SERMON INSIGHTS

 THE MANDATE FOR TRUE DISCIPLESHIP AND SPIRITUAL MATURITY

Central Spiritual Truth: The primary mission of the church is to equip believers to reflect the character of Jesus Christ through the knowledge of the truth.

• The church is divinely expected to disciple members in the “knowledge of the truth, of the faith and of the ministry”.
• Every Christian is called to be a “preacher” and a “priest” who is equipped to function as a servant of the Most High God.
• Spiritual growth is measured by a person’s development into the “fullness of the stature of Jesus Christ” rather than material accumulation.
• True worship must be performed “in spirit and in truth,” rejecting all forms of pretense and disobedience.
• Leaders are tasked with ensuring that congregants do not doubt the “efficacy or the sufficiency or the truth of the scriptures”.

Scripture Reference: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

THE FAILURE OF RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP AND NATIONAL CONSEQUENCES

Central Spiritual Truth: When the church abandons the way of righteousness, it fails to produce the disciplined leadership required to sustain a healthy society.

• A “failure in producing right leadership” for both the church and the nation is the root cause of widespread social decay.
• Despite high numbers of Christians in civil service and education, there remains “so much corruption, so much indiscipline, and so much confusion”.
• The church has often “missed the way of righteousness” by failing to submit to the dominion of God as the ultimate King.
• Many in leadership have been “misled and are misleading” others by equating Christ’s glory with cars, money, and buildings.
• The result of this spiritual failure is a “loss in divine things,” which is far more devastating than the loss of material wealth.

THE DECEPTION OF MATERIALISTIC CHRISTIANITY

Central Spiritual Truth: Jesus Christ teaches that spiritual elevation draws men toward God, not toward the pursuit of worldly status or gain.

• The current religious landscape is often dominated by a focus on how to “receive double portion” and obtain material riches.
• Miracles, cars, and “storey buildings” are human preoccupations that find no basis in the actual teaching of Jesus Christ regarding His lifting up.
• Some religious practices have devolved into a “half” or “50%” understanding of true spiritual inheritance.
• Preachers are warned against replacing the Gospel of salvation and redemption with a gospel of “positions of trust and money”.
• True faith requires an acknowledgement of the “power of the ministry of the Holy Spirit” over human greed.

Scripture Reference: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE SAINTS IN 2016

Central Spiritual Truth: Every believer is personally responsible to God for their faithfulness to the Word and the mission of Christ.

• This year is designated as a time for the church to “go back and consider how far they have been faithful” to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Every individual Christian will be required to “give his or her account” regarding their spiritual growth and service.
• The central focus of 2016 must be the exaltation of Jesus Christ so that He may “draw all men” unto Himself.
• The church must reassess its commitment to the “mission committed to us” rather than following human-centric agendas.
• Faithfulness is defined by a return to the “way of righteousness” where the Kingdom of God is sought first.

Scripture Reference: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)

Exhortations, Prayers, and Calls to Action:

• Return to the Word: Go back and consider how faithful you have been to the “word of God” and the mission of the Father.
• Submit to Divine Dominion: Submit yourself to the “dominion of God as God-King” and to the Holy Spirit as a fellow worker.
• Lift Up Christ: Exalt Jesus Christ in your life and profession so that He may be seen by all men.
• Examine Leadership: Be vigilant against those who are “misled and are misleading,” focusing instead on the stature of Christ.
• Disciple the Nations: Commit to being “equipped by the leaders” to preach and serve as a true son or daughter of God.

AMEN