𝐃𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐒𝐈𝐒. 𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐖𝐀𝐉𝐈 𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐘𝐄

 

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 23𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐯.2025

𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: 𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Text: Revelation 2:5

The “first love” refers to an early stage of a relationship. It represents the zeal and love we had for God when we first encountered Him. When we look at the Scripture, the church in Ephesus was a set of people who were genuinely saved, Spirit‑filled, and committed to the work of God, but despite all of this, they lost their first love. And Jesus was calling their attention to this here. This warning serves as a wake‑up call for us to re‑examine our spiritual lives and prioritize our relationship with God.

Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the Kingdom of God…

Life can be funny at times; most times we find ourselves losing sight of what is truly important. We get entangled in our daily routines, our work, relationships, and ambitions, leaving our spiritual lives to wither away. Like the Gen Z of nowadays are fond of doing this…

When we wake up in the morning, the first thing we do is take our phones to check if we have messages or calls, maybe respond to a few messages before we remember to have our quiet time, and even skip that and set off for the day. God is telling us that what we think does not matter, matters to Him. God wants to communicate with us, dialogue, and have a father‑to‑child relationship with us.

The question is: Have you forsaken your first love?

Losing our first love does not mean we have lost our salvation, but it is about losing the passion and the joy that come from walking closely with God.

I want to digress a bit: we are talking about not forsaking your first love, maybe you are here and you have not even accepted this unconditional love (Jesus) into your life; this is your time. God said I should tell you that your life matters to Him. He wants you to retrace your steps back to Him.

Are you one of those who committed sin because you have seen it as part of your daily activities? You derive joy in it, but God is telling you today that what you count or see as nothing matters to Him

God is looking for worshippers who will constantly commune and fellowship with Him, not those who will come to His presence to lift up clean hands because of what they need from Him.

God is looking for those who will stand in gap for lost souls, bringing them into light and truth.

HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE LOST MY FIRST LOVE

- When our obedience to God becomes a mere routine, when convenience and personal gain overshadow obedience to God, we make excuses for our actions. We get busy; our priorities shift and our love for God grows cold.

- The work of the flesh – when selfish desires dominate our lives, we do the things of the flesh rather than the truth of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22‑24).

DANGERS OF LOSING OUR FIRST LOVE

1. Unfruitfulness – John 15:4.

2. Discouragement and substitution.

Do you know that God may give you a vision, give you the plans and ways to carry them out, but due to fear, lack of focus or faith, you fail to carry them out? Don’t be shocked seeing another person fulfilling that purpose, not because God does not love you, but because His work must continue. The good news is that He does not want that for you, which is why He is bringing this word to us at this time.

It is my prayer that you and I will not be abandoned vessels.

Failing to fulfill God’s purpose – One of the purposes of God is that His Kingdom be established and expanded. How do we do that? By preaching His Word (Acts 1:8). God is looking for believers who will break ground for Him in every sector they find themselves in. He wants us to fulfill this purpose and not miss out on the blessings that await us.

HOW DO I REDISCOVER MY FIRST LOVE

1. Repentance - Turn away from sin and go back to God.

2. Prayer – Seek God with all your heart and ask Him to restore your passion for Him.

3. Return to your first love – Serve God with all your heart, with love and zeal; prioritize your relationship with God. Make God your utmost priority.

Do not allow distractions to cause you to forsake your first love.

Illustration: There was this weekend my nephew was playing with a sack bag; he dipped his leg inside the bag and was running around with it. Then I remembered the sack race from secondary school days—most of us will remember that race. The sack on its own is an obstacle in running the race. In the course of running the race, many fell. Some were ashamed to continue because they thought winning was no longer possible, while others were not ashamed to move forward because they had a focus: the focus of winning the race. A leading runner does not look back until he/she reaches the finish line.

One of the reasons why some carriers of great potential fail to achieve certain things in life is because they lack focus. Distraction hinders a man from being great. You cannot afford to forsake your first love (Jesus) because your generation is waiting for your manifestation.

