by Onovae Akpoesiri | Nov 5, 2023 | world Church
Would you like to be a witness for Jesus? I invite you to take a few moments during this 2023 Week of Prayer and ask the Lord what He would have you do to share His love with others as a faithful witness. Maranatha!
First Sabbath
Abraham as a Witness: Leading by example
Sunday
Witnessing in Times of Personal Trouble: Learning from Joseph
Monday
True and False Witness: The little maid and Gehazi
Tuesday
Witnessing in the Court of Kings: Daniel as a witness
Wednesday
The Unlikely Witness: The Samaritan woman
Thursday
Witnessing in Death: The impact of Tabitha’s death
Friday
The Witness of Two: Aquila and Priscilla, the witness of fellow workers
Second Sabbath
Even Unto Death: The witness of the apostle Paul
Link to 2022 week of prayer
2023 adult Week of Prayer readings is a collaborative team effort of the Adventist Review and the Adventist world family.
For children week of prayer material
Ye Shall Receive Power- Ted Wilson
Imagine with me a small group of disciples assembled in Jerusalem, waiting anxiously to hear Jesus’ last words before His ascension. Clinging to every word, they listened as He gave specific instructions on what they should do upon receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. He clarified that it wasn’t an earthly kingdom He had come to establish, but that they, as His followers, had a special part to play in preparing people for another kingdom—a heavenly one. He said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). These disciples, who had been instructed by Jesus Himself, were called to witness for Him and prepare people to accept the message of salvation.
God is still instructing through His Word and is still calling today. He desires those who see their need of His transforming power; who humble themselves and seek Him in prayer; who, following in Jesus’ footsteps, show dignity and respect to all people; who are willing to share Revelation’s sometimes-unpopular warning of the three angels’ messages; and who empty themselves to be filled with the Spirit’s grace and freedom.
In the following pages you’ll read stories of biblical characters who were mighty witnesses for Christ in a variety of situations: Joseph, who witnessed despite personal struggles; the young maid who witnessed to her master in a foreign land; Daniel, who witnessed to powerful earthly rulers; and others who shared in their own sphere of influence. We are told, “The words of Christ just before His ascension to heaven mean much to everyone who shall accept the truth as it is in Jesus. . . . All the followers of Christ are to be witnesses for Him. Everyone who receives the precious treasure of truth is to impart of the same to others”
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Oct 23, 2023 | world Church
The electronic Week of Prayer (eWOP) is held on the second week of November. It happens on Facebook via the GC Youth Ministries page (https://www.facebook.com/GCYouthMinistries/). However, the videos can also be retrieved from the GC Youth Ministries account on YouTube.
We live in a defined circle of influence. This ‘circle’ is a social, relational, or even interpersonal space which penetrates every area of our lives. The eWeek of Prayer will look at how Christ’s love for us should impact or guide our love for others and decisively affect our circles of influence.
Day 1 – Christ’s sacrificial love
Impacting Your Circle of Influence
Key text: John 15:3
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
Day 2 – Love – an extension of thankfulness!
Campus Ministry service through love.
Key text: 1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Day 3 – Love – the heart of true forgiveness
Love and Friendships
Key Texts: 1 Corinthians 16:14, Do everything in love.
Luke 10:29, But the man wanted to show that the way he was living was right. So he said to Jesus, “But who is my neighbour?”
Day 4 – Love – A component of trust
Loving our workmates
Key text: Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. They know that the Lord will do what he says.
They will be strong like trees planted near a stream that send out roots to the water. And they have nothing to fear when the days get hot. Their leaves are always green. They never worry, even in a year that has no rain. They always produce fruit.
Day 5 – Love – An act of obedience
Loving our family members
Key text: James 1:22-25 22 Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. 23 Hearing God’s teaching and doing nothing is like looking at your face in the mirror 24 and doing nothing about what you saw. You go away and immediately forget how bad you looked. 25 But when you look into God’s perfect law that sets people free, pay attention to it. If you do what it says, you will have God’s blessing. Never just listen to his teaching and forget what you heard.
