★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
LCC Ungwan Paul Gindiri,
Tudun Wada, Jos
Plateau State
22nd November, 2015
RETIREMENT SERVICE IN HONONR OF REV. EPHRAIM HAGGAI
SERMON
* Speaker: Rev. Markus M. Musa
* Topic: Giving is a Result of Grace
* Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
* Theme: Growing up in Christ (Ephesians 4:15)
* Service Leader: Rev. Gideon Kannap
* Paul wanted the Corinthian believers to know the unusual way by which the grace of God was demonstrated through the Macedonian Church by which they excelled in giving
* If there is no generous giving in the Church, that congregation should grieve And morn because they lack the special grace of giving that is vested through the Holy Spirit
* Many people do not give, not because there is no money, but because they have not given the Holy Spirit His due place in their lives
* God's grace enables you to give generously and cheerfully
* Multiply grace and distribute it
* The policies of the Roman Government had impoverished the people of Macedonia
→ Many believers were persecuted
→ The source of living of many people were confiscated by the Roman Government
* In spite of their peculiar disadvantage they excelled in the grace of giving
* What was the secret of the Macedonian Church?
→ the Holy Spirit in their hearts
→ they gave themselves to the Lord (verse 5): We did not expect that! They gave themselves to the Lord first and then to us, since this was God’s will.
* A person who gives himself to the Lord does not hesitate when he is required to give for the sake of the Gospel of Christ
* Question:
→ Have you surrendered yourself to the Lord?
→ Are you totally submited to your spiritual leaders?
* Only the power of the Holy Spirit can empower a man to give beyond his (natural) ability
* Many people have been blinded by the things of the world that they do not realize that they lack the Holy Spirit in their lives
* The example of the Macedonian Church:
1. Total commitment to the Lord
2. Unconditional submission to Church leadership
* One of the biggest problems of the Church today is a widespread lack of commitment to God and to spiritual leaders
* The Church must place more emphasis on [disciplining] believers to become more like Christ
* Discipleship is the best way to keep Satan and the flesh at bay
* You need to examine yourself to see whether you are still in the faith
* Believers are interested in seeing practical Biblical living in their spiritual leaders
* Every Minister of the Gospel must work as if he/she has only one day to live.
→ The time is short and we need b be faithful
Showing posts with label Growing up in Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Growing up in Christ. Show all posts
Saturday, 21 November 2015
Giving is an Result of Grace (Rev. Markus M. Musa) 22-11-2015
Sunday, 11 October 2015
Holiness (Rev. John Longhor) 11- 10 -2015
★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja
11th October, 2015
☆ SERMON
* Speaker: Rev. John Longhor
* Topic: Holiness
* Theme: Growing up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Wholistic Growth
* Service Leader: Elder Boniface Katlong
* Text: 1 Peter 1:16-18
★ Hebrews 12:10-14
* We serve a God that is Holy, in Him there is no darkness or impurity
* God created man to pursue holiness
* Believers are called to Holy living
* Only those who are Holy will see Him
★ Romans 1:18 → God was angry with man because of man's godlessness and consistent wicked lifestyle
★ Genesis 6:9 → God wiped the earth because of man's wickedness
* Today, many believers are falling into the trap of sexual sins. This has become a major problem in our society and the Church at large
* NOTE: Sexual sins polutes the entire body and makes you vulnerable to the control of evil spirits
★ 2 Timothy 3:1-2 →" You must realize, however, that in the last days difficult times will come' People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy."
★ Galatians 5:19-21 →''Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
* Sexual immoralty is listed as the first fruit of the flesh (which is in opposition to God's nature)
★ Hebrews 12:14 →''Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
→ Those who will inherit God's kingdom are those who are holy & pure
* Question: Are you growing in Holiness?
* The Holy Spirit grants you the grace to be Holy
★ Colossians 1:2 → "To: The holy and faithful brothers in Colossae who are in union with the Messiah. May grace and peace from God our Father be yours!"
* The desire of those who are holy is to share in God's nature of holiness continually
★ Revelations 21:1-2 →" And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
☆ NOTE: Heaven is a holy city, not a poluted city
* Your responsiblity is to live a holy life and avoid anything that grieves the Spirit of God
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
★ HOLY COMMUNION
☆ EXHORTATION
* Speaker: Pastor Victor Amos
* Topic: Divorce & Double Dating
* Text: Malachi 2:10-16
* Many children of God understand Him only is one part - as a loving God. We tend to forget that God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29)
* A loving and obedient child will always obey God
* Today many Christians take the Lord for granted. This is evident in the rising incidences of divorces in the Church
* If the Church is not whole, what will happen to the Society?
* Those who engage in double dating are playing on the emotions of others and this is wickedness in the sight of God
* Before you make any commitment in a relationship or marriage, rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit
* Disobedience to God hinders His blessings in our lives
* You cannot take the Lord for granted. His consuming nature will destroy you
* Understand that divorce and double-dating are sins against the Lord
* God desires that you build and maintain godly relationships that will glorify Him
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
★ MISSION CHARGE
"All I have to do is keep my Spirit, feelings and conscience like a sheet of blank paper, and let the Spirit and power of God write upon it what He pleases. When He writes, I will read; but if I read before He writes, I am very likely to be wrong."
