Month: March 2024

Introduction

• Journey is inevitable in the story of every forward thinking man.
• We are naturally created to be mobile as human
• Varying types of Journey could and would be embarked upon: physical; spiritual; carrier-wise; business trips; educational tour, leisure

Prayer:

1. every journey I must involve in,  the Lord will grant me safe safety, comfort and satisfaction in the name of Jesus
2. In all progressive journey of 2024, I will not be stagnant, I will not be stopped and my journey will not be cut off in the mighty name of Jesus

What must I do to enter into divine calmness

1. I must allow Jesus into my boat- Matthew 8:23 : Now when He got into the boat…...
2. He must be invited into the journey of 2024.
3. He will only enter when He’s beckon to come in ! (John 2:2).
4. He doesn’t struggle to settle in
5. Allow him into your life to impact your life (Matt.13:58-Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.)

• Jesus must be the leader while we follow- Matt.8:23b- …..His disciples followed Him…..
• This must be the attitude.
• He must take the lead for He knows the way ( John 14:6a; Rev.1:8).
• We cannot invite Him and asked Him to hold on( Acts 10:13-15; Exodus 4:10-12 )
• or relegate Him to the back( John 2:2,5);
• Which seat will you give him or reserve for Him?
• His yoke is easy and the burden is light
• He is the good shepherd of our sole; where He leads let us follow.( John 10; 11; Psalm 23:1a).John 10: 27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

• Always come to Him for way out- Matt.8:24-25; Psalm 121:1-2; 123:1-2.
• Challenges and storm may be inevitable but call on Him,
• He will answer greatly and surprisingly ( Jer.33:3; Psalm 23:4)
• Like disciples, let us learn to run to the grandmaster Jesus.
• Don’t seek help elsewhere ( Psalm 16:4) but stand on the solid rock( Matt.7:24).

• Journey with Jesus in faith and not fear- Matt.8:26.
• Believe Jesus is capable to take you to your safe haven and destination.
• Do not allow fear to dominate ( 2 Tim.1:7; Psalm 23:4;); 
• Focus on Jesus and not the dreadful circumstances ( Matt.14:29-31).

B. Great calmness_ Vs 26-27

• Journey with Jesus guarantees divine calmness
• He sends fear away, calm the situation and ensure safe landing
• Matthew 8:26–27 (NKJV): Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
• 27 So the men marveled.
• Psalm 89:9 (NKJV): You rule the raging of the sea;

When its waves rise, You still them.- Psalm 89:9

Theme for the month remains “Upholding Biblical Covenant Practices”- James 1:25.
• James 1:25 teaches us that as children of God, we must continually search for the truth about the word of God and ensuring that we live according to what we found. Then God will surely bless us.
• “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do”-James 1:25 NIV
• Today, the Covenant practice for consideration is Effective Stewardship
• Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.I Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

A. Understanding Stewardship
• Who is a steward ? : someone who has been given a definitive task(s) with the aim of returning to the master to give account of activities carried out
• Stewardship is a relationship between 2 parties- Master-Servant; Boss-Subordinate
• Stewardship is every believer’s business- I Cor.15: 58a
• Stewardship is really about returning to God what was a gift to us in the first place-1 Peter 4:10; 1Corinthians 3:9-11 Romans 12:6a; “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”-1 Pet.4:10. “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.-I Corinthians 3:9-11 NKJV
• Faithfulness is a key virtue in the school of covenant stewardship 1 Cor 4:1-2; Gen.28:20-21- Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God.-Genesis 28:20-21 NKJV
• Be conscious that God is the “omni-capable” master calling us into partnership with Him so as to bless us(rewards)-John 15:16; Job 42:2; 1 Tim.1:12
• Stewards must return with a good reward- John 15:5,16
• To whom much is given, much is expected. — Luke 12: 48
• Whatsoever a man sews, so shall he reap — Galatians 6: 7

B. How to Engage in Effective Stewardship
Stewardship works on God’s terms and not on your terms.
• Serve God willingly. – 1 Cor. 9:17; Isa.6:8
• Serve God righteously and reverentially– Heb. 12:28
• Serve God with humility. – Prov. 16:18
• Serve God joyfully. – Psalm 100:2; Deut.28:47-48
• Serve God unashamedly. – Rom. 1:16
• Serve God tirelessly. – 1 Cor. 15:58


C. Covenant of Reward- 1 Cor.15:58c; Luke 12:42-43; Col.3:23-24
• God’s reward is certain Rev.22:12; Jer.17:10
• God’s reward is great- I Sam.2:24
• God’s reward is a measure of individual’s gift and accordingly-Matt.25:14-15; 21-23
• God’s reward is both now and eternally Matt.25:29-30; 46

Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do. – Deut.29:9

What do we seek to Know?

