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

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 

 

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★ 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!