→ Brigham Young
★ QUOTES
"At the moment of commitment, the universe conspire to assist you . . . Always do more than is required of you."
→ George Patton
"Good works is the evidence of our growth in Christ. You cannot do good works and hate your brother."
→ Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri (COCIN President)
 |
| Cross-section of Worshippers at COCIN LCC, Garki, Abuja |
 |
| Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri, COCIN President visited the Church in company of the entire Executive Council of COCIN |
Sunday, 4 October 2015
The Blood of the Martyrs (Pastor Victor Amos) 04-10-2015
★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja
4th October, 2015
☆ SERMON
* Speaker: Pastor Victor Amos
* Topic: The Blood of the Martyrs
* Theme: Growing up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Wholistic Growth
* Service Leader: Mr. Japheth Chrysantus
* Text: Revelation 6:9-11; John 16:31-33
* WhoIistic growth is growth in Christ that is all-encompassing
* Eschatology deals with the study of future events that are recorded in the Scriptures (eg: the Book of Revelation)
* A martyr is a person who is killed because of his/her beliefs
→ the first martyr in the New Testament is Stephen (See Acts 7:54-60)
→ On a daily basis, people are dying due to the worsening state of security in the world. Many more are dying out of persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ
* Persecution is to treat a person in a cruel or unfair manner because of their race or beliefs etc
→ Persecution is not only from outside the Church but also inside the Church! (Many faithful Christians were persecuted and Killed by Church authorities in the past, eg, John Wyclilfe (for translating the Bible into English) and John Hus
* John the Apostle who authored the book of Revelation was a direct victim of extreem persecution and later became a martyr.
→ He was exiled to the island of Patmos where criminals and outcasts were barnished and left to die
→ Revelation 1:9
☆ Lessons to learn:
1. God will avenge the blood of all those who are martyred because of Him
→ We should comfort ourselves because God will avenge us in due course
2. Anyone who dies in Christ will have power over the second death
* Sometimes, simply bearing a Christian name is enough reason to attract persecution
* What are you being persecuted for?
* Are people comfortable to commit sin around you?
* What is your essence of following Christ?
* Our persecutors have God to contend with
★ Acts 9:4-5 →" He dropped to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice said, “I’m Jesus, whom you are persecuting."
* NOTE: The Church is Christ himself, not the physical building that we see
→ Anything done to the Church (true believers in Christ) is personally felt by Jesus
* The last Judgement will be a blessing for Children of God, but for those who antagonise Christ and His people, It will be a dreadful experience
* Do not take vengeance against those who hate you because you believe in Jesus
* Some famous Christian Martyrs
→ John Wycliffe
→ John Hus
→ Polycarp
* Be strong and focussed in your faith, regardless of persecution and opposition
* This is not the time to abide in division in the Church and to advance other personal agenda, but to serve God faithfully and be alert
☆ MISSION CHARGE
"I profess and claim to be bythe grace of God a sound Christian and while there is breath in my body, I will speak forth and defend the law of it. I am ready to defend my convictions even unto death."
→ John Wycliffe
☆ QUOTE
"I desire to be as Balaam's ass. Because the prelates sit on me, wishing to force me to go against the command of God to stop preaching. I will press the feet of their desire and will not obey them, for the angel of the Lord stands before me in the way,"
→ John Hus
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja
4th October, 2015
☆ SERMON
* Speaker: Pastor Victor Amos
* Topic: The Blood of the Martyrs
* Theme: Growing up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Wholistic Growth
* Service Leader: Mr. Japheth Chrysantus
* Text: Revelation 6:9-11; John 16:31-33
* WhoIistic growth is growth in Christ that is all-encompassing
* Eschatology deals with the study of future events that are recorded in the Scriptures (eg: the Book of Revelation)
* A martyr is a person who is killed because of his/her beliefs
→ the first martyr in the New Testament is Stephen (See Acts 7:54-60)
→ On a daily basis, people are dying due to the worsening state of security in the world. Many more are dying out of persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ
* Persecution is to treat a person in a cruel or unfair manner because of their race or beliefs etc
→ Persecution is not only from outside the Church but also inside the Church! (Many faithful Christians were persecuted and Killed by Church authorities in the past, eg, John Wyclilfe (for translating the Bible into English) and John Hus
* John the Apostle who authored the book of Revelation was a direct victim of extreem persecution and later became a martyr.
→ He was exiled to the island of Patmos where criminals and outcasts were barnished and left to die
→ Revelation 1:9
☆ Lessons to learn:
1. God will avenge the blood of all those who are martyred because of Him
→ We should comfort ourselves because God will avenge us in due course
2. Anyone who dies in Christ will have power over the second death
* Sometimes, simply bearing a Christian name is enough reason to attract persecution
* What are you being persecuted for?
* Are people comfortable to commit sin around you?
* What is your essence of following Christ?
* Our persecutors have God to contend with
★ Acts 9:4-5 →" He dropped to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice said, “I’m Jesus, whom you are persecuting."
