I Chronicles 29: 1–10
Text: v. 5 “Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal
treasurers of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything
I have provided for this holy temple:”
Introduction:
The passage about David and the preparations for building the Temple of the Lord
We have said, “What we are is greater and more important than what we do.
Yes, there is a siege against the Church today.
But they are of no effect if not for cooperation of church people, by their:
Conformity
Compromise
Confusion of identity
Selfishness
Greed
Opportunism
Etc.
Regardless of situation, Jesus’ Words, “…my church…the gates of hell shall not overcome”, “light shines and darkness cannot comprehend it” must come to play.
How possible?
When Christians are genuinely serious;
When they are ready to do the Lord’s will
Oh! when they are ready to sacrifice comfort.
In my study I came across this thought by Revd. Bo Dunford… who said someone sent him a post called Satan’s Beatitudes
I am sharing this message particularly because I see this trend with many people in our world today.
Satan’s Beatitudes
Were the devil to write his beatitudes they will look his this:
Blessed are they who are too tired and busy to go to church on Sundays and Wednesday, for they are my best workers
Blessed are they who are bored with the minister’s mannerisms and mistakes, for they get nothing out of his sermon
Blessed is the church member, who expects to be invited to his own church, for he is part of the problem instead of the solution
Blessed are they while gossip, for they cause strife and divisions that please me
Blessed are thy who are easily offended, for they soon get angry and quit
Blessed are they who do not give their tithes and offerings to carry on God’s work, for they are my best workers
Blessed are they who profess to love God but hates his brother, for he shall be with me for ever
Blessed are the trouble makers, for they shall be called the children of Satan
Blessed are the complainers, for I am all ears to them
I do hope some of us are not fulfilling the devil’s desire.
But he came up with 3 Beatitudes based on our passage today and that what we are sharing.
The submission here is that we are being called upon to love our church as God loves it.
How?
Sacrificially – Gave His begotten Son for it
Unconditionally – Whether pleased with it or not
Eternally – God cannot stop loving the church
Dr. Bo Dunford gave the following three beatitudes from this passage.
Blessed is the church member who gives his church his loving affection David, an example – I Chr. 29:1 – 5
Had a desire to build a house for God – legitmate, noble, honourable desire.
But God didn’t want David to build the house, rather David’s son, Solomon. David could have got mad and not do anything about it
But David was going to give to build a house of worship that benfi-ted someone else
David was going build a house of worship that he would never attend
David was going to build a home of worship that he would not even live to see
Were David to say “What’s in it for me” he wouldn’t give a dime for it.
For David, the structure is for the Lord. V. 1 – not for any man
It is not what David gave that was impressive as to why he gave v.3. Because he loves God’s house
Do you love the church?
You have no right to say you love God’s church if you are not giving to it and supporting it financially with your tithes and offerings
God does not see what you give; he sees why you give it. And even if you give and give generously if you give for the wrong motives or the wrong reason, God writes zero over your account
Do you give to this church for any other reason than because you love Jesus and His church?
“There is no excuse that God will accept from a church member not to support the church financially that he is a member of or that he regularly attends
When you withhold from the church you withhold from Jesus
When you refuse to help the church you refuse to help Jesus
Illustration – Acts 9:4 (Paul was persecuting Jesus by persecuting the church)
That is:
Anything you do to hurt the church, you hurt Jesus
When you don’t support the church, you are not supporting Jesus
When you don’t give to your church, you are not giving to Jesus
When you don’t love your church like you ought to, then you don’t love Jesus like you ought to
Blessed is the Believer who gives his church his loyal allegiance. Neh. 10:39 “We will not forsake…” It is not excusable for a man to forsake his wife, it is inexcusable for a Christian to forsake his Church. Some forsake their church by not just coming. They just don’t show up’; they have filled the church with their absence.
Even though, we miss them, they don’t miss us. Yet there are some who come to church and still neglect the church. They just come to take up space. The only thing they do contribute is their presence – they don’t give, work, serve, witness, worship, some of them don’t even sing, they just come
Another way we can neglect our church is just simply not caring at all
Many people there are in the church who don’t just care
There is this story told, that I also have heard before, which I am sure, some of you here too, we familiar with.
It is the story of 4 people named:
Everybody
Somebody
Anybody
Nobody
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody can do, but Nobody is doing it
Are you a Somebody who is doing what Everybody thought Anybody could do, but Nobody would have done, if you weren’t doing it? Do you care for your (this) Church?
Blessed is the Believer that Gives His Church His lasting attendance – Heb. 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching”
Your church deserves your consistent, constant, continuous attendance and functional participation
It is amazing, reasons and excuses that people give for not coming to church
Some reasons:
Everytime I went they asked for money
The people I had to sit with weren’t friendly and didn’t speak to me
The seat were too hard and was very comfortable
The truth is, don’t look at anybody to come to church
There is never an excuse that God will accept for professing Christian not to go to church
Conclusion:
Now,
Do you love your (this) church enough to give it your loving affection, to give it your loyal allegiance and your lasting attendance?
All of you here today, do you really and honestly love your church?
Hear the testimony of King David.
Ps. 26:8 “Lord, I have loved the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells”
Ps. 27:4 “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the lord, and to inquire in His temple”.
Ps. 84:4 “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they will still be praising You”
Ps. 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD”
Ex. 2: 1 – 2; Heb. 11:23
Thank God, it’s another mother’s day (in our church)
It is hoped you have honoured your (or a) mother.
Thank God for opportunity of motherhood
Today’s world and experience pose some realistic challenges to mothers and motherhood
Yet children must be raised by mothers
The passage or text of our message today suggests to us that motherhood is indeed sacrifice
The unfortunate thing today is several mothers face challenges from those who are supposed to encourage them
Three or four Principles emanate from our text and that is what we are sharing this morning
Basically Heb. 11:23 tells us where Moses’ parents did what they did as we read it in Exodus 2:1-2 and that shows us the principles we are talking about:
1. Parenting, especially, motherhood is a faith-base project/ministry
- Sarah laughed but believed
- Isaac was born
- Mary accepted Angel’s verdict
- Jesus was born
2. Every child is “no ordinary child”
- There is purpose for every child born and a special destiny to fulfil
- One may be born out of wedlock, but no child is an accident
- Jesus the “holy one” (Lk.1:35b)
- Samson – a Nazarene (Judges 13: 2 – 5)
3. The King’s edict cannot foil the plan of God on the child Moses
Negative circumstances are not powerful enough to cancel God’s plan.
- Moses could not be killed
- David could not be rid off by Saul
- Jesus could not be rid off by Herod
4. Every normal child born in a normal home setting, regardless of circumstances will still grow
- The child Moses grew to the point of not being able to be hid anymore
- The healthy child was crying to call attention to passersby e.g. Pharaoh’s daughter
- The sister stood by to see what would become of the child (a caring and loving sister)
II. Imagine Mother’s Sacrifice
- Carried her baby to term
- Kept the baby though a boy (not minding being caught)
- Made basket for him (not minding the cost and possible embarrassments)
- Risked the baby being taken to River bank
- Suppose the sister divulged the secret?
- Made herself available to nurse Pharaoh’s daughter’s “son”
- The “secret” was never let out
- We never heard of her anymore
- What a sacrifice
III. Today’s Mother’s Sacrifice
Read and meditate on Prov. 31: 10 -31
Hear it well in the Words of IsaacKubvoruno
Wives:
The call is motherhood is a very serious one. Motherhood should not be taken highly because God takes it commonly. God values motherhood so much that he entrusted the bringing and training of John for many. Your influence on your child’s chancler has eternal consequences
One of the mother’s respo0nsibility is the moulding of children’s characters and raising them to be responsible and functional citizens of this world and potential citizens of heaven. Yes it is an indisputable fart that children need both parents for balanced development.
Children need a strong, and loving and caring godly father.
While fathers play a significantly indisputable role, it is universally agreed that mother’s influence and impact on the child’s character shapes the individual, determines their destiny and shapes society and the world
- Isaac Kubvoruno
Do not let the raging flames of your hot anger burn down your marriage to ashes
- Isaac Kubvoruno
You are not just raising a son; you are raising somebody’s husband and somebody’s father. Raise him well we cannot pray in love and live in hate and still think we are worshipping God.
- Revive Church
Conclusion:
Be a real mother
Mother that will give account
Mother that will be celebrated
Mother that honours and cooperates with husband
Mother that fills the gap
Mother that prays through and works hard for home/family’s salvation
Mother that will make her husband surrender to Christ by her submission to him
Mother that will, by faith, invest her resources in her children for God’s and humanity sake
God bless such mothers.
A Family’s Prayer:
As a Husband I will love, lead and Provide
- Eph. 5:25 – 29
- I Cor. 11:3
- I Timothy 5:8
As a Wife I will help, manage and love
- Gen. 2:18, 21 – 22
- I Tim. 5:14
- Titus 2:4
Text: Acts 14: 19 – 23
Introduction:
No matter what is/happens, Gospel is still crucial
Christians are statutorily expected to witness
If they fail, God has no alternatives
Yet, not all will be at the Frontiers
Some will go, others will send
Hence the popular slogan (Grow, Give, Go)
The Growing, the Giving and the Going of Missions
Study Acts 14 and see the need to give supports for the salvation of other both within and outside our territory
Our emphasis today is on the Great Call and Price of Mission Work calls on us all to be directly involved.
