These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faithof greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by firemay result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:7 NIV)
Give thanks to God that we have been allowed to enter the fifth month
of this year, May 2026, to continue our journey together as believers.
For the past four months (January-April), we have been reflecting together
on our main theme for 2026, namely, how we can be formed into a "faithful
and ever-steadfast church" in these end times (Luke 18:8b; 2 Peter
1:10). This annual topic is given to help us see the purpose and goals
of God's congregation more clearly. We must be a church and believers
who possess a pure faith and live ever-steadfast lives amidst these increasingly
difficult times. If we lack purity of faith and are not steadfast in doing
God's will, it will ultimately be in vain because it is not in accordance
with His will (Matthew 7:21-23).
This May, we will commemorate two historic events. First, the commemoration
of Jesus' ascension into heaven (Christi Himmelfahrt) 40 days after His
resurrection from the dead (May 14, 2026), and second, the commemoration
of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, or Pentecost (Pfingsten), which
occurred 10 days after His ascension (May 24, 2026). These events may
remind us of the beginnings of the early church. Through the life of the
early church, we may learn the basic principles for building God's family
with purity of faith (Acts 2:41-47; 1 Peter 1:7).
For the past four months we have been reflecting on the main points of
the first part (January-February), namely the part, "Introduction,"
which is about how we are taught to have faith and be more steadfast in
following God in this end time in preparation for welcoming His second
coming and the second part (March-April), which is about "Have faith
and stand firm in carrying out worship", namely by reflecting on
the values ??of a life of worship, prayer, praise & worship in this
end time generation through a series of sermons every Sunday and also
discussed in more depth at every PERAK & PERKASA cell group meeting.
There are still four (4) main points that we will reflect on together
until the end of this year. And the theme that will be further reflected
on in the months of May-June 2026, namely about how: "Have faith
and stand firm in building His family," meaning how we have faith
in building the fellowship of the body of Christ and become more steadfast
in this end time (1 Peter 1:7; Isaiah 26:3).
Specifically, in May 2026, we will explore how we can have faith in building
God's family life. We are invited to learn how to build a biblical life
together and how to develop God's family community with purity of faith.
And in June 2026, we will explore further how we can stand firm in building
God's family in these end times. May our general services and cell group
meetings be special opportunities where we can be built with purity. Let's
remain enthusiastic in continuing to build His family through our respective
talents and gifts. Happy commemorating the ascension of the Lord Jesus
and the day of Pentecost this May. Amen, Lord Jesus bless!
By Pastor Silwanus Obadja M.Th.