The Building of a Life (Dr. Yakubu Usman) 03-05-2001

* MY SERMON NOTES

@ Arts & Speakers,

Elratam Network  

Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN),

(now, Church of Christ in Nations)

Hwolshe, Gigiring – Jos

3^rd May, 2001  

SERMON  

* Speaker: Dr. Yakubu Usman

* Topic: The Building of a Life  

* The Three Things That Happen During the Teaching of the Word of God:

1. Some do not understand the teaching 

2. Some misunderstand the teaching  

3. Some understand but will respond with anger because it exposes their lifestyles

4. Some understand and are inspired to change their lives

 

* How wise are you?

- Is it possible you can be wiser?

- Are you as wise as you can be?

 

* If you had everything in your power (finances & resources) where will you site your building in Jos?

 

* Matthew 7:24-27

* These two builders represent types of Christians

* Being wise means living in accordance to the Word of God

 

* NOTE: The Sermon on the Mount is a compilation of the teachings of Jesus delivered at a particular period (not necessarily at one sitting)

 

* What is a parable?

- It is a story with a hidden spiritual meaning that may not be obvious at the first instance

- It is God’s special revelation to believers seeking more light

 * The FOOLISH BUILDER (in Jesus’ parable) used sand to make his foundation

* The location and quality of a foundation determines the survival of any building

 * The WISE BUILDER chose the rock as his foundation

- Great effort is required to move building materials up a rock

- It takes tough and deliberate effort to live by the Word of God

 

* NOTE: Every Christian is a builder, having some sort of foundation

 

* Note the Similarities between the two (2) builders:

1. They were both builders

2. They had the same wood from (probably) the same source

3. They were subjected to similar challenges – wind & rain

    - There is ample evidence that good and bad people suffer alike  

* Matthew 5:45 – These are challenges:

    - Rain represents blessings in scriptures

    - If the foundation is not solid, rain which is supposed to be a blessing would become a curse

 

* Both houses represent five (5) things:

(a) Character  - (the stuff you are made up of)

(b) Lifestyle – (things that portray you/your life’s priorities)

(c) Goals of your life (things you want to accomplish in life) 

(d) Dreams – (things you wish you had)

(e) Conduct – (behavior)

* The only thing that they had as a variable was the foundation

* On what foundation are you standing on?

* If you are faced with a situation, how many scriptural principles come to your mind?

* You cannot lay a strong foundation if you don’t hear clearly from God

 Some ‘Building Materials’ available to Christians:

1.   Righteous acts (Matthew 6:1-6)

2.   The Knowledge of God (Matthew 5:5-8)

    -  This always results in producing humility in your life 

3.   Dealing with your weaknesses (Matthew 7:1-5)

    -  This prepares you to withstand the storm of temptations whenever they arise  

4.   Doing God’s will

5.   Appreciating God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15)

6.   Rightly handling material possessions (Matthew6:19-42)

7.   A consistent life of integrity

    -  The fruits of God’s Words and your lifestyle must tie together, if not, something is definitely wrong

 

Important Questions you need to ask yourself: 

* How rich or poor are you spiritually?

* How often do you mourn over your sins and those of others?

* To what extent do you hunger and thirst for righteousness?       

* Do you deserve God’s mercy judging from how you treat others?

* How pure is your heart?

* Do people call you a child of God?

* Are you experiencing some form of persecution because of your faith?

* How meek are you?

* Are you hiding your light or are you shining it?

* How wise are you?

* What extent are you willing to go in order to become wise?

 

* NOTE: A life committed to Christ will never fall

 

* What you do about the Word of God that you hear reveals whether you are wise or not

* Psalm1:1-6

 

* Are you so knowledgeable that you think that there is nothing new to learn?   

 

 

 

Examine Yourself (Bro. Samuel Pam) 27-04-2001

* MY SERMON NOTES

@ Youth Fellowship, Night Vigil

Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN)

(now, Church of Christ in Nations)

Hwolshe, Gigiring – Jos,

Plateau State, Nigeria

27^th April, 2001

 

EXHORTATION

* Speaker: Bro. Samuel Pam

* Topic: Examine Yourself

* Text: Luke 18:8 - "I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

* Examine your life. Are you still in the faith?

* How faithful are you to the vow/oath you took in God’s service?

* If your closet is not clean, you are a hypocrite!

* All that is required of a servant is faithfulness

 

* NOTE: You are accountable to God for everything you do in your life   

* You cannot move God with your sacrifices, but only with your obedience

 

 

 

The Christian Woman in Her Home, Workplace & Neigbourhood (Mrs. Gutip) 22-04-2001

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN)

(Now Church of Christ in Nations)

Hwolshe, Gigiring, Jos

Plateau State, Nigeria

22nd April, 2001

* Women Fellowship Day

SERMON

*Speaker: Mrs. Gutip

*Topic: The Christian Woman in Her Home, Workplace & Neighbourhood

* Text: Acts 1:8 → "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

★ Matthew 5:13-16

* Today, it is hard to know those who are Christians because there is no distinction between them and unbelievers

* A Christian is one who has repented of his/her sins and has accepted Jesus to be his/her Lord and Saviour; he/she has a new nature; Christ lives in that person's heart.  

* You have to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and if you don't develop it, it will die out

* God has bestowed his righteousness on us and He demands that we keep our garment white; we must submit to the Holy Spirit to guide us

* If you don't develop your relationship with Christ, every thing you do would be in vain - this will enable you to be true witnesses of our Lord

* We must learn to spend time to pray, study His Words

* Jesus' ministry on earth depended solidly on His personal relationship with the Father

* Without Jesus, you can do nothing

(John 15:5)

* Jesus Christ demands that we must walk with Him. A servant is obedient and listens to his master. This is what is expected of us

* Our first place of witnessing is in the home - it is our immediate Environment. It is the most hardest place (to be a witness for Christ). You can't pretend at home; no one fears you

* God intends the home to be a very peaceful place. It is a shelter from the outside harsh environment

☆ The Woman's Responsibility in the Home

1. She is a helpmate and partner

2. She is a mother

3. She attends to social and religions services

4. She accommodates visitors

* The natural tendency for some women is to grumble because of these responsibilities

→ but, let peace reign; have the same attitude as the Lord Jesus Christ [Philippians 2:5]

→ The home is the laboratory for the woman to prove her faith

☆ Things to Note:

1. Make sure you plan your time; have time for God, husband, children and any extra work and activities

2. Don't involve yourself in too many activities

3. Make time for God so that you listen, get from Him

→ Your relationship With God should be your first priority

4. Uphold the man and children in prayers

→ It is unfortunate that many women encourage their husbands to do evil

→Women must help and advise

5. Make allowance for other social interaction

6. Manage family resources well and with patience, kindness and humility

→ When you fail to perform your responsibilities in the home, you have no right to stand outside and do other things

7. Train your children in the fear of the Lord

(a) If you are to train anyone successfully, have yourself trained by God

(b) Be an example. They are watching you.

→ There is power in being an example.

→ Children copy their parent's conduct. They are very observant

8. Be loving, kind, have good attitudes towards people

→ Children learn things very fast

9. Our lives must be open and transparent

→ Don't do things in secret. The results will surely be revealed in the open one day!

10. If you want your child to know and love God, you must yourself love God

* No amount of teaching will replace your prayer for your children

★ Proverbs 31:10-31 (The virtous woman)

→ This should be the standard of any Christian woman who wants to please God and live as a good example

* Let's not be hindrances to other people from coming to Christ

* The office and neighbourhood is our Judea, Samaria and the ends of the world

* Without the right relationship in the home, we cannot face the world

* We must be faithful witnesses of Christ

→ Do not compromise; stand for the truth

* If you are not living a godly life outside the home, you will not have any testimony

* God expects us to have the right attitude to work

→ Have love towards others & embibe godly patience

* Questions to Consider:

→ What is your attitude to work?

→ Do you bless others with your position?

→ Do you potray Christ?

