About Us

Week 13 - Sunday 29th March, 2026

Service. -Revd Dr. E.K. Alabi

Order

• Procession
• Pastoral Worship
• Hymn of Worship
• Choir Rendition.
• Word of Life
• Offertory
• Announcement
• Thanksgiving
• Prophetic Prayer & Benediction

Officiating

• Olayiwola Oladele
• Oladayo Oladosu
• Lawrence Adika
• Adeyemi Adekanbi
• Adenike Anulopo
• Gbenga Akanmu
• Clementina Ogunleye
• Gbadebo Eyiwumi
• Daniel T. Ajani
• Adeolu Ojuwoni

Announcement / Birthdays

Hymn of The week

RIDE ON, IN MAJESTY

. Ride on, ride on in majesty!

Hark! all the tribes Hosanna cry;

O Savior meek, pursue Thy road

With palms and scattered garments strowed.

 

2. Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die.

O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin

O’er captive death and conquered sin.

 

3. Ride on, ride on in majesty!

The winged squadrons of the sky

Look down with sad and wondering eyes

To see th'approaching Sacrifice.

 

4. Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die,

Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,

Then take, O God, Thy pow'r and reign

 

MA GESIN LO L’OLANLA RE

1. Ma gesin lo l’ olanla Re;

Gbo, gbogb’ aiye nke “Hosanna”,

Olugbala ma lo pele

Lori im’ ope at aso.

 

2. Ma gesin lo l’ olanla Re;

Ma f’ irele gesin, lo ku:

Kristi ‘segun Re bere na,

Lori ese ati iku.

 

3. Ma gesin lo l’ olanla Re:

Ogun angeli lat’ orun

Nf’ iyanu pelu ikanu,

Wo ebo to sunmole yi.

 

4. Ma gesin lo l’ olanla Re,

Ija ikehin na de tan;

Baba lor’ ite Re l’ orun

Nreti ayanfe omo Re.

• back to sermon

  WORSHIP BEYOND STYLE: HEART AND INTENTIONE

  JOHN 4:23-24; COLOSSIANS 3:12-17

  When the coming of Christ to the earth was first announced, it was with the choral symphonies of holy angels. God initiated the herald through the angels as the shepherds responded by praising God for the worship experience (Lk. 2:13-20). And as long as the gospel shall be preached in this world, its main message will be one of joy. The gospel is a source of joy to those who proclaim it.

  The invitations of the gospel are invitations to happiness in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ for everyone. In delivering God's message, each person must come with ‘charity as a bond of perfectness’ (Col. 3:14). It is a demonstration of ‘the peace of God’ ruling a thankful heart (Col. 3:15). If the gospel errand were one of sorrow, we might not marvel if people refused to listen to it. But it is one of gladness. In fact, you might condense the gospel message into this joyful invitation (Psalms 122:1): "Come and learn how to sing to the Lord a new song! Come and find peace, rest, joy, and all your souls can desire. Come and eat what is good and let your soul delight!" 

  The Context of Colossians 3:16 is part of the larger practical section (3:12-17). It highlights that believers, once saved, should live out faith through love, compassion, and gratitude, replacing sinful behaviours with Christ-centred ones. Colossians 3:16 highlights one way to richly impress God’s word on believers: singing with grace. Thus, singing as worship does not depend on our current situation but on who God is and what He has done.

  According to John 4:23-24, Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman redefined worship beyond place or ritual. He expoundedtrue worship as worship grounded in the understanding of God as “Spirit and Truth,” and such worship is driven by heartfelt devotion and a life aligned with God’s Word.

  The Nature of Worship

  Worship is not a ritual or a religious obligation; it is an active, personal, and loving relationship with our Creator. The word "worship" comes from "worth-ship," meaning we are declaring and adoring what we value most. John 4:23, 24 shows God as a seeker of true worshippers. Also, Worship is a Choice. True worship is a conscious decision to give God glory, regardless of our circumstances or the style of music. Oftentimes, our spirit longs for intimacy and something more real, but our bodies feel too weak to jump-start activities that can satisfy the yearnings of our souls. At such a moment, believers need to find a means of turning the feelings inside out towards the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). Worship is for God. It is not about our preferences or how we feel; it is about focusing on God's greatness, power, and love. Practical ways to focus on God in worship include singing songs about God's attributes, listening to sermons, attending Bible studies, praying, and building community life and fellowship.