Day 6 – Love – The highest form of worship
Key Text: 1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel answered, “Which pleases the LORD more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obeying his commands? It is better to obey the LORD than to offer sacrifices to him. It is better to listen to him than to offer the fat from rams.
eWeek of Prayer
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Oct 20, 2023 | Sermon
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, I want to talk to you about something important but often forgotten in our busy and loud world. It’s about being quiet and still, especially when life is noisy and full of things to do. As people who believe in God, taking time for quiet and stillness is vital. It helps us get closer to God and take care of our inner selves.
Let’s turn to the Bible to find guidance on this important practice:
1. Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse reminds us of the divine call to be still and recognize the presence of God in our lives. In the midst of our hectic lives, we often forget to pause and be aware of God’s sovereignty.
2. Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
Jesus himself exemplified the importance of finding a solitary place for prayer and communion with God. He knew that silence and stillness were vital for his spiritual well-being.
3. 1 Kings 19:11-12
And He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, the sound of a low whisper.”
Also: Overcoming Self-Doubt: Trusting in God’s Plan
Elijah experienced the presence of the Lord not in the spectacular displays of nature but in the gentle whisper of God. This illustrates that sometimes God’s voice is heard in the silence, not in the noise and chaos of life.
So, why is the spiritual practice of silence and stillness so essential for our faith journey?
- Listening to God: In silence, we open our hearts and minds to hear God’s gentle whispers. We can discern His will and receive His guidance.
- Spiritual Refreshment: Just as our bodies need rest, our spirits need refreshment through stillness. It revitalizes our faith and strengthens our relationship with God.
- Inner Peace: Silence and stillness bring inner peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding, as mentioned in Philippians 4:7.
- Detox from the World: In silence, we can detach from the noise and distractions of the world and focus on what truly matters.
Incorporating the practice of silence and stillness into our lives is not always easy in our fast-paced world. But just as athletes train to excel in their sports, we need to train in the spiritual discipline of stillness. Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to be in silence before God. You can do this through prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in His presence.
In conclusion, let us remember the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 62:1:
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.”
May we find the strength and wisdom to make the spiritual practice of silence and stillness an integral part of our faith journey. In these moments, we draw closer to God and experience His presence in a profound and transformative way.
May the grace of the Lord be with you as you embark on this journey of spiritual stillness and silence. Amen.
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Oct 18, 2023 | Sermon
Introduction
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I am deeply humbled to stand before you today to discuss a topic that has touched the hearts and minds of believers throughout history. The theme of our sermon today is “Overcoming Self-Doubt: Trusting in God’s Plan.” Self-doubt is a common human experience that can cripple our faith, hinder our growth, and obstruct God’s intended path for our lives. But, through a deep understanding of the Word of God, we can find the strength to overcome self-doubt and trust in His divine plan for us.
As we embark on this spiritual journey, let us begin by turning our hearts and minds to the Holy Scriptures, where we will find guidance, comfort, and inspiration to overcome self-doubt and embrace God’s plan for our lives.
I. The Nature of Self-Doubt
A. Self-Doubt’s Origin
Self-doubt often finds its roots in our human limitations and the influence of the world. In the book of Genesis, we read about Adam and Eve’s doubt in God’s goodness, leading them to disobey His command in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-6). Their doubt gave birth to sin, and it has plagued humanity ever since.
B. The Consequences of Self-Doubt
Self-doubt can manifest in various ways, such as fear, anxiety, and a lack of confidence. It hinders our spiritual growth, limits our potential, and keeps us from living out God’s plan for our lives. The Apostle Paul describes this inner struggle in Romans 7:19-24, highlighting the human conflict between the desire to do good and the presence of sin and doubt within us.
II. God’s Assurance in His Word
A. God’s Unchanging Promises
Despite our self-doubt, God’s Word provides unwavering assurances of His love, care, and faithfulness. Psalm 34:17-18 reminds us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. In the face of our doubts, God offers a stable foundation upon which we can build our faith.
B. God’s Plan and Purpose
In Jeremiah 29:11, we find a promise that has brought hope to countless believers: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse emphasizes that God’s plan for us is one of hope and purpose, even when we doubt our own abilities.
III. Overcoming Self-Doubt through Faith
A. The Power of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the antidote to self-doubt, for it allows us to trust in God’s plan even when we cannot see it clearly. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus teaches that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.
