Are We Willing to Follow?

Are We Willing to Follow?

Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) ²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

TEXT: Luke 14:25-35

He Owns It All

HE OWNS IT ALL

 

Memory Verse:

Psalm 89:11 (NKJV) The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.

 

Text: Psalm 24

 

 

Introduction: 1 Timothy 6:7; Psalm 50:10; Psalm 24:1–2; Haggai 2:8;1 Corinthians 6:19

 

Illustration: by Lloyd Stilley:

 

1. The Principle of Stewardship

 

1 Corinthians 4:2, 7; Psalm 89:11; Deuteronomy 8:17–18

 

“If we belong to Christ, it’s logical that everything we have truly belongs to Him.”-- A church bulletin

 

 

  

2. The Principle of Responsibility

Luke 12:48;1 Chronicles 29:5–9; 11–16 ; Deuteronomy 8:17–18; James 1:17;Exodus 25:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7;  Exodus 36:4–7

 

“A man who lacks reliability is utterly useless.”--Confucius (551-479);Philosopher

 

 

“Wealth shines in giving rather than in hoarding: for the miser is hateful, whereas the generous man is applauded.” Boethius (480-524?), Roman statesman, philosopher and Christian martyr.

 

A checkbook is a theological document; it will tell you who and what you worship. Billy Graham

 

 

“Your use of money shows what you think of God .”-- A church bulletin  

3.  The Principle of Accountability

Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12; Matthew 25:14–30

 

"Accountability breeds response-ability." Stephen R. Covey 

 

 

Preparations for Supernatural Manifestations

Preparations for Supernatural Manifestations

Memory Verse: Psalm 62:11 (NKJV) God has spoken once,

Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.

A FRESH START

A FRESH START

 MEMORY VERSE:

Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)

¹⁸ “Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

  

Text: Joshua 1:1-9

Seven Days of Fasting and Prayer January 1 – 7, 2014

Seven Days of Fasting and Prayer January 1 – 7, 2014

Joel 1:14 (NIV)  “Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to 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^st         Read: Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 16:18
Pray that God helps you to live your life for Him this year. Pray against all distractions. Pray for the growth of your church and removal of all obstacles to advancement.  Pray for all Agape Leaders and Lay Ministers-in-Training.

·         January 2^nd        Read: Romans 8:19
Pray that God’s makes you to shine forth this year. Pray for God’s manifestation in every area of your life and your family’s life. Pray for the purchase of our church building this year. Sing our theme song: Hymn #579, SHINE, JESUS, SHINE

·         January 3^rd         Read: Mathew 7:7-8; Psalm 46; 37:25; Philippians 4:19
With trust in God, ask Him for what you want for you and your family this year. Pray for financial blessings for your family and your church this year. Pray that your church meets its budgetary expectations this year. Pray for other church members as you feel led. Pray divine anointing and direction on the church leadership. Pray for all Agape singles. Pray for all children in Agape.

·         January 4^th            Read: 2 Kings 6:1-7
Pray that the same power that retrieved the lost axe-head will work on your behalf to fulfill God’s agenda in your life this year in Jesus name. Pray that there will not be any untimely death in our ministry this year and beyond in Jesus name. Pray for protection of your family members and your church family. Pray for all Agape married couples.

·         January 5^th         Read: Joshua 1:1-9
Pray for God’s guidance, sustenance and success in all your endeavors this year. Pray that God helps you stay focused on your goal and to live your life according to God’s purpose. Pray against past memories that could be an impediment for present success. 

·         January 6^th         Read: 1 Kings 17:7-16; Isaiah 65:17-25
Just like the widow of Zarephath was singled out for a miracle at the eleventh hour, pray that God brings about your uncommon miracle this year in Jesus name. Pray that your church impacts the community with the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for all your church ministries this year. Pray that God opens your eyes to see needs and the ability to meet those needs this year. Pray for all Agape students. Also, pray for those who are waiting on the Lord for the blessing of a child. Pray for the souls of the people in our neighborhood to be won for Jesus Christ.  Pray for the upcoming COMMUNITY BIBLE EXPERIENCE.

·         January 7^th         Read: Psalm 103, 125 & 150
Praise God for who He is. Thank him for the benefits you have received last year and during these seven days of prayer. Commit your ways to the Lord in prayer. Ask God to make you a channel of blessing to others this year. Re-affirm your trust in God.

WILL I SEE YOU IN HEAVEN?

WILL I SEE YOU IN HEAVEN?

MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 16:26 (NKJV) ²⁶ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

The Lessons of the Season

The Lessons of the Season

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

 

 

 

Bible Passage: Luke 2:1–20

 

 

 

 

Introduction:

Luke 2: 8–20

 

 

 

Peace is “A condition or sense of harmony, well-being, and prosperity. The biblical concept means more than the absence of hostility, and it is more than a psychological state”.-- Hollman illustrated Bible Dictionary 

 

 

 

1 Peter 2:9,Matthew 1:21

 

 

 

“Jesus is called the Reconciler. In reconciliation, that which is broken comes together. The devil is the father of division. … Whether or not you believe in a personal devil, there is an evil force at work in the world dividing families, neighbors, nations.”-- Bruce Larson and Lloyd J. Ogilvie 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First, the Redemptive Lesson

Luke 2:8–11; Isaiah 59:2; Isaiah 1:18; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9; 5:1; John 1:12.

