SECURE & PROTECT YOUR HEAVENLY KINGSHIP
Sermon by ELDER STEPHEN ARYEE
"And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."
INTRODUCTION
The human life is like an egg that falls from the hand and mixed with the soil; likewise also water. if these two things are mixed with the soil, it cannot be retrieved. That is exactly how our heavenly kingshipis. Beloved if you loose your heavenly kingship, there is no second chance.
FACTS ABOUT ZACCHAEUS
- Zacchaeus originates from the Hebrew language meaning "innocent."
- He was a chief tax collector who was corrupt
- Thus he was a wealthy man.
- He stayed in Jericho; a city that was described as a prosperous trading centre.
LESSONS FROM ZACCHAEUS
- One day this short man heard Jesus was passing so he sought to see who and how Jesus is.
- Zacchaeus, as wealthy as he was did not understand why he should meet Jesus. he thought his wealth, position and status in society was adequate and what was it that he needed again.
- Moved by the crowd, Zacchaeus became more curious, he wanted to see this man Jesus. He was however distracted by the crowd so he ran ahead and climbed a tree only to have a glimpse of Jesus.
Beloved, we are in the church and we feel we have seen the saviour, but we are however engaging in practices that go contrary to what He expects from us. Galatians 5:19-21: Envy, hatred, jealosy etc has been a stumbling block between us and Christ; hindering our going into the kingdom of God.
The Bible says, He who thinks he stands firm should be careful lest he falls (1 Corinthians 10:12). If we should deceive ourselves with church doctrine (Pentecostalism), wearing of designer suits and clothes, we would loose our heavenly kingship. How do we see ourselves and how are we perceived by others in our day to day lives.
Zacchaeus, after having an encounter with Jesus decided to give half of his possessions to the poor and four times the amount extorted from people.
Are we ready to sacrifice to secure and protect our great heavenly kingship.
CONCLUSION
God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden and told him to tend and care of it so thathe will eat the fruits of his labour (Genesis 2:15). Adam disobeyed and we saw the consequences thereof.
(Hebrews 6:4-6) If we continue to disobey God's instructions, we will never inherit His kingdom. It is easier for us to lose our heavenly kingship if we think as a presbyter, movement leader, committee chairman or District Pastor, our works will qualify us into the kingdom without total commitment to Jesus.
Jesus is passing this way, He was the man whom Zacchaeus never knew yet when he encountered Him surrendered all he had. Jesus has been the greatest need of mankind and it is our responsibility to make sure no stumbling block comes between us and Christ,
Jesus is passing this way, He was the man whom Zacchaeus never knew yet when he encountered Him surrendered all he had. Jesus has been the greatest need of mankind and it is our responsibility to make sure no stumbling block comes between us and Christ,
I was particularly impressed that Elder Aryee watched out for how Zachaeus obtained that great miracle in His life, viz, He drew near to Jesus (climbed the tree), obeyed Jesus immediately (got down from the tree), gave freely (as in the banquet for Jesus and the disciples), took account of his life (as in admitting his offences), and spoke positively (promising restitution). Well done, Elder Stephen Aryee)
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