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

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – RUN TO JESUS!

Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, or they will tear me apart like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me. - Psalm 7:1.

Who or what is pursuing you?

Is it a past mistake? Is it an old enemy? Is it your conscience? Is it a nagging sense of guilt? Is it someone who wants to do you physical harm? Is it a physical illness? In the middle of all the storms and struggles of life, where do you go to find peace and security?

There is only One who can be a true and lasting refuge. Just One!

Loving Heavenly Father, you are my refuge and source of strength when my courage is gone and my soul is weary. Lord, destroy all the forces and powers and enemies that pursue me, that seek to take me captive and draw me away from you. I ask this in the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – PURE LOVE!

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8.

God didn't wait till we were “good enough” to bring us His Salvation. Instead, He came when we were most lost, and needed His grace the most.

But then, that's what love really means by God's definition… For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16.

It's more than something declared or felt, it's something radically demonstrated.

Loving Heavenly Father, I thank you, for demonstrating your love in such powerful, radical, and sacrificial way. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to share this love, with those who don’t know you yet. I ask this in the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus 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 – ALWAYS REPLENISHED!

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. - John 6:35. TNIV

We all require food and drink at regular intervals during the day. For most of us at the weekend, food and drink occupies our thoughts, and fills up most of our activities; Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Sunday Lunch, Dining Out, Home Baking, BBQ’S, etc;

But deep in our soul is a hunger, a soul hunger. So deep, that it cannot be satisfied by food, drink, or chemicals. This hunger was the craving built into us by our Creator, positioned there, when He created us in our mother's womb.

This soul hunger can only be satiated by Jesus. Praise His wonderful Name!

Loving Heavenly Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, give me today my daily Bread, that I may find life in all it’s fullness. Precious Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, fill me and touch me with your presence, so that I can serve you by blessing those around me with your grace. I ask this in your mighty name. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – PURE PRAISE!

Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. - 1 Chronicles 29:11. TNIV

Praise is letting God know we recognise Him for who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing.

But more than informing God of His greatness, majesty and splendour, praise is rejoicing before Him in His magnitude, and recognising that not only is His grace without comparison, His majesty, might, holiness, faithfulness, righteousness, mercy, love, forgiveness and justice, are without comparison. Hallelujah!

Praise is grateful celebration that He is almighty God, and even more importantly, that He is our God.

Loving Father, you are truly worthy of my pure words, pure thoughts, and pure dreams. I worship and submit to you, and I rejoice that you are who you are. I celebrate what you have done, and yet I long for what you are yet to do. You are magnificent, my Father and my God. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus, and because of His matchless love, I praise you. 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

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG - PURE GRACE!

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. - Ephesians 6:24. TNIV

The book of Ephesians makes some of the greatest declarations in the entire Bible about the grace of God.

This one, however, may be the very richest. Grace is offered to us whether we accept it or not.

Grace is with us in rich abundance and blessing, as we love Jesus and hang on to his love, with a grip of faith that is unwavering.

Loving Father, I do love you, and your Son Jesus with all my heart. Forgive me, when my display of this passion dims, and my communication of His grace to others wanes. By the power of the Holy Spirit, renew in me an unquenchable desire to show my love for Jesus in all that I do, andsay. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – GENEROUS GRACE AND INCREDIBLE LOVE.

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the "law" that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from observing the law. - Romans 3:27-28. TNIV

God's Salvation leaves us no room for boasting, for we could not live up to the righteous demands of the Law.

When we are broken and sinful, God purchases our salvation by sending Jesus, and allowing Him to pay the debt for our sin.

We have nothing to boast about, except the overwhelmingly generous grace of God, and the incredible sacrificial love of our Saviour, Jesus. Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Loving Father, I thank you for redeeming me from the righteous judgment of the Law. Thank you, Jesus, for paying the debt for my sins. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for cleansing me and making me holy. Thank you, Lord, for your generous grace and incredible love. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – DON’T BE A STUMBLING BLOCK.

