Bonded by Belief

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us turn our hearts and minds to the message Pastor Sam so wonderfully expounds in his sermon on "The Mystery of God's Will" from the "Transformed in Christ" series. This message, drawn from the wellspring of Ephesians, is not merely information, but revelation meant to transform our understanding and deepen our worship. The Unveiling of God’s Glorious Mystery Pastor Sam begins by directing our attention to Ephesians 1:9-10, where the Apostle Paul makes known to us "the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him". What a magnificent declaration! God, in His infinite wisdom, intended for us to grasp His saving purposes, and He has lavished His grace upon us with "all wisdom and insight" precisely by revealing this mystery. Now, when the Apostle speaks of a "my...

Beloved readers, let us turn our hearts and minds to the profound truths laid by pastor Sam Merigala in his sermon, "MYSTERY OF GOD’S WILL," part thirteen of the TRANSFORMED IN CHRIST series, delivered at Grace Gospel Church on August 17, 2025. This sermon, drawing from the pages of Ephesians 1:7-10, reveals the dual yet integrated wonders of God's redemption and His ultimate cosmic plan in Christ. The Riches of God's Grace: Redemption and the Forgiveness of Sins (Ephesians 1:7-8) Pastor Sam commences by illuminating the glorious truth of our redemption, which, as Paul declares in Ephesians 1:7, is "through His blood" and inextricably linked with "the forgiveness of our trespasses". This redemption, brethren, is not merely a transaction; it is a grace-filled release from the very bondage of sin. To be redeemed means to be "bought back or rescued" from this spiritual slavery, a deliverance accomplished at an immeasurable price. It is mad...

Today we will delve into the rich truths that Pastor Sam Merigala unfolded in his sermon, "Chosen, Redeemed, Forgiven: God's Abounding Grace," specifically Part 12 of the "TRANSFORMED IN CHRIST" series. I hope you will find it find the depth of divine love and wisdom, particularly concerning the glorious doctrines of adoption, redemption, and the forgiveness of sins. Let us ponder these spiritual realities as Pastor Sam so wonderfully articulated them. The Marvel of Election and Adoption: God's Eternal Purpose for Us In Ephesians 1:5, the concept of predestination is presented. Pastor Sam begins by leading us into the heart of God's eternal plan, the nature of election, and its ultimate goal: holiness and adoption. He reminds us that God chose us, predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ. The word "predestine," as Pastor Sam explains, literally means to determine beforehand, emphasizing God's sole initiative and authority in ou...

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today let us look into the profound message laid out in Pastor Sam's recent sermon, "The Nature and Purpose of Election in Christ," part of the "TRANSFORMED IN CHRIST" series. Drawing from Ephesians 1:4-6, Pastor Sam masterfully unpacks the glorious doctrine of election, reminding us of God's eternal purposes for His people. Pastor Sam begins by guiding us into "The Nature of Election" itself. He wisely cautions us to embrace the great mystery inherent in this doctrine. When we consider that God chose us "before the foundation of the world," and that His purposes are eternal and secret, we are immediately confronted with the reality that "God is God and we are not". As Deuteronomy reminds us, "the secret things belong to… God". This humble admission of mystery is foundational to understanding. Yet, while affirming mystery, Pastor Sam swiftly moves to affirm the clear attributes of God ...