Wednesday, April 14, 2010
APRIL 2, 2010 GOOD FRIDAY TEXT- ISAIAH 52: 13-53:6, HEB 10:16-25 THEME:” THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST”
PREACHER: REV. FIIFI FOH ARKHURST
Beloved in Christ, if we compare the manner in which the service of the world’s greatest men have been rendered and that in which Christ’s work of redemption has been rendered, we are immediately impressed with an outstanding contrast, for while the service of men is rendered during their life time and while Christ too, for that matter lived a life of unparallel service, the climax of Jesus’ work came at its very close, and our salvation is ascribed to his passion and death.
Dear Christian friends, we are reflecting on the importance of the passion and death of Jesus. The first reading from Isaiah reveals a valuable component of our salvation, the passion and death of Jesus that is the agony of Christ. It is amazing how much detail given by Prophet Isaiah came true in Jesus. For through his death Jesus did suffer for humanity. Again, by his death Jesus secured for all believers
1. Healing both spiritually and physically
2. Penalty for our sin.
My dear Christian friends in the second reading from the book of Hebrews the writer made a powerful statement that God will remember our sins no more. For Christ forgives completely, so there is no need to confess our past sins repeatedly. And as believers, we can be confident that the sins we confess and renounce are forgiven and forgotten. That all these have been made possible via the passion and death of Jesus. The writer of Hebrews continues to say that via the passion and death of Jesus, we have confidence to come to God. We can relate with God as a father without any inhibitions. In the 3rd reading we read about Jesus being tossed here and there by Annas and Caiaphas.
Dear Christian friends, it is interesting that the death which they thought to inflict on Jesus as dishonour and disgrace has become the glorious monument to death defeat. The death of Jesus Christ becomes not the end, but the beginning. It is not the end of the way, but the way of the beginning. For via his death, Jesus brought the end of death and the beginning of life. In other words, Jesus died that we might live. We deserve to die but Jesus decided to die in our stead. Decided to take our place so lift up your heart. Don’t be sorrowful. Hope for the future lies in what God did long ago via the death of Jesus. Remember, via his death Jesus has conquered the world. When night comes, pray “lead kindly light”. When there is no place to stand sing “how firm a foundation, ye saint of the Lord”. In the midst of our days and years Christ comforts us as surely as he did his sorrowing disciples long ago. And as Lord of life, he cries “I died and lived for you”.
Beloved in Christ, let us remind ourselves that via his death Jesus made a big sacrifice for us and the sacrifice accomplished a lot. For when Jesus died on the cross, he was giving his life so we could have eternal life. That is to say, Jesus died for our sins.
For the death of Jesus is a damage repair, so anytime you see a crucifix, consider how much Jesus gave to you and remember to be generous to others.
My dear Christian friends, the significance of the passion and death of Jesus cannot be overemphasised in any way. We were nobodies but his death has made us somebody.
Again, his death has given us assurance of salvation let us remember that the specific purpose of Christians death was to secure forgiveness for us as taught in scripture, for Christ suffered for sins once so that the unrighteous might be brought to God. Remember Jesus paid a debt he did not owe because you owed a debt you couldn’t pay.
It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will help you to bear the burden of the weak as Christ did and to learn that exultation comes only after humble selfless service.
Beloved in Christ, if we compare the manner in which the service of the world’s greatest men have been rendered and that in which Christ’s work of redemption has been rendered, we are immediately impressed with an outstanding contrast, for while the service of men is rendered during their life time and while Christ too, for that matter lived a life of unparallel service, the climax of Jesus’ work came at its very close, and our salvation is ascribed to his passion and death.
Dear Christian friends, we are reflecting on the importance of the passion and death of Jesus. The first reading from Isaiah reveals a valuable component of our salvation, the passion and death of Jesus that is the agony of Christ. It is amazing how much detail given by Prophet Isaiah came true in Jesus. For through his death Jesus did suffer for humanity. Again, by his death Jesus secured for all believers
1. Healing both spiritually and physically
2. Penalty for our sin.
My dear Christian friends in the second reading from the book of Hebrews the writer made a powerful statement that God will remember our sins no more. For Christ forgives completely, so there is no need to confess our past sins repeatedly. And as believers, we can be confident that the sins we confess and renounce are forgiven and forgotten. That all these have been made possible via the passion and death of Jesus. The writer of Hebrews continues to say that via the passion and death of Jesus, we have confidence to come to God. We can relate with God as a father without any inhibitions. In the 3rd reading we read about Jesus being tossed here and there by Annas and Caiaphas.
Dear Christian friends, it is interesting that the death which they thought to inflict on Jesus as dishonour and disgrace has become the glorious monument to death defeat. The death of Jesus Christ becomes not the end, but the beginning. It is not the end of the way, but the way of the beginning. For via his death, Jesus brought the end of death and the beginning of life. In other words, Jesus died that we might live. We deserve to die but Jesus decided to die in our stead. Decided to take our place so lift up your heart. Don’t be sorrowful. Hope for the future lies in what God did long ago via the death of Jesus. Remember, via his death Jesus has conquered the world. When night comes, pray “lead kindly light”. When there is no place to stand sing “how firm a foundation, ye saint of the Lord”. In the midst of our days and years Christ comforts us as surely as he did his sorrowing disciples long ago. And as Lord of life, he cries “I died and lived for you”.
Beloved in Christ, let us remind ourselves that via his death Jesus made a big sacrifice for us and the sacrifice accomplished a lot. For when Jesus died on the cross, he was giving his life so we could have eternal life. That is to say, Jesus died for our sins.
For the death of Jesus is a damage repair, so anytime you see a crucifix, consider how much Jesus gave to you and remember to be generous to others.
My dear Christian friends, the significance of the passion and death of Jesus cannot be overemphasised in any way. We were nobodies but his death has made us somebody.
Again, his death has given us assurance of salvation let us remember that the specific purpose of Christians death was to secure forgiveness for us as taught in scripture, for Christ suffered for sins once so that the unrighteous might be brought to God. Remember Jesus paid a debt he did not owe because you owed a debt you couldn’t pay.
It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will help you to bear the burden of the weak as Christ did and to learn that exultation comes only after humble selfless service.
Friday, April 2, 2010
MARCH 28, 2010 TEXT- ISAIAH 50:4-9, PHILLIPIANS 2:5-11 &LUKE 19:29-40 THEME:”PREPARE TO FACE CHALLENGES”
PREACHER: REV. ISAAC ETUAH-JACKSON
Today is Palm Sunday, a day Jesus Christ rode triumphantly in to Jerusalem as the blessed king who comes in the name of the Lord to face the challenge of dying on the cross to save us from the power of sin and death.
Today, we also begin what we call in Christendom-the passion of Christ or the holy week, a week we recall how he loved us and how he has shown this love.
In the 1st lesson read to us, we see how the 2nd Isaiah describes in these verses how the suffering servant- the messiah- facing the challenge of life- suffering which the father has designated for him. He is to preach the message of God’s mercy to men. Many rejected him and tortured, but God was on his side and would not be moved from his resolute purpose by his insults and injuries.
Brethren in the Lord, the sufferings, various episodes or stations in the life of Jesus were all challenges to Jesus (betrayal, denial, trail by Caiaphas and Pilate and eventual crucifixion). He triumphed in the end. This is to teach us that challenges are inevitable in life but when we remain resolute with the help of God just as the suffering servant was- he remained unswayed by whatever hardship that was awaiting him as he rode to Jerusalem to be crucified (Ezekiel 3:8-9 and Luke 9:51).
No matter how he was to be mistreated, mocked and repudiated, the servant /messiah had such full confidence of God’s support that he welcomed the challenges in life schools, workplaces, in your marriage, in your family- am here today to tell to brace up and face these challenges because God’s helps is available to us in the face of these difficulties and challenges. This is why the church was red parament (liturgical colour) to teach us that the Holy Spirit is present to give us help in order to face these challenges of life. Amen
Brethren Jesus Christ at the end of a long journey eventually came to Jerusalem. This was in fulfilment of Zechariah’s prophecy in 9:9 Zion’s king should come to her righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of an ass.
When Jesus reached Bethpage and Bethany he sent for a donkey, he mounted it and his entry into Jerusalem to face his life challenge became a royal procession, with the king surrounded by his disciples and greeted by cheering crowds – like we have done today. Jesus by this action entered Jerusalem as king of peace and love and not as the conquering military hero whom the mob expected and awaited to liberate them from roman rule.
The people threw their clothes on the donkey for Jesus to sit on. The people shared what they had with Jesus Matthew 21:8 and Mark 11:8 mentions the cutting of Branches and spreading them on the road. The crowd shouted hosanna to the one who comes in the name of the Lord, quoting psalm 118:26 hailing Jesus as Messiah. Hosanna means save us now. Brethren, because Jesus was able to face the challenges in life by taking the form of man even though he was God, humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross most wretched of deaths a death a roman writer describes as she was highly exalted, given a name above every name and at the mention of his name every knee must bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the father.
Let us face the challenges in life with Christ this passion and holy week- tomorrow –Friday please do not be left out and am certain we will also receive grace and favour from God to be able to face our individual challenges in life. Amen
Today is Palm Sunday, a day Jesus Christ rode triumphantly in to Jerusalem as the blessed king who comes in the name of the Lord to face the challenge of dying on the cross to save us from the power of sin and death.
Today, we also begin what we call in Christendom-the passion of Christ or the holy week, a week we recall how he loved us and how he has shown this love.
In the 1st lesson read to us, we see how the 2nd Isaiah describes in these verses how the suffering servant- the messiah- facing the challenge of life- suffering which the father has designated for him. He is to preach the message of God’s mercy to men. Many rejected him and tortured, but God was on his side and would not be moved from his resolute purpose by his insults and injuries.
Brethren in the Lord, the sufferings, various episodes or stations in the life of Jesus were all challenges to Jesus (betrayal, denial, trail by Caiaphas and Pilate and eventual crucifixion). He triumphed in the end. This is to teach us that challenges are inevitable in life but when we remain resolute with the help of God just as the suffering servant was- he remained unswayed by whatever hardship that was awaiting him as he rode to Jerusalem to be crucified (Ezekiel 3:8-9 and Luke 9:51).
No matter how he was to be mistreated, mocked and repudiated, the servant /messiah had such full confidence of God’s support that he welcomed the challenges in life schools, workplaces, in your marriage, in your family- am here today to tell to brace up and face these challenges because God’s helps is available to us in the face of these difficulties and challenges. This is why the church was red parament (liturgical colour) to teach us that the Holy Spirit is present to give us help in order to face these challenges of life. Amen
Brethren Jesus Christ at the end of a long journey eventually came to Jerusalem. This was in fulfilment of Zechariah’s prophecy in 9:9 Zion’s king should come to her righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of an ass.
When Jesus reached Bethpage and Bethany he sent for a donkey, he mounted it and his entry into Jerusalem to face his life challenge became a royal procession, with the king surrounded by his disciples and greeted by cheering crowds – like we have done today. Jesus by this action entered Jerusalem as king of peace and love and not as the conquering military hero whom the mob expected and awaited to liberate them from roman rule.
The people threw their clothes on the donkey for Jesus to sit on. The people shared what they had with Jesus Matthew 21:8 and Mark 11:8 mentions the cutting of Branches and spreading them on the road. The crowd shouted hosanna to the one who comes in the name of the Lord, quoting psalm 118:26 hailing Jesus as Messiah. Hosanna means save us now. Brethren, because Jesus was able to face the challenges in life by taking the form of man even though he was God, humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross most wretched of deaths a death a roman writer describes as she was highly exalted, given a name above every name and at the mention of his name every knee must bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the father.
Let us face the challenges in life with Christ this passion and holy week- tomorrow –Friday please do not be left out and am certain we will also receive grace and favour from God to be able to face our individual challenges in life. Amen
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
MARCH 21, 2010 TEXT- ISIAIAH 43:16-21, PHIL 3:4-14 THEME:”DWELL NOT ON YOUR PAST GLORIES”
PREACHER: REV. ISAAC ETUAH-JACKSON
Today is the fifth Sunday of lent (next Sunday is Palm Sunday). During lent the church helps us to prepare for great events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These events set us free from the slavery of sin and also raises us up to be sons of God and heirs to the eternal kingdom of heaven. Today’s discussion is to remind us that we are only passing through this earth and need not dwell on our past achievements, possessions, power, pleasure but build on Christ’s foundation in order to grow into maturity and to attain eternal salvation. Amen
In the 1st lesson, we read part of the message of encouragement which the 2nd Isaiah preached to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The miracles of the first exodus would be surpassed by those of the 2nd, the liberation of the Babylonian exile. We need to remember that the Israelites lost their homeland cannan and were taken prisoners to Babylon in 586BC, but the God of their fathers did a new thing by bringing them back to their homes and established them there once again through Cyrus- a heathen king who facilitated their return (Ezra 1:1-11). God did this so that the Israelites may declare his praise and to bring them to the realisation that that they do not need to dwell on their past.
Brethren, dwelling on past glories is what st. Paul addresses in the letter to the Philippians. The congregation in Philippi must have included some Jewish Christians or at least must have come under the influence of Judaisers; the Jewish Christians insisted that the gentile Christians should be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. To explain what he means, Paul takes himself as an example. He had dwelt on his past glories by being extremely happy about his adherence to Jewish traditions but now he dismissed the status and dignity given him by his race, religious rites and tradition as rubbish. Why because he has now found a real reason for boasting: i consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, whose sake i have lost all things. (Verse 8)
Brothers and sisters in the Lord like Paul we should also discard our pride in such things as our race, social status, achievements in academia, business, work among others. Let us not dwell on our past glories as individuals and as a church. As new people of God we should rather boast of our identity in Christ and our desire is to become like Christ in all respects, including his suffering, death and resurrection (verse 10) Paul ignores his past successes and failures as he presses forward expectantly to reach the goal. (Verse 13-14)
Brethren just as Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery in our gospel reading even though her accusers the scribes and Pharisees who had become so blinded by their pride in their own righteousness in the strict observance of the 613 precepts of the law of Moses. Paul contrasts his former Christian life with his present Christian life. St Jerome is on record to have said that Jews wrote the hidden sins of the Woman’s accusers. The woman was told to go and sin no more and the result of her changed life is recorded in St John gospel 12: 1-8 where she anointed Jesus feet to prepare him for his burial.
We must not dwell on our past successes, glories and failures but we must press on towards the Goal having faith in God. A mark of a Christian is keeping on towards the goal, trusting in the Lord despite the circumstances. A Christian is like a runner who looks forward to crossing the finishing line.
As Christians we should not think that we have arrived because today the non churched are no longer geographically but are culturally distant from us. This is because our culture in church makes the church irrelevant to them.
As members of this church and for that matter Christians one thing we all can do as we try not is dwell on our past glories is to make our work places, schools e.tc an extension of the church mission and of in fact that is the reason why we come to church every Sunday so that we can change agents in our communities, schools and workplaces.
Today is the fifth Sunday of lent (next Sunday is Palm Sunday). During lent the church helps us to prepare for great events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These events set us free from the slavery of sin and also raises us up to be sons of God and heirs to the eternal kingdom of heaven. Today’s discussion is to remind us that we are only passing through this earth and need not dwell on our past achievements, possessions, power, pleasure but build on Christ’s foundation in order to grow into maturity and to attain eternal salvation. Amen
In the 1st lesson, we read part of the message of encouragement which the 2nd Isaiah preached to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The miracles of the first exodus would be surpassed by those of the 2nd, the liberation of the Babylonian exile. We need to remember that the Israelites lost their homeland cannan and were taken prisoners to Babylon in 586BC, but the God of their fathers did a new thing by bringing them back to their homes and established them there once again through Cyrus- a heathen king who facilitated their return (Ezra 1:1-11). God did this so that the Israelites may declare his praise and to bring them to the realisation that that they do not need to dwell on their past.
Brethren, dwelling on past glories is what st. Paul addresses in the letter to the Philippians. The congregation in Philippi must have included some Jewish Christians or at least must have come under the influence of Judaisers; the Jewish Christians insisted that the gentile Christians should be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. To explain what he means, Paul takes himself as an example. He had dwelt on his past glories by being extremely happy about his adherence to Jewish traditions but now he dismissed the status and dignity given him by his race, religious rites and tradition as rubbish. Why because he has now found a real reason for boasting: i consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, whose sake i have lost all things. (Verse 8)
Brothers and sisters in the Lord like Paul we should also discard our pride in such things as our race, social status, achievements in academia, business, work among others. Let us not dwell on our past glories as individuals and as a church. As new people of God we should rather boast of our identity in Christ and our desire is to become like Christ in all respects, including his suffering, death and resurrection (verse 10) Paul ignores his past successes and failures as he presses forward expectantly to reach the goal. (Verse 13-14)
Brethren just as Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery in our gospel reading even though her accusers the scribes and Pharisees who had become so blinded by their pride in their own righteousness in the strict observance of the 613 precepts of the law of Moses. Paul contrasts his former Christian life with his present Christian life. St Jerome is on record to have said that Jews wrote the hidden sins of the Woman’s accusers. The woman was told to go and sin no more and the result of her changed life is recorded in St John gospel 12: 1-8 where she anointed Jesus feet to prepare him for his burial.
We must not dwell on our past successes, glories and failures but we must press on towards the Goal having faith in God. A mark of a Christian is keeping on towards the goal, trusting in the Lord despite the circumstances. A Christian is like a runner who looks forward to crossing the finishing line.
As Christians we should not think that we have arrived because today the non churched are no longer geographically but are culturally distant from us. This is because our culture in church makes the church irrelevant to them.
As members of this church and for that matter Christians one thing we all can do as we try not is dwell on our past glories is to make our work places, schools e.tc an extension of the church mission and of in fact that is the reason why we come to church every Sunday so that we can change agents in our communities, schools and workplaces.
MARCH 13, 2010 TEXT- HEB. 5:11-6:3 THEME: “GROWING INTO MATURITY”
PREACHER: REV. FIIFI FOH ARKHURST
Every parent expects his child to grow and not be a liability on him. So does GOD also expect from us. Maturity is a gradual process that takes time. It has nothing to do with age. To be matured is to turn your back to the world and live as Christ expects of you, living as if the things of this world are of no importance and refusing to be weighed down by material concerns.
The message in Heb 6:1 is meant for Christians and not unbelievers. The writer of Hebrews wrote to Christians about what the writer refers to as elementary doctrine.
For they were arguing about;
1. When one should be baptized (infant baptism v adult)
2. Which mode of baptism was acceptable (immersion or sprinkling)
3. Where one should be baptized (by the riverside or the chapel)
4. What posture of prayer is suitable (standing, kneeling, prostrating or sitting)
5. Which mode of worship was acceptable and so on.
The writer complains that his reader’s knowledge of the bible is inadequate to follow the rest of his argument. He insists that they must become more biblically informed if they wish to persevere. They had to get past the basics to biblical maturity.
From Heb. 5:11-6:3 it could be declared that Christians although truly born into God’s family were not matured. The writer observed that the Jewish Christians were not growing up in their understanding because he found it tough to teach them anything more than their spiritual ABC which he termed elementary basics hence the command to grow into maturity. (Heb 6:1)
Beloved in the Lord I want you to draw your attention to the fact that it is possible to acquire much knowledge in the word of God, praying in spiritual language, casting out demons but still not be matured. Signs of immaturity (as outlined in the scripture reading) are;
1. Laying again the foundation of repentance (5:11) here the Christian life is likened to a building under construction which from time to time they have to dig up the foundation and lay it again. Thus after a long time there is still no progress in the building. The same sins tempt most of us day in and day out which makes us repent over and over again. Let’s learn from Paul in Cor. 13:11 saying “when I was a child I talked like a child but now I am an adult i behave as one”
2. Our inability to share with others. Let’s grow into maturity by sharing with others. (Heb 5:12)
3. How much we know is how much we absorb we need to go past the little truth we knew long when we became Christians. That Jesus died on the cross for your sin, that you have eternal life and that he has gone to prepare a place you, e.tc We are in perilous times so let us go on to maturity. When people do things against us are we ready to reconcile and forgive them.
4. Inability to use the word of righteousness (Heb 5:13) the spiritual weapon the bible should be handled properly as we fight with the Devil. We should feed on the word of God in order to grow into maturity. Do we meditate on God’s word?
5. Can you tell the difference between the correct use of scripture and mistaken one? Heb. 5:14 the people were unable to tell between good and evil. The immature Christian is easily led astray, can you recognise temptation before it traps you? For the author the ability to differentiate critically bad and truth was very important.
Certain elementary teachings are essential for all believers to understand. These basics include;
1. Importance of faith
2. The Foolishness of trying to be saved by good deeds.
3. The meaning of baptism and spiritual gifts.
4. The facts of resurrection and eternal life.
To be matured we need to move beyond and not away from elementary teachings to a more complete understanding of it. For the writer they had to get past the basics of biblical Maturity this is what he intends for them to do. Matured Christians should be teaching new Christians the basics.
What should fully matured Christians look like? People who are matured are;
1. Secured in their relationship with Christ. They know they have eternal life (1 john 5:11-13)
2. Rooted and built up in the spirit
3. Victorious over sin. Come back from their senses after sin.
4. Understands the words of the scripture and can apply it effectively in their lives.
5. Has an effective Prayer. Phil 4: 6-7
6. The fruit of the spirit is seen in their lives
7. Obedient in service to the Lord. Doesn’t think about what people say. Jn 14:15,23
8. Actively share their faith with others. 1 pt 3:15
9. Actively participate in Christian fellowship. Heb 10:24-25
10. They have compassion on Christians and are wailing to give to others. Col 3:12-14
Are you prepared to grow into maturity? Then we have to be;
Actively involved in church the church, attend programs
Sensitive to the holy spirits promptings
Realise your inadequacies anytime you go to God in prayer.
Read and search in scriptures
Cultivate the habit of fasting
GOD wants us to mature, what we know is good but we need to know more.
Our prayer at any point in time should be that we grow into maturity.
Every parent expects his child to grow and not be a liability on him. So does GOD also expect from us. Maturity is a gradual process that takes time. It has nothing to do with age. To be matured is to turn your back to the world and live as Christ expects of you, living as if the things of this world are of no importance and refusing to be weighed down by material concerns.
The message in Heb 6:1 is meant for Christians and not unbelievers. The writer of Hebrews wrote to Christians about what the writer refers to as elementary doctrine.
For they were arguing about;
1. When one should be baptized (infant baptism v adult)
2. Which mode of baptism was acceptable (immersion or sprinkling)
3. Where one should be baptized (by the riverside or the chapel)
4. What posture of prayer is suitable (standing, kneeling, prostrating or sitting)
5. Which mode of worship was acceptable and so on.
The writer complains that his reader’s knowledge of the bible is inadequate to follow the rest of his argument. He insists that they must become more biblically informed if they wish to persevere. They had to get past the basics to biblical maturity.
From Heb. 5:11-6:3 it could be declared that Christians although truly born into God’s family were not matured. The writer observed that the Jewish Christians were not growing up in their understanding because he found it tough to teach them anything more than their spiritual ABC which he termed elementary basics hence the command to grow into maturity. (Heb 6:1)
Beloved in the Lord I want you to draw your attention to the fact that it is possible to acquire much knowledge in the word of God, praying in spiritual language, casting out demons but still not be matured. Signs of immaturity (as outlined in the scripture reading) are;
1. Laying again the foundation of repentance (5:11) here the Christian life is likened to a building under construction which from time to time they have to dig up the foundation and lay it again. Thus after a long time there is still no progress in the building. The same sins tempt most of us day in and day out which makes us repent over and over again. Let’s learn from Paul in Cor. 13:11 saying “when I was a child I talked like a child but now I am an adult i behave as one”
2. Our inability to share with others. Let’s grow into maturity by sharing with others. (Heb 5:12)
3. How much we know is how much we absorb we need to go past the little truth we knew long when we became Christians. That Jesus died on the cross for your sin, that you have eternal life and that he has gone to prepare a place you, e.tc We are in perilous times so let us go on to maturity. When people do things against us are we ready to reconcile and forgive them.
4. Inability to use the word of righteousness (Heb 5:13) the spiritual weapon the bible should be handled properly as we fight with the Devil. We should feed on the word of God in order to grow into maturity. Do we meditate on God’s word?
5. Can you tell the difference between the correct use of scripture and mistaken one? Heb. 5:14 the people were unable to tell between good and evil. The immature Christian is easily led astray, can you recognise temptation before it traps you? For the author the ability to differentiate critically bad and truth was very important.
Certain elementary teachings are essential for all believers to understand. These basics include;
1. Importance of faith
2. The Foolishness of trying to be saved by good deeds.
3. The meaning of baptism and spiritual gifts.
4. The facts of resurrection and eternal life.
To be matured we need to move beyond and not away from elementary teachings to a more complete understanding of it. For the writer they had to get past the basics of biblical Maturity this is what he intends for them to do. Matured Christians should be teaching new Christians the basics.
What should fully matured Christians look like? People who are matured are;
1. Secured in their relationship with Christ. They know they have eternal life (1 john 5:11-13)
2. Rooted and built up in the spirit
3. Victorious over sin. Come back from their senses after sin.
4. Understands the words of the scripture and can apply it effectively in their lives.
5. Has an effective Prayer. Phil 4: 6-7
6. The fruit of the spirit is seen in their lives
7. Obedient in service to the Lord. Doesn’t think about what people say. Jn 14:15,23
8. Actively share their faith with others. 1 pt 3:15
9. Actively participate in Christian fellowship. Heb 10:24-25
10. They have compassion on Christians and are wailing to give to others. Col 3:12-14
Are you prepared to grow into maturity? Then we have to be;
Actively involved in church the church, attend programs
Sensitive to the holy spirits promptings
Realise your inadequacies anytime you go to God in prayer.
Read and search in scriptures
Cultivate the habit of fasting
GOD wants us to mature, what we know is good but we need to know more.
Our prayer at any point in time should be that we grow into maturity.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
MARCH 7, 2010 TEXT – IS. 55:1-9, 1 COR. 10:1-13, LUKE 13:1-19 THEME:”RELIANCE ON GOD”
PREACHER: REV. SETH KISSI
God has problems with our understanding and judgement. He appears to paint a picture of how we behave and invites us to come and depend on him. In his eyes we have denied ourselves life, satisfaction and what we need, pursuing things we don’t need which we are not necessary.
There’s a difference between our ways and his. (Is 55: 8 & 9) this forms a wave of action because we follow our ways which makes us hungry, thirsty and unsatisfied.
When we depend on him we would find how deficient, thirsty and thoughtful our ways are. The narrative and parable throw light on how things should be done. When eighteen people perished in the tower of Siloam. Jesus saw an attitude of judgement in those who told him about the incident, portraying the victims as sinners. Jesus told them that their ending would be worse if they didn’t repent.
