How to Enjoy Our Life Together

What Are We Here For?

How to Enjoy Our Life Together

January 27, 2013 

Memory Verse: Acts 2:44 (NKJV) ⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,

TEXT: Acts 2:42–47; 4:32–35

Introduction: Genesis 2:18

1.      The Admission

 John 1:12–13; John 3:16; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41;1 Peter 1:3–4

  

2.      The Attitude

 Galatians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 13:3;1 John 3:16–18; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14–15; Colossians 3:9; Romans 12:9; Proverbs 24:26; Galatians 6:9–10

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”--C.S. Lewis

  

“The only really happy people are those who have learned how to serve.”—Rick Warren

3.      The Atmosphere

 Ephesians 2:19; Acts 2:42–47; 4:32–35; Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 25:23; Hebrews 10:25; James 5:19–20

  

 “As we obtain grace, we must give grace.  As we experience forgiveness, we can and must extend forgiveness to others!”-- Matthew west

7 Days of Fasting and Prayer January 1st – 7th, 2013

Agape Bible Fellowship & Ministries Inc.

7 Days of Fasting and Prayer January 1^st – 7^th, 2013

Joel 1:14 (NKJV) Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and Cry out to the Lord.

Matthew 17:21 (KJV) “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

·         January 1. Read Exodus 12:1-2. Reflect on this scripture and spiritually focus your mind as you step over into this new beginning. Pray that God open doors of opportunities for you this year. Pray for unrelenting breakthroughs.

·         January 2. Read Psalm 105:37. Reflect on this scripture and the blessings that God bestowed on you and your family thus far. Pray for more blessings this year.

·         January 3. Read Isaiah 58:12. Reflect on this scripture. How do you see yourself involved in the work of rebuilding in this church this year? Pray that God opens your eyes to unseen channels where you could be a blessing to your church and the kingdom of God this year.  

·         January 4^th. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Reflect on this passage. David was unnoticed and insignificant until God’s favor located him. Pray that your favors and promotions will find you wherever you are in Jesus name.

·         January 5^th Read 2 Kings 2:19-22. Reflect on this passage. Many people are unproductive, not because they are in a badly situated area, but because the enemy has messed up the source of their joy. Pray to God that the power that healed the bitter water in the day of Elisha, change your situation to the best in Jesus name. Pray against all kinds of bitterness.

·         January 6^th Read Nehemiah 2:11-20; 4:1-23. Reflect on this passage. Nehemiah was used in his day for the work of rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. Pray that God use you as your church works on the building project this year. Pray against all obstacles to the work.

·         January 7^th Read Psalm 51:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17. Ask God to show you ways through which you could be drawn closer to Him always. Pray for the renewal of your commitment to Christian service this year.

2013 Theme: Rebuilding the Foundation

Text Verse: 

Isaiah 58:12 (NIV)Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

 

Theme Hymn: #412, My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

1.    My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.

Refrain

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

2.    Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out.

Refrain

3.    My heart is leaning on the Word,
The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s Name,
Salvation through His blood.

Refrain

4.    My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.

Refrain

Stepping Over Into a New Opportunity

End of Year Thanksgiving

Stepping Over Into a New Opportunity

Memory Verse: Psalm 105:37 (NKJV) He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was none feeble among His tribes.

TEXT: Exodus 12:1–2; Psalm 105:37

INTRODUCTION:

Psalm 105:37

1.    Relinquish the Thoughts and Memories of the Past  Sufferings
Philippians 3:13–14; Galatians 5:1; Ecclesiastes 10:1

2.    Operate According to the Dictates of the new Paradigm

2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:6–11; John 8:36; Hebrews 12:1

3.    Actualize the Benefits of the New Opportunity

Psalm 105:37; Exodus 12:35–36; Exodus 2:23–24; Daniel 11:32; Revelation 21:4

4.    Have a fresh start.

Genesis 9:1–4; 1:28; 1:26; Psalm 51:10

The Benefits of an Enduring Life in the Spirit

^{Advent Series: Jesus Has Come}

The Benefits of an Enduring Life in the Spirit

Memory Verse: Luke 2:30 (NKJV) For my eyes have seen Your salvation.

