₦airaland Forum

The word translated as resurrection in the New Testament, is from the Greek word, ‘anastasis’, meaning; a standing up again. That is, literally, a resurrection from death—either individual or general resurrection…

And figuratively, it means a moral or spiritual recovery.

In this article, we want to consider the different kinds of resurrection of the dead as contained in the scriptures.

Kinds of Resurrection of the Dead

Scripturally, there are basically four kinds of resurrection of the dead. And we want to consider each one of them at a time.

1) Salvational Resurrection: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.”—John 5:24-25.

Scripturally, every human has inherent eternal death sentence passed on them through the original Adamic sin and consequent curse of death (Romans 5:12). Hence we are told in Ephesians 2:1-3, that we were dead in trespasses and sins and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others…

But in the book of John 5: 24-25, the Lord himself tells us how to receive resurrection from this eternal death sentence inherent in all natural man. He says, to receive this resurrection, all we have to do is, hear his words and believe on the Father that sent him. And of course, we believe on the father, through believing in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

Hence, everyone who already believes in Jesus Christ through hearing God’s word, already has eternal or spiritual resurrection from eternal or spiritual death. This in other words, can be referred to as Eternal Salvation. And this is what I have coined, ‘Salvational Resurrection of the Dead’.

2) Miraculous Resurrection: Yes, every kind of resurrection discussed here is miraculous. But for the want of a better word to explain this type of resurrection of the dead, I had to coin it so.

By miraculous resurrection, I mean miraculous raising of the dead through faith and prayers as Jesus and the Apostles did.

When Jesus sent out his disciples for Evangelism, one of the instructions given to them—amongst others—was to raise the dead bodies in the places they go to preach (Matthew 10:.

And of course, he has given every one of us the power and authority to be able to do so in his name as well. In John 14:12, the Lord says anyone that believes on him shall do the same works that he did and even greater, because he is gone to the father.

And of course, one of the works he did was raising of dead bodies. So if someone dies around any believer, it is his or her responsibility to exercise his faith in God for the resurrection of that dead body to the glory of God.

3) The Resurrection of The Just: The first resurrection is another name for the resurrection of the just. And it will happen at the second coming of Jesus, at the sound of the last trumpet. Let’s see what the scriptures says concerning this:

“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words”—1Thessalonians 4:15-18 (see also 1Corinthians 15:51-54).

This is the general resurrection of the just men and women who die (sleep) in the Lord and those saints who would be alive and remain at Christ’s second coming. For the living saints, who remain alive at the Lord’s second coming, their resurrection will be transformation of their natural bodies into spiritual bodies.

That is, their mortal bodies will be transformed to immortal bodies (1 Corinthians 15:53).

4) The Second Resurrection: The second resurrection can as well be referred to as the last or final resurrection of the dead. It can also be referred to as the resurrection of damnation from Jesus’ words. He says;

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” John 5:28-29.

The resurrection of life the Lord refers to in the above scripture is the resurrection of the just already discussed above. Then the resurrection of damnation the Lord referred to above is the second or final resurrection of the dead. That is, the resurrection of evil doers—the unjust. And this final resurrection will happen after the millennial reign of Christ, at the great white throne judgement. Let’s see this in the scripture below:

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according as their works”—Revelation 20:11-12

The above judgment mentioned in verse twelve talks about the judgment of the saints who have reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Now let’s see the final resurrection of the dead…

“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it. And death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” Revelations 20:13-15.

The above is the last resurrection, which is the resurrection unto eternal damnation or second death. And the Lord says the people that will partake of this kind of resurrection, are those who practice evil. That is, the unjust.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

Lomprico2:
Heresy!!

Was there not famine in d land of isreal b4 Ezekiel made that prophesy.

So is your point driving at? Please Explain.

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.” – Ezekiel 36:26-30 (emphasis mine)

It is commonly argued that prosperity is not for the New Testament Church. And that as a matter of fact, the entire prosperity doctrine is false…

But from the highlighted clauses of the opening text, it is obvious that such arguments are not true. The opening text is a copy of the New Covenant as prophesied by the Prophet Ezekiel. And it was fulfilled and ratified by the death of Christ on the cross. By the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, anyone who believes in him (Jesus) becomes an automatic partaker of the New Covenant, and all its tenets.

And as a result, anyone who believes in Christ receives a change of heart, and the Holy Spirit as stated in the Covenant…

And in much the same way, anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, also becomes a partaker of the prosperity clauses of the same New Covenant (Ezekiel 36: 29-30).

It is also argued that this Covenant is actually directed at the Jews. That is true. But however, the scripture tells us that we are fellow-citizens with the saints through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. And that the wall of partition between us and the Jew was broken in his flesh. Hence, we—Gentiles—also have access to the Covenants of promise (Ephesians 2:11-19).

If we believe that every Christian under the New Covenant already has changed hearts. And the Holy Spirit indwelling in them, to enable them keep the statutes of God as it is contained in the New Covenant, we shouldn’t also have problem believing that every believer is also prosperous.

Here are the divine prosperity clauses of the New Covenant again from the book of Ezekiel 36: 29-30;
“I also will save you from all your uncleanness: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen”

In the above scripture, the Lord clearly promises us prosperity. And he assures us of not receiving anymore reproach of famine among the heathen.

Now a matter must be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses. So let us consider another scripture that guarantees that divine prosperity is for the present church;

“[b]Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
I speak not by commandment but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor; that ye through his poverty might be rich.[/b]” –2Corinthians 8:1-9

I had to quote this particular scripture to this length so we can get the exact context. Because many say it is being interpreted out of context. The above scripture is clearly talking about the giving grace God bestowed upon the Macedonian churches. Verse 2 says in their great trial of affliction, the abundance of their Joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. So clearly, this scripture is talking about the giving grace.

Then in verse 7 the Apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthians that as they abound or increase in spiritual gifts such as faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, and love, they should see to it that they also abound or increase in the giving grace also. Then in verse 9 he says;
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

Concerning the above verse (verse 9), many argue that the riches referred to here are spiritual riches. But saying that will imply that the Apostle Paul meant;

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was spiritually rich, yet for your sakes he became spiritually poor, that ye through his spiritual poverty might be spiritually rich.”

Of course, the above quotation can’t be farther from the truth. It is scripturally obvious that Jesus was never spiritually poor while he was here on earth. He couldn’t have been spiritually poor, after living a blameless, holy life… After healing all manners of sickness and diseases. And even after raising the dead. No. The true interpretation is;

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was materially rich, yet for your sakes he became materially poor, that ye through his material poverty might be materially rich”.

The above interpretation is in perfect harmony with scriptural truth. We all know that the only poverty the Lord suffered while he was here on earth was material poverty. Especially not having where to lay his head. Hence, he suffered material poverty so we can enjoy material riches.

I agree divine prosperity and the prosperity doctrine has been abused and pushed to some extremes by many folks. But like I always say, doctrinal and other abuses or extremism is not only the vice of the prosperity doctrine. Other doctrines such as grace, deliverance, faith, sanctification, etc…

have also been abused and pushed to the extreme. But the panacea or antidote is not to entirely reject these true and wholesome scriptural doctrines.

Because doing so will amount to throwing the tares along with the wheat. And it will thus, create loopholes for the devil to take advantage of. Instead, we should study our bibles carefully and pray more fervently so we will be able to receive the right spiritual insight to be able to separate the shafts from the wheat.

So here we have it. Divine prosperity is for the present Church. Firstly, because it is a part of the New Covenant; and secondly, our Lord Jesus Christ, substituted his earthly material poverty for it.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili.

Human beings all over the world, from different circles of life, have their own definitions of wisdom. But the greater percentage of what many hold as wisdom, is what the bible refers to as conceited wisdom.

The married man or woman who has extra-marital affairs, with the notion that the taste of only one type of soup is not enough, believes he/she is operating in wisdom.

The beautiful lady who goes about trading her body sexually for money, with the notion that she is using what she has to get what she wants; believes also that she is walking in wisdom.

The young man who uses the internet and other media to trick and scam people into frustration believes also that he is smart or walking in wisdom. Just to mention but a few of the conceited wisdom mankind operate in.

And to this group of people walking or operating in this kind of conceited wisdom, the word of God says;

“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him”—Proverbs 26:12

Given this backdrop, we want to scripturally study what true wisdom or divine wisdom actually mean. So people can actually pursue and apply it in every area of life.

What Is Divine Wisdom?

Scripturally, there are mainly four definitions of wisdom. And we will be considering them one after the other.

1) The Fear of God: “But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living… And unto man he said, behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding”—Job 28:12-13; 28.

The above scripture defines wisdom— divine wisdom—as the fear of God. Then again the word of God tells us in Psalm 111:10 that;

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom”. Hence, according to scriptures, divine wisdom can simply be defined as the “Fear of God”.

2) Thoughtfulness: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves” – Matthew 10:16. The word wise as translated in the above scripture is from the Greek word: ‘phronimos’ meaning; ‘thoughtfulness’. In order words, sagacity, discretion, shrewdness, astuteness, cleverness, cunningness or subtlety (in a good sense), etc. The Lord admonished his disciples to engage this type of wisdom as he sent them out to preach the gospel. He admonished them to be as wise as the serpent and harmless as dove.

And of course, what Jesus says to one, he says to all. This same injunction of the Lord also applies to us Christians today. We also need this divine wisdom in the discharge of our great commission; in order to record substantial results.

The Apostle Paul employed this aspect of wisdom in his Evangelical work. He says; to them that are under the Law, became as a man under the law. And unto them that are without the law, he became as a man without the law. To the intent that he might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:20-22).

And of course, this being wise as serpent, is shrewdness. It is definitely cleverness or sagacity. And we must as well employ this wisdom in our ministry and every area of life, for maximum success.

3) Intellectual Insight: “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord”—Luke 1:17

The word translated in the above scripture as wisdom is from the Greek word; “phronesis” meaning; intellectual or moral insight. The same word is also translated in the New Testament in some other context as prudence.

Hence, this gives us a third definition of divine wisdom to mean divinely inspired, intellectual or moral insight. In order words, understanding or prudence. This particular definition of wisdom, do merit distinction from the second definition of wisdom we had already considered, ‘phronimos’.

So intellectual or moral insight, inspired by God, is also divine wisdom.

4) Love or Word Practice: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” John 14:21

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it”—Matthew 7: 24-27.

In the first scripture above (John 14:21) the Lord defines love as having and keeping his commandments. Then the second scripture (Matthew 7:24-27), the Lord again says whosoever hears his sayings and does them, he would liken to a wise man.

Hence, we can define divine wisdom as well as the Love of God or the practice of God’s word. And I believe, just the same way as the word of God says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, the Love of God is the climax of wisdom.

So there you have it. The above definitions are the meaning of divine wisdom. And the Lord will have us walk in all the above four aspects of divine wisdom to the glory of his Holy Name.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili.

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ”—2Peter 1:10-11

The word translated as “fall” in the above opening text, is from the Greek word ‘ptaio’ meaning ‘to trip’. Which in other words means: to err, sin, fail or stumble concerning salvation. So the statement “ye shall never fall”, as used in our opening text means:

1. You shall never fall into error, such as heresy and delusion.
2. You shall never fall into sin, especially habitual sin.
3. You shall never fail or stumble concerning your eternal salvation. Such as falling into apostasy and agnosticism.

These definitions are flawless, given the preceding statements and the immediate accompanying verse as stated in the opening text…

The preceding statement says: “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure”. Your calling and election here, refers to our calling and election of grace. Which in a phrase means, “Eternal Salvation”. The immediate following verse confirms this. It says, “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ”—2Peter 1:11

Hence, the Apostle Peter—by the Spirit—reveals to us, that there are certain spiritual secrets or keys which if we diligently engage, can certainly make us infallible. These spiritual secrets make us infallible to spiritual errors. They make us infallible to sin—especially habitual sin. And most importantly, they make us infallible from our calling and election in Christ Jesus, which is or call to Eternal Salvation and Life.

So What Are These Infallibility Secrets?

“Simon Peter , a servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness CHARITY.

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”—2Peter 1:1-11

From the above quoted scripture, the Apostle Peter by the Spirit, delivers Eight powerful spiritual secrets that guarantees our infallibility from our calling and election of Grace. So we are going to consider these secrets, so we can better understand them, and consequently be able to diligently walk in them, as the word of God admonishes us.

Here are these infallibility keys.

1) Faith: First on the list of these infallibility keys is faith. Every born again child of God has same measure and spirit of faith, given to him or her, at salvation. And no believer has more quantity of faith than another. We all have the mountain moving faith (Romans 12:3; 2Corinthians 4:13). Then to live an infallible life, you must always engage your faith. You must walk by faith and not by sight concerning every area of life (1 Corinthians 5:7). The word of God says, the Just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38).

2) Virtue: The word translated as virtue in the context of the second book of Peter as we quoted earlier, is from the Greek word, “arête” properly meaning, manliness or valor. In other words, excellence. That is, being extremely good or being the best in everything we do. You know, the Lord says we shall be the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). A very good scriptural example of virtuousness is the virtuous woman described in proverbs 31:10-29. So another great key of infallibility, according to scripture is excellence, through diligence, in everything we do. Including our service to God. To this end, the word of God tells us, whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with thy might (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

3) Knowledge: Knowledge here refers to the revelational knowledge of God’s word as revealed by the Holy Ghost from scriptures. And it comes by consistent bible study, meditation and prayers. To walk in spiritual infallibility then, you must as a lifestyle, hunt for the revelational knowledge of God’s word. And as you receive these revelational knowledge, you must live them out to be infallible.

4) Temperance: Another word for temperance is self-control or self-discipline. The word of God tells us we already have in us, the spirit of sound mind or self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). And the Apostle Peter also lists it here as one of the secrets of infallibility. Thus, to walk in infallibility, we must walk in self-control; which is another word for temperance, sound mind, self-discipline or sobriety. We must discipline ourselves in what we say, how we eat; sexually; in how we dress; and in every other things.

5) Patience: Patience as used in the book of Peter we are expounding here is from the Greek word, “hypomone” meaning, cheerful or hopeful endurance or constancy. It is also translated as patience continuance. To be infallible in our calling and election in Christ Jesus, we must exercise patience in our walk with God. We are to hopefully endure whatever affliction or tribulation that comes our way without any iota of wavering even unto death. We must be patient in our profession and exercise of faith and love. Even when we don’t get the desired result the word of God promises. We must not for any reason cast away our confidence and draw back unto perdition. Rather, we must patiently believe unto the saving of our souls (Hebrews 10:35-39).

6) Godliness: Godliness is another key we are admonished to add to our faith for infallibility. Godliness is another word for holiness. That is sanctification. Godliness is Separation from sin and separating to God. It is living above sin. The word of God says we must pursue peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see God (Hebrews 12:14). So if we want to see God in our lives now and in eternity, we must walk in Godliness or holiness (sanctification).

7) Brotherly Kindness: Brotherly Kindness is from the Greek word “Philadelphia”, which means, fraternal affection. It is another word for brotherly love or love of the brethren. It is the love or kindness between brothers and sisters. It is the burden bearing love between brethren in the Lord. If we walk in this affection, the word of God says we shall never fall. This is one of the secrets of infallibility. It is this kind of love that obeys God’s second greatest commandment – Love thy neighbour as thyself (Matthew 22:39).

Charity: Charity is from the Greek word ‘agape’ meaning Love. I believe this key should top the list of the secrets of infallibility, that’s why the Apostle Peter listed it last. Charity in most scriptural context encapsulates or includes brotherly kindness as we just expounded above. It is an affection poured in the heart, only by the Holy Ghost.

It is affection from God, towards God, and people. Charity is affection or benevolence that goes beyond brotherhood. Charity is divine affection that spreads even to the undeserving. To this end, it is superior to Philadelphia, which is just brotherly love. Charity (agape) is a forgiving and forbearing love. And it is the greatest key for infallibility in Christ. But however, it must be combined with the other seven keys for maximum manifestation and effect.

So there you have it. According to the scripture, these eight secrets or keys are the biblical secrets to infallibility from our calling and election of grace.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“Therefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire” – Hebrews 12:28-29.

The above scripture tells us that godly fear is a work of grace. Nowadays, there are very few teachings about the fear of God. And most of the few teachers that teach about the fear of God, define the fear of God to mean the same thing as the love of God. Others interpret it to mean reverence. But the above opening text clearly differentiates reverence from godly fear with the word “And”.

The fear of God is distinct from the love of God and reverence for God. We can clearly see this distinction by checking through the original words which they were translated from.

The love of God is from the Greek word “Agape”, meaning affection. Reverence for God, as used in our opening text, is from the Greek word “entrepo” meaning, to respect. While the fear of God which we are now discussing, is from the Greek word “eulabeia” meaning caution or dread.

Hence, we are to walk in the fear or dread of God for our own good. The Lord doesn’t want us to fear anyone or anything, but he does want us to fear and tremble before him. Hence, in the new covenant, he says he will put his fear in our hearts, so we shouldn’t depart from him (Jeremiah 32:40).

Then the Lord Jesus tells us again, that we should not fear those that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather we should fear him (God) who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

So Why Should We Fear God?

Sometime back, while I shared this message of the fear of God with a young man, he asked me; “can you love and fear your father at the same time?” I replied, “Yes, I loved my parents for whom they were to me, but at the same time, I feared them, because if I messed up, I would be rebuked or punished”

When John talks about perfect love casting away fear, he meant condemnational fear (1John 4:18). And this condemnational (bond) fear, that John says perfect love casts away, is different from the godly fear we are talking about here.

I have felt both of them. Condemnational fear, like John says, has torment. It leads to self and people condemnation. It also leads to struggle with sin. It kills faith. As I struggled with this kind of fear some years ago, like John says, my encounter with the divine love of God by revelation, gave me eternal victory from the clutches of condemantional fear.

While godly fear on the other hand, is a gift of the Spirit of Grace. It confers mastery over sin. Godly fear helps you depart from sin and perfect holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1). Godly fear stabilises love and faith in the heart of a believer.

As a matter of fact, many Christian who confess righteousness with no practical evidence of righteousness in their characters and words, are actually suffering from the missing link of the fear of God. They get carried away with God’s love, goodness and faith. But pay absolutely no attention to the fear of God, divine severity and eternal judgement…

Because they have been wrongly taught or wrongly believe that the fear of God is the same thing as the Love of God or mere reverence or awe.
Now let’s see the scriptural reasons why we need to fear God...

Securing Our Eternal Salvation: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”—Phil 2:12. From scriptures, we see that a saved soul can be cut off if he doesn’t work out his salvation with caution and trembling (Romans 11:20-22). Judas Iscariot lost his bishopric because he didn’t work out his salvation with fear and trembling.

Mastery in Holiness: From scriptures we see that the fear of God is the master or perfect key for Holy or godly living. Here is exactly what the word of God says concerning this:

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” 2Corinthians 7:1.

Enjoying Divine Wisdom: The bible tells us that the fear of God gives us access to divine wisdom, which is uncanny wisdom. As a matter of fact, the bible defines wisdom to mean the fear of God. Here is the exact scripture: “And unto man he said, behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding”—Job 28:28. Hence, to be walking in the fear of God, is to be walking in divine wisdom.

To Enjoy Divine Blessings: “Praise you the Lord, blessed is the man that fears the Lord that delights greatly in his commandments. His descendants shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endures forever”—Psalm 112:1-3. So the man or woman that walks in the fear of God enjoys divine blessings amongst which is wealth and riches.

So the list above, are the major biblical reasons we must have to walk in the fear of God. God does not want us to be afraid of anyone or anything. Neither does he want us to have condemnational or tormenting fear. But he does desire and instructs us to fear him for our ultimate and eternal good.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”—1 John 5:4-5

It is a scriptural fact that God allows Christians to go through tribulations or adversities. No matter how close someone is to God, he can still face trials of faith. God does not promise us a tribulation-free walk with him here in this present world. But he does guarantee us the victory in every tribulation we face.

Here are the exact words of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”—John 16:33

In the above scripture, The Lord says clearly that in this present world, we shall have tribulation. Then immediately, he tells us to be of good cheer, because he had overcome the world. Why does he tell us to be cheerful over his victory? Because he actually secured the victory for us his believers…

Everyone and anyone who believes in Jesus, immediately becomes a partaker of our Lord’s victory over the world.

The believer doesn’t have to die first or wait until Jesus returns before partaking of this victory. All anyone has to do to partake of our Lord Jesus’ victory, is to just believe in Jesus as the Son of God. Our opening text in 1 John 5:4-5 confirms this eternal truth.

But the irony of it all is that many believers in Christ Jesus have not truly understood this fact. Hence they are not enjoying this triumphant and champion life in Christ Jesus. Instead, they are defeated and victimised by the exact same thing the Lord secured victory for them. They are knocked and trashed by the exact same forces they have been made champions over.

Many have already thrown in the towel and have accepted defeat. While on the other hand, many have bent scriptures to align with their failure and unbelief. And they have consequently daubed the preachers of the undiluted truth of God’s word “False Teachers”. And of course, they erroneously believe they would be justified by their hypocritical lambastes.

In this article, we want to scripturally see the exact areas of life which our victory in Christ Jesus covers.

The Scope of The Believer’s Victory

Our opening text says whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world. ‘Overcometh’ is in the present continuous tense. This is to say the believer keeps on overcoming. Below is a list of the believer’s area of victory in Christ Jesus.

1. Victory Over Sin: The word of God tells us that the major vice of the world is sin. Sin in the form of the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2: 16). And because we are in Christ, we do have absolute victory over sin by the grace of God in us. Hence the word of God says, sin shall not have dominion over us (Romans 6:14). And if sin shall not have dominion over us, it therefore means we have dominion or victory over sin.
2. Victory Over the Devils: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world” –1 John 4:4
The devil and his agents, are the major foes of Christians. But the scripture above makes us understand that we have overcome them. In other words, they keep challenging the believer from one point and the other, but each time they do, the believer keeps on giving them a knock out.

So the believer is a champion over the devil and his cohorts. And the devils are defeated foes before the believer.

3. Victory Over Sickness And Diseases: From scriptures, we also see that the believer already has victory or dominion over sickness and diseases through the stripes of Jesus before his death. Here is exactly what the word of God says:

“Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed”—1Peter 2:24. Then again Matthew 8:17 reads “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, He himself took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses”

And as such, we have absolute victory over sickness and diseases. No matter the kind of sickness or disease.

4. Victory Over Lack and Want: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich”—2 Corinthians 8:9. If you read this scripture in context, from verse 1, and even the whole of chapter 9, it is very clear that this scripture refers to material riches not spiritual riches in this context.

If you read in context, you will see that the Apostle Paul was talking about material ministration to the saints and the giving grace. Yes Christians are principally spiritually rich, but this scripture refers to material riches. Jesus was only materially poor while he was here on earth. And the Apostle Paul by the Spirit tells us he was poor, so we through his poverty might be materially rich.

And of course, these riches come to us principally through the works of our hands. God blesses the works of our hands so we can have enough for his work and ministering to the saints (2 Corinthians 9:. Hence, by Jesus’ poverty while he was here on earth, every believer has dominion over lack and want. A believer can face financial or material challenge sometime, but eventually he overcomes by faith.

5. Victory Over Second Death: “verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”—John 5:24

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” – Revelation 2:11.

The above scripture tells us that the overcomers shall not be hurt of the second death. And our opening scripture tells us that the overcomer is the born again believer.

So there you have it. Every believer in Christ Jesus is a champion in every area of life. A believer can be challenged or face tribulation in any area of life. But armed with his champion heritage in Christ Jesus, he is to exercise his or her faith in God for conquest any and every time he is challenged. Anyone born again in Christ Jesus is born a champion. So believe it, confess it all the time and act it. And by the grace of God, you are guaranteed of all-time conquest.

Remained Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue”—2Peter 1:3

The word ‘virtue’ as used in the opening text above, is translated from the Greek word, ‘arete’; properly meaning, manliness or valour. That is excellence or exploits. The opening text tells us that God has called us to glory and virtue. I had already dealt with the call to glory part, in my article; “Walking in Divine Glory”.

In this particular article, we will be expounding on the call to virtue part.

This particular topic is very important to the body of Christ worldwide; as many believers are deluded concerning salvation. Many believe the saving call of Jesus is only but a ticket to heaven and nothing else…

Especially as it concerns this topic, many Christians wrongly believe that mediocrity and failure in life, is the same thing as godliness. And as such, they settle with mediocrity and failure in every area of life. They settle for mediocrity and defeat in their spiritual, marital, academic, career or business lives… and virtually every area of life.

They wrongly believe that the super-excelling believers, making exploits in every area of life are missing it. And consequently, they look out for one fault or the other to slander or lambaste them; with the wrong notion that they are doing God a service.

But the word of God tells us that “They that do know their God, shall be strong and do exploits”—Daniel 11:32. Then again, the word of God tells us that we shall be the head and not the tail. That we shall be above only, and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).

Hence, mediocrity and defeatedness in life can never be attributed to godliness. Instead from scriptures, virtuousness or exploits or excellence is actually what God sees as godliness…

Because that is exactly what God has called us to according to our opening text. Our exploits or excellence in life, glorifies God. Thus, a pursuit of excellence or exploits by the grace of God in us is definitely a pursuit of godliness from scriptural authority.

Our God is a God of exploits and excellence. While the Lord Jesus was on earth, he did exploits in his ministry, which is still speaking till date. And if we are to follow the footsteps of our God and Lord, exploits and excellence in every area of life must be our pursuit. So we want to see the biblical ways or keys for the pursuit of excellence or virtuousness in every area of our lives as Christians.

The Biblical Keys to Christian Virtuousness

The list below constitutes the biblical keys for accessing a virtuous life in Christ Jesus:
1) Faith: “Verily, verily I say unto you, 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”—John 14:12.

From the above scripture, the Lord says anyone who believes in him shall do the exact same works that he did. The works being referred to here are majorly his ministerial and miraculous exploits. And he added; “And greater works than these shall he do”. Here he is referring to individual Christians, not Christians collectively—Hence the use of the word ‘he’. It doesn’t read; “And greater works than these shall they do”.

Absolute and holistic faith in God is needed in a Christian for this particular scripture to be realized in his life. Thus, Christian virtuousness is primarily a function of unfeigned and tenacious faith in God and his eternal words.

2) Knowledge: “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” – Daniel 11:32

The above scripture tells us that the knowledge of God is required for strength and doing exploits. Knowledge here refers to the revelational knowledge of God through the indwelling Holy Spirit in us. And we receive these revelational knowledge from the Holy Spirit, through continual word study, meditation and prayers.

Thus, virtuousness in the kingdom of God is also a function of divine revelational knowledge.

3) Diligence: A major scriptural key to excellence or virtue in every area of life is diligence. Both in the Christian and secular world. The virtuous woman in the book of proverbs chapter 31 is a typical biblical example of the direct relationship between diligence and excellence or virtuousness.

To record exploits in every area of our lives, we must of a necessity add diligence to our faith. For instance, right from the very moment I gained admission into the university, I chose the class of degree I was going to graduate with by faith in God.

As I did that, I started confessing it and by the grace of God, I set out about one hour to be studying my books every day, very early in the morning after prayers. I gave myself a target of rounding off all my course outlines at least twice before exam timetable would be out. So during the exam period I would just be left with revision…

And as I did that consistently by God’s grace, all through my years in the university, I became and remained one of the best students. I taught my course mates in more understandable ways than my lecturers. Many a time, I would finish answering exam questions allotted two hours to, in just 30 minutes.

And finally, to the glory of God, I graduated with the exact class of degree I desired of God, in spite of all the challenging oppositions. And as such, I was among the list of the best graduating students in my session. Hence, diligence is a major key to Christian virtuousness in every area of life.

4) Divine Wisdom: Divine wisdom is another major key to Christian virtuousness or excellence. Many suffer mediocrity and defeat, just for the want of wisdom. Divine wisdom in the form of inspired thought or idea is what makes a believer outstanding amongst his contemporaries. For instance, it is divine wisdom from God that has turned me into a successful, self-taught, multi-lingual, freelance programmer.

And by the grace of God, within a year, I already had an edge above many other programmers in the new City we currently live as I was led into by God. To receive wisdom from God for excellence in every and any area of life, you just have to ask him for it in faith (James 1:5-6).
Added to this list above, Christian virtuousness is also a direct function of godliness, Love of God and Meekness. And as you engage these scriptural keys, you will definitely emerge a champion and super star in every area of your life to the glory of God in Jesus precious name!

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified”—Romans 8:30

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue”—2Peter 1:3

From the two opening text above, we see clearly that God has called every believer (the justified) to glory. As a matter of fact, the word of God says we have been glorified (past tense). It does not say ‘he will glorify’. So it’s already a done deal. Every believer in Christ Jesus has been glorified.

What Is Divine Glory?

As we begin to delve into this topic of walking in divine glory, it is very important we understand the meaning of divine glory or glorification. To understand and define divine glory biblically, let’s see what Jesus says is glory:

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me”—John 17:21-23

From this scripture above, the Lord reveals to us that divine glory or glorification is the consummation of God into a person and a person into God.

Hence, we can define divine glory or glorification as divine consummation. In other words, glorification is the engraftment of ordinary humans into divinity. Glorification is the transformation of human nature into divine nature (2 Peter1:4). Glorification is the transformation of sons of men into sons of God (John 1:12).

In summary, glorification is the transformation of men into gods (Psalms 82:6). And as such, the glorified believer possesses the attributes or features of divine grandeur or decoration. That is, all the features of God’s glory. These features or attributes of divine glory includes: light, flaming fire and precious living stone.

Because we are born of the glorious God, we also possess all the above listed attributes of divine glory or grandeur… By the reason of the indwelling presence of the Almighty God in us through the Holy Ghost. Hence, the word of God tells us, that as he (Jesus) is, so are we in this world (1John 4:17).

Our Attributes of Divine Glory

I have already mentioned that the major attributes of divine glory or grandeur are: light, flaming fire and precious living stone. Scripturally these are the ways God manifests his glory. Then in the same manner, he has also glorified us with the exact same attributes.
Let’s see this particular fact from scriptures:

1) Light: while Jesus was in the world he said; “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12) in the same manner, he also calls us the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Hence, as God is light, we are also light.

2) Flaming Fire: When the prophet Ezekiel saw the glory of God, he saw him as a flaming fire (Ezekiel 1:26-27). And in the same manner, the word of God says God has made us his ministers, flame of fire (Hebrews 1:7). Thus, as the Lord is a flaming fire, we are also flaming fire.

3) Living Stone: When the Apostle John saw the Lord on his throne in the book of Revelation 4:2-3, he took on the glory of precious living stones. And similarly, the word of God says we are also lively or living stones (1Peter 2:5). So as the Lord is a living stone, he has also made us lively stones.

All these facts validates clearly that when the Lord says he has glorified us, he has actually glorified us indeed. He has made us partakers of his divine nature as sons of God and gods. This is a great work of his grace in the life of every believer. And the Lord will have us fully understand this fact and consequently walk in the light of this glorification…

Because the major essence of this divine glorification, is so that he might be glorified through us. Because he is the God of gods, Lord of lords and King of kings. We are the gods, lords and kings being referred to here. The Lord God Almighty is our Supreme God, Lord and King.

And he is glorified as we live up to our godly status by the help of the Holy Spirit in us. To this end, the Lord admonishes; “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven”—Matthew 5:16.

To let our light shine before men as the Lord instructs us, we are to live out or walk in divine glory. Hence, we want to see scripturally, how to walk in divine glory…

How to walk in Divine Glory

Letting our light shine before men as the Lord instructs us is simply walking in the fruits and Power of the spirit (John 15:. And the list below is the ways to walk in divine glory:

1) Faith: The major way the Lord Jesus walked in divine glory while he was on earth, was through the demonstration of God’s miracle Power. And for us to demonstrate God’s miracle power to the glory of God—Just as Jesus did—we must exercise our faith. We must walk by faith as a lifestyle. The person that demonstrates God’s miracle Power through faith in God is walking in divine glory.

2) Love: A lifestyle of love is also a great scriptural way for us to truly walk in divine glory. We shine our light to the world around us by walking in divine love (agape). That is through sacrificing for people. Forgiving and forbearing people. Helping people bear their burden and caring for them in pure divine love.

3) Meekness: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price”—1Peter 3:3-4. Hence meekness is how you walk in divine glory.

4) Godliness: You walk in divine glory by paying attention to holiness. A godly lifestyle is a life of divine glory. Godliness causes people to glorify God in the life of a believer.

So God has called us to glory and have lavishly glorified us for his own glory. And he desires us to walk in his glory. And the major way to walk in divine glorification is to be walking in the fruits and Power of the Spirit indwelling in us.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified”—Hebrews 10:14

From the above scripture, the word of God tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ has perfected us forever by the offering of his life on the cross.
The word of God above says, he has “perfected” (past tense). It does not say, ‘he is perfecting’ or ‘going to perfect’. It says he has already perfected us. So it is a done deal. Who does the word of God says has been perfected?

The sanctified—the believer that has been purified or justified by the blood of Jesus Christ through faith…

How long is this perfection? The word of God says; “He has perfected forever”, hence, the perfection the Lord has given to the saved (believer) is forever, not temporary.

The word ‘perfected’ as used in our opening text, was translated from the Greek word “teleioo’, meaning ‘to complete’. That is, accomplishment or consummation.

Hence, by the offering or sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, he has consummated or completed every believer in character and power. Character, such as: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, self-control (The fruit of the Spirit).

Power, such as: Healing Power, Miracle working Power and Revelational Power (Gifts of the Spirit). The believer is already perfected in the character and power of the Spirit of God. That is, in divine character and power.

So the believer can confidently, on the authority of God’s word, proclaim or confess that he or she is perfect. Because against the orthodox (and unscriptural) notion that nobody is (can be) perfect, the word of God says we are perfect. And we are perfect forever.

Now being already perfected, the Lord will have us walk in the consciousness of this perfection or completeness in Christ Jesus – Colossians 2:10. We are to walk worthy of this great work of grace that our Lord accomplished for us by the offering of his body and life on the cross. So his offering and accomplishment for us won’t be in vain.

Hence, he says we should be perfect even as our father in heaven is perfect. He did not say ‘try or struggle to be perfect’. Instead he says, be you therefore perfect, even as your father who is in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).

So How Do We Walk in Perfection?

Below is a list of what scripturally constitute walking in perfection as Christians:

(1) Walking By Faith: From the same scriptural chapter, where we took our opening text, the word of God says “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water”—Hebrews 10:22. So walking by faith or a lifestyle of faith, is a scriptural way to walk practically in perfection. A man of faith is a perfect man.

(2) Walking in Love: “And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection”—Colossians 3:14. This scripture tells us that love is the bond of perfection. So to be walking in love towards God and men, through a sacrificial and selfless lifestyle, is to be walking in God’s standard of perfection. A man of Love—divine love (agape)—is a perfect man.

(3) Walking in Righteousness (Godliness): Against the general unscriptural notion that no man can be perfect, the word of God says there was a man perfect before God. And that man’s name is Job. God reckoned him perfect and upright, because he feared God, and eschewed evil (Jon 1:1). In other words, he walked in righteousness or godliness. So a man that walks in righteousness or godliness (Holiness) is a perfect and upright man before God. Hence, walking in righteousness or godliness is walking in perfection.

(4) Walking in Self-Control: “For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body”—James 3:2. This scripture here tells us that if any man offend not in word, he is a perfect man, and also able to bridle or control the whole body. From here, we conclude that a perfect man is the man with tongue and Self-Control. Hence, walking in self-Control is walking in perfection.

(5) Walking in The Revelational Knowledge of God’s Word: “And that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished unto all good work”—2 Timothy 3:15-17. From the above scripture, we see that knowledge—Revelational knowledge of God’s word— makes a man or woman of God (The believer) perfect. And as we walk in the revelational knowledge of God’s word—in the scriptures—we are walking in perfection.

(6) Walking in Repentance: All through scripture, we see people that walked in perfection before God, such as Abraham, Job, David and Peter. These men in their walk with God, they did stumble at one time and the other. But the striking difference between them and other people was that they were repentant. When Job was rebuked by God, he repented. When David was rebuked by the prophet Nathan—by the word of the Lord—he was repentant (2 Samuel 12:1-13). When Peter realized he had denied the Lord Jesus, the word of God says, he wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75). He wept bitterly in repentance. Hence, a repentant or penitent man, is a man walking in perfection before God.

So the Lord will have us walk in perfection before him all the days of our lives. And the list above—amongst other—is the basic ways to walk in perfection before God; while we remain here on earth, until we gain immortal perfection…

Which is the changing of our natural bodies to spiritual bodies at the second coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 40-54; 1Thessalonians 4:15-17).

From now on, you will be walking in perfection all the days of your life in Jesus name!

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling fragrance”-Ephesians 5:1-2

From the above scripture, the Lord instructs us to walk in love as Christ also has loved us. Hence, when we talk of love here, we are talking about God’s love (Agape)…

This divine order of love can only be experienced and expressed in our lives by the help of the Holy Ghost in us. This kind of love is different from other kinds of natural affection mankind are used to.

It is different from the love between spouses. It is different from the love between brothers and sisters. It is also far different from the love between best of friends. Apart from the God’s kind of love we are considering here, every other kind of affection is at best self-centered…
God’s love can be best understood from what the word of God says in Romans 5:5-8;

“And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shared abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die. Yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commends his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”.

The above scripture reveals God’s love to us in very clear terms. It clearly contrasts the love of God with the self-centered, natural human love we have on earth. The scripture tells us that in due time Christ died for the ungodly, not the godly.

It went further to say that hardly can someone even die for a just man—no matter how much affection we claim for the person along natural lines. But on the other hand, concerning God’s love; God demonstrated his perfect and impeccable love towards us…

In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Christ died for us even while we were still living in offence to him and his father. You definitely won’t find this kind of love in any human relationship. Along natural lines people love only those who please them and hate those who offend them.

But the Lord commands that we love our neighbors in exactly the same manner he has loved us. The word of God from our opening scripture says we should walk in love as Christ also loved us. In other words, the Lord demands we walk exactly in his order or kind of love. Hence, in this article we want to scripturally see what constitutes walking in love.

How to Walk In Love

We have seen from our opening text that the Lord commands that we walk in love. But the question is what constitutes walking in love according to God’s standard? And how do we actually walk in love?

The list below constitutes what is meant to be walking in love; and how to walk in love scripturally:

1. Forgiveness and Forbearance: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you”—Colossians 3:13.

The greatest love God showed and still shows to mankind is forgiveness and forbearance of sin. As a matter of fact, forgiveness of sins is a major tenet of God’s new covenant (Hebrews 8:12). Hence, the Lord seriously demands that we forbear and forgive one another even as he forgave (and still) forgives us in love.

As a matter of fact, the Lord says if we do not forgive others their trespasses against us, he won’t also forgive us our trespasses against him ( Matthew 6:14-15). Thus, to be walking in forgiveness and forbearance with people, is a major way to walk in love.

2 Obedience to God’s Commandments: “He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me. And he that loves me shall be loved of my father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him”- John 14:21.

From the above scripture, the Lord clearly defines love for him to mean having his commandments or word and doing or practicing them. The love of God is not just hearing and speaking the word of God; but rather, it is hearing and doing. The Lord says anyone who does not keep or practice his sayings does not love him (John14:24).

So to be practicing the word of God in our daily lives is to be walking in love as the Lord commands.

3 Sacrifice: Our opening text tells us to walk in love as Christ also has loved us and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God. Hence, God’s love is a sacrificial love. Christ loved us so much, he had to sacrifice himself for us.

The Lord also tells us, greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends (John15:13). And the most remarkable thing about Christ’s sacrificial love is that, he did not just sacrifice his life for only his friends and godly…

But much more, for the ungodly and his offenders. Thus, to walk in love as Christ did, we also have to follow this sacrificial example. To walk in Christ’s order of love, we must sacrifice for God and our neighbors. We must bear the burden of God’s work, especially soul winning.

We must also bear our fellow believers burden. Then to be perfect in love, we must also bear the burden of the ungodly as well.

We must sacrificially pray for the ungodly, including those that offend and despise us. We must cunningly use our words and attitude to draw them from their damnation. Hence, sacrificial lifestyle is a major way to walk in divine order of love.

4 Zealousness: Christ’s love, that the Lord instructs us to walk in, is a zealous love. In John 2, we see the Lord’s love for the father, expressed in his indignation towards those that bought and sold in the temple of God…

In verse seventeen of that book of John chapter 2, the word of God says; “And his disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of your house has consumed me”. Just as the Lord’s love is a zealous one, the same way we are also to be zealous or heated up in our love for God. To walk in divine love, is to be zealous for God and the things of God.

The Lord does not want a lukewarm attitude towards him and his work. Instead, he requires a fervid or passionate love from us. We are to be consumed by the zeal of his house and everything concerning him. We are to be zealous in godliness. We are to be zealous in soul winning. We are to be zealous in our exercise of faith.

Passivity is not acceptable in God’s order of love. Hence, to the lukewarm, the lord says;
“Be zealous therefore, and repent”—Revelations 3:19.

5 Chastisement: In Revelation 3:19 the Lord says; “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten…”

God’s love is a rebuking and chastening love. And to walk in his love, we must also rebuke and chasten people in love. If someone is in error or offence towards you or others or God, it is your responsibility to rebuke him. And as the scriptures says, as you rebuke the person and he repents you should forgive him (Luke 17:3).

But if you rebuke someone and he is recalcitrant, if you can find a subtle way to discipline the person in love, do so. Then if the person remains unrepentant in spite of your rebukes and disciplinary measures, still forgive the person for your own good.

So the above list is the major ways to walk in divine love as the Lord commands us.


Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

A few months ago, as we attended the funeral of my sister in law’s husband’s father, a renowned gospel musician was invited. She ministered gloriously. But a few weeks after the funeral, as I visited my sister in law and her husband, we got discussing about the funeral and the expenses…

As we chatted along, we talked about the gospel musician that was invited to the funeral. And my sister in law’s husband disclosed to me that the gospel musician actually charged over a million to come and minister. On hearing that, I was very infuriated and bewildered. And right there and then, I expressed my disappointment and indignation.

Then as I looked up to God for a topic to post for discussion this week, the Lord impressed strongly in my Spirit to post about the erroneous ministration charges by his ministers.

The Unscriptural Charges of Ministers

Over the years, I have heard it said that some ministers of the gospel, including: Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists and Christian musicians charge huge amounts of money in order to go and minister where they are invited to. I didn’t take it much seriously until I have been able to confirm the validity of this particular report.

I have been able to confirm that ministry charges are not only the practice of travelling ministers, but also non-travelling ministers. Many a gospel ministers, including music ministers, don’t move to anywhere for ministry invitation, except a specified amount of money is credited into their accounts.

Then for some, they don’t accept invitations to small congregations knowing they won’t be well paid or given a large honorarium. Then on the other hand, in most local churches, to be able to access the ministers for personal ministration-such as counselling—you must have to obtain a form with good amount of money.

If you don’t have money to obtain the form, you won’t be allowed to see the ministers. And in some cases, during normal meetings, those members who do not have money are excluded from certain ministrations. Then recently, I also hear that people now charge to minister as Choristers in Churches, especially in a starting up local Church. All these stated cases above, are just to name but a few…

And as it is, these practices are increasing on daily basis, both in big and small churches. And of course, these practices do not have any scriptural basis. Hence, they are absolutely unscriptural. And any minister, indulging in such practices with eternity-with Christ—in view should quickly desist.

And any Christian patronizing such ministers and ministries should be wise enough to quickly desist as well. Even if the minister or ministry is valid, we do have a right and spiritual responsibility to reject their ministries; because the ministry gifts of God are not for sale. It is perversion to charge for any ministry gift.

The Scriptural Due of a Christian Minister

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

These twelve Jesus sent forth into the way of the Gentiles, and into any City of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely you have received, freely give.Provide neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat”—Matthew 10:1,5-10

“And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you”—Luke 10:8.

From the above scriptures we can clearly see the biblical prototype of a travelling minister, and what is expected of him or her. And also what is expected to be provided for him or her.

Translating the above scripture to modern time, we see that the basic things a travelling minister is due for his ministration are: a shelter (any kind of shelter), Meal(any manageable Meal), and then the minister’s fare should also be provided.

And it is not still out of place for the local church to raise an offering for the minister’s honorarium. But that should be left to the prerogative of the local church. Apart from the basic needs, such as transportation, shelter and food, a minister need not demand for other thing.

After providing for at least the basic needs, the minister should be content. If an honorarium is also added above his basic needs, it is not a sin to accept it. But on the other hand, if it is not given, the minister should also be content to have had the privilege to have ministered to the people of God. And not be offended, and decide not to go and minister there again because he was not given honorarium. That’s a wrong spiritual attitude; because he is a minister of God…

It is true the scripture just quoted says, a workman is worthy of his meat, but his meat giver is his employer, God. Not man. Even though God most of the time uses men…

Then for the local Church minister, he is to minister to all and sundry, with no discrepancies.

He is to minister freely to the poor as well as the rich. He is to minister without charging anyone a dime. Freely he has received and freely he is to give. But then he can receive honorarium from the tithe and offerings as a labourer in the word (1Timothy 5:17-18). And if someone is led of his own free will to sow monetary or material seed to him, of course, he can also receive it.

After all these, and the minister sees that what he receives is not enough income to meet all his or her responsibility, then let him set up a business. A minister setting up a business is not a sin. He can engage in a business that does not encroach into his ministry time (There are many of them these days).

Then eventually, as the business grows, he can employ people to manage the business, while he just plays a supervisory role…
All these are the scriptural ways for a minister to earn his due for a living.

If you have any question, reply or comment, you can post it below for discussion.

Emeke Odili

“Grace be to you and peace, from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”—Ephesians 1:2-3

The above opening text tells us clearly that God has blessed us (all Christians) with all (not some) spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. And given the backdrop that we are already present, bonafide and resident citizens of heaven (Ephesians 2:5-6; Hebrews 12:22; Philippians 3:20) we all have access to all of these spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

After all, God has already blessed us with them. The bible didn’t say he will bless us with them, but that he has already blessed us (past tense).
Then before we expatiate on what spiritual blessings mean from scriptures, let’s look at a seconding scripture to the opening text. Because a matter must be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses.

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue”—2Peter 1:3

The above scripture tells us again that God by his divine power (Power of the Holy Spirit) has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness (all spiritual blessings) through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue.

What Are Spiritual Blessings?

The very next question to be answered—is what and what constitute these spiritual blessings or these things that pertain unto life and godliness? We can get the answer in Revelation 5:12:

“Saying with a loud voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessings”

These are all spiritual blessings. And he (Jesus) received them for us. And they have been given to us for life and godliness. They have been given to us to live as Kings and Priests that we are here on earth. They have been given to us to live as gods that we are here on earth (Psalm 82:5-6). They have been given to us to shine our light so men may see our good works and give glory to our God (Matthew 5:16).

Amongst other things, they have been given to us to show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2: 9).

The Tragedy

The tragedy and the irony of this scriptural truth is that many a believer’s life is the polar opposite of these heavenly blessings or graces. In spite of this truth, believers still live beggarly and ungodly lifestyle.

They still live defeated and pathetic lifestyles. They still struggle with infirmities in spite of the strength. They still wallow in lack and want in spite of the riches. They swim in foolishness and stupidity in spite of the wisdom. They live shameful lives in spite of the honor and glory in them.

They lack signs and wonders in their lives and ministries. And even get oppressed by devils and die like flies in spite of the almighty power of God that is resident in them.

Because of these disheartening and dismal situation of believers in the Church today, we want to see scripturally, how these spiritual blessings or graces that God has lavished on every believer, can be activated for our profiting…

So people can indeed glorify God in our lives instead of blaspheming.

How to Activate the Grace Within

1) Knowledge: “They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundation of the earth are out of course. I have said ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High”—Psalm 82:5-6. Knowledge, especially revelational knowledge of God’s word, is the major tool for activating all the spiritual treasures deposited in us according to the scriptures.

Thus, the Apostle Paul prays for believers, that God should give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. So we can know what the hope of his calling; and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints…

And the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward according to the working of his mighty power (Ephesians 1:17-19).

To activate the graces of God, deposited in you, dig into the word of God with prayers and consistent meditation. And also, you can get books from people you have judged to have already gotten these graces activated in their lives with empirical evidence.

And as you grow in the revelational truth of God’s word, you are sure to see these deposits of God in your life gain practical expression in your lifestyle.

2) Faith: Another important tool for activating the grace of God within you is faith. That is, action backed and persistent faith. The first step to activating the grace of God is revelational knowledge of God’s word.

Then after receiving knowledge of what God has put in you, in your heart; the very next thing is to step out on the knowledge in faith. The word of God says all things are possible to him that believes (Mark 9:23). As you receive the revelational knowledge of God’s deposit in you, you are to meditate on it, confess it and act on it always.

And when you do, you must do so with persistence and patience to the very end. You must not give up because you’ve not started recording the expected results. You must believe until you obtain the good reports like the elders in Hebrews 11:2.

3) Prayers: Prayers is a major tool for activating the graces of God deposited in you. Then you can add fasting (often) to your prayers for greater results. Through prayers, you receive revelation from God. Through prayers, especially praying in the Holy Ghost, you build up yourself in your most Holy Faith (Jude 1:20).

And this most holy faith, helps activate or stir up the graces of God in you. Hence, the word of God says, the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man (like us) avails much—James 5:16.

4) Godliness: A godly lifestyle activates the graces of God in a believer. While an ungodly lifestyle on the other hand, suppresses these blessings of God. Hence, the word of God tells us:

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”—2 Timothy 2:20-21.

These are the ways to activate the graces of God in you. I pray the Lord give you more light concerning this matter in Jesus Name!

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8

The major essence of God’s gift of righteousness or justification is eternal salvation.

From scriptures, we understand that the major salvation of God through the Lord Jesus Christ is salvation from sin and its consequent punishment. Hence, even the very name of our Lord Jesus, means savior.

The bible tells us in Matthew 1:21:
“And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins”.

Then again, the bible is also very clear that the only way to receive this eternal salvation from God through Jesus Christ is, Faith.
Let’s see some scriptures that assert this fact apart from our opening text:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

“And he said unto them, go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be condemned”—Mark 16:15-16

“And brought them out, and said Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house”—Acts 16:30-31.

But the question here is: what kind of faith or believe is the bible referring to, that gives this eternal salvation? To understand the kind of faith that is required for salvation, we need to examine two kinds of faith as presented by Saint James.

“Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God; you do well: the demons also believe, and tremble. But will you know O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:17-20

From the above scripture, Saint James helps us differentiate between two kinds of faith. These are: the demonic faith and the perfect faith.

The Demonic Faith

The demonic faith is the faith that believes in God, but regardless, is not submissive or obedient to God’s commandments. It is the faith that says Jesus is Lord, but does not treat him as Lord indeed. It is the faith that says Jesus is the Lord with the mouth but denies him in deeds.
The demonic faith is the faith without corresponding good works or actions. The demonic faith is a dead faith.

And unfortunately this kind of faith is what has become dominant in Christendom today. A greater percentage of Christ’s believers walk in this kind of faith. Yes, they believe and have even confessed Jesus as their Lord and personal savior.

They confess they are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. They even preach the gospel with all vigor. Most of them are involved in service groups in the church. They even include: Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Deacons and Deaconesses, Choir Masters and Mistresses.

But in spite of all these, they deny and reproach Christ in their actions and daily lifestyles.

They deny and reproach him in their words, in their dressing; they deny him in their relationship with their spouses and neighbours. They deny and reproach Christ in their business dealings. Yet they believe in Jesus and even profess same with their mouth. To the folks that belong to this group; with this kind of faith, the Lord Jesus asks: “And why call me, Lord, Lord; and do not the things which I say?”—Luke 6:46.

So to believe in Jesus and not do his commandments is to be walking in demonic and dead faith. And of course, this kind of faith doesn’t justify, neither does it give eternal salvation.

The Perfect Faith

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his Son upon the altar? See how faith worked with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”—James 2:21-22

The scripture above tells us clearly how our father in the faith, Abraham was justified. The scripture tells us that Abraham was justified by faith, but his faith was a perfect faith. His faith was perfected by his work of obedience and love for God.

Hence, we can define the perfect faith, to mean, the faith that is backed with obedience or compliance to God’s instructions. The perfect faith is the faith that works with the fear of God. For after Abraham has laid Isaac on the altar, the Lord said to Abraham, I know that you fear God (Genesis 22:12).

The perfect faith is the faith that works with love for God and people. James 2:15 says:

“If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace; be warmed and filled; yet give them not those things which are needful to the body; what does it profit?”

Hence, perfect faith sacrifices for God and man. The perfect faith is the faith that bears or shares the burden of others. Thus, the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit tells us in Galatians 5:6, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love”.

So the perfect faith is the justifying and saving faith in Christ Jesus. Put the other way, the saving faith is the perfect faith. And it is the faith that goes along with good works. The word of God tells us that a man is not justified by faith alone, but also by works—James2:24. And of course, works here means, Love, Obedience and godliness or holiness.

The bible also tells us in that same book of James 2:26 that “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”.

So my beloved friend, if you already believe in Jesus Christ, congratulations! You have faith. But to obtain absolute or perfect justification, according to scriptures, engage your faith in good works for God. And as you do and continue doing so to the very end, you’re guaranteed of eternity with Christ in paradise.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

Christians are on two polar extreme concerning praying against the devil, his agents and works. On one extreme, some Christians begin and end their prayers, with almost all their prayer points against the devil and his works. There is little or no time spent in worshipping and praising God; praying for other people and good things in their lives…

Then on the other polar extreme, many who have caught the light about the authority and victory of the believer on the devil and his cohorts, refuse to pray at all against the devil and his works. And by so doing, they leave a loophole for the devil to take undue advantage of them.
With these two extremes, we want to see scripturally, if Christians still need to pray against the devil, his cohorts and works or not.

The Authority of the Believer

Scripturally, we see that God has given a great authority to the believer over the devil and his agents. The Lord Jesus himself tells us that he has given us power to tread on serpent and scorpions and all the powers of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us (Luke 10:19).

The word of God says God has raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus—Ephesians 2:6. And this position that we are seated in Christ Jesus, the bible says, is far above principalities and power—Ephesians 1:21.

Hence, the believer has been given a victorious authority against the devil and his cohorts. And of course, our Lord Jesus secured this victory and authority for us when he spoiled principalities and powers; and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by his death on the cross and resurrection—Colossians 2:14-15.

Exercising The Authority

So we have seen scripturally that God has vested a great authority on the believer against the devil and his cohorts. But an authority that is not exercised, many a time will only profit little or not even profit at all…

Hence, the Lord will have us consistently exercise our authority in Christ Jesus against the devil; in order to enforce and enjoy the victory the Lord has secured for us.

Along this line, the Lord instructs us to resist the devil and he will flee from us (James 4:7).

We are also told to fight the good fight of faith (1Timothy6:12). Then the word of God says we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

To exercise this authority, the word of God in the book of Ephesians 6, from verse 13 to 18 shows us the spiritual weapons to use. And prayers happen to be one of the weapons we are to engage always—Ephesians 6:18.

So How Are We to Pray Against Devils?

We have learnt that Christ has given us great authority and victory over the devil, his cohorts and works. We have also seen that we are to exercise our authority against the devil and his cohorts…

We have also learnt that prayers is one of the spiritual, potent weapon delivered to us to exercise our authority and enforce our victory. Armed with these understanding, we are to pray against the devil and his cohorts (and their works) from a vantage point of triumph. We are to pray against them with superiority complex.

We are to pray against them with the mind-set of a champion. We are to pray against them, looking down on them. Because our position—according to God’s word – is far above theirs… we are not to pray against them with any magnification or fear.

When Are We to Pray Against Devils?

Having known how to pray against the devil, the next thing we want to know is when we are to pray against the devils. Should we be proactive or reactive? Should we take the defensive side or the offensive side? The answer is both.

On The Offensive Side: We know that the devil and his cohorts are constantly plotting against us, and of course, it is wise that we always take an offensive or proactive side in prayers to spoil their plots bef

And to make this kind of prayers, after praising and worshipping God, praying for the kingdom; praying for your nation and leaders. After praying for all our loved ones and our delectable prayers, we can allocate 5 to 10 minutes to authoritatively spoil all the plots of the wicked before they even take any step.

We don’t necessarily have to spend so much time doing this; if we actually make these prayers from the vantage point of authority and triumph.

On The Defensive Side: Our primary field of battle with the devil and his cohorts is our minds. The devil and his agents, always project vain thoughts in our minds. And we are to cast down such thoughts by our weapons when we perceive them (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

Then apart from that, since the devil and his cohorts are always at work, we can also perceive their works or manoeuvres around us or in the lives of those around us. And as we do, we are to take authority against them on the fly, rebuke them, command them to cease in their machinations and manoeuvres; and cast them out in the name of the Lord.

So the answer to the question, whether we should pray against devils; is a scriptural yes! But when we do so, we shouldn’t get into the extreme of making praying against devils our major theme of prayer points.

Instead, we should pray against them from a vantage point of authority and victory.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“For our citizenship is in heaven; from which also we look for the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our humble body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working by which he is able even to subdue all things unto himself”—Philippians 3:20-21

The word ‘citizenship’ in the above scripture, is the same word translated in the King James Version of the bible as “Conversation”. And it was translated from the Greek word—‘Politeuma’, meaning: a community.

Thus, a discussion of our heavenly citizenship or conversation is a discussion of our heavenly community. So the above scripture can also be paraphrased as: “For our community is in heaven…”

And every true believer in Jesus Christ has a present citizenship and residence in heaven. He doesn’t have to die first, before gaining admission into heaven. Heaven is his bonafide and present home. Let’s see what the scriptures say concerning this:

“But you are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels”—Hebrews 12:22

Now let’s consider the above scripture. It says “You are come”, not “You will come”. In other words, ‘you have come’. Where have you come? Mount Zion. Where is this Mount Zion that you have come? It is the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.

Then another thing worthy of note in the above scripture is that the “you” used in the above scripture, is a plural “you”.
Let’s consider another scripture along this line.

“But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, has made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you are saved); And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus”.

The above scripture says God has made us alive (or quickened us) together with Christ and has raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. So here again, we see another plural word, ‘us’. We are presently seated or positioned together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

And where is that place, where Christ which we are seated together in, is located? It is a place and position, “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come”—Ephesians 1:21

Hence, we have a present citizenship and residence in heaven, in Christ Jesus. And our placement and positioning by God, is above principality, power, might, dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.

