live ready now. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Now.Beloved, this world is not our home. It is not a playground. It is a battlefield.So lift your eyes from the distractions. Turn your heart fully to the Lord. Stay awake spiritually, because the King is coming, and blessed are those who are found watching.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
The Lord Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:17, For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Dear child of God, read those words from our Blessed Lord again. So many of God's children walk around under this thick cloud of condemnation. What is the source of such an oppressive spirit? Most certainly, this condemnation does not come from The Lord, nor from The Holy Ghost. Conviction? Chastening? Yes. Condemnation? No.The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." The source of this condemnation is Satan. Rev 12:10 "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."In courtroom terminology, Satan is the prosecuting attorney. The Lord Jesus told Peter before he denied him that Satan would pounce on the sin, and seek to destroy his faith in Jesus. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31). Oh the compassion and mercy that Jesus has for ALL of His sheep when they fail and fall short of the glory of God. Listen once again to the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 8:33-34. "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."One of Satan's most effective fiery darts is the fiery dart of accusation. Every child of God must resist this lie from the pit of hell by holding up the shield of faith, which in reality is the shield of faith in the perfect work of Jesus Christ for our sin, not the shield of faith in my own faith. When the church of Corinth did not deal biblically with the issue of forgiving a man who has fallen, but had repented of his sin, Paul exhorted them to forgive him: "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor 2:11).Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our Advocate or defense attorney before The Father. He is not condemning you, beloved, He is pleading for you and me before The Father. Rejoice in your salvation, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Hallelujah! SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
As we come to Isaiah 19 and 20, we are reminded of a truth that steadies the heart: God is in control. Nations rise and fall. Powers shift. Alliances are formed and broken. Egypt, once strong and feared, would be brought low—not by chance, but by the hand of God. And the lesson for His people was simple: do not trust in the world for your security.Judah was tempted to look to Egypt for help against Assyria. It made sense politically. It felt logical. But it was spiritually wrong. Because anytime we look to the world instead of the Lord, we are leaning on something that cannot hold us.Isn't that still true today? We can be tempted to trust in systems, in leaders, in human wisdom. But the Word reminds us that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men.” God is on the throne. He directs the course of nations, and nothing happens outside of His authority.At the same time, this passage gives us both a warning and a hope. The warning is this: when people turn from God, confusion follows. Division follows. Emptiness follows. A life apart from God always leads to dryness of soul.But the hope is just as powerful. Even in judgment, God extends mercy. There will come a day when people—even in places like Egypt—will turn to the Lord, cry out to Him, and He will send a Savior. That is the heart of God.So what do we do? We trust Him. We seek Him. We refuse to lean on our own understanding.Because no matter how uncertain the world becomes, this remains certain: God reigns. Christ is coming again. And those who trust in Him will never be shaken.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
“You must be born again” (Jn. 3:7b) Jesus says. This was Jesus answer to a question Nicodemus never thought to ask. An astounded Nicodemus responds, “How?” (Jn. 3:9). No one is born with all the information needed to navigate life. Asking the right questions of the right person is key in virtually every area of life. Before Google Maps, if you needed to find your way to a destination you'd stop at a gas station. When getting from point A to point B, we need directions. For more complex decisions, we need advice and counsel. To accomplish certain goals in life, like getting a job in a given field, we need education. Should a sailor ask a coal miner how to sail a ship? Should a soldier ask an interior decorator how to go to war? Let's add a moral dimension. Should a dairy farmer seek time-management advice from a lazy man? Should a doctor get trained by a quack? But what happens if we don't even know we need to ask a question and our life is in peril without the answer? Who will tell us that question and give us that answer? This was Nicodemus' situation and ours too. In John 3: 9 Nicodemus, coming to Jesus in his intellectual and moral darkness remained dumbfounded to learn that to enter the kingdom of God he had to become a totally new person. The cascading implications of his view of the world, his view of himself, his understanding of his nation, his religion, his leadership role, everything was shaken. Because he thought he was already part of the kingdom of God, his jaw was probably still on the floor after Jesus said to him in verse 7, “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.'” So he responds to Jesus, “How can these things be?” When it comes to four of most important questions of life every person needs to have answered to truly live, Jesus provides the answers. Those questions are: 1) What is mankind's problem? 2) Who is God? 3) What is God's solution to man's problem? and 4) How does God's solution work? And He does all this in just eight (8) short verses (Jn. 3:10-17)! John sets up this all important conversation about life with this Jew of Jews, this master teacher, this religious zealot, this ruler of rulers way back in chapter 1:12-13, “But as many as received Him (the Light), to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Translation: Entrance into the kingdom of God and possessing eternal life does not come by genealogy, rationality, or religiosity but by the will of God for all who believe.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
The Lord Jesus said these words to a very devout and religious man by the name of Nicodemus. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (John 3:3-7).Like Nicodemus, most people are shocked when they read those words from the lips of the Lord Jesus. There is nothing cryptic about what Jesus says here. It is straight forward and right to the point. If any person wants to see or enter the kingdom of God, he or she must be born again. Some translations say born anew or born from above. However we choose to translate it, the bottom line is that what Jesus is saying here is this: Just as every person has had a human birth, a person must have a spiritual or heavenly birth to enter the kingdom of God.Being born again is not “turning over a new leaf,” or an incredible experience in your life where there has been a change of fortune. It is an actual new life. There are many things, both good and bad that can change a person's life. But the only thing that can change a person's heart and turn them into someone that never existed before is this new birth.The apostle Paul wrote, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor 5:17). And what happens when a baby is born into the world? That baby girl or boy craves their mother's breast milk. Likewise, when a person is born again spiritually, As newborn babes, they will desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).Nicodemus did not ask the Lord Jesus why he needed to be born again, he asked Jesus how can these things be? (John 3:9). The Lord Jesus answered this way. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:15,16). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8,9). SELAH
Pastor George Grace said this, “The purpose for selling these animals in the temple, which to make the sacrifices of people more convenient. In other words, the people were not forced to raise and drive the animals for a long distance to get to the temple. It seems convenient sacrifice was the order of the day just as it was in the days with Malachi when the people offered the name in sick animals instead of the good ones (Malachi 1:8-14). It is no different today: we have done everything within our power to make sacrifice to Christ convenient in order to keep people coming to church, but whoever said that being a part of a local church and serving Christ was supposed to be convenient?” On the contrary, Christians are to offer their bodies sacrificially unto Him. Romans 12:1-2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” Beloved, Romans 14:10-12 & 2 Corinthians 5:10,11 tells us that there is a day when you and I as followers of Jesus will stand before Him and we will give an account for how we stewarded the time, the relationships, our God given spiritual gifts, finances and even the words that we speak…..Matthew 12:33-37! Everything that we have, every gift, every penny, every talent, every gift, every minute belongs to Him and has been given unto us and is to be used for His glory and His kingdom. That day is coming beloved…that is why Jesus gave the teachings on the talents and pounds….we do everything we do in this life beloved because we know that day is coming. Mark 14:11 says this about Judas: “And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him”. Reject the contemporary “what is in it for me”, convenient Christian lifestyle that is more concerned about the life that is now, than that which is to come. How do you pick up your cross conveniently? How do you deny yourself conveniently? How do you love others conveniently? How do you forgive others conveniently? How do you serve and bear one another's burdens others conveniently? How do you watch and pray conveniently?Jesus gave us the cases of the poor widows offering of all that she had and the account of the woman who poured out her life's savings on Him as examples of sacrificial living for His church to follow. How did they do that conveniently? I will never forget hearing John F Kennedy say these words at his inaugural address: “And so my fellow Americans. Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world ask not what America will do for you....".Never did I ever think that I would be saying these words as a 77 years old pastor to the consumer driven, what's in it for me church in America today: Ask not what the Lord Jesus can do for you, ask what you can do for the Lord Jesus. The words of the prophet Haggai 1:5-7 rings true to every person. That day to stand before our Lord Jesus and give an account is coming beloved, make the most of every opportunity that God gives you to serve Him and bring Him glory. Consider your ways. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
Isaiah 17 reminds us of something we often forget: God will not share our hearts with idols.Israel had drifted. They still had religion. They still had altars. But their hearts were no longer set on the Lord. They began to trust in alliances, in nations, in the work of their own hands. And so God allowed everything they leaned on to be shaken. Why? Not to destroy them—but to bring them back.There is a powerful word in this chapter: yet. Even in judgment, there is a remnant. Even when everything is stripped away, God leaves just enough so that a man will look to his Maker again.Beloved, sometimes the most loving thing God can do is remove the things we are trusting in more than Him. The idols don't always look like idols. They can be comfort, security, success, relationships—anything that takes the place that belongs to Christ alone.But when those things fail—and they will—God is calling us back to something better. To Himself.He is not just part of your life. He is your life. He is your strength. He is your protector. And when the enemy surrounds you, and the situation looks impossible, remember this: the battle belongs to the Lord. He is able to do in one night what we could never do in a lifetime.So today, lift your eyes. Turn away from what cannot save. Look to your Maker. And rest in the God who is more than enough.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
John 2:12 reads: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. The miracle of turning the water into wine was the beginning of miracles that were performed by Jesus. And John writes that they were manifested to display His glory. John has already told us in chapter John 1:14, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.The entirety of the life of Jesus was lived to display not only His glory, but the glory of God, for the apostle Paul would write in 2 Cor 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. So as we work our way through the gospel of John, not only the miracles, but every single aspect of the life of Jesus is meant to be a display of the glory of God.When John was baptizing in the Jordan, he was paving the way for Jesus, The Christ, and in doing so, fulfilling the words of the prophet Isaiah Isaiah 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. In anticipation of His death on the cross, Jesus prayed in John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.From His incarnation to His ascension to the right hand of The Father, Jesus lived for the glory of God, and He said in John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. How remarkable it is to think that The Father is glorified when you and I who belong to Jesus bear much fruit. (Read Matt 5:16!). Romans 1 tells us that when the glory that belongs to God alone is given over to the creature, the very motives of why we do what we do becomes disordered, disoriented and depraved. Sadly, this can happen and does happen not only in the world but inside and outside of the walls of the church.When the miracle of the new birth takes place, The Holy Spirit begins that life long work of changing us from glory to glory as we behold Jesus Christ (2 Cor 3:18). The apostle Peter writes,If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.My personal heart cry for myself and every reader and the writer of this devotional is found in Psalm115:1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. SELAHPastor RayKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
It goes without saying that God blesses His people abundantly above and beyond anything that we could ever ask, think or dream of. Looking at the promises and prophecies of God that are given unto His children through faith in Jesus Christ are stunning. But there is one word in the Psalms that I'd like to pass along to you as we prepare our hearts and come to the Lord's Supper together. That one word is: “benefits”. Read each one of these slowly. Prayerfully. Hear God Himself speaking to your heart. The first one is Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. The God of our salvation daily loads us with benefits. Salvation in and of itself is the one gift that should be enough, but God loads us with benefits, plural. Some translations say that day after day, God bears our burdens. Think about all the benefits and burdens that Jesus has blessed you with. Praise Him right now for the benefits that He has blessed you with and the burdens that He has lifted from you.Secondly, Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Remarkable! The top of this list of benefits is forgiveness. But that is not all. Think of all the times that God has healed you. Think of all the times, BC and AD that God has stepped in to deliver us from destruction. By grace through faith in Christ, He has crowned you and I with lovingkindness and tender mercies. He moment by moment satisfies our souls and renews us with youth like strength.Third and lastly, Psalm 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I like to think of these verses at times when I pick up the communion cup and call upon His Name, Jesus or Yeshua, which means, God is my salvation. What can I and my precious brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ say this morning all that you have done for me? What can we say when we read in Revelation 21,22 about that glorious heavenly city that you have prepared for us? Lord Jesus, You and You alone ARE the Benefit from God that we long for, desire and remember today.Blessed be Your glorious Name. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.comdf
In this section of John we read that the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him (John the Baptizer), Who art thou? John responded with these words, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah (Isa 40:3). You will note that every time that John is asked who he is, he would respond by telling them that he was simply a voice in the wilderness, sent from God to point people to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Likewise, the call that is placed upon every single follower of Jesus Christ in this wilderness planet of sin, suffering and death is to point people to Jesus, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.Fellow believer, let us never forget that the message of the everlasting gospel that saves our eternal souls from the debt, penalty and future presence of sin is not who we are, but who Christ is. John gives us a beautiful picture of how our lives are to be constantly seeking to point people to Jesus. Every time that we have the opportunity to give our testimony or use any gift that He has given unto us, the ultimate purpose is that we give testimony to the goodness, mercy and saving grace of Jesus Christ and that He is glorified.A vital part of walking with Jesus and growing in Him stems from knowing who we are in Him. John knew that he was a voice sent from God. Likewise, we need to know who we are in Jesus, the gifts that He has given unto us. Nevertheless, the most important thing for all of us to remember is that in all that we are in Jesus and in using all the gifts and talents that He has given unto us, the goal is that The Lord is magnified! Let me sum it up what not only ministry but life itself is all about with the words of John in John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. May those words be the prayer of writer and reader alike every day or our lives. Indeed, worthy is the Lamb. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
John writes in John1:14 one of the most astounding statements regarding Jesus Christ in Scripture. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." To refresh our memories, we must go back to John 1:1 lest we fail to know exactly who this Word is, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." No wonder Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:16, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh." Some translations interpret the phrase without controversy, most certainly (CSB), without question (NLT), or without argument (BBE). This one born of a virgin whose name is Emmanuel IS the Word made flesh who lived on this earth for 33 years as the God man.John says that we beheld His glory. The prophet Isaiah 40:5 wrote these words, "And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. "Jesus Christ is the very glory of The Lord, manifest in human flesh. After Jesus performed His first miracle, we read in John 2:11 "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. "When the apostle Peter described that amazing account of being with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, he wrote, "For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (2 Peter 1:17). Not only do the heavens declare the glory of The Lord (Psalm 19:1), we also read in 2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that we are changed into the image of Jesus as we behold His glory.Jesus told Martha that she would see the glory of God when He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:4;40). When Jesus prayed for those whom The Father would give to Him, He said in John 17:24 "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. "One day beloved, you and I will be taken from this world of darkness and ushered into the very presence of God where we, like John will behold the glory of Jesus Christ. Reader, have you received Jesus Christ as Lord? If so, this promise of seeing Him in His glory is what awaits you the very second you breath your last breath on earth. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
Isaiah 15 and 16 give us a picture that is both sobering and deeply revealing. On one hand, we see the judgment of Moab—a nation brought low, weeping, devastated, and stripped of everything it once trusted in. On the other hand, we see the heart of God.The root issue is clear: pride. Moab had lived in ease. They were comfortable, prosperous, and confident that nothing would ever change. But they ignored God. And pride has a way of blinding us to reality. It tells us we are secure when we are not. It convinces us we don't need God—until everything collapses.And yet, what is striking is not just the judgment—but the compassion. Isaiah says, “My heart shall cry out for Moab.” That is not the voice of anger. That is the voice of grief. It is the heart of God, who takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires that all would come to repentance. Beloved, this is a warning and an invitation.Pride will rob you of joy. It will harden your heart. It will separate you from God. But humility opens the door to grace. God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.So today, examine your heart. Lay aside pride. Turn back to the Lord, and ask Him to give you not only a humble heart—but a compassionate one, that sees others the way He does. Because even in judgment… the heart of God still weeps.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
In Scripture the apostle John writes, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not "(John 1:5). In Scripture “light” and “darkness” are very familiar symbols.Intellectually speaking, “light” refers to Biblical truth while “darkness” refers to error or falsehood. The Psalmist declared in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. Solomon writes in Proverbs 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life”. God's Word is like having a flashlight with you when you are walking are running in the dark of night or early morning hours. Morally speaking, “light” refers to holiness or purity, 1 John 1:5 it says that “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”. On the other hand, “darkness” refers to sin or wrongdoing as in Ephesians 4:17-19, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness”.This darkness has special significance in relationship to Satan (and his demonic cohorts), who rules the present spiritually dark world. John writes in 1 John 5:19, “and we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness”. The devil himself is identified as the “prince of the power of the air”, who promotes spiritual darkness and rebellion against God. Ephesians 2:2, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”.But John shines this blazing light of truth with the statement that “darkness comprehends it not”, meaning that darkness is not able to overcome or conquer the light. Jesus said in John 3:19-21, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God”.Just as a single candle can overcome a room filled with darkness, so also the powers of darkness have been overcome by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Reader, whoever you say that Jesus Christ is determines whether you are either in the light or in the darkness. Whom do you say that Jesus Christ is? SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
There is a sobering thread that runs through Isaiah 13 and 14, and it is this: God keeps His Word—both in judgment and in promise.Isaiah speaks of Babylon, a nation that had not yet risen to power, and yet God declares its rise and its ultimate destruction. Why? Because God sees the end from the beginning. What seems impossible to man is already settled in the mind of God.And woven into this prophecy is that phrase: the day of the Lord. It is a reminder that there is a day coming when God will deal finally with sin, arrogance, and rebellion. The pride of man will be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted.But here is where the heart is comforted. The same God who judges is the God who restores. Right in the middle of these warnings, He promises mercy to His people. He promises that He will not forget His covenant. He will bring His people back. He will give them rest.Beloved, this is our confidence today. The world may look unstable. Nations rise and fall. Leaders boast and kingdoms shift. But above it all, God is in control. He raises up and He brings down. Nothing is outside His sovereign hand.So what is our response?Trust Him.Wait on Him.And even before the promise is fulfilled—begin to worship.Because whatever God has spoken… He will surely bring to pass.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
This morning we will begin a study in the incredible Gospel of John. Writing near the end of the first century, this aged, last standing apostle writes this book to declare that Jesus Christ IS the Son of God and that it is by grace, through faith in Him, that we are granted forgiveness of sin, and in doing so, receive the gift of eternal life. "But these are written (the gospel of John), that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:31)."But this same John in his first letter also wrote to expose those who were teaching that Jesus was not God Incarnate. "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (1 John 4:3). We are living in a day and age where this biblical record of Jesus Christ is being denied, misinterpreted, and in the process is leading many astray.The gospel of John records those seven glorious I AM statements of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, The God Man is The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Door, The Good Shepherd, The Resurrection and the Life, The Way, The Truth and The Life, and finally, The True Vine. Jesus is everything that we are not!As we walk through this exciting gospel, we will “see” Jesus perform God glorifying miracles of healing and deliverance for those fallen image bearers of God who were hurting. We will “see” Him perform the miracle of multiplying the loaves and fishes out of compassion for the multitudes. We will walk with Him and “see” the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead which foreshadows the promise of every believer's resurrection.Beyond a shadow of a doubt, John proclaims that Jesus is God. He proclaims the gospel's call and message with great clarity and assurance for sinners and sufferers like us. Whether you are a new believer or someone who has walked with Jesus for 50 years, the gospel of John is a book that will refresh you, encourage you, challenge you, and compel you to love Jesus, serve Jesus, and proclaim Him and Lord of all.While all of the gospels are the best gospels, John is certainly my personal favorite. Join me in this study, Saints! SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
In this section of scripture King Jehoshaphat is surrounded by an army that caused him great fear. Have you ever had a time on your life when you are suddenly surrounded by overwhelming circumstances? A personal battle with temptation? A marital crisis? A debilitating health condition? The death of a loved one? A prodigal son or daughter?Truth be told beloved, we all have had our times when it seemed like there is no way out. What can be used to help us work through such times? Well, what did Jehoshaphat do? He set aside a time to fast. He acknowledged God's sovereignty (vs. 6), God's covenant (vs. 7), God's presence (vs. 8,9), God's goodness (vs. 10), God's possession (vs. 11) and their utter dependence upon Him (vs. 12).In the midst of the anticipation of the forthcoming battle, the prophet Jahaziel said, "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's (2 Chron 20:15). That does not mean that we shirk any human responsibility related to our battle, whatever it may be. But it does mean this: You and I as followers of Jesus Christ never face any battle in life alone. Yes, we have family, and friends who are there with us, and for that, we can and should be thankful, but then there are BATTLES that only the presence of God can get us through. Shepherd boy David said to the giant Goliath, and all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands (1 Sam 17:47).Beloved, our God promises to be with us in every battle, every fiery furnace, every single lion's den. When Jehoshaphat heard what God said to him and the people of God, we see in verses 18-21 that the people of God began to worship The Lord before the battle was fought, confident in God's promise of victory. For the child of God, death itself will be swallowed up in victory (1 Cor 15:54). The tribulation saints got the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God (Rev 15:2). But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:57). We may lose a skirmish here and there beloved, but when all is said and done, Jesus prevails because He has won the ultimate battle over sin, the devil and death for us. Halleujah to His Name. SELAH
Jesus Christ has ascended into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God as our Great High Priest and Mediator. As we go through this journey of life, we can also celebrate every day that Jesus Christ is our Shepherd.Imagine being sentenced to appear in court and stand before a judge for violations that you know that you have committed and are without a doubt guilty as charged with no hope of an appeal or being spared imprisonment. That is about as hopeless of a situation that anyone can be in. Scripture tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). There is none righteous, no not one (Rom 3:10). Hopeless. But praise be unto God, My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1,2). Thus, because of the grace of God, we have a High Priest and Mediator in heaven, Jesus Christ, Who declares to God The Judge the verdict NOT GUILTY to those who repent of their sin and trust in Him for their salvation. That is something to CELEBRATE.For the follower of Jesus, heaven is our home, and earth is our temporary mission field. The Bible calls the people of God, sheep. Life on earth for all sheep is filled with strange twists and turns, trials, temptations, seasons of joy and gladness, and times of uncertainty. Thankfully, we can CELEBRATE the fact that in our journey here on earth, we have a Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, Who is always there to lead us, guide us and comfort us in times of sorrow and pain. We trust that singing about and studying some of the various aspects of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ will inspire you to CELEBRATE Him, not just for a season, but for all eternity! SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
Our Christmas Teaching theme for the year 2025 is CELEBRATE!That is CELEBRATE with an exclamation point! The word ”celebrate” stems from a Latin word that means “to assemble to honor.” Exactly Who is This One Whom we are assembling to honor and CELEBRATE? He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. And my text today for our CELEBRATION of The Lord Jesus is one of the most celebratory, Christ exalting passages in all of Scripture, and that is Hebrews 1:1-8.If I may simplify our theme for this year, it would be this: Jesus Christ IS the Christmas message of Scripture. Do not allow the commercialization of Christmas by this world system deceive you, beloved. The “Christ” of this commercialized world system is a “seasonal” Christ as best, NOT the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God, Who came to this world to redeem man from their debt and the slavery of sin! And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:14,15). The Lord Jesus Himself said it this way: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18,19).I am not belittling the blessing of the exchanging of gifts with family and friends. Being together with loved ones is precious indeed. It is what memories are made of. However, let us not forget that the real reason for the CELEBRATION of Christmas and life itself it this: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10,11). SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1Christmas isn't just a season of lights and gifts; it's not just about manger scenes and Christmas carols—it's about assurance. The Christ of Christmas came so we could stand unshaken in the grace of God, rejoicing in hope no matter what this season brings.When we look at the manger, we're reminded not only that Christ came, but why He came: to give us confidence in our salvation, joy in our standing with God, and peace that no circumstance can shake.None of the pressures, losses, or changes of this time of year can steal the joy we have in Jesus. We always have a reason to celebrate Him.Romans chapter 5 gives us six incredible assurances—six gifts from the heart of God—that we can hold onto this Christmas.First, we have justification. God has declared us innocent. Before Christ, we were guilty and far from God. But through His blood, the charges were dropped. We've been set free and made right with Him.Second, we have peace with God. We are no longer His enemies. We are His children. The hostility is gone. You never have to wonder where you stand—God has made peace with you through His Son.Third, we have access to grace. Jesus didn't just save us; He brought us into the Father's presence. We've been invited to sit at His table. We stand secure in His kindness and mercy.Fourth, we have hope. Not a wishful hope, but a confident expectation. We know that one day we will see the glory of God face to face. That certainty steadies us through life's trials.Fifth, we have promise. Even in suffering, we can rejoice. God uses tribulations not to destroy us but to develop us—producing endurance, character, and a stronger hope in Him.And finally, we have reconciliation. Our sins are forgiven—completely and forever. God will never bring them up again. The cross has covered it all.So when the pressures come—when plans change or sorrow creeps in—remember these assurances. You are justified, at peace, welcomed, hopeful, secure, and loved.The greatest reason to celebrate this Christmas is Jesus Christ, our Savior and our assurance.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
How might some of us respond to the question James poses in 5:13? Am I suffering? I will complain. I will vent to my friend. I will ignore it. I will go buy stuff on Amazon. I will incessantly clean. I will watch sports and yell at the Bills. Granted, not all of these are terrible, but none of them deal directly with God. This is problematic because we are spiritual people that have bodies, not bodies that have spirits. In other words, our identity is primarily spiritual. With this perspective, we find James' message for the close of his epistle - that every circumstance demands a spiritual response; namely, prayer. How we initially respond to a situation reveals the help that we trust in the most. This becomes especially evident when we fall sick. Do we go to God in prayer? Do we really trust his shepherding care for us? Do we believe that if we can only apprehend Christ in prayer, then we will truly be whole? What a friend we have in Jesus! All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carryEverything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carryEverything to God in prayer. Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
