SERMON SEGMENT: "Shed Clear Light of Christ About Football & Its Fans"
Key Texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2

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INTRO
Church, the Lord is speaking to us in this last age. Hebrews 1:2
We must be careful what we pattern our lives after. Because our sanctification is delicate. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”

Tonight let’s talk about football and its fans — not to condemn people, but to shed the clear light of Christ on it.
Ephesians 5:13 — “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.”

1. THE WARNING: DON'T BE PATTERNED BY THE WORLD
Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Football itself is just a game. But the spirit around football and its fan culture often carries:
Pride - Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction”
Injustice - cheating, bribes, violence, curses on other teams
Flesh desires - gambling, drunkenness, lust, idolatry of players, spending hours that should be for God

1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father.”

Warning to Christians and non-Christians:
If our mind, thoughts, and actions are shaped more by football rivalry than by the Spirit, we are being conformed, not transformed.
And “no one should think eternal life inheritance in an unclean life.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “neither the sexually immoral... nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:21 — “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Our sanctification needs the shield of the Spirit and guidance, or it gets corrupted and compromised. Ephesians 6:16

2. THE BALANCE: DISCIPLINE FROM THE BIBLE, NOT FROM THE WORLD
Some will say: “But Paul used sports!” Yes.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”

Paul is not telling us to go play football. He’s using the discipline of athletes to teach us spiritual discipline:
Focus. Training. Self-control. Running to win an imperishable crown.
Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.”

The world trains the body for 90 minutes. We must train the spirit for eternity.

Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
If you play football, play unto the Lord. With integrity. Without pride. Without cursing. Without idolatry.
If you are a fan, fan unto the Lord. With a renewed mind.

3. THE TEST: DOES IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR SALVATION?
We are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” — Philippians 2:12
Not earn it. But keep it clean, not corrupted.

Ask yourself 3 questions before the game and after the game:
Does this make Jesus increase in me, or decrease? John 3:30
Does this renew my mind, or fill it with pride, hate, and flesh? Romans 12:2
Can I do this and still be pure and blameless before God? 1 Peter 1:15-16

If football causes you to miss prayer, to gossip, to gamble, to hate, to be drunk — then it has become an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 — “Flee from idolatry.”

4. APPLICATION: HOW TO ENGAGE WITH A RENEWED MIND
Awaken - See the spirit behind the culture. Don’t be blind. Proverbs 29:18
Renew - Let the Spirit transform your thoughts about competition, winning, and identity. Romans 12:2
Obey - If the Spirit says “turn it off, come pray,” obey. John 14:23
Purify - Guard your eyes, your mouth, your time. Psalm 119:9

CLOSING WORD
Brothers and sisters, football is not the enemy. The flesh is.

SERMON SEGMENT: "Shed Clear Light of Christ About Football & Its Fans"
Key Texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2

---

INTRO
Church, the Lord is speaking to us in this last age. Hebrews 1:2
We must be careful what we pattern our lives after. Because our sanctification is delicate. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”

Tonight let’s talk about football and its fans — not to condemn people, but to shed the clear light of Christ on it.
Ephesians 5:13 — “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.”

1. THE WARNING: DON'T BE PATTERNED BY THE WORLD
Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Football itself is just a game. But the spirit around football and its fan culture often carries:
Pride - Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction”
Injustice - cheating, bribes, violence, curses on other teams
Flesh desires - gambling, drunkenness, lust, idolatry of players, spending hours that should be for God

1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father.”

Warning to Christians and non-Christians:
If our mind, thoughts, and actions are shaped more by football rivalry than by the Spirit, we are being conformed, not transformed.
And “no one should think eternal life inheritance in an unclean life.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “neither the sexually immoral... nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:21 — “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Our sanctification needs the shield of the Spirit and guidance, or it gets corrupted and compromised. Ephesians 6:16

2. THE BALANCE: DISCIPLINE FROM THE BIBLE, NOT FROM THE WORLD
Some will say: “But Paul used sports!” Yes.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”

Paul is not telling us to go play football. He’s using the discipline of athletes to teach us spiritual discipline:
Focus. Training. Self-control. Running to win an imperishable crown.
Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.”

The world trains the body for 90 minutes. We must train the spirit for eternity.

Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
If you play football, play unto the Lord. With integrity. Without pride. Without cursing. Without idolatry.
If you are a fan, fan unto the Lord. With a renewed mind.

3. THE TEST: DOES IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR SALVATION?
We are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” — Philippians 2:12
Not earn it. But keep it clean, not corrupted.

Ask yourself 3 questions before the game and after the game:
Does this make Jesus increase in me, or decrease? John 3:30
Does this renew my mind, or fill it with pride, hate, and flesh? Romans 12:2
Can I do this and still be pure and blameless before God? 1 Peter 1:15-16

If football causes you to miss prayer, to gossip, to gamble, to hate, to be drunk — then it has become an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 — “Flee from idolatry.”

4. APPLICATION: HOW TO ENGAGE WITH A RENEWED MIND
Awaken - See the spirit behind the culture. Don’t be blind. Proverbs 29:18
Renew - Let the Spirit transform your thoughts about competition, winning, and identity. Romans 12:2
Obey - If the Spirit says “turn it off, come pray,” obey. John 14:23
Purify - Guard your eyes, your mouth, your time. Psalm 119:9

CLOSING WORD
Brothers and sisters, football is not the enemy. The flesh is.

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

This is Ezekiel 34:2-4 season.

Here is DAILY BREAD FOR THE LAST DAYS :

TODAY'S WORD
Text: Jeremiah 23:1-2
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! declares the Lord... You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them.”
Also: 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...”

MESSAGE: SHEPHERDS, RETURN TO THE HEART OF GOD
The Lord is crying over His sheep in these last days.

1. THE WARNING TO SHEPHERDS
God says “Woe” to shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock.
When a shepherd chases the world and its things - money, fame, titles - he leaves the sheep hungry.
When he preaches prosperity gospel but not holiness gospel, he trades eternal gifts for temporary bread.
John 10:12 “The hireling... sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees.”
A flock that is not sanctified is a flock that will be lost. Because “without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14

2. THE WARNING TO THE CHURCH
Saved church, wake up!
Jealousy, hatred, gossip, disobedience to the Word... this is not the garment of Christ Colossians 3:8-10.
When we cling to itching ears and reject sound doctrine, we become easy prey.
God’s will is not just prosperity in the pocket. It is sanctification of the soul 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
Jesus did not die to make us rich. He died to make us HOLY.

3. STRENGTHENING & ENCOURAGEMENT
But there is hope. 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
To every faithful shepherd: Keep feeding the Word. Keep calling to repentance.
To every sheep: Return to the Word. Love holiness more than miracles. Love Jesus more than blessings.

PRAYER:
Father, raise up shepherds after Your own heart Jeremiah 3:15. Purify the pulpit. Purify the pew. Let us not trade eternity for earth. Sanctify us by Your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ACTION TODAY:
For Shepherds/Teachers: Check your message. Is it pointing people to Jesus and holiness, or just to prosperity?
For All: Forgive anyone you have bitterness toward today. Gossip and hatred grieve the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30-31.

Be a Peacemaker (Matthew 5:9)

We live in a world where conflict is everywhere.

Arguments happen in families.

Friendships break over misunderstandings.

People fight over opinions.

Social media turns disagreements into battles.

Sometimes, even Christians can become so focused on proving themselves right that they forget to show the character of Christ.

But Jesus gives us a different calling:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Notice that Jesus didn't say, “Blessed are the people who win every argument.”

He said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Being a peacemaker doesn't mean avoiding every difficult conversation.

It doesn't mean pretending that wrong is right.

It doesn't mean allowing people to mistreat you.

And it doesn't mean remaining silent when something needs to be addressed.

Being a peacemaker means choosing a response that seeks reconciliation rather than revenge.

Sometimes peace begins with listening.

Before responding in anger, listen.

Before assuming someone's intentions, ask questions.

Before posting something hurtful, pause.

Before repeating someone's mistake to others, consider whether your words will help or destroy.

The Bible reminds us that a gentle answer can turn away anger.

Your words have power.

You can use them to heal or to wound.

To build or to tear down.

To reconcile or to divide.

Think about your relationships today.

Is there someone you're angry with?

Someone you haven't spoken to?

Someone you need to forgive?

Someone you need to apologize to?

Maybe you've been waiting for the other person to make the first move.

But sometimes following Jesus means having the courage to take the first step.

Say:

“I'm sorry.”

Say:

“Can we talk?”

Say:

“I forgive you.”

Say:

“Let's work this out.”

Those words don't make you weak.

They can demonstrate the strength of Christ working in you.

Jesus Himself is our greatest example.

He came to reconcile sinful humanity to God.

The cross shows us that God doesn't simply ignore broken relationships.

He made a way for reconciliation.

And if we have received God's grace, we should become people who extend grace to others.

So don't be the person who adds fuel to every argument.

Don't spread gossip.

Don't celebrate someone else's failure.

Don't use social media to attack people.

Don't allow pride to destroy relationships that could be restored.

Instead, be the person who brings calm into chaotic situations.

Be the person who listens.

Be the person who encourages forgiveness.

Be the person who speaks truth with love.

Be the person who points people toward Christ.

And remember:

You cannot control how everyone responds to you.

Your responsibility is to control your own response and pursue peace wherever it is possible.

As Romans 12:18 teaches, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Sometimes peace will require boundaries.

Sometimes it will require distance.

Sometimes reconciliation won't be possible immediately.

But even then, you can refuse to allow hatred to control your heart.

Pray for those who hurt you.

Give the situation to God.

Choose grace over revenge.

Choose wisdom over anger.

Choose peace over pride.

In a world that is quick to fight, be someone who brings the peace of Christ.

Is there a relationship or conflict where you can take one step toward peace today?

#BeAPeacemaker #Matthew59 #Peace #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction #Forgiveness #LoveLikeJesus #ChristianYouth #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM # KNKA

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS:

SERMON TOPIC:

3 PLACES IN YOUR HOME THAT NEED PRAYER

Theme:
When You Pray Over Your House, You Build a Spiritual Wall Around Your Family

Your home is more than a building.
It is a place where destinies are formed, children are raised, marriages are strengthened, decisions are made, and spiritual battles are sometimes fought.
You can lock your doors physically and still leave your home spiritually exposed.
That is why prayer must not only happen in the church. Your home must become an altar.
Joshua declared:
«“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15»
Joshua did not say, “As for me, I will serve the Lord.” He said, “Me and my house.”
There are places in your house that should not only be cleaned, decorated, or furnished—they should be covered in prayer.

Today, we are looking at three places in your home that need prayer.
1. YOUR BEDROOM — PRAY OVER YOUR REST, MARRIAGE AND PRIVATE LIFE
The bedroom is a place of rest, intimacy, vulnerability, and sometimes deep emotional battles.
It is where you sleep after the activities of the day. It is also where many people experience anxiety, fear, disturbing thoughts, marital tensions, and spiritual heaviness.
Bible Verse
«“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8»
Notice the connection:
Sleep + peace + God's protection.
Before you sleep, don't only check your phone. Check your spiritual atmosphere.
Pray over your bed.
Pray for peaceful sleep.
Pray over your marriage.
Pray against fear and anxiety.
Pray for your thoughts.
Pray that your home will be a place of peace.
For Married Couples
The bedroom should not become a battlefield of bitterness.
Husbands and wives should learn to pray together.
A marriage that prays together is inviting God into its battles.

Deep Spiritual Insight

The enemy wants to disturb your peace because he knows that a tired, fearful and confused person is easier to discourage.
But God gives His beloved sleep.
«“He giveth his beloved sleep.” — Psalm 127:2»
Prayer
“Father, let Your peace fill this bedroom. Let everyone who sleeps here experience divine rest. Protect our minds, our marriage, our bodies and our dreams. Let every atmosphere of fear, confusion and unrest disappear, in Jesus' name.”
2. YOUR LIVING ROOM — PRAY OVER YOUR FAMILY'S WORDS, RELATIONSHIPS AND DECISIONS
The living room is where families gather.
People talk there.
Arguments can happen there.
Children learn there.
Guests enter there.
Important decisions are sometimes made there.
Therefore, your living room needs an altar of prayer.

Bible Verse
«“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15»
The home should have a spiritual identity.
Ask yourself:
What atmosphere dominates my home?
Is it prayer?
Is it love?
Is it anger?
Is it television?
Is it social media?
Is it gossip?
Is it constant quarrelling?
Your home will eventually reflect what you consistently permit.

A Biblical Example: Cornelius

In Acts 10, we meet Cornelius, a man whose household was connected to God.
His home became a place where God's presence and instruction were welcomed.

The Bible says:

«“He was a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house.” — Acts 10:2»
Notice the phrase:
“With all his house.”
One person's spiritual commitment can influence an entire household.

