A living Hope 1 Peter 1:3-7 By Ysrael De la Cruz When someone becomes a Christian or follower of Jesus, such person makes a transition from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The Bible says that we transition from dead into life. We are giving a new identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians…
What is ministry? Acts 6:1-7 By Ysrael De la Cruz Last week during our Bible study at 10 am, we discussed this notion of ministry. Perhaps you have heard the word ministry a lot, but do not quite understand its meaning. The word ministry means service. (diaconesai) to serve Mark 10:45 Jesus said he did…
Overcoming distractions! Matt.16:21-23 By Ysrael De la Cruz One of my favorite scenes in the movie Rush hour is when Inspector Lee meet detective Johnson. Johnson was practicing defusing a bomb as the clock was ticking and she needed to make a decision and had only 15 seconds. She then gets distracted by Carter and…
“Stop doubting and believe” John 20:24-31 By: Ysrael De la Cruz Last week I talked about how the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is the reason Christianity exists today. The disciples were not transformed because the tomb was empty; they were transformed because they saw Jesus…
Grace is like that! Mark 15:6-15 By Ysrael De la Cruz If you have been in church for a while, you have heard the word “grace” in songs, sermons, meditations and so forth. One of the most quoted Bible verses about grace is Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And…
Grace is like that part 2 Luke 23:32-43 By Ysrael De la Cruz Last week I spoke and taught about grace. We learned that grace is God’s unmerited savor or kindness to us. Grace is to receive or get something we don’t deserve. This was the case of the criminal Barabbas; he got his freedom…
The Greatest Commandment Matt.22:34-40 By Ysrael Del la Cruz GOAT (the greatest of all time) Every sport or athletic discipline has what is called the greatest of all time (boxing, baseball, basketball, football, etc.) People would debate who they think is the Goat in Basketball or football (Tom Brady) The religious people of Jesus’ day…
What it means to be part of the church Acts 2:42-47 By: Ysrael De la Cruz The church was Jesus’ idea; he is her founder. Jesus said he would build it. He bought it by his own blood and promised that it will transcend time. Last week we talked about how the church began at…
Why the church matters Matthew 16:13-19 By: Ysrael De la Cruz Maybe you have heard people say that they love Jesus, but do not like the church. There are people who think they can have a relationship with Jesus apart from his church. They would just love Jesus and believe in Jesus but do not…
How bad do you want it? I Peter 2:1-3 By: Ysrael De la Cruz Today is officially the beginning of a new year. At the beginning of every year people tend to make resolutions; pledges or plans they would like to achieve. These are things they have been thinking about but have never been able…
Motives for generosity 2 Cor.8:1-10 By: Ysrael De la Cruz During the holiday season, people tend to be much nicer to others. (Except perhaps on black Friday). People tend to be more generous, more giving during holiday season. Have you ever wondered what motivates people to be generous? What motivates you to give of your…
The power of words James 3:1-12 By Ysrael De la Cruz “You have heard the saying sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me” This is not true. Tell this to the kid who is being bullied; many who have committed suicide because how someone’s words made them feel. The…
