Cleanliness (Elder Simon Bunshak) 06-12-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

Area 1, Garki - Abuja

6th December, 2015

☆ SERMON

* Speaker: Elder Simon Bunshak

* Topic: Cleanliness (How to Maintain the Balance between Physical and Spiritual Cleanliness)

* Theme: Growing up in Christ

* Sub-Theme: Wholistic Growth

* Service Leader: Joyce Ahmadu

* Text: Mark 7:1-23

* 'Cleanliness' is defined as the careful avoidance of dirt

* Dirt is a parallel symbolism for sin

★ Psalm 51:7 →"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

* When you want to maintain spiritual cleanliness, you have to ensure that your 'inside' is clean

* The cleanliness on the inside is what brings cleanliness on the outside

* Many people place a lot of emphasis on outward cleanliness while forgetting (or neglecting) inner cleanliness

☆ How does inner cleaniness affect outward cleanliness?

→ when you are clean on the inside, every physical activity you do reflects the glory of God

→ what is on the inside determines what is produced on the outside

☆ How does God view cleanliness?

★ 1 Peter 1:15 →"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation."

→ the virtue of cleanliness originates from God himself and He expects you to be clean/holy in every area of your life

☆ Four (4) Aspects of Cleanliness that God wants You to Imbibe:

1. Spiritual Cleanliness

→ This has to do with the prospect of having eternal life and maintaining a vibrant relationship with God

→ This is the most important aspect of cleanliness; but it is also the most neglected

→ To be spiritually clean means that you never cross the line between true worship and false worship

☆ 1 Corinthians 7:14 →"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy."

☆ James 1:27 →"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

→ You must ensure that what you allow into your life (through sight, sound and thought) is glorifying to God

☆ Jeremiah 32: 35 →"And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin."

→You must avoid involving yourself in any form of untrue worship to God

★ Mathew 23:25 →"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."

→ NOTE: The less time you take in cleaning your inside, the less your glory on the outside will be evident

2. Moral Cleanliness

→ This involves keeping your mind & your heart clean before God

★ Ephesians 4:17-19

→ (the world is alienated from God, because of the prevalence of immorality)

→ when you constantly reflect on bad/unclean things, it eventually becomes your reality

→ Most nagative physical acts begin with bad or unclean thoughts

→ Sin is generally defined as the violation of God's moral standards

→ Anytime you constantly think about a particular sin & meditate upon it, it will surely manifest as a reality in your life

→ What you see, read or hear affects your mind directly or indirectly

→ Christians must always be on guard against any form of moral uncleanliness

☆ On the issue of Dressing:

→ when your 'inside' is clean, you will not need anybody to tell you to dress decently

→ Indecent dressing is a sign of inner uncleanliness. It also has the capacity to project unclean thoughts in others and causing them to lust

☆ NOTE:

→ People are observing you!

→ You are a model to someone. You might encourage somebody to either go to heaven or hell

3. Mental Cleanliness

→ The secret recesses of your mind must not be a repository of negative thoughts

★ Mathew 5:28 →"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

→ Addiction to pornographic films and pictures or suggestive lyrics of songs polutes your mind

→ The type of music you play in your car, house or place of business reflects who you really are (either as a godly or carnally minded person)

→ People take their car to the car wash because they want people to feel comfortable when they enter into it.

* Question: Will people be comfortable when they come in contact with the contents of your heart & mind?

4. Physical Cleanlines

→NOTE: Spiritual and physical cleanliness go hand in hand

★ 2 Corinthians 7:1 →"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

* Physical cleanliness dictates keeping your surrounding clean and avoiding anything that defiles your body such as tobacco, alchohol, drugs etc.

* You must always surmon the courage to help others around you who are dirty by telling them the truth in love

* Cleanliness is next to godliness

* The hallmark of true Christianity is physical cleanliness and decency

★ Causes of Spiritual Uncleanliness

1. Evil thoughts

→ when a unclean mind conjures up evil thoughts, the evil mind has no choice but to it out Carry

2. Pride

3. Foolishness

4. Sexual Immorality (in all its ramifications)

5. etc

☆ Meditating upon God's word and frequent meeting with other believers can help you live a spiritually clean life

* Cultivating a clean life is an indication that you trust in the unfailing promises of God

★ Jeremiah 17:9 →" The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

→ Only God can dean up the heart of any man

★ 1 Samuel 16:7 →"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

* You must pay close attention to the state of both your physical and spiritual cleanliness at all times

* NOTE: Maintaining cleanliness is a choice that you have to consciously make today

→ Choose Jesus today as your Lord and Savior

☆ MISSION CHARGE

"I have learned to use the word 'impossible' with the greatest caution . . . if one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, One will meet with success unexpected in common hours."

→ Henry David Thoreau

☆ QUOTE

"I will! I am! I can! I will actualize my dream. I will press ahead. I will settle down and see it through. I will solve the problems. I will pay the price. I will never walk away from my dream until I see my dream walk away; Alert! Alive! and Acheived!"

→ Robert H. Schuller

Fight the good Fight of Faith) (10) (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 01-12-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ NDIC/DMO Chapel,

Central Business District,

Garki - Abuja

1st December, 2015

Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

Topic: Prevailing by faith (Fight the good Fight of Faith) (10)

Text: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 → "I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The victor’s crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing."

* Faith is the only means, method or strategy by which we become victorious in life

★ Why must I fight this good fight of faith?

1. It is a fight appointed, commissioned and commanded by God

☆ Job 23:12 → "I haven’t wandered away from the commands that he has spoken; I’ve treasured what he has said more than my own meals.”

* You have no authority to deviate from the command of God

2. It is one fight

→ There are two classes of fight: the good and the bad fight

→ Now is the only chance we have to fight the good fight; You have only one life to live

→ After this life, you have no other opportunity

☆ John 9:4 →" I must do the work of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is approaching, when no one can work."

3. It is One faith

☆ Ephesians 4:4-6 →"There is one body and one Spirit. Likewise, you were called to the one hope of your calling. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in all."

* John 8:56 →"Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."

* We have been entrusted with the Same faith that the Patriarchs upheld and were commended for

☆ Genesis 14:18-20 (Abraham saw a preview of the glory of Jesus)

→ NOTE: The "King of Salem" was actually Jesus!

☆ Hebrews 11:7 →"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, reverently prepared an ark to save his family, and by faith he condemned the world and inherited the righteousness that comes by faith."

4. That is the only way we Can take hold of the eternal life

☆ 2 Timothy 4:7-8

→ Many people, without fighting the good fight of faith entertain the hopes of securing eternal life. This is not possible! 

→ Notice the certainty by which the Apostle spoke

→ We all do not start the race at the same time. But how you start, how you run it, and how you complete it matters

* Satan has no right to deprive any man of eternal life. 

→ This is entirely your choice

Fight the good Fight of Faith (9) (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 30-11-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ NDIC/DMO Chapel,

Central Business District,

Garki - Abuja

30th November, 2015

Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

Topic: Prevailing by faith (Fight the good Fight of Faith) (9)

Text: 1 Timothy 6:11-12 →"But you, man of God, must flee from all these things. Instead, you must pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith. Keep holding on to eternal life, to which you were called and about which you gave a good testimony in front of many witnesses."

* NOTE: Our fight is against:

1. Sin its all its ramifications

2. Satan in all his manifestations

3. World systems

☆ Why Should we fight the good fight of faith?

1. Because it is the Good fight

→ It is a command, not a suggestion

→ It is appointed and recommended by God

2. Because it is one fight. It is fought only once

→ You have only one opportunity to fight it

→ You have only one life to live

3. Because it is one Faith

★ Ephesians 4:4 -6 →"There is one body and one Spirit. Likewise, you were called to the one hope of your calling. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in all.

→ It is the same faith that Abraham upheld that we are called to contend for

★ Genesis 15:6 →"Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness."

★ Hebrews 11:1-2 →"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval."

* We have the same faith with the Ancients (Patriachs) such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob  

* Question: What will you be commended for?

★ Hebrews 11:29 →"By faith they went through the Red Sea as if it were dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do this, they were drowned."

* This is the same faith that many people of old trusted it and got deliverances, healings, victories, miracles, breakthroughs

* You can only overcome the challenges of life only through faith in God and nothing else

* When you stand before God, you will not be asked about your material posessions, but your quality of faith in Christ  

4. Because that is the only way you can lay hold of eternal life

★ Hebrews 6:12 →"Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are inheriting the promises through faith and patience.''

★ Jude 3 →"Dear friends, although I was eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write to you and urge you to continue your vigorous defense of the faith that was passed down to the saints once and for all."

★ 1st Timothy 6:12 →"Fight the good fight for the faith. Keep holding on to eternal life, to which you were called and about which you gave a good testimony in front of many witnesses."

★ Revelations 3:11 →''I am coming soon! Hold on to what you have so that no one takes your victor’s crown."

* You are expected to fight to finish so that when you stand before God, you will be commended

Evangelistic Mindset (Rev. J. E. Dakom) 29-11-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

CC Nyanya, LCC Nyanya, RCC Karu,

Abuja - Nigeria

29th November, 2015

Annual Thanksgiving for 

Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA)

Rev. J. E. Dakom

☆ SERMON

* Speaker: Rev. J. E. Dakom

* Topic: Evangelistic Mindset

* Theme: Growing up in Christ

* Sub-Theme: Benefits of Growing in Christ

* Service Leader: Mr. Walbe

* Text: 2 Kings 7:9 →"But then they told each other, “We’re not doing the right thing. This is a day of good news, but if we keep quiet until morning, we’re sure to be punished! So let’s leave and go tell the king’s household!”

★ Luke 13:5-9

* Illustration: Story of a woman who died saving a child that is not her's from a river. 

* The risks of engaging in evangelism: 

→ Time

→ Death 

→ Opposition 

→ Finances

* We serve a God that is an Evangelistic being

* Genesis 2:25 →"Even though both the man and his wife were naked, they were not ashamed about it."

→ God's glory was the covering of both the man and the woman

* Genesis 3:6-11 (The fall of man)

→ Sin separated man from God

* NOTE: Nothing you do can cover the shame of sin

* Sin is dangerous: 

→ It destroys man's relationship with God

→ It removes God's cover over the life of a man

★ Genesis 3:21 →"The LORD God fashioned garments from animal skins for Adam and his wife, and clothed them."

* No matter how expensive your physical clothes are, they cannot cover the shame of sin

* When God covers your sin, He does it permanently and gloriously

* Your shame cannot be covered by your material possessions, your secular or religious position

★ Genesis 6:1 →"When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them" 

* Man cannot save himself. Only God can do that

* God is a God of mission

→ He came seeking man even though they hare rejected him and turned their backs against Him

★ Romans 13:14 → "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

* Today, Jesus takes the place of the garment that God used to cover the shame of Adam and Eve

★ Romans 3:23, 26

* Romans 8:1 →  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"

* Only Christ can give you rest

* If you are not connected to Jesus, you are living in shame, regardless of your political, social, academic or religious position

* Romans 1:16 →  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."

* The power of God that can bring true change is found in the Gospel of Christ

* Only those who evangelize will find rest at the feet of the Lord

→ they will shine as stars (Daniel 12:3)

* We cannot bring change through our human wisdom or carnal weapons, but only through the Gospel of Christ

* Jesus gave himself up for the Gospel of Salvation

* It is Jesus that gives true transformation and change

★ John 8:11 →"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you,"Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

* The center of the Gospel is the Cross of Christ

→ If the cross is removed from the Gospel, it becomes useless

* Sinners must find grace in the Gospel that we preach

→ We must not scare people away

* The Gospel is a good news and it must remain so towards Sinners.

→ It is not a message of judgement and condemnation

★ Luke 5:31 → "Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." 

★ Luke 15:7 → "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

★  John 21:15-17

* How much does it cost you to bring a lost soul to Jesus?

→ It can cost you your life! 

* Every day you have a task to preach the Gospel to everyone around you

* If you refuse to evangelize, punishment will come on you

* Question: What is making you feel ashamed of the Gospel of Christ?

→ Jesus can transform your life

→ Jesus can never refuse to accept you

* Question: Are you mission minded in everything you do?

★ 2 Timothy 4:2 → "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction."

A Cross-Section of GOSA Abuja Branch Members singing the GOSA Anthem 

Joint Heirs to the Kingdom of God (Dr. Patrick Dakum) 26-11-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

Christian Couples Fellowship (CCF),

End of Year Combined Fellowship,

Abuja Zone,

@ Mungo-Park Garden, off Gimbiya Crescent, Area 11,

FCT - Abuja, Nigeria

26th November, 2015

☆ EXHORTATION

* Speaker: Dr. Patrick Dakum

* Topic: Joint Heirs to the Kingdom of God

* Text: 1 Peter 3:1-7

* NOTE: Yourself and your wife are joint heirs of the Kingdom of God

* This means that you both have a responsibility to uphold each other spiritually

 

* You would not be happy if you see your spouse in hell

* The problem that couples face is a global one

* At the point you become married, you have become one

→ NOTE: Becoming one is a process because marriage involves two different people that must adjust to each other

* If you have to properly adjust to each other, you must be able to understand each other, complement each other and uphold each other

* A man must take his place and discharge responsibility as the Priest & provider of the home

* A wife must comport herself in such a manner that her life is attractive to God

* Wives: learn to trust God for the change that you want to see in your husband

→ Place emphasis on developing inner beauty

* Wives: If you want your husband to treat as a queen, you must treat Him as a King

→ You must not disrespect Him [Esther 1:9-18]

* Husbands: You must treat your wife with consideration

* Violence against women is one of the worse things that a man can ever do!

→ A Christian man must never disrespect a woman by beating and oppressing her

* NOTE: Your wife is not your servant or your cook.

→ She is your partner and a helpmate

* You must not use your wife in a harsh way, but you must help her and treat her with

★ Joel 2:28 → "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."

→ The same spirit that is in you is the same spirit that your wife has

★ Assignment: Evaluate your family:

1. How has this year being?

2. Have we been able to achieve our goals for this year?

3. What are the goals we want to achieve next year?

4. What are your spiritual plans for the family?

5. Do you have any plans for academic advancement?

→ Do not go into the next year accidentally without a plan.

* NOTE: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

Fight the good Fight of Faith (Pastor 'Lola Owotumi) 25-11-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ NDIC/DMO Chapel,

Central Business District,

Garki - Abuja

25th November, 2015

LEADER'S PRAYER MEETING

Speaker: Pastor 'Lola Owotumi

Topic: Prevailing by faith (Fight the good Fight of Faith)

Text: 1 Timothy 6:11-12 →"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."

★ Proverbs 24:6 →"For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety."

* You need counsel from the word of God in order to fight the good fight of faith

* Comfort, guidance and healing comes from God's word

★ Proverbs 24:10 →"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small."

* You must never lose sight of why you are fighting

* Lord, grant me intimate Knowledge of your counsel

Fight the good Fight of Faith (9) (Pastor 'Lola Owotumi) 25-11-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ NDIC/DMO Chapel,

Central Business District,

Garki - Abuja

25th November, 2015

Speaker: Pastor 'Lola Owotumi

Topic: Prevailing by faith (Fight the good Fight of Faith) (9)

Text: 1 Timothy 1:13 →"I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession" .[KJV]

* As a Christian, whether you realise it or not, you are faced with a battle

* What is your confession?

→ I am a casualty?

→ I am a victor?

* We are fighting against:

1. Self

2. Sin

3. Satan

* You must arm yourself with the confession of life → that the Lord is good

★ Nahum 1:7 →"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." [KJV]

* If you must be victorious in the battle of faith, you must realize that the Lord is good

* On your own you have no power over self, sin or Satan

★ 1st Corinthians 9:25-26 →"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air." [KJV]

* You must be temperate in all things

* Must be certain in the victory you want to win

* If you can win the battle over self, you can win other battles presented before you

* You must be determined to keep self under control and subjection

* Sometimes if you are fighting the good fight of faith, we will be wounded but there is healing & comfort in our God!