From our passage:
The Great Call and Price Paid by the Missionary
1. The great cost of ministry; Personal danger (v.19)
2. The great courage required to preach (v.20)
a. Paul reentered the city
b. Paul traveled to Derbe
3. The great price of travelling about (v.21)
4. The great task of strengthening the believers (v. 21b)
a. By encouragement – to continue in the faith (v.22)
b. By warning of hardships (v.22)
c. By organizing the church (v.23)
d. By prayer and fasting (v.23)
e. By committing the church to the Lord (v.23)
Conclusion:
1. Preach the Good News (Acts 14:21a)
2. Make disciples of all Converts (Acts 14:21b)
3. Strengthening and Encouragement Ministry (Acts 14:21b &22a)
4. Reality of Suffering in the Pursuit of God’s Mandate (Acts 14:22b)
Now:
We can/must pray
We must witness where we are
We must be empowered/strengthened
We must bear in mind those sent
We must send to love
Mark 6:45 - 52
Preamble:
It was prophesied late last year that the early part of 2016 will be cloud. It appears it’s real. Look around to see and hear the happenings – Political as well as economic instability, insecurity on the high side (may be the recent deaths in Ikirun affected you). Business people cry now because of Naira value (1 dollar to 380 naira), the pains of students, taken to prison because of riot, etc, not to talk of different challenges on the homefront, due to either joblessness, insufficient funds for family, wayward children, spouse quarrel and conflicts. Yet in all these, we are called to show forth our salvation.
Yes, storms of life are real and we need to appreciate the fact.
But then, there is solution.
How, did the disciples handle their own storm?
How will you handle yours?
Will you fold arms until storms sweep you off?
Let’s look at the Word.
Some Lessons to learn from the narration
1. Lesson 1: Crowd excitement is not always wise (v. 45)
2. Lesson 2: Prayer after service is wise ( v. 46)
3. Lesson 3: Crying for help in time of need is wise (v. 47 – 49)
4. Lesson 4: Receiving the presence of Jesus is wise (v. 50 – 51)
5. Lesson 5: Remembering and trusting the power of Jesus is wise (v. 52)
From v. 45; the first lesson is that crowd excitement is not always wise. The crowd had been fed miraculously. They were extremely excited, for Jesus was bound to be the Messiah. He could always feed them and meet their needs, no matter what their need were. They wanted to take Him by fore and make Him King (Mk. 6:45-52; cp. Jn 6:14-15)
Jesus could not allow the disciples to be caught up in the excitement and worldly desires of the crowd. God’s will had to be done; and His will was the Cross, an eternal kingdom, not a worldly kingdom that gives man a life span of only seventy or so years.
From v. 46; the second lesson is that prayer after service is wise
Note what Jesus did. He dismissed the people, sent them away. Why? So He could get alone “to pray”. God, not the crowd, was…
-His source
-His excitement
-His strength
-His object of worship
-His rest
-His deliverance
-His motivation
-His source of renewal
He had to get alone with God. The word for prayer (proseuchasthai) is a descriptive word. It means to pray fervently, to pour one’s whole heart and total being out to God.
-He was exhausted. He needed God’s presence and rest
-He was tempted. He needed God’s strength and deliverance ( Matt.14:22 -23)
-He was drained spiritually. He needed to worship God and to be renewed
-He was weary of man’ worldly excitement and motives. He needed God’s excitement and motivation.
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Matt. 26:41)
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always”. (I Chr. 16:11)
From v. 47 – 49; the third lesson is that a cry for help in time of need is wise. A storm came up while the disciples were crossing the lake. Three things are stressed about the disciples in the storm:
1.Their struggle was long. The lake of Galilee was only four to six miles across. They had been rowing against a headwind for some six to nine hours and has progressed only about three miles.
2.Their fear was horrifying. The disciples were physically exhausted and mentally drained from using all the seaman’s skills at their disposal. Their lives were at stake; they were struggling for survival. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, they saw a figure, an apparition (ghost) walking on the water. They were sacred, frightened, perhaps bordering on going into shock-perhaps thinking that the death angel, or a premonition of their death, was at hand.
3.Their cry was desperate. They were all toiling and rowing to save their lives (v.48) and they all saw Christ, and were terrified.
Note two significant points here:
a. The disciples desperately needed help. They did exactly what they needed to do to get help: they cried out to Jesus.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (I Pet. 5:7)
In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribath. Selah (Psa. 81:7)
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know’. (Jer. 33:3)
b. The disciples were doing God’s will when the storm came. They were doing exactly what Christ had told them to do, that is, cross the lake and get ready to minister there. The storm was part of God’s will.