  Today, we will focus on singing, especially hymn singing. This focus highlights how different practical singing styles in worship can align with the principle that worship is a choice focused on God, emphasizing the heart and intention behind the music rather than the genre. Regardless of whether the worship is led through contemporary praise music, traditional hymns, or gospel-style songs, the focus remains on celebrating God's greatness and love. Worshippers can consciously choose to engage with the music by directing their hearts toward glorifying God rather than being swayed by personal preferences or emotional responses. As participants in worship, individuals can use the diverse musical expressions as tools to draw nearer to God, fostering a collective atmosphere of reverence and adoration that transcends style.

  Songs, especially hymns sung in worship, encode and transmit theology in memorable, repeatable form. They shape worshippers’ affections, language, and identity around biblical truth. Hymn singing is a vital, multifaceted practice in the church that serves as a command, a teaching tool, and a means of building communal unity. Traditionally, hymns are rooted in Scripture and serve as "take-home theology," embedding core doctrinal truths in the hearts and minds of believers through melody and repetition. 

  Integrating contemporary songs into traditional hymn singing can enhance the worship experience by bridging the past and present, allowing believers to connect with both historical and modern theological expressions of faith. This blending can foster a more inclusive worship environment that resonates with a wider range of ages and backgrounds within a congregation. For example, alternating between traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs can energize the service, creating dynamic moments of reflection, joy, and praise, ultimately enriching the collective worship experience and deepening attendees' understanding of their faith.

  A specific example of a contemporary song that aligns with traditional hymns in theology is "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord (Psalms 103:1))" by Matt Redman, which echoes themes of gratitude and worship found in hymns. Theologically balanced worship songsencourage open dialogue during services and good participation across various musical styles. Psalm 98:4-6 encourages singing in modern worship settings without losing its traditional significance. The church can blend hymns with contemporary instrumentation, create medleys that transition between hymns and modern songs, and ensure that the lyrics remain prominent and accessible, fostering an atmosphere that respects both historical and contemporary expressions of faith.

  Colossians 3:16 admonishes believers to employ the indwelling of God’s word in all wisdom. In obedient to this command, believers will promote:

  1. Spiritual and Doctrinal Instruction: Hymns serve as a primary vehicle for catechesis, or the teaching of faith.Theology in Song: Hymns often provide a more condensed and memorable summary of biblical truths than spoken sermons. For example, hymns like "In Christ Alone" or "O Worship the King" distil complex doctrines about Christ's atonement and God's majesty into forms that are easy to memorise.Internalizing Truth: Because the human brain retains music more effectively than plain speech, singing helps "burrow" God's Word into the soul, where it can be retrieved during times of joy, crisis or even death.Biblical Roots: Many classic hymns are directly inspired by or paraphrased from the Book of Psalms and other scriptural passages. Others were written from personal encounters as individuals go about their daily business.

  2. Corporate Unity and Fellowship: Singing together transforms a group of individuals into a unified body of believers.Unified Voice: When a congregation sings the same words to the same melody, it creates a "communal voice" that transcends social, cultural, and linguistic barriers.Mutual Edification: Scriptural commands, such as Colossians 3:16, explicitly instruct believers to "admonish one another" through hymns.Intergenerational Connection: Hymns connect modern worshippers with a rich spiritual heritage, allowing them to sing the same words used by saints over hundreds of years. 

  3. A Channel for Prayer and Worship: Hymns serve as "sung prayers," providing believers with words when they struggle to express their own prayers. Vertical Focus: While sermons are often directed from a leader to a congregation, hymns are primarily directed upward to God, focusing the heart on His attributes rather than personal circumstances.Emotional Integration: Music helps bridge the gap between intellect (knowing the truth) and emotion (feeling the truth), fostering deeper reverence and spiritual growth. 

  4. Comfort and Strength in Trials: Hymns provide emotional and spiritual support during difficult seasons. Solace and Healing: The lyrics of many hymns were born out of the authors' own suffering (e.g., "It Is Well with My Soul"), offering hope and resilience to those facing grief or depression.Spiritual Warfare: In some traditions, singing is described as a spiritual tool to "bombard" strongholds or combat negative thoughts by focusing on divine victory.  

  Some specific examples of hymns that effectively encode doctrinal truths include:

  • "How Great Thou Art" - This hymn celebrates God's creation and majesty, reflecting themes of His greatness and power.
  • "Amazing Grace" - This classic hymn emphasizes the themes of grace, redemption, and the transformative nature of faith.
  • "Holy, Holy, Holy" - This hymn highlights the holiness of God and the doctrine of the Trinity, focusing on His majesty and eternal nature.
  • "It Is Well with My Soul" - This hymn conveys themes of peace and restoration in the face of suffering and affliction, emphasizing trust in God's sovereignty.
  • "Be Thou My Vision" - This hymn encapsulates the reliance on God for guidance and purpose, embodying the desire for divine wisdom.

