Pastor Letter for January 2024
Dear Family and Friends,
We have every reason to be thankful and live the fullness of life in Jesus Christ our Lord. 2024 is now two months old and we are in a new month March 2024 in which we have never lived and seen before. This month is significant for Christians as focusing on Jesus and live a life with meaning, die with assurance of salvation and hope for eternal glory because Jesus Christ raised from the dead.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how to live a blessed and He himself showed us good example as he came down to earth in flesh human form, dealt with sin and paid the penalty of sin as an atonement for mankind on the cross. Above all as He is risen, we can live in the power of His resurrection with victory.
First of all Jesus said in John 15: 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much (E)fruit; for without Me you can do (F)nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, (G)he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words (H)abide in you, (I)you[b] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 (J)By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; (K)so you will be My disciples.
We can live fruitfully producing strength, beauty, wealth, health and full connection with Jesus to be alive both physically and spiritually that can never be separated from God.
Secondly in order to live a life without fear of sin and death we need to have faith in Jesus Christ for who He is and what He has done for us. Paul said to Timothy 1 Timothy 1: 13 although (P)I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an [d]insolent man; but I obtained mercy because (Q)I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 (R)And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, (S)with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 (T)This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that (U)Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to (V)the King eternal, (W)immortal, (X)invisible, to [e]God (Y)who alone is wise, (Z)be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Finally as Jesus arose from the dead we can experience the power of the resurrection today in our body, Romans 8:11 11 But if the Spirit of (A)Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, (B)He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies [a]through His Spirit who dwells in you. In the confidence of being alive in Christ we can share our faith boldly, 1 Corinthians 15: 12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, (S)then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because (T)we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; (U)you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have [c]fallen (V)asleep in Christ have perished. 19 (W)If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now (X)Christ is risen from the dead, and has become (Y)the firstfruits of those who have [d]fallen asleep. 21 For (Z)since by man came death, (AA)by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall (AB)be made alive. Jesus is alive in us for us and through us He is our Lord and the most high God who reigns forever more.
In Christ we thrive,
Shane khin (Pastor Burmese Christian Church Sydney)
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