Who and Who Makes Up Our Heavenly Community?

From the book of Hebrews 12: 20-24 we see that in this Mount Zion, the City of the Living God (The Heavenly Jerusalem) which we have come unto, the major occupants are: God, The Judge of all; Jesus, The Mediator of the new covenant; an innumerable company of angels, the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, written in heaven (The body of Christ, believers—Living or dead (sleeping)) and the spirits of just men made perfect…

Such as the spirits of Abraham, the Apostle Paul, my spirit and that of every believers.
What is The Essence of This Consciousness?

The believer, armed with this gracious consciousness of his heavenly citizenship. And that his bonafide community and present residence is in heaven, it helps him in the following ways:

1. God’s Presence: with this knowledge or consciousness of heavenly citizenship, the believer gains a better reality of God’s permanent presence and access. He no longer thinks God is far away somewhere, while he is here on earth.

2. Under Watchful Eyes: The believer armed with this consciousness, gains more awareness of the fact that he is under the watchful eyes of great a great cloud of witnesses, including God--the Father, Jesus Christ, Angels and the spirits of just men made perfect. And this will enable him judge his ways.

3. Protection Consciousness: The believer armed with this revelation of his or her heavenly citizenship; with God--The Father, Jesus Christ, Angels and spirits of just men made perfect as his companion, he is more confident and guaranteed of his infallible defence. Both spiritually and physically.

4. Brethren Consciousness: Having known that our citizenship or community is in heaven. That every Christ believer has a bonafide heavenly citizenship. And that we are all seated together in Christ Jesus, in heavenly places. The believer should now see every believer as his brother and sister. He should now treat his fellow believer as his blood brother and sister. With true love and brotherly kindness. As fellow citizens, seated together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, no one should undermine his fellow believer or think that he is more important than anyone.

5. Heaven Mindedness: The word of God says: “If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God”—Colossians 3:1. This revelation of our heavenly citizenship helps the believer fulfil the above scripture. A believer that is fully persuaded of his heavenly citizenship in his heart must definitely seek those things which are above, instead of just earthly things.

6. Atonement Consciousness: Hebrews 12:24 tells us that in Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem; where we belong now, there is the blood of sprinkling – which is the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ—speaking better things for us at all time to God for our sins. It is also speaking protection for us.

7. Authority Consciousness: With this consciousness of our heavenly citizenship and positioning in Christ Jesus, we are now more confident of our unchallengeable and undefeatable authority in Christ Jesus. So when we do deal with the devil and his agents, we look from up-down position on them. We don’t magnify or fear them in anyway. We just authoritatively deal with them in the name of Jesus.

So here you have it. You are a present and bonafide resident citizen of the celestial city in Christ Jesus. And you do have immediate access to all the above (and more) citizenship privileges. So believe it, confess it and act it. And you will definitely experience it in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

Many a church leader is of the opinion that a full-time Pastor or any other ministry gift, should not work or engage in any personal business. These include those just starting up a church, with very few members and those who are called to public evangelism.

I have discussed and debated this issue with a few church leaders, called into “full-time” ministry; and most of them argue that someone called to be a full-time gospel minister shouldn’t work…

But after a while, these same leaders, after going through some financial challenges, eventually bend to my position and start doing some business to take care of their families.

While others that hold on strongly to the notion that God doesn’t want them to work at all, eventually end-up engaging in some dishonest practices to take care of themselves and families.

They go about pressurizing their members and other people to give to them. Some use unscriptural tactics to get money from people…

Some others begin to use church funds for personal needs without accountability. Some borrow from church funds in their possession without paying back. Then some escalate project costs to make undue profit. This is just to name but a few.

As a result of these errors by church leaders, we want to find out from scriptures, if a full-time Pastor or any other ministry gift should engage in secular work /business or not.

And if they are to work, how are they to combine it with ministry work and remain effective…?

Who is a Full-Time Pastor or Minister?

The concept, Full-Time and Part-Time Pastor or minister, is actually a human concept. There is no such distinction in scriptures. Every called minister of the gospel is a full-time minister.

Be him an Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher or Evangelist—they are all Full-Time Ministers. All are supposed to make their ministerial calling number one on their priority. All are to make a full proof of their ministries.

Hence scripturally, everyone called to be a minister of God in any capacity is a Full-Time minister. There was no one referred to in the scriptures as a Full-Time or Part-Time Pastor or minister.

So Should Every Full-Time Minister Work?

A minister of the gospel should primarily feed from the Tithe and offering from the members he ministers to. And also from wilful seeds from members to them. But Tithe and Offering is not only for the minister’s needs.

The church also uses part of the Tithe and Offering for other ministry expenditures; such as: paying of bills, Pastors’ Transfer, Church Renovation, etc. And by the time all these have been handled, what is left for the ministers’ honorarium, many a time, is not enough to really get by with their family needs.

Added to this, is the fact that many members with needs in the church, are apt to run to the Pastor for financial support, of which a conscientious Pastor must have to do something.

And with little or no money left with the Minister, he is bound to fall into diverse temptations. Especially if he already has a wife and children…
In short, many Full-Time ministers of the gospel actually have serious marital and family crisis; and sometime, even marital break-up; majorly for financial reasons.

And this is the reason I believe the Apostle Paul worked as a tent-maker where ever he found himself. And even sometimes, farmed; then he admonished us to work as well (See Acts 18:1-3; Acts 20:33-35).

For instance, I am called into Full-Time teaching ministry. And I was led into the city I currently reside by God to start up a church for my ministry. And by God’s grace, since we came to this city, the ministry has been growing from strength to strength.

Even though, when we first came to the city, it was very challenging financially. But barely some months-- less than a year-- everything normalized and even got better than we lived, before we came here…

Because while we were about moving to this town, God told me in my heart, that he was going to increase me. And of course, I knew the increase the Lord meant was not only financial, but also spiritual and otherwise.

And since we came here, that has been the case. We have been increasing spiritually, ministerially and financially on daily basis…

But I do work. Coupled with my ministerial work, I am also into freelance Software/Web Development and Internet Marketing Consulting. God has been (and still) supplying for my family through these trades and my wife’s job.

And as such, I am able to care for my family (a wife and a child), then I am also able to help those in need as the Lord leads. And most importantly, I don’t get to pressure anyone into giving to me.

The ones that do give do so willingly; and I even sometimes reject some of the gifts when I don’t deem them fit.

Hence, my counsel is that, a Full-Time Pastor that is just starting a church or ministry, with little member base, should use his spare time to work, instead of sleeping and moving about.

Then for those with large congregation already, they can invest their personal money into business (or businesses) and delegate people to manage the business. Then their only responsibility should be overseeing. This is never a sin.

This will enable the minister, carry out his ministry with more integrity and dignity.

I once read the book of a popular man of God with one of the largest church congregation in the world. And somewhere in the book, he mentioned that he is the C.E.O of four companies.

And yet he is still very effective in ministry. God still uses him mightily in word and manifestation of his power.

Hence, from scriptural authority, a full-time Pastor or minister should work to take care of his needs and that of his family and others effectively-- even if he receives honorarium. But he must ensure his secular work does not deter or encroach into his ministerial work.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

frank317:
No one knows how we came to be. Stop making up funny and senseless stories and then call it ur creator.
U have no access to any creator, u did not here any voice.. but if it was actually the creator that told you that he allowed the woman pain because he knew she could handle it... then both of u need to check into the nearest mental home for the sake of humanity.

Well, I know how I came to be. God created me as well as every living and non-living (natural) things. I do have intimate access to the creator by his indwelling Spirit in me. As for allowing the woman the pain because she can fix it, let me ask you, which loving father won't love to train his lovely child?

God trains his children with light afflictions so they can come to the full stature of his child.And of course, with divine counsel, she was healed by her loving father to his Glory.

Well, we don't need any mental home. Because our realm(My God and mine) is far beyond the mental realm where you operate. The mental realm is for those with ordinary, animal sentient principle--life(Psyche). But we have divine or eternal life (Zoe). And of course, you need that life to truly live.

Well guys, I see you don't like the ways of the omniscient God. It is way beyond your simple minds. And that is why he is your creator. And you couldn't create yourself. If you know better, then you should have created yourselves. Wouldn't you think?

AtYourCervix:
Nonsense

Bless Your Heart. God still loves you.

Recently, as I visited a woman I usually minister to, she told me she had a challenge in her left leg, that won’t let her move even the shortest distance.

She said it was diagnosed as arthritis. Then as I talked with her, we got to a point where she asked; “Why would God allow this kind of thing to come to me?” she made that statement with a great despair.

As a matter of fact, she went further to say that in spite of the fact that she has been very dedicated to God; attending every church services and programs; doing everything she knows is expected of her as a Christian; how could God allow such an ailment to come to her? She asked in pain and despair.

As she said such things to me, God immediately put a word in my mouth to instruct her. I said to her; “God allowed this to come to you, because he knows you have what it takes to handle it.” I added; “The same way he allows you to feel hungry, because he knows you have food; and the same way he allows you to get pressed in your bowels, because he knows you have toilet”.

So I told her that God allowed the health challenge she was having because he has given her enough faith to fix it.

After that instruction, I shared the word of God with her, then at the end of my message, I laid hand on the point of pain and prayed for her and left. On coming back the next few days to her, I asked her how she faired…

She replied that in spite of all the prayers-- including her personal prayers, her situation had remained the same. In fact, she lamented in unbelief. As she was lamenting and saying all that, I just laughed, knowing her real challenge was unbelief.

After her talks, I shared a sermon with her and instructed her on the steps of faith she should take for her healing, then I laid my hand again on her, prayed for her and declared her healed.

And by the next few days I went to minister to her again, she had already started recovering, moving to distances she couldn’t move to before then with leaping. Then I ministered to her again, and let her know that God was already working on her and that she was recovering.

By the time I went to her a few days later, she was totally healed to the glory of God. As a matter of fact, she was so happy, asking me if it was still needful for her to share the testimony, since I could already see her very whole.

But all the same, she testified of how she had to take a step of faith as I instructed her and forced herself to church, and went along with a young girl to help her move in the church, but on stepping her feet in the church, she started walking without any aid.

And when it was time for praises, she started dancing seriously with her legs very whole…

She was totally healed by God through her faith. To God alone be all the glory…

The situation this woman found herself is what I know many Christians all over the world often find themselves in. Like the woman, as they serve God dedicatedly, and adverse situation come their way, they find themselves asking; “Why will God allow this to come to me?”
To this group of people, I want to enumerate the scriptural possible reasons why God allows adverse situations to come to the believer.

Because of course, nothing can happen to a believer without God’s foreknowledge.

Why God Allow Adversities
Scripturally, these are the possible reasons why God can allow adversities to come to a believer:

1) You are Able to Handle it: God allows adversities to come to believers, because he knows they already have the ability to handle the situation. And thereby, growing in that ability by exercise, through adversities, to the glory, praise and honor of his holy name—1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:6-7.
2) Development of Patience: The bible tells us that we should count it all joy when we fall into various trials; knowing this, that the trying of our faith works patience (James 1:2-3). Hence, development of patience in us is a reason God could allow adversity in our lives sometimes.
3) Disciplinary Motive: Another reason a Christian could experience adversity, may be for the purpose of divine discipline. God can allow a believer to experience adversity, in order to curtail or cut off a vice from him. This vice could be pride, impatience, materialism, e.t.c. This was the case of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians12:7. God had to give him a thorn in the flesh so he won’t be exalted above measure.
4) Chastening Motive: God can also use adverse situations, such as sickness , financial or material loss and yes, even death to chasten believers for profane or rebellious attitudes. The scriptural instance of this is what happened to the people who profaned the communion in 1Corinthians 11:29-32. And Jesus’ proposed Judgement on the prophetess in Revelation 2:20-23. But if we can always judge ourselves, God would not have to judge or chasten us.
5) Proving Motive: Scripturally, it is clear that God uses adversity to prove the dedication and love of his children from time to time. Someone has said; “God offends the mind to reveal the heart”. And that is scripturally true. A perfect example of this is the case of Job. God used great adversity to prove Job’s fear, love and dedication to him (read the entire book of Job).

So God allows adversities in the lives of believers for the reasons above. And if you find yourself in any adversity, don’t be offended in God. Instead, first attack the situation by faith and prayers. But after so much prayers and exercise of faith, and the situation persists, don’t assume anything. The challenge may be for any of the above listed reasons. But Like the Apostle Paul, go to God in prayers to discern the reason for the challenge.

And as you find out the reason, you can then deal with the situation accordingly with scriptural wisdom.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

Many a Christian are against any preaching that makes mention of prosperity. As a matter of fact, I did write an article about divine prosperity; and someone in her unscriptural zeal attacked and said; “The give to receive garbage gospel, is just that--garbage”.

I quickly made her understand that with such statement, she was inadvertently saying, Jesus preached garbage. Because the Lord did say, give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, shaken together shall men give unto your bosom.

For some of the commenters in that article, they daubed divine prosperity, which is one of the tenets of the New Covenant (Ezekiel 36:29-30), “The Gospel of Mammon”.

Hence, this article sets out to scripturally clarify the meaning of “Mammon of Unrighteousness” as used by our Lord Jesus in the bible. And also, this article seeks to point out, who and who is involved and can indulge in “The mammon of unrighteousness”.

What is the Mammon of Unrighteousness?

Before explaining the meaning of mammon of unrighteousness, let’s see where it was mentioned in the bible in the book of Luke 16:11&13:

“If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

The word mammon is from the Greek word “Mammonas” which means, confidence in wealth; or in one word, Avariciousness. In other words, it is the deification of wealth. It is the Love of money referred to by the Apostle Paul in 1Timothy 6:10.

Mammon is the idolatry of money. It is putting the desire for wealth, material or financial gain above God’s commandments. And it is not the vice of only the super-rich. Even the poor and middle class also indulge in it.

Many a believer and preachers, who accuse and condemn rich believers and prosperity preachers of mammonism, are even guiltier of unfaithfulness in the mammon of unrighteousness than they are.

How Do We Indulge in the Mammon of Unrighteousness?

I know with my last statement in the above paragraph, the very next question that comes to mind will be, how do we indulge in the mammon of unrighteousness?

Firstly, mammon has been defined as confidence in wealth and idolatry of money and material gain. We’ve also seen that this idolatry can easily be committed by putting financial and material gain before or above God’s instructions. Hence we indulge in the mammon of unrighteousness in the following ways:

1. Mismanagement of church funds—including borrowing from tithe and offering without paying back

2. Lying about our age to gain employment

3. Refusing to pay our tithes and offerings

4. Shutting up our bowel of love to a needy brother or sister—when we could be of help

5. Closing our eyes to the glaring need in God’s house or for God’s work when we could contribute our own quota

6. Lying in business in order to make sale or gain

7. Using people to work so much and giving them so little. And even sometimes delaying their payments for our selfish reasons.

