COMPILATION FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH - MAY 2006
SUNDAY IV ….28 – 05 – 06
PRESSING THROUGH
Mark: 1 – 12 ………… We have never seen anything like this …………….
v All things are possible, to those who believe in Him.
v He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
v They were friends, however one of their friend was paralyzed, when they heard Jesus teaching and preaching, they took their friend on a mat and carried him to where Jesus was, but in Mk 2:2, the room was full and no space even left outside. So they made a whole on the roof if the building where Jesus seeing them told the man your sins are forgiven get up, pick up your mat and go home and it was established.
v What is amazing is that these men didn’t look at the crowd but pressed through to the roof making a hole to reach Jesus.
v Not only accidents r disease can cause sickness but sins can also cause you to be sick.
v But the good news is that when approach God, He forgives you and heal you.
v Do something for the Lord and let your enemies see.
v II Cor. 5:17
v Eph. 3:8
v Come to Jesus, give yourself to Him and He’ll save you.
v How do you apply the Word of God in your life?
v How do you treat the Word of God?
v Positive answer to this will grant you peace, Joy and prosperity, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY II…14TH MAY 2006
THE PEACE OF GOD (WOMEN’S WEEK CELEBRATION)
Sermon delivered by Mrs. Silvia Asare (the wife of Rev. Bob Asare) of Faith Alive Chapel Takoradi Western Region, during the Women’s Week Celebration at Christian Growth Church Takoradi – Ghana
Main text was taken from the Book of Isaiah 26:3 which reads…you will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Shalom which means peace of God is not a choice to a Christian but it is a command that Christians live in peace or peaceful lives.
He who loves and trusts in God will be kept in perfect peace. Isaiah 9:6 says for unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The Bible says as we have taken the Lord as our trusthold, all our burden are laid upon Him and therefore we have no need to fear, think a lot or afraid of anything. He has already made such provisions so that if you believe and accepts Him, you inherit them. When you believe and accept Him, you give Him full control over your life and everything.
Psalm 119:165 says Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Nothing (problems, lack of finance, social needs, etc) can make you fall or stumble but you will live in peace. When you live in peace, you rejoice in the Lord and God is moved and comes to your aid. Read also John 14:25 – 31.
According to Philippians 4:6 – 7 the Bible is urging us to in Prayer and supplication submit our request to the Lord and the peace of God that transcends or exceed all understanding will guide our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
And according to John 14:26, the peace the Lord Jesus is giving us is not of this world but from the Father in Heaven. This means the world can give you peace but not to the extent of the father. The peace of the world has a limit but that of the father God in Heaven has no limit.
May the peace of the Lord be with you and help you live in peace so that you will be kept in perfect peace in Christ Jesus, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY V…30TH APRIL
SACRIFICE
Ephesians 5:2…and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Christ himself once sacrificed his body for us all, so he is urging us to also sacrifice or present our bodies as a living sacrifice; holy and acceptable unto God. Christianity is all about sacrifice.
What can you use as an evidence of sacrifice to God in His work or presence?
These days a lot of Christians do not want to sacrifice. Sacrifice yourself. God sacrificed His son to die a painful death to save us from the curses of the devil and death. Jesus the son also accepted and thus sacrificed his life. It is time for us too to sacrifice ourselves for the work of the Kingdom or of the Lord.
Let us offer to sacrifice ourselves to the work. Search through the scriptures and your life; what have been said about your life and live to accomplish it.
If God should bless you based on your sacrifice, what have you?
To bear in mind, sacrifice attracts people to you as you are dedicated to something. Through sacrifice, people take you for serious (I Samuel 2:22 & 30)
Do not be a lazy Christian because the Kingdom of Heaven
SUNDAY IV…23RD APRIL
CHECKING YOUR LEVEL OF FAITH – Pas. Jacob
Main text taken from the Gospel according to Saint Mark 5:25 – 34…And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
If I touch his clothes, I will be healed. This is a proof of faith; that is the level of faith of the woman is high. Therefore a sick person can only be healed if he / she have a strong faith or depends on the level of his/her faith. If a Pastor pray for a sick person to be healed and the person has no faith; it won’t work.