TEXT:  Luke 2:25-32

Introduction: Isaiah 40:31; Luke 2:25–26;1 Thessalonians 1:10

1.   The Prompting of the Holy Spirit

 Luke 2:25, 29, 30–32;  Acts 2:4, 31

2.   The Spirit-Driven Performance

Luke 2:26; Galatians 5:16

3.   The Piloting of the Holy Spirit

Luke 2:27; Romans 8:14,16; Galatians 5:7

HOW TO RENEW OUR PRAISE TO THE LORD

Advent Series: Jesus Has Come

HOW TO RENEW OUR PRAISE TO THE LORD

Memory Verse: Luke 2:14 (NKJV) “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”




Text: Luke 2:8-20



Introduction: 1 Corinthians 1:26–29



1. Our Praise of God must be done Radiantly

Luke 2:13–14







2. Our Praise of God must be done Pleasantly

Luke 2:1; Cf. Psalm 126:1–3





3. Our Praise of the Lord must be done Remarkably

Luke 2:20





Conclusion:

A Breakthrough Blessing

Advent Series: Jesus Has Come

A Breakthrough Blessing

Memory Verse: Luke 1:68 (NKJV) “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,

Text: Luke 1:67–80

Thanksgiving Series

Thanksgiving Propels a Release of Blessings

Memory verse: Psalm 107:1 (NKJV) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Text: Psalm 100

1.     The Mandate—The Bible directs us to be thankful.

Psalm 100:4; Colossians 3:15;1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 115:3; Psalm 103:19; Romans 8:28; Psalm 139:14; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Psalm 118:24

 “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”-- Westminster Shorter Catechism

“God has given you a gift of life and what you do with that life is a gift to God”—Anonymous  

2.     The Manifestation—Thanksgiving is a byproduct of the infilling of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:18–19

ILLUSTARTION: Cyprian’s Thanksgiving

 “I heartily thank Almighty God who is pleased to set me free from the chains of the body.”

3.     The Means--Thankfulness is a Catalyst to Answered Prayers.

Philippians 4:6; Psalm 34:1

•   To swear is wicked because it is taking God’s name in vain. To murmur is likewise wicked for it takes God’s promises in vain.

•   When in deep water, it’s a good idea to keep your mouth shut.

—St. Louis Labor Tribune

4.     The Miracle--Thanksgiving Activates a Miraculous Breakthrough in your life

Jonah 2:9–10

"It isn't life that matters but the courage you bring to it."

"Blessed be all sorrow, hardships
and endurance that demand courage. Blessed be these things: for of
these things cometh the making of a man."” From Hugh Walpole's novel, Fortitude

5.     The Merit--Thanksgiving Perfects Your Breakthrough

Luke 17:15–19; Jude 14–16; Philippians 2:14

Illustration:

I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. —Arab proverb

A Compelling Praise

Advent Series: Jesus Has Come

A Compelling Praise

 Memory Verse: Luke 1:46–47 (NKJV)… “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

 Text: Luke 1:46–55

Thanksgiving Propels a Release of Blessings

Thanksgiving Series

Thanksgiving Propels a Release of Blessings

Memory verse: Psalm 107:1 (NKJV) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Text: Psalm 100

“One-Minute Praising”

Thanksgiving Series

“One-Minute Praising”

Memory Verse: Psalm 103:2 (NIV) Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits

Text: Psalm 103:1–5 (NKJV)

¹     Bless the Lord, O my soul;

      And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

²     Bless the Lord, O my soul,

      And forget not all His benefits:

³     Who forgives all your iniquities,

      Who heals all your diseases,

⁴     Who redeems your life from destruction,

      Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

⁵     Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

      So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

When the Going Gets Tough

Help for Hard Times

When the Going Gets Tough

Memory Verse: Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Surmounting the Insurmountable

Help for Hard Times

Surmounting the Insurmountable

Memory VERSE: Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV) ²⁷ “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

Text: Joshua 3:1–17

Biblical Principles for Christian Voters

Pulpit Freedom Sunday

Biblical Principles for Christian Citizens

By

© Dr. John Ojewole, 2012

Agape Bible Fellowship, Bay Point, CA 94565

Exodus 18:21 (NKJV) ²¹ Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 

Introduction:  Matthew 5:13–14 ; 22:21 Proverbs 29:2

When Things Look Like They’re Falling Apart

series: Help for Hard Times

When Things Look Like They’re Falling Apart

MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 125:1 (NKJV) Those who trust in the Lord, Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

Text: Acts 27:1-44

INTRODUCTION:

Acts 27:10; 2 Corinthians 11:25; Isaiah 28:16

When You Feel Like Giving Up

Help for Hard Times

When You Feel Like Giving Up

MEMORY VERSE: Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) ⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

TEXT: Nehemiah 4:1–20

Overcoming Life’s Battles

Series: Help for Hard Times

Overcoming Life’s Battles

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Text: 2 Chronicles 20:1-23

Introduction:Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4

1.      Know the Root of Your problem

2 Chronicles 20:1–3; 2 Timothy 1:7

2.      Present your Concerns to the Lord

2 Chronicles 20:3–12

ILLUSTRATION: They Were On Side Of God

3.      Focus Your attention on God

2 Chronicles 20:12; Hebrews 12:2

4.      Release Your Concerns into God’s Hands

2 Chronicles 20:15–17; Psalm 46:10; 1 Peter 5:7;  Ephesians 6:13

5.      Praise God for what He is yet to do

2 Chronicles 20:18–23; 1 Corinthians 15:57

WHY ME?

