DISCIPLE: DO NOT SIT BESIDE THE DEVIL'S FIRE!
Sermon By P. Overseer JOHN ACKAH
Mark 14: 54, 66-72
Jesus had told Peter that he would deny him thrice before the cock had crowed twice (as is in Mark). At Jesus' arrest Peter followed at some distance and found himself sharing the warmth of a fire that had been set in a public place by people who had hunted for Jesus (His enemies, who were seeking to get rid of Him, doing Satan's bidding). These people "pounced on" Peter with
- Questions
- Doubts
- Suggestions
(All of which sounded like threats to Peter, because at their fire, he was at their mercy, vulnerable and weak)
Peter's response was terrible:
- He lied
- He cursed
- He denied Jesus
Now all these happened because Peter had broken ranks and was seeking temporary comfort with people he should not have been with. The reason why these were the wrong company for Peter are the same reasons why certain people will be wrong company for us:
- The Jews has all along thought that the liberation promised in the Messiah was liberation from Roman oppression and poverty, and a physical restoration of the Kingdom of David. When Jesus proved not to have that agenda, they hated him too death.
- In our day, many people still think that the liberation promised by Jesus is liberation from
- Poverty
- Barrenness
- Singleness (Especially for the women)
- Their Home Countries (Especially Africans who do all they can for visas to travel abroad)
- Sicknesses and Diseases
But in all the above they err, because HE CAME TO LIBERATE US FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN!
All the above a definitely SECONDARY,and God will not re-prioritize, for that will be dangerous for our souls. As Jesus said, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?" (Mark 8:36)
Jesus warned that trying times shall come for His disciples, and when they do (like what happened on the night he was arrested, and we feel destitute, certainly the place for us should be far from the enemy's fire. For it is our duty to proclaim His death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). We should not be at places where we become so weak that instead of proclaiming Him, we are denying Him. Jesus should be sufficient for us in both good and bad times, as we sing
 |
| Overseers Ackah and Jonaslin Adminisster the Lord's Table |
Jesus I my Cross have taken
All to leave and follow Thee
Destitute, despised forsaken
Thou from hence my all shall be
I will follow thee my Saviour
Thou did shed Thy blood for me
And though all the world forsake Thee
By Thy grace I will follow Thee
Overseer VONONA JONASLIN
Administering the Lord's table, Overseer Jonaslin said that as people bought with the blood of Jesus, we should keep pure and in good shape for Him. He said blood is the most expensive thing there is, certainly more expensive that any money, and that is what Jesus gave to make us His own. Therefore, since everybody who buys something values it, Christ values us that much, and we should keep that always in mind.
Comments
Post a Comment