COC Umuchima Ideato South, Box 286 Orlu, Imo State. Nigeria.

16/06/2024

Title: "Harmony in the Divine Symphony: Understanding the Relationship between God's Sovereign Plan and Man's Connection"

Introduction:
In the grand tapestry of life, there exists a divine symphony where the sovereignty of God orchestrates every note, and man's connection plays a crucial part in the melody. Understanding the intricate relationship between God's sovereign plan and man's connection is essential for navigating the complexities of faith, purpose, and fulfillment.

Lesson 1: Embracing God's Sovereignty
Scripture: Isaiah 46:10 (NIV) - "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'"
- God's sovereignty transcends time and space, encompassing all of creation.
- Embracing God's sovereignty requires surrender, trust, and humility in acknowledging His supreme authority.

Lesson 2: Aligning Man's Connection with God's Plan
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
- Man's connection with God is strengthened through trust, submission, and obedience.
- Aligning man's desires, choices, and actions with God's plan leads to a harmonious relationship and a fulfilling journey of faith.

Lesson 3: Walking in Faith and Obedience
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
- God has intricately designed each individual for a specific purpose within His sovereign plan.
- Walking in faith and obedience involves seeking God's guidance, listening to His voice, and following His leading in fulfilling our divine calling.

Lesson 4: Finding Peace in the Mystery
Scripture: Romans 11:33 (NIV) - "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!"
- While the relationship between God's sovereign plan and man's connection may seem mysterious, it is in this mystery that true peace and contentment are found.
- Trusting in God's wisdom and sovereignty brings assurance that His plan is perfect, even when we don't know how such perfection is achieved

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

- The mystery of God's sovereignty surpasses human comprehension, yet it invites us to trust in His infinite wisdom and goodness.
- Finding peace in the mystery requires letting go of the need for complete understanding and embracing the assurance that God's ways are higher and His plans are perfect.

Lesson 5: Living in Alignment with God's Will
Scripture: Micah 6:8 (NIV) - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
- Living in alignment with God's will involves embodying justice, mercy, and humility in our actions and relationships.
- By seeking to live out God's principles of righteousness and compassion, we reflect His character and further align ourselves with His sovereign plan.

Conclusion:
The relationship between God's sovereign plan and man's connection is a divine dance of trust, obedience, and surrender. As we embrace God's sovereignty, align our desires with His will, walk in faith and obedience, find peace in the mystery, and live in alignment with His purposes, we participate in the unfolding of His redemptive story. May we continue to seek a deeper understanding of this relationship, acknowledging that in the harmonious interplay between God's sovereign power and man's connection lies the beauty of His eternal plan for our lives.

31/03/2024

Topic: "Harmony in the Divine Symphony: Understanding the Relationship between God's Sovereign Plan and Man's Connection"

Introduction:
In the grand tapestry of life, there exists a divine symphony where the sovereignty of God orchestrates every note, and man's connection plays a crucial part in the melody. Understanding the intricate relationship between God's sovereign plan and man's connection is essential for navigating the complexities of faith, purpose, and fulfillment.

Lesson 1: Embracing God's Sovereignty
Scripture: Isaiah 46:10 (NIV) - "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'"
- God's sovereignty transcends time and space, encompassing all of creation.
- Embracing God's sovereignty requires surrender, trust, and humility in acknowledging His supreme authority.

Lesson 2: Aligning Man's Connection with God's Plan
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
- Man's connection with God is strengthened through trust, submission, and obedience.
- Aligning man's desires, choices, and actions with God's plan leads to a harmonious relationship and a fulfilling journey of faith.

Lesson 3: Walking in Faith and Obedience
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
- God has intricately designed each individual for a specific purpose within His sovereign plan.
- Walking in faith and obedience involves seeking God's guidance, listening to His voice, and following His leading in fulfilling our divine calling.

Lesson 4: Finding Peace in the Mystery
Scripture: Romans 11:33 (NIV) - "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!"
- While the relationship between God's sovereign plan and man's connection may seem mysterious, it is in this mystery that true peace and contentment are found.
- Trusting in God's wisdom and sovereignty brings assurance that His plan is perfect, even when we don't know how such perfection is achieved

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

- The mystery of God's sovereignty surpasses human comprehension, yet it invites us to trust in His infinite wisdom and goodness.
- Finding peace in the mystery requires letting go of the need for complete understanding and embracing the assurance that God's ways are higher and His plans are perfect.

Lesson 5: Living in Alignment with God's Will
Scripture: Micah 6:8 (NIV) - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
- Living in alignment with God's will involves embodying justice, mercy, and humility in our actions and relationships.
- By seeking to live out God's principles of righteousness and compassion, we reflect His character and further align ourselves with His sovereign plan.

Conclusion:
The relationship between God's sovereign plan and man's connection is a divine dance of trust, obedience, and surrender. As we embrace God's sovereignty, align our desires with His will, walk in faith and obedience, find peace in the mystery, and live in alignment with His purposes, we participate in the unfolding of His redemptive story. May we continue to seek a deeper understanding of this relationship, acknowledging that in the harmonious interplay between God's sovereign power and man's connection lies the beauty of His eternal plan for our lives.

07/01/2024

DATE: SUNDAY JANUARY 7TH, 2024
SERMON: WHAT HAVE I KEPT FOR MY SOUL
FROM: UDONG ANSID Jnr
TO: CHURCH OF CHRIST, UMUCHIMA. FIRST PUBLISHED ON THE WHATSAPP PLATFORM - EDIFYING THE SAINTS

what have I kept for my soul:

Introduction:

The Bible teaches us that our soul is the seat of our feelings, desires, affections, and aversions. It is the part of us that expresses the deepest parts of who we are, what we want, and what we truly love. God created our soul and breathed life into us, and He cares for our soul more than anyone else. He wants us to love Him with all our soul, and to treasure His word in our heart. He also wants us to take care of our soul by practicing spiritual disciplines, trusting in His promises, and obeying His commands.

But sometimes we neglect our soul, or we keep things in our soul that are not pleasing to God. We may keep sin, bitterness, fear, doubt, or worldly treasures in our soul, and these things can harm us and separate us from God. They can also affect our relationship with others, and our witness to the world. So we need to examine our soul and ask ourselves: what have I kept for my soul? And how can I keep my soul for God?

Main Points:

We need to keep our soul from sin. Sin is anything that goes against God’s will and His word. Sin can damage our soul and make us guilty, ashamed, and unhappy. Sin can also lead to death, both physically and spiritually. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ( Romans 6:23 )1 To keep our soul from sin, we need to confess our sins to God and repent, which means to turn away from sin and turn to God. We also need to ask God for forgiveness and cleansing, and to rely on His grace and power to overcome temptation. We also need to avoid situations and influences that can lead us to sin, and to seek godly accountability and support. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ( 1 John 1:9 )2

We need to keep our soul from bitterness. Bitterness is a feeling of resentment, anger, or hatred toward someone who has hurt us or wronged us. Bitterness can poison our soul and make us unforgiving, hostile, and miserable. Bitterness can also hinder our relationship with God and with others, and prevent us from experiencing God’s peace and joy. The Bible says, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” ( Hebrews 12:15 )3 To keep our soul from bitterness, we need to forgive those who have hurt us or wronged us, just as God has forgiven us in Christ. We also need to pray for them and bless them, and to seek reconciliation and restoration if possible. We also need to release our pain and anger to God, and to trust Him to heal our wounds and to vindicate us. The Bible says, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” ( Ephesians 4:32 )4

We need to keep our soul from fear. Fear is a feeling of anxiety, dread, or panic caused by a real or perceived threat or danger. Fear can paralyze our soul and make us cowardly, insecure, and doubtful. Fear can also limit our potential and our purpose, and keep us from following God’s will and His calling. The Bible says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ( 2 Timothy 1:7 )5 To keep our soul from fear, we need to trust in God and His promises, and to remember His presence and His protection. We also need to cast all our cares and worries on Him, and to seek His peace and His wisdom. We also need to face our fears with courage and faith, and to overcome them with God’s help and strength. The Bible says, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” ( Psalm 56:3-4 )6

We need to keep our soul from doubt. Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty, skepticism, or disbelief about something or someone. Doubt can weaken our soul and make us unstable, confused, and faithless. Doubt can also erode our confidence and our conviction, and keep us from experiencing God’s power and His blessings. The Bible says, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” ( James 1:6-8 ) To keep our soul from doubt, we need to believe in God and His word, and to remember His works and His ways. We also need to seek Him and His truth, and to study His word and His promises. We also need to ask Him for more faith and more understanding, and to obey Him and His commands. The Bible says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” ( Hebrews 11:1 )

We need to keep our soul from worldly treasures. Worldly treasures are the things of this world that we value or desire, such as money, possessions, fame, power, or pleasure. Worldly treasures can corrupt our soul and make us greedy, selfish, and idolatrous. Worldly treasures can also distract us and deceive us, and keep us from seeking God and His kingdom. The Bible says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ( Matthew 6:19-21 ) To keep our soul from worldly treasures, we need to love God and His kingdom more than anything else, and to treasure His word and His will. We also need to be content and grateful for what we have, and to share and give generously to others. We also need to seek God’s wisdom and His guidance, and to use our resources and our gifts for His glory and His purposes. The Bible says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ( Matthew 6:33 )

Conclusion:

Our soul is precious to God, and He wants us to keep it for Him. He wants us to keep our soul from sin, bitterness, fear, doubt, and worldly treasures, and to keep our soul for His love, His grace, His peace, His joy, and His glory. He has given us His word, His Spirit, His Son, and His people to help us keep our soul for Him. Let us examine our soul and ask ourselves: what have I kept for my soul? And how can I keep my soul for God? Let us pray and ask God to search our soul and to show us anything that is not pleasing to Him, and to help us to keep our soul for Him. Let us also praise and thank God for His care and His salvation for our soul in Jesus Christ name. Amen.

25/12/2023

23/09/2023

When deeds of kindness sincerely exceeds every primordial interest.

Prison guard who lost her job for taking care of inmate’s baby has 'no regrets'MirrorJuly 15, 2023Read originalA former prison guard was fired when she stepped forward to help an incarcerated woman by offering to care for her newborn baby while she completed her prison sentence.Roberta Bell, 58, l...

12/09/2023

3,527 signatures are needed, let’s get there by the end of the day?

16/07/2023

*IS IT A SIN?*

A Christian sister got pregnant and the Church decided to discipline her since she was not married.

When the elders of the Church met and interviewed her, she told them that she has stayed and remained in the Church for several years and no one is marrying her and she is approaching the age of menopause where she can't get pregnant even if married.

So after reading some Christian medical journals on this issues, she decided and did artificial insemination since she too wants a child. She tendered both the medical journals and the medical documents that showed that she has done the artificial insemination from a reputable hospital.

The Sister is pregnant without committing fornication nor adultery with any man.

*NOW, COULD THIS BE A SIN?*

Kindly give your reasons for your answer and if possible back it with Scripture, so that we can learn. You may wish to send to other Christian group and see their position on the matter.
What's your position?

Your opinion with scriptural backing is highly needed.