by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 27, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
Let us look at a very important topic – The Power of Forgiveness. Forgiveness plays a big part in our Christian lives. Forgiving others is like having a magical ability to make things better when people make mistakes.
The Essence of Forgiveness
What Forgiveness Means: Forgiveness is like saying, “It’s okay” when someone does something that hurts us. It’s not holding onto anger or wanting to get back at them. The Bible teaches us that forgiving each other is super important.
Bible Verse: “Be kind and forgive others, just like God forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Why Holding Grudges is Heavy
When we don’t forgive, it’s like carrying a big, heavy backpack filled with anger and sadness. The Bible tells a story about forgiving, and it shows us that holding onto bad feelings doesn’t make us feel good.
God Shows Us How to Forgive
God forgives us when we make mistakes. His forgiveness is like a huge, warm hug that makes us feel better. We are supposed to forgive others in the same way. The Bible says we should be kind and forgive, just like God does for us.
Bible Verse: “Be kind and forgive others, just like God forgave you because of Jesus.” – Ephesians 4:32
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Forgiving is like a magical medicine that helps us feel better inside. It makes our hearts happy and takes away the yucky feelings. It’s not always easy, but when we forgive, it’s like a superhero power that helps us and the other person.
Overcoming Challenges in Forgiveness
When Forgiving is a Little Hard: Sometimes, forgiving can be tough, especially when someone hurts us a lot. But the Bible tells us that if we forgive others, we’ll also be forgiven. It’s like a circle of kindness and forgiveness that makes the world a better place.
Bible Verse: “Forgive others, and you will be forgiven too.” – Luke 6:37
Extending Forgiveness to Ourselves
We also make mistakes, and it’s important to be kind to ourselves. God forgives us, and we should learn to forgive ourselves too. It’s like giving ourselves a big hug and saying, “It’s okay, we can try again.”
Bible Verse: “God forgives us and removes our mistakes far away from us, like the east is far from the west.” – Psalm 103:12
Conclusion
So, let’s remember this magical superpower of love called forgiveness. It’s like giving out hugs and making the world a happier place. As we understand what forgiveness means, see why holding onto bad feelings is heavy, learn from how God forgives us, feel better when we forgive, remember to forgive even when it’s hard, and give ourselves a little kindness too, we become superheroes of love. Amen.
Sermon: Overcoming Anxiety with Faith
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 27, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
hello brethren, Trusting God and Going on a Journey with Faith is like having a friend with us all the time, even when we can’t see everything clearly. Let us see what the Bible says about faith and why this is special and how it can make our lives better.
Defining “Walking by Faith”
Trusting God is like believing that He knows the best way for us, even when we’re not sure where we’re going. It’s like holding God’s hand and walking with Him, even if we can’t see everything ahead.
Bible verse: 2 Corinthians 5:7, says, “We live by trusting God, not just by what we see.”
The Challenge of Uncertainty
Sometimes, life can be confusing, and we don’t know exactly what will happen next. Trusting God becomes really important during these times. Instead of being scared or worried, we can choose to trust that God is taking care of us.
Bible Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen to Him, and He will show you the right way.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Abraham: A Model of Walking by Faith
The Bible tells us about a friend named Abraham, who also went on a journey of trust with God. Even though he didn’t know where he was going, he trusted God and followed Him. We can learn from Abraham’s story about how trusting God can lead to amazing things.
Bible Verse: “Because Abraham trusted God, he went on a journey, not knowing where he was going. He showed us that trusting God is a good thing to do.” – Hebrews 11:8-10
Faith as the Key to Pleasing God
The Bible says that trusting God makes Him happy. It’s like when we believe that God is there and that He helps us when we need it. When we trust God, it makes our friendship with Him even stronger.
Bible Verse: “To make God happy, we need to trust Him and believe that He rewards us when we seek Him with all our hearts.” – Hebrews 11:6
Overcoming Fear with Faith
Sometimes, we feel scared because we don’t know what will happen. But trusting God helps us say goodbye to fear.
A special Bible verse, Isaiah 41:10, says, “Don’t be scared; I am with you. I will help you and give you strength.” Trusting God takes away our fear and gives us courage.
Faith’s Reward: A Closer Relationship with God
Trusting God is not just about going on a journey; it’s about becoming closer friends with Him. Even when things are tough, our trust in God grows, and we get to know Him better. The journey of trust might not always be easy, but it brings us closer to our special friend, God.
