STORMS DO NOT ALARM ME
Sunday Worship Service March 10 YOUTH CHOIR MINISTRATION


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPbcNWc4UMc

Manifestations Of God's Mercy – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
12 May 2019 | 3:37 am

Christ is building an edifice of truth. He presents the eternal message of heaven with an orderliness and progression that cannot be re-adjusted.
Acceptable acts of mercy follow the spiritual experiences Christ taught in the first four beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-6).

Grace and mercy are not fruits that grow out of the heart of the natural, sinful, fallen man. Love is not a natural fruit, either.

A fallen natural man begins to receive the grace and mercy of God when he turns away from his sins. It is repentance that brings God's mercy to the heart of man.

Christ's message reveals that mercy shown before poverty of spirit, mourning and repentance, meekness and lowliness of character, thirst and hunger for righteousness cannot get anyone to heaven.

Mercy shown before entrance into the Kingdom of God has no recognition by God. You can only show acceptable acts of mercy after you have been filled with God's righteousness through repentance and faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Mercy that manifests from a righteous character is different from that shown by a natural man. Mercy shown to maintain good relationship with others or in the process of child training, and in almsgiving though necessary, cannot take anybody to heaven, except it is rooted in God's grace.

This beatitude, mercy, follows the blessedness of: (i) kingdom benefits for the poor in spirit; (ii) divine comfort for the mourners; (iii) the inheritance of the meek; (iv) imputed and imparted righteousness for the hungry and thirsty.

This is mercy manifested as a fruit of the Spirit from a heart made righteous by the divine hand of God. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). We must possess the mercy and truth of God.

Then, we must demonstrate it, live by it, act it out and walk in the mercy and love of God. When we, as believers, stretch out the hand of grace, love and mercy to other people, we will find mercy and favour in the sight of God and of men (2 Samuel 22:26,27; Proverbs 3:3,4). The mercy that emanates from a righteous heart has a divine pattern to its full essence.

The life of Christ is the interpretation of His message. He demonstrated all the messages He preached. And as believers, we need to read and watch Christ to see and follow a pattern of how He showed mercy to people. This will help us to refrain from sentiments in most of our dealings with people. Christ related with people differently including His disciples.

God shows mercy to those who repent of their sins. Following God's pattern, the believer does not give to sinners the money they need to continue in their evil.

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7).

The reason He shows us mercy at salvation is because we could not pay the price. When we come to God, pleading with a repentant heart for forgiveness and mercy, He forgives. The forgiven sinner is created unto good works.

As such, God does not expect him to return to the old lifestyle of sin. The mercy of God is available to those who repent of their sins. God's mercy does not just come to us. We must seek and look for it because His mercy is not cheap or meant to be wasted.

God's manifestation of mercy begins with forgiveness and salvation. And it continues and increases, as we faithfully serve Him in obedience to His Word. He always grants us mercy according to His truth. God never contradicts His truth so as to show us mercy.

Christians must hold to this truth and pattern revealed in God's Word in showing mercy to others. This will guide us into wholesome manifestation of mercy, as well as prevent us from falling prey to the enemy who might take advantage of our ignorance.

Many references of the Scripture connect and associate mercy with truth to reveal God's pattern to us.

They include:

(i) Psalm 25:10 – the mercy of God is for those that keep the truth: you cannot abandon the truth while seeking the mercy of God if you are following His pattern;
(ii) Psalm 57:3 – we cannot deviate from the truth in order to show or emphasise the importance of mercy because there exists an inseparable connection between mercy and truth;
(iii) Psalm 61:7 – it is mercy and truth that preserve the church: mercy alone cannot do it; (iv) Psalm 85:10 – we show mercy on the basis of truth;
(v) Psalm 89:14 – we must be guided by mercy and truth – special blessings are for those who obey the truth. And we cannot show mercy in isolation of the truth of the Word of God;
(vi) Proverbs 16:6 – we don't abandon the truth and allow the spread of evil in the church while trying to show mercy;
(vii) Proverbs 20:28 – mercy and truth uphold the leadership of the church.

Thus, we cannot dissociate mercy from truth. Mercy always goes with sound doctrine, pure worship, righteousness and holiness.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:7; Isaiah 55:6,7; Proverbs 28:13; Ephesians 2:1-4,10; 1 Peter 1:3; Luke 1:72,77,78; Deuteronomy 13:17,18; Jude 20,21; 2 Timothy 1:16-18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 5:7; 1 John 4:10,11,19-21; Ephesians 4:32; 5:1,2; Romans 12:1,8-21; Colossians 3:12,13; Luke 6:36; 2 Chronicles 19:1,2; Matthew 5:7; Proverbs 3:3,4; 11:16,17,25; 21:21; Psalms 37:25,26; 41:1-3; 112:4-9; Isaiah 58:10-12.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/manifestations-of-gods-mercy-part-1/

Manifestations Of God's Mercy – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
19 May 2019 | 3:01 am

Mercy is favour undeserved that we receive from God after repentance. And because we have received mercy from God, we are so grateful to Him. It is this personal gratitude that leads us into the ministry of mercy. "Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" (1 John 4:11). We ought to show mercy to others as proof of our gratitude to God, who first had mercy upon us and forgave our sins.

God generally shows mercy to all. He allows the sun to shine and the rain to fall for the good of the just and the unjust. He also allows all to enjoy some material blessings. But this divine benevolence, without repentance on the part of sinners, will not be of any eternal good to them. We must continue to show mercy and to do it the way Christ did it. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).

Believers have received many-sided and manifold mercies of God. They are duty-bound to show mercy to others with cheerfulness because it proceeds from a grateful heart. Pride and self are not part of the manifestation of God-kind of mercy. Humility and diligence are components of mercy. We show mercy to enemies by giving them material things to enjoy, but we do not accommodate them in our houses. If we do, they will pose a great danger to and are capable of destroying our families and ministries.

Jesus is the greatest model of His own message. He did not reveal to Judas Iscariot deep secrets of the kingdom as He did to Peter, James and John, though all of them enjoyed material things commonly in His presence. Believers should follow this pattern of Christ in Scripture. We must be wise to balance mercy with truth; we must show mercy on the basis of truth.

If we are merciful, we will obtain mercy. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." When we obey God in showing mercy to other people, we will find mercy and favour in the sight of God and men. We will also find life and honour. As we show mercy, the Lord's blessings will become abundant in our lives.

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed" (Psalm 37:25, 26). As the Lord uses us in the ministry of mercy to bring restoration and peace, our lives will witness divine visitation of mercy. Following the pattern of Scripture and the way of Christ in showing mercy makes it possible for merciful people not to stop coming our ways.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:7; Isaiah 55:6,7; Proverbs 28:13; Ephesians 2:1-4,10; 1 Peter 1:3; Luke 1:72,77,78; Deuteronomy 13:17,18; Jude 20,21; 2 Timothy 1:16-18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 5:7; 1 John 4:10,11,19-21; Ephesians 4:32; 5:1,2; Romans 12:1,8-21; Colossians 3:12,13; Luke 6:36; 2 Chronicles 19:1,2; Matthew 5:7; Proverbs 3:3,4; 11:16,17,25; 21:21; Psalms 37:25,26; 41:1-3; 112:4-9; Isaiah 58:10-12.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/manifestations-of-gods-mercy-part-2/

Fight Worry And Anxiety – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
26 May 2019 | 3:57 am

"I say unto you, Take no thought for your life" (verse 25). "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit (18 inches) unto his stature?" (verse 27) "And why take ye thought for raiment?" (verse 28) "Therefore take no thought" (verse 31) "Take therefore no thought for the morrow" (verse 34).

In this brief passage, our Lord Jesus Christ warns and cautions us against worry and anxiety. He commands us not to be worried or anxious about our present needs and future prospects. Worry is unnecessary because we have a Heavenly Father Who cares for us.

Worry is unreasonable because we cannot improve our lot by worrying and being anxious. Worry is unwise because it cannot stop whatever is going to happen and it paralyses our faith, which has power to change all situations and things.

Worry causes and increases tormenting fear; it broods over what may never happen and creates unnecessary despair and depression, making our situations seem worse than they really are. Worry brings the pain of yesterday, borrows the burden of tomorrow and adds them to the concerns of today, thereby making our excessive load of the present hour unbearable.

Worry makes us live like a hopeless orphan, without a heavenly Father, without any promise of divine help and provision. When the Lord says, "Have faith in God," He deems it to be a command forbidding worry and anxiety.

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life." What is the meaning of "Take no thought?" Is the Lord teaching us not to plan for the future? Is He encouraging us to be thoughtless and careless about our lives? No. He expects us to plan ahead, count the cost, plan for the future on earth and plan with faith and commitment for our eternal future.

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish" (Luke 14:28-30).

What, then, does this mean? "Take no thought." 'Be not anxious, be not worried.' Christ's command is that we should not be worried or anxious concerning any area of our lives – what to eat, what to drink, what to wear, etc. God, our Creator, Redeemer and Father Who gave us life will take care of that life.

Since He has given us life, we can trust Him to provide all that is necessary to take care of it. He will surely provide necessary food to sustain the life given. Since God has graciously and freely given us bodies, surely we can trust Him for adequate clothing for the body.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 6:25-30; Matthew 6:25,31,34; Luke 12:22-30; Mark 13:11; 1 Corinthians 7:32; Philippians 4:6-8; Hebrews 13:5,6; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22; Luke 21:34-36; Matthew 6:26,27; Genesis 1:30; 8:6-19; Job38:41; Psalm104:10-14,27,28; Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:24; Job 35:10,11; Psalm 8:4-9; Ecclesiastes 3:14; Matthew 6:28-30; Luke 12:27-31; Hosea 14:5-9; James 1:5-8; Ephesians 6:16; Romans 4:18-21; 8:32; Psalm 37:16-19; Romans 10:11-13; Philippians 4:6-8,13,19.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/fight-worry-and-anxiety-part-1/

U preach too much Kumuyi....preach Christ and Him crucified

Goshen360:


U preach too much Kumuyi....preach Christ and Him crucified

Can you show me where you have done just that?

OLAADEGBU:


Can you show me where you have done just that?

Your sentiment as usual.....lol

Over the years, I have preached Christ and him crucified

Goshen360:


Your sentiment as usual.....lol

Over the years, I have preached Christ and him crucified

Show us one link to where you preached Christ and Him crucified.

Fight Worry And Anxiety – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
02 June 2019 | 4:12 am

Behold the fowls of the air: … your heavenly Father feedeth them." Our Lord now uses the example of the birds. There is no worry or anxiety in their lives. They do not attempt to pile up food for an unforeseeable future, yet their lives go on as ordained by God. Let the higher creatures learn from these lower, common creatures. The Lord provides an abundance of food for the birds, will He not provide for us? If God so carefully takes care of these relatively insignificant creatures, how much more will He take care of His own children? Will anyone of us who owns fowls, dogs or goats at home take care of these animals and yet allow the children to starve and die of hunger? He who feeds the birds and keeps them from worry and anxiety will also feed us. Trusting in the care and provision of our Heavenly Father, we are kept free from worry and anxiety.

Jesus asked an important question. "Are ye not much better than they?" – than the fowls of the air? No bird is created in the image of God or recreated in the image of Christ, our Saviour. No bird is a joint-heir with Christ. No bird has a place prepared for it in heaven. If God gives sufficient provision to sustain the life of birds, will He not take care of us who are His children? He has given us Christ; will He not give us all that we need to sustain our lives? (Romans 8:32).

Worry is essentially distrust of God. Faith in God sets us free from worry and anxiety. He who believes in God will not worry or be anxious because he believes in the love of God. It is pointless to worry. Can worry or anxiety add one cubit to our stature? Prayer and faith added fifteen years to Hezekiah's life (2 Kings 20:1-6) but has worry, fear, unbelief, anxiety or discouragement ever added to the quality of any life?

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. If God so clothe the grass of the field …, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" To be worried and anxious about necessities of life shows that we are of little faith. If we have manifested saving faith and we have received "so great salvation," why should we doubt God in the area of material supplies? If God clothes the lilies of the field with a beauty, which is beyond man's power to imitate, how much more will He care for His own children? Surely, God, a loving, compassionate Father will not be forgetful of man, the crown of creation. He will not forget His own. He will not forget you.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 6:25-30; Matthew 6:25,31,34; Luke 12:22-30; Mark 13:11; 1 Corinthians 7:32; Philippians 4:6-8; Hebrews 13:5,6; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22; Luke 21:34-36; Matthew 6:26,27; Genesis 1:30; 8:6-19; Job 38:41; Psalm 104:10-14,27,28; Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:24; Job 35:10,11; Psalm 8:4-9; Ecclesiastes 3:14; Matthew 6:28-30; Luke 12:27-31; Hosea 14:5-9; James 1:5-8; Ephesians 6:16; Romans 4:18-21; 8:32; Psalm 37:16-19; Romans 10:11-13; Philippians 4:6-8,13,19.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/fight-worry-and-anxiety-2/

Give the World A Smile

Youth Choir Ministration


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygy0v_W-rTI

Pray With Confidence – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
09 June 2019 | 4:22 am

Within the unparalleled teaching of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord now 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, which 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 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.

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, our Lord 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 the 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 trustingly, 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."

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/pray-with-confidence-part-1/

Pray With Confidence – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
16 June 2019 | 3:15 am

In God's divine economy, no believer should have any of his prayers unanswered. Our redemptive right, family right and kingdom right, guarantee answers to prayer as we walk with God, seek only His will and let 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 God's mind (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 faithful. Remove the barriers and God will answer your prayer.

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 and 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 provisions, 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; 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 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/pray-with-confidence-part-2/

I LOVE TO WALK WITH JESUS

Published on 4 Jun 2019
Monday Bible Study Adult Choir Ministration


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Mvi3SaFd8

Living For God's Glory – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
23 June 2019 | 4:12 am

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’ life 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.

"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, however, do not lead secretive life. 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 give their lives to the Lord.

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-1-2/

Living For God's Glory – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
30 June 2019 | 4:25 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 only useful 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 God's 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.

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-2-2/

Campus and Youth Choir


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWfzg4AB18o

God's Unchanging Word
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
07 July 2019 | 3:53 am

The relationship between Christ and the revealed mind of God, is revealed in the Holy Scriptures

There are many aspects of Jesus Christ's life that baffle many, especially the simple-minded. One of this is the relationship between Christ and the revealed mind of God, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. It was just incumbent on Jesus to declare: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets."

By "The law and the prophets," Jesus was referring to the whole of the Old Testament Scriptures (Matthew 11:13; 22:36-40; John 1:45; Acts 13:15; 28:23). He was in essence stressing that His authority did not contradict or cancel the authority of the Scriptures.

Far from it, Christ actually came to uphold the permanence of the Scriptures. His message and God's written Word are inseparable. As God does not change (Malachi 3:6), so His Word also cannot be altered by the passage of time.

In its most limited sense, "the law" referred to the Ten Commandments. In a broader sense, it was used to describe to the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses. In a still broader sense, it was used to speak of the entire Old Testament (Romans 13:8-10; James 2:8-11; John 7:19-23; Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:16,17). The prophets reiterated and reinforced the law. All their warnings, admonitions and predictions were directly or indirectly based on the Mosaic Law. God's revelation to the prophets was an extension of His law.

The foundation of the Old Testament was the law given in the Pentateuch, which the prophets, psalmists, and other inspired writers preached, expounded and applied. That body of revelation now variously described as the commandments, precepts, statutes, word, scriptures, the Holy Bible remains the final authority for a fruitful life on earth, and a blissful rest in heaven.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets." There were thoughts and speculations among religious leaders and the common people concerning the purpose of Christ's coming. Did He come to destroy the law? Was His ministry to cancel the moral law and make the nation lawless and ungovernable? No.

In reality, the moral law is God's foundational standard for righteous living. Jesus fulfilled the moral law by His perfect righteousness and preached the necessity of repentance and righteousness. Did He come to destroy the judicial law, which was given to provide unique identity for Israel as a nation? No. He came to fulfil the law, to pay the penalty of the broken law for the whole nation and the whole world. Did He come to destroy the ceremonial law – the law of sacrifices? No. He came to fulfil the law by offering Himself as the final sacrifice, the perfect sacrifice. Having fulfilled the law of the sacrificial system, He brought all the other sacrifices to an end.

Jesus Christ upheld the permanence of God's Word. He required inward and outward obedience to God’s Word. He, Himself, lived to "fulfil all righteousness," and inspired His disciples to "hunger and thirst after righteousness."

"I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." Christ came to fulfil "the law and the prophets" in its fullness. He submitted Himself to God totally and obeyed His Word perfectly. He fulfilled the commandments, statutes, types, prophecies and all the declarations in all details. From conception to crucifixion, in His incarnation, life and ministry, His work and miracles, His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled all "the law and the prophets."

Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures by fully meeting its demands. In His life, He perfectly kept every part of God's Word. He was perfectly righteous and did not violate the smallest part of God's law. He was utterly flawless in His obedience and He has provided the perfect model of righteousness for us. The moral law fulfilled by Christ is still being fulfilled through His disciples. He gives grace to all who belong to Him to walk in obedience and righteousness.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:17,18; 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:5,6; Psalm 119:89-91; Revelation 22:18,19; 1:21-23; 8:16,17; 13:34,35; Matthew 26:47-56; 27:9,34,35; Mark 15:25-28; Luke 24:27,44,45; John 15:22-25; 19:28-36; Acts 3:18-26; 13:27-33; Matthew 7:12; 22:36-40; James 2:8-12; Romans 3:21-26; 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; Acts 24:14-16; Luke 10:25-28.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/in-suffering-god-cares-part-1/

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/gods-unchanging-word/

The Bible Stands.

In Suffering, God Cares – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
14 July 2019 | 4:06 am

One of the most remarkable accounts in the Bible, namely, the incident of the burning bush was very significant to the children of Israel, when it occurred. It is still significant now in our age, and would remain so till the Lord Jesus Christ returns. The sight was so significant for Moses that he recorded it. The great sight attracted Moses' attention and ought to engage ours too. It was a mystery to Moses but to Israel, it was a miracle; to Egypt, a marvel; and to the church, a message.

The burning bush in the desert was a figure or symbol of the children of Israel in Egypt and also a figure and symbol of the church in the world. The fiery flames of the Egyptian oppression and the centuries of affliction have not been able to consume or destroy Israel. The fiery flames of persecution or trials against the church have not consumed it either. If anything, it has purged away all the inadequacies and weaknesses of God's people. And the real strength, substance and gold in the believer are brought out in the fire. The miraculous preservation of Israel in the fire of oppression is a continuous message to every Christian and to the church at large, that no matter how fiery the furnace of affliction, we shall overcome at the end. The devil does tell some lies in troublous times: that God is not with you and that you are finished. But God says He is with you even in the fire. And no fire of the devil's making can consume or destroy a child of God. You will overcome and testify of the victory.

The children of Israel enjoyed divine favour and promises because they were the chosen people of God. Even before the birth of Moses, Pharaoh had initiated, probably, the earliest genocide in history, a policy of destruction against the nation of Israel. He promulgated an edict that every male child born to the Israelites be drowned in river Nile, but it failed. True believers are now the chosen generation. To be part of the chosen people of God, the sinner must turn away from all sins and make Jesus his Lord and Saviour. Thereafter, he enjoys God's favour, mercy, love, grace and promise.

God's promises are for those who have turned away from sin, Satan, the pollution and corruption of the world and have surrendered their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ. Consequently, "the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments." The choice of the Lord on a life is not a one-way decision. The sinner's part is to repent and God's part is to receive him. Those who are thus saved are the burning bush that the fire of the enemy or his affliction will not be able to consume. The Lord has a covenant with the chosen. His plan and purpose for them must always be fulfilled.

Though the Egyptians hated the children of Israel, the mighty and unconquerable power of God kept the nation of Israel from being wiped out by them. His mercy and favour was upon them. He saved them from the hand of their enemies. The Lord also delivers the believer from sin and Satan to serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of his life. Freed from sin, we are victorious because we belong to God. As we remember God's holiness, faithfulness, goodness, mercy and promises, we should rejoice in the Lord.

Further Reading (King James Version): Exodus 3:2; Acts 7:30-32; Deuteronomy 4:20; Exodus 3:3,4; Psalm 33:10-12; 1 Peter 2:9; Deuteronomy 26:17-19; Isaiah 43:2; Luke 1:70-75; 2 Peter 1:3,4; Psalm 97:10-12; Exodus 3:2-4; Psalm 66:12-14; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11,16-18; 6:1-10; 1 Peter 4:12-16,19; 5:7-10; 2 Timothy 4:18; Exodus 3:2; Psalm 129:1,2; Lamentations 3:19-23; Daniel 3:19-25.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/in-suffering-god-cares-part-1/

We Will Change The World
SUNDAY 14 JULY, 2019 YOUTH CHOIR MINISTRATION


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

Part of the youth Choir ministrations during the inauguration of the new Deeper life Auditorium


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

OLAADEGBU:


I also know of some folks whose loyalty is to one certain TB Joshua and not to God.

jesusjnr:
Lol!

I am not only TB Joshua's disciple, but also the disciple of Kumuyi and every other church leader i endorse.

For they are all satanists by virtue of my endorsement!

So says the blind fool and ignorant swine.

jesusjnr:
I can't keep wasting time with a swine who refuses to leave the scumfilled pit he is, because he sees it as the cleanest place ever.

Matthew 7:6 (KJV)

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

In Suffering, God Cares – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
21 July 2019 | 4:20 am

The account of the burning bush as recorded by Moses, is significant in many ways. In one particular case, it is noted that the burning bush was not consumed because God was in the bush. And because of the presence of the divine personality among the Israelites, the fire of persecution, affliction, oppression and the satanic difficulty could not consume them. The testimonies of others are an encouragement that the fire burning around you or your family will soon give way, as it happened to those who have gone before us. Although there are persecutions, afflictions and difficulties in the world, the Almighty God will bring you "out into a wealthy place."

The time of trouble is the time to get nearer to the Lord and renew our commitment, consecration and vow to Him, just as did Apostle Paul, who possessed the spirit of the conqueror. The fire of persecution, affliction, perplexity and difficulties may burn, but God's people are neither consumed nor weakened because of the daily renewal of their inner man. The fire of the world cannot destroy genuine faith, nor can it fight against God and win.

But the believer must be watchful not to offend, so that the ministry will not be blamed. Discouragement often sets in, when people focus on the fire and not on the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is difficult to understand the suffering of the righteous, but Apostle Peter encourages continuity in righteousness. Look away from the fire and look up to God.

"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Our responsibilities during persecution and difficulties include:

(i) Prayer and pledge to continue to serve the Lord,

(ii) Peace and purity in all our dealings,

(iii) Patience and perseverance in all our interactions,

(iv) Purging and pruning of our hearts,

(v) Purpose and passion in all our endeavours,

(vi) Praise and power from God at all times,

(vii) Progress and preservation in all our experiences.

The Lord is faithful in protecting His people. In spite of sore afflictions, persecutions and troubles, God's people always prevail. The Israelites and the early Church prevailed. Our testimony as a church and as individuals that have been through persecution and fiery trials is, "it is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

The Lord's faithfulness will continue to be real in the believer's life, as it was in the lives of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, three men trained and promoted as leaders while in exile, in Babylon. They refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's idol in Babylon. As they stood for God, they overcame. Their persecutor's fire could not consume them in the fiery furnace. Rather, only the men that threw them into it were consumed by the fire. If you are a true child of God, the fire of affliction will not consume you.

Like Nebuchadnezzar saw the three Hebrew children in the fire unhurt, your persecutors and adversaries will see that God is with you and that you are unconquerable.

Further Reading (King James Version): Exodus 3:2; Acts 7:30-32; Deuteronomy 4:20; Exodus 3:3,4; Psalm 33:10-12; 1 Peter 2:9; Deuteronomy 26:17-19; Isaiah 43:2; Luke 1:70-75; 2 Peter 1:3,4; Psalm 97:10-12; Exodus 3:2-4; Psalm 66:12-14; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11,16-18; 6:1-10; 1 Peter 4:12-16,19; 5:7-10; 2 Timothy 4:18; Exodus 3:2; Psalm 129:1,2; Lamentations 3:19-23; Daniel 3:19-25.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/in-suffering-god-cares-part-2/

Gain In Satan's Hindrance – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
28 July 2019 | 3:18 am

Sometimes in life, we watch as our elaborate plans for a possibly tremendous venture or activity falls through. We are mystified because we cannot explain why it happened. If only we know that just lurking around the corner of what we term a great hindrance, is Almighty God, waiting to turn the situation into a profit for you. It was the same with the Apostle Paul.

"Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."

Why did Paul plan to visit the Thessalonians again? He had been there before, and they had received the Word of God and were already converted. Saved by the Lord and separated from the world, they were shining lights for the Lord, sharing the gospel with their neighbours.

Paul planned to visit them so that they "might have a second benefit" (2 Corinthians 1:15), so that he "may impart unto (them) some spiritual gifts, to the end (they) may be established" (Romans 1:11). He desired to establish them in the faith and strengthen them to resist the tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3), to perfect that which was lacking in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10), to establish their hearts unblameable in holiness before God (1 Thessalonians 3:13), to reassure them concerning their brethren who had died before the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), and to prepare them for "the day of the Lord (which) cometh as a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6).

"But Satan hindered us." Satan, the great adversary, tried to hinder the Saviour from paying the price for the salvation of the world (Matthew 16:21-23). He fought relentlessly to hinder the Jews from receiving their salvation through Christ (John 8:24,34,44; Acts 13:45,46; 28:27; 2 Corinthians 4:3,4). Now he, Satan, works tirelessly to hinder the free, full, final salvation of the Thessalonians and the Gentiles (1 Thessalonians 2:16; Acts 13:45-50; 14:2; 22:21-24).

Paul and the other preachers overcame all hindrances by persevering supplication, perpetual self-sacrifice, pledged servanthood, passionate stewardship, purposeful steadfastness, prevailing strategies and peculiar singleness of heart.

Although Apostle Paul was hindered from going to Thessalonica, he had trained and trusted representatives he could send to do what he would have done. One of these tested and trustworthy partners was Timothy. He was a humble, honest, holy believer, "well reported of by the brethren" (Acts 16:1,2). He was also a competent, well-equipped fellow-labourer known to be "faithful in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 4:17). Paul testified of him that "he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do" (1 Corinthians 16:10). Paul had trained many fellow-labourers, fellow-servants and fellow-workers, who could be sent to do the work he could have done whenever and wherever the need arose (Romans 16:3-7; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25; 4:3; Colossians 4:7,8,10-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:2).

Similarly, the Lord Jesus Christ trained and reproduced Himself in many apostles and disciples He could send to preach and minister effectively (Mark 3:14,15; 6:12,13; Luke 10:1,2,17-20). Paul also trained and equipped many dedicated evangelists, pastors, and teachers that could be a mighty extension of Christ's commission.

Timothy was to teach and train faithful leaders, who would be able to keep the gospel light shining in the darkness of their generation. Training workers and leaders is critical in overcoming Satan's hindrances against the spread of the gospel. Those who are trained and equipped must be faithful, willing and available to serve anywhere, anytime "lest Satan should get an advantage of us" (2 Corinthians 2:11).

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/gain-in-satans-hindrance-part-1/

Gain In Satan's Hindrance – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
04 August 2019 | 4:11 am

When we experience disappointments as Apostle Paul did, it is usually for a reason. First, he clearly recognised that it was "Satan (that) hindered us." He also knew that it was because "a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Corinthians 16:9). He therefore pleaded: "Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you" (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

Our prayer can remove the hindrances of Satan. When the believer prays in our Saviour's name, it is the same as if the Lord Jesus Himself was making the request to the Father. Prayer changes things. Prayer makes a seemingly helpless minority to become a mighty force that can influence the destiny of nations.

A servant of God has written: "Prayer has divided seas, rolled up flowing rivers, made flinty rocks gush into fountains, quenched flames of fire, muzzled lions, disarmed vipers and poisons, marshaled the stars against the wicked, stopped the course of the moon, arrested the rapid sun in its great race, burst open iron gates, recalled souls from eternity, conquered the strongest devils, and commanded legions of angels down from heaven. Prayer has bridled and changed the raging passions of man, and routed and destroyed vast armies of proud, daring blustering atheists. Prayer has brought one man from the bottom of the sea, and carried another in a chariot of fire to heaven. What has not prayer done?" Satan cannot hurt, halt or effectively hinder the work of God if we pray.

"But Satan hindered us." "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica" (2 Timothy 4:10). Satan and Demas would have done "much evil" in Thessalonica but God overruled Satan and the backslider. God instructed Paul to commit the message into writing. What was the result? Paul joyfully told the believers in that city: "Your faith groweth exceedingly… in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure" (2 Thessalonians 1:3,4). The written Epistle has even resulted in greater glory to God and much spiritual blessing to generations of believers and to us, today. Harnessing the printed page for the gospel always defeats Satan's plans to hinder the salvation of sinners or to hinder the growth of Christians. The written Word knows no fear. It never tires, but works 24 hours a day, even while the preachers and the printers sleep and rest. It is never discouraged, but will tell its story over and over again.

The written Word is more permanent than the human voice. It continues to speak and make its message plain after audible words have been forgotten and lost. It is immune to all disease and Satan's hindrance. The shortest paragraph may be used by God as the stone in David's sling. In the hands of Christ, it may bring down a giant soul. The written (and the recorded) Word can penetrate so deeply, witness so daringly, abide so persistently and influence so irresistibly where ministers and missionaries may not reach. Satan thought he had successfully hindered Apostle Paul, but God used the written word to speak loudest to the suffering believers there.

Further Reading (King James Version): 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 3:1,2; Acts 17:13,14; 1 Corinthians 4:17-20; Ephesians 6:21-24; Philippians 2:19-24; Colossians 4:7-9; 1 Timothy 1:3,18-20; Titus 1:4,5; 2 Timothy 2:2-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Ephesians 6:18-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:1,2; Romans 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:11,15,16; Colossians 4:2-4; Philemon 21-23; Hebrews 13:18,19; Acts 26:19-23; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 5:27,28; Jeremiah 36:1-6,26-28; Luke 1:1-4; Galatians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 3:14-16; 2 Peter 3:1,2; 1 John 2:1,12-17; Revelation 1:9-11.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/gain-in-satans-hindrance-part-2/

Reading And Reaping From Scriptures – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
11 August 2019 | 4:10 am

When in 2011, the world rose in unison to celebrate 400 years of the King James authorised version of the Holy Bible, it was an expression of gratitude to God and appreciation of the great gift of His Word. Man is created spirit, soul and body; and we are greater than animals. To maintain healthy and growing body, sound and sane mind, vigorous and lively spirit, we need food to nourish the body, love to nurse the soul, and God's Word to nurture the spirit.

Yet, we know that food will not strengthen if we don't eat it; His love will not sustain us if we do not receive it; His Word will not satisfy us if we do not read and believe it. Let us associate feeding the body with reading God's Word every day. How?

Be committed to this principle: No Bible, no breakfast; No Scripture, no supper or sleep.

Let BREAD remind you of: Bible Reading Exceeds All Duties, because Bible Reading Empowers All Daily.

God's unchanging desire is that you read His Word and let His Word dwell in you richly. This can be accomplished only by daily reading and meditating on the Scriptures. Let God's Word be precious and DEAR to you.

If the Bible is DEAR, you'll Drop Everything And Read.

Read the Bible. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully, meditatively, devotionally, and study it constantly, perseveringly and industriously. Read it through and through until it becomes part of your being. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and obey it to be holy now and happy forever.

The Lord, our God, expects and commands everyone to read His Word. Kings and princes, pastors and priests, parents and children, family members and strangers, believers and non-believers, all people in all places, at all times, and in every generation, have been given the Bible to read. No other book has been given to everyone to read because no other book is universally necessary and eternally profitable. This is The Book and we are all commanded to read it, study it, search it, believe it, keep it, obey it, teach it, defend it, preserve it and love or cherish it till the end.

Reading, studying, hearing or teaching the Word of God is not enough. "Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). There are those who read and do not understand (Acts 8:30,31), others read much and yet they remain as ignorant as those who have never seen or read a sentence in the Bible! (2 Corinthians 3:14,15; Acts 13:27). Each of us must ask ourselves the question Jesus asked an enquirer: "How readest thou?" (Luke 10:26).

We are instructed to
(1) read and understand (Matthew 24:15);
(2) read and interpret (Daniel 5:17);
(3) read and believe (Luke 24:25-27);
(4) read and obey, do, keep (Exodus 24:7; Deuteronomy 17:19; Revelation 1:3);
(5) read and teach (Nehemiah 8:8);
(6) read and command (Acts 13:15);
(7) read and run with the vision (Habakkuk 2:2).

God's expectation and the Book's exhortation are clear: Read what is written and heed what He says.

Further Reading (King James Version): Isaiah 34:16; Revelation 1:3; Jeremiah 5:24; Isaiah 34:16; Deuteronomy 17:19; 1 Timothy 4:13; Matthew 9:35-38; John 4:34-38; Matthew 13:36-43; Jeremiah 8:20-22. Nehemiah 8:5,8; Luke 10:1-3,17-20; Proverbs 10:5; Psalm 126:5,6; Acts 8:5-8; Jeremiah 5:24.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/reading-and-reaping-from-scriptures-part-1/

Reading And Reaping From Scriptures – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
18 August 2019 | 3:01 am

When we read the Bible, we must do so with understanding. Paradoxically, we read the Bible like any other book and yet like no other book! We often have to know the context and setting of a word or phrase to understand its meaning and significance.

For the purpose of illustration, check up the following simple words in the clear passages containing them:

(1) Believe (John 2:23-25; James 2:19; Romans 10:9-10). Obviously, it matters what we believe, who we believe and how we believe.
(2) Love (Ezekiel 33:31; John 14:15,23). Saying and singing "I love You, Lord" does not mean much to God, if it's only sentimental and superficial without obedience to His Word.
(3) Harvest (Genesis 8:22; Jeremiah 8:20; Matthew 9:37-38; 13:39,41; Revelation 14:15). It is very instructive to read the context of each verse where the word harvest occurs.

Then we ask: Is the word used literally, figuratively, spiritually, or prophetically? It is very helpful in interpretation and application of any passage of scripture to know if the word "harvest" relates to harvesting or gathering crops, harvesting or winning, evangelising souls or harvesting or pronouncing end-time judgment on Christ-rejecters. There is a harvest that farmers are responsible for. There is also a harvest of souls being reaped by Christ's disciples and labourers, while we have the opportunity to proclaim His free and full salvation to all, and there is going to be a harvest of judgment on the final day of reckoning. What a joy to be involved in the harvest of gathering repentant and believing souls into God's Kingdom.

The time of harvest in Israel got every member of each family and their friends involved. The reaping of their harvest was not left only in the hands of the head of the family. The early CHURCH also got every member involved in evangelistic harvesting. The early CHURCH demonstrated an understanding of the steps and working principles of proper and effective reaping. As in the natural, so we find these principles in spiritual harvesting.

First, the Commission, then Comprehension, Consecration, Concentration, Co-operation (no Competition), Continuation until Conservation and Compensation. That was the commitment of the early Church and this ought to be the concentration and consecration of the whole Church today. We read the Bible so that the life, passion, and ministry of Christ might be reproduced in us. He came to seek and to save that which was lost and we are here to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). He rejected popularity and fame so as to "go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth" (Mark 1:38,39). And so must we. He knew the purpose of His birth and the goal of life on earth. "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world" (John 18:37). He would not be distracted from the divinely ordained purpose of living; neither must we be distracted by anything or anyone.

"He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest." For Israel "the appointed weeks of the harvest" were the seven weeks from the Passover to Pentecost and were as important for the ingathering of the crops as the rainy seasons for their nourishment. The appointed time of harvest demanded urgency. To delay and waste the harvest or lose their crops would be foolish. For us to be "busy here and there" or to be negligent and thereby allow souls to be lost is worse than losing crops. The condemnation of the negligent will be great; the compensation of the faithful will be greater than expected. Commit yourself to read and obeying God's Word. Read and reap, and become born again. Then, live a life rapturable and pleasing to God.

Further Reading (King James Version): Isaiah 34:16; Revelation 1:3; Jeremiah 5:24; Isaiah 34:16; Deuteronomy 17:19; 1 Timothy 4:13; Matthew 9:35-38; John 4:34-38; Matthew 13:36-43; Jeremiah 8:20-22. Nehemiah 8:5,8; Luke 10:1-3,17-20; Proverbs 10:5; Psalm 126:5,6; Acts 8:5-8; Jeremiah 5:24.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/reading-and-reaping-from-scriptures-part-2/

Sunday, February 17 Campus Choir Ministration


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt6C8ULydPY

The Victory To Win


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBv_ihkV5nY

Experiencing God's Presence – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
25 August 2019 | 4:10 am

After His resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ assured His disciples of the certainty of His personality, authority and power as Saviour and Lord. He announced that "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," implying that no power in heaven, on earth or anywhere can confront or hinder the glorious, majestic power the Father had vested in Him, the Builder, Owner and Head of the church. On the strength of that, He commanded His disciples to go and teach all nations (or all communities, tribes, tongues and people) the good news of salvation.

As they went, they were to baptise converts "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" and teach them all things that He had taught while He was with them. This He commanded because He knew that there would be people who would like to pick and choose what to obey in God's word. But if we remain faithful to Him, we will experience His presence, power and provision "always, even unto the end of the world." This also denotes that evangelism or telling others about Christ, is to continue until the end of the world.

Therefore, Christ’s followers are to go out and preach the gospel; they are not to settle down to other businesses or into retirement. They are to go "into all the world" whatever the condition "and preach the gospel to every creature." Unfortunately, the Church has deviated from the core duty of evangelism to other less important things. It is unnecessary to worry about whether people believe or not; our duty is to preach. It is as we go out to preach the gospel that "signs shall follow" us.

The presence of God is not given indiscriminately to everyone; there is a purpose for which it is given. Moses desired to have the presence of God and God promised to give it to him for a purpose. When anyone comes into the centre of God’s will and desires to see His purpose fulfilled in his life, he begins to enjoy the privilege of His promised presence. Moses had been saved from sin like any other sinner, yet He still prayed for more grace. There is grace for sonship with which the believer lives the righteous life and overcomes temptations; and there is grace for servanthood with which he serves in God's vineyard.

Children and servants of the Lord are assured of the privilege of God’s presence in times of temptations, trials, confusion and troubles. It was through the privilege of the divine presence that Joseph overcame the suffocating hatred of his brothers; the greater the predicament he suffered in their hands and that of Potiphar, the greater the presence of God with him. Likewise, it is through the privilege of the divine presence that believers overcome any challenge that confronts them.

God's promised presence brings prosperity and favour; it brings confirmation of the words of God's ministers and preachers. Every promise of God will be fulfilled in the believer's life. Those promises that were not fulfilled in the previous years will come to pass this year. Whatever assignments God has for His people to accomplish this year will be achieved because of His presence.

Whatever incapability or insufficiency you have been feeling will be made up by the presence of God.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Exodus 33:12-14; Genesis 39:2,3,21-23; 1 Samuel 3:19; 1 Kings 8:56,57; Judges 6:15,16; Isaiah 6:1-8; Job 42:1-6; 34:31,32; 2 Chronicles 15:1-4,7,8; Malachi 3:1-3; Exodus 3:10-12; 4:10-12; Matthew 28:19,20; Ezekiel 3:17; Ephesians 4:11,12; 2 Chronicles 29:10,11; Acts 16:9,10; 21:13,14; 9:31; 2:42; 5:42; 8:4,40; 12:24; 16:4,5; 19:10.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/experiencing-gods-presence-part-1/

Experiencing God's Presence – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
01 September 2019 | 4:14 am

The Prophet Isaiah had been serving the Lord and ministering, when God decided he was to be given a new commission with a wider scope. But before he could be given that new assignment, there was a revelation of the Lord's presence to him. Likewise, in whatever capacity you might have served the Lord in the past, the Lord wants to give you a new commission. But such divine revelations can only be received on the knees through prayers, not from the news media.

When Isaiah saw the divine revelation, he saw how unqualified and insufficient he was before the Almighty God. Similarly, when any believer has the perception of the divine presence, he might see his corruption, defilement, shortcomings and insufficiency, but that is not to drive him away from the Lord. That the Lord is so holy and the individual unholy, and the Lord so high and the person so low, should not drive the believer away from the Lord. Rather, the more he sees of God's glory and honour, the more he should come to Him for purification that comes by the fire of His presence. It is only after the purging and purification, that he can then, like Isaiah, respond: "Here am I; send me."

The Lord's presence leads to purging because it will reveal the believer's true spiritual state and his dire need for true righteousness and holiness. It is when he comes into the divine presence that he can pray sincerely like Job: "Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more." And like King Asa, the person would then take courage and put away every sin and go for God's purging. As he obeys the Lord, the Lord will "suddenly come to his temple."

Whenever any believer is confronted with certain assignments that make him feel inadequate, unqualified or insufficient as to ask, "Who am I, that I should" do this or that, he should not be afraid. What he needs is the Lord's presence. The purpose of the divine presence is to get people out of bondage. This is why the believer should avoid comparing himself with any other person. God is sending the believer to the people to say what He had told us to say.

We are not only to preach, we are also to disciple the converts in every nation. We are to Disciple A Whole Nation (DAWN) in this generation. This age is a new dawn of evangelisation. Therefore, we must (i) Demonstrate A Watchman's Nature. (ii) Develop A Witnessing Network. (iii) Detest All Wilful Negligence. (iv) Discover A Waiting Neighbourhood. (v) Disregard All Worrisome News. (iv) Double A Written Number. (vii) Declare Apostolic Words Nationwide. The Lord's presence will go with us, and He will help us.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Exodus 33:12-14; Genesis 39:2,3,21-23; 1 Samuel 3:19; 1 Kings 8:56,57; Judges 6:15,16; Isaiah 6:1-8; Job 42:1-6; 34:31,32; 2 Chronicles 15:1-4,7,8; Malachi 3:1-3; Exodus 3:10-12; 4:10-12; Matthew 28:19,20; Ezekiel 3:17; Ephesians 4:11,12; 2 Chronicles 29:10,11; Acts 16:9,10; 21:13,14; 9:31; 2:42; 5:42; 8:4,40; 12:24; 16:4,5; 19:10.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/experiencing-gods-presence-part-2/

How To Shun Worldly Traps – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
08 September 2019 | 3:24 am

It is unusual for the scriptures to open with an appeal to believers. What is common is a command to obey, a precept to follow, or an imperative to heed. This is what makes Romans chapter 12 a remarkable text because it sets out by making an appeal to believers, and underscores the centrality and importance of the message it seeks to convey.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." God requires holiness in the believer’s life, service and worship. This message on how to shun all allurements of this world is only for believers who are justified. Generally, the epistle to the Romans talks about the believer's justification by faith. It reveals our salvation and reconciliation with God through His grace.

In the build-up to the discourse on consecration required of believers if they are not to conform to the world, chapters 1, 2 and 3 of Romans discuss the guilt and condemnation of both the Jews and Gentiles; chapters 4 and 5 reveal the redemption of both Jews and Gentiles only by faith in Christ. Chapter 6 talks about our sanctification: the crucifixion and removal of the adamic nature of sin from the believer's heart. While chapter 7 highlights the wretched and helpless state of sinners, chapter 8 shows the provision of forgiveness through Christ's death and the possibility of a new life in the Spirit. Chapters 9, 10 and 11, reveal how the Jews who are children of the covenant are at present under dispensational blindness.

While the Jews are blind to the light of the gospel now, the Gentiles have freely received the light of the gospel and enjoy all the privileges of redemption through Jesus Christ. This redemption puts on us, as beneficiaries, the responsibility to consecrate our lives to God and refuse any tendency to conform to the world.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD…" Apostle Paul addresses "brethren," people who are already saved from their sins. Called out of the world, they are now reconciled to God. Thus, their ambition and desire are in contrast with the world; their goal in life is to obey and please the Lord. The "mercies" that brings salvation, sanctification, healing, deliverance and makes us sons and daughters in the Kingdom should make us to be consecrated to the Lord.

Some professing Christians in our society erroneously believe that God has nothing to do with their bodies, and that He is only concerned about their soul and spirit. Thus, they do all sorts of abominable things with their bodies contrary to the admonition for us to present our bodies as blameless and acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. But the Lord will not accept any sacrifice that is contaminated with disobedience.

Why do we need to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord? "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." Christ, having paid the ultimate price for our redemption, the believer no longer has power over his body. Bought and brought into the Kingdom by Christ's Blood, he must "glorify God," not self, man or the world, in his body. The body he offers to the Lord to reside in, as His temple must be pure.

Further Reading (King James Version): Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; 3:16,17; Psalm 50:5; 1 Timothy 5:1,2,22.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/how-to-shun-worldly-traps-part-1/