The Gospel Diary

🌺Introduction🌺 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we would explore a topic that's crucial to our spiritual growth, and forever more. It's about working out our salvation, with fear and trembling, too. As Philippians 2:12-13 teaches us, in all we do. The Call to Spiritual Growth: As believers, we've been saved by God's amazing grace. But salvation is not just a one-time event, it's a lifelong pace. We're called to grow in our faith, to mature and to abound. To work out our salvation, with spiritual disciplines all around. The Importance of Obedience: Obedience is key to spiritual growth and might. For when we obey God's word, we're walking in His light. We're called to obey His commands, to follow His lead. To trust in His sovereignty, and His goodness. The Role of Spiritual Disciplines: Spiritual disciplines are essential, to our growth and our might. They help us to stay focused, on God's word and His light. Prayer, Bible study, and fe...

🏵️ Memory Verse 🏵️  Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV): It Reads.... 22. Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  23. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone. 24. And the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  26. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28. "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29. "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  30. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beg...

Memory Verse :  Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Message : As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we're reminded that each passing year brings its own set of opportunities, challenges, and uncertainties. But as Christians, we're called to face the future with faith, hope, and confidence. In our memory verse, Isaiah 43:19, God declares, "See, I am doing a new thing!" This promise reminds us that God is always working, always creating, and always doing something new in our lives. So, what does it mean to step into the new year with faith and hope? Here are a few key takeaways: 1. Leave the past behind:  Don't let past mistakes, failures, or regrets hold you back from embracing the new year. Instead, learn from your experiences and use them as stepping stones for growth. 2. Focus on the present:  Rather than getting bogg...

Bi Monthly Infographic Message for  January 10th, 2025! Introit : Priest God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise His above ye heavenly Host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. Opening Hymn : "Great is Thy Faithfulness!" Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not, As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Amen! Memory Verse: Philippians 3:13-14. "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Devotion: As we begin this new year, let's reflect on Paul's words. What are the things that are holding you back from moving forward? What are your goals and aspirations for this year? Take a moment to pray and ask God to help you forget what's behind and strain towards wh...

As we approach the holiday season, let's take a moment to reflect on the greatest gift of all - God's love. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." - John 3:16 (NIV). Here are 5 Ways to Reflect on God's Love: 1. Gratitude:  Take time to thank God for the blessings in your life. 2. Forgiveness:  Reflect on areas where you need to forgive yourself or others, and ask God for guidance. 3. Compassion:  Show kindness and empathy to those around you, just as God shows kindness to us. 4. Humility:  Recognize your limitations and weaknesses, and ask God to fill you with His love and strength. 5. Worship:  Take time to praise and worship God for His incredible love and sacrifice. Do not forget to share this post with family and friends. May reflecting on God's love bring you joy, peace, and closer to Him this holiday season! In Jesus name. 

🌺Memory Verse🌺: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 (NIV). Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to remind you of the power that lies in the word of prophecy. In the Bible, we see numerous instances where prophecies were spoken, and they came to pass. As it is written in Jeremiah 1:12, "The Lord said to me, 'You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.'" From the prophecies of Isaiah to the prophecies of Revelation, we see the power of God's word unfolding. As our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." But prophecy is not just limited to the Bible. In our own lives, we can experience the power of prophecy when we hear a word from God, spoken through H...

🌟Bible Verse: 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV): Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 🌟Introduction: As believers, we live in a world filled with distractions, temptations, and uncertainties. But Peter reminds us to stay focused, alert, and hopeful. In this verse, he urges us to prepare our minds for action. 🌟The Call to Action: 1. Set Your Hope:  Fix your eyes on Jesus' return and the grace that comes with it. Remember, our ultimate hope is not in this world but in eternity. 2. Minds Alert:  Be vigilant, aware of the spiritual battles surrounding us. Stay informed through prayer and scripture. 3. Fully Sober:  Avoid worldly entanglements and mental fogginess. Live with clarity, prioritizing your relationship with God. 🌟Application: This Sunday, reflect on your mental preparedness: - Are you distracted or focused on God's promises? - Are you living with eternal hope or tempo...

