Articles by Pastor Matthew featured in THE CITIZEN Newspaper.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
In a time marked by confusion, conflict, and division, many are asking: Is there still hope? The Bible gives us a resounding yes. In Matthew 5:14–16 (NKJV), Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Light doesn’t need to be loud or flashy—it simply needs to shine. Even a small candle can drive back the deepest darkness. In a world filled with fear, anger, and spiritual confusion, God calls His people to be that steady, unwavering light. Being a light means living with kindness when others choose cruelty, showing patience when tempers run high, and offering truth when lies are easier. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about reflecting the One who is. As the world grows darker, our opportunity to shine becomes even greater. Your smile, your words, your choices—they all speak. Whether at school, at work, or in your neighborhood, someone is watching and wondering if real hope exists. Let your life be the answer that it does. This September, as the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, remember: your light matters. Don’t hide it. Let it shine.
JULY 26, 2025
Looking at our world – we find uncertainty, sorrow, and division. So, it is very easy to arrive at the conclusion that true and lasting joy is practically impossible. The Bible, however, reminds us that joy is not simply an emotion based on our circumstances that come and go like the tide. Instead, joy is a deep, abiding confidence in God’s presence and His promise. In Psalm 16:11, David (inspired by God) wrote, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” The secret to lasting joy is not in what we possess, but in Whom we abide. When we dwell in the presence and power of the Lord, we find a joy that this world cannot ever give and cannot ever take away.
A joy rooted in Christ is not dependent on everything going “right”. Actually, it shines the brightest during times of difficulty and trial. Paul (again, inspired by God) was in prison as he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The apostle understood that joy flows not from outward comfort and ease but from a personal relationship with Christ. When our hearts are anchored firmly in Jesus, we too can rejoice at all times, knowing that God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
True joy also comes through obedience and trust. Obedience is not a popular concept in our contemporary culture. And trust seems to be at an all time low as well. But Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love… These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:10-11). Contrary to popular belief, obeying the Lord is not what robs us of joy—it multiplies it. His ways are not offensive, but life-giving and affirming. As we walk in His Word, we discover a joy that fills our souls!
Finally, joy in the Lord strengthens us. Nehemiah 8:10 reads, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This Word of God reminds us that joy is not a luxury for the Christian. It’s a necessity. Joy fuels our endurance, brightens our witness, and reflects the heart of God to a watching world. Today, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, delight in His Word, and abide in His love. If we do this, we will find joy that is unshakable, unchanging, and eternal.
MAY 31, 2025
One of the most fascinating things about people is our capacity to ask questions. From the earliest age, we inquire about all kinds of thing – “How?” “Why?” “Who?” “What?” As we age, we begin to ask other, deeper questions, like “Why not?” and “What if?” This tendency to ask questions is important. It provides much needed information. It encourages growth. And it helps us to gain a better understanding of the world around us and how we fit into it.
As Christian believers, God desires that we continue to ask questions. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus challenges His disciples to “ask,” “seek,” and “knock.” Our Savior clearly encourages us to ask questions – simple questions, difficult questions, thoughtful questions, and even stupid questions. By asking questions, we begin the process of searching for the answers. But where we look for these answers is important. Thankfully, God has given us His Word and His Spirit to find the answers to many of these questions of life. Sadly, however, so many (even among the church) do not look to God for the answers. Instead, they look to culture, peers, social media, celebrities, or themselves. Often, the answers given by these diverse sources are quite different.
These different answers result in different understandings – different perspectives – different attitudes. The problem is that some of these answers are wrong. We have all had well-meaning friends that answered a question sincerely – but sincerely and incorrectly. We have listened to media attempt to answer questions and found only agenda-driven opinions. We have seen how culture shifts and changes like the wind. But as Psalm 119:89 reminds us, “Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven.”
We all ask questions. Where we find the answers makes a difference – an eternal difference. I encourage you to look to the Bible – the authoritative, inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God.