 

 

 

 

Second, The Relational Lesson

Luke 2:14 ; Micah 6:8; Colossians 3:12–13

 

 

“Some people are heavenly good but they are earthly useless.”-- Dr. Emmanuel Akognon

 

 

 

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” – NELSON MANDELA

 

 

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” –Nelson Mandela 

 

 

 

 

 

Third, The Personal Lesson

Luke 2:15–20; Mark 12:30–31

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion:

 

 

2

 

What to do with an Earth-shaking Experience

What to do with an Earth-shaking Experience

 

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

 

Text: Luke 1:39–56

 

 

Silent about the experience

2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 105:1; John 5:15

 

 

 

 

 

Share the experience with someone

Luke 1:39-45 ; James 3:16; Romans 12:15; Prov 18:24; 17:17

 

 

“How much we need other human beings to share the watershed moments of our lives. To be a Christian is to believe in a God who is the God of the impossible and to belong to a family of brothers and sisters who are there when you need them most. Because you belong to this family of faith, you have someone to go to who will listen to you when great joy or sorrow overwhelm you.”— Bruce Larson and Lloyd J. Ogilvie

 

 

 

Sing out about God’s goodness

Luke 1:46–56; Psalm 96:1–9; 118:28 ; 86:8–10;  63:3; Isaiah 42:12; Revelation 4:11;1 Corinthians 10:31; John 15:8

 

 

ILLUSTRATION: Civil War’s end.

 

 

THE DISCIPLINE OF WAITING

Christmas Series

THE DISCIPLINE OF WAITING

 

Memory Verse:

 

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

31​But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

 

 

TEXT: Luke 1:5-25

 

 

 

Introduction: Isaiah 40: 3, 31

 

 

 

1.

Waiting requires Endurance.

Luke 1:5–7;Galatians 4:4–5; Isaiah 9:2; Colossians 1:11–12; Numbers 23:19;Titus 1:1–2 ; Lamentations 3:26

 

 

 

“It is easier to consent to God’s will when the demand is to act, than to consent when the demand is simply to wait, to direct our prayer to the Eternal, and look up.” -- H. D. M. Spence-Jones

 

 

 

 

2.

Worship requires Commitment

Luke 1:8–14; Proverbs 3:5–6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

God’s Manifestation Provokes a Supernatural Intervention

 

Luke 1:19–25; Isaiah 9:6

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Curiosity in Anticipation

 

Luke 1:18–19, 30–35

 

 

 

 

CONCLUSION: Proverbs 3:5–6

 

Creating Occasions for Remembering

Creating Occasions for Remembering

 

Memory Verse: Psalm 77:11 (NKJV)I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

 

TEXT: 1 Samuel 7:1-15

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

 

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;

Hither by thy help I’m come;

And I hope, by thy good pleasure,

Safely to arrive at home.

ILLUSTRATION “What Have the Romans Ever Done for us” from  "Monty Python's Life of Brian:

 

http://youtu.be/ExWfh6sGyso

 

 

 

John Oatman Jr., the Hymn writer says:

 

1.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

o

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]

2.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

3.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

4.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Because of Answered prayers.

1 Samuel 7:3–10; cf. Psalm 66:18; Psalm 50:15; Lamentations 3:55–56

 

 

“No soul can attain to its goal, no Church can do its work and acquire purity and freedom, apart from sincere confession and deep humiliation for what is past.” --H. D. M. Spence-Jones, ed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Because of Divine Deliverance

1 Samuel 7:10–14; Jeremiah 15:11;  Psalm 3:8; 2 Kings 18:33–34

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Because of God’s help

1 Samuel 7:11–12; Psalm 121:1–2; 46:1

 

“Samuel set up a memorial, according to Jewish custom, and called its name Help-stone. In giving his reason for it, hitherto hath Jehovah helped us, there is a plain indication of the need of further assistance.”-- H. D. M. Spence-Jones, ed.

 

 

 

 

Isaac Watts 1719

Oh God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.

 

ILLUSTRATION: Remembering His Experience

“I guess the Lord must have had something for me to do.”—Ministers Research Service 

 

YOU ARE INVITED TO AGAPE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER

CELEBRATING GOD

CELEBRATING GOD

Memory Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 

Text: 1 Chronicles 16:1-36

INTRODUCTION:

Psalm 103:1–2; 69:30; 95:2; 2 Corinthians 9:11–12; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:17;  Philippians 4:6; 2 Samuel 6:17

ILLUSTRATION: Thankful For Unusualness

 “We thank Thee, O God,  that it is not always like this.” -- Dr. Alexander Whyte

Adore God for Who He is

1 Chronicles 16:4 ; 41;  Numbers 3:30–31;  Deuteronomy 10:8; 1 Chronicles 16:8-10, 29 ;  Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:9

ILLUSTRATION: Between Prison and Monastery

Announce what God has done. 

1 Chronicles 16:8–13 ;21–24, 29; Psalm 33:16–17

ILLUSTRATION: Downed Pilot Returns

Acknowledge the Uniqueness of our God. 

1 Chronicles 16:24–27; Psalm 96:5

Nigerian Christian Song

All other gods
They are the works of men
You are the only one
There is none like You

All other gods
They are the works of men
You are the only one
There is none like You

Ascribe Praise to God about His universal sovereignty

1 Chronicles 16:28–36; Psalm 106:1, 107:1; 118:1; 136:1; Revelation 19:6; Jeremiah 10:7; Job 12:23; Acts 17:26; Psalm 95:5

CONCLUSION:

ILLUSTRATION: Thankfulness For A Thorn

“Teach me the glory of my cross; teach me the value of my “thorn.” Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow.”—Moody Monthly