Leadership Essentials Much grace We have good news this week. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. 2 Timothy 4:15 NKJV Paul’s warning reminds us that opposition is not necessarily evidence that we are doing something wrong. When leaders faithfully proclaim the Word of God, there will always be people who resist, reject, or challenge the truth. Valuable lessons for leaders: The truth of God’s Word will not always be welcomed. Leaders should expect resistance rather than be surprised or discouraged by it. A leader must remain faithful to Scripture even when people disagree. Our responsibility is to proclaim the truth, not to make everyone comfortable. The success of ministry is not measured by the absence of opposition. Faithfulness means continuing to preach, teach, and live according to God’s Word even when people resist it. Opposition will come when we faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Do not allow resistance to silence you, compromise your message, or distract you from your God-given assignment. Stand firmly on the Word, respond with wisdom, and remain faithful to the end. Have a blessed week. Mathew and Ethel Koeberg

SERMON TITLE: "Hear the Son in the Last Age" Key Texts: Hebrews 1:1-2, John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Joel 2:28-31, Revelation 1:1, Proverbs 29:18 INTRODUCTION We are in the last days. Hebrews 1:2 — “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” God showed me 3 VISIONS: Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, then a skeleton. But I’m not here to make you stare at visions. I’m here as a servant to do 2 things: Feed His sheep with truth Testify to what I have seen Him — Acts 26:16 And the one point is: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” So today: Don’t look at the sign. Hear the Son. 1. HEAR THE SON: GOD IS SPEAKING NOW Joel 2:28 — “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants...” The visions are not the message. The Son is. RED 7 VISION in the sky = The blood of Jesus. The work is finished. The time is complete. GREEN 7 VISION on the wall = Life from the Spirit. God wants to restore His house. SKELETON VISION= What’s left when we ignore the Son. Death. Ezekiel 37:11 Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” God gives vision so we don’t wander. But the vision’s purpose is to bring us back to the Word and to obey the Son. If we chase the vision and miss the Voice, we miss everything. 2. SPIRITUAL RENEWAL + REVIVAL: COME BACK TO THE WORD Joel 2:29 — “Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” Revival is not hype. It’s when the Spirit brings us back to Jesus. Psalm 51:10 — “Renew a right spirit within me.” The Spirit’s job is to testify of Christ. John 15:26 So when God speaks through visions, He’s saying: “Come back to My Word. Come back to My Son.” 3. REPENTANCE + OBEDIENCE = LIFE + PURITY AS WE WAIT Joel 2:31 — “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” The day is near. So what do we do? Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “be holy in all your conduct, for I am holy.” 1 John 3:3 — “everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” We wait for Jesus not by watching the sky, but by washing in the Word and walking in obedience. Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming...” 4. THE WITNESS: DECREASE SO HE INCREASES Am Reagan a servant & a witness of Jesus appointed by Jesus himself to feed his sheep with truth of His revelation ( word) & warning from visions He showed to last age. And to testify of the things ( visions)Has shown me unto living ones in this last age. Acts 26:16 — “appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.” My calling is not a title. It’s to testify. And the testimony must always end at the cross. Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” CLOSING CALL + PRAYER Don’t leave here talking about Red 7 or Green 7. Leave here with one question answered: Have I heard the Son and obeyed Him? Prayer: Father, speak. We are listening. Forgive us for chasing signs and missing You. Pour Your Spirit. Renew us. Give us repentant hearts and obedient feet. Wash us and make us pure as we wait for Jesus. Let Jesus increase in us. In His Name, Amen. Revelation 22:20 Summary to Remember Visions → to get our attention The Son → to get our obedience Result → Awakening, Renewal, Repentance, Purity, Readiness Proverbs 29:18 — Without God’s vision people run wild. But with His vision we keep His law and we are blessed.