8. Refusing to answer God’s ministerial call for the sake of business

9. Use of unscriptural tactics to get money from members

10. Refusing to marry the person God reveals to you because of financial status. And also trying to choose a spouse mainly because of financial status.

All these amongst so many other practices, are the ways many Christian indulge in the mammon of unrighteousness. And we really need to judge ourselves along this line and repent of our sins as quickly as possible.

The Lord multiply on us the grace to be faithful to him concerning money and material possessions in Jesus name.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death”—Romans 8:2

“But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law (the law of sin and death)” – Galatians 5:18 (addition in parenthesis, mine)

As we begin to discuss this topic, “The Law of The Spirit of Life” it is important we understand the meaning of the term “Law” in the context in which it was used here.

The word law, is from the Greek word ‘nomos’ meaning—regulation or principle. Thus, law is a working principle.

If you read the entire chapter of Romans chapter 7 and then get to chapter 8 of the same book of Romans; it is clear that the Apostle Paul (by the Spirit) was giving a distinction between the man that is under the Law—The Law of Moses—and the man under grace—The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

The Apostle Paul contrasted his life under the Law with the present life of a believer, who is consciously walking under the grace of God (walking in the Spirit).

But many in the body of Christ have wrongly believed – like I did for a very long time—that what the Apostle Paul was saying in Chapter 7, applies also to the believer under grace in chapter 8.

And as a result, they find their selves struggling to overcome sin, instead of gaining absolute dominion over sin (Rom 6:14).
To be obeying the law of God in the mind, and that of sin in the flesh, clearly depicts the character and lifestyle of the man under the Law that the Apostle Paul was explaining to us in Romans chapter 7.

I am expounding this fact because the outcome of our Christian walk has so much to do with what and how we believe-- either wrong or right. So many believers who believe what the Apostle was saying in Romans chapter 7 apply also to the person under grace—The Law of The Spirit of Life in Christ— are bound to be easily overcome by temptation to sin.

And before and after they fall into sin, they console their selves with the wrong notion of what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 7: 25 and Galatians 5:17.

But when you believe the right thing the Apostle meant, it will definitely change your mindset about sin and temptation to sin. It will give you a superiority complex about sin; thereby leading to greater victory over sin and sinful habits.

Because the word of God tells us that sin shall not have dominion over us (Rom 6:14) and also that we should reckon ourselves to be dead to sin and alive unto righteousness (Rom 6:11).

So What was the Apostle Paul Saying?

The keys to quick understanding of Paul’s distinction of the life under the law and under grace in Romans chapters 7 and 8; and Galatians 5:17 and 18 are the words THEN (Rom7:25), NOW (Rom 8:1) and BUT (Gal 5:18).

In Romans 7:25, the Apostle says; “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So THEN with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin”

Hence, the Apostle concluded all he was saying in Romans chapter 7 about his walk with God under the Law with verse 25. And that can be clearly understood with his use of the word “Then” (Past tense).

Then in Romans 8:1-2, here is what the scripture says; “There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death”
The above scripture is the status of the man under grace—NOW. The Law of the Spirit of Life (Grace) has made him free from the Law of sin and death—The Law.

Then the Apostle Paul repeats the same distinction in Galatians 5:17 and 18 thus:

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that you cannot do the things that you would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the Law (the Law of sin and death)”.—words in parenthesis, mine.

From the above scriptures, the Apostle makes the distinction again, exactly the same way he made it in Romans. Verse 17 talks about the struggle of the flesh of the man under the law with the Spirit; thereby, not allowing him do the right things he is supposed to do. Then in verse 18, he contrasts it with the man under the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ; being led by the Holy Spirit or walking in the Spirit (under Grace); starting with the word “But” which introduces a contrary point from the former in verse 17.

So there you have it. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the Law of sin and death.

Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law. Sin shall not have dominion over you for you are not under the law but under grace.

Hence, from now onward, jettison the wrong believe that you are to be struggling to live a Holy Life or to overcome sin and sinful habits. Instead, receive a superiority complex or mindset over sin. Receive a master mindset of Holiness.

Begin to meditate and confess all the listed scriptures in the light of this revelation you have just received about godliness. And as you do, you will soon begin to see a dramatic change in your walk with God in Jesus precious name.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh, And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my judgments, and do them”—Ezekiel 36: 25-27

A few months back, when the light of the above scriptures and other scriptures entered my spirit, I went about declaring—I am through with sin all my life.

I declared it to my best friend. To my sister in-laws that came visiting; and then finally as I got to school, I went about announcing to everyone I could get across to that “I’m through with sin!”

As I made this declaration to people, some couldn’t understand why I could make such a seemingly absurd statement. I even shared the scriptures I am basing my faith on with my best friend, but he just couldn’t accept the fact that anyone—including believer—can ever be through with sin.

But personally, by the illumination of scriptures—such as the opening scriptures—by the Holy Spirit in my heart, I totally believe that I am through forever with sin. And I’m already walking in the reality of a life above the dominion of any sin.

And this article, shares my scriptural insight on exactly why I believe I am through with sin. To the intent that God will also illuminate you with it. And deliver you forever from any besetting sin in your life in Jesus Precious Name!

So Why Do I Believe I am Through With Sin?

The scriptural facts in which I base my faith of living forever above sin are as follows:

1. The New Covenant: In the new covenant of God’s grace, as can be seen in the book of Ezekiel 36: 25-27 and Hebrews 8: 7-12, God says he will Sprinkle clean water upon us ( a type of the blood of Jesus) and make us clean.

Then he also promises to take away our hearts of stone and give us a heart of flesh—which I believe he has already given me—then he will put his Spirit within me and cause me to keep his statutes. And of course, I know I have the Holy Spirit within me who is always working righteousness in me.

So therefore, with this covenant, I don’t see how sin can ever dominate me. Then in the final part of the covenant in Hebrews 8:12, God promises to be merciful to all our unrighteousness, and that all our errors (sins) he will remember no more.

So as I walk with the Lord in Holiness, if I stumble, there is forgiveness for me, no matter the gravity of the fall. And as he forgives me, he will strengthen me by his grace, never to do it again (Hebrews 4:12).

2. Other Scriptures: Other scriptures that guarantee that I can never come under the dominion of sin are:

Romans 6:13-14;

“Neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU (me): for you are not under the Law, but under grace”

1John 3:9;

“Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin, for his nature remains in him: and HE CANNOT SIN, because he is born of God”

The first scripture says that as we yield ourselves unto God (The Holy Spirit) and our members (that is, our bodies) as instruments of righteousness unto God, sin shall not have dominion over us.

The second scripture says anyone that is born of God does not commit sin—that is, does not make a practice of sin— because his nature (God’s nature) remains in him. And he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

And because I know I have new heart. Because I know the word of God is engraved in my heart. Because I have the nature of God in me (Love). Because I know the fear of God is in my heart. Because I know I’m a vessel of mercy. Because I’m under grace and not under the Law... My eternal conclusion is...

“I AM FOREVER THROUGH WITH SIN!”

And dear friend, you have to believe that too, because God cannot lie. He says what he means and means everything he says. This revelation I just shared with you, is the ultimate cure for sin. It is the only way to live above sin.

To live above besetting sin, you need to believe what I have just shared with you and start walking in this consciousness. This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he said; “Awake to righteousness and sin not” (see 1 Corinthians 15:34). In other words, he was telling us to be righteousness conscious...

Because we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). Let this consciousness inform your actions; your choice of words; and your behavior. Let this consciousness guide your every thought. And as the devil ministers vain imaginations to your mind, jettison them off in the name of Jesus. Hence, we are told to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

Then finally, as you walk in this consciousness and gain mastery over sin, if you do err—no matter how many times and gravity—remember you’re a vessel of mercy; and that God’s mercy is for those who fear him. Remember that Jesus has promised never to turn his back on you for any error. Just ask for forgiveness, receive it by faith, repent immediately and carry on with the Holy life.

Right now, I declare you a master over sin in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!

I pray that the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. And I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it—1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

There are certain people who can never have dominion over sin. If you are not yet born again, there is no way you can ever gain dominion over sin. So if you are tired of living in sin and you want to receive grace from God to live above sin, you need to accept Jesus as your Lord and Personal Savior.

To receive salvation by faith, please place your hand on your chest and say out this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I agree I’m a sinner. But today, I repent totally of my sins. And I accept you into my heart as my Lord and Personal Savior. Wash me clean with your precious blood. Write my name in the book of Life. Thank you Father for saving me. In Jesus Name!

If you said that prayer, Congratulations! You’re finally on your way to paradise, and have received eternal dominion over sin. You’re finally through with sin forever!

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and FIND GRACE to help in times of need”—Hebrews 4: 16

Oh, I can never forget that very blessed day. When the Holy Ghost opened my eyes of faith to his grace package, as entrenched in the new covenant (Hebrews 8:7-12; Ezekiel 36:25-29).

Once that light dawned on my spirit, what a heavenly experience I felt! The tangible (feel-able) manifestation of the Love of God flooded my heart. And my entire being was divinized with ecstatic anointing. I was supernaturally empowered to carry out all my spiritual responsibilities...

As that great witness of the Holy Spirit was in my heart, studying the Bible became a great delight. Prayer and fasting was automated. I prayed and fasted as if I was just having a funfair. Evangelism became like a child’s play. I could “sweatlessly” go out to evangelize, with anointed words pouring out of my mouth, like water pouring down a water-fall.

Oh, I can boldly -with no apology- say that serving God acceptably, is ALL OF GRACE. Without him (Jesus), we can do nothing (John 15:5)...
We can receive nothing from God, except on the platform of grace. We cannot serve God acceptably, except we first receive grace (Hebrews 12:28). Eternal Salvation is by grace. Spiritual gifts come to us by grace.

There is Saving grace; there is healing grace; there is prosperity grace; there is teaching grace; there is preaching grace; there is prophetic grace... And all these grace are accessible to us in Christ Jesus.

All it requires, and all it will ever require to receive them, is Faith. That is, faith in Christ Jesus (God) and faith for all these providence of grace, as entrenched in God’s word. Any of these grace you appropriate by faith, is yours for profiting.

But the question here is, why is it so hard for so many people- including Christians- to receive the faith required to appropriate these graces in their lives? The answer is, lack of knowledge and responsibility.

The faith required for appropriating these providence of grace that is in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is given in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of Grace). But for the Holy Spirit to release these faith in our hearts, so we can receive these providence of grace, spiritual knowledge and responsibility is required.

Many a believer come short of the grace of God as a result of ignorance and gross spiritual irresponsibility (passivity). Faith is the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. And it comes by revelational knowledge of the Word by the Holy Spirit...

But it is our responsibility to yield to the Holy Spirit for the release of these revelational knowledge of God’s Word. Which eventually leads to the manifestation of faith in our hearts.

The Bible says, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). It is the second hearing (Rhema) that releases faith in our heart, and it comes as we consistently yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit...

Having said that, the question here is, how do we yield to the Holy Spirit for the release of revelational knowledge of the Word, Faith and Grace?

How to Yield to the Holy Spirit

These are the various ways we yield our hearts to the supernatural, divine influence of the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Grace.
1. Studying and Meditating on the Word of God—as you consistently make a practice of studying the Word of God (The Bible) and also meditate on the word you read, you’re yielding to the influence of the Holy Spirit. And he will give you revelational knowledge of the word and consequently, you receive faith.
2. Word Practice: Another way to yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit, is to practice what the word of God says. As you practice the word, the Holy Spirit, releases more grace to you. Hence, to receive grace, you should make consistent practice of God’s word, a lifestyle. You should apply the Word in everything and every decision you make in life. In order words, be not a hearer only, but also a doer of the word (James 1:22).
3. Prayer: Consistent lifestyle of prayers is a sure way of yielding to the Holy Ghost for the release of revelation, faith and grace (divine empowerment). Prayerlessness can make someone come short of the grace of God. I’m a practitioner and a preacher of the Word of Faith. I have had (and still have) miraculous results through faith. Yet there are times when my faith do come to a low ebb, and I even begin to despair.

But at the instance of prayer, the Holy Spirit, flushes out every form of despair and unbelief in me, strengthens my faith, and releases fresh grace in me for great exploits in life. Hence we’re instructed to pray without ceasing (See 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

4. Fasting and Prayers: Another great way to yield to the Spirit of Grace, is the tool of Fasting and Prayers. Fasting and Prayers do not change God’s will, but it does help your spirit to receive light (revelations) from the Holy Ghost which consequently help your faith to receive more grace (see Isaiah 58:6-11).
5. Evangelism: The Lord says we should go into the world and preach the gospel to all creatures; and that as we do, he will be with us always, even till the end of the world (See Matthew 28:18-20). As you go about, ministering the gospel of Christ to people, you’re yielding to the influence of the Holy Ghost. As you go preaching the good news, the Holy Spirit multiplies the Grace of God in your life for signs and wonders...

Not only in your life, but in the lives of the people you minister to.

6. Church Fellowship: Among other ways, we yield to the Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of his presence in us; and to receive grace, through Church Fellowship. The Bible says we should not neglect the gathering together of ourselves as the manner of some is (Hebrews 10:25). As we gather together in Church for fellowship, we enjoy corporate anointing and grace from the Holy Ghost.

So anyone who stops attending fellowship for any reason, is in a great error. Even though there are some errors in the Church we attend, we should learn to be more forbearing. And also pray to God for the correction of those errors instead of leaving fellowship completely.

So there you have it. We receive grace by faith. And faith comes to our hearts from the Holy Ghost. But to receive the release of faith in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, we must yield to him consistently. We must be in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit.

However, as I conclude, I must add that the very first step to receiving all the grace in Jesus Christ, is in receiving the Saving Grace. Which will qualify you for eternal life. So if you’re not yet born again, and you want to be born again now, please say out this prayer, with your hand on your chest...

Say; Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. But today, I repent of my sins; and I accept you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Wash me with your precious blood, and write my name in the Book of Life. Thank you father for saving me, in Jesus Name!

Congratulations! You’re finally on your way to paradise.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

The word “Grace” is from the Greek word “Charis”—meaning, graciousness of manner or act. In order words, it means kindness or favor. Secondly, it also means the divine influence upon the heart; and its reflection in the life of an individual.

In the context which Grace is used in the scriptures, Grace can be defined to mean:

1. The Unmerited (or undeserved) kindness or favor of God on mankind.

2. The supernatural influence or empowerment of God on mankind.

And it is in the context of these two definitions of Grace above, that we shall be discussing scripturally, the actual works of God’s Grace in the life of a man (including women)...

As we begin to discuss about the works of grace, it is important for us to understand that since the beginning, and through the Laws and the prophets (The Old Testament era), God’s dealings with mankind, has been on the basis of Grace.

For instance, God dealt with Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob etc... On the basis of grace.

