Growing in Forgiveness (Rev. Chrysantus John Bala) 20-09-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja
20th September, 2015

☆ SERMON
* Speaker: Rev. Chrysantus John Bala
* Topic: Growing in Forgiveness
* Theme: Growing up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Growing in Love
* Service Leader: Mrs. Patience Jelka
* Text: 1 Corinthians 13:5-7

* What does it mean to grow in forgiveness?
→ it is a progressive commitment to abide in the act of forgiveness & letting go of offences

*QUOTE: “The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. And the first to forget is the happiest.” > Unknown

* Verse 5: "Love does not keep record of wrongs."

* When you don't record every single wrong done by others against you, it is easy to let go

* Forgiveness is not only about others, it is about your own spiritual growth & wellbeing

* Love and forgiveness can never be separated; they work hand in hand

★ Matthew 18:21-22 →"Then Peter came up and asked him, “Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him? Seven times?” Jesus told him, “I tell you, not just seven times, but 77 times!"

* Jesus was teaching Peter that forgiveness has no limit and no specific break-point number

* For there to be harmony between you and others, you must be ready to forgive

★ John 13:1 →"Now before the Passover Festival, Jesus realized that his hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."

* Jesus is our perfect model for love-based forgiveness
→ He loved till the very end!

* Are you ready to love others to the very end?
→ If you are truly following the footsteps of Jesus, then you must be ready to accomodate wrong

* Forgiving others is a precondition for obtaining forgiveness from God

* Many marriages have crumbled due to the incidence of unforgiveness

★ Matthew 5:23-24 →" So if you are presenting your gift at the altar and remember there that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and first go and be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift."

* Acts of love and forgiveness are preferred by God above sacrifices
→ Sacrifices offered with wrath in your heart are not acceptable!

* NOTE: Jesus did not count your sins against you; why should you hold other people's wrongs against them and refuse to Iet go?

* As a believer, you must be ready to forgive those who injure you and accomodate every wrong done to you

★ MISSION CHARGE:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do. Hate cannot drive out hale; only love can do."
→ Martin Luther King Jr.

★ QUOTE:
"Nothing builds intimacy between people like words of love and appreciation . . . Love expressed draws people together."
→ Bob Gass

Growing in Patience (Mr. Simon Bunshak) 13-09-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
Area 1, Garki - Abuja
13th September, 2015

☆ SERMON
* Speaker: Elder Simon Bunshak
* Topic: Growing in Patience
* Theme: Growing up in Christ
* Sub-Theme: Growing in Love
* Service Leader: Mrs. Adeline Fompun
* Text: 1 Corinthians 13:3-5 →"Even if I give away everything that I have and sacrifice myself, but have no love, I gain nothing. Love is always patient; love is always kind; love is never envious or arrogant with pride. Nor is she conceited, and she is never rude; she never thinks just of herself or ever gets annoyed. She never is resentful."

* Patience is a virtue that is rare and difficult to possess

* Patience is something that will grow if God plants it in you

* Patience is listed first in the qualities that love can produce (that is the fruits of the Spirit)

☆ Importance of Patience:
* Patience serves as an outward proof of love
→ without love, it is virtually impossible to be patient

* Patience springs out from the abundance of the deposit of the love that is in your heart

* If you love anyone, you will be patient with that person

* When you love God, you will be patient and confident in his will and timing

★ Galatians 5:22-23

* The Bible did not tell us anywhere that patience will be easy

* Quote: "Teach us to be patient, for to wait is more difficult than to work."
→ Peter Marshal

* To carry the cross of Christ is not easy, even for matured believers

* Patience is important
→ It is an outward sign that we are living in love

* Patience is the suffering of afflictions with a kind of calm disposition or temper which bears without discontent or discouragement

* Patience is not really easy

* Every day, your patience will be tried & tested

* When you love God and those around you, you will find reasons to bear their burdens and show love

* Patience is an active endurance of opposition; not a passive resignation in the face of challenges

* If you have the Spirit of Christ in you, you will find it easy to imbibe a patient disposition

* Who initiates patience?
→ It is the virtue of God
→ God initiates it himseIf because love is his attribute

★ Exodus 34: 6-7
→ NOTE: God's love lasts a thousand generations; but His wrath is limited in scope!

★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."

→ The love of God in you will direct you to the patience of Christ

* If you love God, the the virtue of patience will flow out of your heart naturally

* Patience is aimed at transforming you from the life of sinfulness to a life of righteousness

* When you love God, you are kept away from sin

* Usually, sin is as a result of impatience

* Patience that springs forth the love of God enables you to love those around you, including your enemy!
★ Jonah 4:2 →"So he prayed to the LORD, “LORD, isn’t this what I said while I was still in my home country? That’s why I fled previously to Tarshish, because I knew you’re a compassionate God, slow to anger, overflowing with gracious love, and reluctant to send trouble."

* Love demands that you pray for your enemies and pray for those who hate you (See: Mathew 5:44)

* God's virtue of love is what makes Him to be patient with sinners even at the instance of the worst provocation!
★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of the Messiah."

* We must emulate God as the perfect example of patience and love

★ 2 Chronicles 7:14 →"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

* Jesus manifested love and patience by going to the cross

* patience demands that you remain humble, even when you have the opportunity to display your power

* Sometimes patience demands that you keep quiet in to face of extreem provocation

★ 1 Timothy 1:16 →"But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the worst sinner, the Messiah Jesus might demonstrate all of his patience as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life.''

* Jesus displayed patience by not counting our sins against us

* Regardless of the kind of life you might have lived in the past, note that God is patient with you and is ready to accept you

* Jesus was patient with his disciples (even when they displayed spiritual immaturity, lack of faith, etc.)

* Some people take pride in their ability to be impatient

* Christians must practice patience here on earth by following the example of Christ
→ There will be no opportunity in heaven to display the fruits of the spirit!

* Your level of patience shows your level of spiritual maturity

* Sometimes the manner of impatient driving on Abuja roads makes one wonder if there are any Christians in the city!

* People filled with the love and wisdom of God overlook offences and they sacrifice their comfort and rights for the benefit of others

* Colossians 3:12-14

★ Consequences of impatience:
☆ 1 Samuel 13:8-14

1. It causes you to loose the favor of God
→ when you are not patient for God's timing, you will loose your blessings
→ Saul lost his Kingdom

2. You run the risk of being disqualified, discontent and disgruntled

3. It makes us not to thank God (ingratitude)

4. It causes lawlessness

5. It makes you pessimistic about life (you see a haIf-empty cup instead of a half-filled cup)

★ How to develop the right kind of Patience:
1. You have to stay focused on your ultimate goal (that is, conforming to the image of Christ)
→ You should focus your mind on the promise of Christ's coming
(James 5:7-8)

2. You have to think before you act
→ fools rush in where angels fear to tread
☆ Proverbs 15:1-2 →"A gentle response diverts anger, but a harsh statement incites fury. The wise speak, presenting knowledge appropriately, but fools spout foolishnes."

3. You have to look for Ways to give your time and resources to others
→ NOTE: Impatience is rooted in selfishness
☆ EccIesiastes 7:8 →"The conclusion of something is better than its beginning, and a patient attitude is more valuable than a proud one.''

4. You have to work out your conflicts with others
→ Do not allow conflicts and disagreements to linger or fester for a long period of time
→ Romans 12:18 →"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people."

5. You need to walk closely with Christ and learn from His example

* when you develop the patience of Christ, nothing can make you impatient

* One clearly noticeable quality of a believer is patience!

★ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 →"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of the Messiah."

★Conclusion
* Patience will not guarantee that your challenges will go away. It only makes the act of waiting more bearable

* The blessing's of patience are not necessarily outward, but are spiritual and emotional

☆ Questions:
→ What is your position today?
→ do you still live a life of impatience?

* NOTE: Christ can help you overcome the tendency to be impatient


☆ MISSION CHARGE
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do."
→ Martin Luther King Jr.

☆ QUOTE
"Nothing builds intimacy between people like words of love and appreciation . . . Love expressed draws people together."
→ Bob Gass

★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ The Capital Assembly (TCA)
Plot 600, off Independence Avenue,
Beside Bolingo Hotel,
Central Business District,
Abuja → Nigeria
30th August, 2015

FOUNDER'S DAY CELEBRATION

SERMON
* Speaker: Pastor Femi Adun
* Topic: A Season of Increased Favour
* Text: Luke 2:52 →" Meanwhile, Jesus kept on growing wiser and more mature, and in favour with God and his fellow man."

* Everything that the Scripture reveals to you should be your eternal pursuit

* What you have in your hand determines your reach

★ Proverbs 8: (the benefits of wisdom)
→ Jesus possessed wisdom for a reason

* If Jesus had wisdom and favor (with both God and men), It means that they are critical for your existence & prosperity today

☆ Why did Jesus need to increase in favour?

★ Psalm 89:17 →"For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

* NOTE: the horn symbolises strenght and capacity
→ You need all this to be all that God says you will be

* what you will be is not determined by the economy of your nation
→ it is determined by whether or not you possess wisdom and favour

* In the battle for destiny, the enemy you need to defeat is that of false identity
→ Satan leveraged on false identity to cause the fall of Man
(See: Genesis 3:5-7)

* The greatest battle is that people face today is the battle of false identity

* Luke 4:1-13 (The temptation of Jesus)
→ Satan tried to tempt Jesus by confusing Him with a false identity
→ Today, many people (including Christians) are falling into Satan's trap because they want to attain some 'false' identity as presented by Satan

* You cannot base your value on what you are presently going through

* The prosperity of a child of God is not based on facts:
→ it is determined by the favour of God

* There is nothing like a self-made man, only "helped-made men"
→ Every man is a product of help

* NOTE: Even Jesus benefited from the favour of both God and men!

* Facts (that is, the reality of things 'on ground') only increase the possibility for miracles; but they do not determine the outcome of your life!

* Your qualification is not based on 'what is on ground, but on God's favour

* What is on ground does not matter:
→ look away from what is on ground or how long its been on ground

* Genesis 39:1-6
→ Favour can re-write your-story

* What is written becomes a fact:
→but favour can re-write it.

* The favour of God can speak on your behalf regardless of what you are experiencing

* When the favour of God locates you, it changes your story, and makes it sweet

* Exodus 3:19-21
(God's plan for restoration)
→ When you encounter favour, you will not go away empty handed

* Unfruitful toiling is not a package of the Kingdom you are a part of
→ Galatians 3:13-14 (Jesus has delivered us from every curse)

* Favour translates your toil to blessing

* When God's favour locates you, you will not need to toil fruitlessly any more

→ When Jesus steps into your boat the ushers you into favour
(see: Luke 5:1-7)

* Favour can enable you to catch what you cannot catch by yourself

* Favour can end your season of fruitless toil

* Favour will bring you into the place of divine abundance and prosperity

* The power of God can deliver you (from curses), but it is the favour of God that brings you into the wealthy place

* The favour of the Lord will help you accomplish great things

★ What happens when God shows you favour?
☆ See: Leviticus 26:9

(a) You will be fruitful
(b) You will experience multiplication

★ Exodus 34:10 →"And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee."

* God's favor makes the impossible possible

* Esther experienced all-round favour and she was promoted to the rank of Queen: (See: Esther 2:15-17)
* Among all equals, favor sets you apart
→ NOTE: Before Esther's interview, she found favor before the king's eunuch, Hegai (Esther 2:15)
→ there are people that you need to find favor before for you to move ahead

* Nehemiah's testimony→ Nehemiah 2:18 →"Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work."

☆ It is time to begin to base your expectations on the favor of God not on the facts of life

* When the hand of God comes upon you, it will cause a change of status in your life

☆ Acts 12:10 →"They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate that led into the city. It opened by itself for them, and they went outside and proceeded one block when the angel suddenly left him."
→ When you encounter the favor of God, doors will open to you of their own accord

☆ Three things you need for you to experience God's favor:

1. Obedience
→ when God gives you any instruction, do not analyze it. Just obey!
* See: Luke 5:4 →"When he had finished speaking, he told Simon, “Push out into deep water, and lower your nets for a catch.”

2. Keep seeking the favour of God
→ do not waste your the seeking the hand of man without seeking God's favor first

3. Generosity
→ Be a gift to humanity and the body of Christ
→ Go all the way for others;
→ Ensure that you spend all your calling, spend all your money, spend all your talent, without asking for anything in return
→ Use everything in you to be a blessing to those around you
→ You cannot get to where God wants to take you unless you are willing to be generous & sacrificial
→ Be generous in your worship
→ Never get to a level in life where you cannot do anything (sacrificially) for God

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

★ Words of Wisdom from Bishop Bob Alonge

* Your motives give birth to your actions

* As a Pastor, people will respond more to what you do, not what you say; because people are influenced more by your example, rather than you instructions

* Help people to know that the blessings of God upon the lives of those who love & obey Him is real

* If you want something that not everybody has, you have to do something that not everybody does

Love for God (Elder Yunana Malo) 23rd August, 2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

Area 1, Garki - Abuja, Nigeria

23rd August, 2015

Elder Yunana Malo

SERMON

* Speaker: Elder Yunana Malo

* Topic: Love for God

* Theme: Growing up in Christ

* Sub-Theme: Growing in Love

* Service Leader: Mr. Paul Domsing

★ Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-5

★ Matthew 22:34-40

★ 1 John 4:7-21

* The only debt you have, is to love

* If you know love, you know God, because love is the heart of God

* Love is powerful!

* Love has the ability to keep you alive

* What is love?

→ Love is a very strong liking or passionate affection for another person or thing;

→ Love entails: adoration, attachment, friendship, relish, tenderness and even worship

* The opposite of love include: hate, dislike, ill-feeling, etc.

☆ Questions to consider:

(a) Can you love your enemies passionately?

(b) Is it possible for a mortal man to love God?

* If you have to love God (whom you do not see), then you have to do it in the Spirit

* Abraham loved God and obeyed him even when he could not see Him physically. Many people thought he was crazy (to love and obey one he could not see)

* Noah also loved God and obeyed Him genuinely 
 (See: Genesis 6:9)

* Naturally, man is incapable of showing genuine love towards God or anyone.

→ The default tendency of men is selfishness and wickedness

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

* Every heart that does not have the love of God is wicked and is incapable of loving

* A wicked heart cannot experience God's love and enjoy His mercies

* It takes a person who has a new heart to genuinely love God & others
 

☆ Ezekiel 36:26 →"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." [KJV]

* Your heart has a door through which the 'seed' (God's Word) comes in to do the operation

→ (see: Revelation 3:20)

* You must allow God's Word to transform your mind and heart

→ Hearing the Word has to do with the issue of life itself

* NOTE: The 'seed' is very critical

→ 2 Peter 1:4 →" According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." [KJV]

* If you open your heart to God's word, (the seed) it will transform you

* NOTE: Love is God's DNA

→ That nature is given to you when the 'seed' enters your heart at conversion from darkness to light

* Every seed has the nature of the main tree from which it proceeded

☆ Question: what is the nature of Jesus?

* Galatians 5:22-23 →" But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things."

* If you have the seed of God, then you can love just as Jesus does!

* The moment your heart does not have the Spirit of God, there is no difference between you and a wild animal

* It is the Spirit of God that constrains you from manifesting animalistic tendencies

* If the 'seed' has not entered you, you cannot love anyone!

* Romans 1:18 → "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."

* There are people who cannot do anything for God because they do not love Him

→ A man in love can do anything for the one he loves!

* A person who is in love is passionate about is loved one

* One of the features of love is fellowship

→ A person in love always wants to be in the presence of the one he loves; it is not a disturbance; and it is never a burden

☆ 1st John 1:7 → ''But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

* Some people treat the things of God casually

→ This is a sign of a lack of love for Him

☆ Matthew 6:21 →"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

☆ Questions to consider:

(a) What occupies your attention?

(b) what captures your Imagination?

* When you do not genuinely love God, it is easy for you to fall prey of lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life

☆ 1 John 2:16 →"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

→ what you 'see' dominates & controls your life

* Flee all appearances evil because it destroys every trace of the love of God in your life

(1 Thessalonians 5:22)

* Romans 14:17 →"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

→ If you are in the kingdom what is required of you is righteousness, peace and joy

→ Whenever you yield to sin, your peace & joy is diminished

★ The Benefits of Loving God:

1. If you have the love of God, then the fruit of the Spirit will manifest in your life (See: Galatians 5:22-23)

2. You will be willing and obedient

→ You will hear definite instructions from God

3. If you have the love of God, you will see many opportunities to make an impact (as they present themselves in the Church, the society etc)

4. If you love God, you will not hesitate in investing in advancing God's kingdom

→ Giving for the work of God will not be a burden

5. It will be easy for you to have compassion on others

→ Do you empathize when others are in trouble?

6. It will be very easy for you to fellowship with God through his Word.

→ Acts 2:44-45

→ Philippians 3:8

☆ Questions to Consider:

* what is your treasure in life?

* what takes the most of your time?

* what is your heart like towards God?

* The love of God is the highest and The greatest love.

→ Don't miss it, don't play with it 

 

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

★ MISSION CHARGE

"Your life is your message to the world. Make it inspiring . . . I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."

→ Pythagoras

★ QUOTE

"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child."

→ Mark Twain

Raising Godly Children (Mrs. Yinka Adeboye) 16-08-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

Christian Couples Fellowship (CCF)

Couple's Annual Retreat

@ Miango Rest Home (MRH), Miango,

Plateau State, Nigeria

16th August, 2015 (Day Four)

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE/PRAYER FOR COUPLES

* Speaker: Mrs. Yinka Adeboye

* Topic: Raising Godly Children

* Text: Psalm 127:1 →"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour uselessly. Unless the LORD guards the city, its security forces keep watch uselessly."

* If you leave the aspect of the mercy of God out of your life, nothing will work.

* You can't leave God out of child upbringing

→ nothing will work regardless of the moral and academic principles that you employ outside God

* You cannot push the aspect of prayer aside when it comes to raising children.

→ You cannot raise godly children without prayer

* As you pray for your children, the power of God will transform them and they will become godly

* NOTE: This message is not only for those who have biological children:

→ God expects even mature Christian to have spiritual children (disciples)

→ If you are raising only biological children, then you are operating at less than your full God-given potential!

