Sunday Service (24th March, 2019)

TOPIC: NOW, LET US REASON TOGETHER

TEXT: 2 COR. 3: 9-18

2 Corinthians 3:9-18 (NIV)
⁹ If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!
¹⁰ For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory.
¹¹ And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
¹² Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
¹³ We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.
¹⁴ But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.
¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
¹⁸ And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

INTRODUCTION

Two things happened in the course of last week that made me think deeply over some issues. The first concerns this year’s Annual Bible Study, when Rev. Oloyede was taking time to teach us about ‘Practical Christianity’, the thought came to me that what really is the problem WHY anyone in this assembly will still run away from God and live a life that is contrary to His will. The second thing that made me think was getting to know about the death of our late Sister, Mrs. Comfort Adedigba. When I heard, my mind went to a phone call I got from her not too long ago, while still on the sick bed, she called me and asked that I should please send her the church account number because she had an amount to pay into it…… I wondered WHY someone on her death bed will appreciate God much more than many people who are around and about. As we ‘Reason together’ today, we hopefully shall be able to answer these WHY questions by the grace of God.

LESSON

In this passage, there are three important things to note:

1.      THERE IS A GLORY THAT FADES. Vs. 9a, 11a If (you consider) the ministry that condemns men is glorious…(NIV) If (you think that) the Government of condemnation was impressive……(MSG). This is what very many run after today

ü  It is almost instant

ü  It is magical – overnight success syndrome – ise kekere owo nla….

-          Ogun owo, Prostitution, Pursuit of inordinate ambition, Miss-use of power and position, Indulgence in alcohol and other vices, Exam malpractices, Stealing, (Even from God through tithes and offerings)

ü  Yes, these sinners may carry a glory, but it will fade. Anini reigned sometime…

-          Money may come but accompanied with great sorrow

-          May get the position but lose the peace

-          May get the pleasure but a lot of pain added.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? Why would anyone here deliberately operate under a “government of condemnation”?

-          It is because your face has been covered. Veiled. You are not seeing clearly. That is why they see death and call it life. That is why the take poison calling it sweet syrup

-          It is because your ear has been blocked by the devil. That is why the word of God is foolishness to you….

PRAYER TIME…….

2.      THERE IS A GLORY THAT LASTS. Vs. 9b “…how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! (NIV) “…how much glorious is the new way which makes us right with God.” (NLT)

ü  This glory is in Christ Jesus alone – no other way to it. it is the New Way-

-          The new way of living for Jesus not for self.

-          The new way of loving not hating

-          The new way of giving not hoarding

-          The new way of blessing not cursing

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? It is not the ‘usual or popular’ way. While on this ‘Way’ you feel lonely and unaccepted by the world.

NOTE.

-          The glory here comes gradually but steadily.

-          It is from the ‘Ministry of righteousness’ and backed up by Grace.

-          This glory lasts. It does not fade.

QUESTION. Why not throw away the veil today and start to pursue this lasting glory?

PRAYER TIME….

3.      THERE ARE LEVELS OF GLORY. Vs 18. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

With those on the Lord’s side, those of us with unveiled faces… PLEASE NOTE

a.       Remain at you post. For you to reflect God’s glory.

-          The glory is ‘ever increasing’ so you cannot afford to stop. There is a higher level of glory awaiting you. Keep keeping on.

-          Things always get better for the Children of God because the Lord is ALWAYS on His throne

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? People here tend to look back instead of looking forward. Don’t rate yourself by those that are behind you, NO, press forward. Greater glory awaits you.

CONCLUSION.

Now, it is good for us to reason together – WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?

a.       Is your face still veiled? Remove it NOW.

b.      Are you on running after the fading glory? TURN TODAY. You are operating under a Government of condemnation.

c.       Are you on the New Way but looking back? STOP IT NOW. Keep pressing forward, greater glory awaits you.  

UPCOMING EVENTS/ INFORMATION

1.      Next week, Engr. & Mrs. Blessed Agboola will serve in the Children department

2.      Dns. Christiana Oketoobo will lead the Workers’ Prayer next week.

3.      Friday 29^th March 2019 is our very first ALL NIGHT WORSHIP PROGRAM. Please prayerfully plan to be part of it.

4.      MMU Rotational meeting holds on Saturday 30^th March, 2019 in the home of Mr. Rotimi Adeniyi. Time: 9:00am. All men, please note.

MISSION COMMITMENT

Members are reminded of a monthly contribution of #20/person per month Mission’s contribution under the auspices of Ogbomoso Baptist Conference and #500/person per month CAN Trust Fund. You can make your payment to Mrs. Bose Ayinde.

HEALTH TIPS

Members who have interest in checking their Blood Pressure for free can do so after Wednesday Bible Study

BIRTHDAY/ WEDDING ANNIVERSARY FOR THE MONTH

We should not forget to felicitate with people celebrating their Birthday and Wedding Anniversary in the month of March.

AMOUNT NEEDED FOR THE NEW AUDITORIUM

For the next phase of the work on the building, amount needed is 4.8 million naira

BUILDING PROJECT ACCOUNT                        CHURCH ACCOUNT

Access Bank                                              First Bank

New Spring Baptist Church                      New Spring Baptist Church

0697011767                                               2023699560

BENEVOLENCE

This Church genuinely cares for her members and is committed to seeing to their welfare. So, if any member is in a serious need and requires help, please do not hesitate to meet with the Church Pastor or the Benevolence Chairperson, Dns. Christiana Oketoobo.

PASTOR’S CORNER

Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
 Jesus says, “….I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in ….” (Rev. 3:20) Respond to the voice of the Lord today; surrender to Him fully and begin to experience the glory God planned for you from the beginning of time.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Pray for the President and the leadership of Ogbomoso Baptist Conference that as they lead the preparation for the 2019 Annual Convention, God will keep and strengthen them.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

MONDAY:

Intercessors Meeting-5:00pm

TUESDAY:

WMS & Sunbeam-5:00pm

WEDNESDAY:

Bible Study & Prayer Meeting-5:00pm

THURSDAY:

Visitation Committee-5:00pm

Drama Group - 5:00pm

FRIDAY:

Choir Rehearsal-4:00pm

SATURDAY:

Royal Ambassadors, Lydia -3:00pm,

Girls Auxiliary-3:30pm

Choir Rehearsal-4:00pm

Sunday School Preparatory Class-5:00pm