GOD IS ABLE - A sermon by Rev. Dr. Fortune Nwaiwu

Sermon Topic: GOD IS ABLE

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." – Ephesians 3:20 NLT.

All over the world, industries and companies seek competent men who can deliver, people with court cases seek competent lawyers who can stand for them. Even, there is no sick person who never wishes to go and meet a doctor who is able to provide a cure. It then follows that people are eagerly looking forward to seeing able men or women who would do their job well. In the book of Acts 6, there was a crisis between the Hellenists and Hebrew women over food distribution. When this issue was reported to the Apostles, it was resolved that men who are full of wisdom and the Spirit of God should be chosen for the work. This means that such men will be able to handle such a task.

In the aspect of religious worship, man has always desired to worship a supernatural being. This has resulted in seeking a being that is able to protect, cure, or save from dangers. Before the advent of Christianity, Africans and some other part of the world worshiped their traditional gods. They relied on them, even at a point of believing that their gods could cure them from terrible diseases and sicknesses, but their instincts apprised them that apart from their gods, there is a Supreme Being who is greater in power than their gods. Igbo called him Chukwu Okike – the Creator. It follows that the gods they worshiped in those days were incompetent and therefore not able to create anything. And were not able to deliver them in any way.

In times of distress and uncertainty, when we find ourselves at the crossroads of life, we often ponder the question: Who is able to help, save, and deliver us? It is a question that touches the depths of our souls, seeking solace and seeking a source of unwavering strength. In our quest for answers, we must turn to the divine, to the one who holds the power to rescue us from the grip of despair and lead us towards a path of redemption.

As we search for answers, we are reminded of the countless stories of deliverance and salvation found within the scriptures. From the story of Noah and the great flood to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, we witness the hand of the Almighty guiding and protecting his people. These stories serve as a testament to the staunch power of our Creator, showing us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for deliverance.

But it is not only through ancient stories that we find our answer. For in the person of Jesus Christ, we see the embodiment of divine help, salvation, and deliverance. His life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross serve as a testament to God's unfathomable love and mercy. Through his death and resurrection, we find redemption and the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles.

When we feel overwhelmed, burdened by the weight of our troubles, we must remember that we have a Savior who understands our pain, our doubts, and our fears. Jesus invites us to cast our burdens upon him, for he is the one who is able to lift us up and carry us through the storms of life. It is in his arms that we find solace, comfort, and the strength to endure.

In our journey towards seeking help, salvation, and deliverance, let us not forget the power of prayer. Through fervent and sincere communication with our Heavenly Father, we can lay our worries and concerns at his feet. He listens intently to our cries and responds with compassion and grace. In times of trouble, we can find solace in knowing that we are not alone. Our God is with us, guiding us, and providing the help we need.

So, my brothers and sisters, as we stand at the precipice of uncertainty, let us remember the answer to the question: Who is able to help, save, and deliver us? It is our Heavenly Father, through the saving grace of his Son, Jesus Christ. Let us place our trust in Him, seek His guidance, and find peace in His everlasting love.

In Ephesians 3:20, Paul speaks of the power of God in doing infinitely great things. His power is limitless to do more things than we think or imagine. We all know that sometimes we face challenges and doubt if God can help us overcome them. The fact is that if our circumstances overwhelm us, making us feel sad and sometimes inclined to give up, it does not mean that God is not able. God always shows up when he is moved by compassion. And no time he shows up is late. As humans, we want him to act immediately. Yes, we want him to display his power over our problems immediately when we are affected. But do you know that the moment we feel like we are challenged, he knows that the challenge may not claim our life? He watches us to see how we can trust him and use our problems to serve him. How many of us can serve God even in our trying moment? How many of us will do as the three Hebrew men did when they refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar's gods? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said to the King that they would not bow down before his gods, and that the God they serve is able to deliver them. However, they also said that even if he did not come to save them, nothing would make it possible for them to worship his idol. Have you seen that at times our problems can draw us closer to God, for he is able to save? Instead, we tend to allow them to drift us away from our God.

