1. The text for this address is taken from the Gospel of Saint Luke 8:1-3, it reads:
“And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”
2. Doctor and Apostle Luke in this Bible text recorded that Jesus in the company of his disciples and some female associates went about preaching the news about the kingdom of God. This teaches us that there is no gender discrimination in doing the will of God. Jesus Christ never discriminated against the poor, the less privileged, the weak, the sinners and even those whom we humans have condemned.
3. WHAT IS THIS KINGDOM OF GOD ALL ABOUT?
Jesus Christ in His teaching about anxiety and worry in Matthew 6:33, said ” But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
4. The Kingdom of God was the focal point of Jesus’ teachings. He explained that it was not just a future kingdom; it is among us, embodied in him, the messiah. The kingdom of God begins in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is present with us today as it was with the Judeans over 2,000 years ago.
5. In response to the Pharisees, Jesus said in Luke 17:20-21:
“The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”
The kingdom of God begins with the work of God’s spirit in people’s lives and in relationships.
6. In addition, Jesus Christ in Luke 13:24 said “Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”
Finding salvation or entering the kingdom of God requires more concerted effort. This effort is not only knowing Jesus Christ, but to strive to follow his teaching not minding the cost.
7. With the establishment and planting of churches and fellowship groups, with words of exaltations, with fasting and supplications, many Christians are still far from breakthrough. Why?
8. The devil always attack believers’ finances, marriages, properties and worldly possessions, not because the devil spends money, nor because the devil wants to take over your spouse or properties, but because the devil knows that believers attach more importance to worldly ephemeral things than things of the spirit which are eternal.
9. Christians hearts are more connected to things of the world, so the devil’s target is man’s heart. Once he could conquer man’s heart, man shall be a perpetual slave to the devil by greed. The leaders of the church encourage the congregation to be more material conscious than to seek eternal life. The source of finance of members are not the concern of the Bishops. The Pastors’ favourites are the members with fat offerings. The Priests are more interested in members who sow large seeds in cash and gifts. The Evangelists preach more of material and physical breakthroughs, than repentance from sins. The pulpits in general teach mostly of prosperity and life in abundance, instead of repentance and seeking God’s Kingdom.
10. Many churches are striving in deception, deceit and vain glory. Sin is the order of the day. There is no more difference between Christians and non-believers in competition of rat race in this mundane world.
11. Time is running fast. What man sows, he shall rip. Attending sabbath worships, church services and professing Jesus as Lord and Saviour do not guarantee you access to gain His Kingdom, but by careful observance of Christ’s teachings and repentance from sins.
12. Our Lord in Matthew 16:26 said: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
13. As Christians we must know that sins that pollute and damage the soul of man is far grievous and more important than attacks on physical possessions. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is never an absolute guarantee for forgiveness of sins, unless with the grace of repentance. Without repentance, there shall be no revival and redemption of the church or God’s people from the grip and control of the spirits of realm of chaos.
14. I implore us to be upstanding, while we sing this affirmation song.
We have a gospel to proclaim
Good news for all throughout the earth
A gospel of our Father’s love
We sing His glory tell His worth.
We will not fear or be dismayed
By those who sneer or laugh at us
We have the confidence to say
That we shall forge ahead with faith.
Help us dear Lord, to trust in Thee
To do Thy will and never faint
Help us to hold our heads high up
And face the task on us bestowed. Amen.
15. Let us pray: Teach us Lord to number our days, that we may apply Thy wisdom in our daily living. Amen.
Unto God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be honour, glory, dominion, worship, adoration, blessing, might, merit and praise, now and forevermore. Amen.