* NOTE: The Church is Christ himself, not the physical building that we see
→ Anything done to the Church (true believers in Christ) is personally felt by Jesus
* The last Judgement will be a blessing for Children of God, but for those who antagonise Christ and His people, It will be a dreadful experience
* Do not take vengeance against those who hate you because you believe in Jesus
* Some famous Christian Martyrs
→ John Wycliffe
→ John Hus
→ Polycarp
* Be strong and focussed in your faith, regardless of persecution and opposition
* This is not the time to abide in division in the Church and to advance other personal agenda, but to serve God faithfully and be alert
☆ MISSION CHARGE
"I profess and claim to be bythe grace of God a sound Christian and while there is breath in my body, I will speak forth and defend the law of it. I am ready to defend my convictions even unto death."
→ John Wycliffe
☆ QUOTE
"I desire to be as Balaam's ass. Because the prelates sit on me, wishing to force me to go against the command of God to stop preaching. I will press the feet of their desire and will not obey them, for the angel of the Lord stands before me in the way,"
→ John Hus
Sunday, 13 September 2015
Growing in Patience (Mr. Simon Bunshak) 13-09-2015
★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja
13th September, 2015
☆ SERMON
* Speaker: Elder Simon Bunshak
* Topic: Growing in Patience
* Theme: Growing up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Growing in Love
* Service Leader: Mrs. Adeline Fompun
* Text: 1 Corinthians 13:3-5 →"Even if I give away everything that I have and sacrifice myself, but have no love, I gain nothing. Love is always patient; love is always kind; love is never envious or arrogant with pride. Nor is she conceited, and she is never rude; she never thinks just of herself or ever gets annoyed. She never is resentful."
* Patience is a virtue that is rare and difficult to possess
* Patience is something that will grow if God plants it in you
* Patience is listed first in the qualities that love can produce (that is the fruits of the Spirit)
☆ Importance of Patience:
* Patience serves as an outward proof of love
→ without love, it is virtually impossible to be patient
* Patience springs out from the abundance of the deposit of the love that is in your heart
* If you love anyone, you will be patient with that person
* When you love God, you will be patient and confident in his will and timing
★ Galatians 5:22-23
* The Bible did not tell us anywhere that patience will be easy
* Quote: "Teach us to be patient, for to wait is more difficult than to work."
→ Peter Marshal
* To carry the cross of Christ is not easy, even for matured believers
* Patience is important
→ It is an outward sign that we are living in love
* Patience is the suffering of afflictions with a kind of calm disposition or temper which bears without discontent or discouragement
* Patience is not really easy
* Every day, your patience will be tried & tested
* When you love God and those around you, you will find reasons to bear their burdens and show love
* Patience is an active endurance of opposition; not a passive resignation in the face of challenges
* If you have the Spirit of Christ in you, you will find it easy to imbibe a patient disposition
* Who initiates patience?
→ It is the virtue of God
→ God initiates it himseIf because love is his attribute
★ Exodus 34: 6-7
→ NOTE: God's love lasts a thousand generations; but His wrath is limited in scope!
★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."
→ The love of God in you will direct you to the patience of Christ
* If you love God, the the virtue of patience will flow out of your heart naturally
* Patience is aimed at transforming you from the life of sinfulness to a life of righteousness
* When you love God, you are kept away from sin
* Usually, sin is as a result of impatience
* Patience that springs forth the love of God enables you to love those around you, including your enemy!
★ Jonah 4:2 →"So he prayed to the LORD, “LORD, isn’t this what I said while I was still in my home country? That’s why I fled previously to Tarshish, because I knew you’re a compassionate God, slow to anger, overflowing with gracious love, and reluctant to send trouble."
* Love demands that you pray for your enemies and pray for those who hate you (See: Mathew 5:44)
* God's virtue of love is what makes Him to be patient with sinners even at the instance of the worst provocation!
★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of the Messiah."
* We must emulate God as the perfect example of patience and love
★ 2 Chronicles 7:14 →"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
* Jesus manifested love and patience by going to the cross
* patience demands that you remain humble, even when you have the opportunity to display your power
* Sometimes patience demands that you keep quiet in to face of extreem provocation
★ 1 Timothy 1:16 →"But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the worst sinner, the Messiah Jesus might demonstrate all of his patience as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life.''
* Jesus displayed patience by not counting our sins against us
* Regardless of the kind of life you might have lived in the past, note that God is patient with you and is ready to accept you
* Jesus was patient with his disciples (even when they displayed spiritual immaturity, lack of faith, etc.)
* Some people take pride in their ability to be impatient
* Christians must practice patience here on earth by following the example of Christ
→ There will be no opportunity in heaven to display the fruits of the spirit!
* Your level of patience shows your level of spiritual maturity
* Sometimes the manner of impatient driving on Abuja roads makes one wonder if there are any Christians in the city!