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, I want to tell you that God is more than able to carry us through. And there are numerous ways in the Bible and in our personal encounters that prove his supreme power in setting us free from our problems.

God is more than able to save, deliver and heal as we discuss briefly below:

1. God is Able to Save

Ephesians 2:8-9 -

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Our salvation is not a result of our own efforts or achievements but a gift freely given by God through His grace. We can find peace and assurance in knowing that God's saving power extends to each and every one of us, regardless of our past mistakes or shortcomings.

2. God is Able to Deliver us

Psalm 34:17 - 

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles."

The Lord is attentive to the cries of the righteous and delivers them from various troubles and challenges they face. Whatever trials or adversities we encounter, we can trust that God's delivering power is at work in our lives, providing us with strength, guidance, and a way out.

3. God is Able to Heal us

Psalm 103:2-3 -

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases."

Our God is not only a healer of our spiritual ailments, forgiving our sins, but also a healer of physical and emotional afflictions. Whether it is physical illness, emotional pain, or brokenness, we can turn to the Lord in faith, seeking His healing touch, knowing that He is able to restore and bring wholeness to our lives.

4. God Is Able To Protect Us

Psalm 91:11 -

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

God promises to protect us from harm and danger. He commands His angels to watch over us and guide us in all our ways, providing a shield of protection.

5. God Is Able To Direct And Guide Us

Proverbs 3:5-6 -

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

God is able to provide divine guidance and direction for our lives. When we trust in Him and submit to His will, He makes our paths straight and leads us on the right path.

6. God Is Able To Strengthen and Empower Us

Isaiah 40:29 -

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."

When we feel weak or weary, God provides us with supernatural strength and empowerment. Through His power, we can overcome any obstacle or challenge that comes our way.

7. God Is Able To Provide Comfort:

During times of sorrow and distress, our Heavenly Father offers us comfort and peace. Psalm 34:18 reassures us that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Let us trust in His ability to provide solace and strength in our times of need.

Conclusion:

As we conclude, let us anchor our faith in the undeniable truth that our God is able to save, deliver, and heal. His power transcends our human limitations, providing hope and restoration in every aspect of our lives. In times of doubt or despair, let us remember the promises of God's Word, trusting in His unfailing love and unwavering power. May we seek His salvation, deliverance, and healing, and encourage others to do the same. Let us leave this place today, confident in the knowledge that our God is indeed able to save, deliver, and heal. Amen.

 

Prayer Points

1. Heavenly Father, I come before you today, acknowledging that you are able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than I can ask or imagine. Strengthen my faith to trust in your limitless power.

2. Mighty God, I declare that you are able to heal the sick, restore broken relationships, and mend wounded hearts. I pray for your miraculous touch in every aspect of our lives, knowing that nothing is impossible for you.

3. Lord, I surrender my worries and fears to you, for you are able to calm the storms that rage within us. Grant us peace in the midst of turmoil, knowing that you hold all things in your hands.

4. Gracious Father, I lift up those in financial need, believing that you are able to provide for every need according to your riches in glory. Help us to trust in your provision and to be good stewards of the blessings you bestow.

5. Almighty God, I pray for those who are struggling with addiction, believing that you are able to break every chain and set them free. Pour out your grace and deliverance upon them, bringing restoration and hope.

6. Lord, I intercede for those who are feeling overwhelmed and burdened, knowing that you are able to carry their heavy loads. Grant them strength and resilience, reminding them that they can find rest in you.

7. Merciful Father, I pray for those who are facing impossible situations, believing that you are able to make a way where there seems to be no way. Guide them with your wisdom and lead them to victory.

8. Loving God, I lift up those who are struggling with doubt and uncertainty, trusting that you are able to strengthen their faith and provide clarity in their journey. Illuminate their path and fill their hearts with confidence in you.

9. Lord, I pray for those who are experiencing brokenness and pain, knowing that you are able to bring healing and restoration. Pour out your love and grace upon them, showing them the power of your redemption.

10. Heavenly Father, as we conclude this sermon, I pray that your words of truth and encouragement will resonate in our hearts. Enable us to walk in the assurance that you are able to accomplish all that concerns us. In Jesus' name, Amen.