In James 5:7-11, we find James exhorting the saints to be patient. The context is being patient because the coming of The Lord is near. Note that it is by living in the assurance of the future Jesus' imminent return that we are inspired to live patiently today. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).The Lord Jesus said in His end times discourse in Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. This patience, that is vital in the Christian life, is not natural, it is supernatural. The apostle John wrote near the end of the first century in Revelation 1:9, I, John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.Some 40 times in the New Testament alone we find the word patience as a necessary fruit of The Spirit in the life of every follower of Jesus Christ. Human nature is so prone to wanting to see God bring things to pass quickly, but it is by being patient in tribulation (Rom 12:12) that God develops Christ-like character in our lives. 2 Thessalonians 3.5 says, And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.Here we see that it is knowing the love of God in our hearts that enables us to endure trials, temptations, persecutions and troubles in this life. In Hebrews 6:15 we read of Abraham after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. But waiting patiently does not mean that we “twiddle our thumbs” and do nothing. No, in our patient waiting, we are told to occupy until Jesus returns (Luke 19:13).There is no room for passivity in the Christian life, beloved. Yes, we are exhorted to wait upon The Lord and be patient for His imminent return, but very essence of what waiting and being patient means for the follower of Jesus is the very same thing that He told His mother Mary when Jesus was “lost” for three days. Know ye not that I must be about my Father's business (Luke 2:49)?Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain (James 5:7) SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
For every Christian, there is what we would call the general, or universal will of God. This will would be found in the Word of God. Here are a couple of examples of the general or universal will of God. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication (1Thess 4:3). Here is another one. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess 5:18).Then there is what we could call, the personal will of God. That would be things like, “Where should I live?” “Where should I go to college?” “Should I date or marry this person?”. Of course the general will of God for that last request would be that you should never date or marry someone who is not a disciple of Jesus Christ. The personal will of God would be knowing God's will regarding who that disciple might be.One foundational truth for every disciple of Jesus Christ to understand is that the ultimate purpose for prayer outside of fellowship with The Lord, is wanting to know what His will is for your life. Romans 12:2 tells us that our growing in grace and Christ-likeness is found in being transformed by walking in the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God for my life. Pastor Epaphras labored in prayer for the saints in Colosse that they would stand in the perfect and complete in all the will of God.Beloved, our lives on earth are like a vapor. But in this vapor of time that we each have, we all have to make choices. And for each decision, we must be seeking God's will and direction, knowing and believing that God's will for us is the best and wisest.The saints in our study this morning were carrying on and making decisions like unsaved people with no regard for God's will or purposes. James is going to tell them that living like that is not only wrong, but sin. Jesus ended each prayer that He prayed in the Garden with the words, nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done. May we follow His example in prayer, and in doing so, submit our lives completely for His will, His purposes, His timing and ALL for His glory. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
When things are heavy… when the world feels like it's spinning out of control… the Lord gives us something simple, but powerful: praise Him anyway!Isaiah says, “Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid.” Notice that—"I will trust." That's a choice.You and I don't live in neutral. We are either walking in faith… or we are being driven by fear. And fear has a loud voice in this world. But faith has a stronger one—the voice of God's Word.And what does that Word remind us? That the anger that was against us… was poured out on Jesus. That the war between us and God is over. That in Christ, we don't run from God—we run to Him. Beloved, salvation isn't a system. It's not a ritual. It's a Person. “God is my salvation.”And when you begin to "behold" Him - not just glance, but really look - you find something happens inside of you. Fear starts to lose its grip. The weight begins to lift.Because the Lord is not just giving you strength, He is your strength. He is your song. He is your peace.So if you're weary today, do what Isaiah tells us to do: Lift your eyes. Behold Him, and choose to trust and not be afraid.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
James writes to saints who were dealing with conflicts and envy, But He (God) giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6). In Mary's prayer, she said, God hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree (Luke 1:52).Problems and conflicts amongst the people of God are to be expected. They are inevitable. What The Spirit of God wants the people of God to understand is that God's way of dealing with conflict is far different than man's way. What you and I call a misunderstanding, James calls wars and fightings because the way they were handling issues was in the flesh and filled with pride, instead of in The Spirit and grounded in Christ-like humility.Remember how James taught us about the wisdom from below and the wisdom from above in James 3:13-18? Listen to Proverbs 13:10, Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Self centered praying (James 4:3) and worldly behavior (James 4:4) in their private lives was the cause of proud, devilish (James 4:6,7) attitudes between the people of God.What is the counsel of God? Submit to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God. Purify your heart and double minded thinking. Mourn. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:10). The Spirit of God flows so beautifully when brethren dwell together in unity. But The Spirit of God is grieved and quenched when we give place to the flesh.Beloved, may the counsel of The Spirit of God, and the grace of humility be the basis of how we settle all of our conflicts and disputes, not only in this church but in our homes, for that is the place where the presence of God chooses to dwell. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones (Isa 57:15) SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
Isaiah's prophecy speaks across the ages—a word as relevant to us today as it was to Judah in his day. The prophet looked upon a nation full of injustice, corruption, and pride, where widows and the poor were oppressed and leaders had turned from God's ways. Yet even in judgment, the mercy of God was shining through. His hand was “stretched out still” (Isa. 10:4–5).That truth reminds us of something essential: God's correction is not His rejection. When His people drift, He disciplines them not to destroy, but to draw them back. Hebrews 12 tells us His chastening proves His love. If you belong to Him, you cannot get away with the things you used to do—His Spirit will convict you and call you home.Isaiah also saw the sovereignty of God at work through the chaos of history. God used Assyria—an ungodly, brutal nation—as the rod of His anger to awaken His people. Even pagan rulers are instruments in His hand. Yet when Assyria grew proud, boasting in its power, God reminded them they were only an axe in the hands of the Master. The tool has no right to boast over the one who wields it.That's a lesson for every servant of God. We are instruments, not architects. Whatever fruit comes from our lives is because His hand is upon us. Apart from Him we can do nothing. But in His hand, the weakest vessel becomes mighty.Then comes the promise that has echoed through centuries: “The yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” (Isa. 10:27). What beautiful hope! The same Spirit that rested upon Christ now dwells within every believer. It is the anointing—the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit—that breaks the bondage of sin, fear, and oppression. Jesus stood in the synagogue, unrolled the scroll of Isaiah, and declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me…” (Luke 4:18). That anointing still sets captives free today.No power of Assyria, no force of darkness, no habit or history can stand against the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He breaks every chain, restores every heart, and calls His people to stand as witnesses in a fallen world.Finally, Isaiah lifts our eyes to the future: “A rod shall come forth from the stem of Jesse.” (Isa. 11:1). Out of the stump of judgment, life will spring forth—the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our righteous Branch. He will reign with justice and fill the earth with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.So take courage, believer. God still rules. His hand is stretched out still. Whatever yoke has burdened you—fear, addiction, weariness—He is able to break it. Draw near to Him, for the Spirit of the Lord still anoints His people to shine as light in the darkness until the day our King reigns over all the earth.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
There are two sources of wisdom. One is heavenly and the other is earthly and devilish. Guess which source is the most popular? If you said earthly and devilish, you are correct. But you may say that I am incorrect for saying that the wisdom of the world is devilish. That all depends on how you define wisdom, or let me put it this way. According to The Lord Jesus Christ, who is a wise individual, Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. (Matt 7:24,25) Jesus defines the wise individual as someone who hears His Word and seeks to obey it.Let's connect a couple of dots here. We could say that Jesus considers an individual a wise person if they believe that the Bible is not only the Word of God, but the wisdom of God as well. In other words, the wise person believes that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim 3:16,17). For the biblically wise person, God's Word is the ultimate authority for every subject mentioned from Genesis to Revelation. "What saith Scripture?, " would be the wise person's reply to any question that begins with, "So what about__________?" (fill in the blank).As sure as the sun rises in the morning and sets at night, I can tell you that the vast majority of mankind has a different opinion or view on the very same topics. “They say” or “AI says" either this or that. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent caused mankind to not only lose their soul but forsake the wisdom of God by asking them the question; "Did God really mean what He said?" And that lie is the cause of the two sources of wisdom.But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.(1 Cor 2:14). To unregenerate man, the Holy Bible is foolishness. 1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Hence, we have a tension on earth that is undeniable.When the devil sought to persuade Jesus to avoid going to the cross for the sins of mankind, Jesus Christ quoted Scripture. Jesus Christ IS The Ultimate Wise Man Who built His life upon the truth of God, and in Him dwells all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3).Are you living your life according to the wisdom of God, or the wisdom of this fallen world system? Who or what is the final authority in your life? Your eternal destiny hinges on you believing that that Bible declares that Jesus Christ is God, Lord, Saviour, Creator and Redeemer to all that repent and call upon HIs Name. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
