ABIDE IN CHRIST

    

TEXT: John 15:1-8

Hymn BH 316:More Like Jesus Would I Be

Golden Text:  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do in nothing. John 15:5, NIV

Vine plant is common in Israel. It is a crawling plant with many branches. A vinedresser would trim any unproductive stem so that t productive branches could produce more fruits. Any branch that is cut off is meant for burning; the branch that would be productive must remain attached to the stem of the vine.

Jesus Christ used this analogy of vine farming to teach the importance of always abiding in Him. By affirming that He is the true Vine, Jesus underscored the fact that there may be other things that seem to hold the promise of sustaining the believer.

 As a branch in Christ, Christians need His purging through the Word to be fruitful. It is by continuous connection with God that a believer sustains his life. A branch without life is dead and cut off. It is worthless and, therefore, thrown into fire and burned. 

One of the advantages of continuous connection to God is answered prayer. When your prayer is in line with God's will, the result is certain: God will answer it. Another advantage is fruit bearing success and soul winning. Those who are connected to God can lead others Christ. 

The secret of living the abundant Christian life is to stay connected to Christ. To be a fruitful and effective Christian, you need to abide in Him through daily devotion, quality engagement in worship and unalloyed obedience to Him through His Word. 

To enjoy answered prayers and to blossom and flourish, stay close to the Source of life. Commit yourself to be connected to the right source of godliness, which is Christ.

PERCIEVE: It is imperative for a disciple to continually abide in Jesus Christ. 

PONDER: Are you abiding in Christ and bearing fruit for Him? 

PRACTISE: Commit yourself to connecting with the right source of godliness which is Christ.

PRAYER: O Lord, give me the grace to abide in You so that I will be a fruitful Christian in Jesus' name.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:

Onifade Z.A., Ibadan; Obanisola O.O., Ibadan; Ajayi I.A., Lagos; J.O. Olarewaju, Ara; Ilori Olusola O., Ilorin; Kehinde E. Akinlabi, Osun; Oamen O. Lewis, Delta; Imagbenikaro Godsgift O., Edo; Hezekiah A. Abidoye, Kwara; Olaogun N. Oluwafemi, Lagos; Silas Philibus, Niger; Abioye Samson O., Lagos; Ojebunmi H. Ayodeji, Oyo; Adedeji, Samson A., Okeho; Adeleke Taiwo M., Ofunama; Olutunde Olajide A., Ibadan; Tanimola M.A., OsupaOrile; Debo Oyabambi, Topo; Ibiyanmi S.S., Lagos.

Prayer: Lord, by mercy restore to us all that we have lost since the beginning of the year.

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Hymn BH 316:More Like Jesus Would I Be

 1.  More like Jesus would I be,

Let my Savior dwell with me;

Fill my soul with peace and love,

Make me gentle as a dove;

More like Jesus, while I go,

Pilgrim in this world below;

Poor in spirit would I be;

Let my Savior dwell in me.

2.  If He hears the raven’s cry,

If His ever watchful eye

Marks the sparrows when they fall,

Surely He will hear my call:

He will teach me how to live,

All my sinful thoughts forgive;

Pure in heart I still would be;

Let my Savior dwell in me.

3. More like Jesus when I pray,

More like Jesus day by day;

May I rest me by His side,

Where the tranquil waters glide:

Born of Him, through grace renewed,

By His love my will subdued,

Rich in faith I still would be;

Let my Savior dwell in me.

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ADULTERY IN THE HEART

   

RBT: Amos 5-9

TEXT: Matthew 5:27-32

Hymn BH 367: Take Time to Be Holy

Golden Text: But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28, NIV

Chris' relationship with his wife Rachael had been good until recently when his job started to keep him away. He leaves home very early and works late into the night, and this means spending little time with his wife. 

His co-worker Mary keeps him company whenever he had to work late into the night. Chris thinks Mary is complimentary, encouraging and even understands him better than Rachael. 

They have had lunch together a couple of times; he enjoys her company and always longs to be with her. Chris sometimes feels awkward about his attraction to Mary, but rationalises that they are just friends.

When we think of adultery, we think of physical intimacy, but today's Scripture points out that emotional intimacy with or strange affection for someone other than one's spouse is adultery. 

Jesus said lusting after a woman in the heart, in itself, is adultery. This means that adultery is not limited to having physical intimacy with someone of the opposite sex who is not your spouse; it includes being emotionally attached to another person other than your wife or husband. 

Jesus was not recommending physical mutilation to curb lust. He was advocating the need to overcome the inward cause of the sin- a change of heart.

Emotional adultery, just like physical adultery, is a sin against God; both undermine the sanctity of the marriage relationship and are capable of ripping a home apart. 

Being honest with oneself to admit the sin and confess it is the starting point of victory. Do you have the mind of Christ? It is Christ indwelling your heart that can enable you to overcome every form of temptation. 

Giving Jesus the rightful place in your heart is the practical solution to "adultery in the heart." Come to Jesus Christ today for all-round victory. 

PERCIEVE: The presence of Christ in a life is the way to overcome every form of temptation.

PONDER: Do you have the mind of Christ?

PRACTISE: Come to Jesus Christ today for a change of heart.

PRAYER: Lord, purify my heart from every! thought of adultery.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Esther Chukwuezi, Plateau; Philip Ola. Ogunsola, Igbojaye; Adeyemo J. Ademola, Ogbomoso; Alabede Samson, A-Mararaba; Evans Ossai Ugbah, Elelenwo; Sunday Oduola, Lagos; Bala Philemon, Kaduna; Remi Adelakun, Igboho; Simeon O. Ojo, Kwara, Alawode B. Sam, Ada; Bola Opawole, Lagos; Oyekale O. Samson, Ibadan.

Prayer: Lord, grant us the spirit of discernment so that we will not fall prey to agent of the devil.

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Hymn BH 367: Take Time to Be Holy

 1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;

And run not before Him, whatever betide.

In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,

And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,

Each thought and each motive beneath His control.

Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,

Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

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GOD FORGIVES

  

RBT: Amos 5-9

TEXT: Psalm 130 

Hymn BH 230: Let Jesus Come into Your Hear 

Golden Text: But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence serve you. Psalm 130:4 (NIV)

After he had repented and accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, a man said: “I have not experienced inner peace such as this in a long time. I have always pictured God as a father who would not want anything to do with a sinner like me. However, I was wrong. God is a forgiving father after all.” Many of us must have had a similar experience like that of this man. The psalmist in today’s passage also experienced God’s forgiveness.

In verses 3-4 of today’s text, the psalmist recognised that no one could stand if God dealt with sinners according to what they deserved. The reason the Lord is not keeping records of sins is that He forgives. Believers throughout all ages have rejoiced over this fact; for apart from this, none could endure His judgment. God forgives so that the forgiven will fear Him. The general word for ‘fear’ often includes the ideas of worship and obedience. The Scriptures state that many benefits come from fearing the Lord. The most notable is that the person keeps himself/herself from sin. The forgiveness of God cannot be treated lightly. It turns sinners into saints – people who follow Him in obedience. 

Do not be too big to say “sorry” whenever you are wrong. Repent of your wrongdoings and be willing to ask God to forgive you. God is always ready to listen to you no matter the sin committed (Proverbs 28:13). Cry out to God today for forgiveness as David did (Psalm 51). Be assured that God will forgive you because of His nature as a gracious Father full of compassion.

PERCIEVE: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

PONDER: Do you still continue in your sin so that grace may abound?

PRACTISE: Take deliberate efforts to forgive those who have offended you.

PRAYER: O Lord, help to always forgive others as You have forgiven me.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:

Adekunle Olufemi, Ogbomoso; Ajagbe Jeremiah, Ogbomoso; Ayoola Olajide K., Ogbomoso; Akinbobola E. O., Ogbomoso; Reuben A. Adesope, Osun; Morakinyo J. Oluwayomi, Lagos; A.I. Baba, Niger; Ugono O. Felix, Delta; Nuhu Barka, Gombi; Oladejo Stephen B., Katchia; G.O. Adebayo, Lagos; Ajiboye E.A., Alla-Isin.

Prayer: -  Lord, supernaturally increase us that we will have more than enough.

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Hymn BH 230: Let Jesus Come into Your Hear

1 If you are tired of the load of your sin,

Let Jesus come into your heart;

If you desire a new life to begin,

Let Jesus come into your heart.

Refrain:

Just now your doubtings give o'er;

Just now reject Him no more;

Just now throw open the door;

Let Jesus come into your heart.

2 If 'tis for purity now that you sigh,

Let Jesus come into your heart;

Fountains for cleansing are flowing near by,

Let Jesus come into your heart. [Refrain]

3 If there's a tempest your voice cannot still,

Let Jesus come into your heart;

If there's a void this world never can fill,

Let Jesus come into your heart. [Refrain]

4 If you would join the glad songs of the blest,

Let Jesus come into your heart;

If you would enter the mansions of rest,

Let Jesus come into your heart. [Refrain]

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FORGIVE AS GOD IN CHRIST HAS FORGIVEN YOU

 

RBT: Amos 1-4

TEXT: Ephesians 4:17-32

HYMN: BH 348: Let Others See Jesus in You 

Golden Text: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

A part of the “Church Covenant” of the Nigerian Baptist Convention reads: “To be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.” The emphasis is to remind the Christian that forgiving one another is necessary and is the only way to ensure a peaceful society. This is the focus of today’s Scrpiture.

The virtues mentioned in today’s Scripture are needed to ensure peaceful coexistence in a Christian fellowship and in relationship with one another. Some of them include: the need to avoid bitterness, anger, slander and malice. One other virtue mentioned is forgiveness. Forgiveness is necessary between husband and wife, siblings, parents and children, brethren in the same fellowship, and people in the bigger community. 

How beautiful would our society be if towns and villages that have been in conflict with each other for many years can forgive? Forgiveness will definitely reduce many court cases related to divorce; splitting the church as a result of quarrels will become a thing of the past if we practise forgiveness. Some people will not take their own lives or lives of others due to their unwillingness to forgive. As a believer in Christ, forgive other people, just as in Christ, God forgave and still forgives you. Perceive: To err is human, to forgive is divine.

PONDER: Are you being hunted by unforgiveness?

PRACTISE: Allow Christ to possess you and discard unforgiving spirit and acts in your life today.

PRAYER: Lord, purify my heart from every act of unforgiveness.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Afolabi Joshua, Erin-Ile; Ibor Daniel, Lagos; Abednego Yohanna M., Karara; Daniel Chibeze, Warri; Ojo Olumide, Lagos; Adeniji F. Olusoji, Gombe; Adeyemo A. Samuel, Kano; Kayode William, Cote D’Ivoire.

Prayer: - Lord, shatter all doors that is not opening before us.

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Baptist Hymnal 348. While passing thro' this world of sin

1 While passing through this world of sin,
And others your life shall view,
Be clean and pure without, within,
Let others see Jesus in you.

Chorus:
Let others see Jesus in you,
Let others see Jesus in you;
Keep telling the story, be faithful and true,
Let others see Jesus in you.

2 Your life's a book before their eyes,
They're reading it through and through;
Say, does it point them to the skies,
Do others see Jesus in you?

[Chorus]

3 What joy 'twill be at set of sun,
In mansions beyond the blue,
To find some souls that you have won;
Let others see Jesus in you.

[Chorus]

4 Then live for Christ both day and night,
Be faithful, be brave, and true,
And lead the lost to life and light;
Let others see Jesus in you.

[Chorus]

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BH 005 God, our Father, we adore Thee!

 

1 God, our Father, we adore Thee!

We, Thy children, bless Thy name!

Chosen in the Christ before Thee,

we are "holy, without blame."

We adore Thee! we adore Thee!

Abba's praises we proclaim!

We adore Thee! we adore Thee!

Abba's praises we proclaim!

 

2 Son Eternal, we adore Thee!

Lamb upon the throne on high!

Lamb of God, we bow before Thee,

Thou hast brought Thy people nigh!

We adore Thee! we adore Thee!

Son of God, who came to die!

We adore Thee! we adore Thee!

Son of God, who came to die!

 

3 Holy Spirit, we adore Thee!

Paraclete and heavenly guest!

Sent from God and from the Savior,

Thou hast led us into rest.

We adore Thee! we adore Thee!

by Thy grace forever blest.

We adore Thee! we adore Thee!

by Thy grace forever blest.

 

4 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Three in One! we give Thee praise!

For the riches we inherit,

heart and voice to Thee we raise!

We adore Thee! we adore Thee!

Thee we bless through endless days!

We adore Thee! we adore Thee!

Thee we bless through endless days!

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BH 004 Mighty God, while angels bless Thee

 

1 Mighty God, while angels bless you,

may a mortal sing your name?

Lord of men as well as angels,

you are ev'ry creature’s theme.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

 

2 Lord of ev'ry land and nation,

ancient of eternal days,

sounded through the wide creation

be your just and lawful praise.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

 

3 For the grandeur of your nature,

grand beyond a seraph’s thought,

for created works of power,

works with skill and kindness wrought.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

 

4 But your rich, your free redemption,

dark through brightness all along,

thought is poor, and poor expression,

who dare sing that wondrous song?

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

 

5 Brightness of the Father’s glory,

shall your praise unuttered lie?

Fly, my tongue, such guilty silence,

sing the Lord who came to die.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

 

6 From the highest throne in glory,

to the cross of deepest woe,

all to ransom guilty captives,

flow my praise, forever flow.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

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BH 003 All creatures of our God and King

 

1 All creatures of our God and King,

lift up your voice and with us sing

alleluia, alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,

thou silver moon with softer gleam,

O praise him, O praise him,

alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

 

2 Thou rushing wind that art so strong,

ye clouds that sail in heav'n along,

O praise him, alleluia!

Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,

ye lights of evening, find a voice,

O praise him, O praise him,

alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

 

3 Thou flowing water, pure and clear,

make music for thy Lord to hear,

alleluia, alleluia!

Thou fire so masterful and bright,

that givest man both warmth and light,

O praise him, O praise him,

alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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BH 002 Love divine, all loves excelling

 

1 Love divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of heav'n to earth come down:

fix in us thy humble dwelling,

all thy faithful mercies crown:

Jesus, thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love thou art;

visit us with thy salvation,

enter ev'ry trembling heart.

 

2 Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit

into ev'ry troubled breast;

let us all in thee inherit,

let us find the promised rest:

take away the love of sinning;

Alpha and Omega be;

End of faith, as its Beginning,

set our hearts at liberty.

 

3 Come, Almighty to deliver,

let us all thy life receive;

suddenly return, and never,

nevermore thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray and praise thee without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

 

4 Finish, then, thy new creation;

pure and spotless let us be:

let us see thy great salvation

perfectly restored in thee;

changed from glory into glory,

'til in heav'n we take our place,

'til we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love, and praise.

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BH 001 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

 

1 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

 

2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,

casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,

who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

 

3 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,

though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,

only thou art holy; there is none beside thee

perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity.

 

4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

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BH 180: Thy Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

 Thy Word is a lamp to my feet,

1. A light to my path alway,

To guide and to save me from sin,

And show me the heav'nly way.

Refrain:

Thy Word have I hid in my heart,

That I might not sin against Thee;

That I might not sin, that I might not sin,

Thy Word have I hid in my heart.

2.  Forever, O Lord, is Thy Word

Established and fixed on high;

Thy faithfulness unto all men

Abideth for ever nigh. (Refrain)

3.  At morning, at noon, and at night

I ever will give Thee praise;

For Thou art my portion, O Lord,

And shall be thro' all my days! (Refrain)

4. Thro' Him whom Thy Word hath foretold,

The Saviour and Morning Star,

Salvation and peace have been bro't

To those who have strayed afar. (Refrain)

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GOD, TEACH US YOUR STATUTES

 

RBT: Hosea 10-14

TEXT: Deuteronomy 4:1-14

HYMN BH 180:  Thy Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

Golden Text: Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:124, NIV

Teaching ministry is one spiritual assignment meant to extend God's kingdom through the church.  Teachers are like midwives who help students to know and activate what God has deposited in them. Teachers help the learners to understand new ideas and equip them to handle life’s issues. The worth of a teacher is great.

The psalmist in Psalm 119:124b cried, “Teach me your statutes.” The gift of knowledge and the ability to learn come from God alone.  God is a loving teacher who teaches His people His will and gives them discernment to handle life’s challenges. The writer of the Psalm desired to know, and approached God to give him understanding. Understanding God’s heart enables believers to shun evil and overcome Satan. The revelation through God’s Word will not only shape an individual’s life but bring positive influence. 

The entire universe is like a classroom where learning is taking place every day. In this day of explosive ideas, children of God need to know God’s Word adequately. The understanding of God’s Word will guard believers against strange doctrines. An in-depth knowledge of it will be helpful for daily living and spiritual discipline. Openness to teaching and learning God’s Word is the channel through which God’s mind and purpose can be known and practiced. Study the Word of God, and you will see the impact in your prayer and practical Christian living.

PERCEIVE: The understanding of the Word of God guards against strange doctrines.

PONDER: Are you a consistent student of the Scriptures? When last did you attend your church’s Sunday school, Bible Study, and the like?

PRACTISE: Decide to be a part of your church’s teaching ministry.  

PRAY: O Lord, help me to be a teachable believer.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Areo B. Olusola, Ibadan; Adeosun J. Banjo, Temidire-Laje; Adewuyi O.A., Abuja; Adeleke Olaide, Obor; Inetimi D. James, Mbiama; Lauretta Ibineye, Port-Harcourt; Danjuma A. Shekwaiyinaga, Kaduna; Auta Yohanna, Kaduna; Emmanuel Gambo, Niger; Adeniyi E. Ola

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OBEDIENCE SHOWS WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT

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RBT: RBT: Hosea 5-9

TEXT: Deuteronomy 4:1-14

HYMN: 260: Trust and Obey

Golden Text Observe [the laws and decrees] carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. Deuteronomy 4:6, NIV

Andrew Murray said, "Just as a servant knows that he must first obey his master in all things, so the surrender to an implicit and unquestionable obedience must become the essential characteristic of our lives. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons."

Moses told the Israelites that by their obedience, they would show their wisdom to the nations who would then marvel at how wise and understanding they were. God has good intention for giving rules and regulations that will guide His people. Any violation of these rules and commandments is bound to result in trouble. Giving the commandments was God's way of guarding the people's hearts and acts towards glorifying Him in the sight of surrounding nations. He expected them to obey the rules and govern themselves by the moral precepts. Their devotion and obedience would become a model for others to see and practice. This would show them as possessing wisdom and discernment. How can we identify a Christian life governed by wisdom and discernment? It is through total obedience to God. Whereas there are societal evils, natural disasters, and satanically-motivated challenges against people, many of the challenges facing humankind are as a result of violating God's rules. One who cannot manage himself may not be able to manage others. One who lacks personal discipline is bound to suffer many misfortunes. Live a godly life to enjoy the goodness of God. And your life will become a model to people around you.

PERCEIVE: Obedience to God shows wisdom and discernment.

PONDER: Are you obedient to the instructions of God?

PRACTISE: Resolve to live an obedient life to God, your spiritual leaders, parents and others.

PRAY: Resolve to live an obedient life to God, your spiritual leaders, parents and others.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches:

 Ishola-Esan H.E., Eku; Laniyan K. O, Ila-Orangun; Eebo Kayode, Ado-Ekiti; Popoola Olufemi, Lagos; Olagbenro A. D., Atan-Ota; Danlami Mutane, Kaduna; Amole M.S., Ogun; Ojameruaye Elizabeth, Delta; Ajibike T.O. Lagos; Damson I. I., Kumo; Iyanda A. Samuel, Suleja; Sunday Okungbowa, Edo; Adeola Adegboye, Ogbomoso; Ogundeji Z. O., Iwere-Ile; Ola-Oke O. Moses J., Ondo; Ishaya Daniel, Kaduna; Uiyasu Kunat, Gombi; Onifade A.J.,Ibadan.

Prayer: Lord, give my life a divine recognition.

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