Sunday Service (17th November, 2019)

TOPIC: A LIVING CHURCH

TEXT: 1 COR. 3:10-15
¹⁰ By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.
¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
¹² If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,
¹³ his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.
¹⁴ If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
¹⁵ If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

INTRODUCTION

Recently, I read a report that is quite disturbing. The write-up says “The church is losing 7,600 attendees a day in Europe and North America, according to British demographer David Barrett. That means that every week, more than 53,000 people leave church and never come back. To put that in perspective, consider that the United States lost about 57,500 people in the Vietnam War. In a different sense—though strangely appropriate—the church "loses" almost that many every week.”

Now, before we wave off the report as Europe/American problem, take time to consider the Nigerian scenario. Yes, maybe not nearly as bad as that, but are we really gaining? Coming home to NSBC, think, how well are we faring? ARE WE A LIVING CHURCH?

LESSON

To be considered ‘Living’, a Church must, in addition to being CHRIST CENTERED (without which it could not even be considered one), it must also manifest the following:-

1.      A LOVING CHURCH. We are saved by love (Jn 3:16) and saved to love

-          Love God genuinely and practically

-          It must genuinely care for the well-being of her members.

2.      A GROWING CHURCH.

-          A living thing is either growing or it is dying.

3.      A PRAYING CHURCH.

-          Prayer moves the hands that moves the universe

4.      A ‘GOING’ CHURCH.

-          God’s mandate for His Children is to ‘go’ and make disciples of....

CONCLUSION

A ‘Living Church’ will definitely be a thriving Church ..... Question. Are we a Living Church? Is NSBC a Living Church? Or, let us rephrase it, Are we a thriving Church? Consider it well, because if we are not living, it means we are dead or at best, dying. If we are not thriving, then we are barely surviving.  In case your verdict is not too positive, arise today to do something about it. The fact of the matter is that the foundation of the Church had been laid, and that is Jesus Christ.........and even at the risk of being labelled immodest, I can say, like the Apostle in Vs. 10 that “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder…”    YES. I can say categorically that ‘Thus far it has been God all the way’.....  The matter now is that, YOU AND I, with what materials are you(we) building on this Foundation?  -  Is it wood, hay or straw, costly stones, silver or gold?

1.      Wood Hay and Straw. – Fuels for fire

2.      Costly Stones Silver and Gold. – Lasting materials

Think deeply now for The Day is coming. Vs 13 says “…the Day will bring it to light….”

UPCOMING EVENTS/ INFORMATION

1.      Next week, Mrs Olujoke Olutunde will serve in the Children Department

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

3.      2020 Activity book for Children is now available at the cost of #300 per child. Please pay to Mrs Mercy Akanbi.

4.      MMU meeting will hold on Saturday 23^rd November, 2019 in the home of Engr. Kayode Adelakun. Time: 8:00am. All men, please note.

5.      Antioch Baptist Church Ordains a new set of Deacons on Sunday 24^th November 2019 and will also Do 15 years Appreciation Service for the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Wale Olajire. Time is 10am. Pray along.

6.      Two of our Mothers are in need of House helps. One of them is to be for day time only while the other is live-in. Good pay attached. Know of any, please contact the Church Pastor.                        

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 November.

AMOUNT NEEDED FOR THE NEW AUDITORIUM

As work continues on the new Auditorium, 400 bags of cement is needed now. Families are encouraged to donate.

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

An unknown man was quoted to have written “Like a mighty tortoise, Moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading Where we've always trod.”   This must not be allowed to be our story in NSBC, we must ensure that for us, it is “Like a mighty army….”  As we use to sing from BH 412.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

Appreciate God for every member of NSBC Drama unit, ask that God will renew their strength. Also, pray against the spirit of infirmity in the lives of Church members.

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