SERMON TITLE: "Hear the Son in the Last Age" Key Texts: Hebrews 1:1-2, John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Joel 2:28-31, Revelation 1:1, Proverbs 29:18 INTRODUCTION We are in the last days. Hebrews 1:2 — “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” God showed me 3 VISIONS: Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, then a skeleton. But I’m not here to make you stare at visions. I’m here as a servant to do 2 things: Feed His sheep with truth Testify to what I have seen Him — Acts 26:16 And the one point is: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” So today: Don’t look at the sign. Hear the Son. 1. HEAR THE SON: GOD IS SPEAKING NOW Joel 2:28 — “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants...” The visions are not the message. The Son is. RED 7 VISION in the sky = The blood of Jesus. The work is finished. The time is complete. GREEN 7 VISION on the wall = Life from the Spirit. God wants to restore His house. SKELETON VISION= What’s left when we ignore the Son. Death. Ezekiel 37:11 Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” God gives vision so we don’t wander. But the vision’s purpose is to bring us back to the Word and to obey the Son. If we chase the vision and miss the Voice, we miss everything. 2. SPIRITUAL RENEWAL + REVIVAL: COME BACK TO THE WORD Joel 2:29 — “Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” Revival is not hype. It’s when the Spirit brings us back to Jesus. Psalm 51:10 — “Renew a right spirit within me.” The Spirit’s job is to testify of Christ. John 15:26 So when God speaks through visions, He’s saying: “Come back to My Word. Come back to My Son.” 3. REPENTANCE + OBEDIENCE = LIFE + PURITY AS WE WAIT Joel 2:31 — “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” The day is near. So what do we do? Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “be holy in all your conduct, for I am holy.” 1 John 3:3 — “everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” We wait for Jesus not by watching the sky, but by washing in the Word and walking in obedience. Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming...” 4. THE WITNESS: DECREASE SO HE INCREASES Am Reagan a servant & a witness of Jesus appointed by Jesus himself to feed his sheep with truth of His revelation ( word) & warning from visions He showed to last age. And to testify of the things ( visions)Has shown me unto living ones in this last age. Acts 26:16 — “appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.” My calling is not a title. It’s to testify. And the testimony must always end at the cross. Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” CLOSING CALL + PRAYER Don’t leave here talking about Red 7 or Green 7. Leave here with one question answered: Have I heard the Son and obeyed Him? Prayer: Father, speak. We are listening. Forgive us for chasing signs and missing You. Pour Your Spirit. Renew us. Give us repentant hearts and obedient feet. Wash us and make us pure as we wait for Jesus. Let Jesus increase in us. In His Name, Amen. Revelation 22:20 Summary to Remember Visions → to get our attention The Son → to get our obedience Result → Awakening, Renewal, Repentance, Purity, Readiness Proverbs 29:18 — Without God’s vision people run wild. But with His vision we keep His law and we are blessed.

SERMON TITLE: "He Must Increase& l decrease: Am Reagan a servant & a Witness of Jesus in this Last Age" Key Texts: John 3:30, Acts 26:16, Revelation 1:1-3, Joel 2:28, Hebrews 1:2, Matthew 24:44, 1 Peter 1:15-16 INTRODUCTION Church, we are living in the last age. God is speaking again — Hebrews 1:2 — “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” And He is still pouring out His Spirit — Joel 2:28 — “your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” The Lord showed me 3 things( visions): Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, and then a skeleton after they vanished. I’m not here to be called a title. I’m here for one reason: John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” I am a servant to feed His sheep truth. A witness to testify to what I have seen Him. And the message is for you now: Awaken. Renew. Repent. Obey. Be pure. Jesus is coming. 1. AWAKENING: HEAR THE SON-- GOD IS SPEAKING THROUGH THE SON. Revelation 1:1 — “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” Proverbs29:18 .. ' without visions people perish." MESSAGE of the Red 7 vision in the sky — Red speaks of blood. 7 speaks of completion. This is heaven’s warning: The blood of Jesus has finished the work, and the time is complete. Joel 2:30-31 — “wonders in heavens... before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” God is saying: Wake up. The Judge is at the door. James 5:9 We cannot sleep in sin when heaven is writing in the sky. Romans 13:11 — “it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” 2. RENEWAL & REVIVAL: LIFE ON THE WALL Green 7 vision on the wall — Green is life, growth, restoration. The wall is God’s house, the boundary of His people. Ezekiel 22:30 — “I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach.” God is calling for renewal. Not new methods. New hearts. Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Ezekiel 37:4 — “Prophesy to these bones... O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” This is revival: When God’s Word brings life back to dead places. But it only comes when we return to the Word and the Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.” 