📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 13–14 | Galatians 2 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 13 God’s Mercy in the Midst of Decline 2 Kings 13 unfolds during a period of continued spiritual decline in the northern kingdom of Israel. King Jehoahaz follows the sinful pattern established by Jeroboam, leading the nation away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. As a result, God allows Syria to oppress Israel, demonstrating once again that persistent disobedience brings painful consequences. Yet even in judgment, God's mercy shines through. When Jehoahaz humbles himself and seeks the Lord, God hears his prayer and provides deliverance. Although the nation has repeatedly turned from Him, the Lord responds because of His covenant compassion. He remembers His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and refuses to abandon His people completely. The chapter reveals that God's discipline is never intended simply to punish but to bring His people back to Himself. His mercy continues reaching toward them despite their repeated failures. The narrative then shifts to the final days of Elisha. As the prophet prepares to leave this world, King Joash visits him seeking guidance. Elisha gives him a symbolic act involving arrows, demonstrating that God is willing to grant victory over Syria. However, when Joash strikes the ground only a few times instead of fully obeying the prophet's instruction, he limits the extent of the victory God intended to give. This moment illustrates that faith often determines the measure of our experience of God's blessings. The Lord was willing to grant complete victory, but the king's halfhearted response reflected limited confidence in God's promise. Even after Elisha's death, God's power continues to be displayed. A man is restored to life after coming into contact with Elisha's bones, demonstrating that the Lord's power did not end with His servant's earthly ministry. God remains alive and active even after His faithful servants have finished their work. Theologically, 2 Kings 13 reveals God's persistent mercy toward undeserving people. It also teaches that God invites wholehearted faith rather than hesitant obedience. The chapter reminds us that God's power never depends upon human personalities but upon His own sovereign presence. This chapter points to Christ, whose resurrection power brings eternal life. Unlike Elisha, whose ministry eventually ended, Jesus lives forever. His resurrection power continues transforming lives, offering complete victory over sin and death to all who trust in Him. For believers today, 2 Kings 13 reminds us that God remains merciful even when we fail. He invites us to seek Him with wholehearted faith and trust His promises completely. In Christ, we are called to pursue Him without reservation, believing that His power is sufficient for every battle and His grace is greater than every failure. 2 Kings 14 The Blessing and Danger of Success 2 Kings 14 records the reigns of Amaziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, revealing both the blessings of obedience and the dangers that often accompany success. Amaziah begins his reign by doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, though not with complete devotion like David. His early obedience brings stability and military success as God grants him victory over his enemies. However, success gradually gives way to pride. Rather than remaining humble and dependent upon the Lord, Amaziah begins to overestimate his own strength. After experiencing victory, he challenges the northern kingdom to battle. His actions are driven by self-confidence rather than God's direction. The king of Israel wisely warns Amaziah against unnecessary conflict, using a parable to expose the danger of pride. Amaziah ignores the warning, proceeds into battle, and suffers a humiliating defeat. Jerusalem is plundered, its walls are broken down, and the king's confidence is shattered. The chapter reminds us that pride often follows success when gratitude and dependence upon God are neglected. The narrative then shifts to Jeroboam II, whose reign brings territorial expansion and prosperity to Israel. Surprisingly, God grants these blessings despite the nation's continued spiritual rebellion. His kindness reflects His compassion for a suffering people rather than approval of their sinful practices. The Lord delays judgment because of His mercy, giving the nation additional opportunity to repent. Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident. He raises kingdoms, grants victories, and allows defeats according to His purposes. Human success is never independent of His hand, and earthly prosperity should never be mistaken for spiritual health. Theologically, 2 Kings 14 teaches that success becomes dangerous when it produces pride instead of gratitude. It also reveals God's patience and mercy, demonstrating that He often shows kindness even to those who do not deserve it. Yet His blessings should lead people toward repentance rather than greater self-reliance. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly modeled humility despite possessing all authority. Unlike Amaziah, Jesus never allowed success or power to produce pride. Instead, He humbled Himself completely, becoming obedient even to death on the cross. His kingdom is established not through self-exaltation but through perfect submission to the Father's will. For believers today, 2 Kings 14 reminds us to remain humble during seasons of blessing and success. Every victory we experience comes from God's gracious hand and should deepen our dependence upon Him rather than increase our confidence in ourselves. In Christ, we are called to walk in humility, giving Him glory for every blessing while continually seeking His wisdom and direction. True greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in faithful obedience to our Lord and King. Galatians 2 — Justified by Faith in the Christ Alone Galatians chapter 2 continues Paul's defense of the true gospel by showing that the message he preached was fully affirmed by the other apostles and centered completely on the Christ, the Son of God. The chapter confronts one of the greatest dangers facing the early church—the temptation to add human works to the finished work of the Christ. Through both personal testimony and direct confrontation, Paul demonstrates that God's redemptive plan has always been based upon grace received through faith rather than human effort. The chapter begins with Paul describing a meeting with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Rather than discovering disagreement, they recognized that the same gospel had been entrusted to all of them. The unity they shared was not built upon personal preference or tradition but upon the truth of the Christ. This reminds believers that genuine unity is always centered on the Son of God and His gospel. Christian living flourishes where believers are united around the truth rather than divided by human opinions. A significant issue arises concerning attempts to require additional religious practices as necessary for salvation. Paul firmly refuses to compromise because doing so would undermine the freedom believers have received through the Christ. The redemptive plan cannot be improved by human effort. The Son of God has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation through His death and resurrection. To add requirements to His finished work is to diminish the sufficiency of His grace. The chapter then records a public confrontation between Paul and Peter. Peter had been living consistently with the truth of the gospel but later withdrew from fellowship with Gentile believers because of fear of criticism. Paul recognized that this behavior communicated a false message about the gospel itself. Christian living requires consistency between what we believe and how we live. The Christ calls His followers to stand for truth even when doing so is difficult. This confrontation was never about personal rivalry but about protecting the purity of the gospel. The redemptive plan unites believers from every background into one family through the Son of God. Any behavior that rebuilds barriers which the Christ has removed contradicts the very message of salvation. The theological center of the chapter is the declaration that people are justified by faith in the Christ and not by works of the Law. This truth forms the foundation of the Christian life. The Law reveals humanity's need for salvation, but it cannot produce righteousness. Only the Son of God can declare sinners righteous because He alone fulfilled the Law perfectly and bore its penalty on behalf of humanity. Christian living begins with this unshakable foundation of grace. Paul then explains that believers have been united with the Christ in His death and now live through His life. The old life centered on self has been crucified, and a new life has begun through faith in the Son of God. This is one of the clearest descriptions of the believer's new identity. The redemptive plan not only forgives sin but creates an entirely new way of living through the power of the Christ. The chapter concludes by affirming that if righteousness could be achieved through human effort, the death of the Christ would have been unnecessary. But because salvation comes entirely through God's grace, the cross stands as the complete and sufficient work of the Son of God. Every believer rests securely in what He has accomplished rather than in personal performance. Throughout this chapter, the Christ remains the center of everything. He is the source of justification, the foundation of unity, the giver of spiritual life, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The gospel neither begins with grace and continues through works nor mixes divine grace with human achievement. From beginning to end, salvation is the work of the Son of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to stand firmly upon the truth of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in faith, not performance; in grace, not legalism; and in the finished work of the Christ, not our own efforts. We are reminded that our identity is found entirely in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. As we live by faith in Him, we experience the freedom, unity, and transformation that His redemptive plan was designed to produce. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

