Hilltop International Christian Centre: 2016

JESUS, OUR ROCK

Scripture: Matt 16:13-19

“Therefore, everyone who listens to these messages of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock.” Matt 7:24 (ISV)

As we begin a new year, let us remind ourselves of the promises of God and these should be an anchor to our souls. Irrespective of the situation around us, God’s words and promises remain ever true. What people say about the situation is not necessarily correct and is not important, what really matters is what you are saying about your situation. What you say about yourself and your situation will determine your action and eventually the outcome.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

“…they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11b (KJV)

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A gift is an item given willingly without the expectation of payment. It can be given as a sign of appreciation or in celebration. Many people also give gifts as a sign of respect and loyalty. For the wise men from the East, their gifts were given in reverence and devotion.

God is set to do awesome things tonight. come with your family, the saved and the unsaved; the rock of ages, our provider, our protector and our projector will guarantee and secure 2017 for us.

A KING LIKE NO OTHER

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise…the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty.” 1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV)

The birth of a king is usually marked with pomp and pageantry by his subjects. It was not so for Christ, the King. His arrival into the world happened almost unnoticed.

Scripture: Esther 3:5-9; 7:6-10

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” Isaiah 54:17 (KJV)

It is every believer’s desire that all their problems fade away once they get born again. However, this is not the case. God does not speak of a life without challenges for believers. He rather assures us a life of his constant presence that ensures victory for us no matter the circumstance.

Scripture: Esther 3:8-9; 4:1-17

“And seek the peace of the city…and pray unto the Lord for it; for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” Jeremiah 29:7 (KJV)

Many Christians call themselves citizens of heaven. This may imply that they are strangers on earth and their home is heaven, therefore, they do not need to get involved in the happenings, events or affairs of their countries here on earth. The scriptures encourage believers otherwise.

Scripture: Esther 2:8-17

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery…which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:8-9 (KJV)

Mordecai advised Esther to hide her identity from the Persians to protect her because she was vying to be queen in a hostile and foreign land where they were exiles! Although, God had destined her to be queen so she would save Israel in due course, revealing her identity too soon may have cut short God’s plan for his people. Mordecai knew this, so he urged her to keep her identity a secret. He knew Esther’s had an advantage over others because she was a Jew.

Scripture: Esther 2:1-11

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

Life often throws tough questions and challenges our way. At such times, we ponder what the outcome would be if we took a certain path or made a certain choice. We may even wish we had the benefit of foresight or the ability to see into the future so we can have an assurance that we have made the best decision. This can sometimes hinder us from making life changing decisions.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: ...” Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Today commemorates the day that Jesus Christ left the glory of Heaven to be born in a stable as a human being. What a sharp contrast it must have been for Him to enter into this corrupt world from His indescribable splendour and glory. But He had to come because of the love He has for mankind.

Scripture: Esther 3:2-6, 4:1-2, 15-17

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer…be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 (KJV)

Feedback: Share what it feels like sharing your salvation story with others.

Mordecai refused to bow before Haman, a prince of Persia, and this brought trouble upon the Jews living in the Persian nation. In anger, the prince vowed to wipe out the Jews (Esth. 3:2-6).

Scripture: Genesis 6:5-9

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the lord” Genesis 6:8 (KJV)

It is possible to remain faithful and pleasing to God even in the midst of a corrupt and sinful generation. To remain a faithful Christian, you must learn to stand alone. No one likes to be ridiculed and rejected and you will repeatedly face pressure to violate your Christian standards but in order to stand out in an evil day, you must walk with God.

Scripture: Joshua 5:13-6:5

“If ye be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” Isaiah 1:19 (KJV)

Joshua was about to undertake his first military campaign after he became leader of the people of Israel. Success would strengthen the faith and resolve for the people and make the task easier for Joshua. However, failure could lead to discouragement and rebellion from the people. He undoubtedly had his strategy well planned out but when he encountered the Lord, he surrendered to His authority (v14). God gave him a strategy that didn’t look plausible but Joshua obeyed. The end result was the capture and destruction of Jericho.

Scripture: Judges 2:6-15

“…and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet” 1 Kings 19:16b (NLT)

One of the tragedies in life is dying without a legacy. Many great men have come and gone, but their greatness dies with them. Their legacy ended when they died because they failed to raise a successor who will continue the work they have started. They failed to do this because they were not generational thinkers. Global companies like Coca-Cola have survived several generations because the founder set up a system of succession that has outlived them.

Scripture: Joshua 6:15-27

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruit of all thine increase” Proverbs 3:9 (KJV)

Joshua understood the principle of first fruit offering and he displayed this in his command regarding Jericho (v17-19). Jericho was the first city to be captured by Israel in the promise land, and Joshua dedicated all that was in it as a first fruit offering to the Lord. Everything living was to be killed, the city burnt and its wealth was to be dedicated to God’s house. The soldiers were to take nothing for themselves. This is why the sin of Achan, who stole some of the treasures for himself, was grievous in God’s sight (Jos.7:1). Later on, God Himself commanded the Israelites to take subsequent conquest as booty for themselves (Jos. 8:1-2).

Scripture: Joshua 9:3-21

“So the Israelites examined the food, but they did not consult God.” Joshua 9:14 (NLT)

Previously Joshua had made a presumptuous error which cost the lives of 36 men (Jos 7:1-5). Yet again, he makes the same error of not seeking divine counsel before acting. They fell into the Gibeonite trap because he did not consult God. They judged the issue using their physical senses and made a spiritual error. They went into treaty with the very people God ask them to destroy. This agreement was binding in heaven that God punished Israel when King Saul broke the treaty (2Sam 21:1).

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-12

“And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.” Deuteronomy 17:13 (KJV)

Joshua and his army just had a remarkable victory over Jericho. They were in high spirits and full of confidence. This made them approach their next conquest with levity. “It is a small city” they said, “we can take it with a few soldiers”. They forgot their victory had nothing to do with the size of the enemy but that God was with them. Only when they had been soundly defeated did they do what they should have done first…seek God.

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-3, 22-24

“Who can detect his own mistake? Cleanse me from hidden sin.” Psalm 19:12 (ISV)

Feedback: Share how you play your part to ensure your generation will not be lost in hell.

The only thing worse than making mistakes in life is doing nothing at all. If you do not make any attempt you will never make any mistake, but then you will never learn. Thomas Edison made over 700 attempts before he discovered how to make the light bulb. When asked why he kept going on, he replied “I have learnt 700 ways how not to make a light bulb”. No one should be afraid of making mistakes but you must be willing to learn from your mistakes and move on.

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

The Lord’s charge to Joshua was to be strong and courageous. The task ahead of him looked daunting and impossible, but God was telling him to “be strong and courageous”. These are two critical ingredients every leader needs to succeed. You will need them to obey God’s instruction. You will need them to confront the people and contend with the enemy. This is why every believer must develop these virtues in his/her life.

Scripture: Number 27:12-23

“So Moses got up, along with Joshua his servant, and went up on the mountain of God.” Exodus 24:13 (ISV)

Everyone who will be successful as a leader has to go through the period of preparation. This is the period when God molds and shapes the leader and deposits the traits and character that will enable him to succeed in his assignment. Anyone who has leadership entrusted on him without going through this process will fail in his leadership role.

Scripture: Exodus 17:8-16

“And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nation; but his latter end shall be that he perish forever.” Numbers 24:20 (KJV)

Everyone on earth has enemies. It doesn’t matter what you do or who you are, some people will despise you. Your existence simply annoys them and if they can do something about it, they will. This type of causeless enemy was what the Amalekites were to the Israelites. They attacked the Israelites who had only just come out of Egypt for no just cause (Duet 25:17-18).

Scripture: Joshua 14:6-15

“…and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12b (KJV)

God had promised Caleb and his descendants the city of Hebron as an inheritance (Duet. 1:36), yet Caleb did not get it on a platter of gold. First, he had to demand from Joshua to be allocated his inheritance (v12). Then he had to fight the sons of Anak before he could enter into his possession (Jos. 15:13-14). Only after this did he have rest from war (v.15). In this, Caleb typifies the life of every believer as we strive to enter into the rest prepared for us.

Scripture: Joshua 15:13-19

“And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30 (KJV)

Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, was about 40 years old when he was chosen from the tribe of Judah to spy out the promise land. The recorded events of his life spans from this period until the days of Joshua as recorded in the book of Joshua. But so important is his story that the Spirit had it repeated again in the opening chapter of the book of Judges (Jdg 1: 12-20). What lesson is the Spirit pointing to in the life of Caleb? It is the attitude of capability in the life of Caleb.

Scripture: Numbers 14:5-10

“Then Peter and the other Apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 (KJV)

What is usually your reaction when you face intense opposition? When you have a contrary view and everyone turns against you and your life is in danger? It is quite easy to go with the multitude and agree with them rather than be the lone voice of opposition. You could easily tell yourself ‘the voice of the people is the voice of God, a million people cannot be wrong’. This has led many to compromise on the truth because they could not bear to stand alone.

