Harvest Chapel Internationl
Rev. Fitzgerald Odonkor 1st May, 2022. Introduction We cannot have supernatural growth without the Holy Spirit. He is the third person in the triune God. He is our Helper and He helps us. Everybody needs some help in their lives. The Holy Spirit will help us by:- 1. Prayer – Romans 8:26-27 (ESV), John 14:16-17 (ESV) § He helps us in prayer(not complaints and murmurings) with groans that cannot be uttered 2. Giving us direction – Romans 8:14, John 10:27-28 § We stir up His help when we get direction from Him and pay heed to His direction(s) § If you realise you are struggling too much, go back to Him to check whether you are truly being led by Him 3. Satisfying us – John 7:37-39, Galatians 5:22-23 4. Giving us His power – Acts 1:8, Luke 4:18-19, Romans 15:19, Acts 10:38 § We need to demonstrate this power as the church. It will only come when we connect to the Holy Spirit and to His power. 5. Being our companion(Parakletos) – 2 Corinthians 13:14 § He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother. Conclusion We cannot have His help if we are not born of the Spirit. We all need His help because everybody has a weakness. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Amen.
Rev. Fitzgerald Odonkor 3rd April, 2022 HOW TO BECOME VESSELS OF SUPERNATURAL GROWTH Introduction § A vessel of honour is one that is intimately associated with the ways of God. § Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Amen. § Psalm 103:7 Some questions we should ask ourselves include: - What should we do to become vessels of God? - How do we align ourselves with the purpose(s) of God so that the acts of God become commonplace to us? To become Vessels for Supernatural Growth… 1. May we know the ways of God and not just His acts. To know His ways is to know that He is a faithful God - 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Let us focus more on the ways of God so His acts will come our way. 2. Allow the Word of God to change us – Colossians 3:16-17. The Word of God must always take precedence - Acts 19:20, John 15:30 3. Let us be engaged and committed - Engage God (put Him in a tight corner). We must learn to engage (with) the Word of God and be committed to the work of God - John 15:4-5 4. Be bold - Acts 4:12-13, Acts 3:1-7 (some people's miracles are tied to our boldness) Hebrews 11:7 (Noah moved in faith although he was afraid. Move in spite of the fear you may have), Galatians 6:9-10 May we take steps of faith for the kingdom and not for ourselves. Remember that the disciples were bold and that being bold has nothing to do with your physique. 5. Learn to pray together – 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Acts 4:23-31, Ephesians 6:18 Let us learn how to go back to our own company. Who is/are your company? May we be people of prayer. 6. Our priorities must change - Acts 4:34, Matthew 6:19-21 We must be a Jesus-first church – John 3:30 7. Preach and teach the Word – Acts 4:1-2, Acts 17:1-4 Conclusion It is important to see ourselves as central to the work of God because He wants to do some good works through us. These good works will bring supernatural growth.
Working Together Rev. Fitzgerald Odonkor 13th March, 2022 Introduction Supernatural growth will be a natural consequence of working together. There is some revelation and synergy that comes from working together so when we learn to do this, we will trigger the supernatural. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Amen. Matthew 18:18-20 How to Work Together 1. Have a common vision - Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Amos 3:3 - Proverbs 29:18 (AMPC) – Recognise that our destinies are linked together - 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Acts 4:32 – Focus on the things we have in common. Be driven by what binds us; not what divides us. 2. Sharpen/ Quicken one another - Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) – Learn to sharpen and help each other - Hebrews 10:24 - Romans 15:1 – Do not just please yourself; learn to please others also - Ephesians 2:21 - 1 Corinthians 12:7 3. Learn to serve one another - Malachi 3:16-18 - 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT) God distinguishes between those who serve Him and those who do not. 4. Strive to preach the Gospel - Philippians 1:27 - Jude 22, 23 - Mark 6:7 Strive for the faith. Conclusion We cannot have effective churches in the house, and consequently in the church, if we fail to learn to work together. Read more: Working Together
The Working Of Love Rev. Fitzgerald Odonkor 27th February, 2022 Introduction 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT) May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. Amen. The love of God must be worked out. How to Work Out the Love of God 1. Be filled with the fullness of God not just the knowledge (a mental assent) of God. It is impossible to fail when the love of God is at work. If there is anything that does not fail, it is the love of God. Love does not fail. - Ephesians 3: 19 - 1 Corinthians 13:8-9 2. Visitation – Do what Jesus did. Jesus visited Peter. Visit someone who cannot pay you back. - Acts 2:44-46 - Romans 16:1-15 Paul visited people. - Acts 20:18-20 3. Support the vulnerable - Luke 10:27-37 - 1 Thessalonians 1:3 - Luke 15:1-6 4. Be generous - Psalm 41:1-3 - Acts 2:45 5. Acceptance – be accepting of people and accept them as they are; not as they should be. However, do not leave them as they are. - John 4:1-24 Worshiping God in spirit and in truth is accepting one another. - Zephaniah 3:17 6. Be committed to Kingdom service - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15,20 Conclusion There is labour in love. Let us be willing to go through the process so we can end up with the product. We must commit to love if we want to see supernatural growth this year. Read more: The Working Of Love
The Habit of Love Title: The Habit Of Love Speaker: Rev. Fitzgerald Odonkor Your browser does not support the audio tag. 20th February, 2022. A habit is something we do all the time. It is perennial. It is a settled or regular tendency and/or practice especially one that is hard to give up. Habits can be acquired and cultivated/developed. When love becomes a habit, we give without getting weary. C.S. Lewis says that, “to love at all is to be vulnerable”. How to Acquire and Develop the Habit of Love 1. Be vulnerable - Galatians 5:6 2. Be obedient to God. Keep all His commandments - John 15:10; - John 14:15; - James 2:8-9 3. Take delight in honouring each other - Romans 12:9-10 - 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7 - 1 Peter 2:7 4. Learn not to do wrong to each other - James 4:11 - Proverbs 3:27-29 - Romans 12:19 - James 5:16 5. Be available for service. Remember, love serves. - Galatians 5:13-14 - Acts 5:42 6. Develop a passion for souls and learn to see people as God sees them. - John 9:4 Conclusion The many-sided love of God is the solution to the world. John 14:21. When love becomes a habit, we give without getting weary. C.S. Lewis says that, “to love at all is to be vulnerable”. Read more: The Habit of Love
Rev. Fitzgerald Odonkor Growing In Love Growth refers to increase, adding on and multiplication To experience supernatural growth, we must exhibit supernatural love and grow in this love. How can we grow in love? 1. Love God and love one another (Mark 12:29-31) § No other commandment precedes these § We grow in loving God by - Spending time in prayer - Spending time in the Word of God and meditating on it § We can only love the children of God when we love God Colossians 3:16; Psalm 19:7; Proverbs 3:5,6 2. Speak the truth in love § Speak the truth but say it in love § Correction and direction will certainly come but do these in love. § Ask yourself before you speak… - What is my motive? - Will what I say encourage growth? - Will it foster peace and promote unity? - Is the timing right? § Remember that words are spirit. They should unite, build up, edify and provoke people to draw closer to God. Ephesians 4:15-16; Ephesians 4:29; Zechariah 8:16; Hebrews 10:24; Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:9,10 3. Be humble (grow in humility) § You do not know it all § Enjoy the company of ordinary people 1 Peter 5:5; Romans 12:16; Ephesians 4:2 4. Learn to support one another without discrimination § Honour one another, show love and true affection to others Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:4 Conclusion § Return to your first love § Win souls Revelation 2:4 Read more: Growing In Love