Practical Application

Make your living room a place where:

- The Bible is read.
- Children are taught God's Word.
- Family prayer happens.
- Thanksgiving is offered.
- Forgiveness is practiced.
- Christian conversations are encouraged.
You don't need a large prayer meeting.
Sometimes, ten minutes of sincere family prayer can change the atmosphere of a home.
Prayer
“Lord, let this home be filled with love, wisdom, unity and Your Word. Let our conversations bring grace. Let our decisions be guided by You. Remove bitterness, hatred and unnecessary conflict from this family, in Jesus' name.”
3. YOUR FRONT DOOR / GATE — PRAY OVER WHAT ENTERS AND LEAVES YOUR HOME
Your door represents access.
People enter through it.
Things enter through it.
Influences enter through it.
And although we should not become superstitious about physical objects, we should understand the spiritual principle of guarding what we allow into our lives and homes.

Bible Verse
«“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23»
Your home needs boundaries.
Not everything should enter your home.
Not every conversation should enter your home.
Not every relationship should enter your home.
Not every piece of entertainment should enter your home.
Not every influence should have access to your children.
Psalm 101:3
David said:
«“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.”»
This is a powerful principle for the modern home.
Today, your front door is not the only entrance into your house.
Your phone is a door.
Your television is a door.
The internet is a door.
Social media is a door.
What are you allowing to enter?
Practical Spiritual Watchfulness
Pray:
“Lord, give us discernment concerning what we allow into this home.”
Don't only pray for God to protect your family.
Teach your family what to reject.

A REAL-LIFE PICTURE

Imagine a father who locks his doors every night.
He checks the windows.
He installs security lights.
He even has security personnel around his compound.
But inside the house, nobody prays.
There is constant hatred between husband and wife.
The children consume anything they find online.
The television is always on, but the Bible is rarely opened.
The family eats together but hardly prays together.
The house may be physically secure but spiritually neglected.
The answer is not fear.
The answer is Christ-centered living and consistent prayer.

5 PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS

1. Establish a family prayer time.
It doesn't have to be one hour.
Start with 10–15 minutes daily.
2. Pray in every room.
Walk through your home occasionally and pray—not because the walls have magical power, but because your family belongs to God.
3. Watch what enters through your screens.
Ask:
“Is this content helping my family spiritually or poisoning our atmosphere?”
4. Teach your children to pray.
Don't make prayer only the responsibility of the pastor.
Teach your children to call upon God themselves.
5. Make your home an altar, not merely a residence.
A Christian home should have evidence of Christ.
Let there be Scripture.
Let there be forgiveness.
Let there be worship.
Let there be prayer.
Let there be love.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What atmosphere currently dominates my home?
2. Do we pray together as a family?
3. What are we allowing into our home through our phones and entertainment?
4. Is there unresolved bitterness in my household?
5. If Jesus physically visited my home today, would I be comfortable with everything He would see and hear?
6. Am I building a house or building a godly legacy?

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS

1.
Father, let Your presence fill my home and let Your peace rule in every room, in Jesus' name.
2.
Every power working against the unity and peace of my household, be defeated in Jesus' name.
3.
Lord, protect every member of my family from evil influences and destructive relationships.
4.
Father, give our children wisdom and protect them from ungodly influences.
5.
Every atmosphere of fear, confusion, hatred and unnecessary conflict in my home, I command it to end, in Jesus' name.
6.
Lord, restore every broken relationship in my household.
7.
Let my home become a place where Your Word is honoured, Your name is worshipped and Your presence is welcomed.
8.
Father, let no member of my household be lost spiritually. Draw us all closer to Christ.
9.
Give every parent in this house wisdom to lead this family according to Your Word.
10.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

CALL TO ACTION

Beloved, don't wait until there is a crisis before you pray over your home.
Don't wait until your marriage is collapsing.
Don't wait until your child has been badly influenced.
Don't wait until fear has taken over.
Build the altar before the battle comes.
Tonight, when you enter your bedroom, pray.
When you sit in your living room, pray.
When you pass through your door, pray.
And remember:
Your house may have beautiful furniture, expensive electronics and modern decorations—but the greatest decoration a Christian home can have is the presence of God.
Joshua made a decision:
«“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15»
Make that decision today.
Let your bedroom become a place of peace.
Let your living room become a place of unity.
Let your home become a place of prayer.
Let your family become a testimony of God's faithfulness.

PRAY OVER YOUR HOME.

PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY.

BUILD THE ALTAR.

AND LET CHRIST BE THE HEAD OF YOUR HOUSE.
In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

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THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

Speak Life • Guard Your Words

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 21:23 (KJV) “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”

1. WORDS HAVE POWER

Your words can build or destroy, encourage or hurt, heal or discourage.

Think before you speak.

2. GUARD YOUR MOUTH

Avoid: Gossip • Lies • Insults • Anger • Negative declarations

Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue...”

