by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 21, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
Today, we’re talking about something we all face , “Trusting God When Things Are Unsure.” Life can be a bit tricky, and sometimes we’re not sure what’s going to happen. Let’s learn together about how we can trust God, find peace, and feel secure even when things are unclear.
Knowing Things Can Be Uncertain
Life has moments when we’re not sure about things. Plans change, unexpected stuff happens, and the future might seem a little confusing. The first thing to do when trusting God in uncertainty is to realize that not knowing everything is okay.
Bible Verse: “Trust God with your whole heart, and don’t rely only on what you understand. In everything you do, follow Him, and He will guide your path.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Remembering Who God Is
Even when things are unsure, we can trust God because He doesn’t change. He’s always loving and knows everything. Understanding that God is like this helps us feel secure, even when everything around us seems uncertain.
Bible Verse: “I am the Lord, and I never change. So, you don’t need to worry, because I am always with you.” – Malachi 3:6
Talking to God and Letting Go
Trusting God means talking to Him, like talking to a friend. When things are uncertain, we can tell God how we feel and ask for His help. Letting go of our worries and letting God take care of them brings a special kind of peace.
Bible Verse: “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, talk to God about everything. Tell Him what you need, and thank Him for all He’s done. Then you’ll feel peace, even if you don’t understand why.” – Philippians 4:6-7 IV.
Believing God’s Plan Is Good:
Trusting God also means believing that His plan, even when we don’t get it, is always good. Even if things seem confusing, we can trust that God knows what’s best for us.
Bible Verse: “God’s plans are not like ours. His ways are higher and better. Trust that His plan is always good.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Remembering God’s Help in the Past
When we’re not sure about the future, thinking about how God helped us before makes our trust in Him stronger. Remembering His goodness in the past helps us feel more confident about facing uncertainties now.
Bible Verse: “I will remember all the good things God has done. I’ll think about His miracles and remember how powerful He is.” – Psalm 77:11-12
Conclusion
Trusting God when things are unsure is like having a strong anchor for our souls. By understanding that uncertainties are normal, remembering who God is, talking to Him, believing His plan is good, and recalling His help in the past, we can trust Him even when life seems a bit uncertain. Let’s walk together with God, knowing that His love is our constant and sure foundation. Amen.
Trusting God in Uncertainty
Sermon: Fostering Hope in Times of Despair
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 21, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
Let us look at something important – having a strong and unshakable faith. Life can be tough, and sometimes it feels like we’re in the middle of a storm. But we can have a faith that stands strong no matter what. Let’s explore what it means to have this kind of unshakable faith.
What is Faith?
Faith is more than just believing; it’s like having a deep and strong trust in God, even when things are hard. Unshakable faith doesn’t depend on everything going well; it stays strong, no matter what challenges come our way.
Bible Verse: “Faith is being sure about what we hope for and certain about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
How to Make Our Faith Strong
a. Talking to God: Having a strong faith means talking to God regularly. Just like talking to a friend, we share our thoughts and feelings with Him. This helps us feel close to God and makes our faith stronger.
Bible Verse: “Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” – Philippians 4:6-7
b. Reading the Bible: The Bible is like a guidebook for our faith. Reading it helps us understand God’s promises and teachings. It’s full of stories that show us how to have a strong faith, even when things are tough.
Bible Verse: “Your word is like a light that shows me the way.” – Psalm 119:105
Trusting God No Matter What
A strong faith comes from trusting that God is in control, even when life is hard. When we trust God, we can give our worries to Him and know that He is working things out for our good.
Bible Verse: “Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what He wants, and He will help you go the right way.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Keeping Faith in Tough Times
A strong faith doesn’t give up during hard times. It keeps going and gets even stronger. When we face challenges with faith, we can see that God’s love can change things.
Bible Verse: “God blesses everyone who patiently endures testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” – James 1:12
Conclusion
So, let’s remember that we can have a strong faith that stays firm in tough times. By talking to God, reading the Bible, trusting Him no matter what, and keeping faith in hard times, our faith can be like a sturdy anchor. May our strong faith guide us through every storm, showing others the power of trusting in our unchanging and loving God. Amen.
Sermon: Cultivating Gratitude in Daily Life
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 21, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
Life can be hard, and sometimes it feels like we’re in the dark. But today, we will know how we can find a special kind of light that never goes away, even in the toughest times.
Knowing When Times Are Tough
First, we need to admit when things are not going well. Life has moments that are really tough, and it’s okay to feel sad. But in these hard times, there’s something special called hope that can help us see a light in the darkness.
Bible Verse: “Even when I feel down, I will still trust in God and praise Him, my Savior.” – Psalm 42:11
What Hope Is All About
Hope is like a strong anchor that keeps us steady in a storm. It’s not just wishing for something good to happen, but a deep belief that things can get better, especially with God by our side. Hope fills us with joy and peace, even when things seem really dark.