* People filled with the love and wisdom of God overlook offences and they sacrifice their comfort and rights for the benefit of others
* Colossians 3:12-14
★ Consequences of impatience:
☆ 1 Samuel 13:8-14
1. It causes you to loose the favor of God
→ when you are not patient for God's timing, you will loose your blessings
→ Saul lost his Kingdom
2. You run the risk of being disqualified, discontent and disgruntled
3. It makes us not to thank God (ingratitude)
4. It causes lawlessness
5. It makes you pessimistic about life (you see a haIf-empty cup instead of a half-filled cup)
★ How to develop the right kind of Patience:
1. You have to stay focused on your ultimate goal (that is, conforming to the image of Christ)
→ You should focus your mind on the promise of Christ's coming
(James 5:7-8)
2. You have to think before you act
→ fools rush in where angels fear to tread
☆ Proverbs 15:1-2 →"A gentle response diverts anger, but a harsh statement incites fury. The wise speak, presenting knowledge appropriately, but fools spout foolishnes."
3. You have to look for Ways to give your time and resources to others
→ NOTE: Impatience is rooted in selfishness
☆ EccIesiastes 7:8 →"The conclusion of something is better than its beginning, and a patient attitude is more valuable than a proud one.''
4. You have to work out your conflicts with others
→ Do not allow conflicts and disagreements to linger or fester for a long period of time
→ Romans 12:18 →"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people."
5. You need to walk closely with Christ and learn from His example
* when you develop the patience of Christ, nothing can make you impatient
* One clearly noticeable quality of a believer is patience!
★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of the Messiah."
★Conclusion
* Patience will not guarantee that your challenges will go away. It only makes the act of waiting more bearable
* The blessing's of patience are not necessarily outward, but are spiritual and emotional
☆ Questions:
→ What is your position today?
→ do you still live a life of impatience?
* NOTE: Christ can help you overcome the tendency to be impatient
☆ MISSION CHARGE
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do."
→ Martin Luther King Jr.
☆ QUOTE
"Nothing builds intimacy between people like words of love and appreciation . . . Love expressed draws people together."
→ Bob Gass
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja
13th September, 2015
☆ SERMON
* Speaker: Elder Simon Bunshak
* Topic: Growing in Patience
* Theme: Growing up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Growing in Love
* Service Leader: Mrs. Adeline Fompun
* Text: 1 Corinthians 13:3-5 →"Even if I give away everything that I have and sacrifice myself, but have no love, I gain nothing. Love is always patient; love is always kind; love is never envious or arrogant with pride. Nor is she conceited, and she is never rude; she never thinks just of herself or ever gets annoyed. She never is resentful."
* Patience is a virtue that is rare and difficult to possess
* Patience is something that will grow if God plants it in you
* Patience is listed first in the qualities that love can produce (that is the fruits of the Spirit)
☆ Importance of Patience:
* Patience serves as an outward proof of love
→ without love, it is virtually impossible to be patient
* Patience springs out from the abundance of the deposit of the love that is in your heart
* If you love anyone, you will be patient with that person
* When you love God, you will be patient and confident in his will and timing
★ Galatians 5:22-23
* The Bible did not tell us anywhere that patience will be easy
* Quote: "Teach us to be patient, for to wait is more difficult than to work."
→ Peter Marshal
* To carry the cross of Christ is not easy, even for matured believers
* Patience is important
→ It is an outward sign that we are living in love
* Patience is the suffering of afflictions with a kind of calm disposition or temper which bears without discontent or discouragement
* Patience is not really easy
* Every day, your patience will be tried & tested
* When you love God and those around you, you will find reasons to bear their burdens and show love
* Patience is an active endurance of opposition; not a passive resignation in the face of challenges
* If you have the Spirit of Christ in you, you will find it easy to imbibe a patient disposition
* Who initiates patience?
→ It is the virtue of God
→ God initiates it himseIf because love is his attribute
★ Exodus 34: 6-7
→ NOTE: God's love lasts a thousand generations; but His wrath is limited in scope!
★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."
→ The love of God in you will direct you to the patience of Christ
* If you love God, the the virtue of patience will flow out of your heart naturally
* Patience is aimed at transforming you from the life of sinfulness to a life of righteousness
* When you love God, you are kept away from sin
* Usually, sin is as a result of impatience
* Patience that springs forth the love of God enables you to love those around you, including your enemy!
★ Jonah 4:2 →"So he prayed to the LORD, “LORD, isn’t this what I said while I was still in my home country? That’s why I fled previously to Tarshish, because I knew you’re a compassionate God, slow to anger, overflowing with gracious love, and reluctant to send trouble."
* Love demands that you pray for your enemies and pray for those who hate you (See: Mathew 5:44)
* God's virtue of love is what makes Him to be patient with sinners even at the instance of the worst provocation!
★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of the Messiah."
* We must emulate God as the perfect example of patience and love
★ 2 Chronicles 7:14 →"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
* Jesus manifested love and patience by going to the cross
* patience demands that you remain humble, even when you have the opportunity to display your power
* Sometimes patience demands that you keep quiet in to face of extreem provocation
★ 1 Timothy 1:16 →"But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the worst sinner, the Messiah Jesus might demonstrate all of his patience as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life.''
