Pastor Joe Fuiten of Cedar Park Church gave the sermon today. It was received with many words of praise, thanks to God and Hallelujah from the church mass. Here is a summary (and I paraphrase):
The Persian people have a long and proud history and this church, the Nejat Church is an example that continues that tradition. The best days of the Persian people is yet to come as the Persian people come to serve the Lord. Read John 20.
When Thomas heard that Jesus had risen, he did not believe that Jesus was alive until he was able to put his fingers in his wounds. When he saw Jesus and saw his scars, he said: “My Lord and my God”. Thomas knew that Jesus was more than a prophet. Jesus was God and the Lord.
Jesus performed many miracles. He performed these miracles to show that he could forgive sins. When you see a miracle, it’s a testimony that God is our salvation. There have been many miracles that have happened in this church. It’s a sign that your sins are forgiven. What’s the connection between healing and forgiving sins? The connection is that the same Jesus who heals also forgives sinss.
These works of miracle were prophecised by prophet Isaiah. Have you seen a miracle in your life? What does the miracle tell you? It’s a testimony that Jesus can forgive sins. You can be assured to stand before God when you’re in heaven, kneel before God and say the same thing that Thomas said: “My Lord and My God”.
Just as a Persian wise man came seeking Jesus on his birthday as one of the 3 wisemen almost 2000 years ago, still today, Persians come to seek Him.
It’s easy to get wounded in this world. It’s comforting to know a saviour who was also wounded. Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer, to be wounded or be abandoned by everyone. When we face the same difficulties or when we are persecuted for our faith, we know Jesus experienced the same. Jesus, despite the whipping and torture that he received, rose from the dead. You too shall rise from the dead with His Power over death. You have a saviour who not only cares about you but also experienced the same. When we pray, we can be confident that he understands us and our pains.
The Bible tells us that Jesus put the Holy Spirit in us as a prelude to that we will receive later in Heaven. The Holy Spirit of God is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. That’s the smae that power that is in us. Jesus heals so you know that he has the power to forgive sins. Jesus loves us and has a wonderful plan for us. Amen.
Nejat Church