Southall Church of God Scog Media

Hebrews 4:12

The COVID-19 pandemic has made millions of people hopeless; many lost their lives; many are still suffering from being infected. Job losses, income losses, depression, suicidal incidents, a life of anxiety, fear, and a spirit of meaninglessness in life.

Ø The Word of God is the source of strength to a believer in times of uncertainty

Ø It has the power to do the impossible when we take God at His Word and act upon it.

Ø Matthew 4:4 “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.

ü Elijah’s life and ministry were directed and empowered by the word of the Lord. The statement, “the word of the Lord came to Elijah”.

ü It sustained him in times of trouble; it gave him the direction and strength and the courage to do the will of God.

Let us examine the following events and experiences where the Word of God has worked in Elijah’s life and times:

1. A Word to Declare (1 Kings 17:1) Only a person who stands in the court of heaven can boldly declare the destiny.

2. A Word to Distance (1Kings 17: 3) “get away from here..”

3. A Word to Depend (1 Kings 17:4). God said, I have commanded..” to supply the prophet for his needs.

4. A Word for Direction (1 Kings 17:8,9) End of Cherith means a new direction is needed. One door is closed and another one will be opened.

5. A Word to Decree (1 Kings 17:14) an official order given by a person with power or by a government; an official decision made by a court of law; supernatural provision in times of famine.

6. A Word to Disclose (1 Kings 18:7,8) to present himself to King Ahab. 18:15

7. A Word for Decision (1 Kings 18:17-21) “ How long will you falter between two opinions” If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him..”

Mount Carmel was the place of decision. Jehovah the living God, or Baal the pagan god.

Fire determines.

“ Elijah prayed, “ I have done all things at your word” ( 18:36)

Text: Philippians 2:14-16; 2 Timothy 3:1-17

- The Year 2020 has not been an easy year thus far. The Coronavirus pandemic has made life difficult for all people around the world. Already many thousands of people have lost their lives, and millions are affected and undergoing treatment.

- People’s lives have changed and all are facing difficulties – emotionally, financially, physically, relationally, spiritually, and in many other ways.

- There seems to be very little change in the attitudes and behaviors of people even after such troublesome times.

- “Tough times will go, but tough people will never go”! Human hearts and minds are becoming more bitter and anti-God, even in the midst of such devastating experiences.

- SOME GOOD NEWS! Since the pandemic started.

Ø BIBLE sales are up by 55 percent

Ø 25 percent of the population has viewed a church service online since the lockdown began. ( normally only 6% attend church)

Ø Nearly Three Million people have seen the viral worship video “THE UK BLESSING”.

Ø One in 20 Brits has started praying since the lockdown began.

DIFFICULT PEOPLE and Circumstances: (2 Timothy 3:1)

1. Abraham & Lot: ( Genesis 13:5-18) A Different Approach in a Difficult Dispute

2. Hanna & Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:1-7) Living with a woman with a “chip on the shoulder”.

3. Caleb & His Companions (Numbers 13:26-33). Living and journeying with Negative People.

4. Nehemiah & the opponents of the wall builders. (Nehemiah 1-) Working for God in the midst of various difficulties.



You can thrive and survive even in the midst of tough people, tough times, and adversities.

Ø Like Abraham, show grace and generosity when you face tough issues and difficult people. Do not take revenge or keep bitterness. Part in peace if need be. Keep distance.

Ø Like Hannah, be patient, pour out your heart and spirit to God in the anguish of your soul. Never retaliate but seek the face of God till your Samuel is born and remove your shame and stigma.

Ø Like Caleb, be courageous in your approach, stand up with your convictions as the Lord has impressed in you, and keep up the spirit of difference in difficulties.

Ø Like Nehemiah, carry the burdens and move on with the God-given agenda in the midst of mockery, discouragement, and oppositions at every phase.

Living in different circumstances with difficult people is possible. We can make a difference in our communities, families and the nations by keeping a positive and Spirit-filled life

Texts: Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:14-22.; 4:11-13; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-27; 1 Peter 4:10,11.

Meaning of the word /the idea of DIFFERENCE:

a point or way in which people or things are dissimilar.

the way in which two or more things which you are comparing are not the same

every individual has something that differences it from another …

· Human Life in itself has to face many challenges and circumstances.

· Man is a social being and cannot live in isolation or as an island?

· He has to live with all kinds of people:

- Good people and bad people; cultured community and not so cultured ones;

- Different people and Difficult people: educated and non -educated, healthy and not so healthy; spiritually distanced and spirit-filled ones; emotionally drained and strong-willed people.; culturally diverse and culturally focused; Christians and non-Christians; religious and nonreligious;



1. Differences Define us -not divide us.(Galatians 3:28)

2. Differences Develop Unity through Diversity.   (Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-27; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:10,11)

3. Difference distinguishes the man and glorifies God. (Numbers14:24; Psalm 15: 1-5; 4:3)

4. Difference Demands A Distinct Dwelling Place.(Ephesians 2:19-22; Revelation 7:9,10)



Living with Differences does not mean divided living, but DEFINED LIFE. Knowing and keeping our identity.

Living with Differences does not mean discrimination, but DEVELOPING unity through Diversity, by exercising each one’s God-given gifts.

Living with Differences does not mean driven away from the majority’s opinion but living with DISTINCTION to glorify God and make a difference in the fellow believer.

Living with Differences does not mean withdrawing from the front line but DEMONSTRATING a distinct dwelling place of the Spirit here on earth as a Church and to look forward to reaching the destiny with multitudes who lived with a difference in Christ.

Ø Do not sacrifice or compromise the difference Christ made in your life.

Ø Instead of going with the flow in the world, always be true to the Scriptures, your call and the conscience

Ø Dare to Be Different like Joseph, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and millions of believers and martyrs who did not count their lives dear to them.

Ø Learn to adjust, accommodate, and live in peace with all people without compromising the heart of the Scriptures and godliness.

Title: Living Definitely by the Word.

Matthew 4:4.

- Is there a word from the Lord? (Jeremiah 37: 17,18)

A. The Characteristics of the Word.

1. It is Powerful (Hebrews 4:13; Isaiah 55:10-11)

2. It is Prophetic (Ezekiel 37:1-10; John 11:38-44; Luke 7: 13-16).

3.It is Creative (Genesis 1:1-3,31; Luke 1:28-38).

4. It is Illuminative (Psalm 119:130; John 1:5)

5. It is Curative (Proverbs 4:20-22; Psalm 107: 20; Matthew 8: 5-13).

B. How do we profit from the word?

Luke 5:1-11

1) By Hearing the Word (v 1,2)

2) By Receiving the Word (v. 3-4

3) By Confessing the Word (v.5)

4) By Doing the Word (v. 6)

5. By Being Transformed and Promoted by the Word (v. 7-11)

Living definitely by the Word makes a difference in you and others around you.

The Sermon was preached by Rev Joe Kurian and it was taken from the Book of Ephesians 4:1-6.

To read more about his works and Pastor's pen visit www.southallcog.com