Text: Ezekiel 6:7 Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us reflect on the urgent call to repentance in Ezekiel 6:7. The prophet Ezekiel warns us that the wrath of God is imminent, and it's crucial we examine our hearts. The Urgency  of Repentance: 1. Recognize God's Judgment (Ezekiel 6:7):    The Lord's wrath will soon come upon all nations. 2. Acknowledge Sin (1 John 1:8-10):     We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. 3. Repent and Turn to God (Acts 2:38):  Repentance brings forgiveness and salvation. Consequences  of Disobedience: 1. Destruction and Desolation (Ezekiel 6:6-7): God's wrath brings devastation. 2. Separation from God (Isaiah 59:2):  Sin creates a chasm between us and our Creator. The Hope of Salvation: 1. God's Mercy (Psalm 136:1-3) The Lord's loving-kindness endures forever. 2. Forgiveness through Christ (John 3:16): Jesus' sacrifice offers salvation. Conclusion: Oh people, nations, have a change of h...

Welcome to Gospel Diary Weekly Devotion Presented by Pastor Chris S. Akpan. Week 5, October 2024. Bible Verse: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV). Bible Reading: Luke 11:1-13, Matthew 6:5-15. Testimony: Prayer transformed my life. Through consistent communication with God, I've experienced peace, guidance, and strength in times of need.  - Sister Nneoma. Practical Tips : 1. Set aside dedicated prayer time each day. 2. Create a prayer journal to track requests and answers. 3. Practice gratitude, thanking God for blessings. 4. Pray with faith, trusting God's sovereignty. 5. Incorporate scripture into prayers. Word of  Encouragement : Deepen your relationship with God through prayer. He desires to commune with you. Declaring  Powerful Words : I declare that my prayer life is vibrant, consistent, and effective. God hears and answers me. Mental Health  Meditati...

Welcome to Gospel Diary Weekly Devotion, presented to you by Pst Chris Samuel. This is the third week in the month of September 2024. Bible Verse :  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Bible Reading :  Proverbs 3:1-12 (NIV) My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and humankind. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with...

Welcome to Gospel Diary Weekly Devotion, presented to you by Pst Chris Samuel. This is the first week in the month of September 2024. Bible Verse : "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." - Matthew 6:14 (NIV) Bible Reading : Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, Luke 17:3-4 Testimony : "I'll never forget the day I chose to forgive my father for abandoning me as a child. It was a painful and difficult process, but it was also liberating. Forgiveness didn't mean that what he did was okay, but it meant that I was no longer held captive by my anger and resentment. Since then, I've experienced a sense of peace and freedom that I never thought possible. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it's always worth it." - Christine Caine Practical Tips : 1. Let go of resentment and anger 2. Choose to forgive, even if it's hard 3. Seek reconciliation when possible 4. Remember that forgiveness is a process 5...

Welcome to Gospel Diary Weekly Devotion, presented to you by Pst Chris Samuel. This is the second week in the month of August 2024. Bible Verse:   And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. - 1 John 5:14 (ESV). Bible Reading :  Take a few minutes to read Matthew 6:5-15, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of prayer. Testimony : During a particularly difficult time in my life, I felt lost and alone. My mother had passed away, and I was struggling to come to terms with the loss.  One day, while walking through a park, I stumbled upon a small chapel. I went inside and found a quiet corner to sit and pray. I poured out my heart to God, asking for comfort and guidance.  As I prayed, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I realized that God was with me, even in my darkest moments.  From that day on, I made prayer a regular part of my daily routine. It has helped me build a ...

Welcome to the Gospel Diary, first week of August meet up devotion by Pst Chris Samuel. Bible Verse: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be frightened, for I am your God.   I will strengthen you and help you;   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Bible Reading: The bible reading is taking from Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there. The disciples were in trouble far out to sea, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't b...

Welcome to the Gospel Diary, the first ever weekly devotion by Pst Chris S. Akpan. Bible Verse : "And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven." (Matthew 16:19, NLT) Bible Reading: "So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, NLT) Also, consider reading Hebrews 11:1, Romans 10:17, and Matthew 17:20 for further inspiration. My Personal Testimony : I am a living example of the power of faith. Through faith, I have been blessed with a permanent job since April 1st, 2004. Here's how it happened: In early March 2004, I attended a night prayer where I received a word from God to fast for three days. The first day, I fasted from 6 am to 9 pm, the second day from 6 am to 12 pm, and the third day from 6 am to 6...