SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – JESUS RISEN AND EXHALTED!

The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. - Acts 5:30.

Peter is making clear that his faith in Jesus didn't just begin with Jesus, it began with the Patriarchs, the great Jewish fathers.

The God who blessed them also raised Jesus from the dead, even though Jesus had been executed in the most atrocious and humiliating way possible for a faithful Jew. He was nailed to a cross, wholly illegal, and a sign of being cursed under Jewish Law.

Praise God! He raised Jesus from the dead, exalted Him, and made him our Saviour and our Lord.

Loving Heavenly Father, I thank you for showing your power over evil, sin, hate, jealousy, and death. And I thank you that Jesus was raised from the dead and exhalted. In the wonderful name of Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I offer my praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

Be encouraged.

GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – AMAZEMENT AND AWE!

Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” - Luke 5:26.

Jesus forgave a man who was lame, and then showed He had authority to forgive, by healing him.

As exciting and important as this healing was, the most important thing was the response of those who witnessed it; they praised God out of a sense of amazed awe. They recognised that Jesus had come to minister as God's very presence.

When we understand who Jesus is and what He has done for us, and will continue to do for us, we do the same thing today; we offer our praises with a sense of amazement and awe.

Loving Heavenly Father, I venerate your name, and thank you for your grace which you so lavishly poured out on me through your Son and my Saviour, Jesus, in whose wonderful name I offer this praise. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – DISCIPLESHIP VALUES.

Everyone will hate you because of me, but those who stand firm to the end will be saved. - Matthew 10:22.

Jesus' words are very strong! His emphasis is for a reason. Christians need to realise that they are not going to be the dominant culture. Discipleship can be hard and demanding; most folks want things simple and easy.

The values that disciples are called to put into place in their lives are not going to be the dominant cultural ones. "So be ready!" Jesus is telling us. "Be ready to face criticism and rejection." But while we know it may be an uphill battle to change the hearts of men and women, we can be God's tool to bless others and to lead them closer to him!

And for us, salvation in all its glory awaits us at the end of the journey.

Loving Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have grown impatient with the world around and started seeing it as the enemy rather than as the target of your grace. By the power of the Holy Spirit, give me the wisdom and the courage to balance my understanding of the world, with your passion to redeem it. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – STAND UP FOR JESUS!

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! - Acts 5:29.

Against a stern warning from the ruling council in Jerusalem, called the Sanhedrin, Peter and the apostles proclaimed Jesus as Lord.

They knew that Jesus had triumphed over the attempts of his enemies to extinguish Him and His ministry. The apostles blatantly disobeyed the orders of the very same people who had Jesus crucified. By any standard, that is faithful courage.

How are you doing in the "standing up for Jesus" battle?

Loving Heavenly Father, empower me by your Holy Spirit to be bold. With His help, I do not want to ever back down from my convictions, nor ever renounce my faith in Jesus, in whose wonderful and mighty name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY