International Bible Baptist Church - Beaumont, AB, Canada, 5204 50 Avenue, Beaumont, AB (2026)

09/10/2026

Wednesday Prayer Meeting (September 9, 2026)

Speaker: Pastor Robert Bitun
Topic:“Our Prayer Is Our Worship That Reveals God’s Sovereignty” (Acts 4:23–31)

Introduction
• This takes place during the early days of the New Testament church in Jerusalem.
• The religious leaders were against Jesus Christ, who claimed to be the Son of God.
• Peter and John were arrested and questioned by the religious leaders, yet they boldly testified of Christ.
• Acts 4:18–20
• After they were released, they went back to the church and prayed. They did not organize a protest or think about plotting revenge. As a church, they gathered together and prayed.
• Our prayer is our worship that reveals God’s sovereignty.

1. Prayer Recognizes God’s Sovereignty
• Recognizing who God is.
• They recognized His power.

Acts 4:24
• They did not begin with their problem, but with God.
• Prayer starts with A.C.T. S. — Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.
• Psalm 115:3
• They recognized His preeminence — His presence and position above all.
• They recognized His providence.

Acts 4:27–28
• Even in the situation they were facing, there was still God’s sovereign plan and purpose.
• When we know who sits on the throne, we do not need to worry about what is yet to come or what will happen on earth.

2. Worship Reverences God’s Sovereignty
• Reverence = respect.
• They worshipped despite opposition.
• True worship is determined not by our circumstances, but by God’s character.
• We do not worship only because we need something or because things are going well.
• We worship because He is worthy.
• Habakkuk 3:17–18
• This gives us peace and assurance, knowing that God knows the end and the future of it all.
• Acts 4:28
• They worshipped:
1. Because He is in control.
2. Despite opposition.
3. Because His purpose cannot fail.

• The religious leaders thought Jesus had failed in being the Son of God, but God’s purpose still prevailed.
• We simply have to trust the Lord.
• Pray for one. Win one. Bring one. Disciple one.
• Job 42:2 — God is able to accomplish His purpose.
• Worship is bowing before God whose throne is never threatened.

3. Service Responds to God’s Sovereignty
• We go to the prayer meeting despite whatever hindrances we may have.
• For example, we may be physically tired, but we trust that God will give us the strength we need.
• Give what you have, and He will provide what you need—and beyond.
• When we pray for something, we should make sure we do not waste what we prayed for.
• For instance, if you prayed for a job and God opened the door, be thankful even when you are tired. The tiredness is part of the answer—you asked God for the opportunity to work, and now you have it.

Acts 4:29
• They asked the Lord for more power and boldness to speak His Word.
• They were willing to serve God’s purpose.

Acts 4:31
• They did not pray for the problem to stop. They prayed for boldness to preach through their struggle.
• Pray for courage to face your fears and step outside your comfort zone.
• God answered their prayer by empowering them to serve Him.
• When we have all three—prayer that recognizes, worship that reverences, and service that responds to God’s sovereignty—we can face an uncertain world with unshaken confidence in our unchanging God.
• Malachi 3:6

09/06/2026

IBBC Beaumont Sunday Service (September 6, 2026)

Speaker: Pastor Robert Bitun
Topic: “A Church With a Great Heart for Souls” (Matthew 22:37–39; Matthew 28:18–20)

Introduction
• The Great Commandment gives the church its heart: love God and love others.
• The Great Commission gives the church its mission: go and make disciples.

1. The Authority of Going
• Matthew 28:18 — Christ connects our mission to His authority. He gives us the authority to go and win souls.
• Acts 1:8 — The power of the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to fulfill this mission.
• Romans 8:29
• We have authority from Christ and power from the Holy Spirit to win souls. We do not gain that strength from our flesh.
• We do not evangelize simply because our pastor tells us to. We evangelize because God commanded us to do so. It is God’s mandate to us.
• Our ministries and daily activities for the Lord are done because God has commanded us to teach, preach, evangelize, and go.
• God designed the church to use every service to bring glory to Him. We do not come to church simply because we are expected to or because we want to; we are here to serve and glorify Him.
• In the ministry, Christ has called us to serve. He has given us a place—the local church—to exercise our faith and serve God.

2. The Action of Our Going
• Matthew 28:19
• The Great Commission requires action. The early church did not remain inside the church building. They went from house to house, city to city, and nation to nation.
• Romans 10:15
• The Gospel must move beyond communities, buildings, and nations and reach the people.
• When we share the Gospel and win souls, we are reaching people for Christ. We do not fulfill the Great Commission simply by inviting people to church; we must share the Word of God with them.
• We worship the Lord because it prepares us.
• We have fellowship because it strengthens us.
• We have discipleship because it equips us.
• We have ministry because it trains us.

3. The Aim of Our Going — The Goal
• Matthew 28:20
• The main goal is discipleship. God has given us the command and the authority; now we have to act upon it. The Great Commission requires action.
• We are commanded to make disciples. God wants us to bear fruit.
• 1 Corinthians 15:4; Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:36–38; Isaiah 53; Ephesians 2:9
• We are saved by grace through faith, and baptism is the first step of obedience.
• The walk of the believer continues. After your decision to obey Christ, the next step is to disciple others.
• The work does not stop after the pastor finishes preaching or after the church service ends. Our work continues—we are called to continue discipling.
• The purpose God has given us is not simply a design or a program. It is the reason why we are saved, why we have the local church, and why we are being discipled.
• The Great Commission is to reach, preach, baptize, teach, grow, and multiply.
• Start by praying for someone. Win someone. Bring someone. Disciple someone.

09/03/2026

Wednesday Prayer Meeting (September 2, 2026)

Speaker: Pastor Robert Bitun
Text: John 1:35–42

Introduction: Andrew’s Ministry
• v. 42 — Andrew was one who found Christ.
• Andrew was not one of the most prominent disciples like Peter, James, and John. He never preached the great sermon at Pentecost or wrote a book of the Bible.
• And yet, he had a ministry: he brought his brother, Peter, to Jesus.
• The things we do for God, whether big or small, will always be significant to God.
• This can be as simple as bringing people to church and, ultimately, bringing them to Christ.
• It starts with prayer, willingness, and eagerness to bring someone to Christ. We should desire it and pray for it daily, just as we pray for our everyday needs like food, protection, and provision.
• Andrew’s progression:

1. Found Jesus
2. Followed Jesus
3. Brought others to Jesus
• This is the natural movement of a Christian. The cycle continues as we grow and disciple others.

1. Andrew’s Discovery — Found the Saviour
• John 1:35–40
• They wanted to know where Jesus was because they wanted to spend time with Him.
• “Behold the Lamb of God” (v. 36) — John’s testimony pointed Andrew toward Christ.
• God can use someone to help you know Christ—your family, pastor, friend, or even a stranger.
• These people can have a big part in your life. We do not give them the glory, but we should be grateful that God used them and remember them in our prayers.
• Andrew wanted to know Jesus more: “Where dwellest thou?”
• This was the beginning of a deep relationship with Christ, starting with a hunger and desire to spend time with Him.
• There is a difference between knowing Jesus and simply knowing about Jesus.
• Psalm 27:8
• Andrew had fellowship with Jesus. He wanted to stay with Him. This is why discipleship is crucial.
• Every member of the church should pray for the souls who are newly brought to Christ. Pray that God will use you to be a blessing and encouragement to them.
• When you have the eagerness to know them and disciple them, they will grow and find that they belong.
• You cannot spend time with Jesus without realizing that others need Him too.

2. Andrew’s Declaration — Found the Messiah
• v. 41

His message was personal.
• You do not need to be super knowledgeable or know a lot of Bible verses.
• Simply tell others how you got saved.
• Do not be afraid of the questions you may face. It is the Lord who works through you and in that person.
• Your own personal testimony can be effective in winning a soul for Christ. Just be genuine and make sure they see Jesus through you.

His message was also passionate.
• If you found a cure for a deadly disease, would you keep it hidden? Of course not. You would share it. In the same way, we should share the good news and the blessings we have received.
• We must have the fire in our hearts to keep telling others the Good News.
• We can also see Andrew’s mission field: family, neighbours, coworkers, and classmates.
• Evangelism does not always begin in faraway places. It can begin at your dinner table, workplace, school, or even in a public space like a street or café.
• To be a soul winner is to naturally think, “How can I win this person for Christ?”

