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
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 20, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction
Today, let’s talk about something important, being thankful even when life is hard. We’re going to discover how being thankful in tough times can make a big difference.
Choosing to be Thankful
The Bible says, *”Say thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you belong to Christ Jesus.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 It might seem tough, but we can choose to be thankful, no matter what’s going on in our lives.
Finding Blessings in Challenges
“We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan.”- Romans 8:28 (ERV) Even when life is hard, God is at work, making good things happen. Sometimes, we just need to look a bit closer to see the blessings in tough times.
The Example of Job: A Testament of Endurance
Job, a guy in the Bible, went through really tough times. He lost a lot, but he still said, *”I came into this world with nothing, and I will leave with nothing. The Lord gave, and now he has taken away. May his name be praised!” – Job 1:21 (ERV) Job’s story teaches us that even when life is super tough, we can still trust God and find things to be thankful for.
The Grateful Heart as a Spiritual Weapon
“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6 (ERV). Being thankful isn’t just saying thank you; it’s like having a superpower. It helps us not to worry too much. When tough times come, we can talk to God and thank Him. It’s like a secret weapon against feeling sad or scared.
Conclusion
So, let’s try to be thankful, even when things are hard. When we do that, we’re telling God we trust Him, and we’re opening ourselves up to the good things He has for us, even in tough times. Take care, and remember that God loves you! Sermon: Gratitude in Adversity
Sermon: Letting Go of Regret-Finding New Hope
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 19, 2024 | Sermon
Introduction:
Sometimes, we carry a heavy feeling called regret in our hearts. Today, let’s talk about something important: “Letting Go of Regret- Finding New Hope.” Together, we will look at how we can feel better with the help of God’s words.
Understanding Why Regret Feels Heavy
Regret is like a heavy backpack that makes it hard to move forward. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:1, “Get rid of anything that holds you back, and let’s keep going.” It’s time to let go of things that make us sad.
God Promises to Forgive Us
The Bible also says in 1 John 1:9 that “if we tell God we’re sorry, He will forgive us and make us clean again.” God’s forgiveness is like a big hug that makes us feel better and helps us leave regret behind.
Learning from Stories in the Bible
The Bible has stories about people who felt really sorry but found hope in God’s love. Think about King David, who made mistakes but found forgiveness and a fresh start (Psalm 51). These stories teach us that God can help us start again, no matter what.
Saying Sorry and Changing for the Better
To feel better, we need to say sorry to God and try to do better. Acts 3:19 says, “Turn back to God, and He will forgive your mistakes.” Saying sorry and trying to be better is like opening a door to a happier life.
Living for Today and Looking Forward
The Bible in Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Forget about what happened before and look forward to what’s coming next.” Letting go of regret helps us enjoy today and be excited about what’s coming in the future.
Conclusion
As we talk about “Letting Go of Regret: Finding New Hope,” remember what Isaiah 43:18-19 says: “Don’t think too much about the past. God is doing something new, and it’s like a fresh start.” God’s love can help us leave regret behind and look forward to happier days. Wishing you new hope and joy
Read Also: Sermon – Walking the Path of Forgiveness
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Feb 19, 2024 | Sermon
friends, Life can sometimes be tough, and we all experience hurts. But, as friends of Jesus, we are asked to follow a special path that helps us heal from our pain. Today, let’s talk about “Walking the Path of Forgiveness: Healing Hurts” with the help of God’s words.
Understanding Forgiveness with God’s Help
In the Bible, Colossians 3:13, “Be patient and forgive others if they do something wrong. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.” This means we should try to forgive others, just like God forgives us.
Why Not Forgiving Hurts Us
The Bible also says in Matthew 6:14-15, “If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, then God will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive, God won’t forgive you.” Holding onto bad feelings hurts us and makes it hard for God’s love to reach us.
How Forgiving Can Change Us
Forgiving is not just saying sorry; it changes how we feel inside. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other, just as God forgave you in Christ.” Forgiving helps us and others feel better.
Jesus Shows Us How to Forgive
Jesus Christ, our lovely saviour, showed us how to forgive. When people hurt Him, He said, “Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34). We can learn from Jesus and forgive even when it’s hard.
Steps to Help Us Forgive
a. Talk to God: Ask God for help through prayer.
b. Think about Feelings: Look inside and find where we need to forgive.
c. Talk to Others: Share our feelings and forgive them.
d. Set Rules: Make rules to keep us safe while forgiving others.
Conclusion
As we walk this forgiveness path, remember Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander. Instead, be kind to each other, forgiving one another, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” Let’s walk together on this path of forgiveness, healing our hurts and sharing God’s love with everyone around us.
Read Also: Sermon: Finding Purpose in Times of Adversity
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Oct 20, 2023 | Sermon
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, I want to talk to you about something important but often forgotten in our busy and loud world. It’s about being quiet and still, especially when life is noisy and full of things to do. As people who believe in God, taking time for quiet and stillness is vital. It helps us get closer to God and take care of our inner selves.
Let’s turn to the Bible to find guidance on this important practice:
1. Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse reminds us of the divine call to be still and recognize the presence of God in our lives. In the midst of our hectic lives, we often forget to pause and be aware of God’s sovereignty.
2. Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
Jesus himself exemplified the importance of finding a solitary place for prayer and communion with God. He knew that silence and stillness were vital for his spiritual well-being.
3. 1 Kings 19:11-12
And He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, the sound of a low whisper.”
Also: Overcoming Self-Doubt: Trusting in God’s Plan
Elijah experienced the presence of the Lord not in the spectacular displays of nature but in the gentle whisper of God. This illustrates that sometimes God’s voice is heard in the silence, not in the noise and chaos of life.
So, why is the spiritual practice of silence and stillness so essential for our faith journey?
- Listening to God: In silence, we open our hearts and minds to hear God’s gentle whispers. We can discern His will and receive His guidance.
- Spiritual Refreshment: Just as our bodies need rest, our spirits need refreshment through stillness. It revitalizes our faith and strengthens our relationship with God.
- Inner Peace: Silence and stillness bring inner peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding, as mentioned in Philippians 4:7.
- Detox from the World: In silence, we can detach from the noise and distractions of the world and focus on what truly matters.
Incorporating the practice of silence and stillness into our lives is not always easy in our fast-paced world. But just as athletes train to excel in their sports, we need to train in the spiritual discipline of stillness. Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to be in silence before God. You can do this through prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in His presence.
In conclusion, let us remember the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 62:1:
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.”
May we find the strength and wisdom to make the spiritual practice of silence and stillness an integral part of our faith journey. In these moments, we draw closer to God and experience His presence in a profound and transformative way.
May the grace of the Lord be with you as you embark on this journey of spiritual stillness and silence. Amen.
