Feast of St Peter & St Paul

 Preach the word! 

Be ready in season and out of season. 

Convince, rebuke, exhort, with 

all longsuffering and teaching

(2 Timothy 4: 2)

Third Sunday after Pentecost

 I cried out to God with my voice-

To God with my voice;

And He gave ear to me.

(Psalm 77: 1)

Promise Verse

 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. 

He cares for those who trust in Him.

(Nahum 1:7)

Promise Verse

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace 

as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with 

hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

(Romans 15:13)

Promise Verse

 Be strong and take heart, 

all you who hope in the Lord

(Psalm 31:24)

Promise Verse

 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, 

having stood the test, that person will receive the crown 

of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him

(James 1:12)

Nativity of St. John the Baptist

 The Lord will guide you always; 

He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 

and will strengthen your frame. 

You will be like a well-watered garden, 

like a spring whose waters never fail

(Isaiah 58:11)

Promise Verse

 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, 

so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need

(Hebrews 4:16)

Second Sunday after Pentecost

 As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.

(Psalm 42: 1)

Promise Verse

 Look to the Lord and His strength; 

seek His face always

(1 Chronicles 16:11)

Promise Verse

 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, 

I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me

(Micah 7:7)

Promise Verse

 For we live by faith, not by sight

(2 Corinthians 5:7)

Promise Verse

 The Lord will keep you from all harm-

He will watch over your life; the Lord will 

watch over your coming and going both 

now and forevermore

(Psalm 121:7–8)

Promise Verse

 In all these things we are more than 

conquerors through Him who loved us

(Romans 8:37)

Promise Verse

 The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? 

The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?

(Psalm 27:1)

Trinity Sunday

 we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

and perseverance, [c]character; and character, hope. 

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has 

been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

(Romans 5: 4, 5)

Promise Verse

 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, 

Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you

(Psalm 9:10)

Promise Verse

 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, 

they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; 

the flames will not set you ablaze

(Isaiah 43:2)

Promise Verse

 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; 

He delivers them from all their troubles

(Psalm 34:17)

Feast of St. Barnabas

 Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. 

Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves

(Matthew 10: 16)

Promise Verse

 God is our refuge and strength, 

an ever-present help in trouble

(Psalm 46:1)

Promise Verse

 So do not fear, for I am with you; 

do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you and help you; 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

(Isaiah 41:10)

Day of Pentecost

 indeed we suffer with Him, 

that we may also be glorified together

(Romans 8: 17)

Promise Verse

 Let us not become weary in doing good, 

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest 

if we do not give up.

(Galatians 6:9)

Promise Verse

 The Lord is my shepherd, 

I lack nothing

(Psalm 23:1)

Promise Verse

 Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, 

for the Lord your God goes with you; 

He will never leave you nor forsake you

(Deuteronomy 31:6)

Bible Study - The Anointing of Samson

 

The Anointing of Samson — A Story of Calling, Failure, and Redemption

Key Texts:

• Judges 13:1–25 – The birth and calling of Samson
• Judges 14–16 – Samson’s fall and restoration
• Supporting Scriptures: Romans 11:29, Galatians 6:7-9, 2 Timothy 2:13

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I. INTRODUCTION

Opening Statement:
Samson’s life is one of the most striking stories in the Bible — marked by divine calling, supernatural strength, tragic compromise, and amazing redemption. His life reminds us that God’s call is powerful, but our choices matter. Yet even when we fall, God’s mercy can still work through brokenness.

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II. THE ANOINTING OF SAMSON (Judges 13)

A. A Divine Calling Before Birth

• Judges 13:3–5: An angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife and foretold Samson’s birth.
• God gave clear instructions: He was to be a Nazirite, set apart from birth.
• The anointing started in the womb — a prophetic picture of divine purpose.

Application:
God’s calling on your life starts before you are born (Jeremiah 1:5). Every believer is set apart for God's purpose.

B. Empowered by the Spirit

• Judges 13:24-25: “The Spirit of the Lord began to stir him…”
• Samson was not just naturally strong; he was empowered by the Spirit for a divine mission — to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines.

Application:
True anointing is not talent — it’s God's Spirit enabling you for His purpose.

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III. SAMSON’S FALL: FROM ANOINTED TO ENSLAVED (Judges 14–16)

A. Disobedience and Distraction

• Samson pursued a Philistine woman against his parents’ godly counsel (Judges 14:1-3).
• He broke Nazirite vows — touching dead things, drinking, and uniting with ungodly people.

Application:
Anointing does not protect you from consequences. Compromise will drain your calling.

B. The Seduction of Delilah

• Judges 16:4–21: Delilah represents persistent temptation that eventually wears down resolve.
• Key verse: Judges 16:20 – “He did not know that the Lord had left him.”

Tragic Moment:
Samson thought he still had the power — but the presence was gone.

Application:
You can’t live in sin and carry the Spirit’s power. If we continually resist the Spirit, we lose sensitivity to Him.

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IV. GOD’S MERCY AND RESTORATION (Judges 16:22-30)

A. A Turning Point

• Judges 16:22 – “But the hair on his head began to grow again…”
• Hair was symbolic of the Nazirite vow and the return of strength.
• Though blinded and imprisoned, Samson repented and cried out to God.

Application:
No matter how far you've fallen, if you turn back to God, He can still use you.

B. Final Act of Power

• Judges 16:28 – “O Sovereign Lord, remember me… strengthen me just once more.”
• God answered. Samson killed more Philistines in death than in life.