3. SPEAK TO BUILD

Ephesians 4:29 (KJV) “...that which is good to the use of edifying...”

Before you speak, ask:

Is it true? Is it necessary? Will it build?

4. CONTROL YOUR TONGUE

When angry—pause.
When hurt—don't speak from the wound.
When blessed—give thanks.

5. SPEAK FAITH, NOT DEFEAT

Don't keep saying:
“I can't.” “I'm finished.”

Say:

“God is my strength.”
“I will not give up."
“God is with me.”

Faith-filled words don't deny reality; they refuse to surrender to defeat.

KEY LESSON

1. Think before speaking.
2. Guard your tongue.
3. Speak truth.
4. Build others.
5. Control your anger.
6. Speak life.

FINAL CHARGE

Your tongue is small, but its impact is great.

Don't use your mouth to destroy what you are praying for.

Speak wisely.
Speak graciously.
Speak life.

PRAYER

Father, help me to control my tongue and use my words wisely. Let my words bring encouragement, healing and hope. Keep me from destructive speech, and let everything I say honour You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prepared by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo +233544295158

Are You an Intentional Christian?

By Pastor Joseph Clark

Life does not simply happen to us. At least, it should not. There are circumstances we cannot control. There are things that happen to us that we never anticipated, and there are seasons when we have little choice over what comes our way. But within all of that, God has given us something extraordinarily important:

The freedom to choose how we will live before Him.

We should never be content merely to hope that our faith is genuine. We are called to deliberately follow Christ, deliberately obey His Word, deliberately love others, deliberately serve, deliberately grow—and deliberately bear fruit. The Christian life is not a spectator sport.

Let me be absolutely clear: we are not saved by our good works. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through religious accomplishments or our own efforts. We cannot purchase forgiveness by doing enough good deeds. We cannot impress God into saving us.

Paul writes:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works.”

Ephesians 2:8–9

Amen.

But sometimes Christians stop reading there. The very next verse says:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

Notice the order. We are not saved by good works. We are saved for good works. Works are not the root of our salvation; they are supposed to be the fruit of our salvation.

That distinction is absolutely essential. A person does not become a Christian because he produces fruit. Rather, because he has been brought into Christ, his life should increasingly begin to produce fruit.

I have observed that some Christians use the “by faith, not works” argument as a cop-out to justify a lazy, fruitless walk.

Jesus Himself said:

“By their fruit you will recognize them.”

Matthew 7:16

He did not say, “Don’t worry about fruit because you believe.” He said:

“Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

Matthew 7:17

There is a dangerous misunderstanding that can sometimes enter Christian thinking. A person says, “I am saved by faith and not works.” That statement is true. But then he concludes, “Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether my life produces anything.”

That conclusion is not biblical.

James puts the matter bluntly:

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

James 2:17

James isn’t teaching that we purchase salvation by our deeds. He is teaching that genuine faith is living faith.

If I tell you that I have a fire burning in my house, but you enter the house and find no heat, no light, no flame, and no evidence whatsoever of fire, you would have good reason to question my claim.

In the same way, if someone claims to belong to Christ but deliberately refuses to grow, refuses to obey, refuses to serve, refuses to love, refuses to forgive, and refuses to bear any spiritual fruit, we should not simply congratulate that person by saying, “Well, you’re saved by faith, so none of that matters.”

Jesus never taught such complacency.

Consider one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus describes people who will stand before Him on the day of judgment. They will say that they did things in His name. And Jesus will say:

“I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

Matthew 7:23

That should cause every professing Christian to pause.

Jesus did not say, “You weren’t sincere enough.” He did not say, “You didn’t perform enough religious deeds.” He said, “I never knew you.”

The issue is ultimately relationship with Christ.

Likewise, Jesus gives a similar warning in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some of the virgins were complacent and unprepared for the bridegroom. When he arrived, they were shut out of the wedding feast. The warning is unmistakable: we must not live carelessly or presume upon the grace of God.

A person can say the right things, use Christian vocabulary, attend church, perform religious activities, and even speak about Jesus—and yet not actually belong to Him.

This is why we should never merely sit back and say, “I hope my faith is genuine.” We should examine our lives. We should pursue Christ. We should repent when we sin. We should seek holiness. We should love our neighbor. We should forgive. We should serve. We should pray. We should study God’s Word. We should proclaim the Gospel. We should bear fruit.

Not because these things purchase our salvation—but because Christ has saved us and called us to live differently.

Our fruitfulness should also be expressed through obedience to Christ’s Great Commission.

Jesus said:

“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

John 15:16

That is not passive language.

