The Baptism of Jesus (Pastor Yakubu Adamu Yola) 19-06-2016

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Family Worship Centre (FWC)

Wuye, Abuja

2nd Sunday Service

19th June, 2016

Pastor Yakubu Adamu Yola
Picture Credit: FWC Media

☆ SERMON

* Speaker: Pastor Yakubu Adamu Yola

* Topic: The Baptism of Jesus

* Theme: Our Jesus

* Text: Matthew 3:13-17

* Baptism is an outward demonstration of a person's faith in Jesus

→ It entails complete immersion in water (which signifies being buried and raised with Christ)

☆ Points to Note about Baptism:

1. Voluntary:

→ Baptism should be a voluntary act and not out of compulsion

Note: "Jesus Came to be baptized' (verse 13)

→ He was deliberate about it

→ Was not forced to do it

2. Submission:

* Jesus submitted Himself for baptism as a model of obedience

→ As a Christian, you must follow the example of Jesus in all things

3. Sign:

* Jesus' baptism was a sign to John the Baptist which authenticated his ministry and prophesies

★ John 1:30

→ Baptism signifies our death and resurrection with Christ Jesus 

4. Humility

→ Jesus' baptism is a demonstration of His humility

→ He went to John (despite the fact that He is God)

→ Humility preceded the ministry of Jesus

→ It shows His commitment to doing what was right (Jesus traveled 90 Kilometers from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized)

★ Verse 15:

→ Jesus did not need to be baptized, but He still submitted Himself for it

→ NOTE: Jesus did not need to be baptized in order to be righteous. [He is the righteousness of God].

* He went through baptism so that the entire plan of God prophesied through John the Baptist will be fulfilled

* It doesn't matter how the plan of God is.

→ It is always fitting

5. It affirmed John the Baptists' Ministry

★ John 1:26-27

6. It is the fulfillment of the righteous requirement of the law as required at that time

★ Matthew 5:17

☆ Lessons to Note from Jesus' Baptism:

* Doing the will of God was Jesus' priority

→ At the beginning of your Christian life, ensure that you are baptized

→ There is a big picture for your life and you must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices to bring it to pass

→ Having the big picture in mind helps you keep focus in life

→ Every Christian should always have something greater than him/her that he/she is living for

* There is nothing wrong in being humble:

→ Men: There is nothing wrong in serving your wife, your children or others

→ Humility does not make you less of a man

* NOTE: Jesus did not introduce Himself (as the Son of God) when the got to the river Jordan

→ It was not important!

* Even when Jesus started making going to the Temple his custom (between age 12-30), He humbled Himself under the instruction of the Pharisees, Sadducees and the Priests

* There is nothing wrong in learning under the authority of those who do not know more than you

* You must always obey instructions that are prescribed in Church, at your workplace, in the Nation etc

* Being Humble will not make you cease to be who you are

→ Humility is very powerful

→ Humility makes you more honorable

* NOTE: David respected order, authority and processes [and that is why he excelled as a shepherd, soldier and later as a King].

→ This is our model as Christians

→ Humility is the key to honor (Proverbs 18:12)

* (verse 16) There is a 'coming up' for every humble person

→ there is honor and elevation in humility (see: Matthew 23:12, 1 Peter 5:6)

☆ 3 Things that Happened when Jesus became baptized:

(a) The Heavens were Opened

(b) Spirit of God came upon Him

→ this is anointing; empowerment

→ There is an anointing of God for every assignment on earth

→ Jesus affirmed this truth in Luke 4:18-20

(c) God's approval

→ God does not approve proud people

* Everything in life has a foundation

★ Hebrews 3:4 →"For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God."

* One day, everything in your life will be tested

→ If the foundation (of your works) is not solid, it will not endure

★ Matthew 7:23

* Before you start any business or endeavor, ensure that you start right

* It is fitting to fulfill all righteousness

☆ Prayer:

Father, help me to be humble,

I realize that what you have

called me to do is greater than me,

Therefore I need your empowerment 
Reveal your love to me anew;

I need you in every area of my life

Building Blocks for a Successful Marriage (Rev. James Stephens) 25-04-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

Wedding between:

Margret Nuhu Dashwep & Longji Sunday Gunat

@ Covenant Word Christian Centre International (CWCCI),

Plot 2389, Breweries Road,

Opposite Jos Steel Rolling Mill,

Old Airport Road,

Jos - Plateau State

25th April, 2015

SERMON

* Speaker: Rev. James Stephens

* Topic: Building Blocks for a Successful Marriage

Rev. James Stephens

→ Marriage is filled with ups and downs & it usually comes with plenty 'distractions' such as: making time for each other, additional responsibilities, kids, parenting, in-laws, etc.

* Young (single) people should take advantage of their period of singleness to serve God and develop themselves before getting married

* When you get married, you will discover that you do not have as much time as you used to have when you were single

* The Building Blocks for a Successful Marriage

1. Build your home on God's Word

→ Make God's Word The final authority in your home & life

→ You must anchor all your dreams, hopes, educational experiences, logic, personal preferences, beliefs etc. on God's Word

→ Everything must find expression through God's Word

* As a believer God's Word is your ultimate standard, not your educational training, cultural beliefs or societal expectations

→ Submit to one another

★ Ephesians 5:21 →"...and you will submit to one another out of reverence for the Messiah.

→ Be humble; put the interest of your spouse above your own

★ Philippians 2:3 →''Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves."

* Whatever your cultural beliefs are, they must be subject to God's Word; if not so, there will be a clash of interests

→ Ensure that you deal with the issue of anger in your life

★ James 1:19 → "You must understand this, my dear brothers. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."

* The Word of God must always come first before (and take priority over and above) your feelings and temperament

→ Your feelings, opinions and temperament must be subject to God's Word

* A man that will not submit his heart to the Word of God will never submit to any man or woman!

★ Proverbs 4:7 →"Wisdom is of utmost importance, therefore get wisdom, and with all your effort work to acquire understanding."

* Make time to study God's Word and teach each other as a couple (before and after marriage)

* Regardless of the beautiful physical characteristics a person possesses, without God's Word a man or woman is empty and vulnerable to satanic manipulation

* God's Word is the ultimate restraint that keeps a man from sin

★ Psalm 119:9 →"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."

★ Josh 1:8 →"This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success."

2. The Fear of the Lord

★ Proverbs 1:7 → "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction."

→ You need the wisdom of God to navigate your path through life

→ The fear of the Lord is the restraint that keeps a man in check

→ It is impossible for a person to keep away from sin because of fear of his or her spouse. When such a person is away from his or her spouse and there is an opportunity to sin, without the fear of the Lord, such a person will succumb

☆ Advise to Single people:

→ Instead of looking for a spouse with beautiful physical characteristics, impressive educational achievements or sound financial standing, look for a person who fears the Lord

→ It is the fear of the Lord that keeps a person from abusing his or her spouse physically, emotionally or verbally

→ It takes the fear of the Lord to keep ungodly urges in check

3. Preserve the Original Vision

→ What vision do (did) you have?

→ You must have "seen" something for you to decide to marry your spouse.

→ Keep that vision alive!

★ Proverbs 29:18 →"Without prophetic vision, people abandon restraint, but those who obey the Law are happy."

→ The reason why many marriages are crumbling today is because they lost their original vision

→ If you have lost your original vision, there is second chance - for a second touch (See: Mark 8:22-25)

4. Keep it simple

→ Some people are too 'serious' (in their relationship with their spouse), that is why life is serious on them!

→ Simplicity will help your marriage

→ Your home should be a place of joy: the ambience should be welcoming

→ Lighten up your relationship and home with healthy jokes

→ Play with each other

→ Laugh together

→ Enjoy each others' company

* By all means, keep it simple

 

God with us (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 23-03-2015

NDIC/DMO Chapel

Central Business District,

Abuja - Nigeria

23rd March, 2015

* Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

* Topic: God with us

* Text: Luke 19:1-4

* Jesus will not really save every and anybody

* Jesus will not save anybody against their will

* Jesus saves only those who call out to Him for salvation

* Those who turn their backs against the Saviour will ultimately face God's judgment and wrath  

* NOTE: Zaccheus ran to the foot of the Sycamore tree and climbed it, not minding his social status, or what others might say -  he just wanted to see Jesus  

 

* Exodus 5:2 - "Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go."

→ God resists the proud, because they oppose and resist Him first

→ Those who reject God always suffer for it

* Psalm 27:8 →"When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek."

* It is one thing to get to the foot of the tree, it is another thing to climb the tree

* Grace was given to Zaccheus to climb the tree, despite his height disadvantage

* You require grace to do the things God wants you to do

* Note: Rich men don't Climb trees

→ Zaccheus humbled himself

* Now that Zaccheus is on the tree, there are things he must do to remain there and not fall off:

1. He must be Sober

* 1 Peter 5:8 → Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2. He must be Vigilant

* 1 Thessalonians 5:6 - " So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober."

* Now is the time to be careful, sober, vigilant and observant as Christians

* The devil is serious about rubbishing your Christian testimony

→ You cannot afford to be frivolous in your walk with God

* Psalm 60:12 →"With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies."

* Psalm 108:13 →"With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies."
 

* Through God, we can get to the "top of the tree" and remain there

3. While on the tree, he must remain calm".

→ You can't afford to dance on the tree, because, you will fall down

* Through God, you are empowered to climb heights you ordinarily could reach by your own strenght

God with us (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 20-03-2015

NDIC/DMO Chapel

Central Business District,

Abuja, Nigeria  

20th March, 2015

 

* Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

* Topic: God with us  

* Text: James 4:6 → But he gives all the more grace. And so he says, “God opposes the arrogant but gives grace to the humble.”

* God resists the proud, because the proud resists God

* God, grant me the grace never to resist you

* Why God gives grace to the humble

1. To be everything He has designed them to be

2. To be everything they want to be

* There are things you cannot experience or achieve by your strength - except by God's grace and by divine empowerment  

* Galatians 2:21 →"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."

* 2 Peter 3:18 →"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."

→ Father, help me to grow in grace

* Zachariah 9:16 -17 →"And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land. For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids."

God with us (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 17-03-2015

NDlC/DMO Chapel

Central Business District,

Abuja - Nigeria 

17th March, 2015

* Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

* Topic: God with us

* Text: Luke 19:1-6

* Anyone that must be saved by Jesus must act the same way Zaccheus acted, that is, such a person must be humble

→ God gives grace to the humble

* Grace is given to you so that you can became everything God designed/destined you to be

→ It is able to help you go over the mountains

* Humility is the attitude that makes you come to the realization that you are not as good as people think you are

* Humility makes you realize that you can not have achieved anything without God's help

* Proverbs 11:2 →"When pride appears, disgrace accompanies it, but humility is present with wisdom."

* Pride is the root of most marital problems and divorces

* As a man, you must not react to everything your wife says - this might breed problems

* It takes humility to overlook offense even when you have opportunity to revenge or react

 

God with us (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu)

NDIC/DMO Chapel

Central Business District,

Abuja - Nigeria

16th March, 2015

* Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

* Topic: God with us

* Text: Luke 19:1-6

* How did Jesus end up in Zaccheus' house (Continued from 11th March, 2015)

5. Zaccheus demonstrated humility

→ regardless of his wealth and position in the society, he humbled himself

→ Many people want to 'see' Jesus but they are too pompous

→ Humility made Zaccheus to run ahead of the crowd to the sycamore tree

→ Pride makes many rich people to attend Church late. They feel they are doing the Church or the Pastor a favour by coming  

→ Humility will make you not care about what other people care about.
 

                                   *****************

 

POINTS TO NOTE:

1. Those who are humble experience God's grace

* James 4:6 →"But he gives all the more grace. And so he says, “God opposes the arrogant but gives grace to the humble."

2. God dwells and associates with the humble

* Isaiah 57:15 → "For this is what the high and exalted One says-- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."

3. God exalts the humble

* Mathew 23:12 → "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

4. God honours those who are humble

* Proverbs 15:33 →  "Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honour."

Christ our Model (Rev. Amos Tang’an) 15-07-2012

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA),

Abuja Branch Meeting (Special Quarterly Prayer Meeting),   

Venue: Durumi Recreational Park,

Durumi, Abuja – Nigeria

15^th July, 2012

EXHORTATION  

* Speaker: Rev. Amos Tang’an (Chaplain, Gindiri Mission Compound Schools)
* Topic: Christ our Model

* Text: Philippians 3:17-21

* Paul the Apostle had personally experienced God and the benefits thereof, therefore he challenged believers to follow his example

* He was sure that he can present himself as a model to the believers

* The only addition/contribution you have in society is what you put into it

* Philippians 3:10,12

* Paul’s model is Christ

 

Enemies of the Cross

1.   Those whose appetite is their god

2.   Those who are proud of what they should be ashamed of

3.   Those who think of only life here on earth     

4.   Those who live only to fulfil their own desires 

* Anytime you consider anything/need as being greater than your desire for God, you make yourself an enemy of the cross

* Your spirituality must be your life and it must take preference above all things

To what extent are we enemies of the cross?

* Every glory that is not ascribed to God becomes your shame

* You must be careful so that the things you glory in do not become your (source of) shame

* When you have Christ as your glory, you will never be put to shame

* Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ"

* NOTE: Heaven is where our transformation from shame to glory is perfected/completed  

* Citizens have rights defined and protected by the Constitution of their country     

* Your citizenship (of Heaven) is a defining point for your relationship with God

* A person who is not a citizen of a country lives mindful of the fact that one day he will return to his home country

* My life MUST not be determined by the passions of my body

* When you are glorified in the end, you will have a body (that is) beyond what you think is best

* Remember that God has positioned you for glory

* Whatever you long for and desire (in the earth), the Scripture describes it/them as ‘lowly’ (Philippians 3:21)

 

The Compassion of Jesus (Rev. Dr. Sidney Garland) 12-05-2001

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN)

(now, Church of Christ in Nations)

Hwolshe, Gigiring - Jos,

Plateau State - Nigeria

12th May, 2001

SERMON

* Speaker: Rev. Dr. Sidney Garland

* Topic: The Compassion of Jesus

* Text: Matthew 9:27-38

* Unless God Himself fills you with compassion, you cannot do it on your own

* As Jesus becomes more real to you, He shows you His compassion and He wants you to fix your eyes on Him

* The world is generally deficient in compassion;

→ Many people who genuinely need help never get a hand of love

☆ Some Observations on the Compassion of Jesus Christ

1. Jesus had compassion on the crowd because of the fact that they were harassed and without a shepherd (verse 36)

→ He looked at them with the understanding of their need

→ He identified with their cares and burdens

→ Where were the shepherds? ('shepherd' literally means, a leader of God's people)

→ Every good shepherd is sacrificial: "He lays down his life for His sheep." (See: John 10:11) - Do we see this practically happening today?

2. Compassion moved Jesus to do something

→ Unlike sympathy and pity, compassion is always backed with action - there is always a 'reaching out'

→ Jesus asked people to pray (Matthew 9:37-38)

→ Let compassion move you to pray for missions - that the Lord will send out workers & labourers into the fields

→ Jesus saw the need - do you?

3. The shortest verse in the Bible tells us more of Jesus' sympathy (John 11:35)

★ John 13:1 → "Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."

* Jesus loved His own and He showed them the full extent of His love

→ Is your love (towards others) dependent on any condition?

4. Jesus humbled Himself because of compassion

→ He is our High Priest and He sympathises with our weaknesses

→ He doesn't just feel it, He acts!

★ Hebrews 4:15 → "For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin."

5. Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem (because of their sins and rebellion) → Luke 19:41-44

→ How many times do you weep over the sins and the rebellion of your community/Nation?

6. While on the cross, Jesus asked the women crying to weep for themselves and their sins

- (Luke 23:27-28); and He asked God His Father to forgive His enemies (Luke 23:34)

→ This is a wonderful demonstration of compassionate prayer

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

* We should have compassion for the people of God not only when they are suffering, but also when they are doing wrong

* Compassion entails patience

* Jesus wants us to love Him and take care of His sheep (John 21:16)

* Gossip is not an act of compassion

→ We must learn to solve our differences in love

* Jesus expects you to reach out to those in trouble.

