Keynote Address From My General Superintendent's Wife:
"I give Praise to the Almighty God who has granted us journey mercies to cross over to the year 2024, and for the privilege to welcome us all to this year's National Women's Week/day, which every woman in Assemblies of God Nigeria always desire to witness and also participate in it every annually. God, in years past has used women in this denomination, during this programme to impact and bless so many people in our time, I believe that the impact of the program and activities of the Department this year 2024 will be greater than the past years by God's grace. Teachings on topics have been linked to National Theme -
*“WALKING IN THE LIGHT” and also according to the Theme for Women's Ministries Department - “WE ARE CHILDREN OF LIGHT”.
We also trust the Lord, that He will use the lessons to help us live, act and walk as children of God wherever we find ourselves. The teachings and activities are as follows:
- Monday, "We are the Light of the world". It emphasizes on character trait (quality) of those who should be part of God's kingdom.
- Tuesday, “Arise and shine in a world of darkness". The study highlights the need for us to obey God's command in our text (Isaiah 60:1), **"Arise and shine that God may restore the light of righteousness in our lives and Denomination, wherever the light has been dimmed.
- Wednesday, “The challenges of living as children of Light in our time". This encourages us to lean on God for strength and guidance, that the challenges can be conquered.
- Thursday, “The Benefits of Walking in the Light”
- Friday has been chosen for full preparation/prayer for a memorable Women's Day. Prayer for women in need, for families, the sick, the Church, the Nation etc.
- Saturday is a day for General clean-up, Visitation/invitation to neighbors for Sunday service. Reach out to less-privileged and put smiles on their faces during the Women's Ministries Week.
- Sunday “SHOW THE DIFFERENCE (STAND OUT): WOMEN, LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN.
I wish us a life transforming and memorable Women's Ministries' Week/day celebration for 2024.
Rev. (Mrs.) Best Chioma Amadi National Director, Women's Ministries Department, Assemblies Of God Nigeria, May 2024."
FIRST DAY: MONDAY 06/05/24
TOPIC: WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
TEXT:
Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8
INTRODUCTION:
The theme for women's ministries department for this year 2024 is “WE ARE CHILDREN OF LIGHT” in other words,we are children of God, because God is light (1 John 1:5).
The topic today is, “WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD".
In Matthew 5:14-16, the Lord Jesus Christ in the teaching commonly referred as the "beatitude" which centers so much on character trait of those who should be part of God's kingdom, also emphasized what should be the relationship between His followers and the rest of the people in the world.
I. SHINE AS LIGHT (Matt.5:14)
According to Jesus, His followers should relate with the people in the world as "salt and light" (Matt.5:13-14). God, through His redemption in Christ Jesus has called us to be the children of light.
We should shine as light because God islight reflecting His image in us.He has called us to be the children of light.
There is a big difference between light and darkness. Light guides people to see. We cannot see without light.
Light was the first thing God put in place after the creation of heaven and earth (Gen 1:3).
God Himself admired the light He created and confirmed that it was good(Gen 1:4).
2. BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION:
THE LIGHT (Matt. 4:16; John 9:5; John 1:5; John 8:12; 1 John 1:5-9; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 119:130; John 12:36; 1 Peter 2:9).
1) Light in the Bible typifies truth and righteousness while darkness refers to evil and every form of falsehood.
2) Light is a symbol of holiness and God's presence. Darkness represents Satan and his evil ways.
3) Light was the first thing God put in place after the creation of heaven and earth (Gen. 1:3).
God Himself admired the Light. He created and confirmed that it was good (Gen.1:4).4).
4) Light is an Armor (A covering). A believer who walks in the light is covered and is not exposed to the arrow of the enemy (Rom.13:12).5)
5) Light is Knowledge (1 Cor.4:6). For God who said, “Let light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.
To come to the light is to come to the knowledge of God and His Salvation.
6) Light is righteousness as contrasted with sin which is darkness.
The Bible says that man loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil(John 3:19).
7) Light is a symbol of holiness, soundness, goodness, love, honesty and God's presence.
All that the Bible says about light should be reflected by the believer in this dark and sinful world. We are called to be light of the world, we are called to dispel darkness wherever we are found.
3. THE RESULT OF BEING THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
A. God will be glorified (Matt.5:16).
The Bible enjoins us to shine as light so that men may see our good works and glorify our father. Our primary duty on earth is to live in such a way that God may be glorified. This is achieved when we live as children of light.
B. Darkness around us will be dispelled (Matt.4:16).
“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light and for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shinned”.
C. Our witness for Christ is strengthened.
We witness with boldness to the unbelievers when we walk and live as light. The unconverted will have no excuse to reject the gospel when our lives confirm the message we present to them.
D. We command God's authority against the powers of darkness.
God through His word (John 1:5), promises that the light will out shine darkness and darkness cannot overcome it.
CONCLUSION:
Believers are called to be the light of the world, shining as light brings glory to God and blessing to us. We reflect Christ's character as we allow His light to shine through us. Christ's character include love, peace, joy, forgiveness, meekness and all other fruit of the Holy Spirit.