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WORD OF GRACE MINISTRY

THE POWER OF A SMALL ACT OF KIDNESS

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THE POWER OF A SMALL ACT OF KIDNESS Matthew 10:42 (NIV) –  “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Introduction: In this passage, Jesus reminds us of the significance of even the smallest acts of kindness done in His name. In a world that often celebrates grand gestures and big achievements, we sometimes overlook the power and importance of small, selfless acts. However, Jesus teaches us that in His Kingdom, no act of love, no matter how small, goes unnoticed or unrewarded. 1. The Simplicity of a Cup of Water: A cup of cold water is not extravagant or expensive; it is a simple, basic need. This small gesture is within the reach of every one of us. We don’t need to be wealthy, powerful, or influential to serve others. We just need to have a willing heart. Jesus is teaching that even the simplest things we can do—things that may seem insignificant to ...

The Transformative Power of Baptism: A New Beginning in Christ

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Introduction: Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we come together to dive deep into the sacred waters of baptism—a divine act that possesses an extraordinary transformative power in the life of a believer. As we embark on this spiritual journey, let us remember the profound moment when heaven itself acknowledged the significance of baptism, as described in Matthew 3:16 : " As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him." I. The Significance of Baptism (Matthew 3:6-16): Baptism represents more than just a ritual; it symbolizes a new beginning, a fresh start on our journey of faith. Just as Jesus willingly entered the waters and was baptized by John the Baptist, we too step into the baptismal waters to declare our unwavering faith in Christ and signify our repentance and cleansing from the shackles of sin. This sacred act is not a sol...

The Greatest Commandments – A Call to Love (Mark 12:29-31)

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Title: The Greatest Commandments – A Call to Love Scripture Reading: Mark 12:29-31 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these." Introduction In today’s passage, Jesus summarizes the essence of God’s commandments into two simple yet profound principles: loving God and loving others. These verses hold the key to living a life that pleases God and transforms the world around us. Let’s explore the depth of these commandments and their application in our daily lives. 1. Love the Lord Your God (v. 30) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” What Does It Mean to Love God? Heart: The heart represents our emotions and desires. Loving God with all our heart mean...

Are You Fully a True Christian? John 3:1-21

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  Are You Fully a True Christian? Scripture Reference: John 3:1-21 Introduction What does it mean to be a true Christian? Is it attending church regularly, giving generously, or living a morally upright life? While these are important aspects of Christian living, being a true Christian goes much deeper. In John 3:1-21, Jesus has a profound conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious leader, that unveils the true essence of Christian faith. 1. The Need for a New Birth (John 3:3-7) Jesus begins His dialogue with Nicodemus by making a startling statement: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus, confused, asks how one can be born again when he is old. Jesus explains that this new birth is not a physical one but a spiritual transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. Application: Have you experienced the new birth? Being a true Christian isn’t about external actions but an internal transformation. True Christianity begins when ...

Triumph and Humility: Lessons from Palm Sunday

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Triumph and Humility: Lessons from Palm Sunday Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters, as we gather on this blessed Palm Sunday, we commemorate the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. This event marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time of reflection, repentance, and ultimate redemption. Today, let us delve into the significance of Palm Sunday and draw lessons that resonate with our lives. The Triumphal Entry: In the Gospel accounts, we read about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. The crowds laid palm branches and cloaks on the road, shouting "Hosanna!" This scene symbolizes Jesus' kingship and the people's recognition of him as the Messiah. It's a moment of great celebration and anticipation. The Paradox of Kingship: Despite the triumphant entry, Jesus' kingship contrasts sharply with worldly expectations. He comes not as a conquering warrior but as a humble servant. He embodies a different ki...

After Death-What Happens When we Die? LUKE 16:19

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    After Death   LUKE 16:19 At this moment you are alive, you breathe, you move about or work .   You may be living in comfort or existing in misery. The sun rises and sets; somewhere a child is being born; but also somewhere, someone is always dying. All of life is only a temporary arrangement . But, Where will you go after death?     Whether you are religious, or simply do not believe in any religion— You still need to settle this most important question, because after a brief earth-life, man goes to his eternal destiny.     (Ecclesiastes 12:5)   But Where?   The cemetery where you will be buried cannot entomb your soul. Though your body was burned at the cremation pyre, it could not consume your soul. If you perished in the depth of the sea, your soul would not drown.   Your soul will never die!   The God of heaven and earth has said,      “All souls are Mine...

Law and Grace: The Divine Harmony

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  Introduction: Good morning/afternoon/evening, beloved in Christ. Today, we delve into a profound and foundational aspect of our Christian faith – the dynamic interplay between law and grace as revealed in the pages of the Bible. These two pillars, law and grace, form a harmonious melody that echoes throughout Scripture, leading us to a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. I. The Law: Let us begin by exploring the purpose and significance of the law as outlined in the Old Testament. God, in His infinite wisdom, gave the Israelites the Law through Moses as a guide for righteous living. The Law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic covenant, served as a moral compass, revealing God's standards for holiness and righteousness. However, as we read in Romans 3:20, "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law, we become conscious of our sin." The law exposed the depth of ...

