The Word

Theme: Defying Grace!  Text: Jeremiah 7:8-11 8 “Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, 10 and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do all these abominations’? 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord. Many people have taken the message of grace in divergent perspective and not as it ought to work with believers in Christ Jesus. This is similar to what happened in the days the prophet Jeremiah. The people were of evil heart putting their trust in deceit. To them, God has liberated them from the bondage of Egypt to do what pleases them. That's never true. So is it with some Christians today. They steal, kill, commit fornication and adultery, swear falsely, bow to idols, and all the abominat...

Theme: Unity in Ministry  Text: Philippians 4:2-3 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. The ministry work must be done in one mind which is in Christ Jesus. Having pain or bitterness in heart while running the ministry will hinder its growth. Paul therefore admonished the two women in ministry Euodia and Syntyche to unite and burry any difference between them. We may have diverse opinions while deciding on issues towards the development of the ministry, but that should not make us habour evil towards those who do not agree with us. The body of Christ cannot be divided. We are members of that body and so must always work in unity (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Dear beloved in the Lord, when others have misunderstanding, step in and unite them than sewing the seed of dis...

Theme: Be Wise Text: Proverbs 24:5-6 5 A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. You can become wise if you draw close to the Father and put to action what He has made known to you as a guide in life. A wise man knows how to put his life in order so as not to mess up and this is his strength. Taking this pandemic for instance, all believers must apply wisdom in as much as faith is needed. If you heed all precautionary measures and back it with faith, you will come out of this COVID 19 unharmed and so will all your loved ones. However if you reject the counsel of health care givers and live your life anyhow, then, you'll be consumed by the virus. You can only be safe if you do what's expected of you to do. Be wise like the serpent but calm as the dove in this season of COVID 19 and you shall become a victor. ...

Theme: Repentance Brings Deliverance  Text: Psalm 79:8-9 8 Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us! Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, for we have been brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake! Confessions are required of us in Christ. We err each passing moment consciously and unconsciously. The evil thought that crept into your mind because of someone's post, utterance or physical appearance needs to be confessed. There are sins we have even sanitized in the name of the new normal. Sins can hinder your blessings and can also bring punishment as seen in Psalm 79 where the enemies have suppressed and destroyed Israel. Israel in deep sorrows remembered what Moses had told them in Deuteronomy 28; the curse of the city, country, basket, kneading bowl, fields, livestock, even in going out and coming in ( Deuteronomy 28:15-24). In verse 25 & 26 of ...

Theme: Brotherly Unity Text: Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! In our lives journey, one key thing should hold, and that's affection towards all. We must learn to love all equally. Where love abides, peace prevail and it brings about divine healing. It is good and pleasant to dwell at peace with all. Think of the area of your life (family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc) that you ain't dwelling in unity with people and ask God to help you do the right thing.  Prayer: Stir in us the desire to live at peace with all. Help us to dwell in unity in Jesus' name. AMEN!

Theme: Hallelujah!  Text: Psalms 28:6-7 6 Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him . How wonderful is our God and He's worthy to be praised. We win His love the more with our praise. In all things give thanks: in expecting His will, when His will manifests and hoping for better days. God hears us when we pray. We must believe and approach Him with a thankful heart. If you trust in God, He will not let you down and no evil can come near your tent. Let your hallelujah reach the heavens. Prayer: Take glory o God for the power of your glory in the world. We are grateful for Your constant help and support. Touch our lips and teach us to sing Your praise all the days of our loves in Jesus' name. AMEN!

Theme: The Name of the Lord!  Text: Acts 2:21 21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. As believers in the Lord, many predicaments come our way. We were not promised a trial free life in Christ rather, we should be ready to battle the troubles of the world. The way we respond to these issues matter a lot. By the help of the Holy Spirit, we have been empowered to do all things. The Apostle Peter quoted the Prophet Joel's message of the Lord on what He will do to us in order to empower us (Acts 2:14-21 & Joel 2:28-32). You have the capability as a child of God to profess the name of God and be saved. What's your challenge in life? God is greater than the challenge, call upon the name of the Lord in that terrible situation and He will come to your aid. In this pandemic, if only you will trust God to see you through it, you will come out a victor. It doesn't matter whether you're battling with the virus or not, you need to ...

