The All Time Principles of Divine Abundance

Series: The God of Abundance

The All Time Principles of Divine Abundance

©John Ojewole, 2013

Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

TEXT: Psalm 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 9:6–9

From Nothing to Something

Series: The God of Abundance

From Nothing to Something

Memory Verse: Matthew 11:28 (NKJV) ²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

  

Text: 2 Kings 4:1–7

Updates from Lagos

Today is the first day of the 4 days of Mid-Year revival at the Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Lagos Nigeria. The day has been fruitful. I thank God that I had an opportunity to preach entirely in Yoruba language in the Yoruba service of the church today. That was a challenge initially, giving the fact that I normally write my sermon outlines in English and I have not preached in a sermon that is all in Yoruba language for a very long time. For your information, Shepherdhill has two worship services-Yoruba and English. The experience has been encouraging to the glory of God. The host pastor, Rev. Kristilere & his wife with the rest of the pastorate and the deaconate board are so hospitable.  I should not forget to mention that I kind of had a Stage fright before I spoke at the English service today. This is because the English worship took place in the main sanctuary of the church, which is so humongous. But as I handed my anxiety into the hand of the Lord, the stage fright vanished. I give God the glory.

Please continue to pray for me for the rest of the ministrations. The services are held by 6PM nightly, which is 10.00AM California time. As I am writing this blog, it is raining heavily in Lagos. I believe that this is a shower of divine blessing.

Please see below a brief outline of the message preached today.

Until next time.
Stay blessed.

John
Lagos
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Series: The God of Abundance

Series Theme Verse: Ephesians 3:20–21 (NKJV) ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

When You are Tired of Trying

© John Ojewole

Memory verse: Luke 1:37 (NKJV) ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.”

INSIGHT: Read Luke 5:1-11

INTRODUCTION: Proverbs 24:14 ; Matthew 24:13; John 10:10

When You Are Tired of Trying

1.   Be Attentive to Jesus

Luke 5:1–4 ;John 6:1 ;John 21:1;1 Corinthians 4:7; Deuteronomy 8:18; Romans 10:9–11; Romans 10:14; Romans 10:17

“Every pulpit is a fishing boat, a place to give out the Word of God and attempt to catch fish.” Dr. Vernon McGee

2.   Abide by what Jesus says

Luke 5:5 ; James 1:22-25;1 Corinthians 1:25; John 15:14; Luke 5:5; John 1:40-42; John 2:1-2

 “When God doesn’t make sense.” -- Dr. James Dobson

3.   Anticipate the Amazement of Divine Abundance

Luke 5:6-10; Gen 18:27; Job 42:6; Isa 6:5; Luke 1:37

“you go ahead and do it, because I don’t give impossible commands.”—(The Duke of Wellington).

  

4.   Accept a Lifelong Commitment  to God’s Service

Luke 5:11; Matthew 19:27

THANK GOD FOR TRAVELING MERCIES

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for your prayers for me. I arrived safely at my destination. I give God all the glory. Tomorrow morning, I will be preaching at a 4 days Mid-Year revival of Shepherdhill Baptist Church in Obanikoro, Lagos State, Nigeria. http://www.shepherdhillbaptist.org/ 

Please continue to lift me up in your prayers before and throughout the event. Please pray that God give me words to say and grant me multiple anointing throughout the revival ministration. 

Please keep checking on my blog as I will be keeping you posted from time to time about how things are going. 
Till then. Stay blessed.

Your friend,
John
Lagos, Nigeria 

A FATHER WITH A LASTING LEGACY

A FATHER WITH A LASTING LEGACY

© ojewole, Father’s Day Sermon June 16, 2013

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

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Mark 12:28–31

Experiencing the depth of God’s Abundant Grace

THE GOD OF ABUNDANCE

Experiencing the depth of God’s Abundant Grace

Series Theme Verse:

Ephesians 3:20–21 (NKJV) ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 1:14 (NKJV) ¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

How to Add a Spark to Your Marriage

Marriage for Lovers

How to Add a Spark to Your Marriage

Memory Verse: Genesis 2:25 (NKJV) ²⁵ And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

  

Introduction:

Hosea 4:6; Proverbs 11:14

When There is not Enough to go Around

THE GOD OF ABUNDANCE

When There is not Enough to go Around

Series Theme Verse: Ephesians 3:20–21 (NKJV) ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

What’s Money got to do with it!

Marriage for Lovers

What’s Money got to do with it!

Memory verse: 1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV) ⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

  

Text: 1 Timothy 6:6–10; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–12

  

Grasping Hold of What God Offers

FAITH: THE HEARTBEAT OF AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIVING

“Grasping Hold of What God Offers”

MEMORY VERSE: NKJV | ‎Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

When Giants are on Your Life’s Path

A Survival Kit for an Economic Downturn Period

When Giants are on Your Life’s Path

Memory Verse: (Mat 11:28 NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Becoming Like Christ

What Are We Here For?

