blackpanther22:


My brother y did u take the Igbo na??, its not good for u, its not Lipton ooo, see ut life nw, just stay put, it will wear off....
But in the meantime shift let me faint abeg

I don't drink or smoke

HappyPagan:

Yeah, a real lie story.

Na conji dey worry you. Go and have sex, my friend.

chiommy123:
As funny as this is truth is there are many demons in circulation this days.

Most fine girls have some of them

chiommy123:
As funny as this is truth is there are many demons in circulation this days.

Most fine girls have some of them

HappyPagan:
This one don craze finish, dey blame slay queen.
Wetin fine girl get to do with your mental problem?

You saw your evil heart jump out the mirror. Embrace your conji.

This is my real life story that happened to me, if you don't have yours, read and move on

We need to be careful, some of these slay queens have demons all over them.
I asked a very beautiful lady out and she said "Yes".
Then, as I got home a huge man popped out from my mirror
He had two heads(with one eye on each head), 6hands.
With 3 fingers on each hand. While I was still startled at such a monstrous being,
The monster looked at me and made some enchantments and came straight for me.
Before I could say a word, the man-monster threw a punch at me �
I dodged and I asked him
"bros, wetin happen ni?" �
Before I could complete my statement; the chairman threw another punch...Thank God for my little knowledge of kung-fu, I dodged again.
Unluckily for me, his other hands grabbed me and he carried me to his face. �
He said, I am....(I can't remember the name) "you have just asked out my lord's wife, this is just a warning �
If you don't break up, I will be back to finish you, tomorrow." �
He took me close to his face and used his smelly tongue to lick my face �
Then, threw me as hard as he could to the ground.
Then disappeared! �
Children of God, that's how I joined Prayer band unit in Church. ���

Seun, Lalasticlala, please help me move to religion. I mistakenly posted it here. Thanks

I've met many who previously were Christians who have declared themselves atheists and I always wondered how it all happened.
What really made them go from saying "Jesus is Lord" to "There is no God"?

After getting saved, the believer starts learning the Word of God and the Bible shows us there are practices which the believer needs to imbibe and act out.

1Corinthians 14:1 gives us two practices
"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy."

He gives us two practices:
1. Pursue love(we'll discuss later)
2. Desire spiritual gifts.

Many Christians don't know they are supposed to desire spiritual gifts. They think it's for Pastors. This practice is for every Christian.

1Corinthians 12:7 explains why it is so important to imbibe this practice.
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:"
He calls spiritual gifts "manifestations of the Spirit"

The Holy Spirit is inside the believer and can't be seen by the physical eyes, the basic way to show what you carry inside you is through the "manifestations of the Spirit"

That's why he says "unlock by desiring spiritual gifts, the manifestations of the Spirit". By doing this everyone including the believer will see and know that God is with the believer(1Corinthians 14:25).
That will also prove to the believer and those around that God really exists.

The believer who becomes an atheists didn't stay in faith to the point of having the manifestations of the Spirit, because no one ever taught him/her the practice of desiring spiritual gifts.

Spiritual gifts were so important to Apostle Paul, to the extent he went all out to impart believers with spiritual gifts and he explains that having spiritual gifts makes a believer established in the faith.

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—
Romans 1:11 NKJV

Any believer who has no spiritual gift is not established and can easily go back into the world.

Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts.
God bless you!

Lalasticlala...come and see this one

Investigation by Trail Reporters has revealed that, the crisis currently rocking the Kairo’s Embassy Church and its founder, Pastor Nsikak Nseabasi, has other roots unknown to the public.

Trail Reporters had published a story, yesterday, May 25, 2017, with details of how alleged thugs beat the pastor’s wife in the church premises, with allegations of sexual scandal surrounding the pastor.

Findings from our investigation shows that, the wife, Idongesit Ukpong ,who is now referred to as the former wife of the pastor, got married and had a daughter, without his knowledge, and the pastor married her again on 30th September, 2012, when her first husband, Anietie Samuel is still alive, and never divorced her.

