Church Of Christ, Nnamdi Azikiwe University - Unizik

07/01/2026

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

THE SECOND CHANCE OF A NEW YEAR

Text: Isaiah 43:18–19; Luke 13:6–9
Occasion: Last Sunday of Year 2025

INTRODUCTION

The end of the year reminds us of a serious truth: not everyone gets a second chance. Many planned for another year but never entered it. For Christians, the new year is not merely a continuation of life but a second chance granted by God’s mercy—a fresh window to correct, realign, and live purposefully.

> Lamentations 3:22–23 – “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed… they are new every morning.”

LESSON AIM

1. To help Christians understand the value of the new year as a second chance.

2. To warn against wasting God-given opportunities.

3. To encourage spiritual preparation for a new beginning.

KEY TRUTH

A second chance is not guaranteed; when given, it must be used wisely and urgently.

PART ONE: NOT EVERYONE RECEIVES A SECOND CHANCE

1. Life Is Uncertain _ James 4:14 – Life is a vapour.
2. Time does not belong to man; it belongs to God.

2. Those who never got second chances

1. The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–21): Planned for tomorrow, died today.

2. Lot’s Wife (Genesis 19:26): Looked back and lost her future.

3. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5): No opportunity for correction.

PART TWO: THE NEW YEAR AS A SECOND CHANCE
The new year represents God’s patience, not human entitlement.

1. A Second Chance to Repent
Luke 13:3 – Repentance cannot be postponed. God gives time to turn back before judgment.

2. A Second Chance to Renew the Mind

Romans 12:2 – Transformation begins with renewed thinking. Old patterns must not cross into the new year.

3. A Second Chance to Serve God Better
John 9:4 – Work while it is day.
Opportunity ends when time runs out.

4. A Second Chance to Correct Past Errors
Philippians 3:13–14 – Forgetting what is behind and pressing forward.

PART THREE: HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE SECOND CHANCE OF THE NEW YEAR

1. End the Old Year Well
Ecclesiastes 7:8 – The end of a thing is better than the beginning.
Reflect honestly on the past year.

2. Let Go of the Old
Isaiah 43:18 – Do not dwell on former things.
Release sins, grudges, failures, and excuses.

3. Prepare Spiritually through Prayer – Luke 18:1, the Word – Joshua 1:8 and through Obedience – Deuteronomy 28:1

4. Set God-Centered Goals
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your plans to the Lord... Spiritual growth before material pursuit.

PART FOUR: WARNINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR

1. Do not assume time equals opportunity.
2. Do not carry old sins into a new season.
3. Do not postpone obedience. _ Hebrews 3:15 – “Today if ye will hear his voice…”

QUESTIONS

1. Why do many people waste second chances?

2. What lessons does the end of the year teach Christians?

3. What must you drop before entering the new year?

4. How can you practically prepare for a better spiritual year?

CONCLUSION

The new year is a second chance, not a guarantee. Those who receive it are accountable for how they use it.

> 2 Corinthians 6:2 – “Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.”

CLOSING PRAYER
“Father, thank You for the second chance of a new year. Help us to leave the old behind, walk in obedience, and make this new beginning count for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

07/01/2026

New Year Sermon
Bro. Edet Jnr

Topic: What Shall I Say unto the Lord?
Text: Psalm 116:12; Micah 6:6–8; Luke 17:15–19

Introduction
Throughout the Bible, men and women longed for an opportunity to speak with God. They cried out in distress, pleaded for mercy, sought justice, asked for direction, and poured out gratitude.
From Abraham to Moses, from Hannah to David, from the prophets to the apostles, those who spoke with God were regarded with honor; not because they were perfect, but because they valued communion with God.
Today, being the first Sunday of the year, God has gifted us a sacred opportunity: to stand before him at the doorway of a new year, today we are privileged to be in the presence of God, sited comfortably before him even as he grant us audience. So we have to ask our self this vital question. What shall I say unto the Lord?
This moment matters because we need to say something to the lord for all the wonderful things he did for us last year. For all his goodness upon our lives and for the beautiful gift of another year.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO HIM

1. Say “Thank You, Lord”
“What shall I render unto the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” — Psalm 116:12
The first thing to say to God is thank you. We are alive not because we planned well, but because God preserved us. Many had plans for this year but did not arrive. Gratitude acknowledges that survival, provision, protection, and grace are not entitlements but gifts.
Like the one l***r who returned to Jesus, thanksgiving distinguishes a heart that truly understands God’s mercy (Luke 17:15–19). Begin the year with gratitude, not complaints. Thanksgiving opens doors that prayer alone sometimes cannot.

2. Say “Have Mercy on Me, O Lord”
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” — 1 John 1:9
No one speaks honestly with God without addressing sin. A new year does not erase old guilt unless repentance takes place. Isaiah cried, “Woe is me… for I am a man of unclean lips” when he encountered God (Isaiah 6:5).
As we speak to God today, we must ask for mercy—for wrong choices, wasted opportunities, lukewarm faith, and silent disobedience. Mercy cleanses the past so we can step into the future without chains.

3. Say “Lord, Lead Me”
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
The year ahead is unknown to us but fully known to God. It is wise to say, “Lord, I do not know the way—lead me.” Moses said, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not carry us up from here” (Exodus 33:15).
Plans without God’s direction lead to frustration. When we ask God to lead us—our careers, families, ministry, and decisions—we place the year in safe hands.

4. Say “Use Me, Lord”
“Here am I; send me.” — Isaiah 6:8
God does not only want to hear our requests; He also wants our availability. The beginning of the year is the right time to say, “Lord, use me for Your glory.” Christianity is not just about receiving blessings but becoming instruments.
When Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears,” his life gained divine relevance (1 Samuel 3:10). A year surrendered to God becomes a meaningful year.

5. Say “I Will Obey You, Lord”
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22
The most powerful thing we can say to God is not a long prayer but a firm commitment: “Lord, I will obey You.” Many speak to God, but few follow His instructions. Obedience turns prayer into action and faith into evidence.
A new year with old disobedience will produce old results. When we promise obedience and follow through, heaven responds.

Conclusion
So today, as we stand at the threshold of a new year and ask, “What shall I say unto the Lord?” the answer is clear:
Say thank You for His mercy
Say forgive me for my failures
Say lead me through this year
Say use me for Your glory
Say I will obey You
If we say these sincerely and live them out this year will not be ordinary. It will be divinely ordered.
“Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things.” — Jeremiah 33:3
May our words before God today shape our walk with Him throughout the year. Amen.

Happy New year Brethren.

05/12/2025

THE PERFECTION OF GOD’S TIMING

Text: Isaiah 60:22

— “When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.”

1. Introduction
People often assume outcomes depend mainly on effort, intelligence, or luck. Scripture disagrees. The Bible repeatedly shows that God’s timing not human speed determines lasting success (Eccl. 9:11).
This lesson examines why God’s timing is perfect, how He works even through minimal human effort, and what believers should do while waiting.

2. The Principle: God Acts at the Appointed Time
Isaiah 60:22 states a direct truth:
1. God makes things happen.
2. He does so at His own time.
3. Human size, strength, or effort cannot override His timing.

The verse does not encourage laziness; instead, it exposes human limits. Even at our best, we cannot manufacture God’s results. When the appointed time comes, even small efforts produce disproportionate outcomes.

Supporting verse:

Psalm 127:1
— “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
Human effort without divine timing is wasted energy.

3. Scriptural Case Studies of God’s Perfect Timing

A. Abraham and Sarah — Genesis 18:14

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return…”
Decades of effort produced nothing.
One moment of divine timing produced Isaac. Their strength was irrelevant; God's timing was decisive.

B. Joseph — Genesis 41:14
Joseph’s promotion came “suddenly”, but only after the exact time God intended.
He used his gifts in prison (minimal influence). God moved Pharaoh’s heart at the appointed hour.

C. Israel’s Exodus — Exodus 12:40–41
Israel left Egypt the very day God had predetermined 430 years earlier.
No amount of effort before that day could have delivered them.

D. Jesus — Galatians 4:4
“When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son…”
The greatest event in history happened only at the set time, not earlier.

4. Why God’s Timing Is Perfect

1. He sees the full picture (Isa. 55:8–9)
Our planning is narrow. His is complete.

2. He aligns events, people, and circumstances (Prov. 16:9) Your effort is one piece of a much larger puzzle.

3. He protects you from premature blessings
A blessing out of season can destroy a person. Example: Israel could not enter Canaan early because they were not spiritually ready (Deut. 8:2–3).

4. He ensures His glory is clear
When success comes from unlikely or small beginnings, people recognize God’s involvement, not human brilliance.

5. The Role of Minimal Effort
The Bible does not teach passivity. Rather, it teaches that human effort becomes effective only when God breathes on it.

Examples:
1. Peter cast his net many times, but one cast with Jesus produced a miracle (Luke 5:5–6).

2. The widow poured a little oil, and God multiplied it (2 Kings 4:1–7).

3. David used a small stone, but God directed it (1 Sam. 17:45–50).

4. Minimal effort + God’s timing = Maximum results.

6. What Believers Should Do While Waiting

A. Seek God, not shortcuts (Psalm 37:7)
Impatience leads to compromise.

B. Stay faithful in small things (Luke 16:10)
God elevates people who stay consistent even when outcomes seem slow.

C. Avoid comparison (Psalm 73:2–3)
Others’ progress has nothing to do with your divine schedule.

D. Trust without complaining (Habakkuk 2:3)
“Though it tarry, wait for it…”

E. Keep your hands working
God blesses movement, not idleness.

7. The Outcomes of God’s Perfect Timing

1. Results that exceed effort: You reap far more than you planted.

2. Peace instead of anxiety: You stop forcing things.

3. Testimonies that point to God: Your story becomes evidence of His sovereignty.

4. Growth that lasts
What God builds stays firm (Eccl. 3:14).

8. Conclusion
The perfection of God’s timing is not a theory; it is a spiritual law. Success is not just about effort, luck, or speed. It is primarily about God activating the right moment.

Your responsibility:
1. Work faithfully.
2. Stay aligned with God.
3. Wait without panic.
4. Recognize that even minimal effort becomes powerful when the appointed time arrives.
5. When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen. Not you. Not luck. Not pressure.
God Himself.

03/12/2025

“Where There Is God”

Text: Psalm 16:11; John 14:27; 1 John 4:16

INTRODUCTION
The presence of God is not an idea or a theory. It is a reality that transforms any life, any home, any church, and any environment. Wherever God is allowed to reign, His nature shows. His nature is love, light, peace, purity, mercy, and power. So the question is not whether God is powerful—He is. The question is whether we give Him room.

1. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS LOVE
1 John 4:16 – “God is love…”
God does not manufacture love; He is love.
When He enters a life or a home:
Bitterness dies.
Hatred softens.
People learn to forgive.
Relationships heal.

What Christians enjoy:
A heart that loves without forcing it.
The ability to forgive even when it hurts.
Restoration in marriages, families, and friendships.

2. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS PEACE
John 14:27 – “My peace I give unto you…”
God gives a peace the world cannot supply and cannot understand.

What we enjoy:
Peace in storms.
Calmness in confusion.
Confidence in trials.
Freedom from anxiety and fear.

3. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS LIGHT
Psalm 27:1 – “The LORD is my light and my salvation…”
His presence exposes darkness and gives direction.

What we enjoy:
Clarity when making decisions.
Conviction when we are wrong.
Protection from hidden evil.
The ability to see life correctly.

4. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS JOY
Psalm 16:11 – “…in Your presence is fullness of joy…”
Joy is deeper than happiness. Happiness depends on events; joy depends on God.

What we enjoy:
Strength in difficult times.
Inner satisfaction that money cannot buy.
A joyful spirit that encourages others.

5. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS FREEDOM
2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
God breaks chains no one can see.

What we enjoy:
Freedom from guilt and shame.
Freedom from addiction and negative patterns.
Freedom to grow spiritually without fear.

6. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS PURPOSE
Without God, people chase life without meaning.
With God, direction becomes clear.

What we enjoy:
A meaningful life, not a wasted one.
Understanding of our gifts and calling.
Motivation to live for something eternal.

7. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS PROTECTION
Psalm 91:1–2
God shields His own even when dangers surround them.

What we enjoy:
Spiritual covering.
Victory over attacks.
Preservation from evil.

8. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS TRANSFORMATION
God never enters a life and leaves it the same.
What we enjoy:
A renewed mind.
A changed character.
Growth that others can see.

9. WHERE THERE IS GOD, THERE IS HOPE
Without God, people break down easily.
With God, hope stays alive.

What we enjoy:
Hope when everything looks lost.
Strength to keep moving.
Assurance of eternal life.