3. Andrew’s Demonstration — Brought Them to Jesus
• v. 42
• Andrew did not merely talk about Jesus; he brought people to Him.
• You are first and foremost a child of God. Your position or circumstances in life come second. It just happens that God has placed you where you are, such as in your workplace.
• John 6:8–9 — Andrew not only brought his brother to Jesus, but also brought the boy with the five loaves and two fishes.
• You do not need to have much for Jesus to use you. You do not need to be like others to be used by God. Bring what you have and who you know to Jesus.
• You do not need to be popular or have a loud personality to bring people to Christ.
• There is no need for comparison or competition among the brethren.
• Our responsibility is to bring people to Christ.

Andrew’s Direction — Fishers of Men
• Matthew 4:18–19
• Andrew knew how to cast a net into the water, but he needed to learn from Jesus how to become a fisher of men.
• What is the purpose of catching? As Christians, we bring people to the Saviour. We bring them, and Jesus does the saving.
• You do not need to be shy or lack confidence in your ability. God will give you the strength and confidence you need.
• You just need to be willing, available, and passionate.
• Humanity is drowning in sin — Romans 3:23.
• We do not need to judge or condemn people. They need to know Jesus. We all fall short of the glory of God, regardless of who we are. Just share the Gospel.
• You do not need to travel the whole world, invite an entire town, or bring many people at once.
• You can give one testimony and win one soul at a time.
• Do not just sit with Jesus—speak about Him, introduce someone to Him, and bring them to church.
• Do not just sit through preaching in church.
• Start praying for God to bring someone into your life whom you can win and disciple.

08/31/2026

IBBC Beaumont Sunday Service (August 30, 2026)

Speaker: Dr. J. Hernes M. Abante
Text: Romans 8:22–25

Introduction
• Nothing in this world remains forever. Without Jesus Christ, we have no hope.
• We have the firstfruits of the Spirit, and we have hope because we have been adopted into God’s family.
• Many Christians still do not understand why they suffer.
• Suffering is not limited to natural calamities; it can also include the struggles and difficulties of our personal lives. Romans 8 describes this as “groaning” and “travail.”
• Aging is a natural process and a reality that everyone eventually faces. It is a constant battle, and for some, it feels like a losing one.
• Gerascophobia – fear of growing old
• Chronophobia – fear of time passing
• Thanatophobia – fear of death
• Atychiphobia – fear of failure
• We will all face these realities whether we like it or not. They are consequences of living in a fallen world because of sin; they are not caused by God.
• God is not the author of sickness, floods, or suffering. However, He can use these things to teach us, help us grow, and enable us to overcome.
• We are groaning and in travail, but our groaning is not without purpose.

1. Our Groaning Is Only Temporary
• 2 Corinthians 5:4 – Our present body is only a temporary tabernacle; it is not our permanent home.
• We need to prepare ourselves for our permanent home with Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 4:16 – Though our outward man is perishing, our inward man is being renewed day by day.
• Our bodies are wasting away, not because God is angry with us, but because we live in a fallen world affected by sin.
• Psalm 38:3–9 – David describes a time of deep conviction, guilt, suffering, confusion, and feeling forsaken by others.
• Even in the midst of pain, God is restoring us every day.
• Our inner self is being renewed day by day.
• Why do some Christians fail to enjoy this renewed spirit? Because we are still living in the flesh. We have a choice whether to live according to the flesh or to walk in the renewed life God has given us.
• Illness and problems may affect our physical bodies, but they cannot touch our salvation or the new creation in Christ.
• Ask yourself: What are you focusing on—the outward man that is wasting away, or the inward man that is being renewed?
• 2 Corinthians 4:17 – Paul spoke of his “thorn in the flesh.” God did not remove it, but He told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee.”
• God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul eventually stopped focusing on his complaint and learned to glorify God even through his suffering.
• Our joy in Christ cannot be taken away by our circumstances.
• Our groaning is only temporary.