Information obtained by Trail Reporters says, Idongesit Ukpong had lied to Pastor Nsikak, that she holds a Master of Arts degree in English, and did her National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) in Abakiliki, when she actually did not graduate from the university.

The discovery we learnt, was made, when she was to be employed in the University of Uyo as an Assistant Lecturer, and the husband was asked to tell her to bring her certificates, which turned out that, she had none, including a first degree.

Probing further, our medium also gathered that, Idongesit Ukpong’s international passport carries 22nd December 1977 as her birth age, but had told the pastor that she was born in December 22, 1981, when the pastor was born in 28th August,1982.

Furthermore, we also learnt that, her younger brother, Enobong Ukpong was born in 1977, and she would not have been of the same age with the younger brother, who is a pastor.

Former Pastor’s wife We gathered that, with these discoveries and having another husband, the pastor sought for dissolution of the marriage on February 13, 2016, and left the house, while commencing the court process of dissolution in May, 2016, which was the beginning of his troubles.

In an exclusive video clip and pictures available to Trail Reporters, the events that happened in Kairo’s Embassy church on Wednesday was well captured, as some Journalists were brought in with consolidated chapel bus of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State council, were the protocol unit of the church, prevented them from gaining access into the church premises.

We further gathered that, Idongesit Ukpong, the former wife of the pastor had disguised herself, and came in a keke motorcycle, where she was first prevented from entering the church when service was on, before the arrival of the Journalists, which later led to an outburst, where the Journalists had to scamper for safety.

Sources who spoke with our Reporters said, Evelyn Etim who is being accused of having sexual affair with the pastor, was in the hotel with about 9 persons seated, when the former Pastor’s wife stormed the hotel, and she is only a church member, who had nothing with the pastor.

Policemen at IBB junction, eagle 7 who came in their SUV, advised the Journalists and others to leave the church premises, before the arrival of the men of the Special Anti Robbery squad from the State police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia.

The case, we learnt is currently in Onna customary court, awaiting formal dissolution.

Culled from http://trailreporters.com/uyo-pastors-wife-liedhusband-daughter-pastors-knowledge-graduated-university/

Have you ever prophesied?

Amberon:
How did you find out the girl is lying?

You can read my post again and see that I never wrote about anyone lying.

Amberon:
Jesus Christ did not say we should go about taking sides with false prophets.

How did you find out that he is a false Prophet?

Read here...

www.nairaland.com/3681236/christians-reaction-apostle-suleiman-johnsons

I sometimes wonder "what some Christians think Christianity to be about?"

A Christian is involved in a scandal, instead of praying for this to be over with; you're helping it to be a trending news.

If Christ was here on the Earth, how would He have reacted to this scandal?
Would he help it spread or remain the latest news.

Examine yourself if you are truly "Christ-like" or "devil-like".
Are you acting "in love" or "in hatred"?

Here is what love does

"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins." 1Peter 4:8(NLT).

It is not time to be politically correct, let's join hands to pray for our brother until this storm passes.

God Bless You!

soulpeppersoup:


Please construct your grammar well, I can't make a meaning out of what you wrote.

That's as plain as it can get;

There is hierarchy in the Church thing; following what you wrote, "Pastors have mentors whom they learn from"

I'm asking, who mentors the man at the top of the "chain of hierarchy"?

If you don't understand this time; You can give someone to read and explain to you.

rexben:
The truth is that you don't need to go to church or see a pastor to be taught.
Jesus said the Holy spirit will teach you. My dear, you don't need to go to church. Listen to the Holy Spirit

So, why do we go to church?

soulpeppersoup:


Every pastor has a teacher. They are called mentors. Every successful professor is a life time student except in Nigeria.

So, that means, there is someone up there, who has no mentor; cos, his mentor is dead and there is no Pastor old enough to mentor him.

Who will mentor such a fellow?

"How long should a believer go to church and be taught by a Pastor, before he can know enough to not need to be taught anymore?

Remember,

No one teaches the Pastor

Also, we've studied books(text books) bigger than the Bible in schools and at regulated periods."