He then spoke to them about the parable of the fig tree which had not bore fruit for three years, its soil was re-fertilised and was given one more year. After it had still not bore fruits so it had to be cut. When we set our eyes on others, we forget our problems and feel very good, perfect and flawless but Jesus called their attention and asked that they think about themselves.
Jesus was in the synagogue one Sabbath when he saw a woman who came in with burns she had for about 18years and healed her. The head of the synagogue drew the attention of the congregation to this and said to them we have six days of work and do not have to work on the Sabbath. They were deficient on the understanding of the Sabbath. So Jesus broke their understanding making them know that preaching on the Sabbath was also work. Doing what they wanted to do and what they didn’t want to was not observing the Sabbath. Sometimes relations can come in the way of things we have to do to serve humanity. It could lead to low productivity but we pray to GOD to invite us to come to live in his ways so that our ways and thoughts would change.
The mustard seed as small as it is grows and birds of all kinds perch on. Jesus asks, what is the shelter to the woman who has been saved. The well being of humanity is paramount to everything. if you have a sacrifice to make and someone has something against you, leave it go and ask for forgiveness before offering it or GOD would not receive it. This is the kind of attitude GOD wants, that we are people of his and not ourselves.
Eating food offered to idols is tantamount to idol worship. We should not do anything to lead to the fall of a brother not even offering food. That for Paul is the way of GOD, we rely on him that our ways would find peace drawing us to him.
Let’s come to him today and ask that our words, ways and faults would enhance people on him. For that to happen we have to rely on him.
God has problems with our understanding and judgement. He appears to paint a picture of how we behave and invites us to come and depend on him. In his eyes we have denied ourselves life, satisfaction and what we need, pursuing things we don’t need which we are not necessary.
There’s a difference between our ways and his. (Is 55: 8 & 9) this forms a wave of action because we follow our ways which makes us hungry, thirsty and unsatisfied.
When we depend on him we would find how deficient, thirsty and thoughtful our ways are. The narrative and parable throw light on how things should be done. When eighteen people perished in the tower of Siloam. Jesus saw an attitude of judgement in those who told him about the incident, portraying the victims as sinners. Jesus told them that their ending would be worse if they didn’t repent.
He then spoke to them about the parable of the fig tree which had not bore fruit for three years, its soil was re-fertilised and was given one more year. After it had still not bore fruits so it had to be cut. When we set our eyes on others, we forget our problems and feel very good, perfect and flawless but Jesus called their attention and asked that they think about themselves.
Jesus was in the synagogue one Sabbath when he saw a woman who came in with burns she had for about 18years and healed her. The head of the synagogue drew the attention of the congregation to this and said to them we have six days of work and do not have to work on the Sabbath. They were deficient on the understanding of the Sabbath. So Jesus broke their understanding making them know that preaching on the Sabbath was also work. Doing what they wanted to do and what they didn’t want to was not observing the Sabbath. Sometimes relations can come in the way of things we have to do to serve humanity. It could lead to low productivity but we pray to GOD to invite us to come to live in his ways so that our ways and thoughts would change.
The mustard seed as small as it is grows and birds of all kinds perch on. Jesus asks, what is the shelter to the woman who has been saved. The well being of humanity is paramount to everything. if you have a sacrifice to make and someone has something against you, leave it go and ask for forgiveness before offering it or GOD would not receive it. This is the kind of attitude GOD wants, that we are people of his and not ourselves.
Eating food offered to idols is tantamount to idol worship. We should not do anything to lead to the fall of a brother not even offering food. That for Paul is the way of GOD, we rely on him that our ways would find peace drawing us to him.
Let’s come to him today and ask that our words, ways and faults would enhance people on him. For that to happen we have to rely on him.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
FEBRUARY 28, 2010 TEXT- GEN. 15:1-12, PHILI 3:17-21, LUKE 13:31-35 THEME: “ENDEAVOUR TO REACH YOUR GOD GIVEN GOAL”
PREACHER: PROF. EBENEZER OWUSU
(Service of hymns)
In Luke 13: 18, Jesus said I will drive demons, heal today and tomorrow all this in the name of the father. Martin Luther king said music is the first gift to GOD followed by divinity. It is a very great gift to come to him to express our joy.
Moses raised his hands saying I will sing unto the lord he is my strength, song and salvation when Egypt was drowned in the sea. By singing we offer praises to him. (We sing Majesty)
Look everywhere you see that there is no life but he knows the plans he has for us, plans of good and not of evil. (Sing PHB 634)
we sing MHB 490 by john Samuel Bewley Monsell junior in 1860.
When we have problems with our schooling, jobs, marriages and our exams. We need to trust in the Lord with our hearts. (Prov. 3:5-6)
we sing because he lives by Edgar stutt.
MHB 91- all hail the power of Jesus name.
Service ends with - It is well with my soul. (Song)
(Service of hymns)
In Luke 13: 18, Jesus said I will drive demons, heal today and tomorrow all this in the name of the father. Martin Luther king said music is the first gift to GOD followed by divinity. It is a very great gift to come to him to express our joy.
Moses raised his hands saying I will sing unto the lord he is my strength, song and salvation when Egypt was drowned in the sea. By singing we offer praises to him. (We sing Majesty)
Look everywhere you see that there is no life but he knows the plans he has for us, plans of good and not of evil. (Sing PHB 634)
we sing MHB 490 by john Samuel Bewley Monsell junior in 1860.
When we have problems with our schooling, jobs, marriages and our exams. We need to trust in the Lord with our hearts. (Prov. 3:5-6)
we sing because he lives by Edgar stutt.
MHB 91- all hail the power of Jesus name.
Service ends with - It is well with my soul. (Song)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
February 21, 2010 TEXT: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8-13 THEME - “TRUST IN THE LORD” PREACHER: BRO BEN KWAPPONG-AKUFFO
What does trusting in the Lord mean?
A father buys his son an umbrella as a gift. This son and his father mostly go for Sunday prayer meeting. The people in their vicinity had requested they pray for rain since they had not been rain for weeks. On the day of the meeting the boy brought his umbrella and was the only one to have brought his in the crowd. They prayed for two consecutive Sundays and there was still no rain, despite this the boy still brought his umbrella.
On the third Sunday, before the end of the prayer meeting the clouds had come down and at the end the prayer meeting it started to rain. Everyone was left stranded as it rained but this boy looked to his father and told him he was going. The dad asked him how and he told him he brought along his umbrella.
Those who prayed unlike the boy had no trust in GOD. Men always have to pray and keep trusting.
HOW TO KEEP OUR TRUST IN GOD.
1. Jesus told a parable in (luke 18). The story was about a judge who had no respect for GOD and man but only for his ethics. There was this poor widow who always came to him but he never had time for her. She kept on coming and one day the judge decided to see to her. We should continue believing and have assurance that GOD would call on us.
2. Living by his word (luke 4:1-13).Jesus responded with the word when he was tempted. (Phillipians 4:6). Who do you go to when you have a problem?
