Sunday 1 March 2020
Word of Exhortation for LFC 40th Anniversary by Pastor Justin
Remember that God's promises for us depend on 2 things: (i) obedience by us; and (ii) faith in God. There are people who insist on gaining understanding of the word before they obey. In the book of Genesis, when God commanded Adam not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, did God give Adam the reason? No. God wanted Adam's obedience. Obedience always comes before any understanding of the gospel. Obedience is so important to God. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Philippians 2:8 tells us that Jesus humbled himself to the point of death on the cross. Be strong and courageous to meditate on the word.
Faith without obedience has no power. Obedience without faith is mere talking. Our faith can only be proven when we are being tested. Hebrews 5:8 - Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.
Learn obedience through suffering. God gives grace to people who are humble, who obey Him, who are like children. The tree of life is open for us. We have the opportunity to partake the tree of life. We no longer want to seek knowledge for the sake of winning arguments. We are called to win souls, not arguments.
Matthew 16:18 - And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
The divine truth is not revealed through flesh, but through our Father in heaven. We need divine revelation. The bible is for us to obey, to reflect on our daily lives and to repent. Build this church centering on Jesus Christ. We are His branch, we are His planting, we are His sheep.
Isaiah 60:21-22 - Also your people shall all be righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.
Word of Exhortation for Pastors Ordination by Rev Samuel
Numbers 27:20 - Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him.
Numbers 22-23 - Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses.
By His grace, He has chosen you. You are being set apart by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit anoints you.
Deuteronomy 34:9 - Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.
In Acts chapter 6, when the church grew, there was a dispute. They had to select seven people full of faith and wisdom to distribute food. It was said that the Holy Spirit set them apart. It is the Holy Spirit who commissions you, who authorises you. When people of God place their hands upon you, there is an anointing. This anointing is for service. When God asks you to do something, give glory to God. There will be honour, but don't expect honour. You are servants of the almighty God. Set an example as leaders. Faithfulness, fruitfulness, humility, obedience, and love are the commission of Little Flock Church. Demonstrate these things by your actions and ministry.
Laying of hands sets you apart and commissions you. But make sure you spend time in the word of God.
Joshua 1:8 - Do not let his book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
God will lift you up. You do not lift yourself up. Stay humble as a servant.
Word of Exhortation for Pastors Ordination by Rev Kevin
Colossians 1: 9-12 - For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
It is God who has glorified you. The pastoral office is called by God, is ordained by God. He has qualified you.
You need to read the bible - feed yourself. Your primary calling is a child of God - a believer. That is for every one of us. God desires to have communion with you - Father and son. As a leader, you are also His servant and minister. But do not forget your time with God as His child. God longs for you to come into His presence as a child. As a servant, there are many responsibilities including preparing sermons and attending to prayer requests. You will be busy, but do not neglect your primary calling. Spend time with the Father. Enjoy His presence. Worship Him and meditate upon His word. When you spend time with Him, you are fully pleasing Him. He desires an intimate relationship with you. Also, do not neglect your family. Ministry does not take precedence over your family. Jesus is the only saviour of the world.
Do not rely on your own strength. Start in the spirit, and continue in the spirit. Don't use the flesh to get results.
John 16:13 - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Jesus models for us as a minister. He never got anxious about problems. He always knows what to do. The key is to spend time with Him. Look to Him.
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