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Author Archives: Sela E. Finau

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About Sela E. Finau

I am just someone who is interested in theology, philosophy, humanity, economics, culture hermeneutics, diaspora, creation, and god.

Submitting to God’s Wisdom

26 Sep
Submitting to God’s Wisdom

9.26.24

True wisdom comes from submitting our lives to God, trusting in God’s plan, and letting go of our own will.

James, the New Testament ethicist, challenges us to examine our lives and ask, “Who truly has wisdom?” He reminds us that wisdom isn’t just about knowledge or intellect. It’s about how we live our lives, how we interact with others, and how we respond to challenges.

In contrast to heavenly wisdom, earthly wisdom is rooted in pride, selfishness, lies, deceit, hate, and a desire for self-promotion. On the other hand, heavenly wisdom comes from God and is characterized by peace, gentleness, humility, love, mercy, and grace.

To cultivate heavenly wisdom, James encourages us to draw near to God, seek guidance, and trust in God’s plan even when we do not understand it. By doing so, we can turn away from the world’s destructive influences and embrace the peaceful, godly leadership essential for a thriving community of faith.

As we continue our journey as followers of Christ, may we seek wisdom from above and live our lives according to God’s will.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

Reflection based on James 3:13-4:8a from the New Testament of the Bible.

 
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Posted by on September 26, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Wisdom

19 Sep
Wisdom

9.19.24

Proverbs 1:20-33 offers life-giving wisdom. Like a lighthouse guiding ships through rough waters, wisdom calls out to us, urging us to follow the path that leads to life, peace, and purpose.

But wisdom doesn’t just call—it warns. Just as ignoring a warning sign on a journey can lead to peril, turning a deaf ear to wisdom brings its own set of challenges. We’ve all faced moments when taking the easy or popular path leads to unexpected setbacks. Wisdom, however, invites us to rise above that and choose a better way.

In today’s fast-paced world, wisdom’s call feels more urgent than ever. It invites us to go deeper, to look beyond the surface, and to build lives anchored in God’s truth. It’s a call to cultivate our faith, act with integrity, and live with purpose.

Grace and Peace!

Sela

 
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Posted by on September 19, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Faith in Action

06 Sep
Faith in Action

9.6.24

James 1:17-27 offers a deeper understanding of faith in action. The passage emphasized listening to God’s word and putting it into practice, including controlling anger and serving others.

The message encourages us to:

Acknowledge God’s gifts: Everything we have is a gift from God.

Listen and learn: Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Control anger: Resist the temptation to react angrily.

Serve others: Actively participate in serving our community.

Following Sunday’s Worship Service, several of us went out to feed our friends on the street. The line of people waiting for food was a testament to the need and the blessing that the church’s service provided.

This act of service mirrored Jesus’ example of going into the community rather than waiting for people to come to him. It was encouraging to see other churches also participating in this ministry, demonstrating a shared commitment to serving our community. This served as a reminder that we are not alone in our efforts and that God is with us in our shared mission.

Thank you to everyone who participated, whether through your monetary gifts or your hands and feet. 

 
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Posted by on September 6, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Put On The Full Armor of God

29 Aug
Put On The Full Armor of God

8.29.24

Put On The Full Armor Of God

Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul urges us to “put on the full armor of God.” This passage serves as a powerful reminder that we are engaged in a spiritual battle, a constant struggle against the forces of evil. The enemy is not just a physical entity but a spiritual force that seeks to undermine our faith and divide us. This battle is not limited to the past; it’s a daily reality that we all face.

Just as the Pevensie children in The Chronicles of Narnia faced off against the White Witch, we, too, are engaged in a cosmic conflict. The White Witch represents the forces of darkness, while Aslan symbolizes Christ, the true King of Narnia.

This story serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual battles. Like the Pevensie children, we must rely on the strength of our faith and the protection of God to overcome the challenges we face.

To equip ourselves for this spiritual warfare, Paul outlines the armor of God:

  • The belt of truth
  • The breastplate of righteousness
  • The shoes of peace
  • The shield of faith
  • The helmet of salvation
  • The sword of the Spirit
  • Prayer

By putting on this armor, we can stand firm against the enemy and emerge victorious.   