They had to learn…
To confess their need for Him before He could help.
To endure against the storms of life
To trust through all, no matter how terrifying.
From v. 50 – 57; the fourth lesson is that receiving the presence of Jesus is wise. It was a seriously stormy night. The disciples were terrified; they cried out for help. All of a sudden, a voice from the body walking out on the water shouted out: “Take courage; it is I; don’t be afraid”, (v.50). The authority and assurance of the voice made the disciples realize that it was Jesus. The disciples were encouraged. They knew they were safe and secure. He cared and He had the power to take care of them all. Note three result.
1. Their fear was eased
2. The storm was calmed
3. They stood amazed (beyond measure) in the presence of the Lord.
What Do We Learn?
1. Receiving the presence of Jesus Christ takes care of all problems and trials. He gives
the strength to row through all the storms of life, no matter their turbulence and severity.
2. Think: What if the disciples had been forced to face the storm alone? What if we had to face the storms of life alone? Which storm would drown the breath of life out of us? Which storm would send us reeling into eternity, having to meet God unprepared?
From v. 52; The fifth lesson is that remembering and trusting the power of Jesus is wise. The disciples had no reason to be so amazed at Jesus’ calming the storm. They had just witnessed the miracle of the loaves and the feeding of five thousand men with just a little food. Christ was unquestionably God. And God not only cared about people, He could do anything for people – even control all of nature.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. (Phil.4: 6 – 8)
Jesus visited His hometown where He had been reared. On the Sabbath He entered the synagogue for worship. Note it was His custom to worship on the Sabbath. He was faithful in His worship of God ad faithful to the church. This was the very synagogue that Jesus had always attended as a child. It was a small community synagogue where everyone would know everyone else. Jesus and the congregation were neighbors; some were close o His family
Conclusion:
The Storm of Life Today
Different people, different storms
Different locations, different storms
Different situation, different challenges
Note:
The presence of Jesus didn’t prevent the storm
But Jesus appeared when they needed Him most
Storms of life are real, except you’ve not experienced one
What To Do Now:
Don’t think you are alone
Cry to Him
You said, you have
Then wait
Refuse any counsel, step decision, association that will put to question you relationship with the Saviour
Resolve and pray now and on
Phil. 4:1-7
Text: v. 5 – “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand”.
Introduction:
Although out text is taken from v. 5 this message is actually drawn vs. 4 – 7 of our passage
In v. 4 – 6, specific instructions are given:
- Rejoice in the Lord always v. 4
- Let your moderation be made known to all v. 5 (let your gentleness be evidence to all)
- Be careful for nothing (do not be anxious about anything)
Then v.7 gives us the results/reason… “the peace of God, which passes (transcends) all understanding shall keep your heart”.
But from v. 1 – 3 we note the specific persons addressed and the reason for their instruction given to them.
v.1 - stand firm in the Lord
v.2 – quarrelers should reconcile
The truth is, we are called upon as believers to stand firm in several things
1. In faith ( 1 Cor. 16:13)
2. In Christ’s freedom (Gal. 5:1)
3. In one spirit (Phil. 1:27)
4. In the Lord (Phil. 4:1)
5. In the teachings ( 2 Thess. 2:15)
The reason to stand firm is because the Lord is near
The Lord is near to do what?
1. To watch our behavior
2. To reward our deeds
3. To answer our prayers
1. To watch our behaviour, our lifestyle our ministry focus. See how the two fellows in our passage were referred to – Yokefellows with Paul.
True, in every church there are always those who:
a. Love and care deeply for others
b. Are always helping and ministering to others
c. Whom God has gifted and appointed to be ministerial helpers to the flock
d. Are highly respected and esteemed by most people in the congregation.
So, beloved how is your life and ministry like?
2. The Lord is at hand to reward our deeds
The story in Matthew 24: 45 – 50 is a beautiful illustration of this point.
Are you the faithful servant (v.45) OR are you the wicked servant (v.48)
The result could/would be disastrous (v. 51)
3. The Lord is at hand to answer our prayers.
Yes, many people have wondered why God seems too slow concerning some people’s plight, despite their high level of commitment and devotion to His cause. Why do they go for days and weeks and months and even years, supposedly, not hearkening to their prayers. This scripture says “the Lord is at hand. To do what?
a. To answer their prayers (Ps. 34: 18 – 19) and be delivered.
b. To fulfil the desires of their hearts (Ps. 145: 18 – 19)
c. To encourage them to patience (James 5: 7 – 8)
d. To encourage them not to give up (Heb. 10:25)
This is why the instruction to stand firm is very crucial and relevant. We are tempted to be weary and seek to take offence at brethren, at church, and at situations around us. No wonder the scriptures say “hope deferred makes the heart sick (weary) – Prov. 13:12.