Becoming Like Christ

Memory Verse: Colossians 1:28 (NKJV) ²⁸ Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

TEXT: Ephesians 4:22–32

INTRODUCTION:

Colossians 1:28; 2 Corinthians 5:17

What happens when we follow the biblical process for becoming like Christ?

1.     Throw off Your Old Way of Life

Ephesians 4:22; 2 Corinthians 5:16

2.     Transform your Thoughts

Ephesians 4:23; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Proverbs 23:7; John 17:17

“Conversion is a crisis that leads to a process. Through Christ, once and for all, we have been given a new position in His new creation, but day by day, we must by faith appropriate what He has given us. The Word of God renews the mind as we surrender our all to Him.”—Warren Wiersbe

3.     Take on a New Way of Living

Ephesians 4:24; Ephesians 4:25–32; Proverbs 15:1

“Anyone can become angry. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—this is not easy.”—Aristotle, Greek Philosopher

HOW PATRIOTIC ARE YOU?-May 5

SIERRA LEONE SUNDAY 

HOW PATRIOTIC ARE YOU?

Memory Verse: 2 Samuel 10:12 (NKJV)

Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

Patriotism defined as “devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.”—Dictionary.com

A MOTHER WITH A LASTING LEGACY

MOTHERS DAY

A MOTHER WITH A LASTING LEGACY

Proverbs 31:10 (NKJV)

Who can find a virtuous wife?

For her worth is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:28 (NKJV)

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

Text: 1 Samuel 1:10–28; 2:1-2

Introduction:
 “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the nation and its destiny.”—South African Proverb

When You Clash

Marriage for Lovers & Aspirers

When You Clash

Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV)

³²  He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

     And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

HOW TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE

Marriage for Lovers & Aspirers

HOW TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE

Memory Verse: Romans 14:19 (NKJV) “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”

  

Introduction: 1 John 4:7–12

The Art of Communication in Marriage

Marriage for Lovers & Aspirers

The Art of Communication in Marriage

Memory verse: Genesis 2:25 (NKJV) ²⁵ And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

TEXT: Ephesians 4:25–32

INTRODUCTION: Genesis 2:25

1.      The Principles of Listening. “(Being Attentive)

Proverbs 20:5; 10:19;18:13; James 1:19; Proverbs 4:7;15:28

2.      Principle of Transparency.

Proverbs 11:9; Ephesians 4:15; 25; Proverbs 16:23

3. The Principle of Transmission

2 Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 25:15; Ephesians 4:29, 31–32

26th And Still Counting….

26^th And Still Counting….

Psalm 147:1 (NKJV)

¹    Praise the Lord!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

Psalm 116:12–14 (NKJV)

¹²   What shall I render to the Lord

For all His benefits toward me?

¹³   I will take up the cup of salvation,

And call upon the name of the Lord.

¹⁴   I will pay my vows to the Lord

Now in the presence of all His people.

Time has the tendency to bring out its funny side. It has a way of making someone seem older even when one is in denial about it. Time has its surprises. It flies and moves very quickly whether we take notice of it or not. That is what time has done to me. It is unbelievable that I have been married for 26 years ago. That is incredible. It is amazing how quick and stealth time flies. Time does not wait for anyone. It does not care whether we agree with it or not. One thing that it does well is make us realize how old we have become unknowingly.

Putting the forgoing aside, I want to appreciate God who made me to be alive today. I thank God for this 26^th anniversary. I pray that we have many more years in Jesus name. I congratulate my wife and I congratulate myself. Happy Anniversary.

Run To Safety

Easter Sunday

Run To Safety

March 31, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1–11; Psalm 118:14–17

Fundamental Attitudes for a Lasting Relationship

Marriage for Lovers & Aspirers

Fundamental Attitudes for a Lasting Relationship

 April 7, 2013

Memory Verse: Romans 15:7 (NIV) ⁷ Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

TEXT: Ephesians 5:22–33

Divine Blueprint for Marriage

Marriage for Lovers & Aspirers

Divine Blueprint for Marriage

 March 24, 2013 

Memory Verse: Genesis 2:24 (NKJV) “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Why Marriage

Marriage for Lovers & Aspirers

Why Marriage

March 17, 2013

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) ¹⁸ And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

What Are We Here For?

What Are We Here For?

Memory Verse: Matthew 24:14 (NKJV) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” 

A Mandate, A Mission, and A Message

What Are We Here For?

A Mandate, A Mission, & A Message

Memory Verse: Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.

Text: Matthew 28:16–20

Saved to Serve

What Are We Here For?

Saved to Serve

^{Memory Verse: “}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 (NKJV)

Introduction: Ephesians 4:11–13

1.   God created you for Service.

Ephesians 2:10; John 17:4; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 3:14; Matthew 8:15

2.   God gave you Abilities for Service

Ephesians 4:11–13; Romans 12:6; Matthew 25:15; Deuteronomy 8:18;1 Peter 4:10

3.   God expects you to be of service to others.

Mark 10:43; Galatians 6:9–10; Proverbs 3:28; 1 Corinthians 14:12

“Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health, and Timothy was timid.” --Rick Warren

Becoming Like Christ

What Are We Here For?

Becoming Like Christ

 Memory Verse: Colossians 1:28 (NKJV) ²⁸ Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

TEXT: Ephesians 4:22–32

  

INTRODUCTION:

Colossians 1:28; 2 Corinthians 5:17

  

What happens when we follow the biblical process for becoming like Christ?

1.     Throw off Your Old Way of Life

Ephesians 4:22; 2 Corinthians 5:16

  

2.     Transform your Thoughts

Ephesians 4:23; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Proverbs 23:7; John 17:17

  

“Conversion is a crisis that leads to a process. Through Christ, once and for all, we have been given a new position in His new creation, but day by day, we must by faith appropriate what He has given us. The Word of God renews the mind as we surrender our all to Him.”—Warren Wiersbe

  

  

3.     Take on a New Way of Living

Ephesians 4:24; Ephesians 4:25–32; Proverbs 15:1

“Anyone can become angry. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—this is not easy.”—Aristotle, Greek Philosopher

The Benefits of a Godly Living

The Rebuilding of Foundation

The Benefits of a Godly Living

 January 6, 2013 

Memory Verse:  Isaiah 58:12 (NIV)

¹² 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.

TEXT: Isaiah 58:1–12

Introduction:

1 Samuel 15:22

         

1.    The Revelation

Isaiah 58:1–3; 1 Samuel 7:6; Joel 1:14; Romans 6:1–2

2.    The Recommendation

Isaiah 58:3–7

3.    The Reward

Isaiah 58:8–12; Philippians 4:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Galatians 6:9; Jeremiah 6:16

The Benefits of a Purposeful Ministry

What Are We Here For?

The Benefits of a Purposeful Ministry

January  13, 2013

Memory Verse: Proverbs 29:18 (ESV) Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17

Introduction:

Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 58:12

“The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder—a waif, a nothing, a no man.”—Thomas Carlyle.

First, we must realize that everything must have its origin in God. Job 12:10, Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 3:10–11; John 15:5

“A river that forgets its source dries.”

 “Without God life makes no sense.”—Andrei Bitov

Second, we are a church that is purposeful and directional.

Psalm 138:8  

Third, Benefits of a Purposeful Ministry

1.  A purposeful ministry is effective.

Philippians 3:13

 “There is nothing quite as potent as a focused life, one lived on purpose.” -- Rick Warren

 (The Message) Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.

“By trying to be a jack of all trades a person becomes master of nothing.”

2.  A Purposeful Ministry Attracts Supports of the Parishioners

Ezra 10:4

3.  A Purposeful Ministry Promotes Harmony

1 Corinthians 1:10; James 1:8

4.  A purposeful Ministry is motivating

Proverbs 16:4; Revelation 4:11

How to be a Worship-Driven Church

What Are We Here for?

How to be a Worship-Driven Church

January 20, 2013

Memory Verse: Psalm 34:3 (NKJV) Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.

Text: John 4:19–24

Introduction:

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

HEART OF WORSHIP by MATT REDMAN

Definition of Worship:

 Worship is “reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also: an act of expressing such reverence” --Merriam-Webster

 “Anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship.” --Rick Warren

Worship is “the celebration of God’s existence.”—Professor Yesuf Ameh Obaje

First, worship must be our lifestyle and not just a menu item

Psalm 95:1–7; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Second, worship must be done gladly and in reverence to God

Psalm 100:1–2; Psalm 34:3

Third, worship must be God-centered

Isaiah 42:8; Psalm 115:1; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Chronicles 16:29; Luke 4:8; Psalm 29:2; John 4:20–22

“The most common mistake Christians make in worship today is seeking an experience rather than seeking God.”—Rick Warren

Illustration: “If you limit worship to where you are, the minute you leave that place of worship you will leave your attitude of worship behind like a crumpled-up church bulletin.”--Tony Evans

Fourth, our worship must done whole -heartedly

Deuteronomy 6:5; Romans 6:13; Joshua 5:13–15

“The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven’t yet come to the end of themselves. We are still trying to give orders, and interfering with God’s work within us.”—A.W. Tozer

“The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become—because he made us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be…. It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own.”—C.S. Lewis.

 “Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by his holiness; the nourishment of mind with his truth; the purifying of imagination by his beauty; the opening of the heart to his love; the surrender of will to his purpose -- and all of this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable and therefore the chief remedy for that self-centeredness which is our original sin and the source of all actual sin.”-- William Temples

Fifth, Worship must be done genuinely

Psalm 16:11; John 4:23–24; Malachi 1:9–10