But since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his grace has been made available to everyone. The birth, death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, ratified the new covenant of God’s grace to all mankind. Hence, the bible says the Law was given by Moses, while grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (see John 1.

Before enumerating the works of Grace in the life of a man, it is important that I emphasize that Jesus and Jesus only, is the source of Grace. And if you must partake of the benefits and tenets of the new covenant of God’s Grace, you must be a “hearty” believer in Jesus Christ, the atonement of his blood and his words (teachings).

Having established the above truth, we now begin to discuss the actual works of the Spirit of Grace (which is the Holy Spirit from Jesus Christ)...

So What Are The Works of Grace?

The works of Grace which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does in the lives of mankind-- through his Holy Spirit (The Spirit of Grace) are, but not limited to the following:

1. Eternal Salvation: Titus 2:11 says; “The Grace of God that bringeth Salvation has appeared to all men”. It is through the sovereign kindness of God by our faith in Jesus Christ, that we secure our eternal salvation. It is the grace of God that influences a sinner to believe whole-heartedly in Christ Jesus.

Without this work of Grace in the heart of a sinner (that makes the sinner repent and give his heart to Jesus), we can preach and teach all we want, but a sinner will never be saved.

Hence, the Lord says, except the father draws someone, no one can come to him...
2. Sanctification: Titus 2:12 says, the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and that we should live sensibly, righteously, godly in this present world.

So anyone who lives freely in ungodliness and worldly lusts and claims to be under grace, is a deceiver and also a self-deceiver. Grace works righteousness and godliness in the life of a believer.

Grace empowers the believer to forbid sin. Grace empowers a believer to live above sin. Grace does not only empower a believer to keep the Laws of God, it empowers the believer to fulfill them; as they walk in the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

And if we keep the commandments of God through the empowerment and leadership of the Holy Ghost, the bible says, we are not under the Law (Galatians 5:18).
3. Forgiveness and Repentance: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, qualifies us to receive forgiveness and repentance of sin. As we walk with the Lord- by walking under the leadership of his Spirit, when we err, it is grace that gives us the boldness to go to God to receive forgiveness. And as we receive forgiveness from God, he empowers us by his Spirit not to go back to the sin anymore.

Hence, the Bible says, we should come boldly unto the thrown of grace to receive mercy (or forgiveness) and find strength to help in times of need (see Hebrews 4:16).

Grace works penitence and repentance from sin; and finally crowns it with divine peace as an assurance of forgiveness. Sometimes, the order can be reversed. That is, the assurance of forgiveness can come before the penitence and repentance.

But either way, one cannot come without the other. True forgiveness and repentance goes hand in glove. Hence, grace does not say, “I forgive you, go and continue in your sin”. But rather, grace says, “neither do I condemn you, I forgive you, go and sin no more (repent)” – John 8:11.
4. Love: Among several other things that the grace of God works in us, it supernaturally empowers us to fulfill the Royal Law of God, which is-- loving our neighbors as ourselves (James 2:.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, floods our hearts with divine love, making us feel like babies before God. His divine love in our hearts, through his Holy Spirit, makes us cry Abba Father to him that loves us (Romans 8: 15; Galatians 4:6).

Hence, the grace of God gives us the spirit of sonship. And this spirit of sonship in our hearts, floods our hearts with God’s Love. Thereby, making us love him intimately; and consequently, we extend this love to others. And by so doing, we fulfill the Royal Law or keep his commandments (1John 4:19; John 14:15).

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you forever and ever, in Jesus Name!

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt;
because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord; For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind and hearts:

and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his brother, saying, know the Lord: For all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 8:9-12

“And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh: that they may walk in my statutes and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 11: 19-21

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ.

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5: 17-19

The new covenant of God with mankind is the covenant of grace. That is, the unmerited favor or kindness of God towards mankind, in order to bring them to the inheritance of his kingdom.

God having known and proven that the ordinary man could not and cannot keep his commandments, as entrenched in the old covenant, eventually cancelled the old covenant. And gave us a gracious new one, through the death of his only begotten son Jesus Christ by his divine Love (agape) for mankind (John 3: 16).

In this new covenant, God himself promises anyone who believes on his only begotten son (whom he sent into the world to die for the sins of mankind) that he himself will put his commandment in his/her heart, and cause or help the person to keep his commandments by his Holy Spirit.

And also, as they walk with the help of his Holy Spirit to keep his commandments, if they err, he will be merciful to them.

Hence, in this new covenant, immediately you honestly from your heart, accept Jesus as your Lord and personal savior, you will receive forgiveness of all your sins through the shared blood of Jesus. And instantly, God will give you his righteousness and eternal life as free gift.
And as you submit to this righteousness, you will gain supernatural power or dominion over every form of sin. This submission to the spirit of righteousness given to the person that is born again, is what is called: walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), Walking in the newness of life (Romans 6:4), Being led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:18), Sanctification (1Thessalonians 4: 3) and Holiness.

And as you submit yourself to the direction of the Holy Spirit, if you eventually stumble and sin, God says he will be merciful unto your unrighteousness, that is, he will forgive all your sins. So as you walk with the Spirit of God and eventually err; as you acknowledge your sin and ask for forgiveness, God will definitely forgive you, no matter the magnitude of the sin.

If you’re walking with God in terms of this his new covenant, you’re said to be under grace and not under law (Galatians 5:18).
And the Lord also says, if you’re under grace, which is also called the law of Faith (Romans 3: 27) you will never come under any condemnation, either now or after death or at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1).

With all these said, does grace now give anyone license to sin? The answer is NO! On the contrary, this grace empowers you to keep all the commandments of God. Including the Ten Commandments and much more -- that God will give to you, through his Holy Spirit that is in you (Romans 3:31).

How Then Can I Know Who Is Under Grace?

Anybody can claim to be under grace, but according to our Lord Jesus Christ, we shall know them by their fruits. The Bible says in 1John 3:7 “Little children let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he (Jesus) is Righteous”.

So, if someone is truly under the grace of this new covenant, and is actually submitted to the Spirit or walking in the Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit must be seen in him or her (Galatians 5: 22-23). The person will naturally hate unrighteousness.

While on the other hand, we can know who is not under grace, by the works of the flesh as enumerated in Galatians 5: 19-21. So if you see someone who is manifesting the works of the flesh, and as you try to correct him, he tells you that what he or she is doing doesn’t matter because he /she is under grace, rebuke him and tell him that he is a liar.

Because grace does not celebrate or embrace sin. And according to the scriptures, anyone who indulges in the works of the flesh, in the name of grace or because he is not born again, will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21).

And certainly, if he does not inherit the kingdom of God, he will definitely have his part in hell and in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. There is no two ways about that (Revelations 21: . By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (Romans 3:20); and at the same time, by the works of the flesh shall no man live or inherit the Kingdom of God (Romans 8: 13; Galatians 5:19-21)).

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

Quite recently, the Lord opened my eyes to His awesome grace; as contained in the new covenant of God, which was ratified by the shed, precious blood of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 36: 26-29; Hebrews 8:7-12).

And to be very honest, God gave me this revelation after reading a book on grace teaching. Only that the grace message I read was pushed to the extreme. The revelation came from God to that man of God- quite alright- only that it was pushed to the extreme, thereby leading to mutilation of other scriptural truths.

If this great man of God had taught this great scriptural revelation in harmony with other balancing scriptural truths, most of the errors in this grace doctrine that have been proliferated all over the place, would have been mitigated.

This pushing of the grace doctrine to the extreme, has led so many people into devastating heresies. It has pushed many folks into getting off on very dangerous tangents.

And I’m sure it is from this extreme grace teachings that the heretic doctrine of OSAS (Once Saved Always Saved) was born. I’m also sure it’s from teachings such as this that led someone to share a forum post that read “Forgive—If you do not forgive, you go to hell—False doctrine”. By this message, the author doctored the eternal truth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Which says if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly father forgive you (Matthew 6:15).

Hence, this article is written with the intention (and a great burden) in my heart to point out these extremism and smoothen them out. So people do not get deluded—believing a lie about the truth.

The Major Errors of The Extreme Grace Doctrine

1. Error 1: The Commandments of Jesus Before Death and Resurrection Are No Longer Relevant Under Grace

The extreme grace doctrine says that all the Commandments of Jesus before he went to the cross, are no more relevant under this dispensation of Grace. And that Jesus’s teaching before going to the cross was to bring the law to its pristine position, with the intention that we could fully recognize that we cannot keep the law.

There is truth in this point of view, but its half-baked (and half-baked truths are worse than no truth at all). Yes, Jesus did bring the law to its pristine position by his teachings; and by so doing it was obvious we can’t keep them with our own strength or the energy of the flesh. But to say that we can’t keep them at all, is false. Because, if it is so, the Lord won’t demand that we should keep them in his own very words (see Matthew 7:24-27).

And yes, even the disciples observed the human inability to keep the Lord’s commandments in its pristine state. But right there and then, the Lord gave them the key to the obedience. He clearly told them that he knows that keeping the commandments is impossible with men, but it is a possibility with the help of God (Mark 10: 25-27).

In other words, Jesus was telling them that they could keep all his commandments through the help of the Holy Ghost, who is the Spirit of Grace. Hence, the bible tells us that we can establish (or keep) the law of Christ by Faith (Rom 3:31). That is, Faith in the new covenant of Grace through the death of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 36: 26-29; Heb 8:7-12, 9:15-22).

And by the grace of God, I’m a living testimony of this eternal truth; of establishing the law by Faith. By faith in the new covenant of grace, I live above sin. I don’t struggle to keep the commandments of Christ. All I just do is lean on the abundance of Grace and the gift of righteousness that I have received from Christ through his Holy Spirit that indwells me (Rom 5:17), and that automates my lifestyle of Holiness.

And if I err, I just quickly receive mercy and forgiveness from the throne of grace (Heb 4:16) and repent of the sin and move on by faith.
But to say we should disregard all the injunctions of Christ before going to the cross, because we are under grace, is a great error and anyone involved in spreading such doctrines should desist as fast as possible for their own good.

Error 2: “There is now no more condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus—whether you Walk in the Spirit or Not”
Another error which I have discovered from these extreme Grace teachings, is that they say, if you are in Christ Jesus, you can never come under any condemnation, whether you walk in the Spirit or not.

And by that, they re-state Romans 8:1, which says “there is now no more condemnation among them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”
Instead, they mutilated this scripture to say what they want to believe thus; “There is now no more condemnation among them that are in Christ Jesus”. The other completing part was mutilated. And to support their point, they quote the New American Standard Bible (NASB) version.

But I’m still wondering if they also mutilated the other scriptures which re-instated the fact that we should walk in the Spirit in order to live above sin (Galatians 5: 16, 18). And that if we walk in the flesh, we will lose our inheritance of the Kingdom of God (that is we will miss heaven and consequently be condemned to hell—Gal 5:19-21).

And again, one more question I want to ask, are the teachers of this doctrine by anyway saying that someone in Christ Jesus, who commits suicide will head straight to heaven-- because he is not under condemnation? And also, is it possible that someone who is in Christ Jesus and eventually dies in the very act of Adultery or Fornication, will head straight to heaven?

Obviously, “there is no snowball chance in hell” of such an individual making it pass the pearly gate of paradise.

Unless they want to make God a liar. Because he says; “But the fearful, and unbelieving and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and Idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”—Revelations 21:8.

For the sake of post brevity, the concluding part of this article (Error 3 and 4 has been continued in my blog)...

Error 3: “All your sins have been Forgiven- Past, Present and Future- so there is no need to ask for forgiveness”

Error 4: “God does not judge people under this Dispensation of Grace!”

Check out my signature below for my blog address...

Emeke Odili

“Wherefore, brethren, COVET TO PROPHESY, and forbid not to speak with tongues”—1Corinthians 14:39

The word “prophesy” is from the greek word “propheteuo”—meaning: to foretell events or to speak under inspiration. Hence, prophecy means to foretell things by divine revelation. Then it also means, to speak under divine inspiration.

Over the years, I have consistently received prophetic directions from the Lord, for my own profiting. And as I keep on walking under divine direction, I have kept on making progress in every areas of my life. God has never left me in the dark concerning his perfect will and plans for my life.

But recently, God just gave me an eye-opener concerning the ministry of prophecy. And as the days go by, I feel strongly impressed in my spirit, that God would have me minister to people prophetically, in order to get more effective results from my ministrations.

Though I have been doing that over the years, at just a simple level, but I feel that God would have me and every other zealous believers press more for the prophetic gifts in our ministries.

And accordingly, I have already started pressing in with all vigor, with supernatural results already coming out…

Some days back in my local church, as the pastor was leading prayers, I was praying along with a desperate crave for a vision from God. As I pressed hard enough by the grace of God, the Lord gave me an inner vision of a colorful bowl of water, filled with water to overflowing.

As I got the vision, after waiting for a while, I just raised my hand up, signaling to my pastor that I had something to share. As he gave me audience, I simply shared what I saw; and was trying to explain what I believe the symbol meant. But before I could finish with my explanation, the Pastor quickly helped me to finalize it, by saying the symbol meant overflow of blessings.

As he gave that interpretation, the atmosphere of the church was charged with faith. People were edified and the power of God manifested in an unusual way. A woman in the church even fell under the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Hence, this sermon seeks to urge every lover of God and his gifts, to press in for the manifestation of the gift of prophecy in our ministrations, to the intent that people can be edified, comforted and exhorted (1 Corinthians 14: 3).

As we approach the end time; as things begin to turn out more difficult as the scriptures says. As people’s love are already beginning to wax cold. As iniquity is already abounding. Only carefully crafted cold sermons will no longer be enough to sustain people’s love.

People need to know that God is still very much in love with them. People need to know that God is not unaware of their predicaments. People need to know God’s good plans towards them and their challenges. People need to know God’s position about their characters so they can be more watchful and circumspect.

And for people to have a “now word” from God, it will require a massive restoration of the prophetic ministry to the church, with appropriate, scriptural administration by church leaders.

And this revival will only be made possible, as believers begin to obey God’s instruction regarding the prophetic gifts. That is, by earnestly coveting to prophesy. By zealously pressing on God for direct word for his people. Instead of being erroneously, open-minded for God to use them anytime he wants.

The word of God admonishes us to be active in our pursuit of spiritual gifts (1 Corin-12:31), such as prophecy. But instead, out of unbelief and ignorance, “supposed believers”, have been (and are still) paying passive attention to the manifestation of spiritual gifts.

Hence, the church has come short of the manifestation of God’s glory and power. As a result of this grievous error, many are already falling prey to false prophets. As they run to them for helps which are abundantly and readily available in the church. Just because so-called believers, refuse to believe God and step out in faith.

At this very moment, God’s utmost heart desire is to mightily pour his Spirit on every and any zealous vessel, who dares to believe his word. So he can use them to bring comfort to his people. So he can use them to preserve his fruits from decadence…

So Who Can Prophesy?