Hence we are encouraged to stand firm.
Conclusion:
Believe this; the Lord is nearer you than you thought. True, He’s coming very soon (to reward His servants)
But much more, he is near, he is at hand now to deliver, to heal, to save, to encourage, to stabilize and to bless.
May be you (also) need to reconcile with somebody
May be you need to do something like sow a seed (of anything)
May be you need a step of faith for the Lord to show forth
May be you need to identify a destiny helper
May be you need to show an act of kindness
May be you need to be faithful to God in your tithes and offering
May be you need to do more in promoting the Kingdom’s cause, a
And the Lord (who is near) will show forth
Is there anything you need to repent of now –that has put off the presence of God around you?
Pray and trust God. He will show forth Himself as the Almighty God.
Let’s cry to God, “Come thou near me”
Ps. 122
Text: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee" (KJV)
Introduction:
The whole chapter of this Psalm is Prayer for Peace, and it is about Jerusalem, the city around which religion and government centered from the time of David. The Psalm is about the festive mood and journey that the Jews made to the city annually.
The Psalmist (not sure if it is David) expressed the joy, the gladness of going to Jerusalem. The people yearned to go to the temple in Jerusalem to meet with other devoted Jews who would come from all over the then world. It was a journey of fellowship; it was a fellowship of meals with families and friends. It was a beautiful time of fellowship and nation building.
For this Psalmist it was an excited attitude to the nation and the temple on which the whole Israel took pride. They raised prayers for it because it brought them a sense of security and peace, as well as national identity among the nations. Hence they can claim that for the sake of the temple, the house of God, they prayed for prevailing peace within the city.
I. The Focus:
a. Prayer
b. Peace
c. Prosperity
d. Patriotism
a. Prayer:
i. John 17:20
ii. Rm. 1:9
iii. Eph. 1:16
iv. Eph. 3:14
v. Phil. 1:4
vi. Col. 4:12
b. Peace:
i. I Cor. 14:33
ii. 2 Cor. 13:11
iii. Eph. 4:3
iv. 2 Tim. 2:22
c. Prosperity
i. Gen. 39:3
ii. Deut. 29:9
iii. Ps. 1:3
d. Patriotism
i. 2 Sam. 10:12
ii. Neh. 2:3
iii. Ps. 137:1
II. Our GAs as Seed for Ps
We have been instructed to sow the seed of God’s Word into their lives – Deut. 6:
6 – 7
But not only are we to pray we are to do specific things:
- To train - Prov. 22:6
- To nurture - Eph. 6:4
- To control - 1 Tim. 3:4
- To love Titus 2:4
Conclusion: Our Duty today
1. Proper enlistment
2. Biblically sound foundation
3. Disciplers/Mentors
4. Follow-up & Follow-through
5. Constant Prayer
6. Reflect example (in faith and purity)
How many a time our youth have been discouraged about the nation? What has the Church done to instill peace in the nation? How much examples have Church and national leaders shown to the youth of today. Are mothers in the house conscious of the sacred responsibility on these little girls to grow in holiness, purity and righteousness that exalts the nation? In view of the global challenges, may be wise as to sow the right seed in these little ones.
Psalm 119:97–106
Text: Ps. 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Introduction:
The Christian church today is so blessed that almost everybody has the Bible at his/her
immediate disposal – all kinds of Bible in different edition. You have Bibles in your phones.
Our world has become so infested with information technology that all you need in the Bible is
available on your phone, at least, talkless of Ipad or Android of all types and sizes. The
implication is that we have access to Bible almost 24/7. The major challenges facing us now is
how much of the Bible have we read or do we know to find the WORD of God?
Jesus said something in John 5:39 – 40
Imagine a non-Christian quoting scripture very well, and yet he does not know Jesus such a
person is not a Christian by that because he has not gotten a change of life. The reason is, he
reads the Book but he has not the WORD. Go with me to John’s Gospel Chapt 1: 1-5, 14,
So we concluded, no one can have/receive the WORD until he has had a direct personal encounter with the WORD – Jesus Christ (Read John 3:1 -3)
Note Jesus’ Words “he cannot see (perceive, understand, appreciate, etc) unless he is born-again”
There is still another challenge – those who claim to know God (are born again), and yet
don’t live according to the Word of God. The question that comes to us this morning is how effective is the Word of God in your life. Many people today read or study, or even teach the Word of God but are not changed or influenced by the Word of God. How are you?
