Easter/Praise Sunday (Pastor Victor Amos) 05-04-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

Area 1, Garki - Abuja

5th April, 2015

SERMON

* Speaker: Pastor Victor Amos

* Topic: Easter/Praise Sunday

* Theme: Growing up in Christ

* Sub-Theme: Intentional Growth

* Service Leader: Mr. Igwe Augustine

* Text: John 20:1-23



Pastor Victor Amos

* Many people depend on their intellectual prowess to understand the Bible, but it keeps eluding them

* They do not realize that the understanding of God's Word comes through the power of the Holy Spirit

* If you want to properly understand any book, you need to consult the author of that book

→ Through prayer, you can 'consult' God to give you divine insight into His Word

* You have to depend solidly on the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible

* Many people have tried to use their own understanding to interpret the Bible, and in the process, they have misinterpreted many portions it

* To the Romans & the Jews, in Jesus' time, there was no supernatural power behind the resurrection

→ But to us as Christians, we know that it was the power of God that raised Him up from death

* The mystery of the resurrection of Jesus can only be revealed to us through the Holy Spirit

* Easter, is a period of pertinence & reflection and not of aimless celebrations

* There is a lot of doubt about the authenticity of the resurrection of Jesus

→ The carnal mind cannot understand it, because the impossibilities are just too much!

* Only God can do what Jesus experienced

(See: Luke 1:27 → For with God nothing will be impossible.)

* You need to be able to be personally convinced (about the truth of God's Word) so that you can be able to stand by yourself

→ Study God's word for yourself

→ Have a personal relationship with Jesus

* The earthy ministry of Jesus is replete with many convincing miracles

★ John 21:3-4

* Even when you detach yourself from God, He is still thinking about you and reaching out to you

* If you doubt the resurrection of Jesus, then:

→ You cannot defend it

→ You cannot believe in your own resurrection

→ You doubt the essence of your faith as a Christian

→ You constitute a hindrance to the growth of the Gospel of Christ

* The Significance of Jesus' Resurrection:

1. It is a fulfilment of the Scriptural prophesies

→ It shows that His word is true and dependable; you can take Him by His Word

2. The resurrection of Jesus validated all that was said about you, about the Church, about God and Himself

3. Because of His resurrection, you can be certain of your own resurrection

→ Many people today are tormented by the fear of death

→ Jesus' resurrection gives us hope of eternal life

4. The resurrection of Jesus is our message to the dying world

→ without it, the gospel message is not complete

5. His resurrection empowers you to face spiritual battles that abound around you

→ It is the evidence of victory over Satan and all the forces of darkness

(See: Colossians 2:12-15)

* Everything that God gives you is for you to serve Him

* How many times have you lost Jesus? (like Mary in John 20:13)

→ Are you looking for Him?

★ In John 20:19, when Jesus appeared to the disciples, he declared: "peace be with You"

→ This is what Jesus declared and He is still declaring peace concerning you

→ In your turbulent moments, believe Jesus' peace is available for you

→ Your situation may be difficult, but not impossible for God to intervene

* You must avoid doing God's work with your own strength

* The victory of Jesus on the cross was not just for Him, but also for you!

* Do not isolate yourself from the Church of God & from fellowshipping with other believers

→ Isolation opens you up and makes you susceptible to defeat by Satan

* Who are the people sent by God to help you?

→ Do not look down on them

* Jesus is ready to forgive you all your sins if only you will confess and forsake them

(See: 1 John 1:9)

* If you continue living in your sins, it means that you do not appreciate Jesus' sacrifice and you are still nailing him to the cross all over again

* Where is Christ Jesus in your life?

→ Is He on the cross or in your heart?

* He cannot be in the two places at the same time - He is either living and reigning in your heart, or to you, He is still dead on the cross

PASTOR'S CORNER

Do you really think you know how much it cost to see your sins nailed to the cross? There are two things about our Lord Jesus that I do not completely comprehend yet, and I daily seek Him for a better illumination. The questions are, why would Jesus die such a terrible and painful death for my sins and how can anyone who hears this glorious message still reject the saviour? Frankly speaking, these questions still mystify my very soul. The cross of Christ is the heart of the gospel message, "Jesus' life was His message to the whole world and He made it so inspiring." What is the significance of the cross of Christ to you? What would have been the story of your life by now if Christ had not resurrected? All hope of eternity would have been gone and Satan would have rejoiced over our lost souls.

But praise be to the risen Lord who promised life and eternity and He resurrected to give life and eternity. He is a trustworthy King and a Saviour worth having. The Lord has risen, be joyful, the Lord has risen, be hopeful, the Lord has risen, proclaim His Holy name, victory to the dying world - HAPPY EASTER

MISSION CHARGE

"I bring you message of HOPE in our RISEN LORD JESUS. Let this be HIS encouragement to you in this glorious Easter period. He says all that which I said about you, I will certainly do. I have crushed the world with its principalities and power with my blood, I have defeated death with its sting on your behalf, I have established you in my authority and victory by my Word, I have risen to grant you a divine and purposeful living and I have risen to beautify your life. "I 'am the Lord, and I have spoken."

→ Pastor Victor T. Amos

QUOTE

"Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting . . . Your life is your message to the world, make it inspiring."

→ Lorrin L. Lee

☆ Picture Credit: Mr. Gideon Ishaku Bewas

It is Finished (Rev. David Kwamkur) 03-04-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

Area 1, Garki - Abuja, Nigeria

Easter Friday

3rd April, 2015

SERMON

* Speaker: Rev. David Kwamkur

* Topic: It is Finished

* Text: John 19:28-30

* Question: Why do people die?

→ You must know why people are born

→ The same reason why people die is the reason why they live

→ Every person is born with a specific purpose

* As believers in Christ, we must realize that we are merely ambassadors on this earth. At the end of our 'Diplomatic Mission', we will return back to Heaven, our home country

* On earth, people who have material possessions made of gold always brag about it, but in heaven, gold is trampled underfoot on the streets (Revelation 21:21)

* Note: Heaven is far better than even the most beautiful part of the earth!

* Why does God not rapture a person the moment he or she becomes born again?

* The same reason why Jesus came to the earth is the same reason why God leaves believers to walk and work on the earth!

* Question: Was Jesus happy knowing that He Was about to face a terrible death?

→ Ordinarily, people fear the prospect of dying and dread it with all their heart

* Jesus' death was a death with a difference!

→ Yes, Jesus was happy to die for your sins because that is the will of His Father

* Question: is Jesus still happy that he died?

→ By continuing to live in sin, you show that you do not appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, and this displeases him

* Jesus prayed for (and still desires) the unity of the Church

→ John 17:11

* If a person dies, he or she is eulogised on a tombstone, remembering what the person lived for

→ If you die today, what do you want to be remembered for?

★ 2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith."

* Before the Lord returns, the gospel must be preached to the whole world

(Matthew 24:14)

* The 2nd coming of Jesus is dependent on the work and efforts of believers (reaching the unreached and those in darkness)

* Just like a good father would not want anything bad to happen to his children, Jesus preferred to die in the place of his children, the believers

* John 10:10b → Jesus came to give us abundant life

* The purpose of Jesus' coming is to bring salvation

→ He knew the will of God for His life and He was determined to fulfil it

* though It was not easy to fulfil God's will, yet Jesus obeyed and endured till the very end, even to death

* The miracle in the death of Christ is more spectacular than his resurrection

☆ The Significance of the death of Jesus:

1. It marks the end of the era of agony and ushers us into the period of triumphant victory

2. It marks the end of bondage from sin

3. It marks the end of the era of fear, and ushers in the era of peace and victory

4. It marks the end of the era of Law and the beginning of the era of grace

* The purpose of Jesus' coming is to bring salvation to mankind

* Jesus left us on earth to:

1. Preach the Gospel of Salvation

→ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 →"But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation."

2. To be a blessing to others

3. To bring rebels back to Christ

→ Anyone who does not accept Christ is a rebel

* The work of spreading the gospel is not only for Pastors but it is the duty of every believer

* If you cannot go (out to preach the gospel), then, send someone

* life is very short. Stop waiting and start doing something (about what God has called you to do)

* Death is sure, either you die, or the person you were sent to dies

* You should have an urgent disposition towards preaching the gospel

* There are many people who are ready to hear the Good news

* Do not be discouraged by those who do not accept the gospel

* Remember as you preach, that you are not responsible for ensuring that people repent and turn to Christ. Your duty is just to TELL them the good news; the Holy Spirit will do the rest

QUOTE

* "The value of your life does not depend on the money in your bank account or the degrees you have, but on the relationship you have with Jesus Christ"

→ Rev. David Kwamkur

Testimony & Thanksgiving Service (Pastor J. K. Abiodun) 02-04-2015

MY SERMON NOTES

NDIC/DMO Chapel,

Central Business District,

Garki, Abuja - Nigeria  

2nd April, 2015

* Speaker: Pastor J. K. Abiodun

* Testimony & Thanksgiving Service

 

* Text: Luke 1:46-49 →" Then Mary said, “My soul praises the greatness of the Lord! My spirit exults in God, my Saviour, because he has looked favourably on his humble servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed, because the Almighty has done great things for me.

His name is holy."

* God decided to use a 'nobody' for His glory & she testified to the glory of Lord

* "When you are believing the Lord, hold onto Him without exception."
- Mr. Johnson Amadi

* Those who know how to think, will know how to thank

★ Song:
My Soul doth magnify the Lord,
My Spirit praise your name
For death could not hold Him captive,
Even in the grave, Jesus is Lord,
Even in the grave, Jesus is Lord!

Jesus the Joy-Giver (Pastor John Kayode Abiodun) 01-04-2015

NDlC/DMO Fellowship

Central Business District,

Abuja - Nigeria

1st April, 2015

SERMON

* Speaker: Pastor John Kayode Abiodun

* Topic: Jesus the Joy Giver

 

* Text: Psalm 16:11 - "You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for ever more." (American King James Version)

* With Jesus in your life, joy is sure

* Joy is the opposite of sorrow

* Joy gives strength

* Joy is essential to the life of a believer

* Satan is the author of sorrow and is in fact interested in our sorrowing

* God can intervene and bring you joy.

* Examples of Manifestation of Joy

1. When God meets and surpasses your expectation

2. When God makes a way where there is no way by making the impossible to become possible

3. When the irreversible becomes reversible

★ John 11:43-44

4. When God decides to visit you

★ Luke 19:1-10 (Jesus pays Zaccheus a visit)

★ Genesis 18:1-15 (Angels visit to Abram and Sarah, and their story of childlessness changed)

* God is the only one that gives joy not like the world gives

→ The world at best, can give happiness which is temporal

→ Happiness and joy look alike,

* Conditions for Getting Joy

1. Salvation

→ Genuine joy comes through having a relationship with God

★ Luke 1:13-14

★ Luke 2:10

→ The most noticeable thing When you receive Christ is a fullness of joy and peace in your heart

 

* Without Christ, there will be crises in your life

 

* Rejecting Jesus is like rejecting life and joy (Psalm 16:11)

★ Isaiah 31:1

★ Isaiah 30:1

 

→ Note: Jesus has no substitute - it is either you have Him or not

 

* Without Christ, there will be confusion, but with Him, everything will be alright

# Prayer:

"Let there be More of Jesus in my life"

Jesus the Joy Giver (Pastor John Kayode Abiodun) 30-03-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES
NDIC/DMO Chapel

Central Business District,

Garki, Abuja - Nigeria

30th November, 2015

* Speaker: Pastor John Kayode Abiodun

* Topic: Jesus the Joy Giver

* Psalm 16:11 →"You cause me to know the path of life; in your presence is joyful abundance, at your right hand there are pleasures forever."

 

* When you have Jesus, you have everything

* Many people confuse joy and happiness

→ happiness is transient and temporary  

→ joy comes from within & only God can give it to a man

* Joy is the first noticeable sign you see when a man encounters the salvation that Jesus gives

* Luke 19:9-10

* Matthew 2:10 →"When they saw the star, they were ecstatic with joy."

* Wherever there is joy, you find God

→ When you experience sorrow, just bring God into the situation and joy will show-up  

* Acts 2:25-28

* With Jesus in your heart, joy will never cease from your life!

* 1John 1:1-4

* The completion of joy is found in Jesus

* John 16:24 →"So far you haven’t asked for anything in my name. Keep asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”

* Nehemiah 8:10 → "He also told them, “Go eat the best food, drink the best wine, and give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don’t be sorrowful, because the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

 

→ Even where there are challenges, joy will give strength

* Joel 1:12 → "The grapevine is shrivelled and the fig tree is withered, along with the pomegranate tree, the palm tree, the apple tree and all of the cultivated trees. Truly, joy has evaporated from Adam’s children.”

* When there is no joy, harvest disappears

* NOTE: God's desire is to give you joy to the full

Make Every Effort (Rev. Chrysanthus John Bala) 29-03-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

Area 1, Garki -Abuja

29th March, 2015

SERMON

* Speaker: Rev. Chrysanthus Bala John

* Topic: Make Every Effort

* Theme: Growing in Christ

* Sub-Theme: Intentional Growth

* Service Leader: Rev. David Kwamkur

* Text: 2 Peter 1:5-8

 




Rev. Chrysanthus John Bala

 

* You have something to do (for Christ), but you have to strive to get it done

* 2 Peter 3:1 → This 2nd Epistle was written by Peter because He knew his time was short; the Church of Christ was facing persecution; false teaching was prevalent; believers were falling away from the true faith

→ He was encouraging them to not only remain steadfast in their faith, but to add certain godly virtues to it (that is, their faith)

* Laziness should never be part of God's children

→ Our God is not a lazy God.

* The 7 (seven) virtues that must be ADDED to your faith as a believer in Christ to enable you become effective and productive include: 
 

1. Goodness

→ The quality that makes a person friendly to all people

→ A believer is supposed to be amiable and accommodating. You must not be an irritable person

2. Knowledge

→ Enables you to decide between right and wrong

→ Having a solid knowledge of God's word delivers from the scourge of false teachings and heresies that are prevalent

3. Self-control

→ This is not only the ability to bring your emotions and instincts under subjection, but it entails a total submission to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in you

→ When a man submits to the Spirit of God, he is divinely empowered to become what God wants him to be

4. Perseverance

→ This is regarded as the queen of all the other virtues

→ It is patience mixed with courage

→ Without the virtue of perseverance, a believer can easily give up in the face of the slightest challenge to his faith

5. Godliness

→ This entails words and actions of piety towards God and love towards others

★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."

6. Brotherly kindness

→ This entails an undiluted love for the brethren

→ When we genuinely love each other, the world will be convinced that we are disciples of Christ

★ John 13:35 →"This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

7. Love

→ God's unconditional love is seen clearly in Jesus (John 3:16)

→ As a believer, you must show love to everyone, including those who hate you

★ 1st John 3:16 →"This is how we have come to know love: the Messiah gave his life for us. We, too, ought to give our lives for our brothers."

* The 7 virtues listed above must be seen in the life of EVERY child of God who desires to be effective and productive for Christ

★ Titus 3:8 →"This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have put their faith in God may devote themselves to good actions. These things are good and helpful to other people."