  These hymns not only convey important theological truths but also encourage reflective worship and a deeper understanding of faith through their lyrics and melodies.

  THEOLOGY OF ‘MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING ELSE’

  The life of Edward Mote (1797–1874) is a striking story of transformation from a "godless" upbringing to a prolific Baptist ministry. His background as a master cabinetmaker significantly shaped the structural and enduring metaphors found in "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less".  Written by Edward Mote in 1834, the hymn "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less" (originally titled "The Immutable Basis of a Sinner’s Hope") is a core expression of Reformation theology.

  The Reformation theology centred on returning to the authority of Scripture and the core gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Key emphases include sola fide (faith alone) and sola gratia (grace alone) as the means of justification, sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the ultimate authority, and solusChristus (Christ alone) as the mediator of salvation. Reformers insisted that humans are redeemed by God’s grace, not by human works, and that the believer’s relationship with God is accessed through faith, thereby diminishing the medieval clerical hierarchy and affirming the priesthood of all believers. The sacraments, especially baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are understood as means of grace, but their understanding and administration differ across traditions. A renewed emphasis on preaching, vernacular Scripture, and moral reform accompanied changes in church governance, worship, and ethics, giving rise to diverse Protestant expressions (Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Anabaptist) that shaped subsequent Christian theology and Western society.

  The central theme of the hymn is the doctrine of justification by faith alone, emphasizing that salvation and spiritual security depend entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ rather than human merit or feelings. 

  Having a clear understanding of Mote’s background will shed more light on the hymn's weight.

  A "Godless" Upbringing: Mote’s early life lacked a religious foundation, a lack that later fueled his passion for the Gospel's certainty. Born in London to pub owners, Mote spent his Sundays playing in the streets and famously remarked, "So ignorant was I that I did not know there was a God".He attended a school where the Bible was strictly prohibited, leaving him "totally ignorant of the word of life" during his youth. 

  Conversion and Career: Mote's life changed through his apprenticeship and the influence of a faithful master. At age 15 or 16, his cabinetmaking master took him to hear John Hyatt preach at the Tottenham Court Road Chapel. This encounter led to his conversion and subsequent baptism in 1815.Before entering the ministry, Mote spent 37 years as a successful cabinetmaker. His professional understanding of foundations and structural integrity likely influenced his choice between the "Solid Rock" and "Sinking Sand" metaphors.  

  Ministry and Legacy: Mote did not enter full-time ministry until late in life, bringing a wealth of practical experience to his pulpit. At age 55, he became the pastor of Rehoboth Baptist Church (a Strict Baptist congregation) in Horsham, where he served for over 20 years.When his congregation offered him the deed to the church building as a gift, he declined, stating: "I do not want the chapel; I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that".On his deathbed at age 77, he reaffirmed the theology of his hymn, saying, "The truths I have been preaching, I am now living upon, and they’ll do very well to die upon... the precious blood which takes away all our sins". 

  The Hymn's Origin

  Mote wrote the chorus while walking to work one morning in 1834. By the end of that day, he had completed four stanzas. He later added more verses after singing them to a dying woman who found immense comfort in the lyrics. 

  1. The Solid Rock vs Sinking Sand

  The hymn is primarily rooted in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24–27), where Jesus compares building a life on His words to building a house on solid rock.The Solid Rock is a metaphor for the unwavering strength and reliability of Jesus Christ.Sinking Sand represents any earthly foundation—such as "sweetest frames" (feelings/emotions), worldly success, or moral codes—that inevitably fails during life's "stormy gales". 

  2. Reliance on Christ's Righteousness

  The theology explicitly rejects works-based salvation. "Jesus' Blood and Righteousness": Asserts that a believer's standing before God is based on Christ's sacrificial death (blood) and perfect life (righteousness) credited to them."Dressed in His Righteousness Alone": References the final state of a believer (glorification), standing "faultless" before God's throne, not by their own deeds, but by being "clothed" in Christ. 

