SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – TREASURES IN HEAVEN.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. - Matthew 6:19-20.

Where do you hide your heart?

What we most value is where we will find our heart. So it is an important question. You see, we can treasure riches, control, security, and relationships.

Jesus reminds us that it is only by turning loose of the things that most of us keep as our treasures that we find what is truly treasure indeed.

Loving Heavenly Father, I pray that out of the riches of your grace, you may help me find my treasure in you, and nothing else. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I want to offer you all that I am and have, so that my life will be lived for your glory. In the mighty, and wonderful name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – WISDOM.

My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. - James 3:12-13.

Wisdom is proven right by the character of a loving lifestyle.

It is so easy, however, for someone to be arrogantly intelligent, and be dumber than a post at spiritual wisdom.

Which are you closer to in your walk with Jesus, wisdom expressed through humble and loving lifestyle, or smart with feelings of superiority and arrogance?

Loving Heavenly Father, I know you have been a wise and loving Father to me. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to share that care you have lavished on me, on the person who most needs it today. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.

GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – BE DILIGENT!

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. - 1Timothy 4:15-16.

“Be diligent!” That's not a saying you hear much about these days. We want things to come easily.

Sweat in the world of pseudo-faith is frowned upon. But, Paul wanted Timothy (and us) to know that maturity in Christ requires genuine effort. Having a redemptive influence on others is hard work. While it is God's power that transforms, our effort is also required.

God gives us the assurance, that this effort will not only bear fruit in our own lives, but it will also lead others to Salvation as well.

Loving Heavenly Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, stir my confidence, courage, diligence, and determination, so that the Salvation you have blessed me with can be shared with others, because of my life, my teaching, and my example. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.

GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – DON’T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!!

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. - 1 John 5:13.

Yes, we can know! Don't settle for anything less!!

Confidence is so crucial that God sent his Son to die and be raised so we could know that life is our destination, not just our journey.

While that life is experienced now, it is only a hint, a foretaste, of what lies ahead in our future with the Lord.

Loving Heavenly Father, I thank you for your plan of salvation, and the cost you paid to make it happen. I thank you that I can now have confidence in my future with you as your child. I thank you for heaven, for hope, and for my home with you. To you belong all the glory and praise, and in your wonderful name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – BOAST ONLY IN THE CROSS!

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. - Galatians 6:14.

What is your source of pride?

Paul reminds us that our one, true, and reliable source of boasting, is in what the Lord has done for us on the Cross.

All other reasons to boast are fleeting glimpses at empty prominence, compared to the joy and assurance of sharing in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Loving Heavenly Father, forgive me, for the times I have thought myself important because of some temporary achievement. Thank you for giving me a foundation source, of boasting in Jesus' love and grace, demonstrated in the Cross. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be aware of these, at all times. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – DON’T DISAPPOINT OUR FATHER.

If any of you are ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. - Luke 9:26.

Some of the saddest words a loving child ever can hear are these: "I'm so disappointed in you."

We don't want that to be the reaction of our Heavenly Father.

We want the world to know that we love and honour Jesus as Lord, so they can come to know our Saviour too, and that we can bring delight to our Father in Heaven, and not be a disappointment to Him!

Loving Heavenly Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, give me boldness, wisdom, and respect as I seek to stand up for Jesus each day. May my words and my life, declare my allegiance to Jesus, as my Lord and Saviour. I ask this in His mighty name. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – SALVATION BELONGS TO OUR JESUS!

And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” - Revelation 7:10.

From the voices of those who know, the message is clear!

God reigns and with his rule comes salvation. This is because of the Lamb who was willing to be slain, but who triumphed over death.

Because of the Lamb's work and faithfulness, we can be assured of heaven.

Loving Heavenly Father, I thank you for providing salvation, by extending your grace to me in Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for offering yourself to be the Lamb sacrificed for my sins. I look forward to heaven and seeing you face to face, and praising you with the angels, the martyrs, the elders, and other faithful Christians before the throne. To you, O Lord, belongs all praise, honor, glory, and thanks. I ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – SPIRITUAL WARFARE!

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. - Ephesians 6:13.

Since we are in a spiritual war, we must put on spiritual armour.

More than saying our daily prayers and perfunctorily reading our daily Scriptures, we must learn to recognise the spiritual armour God has given us for our spiritual protection and prepare ourselves for spiritual warfare. We should approach each day, each task, each Scripture, with a sense of urgency because we know we are at war.

The day of evil will come, so let's be ready to take our stand using the tools God has supplied, and the power he provides.

Loving Heavenly Father, empower me by your Holy Spirit; grant me boldness, because of your heavenly calling for me, and inspire me to be spiritually courageous, because of the example of Jesus. In the wonderful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – GENTLENESS.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. - Philippians 4:5.

Extravagant over-reaction! That's what we're programmed to seek, and to display, in our modern world of sound bytes and over-hyped personality.

But gentleness, that moderating grace in the midst of chaos and conflict, is so vital to bring the peace of God to conflict-laden churches, families, and relationships. How can we be gentle, how can we restrain from over-reacting to the wounds, offenses, and slights that come our way?

The Lord is near! He is our vindication. He is our example. He is our comfort. He is our hope. He is our strength. He is near. We are not alone and our destiny, reputation, and value are not up to us to establish or to defend.

Loving Heavenly Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to be gentle at all times, that my witness of you may be evident to all. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – SHARING OUR FAITH.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. - 1 Peter 3:15-16.

How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations hostile to faith?

First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ as Lord. Second, we prepare a presentation of faith that focuses on the hope we have in Jesus. Finally, when we share our reason for hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others.

Of course we would never have an opportunity to share our faith if we don't live a life of faith that makes an impact on those around us.

Loving Heavenly Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to use my influence, and the quality of my life to bring others to Jesus. Grant me wisdom as I seek to bring the following friends to Christ: (Name them personally!) May my words and actions lead them closer to you, and show them my respect and love. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – REAL REFORM!

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. - Jeremiah 7:3.

We often take for granted what we have, where we live, the friends who bless our lives, and the family that gives us a place to belong and grow.

All of these are all gifts to us from God. We don't deserve them. We don't earn them. But, we can surely destroy them. God wants us to live obediently, not just to please him, but also to protect ourselves and those we love.

So let's reform our actions and live for him and not for ourselves.

Loving Heavenly Father, forgive me if I have taken my gifts for granted. Thank you for your love and forgiveness, and for all the gifts you have bestowed upon me. By the power of the Holy Spirit, empower me, as I seek to turn my life around to live passionately for you, and your glory. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.

GBYAY

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 – GOD’S GENEROSITY, GRACE, AND LOVE.

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. - Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

What do we have that wasn't given to us, either by God's generous grace, unexpected blessing, disciplining hardship, providential opportunity, or good health?

And when we stand before the throne of judgment, what will our claim to grace be? Our claimon grace is based only God's generous and loving gifts that have made us pure, holy, and whole! Nothing we possess, accomplish, or buy can give us such a claim.

Only God's generosity, grace, and love can bring heaven's greatest gifts to us.

Loving Heavenly Father, I thank you for your wonderful and extravagant blessings. All that I have, all that I am, and all that I ever hope to be, exists only because of the mercy or grace you have lavished upon me. I thank you again, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged.

GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!

Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. - Proverbs 3:31-32.

While many are seeking a cure for the rampaging violence that destroys lives, threatens schools, and makes our streets unsafe, why has no one bothered to remind us what God's wise servant taught us centuries ago?

Let's not let any person, real or fictional, be our hero if his or her fame is built on violence. The son of Israel's most famous warrior understood this better than anyone.

Surely the Son of the Most Powerful on High said it best: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Loving Heavenly Father, save us from the violence of our culture, and the worship of violence that pervades our land. Please give us heroes who are true peacemakers. In addition, by the power of the Holy Spirit, please give us eyes to see them, and the courage to honor them. In ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged.

GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – LIVING WITH URGENCY!

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15.

Living with urgency doesn't mean living irresponsibly.

It means living with a holy abandon to honour God, and with a holy passion to make each moment count for righteousness.

That means we must be deliberate about our choices, taking care that we use our opportunities wisely as we live a life of character different from the world around us, because we are committed to Jesus.

Loving Heavenly Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, fill me with wisdom, that I may honour you with my choices, and use of time today and everyday. Protect me from the deceptive influences of the evil one, and grant me a holy and productive use, of the time you bless me with each day. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus my Lord, I pray. 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 – LOVE THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE!

So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:17-19.

Love that surpasses knowledge.

That's very difficult to explain, but when you have loved your spouse for decades you experience what this means. When you love a child, and do what you never dreamed you could do for another human being, you understand this phrase.

And when you stand before God, adopted as a full heir of all His great riches, a full sibling to Jesus Christ the Lord, and know you are seen as holy without reproach, and blameless, you begin to understand this phrase.

Loving Heavenly Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to know in my soul the lovethat is greater than words and knowledge, so that I may not only be like you, but that I may know you in experience, just as I know you in faith. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – THE REAL DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. - 1 John 4:10.

Love is demonstrated, not just said.

Love goes ahead sharing itself instead of waiting until things are easy or safe. Love redeems when all hope seems lost.

Love is not only what God is, but it is also what he does and what he gives.

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me so extravagantly. By the power of the Holy Spirit help me to see the opportunities to love others whom you place in my path everyday. Use me to demonstrate your love to someone today and each day that follows. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – A PASSION FOR GRACE TOWARDS OTHERS!

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Matthew 7:2.

Jesus is concerned that we not have a critical spirit toward others, especially about their motives as to why they did something.

We can't assume to know another person's heart; only God can. When we are unfairly critical, overly harsh, or unduly judgmental, we need to remember that God will use that same standard on us. I don't know about you, but I need grace. So do those I love.

I'm going to try very hard to be as gracious toward others, as I'm trusting that God, is going to be gracious with me.

Loving Heavenly Father, forgive me, for the times that I've been far more critical of others than I should be. Arouse within me a passion to be gracious toward others so that they can see your graciousness shining through me. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.

GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – A NEW WAY TO SERVE GOD!

But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. - Romans 7:6.

We are free from Law! Does that mean anarchy and lawlessness? Absolutely not!

No, because the grace that freed us also brought God's Holy Spirit to live within. He can empower us to do what we could not do on our own. He can help us in our weakness to praywith confidence and boldness to the Father. With His help, we are brought into a circle of responsible people, tied by the grace of God, and the Spirit of Christ.

Thank God for the “new way!”

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for redeeming and delivering me from the requirements of law, and placing your Holy Spirit in my heart to help me be more than I could ever be, trying to obey the Law. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus, I praise you. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY