ECWA

Sermon Topic: Keep Your Lamp Burning for the Gospel
Text: Acts of the Apostles 6:1–2
Introduction
In Acts of the Apostles 6:1–2, the early church was growing rapidly, but challenges arose—complaints, distractions, and pressure on leadership. The apostles made a powerful decision: they refused to be distracted from preaching the Word of God. They chose to keep their spiritual “lamp” burning.
A burning lamp represents your passion, your faith, your commitment, and your readiness to serve God. The question today is: Is your lamp still burning for the Gospel?
1. A Burning Lamp Requires Focus
The apostles said: “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.”
They were not saying serving is bad—but they understood their primary calling.
Many believers today are distracted—by problems, social media, worldly pursuits, or even good things that are not God’s assignment for them.
To keep your lamp burning:
Stay focused on your calling
Prioritize God’s Word
Don’t let distractions quench your fire
2. A Burning Lamp Requires Spiritual Fuel
A lamp cannot burn without oil. Spiritually, your oil is:
Prayer
The Word of God
Fellowship
If you neglect these, your fire will go out.
Just like in the parable of the ten virgins (Gospel of Matthew 25:1–13), those without oil were unprepared.
Ask yourself: Are you daily refilling your lamp?
3. A Burning Lamp Requires Responsibility
The apostles appointed others to handle certain duties so the Gospel work could continue effectively.
This teaches us:
Everyone has a role in God’s house
Supporting the work of God keeps the flame alive
When each person serves faithfully, the Gospel spreads faster
Don’t just watch—be involved.
4. A Burning Lamp Shines in Darkness
The world today is full of darkness—sin, confusion, fear.
Jesus said in Gospel of Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.”
If your lamp is burning:
People will see Christ in you
Your life will preach the Gospel
Darkness around you will be pushed back
5. A Burning Lamp Must Be Guarded
Fire can go out if not protected.
Things that can quench your lamp:
Sin
Spiritual laziness
Discouragement
Negative influences
Guard your heart. Stay alert. Keep your fire alive.
Conclusion
The apostles in Acts of the Apostles 6:1–2 made a decision to keep their lamp burning by staying committed to the Gospel.
You must also decide today:
Will you stay focused?
Will you keep your spiritual oil full?
Will you shine for Christ?
Call to Action
If your lamp is growing dim, this is the time to rekindle it:
Return to prayer
Return to the Word
Return to your first love
Keep your lamp burning… because the world needs your light.

Speaker: Rev. John Y Mamman
Topic: THE LAMP OF YOUR FAMILY IS DYING OUT
Texts:
First Epistle to the Thessalonians 4:1–8
Book of Deuteronomy 23:12–14
INTRODUCTION
Beloved, every family has a lamp.
A lamp represents:
The presence of God
The moral standard of the home
The spiritual fire
The covenant light passed from one generation to another
When the lamp is burning, there is direction.
When the lamp is dying, confusion, shame, and darkness enter.
Today we ask:
Is the lamp of your family still burning… or is it dying out?
1️⃣ THE LAMP DIES WHEN HOLINESS IS LOST
(1 Thessalonians 4:1–8)
The Apostle Paul urged believers to live in holiness and purity.
God’s will is sanctification.
When s*xual immorality, secret sin, dishonor, and uncleanness enter a family, the spiritual lamp begins to flicker.
Verse 7 says:
"For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."
Many family lamps are dying because:
Parents no longer model righteousness
Children grow without spiritual discipline
Marriage beds are defiled
Sin is tolerated instead of corrected
Holiness is oil for the family lamp.
Without oil, fire cannot remain.
2️⃣ THE LAMP DIES WHEN GOD’S PRESENCE DEPARTS
(Deuteronomy 23:12–14)
God instructed Israel to keep the camp clean because:
“For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp…”
God walks in families.
But He does not dwell where there is uncleanness.
When a home becomes spiritually polluted:
Quarrels increase
Peace disappears
Prayer becomes dry
Favor is withdrawn
The problem is not witches.
The problem is spiritual uncleanness that chases God away.
If God leaves the camp, the lamp must go out.
3️⃣ SIGNS THAT THE FAMILY LAMP IS DYING
No altar of prayer in the home
No hunger for the Word
Children mocking spiritual things
Generational curses repeating
No peace in marriage
Sudden moral collapse
When light fades, darkness takes over gradually — not suddenly.
4️⃣ HOW TO RELIGHT THE FAMILY LAMP
🔥 1. Repentance
Return to God sincerely.
Confess hidden sins.
🔥 2. Restore the Family Altar
Pray together
Study Scripture
Worship in the home
🔥 3. Purify the Camp
Remove:
Immoral relationships
Corrupt media
Ungodly influences
🔥 4. Rebuild Covenant
Declare: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
5️⃣ A PROPHETIC WARNING
If the lamp dies:
Destiny weakens
Influence reduces
Spiritual authority disappears
Generations suffer
But if the lamp burns:
Children rise in favor
Marriage shines
God’s glory rests upon the home
CONCLUSION
Beloved, God is walking in your camp today.
Will He find it clean?
Will He find oil in your lamp?
Do not allow the lamp of your family to die.
Let holiness return.
Let prayer return.
Let fire return.
May your family lamp burn brighter than ever in Jesus’ name. Amen.