''THE STRENGTH TO STAY"

Today, I want to returned to the series we started entitled “THE STRENGTH TO STAY.” now, you asked me what does it mean? strength to stay on what?- Stay faithful, to keep believing, to hold-on to your believe in the Lord Jesus.

We spoke about diet- not losing weight but what we eat can be a source of nourishment for our physical body and help protect against diseases such as: diabetes,heart disease and cancer. The same apply to our spiritual diet. Our daily diet of Scripture in-take, prayer and fellowship can be a source of strength on our faith walk with Christ.

From the Gospel text read in our hearing, I want us discuss three(3) areas that can serve as a source strength as Christians just as they did for the disciples of Jesus the first believers.

Trouble

Living invites trouble. Regardless of who you or what you have or have not, we all are going to experience a season of “trouble” suffering it comes with the blessing of living. Jesus tells us in John 16:33 “You will have trouble in this world.” but that’s not the end for those who believe in the Lord Jesus. Christians are “Be courageous”-endurance in time of suffering because of the victory of Christ over the world.

There is strength to stay when we come together in our time of trouble. Gathering together (worship services, prayer and any opportunity we get to unite with fellow believers- we strength each other.

The disciples of Jesus after seeing all that transpired on “Good Friday” and news of Easter that Jesus body is not in the tomb, cause great fear. Yet it was this shared experience and the feeling of uncertainty that gathered them together behind Locked Doors.

In season of trouble/ suffering don’t forsake or stay away from the assemble of believers- corporate worship is vital part of spiritual life. It’s a source of encouragement, comfort, warning and strength.

Peace

The first words of Jesus when he comes in the fearful and troubled assemble of his disciples was to speak “Peace be with you.”- calmness both mind, body and soul. The peace of Christ is not the absence of trouble. Please noticed the disciples situation had not changed. The Jewish authority will still arrest, detain and beat them later. Though our circumstances may remind unstable whatever they maybe: economic, health, social or spiritual Jesus present bring peace and stability to our hearts that the world can not understand. In this season of unending pandemic, war, high cause of living, the peace of our risen Christ can strengthen us to stay hopeful and excited about our future as individuals and community. Isaiah 26:3 says “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.”

Gladness

-The risen Christ located his followers behind looked doors and review himself to them without rebuking, judging and condemning them for there lack of faith. Jesus did not bring up they passed but blessed then with Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen them to stay as faithful witnesses of Jesus. The knowledge of the revelation of Christ in their midst created a joyous moment for these disciples. We can experience joy and gladness in the midst of our troubles and sufferings. We are blessed when we exercise our faith in believing without his physical present in out midst, John 20:29 “Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

CLOSING

There’s strength in the word of God, in our coming together weekly, and throughout the week we must seek opportunities to encourage each other in the Word of God in small groups such as prayer meetings, Bible study, Loaves and Fishes runs and walk to Emmaus reunion meetings here at BUMC are all wonderful opportunities to center on Christ and share in each other joys, concerned and pray for one another.

I want to encourage each and everyone of us to find places you can serve and use your gifting for the benefit of the body of Christ and each other. Nothing is insignificance in the hand of God.

Children and Youth In Service

-Opportunity to get our young people involved in all aspects of worship - you have a place in the church today through technology, music and ways you can express your love for Christ.