Conclusion
So, let’s remember that we can trust God and go on a journey with faith. It’s like having a good friend with us, helping us when we’re not sure. As we learn to trust God when things are confusing, follow the example of our friend Abraham, make God happy with our trust, say goodbye to being scared, and become closer friends with God, our journey becomes more exciting and meaningful. Amen.
Sermon: Grace Abounds
by Deborah Onovae | Feb 26, 2024 | Bible Quiz, Quiz
David and Jonathan Bible Quiz Questions for Youth Programs is about the relationship between David and his friend Jonathan.
How well do you know this bible story? This bible quiz will help to broaden your knowledge and increase your memory about the story of David and Jonathan.
David and Jonathan Bible Quiz Questions
1.What was the relationship between David and Jonathan?
2. What did Jonathan do to express his friendship and loyalty to David?
3: How did Jonathan help David escape from Saul’s anger?
4. What covenant did Jonathan and David make with each other?
5. How did Jonathan and David express their grief when they knew they would be separated?
6. Why did Jonathan help David escape from Saul’s anger?
7. How did Jonathan react when he learned about David’s future kingship?
8. What tragic event led to the death of both Saul and Jonathan?
9. After Jonathan’s death, how did David honor his memory?
10. What did David say about Jonathan’s love in his lament after Jonathan’s death?
David and Jonathan Bible Quiz Answers
1. close friend of David. Bible Text 1: 1 Samuel 18:1 (NIV): “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
2. Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt as a symbol of their friendship and loyalty. Bible Text 2: 1 Samuel 18:4 (NIV): “Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”
3. Jonathan warned David about Saul’s intentions and devised a plan for David’s safety. Bible Text 3: 1 Samuel 19:1-3 (NIV): “Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David and warned him, ‘My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there.'”
4. They made a covenant of friendship and loyalty, pledging to be faithful to each other and to their descendants. Bible Text 4: 1 Samuel 20:42 (NIV): “Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.”’
5. They wept and embraced each other, acknowledging the depth of their friendship. Bible Text 5: 1 Samuel 20:41 (NIV): “After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.”
6. Jonathan helped David because he recognized that God had chosen David to be the future king, and he wanted to support God’s plan. Bible Text 6: 1 Samuel 23:17 (NIV): “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”
7. Jonathan was supportive and even rejoiced in David’s future reign, willingly submitting himself to David as the future king. Bible Text 7: 1 Samuel 23:17 (NIV): “And he made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.”
8. Saul and Jonathan died in battle against the Philistines, and both were killed on Mount Gilboa. Bible Text 8: 2 Samuel 1:25-26 (NIV): “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”
9. David mourned Jonathan’s death and later showed kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake. Bible Text 9: 2 Samuel 9:7 (NIV): “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
10. 10. David expressed deep sorrow and praised Jonathan’s love, saying it surpassed the love of women. Bible Text 10: 2 Samuel 1:26 (NIV): “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”
by Deborah Onovae | Feb 23, 2024 | Bible Quiz, Quiz
The 12 Disciples of Jesus Quiz questions and answers will help to broaden your knowledge about Jesus’s Disciples. The disciples of Jesus are Peter; James; John; Andrew; Philip; Judas Iscariot; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alpheus; Bartholomew; Judas Thaddeus; and Simon Zelotes.
They left all their biddings to the will of the Lord. How well do you know about the disciples? Let us dive into the quiz?
The 12 Disciples of Jesus Quiz Questions
1.Who were the first two disciples called by Jesus?
a. Peter and James
b. Andrew and John
c. Matthew and Thomas
d. Philip and Bartholomew
2. Which disciple is known as “the doubter” because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw him?
a. Peter
b. James
c. Thomas
d. Andrew
3.Which disciple is often referred to as “the beloved disciple” in the Gospel of John?