3. REPENTANCE & OBEDIENCE: OR THE SKELETON REMAINS Skeleton vision. ,after they vanished. skeleton vision— When the warning of blood and the offer of life are ignored, what’s left is death. Ezekiel 37:11 — “These bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up.’” This is the danger of the last age: Religious, but dead. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a reputation that you are alive, but you are dead.” The answer is not more activity. It’s repentance. Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” John 14:23 — “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” Obedience is proof of love. Purity is proof of waiting. 1 John 3:3 — “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” 4. THE WITNESS: TESTIFY OF HIM, NOT OF SELF Acts 26:16 — “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me.” This is my calling in the last age. Not platforms. Not titles. Witnesses. Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Every vision, every warning, every sermon must point to Jesus. John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” If people leave remembering me, I failed. If they leave hungry for Jesus, I succeeded. Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” APPLICATION: 4 STEPS TO BE READY Awaken - Get out of spiritual sleep. Watch and pray. Mark 13:33 Renew - Ask God to revive your first love. Revelation 2:4-5 Repent + Obey - Turn from sin. Walk in the Word. James 1:22 Purify - Live holy as thy God is Holy God.

TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER FOR OUR FAMILY! “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV) Heavenly Father, in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we come before You on this Tuesday morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for waking us up and giving us another day that we did not earn but received because of Your grace and mercy. Your Word declares, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24. Father, before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for life. Thank You for strength. Thank You for our families. Thank You for keeping us through dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the doors You opened, the doors You closed, and even the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming. Lord, as our families begin this Tuesday, go before us. Order our steps, direct our decisions, guard our hearts, protect our homes, and keep Your hand upon every member of our family. Your Word says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6. HEAL OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, this morning we bring before You every family member who is battling sickness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You know every diagnosis. You know every symptom. You know every pain. You know every sleepless night. You know every private struggle. You know every burden that has become too difficult to explain to others. Father, touch them right now. Your Word declares, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.” — Jeremiah 17:14. Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand. Where there is sickness, bring healing. Where there is pain, bring relief. Where there is weakness, bring strength. Where there is fear, bring faith. Where there is confusion, bring clarity. Where there is discouragement, restore hope. Where there are troubled minds, release Your supernatural peace. You promised in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Father, guard the minds of our family members. Give peace to those overwhelmed by life's pressures. Strengthen those carrying emotional burdens in silence. Remind them that they are seen by You, loved by You, and never beyond the reach of Your hand. Your Word says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3. So, Lord, heal, deliver, restore, and set free! We stand upon Psalm 107:20:“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Send Your Word into every hospital room, rehabilitation center, doctor's office, nursing facility, and every home where healing is needed. Give physicians wisdom. Give nurses compassion. Give caregivers strength. Give families patience. And give those who are sick the courage to keep believing You one day at a time. SAVE OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, our greatest prayer is not simply that our family will be healthy, prosperous, or successful. Our greatest prayer is that our family will know Jesus Christ. We lift before You every family member who has not surrendered their life to Christ. Draw them by Your Spirit. Let somebody who has been running from You begin running toward You. Let somebody who has questioned You begin seeking You. Let somebody who has never prayed begin calling upon Your name. Let somebody ask the same question asked in Acts 16:30: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And let the answer ring clearly: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31. Father, let salvation come into our households! Your Word declares, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13. And Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6. Lord, let our children know Jesus. Let our grandchildren know Jesus. Let husbands and wives know Jesus. Let