Pastor Joe's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Joseph
I am Joseph Nipah; usually referred to by many as Pastor Joe. I was born in Ghana, where I had my basic education, and went on to train in the fields of Agricultural Science and Biblical Studies. I later graduated from The University of Nottingham, UK, with a Doctorate in Plant Science. I worked for several years on various projects as a Senior Research Scientist until 2010, after which I resigned from the field of science to take up a full time ministerial role. I am currently the Head Pastor of the Loughborough Church of God’s Vineyard Ministries; as well as, the Director of Training, Research and Development in the Ministry. I am also a Chaplain at Loughborough UniversityI have authored two books: ‘The Hidden Power of Forgiveness’ and ‘The Purpose of the Storm’.
How does the Holy Spirit Change the Game of Our Lives?
[Eph 2:4-10] Following on from the two earlier messages, this sermon emphasises how God’s grace changes the game of our lives when He comes in. It emphasises that…
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God’s Grace results from His love and abundant mercy
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God’s Grace brings the believer back to life from spiritual deadness
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By His Grace the believer is seated with Christ in Heavenly places to rule with Him
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God did this by the same power He used to bring Christ back to life [Rom 8:11]
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He then leaves this powerful force, the Holy Spirit to live in us for as long as we remain on this earth
The message then goes on to address the problem of the partial gospel that interprets God’s grace to mean ‘it’s what you believe that matters and not how you live’ as faulty. Jude 1:4 and Titus 2:11-14 emphasise this.
The message concludes by giving some reasons why many have indeed experienced the Holy Spirit but their lives do not portray this reality. Be blessed as you listen
HOLY SPIRIT: THE GAME CHANGER-2: [Eph 2:1-3 GNB]
This series of messages reflect on three questions:
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How is the game, before the Game Changer comes in?
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How does He change the game?
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How come many claim to have the Game Changer, but experience little or no change in their game?
This episode reflects on how is the game before the Holy Spirit comes into one’s life. In other words, why would the natural man without the Spirit of Christ live in sin and disobedience to God
Two reasons why the natural man lives the way they do:
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They are spiritually dead: In sin and to righteousness
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They are under the control of the power that causes disobedience to God. In that state, laws do not change the person
What is the result of this state?
a. They live according to natural desires:
b. They are disposed to disobedience to God:
c. They follow the world’s evil ways:
The message then concludes with a critical question: Is this your life? Do you claim to have the Holy Spirit but has so much you work hard to hide from people? Why should you have the Game Changer but your game doesn’t seem to change?
The next series of messages on this topic are based on the Book of Ephesians. Today’s episode is based on Eph 1:13-14 [NLT/NIV] and highlights three important things the Holy Spirit does in our lives as believers
Firstly, He is THE SEAL that identifies us as His own; as belonging to Christ [Rom 8:9, 14 NIV].
Secondly, as in ADOPTION [Eph 1:5 KJV], where you sign documents for that child to become legally yours, God actually went beyond the legal purchase of paying for us through Christ’s death by imparted His own DNA into us through the Holy Spirit, for His adopted children to bear His very nature.
Thirdly, He is our GUARANTEE for eternal salvation; like an engaged bride waiting for the day of marriage.
The question is how are you getting ready or preparing for that grand wedding day? Are your thoughts, planning, heart and life in general consumed with preparation for that day; or are you living as if nothing has happened?
Self-life manifests in three forms or levels: Self-will, Self-effort and Self-glory. Whenever this unspoken disposition is allowed into Christian service, they conflict with God’s purpose, and God could end up resisting such an individual. Nebuchadnezzar is an example. [Dan 4:30-31 GW] The king thought, "Look how great Babylon is! I built the royal palace by my own impressive power and for my glorious honour." 31Before the words came out of his mouth, a voice said from heaven, "King Nebuchadnezzar, listen to this: The kingdom has been taken from you.
God’s plan is completely opposite; [Rom 11:36 GW]. Everything is from him and by him and for him. Glory belongs to him forever! Amen!
Moses also allowed self-life to intrude into his service, this is the source of lasting victory for the believer in service, it denied him the ultimate fulfilment of his purpose here on earth [Num 20:10-12 GW].
If you don’t want anyone to take your place in service; for God to step you aside in His service, then Moses’ experience should remain a constant reminder… Listen and be blessed