a. James
b. John
c. Philip
d. Thaddeus
4. Who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver?
a. Peter
b. Judas Iscariot
c. Andrew
d. James
5. Which disciple famously denied knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crowed?
a. Matthew
b. James
c. Peter
d. Simon the Zealot
6. Which disciple was a tax collector before becoming a follower of Jesus?
a. Matthew
b. Simon the Zealot
c. James
d. Thaddeus
7. Which two brothers were known as the “Sons of Thunder”?
a. James and John
b. Peter and Andrew
c. Philip and Bartholomew
d. Thomas and James
8. Who replaced Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve disciples?
a. Matthias
b. Barnabas
c. Silas
d. Stephen
9. Which disciple walked on water for a brief moment with Jesus?
a. Peter
b. Andrew
c. James
d. John
10. Which disciple is traditionally believed to have been the first martyr among the apostles?
a. Peter
b. James (son of Zebedee)
c. John d. Andrew
The 12 Disciples of Jesus Quiz Answers
1.b. Andrew and John Bible Text: “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.” (John 1:35-37, NIV)
2.c. Thomas Bible Text: “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.'” (John 20:24-25, NIV)
3.b. John Bible Text: “One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.” (John 13:23, NIV)
4. b. Judas Iscariot Bible Text: “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.” (Matthew 26:14-15, NIV)
5.c. Peter Bible Text: “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75, NIV)
6.a. Matthew Matthew Bible Text: “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9, NIV)
7. a. James and John Bible Text: “And James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder).” (Mark 3:17, ESV)
8.a. Matthias Bible Text: “So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.'” (Acts 1:23-24, NIV)
9.a. Peter Bible Text: “Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” (Matthew 14:28-29, NIV)
10.b. James (son of Zebedee) Bible Text: “It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.” (Acts 12:1-2, NIV)
The 12 Disciples of Jesus Questions and Answers
1.Which disciple was present with Jesus during the Transfiguration along with James and Peter?
Answer: John Bible Text: “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.” (Matthew 17:1, NIV)
2.Which two disciples were sons of a man named Zebedee?
Answer: James and John Bible Text: “Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John.” (Matthew 4:21, NIV)
3. Which disciple is known for being a skilled fisherman and is often mentioned as one of the leading apostles?
Answer: Peter Bible Text: “Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:10-11, NIV)
4. Which disciple asked Jesus about the end times and the signs of His coming?
Answer: John Bible Text: “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'” (Matthew 24:3, NIV)
5.Which disciple was a physician and wrote the Gospel bearing his name?
Answer: Luke Bible Text: “Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.” (Colossians 4:14, ESV)
6. Which disciple, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before following Jesus?
Answer: Matthew Bible Text: “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9, NIV)
7. Which disciple declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” in response to Jesus’ question?
Answer: Peter Bible Text: “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'” (Matthew 16:16, NIV)
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 23, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
Salvation means to be saved, or delivered, from the result of sin—eternal death. It’s like a special gift from God that makes us feel super happy. Let us talk about why this gift is so good and how it changes our lives.
Why We Need Saving
Sometimes, we do things that aren’t so good, and it makes us feel far away from God. But God doesn’t want us to stay feeling like that. He has a plan to save us and bring us close to Him.
Bible Verse: “Everyone makes mistakes, but God’s gift is that He saves us and makes us right with Him because of Jesus.” – Romans 3:23-24
God’s Amazing Gift
The cool thing about salvation is that we don’t have to do anything special to get it. It’s like a big present from God. He gives it to us because He loves us so much, not because we did something to earn it.
Bible Verse: “God’s gift to us is so amazing. We don’t have to do anything to get it; He just gives it because He loves us a lot.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
How Salvation Changes Us
When we accept God’s gift, something awesome happens – we become new and better people. It’s like getting a fresh start. The joy of salvation transforms our hearts and helps us live better lives.
Bible Verse: “When we believe in Jesus, we become completely new. The old things are gone, and everything becomes fresh and new!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Being Friends with God Again
Before, our mistakes kept us away from God, but with salvation, we become friends with Him again. We don’t have to be afraid or feel far away. We can talk to God, and He listens and helps us.
Bible Verse: “Because of Jesus, we are friends with God again. We don’t have to be scared; God is always with us.” – Romans 5:10
Sharing the Happy News
The joy of salvation is so good that we want to tell everyone about it! God wants us to share this happy news with others, so they can feel the joy of salvation too.
Bible Verse: “Tell everyone the happy news and help them become friends with God too. We can show others how awesome God’s gift is.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Conclusion
So, let’s be super happy about God’s gift of salvation. It’s like the best present ever! As we understand why we need saving, accept God’s amazing gift, experience the changes in our lives, become friends with God again, and share this happy news with others, we can live with lots of joy. God’s love is the coolest thing ever! Amen.
Sermon: Grace Abounds