* Let people see the love of God in all you do

* Note: God is marking all you do

☆ Conclusion: 

* You need to be faithful in doing everything

* God has called us to be fuII-time Christians and not to be lukewarm

* These are not days that we'll play with Christianity

* God is available for you to overcome all your problems

* Return to your first love if you have gone astray

Dangers of Pride (Reverend Maxwell Dayok) 12-11-2000

★MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN)

(Now Church of Christ in Nations)

Hwolshe, Gigiring, Jos

Plateau State, Nigeria

12th November, 2000

SERMON

* Speaker: Reverend Maxwell Dayok

* Topic: Dangers of Pride

* Theme: Jesus Christ & Mission

* Since we as a Church are not praying, the devil has occupied us with himself

* The prayerless Christian is at the mercy of Satan

* If you are not filled and empowered by the spirit of God, then you are filled, empowered and controlled by the devil

* There is no neutral ground in spirituality - either you are with Christ, or with Satan

* Everyone filled, empowered and controlled by God's Spirit manifests the fruits of the spirit of God

* When you are not filled with the Spirit of God and yon think you are, then there is danger

* One of the dangers of prayerlessness is that pride comes in

* Many Christians consider themselves as giants, and are filled with pride, but inside, they are empty

* God opposes those who are proud

★ Isaiah 29:13

★ Matthew 15:8-9

★ Proverbs 12:22

* You need to adjust yourself and who you are in reality

* Come back to God and humble yourself and ask God to help you

★ Proverbs 8:13

* Some Christians, instead of hating evil, plan and encourage evil to God's disgrace

→ If you fear God, you'll hate evil

★ Proverbs 11:2

* Unless you understand this, you'll soon be disgraced

* Stop thinking you are big, and humble yourself before the Lord

★ Proverbs 13:10

* Pride only breeds querells but wisdom is found in those who take advise

* Begin to think of yourself as nothing

★ Proverbs 16:18

★ Proverbs 29:23

* Pride is a demoter

* There is nothing that you have that has not been given to you by God

* The reason why you are growing in pride is because you are not praying much - you have become powerless; flesh becomes prominent in all you do and tradition surpasses the things of God (the Christian tradition)

Walking in the Spirit (Dr. Wilfred Haggai) 18-10-2000

MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN)

(now, Church of Christ in Nations)

Area 1, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria

18^th October, 2000

 MID-WEEK SERVICE

 SERMON

* Speaker: Dr. Wilfred Haggai

* Topic: Walking in the Spirit

* Text: Galatians 5:16-18

 

* The Holy Spirit is a member of the god-head

* John 16:5-16; 4:15-17, 26 (the Spirit of God comforts us)

 

* Acts 2:1-4 (he comes with power)

* Genesis 1:2 (He was present at the creation of the earth)

* Genesis 1:26 (He was present during the creation of man)

 

* The Person of the Holy Spirit

* The Holy Spirit is not an object, He is a person

 

* Other names of the Holy Spirit include: Holy Ghost, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of His Son, Spirit of Promise, Spirit of truth, Spirit of life (Romans8:2), Comforter, Counselor, etc.

* Acts 19:2 – many have not understood the working of the Holy Spirit

 

* The Ministry of the Holy Spirit is very diverse

1. The Holy Spirit was involved in the creation process (Genesis 1:2, 26)

2. Spirit means life – He is always in the process of revealing the Father

3. He inspired the writing and compilation of the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16)

4. He was responsible for the supernatural conception of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:35)

5. He confirmed the divinity of Jesus during His baptism (Matthew 3:16)

6. Jesus preached, and worked many miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit

7. Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice through the power of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)         

8. Jesus was raised from death by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11)

9. The Holy Spirit seeks to glorify God in our lives

10. Without the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing

 

Attributes of the Holy Spirit

1.    He convicts us of sin, if not so, our hearts will be insensitive to God’s presence (John 16:8)

2.    He is our comforter (John 14:20)

3.    He is our teacher, guide, leader and helper

4.    He gives us insight into what our being is all about, our purpose on earth to God’s glory

5.    He is our Spirit of discernment

6.    He gives power and anointing to all those who acknowledge Him (1 Corinthians 12:2)

7.    He has been sent by God to live in us

8.    He shows us the will of Christ

9.    He bears testimony with our spirits that we are God’s children

10.  He has intellect and he knows the thoughts of man

11.  He has a will, thought and emotions – He can love and be loved (John 3:16)

12.  His office is to glorify Jesus Christ

13.  He is God omnipotent, omniscient

14.  He is the witness of God (Acts 5:32)

15.  He is easily grieved by sin (Ephesians 4:30)

16.  He can be resisted (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

17.  He is a harmless & gentle person

18.  He can be blasphemed – by attributing His works to Satan

19.  Sin committed against Him cannot be forgiven (Mark 3:29)

20.  He is the might of God

21.  He always announces His arrival, but not His departure

22.  He assists us in prayer (Jude 1:20)

23.  He walks with us from everlasting to everlasting

24.  He is the power of the Church

25.  He empowers us and makes us strong, bold and courageous

26.  He can produce fruits – these fruits are a clear manifestation that He is in us (Galatians 5:22-23)

27.  He is holy – He cannot be found in darkness. He comes upon us only when we have cleansed and purified our lives 

  