B. Replacing Doubt with Confidence
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” We must replace our self-doubt with confidence in God’s strength working through us. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
IV. Learning from Biblical Figures
A. Moses: A Reluctant Leader
Moses, one of the most significant figures in the Bible, initially doubted his ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:11). However, with God’s guidance and support, he overcame his self-doubt and fulfilled his purpose, leading God’s people to freedom.
B. Gideon: An Unlikely Hero
Gideon, in Judges 6:15, questioned God’s choice when called to save Israel from oppression. But as he trusted God, he went on to lead the Israelites to victory, demonstrating that God can use even the most unlikely of individuals for His plan.
C. David: A Man After God’s Heart
Also- Sermon II: Living a Life of Integrity: Honesty and Character
King David, despite his many flaws and failures, held steadfast in his trust in God. In 1 Samuel 17, when he faced the giant Goliath, he overcame self-doubt with faith in God’s strength, proving that God can transform ordinary people into extraordinary vessels of His plan.
V. Practical Steps to Overcoming Self-Doubt
A. Prayer and Meditation
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer and meditation on God’s Word provide the foundation for overcoming self-doubt.
B. Surrounding Ourselves with a Supportive Community
Proverbs 27:17 teaches that “iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” In moments of self-doubt, a supportive Christian community can uplift and encourage us, helping us to trust in God’s plan for our lives.
C. Taking Steps of Faith
As James 2:17 reminds us, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” When we doubt, we can demonstrate our faith by taking small steps towards God’s plan. As we see God’s faithfulness, our self-doubt will diminish.
VI. God’s Plan is Perfect
God’s plan for each of us is uniquely designed to fulfill His purpose and bring Him glory. Even in moments of self-doubt, we must remember that God is in control, and His plan is perfect. Proverbs 16:9 states, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Our doubts do not hinder His purpose; they merely challenge us to trust more deeply.
VII. Conclusion
In closing, overcoming self-doubt and trusting in God’s plan for our lives is a journey that all believers undertake. Our faith is tested, but it can grow stronger through our struggles with doubt. As we align our hearts and minds with God’s Word, we find comfort and reassurance in His promises. We can look to biblical figures like Moses, Gideon, and David, who, despite their self-doubt, fulfilled God’s purpose.
Sermon: Fostering Hope in Times of Despair
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Sep 28, 2023 | Mission Story
Want to get more out of this quarter’s Mission quarterly? Read it together with the Adult Bible Study Guide. The Adult Bible Study Guide has a special focus on mission in fourth quarter 2023. The Bible lessons were written by the directors of the Global Mission study centers (globalmissioncenters.org), which are part of Adventist Mission, the same General Conference entity that produces the Mission quarterly. A key element of each week’s Bible study is explored in the Story Tips sidebar that accompanies each week’s mission story.
Feature
This quarter, we feature the West-Central Africa Division, which oversees the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s work in 22 countries: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The region is home to 472 million people, including 889,196 Adventists. That’s a ratio of one Adventist for 531 people. This quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will go toward mission projects in Cameroon and Ghana.
Projects
In Cameroon, the funds will help open a bilingual English/ French elementary school in Bandjoun. Church leaders told me that quality education is in high demand in Cameroon,
especially international schools with classes in English and French, and the new school
promises to fill an important niche. “Adventist education is valued here,” Isaac Yenge, executive secretary of the Cameroon Union Mission, said during a tour of two Adventist schools, each with about 3,700 students, in the capital, Yaoundé. This quarter’s other mission project is in Ghana, where the Seventh-day Adventist Nursing and Midwifery Training College
will receive funds to expand with new classrooms and dormitories. The college opened with only 22 students in 2015 and has 770 students today. Demand is high, and the school lacks the capacity to admit additional students. This is a real mission school, where only 30 percent of
the students are Adventists. A number of students join the church every year. Read
about three nursing students whom I met at the college, including a woman nicknamed
“Madam Anatomy,” on pages 16, 22, and 24. Youth and Adult Mission story
Sabbath School Lesson For Adult, 4th Quarter 2023 (PDF)