Series: Help for Hard Times

Why Me?

Memory Verse: Romans 8:28 (NKJV) ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Text: Genesis 50:15-21

Helpful Safeguards for Christians in Today’s World

Jude: Contending for the Faith

Helpful Safeguards for Christians in Today’s World

© John Ojewole, 2012

Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV) ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Read Jude 17-25

Understanding Common Pointers of Doctrinal Deficiency

Jude: Contending for the Faith

Understanding Common Pointers of  Doctrinal Deficiency

© John Ojewole, 2012

Memory Verse: Matthew 7:16 (NKJV) ¹⁶ You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

Read Jude 8-16

Jude: Contending for the Faith

Don’t Trash This Treasure

John Ojewole, 2012

Sermon preached on August 26, 2012

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV) ¹³ Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Read Jude 1-7

Support by the Holy Spirit

Strength for the Journey

Support by the Holy Spirit

August 12, 2012

Memory Verse: John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

TEXT:

John 14:15–31; John 16:5–15 

What God Wants of Me

What God Wants of Me

Memory Verse: Romans 12:1 (NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Text: Isaiah 6:1-9

Sustenance Through Supplication

Strength for the Journey

Sustenance Through Supplication

Memory Verse: Isaiah 65:24 (NKJV) “It shall come to pass

That before they call, I will answer;

And while they are still speaking, I will hear.

Text: Psalm 20

Strength from Scriptures

Series: Strength for the Journey

Strength from Scriptures

By

Dr. John Ojewole ©2012

Memory Verse:

Psalm 119:28 (NKJV) My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.

Text: Joshua 1:5-8; Matthew 7:24-27

Introduction: Psalm 23:1–4; John 16:33

When You Seem to be Unsatisfied with What You’ve Got

Hijacked: What’s Taking You Captive?

HIJACKED BY LUST

When You Seem to be Unsatisfied with What You’ve Got

Memory Verse: James 1:13–15 (NKJV) ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Text: 2 Samuel 11:1-17, 26-27; 12:1-13

What to do When You Cannot Undo the Done

Hijacked: What’s holding you captive?

What to do When You Cannot Undo the Done

Memory verse: Philippians 3:13 (NKJV) ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

Text: Matthew 26:30–35; 69-75

When A Nation Turns Its Back on God

AGAPE USA DAY

When A Nation Turns Its Back on God

Memory Verse: Isaiah 1:3 (NIV)

³ The ox knows its master,

the donkey its owner’s manger,

but Israel does not know,

my people do not understand.”

Text: 2 Chronicles 33:1–25; Romans 1:18-32.

When You Can’t Find Something Nice to Say

HIJACKED: What’s Holding You Captive

When You Can’t Find Something Nice to Say

Memory Verse: Matthew 7:1–2 (NKJV) “Judge not, that you be not judged. ² For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

  

Breaking free from the Bondage of Bitterness

HIJACKED: What's Holding You Captive?

Breaking free from the Bondage of Bitterness

Memory verse: Ephesians 4:31–32 (NKJV) ³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Text: Ephesians 4:30-5:2

A WINNING MAN

Happy Fathers Day

A WINNING MAN

Memory Verse: 

Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 

Introduction:  1 Corinthians 9:24

HOW TO APPREHEND YOUR ANXIETY

Hijacked: What’s holding you captive?

HOW TO APPREHEND YOUR ANXIETY

Memory Verse: Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Text: Matthew 6:25–34 (NIV)

How to Beat a Lie Detector

Hijacked: What’s Holding You Captive?

How to Beat a Lie Detector

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV) ²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

Text: Ephesians 4:17-25

THE GRAND FINALE OF WATCHMEN ON THE WALL EVENT (written May 25, 2012)

THE GRAND FINALE OF WATCHMEN ON THE WALL EVENT (written May 25, 2012)

Please be advised that I did not do much editing of this blog. Please bear with me.

When You Constantly Lose Your Cool

Series: Hijacked: What’s holding you captive?

When You Constantly Lose Your Cool 

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:26–27 (NIV) ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.