1Corinthians 3:9 - 13
Text: vs 10: . . . An Expert Builder…’
INTRODUCTION:
Building the Church of Christ is the duty of all born-again Christians.
Leaders are called upon to show the way some selected leaders are chosen, selected or appointed to steer the ship of growth of the church.
At every age of the church they are in our midst. Their duty is to work for, and among the people. The consequence is further growth of the church.
As said last week:
From the message of last Sunday:
I. Who are those gifted hands that will build His church?
(i) Those who are sincerely born again
(ii) Those who know that hell await those not born again
(iii) Those who enjoy seeing God’s kingdom on earth expand
(iv) Those who are passionate about the salvation of others as well as their establishment in the faith
(v) Those who can spend and be spent for the purpose of Christ and His church
II. Examples of the Gifted Hands:
(i) Exodus18:21-22 - those who are faithful and unselfish and are trust worthy
(ii) Numbers 11:24-25 - those on whom the spirit of the Lord dwells
(iii) Acts 6:1 - those who can serve others in other to establish them in the faith
(iv) Acts 9:20ff - those who can labour for souls (e.g. Barnabas, v.27)
(v) Colossians 1:29 - those who can travail in prayers,
CONCLUSION:
Peter’s admonition ‘look among you’, this is a seriously deep insight,’ look among you’. As far as God is concerned, He has placed people everywhere to show forth His praise, to carry out His assignment even at the local church level provided they will be willing.
1. Do you see such fellows who can go extra mile,
2. Do you see such fellows who are passionate about helping others grow,
3. Do you see fellows who are passionate about the growth of Christ’s church and they can spend extra time, money and allow themselves to be spent. Such ones only can be strong enough, courageous enough, available enough to build Christ’s church. Hence church, ‘look among you’
How:
Pray
Seek God’s face and mind
Listen to His Spirit.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9-13
Text. Vs 10: " . . . An Expert Builder . . ."
INTRODUCTION
Ever, the church belongs to Jesus. He is the head of His church. Ever since apostolic era till today Jesus continues to build His church. From the series already treated, we have been able to establish that the believers are God’s field and God’s building and others. are called fellow workers, in other words, to build the church of Christ, that is His body, some people must be regarded as workers who are going to be in forefront to do the building. The story was told of somebody who drew the picture of Jesus sculpturally, there was no hand, there was no foot or leg, somebody then pointed out the laps, the producer said, when Jesus was physically on earth, he had legs with which He moves around, He had hands with which He touched people, but today you (believers) are His legs and hands with which to reach people of all backgrounds and circumstances even as we build His church today.
1. Who are those gifted hands that will build His Church?
(i) Those who are sincerely born again
(ii) Those who know that hell await those not born again
(iii) Those who enjoy seeing God’s kingdom on earth expand
(iv) Those who are passionate about the salvation of others as well as their establishment in the faith
(v) Those who can spend and be spent for the purpose of Christ and His church
2. Who are those gifted hand to build Christ’s church on today, i.e. those that Jesus can depend upon to disciple and mentor others.
Examples;
(i) Numbers 11:24-25—those on whom the spirit of the Lord dwells
(ii) Acts 9 - 20 following--those who can labor for souls
(iii) Exodus18:21-22 - those who are faithful and unselfish and are trust worthy
(iv) Acts 6:1 following - those who can serve others in other to establish them in the faith
(v) Colossians 1:29 - those who can travail in prayers.
CONCLUSION
Peter’s admonition ‘look among you’, this is a seriously deep insight,’ look among you’. As far as God is concerned, He has enough people everywhere to show forth His praise, to carry out His assignment even at the local church level. Do you see such fellows who can go extra mile, do you see such fellows who are passionate about helping others grow, do you see fellows who are passionate about the growth of Christ’s church and they can spend extra time, money and allow themselves to be spent, such ones only can be strong enough, courageous enough, available enough to build Christ’s church. Hence church, look among you.
1 Cor. 12:14 – 20
Introduction:
Christians are not dead-end streets in the sense that God’s blessings are to stop with them and travel no farther. They are channels of blessings, conduits of mercy. They are doors through whom opportunity must flow. God’s word is to be spoken through Christians, and His works are to be done by their hands.
The church is not only a fellowship of believers, but also an organization that provides an outlet and a channel of service for all who believe. Your church affords you joyous tasks that will make your life count for good, and will cause your heart to be filled with happiness. Now turn the picture around and look at it another way. What can you do through your church?
Through YOUR CHURCH you can do many things:
1. You can co-operate with other Christians in Christian work and Fellowship (1 Cor.3:9)
(a) Necessity for co-operation: (Ps. 133:1)
A group of football players cannot be called a team if each man plays independently and seek to steal the attention of the spectators.
Teamwork makes winning teams!
The individual must be buried voluntarily in the group in united action so that the team can play as one man. This makes for concerted action and for winning team.
The devil would destroy unity in the church if he could do so or if he is allowed. We dare not do that as Christians in a Church of Jesus
(b) Disunity, the devil’s scheme (1 Cor. 12:14- 20)– Since a Baptist church is a pure democracy, the devil would delight in creating a minority group in each church which would always oppose the majority. Yet in every democracy the will of the majority must prevail. If the minority does not co-operate with the majority, democracy fails. Baptists must ever beware of the devil’s desires and devices. Just as each part of the human body has a specific function and yet must work in the interest of the whole body ( 1 Cor 12:14 ff). So each person and each church, while free and independent in function and purpose, must work together voluntarily for the common good.
(c) How Baptists work together (Eph. 1: 4 – 6) – carrying out this principle of co-operation, your church voluntarily cooperates with other Baptist churches in what is known as Association, conference and Convention. Baptist are learning the fine art of working harmoniously together, and this is increasing their efficiency and effectiveness. With your life added to this group it will be still stronger.
2. You can give that His Word May Grow (1 Cor. 16:2)
(a) Giving is God’s plan (2 Cor 9:7) – the Christian’s privilege of giving is one of his greatest joys once he has caught the spirit of stewardship. Non-Christian men or women often look at giving as waste and useless investment. They see the church’s, teaching of the tithe as the church’s plan of getting money for the church programmes.
Christian giving, however, is not a matter of law in which one is forced to donate to missionary and benevolent causes. It is indeed, a matter of grace and one who knows Jesus views Calvary as he or she makes his contribution.
He/she sees that Jesus gave His all, and feels that any amount which a Christian can give is too little by contrast to the CROSS (Psalm 4:1) says “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness there of; the world, and the that swell therein”
Christians are keepers or steward of God possessions, and must someday give an account of our faithfulness in that assigned duty.
Old Testament taught the tithe, or the giving of one tenth of one’s income for the advancement of God’s work . Lev. 27:30
It was practiced by Abraham – Gen. 14:20
The tithe was practiced in olden times – Mal 3:8, 9, 10
Jesus commended it – Matt. 23:23
(b) The Baptist cooperative program (1 Cor. 3:9(a) - As each Christian gives, his offering goes into the Church’s budget, and the church channels an agreed proportion of it to the cooperative programmes.
3. You Can Witness That Others May Be won – (2 Tim. 4:23) (Lk 24:46 – 48)
(a) Sharing our Christian faith (Prov. 11:30) -soul winning is a Christian’s privilege. Christianity is a religion of sharing instead of getting. On attends church for what he can give rather than for what he can give
Solomon wisely said, “He that women souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30) The Christian must manifest this wisdom if he is to be a truly happy Christlike follower.
(b) The joy of witnessing (Acts. 1:8)– A witness is one who expresses an opinion. He relates an experience or gives a testimony of what he had seen and felt. When Jesus said “Ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts1:8) he expressed his wish that his followers might not maintain a selfish secrecy about their religious experiences, but that they would bear full testimony of those experiences to the ends of the earth.
4. You can sacrifice that Christ May be saved (Acts 20:35)
The desire of the world is to get. The spirit of the Christian is to give. “It is more blessed to give that’s received” (Acts 20:35)
(a) Sacrifice required: (Lk 5:11)
To follow Christ means to give up as well as to give.
The sacrifice is limited to those things which are best for us not to possess. It is a process of punning
How?... Those things we are asked by Christ to give up are the things which it would not be wise for us to keep at all
(b) Separation from worldliness it is hard to be a pleasing servant if one is a reluctant disciple. He will be limited in influence and success if he does not lay aside the weights of the work, and the questionable deeds which will mar his fruit-bearing.