As we continue to navigate the challenges of our church, community, and world, may we remember to put on the full armor of God. By doing so, we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead and live lives that glorify God.

In Christ!

Sela

 
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Posted by on August 29, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

22 Aug
Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

8.22.24

Navigating Life’s Highway: A Call to Intentionality

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in pursuing material possessions and fleeting pleasures. Ephesians 5:15-20 reminds us that our lives are about living in a way that is pleasing to God.

To live intentionally, we must “redeem the time” by prioritizing activities that nourish our souls. This means being mindful of how we spend our days and avoiding distractions that hinder our spiritual growth.

The Holy Spirit provides us with the guidance and strength we need to resist temptations and live a life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By yielding to the Holy Spirit’s influence, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater wisdom and grace.

By speaking in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, we connect with God and express our gratitude, worship, and praise.

Ultimately, living a life that is pleasing to God requires careful attention, mindfulness, and a commitment to following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s like navigating a complex road; with the right map and guidance, we can reach our destination safely and successfully.

In Christ!

Sela

 
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Posted by on August 22, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Building Blocks of Faith

16 Aug
Building Blocks of Faith

8.16.2024

Last Sunday’s sermon discussed the essential building blocks for a solid and enduring faith. Drawing from Ephesians 4:25-5:2, we considered the importance of truth, forgiveness, grace, and love.

Just as a well-constructed building requires a solid foundation, our spiritual lives must be grounded in these principles. The question we must wrestle with today is: What kind of construction worker are you? Are you helping or hindering the building project of your faith? Are you sealing up cracks or leaving an opening for the devil?

By replacing falsehood with truth, anger with forgiveness, and bitterness with grace, we are actively contributing to the construction of our spiritual lives. Furthermore, we are not merely constructing our own lives but building a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. Our words should be life-giving, not destructive.

As we strive to build a life that pleases God, let us remember that it is a continuous process. There will be challenges along the way, but with the Holy Spirit as our guide and the Word of God as our blueprint, we can construct a life that is both fulfilling and impactful.

In Christ!

Sela

 
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Posted by on August 16, 2024 in Church, Community, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

The Table Is For Everyone

08 Aug
The Table Is For Everyone

8.8.2024

This past week’s sermon, we listened to Jesus’ declaration, “I am the bread of life.” After witnessing the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, the crowd was captivated by the spectacle but missed the deeper spiritual significance.

Just as we might chase after worldly pleasures or achievements to fill a void, these people sought to satisfy their souls with more miracles. Jesus, however, offered something far more substantial: Himself. He is the ultimate source of life and fulfillment.

To receive this Bread of Life, we must have faith in Jesus, the Christ, and a commitment to follow Him. When we partake in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, we remember his sacrifice and renew our covenant with him.

At the Olympic Opening Ceremony, there was a lot of backlash and chatter about just how offensive the scene of the perceived Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” was to Christians—only to be confused with another supposed scene from Greek mythology. The artist claims that it was not his intent to mock any religion; instead, he “wanted to include everyone…” Isn’t that what Jesus would do, invite everyone to the table, making us all feel included and valued?

As my doctoral mentor, Leonard Sweet, had written, “The stage has a purpose, but the table sets the stage. If we invested as much energy setting the table as we do setting the stage, the church would be a wellspring of revival. The table represents who we truly are; the stage is who we want others to perceive us. The table embodies authenticity; the stage reflects appearance. Jesus dedicated His ministry to setting the table, not just performing on stage. Can we prioritize authenticity and gather around the table as much as gather for and spotlight the stage?” Indeed, the only thing that should be offensive to Christians are those among us who come to the table and partake of the body and blood of Christ without repentance and, after partaking in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, go about their sinful ways without transformation. 

1 Corinthians 11:27-28 

27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 

May we prioritize the eternal over the temporal, seeking nourishment from the One who can truly satisfy our hearts and souls.