The answer is- anyone and everyone that truly believe in Jesus Christ. Anyone that wants to be used by God in extending his love to the hurting believers and mankind in general.

Prophecy in the new covenant, is not for only a special group of people. It’s not only for the prophets. The Bible says, “We may all prophesy one by one that all may learn, and all may be comforted”—1 Corinthians 14:31.

Again, in Peter’s confirmation of the prophecy of Joel in Acts 2:16-18, he says, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy”.

So under the new covenant, you don’t have to be called to the prophetic office to prophecy. We are all to prophecy according to the measure or proportion of faith dealt to every man (Romans 12: 3, 6).

One article will not be enough for me to exhaust my sermon on how to covet prophesying. So I will be continuing in subsequent articles…
But in the interim, I urge you to covet to prophesy, as the scriptures admonish.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

“And what I say unto you I say unto all, WATCH”—Mark 13:37

Watchfulness is referred to in the scriptures as being vigilant and being awake. Watchfulness means to be awake: both literally and figuratively. It means to be vigilant: literally and figuratively. It means to walk circumspectly (Eph 5:15). It means to be physically and spiritually sensitive. It means spiritual consciousness and alertness.

Many a Christian treat their spiritual walk with the Lord with so much laxity. They are so care-free with their walk with the Lord. And as such, they easily fall into the snare of the devil. Although the Lord instructs us to be careful for nothing; but that has to do with anxiety. We are to be anxious for nothing.

However, the Bible instructs us to be spiritually sensitive. Hence, such words as: Watch, Awake, Vigilant, Take heed and walk circumspectly were used in the scriptures.

What are we to Watch out for?
1) Watch out for Deceivers: “Take heed that no man deceive you” –Matthew 24:4. Every believer should be cautious of deceivers- which have been around since the time of the early church, till date (1 John 2:18-19). These are false prophets and teachers. Some of them are just heretics.

A care-free believer, no matter his level of spiritual growth, can fall for any of these deceivers. Many a believer have fallen and are still falling for these end-time miscreants. To discern them, the Bible says, by their fruits we shall know them—Matthew 7: 16, 20. Then again the Bible says, “no one speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed …

The Bible also says, no man can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit”—1 Corinthians 12:3. So any Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor or Evangelist-- who does not draw attention to Jesus, but rather to himself or other entity, is a false prophet.

2) Watch unto Righteousness: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame”—1Corinthians 15:34. A Christian should awake or should watch unto righteousness, in order to live above sin.

That is to say, at all times, everywhere and at all situation, he/she should be righteousness conscious. He should be conscious of his sainthood. He should be conscious of the fact that he is the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus—2 Corinthians 5:21.

And that consciousness should inform his choice of words and actions in every situation, at every given point in time. It is this consciousness that will make the Christian walk perfectly in (and with) the Spirit. And consequently, it will make him to live above the works of the flesh—sin (Gal 5:16).

3) Watch Out for The Second Coming of Christ: “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly and he find you sleeping”—Mark 13: 35-36. No one knows the exact time of Christ’s second coming. But at the same time, the day an individual dies, is the day Jesus comes for him. Because the Bible says, after death comes Judgment (Heb 9:27).

Anytime an individual dies, he either goes to paradise (heaven) to be with the Lord (Philippians 1:23) or he goes to hell (Gehena) –Luke 16:20-31. Hence, the Lord admonishes us to be watchful or cautious of his second coming. At all times, we should be prepared for the Lord’s second coming, both in our actions and words.

If we fall into any sin, we should quickly ask for forgiveness and repent of it, with the cautiousness of Christ’s sudden appearance. Either at his physical coming or his coming at our death; which most of the time, we may not also know the time.

4) Watch out for the devil’s devices: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same affliction are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world”—1 Pet 5:9. As believers in Christ, we’re not to be afraid of the devil or any of his cohorts. Because Christ has defeated them for us—Colossians 2:15.

And he has given us authority over them—Mark 6:7. Yet they are still fighting till date. Especially, fighting our faith through their devices and wiles—2 Corinthians 2: 11. Their ultimate aim is to take you out of the way of truth (2 Thes 2: 7). So you can fall into sin or error. So they can gain a legal ground against you in order to destroy you.

Some of these devices which they employ all the time in order to devour the believer, are: vain thoughts and imaginations; and direct spiritual combat in dreams and other means. In order to weaken our faith and take advantage of us. Hence, the word of God admonishes us to be vigilant or to be sensitive against these their evil devices.

And as we detect all these evil devices, as an antidote, the Bible says we’re to cast down the vain imaginations they bring to our minds—2 Corinthians 10: 5. We are to resist them steadfastly in the faith. That is, fighting the fight of faith. And we’re to do these by standing on the word of God. Equipping ourselves with the whole amour of God; and through Spirit powered prayers, etc…—Eph 6: 18.

5) Watch unto Prayer: “But the end of all things is at hand: be therefore sober minded, and watch unto prayer”—1 Peter 4:7. Amongst several other things, we are to watch unto prayers. We are to always ensure our prayer life is on top flight.

The scriptures instruct us to pray without ceasing. We are also instructed to watch and pray. Another particular scripture says, continue in prayer—Col 4:2. Then ultimately, our Lord Jesus tells us to watch and pray, so we do not fall into temptation—(Mark 14:38). If he says so, then it certainly means that a prayerless Christian, is a powerless and vulnerable Christian. So again I say, watch and pray.

Pray even when you do not feel like praying--that is supernatural wisdom.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili.

“But Covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet I show you A MORE EXCELLENT WAY”---1 Corinthians 12:31

The word covet is from the Greek word zeloo. Meaning- to have warmth of feeling for. In order words, it means to be zealous for something.
God will have us covet these spiritual gifts, in order to be more impactful and effective in our ministration of the Gospel. Because without the manifestation of these gifts, all we’ll ever do, will be struggling to persuade people to love God. But with the manifestation of these gifts, people will more easily get edified and convinced, than our carefully crafted, cold sermons.

Now for so many well-meaning individuals, instead of obeying what the word of God says we should do concerning spiritual gifts- earnestly covet them. They have out of ungodly fear and intimidation by cessationists and the rest… resolved to only be opened for whatever God wants to do with them. But the Bible never instructs us to be opened for spiritual gifts to manifest. Instead, the word of God says we should desire the manifestation of these gifts.

Because these folks are inadvertently in disobedience concerning God’s counsel for the manifestation of spiritual gifts, they seldom and even never see the manifestation of any of these great spiritual gifts. That are freely available with the Holy Ghost in us.

Hence, the Apostle Paul by the Holy Spirit, admonishes us to covet the best gifts so we can use them to effectively impact others. We should not only focus on how to edify ourselves. We should focus on how to edify others. However, we should also seek those gifts that will edify us as well. Because if we are not edified, we can‘t edify others (according to Smith Wigglesworth).

The More Excellent Way to Covet Spiritual Gifts

In the book of 1 Corinthians, where we get our opening verse, after the Apostle Paul finished talking about all the spiritual gifts, he encourages us to covet the best gifts. Then in order not to leave us in ignorance of exactly how to covet these gifts, he quickly added; “And yet I show you A MORE EXCELLENT WAY”.

Which means there are other ways of coveting these spiritual gifts. But under the influence of the Holy Ghost, he lets us know that among all these ways, there is a more excellent way. What is this excellent way? The answer is found in the next immediate, preceding chapter-1Corinthians 13. Then specifically, he summarizes it in Chapter 14: 1 (1Corinthians 14:1). Here is exactly what he says; “Follow after Charity (Love), and desire (covet) spiritual gifts.”

So from that scripture, the Apostle Paul lets us know at a glance, the easiest and the most excellent way to have the best spiritual gifts (such as prophecy) begin to quickly manifest in our lives as we desire. And that single way, is to first follow, or come under or crave for the manifestation of the Love of God in our hearts.

Some weeks ago, as I was teaching on the Love of God, in a topic I titled; “Walking in Love” (in my Home-cell Fellowship); as I taught, the tangible, feel-able manifestation of the Love of God, flooded my heart by the Holy Ghost. Then all of a sudden, one of the best combination of spiritual gifts I have always coveted, started manifesting. Which is tongues and interpretation.

As I taught, as a result of the warm Joy that flooded my heart by the Love of God, I started speaking in other tongues. Then I quickly remembered that as I was teaching, I needed to give the interpretation as well- so my listeners could be edified as the scriptures instructs.
So immediately I finished speaking, I opened my mouth in my most Holy Faith, and the Holy Spirit gave me the interpretation. Then as I spoke more, I kept on giving the interpretation until I started getting cautious not to get into the flesh. And in the process, I quenched the Holy Spirit with my resistance.

But then, as the Lord gave me the wonderful revelation I’m sharing here, I remembered what happened back in the Home-cell. Then I had to ask the Lord to forgive my fleshly unbelief. And since then, I have made up my mind to always yield to the Holy Spirit totally, for the manifestation of any spiritual gift, once that heavenly Love floods my heart.

So there you have it. The more excellent way, is to go for the Love of God. And once the Love of God is there, desire the best spiritual gifts. Such as prophecy and the rest… and most assuredly, Jesus will certainly manifest himself to you by his Holy Spirit in you to the edification of his people.

Hence, he says; “He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that love me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my father, and I will Love him, and will manifest myself to him”—John 14:21.

How Then Does The Love Of God Come?

The answer is very simple. The Love of God is from the Holy Spirit. Hence, the Bible says; the Love of God is shared abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us—Romans 5:5.

Once this Love is in your heart, oh, you’ll certainly Love God. That is why the Bible says again; “Herein do we know that we love God, because he first Loved us” (1John 4:19).

And again, once this Love comes to your heart, you will be able to keep Christ’s commandments which are summarized in “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal 5:14). Once this Love floods your heart and you yield to it, oh, you’ll even Love your enemies and pray for them as Jesus instructs without much struggle…

Just exactly the same way Jesus did. Even when they crucified him, he said; father, forgive them for they know not what they do unto me” (Luke 23:24).

And less you think this Love is only in Jesus, Stephen also did the same, as they were stoning him to death (Acts 7:60). Where is the source of that supernatural Love exhibited by Stephen? Of Course, it was the Holy Ghost. The Bible says, as he spoke to them, he was full of the Holy Ghost (Acts 7:55).

So you too, as you get filled with the Holy Ghost, this supernatural, divine Love will also flood your heart. And then, as you desire the best gifts at the instance of that heavenly manifestation in your heart, you’ll certainly get supernatural results in signs and wonders.
Inside the Love of God lies Faith, Healing, Prophecy, Word of Wisdom and Knowledge, Discernment of spirits, Working of Miracles, Tongues and Interpretation, Patience, E.T.C…

So once again, like the Apostle Paul said, “Follow or come under or crave for charity or the Love of God; and then desire spiritual gifts”. The word of God says, it is a more excellent way to covet or desire the manifestation of the best gifts. And of course, all the gifts of God are the best gifts and they are all accessible through Charity or Love.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili
v

“Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”—Isaiah 60:1-3

Prophecies has gone forth from different men of God. That this year, is the year of the manifestation of God’s Glory. In my present Church, the General Overseer says, God told him it is our year of “Harvest of Glory”…

While in my former Church, the General Overseer says also, that this is the year of “From Glory to Glory”. And personally, from the opening scripture above, the LORD, has revealed to me as well, that this year is indeed a year of manifest, divine glory.

But however, from the opening scripture, the events of this year are going to be mixed…

On the people of God, the glory of God will be upon and around them, while on the World (The Unbelievers) and on the so-so Christians (the religious players), there will be gross darkness around them.

By the Glory of God on his people- it means, there will be emblems or marks of honor around the children of God. Such as: supernatural manifestations (Faith, Healings, Working of Miracles, Revelational Gifts and Utterance Gifts); Marital Breakthroughs, Business Breakthroughs, Financial breakthroughs, Career Breakthroughs and the rest…

Because, each time the glory of God comes down upon his Children, it is always evidenced by supernatural transformations, signs and wonders, and dramatic turnaround of situations. And I must not forget to add that the glory of God, also comes with judgment on the wicked or the evil.
So this year-by God’s design- is a year of dramatic turnaround for the true servants of God. Who worship him in spirit and truth. It is also a year of judgment on the forces of wickedness-both physical and spiritual…

So any true believer under any form of oppression of the wicked, who dares to believe this prophecy, will see the LORD arise for him/her. With a strong arm to deliver him/her. In just exactly the same way the LORD delivered the Children of Israel, from their captivity and oppression, in the land of Egypt and the hand of Pharaoh.

While on the other hand, those who will remain recalcitrant (unrepentant) will face a whole lots of shame and judgment from the LORD this year. I pray, that will never be your portion in the mighty name of Jesus!

“So How Then Do I Enjoy This Divine Glory?”

1. Believe The Prophecy: “Who Hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD Revealed?”—Isaiah 53:1. So the person who will see the arm of the LORD, is the one who believes the report of his servants- the prophets. Hence, the one who will not believe it, won’t see the arm of the LORD…

Again the LORD Jesus says; “… said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” Thus, believing the prophecy, is sacrosanct to seeing the glory of God in your life this year.
2. Sanctify Yourself: Having believed the prophecy, another thing you need to do, in order to be well positioned for the glory of God, is to sanctify yourself-by the help of the Holy Ghost…

Be determined to let go those habits or lifestyles you know are against the will of God for your life. So you can enjoy God’s glory. Else, when the glory comes on you, in your filthiness, it will destroy you. Hence, God will not reveal his glory to a filthy person, else the person be destroyed by it (Exodus 19:10-11, 22; Matt 9:17).
3. Preach The Gospel: “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord, working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”(Mark 16:20). As you go about the ultimate commission- preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere you find yourself, you will see the LORD manifest his glory in the lives of people and yours as well- with unusual signs and wonders this year.
4. Sacrificial Living And Giving: Another thing to do in order to see God’s glory in your life this year, is to practice sacrificial living and giving. As the Holy Spirit prompts you to give to his work or to people sacrificially, please don’t harden your heart and resist him…

Even if he prompts you to give all you have on you, or all that your life depends on. Just go ahead and give, believing he will always repay you, a hundred fold in diverse ways (I’m a living testimony of this fact).

Just in exactly the same way as God appeared and rewarded Solomon, after his humongous sacrifice (2 Chronicles 1:6-12).
5. Prayer and Fasting: Finally-amongst several other things that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you, as you follow the above instructions-To enjoy the glory of God continually, always spend quality time in prayers…

And regularly (once or twice a week), you can add fasting to your prayers, to make it more effective. Because prophecies are not watched to fulfillment, but they are warred to fulfillment (1 Tim 1:18).

May you and your family harvest glory in every areas of your lives this year, according to his words from the mouths of his servants in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili