Month: February 2025

SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD. WHO ARE THEY?

1.         They are the spiritually lost, without direction or guidance (Matt. 9:36).

2.         They are the ones without God’s guidance. Someone who has wandered away from God’s guidance and is in need of restoration (Ps. 119:176).

3.         They are the ones who are ignorant of God’s ways and have turned to their own selfish desires (Isaiah 53:6).

4.         They are the afflicted, oppressed, and in need of rescue (Ezk. 34:4)

5.         They are the ones separated from God due to sin and are in need of reconciliation.

THE PLIGHT OF THE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD

In Matthew 9:36, Jesus used the imagery of sheep without a shepherd to describe the plight of the multitudes of people He saw, in their helpless situation, which moves Him to have compassion for them.

Sheep without a Shepherd are vulnerable to predators, prone to wandering off, and unable to find their way back. They are in a state of distress and disorientation.

IMPLICATIONS OF OF BEING SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD (Matthew 9:36)

Being sheep without a shepherd has serious implications, such as:

1.         Vulnerability to Predators (1 Peter 5:8)

Without a shepherd, sheep are vulnerable to predators such as wolves, bears, and lions.

▪︎ Similarly, without Jesus as our Shepherd, we are vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, Satan (1 Peter 5:8). Satan seeks to devour us, but Jesus, our Shepherd, protects us from harm.

2.         Wandering and Confusion (Isaiah 53:6)

Sheep without a shepherd often wander aimlessly, unsure of where to go or what to do.

▪︎ Similarly, without Jesus as our Shepherd, we can wander through life without direction or purpose (Isaiah 53:6). We may feel lost, confused, and uncertain about our future.

3.         Lack of Provision and Care (Psalm 23:1-3)

A shepherd provides for the needs of his sheep, ensuring they have food, water, and shelter. Without a shepherd, sheep may go hungry, thirsty, and homeless.

▪︎ Similarly, without Jesus as our Shepherd, we may feel unprovided for, uncared for, and unloved (Psalm 23:1-3). But Jesus, our Shepherd, promises to provide for our needs and care for us.

4.         Exposure to Danger (Ezekiel 34:5-6)

Sheep without a shepherd are exposed to danger, such as harsh weather conditions, steep cliffs, and raging rivers.

▪︎ Similarly, without Jesus as our Shepherd, we are exposed to the dangers of sin, temptation, and spiritual attack (Ezekiel 34:5-6). But Jesus, our Shepherd, protects us from harm and keeps us safe.

5.         Spiritual Death (John 10:10)

Finally, sheep without a shepherd are at risk of spiritual death. Without Jesus as our Shepherd, we are separated from God and face eternal condemnation (John 10:10). But Jesus, our Shepherd, came to give us life, and life abundantly.

REMEDIES FOR SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD.

1.         Repentance and Returning to God (Hosea 14:1-2)

The first step is to repent and return to God.

▪︎ We must acknowledge our sin, turn away from it, and seek God’s forgiveness.

2.         Seeking God’s Guidance (Psalm 23:3-4)

▪︎ We must seek God’s guidance and trust in His care. We can do this by reading His Word, praying, and seeking counsel from spiritual leaders.

3.         Following Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:27-28).

▪︎ We must follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for us.

▪︎ We can do this by obeying His commands, trusting in His care, and following His example.

4.         Abiding in God’s Presence (Psalm 91:1-2)

▪︎ We must abide in God’s presence, where we can find rest, safety, and guidance. ▪︎We can do this by spending time in prayer, worship, and meditation on God’s Word.

5.         Joining a Community of Believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).

▪︎ We must join a community of believers, where we can find support, encouragement, and guidance.

▪︎ We can do this by attending church, participating in small groups, and serving others.

6.         Trusting in God’s Sovereignty (Romans 8:28)

Finally, we must trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He is in control of all things.

▪︎ We can do this by surrendering our worries, fears, and doubts to Him, and trusting in His goodness and care.

And you will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

Introduction:

From our theme for the month, we have established that possessing God is a personal effort. David called God “My Shepherd” as an outcome of His experience of God, which makes him draw a conclusion and share his experience of God with us.

Today, God is teaching us also how to have experiential knowledge of Him in our daily work with Him so as to encounter Christ and share the reward that comes with it.

Requirements for Pursuing or Seeking God- Jeremiah 29:13:

God was speaking to the household of Israel in captivity, yet He was addressing them individually. It was “You” and not “They or Them”

This implies that even in congregation, He still addresses us in personal and unique ways just for the individuals to respond appropriately. Some of these prerequisites are as follows:

1.            It is a personal call: The responsibility to pursue God must come out of the willful determination and commitment to do so.

2.            It must be genuine: Only the genuine search of God will produce encounters. God does not honour insincere pursuit – Psalm 78:36-37; Matt.15:8. But they deceived Him with their mouths and lied to Him with their tongues. Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant

3.            It originates from the heart: Flesh cannot seek Him. Your heart is the centre of true pursuit. If it’s not in your heart, it cannot be in your hands.

4.            It calls for the entirety of the seeker – Deut. 4:29-31; Psalm 119:2: This is in line with the concept of loving God “with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” as stated in the Bible, particularly in Matthew 22:37; Deut. 6:5.

Consider all these requirements in the following seekers of God – Psalm 34:

DAVID

– Psalm 63:8 – “My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.” David’s commitment to pursue God is evident in his desire to follow closely behind Him

PAUL

– Philippians 3:12-14 Paul writes, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Paul’s commitment to pursue God is evident in his determination to press on toward his goal.

JACOB

Jacob’s Encounter at Peniel (Genesis 32:22-33).

Jacob’s determination to pursue God is evident in his refusal to let go of the angel until he received a blessing (Genesis 32:26).

– This encounter marked a turning point in Jacob’s life, as he was renamed Israel and began to walk in a new identity (Genesis 32:28).

MOSES

Moses’ Encounter with God (Exodus 3:1-4:17)

– Moses’ pursuit of God is evident in his willingness to turn aside and investigate the burning bush (Exodus 3:3).

God’s response to Moses’ curiosity was to reveal Himself and commission Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery (Exodus 3:10).

What about men like Timothy, Ruth, Job, Daniel, they all pursue God until God possess them

IMPLICATIONS OF PURSUING GOD

Let this get this into our being. Whoever seeks Him shall find Him (Seeker find Him)

In Jer. 29:13,  Here is a truth for all men to know, understand, and experience. God can be found, can be known. He hears prayer and answers those who seek with the whole heart (Deut 4:29; Hos 10:12; Matt 7:7-8; Luke 11:5-10; 18:1).

Pursuing or Seeking God does not mean to travel to some holy place or other. God is everywhere, and seeking Him means to turn from our sins to Him and pray for His mercy and forgiveness and guidance.

God is Spirit (John 4:24), to pursue Him must be done in Spirit and in absolute truth

Pursuing God is a call to know God deeply-Phil 3:10, forsaking every other thing (Phil.3:8-9).

It is a pursuit of intimacy with God leading to Christ manifesting in you

Outcome of Pursuing God- Heb.11:6

God unfold to them what must be done to experience the best of God and what He has in store for them (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

Up to date,  when God invites us as His children to pursue or seek Him, it is for a pleasant, sweet, and higher purpose, namely:

* Matt 11:28- Pursuing God brings about divine rest

* Matt. 6:33 Seeking God brings about all round provision and satisfaction

* Isaiah 55:1- God quenches the thirst of every seeker

* Matt. 7:7-8,11- The pursuit of God brings about different dimensions of divine response and good gifts from God

* Isaiah 55:3; Psalm 23:6. Life and Sure mercy are the lots of those who seek God- Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David.

* II Cor.3:18- Glorious transformation shall be the experience of anyone who desires God

CONCLUSION

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God with a wholehearted commitment. When you pursue God with all your heart, you can expect to:

– Find Him (Jeremiah 29:13)

– Experience His presence and guidance (Psalm 119:10)

– Receive His blessings and favour (Psalm 84:11)

As you pursue God, remember that:

– He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)

– He is near to those who call upon Him (Psalm 145:18)

– He delights in those who seek Him with a pure heart (Proverbs 11:20)

PRAYER

May your pursuit of God be filled with passion, purpose, and a deepening relationship with Him!

THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK

Today, we shall be looking into what Jesus did to make us sheep of His flock. And having become sheep of His flock, what do we stand to enjoy in our journey with the shepherd

1. Divine Love and Sacrifice of the Shepherd-John 10:11; Romans 5:8; John 3:16; I John 3:16: Jesus Christ is the good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep, demonstrating God’s love for humanity. Divine love is exemplified in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is referred to as both the “good Shepherd” and the “great Shepherd.” In John 10:11, Jesus states, “I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” His sacrificial death is the ultimate expression of God’s love, as seen in Romans 5:8, which tells us that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. This love brought us in from nowhere into the fold-Eph.2:11-13
2. Divine Power in Resurrection- Hebrews 13:20; Ephesians 1:18-20: Jesus is also the great Shepherd who was raised from the dead, showcasing God’s power. In addition to His love, there is divine power at work on our behalf, as highlighted in Ephesians 1:19, which speaks of the “surpassing greatness of His power” in raising Christ from the dead. Thus, we see that the good Shepherd died to save us, while the great Shepherd lives to care for us. This interplay of love and power assures us that no sheep of His can ever perish, for they are eternally secured in His hands.
3. Shepherd offers sustained Protection and Direction: The Shepherd provides both protection and direction to His flock amidst dangers and evils in the world. In our present context, where evils and perils abound in Christendom, it is vital to recognize the protection and direction provided by the Shepherd. It is indeed true that the one who abides in Christ can confidently proclaim, “I will fear no evil.”  for thou art with me.” This assurance arises not from indifference to the dangers that surround us, but from the understanding that we are following the Shepherd in the safety of His flock.
4. The Shepherd keep the Flock Together in purpose- I Peter 2:25; Heb.10:24-25 The concept of the flock also emphasizes the importance of community and belonging within the body of Christ ( Acts 2:46-47). Believers are not isolated individuals but are part of a larger community, united under the leadership of the Good Shepherd. In I Peter 2:25, believers are reminded, “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” . This return to the Shepherd signifies a restoration to the community of faith, where believers find support, encouragement, and accountability. Discussion: Read Exodus 18:8-16 and discuss the importance of being together as community of believers (The Flock).
5. Awareness about Danger from False Leaders– John 10:10 There are dangers from wolves, thieves, and hirelings who seek to scatter and exploit the flock. Acts 20:29 – “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” But the Shepherd is available to preserve us from all dangers. The good Shepherd cares deeply for His sheep, while hirelings do not and will abandon the flock in times of danger. John 10:13 – “The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” The dangers posed by such individuals are significant; they prey on the weak and scattered sheep, seeking to lure them away from the safety of the fold and into isolation. The Shepherd’s purpose is to care for and gather the sheep, whereas the wolf aims to create discord and division.

This distinction is clear and can be recognized even by the least discerning among the flock. Similarly, thieves are also referenced, serving as a reminder that there are those who come not to nurture but to exploit the flock for their selfish gain

• Spiritual Abundance: The Shepherd leads His flock to nourishing pastures for spiritual growth and sustenance. Psalm 23:2 – “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.” The Lord, as our Shepherd, leads us into fields of Divine abundance, spiritually and in physical sense- (Col. 2:7-8) and it is essential to guard against any influence that would divert the sheep from following Him and from gathering together in unity around Him. This powerful image depicts not only a place of physical rest but also a symbol of God’s abundant blessings and care for His people. Just as a shepherd leads his flock to nourishing fields, God leads us to places of refreshment and sustenance. – Ezekiel 34:14

From all of this, we learn the paramount importance of trusting in the one Shepherd of the one flock. In Him, we find both protection and direction. He not only preserves us through the trials we face but also leads us to refreshing streams and nourishing pastures, where we can grow together in our most holy faith. In this sacred space, we can experience the joy of abiding in His constant and unchanging love.

In understanding our relationship with Christ as our Shepherd, we can find peace amidst the storms of life and assurance in the promise that we are never alone, for we are part of a cherished flock, lovingly guided by the hands of our Savior.

Introduction:
As believers, we are called to serve the Kingdom of God with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.

Our background scripture, John 9:4, sets the tone for this : “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of working diligently for the Kingdom while we still can.

The Priority of The Kingdom:

Nothing is paramount to our Lord and Saviour as the matter of the Kingdom of God

He came to this world to save men as well as served humanity.

We are called His workmanship, so we can do likewise For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them -Ephesians 2:10: .

He expressed clearly His priority in John 4:34 when He declared “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work”

The kingdom of God and His service is germane to Jesus’s heart. He commands us His disciples to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness( Matt.6:33).

David similarly expressed a desire about love for Gods kingdom, when he said in Psalm 40:8, “To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is deep within me”
Also, in Matthew 6:10, in the model prayer, we are to seek His kingdom. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”

Matter of the Kingdom is what guarantees a reward and welcoming in heaven. Even Jesus said “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”-Matthew 7:21

The Commitment into Kingdom Service and Its Implication:

Jesus demonstrated to His disciples what we must embrace to serve God with total dedication.

1. Acknowledging God: the work of God must be the focus of kingdom service. Not just any service but that which pleases God ( Romans 12:2b). Jesus is at the centre of God’s acceptable services. He is the owner of His work and dictates the pace at His term.
2. Sense of Promptness and Urgency: Promptness in service is another virtue that speaks commitment to God’s kingdom. Jesus said, “While it’s day, I nust do the work of Him who sent me.’ Promptness is a sign of commitment. Do it now that which has been committed to your hands ( Eccl. 9:10), . Do not procrastinate. It i’s anti–kingdom ‘service. Let’s do it while it’s the day when strength is maximum. Remember, there is a season for everything . But season doesn’t last forever. We are to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This sense of urgency should motivate us to serve the Kingdom with diligence and enthusiasm.
3. Right timing: Do what you need to do at the right time. The day is for work, night for rest. Right timing guarantees effective kingdom service ( Esther 4:14-16).

Kingdom Service Opportunities:
We are gifted by God to serve in different.
Let no one say there is nothing I can do.
Ask God today
Take a step today

Conclusion:
In brevity, “Untiring Kingdom Service” grounded in the teachings of John 9:4 serves as a guiding principle for individuals to engage in meaningful, impactful, and continuous service to others, reflecting the values of love, compassion, and selflessness inherent in the Kingdom of God.

INTRODUCTION

Although the programme today is organised and powered by the Men’s department of the NBC, this study is for everyone: Men, Women, Youth, Adult. It is for all Christian believers, because the place of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian cannot be overemphasized (Rom. 8:14).

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

▪︎ The trinitarian Christians (those who accept and believe in the doctrine of Trinity) believe the Holy Spirit to be “The third Person of the Trinity,” a triune God manifested as “God the Father,” “God the Son,” and “God the Holy Spirit,”  each being God.

▪︎ The Holy Spirit is a distinct divine Person equal in substance to the Father and the Son, and not Subordinate to them.

(We can use the analogy of Water existing as Solid, Liquid, and Gas to explain the doctrine of Trinity.

▪︎ Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are one. All share the same characteristics:

> Omnipotent (All-powerful)- Gen. 17:1; Jer. 32:17; Lk. 1:35

> Omnipresent (At all places at the same time and in equal magnitude)- Jer. 23:23-24; Ps.139:7-8

> Omniscient (All-Knowing)- Is. 46:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:10-11.

> Eternal (Ps. 90: 2; 1Tim. 1:17; Jn. 14:16.

•  The Holy Spirit is another Helper/Comforter (Jn. 14:16)

The word “another” as used here means “another of the same kind, that is, a Helper or Comforter of the same kind as Christ Himself.

This further establishes the fact that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one God (Jn. 1:1-3; Gen. 1:1).

INDWELLING VS INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The concepts of “Indwelling” and “Infilling” of the Holy Spirit are often confused or used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in Christian theology.

INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The indwelling (in-dwelling) of the Holy Spirit refers to the permanent presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

This occurs at the moment of salvation, when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the believer’s heart (Rom. 8:9-11; 1Cor. 3:16; 6:19.

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit:

▪︎ Seals the believer, marking him as belonging to God (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).

▪︎ Provides assurance of the believer’s salvation and relationship with God (Rom.8:16-17).

▪︎ Empowers for holiness (enables the believer to live a holy life, conforming to the image of Christ)- Rom. 8:29; 2Cor. 3:18.

God, by the Holy Spirit, had given each believer one or more gifts to be used in the work of the kingdom, and to be what God wants, designed and destined us to be. It is up to us to discover our gifts and use them in the wok of service, to the building up of the body of Christ (Jn. 14:26), and thereby fulfil our God’s ordained destiny.

To do this, every believer needs the “infilling of the Holy Spirit.”

INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The infilling of the Holy Spirit refers to a subsequent experience, after salvation, of empowerment and equipping for ministry.

▪︎ It is also known as the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.”

▪︎ This experience is often accompanied and evidenced by speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:45), boldness (Acts 4:30), Spontaneous praise (Acts 10:45-46), Prophecy (Acts 19:6).

The Infilling of The Holy Spirit:

▪︎ Empowers and equips believers for effective ministry, evangelism, and service (Acts 1:8).

▪︎ Results in the manifestation of spiritual gifts, such as healing, Prophecy, or tongues (1Cor. 12:4-11).

▪︎ Increases boldness and faith, enabling believers to witness and serve with greater effectiveness (Acts 4:29-31).

▪︎ It is the promise of both God the Father (Joel 2: 28-29) and God the Son (Acts 1:8).

▪︎ It is both instantaneous (Acts 2:1-4)and progressive (Eph. 5:18).

Examples of People that were “infilled” or “baptised” with the Holy Spirit in the bible:

▪︎ New Christians in Samaria (Acts 8:14-17).

▪︎ Saul of Tarsus (Apostle Paul)- Acts 9:17-18.

▪︎ Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:44-47)

▪︎ Disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6)

How To Receive The Baptism of The Holy Spirit

▪︎ Repentance (Acts 2:37-38).

▪︎ Desire (Matt. 7:7)

▪︎ Activate your faith (Heb. 11:1,6

▪︎ Laying of hands (Acts 3: 14-17)

CONCLUSION

▪︎ All believers have experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit but not all believers have experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

▪︎ A believer who has not received the baptism/Infilling of the Holy Spirit is still a Christian but a powerless one. Such a Christian cannot function effectively in the gifts that he carries.

Preamble:

It’s a new month, the 2nd in the series of 12

God has been so good to us as the Shepherd who cares for us all day long

But beyond corporate care and congregational blessings,  God is dealing with us in individuals and as a single soul.  He wants to draw you near and specifically bless you.

Aim of the Theme:

Learning to possess God as your own God, allowing the shepherd to lead you so as to enjoy the sufficient God

POSSESSING GOD- My God, My Shepherd:

Our theme for the month speaks of personal declaration.

What could you do to declare God Almighty our Father as My God, My Shepherd, My Sufficiency?

“Possessing God” is a beautiful expression that reflects the idea of having a deep, personal relationship with God. It’s about experiencing God’s presence, power, and love in our lives.

Possessing God is simply put as making God your very own.

David declared God as his portion in Psalm 16:5-6 & 73.

The same concept was emphasised in Psalm 23:1. David declared whom he knew God to be – “My Shepherd”

Psalm 16:5-6 GNT

[5] You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands. [6] How wonderful are your gifts to me? How good they are!

In Psalm 16:5-6 and Psalm 73:26, David declares, “The Lord is my portion” or “God is my portion.” This statement reflects David’s deep trust and dependence on God

Note that whatever you possess is your portion.

A person’s “portion” in the scripture referred to as their inheritance, share, or allocation. It represented what belonged to them.

A.            Implications of David Declaring God as his Portion:

When David declares God as his portion, he means that:

1.            God is His Inheritance: David recognizes that God is his ultimate inheritance, more valuable than any other earthly possession. He is satisfied with having God as his own lot and portions

2.            God is his Source of Sustenance:  David trusts that God will provide for his needs, just as a portion of food sustains the body.  God was his portion forever — that is sustenance come what may. 

The table was set before Him. Table of provision and opportunity.  Platform of divine lifting for you as His children

3.            God is His Security: David finds security and comfort in knowing that God is his portion, his rock, and his refuge.

B. Implication of Making God your own portion:

1.            Trust in God’s Sovereignty: David’s declaration encourages you to learn to trust in God’s sovereignty and provision, even when faced with uncertainty or adversity. Even before your enemy, adverse situation or or unfavourable season. God us there for you as “My shepherd”

2.            Find Contentment in God:  David’s statement reminds us that true contentment and satisfaction come from knowing God as our portion, rather than relying on earthly possessions or circumstances. All trust in earthly sources will crumble and crush one day, but contentment in the shepherd is a great gain- Phil.4:11-12; Heb 13:5

Contentment in God is the acceptance of what God provides, knowing that God is good and wants to give good gifts.

3.            Cultivate a Deep Relationship with God: David’s declaration inspires us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, recognizing Him as our ultimate source of joy, peace, and fulfillment in life.

Cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word.

4.            Abide in God’s Presence: Rest in God’s presence, knowing that He is always with us.-Heb.13:5, Psalm 16:11

5.            Live a Life of Obedience: Seek to live according to God’s will, trusting that His plans are for our good- Matt.6:33; Romans 12:1-2.

Conclusion:

Possessing God gives us access to our inheritance, share and portion in God.

Then we have our cup runs over in Sufficiency and surplus.