Go. Bear fruit.

Christ did not save us so that we could sit comfortably on the sidelines of Christianity. He called us into a life of purpose.

Jesus also said:

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

John 15:8

There is that word again: fruit.

Fruit is evidence of life.

Wake Up and Bear Fruit

Do you see what is happening in this fallen world today?

Paganism. False religions.

They are boldly, deliberately, and intentionally seeking to influence and claim the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.

Our answer should be bold, fruitful evangelism!

Wake up!

Use your God-given gifts in any way you can to share His Gospel.

An apple tree doesn’t produce apples in order to become an apple tree. It produces apples because it is an apple tree.

Likewise, Christians don’t perform good works in order to become God’s children. We bear fruit because, through faith in Christ, God has made us His children.

This brings us back to our central question:

What are you going to do with the life God has given you?

You cannot choose every circumstance. But you can choose whether you will trust God in those circumstances.

You can choose whether you will forgive.

You can choose whether you will serve.

You can choose whether you will encourage someone who is discouraged.

You can choose whether you will open your Bible.

You can choose whether you will pray.

You can choose whether you will share your faith.

You can choose whether you will repent.

You can choose whether you will obey Christ when obedience is difficult.

You can choose whether your Christianity will be merely something you claim—or something you deliberately live.

Paul told the Philippians:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

Philippians 2:12

Paul did not mean, “Work for your salvation.” He was writing to people who were already Christians. The meaning is that the salvation God has worked into your life should be worked out in the way you live.

Your faith should become visible.

Your character should change.

Your priorities should change.

Your relationships should change.

Your choices should change.

Your life should increasingly resemble the Christ you profess to follow.

There is a difference between saying, “I hope I’m a faithful Christian,” and saying, “By the grace of God, I will deliberately seek to become a faithful Christian.”

The first can become passive.

The second is intentional.

What Will You Do With What God Has Given You?

Do you remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30?

Are you the servant who was given one talent and buried it in the ground rather than using it?

To that servant, the master said:

“You wicked, lazy servant!”

Matthew 25:26

The judgment concludes:

“And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 25:30

Or are you the servant to whom the Lord will say:

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

Matthew 25:21

Let me pause and ask you right now:

Is this message off-putting to you? Does this message offend you?

If so, ask yourself: Why?

Why does God’s Word—and a message consistent with His Word—bother you?

And don’t misunderstand me: you cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through human strength.

Jesus said:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

Fruit comes from abiding in Christ.

But abiding in Christ is not passive indifference.

We choose to remain close to Him.

We choose obedience.

We choose repentance.

We choose prayer.

We choose service.

We choose faithfulness.

We choose to say yes when Christ calls.

In the Parable of the Talents, one servant received one talent and buried it. He did not steal it. He did not destroy it. He simply did nothing with it.

When the master returned, the servant had an excuse. But the master condemned him.

Why?

Because what had been entrusted to him was intended to be used.

There is a warning here for Christians who have been given time, abilities, opportunities, spiritual gifts, knowledge, and resources but deliberately refuse to use them for God’s purposes.

God did not give you your life merely to consume it.

He gave you a life that can be offered back to Him.

Jesus also told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. The owner came looking for fruit and found none. The tree was occupying valuable ground, but it was not fulfilling the purpose for which it existed.

That should make us think.

What is your Christian life producing?

Are people encouraged because you know Christ?

Are people helped because you serve?

Are people forgiven because you have learned to forgive?

Are people hearing the Gospel because you are willing to speak?

Are people seeing Christ in your conduct?

Are you becoming more patient?

More loving?

More humble?

More truthful?

More generous?

More courageous?

More obedient?

Has God given you talents or resources such as public influence, good oratory, conversational skills, a good computer, social media, or other online tools?

Use them for Christ.

Do you enjoy Christian podcasts, Christian articles, or Christian music?

Share them online with others.

Do you know someone who is in need or grieving?

Be present to them.

Let them know you are praying for them.

Pray for them!

Make a prayer list and pray daily.

Pray for this fallen world.

Reassure others of the coming of Christ.

Use whatever God has entrusted to you to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel.

What fruit is your life producing?

You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Be Fruitful

You don’t have to be famous to be fruitful.

You don’t have to preach to thousands.

You don’t have to write books.

You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit.

A mother raising her children in the faith can be fruitful.

A man encouraging a discouraged neighbor can be fruitful.

A Christian visiting the lonely can be fruitful.

Someone praying faithfully for another person can be fruitful.