But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. - 1 Corinthians 8:8-9.

We have incredible liberty under grace.

H owever, our liberty never gives us the right to destroy a weak brother or sister's walk with the Lord. Let's use our liberty caringly, especially toward our new brothers and sisters in Christ.

These new Christians need our encouragement; they already have enough stumbling blocks!

Loving Father, I thank you for your abundant grace. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be an encouragement, and a good example to new Christians, also to those who are weak in theirfaith. Help me guard my life from being a bad example to others. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – PRAISE GOD FOR THE LAW!

So the law was put in charge of us until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. - Galatians 3:24. TNIV

The book of Galatians reminds us again and again, that law cannot make us righteous or save us, not even the Old Testament Law.

However, the Law does one very important thing, it leads us to Christ. We recognise right and wrong because of the Law. We also recognise our failures, imperfections, sins, transgressions, and weaknesses, because of the Law, but most of all, we recognise our need for a Saviour because of the Law.

Praise God for the Law, and praise God a thousand times more for Jesus!

Loving Father, We thank you that you gave us the law, so that we would recognise that we needed a Saviour. Thank you that you sent your dear son Jesus, so that we could be saved. We praise you Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – DO YOU HAVE FALTERING LIPS?

But Moses said to the LORD, "If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?" – Exodus 6:12. TNIV

Moses had to be taught the same lesson most of us have to be taught; most people really don't care how we say it, but, they know it is important that we do we say it.

If the truth be known, most of us can't say it very well, anyway. But, when we offer ourselves to the Lord, He truly works through us, and uses us in powerful ways. Moses is the great testimony that God can take a shepherd with uncertain speech and turn him into the supreme leader of his time.

Don't you think, we had better ask what God wants to do with us, and then get on with achieving it?

Loving Father, use me in your service. I recognise that all the gifts, abilities, and experiences that I have, all come from you. All my capabilities are given to me so I can bring glory to you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, enable me to use my abilities for your glory. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – GET YOURSELF A TATTOO!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17. TNIV

“New and Better!” That should be tattooed across the forehead of every Christian!

When we come to Christ, He makes us new and He cleanses us of all our sins. Amazingly, this grace can be “new every morning,” because of God's faithfulness and transforming power. God's grace and power are given to us through his Holy Spirit.

We are new and better, and will continue to be that way until we are completely transformed to be like Jesus!

Loving Father, have your way with my heart, my will, my life, and my time. I want to yield myself to you so that you can make me new and better. I don't want to be satisfied with where you have brought me. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to become more like Jesus today, and each day of my life that follows. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – GETTING OUR PRIORITIES RIGHT.

What good is it for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul? - Mark 8:36. TNIV

We run after after so many materialistic things, but only one important thing is really required.

Having a bankbook full of money, a great big house, a fancy flash car, and lots of status, doesn't mean a whole lot if you've gone to your final destination without the Lord. Even worse, is to find that in the middle of your unimportant pursuits, you awake to find yourself in the desolate territory, where Christ does not dwell and life is not found.

Let’s get our souls right, and we will get our priorities right!

Loving Father, help me by the power of the Holy Spirit to get my priorities right, by keeping my life holy, and my heart obedient to your will, rather than being captivated with my own selfishness. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – WE ARE AT WAR!

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 6:12. TNIV

We are at war! We face a daily battle, and it is not just with sin and temptation.

We have a real enemy whose desire for us is our annihilation. But, our enemy has already been conquered, and his demons stand rebuked.

So, let's keep our spiritual vitality knowing that we're not playing church, but fighting for the Kingdom, for the lost, and for our loved ones.

Lord Jesus, my victorious and conquering King, I praise you for conquering sin, death, and the law for us, for making us righteous and sinless, by your grace. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to know that I am on the winning side, and that I can confidently take your gospel, to the lost and to my loved ones. I thank you for this, in your wonderful name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged.
GBYAY

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 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 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 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