Sunday Service (13th January, 2019)

TOPIC: EMPOWERED FOR EXPLOITS 3

TEXT: EPH. 2:4-6, 10
⁴ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.
⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
¹⁰ For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.(NIV)

¹⁰ For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. (AMP)

INTRODUCTION

On New Year day, while introducing this topic, we tried to answer the question ‘Why should I do exploits?’ we got answers that because we were deceived, we were dead and we were doomed and from that state God saved us, we have more than enough reasons to determine to do exploits for God. And in answer to the ‘which’ question on day 2 of the teaching we said the exploits to do include

v  Be discipled.

v  Spread the gospel, Make disciples  

v  Touch others for Christ:

v  Commit yourself to His works.

LESSON

Today, we will focus on Man, the instrument for exploits this we see in verse 10 of our passage. There we see the Bible say man is

ü  God’s workmanship(NIV) (this means the quality of something made by an artisan…..the skill of a craftsman) – So, if God be the craftsman, His skill is rated by the quality in Man, and so as to leave un in no doubt, NLT says man is

ü  God’s masterpiece (NLT). (this means a piece of work that is considered the greatest work of a person’s career)…… So, man is God’s poster product.  Man is the crown, the peak of the creativity of God; of the ingenuity of God. Awesome. It means whenever God wants to showcase His creativity, He brings out Man. Whenever He wants to display His ingenuity, He points to Man. Is it not a wonder that mere man is so highly thought of like that. ……(this same Man we see with all his problems and imperfections. BUT YES – MAN.

-          The only one God made in His own image.

Man is indeed a masterpiece for

1.      He has a Will and a capacity to make choices – and with this…

2.      He can choose to disobey – and by this, Man is capable of saying NO to God. Yes, there is no problem with animals or the starry hosts, they obey God without questioning. Even demons tremble at His presence, but Man can say No, Lord…… Also by this grace….

3.      He can choose to obey – and when he obeys God…

4.      He can do exploits. He is capable of doing great things for God. Indeed, the world is yet to see the full extent of what can use a man fully surrendered to Him…….

In addition to these, man has the privilege of

Ø  Experiencing the second birth. (Vs. 10)

Ø  Assurance of a home in heaven (See John 14: 2 & 3). Our story does not end at salvation as some seem to believe. Remember, Salvation is not the end for us; it is indeed the beginning of a new life, God saved us and keeps us here so we can do exploits for Him.

Ø  A divinely defined path to walk in. (Vs. 10) Our capacity to do exploits is linked to these ‘paths’, and they include:-

-          Path of Knowledge and Understanding (Let His word be a lamp onto your feet)

-          Path of Righteousness. (when God speaks – obey)

-          Path of Prayer. (Pray about everything at every time)

-          Path of Unity and Brotherly love. (we are stronger together)

-          Path of Peace.(Our Lord is the Prince of peace)

These ‘paths’ many times are narrow and go through many twists and turns, they sometimes go through difficult ‘mountains’, sometimes through foolish ‘valleys’ and even some other times the ‘path’ takes some dangerous ‘bends’ and a Christian may feel like taking a bye-pass. NO. It is ONLY when we as children of God follow these ‘paths’ we experience His power.

CONCLUSION.

As I conclude I call on you all, - God’s masterpieces….NEVER FORGET:  GOD gave you a second birth…. He promised you a mansion in heaven….BUT REMEMBER, He has specific, clearly defined paths for you to follow, Check, are you still on that path or you have jumped to another road? PLEASE NOTE: Any way that is nor His Way, will never get you home, though the way may seem good and smooth, be assured, such lead to destruction. RETURN TO THE NARROW PATH TODAY.

                                                               Upcoming Events/ Information

1.       Next week, Mrs. Toyin Odiase will serve in the Children department

2.       Mr. Yinka Akanbi will lead the Workers’ Prayer next week

3.      As the church focuses on DISCIPLESHIP this year, every Sunday evening will be dedicated to discipleship training. Put your name down with the Discipleship Coordinator today.

4.      NSBC Fourth Quarter 2018 Church-in-Conference holds on Sunday 13^th January, 2019 in the Church Auditorium after morning service.

5.      NSBC 2019 Workers’ Retreat holds on Saturday 19^th January 2019 in the Church Auditorium. ALL NSBC WORKERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE THERE. Time. 9am.

Wedding Bell Ringing

The families of Mr. & Mrs. Aderogba and Mr. & Mrs. Onojah cordially invite us all to the Wedding Ceremony of their children, Adenike Janet and Amos Ochayi on Saturday 2^nd February, 2019 at Halleluyah Baptist Church, Ogbomoso. Time:10am. Reception at Bethel Event Center, Olomi Area, Ogbomoso

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 January.

Materials Needed for the New Auditorium

- 120 Tons of Granite @ #5000/ Ton

- 250 Bags of Cement @ #2350/ Bag

- 20 Loads of Sharp Sand @ #7000/ Load

- 2 Tons of 12mm Iron Rods @ #190,000/Ton

- 3 Tons of 10mm Iron Rods @ #200,000/ Ton

- 4 Tons of 16mm Iron Rods @ #190000/ Ton

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, Mrs. Nia Olupona.

Pastor’s Corner

Note this Brother and note it Sister, you “are God’s masterpiece…. Created…anew in Christ Jesus….”  (Eph. 2:10 -NLT) Live up to your calling and let your life declare His glory daily.

 Prayer Focus for the Week

Pray and scatter every machinations of the devil against families in NSBC. Declare all round peace of God in all homes in the Church.

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