Christians please let's reason together.

God is the Creator, He created everything and afterwards rested. That means He is no longer doing anything. Hebrews 4:10 says "God ceased from His works..."

The guiding principles which makes everything run smoothly in the world is what is called "nature".

God set nature in it place; to run everything in the world which God created.

There is no angel responsible for bringing out the Sun. Neither is there an angel who brings rain. All of those are controlled by nature. Everything we put in; is what we get.

Is it possible to break the laws of nature?
YES! We can!

That's where prayer comes in to play. Through prayer we can invite God to step into the scene and do whatever we desire to be done on the Earth.

Prayer is giving God legal rights to step in and disrupt the laws of nature on our behalf.

Elijah knew that rain had its season; but he prayed and it did not rain for 3years and 6months(James 5:17-18).
All the Bible miracles happened by God interrupting the laws of nature; because, men dared to trust God and pray!

Brethren, if we must see God work in this Earth(through us) we MUST learn to pray consistently.

John Wesley said;
"It seems God would do nothing on the Earth, except men pray"

What is it you are going through?
What is that difficulty in your life that seems it will never change?
Prayer can fix it!

Let's rise up and learn to pray consistently.

God Bless You!

www.epyano..com

Many believers often ask "How do I locate my calling?" while others don't seem to know what they are supposed to do, the last group don't seem to be aware of any responsibilities or divine placements in the body of Christ; because of ignorance of this; many Christians don't have any sense of responsibility.

The Bible describes everyone in Christ as called ones.
For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified. Romans 8:29 (WEB)

We are all called with the same calling into Christ; but, have specific assignments(different from each other's assignments).

Romans 12:4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function.

The way we end up is primarily influenced by three things;

1. Our basic interest:
We all start out with a basic interest in an aspect of Christianity; which may not necessarily be what God wants us to do. In the Bible, Paul had an interest in Preaching to the Jews(Romans 11:14), but God wanted him to preach to the Gentiles.(Acts 22:18-21).

2. People around us:
Most people tend to do what people around them do; that's why most believers tend to go the way of their church leaders. If their Pastors function like a Prophet; they may desire to function that way(1Corinthians 14:1) and over time may go that way. Even though, it may not necessarily be what God wants for them.

3. People we meet:
Ephesians 4:11
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" (KJV)
Notice, it's not saying; "He made some Apostles". The context is "He gave gifts to men"(verse 8 ); this is referring to the type of people that God makes us to meet depending on where we are.
I am grateful to God for some people that I have met who catapulted me into a whole new phase.
Ephesians 4:12-13 describes what these gifts(men) do;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Since the previous points make us to have a loop-sided growth; God causes us to meet these people(that's different from running about looking for these people; it's God who makes us to meet them) so we can be exposed to other aspects too.

There is a specific place for each of us(Romans 12:4-6) because, we are members of the body of Christ and just as our bodies have different parts; Christ' body has different parts too(1Corinthians 12:18-20).

Many believers prefer to stay and pray about their calling/place in Christ: well, that's good, but not what Bible says we should do. God doesn't want us praying like people of the Old Testament(we are joined to the Lord; therefore, we are one with Him 1Corinthians 6:17)
To know your place in Christ, just live the life the Bible recommends every Christian should live.

Live the life of faith in God, Daily.
Pray in the Spirit and with the spirit, sing with the spirit and in the Spirit.
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit and with other Christians.
Spend time studying, reading and listening(audio format) to the Bible.
Meditate, confess and do the Word of God. Make out time for fastings(weekly fasts, monthly fasts and annual fasts).
Don't forget to preach to others who are not believers.

By doing all of these things, God will reveal your place to you; if you're not already in it.

God Bless you!

https://epyano..com.ng/

A normal child is born with a head, two legs and two hands.
Amazingly, it is the same for the spiritual life.
We are born with five basic things: without knowing you have all five; you may not know how to use them or may look outside for them(as many still do).


They are(not in a particular order):

1. Eternal life
"And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:11-13 NKJV).


2. The gift of righteousness:

"For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17 NKJV).