Don’t be a quitter; run the race, fixing your gaze on Jesus. He awaits you to finish the race so that He can reward you.

It is time to arise from your slumber, give priority to your life by fixing your gaze on Jesus. And if you are yet to give your life to Jesus, this is the time. Pray that God should have mercy on you, confess Him as your personal Lord and Savior, and He is ever ready to receive you.

Prayer: Father, give us the grace to prioritize You and Your love above all in Jesus name (Amen).

#𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐎 𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐆𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀!!

 

𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝑶𝒍𝒖𝒈𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂 (𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑷)

Topic: UNDERSTANDING THE LOVE OF GOD

Text: Revelation 2:1–5; 1 John 4:19

Preacher:  Pastor Adebayo Olugbenga (PiCP)

The foundation of every believer’s salvation experience rests upon the love of God. There is no redemption story without His initiating love for humanity. In ourselves, we lack the ability to love God until we have first received and experienced His love.

John 3:16 declares that eternal life itself is built upon the love of God for mankind, while 1 John 4:19 affirms, “We love Him because He first loved us.” Therefore, our love for God is not self-generated, it is a response to the love He first demonstrated through Christ Jesus. It is therefore crucial that every believer seeks to understand the love of God, for only then can we respond to it in the right way.

The Nature of God’s Love

i. God’s very nature is love: Love is not merely an attribute of God, it is His essence (1 John 4:8). Everything He does flows from this nature of love.

ii. God’s love for humanity is everlasting: “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). His love never ceases, because He created us in His image and for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11). Out of this love, He continually extends mercy and salvation to all who will receive Him (Psalm 136:1–3).

iii. God’s love is His greatest strategy for winning humanity: Through love, He draws men to Himself (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10). We could not reach out to God in our sin, so He reached out to us through His love.

iv. God’s love is sacrificial: Love gives. God proved His love by giving His only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16–18; Romans 5:8). True love expresses itself in action, and Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate demonstration of that love.

v. God’s love is assuring: His love casts out fear (1 John 4:17–18). If God did not withhold His Son, then we can rest assured that He will also freely give us all other things pertaining to life and godliness (Romans 8:31–39).

vi. The benefits of God’s love are experienced through salvation: Only those who receive Christ by faith can fully enjoy the blessings of God’s love; peace, provision, and protection (Romans 8:37; Psalm 103:17).

How do we respond to the Love of God

God has already demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to redeem us from sin, destruction, and eternal separation. The right response is to receive His love, grow in it, and live by it. We express our love for God through faith, obedience, and service.

i. Believe in His Love – (John 3:16; Romans 5:1–5):  Our first response is faith, believing in the finished work of Christ. Salvation begins when we accept His love by trusting in Jesus.

ii. Know and Understand His Love: (2 Timothy 1:7): Paul prayed that believers would comprehend the depth, length, and height of God’s love. Understanding His love brings confidence, boldness, and a sense of completeness in Him (1 John 4:17–18).

iii. Praise and Thank Him for His Love: Gratitude is a natural response to love. As we recognize His goodness, we are called to praise and thank Him continually for salvation, deliverance, provision, and protection.

iv. Imitate and Walk in His Love: (1 John 4:11; John 13:34): Love must be lived out. We are called to reflect God’s sacrificial love by showing compassion, forgiving others, and serving selflessly, even when it costs us (Ephesians 4:31–32).

v. Tell Others About His Love: The great commission is the extension of the love of God to others. We are ambassadors of His message, urging the world to embrace the same love that has redeemed us (2 Corinthians 5:11).

We love God because He first loved us. His love is the reason we are drawn to Him, sustained by Him, and transformed through Him. Our calling, therefore, is to live in continual response, to love Him back through obedience, to reflect His character in our actions, and to share His love with a world still in need of it.

 #𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒     

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗢𝗙 𝗝𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗦 𝗕𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗕𝗔 𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗠𝗜!

 

𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐦𝐢 𝐎𝐛𝐚

TITLE: ​THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS

Preacher: ​Pastor Oba Adeyemi

Textual Source:​Proverbs 10:9

Introduction

As there are established hierarchies and protocols in every democratic system, so it is in the Kingdom of Christ. There is divine order and leadership, and at the center of it all is Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Who is a Lord? A Lord is one who possesses authority, control, and sovereignty over a people or kingdom. He may be called a master or chief. As citizens obey presidential orders or government decrees, believers must submit to the authority of Jesus Christ, who rules over all creation.

Romans 10:9 declares: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” This means that salvation is both a confession and a declaration of Christ’s supreme authority and dominion. Our salvation is a covenant of allegiance to Jesus, and many fail to understand this spiritual reality. We often bring to God our endless requests and desires that do not align with His will, forgetting that under a kingdom, personal wishes are secondary to the will of the King.

The Principle of Divine Order

The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” When you live under God’s kingdom, your personal ambitions become subject to His divine will. The rich man in Luke 12:16–21 thought only of himself when he said, “My soul, eat, drink, and be merry,” but God called him a fool because he ignored the will of Heaven. Before your will is God’s will. His purpose comes before your pleasure. He is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and His sovereignty must be acknowledged. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5), and every kingdom subject must live under His command.

Serving Under the Lordship of Jesus

Many people come to God for what they can receive, not for how they can serve. Yet, the true essence of the Lordship of Christ is service and obedience.

In 1 Kings 17:10–16, the widow of Zarephath obeyed Elijah’s instruction and experienced supernatural increase. But when her son died, her faith wavered — showing how easily we shift when our comfort is tested. Likewise, in Acts 10, Cornelius sought God sincerely, not because of what he could gain but because of his love and devotion.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:23–24 that true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. We must not only come to God with needs but with hearts willing to serve Him. In Matthew 25:35–40, Jesus said that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the imprisoned, we do it unto Him. Therefore, service to others is service to the Lord.

Implications of His Lordship

To confess Jesus as Lord has deep implications:

1. Your will and aspirations become secondary; His will takes precedence.

2. You must seek the interest of the Kingdom above personal desires.

3. God’s will is collective, not individual — it serves a divine end.

4. Obedience may not be convenient, but it is necessary.

5. Jesus Himself endured the cross even when it was not convenient (Luke 22:42).

King Solomon also demonstrated wisdom by building alliances through marriage, seeking peace for the kingdom’s stability. God expects us to live with that same sense of Kingdom purpose.

Why Lordship Is Necessary

Human beings naturally resist change and authority. The flesh wars against the spirit, as Galatians 5:17 states: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.”

We are often selfish, proud, and ignorant of spiritual things. Job’s wife encouraged him to curse God (Job 2:9), showing human impatience when under divine test. But true submission accepts God’s timing and purpose.

How to Respond to the Lordship of Jesus

1. Total Submission: Yield all to Him.

2. Trust: Believe that His plans are perfect.

3. Obedience: Follow His word completely.

4. Cheerful Service: Serve joyfully, not grudgingly.

5. Wisdom: Seek understanding through His Word.

6. Spiritual Growth: Desire to know more of the Kingdom.

7. Sacrifice: Die to self like the seed that must die to bear fruit (John 12:24).

8. Seek His Interest: Make God’s purpose your life’s goal.

To truly submit, you must first receive power for empowerment (John 1:12–13). Like Jesus, we must learn gentleness and humility, for in this Kingdom, greatness comes through service. We grow deeper by serving better.

The Lordship of Jesus demands total surrender, obedience, and service. To live under His authority is to walk in peace, direction, and purpose. Those who yield to His Lordship experience true fulfillment, while those who resist miss out on divine order.

 #𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒     

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒏𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐁𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐉𝐈!

