24/05/2026
17th Ikot Obio Atai Area Convention
Farewell Service
SERMON: Apostle O. U. Okon
CENTRAL THEME: Restoration of the Believers Hope Through the Risen Christ
SUB-THEME: Contending for the Hope in Christ as a Believer.
TEXTS: 1st Peter 3:15; Acts 21
MESSAGE
The word contend or contending can be simplified to words like struggle, fight,strive and compete.
We are in a world full of heresies and vain hope that has misaligned believers from the hope that is in Christ. But believers should not let their hope wiither by circumstances and the noise of the mundane inheritance of men, however, we should stand firm to battle against the world and gain back the hope that comes from the one true God. Trials and temptations will rage storms in different areas of your life. Your business could be on the line, your family will be placed before you, friends will mock you, the world will laugh at you, you will not ft into circles, but as believers that have our hope on God, we are to stand firm as Job stood firm, accepting to perish than let go of his hope. He protected his hope, fought for it, and strived.
The bible says that He that striveth for mastery is temperate in all things. And as believers who strives and protect the hope that God has given to us, we must not quiver at the noises of the mundane world, but stand firm and contend for our hope in Christ.
The sacred hymn of saints, hymn number 202, admonishes us to stand firm in the pursuit of heaven, taking up our cross as Christ commanded and follow him. The cross makes us aware of these trials, and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead has given us the hope of victory. So as Christ contended for the hope of glory, we too must contend for the hope of His promises.
If you know that you do not have any inheritance on earth but in heaven, you will look up to heaven which is the hill of your help to hope on God.
Brethren! Stand firm in contending, do not be shaken, guard the promises of God over your life in hoping fully on him. The bible says the vision awaits it time, it may tarry but it will surely come to pass. So brethren, no matter how long and hard it is, remember the voice of the Lord and wait on him. Contend against any circumstance that threatens your hope and ALAS! Stand still, stand firm, for our inheritance in heaven is secured as we continue to fight.