A believer forgiving an enemy can be fruitful.

A Christian refusing to participate in gossip can be fruitful.

Someone quietly giving to help another person can be fruitful.

Fruitfulness isn’t necessarily spectacular.

Sometimes the greatest Christian fruit is produced quietly, where only God sees it.

Jesus said:

“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:4

Your life will not be perfect.

You will fail.

You will sin.

You will sometimes become discouraged.

You will occasionally make terrible decisions.

But don’t confuse failure with fruitlessness.

A fruitful Christian is not a perfect Christian. A fruitful Christian is an obedient Christian who keeps turning toward Christ.

When he falls, he gets back up.

When he sins, he repents.

When he fails, he seeks God’s grace.

When he becomes discouraged, he keeps walking.

When God opens a door, he walks through it.

When Christ calls, he responds.

That is deliberate Christianity.

So don’t merely sit back and hope that your faith is genuine.

Pursue Christ.

Don’t use salvation by faith as an excuse for spiritual laziness.

Bear fruit.

Don’t try to earn God’s love through good works.

Serve because you have already received His grace.

Don’t live as though your life is something that merely happens to you.

By the grace of God, choose to make it count.

Jesus said:

“By their fruit you will recognize them.”

And He also said:

“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

The Christian life is not about earning salvation.

It is about living out the salvation you have received.

So get up.

Pray. Believe. Repent. Obey. Serve. Love. Forgive. Speak. Give. Go.

Create content.

Share content.

Practice charity.

Use your talents in any way you can to share the Kingdom of Christ and reach pagans, non-believers, and those who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

Bear fruit.

You have been given one life.

Don’t merely wait to see what happens to it.

With Christ, deliberately choose what you will do with it.

And may your life bear fruit—not for your own glory, but for the glory of the One who saved you.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!

GLORIOUS SUNDAY SERMON OF
16TH AUGUST 2026

Beloved of God, welcome to this amazing gathering of God's children. As we are about to hear from the throne of mercy, I declared that you will not come in vain, and you will not go empty handed.
But before we share the word of God, let us pray

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LESSON:
Matthew 7:16-20

As a matter of fact, today's message is a self reflection, that's why it's topic is:

TOPIC:
WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN AM I?

TEXT:
You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
Matthew 7:16–20 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION:
It is easy to ask, “What kind of church do I attend?” or “What kind of Christians are around me?” But today, God is asking a more personal question:
What kind of Christian am I?
Christianity is more than attending church, carrying a Bible, singing worship songs, or being known as a believer. Jesus wants our faith to be visible in the way we live, speak, love, forgive, serve and represent Him.
The real test of Christianity is not simply what we profess with our lips, but what our lives produce.
Be immensely blessed by the word in Jesus name.

EXPOSITION:
With a sincere mind, let's examine and consider these 3 basic important points.

1. WHAT KIND OF FRUIT IS MY LIFE PRODUCING?
Matthew 7:16–20; Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4–5
Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.”
Notice that Jesus did not say people would be known merely by their appearance, religious vocabulary, church position or spiritual title. He said they would be known by their fruit. Fruit is evidence of what is happening inside a tree. In the same way, our daily conduct reveals what is happening in our hearts.

A Christian may speak about love, but how do I treat people who offend me? I may talk about forgiveness, but can I forgive those who hurt me? I may preach holiness, but what happens when nobody is watching? I may say that I trust God, but what happens when I face disappointment? These are the moments when our fruit becomes visible.
Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

This gives us something practical to examine.
Is there love in me? Is there patience in me?
Is there self-control in me? Can people see Christ in the way I respond under pressure?
Because sometimes, the greatest testimony we preach is not from the pulpit. It is through our behaviour when life does not go according to our expectations. Jesus also said in John 15:5, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.”

Fruitfulness is therefore connected to our relationship with Christ. We cannot consistently produce Christlike character while living far from Christ. The question is not whether we once produced good fruit. The question is: What is my life producing now?

EXPOSITION:
2. AM I A LIGHT THAT LEADS PEOPLE TO CHRIST OR A STUMBLING BLOCK?
Matthew 5:14–16; Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 2:12
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.”
That means our Christianity is not supposed to remain inside the church building. People are watching us.
Our neighbours are watching. Our colleagues are watching. Our family members are watching. Young people are watching. Even people who disagree with Christianity are watching.