 

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐲𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐣𝐢

Youth/Cultural Sunday Message  

Date:19th October 2025  

Preacher: Deacon Ayodeji  

Topic: The Winning Way

Text: Romans 8:37

For 38 long years, a man lay at the pool of Bethesda, waiting for a miracle that seemed perpetually out of reach. Yet, he refused to give up. And that's the secret to winning: unwavering perseverance. The Bible says, "The people who will win are the people who will not give up."

You see, to be a winner means God is with you. He's been fighting for you, orchestrating events behind the scenes to bring you out on top. What you see now is not how it was in the beginning when God created you. His agenda for you was never failure or victimhood, but VICTORY. It's written in Exodus 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Whatever you're facing today - financial struggles, relationship turmoil, health issues, or spiritual battles - know that God is with you and for you. Those who win have an unshakeable consciousness: God is with them. They know they're not victims of circumstance, but victors in Christ.

Look at David (1 Samuel 16). Who would've thought the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy, would become Israel's greatest king? God saw something in David that others didn't - a heart after His own. While others abandoned him, God was training him, preparing him for greatness. You might feel abandoned, neglected, or overlooked, but God is working behind the scenes, bringing you out of the wilderness into your promised land.

Satan is too small to stress God with your problems. Your challenges are not too big for God to handle. As 1 Samuel 17 shows us, David faced Goliath, a giant of a man, but he knew God was bigger. "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David's words were laced with faith, and that's what brought the miracle.

When you're passing through challenges, your words determine what God does about the situation. Positivity births miracles. Declare like David, "God is with me!" As a winner, you must know this truth: God is with you, and that's your winning way.

Giving up? That's not an option. Giving up is failure. David didn't give up; he faced giants with God. You won't be alone in this journey; God is training you ahead of that position, that breakthrough, that victory. Say it to yourself: "I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). I am more than what I'm passing through!"

You've got this! You're a winner, and your time is now! Your winning way is not just a possibility; it's a certainty because God is with you!

PRAYER: Lord, I know You are with me. Father, see me through. I must not be a victim; I must be a Victor in Jesus' name. I declare victory, breakthrough, and success in every area of my life. Amen.

#𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐎!

𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝑶𝒍𝒖𝒈𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂 (𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑷)

‎Family Sunday Sermon Notes

‎Preacher: Pastor Adebayo Olugbenga (PICP)

‎Text: Ephesians 6:1-4

‎Title: Parenting & Family Bonding

A family that prays together stays and succeeds together. Praying together in the family is very important. Raising a praying altar as a family.

One of the gifts God gave to humanity is the gift of parenting. As parents, you must be their mentor, role model, coach, tutor, and most especially, their best friend.

12 HABITS THAT TURN PARENTS INTO THEIR CHILDREN’S ENEMIES

- Failure to Train Them in God’s Way

When parents neglect to raise their children according to God’s principles, they leave room for the world to shape them wrongly.

- Constant Criticism

Children thrive on words of affirmation. Persistent criticism can shut their hearts against you and stir rebellion. Always correct in love, not anger.

- Comparing Children with Others

Don't compare your children with others; this can sow the seed of bitterness in them. Every child is unique. Comparison breeds rejection and insecurity. Celebrate their individuality and uniqueness.

- Shouting the Children

Yelling kills confidence and damages self-esteem. This creates fear and distance and may cause them to be heartbroken. A gentle word builds courage. Remember how Abraham Lincoln’s mother’s counsel fueled his greatness even after failing several times, and this made him end up as the 16th president of the United States.

- Neglecting Their Emotional Needs

Parenting is beyond providing food and fees. Emotional care connects you to your child’s real self. A child who feels unloved grows up empty. They don't only need food, school fees, etc.; they also need love and affection.

- Failure to Listen

Give them a listening ear, even when they sound childish or unreasonable. Listening builds trust. Pushing them away will make them withdraw from you.