* The Christian life is a 'working' life

→ to be successful in your Christian walk, you must work hard and be focussed

* Faith alone is not sufficient to make you effective and productive as a Child of God

★ James 2:17 → "In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead."

★ 2 Peter 1:8:

→ As a believer, you are required to imbibe these virtues in your life by making all necessary effort, through discipline & hard work as you trust in God to help you become like Christ

★ 2 Peter 1:9:

→ If you don't have these 7 virtues, it means you are short-sighted & blind

→ The blindness here refers to spiritual blindness

* The knowledge of Jesus Christ will not be barren in your heart if the 7 virtues abound in you & you will continue to grow in him and become efficient and productive in His Service

Testimony Service (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 26-03-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES
NDIC/DMO Chapel

Central Business District,

Garki, Abuja - Nigeria

 

26th March, 2015

 

* Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

* Testimony Service

* Mark 5:18-20

* Jesus charged the man delivered of demons to go into town and testify of what the Lord had done for him.
→ You are expected to do the same.  

* Unlike other physicians who would charge fees for their services, Jesus' miracles are free of charge!

* 1 Chronicles 29:11→ "To you, LORD, belongs the greatness, and the valour, and the splendour, and the endurance, and the majesty because all that is in heaven and on earth is yours. To you belongs the kingdom, LORD, and you are exalted as head over all."

* "The greatest honour any man can get is the honour that comes from God"

→ Mr. Demola (DMO)

God with us (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 25-03-2015

NDIC/DMO Chapel

Central Business District,

Abuja

25th March, 2015

* Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

* Topic: God with us

* Text: Luke 19:1-5

* Zaccheus found himself on top of a tree in his quest to see Jesus

* Jesus should be the only person people should always strive to see - not any celebrity or politician  

* NOTE: Jesus looked up an saw Zaccheus, in spite of the crowd and He identified him by name!

* How did Jesus know the name of Zaccheus?

* Jeremiah 1:4-5

* John 1:42 

* John 1:48

* Isaiah 43:1-3

* 2 Timothy 2:19

* God knew you before you were born

* NOTE: While Jesus was waiting for Zaccheus to climb down from tree, he stood still

→ Jesus will 'suspend everything' just to attend to you!

→ Jesus is never too busy for you

* Zaccheus came to just catch a glimpse of Jesus, but he got more than he expected - Jesus called him by name and went to his house

* Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us"

 

→ Jesus is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, much more than you can ever ask or imagine

* Remain faithful and steadfast in serving the Lord, in due course, you will see the reward

God with us (Pastor Ambrose Nwogu) 24-03-2015

NDlC/DMO Chapel

Central Business District,

Abuja

24th March, 2015

* Speaker: Pastor Ambrose Nwogu

* Topic: God with us

* Text: Luke 19:1-5

* James 5:8 → "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."

* The time on "top of the tree" was a time of fervency, not a time of frivolity or Carelessness

* You must be careful, while on the vantage point "on top of the tree" waiting for Jesus to appear

* If a believer falls from his vantage point of faith, his condition will be worse off than when he started

* While those in the crowd were on Jesus, Jesus looked up and noticed Zaccheus

* There is no place that the eyes of the Lord cannot see

* 2 Chronicles 16:9 →"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." (NIV)

* 1 Peter 3:12 → "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (NIV)
 

* Proverbs 15:3 → "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."

* Zaccheus went out just to get a glimpse of the Master not knowing that he will be noticed that day

 

* If your heart is prepared to see Jesus, He will notice you even when people do not notice you

* Deuteronomy 4:29 → "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul."