  3. Grace in Trials and Sovereignty

  The middle stanzas address sanctification and the application of grace during suffering. "Unchanging Grace": Emphasizes God's consistency (Hebrews 13:8) even when He seems absent ("When darkness veils His lovely face")."His Oath, His Covenant": Points to the New Covenant sealed by Christ's blood, which provides an "anchor" (Hebrews 6:19) that holds firm even when "all around my soul gives way". 

  4. Summary of Scripture Allusions

  Theme	Verse Reference	Hymn Lyric
  Foundation	Matthew 7:24–27	"On Christ the solid rock I stand"
  Justification	Romans 5:8–9; 2 Cor. 5:21	"Jesus' blood and righteousness"
  Hope/Anchor	Hebrews 6:19	"My anchor holds within the veil"
  Second Coming	1 Corinthians 15:52	"When He shall come with trumpet sound"

   

• back to sermon

  COURAGE IN TIMES OF CRISIS

  Joshua 1:9; Acts 27:23-25

  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Jos. 1:9)

  In life, we face certain challenges and situations that are threatning. It is part of being human to face such challenges; even being a child of God does not immune us from such situations. Jesus said ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (Jn. 16:33). In 2 Cor. 4:8-9 Apostle Paul says ‘We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.’This implies the resilience of faith, emphasizing that while believers may face challenges, they are not ultimately defeated or without hope. The contrast between being perplexed and not in despair illustrates the sustaining power of courage in difficult times.

  Courage refers to the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear. It is faith refusing to yield to fear. Courage in crisis is not about being fearless — it’s about being faithful. It’s about standing firm when everything shakes, because we know the One who holds the universe also holds us.

  God spoke to Joshua as he stood on the edge of an intimidating mission of leading God’s people into the Promised Land. He was stepping into a great task, but God’s command was clear: ‘Be strong. Be courageous. I am with you.’

  Who was Joshua? Joshua was a significant leader in Israel's history, loyal to Moses during the desert wanderings and courageous in the conquest of the Promised Land. He began as Moses' aide, demonstrating faith and military skills while leading Israel's troops. (Ex. 33:11). He was one of the 12 spies who explored Canaan and brought back a positive report of the land (Num. 13:30-33). After Moses' death, God appointed him as the successor to lead the conquest of Canaan, becoming an exemplary spiritual and military leader who guided the people to God's promise (Num. 27:18). He needed God’s words of encouragement to take God’s people to their inheritance and obtain the Promised Land.

  Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27 is a testament to his unwavering faith and courage. Despite the violent storm and the uncertainty of their fate, Paul stood firm in his belief that God would protect them. His calm demeanor and faith-filled message inspired the crew to take courage and trust in God's promise. While the crew panicked and gave up hope, Paul stood firm, trusting God’s promise that no lives would be lost. The storm raged violently for 14 days, with no sun or stars in sight. The sailors, who had likely faced many storms before, were so terrified that they began throwing cargo overboard and stopped eating, completely overcome by fear. Many believed death was inevitable. Yet in the middle of the chaos, Paul remained calm. He wasn’t just calm for his own sake; his composure became a stabilising force for everyone on board. Why? Because he was anchored in the unshakable promise of God. ’And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.’ (vs. 22).

  Paul had received a message from an angel telling him that, despite the storm, he would reach Rome and that God would spare the lives of all sailing with him. ‘For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve’ (vs. 23). That one word from God was enough for Paul to find peace when everything around him screamed panic.

  What are the implications of these scenarios?

  >Courage in victory. To be victorious, you need courage. Joshua would not triumph by his own strength; the power of God and His presence would lead him to victory. ‘No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ (Jos. 1:5).
  >Courage in gaining Inheritance. God would fulfill the promise He had made to Abraham and their ancestors: they would inherit the land of Canaan. Their eyes should be fixed on God and the strength He would grant them until they saw the fulfillment of the promise. ‘Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.’ (Jos. 1:6).
  >Courage in success. Success would come and was assured, but it would require obedience. Under Moses, and through their history as God's people, they had learned the importance of obeying the law. Blessings and victories come as we express our trust in God by obeying His commands. ‘Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.’ (Jos. 1:7).
  >Courage in prosperity. Joshua would see prosperity and success, win battles, and conquer the land of Canaan along with the people. The strategy to achieve this was not to get better weapons or train them better as soldiers. As a leader, he needed to have the word of God in his mouth and in his heart. That is how he would prosper and achieve success. ‘Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.’ (Joshua 1:8).
  >Courage in God’s company. The command to be courageous and not to be afraid came with the best promise: he would have God's presence. He was not alone; God was with Joshua wherever he went. Thanks to God's presence, he triumphed over fear and remained firm, trusting in the victory that was already his. ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Jos. 1:9).
  >Courage to encourage others in your crisis. As a prisoner and in danger, Paul encouraged everyone else on board. Though he was bound in chains, though his fate was uncertain, he did not let fear silence his voice. Amid the howling wind, towering waves, and utter despair gripping the ship, Paul stood up with clarity and calm. He urged the crew and passengers, a total of 276 people, to eat, reminding them that they needed strength to survive what was ahead. He reassured them that not a single life would be lost, because God had promised him. ‘And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship’ (vs. 22). We are comforted to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:4).
  >Courage to live while the ship breaks. The ship was lost, destroyed by the storm that had threatened to swallow it whole, but everyone reached the shore safely, just as God had promised. The storm had done its worst, tearing apart the vessel that had been their hope for survival. Yet, despite the wreckage and the seeming hopelessness of their circumstances, they managed to land. God’s word had proven true. ‘ … And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.’ (vs. 44b).
  