Conclusion:
Your church challenges you to give up those pleasures of the world that are sinful, and that are even questionable and to yield all of your talents and time in sacrificial service to the Christ who requests them
As hardship toughens soldiers, it will strengthen you as a Christian! Christ came to bear a cross, not to provide a cushion…
Your church will guide your spiritual growth as you give it opportunity to do so. You are blessed.
1 Peter 2:9
Introduction:
God desires His power and holiness to be known.
That is why He singled out the Israelites to be His possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6, (NASB).
The purpose is to make His power known to the entire world through them. It was a great privilege.
Unfortunately, they wasted the opportunity. How? While Moses was interceding for them on the mountain, some of them were worshipping golden calf (Exodus 24:7-8). The only tribe who upheld God’s righteousness was the Levites and God made them priest. (Deuteronomy 21:5).
The opportunity for all of us to be God’s priests came again in the New Testament. Every believer becomes God’s own possession, a priest and a holy nation through Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:11; 12:13; 1 Peter 1; 2; Colossians 1:13). We are called to witness. Therefore, to build a witnessing life is to let what we say, and how we live turn others to Christ.
1. Our Position:
1 Peter 2:9 states that Christian (ladies) who accept Jesus as their Lord and saviour have become:
i. A chosen generation
ii. A royal priesthood; that is, a kingdom of priests and
iii. A holy nation
2. Our Tasks:
I. Being a Chosen Generation means that God has chosen us; we did not chose ourselves.We need, therefore to praise Him for including us among His candidates. We should also discover the purpose for our selection (1 Peter 1:2; John 15:16)
II. Being a Royal Priesthood means that God calls us to serve as His representatives. We need therefore to know God’s mind and reveal it to others in order to guide them aright (1 Peter 2: 4-6)
III. Being a Holy Nation means that though we live in a corrupt world, God expects us to be pure, having been set apart by Him to be exclusively His (John 17:19; 1 Corinthians 1; 2; Hebrews 10:10)
3. The Requirements for Building a Witnessing Life
I. Living a God-centered Life Daily: The witnessing life is built through a devoted life to God. The world can pull us away from God’s will if our devotion to Him is weak., The Lord rebuked the Church at Ephesus because they were replacing their first love for Christ with other things.(Revelation 2:1-7) How do we then live a God-centered life daily? (1 Peter 2:4-5). When we surrender our will, motives, time and gifts to the Holy Spirit, we live a Spirit-controlled life (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 15:16)
II. Fellowshipping with His People: Our witnessing life is built through constant fellowship with God’s people, not with the people of the world. In a physical building each block is important; likewise we depend on one another for spiritual growth. We are part of a body.
III. Feeding Constantly of God’s Word: God’s love, which we are to share with the lost souls is contained in the Bible. We need to read it constantly, believe it and practice it. Then, we will be able to share it through the enablement of the Holy Spirit. Our words cannot convert a soul. Only God’s Word convicts and converts.
IV. Proclaiming the Goodness of God to others (1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 28:19 – 20); A witness is not afraid to make known to others God’s goodness and faithfulness. We defeat the devil when we announce God’s love, grace and mercy, through our actions and in-action, through or by our testimonies.
Conclusion:
We cannot be a witness to what we have not seen or experienced. Have you experienced the salvation through Christ? Are you daily offering your life as a spiritual and living sacrifice to Him? Are you joining other believers to expand God’s kingdom or you are just attending church? Are you proclaiming His love to those in darkness that they too, may come to know the Saviour? God desires to bring others into His family trough you! Arise now, and shine!
1 Cor. 3: 7 – 17
Text: Fellow-workers v. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Introduction:
The saved are called to serve
No one follows Jesus without being called by Him
There are different ministries for every individual in the building of His Church
Yet everyone must belong to his or her ministries well
You may ask: what can I do to fulfill my role or perform my ministry?