2. Our Groaning Is an Opportunity to Show the Grace of God
• Our suffering can become an opportunity to show others the power and grace of God.
• What is the difference between a Christian who only groans about their circumstances and one who declares the glory of God despite their circumstances?
• Even through affliction, we can manifest the power of God because He is the One who lives in us.
• Christians should be like the greenhouse that survived in Nepal—not only surviving, but overcoming.
• We should become a picture of someone who is “more than a conqueror.”
• Our suffering can become a testimony of God’s sustaining grace and faithfulness.

3. Our Groaning Is Never Hopeless
• Romans 8 is not a message of hopelessness.
• Our hope is not based on what we can see.
• The world often says, “To see is to believe.” When we look around us, we see devastation, suffering, and bad news.
• But through faith, we can see what is still to come.
• The suffering we experience now cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed someday.
• Instead of constantly trying to escape this world, focus on being faithful to God, knowing that He has promised something better.
• When we are sick, naturally we want to become healthy. But suffering can teach us patience and dependence on God.
• Romans 8:25 – Hope teaches us to patiently wait for what we cannot yet see.
• Our hope gives us the assurance that we will ultimately be redeemed—what we call glorification:

a) Justification– God saves us from the penalty of sin.
b) Sanctification – God saves us from the power of sin.
c) Glorification – God saves us from the presence of sin.

• Even through suffering, we should look forward to what God has prepared for us.
• Philippians 3:21 – One day, our bodies will be transformed and made like Christ’s glorious body. There will be no more weakness or fatigue.
• Colossians 1:27 – Christ in us is “the hope of glory.”
• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
• God understands our humanity. He understands our groaning.
• But when we complain, we must also listen for God’s answer instead of continuing to complain.
• Matthew 6:34 – Do not worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has not yet come.
• Lamentations 3:22–23 – His compassions fail not; they are new every morning.
• When you are groaning, talk to God. And when you talk to Him:

Listen to Him. Believe Him. When He sends someone to help you, accept the help.

• If God uses you for His glory, do not claim the credit. It was God who moved and enabled you.
• Our bodies may be limited, but God is not limited.
• 2 Corinthians 1:9 – We should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.
• We need to look beyond the devastation we see around us.
• Never allow your groaning to lessen your trust and faithfulness to God.
• The more we groan, the more we should anticipate His glory and look forward to what is waiting for us on the other side.
• 2 Corinthians 4:15–17 – Our present affliction is temporary and is working toward an eternal weight of glory.

Conclusion
• We may groan because of the suffering, weakness, and limitations of this present life, but our groaning is temporary, purposeful, and never hopeless. God uses our suffering to renew us, reveal His grace through us, and remind us of the glory that is still to come.
• Our bodies may be wasting away, but our inner man is being renewed. Our circumstances may change, but our hope in Christ remains.

08/23/2026

IBBC Beaumont Sunday Service (August 23, 2026)

Speaker: Pastor Robert Bitun
Topic: "The Practice of Loving Others" (Matthew 22:39)

1. The Command to Love
• John 13:34–35
• Jesus did not present loving others as an optional ministry—it is a command.
• How can we share the love of God with those who need the Gospel if we do not love one another within the church?
• The church should reflect the transformed life we are preaching to others.
• The church is like a hospital—a place where the brokenhearted and heavy-laden can find encouragement, healing, and a spiritual family.
• Biblical love is more than words; it requires sacrifice.

2. The Cost of Loving
• 1 John 3:16–18
• Verse 16 points us to Christ’s example: just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we should be willing to sacrifice for others.
• Biblical love is not merely a fleeting emotion—it is demonstrated through action and sacrifice.
• We should not neglect opportunities to share the Gospel with the people God has placed in our lives.
• If we are willing to go great distances to care for someone physically, we should also care about their spiritual condition.
• We do not come to church merely for performance or appearance.
• Romans 5:8 — Christ demonstrated the ultimate example of sacrificial love by dying for us while we were still sinners.
• God’s love is unfathomable, unexplainable, and unconditional.
• “Love thy neighbour as thyself.” If God loves us despite our unworthiness, we must also learn to love others.
• It is not our job to judge or condemn people for being “bad.” We are commanded to love them and share the Gospel with them.
• Even when people respond with hatred, mockery, or rejection, our responsibility is to do our part and leave the results in God’s hands.
• God designed us to bear fruit, and bearing fruit requires patience.
• If Jesus was willing to leave heaven’s glory and go to Calvary for us, we should also be willing to step outside our comfort zone to meet someone’s urgent spiritual need.