  Beloved, in all your challenges, remember the God who promises to be with you whereever you go. He never sleeps, nor slumber; He is awake and fulfil His wonderful promises of keeping you safe in the hollow of arms. Do not lose courage. Shalom!

  On this note, we welcome Rev’d Dr John Oyelade of Light House Baptist Church, Ibadan to MBCI as the guest minister from Ibadan Baptist Conference on today’s Physical Development Sunday.

  Lawrence ADIKA

• back to sermon

  WE ARE INSEPARABLE FROM THE LOVE OF GOD

  (Romans 8:35-39)

  “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. NeFoither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord”(v. 38,39NLT).

  Introduction Brethren, every student of the Bible could recite John 3:16 offhand – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”(NKJV). Therefore, the basis of our salvation and the relationship that we have with God, our Father, is love. It is then logically true that without love there is no salvation, and with salvation, God has given us “right standing with himself”, a loving relationship.God gave our Lord Jesus Christ as atonement or sacrifice for our sins, and through Him we have salvation and eternal life - Jesus is the resurrection and the life. If He gave us life out of His love, what else would God not give us? As His inspired word through the Apostle Paul asks, “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (Romans 8:32NLT). This message comes to us as an exhortation to cling to the promises of our loving Father and God despite the diverse troubles we face in this fallen world. As we do so, let us respond accurately to God’s love by loving God with the whole of our being and our neighbours as ourselves (Matthew 22: 37-38).   The time-hallowed unchanging question  “Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?”–verse 35.  The Apostle Paul, in bringing the truth home to us, quoted the experience of God’s people who had been judged and sent to exile. The psalmist who had recounted God’s faithfulness with His people in the past (Psalm 44:1-7), wonders how they could be suffering if they had been very faithful to God (v.17-21). Then he lamented (as quoted by Paul in Romans 8:36), “For your (God’s) sake we are killed every day, we are being slaughtered as sheep (Psalm 44:22NLT).He then pleaded with God for deliverance Believers in Christ could ask, and are asking, why terrorists kill Christians, kidnap for ransom, raid and destroy villages, towns and farms; and why the costs of goods, including necessaries such as food, clothing, housing, energy, medication, and education are rising by geometric progression; why war with its attendant impact on children, women and all?   The time-hallowed and unchanging biblical answer As the Apostle Paul writes, “For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (38,39NLT).   Paul, the much persecuted and reliable witness The Apostle Paul, through whom the Lord sends the word for our encouragement and strengthening, endured extreme as well as persistent suffering for spreading the Gospel. That included five Jewish floggings of 39 lashes each, three Roman beatings with rods, one stoning that left him for dead, three shipwrecks, one venomous snakebite, years in prison, sleepless nights, constant danger from travels and robbers, fake believers and ungodly authorities, life-threatening starvation, thirst, cold, nakedness, and deep concern for the churches(2 Cor. 11:24)   He suffered also from “a thorn in the flesh” – a troubling unnamed physical ailment or “messenger from Satan” that God did not remove but for which He gave him sufficient grace. In them all, Paul considered his suffering as a mean to “fill up what was lacking in Christ’s afflictions” and his participation in the “fellowship of Christ’s sufferings”. He counted them all as necessary for the spread of the Gospel. Of the truth, Paul testifies that what we suffer now in not comparable with the glory that awaits us later (Romans 8:18). Even now, “…God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (v.28).   Our convictions? “…Christ died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleasing for us” (v. 34b) The sacrificial love of Jesus Christ for us calls for our sacrificial living.Therefore we have “to offer [our] bodies asa living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). We have to ay aside every weight of sin that hinders our relationship with God’ and do his will, “…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…, [t]hink of the hostility he endured from sinful people, then [we] won’t become weary and give up” (Hebrews 12:1-3NLT) We must cast our burdens upon the Lord because he cares for us. Our God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1NKJV) He is the fighter of our battles, the Lord of Angel Armies; Jehovah Sabaoth is His name. He is our Provider – Jehovah-Jireh He is the Lord Our Healer – Jehovah Rapha (Exodus 15:26) He is God Almighty He is the Deliverer He is Jehovah Nissi – Our Banner; Our Miracle He is the Prince of Peace; the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. He is the High Priest that is touched with our troubles. He is the Vine and we are the branches, we can achieve nothing by separating ourselves from the Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:5).   Olayiwola Oladele

