Preacher: Sup Evangelist Ayo Akinkunmi
1st Lesson : Isaiah 29:11-16
2nd Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:18–21
Introduction: A Call to True Encounter
The service opened with a heartfelt prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to remove every veil and grant true spiritual understanding. A strong call was made to believers to examine their purpose in coming to church — not as a routine, but as a genuine pursuit of God.
The central message emphasized that Christianity is not about appearance, but about true relationship with God. The question was raised: Are we truly walking with Christ, or merely appearing religious?
Understanding Spiritual Blindness
Spiritual blindness was described not as lack of physical sight, but as a failure in perception — what we value, how we interpret truth, and who we truly follow.
Key Insight:
Spiritual blindness is rooted in idolatry and hardness of heart.
Scriptural references:
- Isaiah 29:11–14 – A people who see but cannot perceive.
- Romans 1:21–23 – Knowing God but failing to glorify Him.
Many believers were challenged to reflect on whether they have replaced true devotion with outward activities, gifts, or positions in the church.
The Problem of Pretense in the Church
A major concern raised was the presence of pretense among believers.
Key Issues Identified:
- Serving God outwardly while the heart is far from Him.
- Relying on spiritual gifts without genuine relationship with Christ.
- Living differently outside the church compared to within.
Scriptural reference:
- Isaiah 29:13 – “This people draw near with their mouth… but their hearts are far from me.”
The message emphasized that God is not deceived by outward performance. Hidden sins and self-deception remain visible before Him.
The Danger of Self-Deception
Believers were warned against assuming that talents, roles, or spiritual activities guarantee salvation.
Key truth:
- You cannot hide anything from God.
- Pretense may deceive people, but it cannot deceive God.
There was a call to honest self-examination, especially for those who appear active in ministry but lack true transformation.
The Veil Over the Gospel
Another dimension of spiritual blindness is the inability to truly see and understand the gospel.
Scriptural reference:
- 2 Corinthians 4:3–6 – The god of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers.
It was emphasized that knowing about Christ is not the same as knowing Him. True sight comes only through the Spirit of God.
The Need for True Encounter
The message stressed that transformation does not come through human effort or religious activity, but through genuine encounter with God.
Pretense often replaces divine revelation when people rely on:
- Human wisdom
- Religious routine
- External appearance
True Christianity requires surrender, not performance.
Three Fundamental Encounters
To overcome spiritual blindness and pretense, three essential encounters were outlined:
1. Encounter with Jesus Christ
A personal relationship with Christ is the foundation of true transformation. Salvation begins with surrendering one’s heart to Him.
Reference:
- Christ as the foundation and owner of the Church.
2. Encounter with the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit provides guidance, empowerment, and discernment.
Scriptural references:
- John 14:16–17 – The promise of the Comforter.
- Romans 8:9 – Belonging to Christ through the Spirit.
- Galatians 4:6 – The Spirit confirming our identity in God.
Without the Holy Spirit, believers remain vulnerable to pretense and spiritual inconsistency.
3. Encounter with the Word of God
The Word of God is the standard for truth, correction, and spiritual growth.
Scriptural references:
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture equips for righteousness.
- Ephesians 6:17 – The Word as the sword of the Spirit.
The Word enables believers to discern truth, resist deception, and live according to God’s will.
Reflections
As you reflect on today’s message, ask yourself: Am I living in alignment with the Holy Spirit?
Are there areas in my life where I have resisted His voice or ignored His guidance?
Invite the Holy Spirit afresh into your heart today. Surrender completely. Let Him direct your thoughts, decisions, and actions.
When you allow the Holy Spirit to lead, you’ll experience peace that surpasses understanding, courage in the face of fear, and unity amidst division.
Let your life be a living testimony of the Spirit’s power at work.
“Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart, renew my mind, and lead me into all truth. I surrender all. Amen.”
Conclusion: A Call to Genuine Transformation
The sermon ended with a strong call to repentance and spiritual awakening.
Believers were urged to:
- Abandon pretense.
- Seek genuine encounters with Christ.
- Depend on the Holy Spirit.
- Align their lives with the Word of God.
The message emphasized that God has given us a choice between life and death (Deuteronomy 30:15), and we are called to choose life.
True Christianity is not about appearance, but transformation.
Not about activity, but relationship.
Not about pretense, but truth.
Hymns for the Service
| Hymns for the Service: | ||
| 1. CCC HYMN 205 ENGLISH: God the King of heavenly light, Everlasting King, Owner of eternal glory Before whose presence, The minutest amount of sin, Cannot come near Thee, Who with love calls all sinners, To see your glory | 2. CCC HYMN 186 YORUBA: Ijọ Mimọ ẹ ho f’ayọ Ọjọ ayọ wa si ti de Jesu ku, O si ye titi aiye Lati mu wa ye titi aiye. Chorus: A! Jesu ti ye, O ti jọba, O jọba titi aiye, Ade Rẹ ko lala fiwe, T’a fẹwa, Orun, Osupa ṣe. | 3. CCC HYMN 237 ENGLISH: 1: Holy Spirit the comforter, Descend into our midst, Thou art the King of blessing, We are expecting Thee. |
| 4. CCC Hymn 068 YORUBA Ẹmi, Ẹmi l’Ọlọrun, F’awọn to wa sin Ọ o, Ẹmi, Ẹmi l’Ọlọrun, F’awọn to wa sin Ọ o | 5. CCC HYMN 731 YORUBA Ẹ gbe ori yin si oke, Ani ẹnyin, ẹnu ọna, Ki a si gbe nyin si oke, Ẹnyin ilẹkun aiyeraiye, Chorus: K’Ọba ogo wọ inu ile, Wọ‘nu ile Mimọ Rẹ wa, Ta ha ni Ọba Ogo na? Jehovah ni Ọba Ogo Ta ha ni Ọba Ogo na? Jesu Kristi Olugbala. | 6. CCC HYMN 236 YORUBA Ẹmi Mimọ sọkalẹ, Gẹgẹbi t’ọjọ penticost o, Ẹ Ẹmi Mimọ sọkalẹ, Gẹgẹbi t’ojo penticost o, Ẹmi Ọrun wa ba wa gbe o, Jọwọ ye o, Wa lagbara Rẹ; wa lagbara Rẹ Ẹmi Ọrun wa ba wa gbe o. |
| 7. CCC HYMN 794 ENGLISH Jesus the Son of God pray for us today, Jesus the Son of God pray for us today, Come and give us Holy Spirit, Give us Thy glory, Give us Thy mighty power, O Son of God. Amen |