* Jesus displayed patience by not counting our sins against us
* Regardless of the kind of life you might have lived in the past, note that God is patient with you and is ready to accept you
* Jesus was patient with his disciples (even when they displayed spiritual immaturity, lack of faith, etc.)
* Some people take pride in their ability to be impatient
* Christians must practice patience here on earth by following the example of Christ
→ There will be no opportunity in heaven to display the fruits of the spirit!
* Your level of patience shows your level of spiritual maturity
* Sometimes the manner of impatient driving on Abuja roads makes one wonder if there are any Christians in the city!
* People filled with the love and wisdom of God overlook offences and they sacrifice their comfort and rights for the benefit of others
* Colossians 3:12-14
★ Consequences of impatience:
☆ 1 Samuel 13:8-14
1. It causes you to loose the favor of God
→ when you are not patient for God's timing, you will loose your blessings
→ Saul lost his Kingdom
2. You run the risk of being disqualified, discontent and disgruntled
3. It makes us not to thank God (ingratitude)
4. It causes lawlessness
5. It makes you pessimistic about life (you see a haIf-empty cup instead of a half-filled cup)
★ How to develop the right kind of Patience:
1. You have to stay focused on your ultimate goal (that is, conforming to the image of Christ)
→ You should focus your mind on the promise of Christ's coming
(James 5:7-8)
2. You have to think before you act
→ fools rush in where angels fear to tread
☆ Proverbs 15:1-2 →"A gentle response diverts anger, but a harsh statement incites fury. The wise speak, presenting knowledge appropriately, but fools spout foolishnes."
3. You have to look for Ways to give your time and resources to others
→ NOTE: Impatience is rooted in selfishness
☆ EccIesiastes 7:8 →"The conclusion of something is better than its beginning, and a patient attitude is more valuable than a proud one.''
4. You have to work out your conflicts with others
→ Do not allow conflicts and disagreements to linger or fester for a long period of time
→ Romans 12:18 →"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people."
5. You need to walk closely with Christ and learn from His example
* when you develop the patience of Christ, nothing can make you impatient
* One clearly noticeable quality of a believer is patience!
★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of the Messiah."
★Conclusion
* Patience will not guarantee that your challenges will go away. It only makes the act of waiting more bearable
* The blessing's of patience are not necessarily outward, but are spiritual and emotional
☆ Questions:
→ What is your position today?
→ do you still live a life of impatience?
* NOTE: Christ can help you overcome the tendency to be impatient
☆ MISSION CHARGE
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do."
→ Martin Luther King Jr.
☆ QUOTE
"Nothing builds intimacy between people like words of love and appreciation . . . Love expressed draws people together."
→ Bob Gass
Sunday, 19 July 2015
A New Commandment (Pastor Victor T. Amos) 19-07-2015
★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja, Nigeria
19th July, 2015
 |
| Pastor Victor T. Amos |
☆ SERMON
* Speaker: Pastor Victor T. Amos
* Topic: A New Commandment
* Theme: Growing Up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Growing in Love
* Service Leader: Mrs. Aisha Telta
* Text: John 13:31-35
* NOTE: Love is not the same thing as lust, as many young people (erroneously) think
→ Many things have gone wrong in our country today because of a widespread lack of love
☆ Illustration:
The story is told of a married couple who were blessed with three children. The man was latter discovered to be HIV positive. His wife berated and stigmatised him seriously. She even left their matrimonial bedroom for him and slept in the guest room. One day, the man got a syringe, extracted his blood and injected the woman with it while she slept. She was eventually also diagnosed to be HIV positive.
* What made the couples in the story above behave the way they did towards each other?
→ Lack of love
→ The desire for revenge on the part of the husband
→ The wife's unforgiveness
* We are living in a generation of lack of love which is demonstrated in the following:
→ An increasing lack of devotion for God
→ The media is full of bad news (terrorism, suicide bombings, genocides, wars, assassinations, rapes, ritual killings, armed robberies, etc)
→ Incest among family members
→ Domestic workers killing their employers because of material things
→ Young people misbehaving
→ Increase in rate of suicides
* The incentive to perpetrate such evils ultimately comes from lack of love for God
* What goes around comes around: when you refuse to respect your parents, your own children will not respect you
* You cannot find yourself in a situation that you are totally incapable of forgiveness (except you choose not to)
* Questions for young people:
→ Who are your friends?
→ Are you showing genuine love? (towards God and others)
→ Are you being controlled by lust?
* There is a general lack of love in marriages today because of pursuit for material things. Both husband and wife are struggling to make more money at the expense of their families
→ This is evidenced by increase in the rate of divorces
→ Malachi 2:16 → “Indeed, the LORD God of Israel says that he hates divorce, along with the one who conceals his violence by outward appearances,” says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. “So guard yourselves carefully, and don’t be unfaithful.”
* An ungodly quest for power exists today even in the Church.
→ Some 'believers' want to undermine their leaders, elders & parents. This is not love
* NOTE: God is Love - therefore, embracing God is embracing love
→ This is the solution for all our problems
* When a person says "I love you", (agape love), this means they accept you unconditionally, regardless of your faults and weaknesses
→ Agape love is the secret to long & happy marriages
* Some people love others only when it is convenient or when they can get something in return
* You don't need to have any reason why you should love people
* Love is a mystery
→ It is more than just a feeling,
→ It is God working in your heart to accept another person
* We claim to love each other in Church, but, how many people can you die for and support sacrificially?
* NOTE: Jesus' love for you has no limit and has no conditions attached to it.
→ His love towards us is so practical & He demonstrated it by coming into the world and even dying for us on the Cross of Calvary!
* True love exists in the realm of humility
→ Pride and arrogance hinders a person from reaching out to others sacrificially
* Leadership is all about serving others in love
→ Jesus led by example when He washed the feet of his disciples
(see: John 13:1-17)
* God expects us to love, honour and serve one another in humility
(see: Philippians 2:3-4)
☆ Luke 22:21 →"Yet look! The hand of the man who is betraying me is with me on the table!"
→ Jesus knew that Judas will betray him, but he loved him still
* God's model for true leadership is anchored on selfless service and humility
* Why did Jesus demand this kind of love from us?
→ Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied Him three (3) times, yet His love for them was not affected. It was consistent!
* NOTE: Jesus knows your disobedience, self-centeredness, and sins, yet He keeps making allowance for you
* Similarly, you must always make allowance for others when they hurt and betray you
* If you are a Pastor, do not carry yourself with arrogance and pride
→ You must be humble
* As a child of God, you must understand the concept of 'glorification'
→ The concept of glorification entails praising someone in a manner that places that person in the limelight
* God is going to be glorified in your character when you live in obedience to Him
* It is impossible to glorify God when you are living in sin
* When you live in total obedience to God, He is glorified
* If Jesus' quest in life is to glorify His father, you must have the same priority
* When you do something and the name of God is being glorified, He is honoured
* Why did Jesus call the people Little Children in John 13:33?
→ He is their creator, provider and protector
→ Regardless of their age, social status or experience, Jesus existed before them
* No sinner can See God:
→ To see Christ, you must be born again and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior
(see: John 3:3; Romans 10:9)
* There is no hope for a person who does not have any relationship with Christ
☆ 1 Corinthians 3:13 → "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."
☆ Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “I’m going where you cannot follow me now, though you will follow me later on.”
* Jesus made the above statement because:
→ It was not yet their time to die
→ He was going to leave them on earth to peach the Gospel
→ He needed them to stay behind and plant Churches
→ He needed them to take care of the Saints
→ He was going to prepare a place for us (See: John 14:1-2)
* What we call 'love' today is also done by many unbelievers and people who have no regard for God. There is no difference
→ As a child of God, your standard of love should be higher, genuine and unconditional
* How many people (in your Church, office or community) can declare boldly that they have felt God's tangible through you?
* How many people (in need) have you reached out to?
* NOTE: People don't care how much you know, unless they know how much yon care!
* Whenever you go out for evangelism and you discover some needs, meet them first and the people will be more willing to listen to you afterwards
* Many Christians are sitting comfortably in Church while there are so many people in our communities & Churches who are destitute, orphans, widows and in need of the basic necessities of life (water, food, shelter & clothing) & everyday these needs go un-met
* What makes this Command New?
1. Jesus introduced a new standard of love: 'Just as I (Jesus) have loved you' (John 13:34)
* In the past, the standard for love was 'as you love yourself' (Matthew 22:39)
* Jesus is now taking the standard of love a notch higher to 'Just as I have loved you.'
* Jesus expects you to love others with His kind of pure, genuine and sacrificial love
⇒ NOTE: Jesus' love for you and I caused Him to experience and endure unpleasant things on Calvary, including humiliating death
2. The focus shifted from 'love your neighbour' to 'love one another.'
→ Those around you must experience God's love though you on a daily basis
* This new commandment is given to those who are disciples of Christ
→ Question: Are you a disciple or a bully?
☆ PASTOR'S CORNER
Unconditional love is so essential in human existence so much that it has become the greatest need of man. Agape love is a divine from above, we all wish for it and no one can effectively exist in life without it. Love from our families, from friends and associates. True and sacrificial love from that fellow you consider the most important person. It was love that drove Jesus to the cross.
God is love and love is God, when true love happens to you, it is God himself that happens to you. But unfortunately sacrificial love is so scarce and rare in our present generation and I can strongly submit that, the faces of calamities we see in the world presently is the result of lack of unconditional love for one another.
The last period of Jesus' life on earth was full of practical teachings. He admonished His disciples to love one another unconditionally and sacrificially just as He loved them and gave up His life for them. Jesus spoke from a heart that is absolutely full of unquenchable love to the entire world. Jesus is still calling on you and I today to obey His NEW COMMANDMENT, to love one another unconditionally. If indeed you love Him, your quest in life will be to obey Him.
☆ MISSION CHARGE
"Every person should have a special cemetery lot in which to bury the faults of friends and loved ones. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you."
→ John Mason
☆ QUOTE
"The greatest need of man is love and this love is stronger than any addiction... I shall puss through this life but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it. For I shall never pass this way again."
→ Etienne de Grelet
Sunday, 24 May 2015
Help us to Help them (Rev. David Kwamkur) 24-05-2015
★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja, Nigeria
24th May, 2015
★ WIDOWS, ORPHANS &
VULNERABLE CHILDREN WEEK
 |
| Rev. David Kwamkur |
★ SERMON
* Speaker: Rev. David Kwamkur
* Topic: Help us to Help them
* Theme: Growing up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Add to your Faith
* Service Leader: Mrs. Jessica Adams
* Text: Matthew 9:35-38
★ Psalm 10:17-18 → "LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress."
* God does not want anyone to be alone (Genesis 2:18)
* The major problem that widows, widowers, orphans and vulnerable children face in life is the issue of loneliness
* The loss of the breadwinner puts a lot of pressure on the surviving members of the family
* Jesus Saw 3 things (in Matthew 9:36):
(a) He saw the crowd
(b) He saw their condition
(c) He saw the reason for the suffering (there was no shepherd to take care of them)
* NOTE: Jesus did not only stop at pity, he had compassion on the crowd (by meeting their needs)
→(see: Matthew 9:35)
* Every genuine Church should meet the needs of people as much as it can
→ Many Church organise evangelism programmes & embark on expensive projects but they do not care for people's welfare
* NOTE: people don't care About how much you know, unless the know how much you care!
* There is no way to engage in genuine evangelism and not 'see' the needs of the people you are ministering to
* Any time God sees anyone in need, His heart is moved
* God desires that His people should be concerned about the condition of widows, orphans and vulnerable children in the Church and society
* Many people do not even want to imagine what being a widow, orphan or widower entaiIs
* The major problem is not death, but the unforeseen circumstances that death throws people into when it suddenly occurs
* Imagine going through life without the presence of loved ones around you . . .
→ Things are not usually the same after their untimely exit
* Sometimes widows, widowers, orphans and vulnerable children wish that someone will understand what they are going through
* Widows usually suffer rejection and are stripped of their husband's assets and put under a lot of pressure and unpleasant circumstances
→ Unfortunately, even their so called Christian relatives and friends are involved in this evil, instead of protecting them
* Most widows, widowers, orphans and vulnerable children are:
→ Physically abused
→ Financially defrauded
→ Spiritually neglected
→ Nutritionally malnourished
→ Emotionally harrassed
* Many people (including some Christians) maltreat these set of people
★ Why do we have widows, widowers, orphans and vulnerable children in our midst?
1. Widows:
* The sudden untimely death of a husband is the loss of the breadwinner and it is a serious thing
2. Vulnerable Children:
* In our society today, children are being raised by other children because parents are too busy to invest in quality parenting
* Busy parents procure the services of other children (househelps) to raise and take care of their children while they pursue material things
* If parents do not take care of their own children, there will be more vulnerable children in the society
★ What is the Way out?
→ God is the answer and the Church is the channel!
* The Church is the primary means of support for widows, orphans and vulnerable children
★ James 1:27 → ''A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
* NOTE: The care & help you render to widows, widowers, orphans and vulnerable children determines whether or not you are truly a godly person (this is the ultimate test).
* Do you care whether widows, widowers, orphans and vulnerable children:
→ eat decent meals everyday?
→ have clothes to wear?
→ are protected from oppression?
→ are able to acquire basic education?
→ are reached with the Gospel of Christ?
→ have access to basic medical care?
* Caring for widows, widowers, orphans and vulnerable children is a command from God
→ It is not an option
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
★ PASTOR'S CORNER
God's heart is greatly moved by the plight of widows, orphans and vulnerable children. Most of us cannot imagine going though a day without food, clean water, shelter, education or the presence of loved ones.
Most often, the widows, orphans and vulnerable children experience loneliness, hunger, insecurity, rejection, discrimination, anxiety, depression, suppression, distress, discouragement, injustice etc.
God is the answer and the Church is the means by which He will change The lives of widows, orphans and vulnerable children. Because God cares for those in need. He wants His children to care for them as well.
★ MISSION CHARGE
"We are all in life potential widows and widowers. Be mindful of what you do and the way you treat those with that status today. You might as well receive the same treatment soonest."
→ Pastor Victor T. Amos
★ QUOTE
"What most people need to learn in life is how to lone people and use things instead of using people and loving things."