☆ Matthew 15:21-28

→ Note, that in the above passage, though it was the woman's daughter that was possessed, the woman asked Jesus to have mercy on her (as a parent) and she did not relent in making her request in spite of the discouragements she encountered

→ Jesus commended her faith on behalf of her daughter

* All that Jesus is looking for in a father or mother is faith, regardless of the state of their children

→ There is nothing that God's mercy and faith (in Him) cannot do

* What you say to your children is very important especially (when you are angry or disappointed with them)

→ Ensure that you speak positive words into their lives consistently

★ Proverbs 18:21 →"The power of the tongue is life and death— those who love to talk will eat what it produces."

 

⇒"Your words can kill or give life. They are either poison or life."

(the Massage translation)

* NOTE: What you say (to your children) is totally your choice & there are consequences

* Speak only positive words into the life of your children

★ SOME SCRIPTURES YOU CAN USE TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN:

☆ Luke 2:40 →"Meanwhile, the child continued to grow and to become strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor rested upon him."

☆ Luke 2:52 →"Meanwhile, Jesus kept on growing wiser and more mature, and in favor with God and his fellow man."

☆ 1 Samuel 2:26 →"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."

☆ 1 Samuel 3:19 →"And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground."

☆ Isaiah 8:18 →"Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion."

☆ Isaiah 54:13 →"And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

☆ Isaiah 11:1-2 →"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."

Journey off the Map (Vocation Bible School) (VBS) 2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

Area 1, Garki - Abuja, Nigeria

9th August, 2015

Rev. David Kwamkur 

SERMON

* Speaker: Rev. David Kwamkur

* Topic: Vocation Bible School (VBS) 2015

* VBS 2015 Theme: Journey off the Map

* Sub-theme: Growing in Love

* Service Leader: Dr. Mrs. Zipporah Kpamor

* Text: Isaiah 30:19-22

☆ Isaiah 30:21 → "And whether you turn to the right or turn to the left, your ears will hear a message behind you: “This is the way, walk in it.”

* Whether you realize it or not, life is a journey

* As Christians, we are not citizens of the world; we are only 'passing through' to Heaven, our ultimate destination

* There are many ways, but for us as Christians, there is only ONE WAY

* The most important thing (in communication) is not the "saying" aspect, but the "listening" aspect

* Many people have encountered serious problems in life because of their failure to listen properly

* Your ears are not merely for decoration

→ It was not a mistake that God created you with two ears and only one mouth!

* The act of hearing has nothing to do with the size of your ears

→ It has every thing to do with your listening ability

* To listen properly, you must be silent

* Meditating on God's Word is an excellent way to listen to what He has to say

* A guide is person that leads travelers or tourists through an unfamiliar location

→ If you know your destination, you will not need a guide

* As a traveler, you must rely on your guide and you must:

→ trust your guide

→ realize that you do not know your way

→ remember that you do not know more than your guide

☆NOTE: Jesus is our guide through our journey through the unfamiliar terrains of life

☆ Summary of the Week-Long VBS Teachings:

DAY 1 - Monday:

→ Jesus is our guide.

→ Your journey begins with Him if you accept Him as your Lord and Savior

DAY 2 - Tuesday:

→ Daniel chose to obey God no matter what

→ God wants you to follow Jesus no matter what, even when you don't understand it

DAY 3 - Wednesday:

→ Shedrack, Meshak & Abednego did not obey the King's ungodly orders

→ God wants you to obey our guide even in difficult circumstances

→ Jesus is your guide and you must trust in Him always

DAY 4 - Thursday (Stay on track):

→ This is the major problem for many Christians

→ Staying focused on the right track to the end is a personal choice

→ if you are in a race, no one will reward you if you derail from the stipulated approved tract

→ You must be consistent in your walk with God

→ Keep your focus on God no matter what happens in life

→ When you remove your eyes off Jesus, you will begin to sink

DAY 5 - Friday (Keep Watching)

→ Daniel received a vision of things to come

→ Jesus also revealed to us in His Word the things that we are to expect in the future

→ If you are not watching, you will miss out on the promises in God's Word

☆Matthew 26:41 → "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

☆ NOTE: Our journey is a part of a much bigger story. God gave Daniel a promise of things to come. God has promised to complete our journey with Him through life

* Many times, even when we are sure that Jesus is talking to us, we attempt to 'convince' Him that our own way or plan is the best

→ this is the source of our problems in life!

★ MY SERMON NOTES
@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
LCC Hwolshe Ring-Road,
Plateau State, Jos
2nd August, 2015

YOUTH WEEK & DEDICATION OF YOUTH BAND ALBUM "KURSIYIN GAFARA"

★ SERMON
* Speaker: Pastor Sunday Daleng
* Topic: Growing Like Jesus in the 21st Century
* Theme: Growing up in Christ (Ephesians 4:15)
* Service Leader: Regina John
* Text: Luke 2:52  →"Meanwhile, Jesus kept on growing wiser and more mature, and in favor with God and his fellow man."