Scripture: Numbers 14:26-38

“A seed shall serve him, It shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.” Psalm 22:30 (KJV)

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The sin of rebellion attracts immediate action from God. Rebellion is a direct attack on the authority of God and he deals with it with his mighty hand. When the people rebelled against God, God’s response was immediate (v.10). But for the intervention of Moses, God wanted to wipe out the entire race and start anew with Moses. For their rebellion, that generation was cursed never to enter the promise land. Everyone 20 years and above would die in the wilderness except Caleb and Joshua. The consequence of their rebellion was a lost and wasted generation.

Scripture: Joshua 14:6-15

“But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit in him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” Numbers 14:24 (KJV)

Caleb is a shining example of a man who used his position and influence to bring about the desired changes in his life and people. Of the tribe of Judah, God testified of him that he had a different spirit and wholly followed God (Num. 14:24). He was one of the 12 sent to spy the land and he used his influence to steer the people in the right direction.

Scripture: Numbers 13:30-33, 14:1-4

“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16 (KJV)

The main reason for leadership is for the leader to use his influence to motivate the people into action. A leader is meant to encourage the people to overcome their fears, anxieties and worries, and step out to create changes in their lives and communities. This is the power of a true leader; he can move the people to do good or to do evil.

Scripture: Numbers 13:25-30

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” Phillipians 4:13 (KJV)

Moses had commissioned 12 leaders to search the land and bring a report of their findings (Num.13:1-20). Of the 12, two of them distinguished themselves by the report that they brought back. One was Caleb and the other Joshua. While the other 10 saw and reported the facts, these men saw and reported the truth. Facts are what we see and measure with our physical senses, but the truth is what God is saying about a situation and this can only be gauged with our spiritual senses.

Scripture: Numbers 13:1-16

“But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain– and appoint them as official…” Exodus 18:21

When critical and important jobs need to be done, they are usually assigned to effective leaders. To guarantee success in the assignment, people who have been trained and tested are usually given the responsibility. It becomes a problem when people are put in positions or assigned task based on their connections and not their character and antecedence. This has largely been responsible for lack of development and progress in many nations and communities.

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-9

“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.” 1 Peter 2:18 (NASB)

Submission is a state of willing obedience. We are all accountable in varying degrees to one person or the other. As God’s children, it is required of us to always submit respectfully to those who are in authority over us. Submission to authority is required of us whether it is convenient or not. Insubordination and rebellion towards our leaders will only put us at odds with God and man.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23-25

“…for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45 (KJV)

The bible says that a good man out of the good treasure of his heart will bring forth that which is good and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart will bring forth that which is evil. Why is this so? We are told that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth will speak” (Luke 6:45).

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23-25

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

Feedback: Share how it feels encouraging others experiencing tough times.

A guard is one paid to protect assets from harm. When a guard is on duty, he is expected to be alert and watchful. Your heart seats your spirit and mind. It is the place where thoughts and feelings originate and are processed. The individual that can master this part of his life has truly achieved a great feat.

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-10

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.” Colossians 3:22 (KJV)

In our world today, trust is a valuable attribute. Many lives, homes and businesses have been shattered because people entrusted sensitive tasks, information and responsibilities to people with little or no integrity. Being trusted worthy cannot be bought but must be worked out consciously by keeping to little promises, vows and decisions made daily. On the long run, this becomes a consistent pattern of life.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-5

“Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25 (KJV)

We have been endowed by God with sense organs which help us relate with our environment. These organs have been put into man to help him, not to control his life. Many people unconsciously let their senses control their life. The eye is a very important part of the body, yet the bible says if your right eye offends you, you should pluck it out (Matt. 5:29). You do not necessarily have to pluck out the eyes but you can guard the eyes from seeing the things that can cause you to sin.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 19:19-42

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44 (KJV)

As the king (David) returned, some people were prepared and happy while others were not so glad to see him return. Those who were faithful while the king was exiled, were happy and confidently approached him and even made personal requests from him. While those who were unfaithful during the period were worried about his return and asked for mercy and pardon.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 20:1-3

“For God shall bring every work unto judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil” Ecclesiastes 12:14 (KJV)

When people achieve certain heights in life, they may become distracted. There may be the tendency for someone close to them to become envious of their achievement. These people become thorns in the flesh as they make efforts to discredit and belittle the success that has been achieved.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 20:1-3