3. The measure of faith:

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3 NKJV).


4. Grace:

"I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus," (1 Corinthians 1:4).


5. The Holy Spirit:

"Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38).

Everyone in Christ has all five; we will have an in-depth study of each point; showing when we received them, what they are about and how to use them(by the grace of God).


God Bless You!

www.apocalypse.pun.bz/the-five-start-up-gifts.xhtml

pneumaticos:
Perfectly written, more grace op

Thanks

There are 3types of tongues
Tongues are differentiated based on who it is being spoken to.
1. Spoken to God
2. Spoken to Believers
3. Spoken to unbelievers.
1. Tongues Spoken to God:
1Corinthians 14:2 introduces this tongue;
"For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries." (NKJV).
-No man can understand what the speaker is saying.
-Even the speaker doesn't understand what he is saying(1Corinthians 14:14-15)
-It requires no interpretation; since it's not spoken to men.
-Every believer should speak this type.
2. Tongues spoken to believers:
1Corinthians 14:6 introduces this tongue;
"But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?" (NKJV).
-It's a gift of the Spirit(1Corinthians 12:10)
-Requires interpretation: Whenever this type of tongues is referred to; interpretation is always mentioned(1Corinthians 12:10, 12:30, 14:5, 14:13, 14:27-28).
-When interpreted, it could be anything listed(depending on other gifts of the Spirit the speaker has) in 1Corinthians 14:6.
3. Tongues spoken to unbelievers:
This tongue is introduced as a miracle(sign and wonder)
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.(1Corinthians 14:22 NKJV).
-This is the supernatural ability granted the believer to speak the language of the unbelievers. Which when the unbelievers hear, they'll believe; just as described in Acts 2.
-Requires no interpretation; since it comes in the language of the unbelievers.
Conclusion:
Even though, every Christian should speak in tongues; not every Christian speaks in tongues, because of the misconceptions and abuses of tongues.
Don't join those who say;
"How can you say what you don't understand?",
"But some people learn how to speak in tongues and others speak fake tongues"
Who taught you how to distinguish fake tongues from real tongues?
Here's what the Bible says about tongues:
"Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and DO NOT FORBID to speak with tongues." 1Corinthians 14:39
God Bless You
https://web./469391773119411/

I started playing Piano in Church, about twenty years ago. Over the years; I've had the privilege of being in several christian denominations and listening to so many Preachers. The Message that always made me scared, was the message about "The end time" or "Rapture". Most Pastors always emphasized on the fact; "no one knows the day or hour that Jesus would come". Meaning it would take us UNAWARES. I was shocked when I finally studied 1Thessalonians 5; and I saw that, that didn't apply to Believers. 2. Learning to study in context: As already asserted in previous publications; the Epistles explain the other parts of the Bible. Points to help: i. Never quote half a verse: Quoting half a verse could alter the meaning of the verse. I've seen someone preach about "God so loved the world." and didn't complete the entire verse and said "that verse (John 3:16) tells us, God will always love the world and since He loves the world, He will never punish anyone because God is full of love." Reading the whole verse shows us that God loves the world (the human race) and made a way of escape; but, only for those who believe in Jesus. ii. Don't assume: Because of how we read the Bible or hear the Bible being taught; sometimes, we could remember a verse and don't know how it fits into the chapter where it was written and could assume we know what it means and how it was used. Example: I've seen Christians who always shout "Holy Ghost fire" (whatever that means); because Elijah called down fire to consume soldiers(2Kings 1:9-14 ). When the Bible tells us in Luke 9:54-56 , Jesus stopped His disciples(James and John) from calling down fire from Heaven. Another believer once said to me "I shout Holy Ghost fire because Bible says "Our God is a consuming fire"." That's Hebrews 12:29 and the context is referring to how God will judge those who quit Christianity; which doesn't apply to destroying those who oppose us. iii. Don't look for another verse to counter a verse you don't understand: I've always loved studying with/listening to other Christians and I've noticed that most Christians always evade verses that counter their views by quoting other verses. It's best to understand what a verse means; instead of evading it. iv. Believers are always differentiated from unbelievers: 1Corinthians 6: 9-10 "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God." That's where many Preachers always stop, when they want to judge/condemn Christians who practice any of the above listed acts. Not knowing, the solution lies in the next verse; which many seldom get to: "Some of you once lived this way. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11 NET). Hallelujah! That's the solution!! He puts them in faith. Also Romans 8:6-8 is for the human race; "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." (NIV). But, verse 9 is for Christians: "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. Again, he doesn't leave them in doubt of their stand; he brings them into faith and makes them sure of their stand in Christ. Eisegesis and Exegesis are two important words every Bible student must know and understand. Exegesis is studying in/following the context. Trying to find out what the writers meant and how the readers understood. It involves careful objective analysis. Here, every part of the book is important and taken into consideration, the text is allowed to speak for itself and the reader does not inject his ideas into it. In Eisegesis, the reader chooses to ignore the details but, picks out some points that supports what he has in mind. The reader injects his ideas into the text; it is based on a subjective, non-analytic reading. Example: a Preacher preaching about Rapture could decide to stick to Matthew 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (NIV). And may choose to support that with 1Thessalonians 5:1-3 "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety", destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." (NIV) While ignoring 1Thessalonians 5:4-11 which shows us a spiritual principle: "Believers are never left in confusion or doubt; but, are always put in FAITH" NOTE: Don't let anyone take you out of FAITH into DOUBT or confusion(where you become unsure of your stand in Christ). We are just who are called to live by faith(Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38); stay in faith. Learning to study in context is the solution. God Bless You! www.apocalypse.pun.bz/truths-about-the-epistles-2.xhtml

