The Word became his flesh
Meeting Date: August 16, 2026
Speaker: Abe
Sermon Series: Holiness
Sermon Title: The Word Became Flesh
Opening Prayer & Worship
The service began with a time of corporate prayer led by several members, focusing on the following areas:
For the Church: A prayer for God to bring the souls destined for this ministry from all corners of the earth and for wisdom and discernment in reaching them.
For America: A prayer for the United States to remain rooted in God, to stand against tyranny, and for God to protect and uphold the nation as a light to others.
Against Fear: A prayer of thanksgiving, acknowledging that where thanksgiving and praise exist, fear and anxiety cannot.
For Guidance: A request for God’s continual guidance and protection, asking for His help to live holy lives and make righteous choices.
Announcements
Welcome: A warm welcome was extended to all attendees, with an encouragement that everyone would have an encounter with God.
Monthly Service Schedule:
1st Sunday: Thanksgiving Service
2nd Sunday: Pentecost Sunday (Acts 2)
3rd Sunday: Communion Service
Last Sunday: Anointing Service (Isaiah 10:27)
Evangelism: Evangelism takes place every Saturday from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Special Event: A birthday thanksgiving for Pastor Mom will be held at the church on September 20th. All are encouraged to invite friends and family to enjoy fellowship with Nigerian and American food.
Weekly Bible Reading Plan: To grow in our understanding of God’s Word, the church will begin a weekly reading plan. For the week of August 17, 2026, members are encouraged to read Genesis chapters 1-5 and Matthew chapters 1-5. The readings will be discussed for 5-10 minutes during next week’s Sunday School.
Part 1: The Call to Holiness
Introduction: Why We Learn God’s Word
The teachings we receive, like this series on holiness, are not just for the moment we hear them. They are preparations for future situations. We are learning now so that we will be ready to apply God's truth when it is needed most.
Illustration: A Test of Reaction
The speaker shared a personal story. While driving, he felt the Lord ask him, "If your neighbor calls the police on you, what would you do?" He admitted his first instinct would be anger. God simply told him, "Don't react." About 20 minutes later, his wife called to say their neighbor had, in fact, called the police over a misdelivered Amazon package. God knew the situation was about to happen and prepared the speaker's heart in advance, preventing an escalated conflict and protecting his witness.
The Foundation of Holiness
Holiness is a core command from God that is all-encompassing, touching every part of our conduct.
Key Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Main Point: Our holiness is a reflection of God’s own character. We are commanded to begin the journey and actively pursue it in all our dealings.
Holiness vs. a Transactional Relationship with God
We must pursue holiness out of faith and obedience, not as part of a "transactional" relationship with God (an "I do this, so You do that" attitude). This mindset can lead to disappointment and a loss of faith when God doesn't act as we expect. We obey God because of who He is, not for what we can get from Him.
The True Beneficiary of God’s Commands
Most of God’s commands, especially those related to holiness, are for our own good and protection. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), for example, are largely for our benefit and the good of society (e.g., "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal"). Holiness is not a burden but a pathway to a better, safer, and more blessed life.
Part 2: The Gains of a Holy Life
1. Closer Fellowship with God
A holy life removes the barriers between us and God, allowing for a deeper relationship.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 5:8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
2 Corinthians 6:17: "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you."
Key Point: When we are pure in heart, we can "see" God—perceiving His presence, hearing His voice, and understanding His guidance more clearly. We must actively separate ourselves from uncleanliness to maintain this fellowship.
2. Personal Honor
A life of holiness brings honor to ourselves and those connected to us. When we live as clean vessels for God, we earn respect from our families, friends, and community. People are drawn to what is pure and honorable.
Part 3: The Word Became Flesh (Communion Sermon)
Introduction to Communion
The sermon transitioned to the significance of Communion. In the Old Testament, God promised to "pass over" the houses covered by the blood of the lamb. Today, as we partake in the body and blood of Jesus, we are covered by His blood, and every form of evil that comes near us will pass us by.
1. Actively Seek and Internalize the Word
The central theme is that God’s Word is not just to be read but to be "eaten"—consumed and internalized until it becomes a living part of us.
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 15:16 - "Your words were found, and I did eat them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts."
Main Point: We must actively search for God's truth, just as Jeremiah "found" the words. This involves studying, listening, and fellowship. The speaker also pointed to Daniel, who sought understanding "by books" (Daniel 9:2), as an example of a diligent seeker.
2. The Word Becomes a Part of Us
"Eating" the Word means meditating on it and allowing it to be "grafted" into our spirit, becoming part of our spiritual identity.
Key Scripture: John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
Main Point: Just as Jesus, the Word, became flesh, the Word of God should become a part of us, bringing joy and life.
3. Jesus is the Bread of Life
Jesus identified Himself as the "Bread of Life." Therefore, when we partake of the Word, we are partaking of Jesus Himself, who satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst.
Key Scriptures:
John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 6:35 - "And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'"
4. The Mystery and Power of Communion
The Communion is not a mere ritual but a sacred partaking of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Key Scripture: Matthew 26:26-28 - Jesus took the bread and cup, declaring, "Take, eat; this is My body," and "For this is My blood of the new covenant."
Main Point: When we take Communion, we are receiving the very life of God (Zoe) into our being, because "the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). As we consume the elements, they mix with our physical system, symbolizing the spiritual reality of Christ’s life mixing with ours to bring wholeness and healing.
Common Questions & Clarifications
Does holiness guarantee short-term gain? No. A member noted that holiness is often the opposite of seeking immediate gain. The speaker clarified that holiness does not automatically bring financial wealth; money comes from hard work and God's blessing on that work. Holiness is for God and our spiritual well-being.
Does holiness mean everyone will like you? No. Living a holy life will often create distance between you and those not living for God. The world hated Jesus for His righteousness, and some people may move away from you. We should let them go, praying they will one day see the value in the life we have chosen.
Action Items & Take-Home Points
Pray for the Spirit of Holiness: Regularly ask God, "Lord, help me with the spirit of holiness," especially when facing temptation.
Avoid a Transactional Faith: Obey God out of love and trust, not with the expectation of a specific reward.
Seek and Internalize the Word: Don't just be a hearer of the Word. Actively seek it, "eat" it by meditating on it, and let it transform your heart and be the source of your joy.
Examine Yourself Before Communion: Take Communion sacredly, not as a casual act. Examine your heart and repent of any known sin before partaking so you do not take it "unworthily."
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 - "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body."
Pray for Healing: The body and blood of Christ have the power to bring healing. Pray with faith that as you partake, any sickness would be healed by the power of God.
Illustration: The speaker shared a testimony of God directing him to pray for a sick man in Texas, who was later healed. This same power is available to us today.