• Reviewing the covenant of God with us as His children
• Understanding the terms of covenant
• How covenant life guarantee all round prosperity

Reviewing the covenant of God with us as His children

1. The covenant always has a point of commencement or the initiation point.
2. The initiation can come from either party involved.
3. There are terms of covenant to be fully understood by parties covenanting together.
4. Each party must keep the details of the covenant if the agreement holds.
5. Durations of covenant vary and may be up to long-life dealings.

Life Application

• Every child of God has a covenant with God when we come to accept Him as the Lord and saviour of our lives. – 2 Cor.5:17; Acts 22:6–8.
• This covenant is expected to be kept as long as we live, and no one should break it.
• Living by the terms of the covenant is what keep the relationship going with the saviour.

Understanding the terms of covenant

• The terms of covenant for every child of God are the most important and critical elements that determine how much of God and his promises we all enjoyed and would enjoy. Galatians 4 :1-3; John 15:15
• God invited us to enjoy the abundant life and rest in Christ- Matt.11:28; John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 3:20: Unlike a thief, the Lord Jesus does not come for selfish reasons. He comes to give, not to get. He comes that people may have life in Him that is meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.
• God has invited us into a life of divine provision and sufficiency in Christ- Phil.4:19; Psalm 23; John 10:11; Romans 5:17- The Lord Himself is our Shepherd, and we do not lack anything when we enjoy His shepherding care.
• God has invited us into a life of all-round blessings- Eph.1:3-4;11-14.

Every spiritual blessing encompasses all the gifts of the Holy Spirit given by God the Father to those who have experienced His salvation in Jesus Christ. Peter affirms that God’s “divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3)..

• God has invited us to a life of divine hope and lasting inheritance- 1 Peter 1:3-4 ; Eph. 2:12- People cannot survive long without hope. Hope keeps us going through painful experiences and fear of what the future may hold. In a fallen world where people face poverty, disease, hunger, injustice, disaster, war, and terrorism, we need a living hope.

Our inheritance in Christ is imperishable. What we have in Christ is not subject to corruption or decay.

How covenant life guarantee all round prosperity

1. Life of putting God first- Matt.6:33; Phil.4:15-18; John 6:38
2. Life of deep knowledge of God- Eph.4:20-24- The Christian must possess a deep desire to know God better Psalm 25:4; Romans 1:19-20).
3. Life of allegiance and loyalty to God- Luke 9:23; Joshua 24:15; John 15:13. (Life of commitment and dedication)
4. Life of continue obedience to God’s instructions- John 13:35 Jesus pointed out the correct motivation when He said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23).

PREAMBLE

• I Corinthians 15:58 NKJV-Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
• Apostles Paul was drawing conclusion on what should characterise believers’ life as benefactors of God’s Grace and hope both now and till eternally.
• Service unto the Father is very germane in the mind of Christ – Luke 2:49; John 5:36
• Scripture established that children of God are saved and given grace to serve  the kingdom of God  forever – Ephesians 2:8,10

GOD’S SATISFYING REWARDS- 1 COR. 15:58C

… knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.- vs 58c

1. Reward is what is given in recognition of service, efforts and achievement.
2. God’s reward is divine, timely accurate and appropriate- Psalm 62:12; Jeremiah 17:10; 2 Cor.9:6; Gal.6:7-9; Eph.6:8
3. God’s rewards are specific, individualised, and satisfying- Rev.22:12. Col.3;23-25
4. Divine Blessing- Malachi 3:10-12; Exodus 23:25
5. Divine (Sound) health and restoration- Exodus 23:26
6. Divine Prosperity round the year – Job 36:11
7. Divine distinction – Malachi 3:18
8. Divine Honour- John 12:26

UNDERSTANDING A REWARDING LABOUR OF LOVE- 1 COR.15:58A-B

• The word ‘labour’ is critical in understanding God’s approved services.
• Only the labour of love will God reward not just any kind- Heb. 6:10- For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
• it has a unique characteristic ‘’be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord’’.
  • Steadfastness in business of the kingdom, not slothfulness-Romans 12:11; Eph.6:7
  • Focus and determined workers- Joshua 23:8
  • Ready to do more for God
• “Labour of love’’ reflects agape love ( Romans 1:8-9), travailing for others (Gal.4:19), meeting the need of others ( Prov.19:17), and making great sacrifice.( 1 John 3:17-18; 2 Cor.8:8)