our brothers and sisters know Jesus. Let our extended families know Jesus. Break destructive generational patterns and establish a new spiritual legacy—a legacy of faith, prayer, worship, obedience, integrity, forgiveness, and love. May generations after us be able to say, “Our family served the Lord!” PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, we lift every family member who is looking for employment. You know every application submitted, every résumé sent, every interview completed, and every person waiting for someone to call them back. Open the right doors. Give them favor with hiring managers and decision-makers. Lead them to positions where their gifts, abilities, and experience will be appreciated. For those already employed who need promotion, advancement, better opportunities, increased wages, raises, improved benefits, or greater financial stability, we ask You to make a way. Your Word declares, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge.” — Psalm 75:6–7. Bless the work of our hands, Lord. Let integrity speak for us. Let excellence distinguish us. Let favor surround us. And when You elevate us, keep us humble enough to remember Who opened the door. PROVIDE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY Father, we especially pray for family members facing financial pressure. Some are trying to stretch a paycheck. Some are worried about rent or mortgage payments. Some are facing medical bills. Some are dealing with debt. Some need groceries. Some are facing unexpected expenses. Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet. But today we stand upon Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Father, You are our Source. Provide what our families need. Give us wisdom to manage what You provide. Teach us to be disciplined, generous, responsible, and faithful stewards. Give our families creative ideas, opportunities, strategies, and open doors. Where there has been lack, provide. Where there has been financial confusion, give wisdom. Where there has been debt, give us a plan and discipline. Where there has been financial fear, replace it with faith and responsible action. Lord, supply every need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. PROTECT OUR FAMILY THIS TUESDAY Father, as our family members leave their homes today, cover them. Protect those driving to work. Protect those traveling. Protect our children and grandchildren. Protect those working long hours. Protect those caring for loved ones. Protect those going to medical appointments. Protect our homes while we are away. Your Word declares, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” — Psalm 91:11. Lord, keep us from accidents, danger, violence, and circumstances we cannot see coming. Bring everyone safely home. STRENGTHEN THE LOVE IN OUR FAMILY Father, help us to remember that before careers, money, possessions, accomplishments, titles, and recognition, our greatest responsibility is to love You and love one another. Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37. Lord, You come first. Before our plans—You. Before our ambitions—You. Before our possessions—You. Before everything else—You. And because we love You, teach us how to love one another. Your Word declares, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11. Heal broken relationships within our family. Remove bitterness. Destroy unforgiveness. Break down walls caused by pride. Help us apologize when we are wrong. Help us forgive when we have been hurt. Help us communicate with grace. Help us stop allowing small disagreements to create permanent separation. Let husbands and wives love one another. Let parents and children understand one another. Let brothers and sisters support one another. Let generations respect and learn from one another. Lord, make our families stronger, closer, healthier, and more Christ-centered. OUR TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION... This Tuesday morning, we declare: Our family belongs to God! We declare healing over our sick. We declare peace over troubled minds. We declare deliverance for those who are bound. We declare salvation for those who do not yet know Jesus. We declare employment for those seeking jobs. We declare favor and increase for those needing advancement. We declare provision for those struggling financially. We declare restoration over broken relationships. We declare protection over our homes and families. We declare love where there has been division. And above everything else, we declare: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15. Father, we may not know everything this Tuesday will bring, but we know Who holds this Tuesday in His hands. Therefore, we trust You. Order our steps. Guard our hearts. Renew our minds. Strengthen our bodies. Provide for our needs. Protect our families. Save our loved ones. Restore our relationships. And let everything we say and do bring glory to Your name. We seal this prayer with Ephesians 3:20: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” We believe You can do it. We believe You are working even when we cannot see it. And we believe that the hand of God is upon our family! In the mighty, healing, delivering, saving, providing, protecting, and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

CURRENT CURRENCY according to the Kingdom rules. #anythoughts #everyone