James 3:1-12 hits the proverbial nail on the head when it comes to the hellish usage of the human tongue. As painful as it is to face, James is teaching us here that our words provide a barometer of our spiritual condition, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.In James 1:26, we were told that any individual who claims to be religious but has no control over his words is deceived and their professed faith is vain. Worthless. Of no value. Contrary to the worldly saying that words can never hurt me, in James 3:6, the uncontrolled human tongue is described as “a fire,” and as “a world of evil”. In verse 8, we learn that the tongue is “a restless evil,” and is “full of deadly poison.” The fact that we can poison others with our words is staggering. The fact that the tongue is a restless evil is staggering. The very source, or igniting influence of the untamed tongue is hell itself.James 3 can be called “Tongues from hell.” The fact that we can use our tongues to advance the kingdom of darkness is staggering. What brother James is telling us here is that the uncontrolled and hellish use of the tongue is counter to how God designed it to be used by those who are new creatures in Christ (James 1:18).Talkative in Pilgrim's Progress is described as “a saint abroad, and a devil at home”. Some people are worshipper of God in the sanctuary, but a gossiper or slanderer of image bearers of God like a devil on Monday. That's the glaring inconsistency that James is talking about. There is good news for those of us with tongue problems. I may not be able to bridle my tongue, but God's Spirit can and will, when I yield my mouth unto Him.Psa 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. David declared in Psalm 39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. Psa 17:3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.Saints, we can and do choose the words that come out of our mouth. Acts 2 speaks of tongues set on fire from heaven above. James 3 speaks of tongues set on fire by hell. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. SELAHMatthew 12:36-37 - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
In this passage of James we learn that a genuine believer in Jesus Christ will be a person who brings forth the fruit of good works. Yes, we are saved by grace, through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, but we also read in Ephesians 2:10 that "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." God has ordained good works for every believer to walk in.Titus 2:14 tells us that all saints are to be zealous of good works. Hebrews 10:24 says that we are called to provoke one another unto love and good works. Brother James is showing what grace does. True faith in Christ always leaves a trail of love, mercy, and obedience behind it. When God changes the heart, the hands follow. When the Spirit indwells, the fruit of that Spirit begins to grow—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness (Gal. 5:22–23).James uses two vivid examples. Abraham's faith was tested when God asked him to offer Isaac. Abraham's obedience didn't make him righteous—it proved that his trust in God was real. “Faith was made perfect” when it moved from belief to costly obedience (James 2:22). Rahab, the prostitute, showed her faith by risking her life to protect God's messengers. Her belief wasn't a statement; it was a surrender. Both Abraham and Rahab remind us that true faith acts, even when it costs something.The same Spirit who stirred them lives in us. That means faith is more than reciting creeds or nodding in agreement to sermons. It's feeding the hungry neighbor (James 2:15–16), forgiving the one who wronged us, praying for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:44), and offering our time and gifts for the sake of others. Love becomes the proof that we have been born of God (1 John 4:7).James also warns that belief alone—even correct belief—is not enough. “You believe that there is one God; you do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble” (James 2:19). The demons have theology; what they lack is surrender. Saving faith isn't intellectual agreement—it's relational trust. It says, “Lord, my life is Yours.”There's a beautiful honesty in how James speaks. He isn't calling us to perfection but to reality. Real faith confesses sin, repents, and keeps moving toward Christ. It loves not just in word, but “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). It doesn't need applause because it serves for God's glory, not man's. As Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).The Christian life, then, is not about earning favor but living out the favor already given. Christ's death purchased our forgiveness; His resurrection empowers our obedience. When we abide in Him, the life of Christ flows through us—quietly, persistently, fruitfully.So let's ask ourselves today: Is my faith alive? Does it breathe love into others? Faith that is alive doesn't merely talk about Jesus—it walks with Him. And that kind of faith, radiant with grace and rich in mercy, will never be dead. It will shine until we see the One who first believed in us.
Brother James writes in chapter 2 verse 8, "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well." The word royal means something that belongs to a king. For those who have embraced Jesus Christ as Lord, this royal law is something that not only belongs to a king, it is something that that should belong to every one of His children.Paul in writing to the church at Rome said in Romans 13.8 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law." This law of love is the law of the kingdom of God. Paul writes to the church in Galatia that faith worketh by love (Gal 5.6). 1 Thessalonians 4.9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. This royal law is what blesses the heart of The Father.Consider this beloved: who or what you love is going to determine how you live. Who or what you love is going to impact how you relate and interact with others, both inside and outside of the body of Christ. Who or what you love is going to impact how you steward your God given gifts and finances. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5.14 that the love of Christ constrained him to live he way that he lived. This royal law of love towards one another is the overflow of the love that Jesus Christ has for us.In this “rubber meets the road” letter that we are studying, let us keep in mind that The Father is saying to each one of us is that the very key of what makes us a Christ centered, Spirit driven, disciple making, soul winning church is this royal law of loving one another as He loves us. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13.34,35. SELAH
Isaiah 8 is a chapter about faith in a fearful time. The world around Judah was collapsing—nations rising and falling, rumors of war everywhere. Yet in the middle of chaos, God calls His people to one simple posture: trust.Isaiah's name itself means “The Lord is salvation,” and the message of this chapter carries that theme from beginning to end. God tells Isaiah to give his son a prophetic name—Maher-shalal-hash-baz—meaning “swift to the plunder, quick to the spoil.” It was a warning that judgment was coming quickly upon the enemies of Judah. But it was also a reminder that God was still in charge of history. He declares the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10), and everything He speaks will come to pass. Even when the nations rage, God's purposes stand firm.Isaiah contrasts two kinds of waters—the gentle stream of Shiloah and the mighty flood of the Euphrates (Isa. 8:6–7). The peaceful stream symbolized God's quiet protection; the raging river represented the Assyrian army that would soon overflow the land. The people had rejected the gentle waters of God's peace and instead trusted in foreign power. It's a striking image for us as well. How often do we refuse the still, sustaining presence of God for the floodwaters of human solutions? The Lord says, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isa. 30:15).When fear spreads, conspiracy abounds. In Isaiah's day, people whispered of secret plots and alliances; God told Isaiah, “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy… do not fear what they fear” (Isa. 8:12). What wise counsel for our age! We are flooded with voices that stir anxiety and division. But the Lord says, “Sanctify the Lord of hosts… let Him be your fear” (v. 13). When we revere God above all else, lesser fears lose their grip. He alone is our sanctuary, “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” (v. 14)—a picture later fulfilled in Christ (1 Pet. 2:6–8). The same Jesus who offends human pride becomes a refuge for every heart that trusts Him.Isaiah then declares, “I will wait on the Lord… and I will hope in Him” (v. 17). Waiting on God doesn't mean passivity; it means faith in motion—holding fast when the world rushes ahead. The Lord renews the strength of those who wait (Isa. 40:31). Like Job, we can say, “He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).The chapter closes with a sobering warning: those who turn to the occult or human wisdom instead of God will “see only distress and darkness” (Isa. 8:22). Yet for those who look to the Lord, there is light ahead—the dawn of redemption that Isaiah will proclaim in chapter 9: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”Our world, like Isaiah's, is full of noise and fear. But God calls His people to something higher—to trust His Word, to walk in His peace, and to remember that Emmanuel, God with us, still reigns. When we build our lives upon that Rock, no flood can sweep us away.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
James writes this truth about God that every follower of Jesus should read every day. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Beloved, read that verse again prayerfully and slowly. Our Heavenly Father is The One Who blesses us with everything that is good and perfect. Brother James told us in verse 16 to not be deceived about that, because it is very easy to slip into the depths of despondency and despair whenever we get our eyes off of God and onto other things.Beloved, do not allow social media, news agencies, current events or negative, fault finding people dictate to you what the true character of God is like. David, the man after God's own heart was a man that suffered many trials and hardships in life, some being the result of his own doing, but through it all he wrote in Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.Maybe you are struggling today with health or relational issues. Perhaps your finances have taken a turn for the worse. Satan capitalizes on fear and will not waste any “opportunity” that we give him to speak ill of God. Do not listen to his lies. He is the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10.10). He is the one who depresses and oppresses people (Acts 10.38). Trust in God and know that He is good.Yes, our circumstances may be difficult and indeed be gloomy, but it is when we are feeling low that we need to look up to heaven and look to The One from where our help comes from (Psalm 121). Psalm 118.1 says, O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. The very heaven are opened when the people of God lift up their hearts and voices to Him with praises (Psalm 22.3) and thanksgiving (Luke 17.15-19).If you are a child of God, all of your sins have been forgiven! Your eternal soul is destined to be your Lord Jesus forever. That alone is worthy of praise and thanksgiving. All that awaits us in glory stems from the loving heart of our Father Who sent His Son Jesus Christ to redeem