Some Christians still mix up "Hell" and "Lake of Fire".
Man is a spirit, who has a soul and a body; which is his domicile.
Death means man's spirit has left the body; as James 2:26 tells us.
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
When the spirit leaves, he either makes an upward journey to Heaven(for the believers) or a downward journey to hell(for the non-believers).
Someone may ask, how about the soul?
The soul is a property of the human spirit; the spirit always goes with his soul.
Jesus described Hell in Mark 9:43-48;
Hell is a temporary place of punishment for those who die without being born again(saved).
Hell is described as a spiritual location in the Earth that has worms and unquenchable fire.
On the Judgment day, Hell will give up everyone inside of it(Revelation 20:13).
Hell will be cast into the Lake of Fire(Revelation 20:14).
Lake of Fire is an eternal place of punishment; with every part being fire(just like inside a lake(the water body surrounded by land); if one jumps inside; everywhere he'll turn to, he'll find water).
Unlike Hell, Lake of Fire was created by God(but, not for men) for satan and his angels(Matthew 24:41)
Lake of Fire is under lock and key(Revelation 20:1) and no one will go there except the false Prophet and the anti-christ(Revelation 19:20) without being judged.
Only those whose names are not in the Book of Life will be sentenced to Lake of Fire.(Revelation 20:15).
If you are saved(born again) you don't have to worry about going to hell or Lake of fire; but, we have a responsibility to help others get saved!
Here's how Apostle Paul put it;
"Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2Timothy 2:10
"Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men...." 2Corinthians 5:11
God Bless Us All!
https://web./469391773119411/