“Let a man so account for us, as the minister of Christ and stewards of the ministries of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1 (KJV)

We must decide to have control of the circumstances of our life. We must make up our mind to have dominion in life, but to do this, we cannot afford to operate or walk in the flesh because control is a force that emanates from the spirit. We have been given responsibility of leading people, and a good leader knows that there are God-given rules to follow to make a right decision.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-9

“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that that is in thine own eye?” Matthew7:3 (KJV)

There is a saying that “those who live in glass houses should not throw stones”. A lot of people are swift to judge others based on their shortcomings, faults or vices. They do not consider the fact that they themselves may be guilty of those same things. They jump at the slightest opportunity to apportion blame or faults. By so doing, they have considered themselves blameless and without sin.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:11-22

“The thief cometh…to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” John 10:10 (KJV)

Feedback: Share how it feels counselling others with God's word.

Eli was a minister and priest of God at Shiloh. He served the Lord faithfully but failed to raise his two sons to fear the Lord. Hophni and Phinehas were living carelessly and sinfully. They were so far gone in their evil ways that they would not hearken to their father’s warnings (1 Sam 2:23-25).

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

“…Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body,
what ye shall put on…” Matthew 6:25 (KJV)

For many people, life can like a daily struggle. They wake up each day constantly worried over how to make ends meet. The bible has something to say about this.

Scripture: Acts 3:2-8

“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:13” (KJV)

Positioning is vital to success in any endeavour on this side of eternity. It goes beyond physical, social and financial positioning to even the state of your heart. What is your “Position” in God, in His Will and His House? Are you committed? Are you planted and well rooted?

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-7

“Honour the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty. And your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 (NASB)

Cain and Abel sacrificed to God but God was pleased with Abel's sacrifice, because he gave rightly. It was the season of offering of the firstlings and Abel understood the season and gave God the firstlings of his stock, but Cain did not understand the seasons, so he just brought God an offering and it was not accepted (v3-4).

Scripture: Luke 5:1-10

“In all thy way acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)

With God, there is always an abundance of opportunities; but sometimes, we can be so pre-occupied with the issues around us that we overlook them and then, fail to explore.

“So that you may be sons of your father who is in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45 (NASB)

The bible tells us that vengeance is of the Lord (Deut. 32:35). This means that even when a wrong has been done to us, we are not entitled to take laws into our hands.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 1:1-12

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 (NASB)

In today’s society, people are always ready to repay evil with evil. When they are hurt, they seek to obtain revenge for the ill done to them. As Christians, we should learn and take as an example, the instructions of Jesus as regards dealing with human beings when we have been mistreated (Matt 5:44).

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:1-12

“Do not be deceived. Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NASB)

Feedback: Share how it feels encouraging your leader.

What you do in life is centered on relationship; relationship with God, family and friends. These relationships form the source of the counsel you will receive. These people will influence the counsel you get, therefore, you need to be mindful who you receive counsel from.

Scripture: Daniel 4:30-32; Acts 12:21-24

“…No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven”. John 3:27 (NLT)

All glory in heaven and on earth belongs to God alone. All credit belongs to God for whatever we wish to achieve and have obtained; and for whatever we wish to overcome and have surmounted. We must acknowledge God for his part in our successes and victory.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 2:1-7

“Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Matthew 6:12 (TLB)

As humans, when people offend us, we tend to get back at them. Some people have vowed never to forgive friends, peers, spouses or family members who had, in the past, lied, cheated, abused or maltreated them. Naturally, our flesh would want to hold grudges and seek avenue for revenge rather than forgiveness.

Scripture: I Samuel 6:3-6

“Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under earth” Exodus 20:4 (KJV)

In our society today, people face different challenges such as debilitating illness, business stagnation, financial crisis and family tussles. In a bid to find solution or resolve these issues, they go from place to place in search of someone or something that can quickly end the problems they face. The danger in this desperate search for answers is the possibility of getting entangled in acts that may displease God.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-11

“And David said unto him, fear not, for I will surely show thee kindness…’’ 2 Samuel 9:7 (KJV)

Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is a virtue from God to bring succour to the body of Christ. It is a state of showing charitable behaviour. Many believing Christians find it extremely difficult to extend kindness to fellow men. Others, however, recognize that God has blessed them to be a blessing. These ones share the blessings that God has bestowed on them with others without hesitation.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-3

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’’ Matthew 6:21 (KJV)

The heart of the natural man is self centred and insatiable. But the heart of the transformed man is for God and lives daily to satisfy Him.

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