us and deliver us from this present evil world according to His will (Gal 1.4). May the love of God for you give you cause to worship The One Who declares in Mal 3.6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Heb 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Just like the physical world is governed by laws of nature, the spiritual world is also governed by laws of the spirit. In our study today, James tells us that the law of sin and death begins with the bait of temptation.Before we engage in this study of temptation, James reminds us of this very important point in verse 13, Let no man say when he is tempted (to commit sin), I am tempted of God (to commit sin): for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. Believe it or not, there are 3 things that God cannot do. (1) God cannot lie (2) God cannot be tempted with evil (3) God cannot fail to keep His promises. And one of those precious promises is given to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. "Sin would be helpless if there was nothing in man to which it could appeal. This means that Adam was created innocent, not perfect. You and I are not born innocent. Psalm 51:5 "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." All mankind after Adam is born with a flesh nature that is prone to evil desires, whether you are a Christian or not.Beloved, listen carefully…temptation in itself is not sin. We do not sin until we conceive the bait into our minds and carry the temptation out. If you follow the context of Hebrews 4:14–16, God's way out of temptation is found in fleeing to our great high priest, The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who will give us grace to help in time of need. Praise God for that!When, not if, we are being tempted, we need to remember that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. We also need to remember that 1 Cor 10:13 tells us that there is a way out. Thus, whenever you are being tempted today (to lie, to gossip, to lust, to brag), agree with God's Word and look for God's exit sign!James is writing to believers like you and me about the reality of the source and root cause of all temptation and sin. This evil desire that resides in each and every one of us here today is something that will either be nourished or resisted. In Romans 6, God tells us that our bodily members are to be reckoned dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God. The Spirit of God is telling us this evening that when we understand the source of temptation and the enemy's objective in baiting us with it, we can walk in victory as we yield ourselves to God and resist the temptation.May we hear what God says to us today, and may we see how we can walk in victory, not sinless perfection, by grace, through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. SELAH
Today we begin a study in the epistle of James. James and Jude were half brothers of The Lord Jesus Christ. All three had the same mother, but the Father of Jesus was God. James did not come to saving faith in Jesus until after Jesus rose again from the dead. We know that Jesus appeared personally to James after He rose from the dead.James reveals the practical aspect of the saving grace of God. It has been called by some the New Testament equivalent to the book of Proverbs from the Old Testament. There are early church records that tell us that James was called “Old Camel Knees” because of the amount of time that he spent on his knees praying. I wonder if James learned that from observing his half brother Jesus, who Himself was a man of prayer.As we journey through this epistle, James is going to teach us about trials and temptations that every child of God will experience. He is going to teach about the beautiful equality that we have in Jesus Christ. It's an equality that does not depend upon race or riches, an equality that is based upon our oneness with God through the precious blood of His Son Jesus Christ.James will teach us about the good and bad that can stem from the human tongue. He will teach us the difference between human and heavenly wisdom. He will exhort us to live our lives with patience as we anticipate Jesus' soon return. He will exhort us to pray rightly according to God's will, and not after the flesh, or amiss. I cannot help but think of what was going through James' mind when The Holy Ghost was inspiring him to write this book, and how he must have reflected back of the time when he and Jesus were little boys in Nazareth.James identifies himself as a bond slave of Jesus Christ, which is simply beautiful! So from one bond slave of the Lord Jesus Christ to another, let us grow together in our faith in Jesus and in our church community as we determine to be doers, and not just hearers of The Word. SELAH
What would you do if you knew Jesus would return later this week? Would you go to work tomorrow? Would you start calling people? Would you change your life? Would you pray all day? Would you isolate yourself? If you knew that Jesus was coming this week, why aren't you living as urgently as that?The Word of God will never leave people neutral. Some will receive it with joy, others will resist it, and still others will oppose it. That opposition is not about you—it is about Christ shining His light through you. Never let the devil and fear set the agenda for your life. The Lord is faithful; He will establish you and keep you from evil.Much of Paul's instruction in this chapter centers on work. Some believers in Thessalonica had stopped working because they thought the Lord's return meant their earthly responsibilities no longer mattered. But from the beginning—back in Genesis—work has been part of God's good design. Adam and Eve were given meaningful labor before sin ever entered the world. Work is not a curse; it is a calling.How many of you realize that the people you work with at your present vocation are your prayer list and your mission field? The coworkers, employees, or customers you see each day are people God has entrusted to your influence. Studies show that most people who come to Christ do so outside the walls of a church. That means your daily faithfulness may be the very witness God uses to draw someone to Himself.So how do we live this out? Be diligent—work hard, be punctual, give thanks. Reflect Christlike character—let integrity mark your words and actions. Meet people where they are—take a genuine interest in their lives. Be a good listener—show them you care. And when the opportunity comes, share the gospel simply and compassionately.Today, when you walk into your workplace, imagine a sign over the door: “You are entering your mission field.” May that perspective shape the way you live, labor, and love—until the day Christ returns.
Isaiah 7 brings us into one of the most remarkable moments in Scripture—the birth of the promise that a virgin would bear a Son and call His name Immanuel, which means God with us (Isa. 7:14). But before this prophecy of hope, the scene opens with fear. King Ahaz of Judah faces a powerful alliance—Syria and Israel have joined forces against him. The nation trembles like trees shaken by the wind (Isa. 7:2). Instead of faith, fear grips the people of God.It is here that the Lord sends Isaiah to meet Ahaz with words of comfort: “Take heed, and be quiet; fear not” (v. 4). God's message to a frightened king is the same one He gives to our anxious hearts today—be still and trust that I am in control (Ps. 46:10). The Lord reminds Ahaz that the plans of his enemies will not stand, for He Himself has decreed it. Yet, He adds a searching warning: “If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established” (v. 9). Faith, not strategy, is what secures the people of God.Ahaz, sadly, refuses to trust. Though the Lord invites him to ask for a sign—any sign—he hides his unbelief behind religious-sounding words: “I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord” (v. 12). How easy it is to sound pious while our hearts cling to self-reliance. Ahaz had already decided to seek help from Assyria instead of God. When we choose our own solutions instead of waiting on the Lord, we trade His peace for our anxiety.Still, God gives a sign—not because Ahaz deserves it, but because His mercy will not be silenced. “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (v. 14). This prophecy would first have a near fulfillment in Isaiah's time, reminding Judah that God was still with them. But its ultimate fulfillment came centuries later, when the angel told Joseph that Mary's child was that promised Son: “They shall call His name Immanuel… God with us” (Matt. 1:23).In that single name lies the heart of the gospel. The holy God who could have abandoned a rebellious people instead drew near in love. Through Jesus, He entered our weakness, walked among our fears, and bore our sin on the cross. The sign given to Ahaz—the virgin birth—is more than a miracle; it is the declaration that God Himself would come to save us when we could not save ourselves.Isaiah's message still speaks: when fear rises and enemies seem close, our security is not in alliances, wealth, or control—it is in the presence of Immanuel. The Lord says to us, as He said to Ahaz, “Be quiet, do not fear.” His perfect love still casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Faith steadies the heart that leans on Him.Whatever storm surrounds you, remember this: God is not distant. He is with you, in the struggle, in the waiting, in the unknown. The same Lord who promised Immanuel has fulfilled that promise in Christ—and He has not changed. Trust Him, and you will find that His presence is more than enough.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
Today we will be looking at some fascinating end times prophecies and how we are called to live out the reality of those prophecies practically. Gospel centered living is the goal of all last days or end times teaching, regardless of what one's particular position is on the timing of the Rapture and Second Coming of Jesus Christ.Let me be very clear that the timing of the Rapture is not a matter of one's salvation. However, while the goal of all end times teaching should be on gospel centered living and biblical stewardship of the gifts and talents that God has entrusted unto us, that does not mean that specific last days details of events as taught by Jesus in Matthew 24 and laid out before us this morning by the apostle Paul are unimportant or insignificant.My devotional today will be directed towards how belief in those prophetic realities are meant to be lived out practically. Paul, under the inspiration The Holy Spirit writes, "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." ( 2 Thess 2:16,17).The practical application of this chapter on prophecy is found in Paul's prayer for them. And what did he pray for them? That their hearts would be comforted, and that they would be established or fixed in every good word and work. God's love and grace for us through faith in Jesus Christ is the basis of our comfort and hope.Note once again that our comfort is an everlasting one, and our hope in Christ is good and is through the grace of God. As we throughout Scripture, every aspect of our salvation comes from the grace of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Himself the Author and Finisher of our faith.Our loving heavenly Father, in His grace, gives us through Christ what we do not deserve; likewise, God in His mercy does not give us what we do deserve! This grace and mercy of God is meant to encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good action and word. Do you see what God is telling us?The “correct interpretation” of end time prophetic teaching will be gospel centered, fruit bearing living for the glory of God. If our walk contradicts what the Scriptures teach about how we are called to live lives of holiness and purity in light of Christ imminent return, then it simply means that we have not understood the point to begin with!One way that we contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints is by putting it into practice. We are called to be both defenders and demonstrators of the faith. One commentator put it this way: Lazarus did not have to give lectures on the reality of the resurrection, his life proved that to be true.May both our words and our works be gospel centered manifestations of the reality of The Lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives and fellowship. SELAH