QUESTION: "What is the Origin of Hell fire?
Was Hell created before the fall of man or after?"
A careful study of Genesis 1 and 2 creation story; shows us, something else must have happened to what God created.
1. God didn't create continents - Genesis 1:9 tells us:
"Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so." (NKJV).
2. God didn't create any carnivores(flesh eaters); all the animals were created to be herbivores(plant eaters) - Genesis 1:30 tells us
"Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so." (NKJV).
3. God didn't create the rain - Genesis 2:5 tells us rain had never fallen on the Earth; rather verse 6 informs us; mist from the Earth, used to water the ground.
4. God didn't create death: just like God didn't create ashes; but, when we burn things, they turn to ashes. God didn't create death but, Adam's sin resulted to death. Romans 5:12 says "Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned." (WEB)
5. God definitely didn't create Hell, since He didn't create death.
After listing all of these things which God didn't create, the question is; "who created them?"
Romans 5:14 answers that question.
"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren’t like Adam’s disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of him who was to come." WEB.
Death means "separation from God". Death caused all those negative changes in nature and has dealt with all of creation; Romans 8:22 tells us;
"For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now."
Notice, Romans 5:14 says the period of the reign of death lasted from "Adam till Moses"
Remember, Moses brought the law; which made God to step into the affairs of men again(because Israel came under God); therefore stopping the reign of death on the Earth. Obviously, God didn't undo what death had done.
Thank God, we(sons of God) will be the ones to undo the works of death.
Romans 8:19-21 "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (KJV)
Are you a child of God? If you are not sure of your stand; here's how to become a child of God; by reading and acting Romans 10:9
Here's an example:
"I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and I confess; 'Jesus is my Lord' Amen."
God Bless You!
https://web./469391773119411/?ref=bookmarks

I'll never forget my first study of the first epistle of John, I ended up so confused.

In 1John 1:8-10, he includes himself in the 'sinning gang' by using the word "we":

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." (1 John 1:10 NIV)

As if that wasn't enough, he then told little children(Young Christians) not to sin:

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin..." 1John 2:1 (NIV)

Finally, in 1John 3:9, he says "a believer cannot sin"

I was stuck, for months, running into years; searching for answers. Thank God understanding came!

Here are truths about the Epistles I've learnt along the way:



1. It recognizes different stages in Christianity:



The baby stage:

Where the believer just got born again and doesn't look(act) or feel different from the unbelievers.

The first recommendation for this stage is to be kept under a Governor(representing spiritual authority and one who is already living the Christian life) and a Teacher(one who teaches).

"Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father." (Galatians 4:1-2 KJV).

Go for the sincere milk as recommended in 1Peter 2:2, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation," (1 Peter 2:2 NIV).



Spiritual adolescence:

This is when the Christian has grown and understood some spiritual principles and is working towards being consistent in his Christian living. The Christian life requires consistency and it takes a conscious effort to build that in. Jesus said,

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. " (John 15:4 KJV).

A believer has got to learn to how to be consistent in:

Prayer, Fasting, Studying the Bible, Evangelism and many others.

Coming from not doing any of those, to building those in, requires self-discipline; this is why we are called disciples. Without self-discipline a believer will never achieve any of those.

In the Bible, Jesus trained His disciples to pray and also to pray for long too.

When He told them to kneel down and pray right behind him. Then, after one hour He'd check on them:

"Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me". Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will". Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter." (Matthew 26: 38-40 NIV).

Without these basic disciplines being mastered, a believer won't reach maturity.

The spiritual man:

He doesn't try to act a certain way, he has been around for a while and finally doesn't need to "try to". He has become God's dream and is helping others to grow too. It's now natural for him since he has practiced for a while.

The Epistles contain no instructions for this level; since the writers are on this level: they always used the word "we" when referring to this level; to show that the writers are also part of this level and so can't instruct those who are on the same level as themselves.

"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16 KJV).

He doesn't instruct them to do that; but, sounds like he is talking to a group that he is a part of.

When reading the Epistles recognize this fact and study to determine which group that message is referring to; or you may end up as confused as I used to be.

Is/are there any POSITIVE difference/differences between your life today and yesterday? What new thing have you added to your faith?

Amazingly, your present level doesn't matter; all that counts is; are you making progress?

God Bless You!
http://apocalypse.pun.bz/understanding-the-epistles-1.xhtml

"If you want to hear God's Voice run to the altar and kneel down before God and cry to Him"

"If you want your spiritual ears to open, stand up and put your index finger into your ear and close your eyes."

These were the words I heard from several preachers. I had heard so much about hearing God's Voice and really looked forward to the day God would finally speak to me. Pastor after Pastor, would boldly declare: "God spoke to me" or "God says..." I didn't know what His Voice was like, so I saw the Christians who spoke that way as super-Christians or Special.

Like most Christians; I never picked up the Bible to see what it says concerning that. It's easier to accept what others teach than to open the Bible and see for yourself.

What does the Bible really say about hearing God?

1. It is for every believer.

Every believer is a child of God and ought to hear God's Voice.

"Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven?" (Hebrews 12:25 NET).

In the previous verses, we are told where believers are, this verse tells us in that spiritual location where we are; "...the one who is speaking" (present continuous). Thank God the verse doesn't say "...the one who spoke..." neither does it say "...the one who will speak..."

God is speaking today; are you listening?

Jesus as the Shepherd; made a rather important statement

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27 NKJV).

We(the believers) are Jesus' sheep and He is our Shepherd, according to His own Words; every sheep hears His Voice.

2. Decide to hear God's voice:

The Bible offers us tools on what to say and how to say it. Psalms 85:8 gives us something to say about "hearing God's Voice"

"I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly." (NKJV).

Everything spiritual starts with "saying" and ends with "acting". A believer must make confessions this way "I will hear what God will speak". After such confessions, act in line with what you've been saying; by learning to wait and listen, after praying.

Or, just as you've made out times in the day to pray; make out times in the day to just sit back and listen.

3. Listen to do; not ONLY to know:

There is a verse I think 90% of Christians always quote wrongly that is Hebrews 3:7-8.

"Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness," (Hebrews 3:7-8 NKJV).

Most Christians always quote it as "...if you hear His voice..."

This verse informs us of a mentality to possess when listening. A heart ready to do(to act in line with) what God will say. Don't listen ONLY to know.

Saul, on his way to Damascus, met the Lord and asked "Lord, what do You want me to do?" after the Lord told Him what to do; Saul did exactly what he was told.

Hearing God's Voice is for all, not for select few. Notice, nothing in the above verses talks about opening the spiritual ears as some people purport.

In this post, we haven't gone into; "what people hear". The post is all about helping others who feel less special(like I used to feel), to come out of the complex and start enjoying fellowship with the Father. Where they can speak to the Father and also hear Him speak back to them.


God Bless You.
http://apocalypse.pun.bz/hearing-gods-voice.xhtml

"How do I start Reading the Bible?" "Where do I start from?"

"I don't seem the understand the parts which are not stories!"

If this is you; you're not alone:

Amazingly, majority of Christians, all over the world share the same predicament.

Here are pointers that will help you read and understand the Bible.

1. The Bible was written for you

For whatever things were written before, were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Romans 15:4(NKJV).


Once a Christian can adopt and maintain this mindset, the Bible will stop being an elusive Book.

Don't see the Bible like a Book that requires something you don't have; in other to read and understand.

If you're God's child; you have the Spirit of God in you.

"You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation.
You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ"
Galatians 1:13(CEB)


Now, if you're not sure that you're born again here's how to become born again.

Just take a minute alone and say this words and mean them.


"I confess with my mouth "Jesus is Lord" and I believe in my heart
That God raised Jesus from the dead. 'I am saved'".
Romans 10:9(CEB)


If you just did that; Galatians 1:13 just happened to you.

The Holy Spirit is now in you and teaches you all things(John 14:26).

And, guides you into all truth(John 16:13).

2. The Bible is a Progressive Book

The Bible has been arranged in such a way that the revelation is progressive.

Meaning, what's found in Genesis is not as deep as what's found in Matthew.

What's found in Matthew is not as deep as what's found in the Epistles.

Examples

The Name of God

In Exodus 6:3 God told Moses;

I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as Elshaddai--'God Almighty'--but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them. Exodus 6:3(NLT)


So, if someone were to study about the Name of God and He stopped in Genesis; He'd end up calling God, "God Almighty" which was for before the Law.

Jesus showed up and gave a new revelation about God's Name

He didn't say call Him "Elshaddai" or "Yahweh" but, "Father".

So pray this way: Our Father in Heaven, may your Name be honoured(Matthew 6:9) don't pray to Elshaddai or Yahweh but, to "the Father".