• back to sermon

  WHY MUST JESUS COME?

  Luke 4: 18 - 21

  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised’ (vs. 18).

  The Passion week is almost here. It is another season to commemorate the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the whole essence of the Christian faith ‘that Christ came to die for the ungodly ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.’ (Rom. 5:6). This verse emphasizes the significance of Christ's sacrifice at the right moment in history, highlighting God's perfect timing in His redemptive plan. It reflects the idea that Christ's death was for those who were powerless and in need of salvation and deliverance.

  From the beginning, man sinned and was separated from God eternally. ‘But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.’ (Gen. 2:17). Man transgressed against God and was banished from God’s presence. The disobedience of man brought a curse on man and serpent. To the serpent, God said ‘And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.’ (Gen. 3:15). This was the prophecy about the coming of the Messiah, who will come to defeat the enemy and set mankind free. God had a plan a salvation and deliverance for man in Christ Jesus. 

  To the man, God said ‘… cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life’ (Gen. 3:17). Jesus must come to set mankind free from the curse. It takes only he that was called a curse, to take the curse of mankind away. ‘Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree’ (Gal. 3:13). Jesus became a curse because He died and hanged on the tree contrary to God’s word ‘His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God) … (Deut. 21:23). 

  God therefore made a way of escape for humankind’s salvation as Jesus came in the flesh to dwell with man. ‘And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:14). Jesus had to suffer as man to save man ‘He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.’ (Is. 53:3). 

  Jesus therefore fulfilled prophecy in Luke 4: 18-21 when He entered the Temple. He declared His Messianic mission as prophesied years before He was born (Isaiah 61: 1-3). The Messiah must suffer and bear the burden of the whole world to atone for the sins of men. ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him’ (2 Cor. 5: 21). The problem of sin was solved once and for all, unlike in the Old Testament when the High Priest must atone for the sins of men with the blood of bulls and animals on frequent occasion. ‘So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.’ (Heb. 9:28).

  What are the reasons why Jesus came?

  >To give us abundant life. He came to teach us how to live- ‘…. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10b). He came with no concern for Himself, but to bring us salvation from the consequences of our sin. We have an abundance of safety and security, forgiveness, love, and guidance in Him.An abundant life brings freedom- ‘So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’(John 8:36).By His resurrection He becomes a life-giving spirit –“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.’(I Corinthians 15:45).Living abundantly is not about what we have. It’s about what God has blessed us with.
  >To destroy satan’s works. Jesus’ resurrection conquered the power of death and scored a victory over Satan; ending his authority.  ‘…. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.’ (1 John 3:8). Again, the scriptures say ‘Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death- that is, the devil-and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.’(Hebrews 2:14-15).
  >To redeem and save mankind. Jesus came to bear our sins. I John 3: 5 says ‘And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.’Jesus came to take away our sins. I John 4: 9 says‘In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.’ Jesus came to give us eternal life. This was our greatest need, because the coming of sin had brought death upon the whole human race, spiritual death, which is separation from God.
  >To set the captives free.  There is freedom for all through Christ the Messiah. That was what He was commissioned to do.‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound’ (Is. 61:1). 
  

  Beloved, as we enter into the season of resurrection of Jesus, may you be liberated and set free to live abundant life that Jesus comes to offer. May the power that raised Jesus from the dead work in you and perfect all that concerns you. (Rom. 8:11). Shalom!

  Today, we welcome the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev’d Dr Israel Adelani AKANJI FAR and his entourage to the Molete Baptist Church, Ibadan. May we be blessed as he brings us, the Word of Life today.

                                                                                                      Edward K. ALABI

   

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