→ By doing that, you are ministering to Him (Matthew 25:34-46). He wants us to do the same

* What is your personal attitude towards those around you?

→ Are you involved?

* Some Christians have a self-centered attitude

→ They help only those they know

☆ Obstacles to Showing Compassion

1. If you don't have Jesus living in you, you'll not have a heart for others

→ Only Jesus can empower you to look beyond yourself or the weaknesses and helplessness of others

→ It takes Jesus to genuinely love anyone other than yourself and to put their interests above your own

→ Unless you see others through the "eyes of Jesus", it is impossible to genuinely show compassion

2. Sometimes we (Christians) forget that we are saved by grace (Luke 18:9)

→ If you have recieved mercy, you should be ready to show mercy to others who deserve it (either because they are in trouble, in need or they are doing wrong)

→ You're not better than others - You are what you are today by the grace, favour and mercy of God

→ NOTE: You are a product of God's mercy & grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)

3. Many people (including Christians) talk about themselves when they are approached by others in trouble, seeking help

→ Selfishness is one of the biggest hindrances to showing genuine compassion to anyone

4. Sometimes we look at other people and think that they are just getting what they deserve

→ Example: Job's friends think he was suffering because of some sin in his life (Job 4:7-9)

* NOTE: The issue about what our attitude or disposition towards suffering is always a hard one

→ You are not to ask "why", but rather: "what am I going to do about it?"

* Do not despise others (especially when they are in need or in trouble)

Our Perfect Standard (Bro. Shakalshang Biwul) 07-05-2001

* MY SERMON NOTES

@ Rescue Team,

Gigiring, Hwolshe – Jos

Plateau State, Nigeria

7^th May, 2001

 SERMON

* Speaker: Bro. Shakalshang Biwul

* Topic: Our Perfect Standard

 * Anything that is perfect is stress-free, ideal & harmless

* A standard is a reference point. It is ‘the’ goal to be attained

* Jesus is our perfect standard – the author and finisher of our faith

* Jesus is our ‘shock-absorber’ and our ‘pain-reliever’

* God made (created) man based on His own standard. It was a perfect arrangement

* Today, we are struggling to know God because that standard was demolished by sin – man was separated from God and the earth was spoilt

* NOTE: man is an extension of God

* Psalm 82:6 - "I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.'"

* The moment man sinned, He discovered that he was naked (Genesis 3:7)

* The image of God was not destroyed, but His likeness in man was displaced

* The moment you come to Christ, every hindrance is done away with - that thing (or those things) that link you to the devil

* The devil is struggling to see that you do not attain the standard that the Lord has destined for you

* The standard must be built and developed

* To get the standard of God, you must be humble – humility should be your standard

* Matthew 11:29

* Some people place other things as the standard of their lives (not Jesus)

* Do you know that someone is looking at you as his standard? That person does not ‘look at you’ but the character of Jesus in you

* Philippians 2:7-11

* It was because Jesus was humble that He had a name capable of giving us salvation

* Humility makes you transparent

* As you stay close to God, you affect the world around you by a given undiluted taste

* Your target should be God’s Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33)

* The path to achieving the perfect standard is narrow and hard. Many will struggle to enter but will not be able to do so

* Matthew 7:13a-14

* Psalm 119:9, 11, 105 and 144

 

Prerequisites for Attaining God’s Standards

1.   God’s Word

2.   Understanding/knowledge

-      The way you live depends on what you understand/know

3.   The light of God

-      The Holy Spirit burns the Word of God in us so that it will shine forth

4.   Prayer & waiting upon the Lord

-      Jesus MUST open your mind to move in God’s standard

-      Luke 24:4-5

-      To attain this standard, one must be totally clothed (with supernatural power) from on high

-      You must have [extra-ordinary] strength because the process is tiring  

5.   Faith

-      Hebrews 11:2, 6, 33-38

-      You must be faithful

6.   Love

-      1 Corinthians 13:13