Why do we ensure regular medical check-ups? This is because we want to ensure that we are safe. So in spiritual realms; we need strong faith to be safe in spirit. Let’s consider these areas of faith:
- Our Prayer Life: The first level of checking our faith in spirit is our prayer life. We talk to God and hear from Him through prayers. You can miss your breakfast but for your devotion, do not miss. There are two main means of devotion; a lone with God devotion and family with God devotion. Therefore learn to devote with God not minding your wife or husband or children for they will not be there to defend you when the Day of Judgment comes. Let us look at Jesus. Even he the controller of all things had time alone with himself and God. Most often we make our choices before praying to God about them. Read Matthew 6:12-13…before Jesus could choose the twelve disciples; he spent a whole night with God in Prayer. We should make priority to seek from God before we decide in our life because we may make wrong choices. According to Daniel 6:1-17, the people knew that they would not find any fault on Daniel except his prayer life; that he disturbs with his prayer. Daniel prayed three times a day. People may tempt you according to your faith level. Let our life style of prayer be like that of Daniel or the master Jesus Christ.
- In Times Of Trouble & Trials: Do we pray or go to our friends outside Christ during time of and hardship? Esther 4:1-17. When we pass through troubles and trials, where do we go? The world or to Jesus (word of God)? If we make our life a prayer life; we would pray before the troubles began.
- What Type Of Prayer Do We Pray: Matthew 6:7-8. Let us have a valid prayer life – May your kingdom come, let your work be rooted and grow – Matthew 6:12-15. I Timothy 2:1-4, we pray for men in Authority. If we do so it will work for our own good. Pray that men in authority should be guided by God because they can tell all churches to shut down their services or may cause inconveniences in our life. II Corinthians 12:1-11, tells us the work of the Holy Spirit. According to I Corinthians 15:1-8, we are to pray for ministers of the gospel to tell the truth and nothing else to deceive us lose the kingdom.
- The Work Of God: The moment we began to absent ourselves from the presence and work of the Lord signifies that our faith in Christ is going down. We are not in the presence because of somebody, neither are we worshipping God for somebody, but to serve and listen to God therefore do not rely on what someone has done to you in the presence of God. We can learn from the Book of Acts 8:1...that the Christians did not stop or kept quite in spreading the Gospel.
Let us be challenged to fire our faith in Christ because it is faith only that does all things. Jesus once said to his disciples “if you have faith, you would command these mountains to move into the sea and they will obey. May the God of Faith increase your faith and build your confidence and trust in Him, making you love and have interest in serving Him well till the end of the world in Jesus’ name, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY III…16TH APRIL
DO NOT BE AMAZED HE IS NOT HERE
In remembrance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ Resurrection on the third day of his death. Sermon delivered by Rev. Frank with main text taken from the Gospel according to Saint Mark 16:6 (Matt. 28:5-6)…do not be amazed, you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene; who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Supported by I Corinthians 15:20-23 and Mark 16:1-13
Christ has been raised from the dead; death could not overshadow him. He is not here, he has risen.
Everyone knew that Jesus was innocent – John 20:19 . Truly, this is the son of God, yet they crucified him but death could not hold him captive. He conquered death and has risen for us giving us hope of salvation.
I prophesy in your life that any glory, blessing or prosperity that has been held will be raise with Christ in Jesus name. They mocked him with al kinds of lies and persecution; but he did not utter a word.
I do not know what you are going through or what and how people are treating you; but do not say anything to them. What seem impossible to all men is very possible to God. What is the benefit of Christ’s death & resurrection to your life?
The angel said unto them; do not be amazed for He has risen. Let the death & resurrection of Christ Jesus be very beneficial to your life and lift up any part of your life that has fallen or buried in Jesus name, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY II…9TH APRIL
JESUS PREDICTED HIS SUFFERING & DEATH
Matthew 26:31-33…Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee .
Supported by: Zachariah 9:9, Mark 11:1-11 and Luke 18:31-34. From Rev. Frank Ato Odoom; Head Pastor of Christian Growth Church Int, Jesus’ death was not a surprise or a coincidence; he knew and had to go through to save us. His death and resurrection has given us (Christians) an everlasting life and hope of glory.
He knew that His death was unavoidable as he had taken the step towards it. His disciples couldn’t understand why he should be allowed to be maltreated and be killed through crucifixion without cause. My brethren, it is our choice now to choose Jesus and be saved or reject him to lose our life.
John 12:13…Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
It was exactly a week after Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem
Zachariah 9:9…Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion ; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem
Your strength and wisdom can’t do unless by His might and power – Zachariah 4:6.
Peter thought he could not deny Jesus but his strength and might failed him to deny Jesus. Judas did the same betraying Jesus even kissing Him.
May the Lord Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem
SUNDAY I…2ND APRIL
DO NOT FALL
A sermon delivered by Mrs. Eva Odoom with main text taken from I Corinthians 10:12…so if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.
Supported texts are I Corinthians 10:12-14, I John 2:15-18 and James 1:12-15
We usually read and hear this quotation, but how far do we think of it. It is a very serious warning to all Christians, when we talk of a literal falling it’s mostly children who fall easily especially when they are learning how to walk. But it is not easy for a person or grown-up to fall down by means of accident. When a man or woman falls down, all the people around will feel sorry for the victim.
Some aged people falls down and would never be healthy until death. They will say “since Nana fell down” he could not recover till his death. This means even literal falling is very dangerous in man’s life.
But what I am saying here is Spiritual falling. Somebody who is standing cannot fall like that, but rather born again Christians who glorify themselves as saints should take care not to fall into the trap of the devil.
John 10:10 tells of the devil who come to steal, kill and destroy. The Bible says the devil our enemy is roaring like a lion seeking whom he may devour…I Peter 5:8. we have to be careful in times of temptation and be patient, when we overcome it, God will give us the crown of life. In James 1:12-15, God does not tempt anyone but it is our lust which put us into temptation. In the garden of Eden due to lust, mankind that fell from the glory of the Lord. So we should take heed lest we fall. We should not love the world neither the things in it…I John 2:15-16.
The lust of the flesh, eyes and pride of life are not of God but of the devil and they will pass away and the lust of it. But he who does the will of God abides forever. We should not love the world or anything in the world such as:
· Fornication
· Pride
· Gossip
· Imprudence
· Youth – Christians are so much attracted to money that they are willing to sell their body for money.
Do not fall in times of temptation and if you do you must rise again. Micah 7:8 says Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy. When I fall I shall rise again, when I sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto me.
Hebrews 10:26-27…for if we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, God will not pardon or forgive us. For if we fall and remain falling you will remain on the “ground” until you die.
II Timothy 2:19…surely the foundation of God standeth sure, having his seal. The Lord knowest them that are His. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depend for iniquity. I Corinthians 15:58…therefore my beloved Christians, be steadfast in the Lord, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. For we know that our labour will not be in vain, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY IV…26TH MARCH
JERUSALEM EXPERIENCE – Facing the realities of Life
A sermon delivered by Pastor Richard Kingsford Ampoful of Christian Growth Church International – Effiakuma Branch Takoradi Ghana
There are many things in life that you cannot escape but have to go through.
If you want to go to heaven, face the realities of death. It is a life experience; you have to pass through. They are bound to come. No one can live for 20 years without any sickness (say headache or stomachache).
There are some things in life that are made by God which we have to go through because they are bound to come. This is to happen so that the glory of the Lord will prevail. What then must we do? Pass through with all holiness, endurance and obedience.
Main text: Matthew 20:17-19…Jesus was going to Jerusalem Jerusalem
Before; Jerusalem Jerusalem
If he shouldn’t have gone there, his death, resurrection and glorification won’t have come through. He did so that we may be saved. Jesus knew his mission to Jerusalem
HOW TO FACE THE REALITIES OF LIFE
- Be purposeful in order to face the experience or mission. Know the will of God in your life – IIKings 1:8-9
- You have to get understanding about what you are going through or facing now. Remember no condition is permanent therefore things shall go well.
- You have to be determined – take firm decision doing all you could to bring the purpose of God for your life alive. Play your part to allow the purpose of God to be accomplished. Deut. 31:1-18 and Heb. 12:12-13
- Be courageous – realize that God has given you the strength to face the realities of life – Deut. 31:6
All that we are facing are not new; some people have already pass through and ended victorious therefore endure also. What are you doing about your situation? Determine you strength and face them and God will bless you victoriously, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY III…19TH MARCH
THE RIGHTEOUS WILL FLOURISH
Psalm 92:12-13…the righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
Message delivered by Pastor Bernard Assam of Christian Growth Church International – Takoradi – Ghana
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree.
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
It is appointed for a righteous to flourish. This implies that as a righteous; you need to flourish, prosper and grow in life as appointed by the Lord. If a righteous will be in the house of the Lord building His work and doing His will, the scripture says you will prosper and flourish like a palm tree.
In Psalm 1:1-3, David saw that before a man could flourish; he need to walk not in the counsel of the wicked nor sit in the seat of the scornful but delights in the house of the Lord. If David used a palm tree; then it means it is very important and serves a lot of purposes and that is what a righteous should also be. You need to serve every good purpose; that is, you should be a person that could be used to accomplish any positive missions.
Be of importance in your family, church, office, marriage, school, country, etc. are you being mentioned a good name? A good name is better than riches says the Bible. Those that will be planted in the house of the Lord will flourish therefore do good to all people especially those in the faith with you (Believers) – Luke 9:52-56 and Galatians 6:10. Amen!!!
SUNDAY II…12TH MARCH 2006
THE BIG DINNER
A Sermon delivered by Mrs. Eva Odoom the first lady of Christian Growth Church International; with main text taken from the Gospel according to Saint Luke 14:16-25 and supported by Matthew 17:20-23, Luke 14:12-14 and Luke 12:32-35.
When you organize a banquet or party, do not invite the rich or your family but rather invite the poor, cripple, the blind, the deaf and all the disabled. Do good to those who can’t pay you back so that your reward will be greater and will come from above. When you do good to the rich or those who can pay you back; you get your reward on the earth and not from above.
LET US CONSIDER THESE ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE / CHRISTIANITY
- We should be helpful to poor, sick people and the disabled. This is because after doing good there is an unlimited reward from the almighty God.
- We should be patient to lost souls when talking to them. We should witness and spread the Gospel – Matthew 7:21-23
- We should deliver the Gospel through our life and words – Luke 13:3. We should change our hearts in the way of thinking, speaking and doing things.
- We should not trust in money for by which we will not have time for the word of God – Luke 12:32. The Lord gives you wealth so that you can help the poor, His work and fend for yourself but not to forget about His work.
- Always be ready for the work of God or be ready to do the work of the Lord – Luke 12:35.
- Fear only God and do not be ashamed to deliver the Gospel-Luke 12:4. Be bold and happy to hold the Bible openly but not shy to show it to the world. It is our weapon of destruction – Luke 12:8. do not give up when they give you excuses each day and night but press on them to win them (Lost Souls). If you would gossip, then gossip about the Gospel by which the Lord will bless you.
The Lord’s concern is more than the guest listed at the social gathering. He teaches us the principles of unselfish motives in performing deeds of kindness – Luke 14:12-14
The lame and the blind were excluded from the temple. Thinking that they are unclean. God’s invitation includes the lowly and the poor; i.e. those who have no means to repay. – Luke 14:13
Jesus not only rebukes social prides but enforces a lesson on character. He also honours those who recognize their own lowliness and unworthiness and who rely solely on His mercy – Luke 14:7-11
God is calling us to spread the Gospel to those who are perishing and bring them to His mercy seat so that in the end we will have the crown of life. God bless you to achieve you goal in His ministry, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY II…14TH MAY 2006
THE PEACE OF GOD (WOMEN’S WEEK CELEBRATION)
Sermon delivered by Mrs. Silvia Asare (the wife of Rev. Bob Asare) of Faith Alive Chapel Takoradi Western Region, during the Women’s Week Celebration at Christian Growth Church Takoradi –
Main text was taken from the Book of Isaiah 26:3 which reads…you will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Shalom which means peace of God is not a choice to a Christian but it is a command that Christians live in peace or peaceful lives.
He who loves and trusts in God will be kept in perfect peace. Isaiah 9:6 says for unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The Bible says as we have taken the Lord as our trusthold, all our burden are laid upon Him and therefore we have no need to fear, think a lot or afraid of anything. He has already made such provisions so that if you believe and accepts Him, you inherit them. When you believe and accept Him, you give Him full control over your life and everything.
Psalm 119:165 says Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Nothing (problems, lack of finance, social needs, etc) can make you fall or stumble but you will live in peace. When you live in peace, you rejoice in the Lord and God is moved and comes to your aid. Read also John 14:25 – 31.
According to Philippians 4:6 – 7 the Bible is urging us to in Prayer and supplication submit our request to the Lord and the peace of God that transcends or exceed all understanding will guide our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
And according to John 14:26, the peace the Lord Jesus is giving us is not of this world but from the Father in Heaven. This means the world can give you peace but not to the extent of the father. The peace of the world has a limit but that of the father God in Heaven has no limit.
May the peace of the Lord be with you and help you live in peace so that you will be kept in perfect peace in Christ Jesus, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY V…30TH APRIL
SACRIFICE
Ephesians 5:2…and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Christ himself once sacrificed his body for us all, so he is urging us to also sacrifice or present our bodies as a living sacrifice; holy and acceptable unto God. Christianity is all about sacrifice.
What can you use as an evidence of sacrifice to God in His work or presence?
These days a lot of Christians do not want to sacrifice. Sacrifice yourself. God sacrificed His son to die a painful death to save us from the curses of the devil and death. Jesus the son also accepted and thus sacrificed his life. It is time for us too to sacrifice ourselves for the work of the Kingdom or of the Lord.
Let us offer to sacrifice ourselves to the work. Search through the scriptures and your life; what have been said about your life and live to accomplish it.
If God should bless you based on your sacrifice, what have you?
To bear in mind, sacrifice attracts people to you as you are dedicated to something. Through sacrifice, people take you for serious (I Samuel
Do not be a lazy Christian because the
SUNDAY IV…23RD APRIL
CHECKING YOUR LEVEL OF FAITH – Pas. Jacob
Main text taken from the Gospel according to Saint Mark
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
If I touch his clothes, I will be healed. This is a proof of faith; that is the level of faith of the woman is high. Therefore a sick person can only be healed if he / she have a strong faith or depends on the level of his/her faith. If a Pastor pray for a sick person to be healed and the person has no faith; it won’t work.
Why do we ensure regular medical check-ups? This is because we want to ensure that we are safe. So in spiritual realms; we need strong faith to be safe in spirit. Let’s consider these areas of faith:
- Our Prayer Life: The first level of checking our faith in spirit is our prayer life. We talk to God and hear from Him through prayers. You can miss your breakfast but for your devotion, do not miss. There are two main means of devotion; a lone with God devotion and family with God devotion. Therefore learn to devote with God not minding your wife or husband or children for they will not be there to defend you when the Day of Judgment comes. Let us look at Jesus. Even he the controller of all things had time alone with himself and God. Most often we make our choices before praying to God about them. Read Matthew 6:12-13…before Jesus could choose the twelve disciples; he spent a whole night with God in Prayer. We should make priority to seek from God before we decide in our life because we may make wrong choices. According to Daniel 6:1-17, the people knew that they would not find any fault on Daniel except his prayer life; that he disturbs with his prayer. Daniel prayed three times a day. People may tempt you according to your faith level. Let our life style of prayer be like that of Daniel or the master Jesus Christ.
- In Times Of Trouble & Trials: Do we pray or go to our friends outside Christ during time of and hardship? Esther 4:1-17. When we pass through troubles and trials, where do we go? The world or to Jesus (word of God)? If we make our life a prayer life; we would pray before the troubles began.
- What Type Of Prayer Do We Pray: Matthew 6:7-8. Let us have a valid prayer life – May your kingdom come, let your work be rooted and grow – Matthew 6:12-15. I Timothy 2:1-4, we pray for men in Authority. If we do so it will work for our own good. Pray that men in authority should be guided by God because they can tell all churches to shut down their services or may cause inconveniences in our life. II Corinthians 12:1-11, tells us the work of the Holy Spirit. According to I Corinthians 15:1-8, we are to pray for ministers of the gospel to tell the truth and nothing else to deceive us lose the kingdom.
- The Work Of God: The moment we began to absent ourselves from the presence and work of the Lord signifies that our faith in Christ is going down. We are not in the presence because of somebody, neither are we worshipping God for somebody, but to serve and listen to God therefore do not rely on what someone has done to you in the presence of God. We can learn from the Book of Acts 8:1...that the Christians did not stop or kept quite in spreading the Gospel.
Let us be challenged to fire our faith in Christ because it is faith only that does all things. Jesus once said to his disciples “if you have faith, you would command these mountains to move into the sea and they will obey. May the God of Faith increase your faith and build your confidence and trust in Him, making you love and have interest in serving Him well till the end of the world in Jesus’ name, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY III…16TH APRIL
DO NOT BE AMAZED HE IS NOT HERE
In remembrance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ Resurrection on the third day of his death. Sermon delivered by Rev. Frank with main text taken from the Gospel according to Saint Mark 16:6 (Matt. 28:5-6)…do not be amazed, you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene; who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Supported by I Corinthians 15:20-23 and Mark 16:1-13
Christ has been raised from the dead; death could not overshadow him. He is not here, he has risen.
Everyone knew that Jesus was innocent – John
I prophesy in your life that any glory, blessing or prosperity that has been held will be raise with Christ in Jesus name. They mocked him with al kinds of lies and persecution; but he did not utter a word.
I do not know what you are going through or what and how people are treating you; but do not say anything to them. What seem impossible to all men is very possible to God. What is the benefit of Christ’s death & resurrection to your life?
The angel said unto them; do not be amazed for He has risen. Let the death & resurrection of Christ Jesus be very beneficial to your life and lift up any part of your life that has fallen or buried in Jesus name, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY II…9TH APRIL
JESUS PREDICTED HIS SUFFERING & DEATH
Matthew 26:31-33…Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into
Supported by: Zachariah 9:9, Mark 11:1-11 and Luke 18:31-34. From Rev. Frank Ato Odoom; Head Pastor of Christian Growth Church Int, Jesus’ death was not a surprise or a coincidence; he knew and had to go through to save us. His death and resurrection has given us (Christians) an everlasting life and hope of glory.
He knew that His death was unavoidable as he had taken the step towards it. His disciples couldn’t understand why he should be allowed to be maltreated and be killed through crucifixion without cause. My brethren, it is our choice now to choose Jesus and be saved or reject him to lose our life.
John 12:13…Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
It was exactly a week after Jesus’ triumphal entry to
Zachariah 9:9…Rejoice greatly, O daughter of
Your strength and wisdom can’t do unless by His might and power – Zachariah 4:6.
Peter thought he could not deny Jesus but his strength and might failed him to deny Jesus. Judas did the same betraying Jesus even kissing Him.
May the Lord Jesus’ triumphal entry to
SUNDAY I…2ND APRIL
DO NOT FALL
A sermon delivered by Mrs. Eva Odoom with main text taken from I Corinthians 10:12…so if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.
Supported texts are I Corinthians 10:12-14, I John 2:15-18 and James 1:12-15
We usually read and hear this quotation, but how far do we think of it. It is a very serious warning to all Christians, when we talk of a literal falling it’s mostly children who fall easily especially when they are learning how to walk. But it is not easy for a person or grown-up to fall down by means of accident. When a man or woman falls down, all the people around will feel sorry for the victim.
Some aged people falls down and would never be healthy until death. They will say “since Nana fell down” he could not recover till his death. This means even literal falling is very dangerous in man’s life.
But what I am saying here is Spiritual falling. Somebody who is standing cannot fall like that, but rather born again Christians who glorify themselves as saints should take care not to fall into the trap of the devil.
John 10:10 tells of the devil who come to steal, kill and destroy. The Bible says the devil our enemy is roaring like a lion seeking whom he may devour…I Peter 5:8. we have to be careful in times of temptation and be patient, when we overcome it, God will give us the crown of life. In James 1:12-15, God does not tempt anyone but it is our lust which put us into temptation. In the garden of Eden due to lust, mankind that fell from the glory of the Lord. So we should take heed lest we fall. We should not love the world neither the things in it…I John 2:15-16.
The lust of the flesh, eyes and pride of life are not of God but of the devil and they will pass away and the lust of it. But he who does the will of God abides forever. We should not love the world or anything in the world such as:
· Fornication
· Pride
· Gossip
· Imprudence
· Youth – Christians are so much attracted to money that they are willing to sell their body for money.
Do not fall in times of temptation and if you do you must rise again. Micah 7:8 says Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy. When I fall I shall rise again, when I sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto me.
Hebrews 10:26-27…for if we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, God will not pardon or forgive us. For if we fall and remain falling you will remain on the “ground” until you die.
II Timothy 2:19…surely the foundation of God standeth sure, having his seal. The Lord knowest them that are His. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depend for iniquity. I Corinthians 15:58…therefore my beloved Christians, be steadfast in the Lord, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. For we know that our labour will not be in vain, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY IV…26TH MARCH
JERUSALEM EXPERIENCE – Facing the realities of Life
A sermon delivered by Pastor Richard Kingsford Ampoful of Christian Growth Church International – Effiakuma Branch Takoradi
There are many things in life that you cannot escape but have to go through.
If you want to go to heaven, face the realities of death. It is a life experience; you have to pass through. They are bound to come. No one can live for 20 years without any sickness (say headache or stomachache).
There are some things in life that are made by God which we have to go through because they are bound to come. This is to happen so that the glory of the Lord will prevail. What then must we do? Pass through with all holiness, endurance and obedience.
Main text: Matthew 20:17-19…Jesus was going to
Before;
If he shouldn’t have gone there, his death, resurrection and glorification won’t have come through. He did so that we may be saved. Jesus knew his mission to
HOW TO FACE THE REALITIES OF LIFE
- Be purposeful in order to face the experience or mission. Know the will of God in your life – IIKings 1:8-9
- You have to get understanding about what you are going through or facing now. Remember no condition is permanent therefore things shall go well.
- You have to be determined – take firm decision doing all you could to bring the purpose of God for your life alive. Play your part to allow the purpose of God to be accomplished. Deut. 31:1-18 and Heb. 12:12-13
- Be courageous – realize that God has given you the strength to face the realities of life – Deut. 31:6
All that we are facing are not new; some people have already pass through and ended victorious therefore endure also. What are you doing about your situation? Determine you strength and face them and God will bless you victoriously, AMEN!!!
SUNDAY III…19TH MARCH
THE RIGHTEOUS WILL FLOURISH
Psalm 92:12-13…the righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
Message delivered by Pastor Bernard Assam of Christian Growth Church International – Takoradi –
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree.
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
It is appointed for a righteous to flourish. This implies that as a righteous; you need to flourish, prosper and grow in life as appointed by the Lord. If a righteous will be in the house of the Lord building His work and doing His will, the scripture says you will prosper and flourish like a palm tree.
In Psalm 1:1-3, David saw that before a man could flourish; he need to walk not in the counsel of the wicked nor sit in the seat of the scornful but delights in the house of the Lord. If David used a palm tree; then it means it is very important and serves a lot of purposes and that is what a righteous should also be. You need to serve every good purpose; that is, you should be a person that could be used to accomplish any positive missions.
Be of importance in your family, church, office, marriage, school, country, etc. are you being mentioned a good name? A good name is better than riches says the Bible. Those that will be planted in the house of the Lord will flourish therefore do good to all people especially those in the faith with you (Believers) – Luke 9:52-56 and Galatians 6:10. Amen!!!
SUNDAY II…
THE BIG DINNER
A Sermon delivered by Mrs. Eva Odoom the first lady of Christian Growth Church International; with main text taken from the Gospel according to Saint Luke 14:16-25 and supported by Matthew 17:20-23, Luke 14:12-14 and Luke 12:32-35.
When you organize a banquet or party, do not invite the rich or your family but rather invite the poor, cripple, the blind, the deaf and all the disabled. Do good to those who can’t pay you back so that your reward will be greater and will come from above. When you do good to the rich or those who can pay you back; you get your reward on the earth and not from above.
LET US CONSIDER THESE ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE / CHRISTIANITY
- We should be helpful to poor, sick people and the disabled. This is because after doing good there is an unlimited reward from the almighty God.
- We should be patient to lost souls when talking to them. We should witness and spread the Gospel – Matthew 7:21-23
- We should deliver the Gospel through our life and words – Luke 13:3. We should change our hearts in the way of thinking, speaking and doing things.
- We should not trust in money for by which we will not have time for the word of God – Luke 12:32. The Lord gives you wealth so that you can help the poor, His work and fend for yourself but not to forget about His work.
- Always be ready for the work of God or be ready to do the work of the Lord – Luke 12:35.
- Fear only God and do not be ashamed to deliver the Gospel-Luke 12:4. Be bold and happy to hold the Bible openly but not shy to show it to the world. It is our weapon of destruction – Luke 12:8. do not give up when they give you excuses each day and night but press on them to win them (Lost Souls). If you would gossip, then gossip about the Gospel by which the Lord will bless you.
The Lord’s concern is more than the guest listed at the social gathering. He teaches us the principles of unselfish motives in performing deeds of kindness – Luke 14:12-14
The lame and the blind were excluded from the temple. Thinking that they are unclean. God’s invitation includes the lowly and the poor; i.e. those who have no means to repay. – Luke 14:13
Jesus not only rebukes social prides but enforces a lesson on character. He also honours those who recognize their own lowliness and unworthiness and who rely solely on His mercy – Luke 14:7-11
God is calling us to spread the Gospel to those who are perishing and bring them to His mercy seat so that in the end we will have the crown of life. God bless you to achieve you goal in His ministry, AMEN!!!
bravenet.com