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Living the Love Commandment: Christian Love in Action

SDA JournalSermonAug 30, 2023

"John 13:34-35 (NIV): 'A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.'" Love is a... (read more)

<blockquote>"John 13:34-35 (NIV): 'A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.'"</blockquote>
<p>Love is a powerful emotion. It can bring joy and peace to our lives, and it can also bring pain and sorrow. But no matter what, it is a feeling that we cannot ignore. As Christians, we are called to love one another. We are called to be patient, kind, and understanding, and to treat others with respect and compassion.</p>
<p>The Bible is full of examples of God’s love for us. In the Old Testament, God showed his love for the Israelites by leading them through the wilderness and providing for them. In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrated his love for us by dying on the cross for our sins.</p>
<p>God commands us to love one another, and this commandment is not difficult to keep. We can show love to those around us by being generous, forgiving, and encouraging. We can also spread love by simply being there for someone in their time of need.</p>
<p>Love is a beautiful thing, but it is also a powerful force. We must use it to build up and strengthen relationships, not tear them down. We must use it to bring peace and harmony into the world and not to bring chaos and destruction.</p>
<p>We must remember that love is not something that can be taken for granted. It is something that we must actively pursue and nurture. Let us strive to be people of love, and may the love of God be with us always. Amen.</p>

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The Joyful Journey of Marriage

SDA JournalSermonAug 29, 2023

Beloved Brethren, this is a short message to reflect upon the sacred bond of marriage – a journey filled with love, commitment, and shared joy. As we delve into the topic of a happy marriage, let us explore the timeless... (read more)

<p>Beloved Brethren, this is a short message to reflect upon the sacred bond of marriage – a journey filled with love, commitment, and shared joy. As we delve into the topic of a happy marriage, let us explore the timeless principles that guide us in nurturing and cherishing this special relationship.</p>
<blockquote>1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV): "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."</blockquote>
<h4>I. Foundation of Love and Respect:</h4>
<p>A happy marriage is built upon the foundation of love and respect. Just as a strong house needs a solid base, a marriage flourishes when love and respect are its cornerstones. Love is not just an emotion but a conscious choice to put the well-being of your partner before your own. It is patient, kind, and forgiving. Likewise, respect is the recognition of each other's individuality and worth. It involves valuing each other's opinions, feelings, and aspirations.</p>
<h4>II. Effective Communication:</h4>
<p>Communication is the bridge that connects two hearts and minds. In a happy marriage, open and honest communication is essential. Take time to listen to your partner's thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practice active listening – truly hearing what they're saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak. Effective communication also involves expressing your own thoughts and emotions respectfully, fostering a deeper understanding between partners.</p>
<h4>III. Shared Goals and Values:</h4>
<p>A strong marriage is one where partners are united not only in love but also in purpose. Sharing common goals and values helps create a sense of unity and purpose. These shared aspirations become the compass that guides the couple through life's challenges and triumphs. Whether it's in matters of family, career, or personal growth, aligning your ambitions can fortify your bond.</p>
<h4>IV. Embracing Differences:</h4>
<p>No two individuals are exactly alike, and that's what makes a marriage beautiful. Embracing your partner's differences and quirks fosters an environment of acceptance and understanding. Instead of trying to change each other, celebrate the unique qualities that drew you together. Remember, it's the combination of these differences that adds richness and depth to your relationship.</p>
<h4>V. Practicing Gratitude:</h4>
<p>Gratitude is the secret ingredient of a happy marriage. Regularly expressing thankfulness for the little things your partner does can make a world of difference. A simple "thank you" or a heartfelt note can remind both partners of the blessings they bring into each other's lives. Gratitude cultivates a positive atmosphere, strengthening the connection between spouses.</p>
<h4>VI. Weathering Storms Together:</h4>
<p>Life is not without its storms, and a marriage is no exception. The true test of a relationship lies in how partners weather these storms together. Difficulties may arise, but facing them as a team, with unwavering support and commitment, can bring you closer. The storms you conquer together become the chapters of your shared story, reinforcing the strength of your bond.</p>
<h4>VII. Prayer and Unity:</h4>
<p>A strong marriage is one that is bathed in prayer. Praying together as a couple cultivates unity with each other and with God. Inviting God into your marriage allows Him to guide your decisions, provide strength during challenges, and deepen your connection as you grow spiritually together.</p>
<blockquote>Genesis 2:24 (NIV): "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."</blockquote>
<h4>Conclusion:</h4>
<p>In closing, dear friends, a happy marriage is a constant journey, not a final destination. It's a voyage of discovery, growth, and shared experiences. By building upon the foundation of love and respect, fostering effective communication, sharing goals and values, embracing differences, practicing gratitude, and weathering storms together, we can ensure that our marriages are not only sources of joy but also testimonies of enduring love. Let us continually strive to enrich our marriages and create a legacy of love that will inspire generations to come. <em>Amen</em>.</p>

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Three Main Signs of a True Christian

SDA JournalSermonAug 16, 2022

If the 2 billion plus people who are classified as Christians were true Christians we would have a totally different world. We would have lesser number of very poor people, much lesser number of crimes, and an increasing number of... (read more)

<p>If the 2 billion plus people who are classified as Christians were true Christians we would have a totally different world. We would have lesser number of very poor people, much lesser number of crimes, and an increasing number of people who make other people happy.</p>
<p>Unfortunately and very sadly too, most of the 2 billion or more who say they are Christians are false Christians. They are not true as they do not show the signs of a real Christian.</p>
<p>We have fake money bills, fake documents, fake transcripts of records, fake certificates, fake signatures. But the worst and most dangerous counterfeit is not money or document but a fake Christian. The reason is because a fake Christian can create havoc not just in the banks or in employment but in all the sectors of society.</p>
<p>It was fake Christians who have been waging wars all through these centuries, including the two world wars, putting to death millions of human beings.</p>
<p>To recognize who these fake Christians are we need to know the signs of a true Christian. There are three main signs.</p>
<p><strong>First, the true Christian is one who is no longer seeking for something in this world to save himself or make himself happy.</strong> If you have been to an Easter Party with an Easter egg, you would know what I mean.</p>
<p>In an Easter Party where the people search for the Easter egg you see children and adults walking around, searching for the coveted Easter egg, a colored egg hidden in furniture, in grass, in other places around the venue of the party. They keep on looking for this Easter egg until it is found. Most of the time there are many of such egg and people look for more and more of them, until the moderator of the game tells the partying people that the total number of Easter eggs have been found.</p>
<p>That is what most people do. They are looking for something that can make them happy. Some people think that this is found in money and more money, and so they acquire more of this. Others think that this is found in having three good meals a day, a sturdy roof over their head, and a set of comfortable clothes. So they work for these from day to day. Still others think that they can find happiness in honor. So they search for ways and means to become celebrities, whether at school, in the movie industry or in politics or in other areas.</p>
<p>The true Christian has found genuine happiness and knows where she has found this, in an encounter with God in Christ. This encounter happens when she has heard personally the word of God spoken to her and she has responded accordingly. Without this personal experience of God addressing oneself there is no real Christian.</p>
<p>This personal experience with the word of God is not something reserved to the saints or great Christians. This is the necessary experience of every true Christian. This makes the person discover where true happiness lies, in Christ and in him alone.</p>
<p>Because of this experience, the true Christian stops looking for something to truly satisfy her thirst for happiness. She has found it and it shows in her life. She does not come and go here and there searching for something to make her happy. She has found happiness and it shows in her demeanor.</p>
<p><strong>The second main sign of a true Christian is that she is learning about the Christ.</strong> And this shows in her thoughts and in her words.</p>
<p>A simple but very correct definition of a Christian is that she is a learner of the Jesus, because the basic meaning of "disciple" in Greek is "learner". If a Christian is a disciple of Christ, then she is a learner. She learns something of Jesus every day.</p>
<p>To do this she has a book or a string of beads to meditate on the life and works of the Christ. And she does this not because she has been told to do so by a teacher in religion or Bible study group. She does this because she loves Christ and she wants to know more about him. This is done on a daily basis, not once in a while.</p>
<p>This second sign of a true Christian disqualifies almost all those who even go to church daily or once a week to be called real Christians. This is because they are content with going to church daily or once a week and never advance in their personal knowledge of Christ.</p>
<p><strong>The third sign of a true Christian is something that Jesus himself said was the true sign of his followers.</strong> And this sign is something that cannot be faked. It is so simple and yet it cannot be produced by mere human effort. It is produced by God in us and through us. Unless this sign is clear in our lives we cannot say that we are real Christians.</p>
<p><strong>This third sign is love.</strong></p>
<p>But is it not just a wishy-washy kind of love. It is love that endures through death and even beyond death. It is not a fine feeling for the person next to you whom you happen to like.</p>
<p>Beyond love of God and love of neighbor, this is love of other true Christians. The true Christian senses a deep affinity with other true Christians, an affinity stronger than family ties. And she loves the other true Christians not with her human love but with the love of Christ himself.</p>
<p>Now, how is this love of Christ himself for the other true Christians shown so that other people can see it? It is shown by caring unto the uttermost, just as Jesus cared for that person to the uttermost.</p>
<p>These are the three main signs of a true Christian: 1) The true Christian no longer is looking for something to make her happy; she has found what makes her totally happy through a personal encounter with the word of God. 2) The true Christian learns about the Christ daily. She discovers something new about the Christ everyday. And she keeps on learning about the Christ. 3) The true Christian has a genuine love for the other true Christians, a love that comes from Jesus himself, shown by caring for the other Christians to the uttermost.</p>
<p>It is not baptism nor any other sacrament, nor doing good deeds to our fellow men, nor going to church and performing religious or church activities that tell others we are true Christians. It is sense of total happiness radiating around us, a continuous desire to learn more of Christ, and genuine Christ's love for the other true Christian that tell others we are true Christians.</p>

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How to Flourish Like David: 5 Keys to Spiritual Growth

SDA JournalSermonAug 13, 2022

David wrote about half of the Psalms. He was a gifted writer and musician, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he wrote a plethora of hymns that have resonated with the hearts of God's people for centuries. Psalm 52... (read more)

<p>David wrote about half of the Psalms. He was a gifted writer and musician, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he wrote a plethora of hymns that have resonated with the hearts of God's people for centuries.</p>
<p>Psalm 52 is no exception. It ends with these words:</p>
<blockquote>"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; <br />
I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. <br />
I will praise you forever for what you have done; <br />
In your name I will hope, for your name is good. <br />
I will praise you in the presence of your saints." <br />
Psalm 52:8-9 (NIV 1978)</blockquote>
<p>David experienced much pain and suffering in his life. In his early years, before he became Israel's king, he was the victim of undeserved abuse at the hand of King Saul. And after taking the throne, he brought much turmoil on himself as a result of his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband Uriah.</p>
<p>Yet through it all, he maintained a life of devotion to God. He is described twice as a man "after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). And here in Psalm 52 we see David reflecting on his life and saying, "I am like a green olive tree" (ESV). Like any tree, a healthy olive tree should have green leaves and bear fruit. This is what a tree is made to do. This is what it means for it to flourish and thrive.</p>
<p>After comparing himself to a mature, fruit-bearing olive tree, David then proclaims what that kind of life looks like. He takes a personal inventory and sees the evidence of God's power at work in his attitudes and actions. And while David praises God for His provision, we get a firsthand account of five spiritual keys which enabled him to pursue and maintain a godly life no matter what.</p>
<h4>Key #1: Acceptance of God's forgiveness.</h4>
<p>"I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God." Note that David says he is like a fruitful tree <em>in the house of God.</em> The temple wasn't built yet, so this could be a reference to the tabernacle, the place where repentant sinners came to acknowledge their sins and offer an animal sacrifice to symbolize the provision of God's grace through the forgiveness of sins. A godly life starts here, with the recognition of our rebellion against God and our need for His mercy. When we repent, God is more than willing to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). To live a God-pleasing life, David knew that he needed God's forgiveness, as evidenced by his writing of Psalms 32 and 51.</p>
<h4>Key #2: Faith in God's love.</h4>
<p>"I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever." David was a firm believer in the never failing, steadfast love of God. He had a confident conviction in God's unwavering commitment to His people. This faith was based on a profound understanding that God knows what is best for us. He can be trusted because He is trustworthy. We can rely on Him to take care of us through thick and thin, good times and bad. Just like us, David had plenty of both.</p>
<h4>Key #3: Praise for God's work.</h4>
<p>"I will praise you forever for what you have done." At any point in time, David could look back on his life and see what God had done for him. David recognized God as the ultimate source of all he had experienced in life, and he continued to worship God regardless of his circumstances. The beginning of verse 9 can also be translated, "I will thank you forever, because you have done it." David was a thankful man, filled with gratitude for the grace and mercy of God to him, an undeserving sinner.</p>
<h4>Key #4: Hope in God's goodness.</h4>
<p>"In your name I will hope, for your name is good." David was a man of hope. Because of the goodness of God, he had a positive outlook on the future. In Scripture, the word "hope" is not the wishful thinking that says, "I hope I win the lottery." Instead, it is the strong expectation and certain assurance that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28).</p>
<h4>Key #5: Fellowship with God's people.</h4>
<p>"I will praise you in the presence of your saints." David did not trust God in isolation from others. His faith and hope were bolstered by a close relationship with other believers. He lived for God with the people of God. This is one of the indispensable marks of genuine faith -- identification with and involvement in the church of Christ. The genuine Christian life is not a solo flight. It is lived out in the context of the local church -- the family of God, the household of faith.</p>
<h4>Reality Check</h4>
<p>As you reflect on these key characteristics of David's life, I urge you to take an inventory of your own life. How are you doing in each of these areas?</p>
<p><em>Do you regularly and genuinely confess and forsake your sins</em>, going to God directly to express heartfelt sorrow over your faults, as well as the need for God's power to overcome them? Then, while looking to the death of Jesus as the sole basis for God's forgiveness, you experience the sweet joy of reconciliation with your Savior.</p>
<p><em>Do you believe in the sovereign, never-changing love of God?</em> To increase that faith, it is essential that you spend much time in the Word, knowing that "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ" (Romans 10:17).</p>
<p><em>Do you offer praise and thanks to God for His work on your behalf?</em> A true Christian is increasingly enthralled by God's work of salvation on our behalf through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We never tire of hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ. It is sweeter than honey and more precious than gold!</p>
<p><em>Do you find hope in the goodness of God?</em> You do not have to travel far or spend much money to experience God's kindness. Simply open the Bible and you'll find evidence of His grace on every page. Then take a look at your own life and you'll see the same God extending that same grace to you.</p>
<p><em>Are you actively involved in a local church?</em> Do you enjoy spending time with God's people, worshipping Jesus together, serving Him together, and becoming increasingly like Him together? If not, something is amiss and you are outside the will of God.</p>
<p>By the grace of God and the strength provided by the Holy Spirit, every believer can flourish by living in the presence of God. May this be my experience, and yours as well.</p>

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Don’t date because of money

SDA JournalSermonAug 16, 2019

Dear sisters, if you have a man who loves you and cares about you with the little he has, appreciate it and be content with it. Stop getting into relationships because you have a lot of demands and wants and you want your man to take care of them all. You should stop making your man a goldmine or consider him as your father that he has to take care of everything of all his Daughter's Needs. Your man also has a life to live and his own demands to fulfill.
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In addition to that, also stop getting into relationships with high expectations. High expectations will kill you and you will get disappointed for nothing. If you are with someone and they are unable to provide everything you want yet you adore them, then find a job and cater for yourself. If you can’t find a job or you are handicapped then walk out of the relationship instead of cheating and find someone capable or an organization for disabled people to support you. Otherwise cease getting into relationships and marriages for wrong reasons.
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Money can’t buy love and happiness. If it did then rich people wouldn't have been single, they wouldn’t have been crying for love and they wouldn’t have been divorcing every now and then. Money just sustains life but it can’t complete everything!

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Husband and wives, stop wasting your time praying

SDA JournalSermonAug 3, 2019

Benson and his wife don't sit next to each other during Church services. Even when going to Church services, they go in different vehicles; and when they travel in the same car, it is usually a very quiet and uncomfortable ride. Benson... (read more)

Benson and his wife don't sit next to each other during Church services.

Even when going to Church services, they go in different vehicles; and when they travel in the same car, it is usually a very quiet and uncomfortable ride.

Benson sat at his usual spot in the Church service; the fourth line on the far left row. His wife sat on the center row.

The Pastor took to the podium.

*"Husbands, stop wasting your time praying"* the Pastor began.

The congregants got alarmed. No one expects to hear a pastor saying prayer is a waste of time.

I am not here to discourage you to pray, but to encourage you to pray right.

Husbands, stop wasting your time praying if you are not treating your wives well.

You come to church driving your expensive cars, giving your offerings and tithes, active in Church, some of you are Church leaders; but how are you treating your wife?

You may look good to us Church members, but it is your wife and children that know who you truly are" said the Pastor.

Benson turned to face his wife. She looked at him. Benson could see her eyes.

Her left eye swollen from the blow he gave her last week when she confronted him about his alcoholism, pornography use and mischievous behavior.

People couldn't tell she had a black eye because of the make up she had on, so well done.

The Pastor continued, "People have perfected the art of cover up. Here in Church, so many are hurting but you wouldn't know.

People come here wearing their nice clothes, shiny smiles, they are active in ministry but hurting a lot in their marriage.

"We have become numb and plastic, brushing things under the carpet. But today we shall heal; and shall address those wounds we hide."

The Pastor cleared his throat and continued, "Many of those who are hurting their spouses are using the church to hide.

They think that because they give offering s and tithes, because they make public prayers, because they read the Word or because they hold a Church leadership position that they are right with God. God is also interested in what you do in your marriage and in your family.

The Word says that when you treat your wife badly, it hinders your prayers. Men, you claim to be prayerful?

Hear this, "Your first ministry is your home. Stop trying to blackmail God with your service in Church yet you are mean and hurtful towards your spouse."

Many of the members of the congregation got restless and unsettled.

The Pastor continued, "Many of those who are being hurt by their spouse hide their pain and want to project an image that all is well to validate that they are blessed and in control.

Some of you are active in Church to run away from the pain in your marriages".

The congregation was silent. Some straightening their ties, others fidgeting with their Bibles, adjusting their sitting position.

This pastor was preaching truth and it was uncomfortable.

The Pastor continued, "The husbands are not the only ones guilty here... Wives, don't you know the Bible says when your husband found you he found good virtuous woman and you brought favour?

Then why are you the source of your husband's headache and stress? Have you been so toxic that you have turned your prayerful husband into a prayer-less one?

Do you make him regret marrying you because you bring more complications than he had before marrying you?

How you treat your husband can be a stumbling block in his walk with God or an environment that encourages growth.

Many of you wives married your individual husbands primarily because of their relationship with God, so why are you now destroying their relationship with God instead of celebrating and nurturing it?

Why are you being a burden to your husband emotionally, spiritually, socially, sexually and financially instead of being one who brings favour?"

Benson's wife looked at her husband. Benson looked at her, and she looked away.

The Pastor paused to drink his glass of water.

And he continued, "When I am thirsty, I drink a glass of water.

When your spouse gets thirsty, will you allow God to use you to bless your spouse?

You've been told many sermons that focus on you as an individual, that God will make you prosper as an individual.

I am here to tell you your blessings are tied to people, you are blessed to be a blessing to others. Our God is not an individualistic God.

Your blessing is tied to your marriage, your family. It's not about you; it is about Jesus and Jesus is about love.

What good is it to prosper and be successful when you have no love? It is all vanity.

God cares about your family, how you treat your spouse and children"

Silence. Silence. Silence...

"Yes, we pray. But what kind of prayers does your spouse pray because of you?

When your spouse prays, is it largely to cry to God because of the hurt you bring?

Is it to plead with God to change you from the monster you've become?

Is it to plead for grace to deal with how difficult you are? Or is to give thanks for you?"

Silence. Silence as grave yard

"Are you really prayerful? Do you really value prayer? What is prayer?

Then why is it that many of you find it easy to come to us pastors for us to pray with you as an individual, you find it is easy to pray in public, in a Church service or Bible study, but find it so hard to pray with your spouse?

Isn't that telling of what is going on in your marriage? Don't you know that the more you pray with your spouse the stronger your marriage will be?

But how can you find it easy to pray with a spouse you hurt or who hurts you?"

The Pastor paused and looked at the congregation. Eyes staring at him.

"I challenge you. I challenge you to pray with your spouse and to treat your spouse well.  You must save your home, your marriage, your love!

Husbands, you are the head of the home. I challenge you to stand up and go to where your wife is and pray with her as a start of a more prayerful chapter in your marriage.

Don't do it because I asked you to but because you want to. Your choice"

One by one, the husbands present stood up.

Benson stood up too.

Benson walked to where his wife was.

The face of Benson's wife overwhelmed with love, she looked on as her husband walked to her.

She almost stood up but he gave hand gestures at her to stay seated.

Benson reached where she sat. Their eyes met.

Benson knelt down. He stared at her then kissed her swollen left eye.

"I am sorry" he said.

"Can I pray with you?" He asked.

She got up from her seat and knelt down too.

There, on the floor as the Church service was still ongoing, husbands prayed with their wives.

Benson prayed kneeling with his wife.

They prayed for forgiveness, for thanksgiving, for love, for renewal, for peace, for direction; for their marriage.

Marriages were healed.

If You have been blessed by this message please share. You might just be saving a marriage at the verge of being broken.

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Living the Love Commandment: Christian Love in Action

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The Joyful Journey of Marriage

Three Main Signs of a True Christian

How to Flourish Like David: 5 Keys to Spiritual Growth

Don’t date because of money

Husband and wives, stop wasting your time praying

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