* To understand how to grow up like Jesus, you need to carefully study His life

★ 3 Steps of How Jesus Christ Grew Up:
1. Jesus knew and embraced His ldentity
→ The understanding of your true Identity paves the way for your growth

2. Jesus had passion for the father's business
→ You must also love what He loves

3. Jesus was obedient to His parents
→ Obedience is the key to gaining God's favor

* As young Christians, we need to connect to Jesus even in the 21st Century

* NOTE: Everything Jesus went through (in His time on earth) is still beneficial to your growth as a Christian

* Question: How do we grow like Jesus in an environment that is hostile to the Gospel of Christ and sin and evil are increasing astronomically?

* Jesus went through all he went through to show us how we should grow in Him
→ Though tines have changed, the basic principles remain the same

* Today people are attempting to redefine the values & principles that Jesus lived by while here on earth in order to suit their sinful and selfish tendencies

* Prevailing issues in the world today:
→ Growing acceptance for homosexuality and other peversions
→ Compromising Christians in the business place
→ Rising state of evil & wickedness
→ Everything in the economy seems to be crumbling
→ Unfaithfulness in marriages
→ The school systems (academic) do not recognize hard work
→ Domestic violence & oppression of women
→ Rising cases of divorce
→ etc

* NOTE: Most of the above listed issues also existed in Jesus' time

★ How Jesus dealt with the issues of His time:
1. You can keep growing like Jesus if you are focused on Him
☆ Matthew 22:15-22
→ There are people that are seeking to get you entangled & twisted and will try to place you in difficult circumstances
→ What do you do if you find yourself in tight situations that are complicated and inescapable?

* NOTE: Not every praise is good praise (Matthew 22:16)

→ You need to grow to a level where you are able to distinguish between true praise and an act of hypocrisy and temptation

* Whose image are you carrying? (Matthew 22:20)

→ If you must grow like Jesus, you must give to God what belongs to Him (Matthew 22:21)

* You cannot be in this world and grow like Jesus if you do not carry the image of God

* What makes you think you can make it in life without Jesus?

* If "they" tempted Jesus, be sure that "they" will do it to you too
→ They will always seek to entangle and tempt you

* Those used of the devil to entangle others usually take religious forms that you will not easily suspect
→ See: Matthew 22:15

* When others are doing wrong, will you also compromise?

* Whose image will you represent when you find yourself in difficult circumstances?

* You cannot afford to go the way you are going if you must grow like Christ
→ You must develop your own spiritual countenance and stop depending on your own human wisdom

2. Know, apply and use the Word of God
→ NOTE: In the world, your wisdom cannot help you. You need to operate by God's wisdom
* Matthew 4:1-4

* NOTE: even the man that is full of the Spirit of God can face temptations

* The first thing the devil does to destabilise your growth in Christ is to sow doubt in your heart regarding your identity

* Temptations usually come at your greatest moments of need, weakness and vulnerability

☆ Matthew 4:3 →"Then the tempter came. “Since you are the Son of God,” he said, “tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

* The temptation of food is one of the greatest avenues where you begin to degenerate
→ This is the cause of many corruptions, hoardings and sinful compromises among Christians

* God's Word should be your standard for life's decisions
→ What proceeds out of the month of God is all that you need to survive
(Matthew 4:4)

* What you need may not be another academic degree to sail through in life. You need God's Word

☆ Psalm 19:7 →"The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring life. The testimony of the LORD is steadfast, making foolish people wise."

*NOTE: The Word of God makes you wise
→ The word of God is power!

* The Word of God is all you need to overcome EVERY challenge in life

* There is nothing that the Word of God cannot achieve

* NOTE: Just like fish cannot survive once taken out of water, a child of God cannot survive without God's Word!

* The Word of God is the most effective weapon you have against Satan

* You cannot afford to remain a child spiritually, because, sooner or latter, your instability will be obvious to everyone

* Today, there are so many misleading teachings regarding God's Words and many 'Christians' are falling victims to it
→ You can only distinguish false teachings when you grow (and mature) in the Word of God

5 Things to Note about Worship (Mr. Ellison Domkap) 02-08-2015

 

MY SERMON NOTES

WORSHIP SERVICE

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN),

Hwolshe Ring-Ring Road

Jos, Plateau State - Nigeria

2nd August, 2015

 

 

SERMON

* Speaker: Mr. Ellison Domkap

* Topic: 5 Things to Note about Worship 

1. The Role of the Church Leadership in Worship

→ Worship cannot be left in the hands of just a unit in the Church 

→ It is the duty of the whole Church

→ The Church should appoint those who will be in charge of Worship

 

* 1st Chronicles 25:1 → "Along with officers in his army, David consecrated to assist in service to the descendants of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun those who prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals."

* Church leaders and elders should not be spectators and leave worship to only young people

* 2 Chronicles 5:1-14

* Leadership should provide the needed support and atmosphere

2. The role of the worship team

→ The hearts of the worshipers should be connected to God as they worship

→ 2 Kings 3:14-15

* Worship is all about bringing the glory of God down

 

* Worshippers need to sanctify themselves at all times

 

* 2 Chronicles 5: 11-14 (Worship at the dedication of the Temple)

* Acts 16:25-26 (Paul and Silas worship in jail)

 

* Worshippers need to understand the prophetic dimension of worship

* People come with diverse problems and they need to access God's glory for solutions

* 1 Kings 8:6

* Worship is prophesy, not merly singing

* Worshippers need to dwell in the place of prayers

3. Response of Congregation to worship

→ Many people are familiar with worship and therefore, they take it for granted

* There were things that cannot happen unless there is worship

* When you come into the presence of God, do not be just a spectator. Be an active, spirit-filled worshipper

*2 Chronicles 20:13-14

* Worship is all about a whole family, Church and nation

* When you allow the spirit of God to take charge of worship, there will be great manifestation of the power of God  

 

4. Your worship must impact on your Community

→ It starts with your life

→ Worship is communicable: It affects people around you

* John 4:28-29

* when you are not pretending, you are transformed in worship

5. You must be disturbed if the glory of God departs

→ 1 Samuel 4:19-21

* If God had used you in time past,

* Are you still carrying God's presence or has God's presence left you?

* Your life must impact those around you

* 2 Kings 13:21 (Man resurrected by bones of Elisha)

* Even after you have left a group or a Church, your impact should still be felt, and ensure that you are connected to God's presence at all times

A New Commandment (Pastor Victor T. Amos) 19-07-2015

★ MY SERMON NOTES

@ Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)

Area 1, Garki - Abuja, Nigeria

19th July, 2015

Pastor Victor T. Amos

☆ SERMON

* Speaker: Pastor Victor T. Amos

* Topic: A New Commandment

* Theme: Growing Up in Christ

* Sub-Theme: Growing in Love

* Service Leader: Mrs. Aisha Telta

* Text: John 13:31-35

* NOTE: Love is not the same thing as lust, as many young people (erroneously) think

→ Many things have gone wrong in our country today because of a widespread lack of love

☆ Illustration:

The story is told of a married couple who were blessed with three children. The man was latter discovered to be HIV positive. His wife berated and stigmatised him seriously. She even left their matrimonial bedroom for him and slept in the guest room. One day, the man got a syringe, extracted his blood and injected the woman with it while she slept. She was eventually also diagnosed to be HIV positive.

* What made the couples in the story above behave the way they did towards each other?

→ Lack of love

→ The desire for revenge on the part of the husband

→ The wife's unforgiveness

* We are living in a generation of lack of love which is demonstrated in the following:

→ An increasing lack of devotion for God

→ The media is full of bad news (terrorism, suicide bombings, genocides, wars, assassinations, rapes, ritual killings, armed robberies, etc)

→ Incest among family members

→ Domestic workers killing their employers because of material things

→ Young people misbehaving

→ Increase in rate of suicides

* The incentive to perpetrate such evils ultimately comes from lack of love for God 

* What goes around comes around: when you refuse to respect your parents, your own children will not respect you

* You cannot find yourself in a situation that you are totally incapable of forgiveness (except you choose not to)

* Questions for young people:

→ Who are your friends?

→ Are you showing genuine love? (towards God and others)

→ Are you being controlled by lust?

* There is a general lack of love in marriages today because of pursuit for material things. Both husband and wife are struggling to make more money at the expense of their families

→ This is evidenced by increase in the rate of divorces

→ Malachi 2:16 → “Indeed, the LORD God of Israel says that he hates divorce, along with the one who conceals his violence by outward appearances,” says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. “So guard yourselves carefully, and don’t be unfaithful.”

* An ungodly quest for power exists today even in the Church.

→ Some 'believers' want to undermine their leaders, elders & parents. This is not love

* NOTE: God is Love - therefore, embracing God is embracing love

→ This is the solution for all our problems

* When a person says "I love you", (agape love), this means they accept you unconditionally, regardless of your faults and weaknesses

→ Agape love is the secret to long & happy marriages

* Some people love others only when it is convenient or when they can get something in return 

* You don't need to have any reason why you should love people

* Love is a mystery

→ It is more than just a feeling,

→ It is God working in your heart to accept another person

* We claim to love each other in Church, but, how many people can you die for and support sacrificially?

* NOTE: Jesus' love for you has no limit and has no conditions attached to it.

→ His love towards us is so practical & He demonstrated it by coming into the world and even dying for us on the Cross of Calvary!

* True love exists in the realm of humility

→ Pride and arrogance hinders a person from reaching out to others sacrificially

* Leadership is all about serving others in love

→ Jesus led by example when He washed the feet of his disciples

(see: John 13:1-17)

* God expects us to love, honour and serve one another in humility

(see: Philippians 2:3-4)

☆ Luke 22:21 →"Yet look! The hand of the man who is betraying me is with me on the table!"

→ Jesus knew that Judas will betray him, but he loved him still

* God's model for true leadership is anchored on selfless service and humility

* Why did Jesus demand this kind of love from us?

→ Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied Him three (3) times, yet His love for them was not affected. It was consistent!

* NOTE: Jesus knows your disobedience, self-centeredness, and sins, yet He keeps making allowance for you

* Similarly, you must always make allowance for others when they hurt and betray you

* If you are a Pastor, do not carry yourself with arrogance and pride

→ You must be humble

* As a child of God, you must understand the concept of 'glorification'

→ The concept of glorification entails praising someone in a manner that places that person in the limelight

* God is going to be glorified in your character when you live in obedience to Him

* It is impossible to glorify God when you are living in sin

* When you live in total obedience to God, He is glorified

* If Jesus' quest in life is to glorify His father, you must have the same priority

* When you do something and the name of God is being glorified, He is honoured

* Why did Jesus call the people Little Children in John 13:33?

→ He is their creator, provider and protector

→ Regardless of their age, social status or experience, Jesus existed before them

* No sinner can See God:

→ To see Christ, you must be born again and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior

(see: John 3:3; Romans 10:9)

* There is no hope for a person who does not have any relationship with Christ

☆ 1 Corinthians 3:13 → "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

☆ Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “I’m going where you cannot follow me now, though you will follow me later on.”

* Jesus made the above statement because:

→ It was not yet their time to die

→ He was going to leave them on earth to peach the Gospel

→ He needed them to stay behind and plant Churches

→ He needed them to take care of the Saints

→ He was going to prepare a place for us (See: John 14:1-2)

* What we call 'love' today is also done by many unbelievers and people who have no regard for God. There is no difference

→ As a child of God, your standard of love should be higher, genuine and unconditional

* How many people (in your Church, office or community) can declare boldly that they have felt God's tangible through you?

* How many people (in need) have you reached out to?

* NOTE: People don't care how much you know, unless they know how much yon care!

* Whenever you go out for evangelism and you discover some needs, meet them first and the people will be more willing to listen to you afterwards

* Many Christians are sitting comfortably in Church while there are so many people in our communities & Churches who are destitute, orphans, widows and in need of the basic necessities of life (water, food, shelter & clothing) & everyday these needs go un-met

* What makes this Command New?

1. Jesus introduced a new standard of love: 'Just as I (Jesus) have loved you' (John 13:34)

* In the past, the standard for love was 'as you love yourself' (Matthew 22:39)

* Jesus is now taking the standard of love a notch higher to 'Just as I have loved you.'

* Jesus expects you to love others with His kind of pure, genuine and sacrificial love

⇒ NOTE: Jesus' love for you and I caused Him to experience and endure unpleasant things on Calvary, including humiliating death

2. The focus shifted from 'love your neighbour' to 'love one another.'

→ Those around you must experience God's love though you on a daily basis

* This new commandment is given to those who are disciples of Christ

→ Question: Are you a disciple or a bully?

☆ PASTOR'S CORNER

Unconditional love is so essential in human existence so much that it has become the greatest need of man. Agape love is a divine from above, we all wish for it and no one can effectively exist in life without it. Love from our families, from friends and associates. True and sacrificial love from that fellow you consider the most important person. It was love that drove Jesus to the cross.

God is love and love is God, when true love happens to you, it is God himself that happens to you. But unfortunately sacrificial love is so scarce and rare in our present generation and I can strongly submit that, the faces of calamities we see in the world presently is the result of lack of unconditional love for one another.

The last period of Jesus' life on earth was full of practical teachings. He admonished His disciples to love one another unconditionally and sacrificially just as He loved them and gave up His life for them. Jesus spoke from a heart that is absolutely full of unquenchable love to the entire world. Jesus is still calling on you and I today to obey His NEW COMMANDMENT, to love one another unconditionally. If indeed you love Him, your quest in life will be to obey Him.

☆ MISSION CHARGE

"Every person should have a special cemetery lot in which to bury the faults of friends and loved ones. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you."

→ John Mason

☆ QUOTE

"The greatest need of man is love and this love is stronger than any addiction... I shall puss through this life but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it. For I shall never pass this way again."

→ Etienne de Grelet