“The Unwavering Path: Jesus, the Only Way to Salvation”

Text: John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Matthew 7:13-14

Introduction:

“It was a sweltering afternoon in Lusaka, and Emmanuel had been wandering the streets of the CBD for what felt like hours. He had gotten lost on his way to a meeting, and now he was running late. As he turned a corner, he found himself at a busy intersection, surrounded by towering buildings and the constant honking of cars. The sounds of vendors calling out their wares and the smell of street food filled the air, making it hard for Emmanuel to think straight.

As he stopped to ask for directions, a passerby rushed past him, muttering something about being late for a meeting. Emmanuel felt a pang of anxiety – he was supposed to be at that meeting too. That’s when he spotted a small, unassuming figure standing at the edge of the crowd, looking calm and composed. Emmanuel approached the stranger and asked, ‘Excuse me, can you tell me the way to…?’ The stranger smiled and said, ‘Before I give you directions, let me ask you something: do you know where you’re trying to go?’

Emmanuel hesitated – he had a destination in mind, but he wasn’t quite sure how to get there. The stranger nodded and said, ‘That’s okay, I can help. But first, let me tell you something: If you want me to take you to your destination you need to follow all the instructions I give you, remember to follow me where ever I go don’t leave my site. Emmanuel looked puzzled, and the stranger continued, ‘don’t worry I will take you and you will surely reach the place where your meeting is. So Emmanuel followed silently as the stranger led the way and did not even blink thinking he will loose the stranger guiding him. Within a short time the stranger stopped and smiled there, looking at the building in front of him it was the tall FINDECO house which was hosting the meeting he was going to. As he looked at the entrance he could even see familiar faces, excited he even forgot the stranger who led him to the place where the meeting was, realizing later he looked back to say thank you to the stranger, but he was not there, the stranger vanished in the wind.

Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6)”.

The Exclusive Claim of Jesus*

“Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6, NIV). This isn’t just an exclusive claim; it’s an inclusive invitation. Jesus isn’t one of many options; He’s the only option. Acts 4:12 says, ‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved’ (NIV). You can’t get to God through Buddha, Mohammed, or any other name – only Jesus.

Think about it: if you tried to get to a specific room in a huge building, but you didn’t have the key or the password, you’d be stuck. Jesus is the key, the password, and the door. ‘Who do you say I am?’ (Matthew 16:15, NIV) is the question. Say yes to Jesus, and you’ve got access to God.”

The Narrow Path

“‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it’ (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV). Jesus warns us about two paths: the popular, easy road and the narrow, often-missed path.

The narrow path isn’t about rules; it’s about a Person – Jesus. ‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved’ (John 10:9, NIV). Are you on the narrow path? It’s not about trying to be good enough; it’s about trusting the One who made the way.

The Sufficiency of Jesus’ Work

“‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16, NIV). Jesus’ sacrifice is enough. ‘He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world’ (1 John 2:2, NIV).

You can’t earn salvation; it’s a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus paid the price; believe and receive. ‘Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already’ (John 3:18, NIV). Don’t try to add to Jesus’ work – it’s complete.

The Urgency of the Message

“‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few’ (Matthew 9:37, NIV). Many are on the wrong path. ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28, NIV) is Jesus’ invitation.

Don’t delay. ‘Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation’ (2 Corinthians 6:2, NIV). Today, choose Jesus – the only way to salvation.

Emmanuel followed the stranger without even questioning, lets follow Jesus without doubts for he will guide us to eternal life.

By Evangelis Pastor Emmanuel Alfred Kapanza

THE HOLY SPIRIT: GOD’S GIFT TO US

Text: John 14:16-17, 26; Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Introduction:

The Holy Spirit is a vital part of our Christian faith, but sometimes we can be unclear about who He is and what He does. We might think of Him as just a force or a feeling, rather than a Person who is actively involved in our lives. But the Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit is a real, loving, and powerful Person who plays a crucial role in our relationship with God. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit and how He impacts our lives. We’ll dive into Scripture and discover the amazing things He does for us, and how we can experience His presence and power in our daily lives. As we do, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to us in new and deeper ways, and to help us understand His beautiful role in our lives

Who is the Holy Spirit?

– The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, alongside God the Father and Jesus the Son (Matthew 28:19). The Trinity is a mysterious but fundamental doctrine in Christianity. It means that God exists as three distinct Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – yet is one God. This concept is illustrated in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

– He is God’s Spirit, sent to live in us and guide us (John 14:16-17). Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them, and in them, after He left. This means the Holy Spirit is a personal, divine presence in our lives, guiding and empowering us.

– The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Helper, and Advocate (John 14:26, 1 John 2:1). The Holy Spirit provides comfort, guidance, and support in times of need. He’s our Advocate, standing up for us and representing God’s interests in our lives.

The Holy Spirit’s Work

– Convicts of Sin: The Holy Spirit helps us recognize our sin and need for Jesus (John 16:8-11). The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, showing us areas where we need forgiveness and transformation. This conviction leads us to repentance and faith in Jesus.

– Teaches and Guides: He teaches us God’s truth and guides us in our daily lives (John 14:26, 16:13). The Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture, helping us understand God’s Word and apply it to our lives. He guides us in decisions, relationships, and ministry.

– Empowers Witness: The Holy Spirit gives us courage and power to share our faith with others (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4). Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would empower them to be witnesses for Him. This empowerment includes boldness, wisdom, and supernatural abilities to share the Gospel.

– Gives Gifts: He distributes spiritual gifts to believers, enabling us to serve and build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). The Holy Spirit gives diverse gifts – like teaching, healing, or leadership – to equip believers for ministry and build up the body of Christ.

The Holy Spirit’s Presence

– The Holy Spirit lives in every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us, making our bodies His temple.

– He seals us, guaranteeing our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit is a seal of ownership and guarantee of our salvation, securing our inheritance in Christ.

– He fills us, empowering us to live a life pleasing to God (Ephesians 5:18). The Holy Spirit fills us with God’s presence, empowering us to live a life of love, joy, and obedience to God.

What we should do:

1. Yield to the Holy Spirit: Surrender your life to God’s control, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you. This means submitting to His leading, trusting His guidance, and relying on His strength.

2. Listen to His Voice: Develop a habit of listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance through prayer and Scripture. Cultivate a listening ear, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in prayer, Scripture, and circumstances.

3. Use Your Gifts: Discover and use your spiritual gifts to serve others and build up the church. Explore your gifts, and intentionally use them to serve others, glorify God, and build up the body of Christ.

By Evangelist Pastor Emmanuel Alfred Kapanza

By Evangelist Pastor Emmanuel Alfred Kapanza

THE INDESCRIBABLE POWER OF JESUS’ BLOOD

Text: Hebrews 9:22

“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

Introduction:

Good morning, beloved! Today, we’re going to talk about something that’s at the very heart of our faith: the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus is a powerful and precious gift, bought at a great cost. It’s the foundation of our faith, the basis of our forgiveness, and the source of our redemption. So, let’s dive in and explore the indescribable power in the blood of Jesus!

I. The Power of Atonement

You see, in the Old Testament, the Israelites used to sacrifice animals to atone for their sins. But the problem was, those sacrifices had to be repeated over and over again. Jesus came and shed his blood on the cross, paying the price for our sins once and for all. Leviticus 17:11 says, “The life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” Jesus’ blood is the ultimate atonement for our sins, reconciling us to God.

II. The Power of Redemption

But it’s not just about atonement; it’s also about redemption. We were slaves to sin, but Jesus’ blood breaks those chains, setting us free to live a life of purpose and victory. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Jesus’ blood redeems us from sin’s slavery, giving us a new life in him.

III. The Power of Cleansing

And it’s not just about redemption; it’s also about cleansing. We all have sin in our lives, but Jesus’ blood washes us clean, making us pure and holy before God. 1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” Jesus’ blood cleanses us from sin’s stain, giving us a fresh start.

IV. The Power of Victory (Ukucinfya)

And finally, it’s about victory. We face spiritual attacks every day, but Jesus’ blood gives us the power to overcome them. Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Jesus’ blood empowers us to live victoriously, overcoming Satan’s attacks.

Application:

So, what does this mean for us today?

– Confess and repent of any sin, allowing Jesus’ blood to cleanse and forgive

– Claim the victory of Jesus’ blood over Satan’s attacks

– Walk in the light, living a life of obedience to God’s Word

– Share the power of Jesus’ blood with others, proclaiming his redemption and forgiveness

Conclusion:

Beloved, we’ve seen the indescribable power in the blood of Jesus!  It’ the power of atonement, redemption, cleansing, and victory. Jesus’ blood paid the price for our sins, broke the chains of sin’s slavery, washed us clean, and empowers us to live victoriously.

Let’s apply this power to our lives:

– Confess and repent of any sin, allowing Jesus’ blood to cleanse and forgive

– Claim the victory of Jesus’ blood over Satan’s attacks

– Walk in the light, living a life of obedience to God’s Word

– Share the power of Jesus’ blood with others, proclaiming his redemption and forgiveness

Final Word:

Revelation 1:5 says, “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the indescribable power in the blood of Jesus! We apply his blood to our lives, cleansing us from sin, redeeming us from slavery, and empowering us to live victoriously. May we walk in the light, living a life of obedience to your Word. Amen!

🌟SERMON: PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR HIS COMING 🌟

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44, 25:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

As we approach the end of the year and the celebration of Christ’s birth, we’re reminded that Jesus is coming again. The Bible says, “Be ready, for you do not know the day or hour” (Matthew 24:42). Let’s prepare our hearts for His coming.

Three Calls to Prepare:

1. Watchfulness: Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).
   • What it means: Being watchful means living with awareness of God’s presence and purposes. It’s about being attentive to His voice and promptings.
   • How to apply: Set aside time for prayer and reflection, stay connected to God’s Word, and be mindful of His presence in your daily life.
2. Readiness: The parable of the ten virgins teaches us to be prepared with oil in our lamps (Matthew 25:1-13).
   • What it means: Readiness is about having our hearts prepared, with faith and obedience. It’s about being spiritually equipped and living with integrity.
   • How to apply: Examine your life, confess and repent of any sin, and renew your commitment to God. Ensure your relationships are right with others and your heart is aligned with God’s Word.
3. Purposeful Living: We are to live with purpose, using our time and gifts for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8).
   • What it means: Purposeful living is about living intentionally, using our gifts and resources to serve others and advance God’s kingdom.
   • How to apply: Identify your gifts and passions, and use them to serve others. Prioritize what matters to God, and live with an eternal perspective.

How to Prepare:

• Prayer and Reflection: Draw near to God, reflect on your life, and surrender to Him.
• Repentance and Renewal: Turn from sin, renew your mind, and align with God’s Word.
• Service and Love: Serve others with love, reflecting Christ’s heart.

The Blessing of His Coming:

• Hope for the future
• Joy in His presence
• Purpose and fulfillment

Let’s prepare our hearts for His coming. “The Lord is coming soon. Be ready!” 🌈

By Evangelist Pastor Emmanuel Alfred Kapanza

✝️FACING THE FINAL JUDGEMENT✝️

SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 20:11-15

11. “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.

12. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
13. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.
14. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
15. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN

God’s judgement:

• Everyone stands before God; their deeds while on Earth are judged.
• Book of Life: Names are Checked in the book of Life; those not found are judged.
• Lake of fire: eternal separation from God, eternal punishment no second chance (second death).
• Jesus’ Role in this
• Revelation 20:11: God judges everyone based on deeds. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
• Response
• Repent and trust Jesus: “Turn to me and be saved” (Isaiah 45:22).
• Live with purpose: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
  We need to understand that “The great day of judgment will prove that every work has been noted, every word recorded, and every thought known.”
• God bless you all, as you make your decisions on this Earth, remember that they will determine your eternal destination

WORD OF CAUTION

Knowing the Truth but Not Obeying
James 4:17: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin to them.”
Luke 12:47-48: The servant who knows the master’s will but doesn’t do it will be beaten with many blows.
John 9:41: Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin. Rather, because you claim to see, your guilt remains.”

Consequences of Disobedience
Hebrews 10:26-27: “If we deliberately keep on sinning… there is no sacrifice for sins left.”
2 Peter 2:21: “It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs.”

By Evangelist Pastor Emmanuel Alfred Kapanza

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN BRIDESMAIDS: A CALL TO READINESS

Text: Matthew 25:1-13

Introduction

Jesus’ parable of the ten bridesmaids is a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared for His return.

As We wait for Jesus’ Return we need to be ready for him we, need to learn from the lesson of the Ten Bridesmaids in order to prepare ourselves adequately. Our Lesson for today:

1.         Preparation and Readiness   

– Readiness is crucial: We don’t know when Jesus will return, so we must be prepared at all times. – “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” – Matthew 24:44

– “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” – Matthew 25:13

– Spiritual preparedness can’t be transferred: Each person must ensure their own relationship with God is right.

– Spiritual Readiness is Personal: Each individual is responsible for their own spiritual readiness, and faith cannot be transferred or borrowed from others.

– Importance of Preparation: The parable emphasizes the need to be prepared for Christ’s return, with the wise virgins having extra oil for their lamps, symbolizing spiritual readiness.

2.         Vigilance and Watchfulness

The parable teaches the importance of staying vigilant and watchful, as the time of Christ’s return is unknown.

– God’s timing is not our timing: We must trust in God’s sovereignty and timing.

– Spiritual Vigilance   – “Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

– “But the end of all things is at hand. Therefore be sober and vigilant.” – 1 Peter 4:7

– “31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Mark 13:31-32

3.         The Oil in Your Life

In the parable, oil represents God’s grace and the Holy Spirit. The wise bridesmaids had a deep relationship with God, demonstrated by their preparedness. We can cultivate this relationship through:

– The Importance of Oil (Holy Spirit)    – “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating.” – 1 Corinthians 12:28

– “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you.” – 1 John 2:27

4.         How to Keep the Oil Burning?

– Faith and Works – “Faith without works is dead.” – James 2:26

– “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

– By Prayer and Bible study: Nourishing our spiritual lives

– By Obedience and surrender: Living according to God’s will

– By Faith and trust: Relying on God’s goodness and sovereignty

– By Reflecting on our spiritual state: Are you prepared for Jesus’ return?

– By Seeking a deeper relationship with God: Cultivate spiritual growth and readiness

– By Living with expectancy: Anticipate Jesus’ return and live accordingly

5.         Consequences of Negligence

– Consequences of Neglect: The foolish virgins’ lack of preparation resulted in missed opportunities and exclusion from the wedding feast, highlighting the consequences of spiritual negligence.

– “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'” – Hebrews 3:7-8

– “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” – 2 Timothy 4:3

– “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” – John 3:36

Conclusion

The parable of the ten bridesmaids reminds us of the importance of being prepared for Jesus’ return. May we be wise and ready, trusting in God’s sovereignty and timing.

By Evangelist Pastor Emmanuel Alfred Kapanza

CRUCIFYING THE FLESH: A CALL TO SPIRITUAL VICTORY

Today, we’ll explore the crucial topic of crucifying the flesh, a theme central to the Christian faith. As followers of Christ, we’re called to live a life that honors God, and that requires us to crucify our fleshly desires and passions.

1       Understanding the Flesh

The flesh represents our sinful nature, which constantly wars against the Spirit. In Galatians 5:17, Paul writes, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another.” This conflict is inherent in our daily lives as Christians.

2       Crucifying the Flesh: A Decision and a Process

In Galatians 5:24, Paul says, “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” This verse highlights two important aspects:

– Initial Decision: When we choose to follow Christ, we decide to crucify our flesh, turning away from sinful desires.

– Ongoing Process: Crucifying the flesh is not a one-time event but a continuous process. In Romans 8:13, Paul encourages us to “put to death the misdeeds of the body” daily.

3       How to Crucify the Flesh

1.    Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16 reminds us, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” By living in the Spirit, we can overcome fleshly desires.

2.     Deny Self: Jesus teaches us to “deny yourself and take up your cross daily” (Luke 9:23). This self-denial involves rejecting sinful desires and embracing God’s will.

3.     Seek God’s Strength: We can’t overcome the flesh on our own. We need to seek God’s strength and guidance through prayer and meditation on His Word.

Benefits of Crucifying the Flesh

– Spiritual Growth: As we crucify the flesh, we grow spiritually, becoming more like Christ.

– Victory over Sin: By putting to death the misdeeds of the body, we experience victory over sin and live a life that honors God.

– Freedom and Life: Romans 8:13 promises that if we put to death the misdeeds of the body, we will live. Crucifying the flesh brings freedom from sin’s slavery and leads to abundant life in Christ.

Conclusion

Crucifying the flesh is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. By understanding the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, making a conscious decision to crucify our fleshly desires, and seeking God’s strength, we can live a life that honors Him. Let’s heed Paul’s exhortation to walk in the Spirit and crucify the flesh, experiencing the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.

By Evangelist Pastor Kapanza E A

WHEN PRAYERS SEEM UNANSWERED

When prayers seem unanswered, it can be a difficult and frustrating experience. Several factors can contribute to this, including wrong motives, unconfessed sin, lack of faith, or simply that God’s timing differs from ours. It’s important to examine one’s heart, seek guidance, and trust that God’s ways are not always our ways. 

1. Wrong Motives James 4:3

Selfish Desires:

Praying with the sole intention of fulfilling personal desires or pleasures can hinder prayers, as God primarily answers prayers aligned with His will and purposes.

2. Unconfessed Sin Psalm 66:18

Relationship with God: Sin can create a distance between an individual and God, potentially hindering prayers.

Rebellion against God: Living in a state of rebellion against God’s will, *except* for prayers of *confession and repentance*, can be a barrier. 

3. Lack of Faith James 1:6 

Doubt and Unbelief: Doubting God’s ability of willingness to answer can impede the effectiveness of prayers. 

Need for Faith: Faith is essential for receiving answers to prayers, so when praying faith is most essential.

4.  God’s Timing Acts 1:7

God’s timing is often different from our own, and He may delay or deny answers to teach patience and perseverance or to fulfill His purposes.

5.  God’s Will 1 John 5:14

God answers prayers according to His will, which may not always align with our desires. 

6. Other Factors

• Family Conflicts: Broken relationships, especially within the family, can hinder prayers. 

• Seeking God’s Guidance: Sometimes, God may be silent as a way to guide us towards deeper dependence on Him or to prepare us for a greater blessing.

• Examine your heart: Reflect on your motives and whether they are aligned with God’s will.  

• Seek forgiveness: If there is unconfessed sin, seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. 

• Pray with faith: Believe that God hears and will answer according to His will. 

• Be patient: Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even if it’s not what you expect. 

• Seek counsel: If you’re struggling in prayer, seek guidance from spiritual leaders or mentors. 

• Don’t give up: Continue to pray and seek God’s guidance.

By Evangelist Pastor Emmanuel A Kapanza