Theme: Not Carnality But Christ Text: Colossians 3:1-4 3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. In Christ's teaching while He was yet to be crucified, He taught His followers; Do not to lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your heart is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21). He set the pace for all believers to understand after we are raised with Christ, we must seek things which are above, where He is seated. You're now a part of the body of Christ and so must have the same mi...

Theme: Salvation is a Free Gift Text: Ephesians 2:8-10  8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Have you ever wondered how life in Christ would have been if salvation wasn't free? I'm sure lot of people won't be able to afford. But praise be to God who has shown us His love by making it a free gift. If salvation is a gift of God, why are others still finding it difficult to embrace it? It is because they have not gotten this understanding. Their soul is lost in the deceit of the evil one. The good work you and I can engage in is to proclaim the gospel to such souls. Our works are needful in the vineyard but that should not be done in pride. We must serve in humility. God created us for a purpose. The purpose is to serve God while we still have b...

Theme: Your Testimony is Light!  Text: Ephesians 2:1-3 2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. Dear beloved, many a time, we find it so difficult to witness to souls still in darkness because we fail to understand we once walked that dark path. Is just not a matter of having idols, or criminal records but think of the little secret sins you used to commit before coming to the marvelous light of our Lord Jesus Christ. You were once dead to sin but have been made alive by the power of Christ's sacrifice. Your yesterday will be a stepping stone to a perishing soul. Be not ashamed to tell how you used to walk in ...

Theme: Freedom in Christ Jesus  Text: Galatians 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Once upon a time, Christ Jesus came and walked upon this earth in human form. He was crucified, buried, risen and is now seated with the Father. What He did many years ago, is not for fun but for the liberation of the human race who believe in Him. Having been born again into Christ, you are entitled to this freedom. Freedom from condemnation, eternal death, guilt, and just name them. You're no more a candidate to these things. But how well are you protecting this freedom? The Apostle Paul admonished the the Galatians to stand fast in the liberty of Christ. You can only stand firm if you abide by the words of the Saviour. Though grace abounds, it does not warrant you to keep sinning. You need to walk in the light of Christ and show yourself as His servant (Romans 6). The more you entangle yourself in th...

Theme: Approaching the Throne of Mercy!  Text: Hebrews 10:19-23 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Our High Priest has settled everything for us. We can therefore come before the Father with joy  and boldness. In drawing near to God, faith must accompany us in this journey. You can't go before Him in doubts or with an unbelieving hearts. Whatever we need to confess, let's do that. Do away with sins and strive to do the Father's will. In His faithfulness, He will let all His promises concerning you come to pass. Prayer: Dear God, as I...

Theme: The Righteous Shall be Saved  Text: Psalm 34:15-18 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and  saves such as have a contrite spirit. Evil does not please God. He hates it and so must we who believe Him follow suit. When we desire to please Him, and afflictions come our way, the Lord's ear is attentive to our cry. He will deliver us from them all. Have you found yourself in doing evil? It's time to let go of it. If you regret of your evil ways and confess them to the Lord, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse you from every unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). The Lord is indeed near to those who have a broken heart (those who regrets of their evil ways), and saves such as have a contrite spir...

Theme: Glory and Honour Belongs to God  Text: Revelations 4:11 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Our praise must always go on high to the Lord. God created us and gave us all the beauty of this earth. All He requires of us is to give Him thanks and praise for the food, clothing, shelter and the beauty of nature. We can't survive by ourselves unless we are united in God's wonderful plan. Dear beloved in the Lord, schedule your life in God's plan and not fixing God into our plans. Let God be God. Prayer: Fill my tongue with your praise o God, that I may tell the world of Your goodness in Jesus' name. AMEN!

Theme: Keep Your Hopes High!  Text: John 20:24-29 24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Welcome yourself into God's presence. All you need to carry along with you is faith. Faith is ...

Theme: Be Not Bribed  Text: Matthew 28:11-15 11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day No matter how His adversaries try, Jesus' fame increases the more. After the divine resurrection, the chief priests didn't want the truth of His resurrection to be known and so they bribed the guards to say the disciples came for the body. What a shame. Beloved, the salvation of your soul lies in Jesus Christ. He's the only one that can save you and so, you must do what's right...

Theme: Empowered in the Holy Spirit  Text: John 20:19-23 19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Jesus did not just reveal Himself to His disciples spontaneously but did it little by little so as to draw their mind to the fulfillment of the Holy scripture. He appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other women, then some disciples on their way to Emmaus and in today's text, to the disciples in excep...