Sometimes, before they read the Bible, they read our lives. This is why we must ask ourselves a difficult question: Does my lifestyle make people desire to know Jesus, or does it give them another reason to reject Him? A Christian can become a stumbling block through bitterness, dishonesty, hypocrisy, arrogance, unforgiveness, gossip, immoral behaviour or an abusive attitude. Imagine telling someone that Jesus changes lives, while that person consistently sees anger, hatred and dishonesty in our own life.
What message are we communicating?

Romans 14:13 tells believers not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in another believer’s way.
This does not mean that we live our lives based on people's opinions. It means we recognize that Christian freedom carries Christian responsibility.
Our lives should make the Gospel attractive, not contradictory. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The purpose of our light is not to make people admire us. It is to make them glorify God. So, when people encounter me, what do they encounter? Christ or character problems? Grace or hostility? Truth or hypocrisy? Love or bitterness? We cannot preach the Gospel effectively with our mouths while preaching a different gospel with our lifestyle.

EXPOSITION:
3. AM I OBEYING CHRIST OR AM I ONLY PRACTISING RELIGION?
John 14:15; James 1:22–25; Matthew 28:19–20
Jesus said plainly: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” That means genuine Christianity must eventually produce obedience. It is possible to become very familiar with church activities while becoming unfamiliar with obedience to Christ.
We can attend services, participate in programmes, sing loudly, pray publicly and even hold positions in church, yet still ignore the simple commands of Jesus.

Jesus commanded us to love one another.
He commanded us to forgive.
He commanded us to serve.
He commanded us to make disciples.
He commanded us to preach the Gospel.
He commanded us to live as lights in a dark world.
The question therefore becomes:
Am I doing what Jesus asked me to do?

James 1:22 warns us not to be merely hearers of the Word, but doers. Hearing God's Word without obeying it can create the illusion of spiritual maturity.
Knowledge is not the same as obedience.
Knowing that we should forgive is not forgiveness.
Knowing that we should evangelize is not evangelism.
Knowing that we should love is not love.
Knowing that we should live holy is not holiness.
At some point, the Word we hear must become the life we live. And this includes the Great Commission.

Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Every Christian may not stand behind a pulpit, but every Christian has a responsibility to represent Christ. There is somebody around us who needs encouragement.
Somebody needs to hear the Gospel.
Somebody needs to see forgiveness.
Somebody needs to see genuine Christian love.
Somebody may be watching our life and wondering whether Jesus is truly real.

So the question is not merely:
“Am I a Christian?” The deeper question is:
“What kind of Christian am I?”
Am I a Christian by name, or by transformation?
Am I only a church member, or am I a disciple of Jesus? Am I carrying the name of Christ while refusing to carry His character?
This brings us to the conclusion of the message.

CONCLUSION:
Today, the mirror is before us.
Not before our neighbour.
Not before another church member.
Not before society. Before me.
What kind of Christian am I?
May our Christianity be more than words, titles and religious activities. May our lives produce good fruit, shine as lights, and demonstrate obedience to Christ.
Let people encounter us and see something that points them back to Jesus.

CLOSING PRAYER:
Let us pray!
Lord Jesus, make us genuine representatives of Your kingdom. Let our lives produce good fruit, let our character reflect You, and let our actions never become a stumbling block to others. Help us to love, forgive, serve and obey You faithfully. May our lives point people to Christ. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

GOODWILL MESSAGE:
This is my goodwill message for you this week:
May your life become a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. May your words carry grace, your character reveal Christ, and your actions draw others closer to God. May your faith remain fruitful, your light continue to shine, and your life bring glory to your Father in heaven. Amen.

HAPPY WONDERFUL SUNDAY,
HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK.

LIKE IT OR NOT!
JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN SOON!!
REPENT AND BE READY FOR HIM!!!

This wonderful message is brought to you
With Love from Pastor M O Glorious,
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH ,
Palace of Mercy, Royal District, Restoration Zone. Damolapa, Laketu, Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria. For prayer or counseling, pls contact us@
08055646358: 09018952081
or
peganmireAnderson Mwila.com

#WhatKindOfChristianAmI #ChristianCharacter
#ChristLikeLiving #FruitOfTheSpirit
#BeTheLight #ChristianFaith
#WalkWithChrist #ObeyChrist
#LiveForJesus l#LetYourLightShine
#KingdomLiving #JesusChrist

How does a conflict between two people eventually spread through an entire group?

Sometimes nobody explicitly tells us what to think. They simply plant enough seeds that we begin viewing another person through suspicion—and then those seeds get carried somewhere else.

This goes deeper than gossip.

From S2 E158: Can You Destroy Someone’s Reputation and Still Call It Biblical?

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