Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 8, 2023 | Matthew 17:9-13 KEY VERSE: But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Matthew 17:12 (NIV) MESSAGE: Do you see? Oh yes, I know you see, but I am asking if you see the things that God is doing in our times, in your life, in the world and in His Church. It is sad how very often we have eyes but do not see. The Jewish nation failed to see the time when God walked among them as a man in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. They did not see Him as God in the manger and did not see Him as God on the cross. Israel did not see the ministry of John the Baptist as the fulfilment of the promised return of Elijah to prepare the nation for the visitation of God. Are we of this generation exercising the same blindness when God is actively bringing about right before our eyes the signs of the time, the end of the end times? In our key verse, Matthew 17:12, the Jews did not recognize John and treated him disdainfully, they did not recognize God in Christ and killed Him. There are always consequences when we fail to see the movement and actions of God in our midst. Concerning Israel, the Lord Jesus said ‘"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. ³⁸Look, your house is left to you desolate. ³⁹For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"’ Matt 23:37-39 (NIV). Are we walking in the end time predictions (2 Tim. 3:1-5), and not seeing how vicious and evil we are? Information technology makes it possible to see all the moral decadence and the descent of the human race into a near state of unbelievable degeneracy all over the world, which confirms the word of God, but we may be so dulled into spiritual and intellectual insensitivity that we do not hear, see, or feel what is happening. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you spiritually awake, or have you suffered the slumber of those who get tired while the Bridegroom tarries? Wake up, God is on the move! PRAYER: Lord, wake up your people, Lord bring us a revival. May we see the signs that are all around us. May we be aroused from the slumber of worldly comfort and meaningless religion into a vital spirituality that understands the times and depends on God to do God’s will. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 7, 2023 | Matthew 17:9-13 KEY VERSE: As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:9 (NIV) MESSAGE: Many modern writings on administration will have a chapter or more on information management, and lots more have been written on the subject. The Lord Jesus Christ is arguably one of the best communicators that history can boast of. He knew what to say and rightly chose the occasion for His speech. In our key verse for today, we are told, "As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:9 (NIV). There were other times in the Gospel narratives when the Lord stopped people from declaring who He was or what He had done to their advantage. This seemed strange, the secret about the Messiah, imposed upon those who would have been the greatest announcers of His identity, for the greater expansion of His mission. The secret about the Messiah? Was it necessary, didn’t people have to know that the Messiah had come, was that not the essence of the life, teachings, and miracles of the Lord? Certainly, the Lord was in the very important business of His self-revelation to Israel as their God-man King they had waited for centuries, but He was sensitive to the agenda of the God-head, that God the Son should die on a cruel rugged cross, a shameful despicable death to redeem humans from the bondage of sin death and eternal separation from God in Hell. He needed to go to the cross, and nothing less would suffice. The religious gullibility of the Jews and their desire for national redemption from Roman rule had placed them in such a mode that they would quickly and forcibly make the Lord a king, the type that did not meet the standards and choices of God. After He fed the multitudes we are told by John, “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.” John 6:15 (NIV). What do you think the Jews would have done if they heard of what had taken place on the Mount of Transfiguration? The Lord, therefore, had to manage information about Hs identity in order not to short-circuit the process to and through the cross. With this understanding of what the Lord was accomplishing by imposing this secrecy about Himself when He was on earth, we need to understand that the time has come for the secret to be revealed. The Lord expects us now, when all the processes of His death, and resurrection have taken place to carry forth the ministry of announcing to our world that the Saviour came, and fulfilled all that was necessary for our salvation. His Name is Jesus! Permission granted to proclaim the secret! FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: The Lord wants you to see Him in His magnified glory, then own the secret of the revelation of His deity in the inner courts of your soul, and then proclaim Him to the rest of your world; Jesus Christ is Lord. Have you been to the cross, are you announcing the God-man who died and rose again, and is coming back again? PRAYER: Dear lord Jesus, thank You that You had a clear plan for the mission of human salvation, and You did not cut corners. You went through suffering and pain to gain my redemption. Please help me to own you by faith, and to share you with my world. Please help me to let the secret out. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 6, 2023 | Matthew 17:1-8 KEY VERSE: Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:4 (NIV) MESSAGE: Every business enterprise thrives on ideas, proposals that are captured in business terms, accepted by the business owners and implemented for the profit of the company. We must be alert for opportunities that will work for our personal, familial enterprises and the Church of God. We must not miss out on the opportunities. Peter seemed to be up and doing in capturing the moment and maximizing the opportunity. The Apostle Peter was an astute fisherman with a business consciousness. He saw in the Transfiguration experience an opportunity to promote the Kingdom of God he was following in the ministry of the Lord Jesus. Being impressed with the wonderful scenes he had just been seeing, ‘Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (NIV). This might be called Peter’s Proposal. Our reflection today is to inquire about what factors motivated Peter’s Proposal. Motives and intents are important for the best proposals we may ever make, especially in relation to our life of discipleship of the Master Jesus. In the first place, the Apostle Peter proposed a tabernacle for the holy men who appeared with the Lord, Moses and Elijah. It would be good to possess specific individuals whom God used in our lives, ministries, or denominations, and make them patent properties that we uniquely own and have access to. He forgot that those who have been tabernacled by Heaven do not need the tabernacles of humans. In the second place, Peter seemed to be proposing a counter-motion against the declaration of the Lord about His impending suffering and death. Maybe if the Lord accepts the proposal of the tabernacles on the mountain, He might begin to forget His readiness to go and die at Jerusalem or, at least, it would be difficult for His prophesied arrest and crucifixion to take place. Thirdly, maybe, like the sons of Zebedee, Peter would want the crown of a settled glory without the pain of drinking the bitter cup of suffering. Settled on a mountain barricade with a supernatural covering, how would he (and James and John) not be renowned as the most honourable among the Apostles? He would want to sit on a mountain of glory when he had not faced the trials of the divine mission. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What proposals do you have to present to the Lord on this holy mountain of reflection? You must present some responses to the divine revelation in His Word to you. What are the factors that are determining what you are proposing to the Lord on His demands on your life, or for the Church where you serve or for your family or your job? PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I am grateful to you for having revealed yourself to me. I want to see your glory, whatever form it will take, and I want to stay with you, in that place of revelation. But please keep me from the temptation to monopolize you, package you and make a name for myself, when I should be seeking the expansion and betterment of the Kingdom. Lord, take your Church to the mountaintop and prepare us to descend into the valley of human needs with the Kingdom of God as the answer they seek. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 5, 2023 | Matthew 17:1-8 KEY VERSE: When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. Mathew 17:8 (NIV) MESSAGE: The religious scene of the world is full of names of both living and dead people who project one form or another of the hopes, the desires and the quest for the spiritual of the deep vacuum of the human soul, seeking satisfaction by something deep. Beyond human beings, people have sought other ways of satisfying their inner yearnings and filling the spiritual void within by leisure, material things, mind-altering drugs, fantasies of the self, even to the point of pursuing trans-philosophies ideologies (human beings claiming to be cats, of different races, males changing themselves into women etc). Some see politics and political figures as the defining factors of their lives. On the Mount of Transfiguration, the Lord Jesus Christ uncovered His hidden glory, and for once the three disciples saw Him revealed as God, beyond what His miracles and claims had been saying. Alongside the Lord appeared Moses and Elijah. Moses signified the religious and moral Law God had given to Israel to enable them to worship Him and live as the people of God. Elijah represented the prophets and men God had used to foretell His plans for Israel and the nations and to foretell the arrival, life, and ministry of the Messiah. Moses and Elijah beside Christ made a beautiful trio that dazzled the mind of Peter and his companions so that Peter thought if there was any moment when the representation of the divine agency was revealed it was that moment on that mountain. However, God was about to make a declaration that we must all heed; in the matter of experiencing and worshipping God, only Jesus Christ is the accredited ultimate agency of God. A cloud descended on the mountaintop scenario, the cloud lifted, and “When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” Mathew 17:8 (NIV). When we have looked at all that speaks of spirituality and have become impressed with them, a voice descends from Heaven concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Matthew 17:5 (NIV). The Lord Jesus Himself said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." John 14:6-7 (NIV). FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What have you seen in the matters of religion and spirituality? How impressed have you been by what you have seen and heard? Lift your head and choose to see only the Lord Jesus as the reality of the revelation of God and the way to God. Only Jesus always. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that Heaven attests that you alone are to be listened to if I am to relate with Heaven. I pray that you help me, and all others. I desire the mountain top alone with you, Lord. Please help me to withdraw from the noise around and to climb with you into your holy mountain. Above all, please help me to see you alone, to hear you alone, and to follow you alone. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | June 4, 2023 | Matthew 16:24-28 KEY VERSE: Then Jesus said to his disciples, whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” Matt 16:24 (NIV) MESSAGE From our earlier devotionals, we discussed two of the three things Jesus mentioned as requirements to be His disciple: denying oneself and taking up one’s cross. The third thing Jesus said as a requirement to be His disciple, is the act of following Him. What does it really take to follow someone or something? Our world today has tried to give another meaning to the act of following as regards following people on various social media platforms. However, one or two principles cut across both this following and the kind Jesus was talking about. Following requires an intentional decision to identify with someone or something and making the necessary efforts to consistently update yourself with the activities and influenced by that person or thing. So, when you follow someone or something, you willingly submit yourself to learn from and be engaged by the person or thing. Take a minute and think about who or what you follow on social media or are following in real life. What is the motivation and purpose for the following and what do you hope to achieve by following? Jesus asked us to be his disciples by denying ourselves, taking up our cross then willingly following Him. Therefore, allowing Him to teach us His ways, learning His word and practising what we learn from Him marks the act of good following. Following means also we become willing students of the leader and grow to the point where we can be like the leader. Who we follow is very important since we are influenced by what we learn from the leader and are moulded by it. FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE Following Jesus is an act of willingly submitting to Him to learn from Him and be guided by Him. This also includes willingly submitting to any earthly authority God has placed over us. The goal of following Jesus is to be transformed through his word to become like Him. That should be our goal. PRAYER Lord Jesus, I will follow you with every step I take. Please guide me in my walk with you, to be transformed to look like you. For your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | June 3, 2023 | Matthew 16:24-28 KEY VERSE: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Matthew 16:25 (NIV) MESSAGE In our devotion yesterday, we looked at what Jesus said was the first thing to do if anyone desires to be his follower- “denying yourself.” The second condition Jesus mentioned for becoming a follower, is “Taking up your cross.” Many have misunderstood the cross as signifying the burdens we have to carry to follow Jesus. However, the cross in Jesus’ day was a symbol of death and the disgrace that goes with dying on the cross. Criminals were made to carry their crosses to the site of the execution by crucifixion. They died on the cross they carried. Bearing a cross meant one was a dead man walking. Jesus’ command, therefore, “to take up your cross to follow him” was to say that you must sacrifice yourself on the altar of the cross. One must put to death any and every desire for the world and its pleasures and be prepared to live with the ridicule and disgrace of following Him. Jesus was commanding those that desire to follow him to give away their lives for His sake. The verses that followed made this clearer: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” It is clear from the verses that those who follow Jesus in self-denial and self-sacrifice to the very end will receive the reward that he brings at the end of the age. We must desire to work for Jesus whiles we are in this temporal tent of clay, since what we do in this body, determines what rewards we will receive. FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE Being a disciple of Jesus requires following Him and it is worth sacrificing our lives to receive that reward which He promises at the end of the age. We receive all the blessings of following Him with self-denial and Self-sacrifice. PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, I desire to follow you all the days of my life. Help me by your Holy Spirit to Deny myself, take up my cross, and follow you. For your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | June 2, 2023 | Matthew 16:24-28 KEY VERSE: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matt 16:24 (NIV) MESSAGE Jesus said to follow him, one must first deny him/herself. What does it mean to deny yourself? There are many examples in both the Old and New Testaments about self-denial. It means seeking the good of others, before looking out for yourself (1 Cor 10:24). Ruth demonstrated self-denial when she followed, her mother-in-law, for Naomi’s benefit and not hers. Esther put her life on the line to save her people. When you willingly sacrifice your energy, time, rights, positions, reputation, comforts, privileges and even sometimes your very life for Christ's sake, you are the true definition of self-denial. The Apostle Paul uses something similar in Phil 3:7-8; “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” The surpassing worth of knowing Christ should make us count everything as a loss just to follow Him. The biblical definition of self-denial will align with this; the willingness to deny oneself of possessions, status and any other thing that gratifies the flesh (self) at the expense of the spirit nature. When we consciously deny ourselves of some pleasure or possession, it is usually to be able to achieve a goal set before us. In this case, the goal is to follow Jesus. Think of a student forgoing sleep to be able to study to pass an exam. Or an athlete staying away from certain foods to prepare for a race. This same attitude is required for a spiritual discipline to follow Jesus. Denying oneself includes overcoming the persistent fleshy demands of the body (the carnal or natural man) and bringing it into subjection to God’s Word. Crucifying the flesh (Gal 5:24). Fasting, giving to the poor and needy and praying are some of the disciplines the bible prescribes to achieve self-denial, which Jesus himself spoke about and practised. To deny yourself is to