SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – THE COST OF PEACE.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, - Romans 5:1.

The cost of peace is always high.

Our peace was purchased by Jesus' enormous sacrifice. God made sure the price for our rebellion was paid, but he didn't make us pay it because we could never have fulfilled our obligation.

Instead, God paid it himself in Jesus.

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for making peace, and bringing me back to you, at great cost to you. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for willingly surrendering yourself to the horrible cruelty of theCross. Thank you that I'm not treated as your enemy because of my sin, but as a lost sheep that needs to be found. Thank you for adopting me as your beloved child. In the mighty name of Jesus I offer my thanks and praise. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – DEMONSTRATE FOR GOD!

In their arrogance the wicked hunt down the weak, catching them in the schemes they devise. - Psalm 10:2.

God absolutely hates violence, intimidation, or any means used for the powerful to control, manipulate, or harass those who are weaker.

He loathes wickedness, which is based upon the strong and the mighty, plundering on the weak and powerless.

We should, by our actions and resources, demonstrate both to the weak and the powerless that there is a God of love.

Loving Heavenly Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, give me a heart that despises the abuse of power, and the misuse of wealth. Thank you, Lord, for sending Jesus to save me when I was powerless to bring about my own salvation. My desire is to have a heart like Jesus, when I see others being taken advantage of. In the wonderful and mighty name Jesus, I ask this. 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 – 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

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – PURE RELIGION!

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. - Psalm 68:4-5.

Every time I read the above scripture, I can't help but think of what James, the brother of Jesus said: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - James 1:27.

The principles which James specifies are:

(1) That pure religion will lead to a life of practical kindness;
(2) That it will keep us unpolluted from the world.

If these things are found, they show that there is true Godliness. If they are not, there is none.

Without a doubt, Jesus showed clearly, that this was the Father's heart in His ministry. Now it is up to us to continue it!

Loving Heavenly Father, may my life, my compassion, and my ministry reflect your heart for those who need care and protection and love. By the power of the Holy Spirit, give me eyes to see this need more clearly, and a heart to respond more positively, so that your love may be demonstrated through me. I ask this in the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG - JESUS CAME!

They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." - Luke 7:16. TNIV

Jesus came to do the work of God.

Jesus came as the Son of God.

Jesus came to reveal God.

Jesus came and people praised God.

Jesus came so people could see God.

Do you know Jesus?

If you do, do you know him as well as you should?

Loving Father, we thank you for revealing yourself, your love, your grace, and your Salvation in Jesus. We thank you for visiting our world and making us your children. To you, O Lord, belongs all glory and praise. In the mighty, and wonderful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.

GBYAY