Warning Against False Prophets – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
02 December 2018 | 3:59 am

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the good Shepherd and His warning is to make His sheep to be watchful. He does not want to lose any of His own to "ravening wolves." "Beware" – be watchful, be on your guard, take warning.

In sounding this alarm and giving this warning, Christ was motivated by perfect love on the basis of His perfect knowledge. There would be no warning if there were no danger.

Knowing the presence of false prophets, even during His own time, and foreseeing the rise of teachers of damnable error in our time, He gave this warning over and over.

The Apostles have also given us the same warning. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." "...Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders." "...Behold, I have told you before." "...After my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." "Therefore watch."

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ." "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers..." "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways..."

"...Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." (Matthew 7:15; 16:6; 24:11,24,25; Acts 20:29-31; 2 Corinthians 11:13; Philippians 3:2; 2 Peter 2:1,2; 3:17).

"Beware of false prophets." If it was a necessary warning at the time of Christ and the Apostles, it is a much-needed warning today. Satan, the world and the flesh are not the only dangers in the way of the believer; there is another great danger: false prophets – wolves in sheep's clothing. Beware, watch and be on your guard.

Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the great King and true Prophet, the faithful Teacher Who came from God, had just described the narrow way of life and righteousness that leads to heaven, and the broad way of sin and self that leads to perdition.

Then, He immediately gave the warning and sounded the alarm: "Beware of false prophets." The chief aim of false prophets is to deceive us and point us to the wrong way, thereby leading us astray. They call good evil and paint evil as good. They encourage people to walk on the broad way that leads to hell and discourage them from walking in the narrow way that leads to heaven.

The warning was necessary for sinners who were already accustomed to the broad way, sinners who were thoughtless about spiritual matters, sinners who took religious deceivers as their final authority, sinners who entrusted the eternal destiny of their souls into the hands of ignorant leaders in religion.

This warning is needed by awakened sinners on the verge of decision, sinners who are concerned about their spiritual welfare, who are asking what to do in order to have eternal life. Which way should they turn – to the right or to the left; to the narrow way or to the broad way? Which people should they identify with – the multitude on the broad way or the few on the narrow way?

The warning must be taken to heart by new converts who have just repented and believed in Christ, by believers who are suffering persecution, by Christians who are under pressure to reconsider their commitment to Christ, by disciples who are feeling the weight of the cross they bear, by preachers of the gospel who are not popular with the world and whose lone voice is almost being drowned by multitudes of world-acclaimed preachers.

"Beware of false prophets." For the sake of souls, take heed.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 7:15; 16:6-12; 24:4,5,11-13,24,25, 42; Jeremiah 14:14; 23:21-32; Deuteronomy 13:1-11; 2 Corinthians 11:2-4,11-13; Galatians 1:6-10; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1; Jude 4,12-19; Revelation 22:16-19.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/warning-against-false-prophets-part-1/

Warning Against False Prophets – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
09 December 2018 | 4:12 am

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing. Appearance can be very deceptive. Gifts without grace, charisma without character, love without light, tenderness without truth, hospitality without holiness, worship without the Word, eloquence without enlightenment, fellowship without food for the soul, faith without faithfulness, prosperity without purity, success without salvation, revelation without righteousness, can be very deceptive in religion.

Beware of ravening wolves in sheep's clothing, destructive adversaries clothed with dazzling affection, dangerous friends (foes) clothed as delightful friends, poisonous serpents clothed as peaceful saints, cruel tormentors clothed as compassionate teachers, wicked murderers clothed as winsome messengers, determined destroyers clothed as devoted defenders. Beware, wolves are still wolves inwardly, whatever be the outward pretence or polish. Even when they pretend and pose as shepherds, they are looking for sheep to devour, not to defend, protect or feed. Jesus said, beware.

False prophets come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Be wise and be watchful. Look beyond their outward appearance, deep beneath the outward, pleasing personality. Watch and listen to the witness of the Holy Spirit, examine the fruit of their lives and evaluate the fruit of their labour. Beware, lest you throw your soul into the claws and jaws of a ravening wolf because of an untested assumption that you are entrusting your soul to a good and faithful shepherd.

Deception, eternally dangerous deception, is the trademark of Satan and his servants and false prophets – at their best, really, at their worst. False prophets so conceal and hide their wickedness and cleverly proclaim error as truth that even elites and educated people in different areas of life and discipline are easily deceived. Scientists and philosophers, the mighty and the wealthy, the intelligent and the wise, the educated and the civilised, the religious and the zealot, the secular mind and even the spiritual man have been deceived by false prophets in the past, in all generations and in this generation.

If we are to escape the false prophet' deception and the damnation it brings, we must diligently watch over our lives. We must be constantly guided by the Holy Spirit and the Scripture. Beware, watch, take heed.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 7:15; Ezekiel 22:25-27; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Kings 13:11-24; 2 Chronicles 18:4-11,28-34; Isaiah 9:13-16; 44:20; Jeremiah 28:10-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Timothy 2:17,18; Revelation 2:14-16; 20:10-15; Matthew 7:15; 23:13-15; Luke 11:44; Job 20:12-14; Psalm 10:8-10; Jeremiah 23:11-14; Acts 8:9-11,18-23; 13:6-12; 2 Peter 2:17-20; Revelation 2:20-26; Proverbs 19:27; Romans 16:17,18.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/warning-against-false-prophets-part-2/

Where Do You Store Your Treasure? – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
16 December 2018 | 4:27 am

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

Christ's exhortation concerning our treasures is two-fold – negative and positive. The word, "treasures," is very broad and all-inclusive, meaning wealth, costly things such as property, lands, gold and precious stones, as well as possession, including money. Here, our Lord warns us against confining our ambition, interests and pre-occupation to this life.

Everyone needs this exhortation because we all have treasures in some shape or form. The poor and the rich, the young and the old all have treasures they can lay up either on earth or in heaven. The first part of Christ's command teaches us not to lay or store our treasures on earth, and gives us the reason for the teaching. The second part instructs us where to lay or keep our treasures and He gives us reasons for the instruction.

Those who lay up treasures for themselves on earth are thinking of their future on earth. Those who lay up treasures for themselves in heaven are thinking and planning for their future in heaven. Both are thinking of the future, but one is earth-bound while the other is heaven-bound. One is foolish because his labour and treasures will perish with the earth; the other is wise because his labour is eternally rewardable and his treasures are imperishable in heaven.

From the earliest of times, from the time of Jacob in Genesis, the term, treasure, had been identified with money. Other passages or references of Scripture identify treasure as riches, wealth, possession, produce of the farmer's field for sale, profit or gain through labour, monetary reward of labour, silver and gold, gifts and inheritance.

In ancient times, treasures also included clothes or changes of raiment, as well as gold, silver, gems, lands and oil. It meant anything possessed, which could be used to provide present and future comfort or convenience in life. Men often lay up these treasures – money, earthly possessions – like Achan hid the "goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight" or like the treasure of "goodly pearls of great price" "hid in a field."

Here, our Lord cautions us against hoarding our money or other valuable possessions, when there are needs to be met all around us. Laying up treasures for ourselves on earth is an evidence that our hope, faith and trust are in our wealth and riches. Though we must provide for the present and future needs of our family (2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Timothy 5:8), but we must not put our hope or trust in riches (Job 31:24-28; Mark 10:24,25).

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:19-21; Genesis 43:19-23; Proverbs 15:16; 21:6; Ecclesiastes 2:8-10; Isaiah 30:6,7; Jeremiah 41:8; 48:7; 49:4; Acts 8:27; James 5:1-3; Hebrews 11:24-26.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/where-do-you-store-your-treasure-part-1/

Where Do You Store Your Treasure? – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
23 December 2018 | 3:58 am

The selfish practice of laying up treasures or riches for ourselves only, without any regard to using our wealth for the good of our generation, the support of the Gospel, or the glory of God, is forbidden and condemned by Christ.

Everyone of us is only a steward, to spend or dispense God's treasure entrusted to us for the glory of God, the gospel of Christ and the good of our fellow-men.

The Lord has given us a three-fold reason for the divine precept not to lay treasures for ourselves on earth.
i) Treasures laid up on earth are liable to destruction: they can be eaten up by moths.
ii) There is also the inherent decay, which pertains to all earthly things – treasures laid up on earth losing value because of rust, destruction or inflation.
iii) These earthly treasures laid up for many years can be stolen or the owners can be taken away from the earth, leaving the treasures behind.

"Then whose shall those things be, which" are "laid up for many years?" Heaven is the only safe place in which to deposit or keep our treasures, riches and wealth.

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal."

Heaven is real and we must prepare not only to reach there but to be rewarded there. To reach there and be received into heaven, we must be "poor in spirit," "hunger and thirst after righteousness" until we are "filled," be "pure in heart" and endure persecution for "righteousness' sake" "unto the end" (Matthew 5:3-10; 24:13).

To get to heaven, we must be born again and receive God's grace to live in holiness before God all the days of our life (John 3:3-7; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 12:14).

To have treasures in heaven and know in ourselves that we "have in heaven a better and an enduring substance," we must lay our treasures in heaven while we are still living on earth.

How can we lay up treasures in heaven? "Give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven." "Preach the gospel to the poor."

Use your treasure, time and talent to bring life to those who are spiritually dead, and light to those who are living in darkness. Use your substance to bring hope to the hopeless and salvation to the lost. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 6:19; Ecclesiastes 5:10-15; 2:18-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Luke 12:15-21; Jeremiah 51:13-18; Psalm 39:4-7; John 6:27; James 5:1-3; Job 31:24-28; Mark 10:17-27; 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 6:20,21; Luke 12:31-37; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Luke 16:9-12; Isaiah 33:6; Philippians 3:7-11,20,21; Hebrews 10:32-34; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,18; Colossians 3:1-4.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/where-do-you-store-your-treasure-part-2/

The Unchanging God
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
30 December 2018 | 4:15 am

Years come and go, but one object remains constant, and that is our living God. We serve a God we can trust and implicitly depend on. When we know who He is in reality, and faith becomes as natural as breathing to us, then we shall be able to take our place beside Abraham, who staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was fully persuaded that what God has promised He was also able to perform.

Knowing this unalterable character of God that He cannot lie will impart the courage of Moses into us, and we shall be able to endure seeing Him who is invisible. To know in our hearts that God cannot lie will make us invincible as we stand on His promises.

The Scripture reveals that:
(1) God is immutable (Hebrews 6:18);
(2) He is infallible (Joshua 21:45);
(3) He is incorruptible (Romans 1:23; Revelation 4:8);
(4) He is infinite (Isaiah 40:28);
(5) He is incomprehensible (Psalm 139:1-6);
(6) He is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17); and,
(7) He is immortal (1 Timothy 6:15,16).

As believers, our full-time responsibility is to glorify God and adorn His doctrine.

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Believers need to know the implication and weight of the word 'cannot.' It is a stronger word than 'will not.' This word expresses the utter impossibility for God to lie. The attribute of God's immutability is applied to His promise of eternal life. Because He cannot lie, His promise to save sinners who come to Him in repentance can be depended upon; His promises to saints can be depended upon because He gives life; His promises to the world and the Church are dependable; and His promises to His children will be fulfilled. The promises were made before the world began, and they will be fulfilled until the end of the world. We are called to trust God who cannot lie, who will satisfy our needs and fulfil our heart desires. The Lord will defend, protect and preserve us for His abundant blessings if we trust Him.

"And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life." The Scripture is full of God's promises. From the beginning to the very end, there are promises of forgiveness, salvation and adoption into God's family for sinners outside the fold. Thus, the sinner can come with confidence that God who invited him will forgive and transform his life. Once he repents and believes in Christ, he becomes a member of the family of God, having eternal life abiding in Him. Having been saved, he is kept and cared for by the Lord on the basis of His immutability and promises.

God's promises to His children are great and numerous, precious and varied. He who has promised to save has also promised to keep us; He who has promised to give us eternal life has also promised to give us abundant life; He who has given us the promise of holiness, has also given us the promise of healing. There are promises for the spirit, soul and body; promises in times of peace, persecution, temptation and tranquility; promises of purity and power; promises for present and future challenges; promises for members and ministers; promises for our progress in life and the promise of the power of the Holy Ghost to make us effective in preaching the word and serving the Lord. All these promises are made by God who cannot lie.

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" God's promises are precious and peculiar. He has promised to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Knowing that we cannot save ourselves, possess eternal life, make ourselves holy, become spiritual dynamites and manifest supernatural power by human efforts, heal ourselves of incurable terminal diseases, deliver ourselves from the great enemy of God and man, qualify ourselves to be made fit for heaven in our own strength, bring conviction and conversion upon sinners by our natural ability, purify believers and prepare them for heaven by our communication skills, God has promised to do all these for us.

He has promised what He purposes to do; and what He has promised, He has also the power to perform. As a believer, you need not fear or get worried about any negative situation.

With your knowledge of the perfection, promise and power of God, identify the need (in your life, family, ministry, etc.), find God's promise appropriate for that need, focus on His power, forget your own inability and weakness, pray in faith, accept the fulfilment and praise Him with a grateful heart. The Lord has power to fulfil all His promises. And since we serve a God who cannot lie or fail, we should depend on Him.

Further Reading (King James Version): Titus 1:2, 1, 7; 2:11, 10, 5; 3:8; Titus 1:2; Jeremiah 33:22; Hosea 1:10; Matthew 7:18; Luke 16:26; John 15:4; James 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:13; James 1:17; Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:31. Titus 1:2; 1 John 2:25; 2 Peter 1:3,4; Luke 1:72-75; 24:49; Acts 1:4,5,8. Titus 1:2; 1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 4:19-21; Numbers 23:19, 20.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-unchanging-god/

Kumuyi Urges Church Not To Tamper With Ancient Landmarks
By Isaac Taiwo
06 January 2019 | 3:14 am

The General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi has called on the Church to ensure that the gospel is disseminated as it was received and not to remove ancient landmarks. He asserted that there was no way any man could embellish the Word of God without getting same distorted, which would be a departure from the real message and meaning.

During his ministration at the just concluded four-day National December Retreat, held at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with the theme: "Experience the dawn of a new beginning," Kumuyi reminded church members that Jesus came to establish both the ministers and congregation, urging them to be wary of manipulating the word of God to suit their purpose.

"Remove not the ancient landmark, which their fathers have set. "My son, fear thou the LORD and the king and meddle not with them that are given to change," he quoted from the scriptures.

The Cleric assured that the Word of God is sacrosanct and cannot be manipulated and that God is always interested in those contributing to building the Church, just as He told Moses that he should ensure he built the tabernacle in the wilderness according to the "pattern" he was shown on the mount. He disclosed that the End Time is here, and people would like to go their own way with the belief that they are still carrying out the great commission when in reality, they are distorting the Word of God and have consequently departed from the laid down foundation.

Kumuyi, who delivered his message under three sub-headings such as 'The Foundation and doctrine of Master's landmarks;' 'the falsehood and dangers of modern days liars' and the faithfulness of disciples with ministering loyalty,' remarked that the foundation and doctrine of Jesus Christ, the Master is there for anyone called to observe and follow, without adding or subtracting from them.

He felt sorry for modern day or End Time preachers, who tell lies and propagate falsehood for personal gain, as their end is severe judgment of God. He reminded those propagating the gospel, as well as those listening to the Word of God to be faithful stewards.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/kumuyi-urges-church-not-to-tamper-with-ancient-landmarks/

Key to the triumphant life – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
06 January 2019 | 3:02 am

As the New Year rolls in, we ought to take stock of how we have lived, and where we failed God. Above all, we should resolve to do things differently, if we expect God's approval and favour. We have a worthy example in the life of Daniel, one of the most remarkable personalities in the Bible.

Daniel, who by all accounts was a success in Babylon, knew God's secret for success. He lived a triumphant life in Babylon. He lived a clean life in an unclean society, a holy life in an unholy society, a pure life in an impure nation, a righteous life in an idolatrous environment, an undefiled life in the midst of moral defilement. He was like a white lily growing in a dirty surrounding without any stain on it.

The source of his triumphant life was divine and the strength of that life was prayer and faith. The root of his principled life was God's grace and the sustaining power was his firm decision, importunate prayer life and unwavering faith in God. With his spirit focused on God's glory and his heart given to God from which He could rule and reign without a rival, his firm purpose to remain faithful to God was absolute. Believers in the present world must take heed, watch and pray lest they partake in the sins, and corrupting lifestyle of the age. The culture of Babylon or the world must not be allowed to defile believers' conscience.

Daniel had no choice whether to live in Babylon or not; he had been taken captive along with other Jews from Jerusalem in Judah. But he had a choice as to what kind of life he lived. He chose to live a life free from every form of defilement, which was not limited to eating and drinking either in the Old Testament or in the New Testament but he "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." Unclean meat, food or meat sacrificed to idols, idolatry, witchcraft and sorcery, immorality, transgression and sin, evil of every kind all defile the man (Leviticus 11:44,45; 18:24,30; 19:31; Ezekiel 20:7,18,19,43; 37:23; 1 Chronicles 5:1; Hebrews 13:4; Psalm 106:39-42; Matthew 15:18-20).

Daniel knew that defilement would bring God's judgment and wrath on him. So, he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. Like Daniel, we too can have God's grace and spiritual strength to be free from all defilement of idolatry, immorality and iniquity.

"But Daniel purposed in his heart." He knew that out of the heart of man are the issues of life. Yet, his heart had been enlightened by the Word of God. A strong conviction had been established in his heart and to him; truth was not relative but absolute. He judged the proposal and provision of the king by the demand of God, the great King of heaven and earth. He meditated much on the Word of God and considered the danger and eternal consequence of defiling himself. Regardless of the consequences of rejecting Babylon's lifestyle, Daniel purposed in his heart to fear God rather than men – even men of authority and might. His purpose was to please God and leave the consequences in His Hands. Fear of man destroys faith in God, faithfulness to God and the very foundation of a righteous life. Fear of man weakens the heart, enfeebles convictions and shakes the very foundation of a firm purpose.

"Daniel purposed in his heart," not in his head. The heart, not the head, is the seat of our spiritual life, the spring of life's principles, the source of strong affection and man's actions, the fountain from which all spiritual and vital actions flow. As the heart is, so our life will be. Our lives can never rise above the state of our hearts.

A conviction that originates from a sanctified heart, a principle that is rooted in a purified heart, a purpose that is implanted in a renewed heart, will lead to a righteous and holy life. Convictions floating like unsettled notions in the mind, borrowed principles stored in the head, shared by friends but not fixed and rooted in the heart do not produce sanctified, triumphant lives. When the heart is quickened and sanctified by God's grace, the life of faith and holiness will be a constant reality wherever we find ourselves – in Jerusalem or in Babylon. A firm, settled purpose of heart is indispensable for a consistently righteous life in Christ.

Further Reading (King James Version): Daniel 1:8; Daniel 1:8; Psalm 17:3; Deuteronomy 32:46,47; Joshua 22:5; Psalms119: 105,106; 119:1-3; 141:4; Proverbs 4:23-27; Luke 9:51; Colossians 3:1,2; 2 Timothy 3:10-14; Acts 11:23.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/key-to-the-triumphant-life-part-1/

Key To The Triumphant Life – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
13 January 2019 | 3:07 am

This New Year, if we expect to please God and receive great blessings from Him, we must, like Daniel in the Bible, insulate ourselves from any action or conduct that is abhorrent in His sight.

In preserving himself holy and acceptable to God while training in Babylonian school and living in the world's capital pagan city, Daniel's purpose of heart was to keep himself pure, free from all defilement.

Daniel's definition and understanding of "things that defile" were based on the scriptures he had been taught from childhood. For the Israelites, unclean animals and birds, meat sacrificed to idols and alcoholic wine, part of which had been poured as libation to an idol, were all defiled and defiling.

These provisions from the king’s table were thus defiled and Daniel's conscience would not accept such free provisions. So, he "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank."

"That which defileth man" goes beyond idolatrous food and drink. Daniel knew this and we ought to know it as well, so that we can be cleansed and remain free "from all filthiness (defilement) of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).

"To keep himself unspotted from the world" and "undefiled in the way" (James 1:27; Psalm 119:1), the believer must be free from the "abominable customs" of the world (Leviticus 8:30; 1 Peter 4:3,4), from any involvement with "familiar spirits, wizards" (Leviticus 19:31), from "all evil" and "transgressions" (Ezekiel 20:43; 37:23).

We must also be watchful over ourselves so that we are not "defiled with our own works" or "our own inventions" (Psalm 106:39,40). The teaching of Christ ought to be taken to heart as we purpose in our hearts not to be defiled.

"And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man" (Mark 7:20-23).

The Son of God can make us free and keep us free from all defilement – from all sin. His power can make you what you ought to be, His Blood can cleanse your heart and make you free; His love can fill your soul and make you live a victorious and triumphant life.

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself … therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." Daniel's aim in all things, in all places, in all situations and at all times, was to have "a conscience void of offence toward God."

His was a noble pattern of life-based on a noble principle of conviction.

Whatever the cost or consequence, God's glory was the focus of his life. His great and noble desire was to be pure, to be free from every form of defilement, to please the Lord, and no pain, peril or possible persecution could bend his will to Babylon's culture or religious practice.

His constant aim was to do whatever God demands and to avoid whatever God forbids.

He had been well-taught in the Scripture of truth, his spirit was responsive to God's still, small voice, his heart was pure and holy, his motive was God-honouring and self-effacing, his conscience was enlightened and sensitive. Not even an appearance of evil would he excuse or allow in his life.

His private life was to be as pure as his public life. Even in Babylon, Daniel refused to allow anything into his mind, his spirit, his heart, his body, his life, anything which would offend God, anything contrary to God's truth, purity or His pure worship and excellence. Oh, that we might live such a Christ-honouring life today.

Dare to be a Daniel; dare to stand alone. Dare to have a firm purpose. Dare to make it known. Many mighty men are lost, because they could not stand for Christ. Dare to be a Daniel. Have a firm purpose to stand for truth and righteousness; be faithful in small things as well as in great things. Purpose in your heart to be undefiled and pray for grace to live as God commands.

Further Reading (King James Version): Daniel 1:8; Acts 15:22-29; Mark 7:20-23; Hebrews 12:15-17; James 3:6; Matthew 15:10,11,18-20; Psalm 119:1-3; James 1:26,27; Hebrews 13:4; Revelation 21:27; Daniel 1:8; Acts 24:16; Hebrews 13:18; 1 Peter 3:15,16; 1 Timothy 1:5,19; Psalm 24:3,4; Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:9; 2 Timothy 2:21,22; Ephesians 5:25-27.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/key-to-the-triumphant-life-part-2/

Faith That Pleases God
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
20 January 2019 | 4:13 am

Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). And God expects each Christian to live by faith in Jesus Christ, if we are to please Him. Those that lived that way in the past met and exceeded this divine expectation. Abel, Enoch, Noah and many others all had faith in God, and He testified of them that they pleased Him. In Abel, we learn the commencement of the life of faith; Enoch teaches us the characteristics of the continuity of the life of faith; Noah's life and action instruct us on the conviction and courage of the life of faith. The Scripture challenges us to let "Christ dwell in [our] hearts by faith" (Ephesians 3:17), to "live by faith" (Galatians 2:20), to pray in faith (James 1:6), to resist our adversary, the devil, by faith (1 Peter 5:8,9), to overcome the world by faith (1 John 5:4), to "walk by faith" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

To please God and walk with Him, we are to "walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised" (Romans 4:12). Abraham's life of faith provided a pattern for our faith. His life was nothing else, but a continual practice of faith. The first evidence of faith in his life was his obedience to God, when He called him out of his country. From then on, his life furnished fuller details concerning the life of faith.

"By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go out… obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8). "The Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee" (Genesis 12:1). What a challenge to his faith this was! He was called to go out of idolatry, not out of the family of God (Joshua 24:2,3; Isaiah 51:1,2). What a testing of faith this was – to be converted at 75! Abraham was already 75 years of age (Genesis 12:4), and long journeys and break-up of old associations are not easily undertaken by elderly people. To forsake the old life, to leave loved ones and family idolatry behind, to abandon present certainty for a future uncertainty, to go forth, not knowing where, must have seemed unreasonable to the flesh and all those around him. Only faith could do such a thing in response to God's call.

A practical separation from the world is demanded of us, for "the friendship of the world is enmity with God" (James 4:4). As it was contrary to nature for Abraham to leave family and idolatry, so it is equally contrary to nature for the Christian to separate from the world and crucify the flesh. Abraham "obeyed; and he went out." He obeyed not only in word, but also in deed. "By faith, Abraham… obeyed" (Hebrews 11:8). Faith and obedience can never be separated just as the sun and light or fire and heat can never be separated.

"He went out, not knowing whither he went." At the time God called him, He did not specify which land he was to journey to, nor where it was located. It was by faith, real faith in the Living God, and not by sight, that he moved forward. Many so-called Christians only obey God after considering their own personal interests. God requires unqualified obedience from us. The path of obedience must be trod, if ever you are to reach heaven. No disobedient soul that is wrapped up in self-will can enter heaven.

"By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country…" (Hebrews 11:9). This brings before us the second proof of Abraham's faith. We had been told of the place he left. Here, we are told of the place to which he was called. We learn from him the necessity of patience and constancy of faith in waiting for the fulfilment of God's promise. As it was by faith that Abraham went out of Chaldea, so it was by faith he remained out of his native idolatrous country. We come out of the world to come into Christ's Kingdom by faith; and we remain separated from the world through faith. Unless a supernatural work of grace had been wrought in Abraham's heart, subduing his natural reasoning, he would not have remained in Canaan. He stayed there, "as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles," patiently waiting for the inheritance. The Christian also has been begotten "to an inheritance" (1 Peter 1:4), but he does not fully enter into it (that is, into heaven) the moment he is called "from death unto life." He, too, waits patiently for that "inheritance reserved in heaven." "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10). Walking by faith, not by sight, he set his heart and eyes upon things above and not upon things below. Faith lifts the heart above and beyond earthly things to desire spiritual and heavenly things.

Having spoken of Abraham's faith, the apostle now makes mention of Sarah's faith. What a great blessing it is when a husband and wife are both partners and partakers of living, dynamic faith; when both are moving in the same direction in faith. The believing husband and the believing wife are "heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Peter 3:7).

Further References (King James Version): Hebrews 11:8-12; Genesis 12:1-4; Joshua 24:2,3; Acts 7:2-4; Isaiah 51:2; Romans 1:5; Luke 5:32; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Acts 13:2; 2 Peter 1:10; Hebrews 11:9,10; Genesis 13:12,14-18; 17:8; 26:2-5; Acts 7:5; Hebrews 11:10; 12:28; 13:14; John 14:2; Hebrews 11:11,12; Romans 4:19-21; Hebrews 10:23; Genesis 22:17; Deuteronomy 1:10; Nehemiah 9:23; Acts 10:43; 26:18; Hebrews 10:35-37.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/faith-that-pleases-god-3/

Living For God's Glory – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
27 January 2019 | 4:26 am

Jesus Christ in His message on the Mount, reveals the Father and His grace to us. He sees us as part of His own people who are not in the kingdom by accident. Because "known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world" (Acts 15:18), He knows the individual Christian and what He has called him to do. He has called us, Christians, to preach the gospel message to the whole world. Christ reveals that wherever we are today, we are there to fulfil His purpose of beaming the gospel light to the world in which we live.

We are favoured and privileged to receive manifold revelations from Christ. This is because He did not always open His mouth to speak when men desired Him to do so (Luke 23:8,9). The revelations and experiences we receive from Christ's teachings (Matthew 5:1-15) bring on us a responsibility. And to every Christian, Christ says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." "So" in this verse of Scripture denotes that we, Christians, must allow our light to shine to a very high degree, a great extent, an extra-ordinary level and with a higher quality of brightness.

Extra-ordinary quality of virtue or superlative emphasis on a thing is also expressed in other Scripture references (John 3:16; Matthew 6:30-32; 8:10; Acts 14:1;19:20; Philippians 4:1; Hebrews 1:4; 2:3). The floodlight of believers’ lives then must have a supernatural path and effect on the people. The light that shines from us must be with inexhaustible oil of grace, love and of the Holy Spirit. We must live for Christ before men and for God’s glory.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." As believers and light of the world, we must shine so that others can see our good works. But our purpose of heart is not to attract attention to ourselves. They are to see by our light that God has power; that if they come to Him, His transforming power can change them for His own glory. Some misapply Christ's teaching on almsgiving to mean that they are expected to lead a secret Christian lifestyle. But true Christians do not lead secretive lives.

Jesus says believers should live a good, pure and influential life that impacts on people by way of good and sound behaviour. The Christian life must be lived before all men. "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men…" (Acts 19:18,19). We must live out our conviction of non-conformity (to sin and the world) and honesty, lest we become hypocrites. We must let our light shine before men: they should know godly principles on which we stand. "Let your moderation be known unto all men” (Philippians 4:5). Then, they will commit their lives to the Lord. But we are not only expected to live for Christ, but to also labour for God's glory.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:16; Romans 15:5,6; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; Matthew 5:16; 6:1,2; 10:32,33; Acts 19:18,19; Romans 12:17-21; 16:19; Philippians 4:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13; 5:14,15; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2:19-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17; Titus 2:7,8; 3:8,14; Matthew 5:16; John 17:4; 15:8; 1 Peter 2:9,12; 4:11,14; Galatians 1:21-24; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12; Colossians 2:6,7; John 13:15-17.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/living-for-gods-glory-part-1/

Living For God's Glory – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
03 February 2019 | 3:00 am

"Let your light so shine before men…."

The reason we represent and reflect Christ before men is because Christ is the Light of the world. As lights that reflect Him in the world, we do not hide, seclude and isolate ourselves. After all, light is not useful but among men. If the people of the world cannot see it shining, then our light is useless. But we beam the light of Christ and the gospel of grace that burns with the oil of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so they can be attracted to Him.

Saved by grace, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. In the words of John Wesley: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.

Christ has created, saved and imparted His nature in us for the purpose of showing good works before men. Thus, we labour in good works before all men. Also, God has given us the Scripture so we can be "furnished unto all good works." It behoves us, Christians, to endeavour to always live out a cleansed Christ-like attitude, character and lifestyle that illuminates. Our lives then, as Christians, must not only be full of good works, but also patterns of good works before men.

We must be conscious that other people are always watching us. They evaluate our behaviour, language, action and interaction. Therefore, our lives must be full of good works. Anywhere, anytime and "in all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you" (Titus 2:7,8). This pattern of good works is what God wants us to demonstrate.

This is because God is good and promises the everlasting covenant for our good. Jesus, our perfect Model, went about doing good. The Holy Spirit is good in that He guides and directs us. The priority and commitment of our lives then must be to do good to others. By so doing, we will be showing ourselves to be following Christ's model of glorifying God.

The reason for doing good works is so that men may see them and give glory to God. What was the pattern of the life of Jesus in bringing glory to God? He glorified God by concentrating on what the Father had appointed Him to do. "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" (John 17:4). He could not be diverted from His purpose on earth. He rejected earthly coronation by men to be a king. Rather, He focused His attention on the purpose He came to fulfil on earth: His suffering and death for the sin of humanity.

Like Christ, whatever God has called us to do, let's do it without procrastination, but with all our strength, might and knowledge. We must assess ourselves continually to make sure we finish the work God has given us to do to avoid living a wasted life.

As Christians, we must not live a life without consequence. Understandably, we are not ordinary people. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). We must not allow personal problems or challenges that confront us to prevent our light from shining forth.

When it shines for others to see, many of them would be drawn to the Lord. They will glorify God for being transformed by the light of the gospel. So, our lives will glorify God as they also shine forth the light of God's grace, love, holiness and power before men.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:16; Romans 15:5,6; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; Matthew 5:16; 6:1,2; 10:32,33; Acts 19:18,19; Romans 12:17-21; 16:19; Philippians 4:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13; 5:14,15; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2:19-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17; Titus 2:7,8; 3:8,14; Matthew 5:16; John 17:4; 15:8; 1 Peter 2:9,12; 4:11,14; Galatians 1:21-24; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12; Colossians 2:6,7; John 13:15-17.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/living-for-gods-glory-part-2/

Praying With Great Assurance – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
10 February 2019 | 3:22 am

Within the unparalleled teaching of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord reveals the great privilege of praying. For many believers, this is a much-neglected privilege.

If Abraham, Moses, Elijah or Daniel were here today; if they were to have the great and precious promises we have, their power and impact would have been indescribable.

We have great victories and possibilities before us and they are ours if we ask.

Every area of our lives can have a divine impartation; our spiritual and moral lives can be transformed and renewed; all our needs can be supernaturally supplied; all our situations and circumstances can be changed for the better; we can be holier, healthier and happier; we can be free from oppression and be victorious over all temptations; we can receive and experience abundant grace and strength to be all that the Lord has purposed for our lives, if only we would ask in prayer.

The Lord Jesus Christ has already assured us that your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Let us learn to ask Him; let us reverse the Persian decree and make a decree within ourselves not to ask a petition of men but of God, making our requests known unto Him (Daniel 6:6-10; Philippians 4:6).

Practise asking God for your needs and expecting an answer until praying in faith becomes a habit. There are indeed unlimited promises for all believers who pray.

All believers have been given exceeding great and precious promises. All things that pertain unto life and godliness have been given unto us (2 Peter 1:3,4; Romans 8:32).

All we need to do is ask in prayer. The Lord has put great emphasis on asking. The word ask appears in every verse of Matthew 7:7-11.

Ask, and it shall be given you (verse 7). For every one that asketh receiveth (verse 8). If his son ask bread (verse 9).

Or if he ask a fish (verse 10). How much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him? (Verse 11).

Moreover, the first letters of the words, Ask, Seek, Knock form the word ASK.

Many of us lack physically and spiritually because we do not ask God in prayer, as we ought to. Ye have not because ye ask not (James 4:2).

Here, Jesus teaches on prayer as a privilege as well as a precept. It will be strange for a son to always ask strangers to supply his needs and never ask his Father. It is dishonouring to God if His children are always asking people to meet their needs and never asking God Himself.

The Lord commands us to ask. Ask God first, ask Him always, ask Him trusting, ask Him expectantly, ask Him as an obedient son asks a faithful Father and He will answer unfailingly. Ask, and it shall be given you.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 7:7-11; Matthew 7:7,8; 21:21,22; John 14:12-14; 15:7,16; John 16:23,24; James 1:5-8; 1 John 3:19-22; 5:11-15; Matthew 7:7,8; 20:20-23; 1 Samuel 12:19; 8:7,19,20; Hosea 13:9-11; James 4:3; Psalm 78:17,18; Psalm 106:14,15; Proverbs 1:24-30; 28:9; Zechariah 7:12,13; Isaiah 1:15-20; Matthew 7:11; John 4:10; 2 Peter 1:3,4; 1 Kings 3:5-14; 2 Kings 2:9-15; Psalm 2:8; Jeremiah 33:3; Ezekiel 37:1-10; Zechariah 10:1; Luke 11:13; Matthew 18:18,19; Ephesians 3:20,21.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/praying-with-great-assurance-part-1/

Praying With Great Assurance – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
17 February 2019 | 4:15 am

No believer should have any of his prayers unanswered. And yet, barriers exist that ensures that some prayers are not answered by God. Our redemptive right, family right, kingdom right, guarantee answers to prayer. But this is contingent on our continuous walk with God, seeking only His will and letting the mind be in us which was also in Christ.

Praying "according to His will" (1 John 5:14), helped by the Holy Spirit who knows the mind of God (Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:16) and desiring only what God desires, we can always expect answers to our prayers and we shall not be disappointed.

Are there hindrances and barriers? Why do we sometimes experience failure in having our prayers answered? Any failure we experience is always our fault (Deuteronomy 3:23-26; Joshua 7:11,12; 2 Samuel 12:15-23; Psalm 66:18; Ezekiel 14:1-6; Matthew 6:5-8; Luke 18:10-14). God is a faithful God. Remove the barriers and God will answer your prayer. And make no room for unclaimed provision of blessings and benefits.

Parents delight in providing the necessities of life for their children. They readily provide food, daily needs and even good gifts for all their children without partiality or unhealthy preference. They are even willing to give toys to their infants but they become concerned if their adult sons always and only ask for toys.

As we grow up, our needs and desires change to correspond to our growth and maturity. We discover that we need more than bread and fish and our parents notice our mental, social, physical, emotional, spiritual growth by the things we ask. Our prayers often reveal whether we are baby Christians, growing Christians or mature Christians.

There are great, uncommon promises and provision, which we have not claimed. Many precious promises of grace for godliness and success in ministry and fruitfulness are ours. Let our prayers grow with our growth in knowledge and growth in Christ.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 7:7-11; Matthew 7:7,8; 21:21,22; John 14:12-14; 15:7,16; John 16:23,24; James 1:5-8; 1 John 3:19-22; 5:11-15; Matthew 7:7,8; 20:20-23; 1 Samuel 12:19; 8:7,19,20; Hosea 13:9-11; James 4:3; Psalm 78:17,18; Psalm 106:14,15; Proverbs 1:24-30; 28:9; Zechariah 7:12,13; Isaiah 1:15-20; Matthew 7:11; John 4:10; 2 Peter 1:3,4; 1 Kings 3:5-14; 2 Kings 2:9-15; Psalm 2:8; Jeremiah 33:3; Ezekiel 37:1-10; Zechariah 10:1; Luke 11:13; Matthew 18:18,19; Ephesians 3:20,21.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/praying-with-great-assurance-part-2/

Tell Others About Christ – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
24 February 2019 | 3:09 am

Men generally, delight in spreading good news to bring cheers and comfort to other people. The greatest good news for Christians to spread everywhere, is telling others about Jesus Christ, His love, His sacrifice and the salvation that He has brought for all mankind in all ages. The best way to transmit this good news is through personal evangelism.

This involves reaching out to non-believers, those hooked on one evil and sinful habit and lifestyle, or the other. This is done on a person-to-person basis, with the aim of bringing them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is God's command for all Christians. Christ gave us the perfect example. The early church practised it and every believer today is ordained to be fruitful and replenish the kingdom of God through soul-winning (Matthew 4:17-19; 9:35-38; 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Acts 8:4,5,29,30,40; 13:4,6,7; 20:20,21; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

Personal evangelism is not an exclusive responsibility of church leaders. According to Dr. A. T. Pierson, "witnessing was the whole work of the whole church for the whole age." Unfortunately today, many Christians have neglected this assignment. Souls are wasting away into hell and the judgment of God is dangling upon us for failing to obey His command. (1 Corinthians 9:16; Ezekiel 3:17,18,20). We should see telling others about Christ as our call and privilege, and we should do it heartily through personal evangelism.

Personal evangelism is every believer's ministry. Christ's command is directed to all believers, irrespective of their status in the church (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16; Luke 24:47,48; Psalm 68:11). As the blind cannot lead the blind, no one is qualified to win a soul without first being saved himself, and possessing salvation experience. Everyone that has experienced the saving knowledge of Christ is, therefore, called into the ministry of personal evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:17-21; John 1:40-46; Mark 1:41,44,45; 5:19,20; John 4:28-30).

What a great privilege we have as Christians to get involved in the assignment that concerns God most! (Luke 19:10; John 4:34,35; Luke 15:7). To be involved in personal evangelism is to be in partnership with the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. As you preach the gospel to convince sinners, the Holy Ghost convicts them; the Father converts them and Jesus comes into their hearts (2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Luke 10:17-19; Daniel 12:3; Ezekiel 3:18,20).

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 4:18,19,17; John 4:34,35; 9:4; Luke 19:10; Matthew 4:18,19; 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16; Luke 9:1,2; 10:1; 24:47,48; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ezekiel 3:17-21; 18:4; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15; John 4:34,35; Matthew 5:37,38; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 9:35-38; 14:14; John 4:33-35; 9:4,5; Acts 26:16-23.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/tell-others-about-christ-part-1/

Tell Others About Christ – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
03 March 2019 | 3:14 am

The Bible is full of compelling reasons why personal evangelism must take priority in your life and in the church.
Among those compelling priorities are:

(i) Time is short and the end is near (John 9:4; 1 Corinthians 7:29,35; Romans 13:12; Matthew 24:33,34).

(ii) Souls are precious in the sight of God (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36,37; 10:31; 6:25,26; Psalm 49:6-9).

(iii) Hell is the end of all who die in sin, having rejected or neglected God’s loving expression in sending Jesus to pay the ultimate penalty for sin for all mankind. (Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-31; Psalm 9:17; Revelation 20:10-15).

(iv) Multitudes die every day.

(v) The Power of darkness and cults are growing everywhere (2 Timothy 3:13; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 3:3; 2 Corinthians 10:4,5).

(vi) Those who neglect personal evangelism will be deemed guilty before God. (Ezekiel 3:17-20; Matthew 24:14,15,19,24-30; Judges 5:23; 1 Kings 20:29-40; 1 Corinthians 9:16).

(vii) Conversion of sinners brings great joy to heaven (Luke 15:10).

There is, therefore, the urgent need for commitment on the part of all believers to engage actively and fruitfully in the assignment of personal evangelism.

Despite the clarity of teachings on personal evangelism, there is still a great number of Christians, in churches, who are indifferent to the need of dying and doomed souls around them.

The reason for this is lack of love, compassion and zeal to carry out their Christ-assigned task.

There is gross manifest indifference, materialism, bigotry, worldliness and disobedience. All these will result in lack of commitment on the part of those who should become personal evangelists.

The only way out of this present state is for all Christians to have Christ-like zeal, passion and love for the lost.

With Christ-like commitment to the ministry of personal evangelism, we shall be “melted and put into circulation” in order to save this sinning world.

How do we have this Christ-like commitment today?

(i) Through fervent prayer (Matthew 9:37,38).

(ii) By reading the Bible, relevant books and materials on the wrath and mercy of God, and on evangelism, on regular basis (2 Corinthians 5:11).

(iii) By deliberately going to where the people are and sharing the good news of Christ’s sacrifice for them. (Matthew 9:35; 14:14; 15:32).

(iv) Endeavouring to carry out the task of personal evangelism again and again. The more you do it, the more you become committed to the assignment (Luke 2:49).

(v) We must reject all attempts to engage in procrastination. The best time to tell others about Jesus is NOW. Do not say 'I will spend more time to prepare.' START NOW (John 4:34,35).

(vi) You must reject and resist anything and anyone that would want to hinder your commitment (Luke 2:49; 9:59-62).

(vii) You should discuss often and pray always, with other people of like vision, on the subject of personal evangelism, with respect to your field experiences (Luke 10:17-22).

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 4:18,19,17; John 4:34,35; 9:4; Luke 19:10; Matthew 4:18,19; 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16; Luke 9:1,2; 10:1; 24:47,48; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ezekiel 3:17-21; 18:4; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15; John 4:34,35; Matthew 5:37,38; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 9:35-38; 14:14; John 4:33-35; 9:4,5; Acts 26:16-23.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/tell-others-about-christ-part-2/

Adult Choir Ministration during 2019 Covenant Service "A Few Good Men"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0IaxeQSHxM

Be An Uncommon Christian – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
10 March 2019 | 4:18 am

The Lord makes everyone who comes to Him an uncommon and extraordinary Christian. During Christ's earthly ministry, all sincere seekers who came to Him received miracles. Sinners received forgiveness; the blind had their sight restored; the lame walked; the sick were healed; the afflicted and oppressed were liberated and the dead were brought back to life.

The Lord has not changed; He remains the same today. Hence, there should always be a proof of our encounter with Him. God does not want any of His children to remain stagnant in life. So, He wants the believer to come up higher and experience the spectacular. For this to be possible, the believer must understand that he is different from those he lives and relates with. He must recognise his position and inheritance in Christ. With Christ and the Holy Spirit indwelling him, he cannot be limited by any power or force on earth "because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."

The Lord requires every prospective beneficiary of His promises to be:

(1) A converted Christian – conversion from being a sinner to a child of God and conversion from being a weak believer to a conqueror.
(2) A covenant Christian. As an heir of God and joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ, the believer is a covenant-child.
(3) A connected Christian – always connecting to heaven, the throne of mercy through Christ.
(4) A consecrated Christian – willing to surrender all on the altar.
(5) A continuing Christian, and
(6) A conquering Christian.

Fulfilling these conditions make uncommon Christians obey uncommon commandments. Moses and the Israelites were able to cross the Red Sea because they obeyed an unusual commandment. The walls of Jericho fell down because Joshua and the children of Israel obeyed an uncommon commandment. At the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, there was a supernatural provision of extra wine because the disciples obeyed the uncommon commandment of Christ. Uncommon miracles, healing and deliverance come by absolute personal obedience to the uncommon commandments of the Lord.

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."

Personal obedience to the Lord brings uncommon blessings into the life of a believer. The need for implicit obedience cannot be over-emphasised; if we must enjoy all that the Lord has in store for us. To receive our promised blessings like Abraham, we must not allow fear of the unknown, doubt and uncertainty to hinder us from obeying the Lord. Believers need to emulate Abraham's lifestyle of complete obedience. So, "ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn… Look unto Abraham your father… I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him." Our obedience to the Lord must be borne out of personal conviction and resolution to follow Him to the end without minding what the world thinks or says about us.

If Christ is really our Saviour, we must be prompt in our response to His Lordship. Apostle Paul was prompt in his obedience to the Master's call. "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by His grace… immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood." Therefore, nothing should deter us from doing the will of God. His will may not please us or people around us, yet we are to obey Him. Our motives and actions must be guided by what pleases only the Lord.

As believers, perpetual obedience to the Lord entails that we serve Him at all times till the very end. We must dedicate all that we have, all that we are and all that we are going to be to the Lord. As followers of Christ, we must demonstrate unreserved commitment and loyalty to Him. Christ did that which pleased His heavenly Father; He never contradicted Him either in word or action. So, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."

Further Reading (King James Version): 1 John 4: 4; Hebrews 11:8; Isaiah 51:1,2; Psalm 119:60; Galatians 1:15,16; Philippians 2:5.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/be-an-uncommon-christian-part-1/

I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW GHS 29


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7ZCC_Wi5bw

2019 Sunday Covenant Service January 20, Adult choir ministration


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PQMTAJb5kI

Benefits Of Persecution – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
17 March 2019 | 4:29 am

In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus Christ paints the picture of the blessed man. From one milestone to another, He outlines the path of the blessed one. In the beatitudes, blessed means happy, fortunate, favoured, etc. He makes it plain that the blessedness being talked about is reserved for the poor in spirit, people who mourn, the meek, people who hunger and thirst after righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart and the peacemakers.

Ordinarily, these character traits are supposed to be endearing qualities for a heaven-bound believer. But ironically, these gracious virtues are rarely appreciated by the society. Rather than being appreciated, those who possess them are hated and subjected to persecution. But the heaven-bound believer is not to fear or cringe in the face of persecution, but to rejoice for being counted worthy of being in the company of the saints that had suffered similar fate.

When He talks about peacemakers, the Lord does not mean organisations that make or settle personal or national conflicts as a profession. Rather, He means citizens of the Kingdom that had received comfort after mourning, who have had their broken fellowship and relationship with God mended. He means those who have become meek and gentle; those whose thirst after righteousness had been satisfied and whose chief pursuit is still purity of life.

Now as true children of God, they have become so merciful and peaceful that even persecution, conflict and pressure cannot change their spiritual state of love, peace of mind or compassion for others. Appreciation or persecution does not change their peace-loving and peace-making nature. All said and done, reliance on God's grace and determination, willingness to meditate on God's Word remain the only way by which a believer or seeker can profit from the Word in times of challenges, trials and persecution.

The true child of God is a peacemaker. He not only loves peace, wants peace, promotes peace, works for peace, prays for peace, but he also does everything to maintain peace among people; he abhors completely all strives, discords and contentions. He hates war because it engenders killings and if there is anything he can do, it is to make peace. He labours with all might to prevent the fire of contention from being kindled and, where the fire is already kindled, he endeavours to calm the stormy spirits of men and, to quieten the turbulent passion, to soften the minds of the contending parties and reconcile them with each other. That is the ministry of peacemaking.

To be a peacemaker demands that we "recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." It demands that we make up our minds to be the source of peace in the community. Make it a principle to allow the Prince of peace to control everything you do or say to make for peace like Abraham, who took the initiative to make peace with Lot rather than promote conflict. He had a willingness to be cheated in the situation. If everyone fights for his right, there will never be peace. Even when you are not personally involved in a conflict, you can also make peace between the warring parties like Jonathan did between Saul and David.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 12:9,10; 1 Timothy 4:15,16; Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:17-21; 14:19; Genesis 13:8-12; 1 Samuel 19:1,4-7; Judges 8:1-3; Proverbs 15:1; Philemon 10-20; Matthew 5:10,11; Galatians 4:29; 2 Timothy 3:12,13; John 15:18-21; 17:14; 1 Peter 3:14-17; Psalm 7:10-17; 1 Peter 1:6,7; 4:12-16; Matthew 10:22-31; Philippians 1:27-30; Matthew 5:10-12; 2 Corinthians 4:14-18; Exodus 1:12; Genesis 50:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:3,4; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:10; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:9,10.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/benefits-of-persecution-part-1/

Benefits Of Persecution – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
24 March 2019 | 3:43 am

Like Jonathan, you should study to know when there is conflict between people and ensure your language promotes peace so that you will be able to reconcile men with one another to ensure peace reigns between them "as in times past."

The explanation and peace-making effort of Gideon teach that sometimes, being logical and showing people their fault does not necessarily solve problems.

Like Gideon, exalt the qualities, which the opposing party has and you lack; sincerely appreciate his good qualities and see how to quieten the stormy spirit in the hearts of men, with a soft answer.

In making peace, you reconcile others too. When there was conflict between Philemon and Onesimus, Paul the apostle was so committed to ensuring there was peace between them. Likewise, when there is conflict between people, don't take sides but work towards making peace between them.

Peaceful children of God are abused, belittled, degraded because those in the flesh will always wage war against those in the Spirit. Those who are born after the flesh will always persecute those who are born after the Spirit. The unrighteous will persecute the righteous. It happened like that before and it continues to happen and will continue to happen: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

The children of God are persecuted because they are not part of the sinful system of the world. When you dissociate yourself from the madding crowd of sinners, when you distinguish yourself from the world, they will persecute you.

After all, it is far better to suffer for righteousness than for sin. Therefore, it calls for rejoicing. We are not to fight the persecutors; God, in His economy, knows best how to do that. The Lord has assured us that there will be persecution. Therefore, He does not expect us to be surprised when it comes.

But ensure that you are not suffering for your ignorance or unrighteousness. Yes, there is persecution for peaceful children of God, but you must remain peaceful in the persecution, by being unruffled, unoffended, non-retaliating nor change your pattern of seeking and making peace.

The Prince of peace should still live within you in the midst of the persecution. You should not be influenced by the persecutor's violent attitude or nature; still maintain your Christian stand in the midst of the persecution. Only then will the persecution profit you.

To profit from persecution, ensure that you stand on the Bible definition of persecution: that it is "for righteousness' sake" and not that you are suffering from rebuke resulting from your carelessness, foolishness, iniquity or backsliding. If you are disciplined by the church, you are not being persecuted; you are being corrected. But if you are persecuted for righteousness' sake and you endure it, you will be rewarded. Whatever the persecutors say or do to you, be resilient in the faith, "for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Your persecution will not destroy you as it could not destroy the children of Israel. Your persecution will bring promotion across your way.

God will turn every negative thing in your life to your own good. "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 12:9,10; 1 Timothy 4:15,16; Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:17-21; 14:19; Genesis 13:8-12; 1 Samuel 19:1,4-7; Judges 8:1-3; Proverbs 15:1; Philemon 10-20; Matthew 5:10,11; Galatians 4:29; 2 Timothy 3:12,13; John 15:18-21; 17:14; 1 Peter 3:14-17; Psalm 7:10-17; 1 Peter 1:6,7; 4:12-16; Matthew 10:22-31; Philippians 1:27-30; Matthew 5:10-12; 2 Corinthians 4:14-18; Exodus 1:12; Genesis 50:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:3,4; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:10; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:9,10.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/benefits-of-persecution-part-2/

JOY COMES IN THE MORNING
Published on Mar 11, 2019
Sunday Worship Service March 10 Adult Choir Ministration


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGKPeURtl_E

Peril Of The Popular Way – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
31 March 2019 | 4:13 am

From the beginning and throughout the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus Christ speaks about the Kingdom of heaven, the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3,10,19,20; 6:33; 7:21). His focus was on the destiny of man. The Lord looks at life as a journey, a journey from time unto eternity. He reveals that there are only two gates – the wide gate and the strait (narrow) gate; only two ways – the broad way and the narrow way; only two destinations – destruction and life.

There are only two destinations for any of us; the path we are treading will lead to either eternal peace and happiness in heaven or eternal torments, sorrow and suffering in hell. The choice we make of which gate we enter, which path, road or way we walk in will determine our final, eternal destiny after this life. God has ordained only two distinct places to be the final, eternal abodes of men after this life, and between them, He has fixed a great gulf so that none can pass from the one to the other (Luke 16:26).

There are only two gates, the wide gate of multitudes, the majority of the human race; and the narrow gate of the few who make the right choice, which God has ordained. And there are only two ways, the popular way, the spacious road on which broadminded multitudes travel, and the narrow way, the unpopular road traversed by the few who walk and follow the Lord closely and consistently. There are only two destinations, not three. Some religious people have invented a third destination, but it is only an imaginary place of human invention, which does not exist. Men enter through the wide gate or the narrow gate; there is no third gate. Men travel on the broad way or the narrow way; there is no third way.

There are only two classes of people – believers or unbelievers, saints or sinners, the few or the many. We are either in the light or in darkness; in the truth or in error; among the few or among the multitude; either righteous or unrighteous. There is no third category. There are only two ends – the end of the broad way or the end of the narrow way. There are only two destinations for travelers journeying through life on earth – life or destruction. There are only two destinies – heaven or hell. Where will you spend eternity? What road have you chosen? Some are already strolling on the broadened entrance gate that leads to degeneration.

"Wide is the gate." Ancient cities have walls around them, and they have gates through which people may go out or come in. The wide gates are spacious enough to admit men and their loads or chariots while the strait, narrow gates take only individuals without loads or encumbrances. The examples of wide gates (for big trucks and vehicles) and narrow gates (for pedestrians) are still very common in cities and communities today. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, often used visible, known, natural things to illustrate spiritual, invisible, unknown, eternal realities. For travelers to get into the way leading to their destination, they go through the wide tollgate. The gate is the only avenue of admittance into the way and it must be taken in order to reach the destination. All who enter the wide gate will travel on the broad way and the only place this way leads to is destruction, doom and damnation.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 7:13; Genesis 6:5,12; Psalm 14:2,3; Isaiah 59:7,8,13-15; Romans 1:28-32; Romans 3:9-19,23; Ephesians 2:2,3; Philippians 3:18,19; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 5:19; Psalm 36:1-4; Proverbs 14:12; Isaiah 1:28; 13:6-11; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Romans 2:16-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12; 1 Peter 4:17,18; Jude 11-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; 1 Timothy 6:9,10; Psalm 9:17; Isaiah 33:12-14; Matthew 23:14,25-28,33; Matthew 25:41; Luke 16:19-31; Psalm 2:10-12.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/peril-of-the-popular-way-part-1/

PRECIOUS JESUS DON'T FORGET
Sunday Worship Service March 17, 2019 PRECIOUS JESUS DON'T FORGET


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHoXMFXW1Hg

WHO SHALL DECLARE HIS GENERATION
Bible Study March 18, 2019 Choir ministration


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqrmmOaExVw

Peril Of The Popular Way – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
07 April 2019 | 2:31 am

The wide gate is the gate through which multitudes enter into life from the age of accountability. The gate takes in everyone with loads of sin and evil without any restriction or restraint. There is ample liberty for everyone desiring to go through the wide gate; the Pharisee and the Saduccee, the hypocrite and the reprobate, the covetous and the deceiver, the self-righteous and the religious, the fleshly, sensual and pleasure-seekers, despisers of God and opposers of righteousness, private and public sinners, unconverted moralists and unashamed criminals, the proud and the worldly, vicious, violent men and vile, vulnerable youths, wicked people and wandering backsliders, tempters, temptresses and their victims all go through the wide gate that leads to the broad way of the world.

"Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." As we have noted already, the wide gate leads to the broad way, which in turn leads to destruction. The broad way is deceptive; it seems right, proper and good to men of carnal reasoning. Since it is a crowded road with many rich, intelligent, worldly-wise, religious and church-going people walking therein, everybody thinks that these multitudes cannot be wrong. Among these travellers are scientists, philosophers, successful businessmen, preachers and priests, notable leaders among men, respected people in society. Can they all be wrong? If they are on the broad way, they are deceived.

The broad way is a downward road; it is easy, convenient and appears pleasant to travel on. It is "the course of this world." It is the path of self-indulgence, self-gratification, self-interest, self-will, self-seeking and self-satisfaction. There is no hedge, control or self-denial. It is an easy, pleasant way to the flesh.

The broad way is a dangerous road. Unknown to the travellers, it leads to destruction, eternal, irreversible destruction. We can only escape the damnation if we turn back from the broad way by repentance from sin, faith in Christ, true and total conversion to Christ before reaching the end of the way. There is no repentance or second chance after death. No one can be absolutely sure of being alive another day. Decide today, enter the narrow gate and walk in the narrow way. The alternative is the bitter, eternal wages of many, doomed to damnation.

"Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction." The Greek word translated "destruction" does not mean annihilation. It does not mean that the "destruction" makes the many unconverted people who walked on the broad way cease to exist. See the use of the words "destroy" and "destruction" and compare with other verses in the New Testament (2 Thessalonians 2:8,9; 1:8,9; Revelation 19:20; 20:10). The destruction or damnation refers to a state and a place of conscious, unending, eternal torment and suffering.

Hell, a place of eternal punishment is the final destination of all who walk on the broad way till the end of their lives. The infallible Word of God describes the final destiny of multitudes on the broad way as the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:15; 21:8), devouring fire and everlasting burnings (Isaiah 33:14), a furnace of fire (Matthew 13:41,42), a place of torments (Luke 16:23), a place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46), a place of the blackness of darkness for ever (Jude 13), where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:28).

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 7:13; Genesis 6:5,12; Psalm 14:2,3; Isaiah 59:7,8,13-15; Romans 1:28-32; Romans 3:9-19,23; Ephesians 2:2,3; Philippians 3:18,19; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 5:19; Psalm 36:1-4; Proverbs 14:12; Isaiah 1:28; 13:6-11; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Romans 2:16-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12; 1 Peter 4:17,18; Jude 11-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; 1 Timothy 6:9,10; Psalm 9:17; Isaiah 33:12-14; Matthew 23:14,25-28,33; Matthew 25:41; Luke 16:19-31; Psalm 2:10-12.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/peril-of-the-popular-way-part-2/

Believers' Inestimable Redemption – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
14 April 2019 | 3:08 am

Many Christians carry on with life in blissful ignorance of the great work God accomplished on their behalf. As a result, their lives remain at best mediocre, and at worst greatly compromised. But in this season of Easter, there is no better time to fully ruminate over the import and impact of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and what it means to belong to the church of God.

One preacher captured this right when he wrote: "The church of God must be holy – it is founded by a holy God upon holy principles for holy purposes. She has been redeemed by a holy Saviour with a holy sacrifice and dedicated to holy service. Her great glory is the Holy Spirit whose influences and operations are all holy. Her law Book is the Holy Bible, her armoury is the holy covenant, her comfort is holy prayer, her convocations are holy assemblies, her citizens are holy men and women. She exists for holy ends and follows after holy examples."

In fact, the whole purpose for which God sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins, and call us into fellowship with Him is that He might display His holiness through us so that we can be examples of holiness in a dirty world.

The Apostle Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, instructs us to consider the great price of our redemption, which is also the means of our holiness. We are sojourners or pilgrims here on earth, he reminds us.

Therefore, as we walk through the wilderness of this world, we should be conscious of the presence and awareness of the heavenly Father who is watching all our steps, actions, thoughts and lives. His judgment is pictured as immediate and impartial, yet fair and firm.

Always holding the purpose and price of our redemption in our minds will make us uphold the priority of holiness in our lives. And with the power of Christ's resurrection working in our hearts, there is the possibility of having a pure heart and living a holy life consistently, irrespective of how corrupt, defiled and deadened our environment may be.

"Ye call on the Father …" so "pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." We are sojourners or pilgrims here, life is short, but our walk and work in this short life determine our eternal destiny and condition hereafter. We are not "at home," we are journeying home. This season of desert-wandering is appointed by Divine wisdom. Throughout life, God, our Father and Judge, evaluates our walk and work, and at the end of life, He as the impartial Judge will examine our work to determine our eternal destiny.

Our fellowmen may regard us highly because of what they see of us and because of what they do not know of us, but each of us must eventually appear before God who is “no respecter of persons," and who will estimate us and our service with justice and impartiality.

Men may praise us and approve of our actions, but their praise and approval is nothing now and will be much less than nothing on the day of judgment. Standing higher, God looks deeper and sees the purpose and motive behind all our actions. "By Him actions are weighed!" (1 Samuel 2:3).

Because "the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear" (1 Peter 1:17).

Without reverence and godly fear we cannot serve God acceptably (Hebrews 12:28). We are not to fear earthly troubles and trials, but as we think of the all-seeing eyes of God watching all our actions and we think of the end, think of the coming judgment, we live in the holy fear of God. If we think often, as we should, of ourselves standing before the judgment throne of God, we shall say like the Psalmist, "My flesh trembleth for fear of Thee and I am afraid of Thy judgment" (Psalm 119:120).

The Christian fears to offend God, who spared not His own Son; he fears to dishonour the cross of Christ; he fears to grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, said, "Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear Him, which after He hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him" (Luke 12:4,5).

The Old Testament commands us to, "serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Psalm 2:11; Ecclesiastes 12:13). The New Testament also commands us, "Be not highminded, but fear." "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." "Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." "Serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear" (Romans 11:20; Philippians 2:12; 1 Peter 1:17; Hebrews 12:28).

Further Reading (King James Version): 1 Peter 1:17-21; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 Chronicles 29:15; Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 2:11,12; Romans 2:9-11; Colossians 3:25; Romans 11:20-22; Philippians 2:12-15; Hebrews 12:28,29.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/believers-inestimable-redemption-part-1/

Believers' Inestimable Redemption – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
21 April 2019 | 4:19 am

The cost of our redemption was great both to Almighty God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It therefore bears reminding believers that "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold … but with the precious blood of Christ." That redemption is through our Lord's death, not through His life, or example, or holiness, or mediation. But as the Scripture invariably says, with unwavering consistency, we are redeemed by "His Blood." God Himself bore the penalty of human guilt, as that was the only way He might righteously extend His mercy to the guilty mankind.

The meaning or the original idea of "redemption" is 'purchase from slavery.' We are redeemed, that is, delivered by Christ's blood from guilt and condemnation, from the love and practice of evil. Redemption includes deliverance from the bondage of sin – with sin no longer controlling our will and affection. Sin masters a man, fetters his will, and binds him with iron chains of habit, which holds him in spite of resolutions and a pricking conscience. Redemption through Christ's Blood breaks the chains and fetters and sets him free from slavery to sin.

"Ye were redeemed from your vain conversation (conduct, manner of life) received by tradition from your fathers" (1 Peter 1:18). The word "vain" shows the emptiness, hollowness of sin. No man gets the good, which he expected by his sin. "It is as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and is empty" (Isaiah 29:8). Sin is vain; it yields no result that satisfies. A godless life is a wasted and barren life. "The precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot" redeems us from sin and its vanity. That is why the message of Easter is that Christ makes us free from sin, from the penalty and guilt of sin, from the love and practice of sin, from the bondage and dominion of sin. Sin's reign had its fortress in our will and affection but Christ's death, His redemption, has broken the yoke and cast out the usurper; now Christ is enthroned as the rightful Lord in our hearts.

"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifested in these last times for you" (1 Peter 1:20). The incarnation, death and resurrection of Christ were not the result of a change of purpose to meet unforeseen circumstances; they were foreseen and foreordained in the eternal counsels of God. The sacrifice of Christ was foreordained from all eternity. Christ was manifested in due time. His manifestation through His death, His resurrection, His ascension, was all for us sinful men, that our faith and hope might be in God. We are not worthy of this unutterable love, this tremendous sacrifice but He loved us so, and counted it not too great a price to pay for our redemption.

"Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory" (1 Peter 1:21). The New Testament is a continuous witness to our Lord's resurrection. The Gospels carefully record it; the book of the Acts presents it as the chief theme of apostolic preaching; the Epistles base the whole of Christian doctrine and life upon it. God, who raised Jesus from the dead, gave Him glory. It was in obedience to the Father that Christ endured pain, humiliation and death. So, it was by the Father's will that Christ partook of glory. What a redemption this is, that is based on God's eternal purpose! And what a hope that goes back through all time, and finds its foundation in the everlasting thought of God! "That your faith and hope might be in God" (1 Peter 1:21). God did all this that we might believe in Him!

The resurrection of Christ encourages faith in God, a righteous Ruler, a gracious and forgiving Father. A risen Christ also awakens and sustains hope in the believer. His resurrection fills us with hope. Christ had promised that where He is there we will be, if we believe in Him. He is in heaven, on the right hand of God. Believing in Him, we have the purifying hope to be where Christ is, to see Him as He is and to be made like unto Him.

Further Reading (King James Version): 1 Peter 1:17-21; Psalm 49:7,8; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12-14; Acts 20:28; Isaiah 53:3-7,11; 1 Corinthians 5:7,8; 1 Peter 1:20,21; Genesis 3:15; Micah 5:2; Galatians 4:4,5; 2 Timothy 1:9,10; Acts 2:23,24,32; 3:14-16; 4:10-12; Romans 4:22-25; 1 Peter 1:3; Romans 10:9,10; Philippians 3:10.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/believers-inestimable-redemption-part-2/

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
Sunday Worship Service April 7, 2019 CAMPUS CHOIR MINISTRATION


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OSg7qq72Lw

Influence The Society For God
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
28 April 2019 | 2:52 am

Society began in Genesis. Gradually, it increased to consist of men, women, children, and later, youths. Influencing the society at this stage could be simple. But with differentiating features as language groups and divers religions, society became complex and difficult to influence. The emergence of nations, tribes, politics, education, inventions and civilization, which are characteristics of the society, makes influencing it more complicated. Thus, a church ministry that will influence society must focus on all aspects of it. Ignorance or elementary understanding of the society is the reason the church has failed in its effort to influence it. And, with civilization, complexity and multiplicity of people in the society, the believer needs to learn the paradigm shift of influence and adapt it.

Christ declares: "Ye are the salt of the earth…" The believer's influence in the world is compared to that of salt on food. Shepherds know that the rod is used to control animals, yet Moses used it to control and influence the entire nation of Egypt and delivered the Israelites. David also used little stones meant to hunt down birds to kill a giant, Goliath. A shadow may be insignificant but Peter's shadow was used to heal the sick. The ass is known to be a dull and stupid animal, but its jawbone was used by Samson to kill thousands of Philistines. Though the raven is categorised as an unclean, insignificant bird, God used it to feed Elijah during famine. All these help to illustrate how members of our congregation, who may appear insignificant can be agents of change in our society.

Christ's purpose is to use believers who are "the salt of the earth" to make positive impact on our decaying society. Jericho appeared pleasant, but the water was poisonous and the ground barren, and Elisha knew the solution would be to apply salt. "And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land." The Lord reveals that the solution to any problem in any nation is "the salt," that is, the believers. Believers, like salt, are expected to be morally pure and good. But if the salt is bottled up, it is useless. If believers remain in their church buildings, they are useless. The Lord wants even distribution of salt to every part of the society and soon, positive change will be manifest.

How do we identify the salt of the earth? Believers are Kingdom citizens. They were in the kingdom of darkness and of this world, but the Lord saved and transferred them into His Kingdom. "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Now, they are free from the authority and power of the former kingdom. The Holy Trinity, angels and demons know that the believer is a citizen of God's kingdom. The believer himself needs to know that he is a child of God with authority and power. This identification will make him go anywhere with boldness to do exploits for God.

The believer has no reason to fail. Having properly identified himself as a kingdom citizen with power and authority, he must know that Christ is praying for him. The only ministry Jesus is carrying out now in heaven is intercession, not preaching, healing or evangelism. All His prayers for us while on earth have been answered and His unceasing intercession for us will continue to be answered. As a believer, Jesus is praying for you and, nothing will ever happen contrary to the answers of Christ's prayer for you. Therefore, you must not act like an orphan. And when you join your prayer with other believers' to that of Christ, it becomes a mighty force. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Through Christ's intercession, your problems are solved and sicknesses are healed. And, the purpose for which He left you on earth – to be salt of the earth – will be fulfilled.

Believers need impartation of the Spirit of God. When Elijah was to be taken away from the world, he asked Elisha what he wanted. Elisha responded by requesting for a double portion of Elijah's anointing. Some people think that it is an evidence of pride to ask for something greater. So, they ask for a little portion of anointing, power or understanding. But Christ Himself did not promise a fraction of the Spirit of God. He says, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." Anointing for greater works that Jesus promised is available for every believer, so that he or she can become an effective influence in the society. Elijah was taken up by the chariots of God, but Elisha got his mantle and the double impartation of his anointing. The power and anointing that can make you the salt of the earth or a change agent in every nation is available by impartation.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:13; 2 Kings 2:19-22; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 7:25; 2 Kings 2:1-14.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/influence-the-society-for-god/

Fullness And Fulfilment In Christ
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
05 May 2019 | 4:17 am

It is possible, in this present life, for a person to be spiritually filled with the fullness of God and of Christ, and be fulfilled. If not, the Lord Jesus Christ would not have taught us to hunger and thirst after it. Righteousness and fullness of spiritual blessings are not a mirage: they are real. That is why Jesus instructed us to hunger and thirst after it, so as to be filled with it.

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Christ wants us to be so filled with righteousness that we not only live in it, but also influence others around us with the righteousness of God. Christ-like righteousness is the gateway to full redemption and spiritual fullness in our lives. All we need is to be in Christ and for Him to be in us. Only then can we thirst and hunger for this fullness, which will lead to a full and fulfilled life (Colossians 1:9; Ephesians 4:13; 3:19,20). We should, however, watch out for the hindrances that can stall the promised fullness.

"The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet." When a soul is full already, even if with the husk that swine eats, he will loathe, belittle, shun and jettison the honeycomb. In the same way, the feeling of self-satisfaction leads many people to reject the Lord's gift and favour that would have filled their lives with joy and happiness. When a person does not know his true spiritual state, like the Laodicean Christians, he usually overrates himself, saying, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing" whereas in the sight of God, he is "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." What a great hindrance to spiritual fullness! The cares of this world – what to eat and drink, ceremonies, deception of riches, inordinate desires – are responsible for the absence of the fullness of God in the lives of many Christians. When, like the Corinthian Christians, believers push down others to steal the limelight, they put hindrances before themselves. Self-satisfaction is one of the great clogs in the wheel of spiritual progress and fullness; so also are ignorance, material prosperity, suffering, search for earthly knowledge and distractions of all kinds. Whatever quenches our spiritual thirst also hinders our spiritual fullness.

All who sincerely desire and earnestly seek God always find Him. Earnestness in seeking God, fervency in praying to Him for the bestowal of the promised fullness will always be rewarded. To find, we need to seek. To have the promised fullness demands a resolve to pray without ceasing, waiting on the Lord until it actually happens. The passion must be there at all times. "… give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." Lack and limitations in our Christian lives should make us to seek the Lord without interruption. Though he was the last of the apostles to be converted, Paul the Apostle did more than the rest of the apostles because of his waiting on the Lord at the commencement of his Christian faith, with prayer and fasting. Likewise, if we want the fullness of God, we must wait on the Lord and pray importunately. If we have not been receiving, it shows we have not been asking with passion: "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Satiation with the spiritual fullness promised by the Lord can only come as we take away all hindrances. Like Jacob, Isaac, Elisha, Elijah, David, Samuel had, we need favour and fullness from God. When we put ourselves in a place where the fullness of God can pass through and fill us, God will pour Himself into us "like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth."

None can force cool, refreshing water upon the non-thirsty. You must indicate your thirst by responding to the Lord. "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive…" The fullness of God is available for any Christian who will ask the Lord for His filling and fulfilment.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:6; Proverbs 27:7; Revelation 3:17; Mark 4:19; 1 Corinthians 4:8; Genesis 33:9; Deuteronomy 6:10-13; 8:11-14; Psalm 69:19,20; Luke 18:9; Daniel 12:3,4; Amos 8:11,12; Isaiah 62:1-3,7; Psalm 62:1,5-8; Lamentations 3:49,50; Acts 9:8-11; Luke 11:5-13; Isaiah 40:28-31; Matthew 5:6; Psalm 72:6-8; Jeremiah 23:5,6; Zephaniah 3:13-17; Ephesians 5:9,18; John 7:37-39; Ephesians 3:16-21.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/fullness-and-fulfilment-in-christ/

THE BLOOD - BOUGHT CHURCH
Sunday Worship Service April 14, 2019 ADULT CHOIR MINISTRATION


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