Preacher: AMSE KINSLEY SHOLA ADEYINKA
1st Lesson : Ezekiel 14:12-23
2nd Lesson: Mathew 3:1-12
Introduction
God, in His infinite wisdom, has always preserved a remnant—those who will survive judgment, not by might, but by grace. The theme of today’s message speaks to a sobering reality: mercy is not an entitlement. When nations or individuals refuse to repent, God may withhold mercy, but even in judgment, He reserves a remnant. These remnants are the products of divine grace and obedience in a perverse generation.
First Lesson: Ezekiel 14:12–23
God told Ezekiel that when a land sins against Him, even the righteousness of Noah, Daniel, and Job would not be enough to save others. Only their individual righteousness would save themselves. Yet, amidst judgment, God promised that a remnant would be preserved to demonstrate His justice.
Second Lesson: Matthew 3:1–12
John the Baptist confronted the religious leaders, calling them a generation of vipers. He warned them not to rely on their heritage for salvation but to bring forth fruits of repentance. God is ready to lay the axe to the root and cast every unfruitful tree into the fire.
The Message
- Judgment is Coming
God’s judgment is real and near. We must not be deceived by the delay in punishment. (Ezekiel 14:13, Matthew 3:10) - Self-examination is Crucial
Everyone must assess their spiritual condition. God’s mercy is not communal—it’s personal. (Ezekiel 14:14, 20) - It’s Only by Grace
When God’s wrath matures, only the remnants of grace survive. (Genesis 7:23, Ezekiel 14:22) - The World Is Vanity
Like in Haggai 1:6, many work and strive but see no results because their ways are corrupt. - Direction Comes from God
If you lack divine direction, you will keep laboring in vain. - When You Fail, God Doesn’t
God’s promises and standards never change. Our failures only highlight our need for grace. - Stop Calculating God
In Numbers 14, Israel doubted God’s word. When God speaks, obey. Don’t disqualify yourself through doubt. - Don’t Claim Rights in Rebellion
Many hide under entitlement rather than repentance. That’s the way of destruction. - There Are People Reserved for Grace
Not everyone will survive judgment—but some are divinely marked for mercy. - If You See Someone Insulting You, Give Thanks
God may be allowing them to push you into humility and preparation for grace.
Key Lessons
- God will not always strive with unrepentant hearts.
- Grace preserves the faithful remnant.
- Righteousness is personal; salvation is not inherited.
- Doubt and pride disqualify us from divine mercy.
- Judgment purifies; grace preserves.
Reflections
Are you among the remnants that God is preserving?
Do you rely on your heritage or your repentance?
Are you bearing fruits worthy of God’s mercy?
Conclusion
God does not withhold mercy unjustly. He is long-suffering, but not permissive. Judgment is near, and many will fall, but a remnant will be saved by grace. Let us strive to be among those who are reserved for mercy by living in obedience and humility.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your warning and mercy.
Help me to be counted among the remnants of grace.
Purge me of every pride, unbelief, and spiritual laziness.
Let me not be disqualified in the day of judgment.
May I bring forth fruits of true repentance and be preserved by Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Hymns for the Service
| Hymns for the Service: | ||
| 1. CCC HYMN 014 YORUBA: Mimo, Mimo, L’Olorun wa, O boju Re wo sara awa elese Iyanu nise Re gbogbo, Mimo, l’Olorun wa Mimo, Pelu iteriba l’awon Angeli nkorin Orin iyin didun, Baba, Omo, Emi Mimo, Ore-ofe Re gbogbo po, Lori Ijo Mimo. Amin ENGLISH: Holy, holy is our Lord God He taketh charge of all of us sinners Wonderful all His work are Holy is our Lord God Holy With reverence Thy Angels Sings songs of joy Father, Son, Holy Spirit Thy grace plenteous On the Holy Church. Amen | 2. CCC HYMN 304 YORUBA: 1: E yo , e yo, e yo, e yo, Ijo Mimo ninu ogo na. ENGLISH 1: Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice, Ye Celestial fold in this glory. | 3. CCC HYMN 259 YORUBA: 1: Maleka meje t’Orun sokale wa, Maleka meje t’Orun sokale wa, Ji, ji, Ijo Mimo, Ji, ji, Ijo Mimo, Ji sayo, nitori wipe Ere mbe fun wa loke Orun. ENGLISH 1: Seven Arch-angels descend from Heaven, Seven Arch-angels descend from Heaven, Wake, wake Holy Church, Wake, wake Holy Church, Wake for joy, Because the reward is up there For us in Heaven. |
| 4. CCC Hymn 079 YORUBA Esin Oluwa ninu Ijo Mimo yi, Ijo kan Mimo ti Baba Orun ni, K’Oluwa o wa gba awa elese la, K’ O si kawa fikun awon ayanfe Re. Amin ENGLISH Worship ye the Lord in this Holy church, It is a holy church from our Heavenly Father, We pray the Lord come to redeem us sinners, And count us amongst His chosen one. Amen | 5. CCC HYMN 551 YORUBA 1: Ki la o wi, ki la o so, Ki la o wi, ki la o so, Ijo Mimo ki la o so, Gbati Baba ba pe wa o, Pe omo siwo ko ma bo, Wa siro ise owo re. ENGLISH 1: What shall we say, what shall we tell, What shall we say, what shall we tell, Celestial Church, what shall we tell, When our Father shall call on us, That we stop work and come to Him, To account for all our works. | 6. .CCC HYMN 553 YORUBA 1 Onidajo aiye f’ere de, Jesu Oluwa wa o mbo wa o, B’ode losan tabi loganjo, Nibo l’eyin o kese yin gba. ENGLISH 1: The who judges the world shall soon come, Jesus Christ our Lord is coming now, Should He come in the day in or the night Where shall thou harbour thy sinful deeds |
| 7. CCC HYMN 902 YORUBA Emi yio da o lare, T’ iwo ba se otito, Anu ona t’Emi la sile, Iponju at’ osi yio kuro. Amin ENGLISH For I shall provide for you, If you will be faithful, On the path that I have prepared, Distress and suffering shall exist no more. Amen |