3. The Coverage of Love
• Galatians 6:9–10
• “Let us not be weary in well doing.”
• God continually gives us opportunities to reach people, disciple them, and bring them into the household of faith.
• How can we truly love others while holding grudges in our hearts?
• Our love should extend beyond the church.
• Wherever we are, we have an opportunity to show God’s love.

a. Worship — Love God.
b. Fellowship — Love the brethren.
c. Discipleship — Help others grow and strengthen the ministry.
d. Evangelism — Bring the Gospel to the lost.
• It is not simply about what we do, but about being willing to be used for the magnifying of God’s glory.
• Genuine love reaches people and reflects Christ to them.
• The church becomes what God intended it to be when we love God and love people.
• Church life is not limited to Sundays, a few services during the week, or a building. Loving others is a lifestyle we must continually cultivate and practice.

08/17/2026

IBBC Beaumont Sunday Service (August 16, 2026)

Speaker: Pastor Robert Bitun
Topic: The Great Commandment: A Church That Loves
Text: Matthew 22:34–40

Introduction
• The church exists to love God completely and to love people sacrificially. The Great Commandment calls us first to love God with all that we are, and that love naturally extends to others. A church that truly loves God will be a church that loves His people and reaches those who need Christ.

1. The Priority of Our Love — God Becomes Our Priority and Focus
• Matthew 22:38 — Jesus began with God. Loving God is the first and greatest commandment.
• Deuteronomy 6:4–5 — God commanded His people to love Him first, with all their heart, soul, and strength. Without God and our love for Him, our lives have no true meaning.
• Worship means giving God first place in our lives. When we do not love God first, worship can become merely a performance and lose its meaning.
• Our worship is a reflection of what is in our hearts. When God has first place in our hearts, our worship will naturally reflect that.

2. The Passion of Our Love — God Conquers Our Heart Wholeheartedly
• God does not ask for a divided heart. Half-hearted love is not genuine love; it is disobedience toward God.
• 1 John 4:19 — We love because He first loved us. Our love for God is a response to His love for us.
• Romans 12:1 — We are called to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service.
• Our passion for God should transform the way we live. We should desire to serve Him, glorify Him, and give every area of our lives to Him.
• When our worship comes from a heart that genuinely loves God, it becomes wholehearted rather than merely a performance or routine.
• The purpose of worship is not simply to serve God but to place Him at the center of our lives.
• When God has our heart, His work will begin to have our hands.

3. The Proof of Our Love for Him — Demonstrated by Our Obedience
• John 14:15 — Our love for Christ is demonstrated through our obedience to His commandments.
• 1 John 4:20–21 — We cannot claim to love God while hating our brethren. Love for God must extend to those around us.
• Loving God should lead us to love others. Our vertical relationship with God should extend horizontally into our relationships with people.
• A church that loves God will fellowship with God’s people. As we grow in our love for God, the Holy Spirit leads us toward discipleship and a deeper understanding of His Word so that we can help disciple others.
• A church that genuinely loves God will minister to people who are in need of Christ. God has called us to serve others and share the Gospel through His Word.
• Hebrews 11:6 — Faith and love for God should produce a life that seeks Him and desires to please Him.
• When the church falls in love with God again, worship becomes genuine, service becomes joyful, fellowship becomes sweeter, and evangelism becomes an urgent need.

08/16/2026

Saturday Bible Study (August 15, 2026)

Speaker: Pastor Robert Bitun
Main Texts: Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Cor 12:9

1. What is Grace?
• Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve and providing what we could never earn through our own efforts.
• Grace is not a reward for good works; it is God’s favour extended toward undeserving sinners.
• Grace is ultimately a matter of Who—the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Romans 3:24 — We are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

What does this reveal about God’s character?
• He is gracious, generous, loving, merciful, and just.