Do the following:
1. You can co-operate with other christians in christian work and fellowship (1 Cor. 3:9)
i. Necessity for co-operation
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”(Psalm 133:1)
ii. Disunity the devil’s scheme (1 Cor 12: 14 – 31)
iii. How Baptist work together
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”(Eph. 1:4-6)
2. You can give that His work may Grow
“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”(1 Cor 16:2)
i. Giving is God’s plan
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” ( 2 Cor 9:7)
ii. The Bible teaches tithing (Mal. 3:10)
iii. The Baptist Cooperative program
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Cor 3:9a)
3. You can witness that others may be Won ( Luke 24:46-48)
i. Sharing our Christian faith
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Prov. 11:30)
ii. The joy of witnessing
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
4. You can teach that others may be Transformed ( John 6:45)
i. The glory of teaching (Matt. 28: 19 – 29)
ii. Teaching is Christlike
“And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.” (Mark 10:1)
iii. The Bible the textbook (Psalm 119:105)
5. You can sacrifice that Christ may be Served (Acts 20:35)
i. Sacrifice required
“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” (Luke 5:11)
ii. Separation from worldliness
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy , acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom 12: 1 – 2)
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2 Cor 6:17)
Conclusion:
Commit yourself to doing them
Christ’s church in our time or hand must be built
Christ’s church must not lack in the face of our plenty
None of us must be idle
May you serve with all of your heart.
Matthew 4: 18 - 22
Introduction:
The church is not only a fellowship of believers, but also an organization that provides an outlet and a channel of service for all who believe.
Your church affords you joyous tasks that will make your life count for good, and will cause your heart to be filled with happiness. Today, we just don’t think of what the church is, or what it does for us, turn the picture around and look at it anther way. What can you do through your church?
Our passage today shows that Christ calls ordinary people who will simply make themselves available to Him.
1.The first men called (v. 18 – 20)
a. Were brothers who worked together
b. Were industrious workers
c. Were called to follow Jesus – at once
d. Were called to another work
e. Were responsive
2. The second men called (v.21 -22)
a. Were obedient sons working with their father-closely knit
b. Were industrious, frugal
c. Were simply called
d. Were responsive: left their livelihood and family
A. The men called by Christ were brothers who worked together.
The fact that they were working together says at least three things to us today:
a. They had good parents who has taught them to love and care for one another
b. They came from a closely knit family, a family that worked together
c. They followed and obeyed the teaching of their parents and maintained a brotherly spirit throughout life
There is one essential thing for serving Christ that must be stressed among us:
Cooperation-a nature and willingness to serve together.
"Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts. 11: 25 – 26)
"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state." (Phil 2:19-20)
B. The men called by Christ were industrious workers.
Note how Peter and Andrew were busy at work when Christ called them. This is a second essential for serving Christ that must be stressed; energy, industry, a willingness to work and to work hard. When Christ calls a person, the person is working, not sitting. God does not choose the lazy and inactive, but the energetic and industrious. Too many believers are sitting and are inactive. Therefore, they miss out on the higher calling of God. But, let us read the following passages:
"So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him." (1 Kings 19:19)
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the lord is not in vain" (1 Cor 15:58)
"He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." (Luke 19: 12 – 13)
C. The men called by Christ were called to follow Him, and they were to immediately follow Him.
The point is this; the disciple is called to follow Christ personally, to attach himself to Christ before he does anything else, Personal discipleship, that is, personal attachment, is essential. A person must first learn Christ before he can serve Christ.
D. The men called by Christ were called to another work.
This was a call to a different kind of employment, to another work and profession. It was a drastic, traumatic change. Note several facts:
a. The call to a personal relationship had already been issued. John tells us this (Jn 1:35 – 42). A personal relationship must always be stressed before service.
b. This call, the call to “fish for men.” Was a call to service? It was a call to care for men, to help and minister to them. No greater call can come to a man, for helping another human being is the greatest act in all of life. Imagine a person who gives himself to nothing but ministering and helping people. What greater calls there? (see. Mt. 20:26; Mk 10:43; Lk. 9:48) the same thought by Jesus.
c. The call was to immediate and total detachment from all else and to immediate attachment to Jesus and His mission.
E. The men called by Christ were responsive.
They responded immediately.
The call of God is critical and demands a decision
a. It is immediate-right now! A person is to get up now, not tomorrow (see Lk. 9:57-62).
b. It is unequivocal. It demands a positive response-immediately. How tragic that many are called, but few are chosen. But you, be among the chosen.The second part of this teaching focus on our direct service to Christ and His church. What then can you do to be said that you are serving Christ?
Please note the implication of all this:
1. No one can serve Christ without first having been saved by Christ (Saved to Serve)
2. Service to Christ is paramount by those genuinely saved
3. Christian life is about service
- for others to be saved
- for others to be discipled
- for others to be encouraged
4. Servant-leaders are always needed (in Christ’s church) today.
I. You can Co-operate with other Christians in Christian work and Fellowship ( 1 Cor. 3:9)
(1) Necessity for co-operation (Psalm 133:1)
(2) Disunity the devil’s scheme ( 1 Cor 12: 14 – 31)
(3) How Baptist work together (Eph. 1:4-6
II. You can give that His work may Grow ( 1 Cor 16:2)
(1) Giving is God’s plan ( 2 Cor 9:7)
(2) The Bible teaches tithing (Mal. 8:10)
(3) The Baptist Cooperative program ( 1 Cor 3:9a)
III. You can witness that others may be Won ( Luke 24:46-48)
(1) Sharing our Christian faith (Prov. 11:30)
(2) The joy of witnessing (Acts 1:8)
IV. You can teach that others may be Transformed ( John 6:45)
(1) The glory of teaching (Matt. 28: 19 – 29)
(2) Teaching is Christlike (Mark 10:1)
(3) The Bible the textbook (Psalm 119:105)
V. You can sacrifice that Christ may be Served (Acts 20:35)
(1) Sacrifice required (Luke 5:11)
(2) Separation from worldliness ( Rom 12: 1 – 2; 2 Cor 6:17)
Ephesians 2: 13 - 22
Text: v. 20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Introduction:
When Jesus said “I will build my Church”
What did He mean?
When you join a (the) church, what do you expect and what’s expected of you.
The way we do in church depends very much on our understanding the concept and the nature as well as its purpose.
What does it mean or take to build the Church of Christ?
What do you and I need to know or do to build the church of Christ the very way He wants.
We must of necessity have a clear understanding of what the church is then; we know how to build it.
See the Church in the following pictures:
New nation
God’s Family
God’s building
Growing organism
A World-wide temple
A local temple
1. Church As the New Nation: First, the church is pictured as a new nation or society.
- We were foreigners and aliens before.
2. The Church As God’s Family of: Second, the church is pictured as the family of God. Jesus Christ has brought us into the family of God.
This involves two glorious privileges.
i. The privilege of adoption.
ii. The privilege of responsibility and service.
3. The Church As God’s Building: Third, the church is pictured as God’s building.
i. Jesus Christ Himself is the Chief cornerstone.
ii. We, the church, are built upon the foundation laid by the testimonies of the apostles and prophets.
4. The Church As Building: Fourth, the church is pictured as a growing organism.
The church and its believers have two dynamic challenges in this point.
i. The church must grow
ii. Every believer within the building is a part of the building and expected to fulfill its function within the building;
5. The Church as the Universal Temple: Fifth, the church is pictured as a worldwide temple, as the universal church
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ is open to all people everywhere.
6. The Church As the Indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit: Sixth the church is pictured as a local temple, as the local church. The Holy Spirit dwells within the church to help its believers when they are in different situations.
Conclusion:
Implication of this Study:
- Our understanding determines our operation
- Our operations reveal our understanding and appreciation
- The choice of our workers and leaders must be congruent with our understanding
- Our leaders must be able to flow in this revelation
Hence our choice is not by human politics but by divine guidance so that the purpose of the church may be established on earth
(Children's Day Emphasis)
1 Peter. 2: 9; Acts. 1:8
Introduction:
This message topic has become out theme
God’s plan for children’s growth is: Birth, Growth, and MATURITY
Children grow naturally, all things being equal
We can see that very glaringly
I. How Do You/We (the Church) Make the Children Grow?
1. In Recognition – Gen. 33:5; Psalm 127:3
2. In Training Right – Prov. 22:6; Isaiah 8:18
3. In Dedication – 1 Sam. 1:28; 2 Chr. 34: 1 – 7; Eccl. 12:1
4. In Discipline - Prov. 13:24; Prov. 23:13; Prov. 29:17
II. Church Ministry to Children
1. Love them
2. Make affordable necessary provision
3. Show them example (purity, holiness, service, discipline, etc)
4. Train them for Leadership
5. Watch them grow and develop (wholistically)
III. Children’s Responsibility (Eph. 6:1 – 4)
- Honour/obey your parents (physical and spiritual)
- Be responsible (everywhere)
- Be an example (word and deed)
- Watch out for bad example
- Be in Church regularly
- Do your duties well
- Be disciplined
Romans 12: 18; Heb. 12:14
Text: “As much as possible; follow peace”
Introduction:
Thank God for last week
Many things learnt
Yet several people were absent
It is still important to remind ourselves of salient points
The Word of God is the major factor to live in peace in the Home, and then abiding by simple rules of peace
The Word
“If it is possible,” The believer is to live at peace with everyone. However, it is not always possible, especially in the world today. Some persons are troublemakers: grumblers, complainers, dissenters, splitters, fighters, ego-hunters, self-centered leaders, image-seekers, power-builders, warmongers. Some persons have no interest in living at peace with the believer.