☆ 2 Corinthians 7:4-6→ "My boldness of speech [is] great toward you; my glorying on your behalf [is] much. I have been filled with comfort, I am overflowing with joy on all our trouble. 5  For, indeed, coming into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but being troubled in every way, [with] fightings [on the] outside, and fears [on the] inside. 6  But He who comforts the lowly comforted us by the coming of Titus." [MKJV] 

Giving is an Result of Grace (Rev. Markus M. Musa) 22-11-2015

★ 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

Fight the good Fight (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 18-11-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ NDIC/DMO Chapel,
Central Business District,
Garki - Abuja
18th November, 2015

Leader's Prayer Meeting

Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu
Topic: Prevailing by faith (Fight the good Fight) 

Text: 1 Timothy 1:18 -19→"Timothy, my child, I am instructing you in keeping with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may continue to fight the good fight with faith and a good conscience. By ignoring their consciences, some people have destroyed their faith like a wrecked ship."

* Faith in God is very important for all of human endeavour

* Galatians 5:6 →"for in union with the Messiah Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters. What matters is faith expressed through love." (ISV)

* The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love

* As a child of God,  you are expected to pursue faith.
→ Do not keep your eyes on people
→ People will fail you

* Those who walk by faith in life experience an unexplainable joy

* Fixing your eyes on people will not promote the fight of faith

* You must have desires that:
→ promote the Kingdom of God
→ have eternal value

* Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6)

* Matthew 6:33 →"But first be concerned about God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all of these things will be provided for you as well."

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

Be strong in the Lord (Rev. Christopher Nosike) 08-10-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

Funeral of Late Alfred Mwantok

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

LCC Duhur, Kombun,

Mangu Local Government Council,

Plateau State,

8th October, 2015

Rev. Christopher Nosike

SERMON

* Speaker: Rev. Christopher Nosike (of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, (AVMCC))

* Topic: Be strong in the Lord

* Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

★ John 14:6 →"Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

* The world would want to show you 'ways' and not 'way'

* NOTE: If you are in Christ, there is only one way!

★ Luke 16:19-31

* You must always live with the consciousness that hell is real, and Heaven is real

* Question: Are you taking care of your 'Lazarus'?

→ They are needy people around you and you have responsibilities toward them

* Your life must be lived in a way that you impact others

* You might live a good life, but if you are not making a positive impact in the lives of those around you, then you are not living optimally to God's glory

★ Proverbs 28:27 →"Whoever gives to the poor will never lack, but whoever shuts his eyes to their poverty will be cursed."

* If you are not giving to the poor, you are living under a curse

★ Isaiah 38:3 →"Please, LORD,” he said, “Remember how I have walked before you faithfully and with a true heart, and I have done what pleases you.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly."

→ NOTE: If you are a good child of God, you can challenge Him and hold Him to His Words

* You cannot live in disobedience and still claim the benefit of His promises

* When you live by faith in God you will receive answers to prayers

★ 2 Corinthians 5:17 →"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

★ Galatians 2:20 →"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

* You have been sent to the world to represent Christ & make disciples for Him

* Question: Are you truly a disciple of Christ?

→ If you are not a disciple of Christ and you attempt to handle God's Word, Satan and His agents will disgrace you

* Acts 19:14-16

★ Question:

→ who are you in Christ?

→ are you a child of God?

→ are you taking care of your Lazarus?

★ Revelation 22:12 →"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

* You must be ready for your day of death. It may come suddenly and without warning

* You must utilize every opportunity to live a life that is God-honoring

* Christ has assured us that He is coming very soon

* lf there is anything you can do for Christ, do it while you have the chance

★ Revelations 3:20 →"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

* Ensure that you live a Holy life and that you are a person of integrity

★ Call to action: Give your life to Christ today. Tomorrow might be too late

★ Ecclesiastes 12:13 →'' Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

A cross-section of sympatizers at the funeral service

Late Mr. Alfred Mwantok

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