Theme: The Emmaus Encounter Text: Luke 24:28-35 28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. After the resurrection of Christ,...

Theme: Risen Without Limitations Text: Matthew 28:1-8 28 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Hallelujah! Fellow members of the Body of Chris...

Theme: Adversaries are Losers  Text: Matthew 27:62-66 62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard. The loser always knows he/she has lost even before attacking. The priests and Pharisees knew they can't stop Christ's ministry, but they always want to do something to cool their own temperatures. Do you know the troubles your adversaries are going through because none of their evil plans against you...

Theme: Golgotha - The Place of a Skull Text: Luke 23:39-46 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” 44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last. The place of a skull as the name implies is a place of the dead. Christ's Golgotha experience have ...

Theme: Gethsemane! Text: Matthew 26:36-46 36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes we...

Theme: Are You Judas Iscariot? Text: Luke 22:1-6 22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude. Judas Iscariot was one of the disciples of Jesus and known to be the keeper of the treasury (John12:4-6). The love of money made him betray his master (Matthew 26:14-16). Dear beloved in the Lord, to what extent do you go in life just to get what you desire? Do you betray, lie, or even kill just to occupy a position, possess an item or to make yourself rich? If these characteristics are manifesting in you, then you're not different fro...

Theme: Jesus Prayed for Us Text: John 17:15-23 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. The men of old had priests that go on each year to pray for the forgi...

Theme: The House of Prayer Text: Luke 19:45-46 45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” Christ entered the temple and saw the usual. Trade and evil were taking place in the temple which should not be so. Jesus drove them out of the temple telling the people, the house of God, is a house of prayer but they have made it a den of thieves. Dear beloved in the Lord, though there still exist man-made temples, God's interest is not in them rather, the temple indwell by the Holy Spirit which is your body. How well are you keeping your temple? Is your temple in a mess or not? Have you made it a house of prayer or a den of thieves? Your temple becomes a den of thieves if you're spiritually dead and manifest any form of the works of the flesh; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry and the like (Galatians 5:19-21). If...

Theme: HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST!  Text: Matthew 21:4-9 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” It's Palm Sunday, to God alone be praise. Over the years, you often mark this day moving on the streets with palm branches in praise of our Lord Jesus Christ. But this year, it isn't so. Has something really changed? Not really, because this year, in your...

Theme: God is Faithful!  Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. God is not like a man that He should relent of His promises. If God says He will be with you, He surely will. He is faithful and that's His nature. If you also abide in God's will faithfully, you will be established or strengthen and guarded from all evil. The righteous isn't moved by circumstances but the wicked flee when no one is chasing. Dear beloved in the Lord, in difficult moments like this, what you need to focus on is God and how best to build your relationship with Him. Let the church (body of Christ) testify of your faithfulness in Christ Jesus especially with His command to love. There's one person who can help you to abide in...

Theme: Christ Our Vine  Text: John 15:1-8 15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. Christ is our vine and we are His branches. You can't be united with C...

Theme: God, Our Source of Life  Text: Psalm 100:3 3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture Man has no hand in his creation, it's absolutely God's divine purpose. Genesis 1:26-28 gives detail account of this.  Having being created in the image of God, you need to imitate Christ in all things. Anytime Christ lift up a prayer, He gives thanks to the Father and this should also be a part of us as His followers (Luke 8:6; 10:21; 22:17-19; John 11:41). You are united with God through Christ Jesus, making you a child of God. Glorify God in all you do and you'll bring light where there's darkness. Be a good sheep of His pasture and He will make you lie in green pastures and lead you to the still waters (Psalm 23:2). Prayer: Dear God, You're God above all things. Take glory for my life and all I have. Touch my lips and heart to sing of Your deeds at all times in Jesus' name. AMEN!

Theme: Christ the Solid Rock Text: Matthew 7:24-27 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Acting in accordance to the Word of God makes one wise. Indeed, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If you adhere to the teaching of the Lord, you are more guided and delivered from evil than someone who doesn't. If you rely on Christ Jesus, whether in the storms, fire, predicaments of life, ill health, amongst others, you won't be consume because, you're founded on the Solid  Rock (Isaiah 43:2...