Why can salvation never be earned through good works?
• Isaiah 64:6
• We are born sinners; therefore, we can never be good enough to earn salvation.
• God is the standard of perfect righteousness and holiness, a standard we could never achieve through our own works.
• Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
• We cannot boast about our salvation because it is entirely by God’s grace.
• Good works come after salvation; they are not the cause of salvation. They are the fruit and evidence of a changed life.
• We should not pursue goodness merely to appear righteous; rather, we should pursue Christ-likeness.

How should understanding grace affect the way we treat other people?
• See others through the eyes of God.
• Grace should make us more gracious toward others because we are merely recipients of God’s grace and mercy.
• We should extend God’s grace toward others, reflecting and embodying His character in our lives.
• We were not saved because we are good enough, but because He is gracious enough.
• We are able to do these things because of His grace; therefore, we should not waste the privilege God has given us.

2. Grace Saves Us
• Titus 2:11; Romans 5:8
• Grace → faith in Christ Jesus → salvation
• 1 John 5
• Christ came to us; we could never work our way to Christ.
• Salvation is not something we achieve—it is something God provides.

What would happen if salvation depended on our goodness?
• Would there be more people doing good?
• Perhaps people would do more outwardly good things, but their motives could be wrong.
• Goodness could become selfish and prideful, motivated by the desire to earn salvation rather than love for God.
• People might compare themselves with others and think, “I am better than them, so I deserve salvation.”
• Ultimately, no one could meet God’s perfect standard through works.

3. Grace Changes Us
• Grace does not give us permission to continually live in sin; it calls us to live a transformed life.
• Titus 2:11–12
• True grace does not provide an escape from the consequences or reality of our past; it transforms the way we live moving forward.
• Romans 6:1–2 — If we have experienced salvation, how can we continue living in sin?
• There is a difference between receiving grace and abusing grace.
• We should appreciate God’s grace rather than take it for granted.
• Simply being in church does not mean that a person is saved. Salvation is a personal matter between God and the individual.

4. Grace Teaches Us to Say “No” to Sin
• Titus 2:11–12
• God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
• Grace does not encourage us to indulge in sin; it teaches us to turn away from it.
• Because we have received God’s grace, we should desire to live a life that pleases Him.
• The more we understand what Christ has done for us, the more we should desire to live for Him.

5. Grace Sustains Us
• Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9
• There will be moments when our strength fails and our wisdom is insufficient, but God’s grace is always sufficient.
• He will always be enough, fulfilling what we lack.
• We can come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Compare yourself then and now:
• Before, you may have been content with what you had.
• Yet even after receiving more, you may still find yourself dissatisfied.
• This reveals that contentment does not come from having more—it comes from God’s grace.
• He forgave us, redeemed us, saved us, changed us, and continues to sustain us.
• We are capable of being faithful because He was first faithful to us.
• It is not simply, “I was saved because I chose to accept Him."
• There is nothing for us to brag about because salvation is ultimately the work of God’s grace.

6. The Grace We Have Experienced Should Be Shared
• We should be channels of God’s grace to others.
• Ephesians 4:32
• Because we have received forgiveness, we should show forgiveness.
• The same applies to mercy, kindness, and grace.
• We do not have the right to withhold forgiveness from others while freely receiving God’s forgiveness ourselves.
• We are merely recipients of His forgiveness and grace.

God’s grace:
• Saves us when we could not save ourselves.
• Changes us when sin could control us.
• Sustains us when our strength is insufficient.
• Shapes us into the image of Christ.
• Sends us to extend His grace to others.

God’s grace never fails.

08/13/2026

Wednesday Prayer Meeting (August 12, 2026)

Speaker: Pastor Robert Bitun
Topic: "Realigning Our Life to Jesus" (John 15:4–6)

When our focus shifts away from Jesus, it affects our ability to bear fruit. We must turn back to God and restore our spiritual well-being.

