Prayer, Evangelism and Worship

Below are expanded theological and lexical notes on each Greek term from Colossians 3:5–14 . These notes draw from major lexicons (BDAG, LSJ, TDNT), Greco-Roman usage, Jewish background, and Paul’s theology. COLOSSIANS 3:5 — “PUT TO DEATH” THE EARTHLY VICES 1. πορνεία — porneía (“sexual immorality”) Lexical Notes Root πορνή means “prostitute”; verb πορνεύω means “to engage in illicit sexual intercourse.” In Greco-Roman culture, often used for prostitution, extramarital sex, or promiscuity in general. In the Septuagint (LXX), closely tied to covenant unfaithfulness , both literal and metaphorical. Theological Notes Paul uses porneía as a broad category for all sexual sin outside God’s covenant design. For Paul, sexual sin uniquely unites the body (which belongs to Christ) with another in a disordered way (1 Cor 6:15–20). Connected with idolatry and pagan religious practices. 2. ἀκαθαρσία — akatharsía (“impurity”) Lexical Notes Literally “uncleannes...

Every believer needs someone to guide them.  At times, they need someone to remind them and yes! to rebuke them.   Rebuking plays an important role in the life of a believer, particularly in maintaining spiritual health and integrity within the Christian community. The Bible makes clear that rebuke (or correction) is necessary for growth, correction of wrongdoing, and restoration. However, it also outlines important guidelines for how to go about it properly, ensuring it is done with love, humility, and the goal of restoration rather than punishment. Here’s an overview of the biblical perspective on rebuke and the guidelines for practicing it: 1. Rebuke with the Goal of Restoration Purpose: The goal of a rebuke should always be restoration, correction, and healing rather than condemnation. Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:1 — “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or ...

Growing in Christ is exciting and challenging.   There are five areas (six here) you need to grow and accelerate on.  And there are four suggested levels you grow from grace to grace.    Bible Read (Joshua 1:8) Understand/Study/Rehearse (Col. 3:16) 66 books Christ's Story Future Things Old Testament Memorization / Remember (Ps. 119:9 & 11) Application (Psalm 1:2-3) Prayer Regular - time with the Lord, accompanied by bible reading and study (Ps. 55:17)  Immediate - You are praying immediately to opportunities (1 Thes. 5:17) Sustained - You are seeking to pray for others (Eph. 6:18) Public (1 Tim. 2:1-2) Worship Committed Sunday (Heb. 10:25) Giving / Generosity (Prov. 3:9) Daily worship in Song / Word / Prayer (Ps. 63:3-4; Rom. 12:2) Assist in Service during Worship (Neh. 10:39; Acts 2:42-47) Service/Ministry Available (Ps. 100:2) Training / Identify (1 Tim. 4:6-8) Opportunity (1 Pet. 4:10) Selfless Service Spontaneous and Sacrificial (john 15:13; Phil. 2...

Hello!  Here are some thoughts on Matthew 3. As you read, take time to write a short journal entry and reflect on what God may be speaking to your heart. Matthew 3 focuses on the baptism of Jesus. The writer draws a clear contrast between Jesus’ genuine obedience and the Pharisees’ lack of sincerity. Imagine if Jesus hadn’t had the courage to step forward in obedience—where would we be? In the same way, each of us is called at some point to take a step of faith and courage. Now, read Matthew 3 and spend a few moments reflecting on it with the questions below.    Matthew 3:2 says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” – How do you think drawing closer to God could bring peace or renewal to your life right now? Matthew 3:16–17 describes how the Father’s voice declared Jesus as His beloved Son. – What would it mean for you to remember that God sees you, too, as His beloved daughter, even in your struggles? John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling pe...