What happens after people die?

In the Old Testament, no one really knew that people lived on after they died.

The revelation available was that the remained in their graves as seen in



"Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is no planning nor knowledge in the grave, the place where you will eventually go” Ecclesiastes 9:10.


Jesus was the first in the Bible to inform us that the dead live on after their death when He told a story* about "Lazarus and the Rich Man" in Luke 16:19-31.



* watch out for the differences between a story and a parable
3. Younger Books help explain Older books

This is one truth that helped shape my understanding of the Bible

The Bible is a compilation of Canonical writings.

The Bible was written over a period of 2000years.

Which means, those who wrote the younger Books; had the opportunity of reading the older Books.

Daniel read Jeremiah's writings:

"in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, came to understand from the sacred books that, according to the word of the LORD disclosed to the prophet Jeremiah, the years for the fulfilling of the desolation of Jerusalem were seventy in number. (Daniel 9:2 NET).


In Genesis 32:24-30 we are told that Jacob fought with an angel;

But Prophet Hosea explains that it was prayer(Hosea 12:4).

In Exodus 2, Moses acts like a judge without telling us why he acted so

In Acts 7:24, we are told the reason for his action.

"He thought his own people would understand that God was delivering them through him, but they did not understand." (Acts 7:25 NET).


4. There are 3 eras in the Bible with different revelations

This will be subsequently treated like a topic of its own
Without this clear understanding; the Bible will seem contradictory.

Each era has its different revelations and definitions of terms.

i. Before the law

This period starts from after the fall of Adam till when Moses brought the law.

"Yet death reigned from Adam until Moses even over those who did not sin in the same way that Adam (who is a type of the coming one) transgressed." (Romans 5:14).
ii. The Law Era

This is the period from after when Moses brought the Law till when Jesus died.

Jesus Christ, announced His assignment in Matthew 5:17

I have not come to abolish the law but, to fulfill them.

Romans 10:4 tells us

"For Christ is the end of the law, with the result that there is righteousness for everyone who believes."

iii. The Grace Era

This era started when Jesus resurrected and came in full, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.

Praise God!

When reading the Bible try to identify the differences in the revelations from each era.

Did you know? "each era has a different definition of sin"

Find out in the next publication.

God Bless You!

apocalypse.pun.bz/fact-that-will-help-you-understand-the-b.xhtml

I've had so many results, I've seen the dead come back to life, I've seen a lunatic completely healed and countless others. Miracles are as a result of "Faith in the Name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 3:16) not a result of how much you fast and pray or even how sinless you are.(Acts 3:12).

otemanuduno:


If Jesus can, then you should be able also. So try to walk on a river to prove your point, else you are not a christian(like Christ). paul said, I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.

When I used to have migraine, I waited on the lord Jehovah, who said that 'if you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes." I believed greatly that Jehovah will cure me, but when I was almost dying for my belief, I was rushed to the hospital where scientist's medicine cured me. All the time I have been having problems(i mean big ones, not the petty-petty ones like weakness after a day's labour), I have prayed to the Christian god and I have not known of once when he answered me. But hospitals and scientific methods has answered me all the time.

I have laid my hands on the sick and they have never recovered, contrary to the promises of Jehovah. In the DOCTRINE OF THE UFOS given to me by Eartum, I was told that Ameyo Stella, the Ebola doctor called some of our pastors to come and lay hands on the sick Ebola patients in the wards so that they could recover and then cause a national belief in Jehovah as the omnipotent God, but unfortunately, she said none of them turned up, even the most popular one among them.

It's amazing how some people get after they try something and don't get the desired results. From your comment; I can tell you why you failed all those times. But, lemme clear your doubts with this thought:

The Bible relays such an event in Mark 9:14-29. Where the disciples of Jesus couldn't cast out a devil. Instead of giving up on Christianity; they queried the Master:

"And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?" (Mark 9:28 KJV).

When you failed; did you ask that type of question? Did you ever ask others who have results how they get their results?
Friend, your inability to have results doesn't make the Bible invalid; many Christians are having results!