Posts by Admin

CENTRAL THOUGHT There is no crown without a cross.   Text: Hebrews 12:1-15   Introduction: The cross was an object of shame and ridicule. It was meant for the worst and vilest criminals in the then Roman empire. The cross did not just involve physical pain and torture, but also mental and emotional pain and anguish which were thrust by vile and sinful men on the Lord Jesus Christ- a man who knew no sin. Despite all the ugly connotations that went with the cross, the Lord Jesus willingly endured the cross, and put aside its shame and ridicule. As Matthew Henry’s commentary beautifully puts it, “he was infinitely about them (the reproaches that were thrown at him); he knew his own innocence and excellency, and despised the ignorance and malice of his despisers”. The Lord Jesus went the full ordeal of the cross because He was propelled and motivated by the vision of the joy that would follow- the redemption of the whole human race from the power of sin and bondage to the devil. It is this motivation and drive that should be an example for all who follow Him. He not only taught us but also gave us an exemplary path to follow. What many of...

CENTRAL THOUGHT Only Christians can season and give light to the world, thereby making it more habitable.   Text: Matthew 5:13-16   INTRODUCTION This lesson draws inspiration from two all too common features of our existence. They are salt and light. Though only a minute fraction of the world’s population understands their chemical and physical composition and characteristics, all humans have need of them. Salt is a commodity, while light is a form of energy. According to Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia, salt was so valuable in ancient times that it was used for money. In-fact our modern word salary is derived from it. The Latin word salarium means “salt money” and referred to the allowance of salt that was paid to Roman soldiers. “Salt is valuable as a preservative and it is essential to the health of humans and animals. Light on the other hand, is not a commodity that is tangible to the sense of touch but a form of energy like fire, wind, etc. Though it cannot be handled, humans, animals, and plants cannot do without light for a sustained period of time. Its use for plant growth via the process of photosynthesis, and our dependence on plants for our existence underscores the importance of light. It is...

CENTRAL THOUGHT Being alive in the Spirit is a life lived in obedience to the Holy Spirit.   Text: Romans 8:1-17, 12:9-12, Galatians 5:16-18   Introduction: There is a life in the Spirit which is unmistakably different from the life in the flesh. It is a life of faith and absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance and His leading. Being alive in the Spirit means that we are in continual and uninterrupted fellowship with the Lord. Being alive in the Spirit does not mean that we are always speaking in tongues, but tongues helps to boost the life in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2). It does not necessarily mean jumping frantically in every worship service, but that could well be a part of it if it is done from a deep love for the Lord. Being alive in the Spirit is motivated by a deep love for God. It is motivated by a desire to live to honor the Lord and to please Him. There are some external manifestations of being alive in the Spirit which involves being zealous to share the gospel, giving Christian service in the local body of believers, yearning always to be in the will of God, and living in holiness. It is...