Samson: A Journey of Strength, Weakness, and Redemption

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Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we embark on a journey through the life of Samson, a towering figure in the pages of the Old Testament. Samson's life is a tapestry of divine strength, human frailty, and the ultimate redemption that reminds us of the incredible grace of our God. His story resonates with timeless lessons about our own lives, our vulnerabilities, and the limitless potential for redemption. Part 1: The Gift of Strength From the very beginning, Samson's life was marked by God's divine plan. Born to a barren woman after a heavenly promise, Samson's life was destined for greatness. The exceptional strength he possessed from birth was not merely a physical gift; it was a divine anointing. The story of Samson courageously battling and defeating a lion with his bare hands serves as a vivid reminder of God's favor and the unique purpose for which he was chosen. This divine strength was more than mere muscles; it was a symbol of God...

Don't Give Up: Finding Strength in Perseverance

Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Life's journey can often be filled with challenges and obstacles that seem insurmountable. It is during these moments of adversity that we may be tempted to give up, to surrender to despair. However, today, let us draw strength from the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." In this sermon, we will explore the importance of not giving up, drawing inspiration from both scripture and life itself. The Challenge of Perseverance: Life's trials and tribulations can leave us feeling weary and defeated. It may be the burden of illness, the weight of unfulfilled dreams, or the struggle of adversity. During such times, we may be tempted to throw in the towel and give up. But, it is precisely in these moments that we must remember that God calls us to persevere. The Power of Faith: Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the subs...

The Miracle of Resurrection: Jesus Raises the Dead

Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, we come together to explore one of the most profound and awe-inspiring aspects of our faith: the power of Jesus to raise the dead. The stories of Jesus raising the dead are not just miraculous accounts but powerful testimonies to His divine authority, deep compassion, and the assurance of eternal life. Through the pages of the Bible, let us journey into the accounts of Jesus raising the dead and delve deeply into the message they convey to our hearts. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44): The story of Lazarus, as told in the Gospel of John, is a testament to Jesus' power over death. Lazarus, a beloved friend of Jesus, fell ill and eventually succumbed to death. When Jesus arrived at his tomb, the scene was filled with sorrow and grief. Yet, our Lord, moved by compassion, approached the tomb and cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" And miraculously, Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, emerged fro...

The Power of Prayer: A Biblical Perspective

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather in the house of the Lord to delve into a topic that is at the heart of our faith—the power of prayer. As we open our hearts to God's Word, let us remember that prayer is not just an action; it's a divine connection that transcends time and space. Through prayer, we draw near to the Almighty, and today, we will explore its significance in light of the Scriptures. I. Understanding Prayer: A Conversation with God My dear friends, when we pray, we engage in a conversation with the Creator of the universe. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 9-13, we find the Lord's Prayer. It is not merely a set of words to recite but a model of how we should communicate with our Heavenly Father. This prayer includes adoration, supplication, confession, and thanksgiving. The Psalms, God's precious gift to us, remind us in Psalm 34:17-18 that when we are in distress, we can call upon the Lord in prayer, and He hears us. Just as a c...

Love

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Introduction: Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather in the warmth of God's embrace to explore a topic that lies at the very heart of our faith: Love. Love, as we know it, is not merely a word but a divine force, an essence woven into the very fabric of our existence. Let us open our hearts to the sacred teachings of the Bible and allow the transformative power of love to envelop us. 1. Leviticus 19:18 - The Foundation of Love: Our journey into the profound nature of love begins with Leviticus 19:18, where we are commanded, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Here, we find the cornerstone upon which all our actions and relationships are to be built—a love that extends beyond ourselves. 2. Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love for God: Turning our gaze to Deuteronomy 6:5, we are reminded to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This verse reminds us of the centrality of our love for God as the g...

The Transformative Power of Forgiveness: A Journey to Healing and Freedom

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  Introduction: Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to explore a topic of profound importance in our Christian walk—forgiveness. Forgiveness is not just a mere act; it's a spiritual journey that leads to healing, reconciliation, and freedom. Let us turn to the Word of God to understand the significance of forgiveness and the transformative power it holds in our lives. I. Forgiving Others (Mark 11:25, Ephesians 4:32): In Mark 11:25, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiving others: " And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Ephesians 4:32 echoes this sentiment, urging us to be "kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Forgiving others is not just a command; it's an act of love and obedience. When we release the burden of unforgiveness, we open the door to God's forgivenes...

