“Paul Takes the Gospel to Macedonia”.

The Topic of the Service of 28^th April 2013, at St. Margaret's UCZ Church was entitled: “Paul Takes the Gospel to Macedonia”.

Preacher: Mr  Lovemore Daka

Scripture Reading:   Psalm 67: 1–7

                                   Acts 16: 9 – 15

                                   John 14: 23 – 30

SERMON SUMMARY

As we pray and worship God it is important that we do it according to His plan. What God had planned for Adam and Eve he has planned for us as well. Man was created in the image of God.

Man must turn to God and is transformed from glory to glory.

St. Paul puts in 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Psalm 67: 1–7 tells us that we should God all the times.

” May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.

May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.” Psalm 67: ~ Verses 3 – 5

In Acts 16: 9 – 15 we read about Paul taking the Gospel to Macedonia, which had very few worshippers. Lydia was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. She was the first to be converted.

In John 14: 23 – 30 Jesus tells his disciples that he has to go but will sent them the Holy Spirit, who whom the Father will send in his name, and will teach them all things and  remind them  of everything he has said to them.

The Holy Spirit is the comforter the teacher that was going to make them understand the Word of God.

We Christians need to praise the Lord and be prayerful all the time. We can only get blessings if we remain truthful to God.

How are we going to take the Gospel to others as Paul did take it to Macedonia?

·         We need to be in God’s presence

·         We need to have knowledge of God.

·         We need to know God’s kindness.

Are we mindful of people who have not known God?

The church started with women and we should be mindful of this fact and honour them. Lydia was a merchant who responded to God’s calling. The ministry of the Holy Spirit will teach us of the thing of Jesus Christ and remind us of what needs to be done.

In Acts we see a vision of Paul who was called to go to Macedonia.  Proverbs 29:18 says "Where there is no vision the people perish".  Just as Lydia, who was a gentile like us before we knew Christ, we can respond to God’s calling.

After the resurrection of Jesus the disciples ‘eyes were opened.

What do we learn from this?  

No one is born a Christian but we are shaped and refined as we follow the footsteps of Jesus.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  (Hebrews 12:2)

Many people are tied to the things of this world such as drug abuse, rejection, lust, poverty. etc.,

As we do prayers of intercession let us untie these people from the shackles of these burdens. We should carry burdens of these people and not only of those of the brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us strengthen them as the Gardener strengthens the Tomato plant by tying it so that it will start to bear fruits.

The message of Christ is a bridge between Man and God. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and teacher. Just like it helped Paul to take the Gospel to Macedonia we should also take the message to others.

There is no need for us to be known or to have knowledge in order to preach the Word of God. Let the Holy Spirit rise up and be our comforter and teacher and then we shall sent the Gospel  to the whole world.

AMEN!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: (From the Church's Weekly Bulletin)

The Great Commission for every believer in Christ is to go out and proclaim Christ and demonstrate through what is said and what is lived.

For many, the Great Commission is about quoting scriptures, simply. But the Great Commission goes beyond that.  There is an aspect of you the propagator of the Gospel to keep the word of Christ as an expression of your true love and loyalty to Christ.

 

Yet many draw a line between propagating the Gospel and keeping His Word, (John 14:25-24).

 

As you begin this new week, consider your ways. The Commission is not all talk but both talk and demonstration.

AMEN!

“Jesus, The Giver of Eternal Life”

The Topic of the Service of 21^st April 2013, at St. Margaret's UCZ Church was entitled: “Jesus, The Giver of Eternal Life”.

Preacher: Mr B. Chirambo

Scripture Reading:   Psalm 23

                                    Acts 9: 36 – 43

                                    John 10: 22 - 30

SERMON SUMMARY

 If you were asked “Why are you a Christians?” what will be your answer? Today we are reflecting on who we are in the Kingdom of God.

What does the Bible say about eternal life and Christianity?

To be a Christian is not a mere formality.

The Bible in John 3: 16 says “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” and 2 Corinthians 5: 1 says “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

What Is Eternal Life?

From the beginning God has been there and his presence is everlasting.

·         Eternal life is a gift from God that is given to those  that believe in Him

·         The moment you totally surrender yourself to the Lord you are assured of eternal life.

·         Eternal life is knowing God.

Christianity is a total surrender to God so that we understand Him. When we understand Him we then know how we should live in relationship to Him. It is not by our own power but it is by the love of God that we can have eternal life.

In Psalm 23 King David says:-

 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

God is awesome who provides everything to us because He is available all the time. Psalm 23 tells us of the need to totally depend on God.

In Acts 9: 36 – 43 we read about Tabitha ((in Greek her name is Dorcas). She was a believer in God who was full of good works and helping the poor. She became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Peter was sent to raise her from the dead because her service was not completed.

What area is God requiring you to serve the community in which you live?

In John 10: 4 Jesus says his sheep follow him because they know his voice. Those who read his Word and mediate on it are those listening to his instructions and following them.

How many times have you read the Bible? Unlike other books, such as popular novels which are read once and put aside, the Bible is different in that the message is different whenever you read it.

How does God seeing you as a Christian? Are you seen as gossiper talking ill of others, etc.?  This is the position we should examine ourselves. What does Jesus know about us? How do you participate in servicing the community?

Eternal life starts now. It is doing the will of God. Be in his presence day in and day out and it should start now. Jesus walked on this earth in human form and he never departed from the presence of his Father.

What will you tell Jesus when he asks you, “Who are you?”. Jesus will say “I do not know you” if you never did the will of God.

Take part in projects like “Friends of Street Children”, etc. as much as we would like to our own needs there is more work out there in the community.

Jesus is the way and the light. We should hear his voice and walk in the way of his Father.

We should position ourselves in the Kingdom of God.

AMEN!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: (From the Church's Weekly Bulletin)

John 10:28

The promise of God is to give abundant life, life in full. Those that act in bad faith however, cannot be Christ’s Disciples and cannot receive this great promise.

Christ acknowledges those who obey his voice and they follow Him. He gives them the opportunity to experience life in every aspect of their being.

They begin to experience “Zoe-life”, the God-kind of life, and nothing remains the same.

They cannot help but exclaim “Hallelujah!”, “God is good”, “Thank you, lord”, each time they remember what God has done for them! They acknowledge that without God, they can do nothing!

The truth about abundant life cannot be over-emphasized.

Suffice to say, however, consider your ways as you begin this brand new week!

AMEN!

“The Conversion of Paul”.

The Topic of the Service of 14^th April 2013, at St. Margaret's UCZ Church was entitled: “The Conversion of Paul”.

Preacher: Mr O. W. Mwamba

Scripture Reading:  Jeremiah 1: 4 - 9

                                 Acts 9: 1 - 17

                                 John 21: 16 - 19

SERMON SUMMARY

Conversion means a change from one state to another. In spiritual terms it means a radical change from one belief to another.

Jeremiah was called by God at an age of 19. When God called Jeremiah to serve him, he gave an excuse that he was a mere child. However, God told him that he has made him a fortified pillar. God promised him his abiding presence.

In John 21: 16 – 19 Simon Peter was being restored of the pastoral service by Jesus, this is after denying him three times at the time of his crucifixion. (Read Mark 14: 66 -72 ).

In Acts 9 we read about the dramatic conversion of Paul, who was called Saul before his conversion.

Paul was a Jew who referred to himself as being "of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee.

While he was still fairly young, he was sent to Jerusalem and studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of his ancestors. He spoke three languages which included Hebrew, Latin and Greek.  He was also a citizen of Rome. He was therefore very proud and considered himself to be a class above others.

He was a Pharisee and a staunch supporter of Judaism. He was a violent persecutor of Christians who were considered to be members of a cult. Paul wanted to destroy Christianity.

He got letters of authority from Jerusalem to round up and arrest Christians in Damascus. On his way to Damascus he met the Lord Jesus and was converted. This was the turning point in his life. Never again was he was to be the old of himself again. Changing his name from Saul to Paul showed the significance of his transformation.

After the encounter with Jesus he was blind and could not do anything. He saw a vision to see Ananias who was going to restore his vision. At the same time Ananias saw a vision where he was instructed to meet Paul and restore his sight. Knowing the story of Paul about his violence on Christians, Ananias was reluctant to meet him but the Lord told him to obey the order. He told him that Paul was to suffer for the Lord. Paul was converted from an enemy to a servant of Jesus.

What we learn from the conversion of Paul is: -

1)    The Lord’s call.

God has an agenda for the world. He has been calling all types of people from different walks of life to do his work. When God calls he does not expect the one being called to give excuses as Jeremiah who gave the excuses of being a mere child and Moses who could not speak fluently because of stammering. God does not tolerate excuses from us.

2)    The Lord equips those He calls.

When the Lord calls you he will equip you and commission you for His work.

Paul was equipped with the Holy Spirit and so was Jeremiah. The two became giants of their times. One a great Apostle, one a great Prophet.

When you are called you become an instrument to fulfil His will. Paul’s conversion is very important for Christianity.

3)    The Lord’s abiding presence is assured.

The Lord says do not be afraid for I shall be with you till the end of the ages ( Matthew 28:20). He is there to give us support and guidance.

The questions you should, therefore, ask yourself are:-

1)    Have you responded to God’s call?

Most people fail to respond to God’s call because of pride.

2)    Are you determined to serve the Lord Jesus?

Paul faced many challenges but he was very committed to serve the Lord. He once said “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21. Serving the Lord has a reward and is never in vain.

3)    Are you willing to emulate Paul?

Paul was always looking ahead. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ~2 Timothy 4:7. We should commit ourselves to the Lord in expectation of everlasting life.

When you hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15).

Just as Paul obeyed we should also obey because he is calling us to something better.

AMEN!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: (From the Church's Weekly Bulletin)

This week’s thought is drawn from the Acts of the Apostles and particularly, Chapter 9.

The picture given about Saul is that of an angry and violent man enormously convinced of his own righteousness.

He expresses abhorrence (hatred) for the disciples of Jesus, verse 1-2, presents Saul as a man in his worst mood “Still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord...” We might say that Saul was decided against Jesus while Jesus decided for Saul.

In Galatians 1:13, Paul added more regarding his own background: “For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And l advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.”

But, suddenly a light shone around him from heaven and heard a voice: Somewhere outside of Damascus, this suddenly happened. This spectacular event must be regarded as unusual. God does not normally confront sinners with a heavenly light and an audible voice from heaven.

Right now as you are reading this thought, you could be stuck in similar circumstances; carrying an angry and violent temper against your spouse, your family, may be your subordinates or superiors at work, always breathing fire; no kind words for your wife or husband; in-laws; and the people around you; or even the Church leaders. Are you stuck in that abusive and domineering attitude towards your wife?

May be you consider yourself advanced in your cultural or religious traditions beyond many of your contemporaries and you are exceedingly zealous for these traditions at the expense of the righteousness of God.

I want you to know that there is coming a sudden light upon you but l cannot guarantee, if it is going to be a heavenly light or that of judgement. You may be privileged like Saul or you may not.

My plea to you this week is consider your ways and submit to the Lord while you still have time. Not much time of course but just enough for you to quickly make a decision and be the best you can ever be.

Blessed week!

AMEN!

“The Road to Emmaus”.

The Topic of the Service of 7^th April 2013, at St. Margaret's UCZ Church was entitled: “The Road to Emmaus”.

Preacher: Mr Kelvin Mufwambi

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 16: 1 - 11

                                    Acts 1: 1 - 5

                                    Luke 24: 1 - 11

NOTE:

The Unlimited Praise Team’s magazine called “Outreach Magazine” was launched by the Reverend Chipasha Musaba before the beginning of the service. Get yourself a copy at the Church for KR40.

SERMON SUMMARY

We are gathered here as witnesses of the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In our lives we have a lot of worries such as those regarding poverty, lack of shelter, poor health and unstable marriages, etc.

In a similar manner there was a lot of worry amongst the disciples after the death of Jesus. They were worried if, indeed, he would rise from the dead after three days as he had promised them.

Psalm 16: 10 is a prophetic uttering about the resurrection of Jesus. “Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”

Are you still wondering if indeed Jesus rose from the dead?  Isaiah 55:8 says “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.”

Those who crucified Jesus made sure that he will not rise again by sealing his Tomb with a big stone and putting a guard to watch the Tomb. Despite this, Jesus rose from the dead and the stone was rolled away without the guards knowing what was happening.

The disciples knew that Jesus will come back. However, they had fears and doubts about whether this was going to pass as he had promised them.

Whatever doubts you have in life Jesus will always come back to attend to your problems because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” ~ Hebrew 13:8

We are the living witnesses of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. If Jesus had not risen from the dead we would not have gathered here today to proclaim that.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the beginning of Christianity. If Christ had not been resurrected and seen by many people (more than 500), Christianity would not exist today. Jesus made twelve appearances after his resurrection:

1.       His first appearance was to Mary Magdalene, on that early Sunday morning. (Mark 16:9; John 20:10-18).

2.       Jesus appeared to the women returning from the tomb. (Matthew 28:9-10).

3.       Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-32; Mark 16:12-13).

4.       He appeared to Peter in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5).

5.       He appeared to his disciples and other followers, and also a second time to the two men from Emmaus, in a locked room in Jerusalem. The apostle Thomas wasn't there at that time. (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23).

6.       A week later, Jesus again appeared to his disciples behind locked doors, and this time Thomas was present. (John 20:24-29).

7.   Jesus appeared to seven of his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. (John 21:1-24).

8.   Jesus was seen by 500 believers at one time. (1 Corinthians 15:6).

9.   He appeared to James. (1 Corinthians 15:7).

10. He appeared to eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. (Matt. 28:18-20).

11. He walked with his disciples along the road to Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, and then  

       ascended into Heaven. (Luke 24:50-53).

12. He was seen by Paul on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8).

We need to bring people to understand the meaning of Christianity by prophesy. One cannot proclaim prophesy by writing it down. However, when you empty yourself God will reveal a lot of things to you.

The Bible says:” Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” ~ Revelation 2:17. Therefore demand your portion with Jesus today. When Jesus reveals himself to you, you become a new creature and will be called by a new name.  When you have a new name people will recognise you.

Let us have an encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ as the two men on the road to Emmaus.

Remember that whatever you do here on earth will follow you after your death.

AMEN!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: (From the Church's Weekly Bulletin)

The road to Emmaus is a common path for most Christians. It is a place of self-acclaimed awareness of Christ’s mission and what ought to be done by His Church; a place of confused understanding about the Christ and unacknowledged inability to recognise the Christ.

Imagine how Cleopas responded to the Christ saying, “Are you the only visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he and his Friend went on to recount the events that had taken place, (Luke 24: 18-24). Recounting them to whom? They were telling them to Jesus, the Christ.

Would you have done better than him, yourself, or are you doing any better? Can you imagine how many people are telling others about the Christ, when on the other hand; they themselves have failed to recognise Him? It is shocking to find people in Church who cannot even recognise the one by whom they are named. Be careful!

As you begin this new week, make it a point to remove your name from the list of those who claim to follow Jesus and yet they cannot recognise Him.

AMEN!