CONCLUSION
God’s presence is not automatic. He enters where He is invited, honored, and obeyed. When we bring Him into our lives, we gain everything the world cannot provide and cannot take away.
Where there is God, there is love, peace, light, joy, freedom, purpose, protection, transformation, and hope.

02/12/2025

Topic undercovering the subtle trap of the enemy.

Text: 1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant…”

1. What Is a Trap?
A trap is any hidden strategy designed to deceive, capture, weaken, mislead, or destroy someone.
Spiritually, a trap is Satan’s deliberate setup to draw a believer away from God, weaken their faith, or cause them to sin.

A trap is dangerous because:

1. It looks harmless.
2. It appears attractive.
3. It targets your weaknesses.
4. You don’t see the consequences immediately.

2. People in the Bible Who Set Traps for Others: Scripture gives several clear examples:

1. Delilah (Judges 16:4–21)
She pretended to love Samson but worked with the Philistines to discover his secret and destroy him.

2. The Philistines (1 Samuel 18:21)
Saul used his daughter Michal as a trap to cause David’s downfall. His goal was not marriage but death.

3. Daniel’s Enemies (Daniel 6:3–9)
They manipulated the king to sign a decree that would put Daniel in the lions’ den. Their trap was targeted at his faith.

4. The Pharisees and Herodians (Mark 12:13–17)
They asked Jesus tricky questions to trap Him in His words so they could accuse Him.

5. Haman (Esther 3–7)
He set a trap to kill all Jews and specifically Mordecai, but eventually fell into the trap he made.

These examples show that traps often come from familiar or respected people, not strangers.

3. Why Christians Must Be Vigilant
1. We Have an Active Enemy

1 Peter 5:8 describes Satan as a roaring lion. He studies human behavior and attacks weaknesses.

2. People Are Not Always What They Pretend to Be
Social relationships can carry hidden motives—envy, manipulation, exploitation, or deception.

3. The World System Is Opposed to God
1 John 2:15–17 warns against the lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride. These are traps dressed as “opportunities.”

4. Carelessness Leads to Destruction
Jesus repeatedly warned His disciples: “Watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41).

5. False Teachers and Fake Christians Exist
Matthew 7:15—Wolves in sheep's clothing.
A believer who is not vigilant will be misled.

4. How Satan Sets Traps for the Children of God

Satan’s traps are strategic, subtle, and often disguised as blessings or breakthroughs.

1. Temptation Through Desires
_ Lust
_ Greed
_ Pride
_ Power
He uses your desires against you. (James 1:14–15)

2. Relationships
Wrong friends, partners, or advisers can derail destiny (1 Corinthians 15:33).

3. Offence and Anger
Bitterness gives Satan an advantage (Ephesians 4:26–27).
Many believers fall because they can’t control reactions.

4. Deception and Half-Truths
Satan deceived Eve not with obvious lies but with subtle twisting (Genesis 3).
He still uses misinformation, fake visions, and false teachings.

5. Distraction
He keeps believers too busy, entertained, or overwhelmed to pray, study, and grow spiritually.

6. Pride and Self-confidence
Once a believer starts depending on self instead of God, defeat is close (Proverbs 16:18).

7. Impatience
Satan uses pressure—financial pressure, marital delay, career delay—to push believers into shortcuts.

5. How to Identify These Traps

1. Check Motives
If something appeals strongly to your flesh or ego, look deeper.

2. Test Every Spirit
1 John 4:1—Not every inspiration, dream, or prophecy is from God.

3. Observe Patterns
People who manipulate, lie, flatter, or take advantage often repeat it.

4. Peace Check
If there is no inner peace, don’t proceed.
Colossians 3:15—Let the peace of God rule.

5. Word Test
Anything that contradicts Scripture is a trap, regardless of appearance.

6. Counsel Test
Discuss questionable decisions with mature believers before acting (Proverbs 11:14).

7. Prayer Check
If you cannot confidently pray over it, it’s likely a trap.

6. How to Stay Vigilant

1. Stay connected to the Word (Psalm 119:105).
2. Build a consistent prayer life (Luke 18:1).
3. Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).
4. Stay humble and teachable (James 4:6).
5. Walk with wise people (Proverbs 13:20).
6. Maintain spiritual sensitivity (Romans 8:14).

Conclusion
Vigilance is not fear—it is spiritual intelligence.
Satan sets traps, but a believer who watches, prays, and tests all things will not fall.
The goal is not paranoia but discernment.

01/12/2025

Happy new month to you all from all of us here.

30/11/2025

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Topic: The Role of Effective Communication Among Christians

Introduction
Communication determines the quality of every relationship, marriage, family, church, and ministry. Christians are commanded not only to talk, but to communicate in a way that builds, heals, and reflects Christ. Poor communication destroys fellowship; effective communication strengthens the body of Christ.

1. WHAT IS EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION?

Speaking truth clearly.
Listening to understand, not just to reply.
Expressing thoughts with love, patience, and wisdom.
Avoiding assumptions, gossip, or vague messages.

Biblical foundation:

“Let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay.” — Matthew 5:37

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11

2. WHY EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT AMONG CHRISTIANS

a. It builds unity in the church
Without healthy communication, misunderstandings multiply.

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” — Amos 3:3

b. It prevents conflicts and reduces offense

Poor communication breeds suspicion.

“Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” — James 1:19

c. It strengthens relationships among brethren

People grow closer when they communicate openly and honestly.

“Confess your faults one to another… that ye may be healed.” — James 5:16

d. It reflects Christ to the world
Our words display our spiritual maturity.

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…” — Colossians 4:6

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” — Matthew 12:34

3. AREAS WHERE CHRISTIANS MUST PRACTICE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

a. In the family
Spouses, parents, and children must speak lovingly and respectfully.

“Husbands, love your wives… Wives, submit… Children obey…” — Ephesians 5:22–33; 6:1

b. In church leadership
Pastors, workers, and members must communicate clearly to avoid friction.

“Obey them that have the rule over you… for they watch for your souls.” — Hebrews 13:17

c. Among brethren
Christians should challenge, correct, and encourage one another in the right tone and attitude.

“Iron sharpeneth iron.” — Proverbs 27:17

“Exhort one another daily.” — Hebrews 3:13

d. During evangelism
The gospel must be communicated with clarity, love, and simplicity.

“Preach the word; be instant in season…” — 2 Timothy 4:2

4. BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AMONG CHRISTIANS

Assumptions — interpreting without verifying.

Anger and impatience — blocks understanding. (Proverbs 14:29)

Pride — unwillingness to listen or apologize.

Gossip and backbiting — kills trust. (Proverbs 16:28)

Unclear instructions — causes confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:8–9)

Cultural differences — ignored instead of understood.

5. HOW TO PRACTICE EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION
a. Speak the truth in love
Not harshly, not deceitfully.

“Speaking the truth in love…” — Ephesians 4:15

b. Listen before you speak

Good communication starts with listening.

Proverbs 18:13 — “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly…”

c. Control your tongue

Avoid words that destroy.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth…” — Ephesians 4:29

d. Clarify intentions

Ask questions. Confirm understanding. Avoid assumptions.

e. Apologize quickly and forgive easily

Forgiveness removes communication barriers.

Colossians 3:13 — “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.”

f. Pray before speaking

Prayer filters your thoughts.

“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth…” — Psalm 141:3

6. JESUS AS OUR MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Jesus communicated with:

Clarity — “I speak openly to the world.” (John 18:20)

Wisdom — people marveled at His words. (Luke 4:22)

Compassion — He spoke gently to the weak. (Matthew 12:20)

Authority — His messages were firm and truthful. (Matthew 7:29)

Christians must follow this pattern.

7. PRACTICAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What common communication problems do Christians face today?

How can we correct a fellow believer without causing offense?

In what areas do you personally need to improve—speaking, listening, patience, or clarity?

How can communication strengthen the youth ministry, choir, or workforce?

Conclusion
Effective communication is not optional for Christians; it is a spiritual responsibility. It builds unity, prevents conflict, deepens fellowship, and reflects the character of Christ. Every believer must learn to speak with love, listen with humility, and communicate with wisdom.

23/11/2025

Happy lord's people of God

23/11/2025

16/11/2025

Churches of Christ all over Nigeria came to pay their last respect to A great Soldier of Christ who went to join his maker.

RIP LATE MIN C C NWACHUKWU