subject your Flesh (Will, Intellect and Emotions) to the influence of the Word and Spirit of God. FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE To be a follower of Jesus we must deny ourselves and completely yield to His leading. We must desire to submit to the Word and Spirit of God and align our will to His Will. PRAYER Dear Lord Jesus, help me to deny myself, as I submit my will, intellect, and emotions to Your Will. For your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | June 1, 2023 | Matthew 16:22-23 KEY VERSE: “…you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23c (NIV) MESSAGE: In today’s text, we see Peter taking Jesus aside, rebuking him, and trying to give him human assurance, that, “far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to you!” Remember in our passage yesterday, we understood that Jesus had already made up His mind because of the Heavenly Assurance he had received from the Father. Peter’s assurance was therefore irrelevant to the decision whether or not to go to Jerusalem to fulfill His mission. On the other hand, Peter could also just be protecting his investment. “Then Peter said, see, we have left all and followed you.” (Lk 18:28). Indeed He sacrificed his career and everything to follow Jesus, how could He say He was going to die? That is not possible! And that was a very natural reaction to such devastating news from Jesus. The master rebuked the devil who He discerned was inciting Peter against the will of God, and indeed that is his nature. Peter in an earlier moment, when he viewed things from the perspective of God, discerned the identity of Jesus. But, in the next moment started viewing things from a human perspective and allowed the devil to ride on that to dissuade Jesus from completing his mission. FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE: It is very easy to switch sides between working for God and being used for His kingdom agenda, and the next moment becoming a tool in the hands of the devil to destroy God’s work. We must be mindful of whose perspective we are viewing situations from; God’s perspective (spirit-led) or the devil’s perspective (flesh/self-led). Let us strive to be led by the Spirit of God; it is our best bet to remain in the will of God. PRAYER Dear Lord Jesus, lead me by your Holy Spirit. Let me walk in your will and in your way. For your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | May 31, 2023 | Matthew 16:21 KEY VERSE: "…He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." Matthew 16:21 (NIV) MESSAGE: In our text for today, right after Jesus’s revelation as the coming Messiah, we see Jesus presenting His life’s plan to His disciples. The plan for his life had four key elements that are worth noting: betrayal, suffering, death, and assurance of resurrection. Jesus knew that as part of the plan for going to Jerusalem, He was going to be betrayed, He will suffer, and they will eventually kill him. But He also had a firm assurance that on the third day, He was going to be raised back to life and the Glory that came with that. Can you imagine knowing the course of the rest of your life as Jesus did, and knowing that the elements of betrayal, suffering and being killed were part of the plan? Also, imagine knowing who will betray you, even how they will betray you, and knowing that all these sufferings hinged on you going to Jerusalem. Let’s be honest here, would you have gone ahead to Jerusalem knowing what you know? Sincerely, I wouldn’t. So you see, the fourth element in the foreknowledge of the plan was key, and knowing what Jesus knew, I might reconsider going to Jerusalem. This knowledge propelled Jesus to still go on to Jerusalem; the Assurance of the resurrection from the dead after three days. The prophet Isaiah wrote prophetically about Jesus and said “Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Isaiah 50:7 (NIV). He knew there was death for Him in Jerusalem, yet because of the firm assurance He had received from the Father, He was ready to obey even unto death. FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE: There is a firm assurance for us as believers, as we walk the Christian life with its pain and hardships. It is a non-compromising life which may predispose many Christians to suffer for their stance on real-life issues. Can you find some examples of these life situations? Like Jesus, we must set our faces on the glory that will come after this momentary suffering in this body. As Romans 8:18 says; the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us. We must endure the hardship and suffering for our life here on earth while keeping in view the glory and enjoyment that is for eternity. PRAYER: Thank you Heavenly Father, for the assurance we have in your word, of Christ in us and the Glory that is to come. Help us live our lives with this knowledge, anticipating the second coming. For your dear name’s sake. Amen THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | May 30, 2023 | Matthew 16:15-20 KEY VERSE: And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18 (NIV) MESSAGE: The church is built on the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. This knowledge that was revealed through Peter, forms the foundation of the church. A songwriter captures this in the song “the church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus said to Peter, that, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” The church belongs to Jesus, in fact, the Bible said it is His body and He (Jesus) is the Head of the church. All the members of Jesus’ body, therefore, belong to him. The church belongs to Jesus and He guards and protects it jealously because He paid with His blood to acquire its freedom. So, when Paul persecuted the church, Jesus asked him on the road to Damascus, why are you persecuting Me? The church is indeed His body and anything that fights against or tries to destroy the church is fighting against Jesus Christ Himself. The church - the Ekklasia, is the people who have been called out of the world by the Gospel of Christ. Any opposition against Jesus’ church cannot stand, and anyone who takes a stand against the church of Jesus Christ cannot prevail over the Church. For He said “I will build My church and the gates of Hades (all opposition, all attacks, all demonic agent activities, and all the forces of Hell) will not prevail against it. FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE: Is the church facing challenges and difficult times? Are there many oppositions revolting against the church? Are the storms threatening to destroy the church? Just remember and acknowledge that it is not your church, it is Jesus’ body, and He has vowed to build His church and defend it from all the powers of Hell. Be rest assured. Do you find yourself becoming a stumbling block against Jesus’ church? Are you in one way or the other opposing Jesus’ church? Note that He is jealous of His Body (The Church) and will contend with whatever or whoever contends with The Church. Be guided. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I praise you, for finding me worthy to be part of your body. Help me in my dealings, to promote the growth of your church and not to fight against it. For your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | May 29, 2023 | Matthew 16:15-20 KEY VERSE: I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19 (NIV) MESSAGE: In our text, we see Jesus telling Peter that He (Jesus) will give Peter the keys of the kingdom of Heaven. How was Peter going to receive these keys and where would he find them? Looking at the life of Peter after Jesus ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit descended, we can have an idea which keys not only Peter, but all the other Apostles received and how they used those keys. It is noted worthy what Jesus said after telling the Apostles about the keys of the kingdom of heaven; He said, “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” It presupposes that the keys were to be used to accomplish what followed - the binding and the loosing. Keys are supposed to be used to open doors, treasure chests, or locked things. A door that is locked prevents us from knowing what is inside or behind the door and therefore a key is needed to open that door to have access to the inside. There are different keys to different doors and the right key is needed to open a particular door. How do we find the right key for the right door? FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE: JESUS gave them a key that opens all doors, both in heaven and on earth. I am sure you remember the song that says, “Prayer is the key; Prayer is the master key.” By giving us the keys to the kingdom of heaven, Jesus gave us the key to divine access in the heavens, but this access can only be exercised through PRAYER. (Matthew 21:22) We need to engage this divine access in prayer, to exercise the mandate of binding and losing, which is our right as the church of Jesus. Jesus has given us the keys which can be used through prayer. He expects us with these keys to open and close the earth and the heavens at will, doing the supernatural naturally, and the natural supernaturally. Let’s engage in prayer concerning every area of our lives, using the keys as we are mandated. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you for the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Help me by your Holy Spirit to engage in Prayer, as I use my keys for your glory. In Jesus’ name, I have prayed. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | May 28, 2023 | Matthew 16:15-20 KEY VERSE: But what about you? He asked. “Who do you say I am? Matthew 16:15 MESSAGE Others may build opinions about our Jesus from afar. Such opinions may be based on what they have been told or what they have heard from others. Even though the bible mentions that many people followed Jesus wherever He went, He called only a few as His disciples. The bible makes us understand that, apart from the 12 whom he called to follow Him from the beginning of His ministry, there were a lot more others who followed Him around. There is, therefore, a distinction between the disciples and the followers of Jesus Christ. A disciple is expected to learn directly from the master and to know the master over time. Hence, the question Jesus asked His Disciples in verses 13 and then verse 15 - who do my followers say that I am, then who do you my disciples say that I am? These were the 2 very important questions that differentiated the experiences of the disciples and the followers of Jesus. As a disciple of Jesus, you need to get close enough to observe the master to learn his ways. It is only by this that you will be able to correctly answer the question Jesus asked His disciples – “who do you say that I am?” The Revelation of who Jesus is is a blessing to whoever receives that revelation. Your confession, your service to Jesus, and your love for Him are hinged on how much of him you have experienced and how much of Him you know. Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah… (Matthew 16:17). FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE We need an encounter with Jesus to know Him for ourselves and not only through the eyes of others. We need to be His disciples and be close enough to have firsthand knowledge of his ways and His will. Others’ perceptions and opinions about Him may be important, but what is really very important is knowing Him for ourselves. We can know Him and experience Him by relying on the Holy Spirit who reveals Jesus to us and by His leading help us to learn to become like him. Seek Him with all of you, and you will find Him. Desire to know Him and He will reveal Himself to you. He is desiring to have intimacy with you, are you yielded? PRAYER Dear Lord Jesus, I desire to know you more. Help me to be completely yielded and reveal yourself to me by your Holy Spirit. For your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!