Sunday, January 28, 2007

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – WINNING BIG-TIME!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33. TNIV

This world is a place of struggle. Yes, we can live above the struggle for a short time, or we can find a way to simply ignore, or re-label the struggle for a time, but in the end, the struggle will find us.

However, in the midst of struggle, we can remind ourselves that our victory is secure. Jesus has won! We will share in His great triumph.

In case you don't know, the final result is already determined, and Christians win big-time through Jesus. Hallelujah! Praise His mighty name!

Loving Father, I thank you for giving me the victory, through Jesus Christ my Lord. I welcome the future with eagerness, because I know that each day brings me nearer to you, and the magnificent future you have planned for all of your children. Until then I pray, that through the power of the Holy Spirit, I may never lose sight of that victory, and I long for the day of it’s arrival! In the wonderful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

Sunday, January 21, 2007

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – JESUS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.



But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, - Romans 3:21-22.

The Old Testament looks forward to a new time, a time when law is not the basis of righteousness. The Law and Prophets testify to this time. This righteousness comes from God, and is built on the sacrificial work of Jesus who frees us from law, and brings us God's grace.

The real issue for us is trust; many today confuse believing with simply thinking something in one's head, while the Bible sees belief as something that involves our heart, and changes our behaviour.

So what is the basis on which you are building your life today? What is the measure of your righteousness? On what is your security tied? Thank God we can trust our life, our future, and our salvation to Jesus Christ, and not to law-keeping.

Loving Father, thank you so much for providing me with a Saviour in Jesus. Thank you for declaring me righteous through the sacrifice of your Son. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me as I entrust my life and salvation to Jesus, so that his life and character can be exemplified in the way that I live. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

Sunday, January 14, 2007

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – KEEP THE CHIN UP!

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12.

Sometimes the key to survival is simply a matter of “keeping our chin up,” and going on faithfully trusting that God is there helping us, despite the outward circumstances.

Choosing to be joyful in hope, rather than despair; choosing patience in times of affliction, and choosing faithfulness in prayer, are all decisions that we need to make, whenever troubles arise.

Then we can have confidence that God, who raised Jesus from the dead, can also alter our situations because he hears our prayers.

Loving Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, create in me a steadfast heart, so that I might persevere with joy no matter what troubles come up. I ask this in the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

Sunday, January 07, 2007

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – SAVIOUR AND LORD!

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. - Matthew 7:13-14.

The world wants a Saviour but not a Lord. The New Testament is clear; a Saviour who is not Lord is no Saviour, and no friend.

If the Old Testament showed us anything, it is that God's seemingly peculiar laws were written not for His enthrallment, but for His people's perpetuation.

Let us not only call Jesus Lord this week, but let us live in a way that shows that He controls our lives, and His Spirit produces our character.

Loving Father, take control of my life and my will so I may be wholly yours, not just in word, but in thought and in deed as well. I ask this in the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY