Cocin Lcc Chibok, RCC Borno

Excerpts From The Sunday Service 23 June, 2024.
Moderator:- Elder. Martha Abass
Hymn No.29
Preacher:- Evang. Emmanuel Madu.
Topic:- A sinner comes to faith in Christ, old things pass away.
Text:- 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Isaiah 43:18-19.
Key Point:-
1. Be Born Again.
2. Forget Your Past.

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*

*THURSDAY, 20TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: EPHESIANS 5:18-19*

18. _Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,_
19. _speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,_

*TOPIC: LEADS TO DEBAUCHERY*

Debauchery is an excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, scandalous activities involving s*x, alcohol and drugs. This lifestyle makes the victims to live loose lives that give room to s*xual immorality. This could be the reason why most prostitutes live in brothels. This text warns believers not to get drunk because the end result is debauchery. It also opens room for demonic infestation. Drunkenness has ruined the economy, integrity and spiritual lives of many. Are you guilty of debauchery? Christians should rather be filled with the Holy Spirit to live a happy and productive life.

*REFLECTION:* _Do not indulge in debauchery._

*PRAYER:* _Lord, deliver me from debauchery. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:_Psalm 104-106*

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*TUESDAY, 18TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: LEVITICUS 20:19-23*

19. _“‘Do not have s*xual relations with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; both of you would be held responsible._
20. _“‘If a man has s*xual relations with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die childless._
21. _“‘If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless._
22. _“‘Keep all my decrees and laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out._
23. _You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them._

*TOPIC: CHILDLESSNESS*

Unholy living may cause childlessness. Our text gives the following instructions: (i) A man must not sleep with his father's or mother's sister (ii) He must not commit impurity and dishonour his brother by marrying his wife. The consequence is childlessness. The family life of those who know and fear God must be different from that of the ungodly. Sorrowfully, cases of in**st, abortion and extramarital affairs are found in some Christian homes. These acts are capable of depriving the family the blessings of God. The family life must be guided by the word of God. Are you childless as a result of unholy living? Repent and seek God's mercy.

*REFLECTION:* _Avoid all s*xual pervasion._

*PRAYER:* _Father in heaven, help me to live a holy life. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 90-97_

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*MONDAY, 17TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: AMOS 5:21-27*

21. _“I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me._
22. _Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them._
23. _Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps._
24. _But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!_
25. _“Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?_
26. _You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god—which you made for yourselves._
27. _Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is God Almighty._

*TOPIC: EXILED II*

Israel's religiosity was full of feasts and sacrifices. These were not wrong in themselves, but it was the worshippers and the ways in which they worshipped that were wrong. Their relationship with God was not established based on sacrifices but on obedience to the Law, which requires justice and righteousness. But Israel disobeyed the Law, worshipped idols thereby corrupting their ways. They profane God's name such that exile became inevitable, which is a terrible experience. They will miss God's presence, leadership and providence. Some believers bring fat offerings and tithes while their lifestyle is corrupt. Know that you cannot appease God by mere sacrifices while living an unholy life. Check your spiritual life.

*REFLECTION:* _Holy living is better than sacrifice._

*PRAYER:* _Lord, enable me to live a holy life. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 84-89_

Today's Message By Rev. Paul Maina

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*SATURDAY, 15TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: GENESIS 3:22-24*

22. _And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”_
23. _So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken._
24. _After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life._

*TOPIC: BANISHMENT*

Banishment means to send someone away and forbid that person from returning. In pre-Christian history, most cultures practiced banishment of rebels. In today's text, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden as a result of sin. God further placed a cherubim and a flaming sword, not only to keep them from returning but to deny them access to the tree of life. This gives a picture of what will happen to all those who choose the path of sin. They will be eternally banished from God's kingdom and denied access to the tree of life prepared only for the righteous (Revelation 22:14-15). Some believers dare God by deliberately disobeying His commands. Do not take for granted the love, grace and mercies of God. Repent or be banished forever.

*REFLECTION:* _Sin separates us from God._

*PRAYER:* _I repent of my sin, oh Lord, that I may enjoy your presence. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 75-77_

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*FRIDAY, 14TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: COLOSSIANS 3:5-10*

5. _Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: s*xual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry._
6. _Because of these, the wrath of God is coming._
7. _You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived._
8. _But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips._
9. _Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices_
10. _and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator._

*TOPIC: WRATH OF GOD II*

God detests every kind of impurity: immorality, evil desires, lustful behaviour, and so on. No one who engages in any of these sins will escape his wrath. "Because of these, the wrath of God is coming" (v. 6). This wrath may come in different forms such as incurable diseases, instant death, and unending poverty. Believing in Jesus as Lord and Saviour and willing to live a holy life requires that you put to death everything that belongs to the earthly nature. This makes you a true child of God. The sensual appetite may stimulate and strive to nourish these sinful acts but it depends on you to deprive them of their power to control you. Are you struggling with any of these sins? Set your mind on things above, you will overcome the earthly things (v. 2).

*REFLECTION:* _The impure will surely face the wrath of God._

*PRAYER:* _Help me oh Lord, to live a holy life. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 73-74_

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*THURSDAY, 13TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: EZEKIEL 22:22-27*

22. _As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted inside her, and you will know that I the Lord have poured out my wrath on you.’”_
23. _Again the word of the Lord came to me:_
24. _“Son of man, say to the land, ‘You are a land that has not been cleansed or rained on in the day of wrath.’_
25. _There is a conspiracy of her princes within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her._
26. _Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them._
27. _Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain._

*TOPIC: WRATH OF GOD I*

Those who do detestable things will surely encounter the wrath of God. Our God is compassionate and loving; always giving room to the erring to amend their ways. This text shows how deeply the city of Jerusalem was involved in sin. They committed all kinds of atrocities and profane the name of the Lord. Therefore, God vowed to pour out his wrath upon them. The atrocities condemned in this text describe our situation today as a church and a nation. Many people are bent on doing evil: shedding of blood, embracing false teaching, slandering, exploiting the poor and the vulnerable to amass wealth. Are you guilty of any of these sins? Repent and be saved.

*REFLECTION:* _Evildoers will surely face the wrath of God._

*PRAYER:* _Oh Lord, forgive my detestable acts. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 67-72_

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*WEDNESDAY, 12TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: REVELATION 2:20-23*

20. _Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into s*xual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols._
21. _I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling._
22. _So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways._
23. _I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds._

*TOPIC: SUFFERING*

In today's text, the church in Ephesus was accused of tolerating Jezebel's teaching and were mislead into s*xual immorality and eating of food sacrificed to idols. God was patient, hoping they will repent but they were adamant. So, God vowed to cast Jezebel on a bed of suffering and all her allies will suffer intensely. Today, s*xual immorality is commercialised. Some church members and even leaders are living in s*xual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols, yet they claim to be walking in the light. The consequences of unconfessed sin are unbearable. Are you suffering from guilt, depression, fear, and insomnia because of sin? Remember, the Lord searches your heart and mind and will repay you according to your deeds. Open up and find help.

*REFLECTION:* _Yielding to false teachings brings sufferings._

*PRAYER:* _Help me Lord, to discern false teachings. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 60-66_

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*TUESDAY, 11TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:8-11*

8. _We should not commit s*xual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died._
9. _We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes._
10. _And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel._
11. _These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come._

*TOPIC: DESTRUCTION II*

Yesterday we learned that God hates and punishes evil. God demonstrated this in the history of Israel when they abused his grace and providence (v. 1-3). Israel indulged in pagan idolatry and many were destroyed. They indulged in s*xual immorality and twenty three thousand were destroyed in a day. They tested God and were killed by snakes. They grumbled against God and were killed by an angel of death. Child of God, you have received greater privileges than Israel: salvation by grace, baptism and a partaker of Holy Communion. With all these privilages, do you still grumble or indulge in idolatry or s*xual immorality? Doing so is treating God's love and mercy with contempt. Be assured that destruction awaits you. Better repent!

*REFLECTION:* _He who treads the path of sin is doomed._

*PRAYER:* _Save me, oh Lord, from my destructive lifestyle. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 55-59_

MONDAY, 10TH JUNE, 2024.

SUB-THEME: DANGERS OF UNHOLY LIVING

TOPIC: DESTRUCTION I.

TEXT: 2 PETER 3:10-13.

10. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
11. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
12. as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
13. _But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

TOPIC: DESTRUCTION I.

MESSAGE:
God cherishes holiness and hates anything evil. Today's text explains clearly that the day of the Lord is fast approaching. The heavens and the earth and all the elements will be destroyed by fire. Peter then cautions that we ought to live holy and godly lives to escape this destruction. This is imperative because the new heaven and new earth will be the home of the righteous only. Nothing evil shall inhabit it. Like in the days of Noah and Lot, people are taken over by a life of pleasure, so**my, gross wickedness and the likes. Do not abuse your freedom by indulging in sinful deeds (Galatians 5:13). Remember, God's spirit will not strive with man forever (Galatians 6:3). Brethren, the kind of life you live determines your destiny.

REFLECTION:
Unholy living leads to destruction.

PRAYER:
Lord God, help me to get rid of anything evil in my life. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: COLOSSIANS 3:5-6.
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: s*xual immorality, impunity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming".

TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN: PSALM 50-54.

Excerpts From The Sunday Service.

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*

*SUNDAY, 9TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: HEBREWS 10:28-31*

28. _Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses._
29. _How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?_
30. _For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”_
31. _It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God._

*TOPIC: JUDGMENT II*

To continue sinning is a gross disregard and trampling on the Son of God. Christ shed his blood on the cross to sanctify us, as the text indicates. To keep on living in sin is making the death of Christ useless as well as insulting God's grace, thus incurring His judgment. Oh, how dreadful it is for one to fall into the hands of the living God! Are you aware of this danger? No human can bear this, for no one can contend with God. When things do not seem to work well with you, it may be God's judgment. For example, if you stole money to start a business or falsified some documents for personal benefits. Do not expect to go scot-free. Are you involved in some abominable acts? Repent or face judgment.

*REFLECTION:* _It is a dreadful thing to fail into the hands of God._

*PRAYER:* _Lord, forgive me in any way I might have disregarded you. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:_Psalm 42-49*

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*SATURDAY, 8TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: HEBREWS 10:26-27*

26. _If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,_
27. _but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God._

*TOPIC: JUDGMENT I*

Persisting in sin incurs God's judgment. God desires that we confess and forsake our sins and receive mercy. He is faithful and just to forgive our sins. However, as our text warns, if we deliberately keep on sinning, no more sacrifice is left for sins but only a fearful expectation of God's judgment on those who persist in sin. For how long will you be warned of your sinful life? Be rest assured; the judgment of God is inevitable, even in this life and the hereafter. To escape God's judgement you must heed the preachings and teachings of the word of God. Do not yield to sinful desires or take the patience of God for granted. Turn to God in repentance and be reconciled with Him.

*REFLECTION:* _Sinners will not escape God's judgment._

*PRAYER:* _Help me Lord, not to keep sinning deliberately. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 40-41_

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*FRIDAY, 7TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:3-8*

3. _It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid s*xual immorality;_
4. _that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable,_
5. _not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;_
6. _and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before._
7. _For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life._
8. _Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit._

*TOPIC: PUNISHMENT II*

S*xual sins defile and make one unholy. These provoke God's wrath and punishment. Today's text buttresses that the Lord will punish all those who commit such sins and cautions us to (i) live a sanctified life (ii) avoid s*xual immorality (iii) control our bodies (iv) avoid lusts and (v) desist from taking undue advantage of others. Regrettably, some have made these vices their way of life. S*x before marriage is seen as a fashion or proof of love. R**e is on the increase. Adultery is rampant. All these sins attract God's punishment because the standard of His word cannot be changed. Are you guilty of any of these sins? Flee his wrath by living a holy life.

*REFLECTION:* _God will punish all the s*xually immoral._

*PRAYER:* _Lord, deliver me from s*xual sin. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 37-39_

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*THURSDAY, 6TH JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: EXODUS 20:1-6*

1. _And God spoke all these words:_
2. _“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery._
3. _“You shall have no other gods before me._
4. _“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below._
5. _You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,_
6. _but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments._

*TOPIC: PUNISHMENT I*

To live a holy and clean life before God, one must avoid or desist from idolatry. Associating God with anything else contaminates one and dishonours God. This attracts divine punishment. In this text, God sternly warned Israel never to defile themselves by worshipping idols. Violating this command will bring God's punishment upon them and their unborn children. You may not literally bow down to an idol, but anything that takes your loyalty and time from God such as sports, associations, internet, businesses, celebrities and the likes is equal to idolatry, which defiles. What or who is your idol? Cast it away or else you will face punishment from God.

*REFLECTION:* _Idolatry attracts punishment._

*PRAYER:* _Deliver me from idolatry, oh Lord. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 31-36_

WEDNESDAY, 5TH JUNE, 2024.

SUB-THEME: DANGERS OF UNHOLY LIVING.

TOPIC: SEPARATION FROM GOD.

TEXT: ISAIAH 59:1-4.

1. Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.
2. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
3. For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken falsely, and your tongue mutters wicked things.
4. No one calls for justice; no one pleads a case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.

TOPIC: SEPARATION FROM GOD.

MESSAGE:
Sin is an act or thought that goes against a moral or ethical principle. There is nothing as unclean, unholy and dirty as sin. Israel was accused of bloodshed, lies, injustice and other vices. These sins separated them from God such that He did not attend to their prayers or save them. Do not keep lamenting that God has not answered your prayers. Could it be that it is your sin that caused God to turn a deaf ear? Killing of people is common, especially in Nigeria. Abortion to cover s*xual sin is practiced even in some Christian homes. The less privileged are trampled upon.
Do you want God to hear your plea?
Make every effort to check your ways and put away evil (Nehemiah 3:10).

REFLECTION:
Sin separates one from God.

PRAYER:
Remove my sin, oh Lord, that I may be reunited with you. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: COLOSSIANS 3:5-6.
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: s*xual immorality, impunity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming".

TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN: PSALM 25-30.

TUESDAY, 4TH JUNE, 2024.

SUB-THEME: DANGERS OF UNHOLY LIVING.

TOPIC: TURNS GOD AWAY.

TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 23:12-14.

12. Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself.
13. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement.
14. For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.

TOPIC: TURNS GOD AWAY.

MESSAGE:
God is holy and does not condone an unclean lifestyle and environment. So, he requires his people to live decent and holy lives. Israel must keep their camp clean and decent in order to enjoy God's presence. They will drive God away if they mess up their environment faeces. Thus, the popular adage, "cleanliness is next to godliness" is true. Sadly, open defecation is still rampant even in church premises. This is not right. A believer who cherishes God's presence must make provision for a place to defecate and ensure it is kept clean. Is there a toilet in your house, church, school or market? If not, do the needful.

REFLECTION:
God loves cleanliness.

PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to turn you away by any act of unclealiness. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: COLOSSIANS 3:5-6.
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: s*xual immorality, impunity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming".

TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN: PSALM 19-24.

*_DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST_*
______________________________

*MONDAY, 3RD JUNE, 2024*

*TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1-5*

1. _It is actually reported that there is s*xual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife._
2. _And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?_
3. _For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this._
4. _So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,_
5. _hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord._

*TOPIC: HANDOVER TO SATAN*

S*xual sin contaminates the body and the spirit, thereby attracting God's wrath. "All other sin a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins s*xually sins against his own body" (1 Cor. 6:18). Today's text shows that a man was actually living in s*xual immorality but the church condoned him in their fellowship. So, Paul pronounced church discipline and excommunication as a handover to Satan, purposely to destroy his sinful nature and thereby save his spirit. Sorrowfully, some members are living in sin while some church leaders overlook them either because of their positions or contributions. Do not see church discipline as hatred. Are you living in sin secretly? Then, you have handover yourself to Satan. Repent and be set free!

*REFLECTION:* _Falling into Satan's trap always ends in regret._

*PRAYER:* _Help me oh Lord, never to be controlled by Satan. Amen._

*Today's Bible Reading Plan:* _Psalm 13-18_

Excepts From The Choir Day Service