Bible Verse: “May God, who is full of hope, fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him. Then you will have more and more hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Believing in God, Even in the Dark
Our faith in God is like a flashlight in the dark. Even when we can’t see everything clearly, we trust that God is taking care of us and has a plan. Our faith helps us look beyond our problems and see that good things can come, just like a new day after a long night.
Bible Verse: “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” – Hebrews 11:1
Helping Each Other and Sharing Hope
When things are tough, we shouldn’t be alone. Being together with friends and family is like turning on more lights in a room. We can help each other and share hope. Acts of kindness and encouraging words bring light to everyone around us.
Bible Verse: “Encourage each other and help one another, just like you are already doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Conclusion
So, let’s remember that even when things are tough, there’s hope. By admitting when times are hard, understanding what hope is about, believing in God, and helping each other, we can find the light even in the darkest moments. May this light guide us through tough times, and may we share it with others. Amen.
Finding Hope in the Dark
Sermon: Cultivating Gratitude in Daily Life
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 20, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
We will be talking about something we all go through – tough times. Life has ups and downs, and when things get hard, it’s important to find hope and light. Let us take a look on how we can stay hopeful and strong when life gets difficult.
Acknowledging the Darkness
First, we have to admit when things are not going well. Sometimes, life is like a big challenge. It could be personal problems, losing someone, or facing something scary. It’s okay to feel sad, but even in the toughest times, a little bit of hope can make a big difference.
Bible Verse: “Even when things are really hard, I won’t be scared because I know you’re with me, helping and comforting me.” – Psalm 23:4
Finding Light Inside Ourselves
Even when it feels really dark, each of us has a special light inside. We can find this light by praying, taking quiet time for ourselves, and thinking about what makes us strong. Our faith and the good things inside us can help us feel stronger and more hopeful.
Bible Verse: “You are like a light for the world. Just like a city on a hill that everyone can see, you can shine your light for everyone around you.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Community and Connection
When times are tough, we shouldn’t be alone. Our friends and family in the church can be like a light that helps us feel better. When we share our problems and listen to others, it’s like turning on more lights in the room. Being connected to people around us is really important.
Bible Verse: “Help each other with your problems. This way, you’re doing what Jesus wants you to do.” – Galatians 6:2
Trusting that God Helps Us
Sometimes, it’s hard to understand why things are tough. But we can trust that God has a plan, even if we don’t see it right now. Believing in God and letting go of our worries can give us comfort and make us feel more hopeful.
Bible Verse: “Trust in the Lord with your whole heart. Don’t depend on what you think you know. Remember God in everything you do, and God will show you the right way.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Conclusion
So, let’s remember that even when times are tough, there is hope. By admitting when things are hard, finding our inner strength, being with our friends and family, and trusting in God, we can make it through the tough times. May the hope and light guide us through the dark times. Amen.
Sermon: Gratitude in Adversity-Finding Blessings in Challenge
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 20, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
Let us look at a very important topic – The Power of Prayer. Prayer is like talking to God as a friend. When we pray, we create a channel between God and man. Let us look at what the Bible says about how talking to God can totally transform our lives.
What is Prayer?
“Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”* – Philippians 4:6
Prayer is like having a chat with God. It’s not just asking for stuff; it’s telling Him what’s on our minds, asking for help, and thanking Him for all the good things.
The Invitation to Persistent Prayer
“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.”* – Matthew 7:7 (ERV)
Jesus encourages us to keep on talking to God. If we ask for help, search for answers, and keep knocking on God’s door, He promises to be there for us.
The Assurance of God’s Presence
“The Lord is close to everyone who prays to him, to all who truly pray to him.”* – Psalm 145:18 (ERV)
In moments of joy, sorrow, and uncertainty, the promise of God’s nearness accompanies our prayers. As we draw near to Him in sincerity, we discover the comforting truth that our prayers are not uttered into empty space but into the loving presence of our Heavenly Father.
Prayer as a Source of Strength and Healing
“If you are sick, ask the church leaders to come to you. Ask them to pray in the name of the Lord and to rub oil on you. Faithful prayer will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well.”* – James 5:14 (ERV)
Prayer is like a superpower that brings strength and healing. When we pray for each other, it’s like asking the best doctor ever—God—to help out. He can make things better.
Conclusion
So, let’s make talking to God a regular thing. It’s not just about asking for things; it’s about building a connection with God that can change our lives. Remember, God loves us, and through prayer, we can experience His amazing power. Take care, and don’t forget to keep the conversation going with God. He’s always there for you!
Sermon: Gratitude in Adversity-Finding Blessings in Challenge