Matthew 20:1-16 And Jesus continues with the lesson of the first being the last with this parable. A landowner is the comparison this time. The Kingdom of God is like a landowner seeking employees in the early morning. He hires them for a denarius for the day. This was the typical amount for a day's wages for a laborer so this wouldn't have been unusual. The unusual bit would come later. But then Jesus adds to the story that this owner then returns to the market another 4 times to hire workers for the same amount he paid workers for all day. And at the end of the day this landowner lines up those he hired and begins paying them by starting with the latest hired and chosing to pay all workers a full day's wage. Now Jesus did this as part of a lesson, explaining that those who worked and bore the heat of the day would complain. But the truth is a denarius was a fair wage for the period of a full day. And the owner was well within his rights to pay what he wished. The idea was that what was given was the same reward whether one came early or one came late. The big picture is Jesus is making it clear that the reward of eternal life goes to even those who show up late. In context, Jesus is saying that the Kingdom is going to be open to the groups the nation of Israel considered beneath them and as a result would be jealous of those who are brought into the kingdom even if they were not brought in from the beginning as Israel was. Even today, non messianic Jews are extremely jealous in defending their position before God as His original people and cannot grasp that from 70 AD to current times there's been no temple at which to offer sacrifice. No real Aaronic priesthood either. The thought of anyone entering into God's kingdom apart from the nation of Israel is repugnant to them, let alone the idea someone would be entering before them. And some of the apostles really continued to struggle with this concept of Gentiles being welcomed into God's Kingdom. Especially Peter, who was part of the problem that became known as the first great heresy of the church. It took the Apostle Paul to correct him. So the Catholic notion of an infallible Peter is entirely fictional. It took 2 consecutive visions from God to get Peter off his butt to go speak with Cornelius. Even then, Peter hesitated to share the gospel with a Gentile. And even after this, Peter shares in the heresy and even Barnabas is carried away. Jesus is using the national pride of Israel against them. He knows their jealousy regarding others who joined the Kingdom. The first century Jews were zealous for their nation while at the same time having what they considered good reasons to despise other nations. The faithful Jews who did receive Jesus heard Him when He taught that ALL nations would be blessed with the gift of being able to turn to Him and believe. They heard him. And this was one of the great failures of Peter and some of the other believers. On the day of judgment, the faithful witnesses will be standing behind the believers of today for their reward. Not because we earned it, but because God has mercy. Jesus is the prophet foretold by Moses. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 [15] “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen; to him you shall listen. [16] This is in accordance with everything that you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Do not let me hear the voice of the Lord my God again, and do not let me see this great fire anymore, or I will die!’ [17] And the Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. [18] I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him. [19] And it shall come about that whoever does not listen to My words which he speaks in My name, I Myself will require it of him. Moses knew the Messiah would be rejected and God says if any Israelite does not listen to Him, God would require their punishment and they will be utterly cut off from the people of God. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are the new Israel. We are the saints, we are the last who became first. We are not better than the Jews, we are not worse off. We are saved by grace through faith. We should with our very last breath be sharing the gospel with everyone. [1] “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. [2] When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. [3] And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; [4] and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. [5] Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. [6] And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ [7] They *said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He *said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ [8] “Now when evening came, the owner of the vineyard *said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, starting with the last group to the first.’ [9] When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. [10] And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. [11] When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, [12] saying, ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat.’ [13] But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? [14] Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you. [15] Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ [16] So the last shall be first, and the first, last.”

THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN A CHALLENGING WORLD By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah Introduction We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Values are shifting, truth is being questioned, morality is being redefined, and many people are under pressure to compromise their convictions just to fit into society. Yet, the Christian is called to live differently. Jesus never promised His followers a life without challenges. In fact, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV). The Christian life is not a promise of the absence of trouble; it is a promise of God's presence in the midst of trouble. We may walk through difficult seasons, but we do not walk through them alone. A challenging world requires Christians who know their God, understand their identity, stand firmly on God's Word, and refuse to allow the darkness around them to extinguish the light within them. 1. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KNOW WHO HE IS One of the greatest dangers in a challenging world is losing your identity. The world constantly tells us who we should become, what we should value, what success should look like, and what standards we should follow. But the believer must derive his identity from God, not from society. 1 Peter 2:9 says: «“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”» You are not merely a product of your environment. You are God's possession. When you know who you are in Christ, you will not need the approval of everyone around you to feel valuable. Your identity is not determined by your failures, your past, your social status, your possessions, or people's opinions about you. You belong to Christ. 2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST STAND ON GOD'S WORD A changing world needs an unchanging standard. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God's Word gives us direction when culture becomes confusing. It gives us conviction when compromise becomes attractive. It gives us hope when circumstances become discouraging. The Christian who neglects Scripture will eventually become vulnerable to the philosophies of the world. We must therefore become students of the Word. Do not build your life solely on what people say. Build it on what God has said. People can change. Circumstances can change. Governments can change. Economies can change. Relationships can change. But the Word of our God stands forever. 3. THE CHRISTIAN MUST REFUSE TO CONFORM Romans 12:2 says: «“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”» There is a difference between living in the world and becoming like the world. Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world but to preserve them while they remained in it. This means Christianity is not an escape from society. It is a divine assignment within society. We are called to influence the world without allowing the world to influence our convictions. You can work in a corrupt environment without becoming corrupt. You can live among people who compromise without compromising. You can be surrounded by darkness and still carry light. 4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL STRENGTH A challenging world requires spiritual strength. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Our strength does not come merely from personality, education, wealth, connections, or experience. There are battles that human strength cannot win. Therefore, we must strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, worship, fasting, the study of Scripture, fellowship, and obedience. A weak spiritual life makes a believer vulnerable to temptation, fear, discouragement, bitterness, and compromise. Prayer is not simply an emergency telephone call to God. Prayer is fellowship with our Father. We must learn to seek God not only when we need something from Him but because we desire Him. 5. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH FAITH Challenges are part of the journey. James 1:2-4 teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity. This does not mean that pain is pleasant. It means that God can use difficult seasons to produce something valuable in us. Sometimes God changes the situation. Sometimes He gives us grace to endure it. Sometimes He uses the situation to change us. Whatever the case may be, we must refuse to allow adversity to destroy our faith. Your trial is not the end of your story. The fact that you are going through something does not mean that God has abandoned you. David passed through valleys and still testified of God's presence. Daniel faced the lions and discovered that God was with him. The three Hebrew young men entered the fiery furnace, but they were not alone. God remains faithful in the fire. 6. THE CHRISTIAN MUST GUARD HIS HEART Proverbs 4:23 says: «“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”» The world constantly feeds our hearts with fear, hatred, lust, greed, envy, anger, and materialism. If we are not careful, what surrounds us will eventually influence what is within us. That is why believers must guard what they watch, what they listen to, what they celebrate, what they meditate upon, and the relationships they cultivate. Not everything that is popular is profitable. Not everything that is trending is godly. Not every opportunity is an assignment from God. A Christian must learn to say NO when necessary. 7. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD Jesus said in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” Notice that Jesus did not say, “You will become light someday.” He said, “You are the light.” Light has no argument with darkness. It simply shines. The world does not necessarily need Christians who shout the loudest; it needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of Christ. Your workplace should experience your integrity. Your family should experience your love. Your community should experience your kindness. Your generation should see Christ through your character. We preach with our mouths, but we also preach through our lives. 8. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOVE PEOPLE IN A HURTING WORLD A challenging world is also a hurting world. People are carrying wounds that we cannot see. Some are fighting silent battles. Some have lost hope. Some have been disappointed by life, relationships, institutions, and even religion. The Christian must therefore become an instrument of God's love. Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Our Christianity must not become merely a collection of religious activities. We must love. We must forgive. We must encourage. We must help. We must show compassion. Sometimes the greatest sermon you will preach is the kindness you show to someone who is hurting. 9. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KEEP HIS EYES ON ETERNITY One of the reasons believers compromise is that they become too attached to temporary things. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus not merely on the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal. This world is not our final destination. Our possessions are temporary. Our positions are temporary. Our earthly achievements are temporary. But eternity is forever. Therefore, we must live with eternity in view. Do not gain the whole world and lose your soul. Do not sacrifice your relationship with God for temporary pleasure. Do not exchange eternal treasures for temporary applause. 10. THE CHRISTIAN MUST NEVER GIVE UP Perhaps the greatest testimony in a challenging world is simply refusing to quit. Galatians 6:9 says: «“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”» There may be moments when you feel tired. There may be moments when your prayers seem unanswered. There may be moments when you wonder whether your faith is worth the struggle. But keep going. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep serving. Keep loving. Keep trusting God. Your present struggle does not cancel God's purpose for your life. CONCLUSION The life of a Christian in a challenging world is not always easy, but it is possible by the grace of God. We are called to live differently—not because we are better than others, but because Christ has called us to represent Him. We are called to stand when others fall. To shine when others walk in darkness. To speak truth when falsehood becomes popular. To demonstrate love when hatred increases. To maintain faith when circumstances become difficult. And to remain faithful until the end. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Beloved, the world may be challenging, but God is still faithful. The culture may be changing, but God's Word has not changed. The pressure may be increasing, but God's grace is sufficient. The darkness may be growing, but your light can still shine. Therefore, stand firm. Stay prayerful. Stay in the Word. Stay holy. Stay humble. Stay faithful. And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus. PRAYER Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to live faithfully in this challenging world. Strengthen my heart when I am weak, guide me when I am confused, preserve me when I am tempted, and help me to remain a light wherever You have planted me. Let my life bring glory to Your name. May I never compromise my faith, abandon my calling, or lose sight of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen. — Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah #LifeofaChristian #PJCares

Sermon Title: "FEED MY SHEEP, NOT YOUR AGENDA" Key Texts: Ezekiel 34:1-10, John 21:15-17, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Hebrews 12:14, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 INTRODUCTION The Lord is asking the same question today He asked Peter: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” John 21:17 But in this last age, many shepherds have left the sheep to chase the world. And many sheep have left holiness to chase prosperity. Both are losing the eternal gift. 1. WARNING TO SHEPHERDS: YOU LEFT THE HEART OF THE LORD Ezekiel 34:2-4 — “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed... and you have not sought the lost.” God’s heart for His people is: Feed them the Word, not opinions Heal the broken, not use them Seek the lost, not ignore them But some shepherds today have “given into the world and its things.” Jeremiah 23:1 — “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Why? Because it’s not sanctified. Ministry without holiness becomes business. John 10:13 — The hireling sees the wolf and flees because he cares nothing for the sheep. God’s warning: Ezekiel 34:10 — “I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand.” 2. WARNING TO THE CHURCH: YOU LEFT HOLINESS FOR PROSPERITY The message says: “saved church not clinging to holiness bcos jealous, hatred, gossip and not obeying the word... itching ears for prosperity gospel instead of soul eager for sanctification gospel.” This is exactly what Paul warned: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 — “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” Holiness is being traded for hype. Hebrews 12:14 — “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Signs of a church that left holiness: Jealousy and hatred - Galatians 5:19-21 works of the flesh Gossip - Proverbs 16:28 separates close friends Disobedience to the Word - James 1:22 “be doers of the word” Prosperity over the Cross - 1 Peter 2:2 “long for the pure spiritual milk” When we chase blessings more than the Blesser, we lose the eternal gift: sanctification and seeing God. 3. GOD’S CALL BACK: RETURN TO THE SHEPHERD 1 Peter 5:2-4 — “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you... And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” To Shepherds: Repent. Return to feeding, not fleecing. Acts 20:28 — “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.” To the Church: 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” Holiness is not legalism. It is love. It is being set apart for God. Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” CLOSING PRAYER Father, forgive us. Forgive shepherds who fed themselves and left Your sheep. Put back in us the heart of the Lord for Your people. Forgive Your church for chasing prosperity and ignoring sanctification. Create in us clean hearts. Let us hunger for Your Word, not myths. Let us love holiness, not gossip and jealousy. Make us a people ready for Jesus. In His Name, Amen. SHEPHERDS AND HOLINESS: Message: This is a warning and a call. Ezekiel 34: shepherds, return to the heart of the Lord for His people. Don’t feed yourself and leave the sheep. Church, Hebrews 12:14 — pursue holiness. Don’t trade sanctification for prosperity. Jealousy, gossip, disobedience

✝️ THE GOSPEL FROM CALVARY 📅 Tuesday, 18th August, 2026 🌟 JESUS: THE WORD WHO BECAME FLESH ✝️📖 📜 TEXT: JOHN 1:1–18 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...” — John 1:14 (KJV)» John 1 opens the Gospel with one of the greatest truths in all Scripture: Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God. Before Bethlehem, He was. Before the beginning of creation, He was. He was with God, and He was God. Through Him all things were made, and in Him was life. John does not begin by telling us about Jesus' birth. He takes us beyond Bethlehem and reveals His eternal identity. Jesus is not merely a good teacher, prophet, or religious leader. He is the Son of God, the eternal Word, the Light of the world, and the Saviour of mankind. ✝️🔥 🔥 THREE LESSONS FROM JOHN 1 1️⃣ JESUS IS THE WORD AND HE IS GOD. 👑 John 1:1 declares: «“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”» Jesus did not begin when He was born in Bethlehem. He existed from eternity. This means our faith is not built around a mere human personality. It is built upon Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. Therefore, when Jesus speaks, we should listen. When Jesus commands, we should obey. When Jesus calls, we should follow. 💡 2️⃣ JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF MEN. 🕯️🌍 John 1:4–5 says: «“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness...”» The world is filled with spiritual darkness, confusion, sin, fear, and deception. But Jesus came as the Light. Light reveals what darkness hides. Light gives direction. Light brings hope. Light exposes sin and points us toward righteousness. You may be walking through a dark season today, but darkness cannot overcome the Light of Christ. Don't run from Jesus when life becomes difficult. Run to the Light. ✝️🔥 ❤️‍🔥 3️⃣ RECEIVE JESUS AND BECOME A CHILD OF GOD. 👑 John 1:11–12 says: «“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God...”» Jesus came to His own people, yet many rejected Him. But the wonderful news is that everyone who receives Him by faith can become a child of God. Your background does not disqualify you. Your past does not have to define you. Your failures do not have to be your final story. Receive Christ. Believe in Him. Follow Him. In Christ, you can have a new identity and a new beginning. 🕊️❤️ 🌿 JESUS CAME TO DWELL AMONG US John 1:14 gives us the beautiful truth: «“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...”» God came near. Jesus entered our world. He experienced human life and revealed the glory of God among humanity. The God we worship is not distant from our struggles. Jesus understands suffering. He understands rejection. He understands temptation. He understands human weakness. And yet He remained without sin. He came near so that we could come near to God. ❤️‍🔥✝️ 🕊️ BE A WITNESS FOR THE LIGHT John also introduces us to John the Baptist, who came as a witness to the Light. John 1:7 says: «“The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.”» John the Baptist understood his assignment. He was not the Light. He came to point people to the Light. That is also our responsibility as believers. We are not called to draw attention to ourselves. We are called to point people to Jesus. At home, point people to Jesus. At work, point people to Jesus. Among your friends, point people to Jesus. On social media, point people to Jesus. Through your character and conduct, let people see the difference Christ makes. 🔥 JESUS MUST INCREASE IN OUR LIVES John the Baptist later declared: «“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30» This should also be our prayer. Less of self. More of Christ. Less pride. More humility. Less worldly influence. More of God's Word. Less compromise. More holiness. The more Jesus increases in us, the more His light shines through us. 🌟 ✍🏽 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Jesus is the Light that darkness cannot overcome. Receive Him, follow Him, and let His light shine through your life. ✝️🔥 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, the Light of the world, and the Saviour of mankind. Open my heart to know Jesus more deeply. Help me to receive Him, believe His Word, and faithfully follow Him. Let the light of Christ shine in every area of my life. Remove every form of spiritual darkness, sin, confusion, and compromise. Help me, like John the Baptist, to be a faithful witness who points others to Jesus. May Christ increase in my life while self decreases. Let my words, actions, character, and lifestyle bring glory to Your name. Thank You for making it possible for me to become Your child through faith in Jesus Christ. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽🔥 📜 THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALMS 76–78 📖 ✝️ THE CALVARY MINISTRY ONLINE Birthright is Evangelism