In Christ!

Pastor Sela

 
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Posted by on August 8, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Student life, Theology

 

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Unwavering Fath

01 Aug
Unwavering Fath

8.1.2024

The Woman’s Unwavering Faith: A Reflection on Mark 7:24-30

The story of the Syrophoenician woman is a powerful testament to the nature of faith. Faced with her daughter’s demonic possession, she boldly approached Jesus despite being an outsider in Jewish society. Her persistence in seeking healing, even after Jesus’ initial reluctance, is inspiring.

The woman’s humility and unwavering belief in Jesus’ power are a powerful example for us today. Her analogy of the dogs and the crumbs reveals a deep understanding of her place in the world, yet it also asserts her trust in God’s provision.

This story challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we persistent in our prayers? Do we approach God with humility and desperation? May we be inspired by this woman’s example to cultivate a faith that is both humble and bold.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on August 1, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Scarcity Mindset: Finding Abundance in God’s Provision

25 Jul
Scarcity Mindset: Finding Abundance in God’s Provision

7.25.24

In Mark 6:30-56, we witness Jesus transforming a scarcity mindset into one of abundance. The disciples, overwhelmed by the needs of a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves and two fish, saw only their limitations. Yet, Jesus took their meager offering, blessed it, and miraculously provided enough for everyone, with leftovers to spare.

This passage speaks directly to our lives today. We often feel we lack the time, resources, or abilities to meet the demands around us. But Jesus shows us that when we bring our limited resources to Him in faith, He can multiply them beyond our imagination.

In our current reality, we see examples of this transformation: communities rallying together in times of crisis, individuals offering their talents and time to help others, and small acts of kindness growing into significant impacts. These are modern-day miracles of abundance born from faith and generosity.

As we move forward, let us break free from a scarcity mindset and embrace the abundance that comes from trusting in God. Let’s be generous with what we have, knowing that God can use even our smallest offerings to accomplish great things. In a world focused on lack, may we proclaim God’s abundant provision, living out His miraculous work in our lives and communities. Remember, with Jesus, there is always more than enough.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on July 25, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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How is it with your heart? A Reflection from Mark 6:14-29

18 Jul
How is it with your heart? A Reflection from Mark 6:14-29

7.18.24

This past week, Rev. Sia Puloka, from Tonga, shared a powerful message based on Mark 6:14-29 titled “How is it with your heart?”

The passage recounts the tragic story of John the Baptist’s execution. John, a courageous prophet, preached repentance and the coming Messiah. He dared to challenge Herod Antipas, a ruler in Judea, for marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias. Consumed by resentment, Herodias had been plotting John’s downfall for quite some time.

Rev. Puloka’s message uses this story as a springboard for introspection. In a world obsessed with material gain and fleeting trends, the story compels us to examine the true desires of our hearts. Are we chasing after things that offer temporary satisfaction, or are we yearning for a deeper connection with God?

Rev. Puloka emphasized that our hearts hold immense power. Just as Herodias’s vengeful heart fueled her desire for John’s demise, our words and actions can significantly impact those around us.  We are entrusted with a great responsibility: to teach our children, friends, and community values to guide them toward a righteous path. Are we fostering a sense of purpose and encouraging them to pursue what truly matters, or are we getting caught up in the pursuit of fleeting things?

As Rev. Puloka reminds us, the good news is that God has chosen us. We have been selected to be messengers of this good news, the news of the Kingdom of God, a realm where love, justice, and peace reign supreme. This role requires a heart filled with compassion and integrity that reflects God’s light.

The story of John the Baptist serves as a stark reminder that one day, we will all stand accountable for our actions. With that knowledge in mind, it’s crucial to ask ourselves: “How is it with your heart?” Is your heart brimming with love and kindness, or is it burdened by negativity and selfishness? Take some time this week to reflect on Rev. Puloka’s message (if you watch it online, apologies for the sound). Let it be a catalyst for positive change, a chance to guide your heart on the path God has chosen for you – spreading the good news and living a life that reflects God’s love.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on July 18, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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