I. The Heart and the Word (Matt. 13:1-9; 18-23)
The principles here are:
1.The state of the heart determines the receptivity of the Word
2.The quality of the state of the heart determines flourishing of the Word
3.The fruit depends on the type of heart we possess
4.No life can produce more than his heart allows
Then
What type of heart is yours?
How receptive of God’s Word is it?
What kind of fruit is your life bearing?
What evidence can you give of impact of God’s Word?
II.The Psalmist Testimony
1.God’s Word keeps him away form sin
2.He meditates on it all day
3.By it he is wise
4.By it he gains insight and understanding
5.The Word is lamp and light
6.Decision to follow the Word
Then: What has God’s Word:
Done in your life?
Added to you?
Taken away from you?
Warned you about?
Restricted you from doing?
Compelled you to do without question?
III.Our Attitude to the Word
1.Like our daily food
a.I Peter 2:2
b.Jer. 15:16
c.Deut 8:3
2.Must be kept in our heart
a.Deut. 6: 4 – 7
b.Ps. 119:11
c.Col 3:16
3.Must be lived out
a.Rm. 2: 17 – 21
b.John 4:39 - 42
Conclusion:
Read James 2:26 “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
If the Word of God does not change us, it cannot change anything/body around us
The essence of the Word we receive is to make us:
- Holy
- Resemble Christ
- Proclaim Him
- Wise
- Loving and caring
- Forgiving and forbearing
- Change agent
- World influencer
- Peace loving
- Zealous for good works
These and many more on a daily basis
( 2 Peter 1: 5 -8)
2 Kings 4: 8 – 10; 16 – 17
Text: v. 16 “About this time next year…”
Introduction:
Sometimes ago we stopped at v.7 of this same passage under the topic Empowered for Progress: Relocating from Poverty to Prosperity. Please be reminded, this is not “Prosperity preaching” as the world may term it. This is rather operating at the level of covenant relationship with God. After all, as Bishop Oyedepo said “there is a place of no lack on this earth, when you become iniquity- free, you will enjoy plenty from God”. He further said, “God will never bless you beyond the level to which you are willing to be a blessing. Based on the word of God, prosperity or blessing is the idea and will of God. After all, what is Prosperity?
“True prosperity is the ability to use God’s power to meet the needs of mankind in every realm of life – spirit, soul, body, financially, emotionally, etc”
- George Pearsons
In this context we are not talking of blessing in terms of self-agrandize-ment, but the kind of blessing whereby one becomes a blessing continually to others especially for the sake of influencing our world for the Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved, from our text today, that is possible. And I pronounce it upon us all.
I. Partners In Ministry (2 Kings 4: 8 – 10)
A well-to do woman in Shunem
Made herself available for ministry support
Her hospitality for the prophet
Lessons:
Some individuals will be volitionally involved in the support of gospel work
She was not even approached, she discovered a need and had it met rather than being pursued and pressurized
There’s a reason why she was rich in material blessings. Some people will need to make available their God-given material blessings in order to take care
of spiritual ministries. And that can be you.
II. Sowed To Blessing ( 2 Kings 4:13)
Note the word: “You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?”
What Is the trouble (the Sowing)?
1. Identifying the man of God
2. Invitation to her home
3. Provision of accommodation
4. Continual provision of food and comfort
Note the word also: “What can be done for you”. Anytime you do something for God you are bound to receive something from Him
Beloved, we are called to be grateful. The man of God acknowledged the services of the woman, which he felt must never go unrewarded (Read Acts 28: 7 – 10)
III. The Woman’s Blessing (2 Kings 4:16 – 17)
Note the word, “But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time, she gave birth to a son,” v. 17.
All the while, she had no child of hers, yet, she was serving God through the Prophet.
Her own lack was a child, which she got – that’s a miracle
You’ll get yours.
I discovered, anybody can receive a miracle, if anybody, then, as a child of God you are due one (on more)
How?
Sow a seed
Show concern for the things of God
Desire His kingdom to flourish
Note: The woman was not a preacher, she was only a supporter
The prophet requested for what could be done for her. Although rich, she needed a child and she got one
Allow God to bless you too
Win souls for Christ
See the key (John 15: 7, 16)
John. 15: 16
Serve God gladly
- this woman did
- Esther did
- Joseph did
- Mary & Martha did
- Dorcas did
Submit your possessions for God’s use
Be faithful in giving
Support projects, visions and ministries
Don’t wait to be told
William Carey “Attempt great things for God, expect great things from Him”.
But, be sure you are born-again
You know why?
Eccl. 2:26
Your gifts don’t matter to God until your life is in Him
Let the things of God be your priority and God will fight for you on all grounds.
That way, you are not just blessed, you are a blessing.
