by Onovae Akpoesiri | Sep 28, 2023 | world Church
Imagine you’re a parent saying goodbye to your children, knowing you won’t see them again until Heaven. What would you tell them that matters most?
Jesus faced a similar situation when He was about to go back to Heaven after His crucifixion. What was the main thing He wanted to say to His followers? When we read His last words and advice in the Bible (in John 15-17), we find some important ideas coming up again and again: He wanted His early church to be united, loving, and to connect with God through prayer. Jesus really wanted His followers to work together with a common purpose. Today, when the world, our countries, and our church may seem very divided, we also need to follow Jesus’ advice. We need to ask God’s Spirit to help us come together for a shared mission. This might feel impossible given our human limitations, but that’s why we need to pray more than ever for God’s help in bringing people back together.
We invite you to pray on your own in private. We also invite you to pray with your local church group. And we suggest you take part in a worldwide initiative called Revival and Reformation, especially on the Quarterly Day of Prayer and Fasting. On that day, you might choose to fast, which means not eating for a while, so you have more time to pray and think clearly. You could skip desserts, stay away from social media, or eat less meat for a bit.
Back in 1904, a person named Ellen G. White said something important: “From now on, until the end of time, God’s people should be more serious and alert. They shouldn’t trust only in their own wisdom but in the wisdom of their leader. They should set aside certain days for fasting and praying.”
As you decide to focus more on prayer, remember that God will bless you and give you strength for the tough times ahead.
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Sep 28, 2023 | Sabbath School
This quarter’s Sabbath School lesson offers an opportunity to look into the teachings of the Bible, aiming to provide valuable insights for our spiritual development. It’s not just a study session but also a time for fellowship and community building.
Through engaging discussions and sharing perspectives, participants can learn from one another and collectively strengthen their faith journey. The lessons will explore timeless truths and practical guidance from the Bible, encouraging personal reflection, group discussions, and practical applications.
The goal is to approach these lessons with open hearts and minds, ready for transformation. Sabbath School fosters a safe and supportive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. Together, participants embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and spiritual enrichment, seeking to apply God’s Word in meaningful ways to their lives.
Link to Sabbath School 2023 Previous lesson
Sabbath School Lesson 4th Quarter 2023
Title: God’s Mission My Mission
Contents and Introduction:
Lesson 1 – God’s Mission to Us: Part 1: September 30—October 6, 2023
Memory Text:
“Then the Lord God called Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ ” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV).
Lesson 2 – God’s Mission to Us: Part 2: October 7–13, 2023
Memory Text:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, NKJV).
Lesson 3 – God’s Call to Mission: October 14–20, 2023
Memory Text:
“But 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, NKJV).
Lesson 4 – Sharing God’s Mission: October 21–27, 2023
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35, NKJV).
Lesson 5 – Excuses to Avoid Mission: October 28–November 3, 2023
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me’ ” (Isaiah 6:8, NKJV)
Lesson 6 – Motivation and Preparation for Mission: November 4–10, 2023
Memory Text:
“ ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me’ ” (Luke 24:44, NKJV).
Lesson 7 – Mission to my Neigbour: November 11–17, 2023
Memory Text:
“He answered, ‘ “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”; and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ’ ” (Luke 10:27, NIV).
Lesson 8 – Mission to the Needy: November 18–24, 2023
Memory Text:
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ ” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV).
Lesson 9 – Mission to the Powerful: November 18–24, 2023
Memory Text:
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NKJV)
Lesson 10 – Mission to the Unreached Part 1: December 2–8, 2023
Memory Text:
“ ‘The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands’ ” (Acts 17:24, NIV).
Lesson 11 – Lesson 10 – Mission to the Unreached Part 2 : December 9–15, 2023
“Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28, NKJV).
Lesson 12 – Esther and Mordecai: December 16–22, 2023
Memory Text:
“ ‘I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth’ ” (Isa. 49:6, NRSV).
Lesson 13 -The End of God’s Mission: December 23–29, 2023
Memory Text:
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God . . . ?” (2 Peter 3:11, 12, NKJV).
Sabbath School 2023
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Sep 5, 2023 | Sermon
Introduction:
Hello dear friends and members of our faith community. Today, we gather to reflect upon a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey – living a life of integrity. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, maintaining our honesty and character can be challenging. However, as Christians, we are called to be beacons of light, embodying the values taught to us through the Word of God. Today, we will look into the importance of honesty and character in our lives, drawing inspiration from various Bible references.
I. The Foundation of Honesty:
A. Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
B. Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
- Honesty is a cornerstone of our faith. It’s not just about speaking the truth but living it out in every aspect of our lives.
- God delights in those who are trustworthy because they reflect His own nature.
II. The Power of Character:
A. Psalm 15:1-2 – “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.”
- Our character is a reflection of our relationship with God.
- Living righteously and speaking truth from the heart is what allows us to dwell in God’s presence.
III. Facing Challenges to Integrity:
A. Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
B. 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
- Challenges to our integrity will arise, both internal and external.
- Our integrity guides and protects us, but we must remain vigilant against the enemy’s temptations.
IV. The Blessings of Integrity:
A. Psalm 84:11 – “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
B. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Living a life of integrity brings blessings from the Lord.
- Trusting in God and submitting to His ways is the path to a life of honesty and character.
V. Being an Example to Others:
A. Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- Our integrity is a witness to the world.
- By living honestly and with character, we can lead others to glorify God.
Conclusion:
As we conclude today’s sermon, let us remember that living a life of integrity, marked by honesty and character, is not always easy, but it is a divine calling. The Bible has provided us with guidance, reminding us of the importance of truthfulness and righteous living. In a world that often values deceit and compromise, let us be the shining examples of God’s love and righteousness. May we continually strive to live out the values of honesty and character, trusting in the Lord to guide our steps and bless our endeavors. As we do so, we will not only draw closer to God but also inspire those around us to seek His grace and goodness. Amen.
Sermon I: Living a Life of Integrity: Honesty and Character
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Sep 3, 2023 | Sabbath School
Sabbath School Guest Day is a special event in Seventh-day Adventist church. It’s an opportunity to invite friends, family, and community members to experience the fellowship and spiritual growth that Sabbath School offers. Here’s a suggested program for Sabbath School Guest Day:
Theme: “Get a suitable theme”
1. Welcome and Registration (15 minutes)
- Set up a registration table with name tags and welcome packets for guests.
- Greeters should warmly welcome attendees as they arrive and assist with registration.
This is the first point of contact for guests. Set up a registration table with friendly volunteers who can assist guests in signing in, provide them with name tags, and hand out welcome packets. These welcome packets may include information about the church, the day’s program, and a small gift to make guests feel appreciated.
2. Opening Song and Prayer (10 minutes)
- Start the program with an uplifting hymn and an opening prayer.
Start the program with a joyous and spiritually uplifting hymn to set the mood. Follow it with an opening prayer to invoke God’s presence and blessings on the gathering.
3. Icebreaker Activity (15 minutes)
- Conduct an icebreaker activity to help everyone get to know each other. You can use simple games or discussion questions related to the theme.
Icebreakers are crucial to help break the initial awkwardness and encourage interaction among attendees.
4. Sabbath School Lesson (30 minutes)
- Begin the regular Sabbath School lesson study. Choose a lesson that is engaging and relevant to newcomers.
Conduct the regular Sabbath School lesson study during this time. Choose a lesson that is not overly complex and is suitable for newcomers. Encourage active participation and discussion.
5. Testimonials (15 minutes)
- Invite members to share brief personal testimonies about how Sabbath School has impacted their spiritual journey.
Members can share brief stories of their spiritual growth and how being part of Sabbath School has contributed to their faith journey. Personal testimonies can be very powerful and relatable for guests.
6. Special Music or Choir Performance (10 minutes)
- Include a musical performance or a choir presentation to add a touch of inspiration to the program.
A musical performance, solo, or choir presentation adds a spiritual dimension to the program. Choose songs that resonate with the theme and inspire worship.
7. Guest Speaker (20-30 minutes)
- Invite a guest speaker or a respected member of the church to deliver a short sermon or inspirational talk. Focus on the theme of building connections with God and others.
Inviting a guest speaker, such as a pastor or experienced church member, can provide fresh insights and perspectives. The speaker should tie their message into the theme of building stronger connections with God and each other
8. Sabbath School Resources (10 minutes)
- Briefly introduce newcomers to available Sabbath School resources, such as study guides, online materials, and discussion groups.
Briefly introduce newcomers to the available Sabbath School resources. Explain how to access study guides, online materials, and how to join or form Sabbath School discussion groups.
9. Q&A Session (15 minutes)
- Open the floor for questions and answers. Encourage guests to ask questions about the Sabbath School program and its relevance to their spiritual journey.
Open the floor for questions. Allow guests to ask about anything related to the Sabbath School program, church activities, or spirituality in general. Be prepared to provide informative and reassuring answers.
10. Closing Song and Benediction (10 minutes)
- Conclude the program with a meaningful hymn and a closing prayer.
Conclude the program with a spiritually uplifting hymn that reinforces the theme. Offer a closing prayer to send everyone off with a sense of peace and blessing.
11. Fellowship and Refreshments (30 minutes)
- Provide light refreshments and encourage attendees to mingle and get to know each other better.
After the formal program, provide light refreshments. Encourage guests to interact with church members in a relaxed setting. This fellowship time can help build connections.
12. Information Booth (Ongoing)
- Set up an information booth where guests can learn more about the church, upcoming events, and how to get involved.
Set up an information booth or table where guests can learn more about the church, its ministries, upcoming events, and how to get involved. Volunteers should be available to answer questions.
13. Follow-Up Plan (Ongoing)
- Develop a follow-up plan to stay connected with the guests after the event. This could include sending thank-you notes, inviting them to future Sabbath School classes, or connecting them with church members who share their interests.
Have a strategy in place to follow up with guests after the event. This could include sending thank-you notes for attending, inviting them to upcoming events, connecting them with members who share their interests or spiritual journey, and providing contact information for further inquiries.
Remember to make guests feel welcome and valued throughout the program. Encourage members to engage with newcomers and foster a sense of community. Additionally, adapt the program to suit the size and preferences of your congregation.
Sabbath School Guest Day Program
Sabbath School Quarterly Lessons for Adult (Download PDF)
by Onovae Akpoesiri | Aug 28, 2023 | world Church
Family Togetherness Week of Prayer is scheduled during the first week of September, beginning with the first Sunday and ending on the following Sabbath with Family Togetherness Day of Prayer. Family Togetherness Week of Prayer and Family Togetherness Day of Prayer highlight celebrating families and the church as a family.
Together, we set aside time to show respect and acknowledge God as the guiding force in our lives and our household. This shared experience strengthens our connections and brings us closer to God. Each family has the freedom to shape their family worship, including the methods and tools they use. This might involve reading the Bible, singing, and praying as a family. The ways to engage in family worship are as diverse as families themselves. Since each family is unique, the family altar can be customized accordingly. The constant factor is directing our attention toward God, who is the Creator and Sustainer of humanity.
Family Togetherness Week of Prayer – September 3-9, 2023 (Download Material)
