WOW-29 May 2024: A TRUE CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)

Senior Pastor Daniel O. C. | May 29, 2024

Calvary greetings to you in the blessed name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, Amen!

A TRUE CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)

HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE CHRISTIAN MATURITY?

Christian maturity is achieved through trials and difficulties.
Divine power of God is manifested through those who are humble.
God’s grace is sufficient, especially through suffering.
The marks of genuine apostolic authority are humility, suffering and weakness.
The model for ministry is provided by the suffering Servant, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul asked the questions, “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?” (2 Corinthians 11:29).
What else could move a Christian to be loving and compassionate for others?

God is the source of that love (1 John 4:8).
The Good Samaritan demonstrated such love (Luke 10:30-37).
Shouldn’t we give of ourselves to serve others in distress?
This is the standard of Christ, which is very different from the traditions of men.
God’s love is a higher calling that must be graciously received and demonstrated (John 15:12).
No matter the spiritual gifts, ability and influence one may have or talents one demonstrates, if he or she does not manifest love, it is of no value.
Love is the key to our Christian witness.

Everybody, male, female, preacher, member, educated, illiterate, poor, young or old needs encouragement when in distress.
We need comfort when we are going through storm-tossed situations.
We need honour and respect to boost our morale and of course forgiveness if we have offended others.
The key to growth either in the family or in church is the care for one another.
No wonder the early church spread their tentacles fast because there were caring and sharing among them.
They had all things in common (Acts 2:43-47).

Barnabas was not called the Son of Consolation in vain.
He sold his possessions and brought the proceeds for the care of the brethren.
Can you make a deposit of your own wealth to meet the needs of others?
Can you even plough your wealth proceeds back into the gospel for the kingdom advancement?
Remember, the original Owner and the Giver of all good gifts is God Almighty.

Do you bear the burden of others? Jesus our Lord left us with an example to follow in His footsteps.
He wept with those who were mourning over a lost relation (John 11:35).
Jesus brought comfort to those who grieved.

Do you visit the bereaved in their afflictions or are you unyielding and uncaring when your enemy is sick that you cannot visit him?
Do you rejoice when your persecutor is in adversity? If so, you do not have the mind of Christ who prayed for His persecutors and forgave them.
How do you treat your domestic helper or maid? Is she eating from the crumbs of your plate and the leftovers from your children?
Do you despise those of low estate like the rich man who fared well, yet did not allow Lazarus to eat the crumbs freely?
Are you like Abraham? He went after Lot to rescue him after Lot had separated from him to dwell in Sodom.

Pray for those in adversity. Care for the needy. Give generously to the hungry.
The Lord wants us to care for the souls of people because their eternal destiny is vital.

To be continued.

Remain blessed and rapturable,
Yours to reach this generation with the Gospel,
Dr. Daniel O. C.