Matt. 15: 21 – 28
Text: v. 26: “It is not rigt to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs”
Preamble:
We thank the Medical and Health Personnel Fellowship of our church for the success of the (last) Health Week 2014. Thank you specifically for the screening exercise for men and women carried out as well as eye tests. Extend our sincere appreciation to your invited guests from Lagos and Lautech. God bless you all.
Introduction:
From our text verse, it is deduced from Jesus statement that healing or health is the rightful bread (food) of children.
This same story is found in Mark 7: 24 – 30
It is about the story of the syrophoenician woman whose daughter was demon-possessed.
The woman got the healing or deliverance for her daughter based on the following principles which I believe are still relevant today if anybody is also requesting Jesus to heal him or her.
The following principles are seen in this story
1.The Principle of Purpose
2.The Principle of Prayer
3.The Principle of Personality
4.The Principle of Proxy
5.Principle of Patience/Resistence
6.Principle of Faith
1.The Principle of Purpose (v. 21 – 22) Anytime Jesus headed for some place, it was for a purpose. The purpose for which he came to the world was to save, to deliver and to heal. He said of Zachacus that the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost
Acts 10:38 told us He went about doing good. So naturally the season for withdrawing to the region of Tyre and Sidon would be to carry on His Father’s job
You wonder what made the woman to seek Jesus. Verse 22 says”…my daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.
The woman knew that her daughter’s situation was not normal, hence she went for solution. The woman has a purpose in her heart of going after Jesus to heal her. We are not even sure whether she wanted Jesus to just speak a word or follow her home. She just came for a purpose to Jesus – to get her daughter healed. Beloved, it is the purpose of Jesus that we are healthy because only when we are healthy can we carry out His assignment on earth.
Health is God’s purpose for you. Believe it, claim it, go for it, and receive it.
2.The Principle of Prayer (v. 22)
Note these words:
“Came to him”
“Crying out”
“Lord, son of David”
“Have mercy on me”
Remember the Scripture says that those who would come to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Remember, Jesus Himself said “come to me, all you, who have heavy-laden, and I will give you rest”
The woman cried out, thereby fulfilling the injunction “to call upon me in the day of trouble and I will answer you”
Then, her cry was “have mercy on me”
Yes, it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed. What we need most in life is the Lord’s mercy. Remember the Publication’s Prayer, “Lord have mercy on me” The first step anybody can take toward God for any bad situation is to cry for God’s mercy.
3.The Principle of Personality:
At this time Jesus was moving out of Jewish territory. Funny enough, anyone outside Jewish race was regarded less than a human being. In this case, she was a woman, who to the Jews, was just a “thing”.
To Jesus, she did not even deserve to be answered. In v.23, we are told Jesus did not answer her a word until the disciples came to him and urged him to send the woman away because her crying was a noise to them and that was disturbing.
Note that Jesus only replied the disciples “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel – the woman did not even deserve to be answered or talked to.
How then true that the blind man of John 9, says God did not answer the prayer of a sinner. To Jesus, the woman did not need or deserve the request she’s making.
Note that today, the barrier is broken but even them like someone has said, “be in the right location so that right allocation can come to you” Her personality (a Canaanite woman) does not command the heavens to open on her.
Today by redemption, you have the opportunity of changing your personality. God said “they who are “not my people” shall be called” my people! That is grace of redemption that brings about right relationship with God which eventually attracts His blessings.
4.The Principle of Proxy (v.22 & 25)
Note that it was not the demon-possessed daughter that came to Jesus, but the mother. Even when Jesus did not answer her, she knelt down, all on behalf of her daughter.
The woman was ready to do all that was necessary just to get her daughter set free.
There are times that sick people may/will not be able to handle things themselves for their healing/deliverance.
Somebody may have to go for them
Somebody may speak on their behalf
Somebody may have to pray for them
Somebody may have to speak to a doctor on their behalf
Somebody may have to spend and be spent on their behalf
There is the mother’s love here. Someone may ask “what of the Father? The Bible didn’t tell us anything about the Father but there is a lesson here. While the father takes care of everybody the welfare and special care of the daughter rests more on the mothers. Mothers, may you not fail God on your daughter. May you go all the way for the wholistic health of your daughter.
5.The Principle of Patience/Persistence (v. 25, 27)
We don’t know how long the conversation lasts. It is possible for the woman to have thought that it would be easy convincing Jesus to heal her daughter, but she met a brick wall. When Jesus would not buldge, “she came and knelt before him, “Lord help me”
I could sense tears in her eyes. She needed what nobody else could give her, so she was going to wait till she got it, no matter how long she must wait.
When she was refused by Jesus’ statement “it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs, to Jesus, this woman was simply a dog – far from being a child and therefore it is an abomination to give her the request.
Even at that, the woman still agreed, “yes, Lord, dogs don’t eat children’s food but what of crumbs”. That is still enough for the dogs.
It is like the woman is saying “call me dog, just give me what I want. I don’t care what you call me, all I need is your blessing.
How is it that many people miss out their blessing or miracles? The reason is lack of patience and persistence. Of course in our world today, there are options.
If God of your church can’t do it, there is another God somewhere. But remember God is only a Rewarder of them that diligently (patiently but persistently) seek Him.
The woman was patient with Jesus, but was persistent in her request.
Jesus Himself said we should ask till our joy is full. He said we should ask and not faint or grow weary. Are you tired, are you frustrated, are you discouraged? Be more patient and persistent.
Remember God is not asleep neither has He forgotten you. In fact, neither is His hear closed that He can’t hear. Only check if your life is straight with Him.
The woman’s prayer, patience and persistence were rewarded and to Jesus, that was great faith
6.The Principle of Faith (v.28)
“Woman, you have great faith, your request is granted”. It is by faith we receive anything from God. The word of Jesus is “only believe”
That is true, great is the woman faith
She believed she would see Jesus, not minding ethnic barrier
She believed He would hear her
She waited until He heard her
She surmounted all her huddles
I wonder what the daughter would feel as the conversation ensued between her mother and Jesus
But her faith paid off
What faith was Jesus commending?
Faith to believe Him
Faith to come to Him
Faith to trust that He could do it
Faith to receive what naturally does not belong to here
Faith to see His provision and resources
Jesus would say “be it to you according to your faith.
Conclusion:
If you are born again, you are a child of God; hence, your right is the bread which is the health of your whole being.
I know you believe
In fact you are not a dog
For you, Jesus came
For you He shed His blood
Ask, you will receive
If you have asked, ask again try a little more
Refuse to be discouraged
Wait until answer comes
If it is physical sickness or ailment, pray to God
Ask people to pray with you
Seek counsel where necessary
Consult doctor for your physical ailment
Trust Jesus and you will see the glory of God.
Halleluyah!
Acts 4: 1 – 13
Text: “…By what power of what name did you do this?” v.7
Introduction:
Many experiences today pose different questions to the church
It appears the power of the world is even greater than the church
Some experiences have dragged the name of the church in the mud
But:
From our text today, the people recognized that there was power behind the Apostles’ operation.
This was after the crippled beggar (at the Beautiful Gate) had been healed
They were surprised at Peter’s preaching
Hence the question, what Power…?
This implies that the church has Power
It is another thing whether the church recognizes it or not
So today let’s look at the Power of the Church in 3 areas, viz
1. Prayer Power
2. Purity Power
3. Praise Power
Please note Acts 1:8 where Jesus first said they would receive Power. That is, there was no way the church could influence its world without this Power (“You’ll be my witnesses…uttermost part of the world”)
From this text, it is certain; the Holy Spirit is the Power of the Church.
Individuals who don’t have Holy Spirit experience cannot possess the Power we are talking about
I. Prayer Power
In Acts 2:1ff the apostles were in one place
In Acts 3:1ff they were going to the temple in the hour of prayer
In Acts 4:23 “…they raised their voices in prayer to God (read to v.30)
The result: v.31
The church has this authority to pray
Someone say: “Where the power of money, connection, physical efforts failed, there the power of prayers begins. So do not joke with prayers.
If we get to any situation we don’t know what next to do, it’s time to hand them over to God. That’s our power
II. Purity Power
In view of so many churches and pastors today, several people have made one comment or the other about the purity of the church. But the truth is, holiness is still the hallmark of the church.
In fact, when the church is not pure, it cannot experience the miraculous works of God Read Acts 5:
This couple suffered all. They died without even making use of the money they hid
No sin can be hidden in a pure church.
The pure church has her prayer answered
Their leaders possess divine authority
The church’s call is to purity
1 Peter 1: 14 – 16 1 Thess. 4:7
2 Peter 3: 11 & 14
III. The Praise Power
The Fall of Jericho – Joshua 6
The Victory of Jehoshaphat 2 Chr. 20: 20 – 22
The release of Paul ad Silas – Acts 16: 22 – 28
It has been said, “Where your prayers have not wrought miracles, praise does, because praise bring dawn the presence of God, and when God is present, anything can happen.
Conclusion:
Today, the church is to display God’s power:
- In their purity
- In their prayers
- In their praise
If these are not characteristic of the church, not only will we lack power, our testimony will have no effect
The world should look to the church for solutions, not the other way round.
Today, move to the realm of power.
Become a person of prayer, purity and praise
You cannot possess all these and be defeated. Impossible!