 

* Jeremiah 29:13 → "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
 

* If you seek Him with the totality of your heart, you will definitely find Him

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

Men Growing in Christ (Evangelist Bedima Gonzwak) 22-03-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

Area 1, Garki-Abuja

→ Mens' Fellowship Day

22nd March, 2015

SERMON

* Topic: Men Growing in Christ

* Speaker: Evangelist Bedima Gonzwak

* Theme: Growing Up in Christ

* Sub-Theme: Intentional Growth

* Service Leader: Mr. Danlami Jelka

 



Evangelist Bedima Gonzwak



 ★ Text: Ephesians 5:18-20

 

* It is impossible for anyone to grow without the enablement of the Spirit of God

* You must understand the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth

* You must understand the Holy Spirit and His role the Church today

* Anyone who is drunk with wine is controlled by wine and anyone filled with the Spirit of God is controlled by the Spirit

* You cannot be controlled by the Spirit of God and be controlled by sin at the same time

* You cannot afford to allow yourself to be ruled by any ungodly influence as a believer in Jesus Christ

→ You are destined for dominion, not oppression

* There are people who are controlled by gold (money and the things money can buy) not by the Spirit of God

* NOTE: On earth, people exalt gold and place it above themselves, but in Heaven, the Streets are made of gold and are trampled underfoot

* The deliverance you need in your life is so that 'gold' will be under your feet and God will be in control of your life

* The Holy spirit has not only come to give you help in times of need, but to be in charge (to take full control) of your life

* The Church in Ephesus was one of the most powerful and efficient churches in the Testament (Acts 19).

→ They evangelized the whole of Asia for Christ and there were manifestations of the power of God. But Paul encouraged them to be filed with the Holy Spirit

★ Revelations 4:5 →"And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."

* The Seven torches/lamps of fire burning before the throne of God are the 7 (seven) dimensions of the Spirit of God

* The 7 (seven) dimensions of the Spirit of God are listed in Isaiah 11:1-2 and they include:

1. Wisdom

2. Understanding

3. Counsel

4. Might

5. Knowledge

6. The fear of the Lord

7. Judgement

* NOTE: The 24 Spiritual gifts revealed in the Scriptures can be compressed into these 7 (seven) dimensions if the Spirit of God

* NOTE: Jesus delighted in the fear of the Lord

→ But, the Nigerian Church to a large extent delights in the manifestation of power (prophesies & miracles)

* It is an abomination for us as believers to take delight in anything that Jesus is not delighted in.

* The fear of the Lord is the empowerment that will take you to heaven

* When you fear the Lord, you will not only know the Holy Spirit as a gift, but as a person!

* The usage of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to believers in Jesus Christ for the promotion of the fear of the Lord in our lives

1. Faith

2. Hope

3. Love (fear of the Lord)

★ 1 Corinthians 13:13

★ Matthew 7:21 →"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

* In the kingdom of God, there are things that are 'major' and some that are 'minor'.

→ The devil is well aware of this fact and he would prefer you to major on the minors

→ there are people that operate in spiritual gifts with great effects and impact, but are not recognized by God

* Many Christians 'major' in great spiritual gifts, but are lacking in godly character

→ God looks at your character

* The fear of the Lord will:

(a) deliver you from living in sin

(b) deliver Nigeria from corruption and other vices

(c) help you to live in obedience to God consistently

* How to know that you are filled with the Spirit of God (Ephesians 5:18)

1. You will have a 'singing heart' regardless of what you experience in life

2. You will always give thanks to God

→ Thanksgiving delivers you from grumbling

3. You will always submit to lawful authority

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

* Many Christians are not sure of making it to heaven because they have allowed sin to thrive in their lives

* As a Christian, you must be serious about dealing with the issue of sin and removing every trace of it from your life

* Don't allow sin to take you down ...

→ deal with it (before it deals with you)


★ MISSION CHARGE

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall . . . the only man who never make mistakes is the man who never does anything"

→ Anonymous

★ QUOTES

"I shall pass through this life but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness. Let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall never pass this way again"

→ Etienne de Grellet 

 

Picture credit: Mr. Gideon Bewas

 

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."