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We are called - Romans 1:1-7 (Part 2)

The second calling Paul tells us here is that we are  called into holiness . Romans 1:7  -  To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: The importance of sanctification in a Christian’s life is often overshadowed by the emphasis in wanting to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. Doing rather than being becomes the expected norm. We can be Christians for many years and still live a carnal life The theme of sanctification in the Christian life brings us to the profound truth that who we  are  is ultimately more significant than what we  do.  In a world that often measures worth by productivity and achievement, Christians may be tempted to emphasize outward success or ministry accomplishments over spiritual transformation. Yet, Scripture reveals that sanctification—the deep, internal process of being made holy—is foundational to a life truly aligned with God. Sanctification is the work of God within, setting believers apart and refining them into the likeness of C
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We are called - Romans 1:1-7 (Part 1)

One of the doctrines that has divided Christendom, is the one on predestination. We are the children of God because God has chosen and called us (election), or we responded to the call and as a resulted we were chosen (free will). These two concepts are central to many theological debates, particularly between Calvinist (predestination-focused) and Arminian (free will-focused) traditions in Christianity. Each tradition tries to reconcile God’s sovereignty with human responsibility in different ways.  I must say that there are brilliant theologians on both sides of the divide. But let’s leave it to the big minds to debate and argue. I think we will only know the answer when we get to the other side. But whatever your persuasion on this subject may be, I am glad that this does not determine our salvation.   For this devotion, I want to consider the kind of calling that the Apostle Paul is talking about in Romans 1. As you would have read from the text, Paul begins this letter by addressi
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Heart moving moments

On Monday, 28 Oct, I was asked to address students from the Evangelical University, which was an hours drive from Goiania. I was not given the topic and they said when we get there they will tell us. So I did not pay much attention to preparation.  3 hrs before leaving for the campus, I was told what was expected of me .   I was asked to speak of "Values and Ethics in the secular world". Oh dear. I was t otally unprepared.  😠😠 I had to depend on the Lord, totally, as always. But it was raining "cats and dogs", and the traffic was bad. It took us almost two hours to get there.  This university has about 20,000 students and one of the top universities in Brasil. I was impressed by the campus structure, very modern with good facilities. About 200 students and faculty from the "Administration Course", were waiting patiently for us at the auditorium, even though we were very late. These students were earmarked to be the next level of leadership in Brasil in t
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My time in Brazil

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I had a really good time in Goiania. On Friday (25 Oct) I had two sessions. The first was with a group of young people who were doing business as missions. Very enterprising young people who were running a language training centre and using the facilities and social platform to reach the youths in the country. They are also motiving the next gen to go on missions and serve the Lord through their secular skills. This is something I don't see in Singapore. I shared with them my journey and the all listen attentively, some were in tears.  Later in the afternoon I was invited to a podcast discussion on the importance of discipleship in missions. This podcast is going to go all over the world, especially in Brazil. It was quite an experience for me but very enriching. Saturday and Sunday, I was involved in the Missions Conference in Calvario Baptist Church. Pst Leandro is the senior pastor of the church and Pst Matthew is his coworker. Both of them are our partnership in the work we do
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Arrived Goiania

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  I arrived São Paulo on schedule. I had only two hours of transit time. But the line at the immigration was long. I had more than 100 people in-front of me. When I asked for help, it was on "deaf ears". Any way I cleared the immigrations and had to run, "literally" to find  the connection flight to Goiania.  Unfortunately hardly any one spoke English and the directions given to me were all wrong. Finally someone directed me to the American Airlines office. Thank God, someone spoke English. "You have only 5 mins to check in your luggage". This lady was kind enough to bring me to the checkin counter, which as on another floor.  "Your flight is in Terminal 2 - Run". But where is terminal 2?  It was a hassle. I was literally running with my hand luggage. Thank God I managed to reach, just in time, clocked over 4000 steps, drenched in perspiration and exhausted.  On arrival at Goiania, my friends Leandro and Matthew were waiting for me at the arrival
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On my way to Brazil

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  I am writing this post from the transit area at Fort Worth Airport at Dallas. I left Singapore on 22 Oct almost midnight and arrived at Istanbul after 11 hrs of flight to catch to catch the connection to Dallas. it was 13 hrs Flt. Strangely the immigration here was a breeze and not many people in this international airport. I am not complaining though.😆 Now I am waiting for my flight that will depart in 5 hrs time to Sao Paulo, Brazil. It will take another 15 hrs before I reach my destination in Goiania.  I am already jet lagged and hope to catch some sleep in the next flight. I am heading for a missions conference.  My host is Rev Leandro, whom I met in Port Dickson last year. I have many sessions to speak and I need God's exceptional favour.
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I am redeemed - Ephesians 1:7 - In him we have redemption through his blood

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Redemption is a central theme in the Bible.     From Genesis to Revelation, the concept of redemption reflects God’s unwavering love, grace, and desire to restore humanity to Himself.   The theme of redemption is intricately woven through Scripture, revealing God's relentless pursuit of humanity and His desire to restore us to a right relationship with Him. From the earliest promises in the Old Testament to the fulfilment in Christ and the future hope of restoration, redemption stands as a testament to God's love, grace, and faithfulness throughout the ages.   The story of  Hosea  in the Bible provides one of the most powerful illustrations of redemption. Through Hosea’s life and his relationship with his wife,  Gomer , God paints a vivid picture of His love, mercy, and redemption toward His people, Israel, and ultimately toward all humanity.   Hosea’s union with Gomer stands as a profound symbolic gesture, illustrating the spiritual infidelity of Israel, who relentlessly pursu
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