God is moving and he is intending to bring you to your next steps of mission.   Here are  few things to remember:  Oahu Baptist Network Annual Meeting - Fri, Oct 24, 5pm Registration.  Register here.  This event is open to all churches and members.    Events of Outreaches to consider and visit:  Trunk or Treat and Hallelujah Events of Oct 31:  FBC of Wahiawa, Mililani Baptist Church, Waipahu Community Christian Church, Malama Christian Fellowship in Nanakuli Sports Events:  Gani with Waipahu Community Christian Church;  Pastor Page Ayalde at Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church, Hoopes Ministry every Sunday evening; Living Faith BC have Badminton; Olivet BC has Pickleball Ministries Outreach Events:   Giving To The Community - FBC of Wahiawa on Nov 15 Aloha Harvest - Waipahu Community Christian Church every 2nd and 4th Thursdays Seafarers Ministry - FBC of Wahiawa, Oct 23, 6:00pm at Pier 17, POC is Belinda Catingub.  P...

I pray that Matthew 1 was a good passage to get you seeing how the scripture is alive.  And the timing is perfect since Christmas is just around the corner.   Here are some questions for Matthew 2 after you read it.  Don't forget to journal your answer and then make your observations a prayer before God.   Question on the Flight to Egypt (Protection and Sacrifice): Joseph is warned in a dream to immediately flee to Egypt to protect his family from Herod's toxic and deadly threat (Matthew 2:13–15). This was a sudden, inconvenient, and likely expensive move to a foreign land. How does the urgency of this divine command- to prioritize safety -  affirm you in your choices you have to make for yourself and your family?   ​ Question on the Gifts of the Magi (Unexpected Provision): The Magi arrive from the East and offer gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These highly valuable gifts are given before  Mary and Joseph's f...

Go ahead and read Matthew chapter 1, then look into these questions to see an application for you.  Here are some things to think about while you're reading Matthew. Chapter one.   Question on Lineage and Legitimacy: Matthew's genealogy includes several women, which was unusual at the time (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, the wife of Uriah/Bathsheba, and Mary). How might the inclusion of these women—some of whom had complex or unconventional circumstances (e.g., Rahab was a Canaanite, Tamar acted decisively outside the usual social norms, Bathsheba's past).  What does this offer you?  A sense of legitimacy, inclusion, or hope especially when you feel judged or marginalized or just in your situation?    ​ Question on Joseph's Role and Divine Provision: When Joseph discovers Mary is pregnant, he plans to "put her away secretly" (Matthew 1:19) before an angel intervenes. Joseph, while not the biological father, is given a clear divine instruction to name and rai...

 What God judges in the believe (1 Cor. 3:; 2 Cor. 5:10).  Ability - Luke 12:48 - much is given, much is required; parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30)  Focus - Martha and Mary- Luke 10:38-42; Miriam and Moses  Humility / Confession - David Bathsheba - Psalm 51  Heart (Intent) - Samuel thought Eliab was the next King, but it is David (1 Sam 16:7), same as cain and Abel Complete obedience even leaders - Moses and Aaron did not enter the promised land.    Level of Jusgment  Be not many teachers- James 1 Much is given much is required 

  Biblical counseling certifications are offered by various organizations, including the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) , through structured training programs, reading, exams, and supervision. These programs aim to equip individuals to apply biblical principles to life's challenges, and some offer specializations like crisis and trauma care. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ] While the specific requirements vary by organization, common steps include: Complete Foundational Training: Many programs begin with a Fundamentals Training Course that covers the basics of biblical counseling. [ 1 , 6 ] Engage in Approved Reading: You will typically be assigned a list of approved books and articles to read. [ 1 , 2 , 7 ] Pass Exams and Evaluations: These may involve theology and counseling exams to demonstrate your understanding and biblical competence . [ 2 , 6 ] Receive Supervision: A key component for many cer...

When your child has a nightmare, the most important response is to offer comfort and reassurance, reminding them that God is always with them, even in the darkest of nights you can do this by calmly talking to them, holding them close, and praying together, often referencing Bible verses like Psalm 91 which speaks about God's protection throughout the night.   Key points to remember: Acknowledge their fear:   Let your child know you understand they are scared and that their nightmare is not real.   Offer physical comfort:   Cuddle them, hold their hand, or sit by their bedside until they feel safe.   Pray together:   Pray a simple prayer asking God to keep them safe and bring them peace.   Share Bible verses:   Read comforting verses from the Bible, like Psalm 91:5-6, which talks about God's protection during the night.   Talk about God's presence:   Remind them that God is always with them, even in their dreams.   What to say: "You...