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord…” (Isa. 6:1). Isaiah walked into the temple grieving the fall of a long–reigning king and discovered the greater reality: the Lord still seated, high and lifted up. Beloved, when thrones on earth wobble, heaven's throne does not (Ps. 11:4). The seraphim's cry—“Holy, holy, holy”—reminds us that God's holiness is not merely moral purity; it is His blazing otherness, His absolute supremacy over all (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). Start here: look up. Let worship steady your heart when the news won't (Rom. 8:28).Then, like Isaiah, look in. A fresh vision of the Holy One humbles the soul: “Woe is me… I am a man of unclean lips” (Isa. 6:5). Scripture says our words reveal our hearts (Matt. 12:34), and James warns that the tongue can scorch like fire (Jas. 3:6). Bring your lips, your feed, your posts to the altar of God. Pray David's prayer before you speak: “Let the words of my mouth… be acceptable in Your sight” (Ps. 19:14). This is poverty of spirit—the doorway to the kingdom (Matt. 5:3). The proud compare themselves with others; the contrite compare themselves with God and bow low.Now look to the altar. A burning coal touches Isaiah's lips, and God declares what every weary sinner longs to hear: “Your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged” (Isa. 6:7). Cleansing is God's work, not ours. It flows from Christ's sacrifice, foreshadowed by the altar and fulfilled at the cross (Isa. 53:5). Confess, and trust His promise: “He is faithful and just to forgive… and to cleanse” (1 Jn. 1:9). Let grace move from doctrine to delight—receive it afresh today.Finally, look out. Cleansed lips become commissioned lips: “Whom shall I send…? Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8). The order matters—worship, cleansing, then witness. God sends imperfect people to proclaim a perfect Savior. Some will hear and not understand (Isa. 6:9–10; Matt. 13:14–15). Don't measure faithfulness by visible results. Sow, water, weep, and keep going; God gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6–7). Even in hard seasons, the Lord keeps a remnant and a holy seed (Isa. 6:13). Your quiet “yes” today may be part of that hidden long work of God.How, then, shall we walk? Begin each morning with the “up-look”—read a few verses and adore the King (Ps. 5:3). Practice the “in-look”—ask the Spirit to search your words before they leave your lips (Ps. 139:23–24; Jas. 1:19). Embrace the “altar-look”—return to Christ's cleansing whenever sin stings your conscience (Heb. 9:14). And live the “out-look”—offer your ordinary places to Jesus: your table, your text threads, your Tuesday commute. Pray simply, “Lord, here I am. Send me to the next person in front of me.”Take heart, dear ones. Earthly kings rise and fall, but Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Fix your eyes on Him, receive His grace, and step into the day with cleansed lips and willing feet. “The whole earth is full of His glory” (Isa. 6:3)—and He delights to shine that glory through you. Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
The Apostle Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians begins with a vision “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” He calls us to worship, endurance, and a life aimed toward the glorious return of Jesus.When we become preoccupied with the dates, symbols, and signs of Jesus' return, we risk missing the main thing, the righteous judgment of God. In a world easily distracted by symbolic puzzles of the end times—markings, beasts, lawless figures—Paul reorients the church toward the heart of our hope: the character and justice of Christ Himself. Paul anchors the Thessalonians with seven indispensable truths about the judgment at Christ's return. These are not optional details to debate, but pillars of Christian belief:It is MomentaryJudgment will occur in an instant. As in Matthew 16 and 1 Corinthians 15, the trumpet will sound, and justice will fall like lightning. This is not a gradual evolution of human morality, but a sudden divine intervention. We do not work toward justice; we wait for it.It is ImminentChrist is already enthroned, surrounded by angels, ready to come. As Deuteronomy and Jonathan Edwards remind us, every human walks a slippery path, liable to fall at any moment. Death or the return of Christ is always near. This reality should stir urgency, not complacency.It is JustGod's judgment is righteous. He will repay affliction to those who afflict and grant relief to the afflicted. The criteria? Knowing God and obeying the gospel—not works, not lineage, but trust in the crucified and risen Lord. As Paul says, the standard is not moral performance but belief.It is ComprehensiveEvery deed and every motive will be exposed (Ecclesiastes 12, 1 Corinthians 4). Nothing is hidden. This calls for radical honesty—with God and with one another. The Psalms model a kind of brutal spiritual honesty that few of us know. But to be known by God, we must let ourselves be truly seen.It is Eternal The results of this judgment are not reversible. Hell is not annihilation, but conscious eternal separation from God (Luke 16). Heaven is not a temporary reward, but a forever joy. No purgatory, no do-overs. Our life's trajectory—toward or away from Christ—is sealed at judgment.It is Extreme The division between the saved and unsaved is not subtle. There is no mixture of heaven and hell. The contrast is stark—life or death, blessing or curse (Deuteronomy 30). This intensifies the need for decision: there is no middle ground.It is Marvelous Those who have believed will marvel when Christ returns. Why? Because we will see, with perfect clarity, the beauty and justice of God's plan. What now seems delayed or confusing will become astonishingly righteous and glorious in hindsight.After laying out these truths, Paul turns to a very practical application. He prays that God would “make you worthy of His calling and fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power” (2 Thess 1:11). In other words, he's saying: here's how you live now, in light of then.What does that look like?It means becoming the kind of person who instinctively wants what God wants. Paul says Jesus will be “glorified in you and you in Him.” Often, we emphasize the second part—we will be glorified. But Paul's order is intentional. The real miracle is that Christ is glorified in us. We become vessels of His praise, examples of His mercy, images of His love.For those who believe—who wait, worship, and work for His glory—it is not a day to dread, but a day to behold.Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Oh, how important it is for every child of God to have a biblical understanding of the attributes or character of our God. In our final study of first Thessalonians, we find that He is the God of peace, grace, and that He is faithful. Volumes could be written of any of these attributes and still fall short of coming close to describing how glorious and wonderful He is. But one attribute that I want to share with you this morning is the faithfulness of God.Beloved, our God is faithful. The Greek word used for faithful means that our God is reliable, sure, and trustworthy. Paul encourages these saints in Thessalonica with the words, Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it (vs. 24). That is a word of knowledge for of you who are reading this devotional this morning. Read it again. Read it prayerfully. Read it as if The Lord Jesus Himself is speaking to you, because He is! Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. The Holy Spirit is reminding us that God will be faithful to finish what He began in you.Paul essentially said the same thing to the church at Philippi when he wrote, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6). Remember beloved that The Lord Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. The God who calls us to saving faith by the preaching of the gospel is also The God Who brings those whom He calls to glory and none will be lost. That is what is known as eternal security.Listen to Jesus Himself talk about this blessed assurance that we have in Him. John 6:37-44 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.Throughout the New Testament, we are reminded that our God is faithful...listen: 1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. He is faithful to provide a way of escape whenever we are tempted. 2 Thess 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. He is faithful to establish us in the faith and keep us from the evil one. Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Jesus Himself is our Faithful High Priest Who has provided reconciliation for our sins. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Our God is faithful and just to forgive us when we sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Last but not least, when The Lord Jesus returns at His Second Coming, John tells us that Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True.Oh doubting and troubled saint, our Faithful God is unchanging. Doubt your doubts. Doubt your feelings. Look afresh to Jesus right now and never forget that He is faithful and true. SELAH
The return of Jesus Christ is certain, but its timing is unknown. Scripture makes clear that “the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). For unbelievers, it will come suddenly and unexpectedly, bringing destruction when they are saying, “Peace and safety!” (v.3). But for those who belong to Christ, this day should not come as a surprise. Believers are “not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief” (v.4).The people of God are described as “children of light and children of the day” (v.5). This identity calls for a lifestyle consistent with the light—awake, alert, and sober. Just as natural day and night create different behaviors, so also those who belong to Christ must not live like those in spiritual darkness. The world sleeps and dulls itself with intoxication, but believers are called to stay awake, clothed with faith, love, and the hope of salvation (v.6–8).Paul describes the Christian's defense against spiritual lethargy in terms of armor: “putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation” (v.8). Faith anchors us in God's promises, love guides us in our relationships, and hope protects our minds with the assurance of Christ's ultimate victory. These are not optional virtues, but essential armor for those awaiting the Lord's return.The heart of this passage is the reassurance of God's purpose: “God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.9). Believers can face the future with confidence, not fear. Christ died so that, whether we are alive or asleep (living or dead), “we should live together with Him” (v.10). Our destiny is not judgment but eternal fellowship with Christ.Because of this hope, believers are called to mutual encouragement: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (v.11). The reality of Christ's return is not meant to stir fear but to inspire encouragement, holy living, and perseverance. The church must continually remind one another of the hope of salvation and the security we have in Christ.The call of this text is clear: live with readiness. Stay awake, be sober, put on the armor of faith, love, and hope, and encourage one another in light of Christ's coming. While the timing of the day of the Lord is unknown, the outcome is certain: those in Christ will be saved and live with Him forever.