  

The Kind of Revival we Need (Dr. Ferdinand Nweke) 02-07-2000

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Chapel of Faith,

University of Jos, Plateau State

Nigeria

Revival Weekend

2nd July, 2000

SERMON

* Speaker: Dr. Ferdinand Nweke

* Topic: The Kind of Revival we Need

* When gold is replaced by rags, then it is time for revival

* It is time for revival:

→ when you are not responding to spiritual stimulus;

→ when secret sins abound in your life;

→ when sin is becoming tolerable in your soul;

→ when spiritual things no longer appeal to you;

→ when fasting becomes a problem;

→ when the plight of sinners means nothing to you;

→ when you are a bruised tree;

→ when you are like a dry bone;

→ when the joy of your heart is not your master;

→ when you want to copy this generation

* In the time for revival, there is joy

* Joy is the oil that runs the Christian's 'engine'

* NOTE: A joyful Christian is a good advertisement

* Revival brings fruits that last

* Revival comes with persecutions

* NOTE: An army of lions led by a goat will be defeated by an army of goats led by a lion

* Revival brings boldness

* when there is revival, there are judgements

→ NOTE: Judgement starts in the house of God

★ 1 Peter 4:17 →"For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God?"

* Those who come to the house of God carelessly will attract God's Judgement because of God's move.

* In revival, there are Sacrifices to be made

* We need the revival that God brings in the midst of His people

★ Habakkuk 3:1-3 →"A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth.^a Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran.^b His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth."

* The world is perishing for the want of God's knowledge; The Church is perishing for the want of God's presence

* When God comes, there is light, power and healing

* We need a revival of the power of God's Word

* The revival we are looking for is like a sound from heaven (not environmentally generated sounds)

* God's revival swallows the works of men

* God can fight for himself and manifest his power

* We need a revival that will turn the hand of the enemy

★ Esther 9:1 →"On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, when the king’s order and edict was about to be carried out, on the day when the enemies of the Jewish people expected to prevail over them, things were turned around so that the Jewish people themselves prevailed over those who hated them."

* Revival will give you the upper hand against those who hate you (cults and all forms of the powers of darkness)

* We need a revival of a sound preaching in our Churches, not heresy

* Sound doctrine is not enjoyed. It is endured

* We need a revival that will produce genuine repentance in the Church

* We need the revival of the landmarks of righteousness, of Christianity

* We need a revival of divine hunger in the hearts of men

* we need a revival of the revelation of Jehovah

→ we need to see God as God

→ Today, men set God to be used by them for their purposes

* The Church needs a revelation of the God we are serving

* The bigger God gets in our eyes, the smaller mountains would become

* We need the revival of the fear of God

★ Job 31:4 →"Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?"

⇒ God counts all your steps!

* Question: Do you fear God?

* Those who commit sin do so because they don't see it as a great wickedness against God

* If Satan catches your coat, don't let him catch your covenant

(See: Genesis 39:7-9)

★ Revelation 15:4 →"Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."

★ Proverb 16:12 →"It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness."

* We need the revival of consuming zeal in the heart of believers

* We need a revival for the passion of the soul of men (evangelism)

* We need the revival of the love of God that would be characterized by sacrifice:

→ In terms of revival, brethren will sell anything for the sake of the Gospel

* We need the revival of the mighty miracle of God's power

→ That is what God will use to silence the mouth of the devil

* We need the revival of the 'stranger mentality' while here on earth

→ A revival of eternity in the hearts of men

→ It is only what we do for eternity sake that will last

→ Do the things that have an eternal value

→ God wants His people to line in time for the eternal things

* NOTE: Until the Holy Spirit is poured upon you, you have no life

★ Ezekiel 47:1-12 [The River of God that gives Life]

* When revival comes, it will flow into every part of your life