International Service Sermon, 2025

A Sermon by Rev. Douglas Ahamefula and Elder Brenard Rowe, Elders at Victory Church in Providence, RI.

Opening Tribute and Introduction

• Reference to Biblical principle: "The seed we sow is the seed we reap."

• Honoring Bernard for 32 years of service to the church, emphasizing long-term commitment and various roles in ministry (especially choir/music).

• Mention of Bernard’s wife, Fanny, who has passed away.

• Note of Bernard’s journey to the church and his active, faithful involvement.

Bernard’s Acknowledgments

• Bernard expresses gratitude to Senior Pastor Richard and Pastor Lisa.

• Occasion: 36th church anniversary, international service.

• Bernard humbly accepts the opportunity to speak and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Theme: The Power and Nature of God’s Love

• Encouragement to reflect on the strongest force in the universe: love, specifically the love of God.

• God's love described as eternal, unchanging, and foundational.

• Focus on unconditional (agape) love, not romantic or materialistic love.

Illustrated Stories and Examples

• Story of a village fire: neighbors show overwhelming love and support to a woman who lost everything.

  • Love stronger than the devastation caused by the fire.

• International service: church as a community of 26 nations, demonstrating God’s love through unity and cultural celebration.

Biblical Foundations of Love

• Biblical description of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, paraphrased):

  • Love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not proud.

  • Does not dishonor, is not self-seeking or easily angered.

  • Keeps no record of wrongs, rejoices in truth, always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, never fails.

• Call to consistently demonstrate these biblical attributes of love.

The Greatest Demonstration: Jesus Christ and the Cross

• Reference to John 3:16: God's gift of his only son as act of unconditional love.

• Example of Christ’s sacrifice—pleading for forgiveness, promise to the thief: “You will be with me in paradise.”

• Analogy: judge takes punishment upon himself—parallels Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity.

Command to Love One Another

• Quote of John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give you, love one another…”

• Must demonstrate love for others; cannot claim love for God while hating others.

Forgiveness and Restoration

• Parable of the prodigal son: father’s unconditional love and forgiveness; call to emulate this.

• Romans 5:8: God’s love demonstrated while we were still sinners.

Sacrificial Love in Practice

• Example: missionaries risking life for the gospel—sacrificial love.

• No one can outgive God; God’s gifts surpass all.

God’s Love in Creation and Deliverance

• Genesis 1:31: God declares his creation “very good” as a sign of his love.

• God's deliverance in biblical history: freeing Israel from Egypt, crossing the Red Sea.

• Love like a shepherd rescuing a lost sheep.

The Permanence of God’s Love

• Romans 8:38-39: nothing can separate us from God’s love.

• God’s love is likened to a lighthouse—guiding through storms.

Call to Action and Conclusion

• God’s love is the greatest gift, endures forever, accessible to all.

• Challenge to receive and share this love unconditionally: “Love is like a candle, it doesn’t lose light by lighting another.”

• Call for unity and acts of love among church community.

• Closing prayer of thanksgiving, blessing, and request to show sacrificial love.