- Overdiscipline Without Relationship

Discipline without love hardens the heart. Balance correction with compassion and prayer. You’re not raising robots but responsible adults. Remember to correct in love and pray for them.

- Breaking Promises

Don’t promise what you cannot fulfill. Broken promises plant distrust and disappointment. They may end up seeing you as unfaithful, unreliable, and a liar.

- Showing Favouritism

Love all your children evenly. Favouritism breeds rivalry and emotional wounds that can last a lifetime.

- Failure to Model What You Preach

Live out what you teach. When your actions contradict your words, you teach hypocrisy and disrespect. Children learn more from what you do that they see.

- Neglecting Their Talents

Discover and nurture their gifts. Support them prayerfully to flourish in their God-given potential.

- Lack of Affection Between Parents

A loving marriage is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Let your relationship model love, peace, and respect.

CONCLUSION

 Every step taken without God will end in futility. You are not just raising children; you are building destinies. To be a master builder, you need God’s help. You need God in your life, your home, and family. Ask God to help you.

 #𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒     

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐌𝐈 𝐎𝐁𝐀!

𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐌𝐈 𝐎𝐁𝐀

Sermon Topic: Glorious Excellence

Textual Source: Luke 1:37

Preacher: Pastor Adeyemi Oba

The theme of today’s message, Glorious Excellence, affirms the unlimited possibilities we have in God. Luke 1:37 says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” This truth is the foundation of our faith: that everything achievable on earth can only be found and sustained in Christ. As 2 Peter 1:3 affirms, God has given us all that pertains to life and godliness. Our task, therefore, is to walk in this reality without compromise.

Isaiah 60:17 assures us of God’s plan for a glorious exchange, but Proverbs 14:12 warns us not to follow the ways of the world, for it leads to destruction. James 4:4 reminds us that friendship with the world is enmity with God. Proverbs 14:34 declares, “Righteousness exalts a nation.” If we desire to go higher in life and fulfill our dreams, righteousness and holiness must remain our anchors, especially in times as perilous as these.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 charges us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth, before difficult days come. The Bible shows us that temptation is no respecter of persons. Jesus Christ was tempted at the very start of His ministry. Abraham faced trials of faith, Adam and Eve were tested in Eden, and Joseph’s dreams brought him great opposition (Genesis 37:35). Yet, in all of these, God’s grace and mercy prevailed. Even the prodigal son, despite his rebellion, found mercy at the Father’s feet.

The charge is clear: the brighter the future, the greater the opposition. The more you aspire, the fiercer the challenges. But the same God who saw Daniel through the lion’s den and sustained Jesus during His earthly ministry will empower you to overcome. Amen.

THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR NEEDS

Every human has needs, and sometimes in our pursuit of fulfillment, we turn to the wrong sources. But the Word of God points us to the Holy Spirit as our true source of energy, joy, companionship, and influence.

(a) Energy and Inspiration – Alcohol or worldly stimulants may give temporary excitement, but they lead to emptiness (Proverbs 23:31). True inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit who recharges, emboldens, and empowers us (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul himself testifies of this empowering presence.

(b) When Happy – Let your joy overflow in spiritual songs, prayers, and communion with God (1 Corinthians 14:2).

(c) When Lonely – The Holy Spirit is the greatest companion. He fills every void and sustains us with heavenly fellowship (Hebrews 12:22–24).

(d) When Down, Sad, or Seeking Protection – Engage the Holy Spirit for comfort and strength (1 John 4:4). Whether in loss of a job, loved one, or any trial, He is our present help.

(e) When Seeking Fame, Power, or Influence – Look to the Spirit of God, not worldly schemes. After the Holy Spirit came upon Peter, over 3,000 souls were added to the church in a single day. That same Spirit will lift you in your career, business, and ministry—just as He raised David from a shepherd boy to a king.