Please, note two significant points that need to be carefully considered and thought through by every one of us:
1. The cause of conflict must not arise from a sincere believer. He is to try everything possible to bring about peace and to keep peace.
2. The governing principle for the believer is clear: “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” Rm 12:21
The great duty of the believer is to make every effort to pursue peace and holiness. The words “make every effort to pursue” means to run after, chase after, press after. It has the idea of swiftness and endurance.
The believer is to live at peace with all men. The believer is to work for it as much peace as possible. Some level of harmony and concord can be achieved at least some of the time. The believer is never to give up, not as long as there is hope for some degree of peace. He is to achieve as much peace as possible. However remember, peace is not always possible not with everyone, especially outside the home.
The cause of conflict must not arise from a sincere believer. He is to try everything possible to bring about peace and to keep peace, hence the reason for us to understand the principles of conflict-resolution
Applying this biblical instruction to Peace In the Home. What d you and I need to know and do?
It is unfortunate that we are already living in lying and deceiving days (e.g a spouse deceives, can leave home for unknown destination, can cheat, can be unfaithful, etc)
We must remind ourselves of the ultimate-seeing God (both now and in eternity) Hence the need to obey this instruction “Follow Peace with all men” (esp. your spouse) and then, “as much as possible…” That is, you must seek to do your acceptable best.
Conclusion:
Check the Pastoral Word on 'Nuggets For Peace In The (Christian) Home' on this website
Read literatures (Share other people’s views)
Relate well with people (Be exposed in the right ways)
Be a responsible spouse (Share responsibilities)
Live by the Word of God (Not enough to read)
Remain faithful to God and to your spouse (The Lord watches)
Fulfill your conjugal responsibilities (Not only sex please)
Let the glory of God be your goal
Acts 19: 17 & 20
Texts: “The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified” v.17 (KJV)
“So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed” v.20 (KJV)
Introduction:
Pentecost power liberated the Apostles
Pentecost power energized them
Pentecost power caused the Gospel to spread
Pentecost power did the miraculous
Two things caught our attention today
Viz: The Name of the Lord (magnified)
The Word of God (grew mightily)
Why Growth and Glory?
There was evidence of salvation in the lives of those who believed the gospel (apostles’) message
Nature of salvation:
1.Salvation necessitates full belief and the receiving of the Holy Spirit
2.Salvation necessitates a decision. A person either decides to accept Christ or he automatically rejects Him
3.Salvation necessitates the protection and growth of new converts
That is, salvation of men led to great Revival.
- The Word of the Lord was preached
- The extraordinary miracles of God were seen
- The false prophets were exposed
- The fear of God struck men’s hearts (they were gripped with a sense of awe and reverence of God’s Power and demand for righteousness and of their need to walk righteously before God and before me)
- The name of the Lord was honoured
- The conversion of many took place
- The burning of superstitious scrolls (books) and charms took place
Note: (i) They did not sell the items, they burned them.
They did not want them in the hands of others
(ii) The great cost of all the items (A drachmas (silver coin) was one day’s wage, so fifty thousand pieces of silver
equal fifty thousand working days (137years)
Conclusion:
See how the name of Jesus was glorified
Read Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
John 12:49 “ For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.
See how the Power of God’s Word changes people
See Jer. 23:29 "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
Ezekiel 37:7 “ So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as
I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound,and the bones came together, bone to bone.
Rm. 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who
believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Eph 6:17 “ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”.
Ask:
Has Pentecostal Power (the Name of Jesus and His Word) affected?
My lifestyle?
My Relationships?
My Job/Work ethics?
My Family/Marriage?
My Service to the Lord?
My giving to the Lord?
My response to life situations or challenges?
By you (me) the name of the Lord will be glorified and His Word honoured. What’s your choice?