Get Connected Bear Fruits

\keep deriving inspiration from Jesus Christ for whatever you do or say.


One major truth about this age is that if you are not connected you will be isolated.  William James says, “We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep.”   The topic for today’s sermon is derived from a command given to us by Jesus Christ in the Gospel according to John chapter 15 verse 4 which says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
The Greek word ‘meno’ according to the New American Standard New Testament Greek Lexicon is a verb meaning remain, abide or stay with... In Matthew 10:11, Jesus tells His disciples "And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city.”(Emphasis mine)  It means connect perpetually to the source of survival, well being and relevance. In order word, believer is to permanently stay in, abide and connect to Christ Jesus in their daily relationship. You must keep deriving inspiration  from Jesus Christ for whatever you do or say.
3 Reasons for Connection
1. It is the essence of our creation. You are an extension of God’s kingdom. He created us in His image and breathed a breath of live into us. Gen. 1: 26-28. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he breathed on the disciples too. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:22. For you to belong and remain in the body of Christ you must get connected. Colossians 2:19; Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 1:17
2. For sustainability you must get connected. A branch can only derive IT’S livelihood from the tree. The branches that are taken away were never properly abiding in the vine. When a branch is removed from the tree, it can be thrown around and dragged into the fire or dumped in the refuse bin. Psalm 121:1, 2
3. For productivity or fruitfulness a branch must get connected. Jesus mentioned the word ‘fruit’ in the chapter 7 times. In order word, you are in Christ if only you are productive. You are a Christian if only your life keeps reflecting Jesus character and virtues. He desires and commands us to produce abiding fruits.
Conclusion
You are not special because of the dresses or cosmetics you put on. Your religiosity cannot make you special unless you are genuinely and consistently connected to Jesus Christ. You must be chosen and established by Jesus to be connected and fruitful. Submit your whole life to Him and you will never remain the same in Jesus name.
 Reference
Thayer and Smith. "Greek Lexicon entry for Meno". "The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon". . 1999. https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/meno.html

The Supremacy of Christ

 Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo
Senior Pastor, Christ Baptist Church, Alimosho Lagos Nigeria

You will not be consumed by your afflictions; rather you will become a shining star to the glory of God.

A Bible Study Guide on Hebrews 1:1-14

The Last and Superior Word: Ch. 1: 1-3. The first chapter of the Book of Hebrews begins with no philosophical argument about the existence of God. Whatever anyone may believe about God and His existence, for every Christian at any time in any condition God is alive. No matter what you are passing through God is present.  Isaiah 43:1-3; Jer. 23:24; Proverbs 15:3; 1 Kings 8:27; Acts 17:24; Colossians 1:17; Matt. 18:20; Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Rom. 8: 22, 23; Matt. 11:12, 28: 20

Christ Is Superior to Angels: Ch. 1:4-14 the existence of angels is indisputable both in the Bible and in the post apostolic age. The Bible makes many references to their uniqueness and functions.  The Hebrew word for angel, malakh, occurs 213 times in the Old Testament. The Greek word for angel, angelos,   occurs several times throughout the New Testament and is often translated “messenger,” “one sent,” “envoy,” or “ambassador” especially when referring to the mission and functions of the angelic hosts. They were created by God present at creation. They are to run errand on behalf of children of God. Job 38:1-7; Daniel 10:12-13; They are to worship God and not to be worshiped. Rev. 4:8; Heb. 1:6 Jesus Christ is superior to all angels and He remains the Saviour and Advocate of those who trust in Him. Acts 4: 12; Phil. 2:7-9; Psal 8; Col. 1: 13-17. Jesus is the Son of God. 1:4-5

The Superior Saviour: The Bible gives us accounts of God's original purpose for mankind, how the man lost the purpose and God's plan to restore mankind to Himself through the Seed of the woman. The same is the one that can stand in our place to plead our case before the throne of God. He had since been sending prophets, judges, Kings and angels to rescue us from the perils of sin. He is the complete Saviour Heb 7:25 See also Jn 19:30. 

When Jesus is by our side, afflictions turn to purifier   that purges us from all dross and make us shine like gold. You will not be consumed by your afflictions; rather you will become a shining star to the glory of God. Phi. 3:21; Col 1:19-20; Heb 5:9; Heb 9:26-28; 1Jn 1:9; Jude 24. Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world Jn 4:42 See also Lk 2:30-32; 1Ti 2:5-6; 1Ti 4:10; 1Jn 4:14

Application: We must heed the warning against shrinking because of the difficulties we are passing through. Angels, prophets or power may not be able to save us. But Jesus Christ is given all authority in heaven and Earth. He is able to save to the uttermost. Trust in him and you will not be put to shame in Jesus name. 

The Mighty Hands of God

Tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God. Joshua 4:22-24

the Lord will break protocols and you will receive your testimonies in Jesus name. the Lord will break protocols and you will receive your testimonies in Jesus name.

 Reverend G. S. Adeyemo

For us to rise and live above the hurdles of life there is need for supernatural breaking of protocols. It is a common saying that tough times never last but tough people do. This goes beyond philosophical statement. It is a possibility through the mighty hands of God. 

The Lord is leading me today to address you on the topic, ‘The Mighty Hands of God. In today’s message, it is my prayer that the Lord will break protocols and you will receive your testimonies in Jesus name. It is only by the hands of God that the impossible can become possible. No wonder Charles Williams said, “The strong hands of God twisted the crown of thorns into a crown of glory; and in such hands we are safe.”

 The mighty hand of God was initially mentioned in the Old Testament to describe the great deliverance of the Israelites from captivity in Egypt. Ex. 3:19-20; 7:3-5; 9:1-4, 15-16; 15:6; Also in Deu 3:24, we read, "O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?"

 God's mighty hands do what no man can do. The woman with issue of blood had done everything humanly possible to get out of that menace. She spent all her wealth visiting physicians but to no avail. When she got in contact with the Lord, the twelve year blood flow instantly stopped. Luke 8:43, 44. 

No matter how long has your situation be the mighty hands of God will reverse that irreversible condition in Jesus name. Doctors may fail, pastors or prophets may be helpless concerning what you are going through. God never runs out of solutions. His hand will reach out to you and your testimony will be made manifest. His hands was upon Ezekiel and dry bones turned to mighty armies. Ezekiel 37. 

When the Israelites crossed the red Sea in the days of Moses, they never envisaged Moses would die before Jordan river. Joshua experienced the mighty hands of God without Moses' rod and Jordan parted for the people of God to cross over to their promised Land. You will arrive alive to possess your promised Land. No matter how intimidating is the challenge, you will get there.

Why do you need the mighty hand of God? 

1. That all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful. Today, people are trying many means of achieving their desires. However, human powers have failed and still failing to provide solutions. It is only supernatural power of God that never fails. Matt.19:26; Luke 1:37; Jer. 32:27; Rom. 4:29.

2. That you might always fear the Lord your God. When you experience the workings of the mighty hands of God, your relationship with Him depend. His manifestation reaffirms our faith and confidence. It becomes so impossible to deny Him. 

Conclusion

It is the will of God for us to have living testimonies for generations yet unborn. Expect His intervention in your situation. Be ready to keep the trust in God and pass the message on to your family. It is my prayer that the mighty hands of God will liberate you from all demonic limitations in Jesus name.