→ Annonymous
Sunday, 17 May 2015
Knowledge (Mr. Simon Gunkat) 17-05-2015
★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki, Abuja - Nigeria
17th May, 2015
SERMON
* Speaker: Mr. Simon Gunkat
* Topic: Knowledge
* Theme: Growing Up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Add to your Faith
* Service Leader: Mr. Nanyak Kumsal
* As you grow (physically and spiritually), you are expected to add certain virtues to your life so that your development can be wholistic
* Knowledge means 'to know', or having something in your memory
→ Knowledge connotes the deposit of information or experience in your mind/heart
* When you put knowledge into use, it make sense and translates into wisdom
* The proper application of knowledge is wisdom
Types of wisdom:
1. Satanic wisdom (wisdom that is corrupted)
2. Human wisdom (also known as common sense)
3. Godly wisdom (wisdom that comes from God: it is pure and uncorruptible)
* Any wisdom that claims superiority over godly wisdom is faulty
* The proper application of knowledge will enable you to live right;
* The improper usasge of knowledge will destroy you
* Greek philosophers in Athens claimed that they knew all things & they always wanted to hear the latest ideas; yet, they served and worshipped gods they did not know
* Like the times of Paul, today secular knowledge has increased and godly knowledge is relegated to the background
* You must be careful not to be swayed by any knowledge or ungodly wisdom
* The existence of God cannot be investigated through scientific or philosophical knowledge
* Human knowledge is limited
* God can only be known by faith through the revelation of the gospel
* Samson used godly knowledge wrongly and it cost him his ministry and eventually, his life
★ Blessings of applying Godly Wisdom and Knowledge Correctly:
1. You will surely be blessed
2. You will be productive
3. You will gain eternal life
★ Examples of Biblical Characters who rightly applied godly Wisdom:
1. Joseph
→ Because of godly wisdom, he considered sexual immorality, as wickedness against God
2. Daniel
☆ He considered the knowledge of God as a matter of life and death
→ Godly knowledge produces courage, strenght and even supernatural miracles
→ Regardless of the challenges face in life, godly wisdom and knowledge will enable you stand by your faith
* If you use your knowledge for the right things, God will protect you
★ Lessons to be learnt:
→ If you add godly virtues to your life:
1. You will be productive
2. Lack of them causes you to be short sighted
3. You will reach your expected destination (Heaveny)
★ Characteristics of foolish people:
1. They acquire knowledge and yet apply it wrongly
4. They indulge in indiscriminate sexual activities even when they know the adverse spiritual, physical and health consequences
* NOTE: Those who are foolish do not always end well
* Question: will you continue to live a life of foolishness or will you accept God's knowledge that will produce godly wisdom in you?
★ MISSION CHARGE
"Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go and learn at once how big and precious it is."
→ Maxim Gorky
★ QUOTE
"There are three enemies of personal peace. Regret over yesterday's mistakes, anxiety over tomorrow's problems and ingratitude for today's blessing."
→John Mason
Sunday, 3 May 2015
Following the Star (Rev. Stephen Gyang) 03-05-2015
★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja, Nigeria
3rd May, 2015
SERMON
* Speaker: Rev. Stephen Gyang (Pastor, COCIN Kuje, Abuja)
* Topic: Following the Star
* Theme: Growing Up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Intentional Growth
* Service Leader: Pastor Victor T. Amos
* Text: Matthew 2:1-10
★ REGIONAL CHURCH COUNCIL (RCC) REVIVAL
 |
| Rev. Stephen Gyang |
* A star may be defined as a luminous white 'dot' in the dark sky; or a widely known person/a celebrity;
→ It may be a symbol used to direct people to a hotel, or an organization
* NOTE: The star led the wise men to Jesus
→ Anything or anyone that leads or points people to Jesus represents a sort of 'star'
★ Different dimensions of the star:
1. Church as the star
→ Which Church is the true Church that leads people to the saving grace of Jesus?
→ Today, there is a proliferation of Churches and many of them are a sham (a fraud) that Satan is using to mislead and distract people
2. The Pastor as the star
→ A Pastor is the shepherd; He is the one that tends the flock of the Lord
→ A Pastor is meant to direct people to Jesus, not to himself or to his own ministry
→ Today, there is a proliferation of fake pastors and preachers who take undue advantage of the flock of the Lord for selfish reasons
3. Jesus as the star
→ This is the ultimate star that will lead us to God, the Father
☆ John 14:6 →"Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
→Many people have been Christians for a long time, yet they do not have a personal relationship with the Father
* Question: who are you looking up to?
★ The Right way of following the star
1. Look up to Jesus
→ The wise men were not blind
→ Their eyes were wide open & they recognized the star of Jesus
* How do you see Jesus today?
→ through faith in Him
2. You must believe & trust in Jesus
→ As you decide to follow the star, You will meet many obstacles (Herod) on the way
→ In spite of obstructions on their way, the wise men trusted the star and they found Jesus
3. You have to confess Jesus with your mouth
* If you are truly saved, it will reflect in your character and how you treat the things of God
4. You must be born again
→ This is the first step in establishing a relationship with Jesus
★ Blessings of following the Star (Jesus)
1. You will be saved
2. You will not be put to shame
★ NOTE: Before you can see a star, there has to be darkness
→ Stars shine brighter at night
→ No amount of darkness or challenge or obstacle can subdue the light of a star!
* Those darkest moments, (when things are not clear) are the times that the star of Jesus shines the brightest!
* When you go through challenges in life, who do you look up to?
* Only Jesus can save you
☆ Acts 4:12 →"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved.”
* When you follow the star, there should be visible changes in your life & character;
* You must grow in Christ
MISSION CHARGE
"This is my prayer for all of us: Lord, increase our faith. Increase our faith to bridge the chasm of uncertainty and doubt . . . Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future . . . Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequences follow."
→ Gordon B. Hinckley
QUOTE
"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back."
→ Harvey Mackay
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