You thrust out the Lord when you do not live by his word. When we have problems with our brothers we first have to pray to God for direction. The last thing we should do as a Christians is to bring he problem before the church but we mostly bring our differences first before the church which should not be the case.
His word for us today is today is that we would not be put to shame when we trust in him.
A father buys his son an umbrella as a gift. This son and his father mostly go for Sunday prayer meeting. The people in their vicinity had requested they pray for rain since they had not been rain for weeks. On the day of the meeting the boy brought his umbrella and was the only one to have brought his in the crowd. They prayed for two consecutive Sundays and there was still no rain, despite this the boy still brought his umbrella.
On the third Sunday, before the end of the prayer meeting the clouds had come down and at the end the prayer meeting it started to rain. Everyone was left stranded as it rained but this boy looked to his father and told him he was going. The dad asked him how and he told him he brought along his umbrella.
Those who prayed unlike the boy had no trust in GOD. Men always have to pray and keep trusting.
HOW TO KEEP OUR TRUST IN GOD.
1. Jesus told a parable in (luke 18). The story was about a judge who had no respect for GOD and man but only for his ethics. There was this poor widow who always came to him but he never had time for her. She kept on coming and one day the judge decided to see to her. We should continue believing and have assurance that GOD would call on us.
2. Living by his word (luke 4:1-13).Jesus responded with the word when he was tempted. (Phillipians 4:6). Who do you go to when you have a problem?
You thrust out the Lord when you do not live by his word. When we have problems with our brothers we first have to pray to God for direction. The last thing we should do as a Christians is to bring he problem before the church but we mostly bring our differences first before the church which should not be the case.
His word for us today is today is that we would not be put to shame when we trust in him.
Monday, February 15, 2010
FEBRUARY 14, 2010 TEXT: 1 COR. 1:10-17 THEME- “ONENESS IN CHRIST” PREACHER: REV. ISAAC ETUAH-JACKSON
The people in the church of Corinth had diverse backgrounds. All people travelling through north, south, east and west had to pass through this town because of where it was situated. Paul speaks about divisions and asks them to be united.
The church then was divided into groups;
1. The first group consisted of Paul and his followers. They felt they were at liberty because of the word.
2. This group headed by Apollo was known for eloquence and the ability to explain the word of God.
3. Cephas who was a disciple of Christ was the leader of this group. His followers were Jews, who observed the rituals of their tradition.
4. These were the followers of Jesus Christ. They saw themselves as righteous people and saw anyone else as non entities.
Paul accuses the church of trading all forms of messages. He pointed out the distractions in the church. Some were;
i. they focussing on who baptized them rather than the one who died for their sins.
ii. Valuing eloquent wisdom rather than the gospel.
Christ is not divided hence we should not be divided by any minister. We should be seen as one no matter where we are coming from. There is unity in diversity. Our gifts must be brought together to build the church of Christ.
The non essential things are being Presbyterians, Methodists or charismatic’s and the like.
Our differences must not lead to factionalisms since this brings acrimony to the church. The church is multi-dimensional hence unity and diversity should lead to us being rooted and built up in Christ.
We pray that there would be genuine oneness in the church that we are truly rooted and built up in Christ.
Love, like death hath all destroyed
Rendered all distinctions void,
Names and, sects and, parties fall;
Thou o Christ is all in all. (Hymn 720)
The church then was divided into groups;
1. The first group consisted of Paul and his followers. They felt they were at liberty because of the word.
2. This group headed by Apollo was known for eloquence and the ability to explain the word of God.
3. Cephas who was a disciple of Christ was the leader of this group. His followers were Jews, who observed the rituals of their tradition.
4. These were the followers of Jesus Christ. They saw themselves as righteous people and saw anyone else as non entities.
Paul accuses the church of trading all forms of messages. He pointed out the distractions in the church. Some were;
i. they focussing on who baptized them rather than the one who died for their sins.
ii. Valuing eloquent wisdom rather than the gospel.
Christ is not divided hence we should not be divided by any minister. We should be seen as one no matter where we are coming from. There is unity in diversity. Our gifts must be brought together to build the church of Christ.
The non essential things are being Presbyterians, Methodists or charismatic’s and the like.
Our differences must not lead to factionalisms since this brings acrimony to the church. The church is multi-dimensional hence unity and diversity should lead to us being rooted and built up in Christ.
We pray that there would be genuine oneness in the church that we are truly rooted and built up in Christ.
Love, like death hath all destroyed
Rendered all distinctions void,
Names and, sects and, parties fall;
Thou o Christ is all in all. (Hymn 720)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
February 7, 2010 TEXT: Isaiah 6:8 - “HERE AM I SEND ME” PREACHER: SIS. GRACE SINTIM ADASI
February 2, 2010
TEXT: Isaiah 6:8 - “HERE AM I SEND ME”
PREACHER: SIS. GRACE SINTIM ADASI
The theme suggests that our Lord needs people to send and our response to His call must be the same as Isaiah “Here I am send me”.
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Moses etc. were all called by God into his ministry. But as humans, we focus on our frailties and inabilities instead of depending on God’s strength and ability.
Isaiah when called said “woe unto me for I am a man of unclean lips”. (Is. 6:5)
Moses said “I am nobody, .....” (Ex. 3:11)
Gideon’s response was “My tribe is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh” (Judges 6:15)
Thus our first reaction to the call of God is to give excuses. But, whoever God calls he equips.
For God to send us there are certain conditions we have to meet, some of which are:
i. Availing ourselves to him.
ii. Asking him for forgiveness.
iii. Being prepared to serve him.
iv. Leaving all we have to follow Christ.
Isaiah had his lips touched and he was used of God. Moses though he was a stammerer became an instrument God used to redeem the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh. Jonah after he repented was given a second chance.
Again when we confess our shortcomings to God, He is able to purge us and strengthen us for His service. And when we miss our routes God is able to redirect us to his calling.
In the second reading, –Paul even though he persecuted the church of God became an apostle and was mightily used by God to preach to the Gentiles the message of the cross and the resurrection from the dead. In the same way, our message to lost souls must be as it was handed down to us; about Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 15:3)
In the 3rd reading Jesus used Peter’s boat as a pulpit to preach to the multitude; after which there was bumper catch. Peter again like others realised his human weakness (Luke 15: 8) but he received the assurance of God and became a vessel for Christ. On the day of Pentecost, he preached and about 3000 souls were saved. (Acts 2:41)
God is interested in our daily lives, just as Peter left the bumper catch to follow Christ, so are we to forsake all that we have – the riches of this world – and follow Him.
The Preacher concluded the sermon with the words in Asempa Hymn 297:
Hear the voice of Jesus crying
“”who will and work today?
Fields are white and harvest fading:
Who would bear the sheaves away?
Loud and strong the master calls you,
He’ll reward you certainly
Who will answer, gladly saying,
“Here am I; send me, send me”?
TEXT: Isaiah 6:8 - “HERE AM I SEND ME”
PREACHER: SIS. GRACE SINTIM ADASI
The theme suggests that our Lord needs people to send and our response to His call must be the same as Isaiah “Here I am send me”.
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Moses etc. were all called by God into his ministry. But as humans, we focus on our frailties and inabilities instead of depending on God’s strength and ability.
Isaiah when called said “woe unto me for I am a man of unclean lips”. (Is. 6:5)
Moses said “I am nobody, .....” (Ex. 3:11)
Gideon’s response was “My tribe is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh” (Judges 6:15)
Thus our first reaction to the call of God is to give excuses. But, whoever God calls he equips.
For God to send us there are certain conditions we have to meet, some of which are:
i. Availing ourselves to him.
ii. Asking him for forgiveness.
iii. Being prepared to serve him.
iv. Leaving all we have to follow Christ.
Isaiah had his lips touched and he was used of God. Moses though he was a stammerer became an instrument God used to redeem the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh. Jonah after he repented was given a second chance.
Again when we confess our shortcomings to God, He is able to purge us and strengthen us for His service. And when we miss our routes God is able to redirect us to his calling.
In the second reading, –Paul even though he persecuted the church of God became an apostle and was mightily used by God to preach to the Gentiles the message of the cross and the resurrection from the dead. In the same way, our message to lost souls must be as it was handed down to us; about Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 15:3)
In the 3rd reading Jesus used Peter’s boat as a pulpit to preach to the multitude; after which there was bumper catch. Peter again like others realised his human weakness (Luke 15: 8) but he received the assurance of God and became a vessel for Christ. On the day of Pentecost, he preached and about 3000 souls were saved. (Acts 2:41)
God is interested in our daily lives, just as Peter left the bumper catch to follow Christ, so are we to forsake all that we have – the riches of this world – and follow Him.
The Preacher concluded the sermon with the words in Asempa Hymn 297:
Hear the voice of Jesus crying
“”who will and work today?
Fields are white and harvest fading:
Who would bear the sheaves away?
Loud and strong the master calls you,
He’ll reward you certainly
Who will answer, gladly saying,
“Here am I; send me, send me”?
Monday, February 1, 2010
4TH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 31/01/10 THEME:”DO NOT FEEL INSIGNIFICANT
PREACHER: REV. MARTIN OBENG
After a few days of my ordination I went to a conference which we had to spend days camping. The senior minister responsible for allocation of rooms did this on the basis of post ordination meaning the number of sermons you’ve had after being ordained. This made me disappointed, I felt so low and found a mattress to lay my head on.
There are several circumstances when in one way or another we feel so insignificant ourselves. 1) In our second reading people were amused at how Jesus preached in the synagogue. Though they were amused, they took offence at him and asked each other if he wasn’t the carpenter’s son, whether his mother wasn’t Mary, if his siblings weren’t James, john and made all sought of remarks. 2) Our first reading also talks about how we under estimate ourselves. When Jeremiah was called he gave excuses about his eloquence e t c. GOD asked him not to be afraid since he knew him before he was formed. Sometimes we are not able to perform because of others or ourselves. The bible tells us we were called by grace and we should not allow ourselves to be under estimated.
Today GOD tells us he has set us for a purpose hence we should not be made to coil by fear or estimation. Looking at people around us who we think are better off when we are given tasks, make us feel intimidated and insignificant but let us not see poor reflections of ourselves when we look in the mirror.
Our second reading talks about we edifying ourselves and others with what comes out of us. Instead of looking down on people we should have love, patience, kindness and not envy, boastfulness, pride. Love keeps no record of wrong, it protects gives and hope.
Today GOD says before he formed us he knew us. Let’s rise in our spirit and know GOD loves us. To him be glory forever and ever.
After a few days of my ordination I went to a conference which we had to spend days camping. The senior minister responsible for allocation of rooms did this on the basis of post ordination meaning the number of sermons you’ve had after being ordained. This made me disappointed, I felt so low and found a mattress to lay my head on.
There are several circumstances when in one way or another we feel so insignificant ourselves. 1) In our second reading people were amused at how Jesus preached in the synagogue. Though they were amused, they took offence at him and asked each other if he wasn’t the carpenter’s son, whether his mother wasn’t Mary, if his siblings weren’t James, john and made all sought of remarks. 2) Our first reading also talks about how we under estimate ourselves. When Jeremiah was called he gave excuses about his eloquence e t c. GOD asked him not to be afraid since he knew him before he was formed. Sometimes we are not able to perform because of others or ourselves. The bible tells us we were called by grace and we should not allow ourselves to be under estimated.
Today GOD tells us he has set us for a purpose hence we should not be made to coil by fear or estimation. Looking at people around us who we think are better off when we are given tasks, make us feel intimidated and insignificant but let us not see poor reflections of ourselves when we look in the mirror.
Our second reading talks about we edifying ourselves and others with what comes out of us. Instead of looking down on people we should have love, patience, kindness and not envy, boastfulness, pride. Love keeps no record of wrong, it protects gives and hope.
Today GOD says before he formed us he knew us. Let’s rise in our spirit and know GOD loves us. To him be glory forever and ever.
Monday, January 25, 2010
24/01/10 THEME:”THERE IS POWER IN GOD’S WORD”
PREACHER: REV. J.A. QUASHIE
1) Why power in the word? The scripture is fulfilled in heaven.(Luke 4:14-21)
The bible is about Jesus’ life, mission what he did and what he is about to do. This makes it powerful since it is about a powerful being.
In our time people focus on themselves rather than the Christ making him gradually missing in preaching’s eg. a theologian arguing with the word of God about homosexuality and people using the scriptures to defend the fact that they were more powerful than others in the era of apartheid. Christ is fulfilled when the word is about him.
2) Can we trust in the word? Yes, the scripture is about God. Jesus went to the synagogue to preach. Luke was the only one who recounted the ministry of Jesus in his book. The attitude of the ministry must be commended and also be an example to us. Powerful ministries focus on God they are not only about the preachers but also members in a congregation.
In Nehemiah the bible was read from daybreak till noon. (Neh 8:8) The people listened attentively while they were being taught. We learn that;
1) The word of God has the power to take you away from sin and vice versa.
2) The word of God also unites us.
The word of God should be fulfilled in our lives just as it was in Jesus’ life. It is fulfilled when we become attentive to his word and changes us through it. When we change it also unites us that we might experience all the fullness of grace among us.
1) Why power in the word? The scripture is fulfilled in heaven.(Luke 4:14-21)
The bible is about Jesus’ life, mission what he did and what he is about to do. This makes it powerful since it is about a powerful being.
In our time people focus on themselves rather than the Christ making him gradually missing in preaching’s eg. a theologian arguing with the word of God about homosexuality and people using the scriptures to defend the fact that they were more powerful than others in the era of apartheid. Christ is fulfilled when the word is about him.
2) Can we trust in the word? Yes, the scripture is about God. Jesus went to the synagogue to preach. Luke was the only one who recounted the ministry of Jesus in his book. The attitude of the ministry must be commended and also be an example to us. Powerful ministries focus on God they are not only about the preachers but also members in a congregation.
In Nehemiah the bible was read from daybreak till noon. (Neh 8:8) The people listened attentively while they were being taught. We learn that;
1) The word of God has the power to take you away from sin and vice versa.
2) The word of God also unites us.
The word of God should be fulfilled in our lives just as it was in Jesus’ life. It is fulfilled when we become attentive to his word and changes us through it. When we change it also unites us that we might experience all the fullness of grace among us.
17/01/10 THEME: “JESUS OUR PROVIDER”
PREACHER: MR ERIC ASARE
God provided a leader to take Israel out of Egypt, a path for Israel in the red sea on their way to the promise land. He provided manna in the desert, water for them when they were thirsty and the law to guide them in their relationships and as a light to see them on their way to righteousness. In diverse ways he was their great provider.
In the Old Testament he sent his word through prophets while in the New Testament Jesus continued to meet the needs of the people. He fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes, healed the sick, dead and was hope to a dispersing world. He was light to a world in bondage and sin.
Prophet Isaiah’s prayer of intercession implies our path to play so that Gods intended plans for us would come and pass (is 62:1-5). Paul emphasises the operation of gifts in (1 cor 12:1-11). In the gospel reading Mary approached God in a prayerful mood (jn 2:1-11).
Examples learnt from Mary
PROBLEM: Weddings took 7 days at the time. While feasting was not over the hosts run out of wine. Mary then said to Jesus they have no wine showing. This showed the need to come to God with simple words and faith when confronted with problems. SOLUTION: Mary knew Jesus as his son, the holy one called son of God (Luke 1:35). She knew where to find solution and that there was no burden Jesus could not bear. Jesus even answered her by saying “dear woman why do you involve me”. Do whatever he tells you. The Servants also played their role by obeying the strange man who gave orders. This shows that obedience goes with faith emphasising our need to wait in faith. RESULTS: this act was the first of his miraculous signs hence 1) Revealed his glory. Obedience is a critical responsibility for God to perform gracious miracles. 2) Led to his disciples believing in him and thus brought people to God.
God provided a leader to take Israel out of Egypt, a path for Israel in the red sea on their way to the promise land. He provided manna in the desert, water for them when they were thirsty and the law to guide them in their relationships and as a light to see them on their way to righteousness. In diverse ways he was their great provider.
In the Old Testament he sent his word through prophets while in the New Testament Jesus continued to meet the needs of the people. He fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes, healed the sick, dead and was hope to a dispersing world. He was light to a world in bondage and sin.
Prophet Isaiah’s prayer of intercession implies our path to play so that Gods intended plans for us would come and pass (is 62:1-5). Paul emphasises the operation of gifts in (1 cor 12:1-11). In the gospel reading Mary approached God in a prayerful mood (jn 2:1-11).
Examples learnt from Mary
PROBLEM: Weddings took 7 days at the time. While feasting was not over the hosts run out of wine. Mary then said to Jesus they have no wine showing. This showed the need to come to God with simple words and faith when confronted with problems. SOLUTION: Mary knew Jesus as his son, the holy one called son of God (Luke 1:35). She knew where to find solution and that there was no burden Jesus could not bear. Jesus even answered her by saying “dear woman why do you involve me”. Do whatever he tells you. The Servants also played their role by obeying the strange man who gave orders. This shows that obedience goes with faith emphasising our need to wait in faith. RESULTS: this act was the first of his miraculous signs hence 1) Revealed his glory. Obedience is a critical responsibility for God to perform gracious miracles. 2) Led to his disciples believing in him and thus brought people to God.
10/01/10 THEME:” MAY THE LORD BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT”
PREACHER: REV. FIIFI FOH ARKHURST
Water is the most common for baptism. Its baptism is our power as Christians since it contains the Holy Spirit. At a time in Israel there were no prophets and everyone looked forward to the coming of the messiah. When john appeared people thought he was the messiah, but he replied as were the words in Luke 3:15-17.
John’s duty was to prepare believers as they waited for the coming of the messiah and his baptism was a message of repentance. Jesus Christ came to all believers as: i. Source of fire ii. Judgement on those who have decided not to change iii. To extend the idea of righteousness John’s purification was external while Jesus’ was internal.
REFLECTIONS: We have been baptized with water. Have we accepted the Holy Spirit? Our names are in the baptism registers. Do we have our names in the lambs’ book of life? We are members of the visible church. Are we a part of the mystical body?
Peter and john observed that the Holy Spirit was for all believers when he used them to convert over 3,000 unbelievers in Acts 1:8. In the first reading the going through water could drown or strengthen us but with Christ we would be strengthened.
Our prayer should be that the Holy Spirit would baptize us so we would be strengthened ,rooted and built up in the spirit as well as made poised and ready to do Gods word.
Water is the most common for baptism. Its baptism is our power as Christians since it contains the Holy Spirit. At a time in Israel there were no prophets and everyone looked forward to the coming of the messiah. When john appeared people thought he was the messiah, but he replied as were the words in Luke 3:15-17.
John’s duty was to prepare believers as they waited for the coming of the messiah and his baptism was a message of repentance. Jesus Christ came to all believers as: i. Source of fire ii. Judgement on those who have decided not to change iii. To extend the idea of righteousness John’s purification was external while Jesus’ was internal.
REFLECTIONS: We have been baptized with water. Have we accepted the Holy Spirit? Our names are in the baptism registers. Do we have our names in the lambs’ book of life? We are members of the visible church. Are we a part of the mystical body?
Peter and john observed that the Holy Spirit was for all believers when he used them to convert over 3,000 unbelievers in Acts 1:8. In the first reading the going through water could drown or strengthen us but with Christ we would be strengthened.
Our prayer should be that the Holy Spirit would baptize us so we would be strengthened ,rooted and built up in the spirit as well as made poised and ready to do Gods word.
COVENANT SERVICE 3/01/2010 THEME:”ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN CHRIST” (COL. 2:6-7)
PREACHER: REV. SETH KISSI
The Old Testament was written in a time when people wanted to know. At that time so many philosophies where into being, to the extent that some threatened the existence of the church leaving Christians to battle them out. Platonic philosophy was one that had a great followership.
Paul reminded us of our power in Christ though today people have problems with some of these doctrines. He made it clear to us that we don’t be judged on the basis of our fellowship, food, festivals and celebrations.
In Christ we are assured of salvation, being our basis he is enough for us. Let’s continue to live in him that we may be nourished and rooted to face the winds. It is not easy to wait for GOD’s time, in such periods people abandon Christ but when we are rooted we won’t be afraid.
When we face problems in life we sometimes feel like giving up GOD’s word but by being steadfast, established and strong in the word we can overcome the year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)