Breaking the Chains: Finding Freedom from Addiction

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Introduction: Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather with heavy hearts to address a topic that has touched the lives of many— addiction. It's a subject that requires our utmost attention, empathy, and above all, the guiding light of God's Word. I invite you to join me in exploring the hope and healing that can be found through faith and resilience as we navigate this difficult journey. I. The Promise of God's Deliverance (1 Corinthians 10:13): In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Apostle Paul shares a message of profound hope: " No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." This verse reminds us that, even in the darkest moments of addiction, God's faithfulness shines brightly. He promises us a way out, a path to recovery that we can bear, no matter how overwh...

Seeking God's Kingdom

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SWIntroduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, we gather in this sacred space to reflect upon the timeless wisdom found in the Holy Scriptures. I stand before you, not as an expert or scholar, but as a fellow traveler on this journey of faith. And together, we will explore the profound message contained in Matthew 6:33. I. Prioritizing God's Kingdom: In this verse, Jesus instructs us to " seek ye first the kingdom of God." But what does it mean to prioritize God's kingdom? It means making God and His ways the most important thing in our lives. It's about recognizing that God's plan should guide our actions and decisions. II. Trusting in God's Provision: When we put God first, we trust that He will take care of us. Just as He provides for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, He will provide for us. We don't need to be consumed by worries about our daily needs; we can trust that God knows what we require. III. Pursuing Righteo...

Finding Hope and Healing: Overcoming Depression through Faith

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  Introduction: Dear beloved, if you are listening today and you find yourself burdened by the weight of depression, I want you to know that God sees you. He knows your pain, and He is with you even in the darkest of moments. Today, we're going to explore how your faith can become a powerful anchor in your journey towards peace, healing, and joy. I. Understanding Depression: Depression can feel like an endless storm, engulfing you in darkness. But remember, dear friend, the Psalms teach us that even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us (Psalm 23:4). He understands the turmoil within your heart. II. Seeking Help: Just as a broken bone requires a doctor's care, your wounded soul deserves attention. Proverbs 15:22 tells us that "plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed." Don't hesitate to seek help from professionals, friends, and your faith community. This is a brave and wise step toward healing. III. Finding Strength in G...

My Grace is Sufficient

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Introduction : Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather here to reflect on a powerful and comforting message found in the Scriptures, a message that reassures us in times of trials and tribulations. Our topic for today is "My Grace is Sufficient." These words, spoken by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, hold profound meaning for us as believers. I. Understanding Grace: To truly grasp the message of sufficiency in God's grace, we must first understand what grace means in our lives. Grace is not something we earn or deserve; it is the unmerited favor of God, His unwavering love, and His divine help extended to us despite our imperfections and sins. It's a gift freely given to us through our faith in Jesus Christ. II. The Context of 2 Corinthians 12:9: In 2 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," a source of deep suffering or weakness that he begged God to remove from his life. However, God's response t...

The Shepherd's Care

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Introduction: Good morning/afternoon/evening, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to explore one of the most beloved and comforting passages in the Bible, Psalm 23. It's a passage that resonates with us on a deeply spiritual level, as it portrays God as our loving Shepherd and us as His cherished sheep. We all know that life can be challenging and uncertain. We face trials, uncertainties, and moments of fear. But in the midst of it all, we have a Shepherd who cares for us, provides for us, guides us, and gives us His peace. Let's dive into this beautiful Psalm and discover the reassurance it offers. I. The Relationship Between the Shepherd and the Sheep In verse 1, David declares, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." What a profound statement! David acknowledges a relationship between himself and the Lord. God is not just a distant deity; He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. As His sheep, we experience an intimate and caring relationshi...

King Uzziah: A Biography of Pride and Redemption

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Introduction: Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we embark on a journey through the pages of the Bible to uncover the life of a king whose story is filled with important lessons for our own spiritual journeys. We will explore the life of King Uzziah, a man who experienced the heights of success, the depths of pride, and the redemptive power of repentance. Let us begin with a word of prayer. I. The Rise of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:1-5) Uzziah was a young man when he ascended to the throne of Judah. In his early years, he sought the Lord, and as he did, God blessed his reign abundantly. Uzziah's commitment to God brought prosperity and favor upon the kingdom. II. The Pride and Arrogance of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-21) However, success has a way of testing one's character. As Uzziah's victories piled up, so did his pride. He began to think of himself as invincible. This arrogance led him to a grave mistake: he entered the temple to burn incense, a duty ...

The Parable of the Good Samaritan: A Lesson in Compassion

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Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 Introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, today we gather to delve into one of the most profound and heart-touching parables ever told by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This timeless story holds within it a message of compassion, selflessness, and the boundless love that our Savior calls us to embrace. As we reflect upon this parable, let us open our hearts to its life-changing lessons and be inspired to be Good Samaritans in our own lives. I. Setting the Stage Let us begin by setting the stage for this parable. In the Gospel of Luke, a lawyer stands up to test Jesus, asking, " Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? " Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, replies with another question: " What is written in the Law? How do you read it?" The lawyer answers with the greatest commandment, to love the Lord with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus acknowledges this answer, but ...