KEYS TO GLORIOUS EXCELLENCE

If we must rise into glorious excellence and live above limitations, there are clear steps to follow:

a. Surrender your life to Christ and be born again.

b. Walk in the Spirit daily.

c. Separate yourself from sin; seek first the Kingdom of God.

d. Live a holy life and pursue transformation.

e. Be intentional about your character and integrity.

f. Guard your heart diligently, for out of it flow the issues of life.

g. Demonstrate your salvation in practical ways—whether as a father, mother, youth, or leader.

Beloved, God has called us to a life of Glorious Excellence. It is not by human strength but by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our companion, strengthener, and guide. No matter the challenges you face or the aspirations you hold, with God, nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37). Therefore, embrace Him fully, live righteously, and commit your dreams to Him. The God who lifted Joseph, preserved Daniel, and empowered Peter will also bring you into your season of glorious excellence. Amen.

 #𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒     

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒏𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒑

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐎 𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐆𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀!

𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝑶𝒍𝒖𝒈𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂 (𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑷)

‎Sunday Sermon Notes

‎Preacher: Pastor Adebayo Olugbenga (PICP)

‎Text: Luke 1:30–31

‎Title: The Favour of God

‎Introduction

‎Life, as Scripture teaches in Job 14:1, is “short and full of trouble.” Every man born of a woman will face trials, barriers, and battles. Yet, there is one unfailing key to victory, the favour of God. Where human effort ends, divine favour begins.

‎In Luke 1:30–31, the angel declared to Mary: “Fear not, for you have found favour with God.” That was not just an announcement; it was the opening of destiny. God’s favour cancels fear, breaks barriers, silences opposition, and ushers a person into greatness. Beloved, when you carry divine favour, impossibilities bow before you.

‎Biblical Examples of Divine Favour

‎Esther: A Jewish orphan, unknown and without influence, rose from the shadows of slavery to the throne of Persia. She found favour before the king, and in one divine moment, her story changed forever. Favour turns obscurity into visibility.

‎Noah: While the world drowned in disobedience and rebellion, Noah “found favour in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8). Because of that favour, his household was preserved, and humanity was given a second chance.

‎Mary, the Mother of Jesus: She was not the wealthiest, the most educated, nor from the most influential family, yet she was chosen to carry the Saviour of the world. That is the mystery of favour, it selects the unqualified and qualifies them for divine assignment.

‎The Multitude Fed: With five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed over 5,000 men, besides women and children. Favour multiplies the little you have, turning insufficiency into abundance.

‎Truly, the favour of God distinguishes, preserves, elevates, and provides beyond imagination.

‎Keys to overcoming barriers and obstacles:

‎a Seek God First – Matthew 6:33

‎ Divine favour comes when God is your priority. When you chase God above wealth, position, or fame, He adds every other thing to you. Beloved, favour flows where God is first.L

‎b. Pray and Seek Divine Guidance – Esther 4:16

‎Esther prayed and fasted before approaching the king, and God gave her favour that saved a nation. Prayer moves the hand of God to open doors no man can shut. Never neglect the place of prayer, for a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian.

‎c. Trust God’s Plan– 1 Samuel 30:1–8

‎David faced great loss at Ziklag, yet he inquired of the Lord and recovered all. Trusting God even when life doesn’t make sense is proof of faith. Remember: His ways are higher, His plans are perfect, and His timing never fails.‎

‎d. Remain Humble and Obedient– Isaiah 1:19

Joseph’s humility and obedience preserved him through the pit, Potiphar’s house, and prison until he sat on Pharaoh’s throne. Favour rests upon the humble but departs from the proud. Humility keeps the door of favour permanently open.

‎Life will always present obstacles, but the favour of God is the ultimate barrier breaker. With favour, Esther became a queen, Joseph became a ruler, David recovered all, and Mary became the mother of the Saviour. Favour is what singles you out of the crowd, what multiplies your little, what defends you in the face of opposition, and what elevates you to where only God can take you. 

 #𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒     

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