1. Recognize
• We must first recognize what is drawing us away from God.
• A branch cannot live apart from the vine, and Christ is our source of life.
• Spiritual drifting usually does not happen suddenly. It begins with little things we slowly start to prioritize over God.
• We must refocus our hearts and minds on Him.
• Matthew 6:31–33; 1 John 2:16; James 1:14–15

Examples of things that can draw us away:
• Worries and anxieties
• Worldliness
• Temptation and lust
• Unforgiveness and bitterness

“Life is a warfare.”
• Ephesians 6 reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle.
• We cannot blame anyone else for our sinful desires. We must take responsibility for what we allow to capture our hearts.
• Lust begins with desire and, when entertained, produces sin, which ultimately leads to death and destruction (James 1:14–15; Romans 5:12).
• Sin often begins with seeing, thinking, and desiring before it becomes an action.
• The question is: What do we desire and place above God?
• Even seemingly small decisions reveal our priorities—for example, choosing to attend prayer meeting on a Wednesday night despite being tired.
• Hebrews 12:15 warns us about bitterness and allowing it to take root.
• “Life is too short to be angry all the time and have bitterness in your heart.”
• Hebrews 12:1 teaches us to lay aside every weight and the sin that hinders us from following and obeying Jesus.

Ask yourself: What has captured my attention that should belong to Jesus?
• A person may avoid many worldly things and appear “spiritual,” yet still be consumed by worry.
• Our focus must not simply be on avoiding the world—we must keep our eyes on Christ.

2. Return
• Recognizing our drift is not enough. We must return to our Source and realign our hearts and lives with God.
• John 15:5
• It is not about trying harder, but about abiding deeper.
• To abide means to remain, continue, dwell, and stay connected to Jesus.

How do we return?
i. Return to His Word
• Psalm 119:105
• God's Word is what directs and realigns our lives.
• Our source of guidance and restoration is not simply our friends, a certain place, or something we do to “unwind.” We need God's Word.

ii. Return to Prayer
• Jeremiah 33:3
• Prayer should not simply be a list of “I want this and that.”
• We must align our desires with God's will.
• We must also be willing to accept His rebuke and correction.

iii. Return to Worship
• Psalm 95:6
• Worship involves reverence, respect, bowing, and humbling ourselves before God.

iv. Return to Godly Fellowship
• Hebrews 10:24–25
• The emphasis is on Godly fellowship.
• Christian fellowship is not merely hanging out with friends; it should be centered on Christ.
• We encourage one another and share both our blessings and trials.

v. Return Through Repentance
• 1 John 1:9
• After recognizing our faults, we must be willing to change.
• Repentance means turning away from sin and turning back to God.

3. Reproduce
• John 15:5
• Jesus does not want us to merely be connected to Him; He wants us to bear fruit through Him.
• Our abiding in Christ should continue to grow our faith and make us productive in His work.

What kind of fruit does abiding in Christ produce?
i. Fruit of Character
• Galatians 5:22–23 — the fruit of the Spirit.
• God's Word gives us the perfect standard for Christian character.
• We should strive to develop biblical character in our own lives rather than placing our personal standards on others.
• We cannot demand, “This father should be this kind of father,” or impose our expectations on others. We must first allow God's Word to work in us.

ii. Fruit of Conduct
• Philippians 1:11
• What we learn from God's Word should change the way we live.
• Making mistakes does not mean we should remain in them. We should learn, move forward, and become more like Christ.

iii. Fruit of Conversion
• Romans 1:13
• Our abiding in Christ should lead others to Christ.
• Faith should produce action; faith without works is dead.

iv. Fruit of Christian Service
• Colossians 1:10; Galatians 6:9–10
• We are called to serve God.
• Matthew 22:37–40 — love God and love others (the Great Commandment).
• John 15:5; Hebrews 2:12

Conclusion
• The Christian life becomes difficult when we look everywhere except Jesus.
• When we only look at our problems, we become discouraged.
• When we only look at people, we become disappointed.
• When we only look at our circumstances, we become fearful.
• When we only look at ourselves, we see our weaknesses.

But when we look to Jesus, we find the strength to remain, grow, and bear fruit.
• Recognize → Return → Reproduce
• Our life becomes fruitful when we realign ourselves with Jesus and continue to abide in Him.

International Bible Baptist Church - Beaumont, AB, Canada

09/10/2026

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