1. DEFINING AND EXPLORING THE KINGDOM LIFE- COLOSSIANS 2:6

• ‘Kingdom’ is “an actual country ruled by a king who influences and impacts the domain of his Kingdom personally with his values, morality, lifestyle, and his entire principles and laws until the people begin to reflect his lifestyle.”
•  It is characterised by the (Mark 9:1
• The rule of God
• The territory governed by God.
• The realm in which God’s will, purposes, plans, and desires are fulfilled. – Romans 12:2

REFLECTION: DOES GOD RULE IN MY LIFE AFFAIRS AND WHAT AREAS HAVE I NOT SURRENDERED TO GOD’S RULE?

• In Christendom (Kingdom of Christian), Kingdom can be described as having three major components: Acts 1:3-8; Matt.6:9-10
• A King (Jesus)
• Citizens (Sons and Daughters of Christ, The body of Christ)
• Territory of rulership (The nations)
• We are to reign(manifest) in His kingdom on earth through the help of the Holy Spirit
• Kingdom life is a life of complete dominion – Rev. 12:10-12; 1:5-6. Dominion over sin, self, Satan, and his supporters and the world. (Psalm 8:6; Luke 4;18; 10:19; John 16:33; Eph.1:17-21; Romans 6:12-14
• Kingdom life is a kingdom of light; and life of sharing Christ’s inheritance- Col.1:12; Eph.2:12-13; Acts 20:32
• A life of translocation into the life of Christ to live for Him- Col. 1:13

B. LIVING CONSISTENTLY FOR CHRIST- COLLOSIAN 2:6-8

How then can we live in this kingdom life so as to continue to enjoy optimal life of Christ?

• Life of continuous Fellowship- Col.2:6b. This involves deep communion with the father where we daily draw strength. And in interaction with other kingdom family- Prov.27:17;  Heb.10:27

•  Establishing yourself in Christ genuinely v.7; 2 Cor.1:21; Romans 16:25; Col.1:23
• Life of continuous growth in Christ and His knowledge – Col.2:7a; 1:10c; 2 Peter 3:18; Heb.10:36-39.
• A teachable spirit and mind- ready to yield to the instruction of the Holy Spirit per time- vs 7b; Eph.4:17-21; 2 Tim.2:15; Acts 28;30-31.
• Life of gratitude- appreciating who you are in Christ redeemed and forgiven) and what He did for you (adoption; sanctified and raised with Him-Eph.2:5-7)
• Shun life of ungodliness, immorality, and worldliness- 2 Tim.2:16-18; James 4:4-8

CONCLUSION

Our heavenly mandate is to keep extending the kingdom of God here on earth (Matt.6:10) as we manifest Christ daily in kingdom character. Regardless of the world we find ourselves, we must keep reflecting Christ.

Preamble

• To “glorify” God means to give glory to Him.
• God means to acknowledge His greatness and give Him honor by praising and worshiping Him, primarily because He, and He alone, deserves to be praised, honored and worshiped. 

Who is this God (of Transformation) to be Glorified? -Luke 17: 11-14

1. God that do good at all times- 1 Chron. 16:34
2. God who moves around doing good and kind things-Psalm 107:8-9; Acts 10:38
3. God of everyone who come to Him- Matt 11:28; John 6:37; Gal 3:28
4. God that hears everyone who called or cried unto Him vs 13; Psalms 145:18-19
5. God of encounter, positive change and lasting testimonies vs 14; Eccl.3: 13-14; Acts 3:6-8; Mark 10:52; Luke 17: 17

Life That Glorifies God- Luke 17:15-16

1. Life that is purposeful about it- Psalms 9:1-2; Psalm 86:12-13; Exodus 15:11; 1 Peter 4:16
2. Life that sees what God has done and… is doing. The one who acknowledges and realises how much God has done for him. Life that meditates on the works of God- Exodus 15:2-3,11-13; Job 42:1-2,5
3. Life that will always return to give testimonies – Psalm 111:1; Acts 3:8-9
4. Life that declares the goodness of the Lord with enthusiasm, joy and outstanding happiness- Psalm 150:6; Psalm 59:17; 1 Cor.14:15; Luke 18:43
5. Life that focus on God and not reactions of men-Luke 17:17-18. They ignore the negative perspective of men but genuinely personally thank God Psalm 92:5

Conclusion

No one can out praise God, so keep Glorifying Him

Preamble

• God has shown us a perfect example of kindness by giving His only begotten Son, to die for the sin of mankind- Romans5:8; John 13:35.But God demonstrates His own love toward us, – in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
•  It is expected that man will in turn extend the same act of kindness to other around them- 1John 3:14; 4:20
• God has strategically placed you where you are truly needed.
• There are people yearning for your help and they really need you to notice them.
• As stewards, are you reaching out to help people? Are you kind to people around you? Do they consider you a someone accommodating or you often segregate yourself beca of your status?

• Understanding Kindness
• Kindness means having the spirit of helpfulness and generosity.
• Show and live love, live a life that exemplifies Christ, and that touches others. Wherever you go and

whatever you do, let it be something that helps, supports, and blesses someone- Colossians 3:14

• Demonstrating Compassion towards the needy- 1 John 3:17-18 1 John 3:17-18 Matt.15:32; Mark–“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels ofcompassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

• Learning kindness from the Little boy and the Others – John 6: 5-13

There are many important life lessons to pick from this little boy and other biblical characters that may guide us to live a life of kindness.

1. Ability to recognise a need from afar- John 6:5a
2. Ability to accommodate and be accessible to people- John 6:5b; Exodus 18:13; Matt 11:28; Heb.4:16
3. Showing concerns to provide solutions  regardless of prevailing circumstances- John 5:6-8 2 Kings 5:2-3. Consider the kindness of Philip and Andrew, even in seemingly lack state, they show kindness.
4. Willingness and readiness to help or assist others- John 6:9; 2Kings 4:42-43
5. Giving cannot be separated from kindness in their lives

• Being sensitive and intentional in showing kindness

Jesus Christ, the Supreme Example of Kindness: Luke 4:18–19; Acts 10:38

Jesus demonstrated compassion and kindness in all His earthly ministry: Kindness to the lost souls; kindness to men in captives and bondage; kindness to the hopeless and many more

• Benefits of being kind

There are many benefits attached to kindness and some of them include:

1. Influence: Kindness is very contagious. When people keep witnessing our act of kindness, they will want to emulate us. This makes kindness radiate throughout the society.

2. God’s blessings: We receive rewards from the Lord personally both on earth and in heaven. When we are kind to others, we are reflecting who Jesus Christ is to them because Jesus is kindness personified.

 3. Great joy (Proverbs 16:24; 14:21):  It brings joy to the giver and peace to the receiver. When we show kindness to others, we make them happy and we are happy too. We develop inner joy and peace when we

are kind.

4. Honour (Proverbs 11:16-17): Honour follows kindness. People respect those who are kindhearted and they place them in great places. When we are kind, we will be respected and honoured by people around us.

Conclusion

• When we show kindness, we reflect our God who “is gracious and compassionate . . . and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8).
• Because God has shown great compassion to us, we naturally long to share His compassion with others. And as we do so intentionally, we “clothe” ourselves in it.

Introduction:

• Focus week is an avenue for every Baptist women, men, youth and children to do a a critical appraisal of our walk with with God- 1 Cor.10:12

• It provides opportunity for all to restrategise and keep focus on Christ who is able to lead us to the utmost end- Heb.12:2-3; Jude 1:24-25; Heb.7:25

• To understand what is God’s mind time from time to time ( Newness) because in it we can sustain our relationship with the Father and we become satisfied all day long (Prov.4:18; 2 Cor.3:18; Jer.30:19; Isaiah 58:11)

Understanding Discipleship and Apostleship – Mark 3: 13-15.

A. The Caller and call of the disciples vs 13a

• Jesus is the caller- Matt.4:18-19
• He call everyone first into salvation- Titus 2:11; John 3:16b; Matt.6:33
• He call into different tasks and services –

Eph.4:11-13-

• He ordain ( empower) whosoever respond to His call- vs 14a; 1 Thes.5:24

B. The Choice and commitment of the disciples

• The choice of disciple is to respond promptly, appropriately and fully- …..and they came unto Him….at the said hour, no record of going away to come back another day.- Matt.4:20;22; Luke 14:17-20
• The choice is a personalised one- Mark 3:16-19; Matt.4:18, 21
• Everyone must remain committed to His call- Luke 9:23- daily walk with the Father

C. The Content of the task and commissioning ofthe disciples

• First and foremost, it’s to be with Christ-  Matt. 11:28-3; Mark 4:11; . A call to connect constantly with Him. He model life in close proximity ( John 15:5-6; James 4:8)
• Then to go out and preach the gospel

• Given authority to do miracles, signs and wonders

Outcome of Discipleship and Apostleship

• You become want He wants you to be
• Newness in all dimensions – 2 Corinthians 3:18