NORTHERN ZAMBIA UNION CONFERENCE

COPPERBELT ZAMBIA CONFERENCE

STEWARDSHIP MINISTERIES

ANNUAL WEEK OF SCARIFICE SERMONS

PERIOD: 4TH- 10TH DECEMBER 2022

THEME: OBEDIENT BUT NOT DISADVANTAGED
THEME SONG: 40 LOCAL (Trust and Obey)

EDITORIAL
Welcome to the 2022 Annual week of sacrifice (Week of Prayer).

The Annual Week of Sacrifice is a plan that the Seventh-day Adventist Church adopted a
century ago in 1922. This missional initiative is a tool to call members to genuine revival and
give something up (sacrifice) for the sake of advancing mission. At the end of the week,
members are encouraged to give an offering to mission.

The messages for this year's Annual Week of Sacrifice (Week of Prayer) are designed to stir
up spiritual revival and instill a spirit of unshakable obedience to God.

Let us all join together for a passionate Week of Sacrifice. The times demand it, and our
obedience to God compels us. The vast open doors before us everywhere call for massive
obedience to God. May every leader now be found faithful to his trust, rallying our people in
the Spirit of obedience to God.

Calvary Blessings
Ps Chifumbe Kapenya
 THEME: OBEDIENT BUT NOT DISADVANTAGED
THEME SONG: 304 local Count Your Blessings
TITLE: Follow Whatever He Says (sermon # 1)
Text: John 2:3-10

Historical-Social Setting: Weddings in Palestine were social events that took seven days
of celebrations, and proper preparations for wine and food for visitors was a serious issue.
If any of these finished before the end of the ceremony, it was deemed the greatest
disgrace to the hosting family.
Context: John 2:1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother
of Jesus was there; and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

MAIN POINT: THE DISCIPLES WERE TO OBEY WHATEVER JESUS SAID.

QUESTION: WHY DID THE MOTHER DIRECT THE DISCIPLES TO OBEY JESUS?

1. Because the host relatives ran out of wine before the end of the wedding vs 3
v3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."

• Child of God, there are times when critical things run out in your life, just like wine at
Cana.
• There are times when God will allow an embarrassing situation to reveal His glory in your
life if only you obey Him.
• God does not promise that all will be rosy in your life because you are a Christian.

2. Because Jesus had not gone there for a miracle performance, but as an attendee vs 4.
v4 And Jesus said to her, "What business do you have with Me, woman? My hour has not yet
come."

• Saints of God, there are times when God is not dealing with the priorities of our social lives
on earth.
• Jesus never wanted to do things that did not bring glory to God, nor for a mere show of His
power.
• Could it be that your prayer requests are not answered because God's time hasn't come for
Him to act?

3. Because the mother had faith in the Son's abilities vs 5: v5 His mother said to the servants,
"Whatever He tells you, do it."

• Friends of mine, God honors those who trust and obey Jesus' directives in this life.
• Some believers have not experienced the power of God because they don't obey everything
Jesus has said in His word.
• Remember! it is one thing to associate yourself with Jesus, and another to obey Him.
• Spiritual and physical blessings are for the obedient ones who are ready to sacrifice
themselves for the glory of God.

CONCLUSION
Child of God, sweet things only come to those who trust and obey God.
God has reserved the best for His children, which eyes have never seen, nor ears have heard.
Will you be the beneficially of the blessings at God's right time?
Remember! Obeying God won't disadvantage you!
 THEME: OBEDIENT BUT NOT DISADVANTAGED
THEME SONG: 304 local Count Your Blessings
TITLE: When obedience appears to be a risk factor! (sermon # 2)
TEXT: Exodus 4:2-8
Historical Setting: Politically-Egypt was the world's superpower at the time. The
Israelites were under slavery for over 430 years, and some had almost lost hope of the
deliverance by God. However, God came to send Moses to be the leader; however, he was
doubtful.
Context: Ex. 4:1 Then Moses said, "What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say?
For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'

MAIN THOUGHT: MOSES OBEYED GOD

QUESTION: HOW DID GOD CONVINCE MOSES TO OBEY HIM?
1. God asked Moses what he had in his hand- Exodus 4:2

• Child of God, God's miracles begin with what you have at hand and in your hand.
• What do you have at hand that God can use to glorify Himself?
• Saints of God, never look for divine intervention from heaven, as God uses what is within
your reach to manifest His power to those who obey Him.

2. God asked Moses to throw the rod on the ground- Exodus 4:3

• Just as God asked Moses to throw the rod down, He is asking you and me to throw down
at His feet what we have in our homes and hands.
• What have you brought before God today as you appear in His presence?
• Just like Moses, many people are in God's presence, but don't understand the magnitude of
what He can do with what they have in their hands.

3. God asked Moses to tough the snake's tail- Exodus 4:4

• Just as God asked Moses to tough the snake at its dangerous part, He is asking you to obey
Him even when it seems like risking your life.
• The spirit of self-sacrifice requires humility like Moses before God. (Num. 12:3)
• Moses obeyed God at the risk of a snake bit and the loss of his life.
• Only those ready to sacrifice even their lives for God's sake will gain it. (Jn 12:25, Mk
8:35)
• How far are you willing to sacrifice for God's work and the church?

4. Moses' hand became leprous and back to normal- Exodus 2:6-7.

• Just as God affected Moses' hand, He will do it to some of us to convince us to serve Him.
• Why should you wait to serve God after your health is affected?
• God is looking for men and women willing to serve Him just at the call of His voice.

CONCLUSION
What do you want God to do to convince you to be willing to work with Him in this world?
What do you have in your hands that God can use today?
Are you waiting till your health is affected for you to start serving God?
The spirit of sacrifice demands the use of what is in your hand and your very life itself, for
God's sake. Remember! Obeying God does not disadvantage you!
 THEME: OBEDIENT BUT NOT DISADVANTAGED
THEME SONG: 304 local Count Your Blessings
TITLE: The blessing of collecting empty tins (sermon # 3)
TEXT: 2 Kings 4:2-7

Historical Setting: Economically-Old Testament laws provided that a debtor should pay
back, or if one fails, he should serve the creditor as an enslaved person until the value is
serviced.
Context: 2Kings 4:1 “Now a woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to
Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the
LORD; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves."

MAIN POINT: ELISHA SOLVED THE WIDOW'S CHALLENGE.

QUESTION: WHAT DID HE DO TO SOLVE HER DEBT CRISES?
1. He asked the widow to use what she had at home. 2King 4:2.

• Child of God, God is asking you what you have at home for Him to bless you.
• Many people are looking for blessings from heaven when the blessing is within their
homes.
• God blesses the works of our hands for our survival and not our prayers.

Deut. 28:12 "The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to
your land in its season and to bless every work of your hand; and you will lend to many
nations, but you will not borrow.

2. He asked the widow to borrow many empty containers from the neighborhood. 2King
4:3.

• Just as Elisha asked the widow to do her part, God is asking you and me to do our part
in our quest for survival.
• What you won't do which is within your power, God won't do it for you either.
• God is willing to help us as we cooperate with Him.

3. He asked the widow to enter her house and pray for the miracle. 2Kings 4:5

• Beloved of God, there is a place for prayer and hard work in this life.
• Saints of God, never substitute prayer for hard work, as each has its role in humanity's
spiritual and physical lives.
• The widow's blessing was in her obedience to the words of Elisha (God is salvation) to
collect empty tins.

CONCLUSION
There is a blessing in living a life of obedience to God.
Even if God tells you to do what looks like an unreasonable assignment, there is a blessing in
it.
Remember! There is no loss in obeying God.
Appeal: do you want to try obedience to God by sacrifice?
Now is the time to try Him Malachi 3:10. Remember, Obedience won’t disadvantage you!
 THEME: OBEDIENT BUT NOT DISADVANTAGED
THEME SONG: 304 local Count Your Blessings
TITLE: Unlimited Blessings Due To A Meal! (sermon # 4)
TEXT: 1Kings 17:10-16

Historical Setting: Spiritual-Israel had apostatized against God, and God withdrew the
blessing of the rain, which affected their national economy as food and livestock got
affected. No wonder even the spring that supplied water to Elijah dried out.
Context: 1Kings 17:8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
1Kings 17:9 "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there; behold, I have
commanded a widow there to provide food for you."

MAIN POINT: A WIDOW RECEIVED UNLIMITED BLESSINGS

Question: WHY DID SHE, OF ALL PEOPLE, RECEIVE FAVOUR FROM GOD?
1. Because she sacrificed to give her cup of water to a stranger man of God vs 1Kings
17:10

• Child of God, are you willing to sacrifice your cup of water to the servants of God to use
it?
• Just as God blessed the widow, He is ready to do so even to this day to those who willingly
sacrifice for others.

2. Because she was willing to sacrifice her little cake to a stranger servant of God- 1King
17: 13.

• God blessed the widow for her willingness to risk her family economy over a stranger
servant of God.
• How many today would do what the widow did? No wonder Jesus praised her! (Luke
4:25-26)
• Can God choose your family today as He chose this widow?

3. Because she was willing to obey the stranger's word on behalf of God-1King 17: 15

• Just as God blessed the widow because of her willingness to obey His messenger, God will
bless those willing to obey His servants.
• Elijah (God is Jehovah) represented the living God on this errand and proved to the widow
that God has many ways of sustaining His children who obey Him.
• Are you this widow today?

CONCLUSION

The test of the widow for a cup of water and a piece of cake brought unlimited blessings to her
family.
Before every significant blessing, a little test should prove your faithfulness to God.
Remember Adam and Eve's test of the forbidden fruit before their guarantee of immortal life.
If only you can be faithful and willing to sacrifice your personal interest for God's sake, God
will reward you with unlimited blessings.

Remember, Obedience won't disadvantage you!

 THEME: OBEDIENT BUT NOT DISADVANTAGED
THEME SONG: 304 local Count Your Blessings
TITLE: Unlimited Blessings Due To A Meal! (sermon # 5)
TEXT: Matthew 14:27-33

Historical Setting: Philosophy-People believed in ghosts with the ability to cause harm to
humans, especially at night.

Context: Matt. 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the
sea. Matt. 14:26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said,
"It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.

MAIN POINT: PETER WALKED ON WATER

QUESTION: WHY DID PETER MANAGE TO WALK ON WATER?

1. Because he was the only one who took courage when all were afraid of Jesus- Mt14: 27

• Friends of mine, in spiritual matters, you need the courage to step out of your fears.
• Fear is always the devil's agent to make believers fail to accomplish exploits for God.
• Some are afraid to be faithful to God because of life's uncertainties, just like the other
disciples were.

2. Because he was the only one who was willing to be commanded by Jesus- Mt 14:28

• Saints of God, God is looking for believers who do not wait until every obstacle is out
of their way to cooperate with God.
• God is interested in believers who are willing to be commanded at any time and in any
situation and obey Him.
• Child of God, you could be the Peter of today in this church, whom God commands to
cooperate with Him.

3. Because he obeyed the call by Jesus to walk on water- Mt 14:28

• Just like God did to Peter, He is willing to help only those believers who obey His word.
• The church has many people who fill its buildings, without faith enough to obey God.
• Faith enables you to do impossibilities in your Christian life.

CONCLUSION
Peter walked on water because of his courage and obedience to Jesus' word.
What about you and me? What exploit have you had in this church and life?
Remember, Obedience won’t disadvantage you!
 THEME: OBEDIENT BUT NOT DISADVANTAGED
THEME SONG: 304 local Count Your Blessings
TITLE: The Wonders Of A Boy's Launch (sermon # 6)
TEXT: John 6:5-13
Historical Setting: Spiritual-Around Passover times, many people flocked to Jerusalem
to attend the national event commemorating their deliverance from Egypt.

Context: John 6:3-4 But Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.
Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.

MAIN POINT: JESUS FED THOUSANDS WITH A BOY'S LAUNCH.

WHAT HAPPENED FOR JESUS TO FEED SUCH A MULTITUDE?

1. Hungry people came to Jesus in the mountains with no food- John 6:5.

• Beloved leaders, church is not only about preaching the word without attending to the
physical needs of the church members!
• Just as it was in Jesus' day, today, many hungry believers flock to the church with physical
needs.
• Is this church awake to this fact of ministry?

2. Andrew brought a boy with the launch of five loaves and two fish- John 6:8-9.

• Are you the Andrew of your church, who can identify potential even among the youths and
young children for Jesus to use them?
• It is not about quantity, but willingness to cooperate with God that matters.

3. Jesus blessed the Boy's launch for the multitude to eat- John 6:11.

• Your little amounts in your hands; if they are sacrificed and handed over to God's work,
He can multiply them.
• There is no loss when you sacrifice your resources for God's use, as the results will be
extraordinary.

4. Twelve baskets were full of leftovers- John 6:13.

• Just as plenty was left after Jesus's miracles, plenty will be lefts after your obedience to
God.
• My friends, don't underrate your contribution to the kingdom of God, as it goes a long way.

CONCLUSION
What do you have with you right now? Jesus wants to use it!
The wonder of a little boy's launch is when little food is surrendered to God's use!
The spirit of sacrifice should embrace both young and adults in this church.
Appeal for the spirit of sacrifice.
Remember, obedience won’t disadvantage you!
 THEME: OBEDIENT BUT NOT DISADVANTAGED
THEME SONG: 304 local Count Your Blessings
TITLE: The Sacrifice Which God Honors (sermon # 7)
TEXT: 2Cor. 9:5-8

Historical setting: Economic-The church at Jerusalem was undergoing some afflictions,

and Paul was mobilizing resources from gentile churches to help the church at Jerusalem.
Context: 2Cor. 9:3-4 But I have sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you may
not prove empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you will be prepared; otherwise, if any
Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to mention you—would be put
to shame by this confidence.
MAIN POINT: TO A GENEROUS GIVER, GOD OVERFLOWS HIS BLESSINGS.
QUESTION: WHAT WERE PAUL'S INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CHURCH AT
CORINTH?
1. Everyone was to give their promised generous gifts for the cause of God 2Cor 9:5.

• Beloved of God, every church member must fulfil their pledge to God.
• Child of God, God expects a generous gift when giving our gifts to Him.
• Therefore, when church members undergo challenging times, it is the role of the church
leadership to help mobilize material resources, not just empty prayers.

2. Each believer who gives sparingly limits their blessings from God- 2Cor 9:6.

• God is looking for believers who understand that God was not stingy in giving to the world.
• God's spirit of giving generously should be reflected in His believers in this church today.
• Have you been limiting your blessings by your giving sparingly, even when you have
plenty?

3. Each believer should follow their heart when it comes to giving generously and
cheerfully- 2Cor 9:7

• Child of God, God loves a happy giver in matters of giving offerings or gifts.
• God is interested in your attitude before your gifts come to Him.
• Anything given to Him out of force or compulsion on the part of leaders to members, God
doesn't accept it.

4. God has abilities to lavish blessings on the sacrificial givers for His cause- 2Cor 9:8.

• When you give generously to God's cause, He has promised to out-lavish you with more
blessings beyond your understanding.
• When you become a partner with God in giving, He will provide in abundance for you to
have sufficient to continue your good deeds.

CONCLUSION
The sacrifices which God honours are the gifts you give to Him after you promise to do so.
The sacrifices which God honours are the gifts from your happy heart.
The sacrifices which God honours are gifts given generously and not sparingly.
Remember! God is able to make you have sufficient in everything.
Remember, obedience wont disadvantage you!