Isaiah 3 paints a sobering picture of a nation under judgment—but also of a God who still longs to restore. The Lord tells Judah that He will “take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff… the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water” (Isa. 3:1). In other words, God will remove everything they've been leaning on—food, water, wise leaders, and skilled workers—because His people have leaned on those things instead of Him.Sometimes, in His mercy, God removes the props in our lives. When the things we trust more than Him are shaken or stripped away, it's not because He delights in our loss—it's because He desires our hearts. He knows that false supports keep us from standing on the Rock that cannot move (Ps. 18:2).The chapter describes a society that's unraveled. Children rule over the people; the young mock the old; everyone is oppressed and confused (Isa. 3:4–5). When God is no longer honored, disorder follows. We see echoes of this in our world today—authority mocked, morality reversed, confusion spreading. The same spiritual law still applies: when people forsake the fear of the Lord, they lose wisdom and peace (Prov. 9:10).Isaiah doesn't stop with social collapse; he shows how it begins in the heart. The people's “tongue and their doings are against the Lord” (Isa. 3:8). Their speech and behavior grieve Him. They parade sin openly, “declaring their sin like Sodom” (v. 9). It's not that they've stumbled in weakness—they've grown proud in rebellion. Yet even here, God's justice is mingled with mercy: “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with him” (v. 10). When judgment falls, the righteous need not fear. God sees, protects, and rewards those who walk with Him.The prophet also confronts the leaders of the people for devouring God's vineyard—taking advantage of the poor while claiming to represent Him (vv. 14–15). It reminds us how much the Lord cares for justice and humility. He never overlooks oppression. Whenever power is used to exploit rather than to serve, He promises to bring it low.Isaiah then turns to the proud daughters of Zion, whose outward beauty masks spiritual decay (vv. 16–24). Their jewelry and fine clothes will be stripped away; their vanity will become shame. God isn't condemning adornment—He's exposing pride. Peter would later echo this: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… but from the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Pet. 3:3–4). The Lord treasures the kind of beauty that doesn't fade with time—the radiance of holiness and love.By the end of the chapter, the proud have fallen, the idols are gone, and only the Lord remains exalted. This is what God's refining work always aims for—to bring us to the place where He alone is our strength and glory.When we see instability in the world, or when personal trials strip away what we've depended on, Isaiah 3 invites us to look up, not around. The Lord is still on His throne. His purpose in every shaking is to call His people back to Himself.May we be among the remnant who humble ourselves before Him, who walk in quiet faith and courage, and who find in Christ our true security. “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer… in Him will I trust” (Ps. 18:2).Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
1 Thessalonians 4:1 says, “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more”. Please note this exhortation from the apostle Paul, beloved. It was not only applicable to the saints back then in Thessalonica, but it is applicable to the saints today right here in East Rochester.And what is the exhortation? That we would choose to walk and please God more and more. Pleasing God should be the very core purpose of every single follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Paul wrote to pastor Timothy, he said to him, “no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Tim 2:4). We all are aware of the reality of the constant pull of the world system and it's subtle, and not so subtle, “mission” of seeking to conform us to its image and likeness.The Christian life is a battle that necessitates that we maintain, biblical standards of moral purity instead of living after the carnal appetites and desires of the flesh. Having a soldier's mentality means that we are going to put on our helmet of salvation and renew our minds with God's word that exhorts us to walk in holiness and moral purity.Again, listen to what Paul writes to pastor Titus. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:11-15).Who are you living to please, my friend? Your flesh? Your friends? Or, the One Who shed His blood to purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works? SELAH
Isaiah 2 gives us a breathtaking vision of the future—a time when “the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established… and all nations shall flow to it” (Isa. 2:2). It's a picture of peace, when people will say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord… He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths” (v. 3). What a glorious promise! One day, Jesus Himself will reign from Jerusalem, and His truth will fill the earth like sunlight after a long night.But Isaiah doesn't give this vision only to lift our eyes to heaven—he gives it to change how we live on earth. After describing the beauty of that coming kingdom, the prophet turns and pleads, “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord” (v. 5). The light of that future kingdom is meant to guide our steps today. We are not called to sit passively waiting for Christ's return; we are called to walk now as citizens of His kingdom.Isaiah's audience, like us, needed that reminder. Though they knew God's promises, their lives were filled with idols and distractions. Wealth had become their confidence, alliances with unbelieving nations their strategy, and superstition their counsel. They were going through the motions of worship, but their hearts had grown divided. The prophet paints a sobering picture of a people who still visit the temple, yet look elsewhere for wisdom and blessing.It's not hard to see ourselves there. Our idols may not be carved from wood or stone, but we still bow to things that capture our affection more than God—success, security, image, comfort. The Lord gently exposes these rival loves, not to condemn us, but to free us. Every time we look to something else to save or satisfy, He calls us back with the same words: “Walk in the light of the Lord.”To walk in His light means to live in truth—to let His Word expose what's false and to let His Spirit guide our steps. John echoes this in the New Testament: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). It's not perfection God asks for, but honesty. When we bring our hearts into the light, we find cleansing, not condemnation.Isaiah also warns that pride—whether personal or national—cannot stand before God. The lofty will be humbled, and “the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day” (Isa. 2:11). How wise, then, to humble ourselves now! Every blessing we enjoy—our talents, our strength, our resources—is a gift from His hand. When we acknowledge that, pride gives way to praise, and anxiety gives way to trust.The chapter closes with a simple command: “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils” (v. 22 NIV). It's as if God is saying, “Don't build your hopes on what can't last. Look to Me.” In a world that feels uncertain, that's good news. Kingdoms rise and fall, economies shake, leaders change—but the Lord's reign is steady and sure.One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10–11). Until that day, we walk in His light—turning from idols, trusting His Word, humbling our hearts, and shining with His peace. The same God who will rule the nations longs to reign in our hearts today. May we, too, say with Isaiah's generation: “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
1 Thessalonians 4:1 says, “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more”. Please note this exhortation from the apostle Paul, beloved. It was not only applicable to the saints back then in Thessalonica, but it is applicable to the saints today right here in East Rochester.And what is the exhortation? That we would choose to walk and please God more and more. Pleasing God should be the very core purpose of every single follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Paul wrote to pastor Timothy, he said to him, “no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Tim 2:4). We all are aware of the reality of the constant pull of the world system and it's subtle, and not so subtle, “mission” of seeking to conform us to its image and likeness.The Christian life is a battle that necessitates that we maintain, biblical standards of moral purity instead of living after the carnal appetites and desires of the flesh. Having a soldier's mentality means that we are going to put on our helmet of salvation and renew our minds with God's word that exhorts us to walk in holiness and moral purity.Again, listen to what Paul writes to pastor Titus. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:11-15).Who are you living to please, my friend? Your flesh? Your friends? Or, the One Who shed His blood to purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works? SELAH
Isaiah opens with a shocking picture of a Father's grief. God says, “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me” (Isa 1:2). He's not distant or angry for anger's sake—He's heartbroken. His people have wandered, yet they still bring offerings and say their prayers. They keep the rituals but have lost the relationship. The Lord looks at their worship and says, “Stop bringing meaningless offerings” (v. 13). Their lips honor Him, but their hearts are far away.This isn't just Israel's story—it's ours. We can attend church, sing the songs, and still miss the heart of it all. The Lord doesn't seek our performance; He seeks our presence. He wants hearts that love what He loves, that show mercy, justice, and humility (Mic 6:8). When our worship flows out of a life aligned with God's truth, it becomes pleasing again. When it doesn't, He calls us not to hide but to return.God's words through Isaiah are both diagnosis and invitation. He describes sin like an infection that has spread through the whole body: “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint” (v. 5). The nation's condition mirrors our own apart from grace—wounded and weary, yet pretending to be well. But even here, the Lord offers hope. He does not abandon His people; He calls to them with compassion: “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds… learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression” (vv. 16–17). His call is always to cleansing, never to condemnation.Then comes one of the most beautiful verses in all of Scripture: “Come now, and let us reason together… Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (v. 18). The Judge becomes our Redeemer. He invites us to step into His presence, not to be destroyed but to be made new. The Hebrew word “reason” suggests a conversation—a merciful negotiation in which God Himself provides the terms of peace. Through Christ, that invitation reaches us today. His blood washes away the stain that no human effort can remove (1 John 1:7).The message is simple but searching: God wants more than our ceremonies; He wants our hearts. He wants faith that shows itself in love, prayer that flows from sincerity, and worship that leads to justice. When He convicts us, it is not to crush us but to cleanse us. His refining fire burns only to purify. The same hand that disciplines is the hand that heals.Isaiah ends this chapter with hope for renewal: “Afterward you shall be called the City of Righteousness” (v. 26). God's purpose for His people has never changed. He still intends to make us reflect His character—a people who live with clean hands and compassionate hearts. When He washes us, He doesn't just remove guilt; He restores purpose.Wherever you are today—whether your faith feels strong or hollow—hear the Father's voice calling: “Come now.” He longs to reason with you, to wash you, to make you new. No sin is too deep, no stain too dark. The blood of Jesus still makes the scarlet white as snow.Let's draw near to Him again with honest hearts, not hiding behind ritual or busyness, but coming as children to their Father. True worship begins not with perfection but with surrender. The One who invites us to come is the same One who makes us clean.Koinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
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