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.

“His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.” — 2 Peter 1:3–4 (CSB) Peter reminds us that God has already provided everything we need to live a life that honors Him. Through knowing Christ, we receive His power, His promises, and the ability to grow beyond the sinful desires of this world. Spiritual growth is not accomplished through our strength alone; God supplies what we need as we trust Him and walk in obedience to His Word. His promises give us confidence that He is continually working within us, shaping us to become more like Christ.

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.

~. . . And the evening and the morning were the 229th day. Good Morning, God's Beloved. On this 230th day of 2026, let's just celebrate the Joy and Wonder of being in Love. Be it Heavenly or Earthly . . .==> "Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins." [1 Peter 4:8] [And as you RESPECT and LOVE one another as hard as you can, Please PLAY NICE, PRAY for one another, Distance-CHECK on your neighbors, and Keep a SMILE on your Faith.] (For more videos like this, subscribe to my YouTube channel, MelzMark Video Productions, at www.youtube.com/[VStMelz]) https://youtube.com/watch?v=j281GSy476E&is=gvjrq3R9WeAJc4F6

And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. 1 Kings 17:7 At a critical times, God sent Elijah to the brook to be sustained while ravens brought bread to him. However, after a while the brook dried up, so God gave him another instruction. The brook dried up but God never dried. Simply put, our trust must be on God not on the blessings of God. Once our trust is resting solely on God then no matter what happens to the blessing, the job, money, business and relationship will not bring us down because God will always make a way for us. Thank God for the brook (BLESSING), but keep your trust in God. Remember, WHEN THE BROOK DRIES UP, GOD NEVER DRIES. HE WILL ALWAYS SHOW UP FOR THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM. IT IS GOD THAT SUSTAINS US THROUGH THE BROOK. AND HE CAN DECIDE WHICH BROOK OR MEANS TO SUSTAIN US. SELAH YAHWEH IS ON YOUR SIDE TODAY PST EMAMUZO PETER

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