Key Message:
God’s grace restores the repentant heart. His purposes can still be fulfilled, even through broken vessels.

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V. LESSONS FOR US TODAY

1. God Has Anointed Every Believer

• You are set apart for a holy purpose (1 Peter 2:9).
• Don't take the anointing lightly — honor it through obedience.

2. Compromise Leads to Loss

• Sin will blind you, bind you, and grind you (Judges 16:21).
• Guard your heart. Stay sensitive to the Spirit.

3. Restoration Is Possible

• God’s mercy is greater than your failure (Romans 11:29 – “The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable”).
• If you’ve fallen, God can raise you again.

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VI. CONCLUSION

Closing Thought:
Samson’s story is not just a tragedy — it’s a testimony of redemption. He lost his strength, his sight, and his status — but not his calling. When he turned to God, he finished his race with purpose.

Call to Action:
Are you walking in your anointing, or have you wandered? Today is the day to come back to your divine calling. God’s power is still available to those who will humble themselves and repent.

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VII. PRAYER

“Lord, like Samson, we acknowledge our weakness. Thank You for Your mercy that calls us back. Restore our hearts, revive our purpose, and empower us again by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

Promise Verse

 I can do all this through Him 

who gives me strength

(Philippians 4:13)

Promise Verse

 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles; 

they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint.

(Isaiah 40:31)

Promise Verse

 

Message - Unity, Joy, and the Hope of Glory

 

Unity, Joy, and the Hope of Glory

On this final Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates the victory of the risen and ascended Christ, His unity with the Father and believers, and the living hope of His return. This sermon invites believers to live in the power of the resurrection, embrace the mission of unity and witness, and remain joyful in all circumstances.

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SERMON OUTLINE:

I. The Prayer of Christ for Us – John 17:20–26

Theme: Unity in Christ for the glory of God.

Key Points:

• Jesus prays not only for His disciples but for all who will believe (v.20) — that includes you and me.
• “That they may all be one…so that the world may believe” (v.21).
• Jesus links unity with mission. The world will believe when it sees a united Church reflecting the love of the Triune God.
• He gives us His glory (v.22) — not earthly fame, but the beauty of being filled with God's presence and character.

Application:

• The unity of believers is not optional — it's a witness to the world.
• Seek reconciliation, collaboration, and humility in your church and Christian relationships.

Prayer Point:

“Lord, make us one, so the world may see Your love through us.”

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II. The Power of Praise in Prison – Acts 16:16–34

Theme: Joy in suffering, salvation in unexpected places.

Context:

• Paul and Silas, imprisoned after casting out a demon, were beaten and bound.
• Instead of despairing, they prayed and sang hymns at midnight (v.25).
• God intervened with an earthquake, opening prison doors.

Lessons:

• Joy and praise in suffering is a testimony that opens hearts — the jailer asks, “What must I do to be saved?” (v.30).
• Salvation came to the jailer and his household — God works in unlikely places when we remain faithful.

Application:

• Your worship in hard times can break spiritual chains — for you and others.
• Don’t wait for perfect conditions to witness — even prisons become pulpits.

Prayer Point:

“Lord, give me a heart that praises You in every situation.”

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III. The Invitation and Promise – Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20–21

Theme: Jesus is coming soon – are we ready?

Key Verses:

• “Behold, I am coming soon” (v.12, 20) – Jesus’ return is not a myth or metaphor but a sure hope.
• “Blessed are those who wash their robes…” (v.14) – Holiness matters; righteousness prepares us for the wedding of the Lamb.
• The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come’” (v.17) – There is still an open invitation to salvation.

Application:

• Live with urgency and expectancy — every day is a chance to draw closer to Jesus and invite others to Him.
• Be a voice that echoes heaven’s call: Come to Jesus!

Prayer Point:

“Come, Lord Jesus! Help me to be ready and help others prepare for Your return.”

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IV. The Reign of the Righteous King – Psalm 97

Theme: God reigns now and forever.

Highlights:

• “The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice” (v.1) — God's rule brings justice, righteousness, and joy.
• His glory causes even the idols to fall (v.7).
• The righteous are called to rejoice in the Lord and give thanks to His holy name (v.12).

Application:

• Trust God’s sovereign rule, even when the world looks chaotic.
• Rejoicing is not based on circumstances but on the unchanging character of God.

Prayer Point:

“Lord, reign in my heart as You reign in heaven. Let Your justice and joy be seen in my life.”

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CONCLUSION: Living the Easter Life While Waiting for His Return

As Eastertide concludes and we look toward Pentecost:

• Live in unity (John 17) — so the world may see God.
• Walk in joyful obedience (Acts 16) — praise unlocks power.
• Carry the urgency of Christ’s return (Rev. 22) — invite others to the water of life.
• Rejoice in God’s eternal kingship (Psalm 97) — no matter what happens on earth.

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Summary Table:

Text	Theme	Takeaway
John 17:20–26	Christ’s prayer for unity and love	Be united for the world to see God’s love.
Acts 16:16–34	Joyful witness in suffering	Worship through pain; witness at all times.
Revelation 22:12–21	Christ’s return and invitation	Be ready and keep inviting others.
Psalm 97	The Lord reigns — rejoice!	Trust His justice; rejoice in His sovereignty.

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Closing Challenge:

Are you living the resurrection life?
Are you walking in unity, worship, hope, and joy?

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” — Revelation 22:20

 

 

 

 

Seventh Sunday of Easter

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

(1 Peter 1:3)