₦airaland Forum

The warriors made a big mistake giving Livingston and Andre big contracts. Andre is still able to deliver in clutch moments in d playoffs but he's just a glorified role player now.

A40:
Cheaply? They got an all-star center in Brook Lopez. The issue is all Russell gave the Lakers was scoring. Inefficient scoring

If Russell could do the same we would be seeing the signs in Brooklyn. This is his 3rd year in the league

Harden is still a mediocre defender but helps his team in many more ways. Can you tell me what Russell can do when he is not scoring?

Kuzma. Randle. Ingram already provide enough scoring not forgetting IT and even Brook Lopez when he's in the mood. The presence of a serial shot-jacker like Russell would surely eat up their shot attempts

Lopez all-star center don't kill me with laughter. Lopez can't defend to save his life and we got him on a year rental.

A40:
Well I have seen Russell play enough to know no serious team would build their roster around him because he gives you next to nothing when his shots are not falling. Lonzo has his limitations but as a floor general has a much higher ceiling

Russell would eat into the shots of these shooters and he's not even a great 3pt guy, his bread and butter is long 2's (which is a no-no for any would be efficient scorer)

The point is he was given away too early and too cheaply. If randle who started slowly is now looking like a stud what makes you think Russell couldn't do the same. Harden was a big defensive minus early in his career but he has improved. The NBA has evolved is such that a team looking to win a title can't depend on a point guard who can't shoot.
D angelo surely can't do worse than KCP right now. Imagine a core of Kuzma, Randle, Ingram, D Angelo and lonzo all on cheap contracts playing together for one or ywo years with max contract spots opening up for free agents, that's an ideal rebuild. Trying to huryy won't work especially if we don't get Paul George or keep randle. The purpose of a rebuild is not to build a good team that makes the playoff but a team that can contend.

VivaLaByke:
Mehn Lonzo needs to work on his scoring arsenal.


If his 3ball ain't falling,nothing else to give him points.


Hoping to see some major improvements by next season.

He had better. I believe magic Johnson dropped the ball by trading a potentially great shoot first guard Russell because of lonzo. Just look at how Good randle has become with time, the same would have happened with Russell.

Lakers 2017/2018 champs
Don't At me we are big ballers

Reality check for all those lebron won't get to the finals fans. Celtic's fans come the playoffs the bigboys will flip the switch and its Warriors vs cavs part4 again

Eruditor:
You are so tunnel-visioned in your opinion, you should spread your view. That Lebron's team is actually top-heavy with average shooters (bar KD). In a physical game with rebounds and co taken seriously, yes, you maybe right. But in Allstar game that won't be as physical. You stand the likelihood of being 50% wrong.

Remember when Cavs were going to win the finals easily last season?

Exactly in an all-star game where shooters are given free space, Curry's team has the edge. Moreover first timers in an all-star game like KAT, Embiid and blue collar guys like Jimmy butler, Kyle Lowry, Draymond are likely to take the game serious and play some defense

AlderFadington:
Another one! My Goodness! LMAO! These guys are shameless! Man im dead

Shadow follower of this thread for 2yrs now. laker fan plus proud bandwangon warriors fan . This thread is my daily dose of laughter. Decale, eruditor, vivalabyke, smooschn infact all of u keep up the good work except a certain Cavs fan and lebtard .Sircumalot and his KD hate go continue in the afterlife.

NnaNna4:
"Do you think we are joking? You won’t write your name. we know if you write your name you will become successful and rich. we the witches. we know you. we have been following you". I thought it was a joke so I ignored the voices and focused on the paper I was holding to write my name but alas, the ink in the pen could not write. I tried all possible best to make it write but it couldn’t. when the ink couldnt write, I began to look at the man of God to see if he is aware of the voices but he doesn’t seem to notice those voices and besides he is already becoming tired of the longer time I am taking just to put down my name. just imagine yourself taking almost 30 minutes just to put down your name and submit to a dignitary.
At this time, I was beginning to sense the uneasiness with the man of God who has been waiting to be an answer to my prayers; so I rushed out to get another piece of paper. When I stepped outside the door of his room, I saw lo and behold endless offices, secretaries, receptionists, workers each to their jobs, everyone minding his business and the end of the offices cannot be seen by standing at the door of his office. I wowed but quickly looked down to see a piece of paper few steps from me which I stooped down and picked up. As I turned to enter the office I saw a woman crying by the door from which I came out. She was crying that the witches have denied her the privileges and opportunities of benefitting from the Bishop.
Well I didn’t stop to ask her anything but minding my own business, I continued back to the office from where I came out. I stood before him again and began to make fresh effort to write my full name on this new piece of paper. And again the voices came with a boisterous laughter claiming that I am undermining their rebuke. “So you think you can write your name even after we have told you, you cannot” the voices kept hammering in my ear. Followed with a boisterous laughter from cacophony of voices “Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha”. But I kept making frantic effort to write and I was able to put down three faint letters from my surname (my surname is eight alphabets and my name is nine alphabets) and heard the witches increase their laughter and even the faint alphabets couldn't even come out again. Just as I was expecting the Bishop to discern and rebuke those voices but instead the Bishop stood up and left and I awoke. I thanked God I awoke. 03:42 am. The date is 4-4-16 exactly one year from today. My dream usually come to pass so I became jittery. I have to pray. Some people advised me to go see Bishop Abioye for prayers. It was a revelation I understood very well.

witches just instil fear and nothing more. Although i increased my prayers against witches. there is a contract that i was connected from rivers state to pick from a ministry in Abuja. it was huge but for no reasons within the 21 days given to me the contract was diverted. and my qualification for another contracts in another ministry was disqualified. but thank God i didnt just stay and watch i gave myself to more prayers and the result is showing now. peace.

Wow, I haven't been paying attention to this thread for a while, but I belief the Holy Spirit wanted to give you direction that's why I read your post today.
First thing first rejoice in the Lord . This dream of yours was to teach a lesson and what's yours will be restored if you do what's required.
This dream is almost an exact replica of one of the visions of Kenneth E Hagin had about Jesus. In fact I dare say the message God is passing across is the same. I will advice you to lay your hands on these books " I believe in visions and the believers authority " . you would learn all you need to do from those books. I won't go into much details but bishop David in that dream is representing God, and God is trying to give something to you, in this case "a blessing" which I believe its to enable you fulfil a mandate or kind of ministry ( the cancer stuff you mentioned). The devil doesn't wants you to connect to it and it's your responsibility (NOT GOD'S) to rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus. God has already given authority to you after Jesus came ,died and resurrected om your behalf. Its your assignment to learn how to use your authority as a believer. Please read those books especially I believe in visions, your dream is an exact replica of one of the visions described there. If you don't learn what to do and do it, the fault would be yours. It took Kenneth hagin another 30 yrs before God unveiled what the devil prevented hagin from getting in his own vision because he failed to learn how to rebuke the devil when he ought to know.

iamblessedagain:
how does one receive deliverance from marine spirirts? i have been to MFM UK, USA, germany, MFM camp in nigeria to no avail. i have been fasting and praying for more than 10 years with no result. what else should i do?

Very simple, Go and buy "The triumphant church by Kenneth hagin" , go to Pastor.ng and download the messages on how to deal with the devil in your life. There is no short cut prayer and fasting gymnastics to walk in total liberty. It is the word of faith that liberates people. People can pray for you and unclean spirits temporarily depart but without adequate illumination they will come back. Prayer without illumination is mere dancing in circles and frustration sets in. Until you know how to submit your life to God, you can't resist the devil successful.

analice107:
I was in your position some years back too. I needed to move out of my Church then, for the same reasons you have, but didn't want to go on my own to some place.

And For 2 whole years i asked and waited for His direction, funny enough when the direction came, it was the last place i ever thought i could ever step my feet into.

The place He took me to, i hated the the G.O. I called him names. I looked down on the members. I never considered them serious Christians.

But, lol, i found myself accepting an invitation to attend a programme there. The very first day, I sat under the said G.O. which was through satellite. Immediately he climbed the podium, the Holy Spirit took over so quickly, He did not allow me switch on my Critiquing mode, which i was very good at back then.

There was a sudden shift, like Teleportation, I found myself kneeling on the alter the G.O. was standing on, his hand placed on my head. He was making declarations, but i wasn't hearing what he was saying. His mouth was moving but he wasn't making any sound . And, all of a sudden again, i came back to myself.

From that night, my spirit got knitted with his.

That was my confirmation after waiting patiently for Him to direct me where to go so that i can serve Him better.

Again, the church i was, although i wanted to leave, i never castigated them. I never missed Church on purpose. I never went late to church, because it was still my Father's house.

My Attitudes towards other men of God changed.

They are different callings, Different gifts, different Administrations, but by the same Spirit. If you don't feel okay where you are, quietly ask the Master where to go and leave. Do not malign God's servants. God is jealous over his anointed.

Not every Pastor is sent to you.

Here is what the Holy Spirit said to Jeremiah.

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Jeremiah:3:15

He knows you and your temperament. He knows your Assignment/Mandate/Calling on earth. He knows who will best teach/guide/and groom you for the task ahead.

ASK HIM. will show you.


His ways...

I wish I can like this your comment more than once. Flesh and blood did not inspire you to write this. I had a similar experience the difference was that back then I wasn't even a born again Christian and I used to bash a particular popular pastor a lot back then, i thought all he taught was prosperity. But thank God for his mercies who supernaturally brought me under the tutelage of that pastor(How it happened was just the raw hand of God) I have being in that church for 2 yrs plus now during which the Holy Spirit has giving me several striking revelations about how i am tied to this man.
There are times I will just step in church and the Holy Spirit will put specific words for me in his mouth, loud and clear. But as i grew up a bit in things of the Spirit. NOW HERE IS THE CATCH ; I started noticing one or two things I label as doctrinal errors and I have different opinion in the interpretation of certain scriptures and that had being weighing on my heart recently till this morning when God gave me two striking revelations to affirm to me how he has sent this man to me to teach and impart something I will need to fulfil purpose.
This is a man I once maligned ooh.

For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.
1 Corinthians 4:15‭-‬16 NASB



A believer can have many teachers but there is usually a specific spiritual father sent to him to impart certain spiritual gifts /graces to him (This is especially true for believers who end up as preachers). You can have differences in interpretation of scriptures and he may even make mistakes but it doesn't mean he's not sent to you. Our job as a believer is to sieve out the unneeded portion but be partaker of his grace, and honour him in our hearts.

My advise to people reading this is that Never malign a Man of God, he may have something God has packaged for you in his mouth.

analice107:
I hope you realize that speaking in Tongues is not the same as Speaking in Unknown Tongues?

Yes dear. Longest time analice I was almost going to ask about both of you and hanan. You are welcome once again.

JMG1:
Good bro. You did well but don't let's by trying to teach the pure gospel fall on the edge.

Yes there are clear picture of those who spoke in tongues and prophesy but there is no where in the book of acts that talked about people being baptized and prophesy but we see those who spoke in tongues after being baptized and didn't prophesy.

Prophesy is one of the gifts of the Spirit1 Corinthians: 12. 8. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

What I actually want to point out is1 Corinthians: 12. 11. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (kjv). 1 Corinthians: 12. 11. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.(niv)
Whatsover gift that manifest after Holy Ghost Baptism is given as the Spirit will..... But according to the bible, speaking in tongues is a clear sign of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

I agree totally with you bro, we should all desire spiritual gifts...... You are doing a nice work here bro, you are doing well. God bless you

Thx for this. It's very insightful. One thing I just want us to be cautious about is that ,we must not be dogmatic on things the scriptures is a bit silent on, that's one of the things I believe the Holy Spirit has humbled me on recently. That's why I shifted to the middle on this issue.

You see there is not much difference between gift of prophecy and gift of various kind of tongues.
The only difference is one is an inspired utterance in a know tongue and another is an inspired utterance in an unknown tongue. The combination of tongues and interpretation of tongues working concurrently in a situation is a prophecy. Because interpretation of a tongues turns the inspired utterance in an unknown tongue to a known tongue that can edify the people.

You see when the Greek Bible was written there was no word like "gifts" in Greek. To try and make people understand It had to be imported that's why if you look at 1 Cor 12 and 13 the word gifts was in italics. In order words, what Paul said in effect in 1 Cor 12:1 for example is simply "Now concerning spiritual , brethren I would not have you ignorant". Now this is vital because some people believe a more appropriate term to import is not actually the wors gift but "manifestations" or "things"

If you studied that chapter with the mindset that its talking about Spiritual manifestations or spiritual things. Those gifts takes on a whole greater meaning.
So what Paul could just be saying is that tongues is a spiritual manifestation and not a gift which is more in line with the way other scriptures talk about tongues. And you can see that also in KJV
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1 Corinthians 12:7 KJV
. It simply means a man can be baptized with the Holy Spirit and not have the imanifestation of tongues but actually have a manifestation of seeing into the Spirit realm at point of baptism (I have heard of this) or refuse to speak in tongues because they are being stubborn against it. This appears to be true from what I have heard. An example was the fore father of Pentecostalism and faith healing "John Alexander dowie" The man so heavily anointed that many saw him as an apostle but this guy never spoke in tongues. This guy was a lot anointed that most people who blast tongues today given the exploits he did. No man could do such works he did without the power of the Holy Spirit yet he never spoke in tongues. John Wesley was another man of God that never spoke in tongues.
This is why Paul himself said that ultimate manifestation of the Holy Spirit is LOVE IN 1 COR 12:31 AND CHAPTER 13, AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THAT'S THE ULTIMATE PROOF OF TRUE BAPTISM. FOR TBE LOVE OF GOD HAS BEING SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY GHOST WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO US (ROMANS 5:5) .
I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT TRYING TO LOVE , BUT SOMETHING IN YOU DRIVING YOU LOVE AND MAKING YOU OVE IN VERY CRAZY CIRCUMSTANCES THAT IS BEYOND YOUR CAPACITY. THIS THING IS REAL, IT MAKES YOU LOVE GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE EVEN MORE THAN YOURSELF. IT MAKES YOU TO JUST LOVE PEOPLE THAT YOU CAN'T JUST HELP IT. IT'S SOMETHING WE MUST CONSTANTLY CRAVE FOR. THERE I DO SOMETHINGS THAT ARE SO COSTLY UNTO ME THAT I WONDER HOW AND WHATVI WAS THINKING WHEN I DO THEM. THIS MANIFESTATION IS REAL .
You will see that all these are manifestations of the Spirit which he gives as he wills. I know there are a lot of people filled with By Spirit who dont speak in tongues regularly because due to lack of adequate teachings they think its gibberish. Having said that I advocate we will all desire to speak in tongues.

But on the issue of whether its the only sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit ; Based on the facts I have now, I'm not so sure. I have gravitated towards the middle and I hope the Holy Spirit will give me more understanding.

And also to add. You don't need tarrying like the apostles to be filled by the Holy Spirit. Even scriptures comfortably refute that. When Paul went to Ephesus and found out they had not received the Spirit , he just laid his hands on them and immediately they got baptised. The one of corneluis and his household was even more dramatic. Peter was still preaching and introducing them to Christ when he fell on them. The crucial component of baptism in the Spirit is Faith. You can be born again and baptized at the same time as long as your faith is ready, he's also ready. I have also heard the arguement that you need to be sanctified first and that's also not correct. Because the Holy Spirit is our SANCTIFIER. HE COMES WITH HIS FAN AND FIRE TO CLEAN US UP AND HE KEEPS DOING THAT TILL WE PASS ON.

@Urheme
It is very possible for a believer to be filled by the Holy Spirit have multiple spiritual gifts, speak in tongues and still be carnal and a baby in Christ. In fact its common amongst Christians nowadays. Let's look at what Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1 Corinthians 3:1‭-‬3 KJV

This was Paul's assessment of the Corinthian Church but this Church had immense spiritual gifts in fact it was the mismanagement of the gifts that lead to some of their problems(because of internal competion, 1 Cor 1:26) How do I know? Let's see this


I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 1:4-7 KJV.

As you can see Paul said they didn't come behind in Spiritual gifts (vs 7) and utterance (vs 5) .
They had authentic firebrand gifts sef, They had good spiritual knowledge sef (but not the full knowledge, I will point out what was missing a later on).
But yet Paul called them carnal and babes? Yet this was a church were disvisons an sectarianism had crept in ( 1 Cor 10: 11-13), Formication (1 Cor 5:1) , pride (1 Cor 5:2, 4:18).
This was why Paul wrote to the Church of Corinth (not to the world)( 1 Cor1:2) TO REMIND BELIEVERS THERE NOT UNBELIEVERS OH, THAT "KNOW YE NOT THAT THE UNRIGHTEOUS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD?"

Now we have to take a pause and a little detour here, people see the use of the word "unrighteous" in this context means unbelievers. That's not true. There are two dimensions of righteousness for a believer. THERE IS OUR "POSITIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS" WE ATTAIN BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS. AND THEN "MANIFEST RIGHTEOUSNESS" WHICH IS THE PRODUCT OF THE OUTWARD WORKING OF WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST JESUS BY DOING "WORKS OF FAITH" ( I JOHN 3:7)
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1 John 3:7 KJV

That last line is for those who have turned the message of Grace upside down.
So Paul's warning was for those in the body of Christ who were still sinning and many of them had gifts. That's was why Paul had to remind them they were the temple of the Holy and they must sanctify themselves.

SO IN SUMMARY SPIRITUALL GIFTS ARE NOT A FUNCTION OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY OR CHARACTER BUT OF PEOPLE'S CALLING. THEREFORE DON'T DESPISE THE GIFTS OF CHRISTIANS WHO ARE STILL STRUGGLING WITH ONE CHARACTER FLAW OR THE OTHER.
It doesn't mean that their gifts are not genuine or they can't use it to bless you. But instead reach out to teach them and pray for them. Just like Priscilla and Aquilla did to Apollos in Acts 18. I have seen a drunken client of mine give me a word of knowledge before.
AND A WORD OF ADVICE TO MY EXCEPTIONAL GIFTED BRETHRENS HERE, DON'T LET YOUR GIFTS DECIEVE YOU TO THINK YOU HAVE ARRIVED SPIRITUALLY AND YOU RUSH INTO THE MINISTR BECAUSE OF ZEAL BEFORE YOU'RE THOROUGHLY GROUNDED IN THE WORD OF GOD . IT'S THE REASON WE HAVE A LOT OF malnourished CHRISTIANS TODAY. BECAUSE THE MAN OF GOD WASN'T ready.

So if spiritual maturity is not a function of Gifts and is not even exactly a function of knowledge because Paul said the Corinthians had knowledge in ( 1 Cor 1:7) . WHAT THE IS TRUE SPIRITUAL MATURITY? I WILL ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THAT LATER IN THE DAY.

Spartacuss, JMG1,urheme One thing about spiritual matters is that we have to always remain open minded about spiritual things because we know only in part. Coincidentally I have being doing an exegesis on the book of 1 Corinthians, studying it along with teachings by pastor bankie olusina (pastor.ng) on the book and it actually gave me some light concerning your discussion.

Up till today I have always belonged to the idealogy that Speaking with unknown tongues is the only evidence of a person receiving the Holy Spirit. But now I'm not so sure again.
There are actually two verbal evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit from scriptures which go hand in hand. We easily recognise speaking in unknown tongues but there is another which is "prophesying" .

And as Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke in [foreign, unknown] tongues (languages) and prophesied.
Acts 19:6 AMPC

We see this again in the book of Luke.

And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb!
Luke 1:41‭-‬42 AMPC

Nbw Zachariah his father was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed (praised and extolled and thanked) be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and brought deliverance and redemption to His people!
‭1: ‬67‭-‬68 AMPC

We can see three clear examples of people being filled by the Spirit and prophesing here. We have to understand that prophecy is an inspired utterance declaring the will of God. Its not often predictive in nature. Most times what people think are predictive prophecies are actually the word of wisdom and or word of knowledge in action. However I don't think a believer is supposed to exclusively prophecy on or speak in tongues. A believer is supposed to be able to do both.

I'm sure that most of us are conversant with the truth that prophesying edifies more in public gathering while speaking in tongues is more for our own personal edification. I personal believe all believers should desire both. The benefits of speaking in tongues especially as it relates to personal edification and spiritual warfare and Worship of the father is too immense.
I believe we shouldn't be satisfied with just a partial Christian walk and missing out of somethings. We should desire to grow into the fullness of what Christ and made available to us so we can grow into the stature of Christ.

Then to point 2 : Can a person be filled with the Holy spirit, operate gifts and still be immoral and carnal?
The answer is a capital YES. IN FACT THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS PAUL WROTE 1 CORINTHIANS. I WILL ANSWER THAT IN ANOTHER POST.

Haba Spartacuss and Anas09 it's OK , let's calm down a bit. Let's forget about who was right and who was wrong and sheath our swords and show some agape love.
The bible says Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:12 NASB
If we the supposed light of the world on a platform where gross darkness is evident are going back and forth @ each other ,it doesn't speak well of us. I don't think we need to have a whole sermon on love to remind us about that.
I know both of you mean well for the Gospel of Christ and the zeal is evident in your previous post. For that sake let's conduct ourselves rightly even if it means suffering a wrong and keeping quiet about it. We can't let the Name of God be slandered amongst the heathen reading our comments here on nairaland because of our conduct. God bless you all. Can we see a "virtual" brotherly handsake between both of you

Hmm just my personal opinion oh but i think at this junction that it's imperative that we remind ourselves that not all gifts are of the Holy Spirit and Some could just be plain spirit of divination. Infact its very possible that most people claiming to have unusual gifts nowadays actually have the spirit of divination. I'm a bit skeptical of people displaying unusual abilities CONSISTENTLY who have never received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I don't think there is any biblical precedence for this. Let's all just be careful. Please NOTE THE ADJECTIVE I USED "CONSISTENTLY" . And let us also not be in a hurry to label someone as having a prophetic gift because he sees into the Spirit realm regularly. That's just one gift of the Holy Spirit that anybody can be given. Most prophets often have the gift of Prophecy (making inspired utterance) and also Discernment of spirit and or word of wisdom/word of knowledge consistently. Let's try all spirit and hold fast to what is good. God bless you all. Have a prosperous new year.

Anas09:
I thought so too. There's an open portal through which satan still access him.

He is in possession of an acursed thing.

nnamdiosu:
[quote author=Pidgin2 post=52401953]There is a Crack in your armour

Deathslater:
But I'm a born again, I have accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and saviour.

Not necessarily a product of being a possession of an accursed thing. It may be a result of inadequate "light" . If you're truly born again. What you need is illumination from God's word to break every strong hold of the devil. Yes deliverance by anointed men of God is needed sometimes but most times all u need is revelation and impartation from God's word.it will tell you what to do and how to pray and when to pray. books I recommend are "Satan get lost by Bishop oyedepo and the triumphant church and the believer's authority by Kenneth hagin". Apart from the power revelation of truth gives to you, it also builds your faith to easier reach out for your deliverance when people pray for you. Be of good cheer Jesus has overcome the world.

NnaNna4:
etidy is good .... thank God for you

NnaNna4:
etidy is good .... thank God for you

[center][/center]
Thanks brothers. God bless you

What is True Matured Faith? What is the Faith that overcomes all?

Matured Faith is not about maintaining a positive confession all the time, It is ability to maintain your LOVE FOR GOD DESPITE THE COST. It is a place where though he slays you , it doesn't move you and you still love and trust him all the same(Job 13:15) . it's the place of "king we are not careful for our life, look we know our God is able, faithful and willing to deliver us but just in case he decides not to do it, we still won't bow to your graven image" I.e paraphasing Daniel 3:16-19 .THIS IS THE FAITH THAT OVERCOMES. IT IS THE FAITH THAT SAYS I WON'T JOIN THEM TO STEAL A DIME IN THIS OFFICE EVEN IF IT WILL COST ME MY JOB. REV 12:11 " FOR THEY OVERCAME HIM (THE DEVIL) BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY (THIS IS WHERE WE LIKE TO STOP IN QUOTING THIS VERSE, WE LIKE TO STOP AT THE LEVEL OF THE BLOOD AND OUR POSITIVE TESTIMONY BUT THAT'S NOT ALL) FOR THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO DEATH. Your faith can't truly overcome until you're willing to hold on to it till death.
Until you are willing to take a LOSS TO GAIN CHRIST, UNTIL YOU'RE WILLING TO MAINTAIN YOUR LOVE FOR GOD DESPITE IT COSTING YOUR LIFE, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO SEE HIS DELIVERANCE, YOU'RE NOT PERMITTED TO SEE THE POWER OF HIS RESSURECTION.


IF ANYMAN LOVES HIS LIFE AND TRIES TO SAVE IT HE WILL LOSE IT, BUT IF ANY MAN HOLDS AT RELATIVE DISREGARD HIS OWN LIFE AND CHOOSES TO LOSE IT FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST ( TO GAIN CHRIST) HE WILL GAIN LIFE.

THE QUALITY OF YOUR FAITH IS NOT IT'S ABILITY TO RECEIEVE THINGS FROM GOD. NO! LETS STOP THIS TAKE TAKE MENTALITY. GOD MAY CONTINUE GIVING YOU THINGS BUT HE'S NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOU, ASK THE CHILDREN OF ISREAL WHEN HE GAVE THEM QUAILS IN THE WILDERNESS AND WHEN HE GAVE THEM A KING AGAINST HIS WISH. THE PURPOSE OF REAL FAITH IS TO PLEASE GOD! I REPEAT AGAIN THE PURPOSE OF REAL FAITH IS TO PLEASE GOD. HOW? BY USING IT AS A WEAPON TO PURSUE HIS WILL WHICH IS TO SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS IN ALL THINGS.


I love what classic amplified version says here ;
Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.
Romans 5:3‭-‬4 AMPC
Tried and matured faith is joyful in the face of pressure and challenges. It is not the faith that loves God and is happy only when God is giving things to him. It is faith that loves and trust God all the same celebrating his faithfulness.

Some faith move mountains, some destroy it, BUT MATURED FAITH THAT HAS BEEN SOAKED WITH THE LOVE OF GOD DOESN'T EVEN SEE THE MOUNTAIN. That is true victory. Thats the key to living triumphant all the time.

This is one article every believer will be blessed by reading it
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feel a burden tonight to share some things. Now I am not sure if its the Holy Spirit that has placed this there or just my zeal for the Lord that's in manifestation either way I believe in my heart that these words are timely.
I know most of us have heard how that we are in the perilous times and about the events that will happen. Many of us are semi-expectant of this and use every event in line with those scriptures that happens to validate the reality of the times.
But I don't think many of us truly realize how perilous things are fast becoming. I have being observant of certain things and I perceive and believe that we are actually about to enter an even more dramatic phase of the end time agenda of God. Why do I say this? I SEE SO MANY PEOPLE WHOSE LOVE FOR GOD IS WAXING COLD AND ITS ALARMING. MANY PEOPLE HAVE BECOME SELF PLEASERS AND GOD HATERs. THE GOSPEL IS INCREASINGLY PREACHED WITH THE CLEVERNESS OF MAN'S WISDOM, OUR GOSPEL IS GETTING MIXED AND IT LACKS IMPART. CHURCH MEMBERS ARE INCREASING BUT ONLY FEW ARE GETTING TRANSFORMED. THERE IS THIS PSEUDO-ATHEISM SYNDROME CREEPING INTO THE YOUTHS IN THE CHURCH AND I STRONGLY BELIEVE THERE IS ONE MAJOR REASON FOR MOST OF THESE;
"MOST BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS ARE ACTUALLY MISREPRESENTING OR HAVE MISREPRESENTED CHRIST JESUS" (I SHARE IN THIS BLAME) The bible warns of this
"And many will follow their immoral ways and lascivious doings; because of them the true Way will be maligned and defamed.
2 Peter 2:2 AMPC
Let's always ask ourselves this question; is our action becoming a stumbling block to the path of another to the faith? Is the name of the Lord being blasphemed amongst the heathen because of my actions?
Many of us are born again but only a few of us have taken the guantlet of renewing their minds and actually looking like Jesus Christ. Very few of us have grown the Spirit of Christ in us.
WHERE IS THE AGAPE LOVE? WHERE IS IT? IT'S NOT EVEN BEING PREACHED BY MANY. CHRISTIANITY IS LOVE SIMPLY PUT.
WHERE IS THE CONSECRATION?
But the firm foundation of (laid by) God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. [Num. 16:5; Isa. 26:13.]
2 Timothy 2:19 AMPC
I love this translation ! Let everyone that names himself by the name of Christ(Christian) depart from iniquity.
Not only this but let's seek to grow in love and wisdom that we may win unbelievers. Let's comport ourselves and remember whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17 AMPC ,
See that your business , that job , that course you're doing or what ever it is as a service unto God and an opportunity to be a blessing. Let's bring CHRIST LIKENESS MENTALITY BACK TO CHRISTIANITY.
GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY HIS GRACE ABOUND IN, TO AND UPON US. AMEN.
PLEASE I ADMONISH WE ALL TAKE TIME OUT TO STUDY 2 TIM 2:19-26 Amplified version., YOU WILL BE BLESSED BY IT.

Some thoughts came to me on tithing in a perspective I have not seen it from before yesterday, I believe it's Holy Spirit inspired so I wrote it down. I'm putting a word document here (just 37kb) of it that people can download and read. Please I will appreciate if all of u gets to read it, scrutinize it and give me your feedbacks and corrections either here or via my email. It's a controversial topic, but I believe that should not stop us from getting the right knowledge of it.

I'm actually with processor01 on this issue. I've come to realize that one of the most important thing a Christian needs to crave for is balance. If you move too much on one side of the road u end up in a gutter . I don't despise propetic gifts and interpretation of dreams or any gift for that matter be it for exhortation and preaching, teaching , healing and the likes. Because they were given for our profiting/edification (1 Cor 3:7) , brother Charles can give witness that I seek his opinion sometimes. But there are some important things that must never be ignored.
1) If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you are going to be led by him (Romans 8:14-16) if he gives you a dream that matters ,he will give u the meaning almost immediately except u r not spiritually sensitive or you don't like or accept the interpretation you get, the purpose of seeking another brethren's opinion or a prophet is to confirm what you already have in ur spirit man. New testament Prophets are not sent to led people, that's the job of the Holy Spirit, but they can confirm what the Spirit has being saying to u by various means. The reason why the old testament people needed dream interpreters was because the Spirit of God only came upon a select few. the kings, prophets and priests.
2) We don't build doctrines on dreams but on the word of God. Therefore we don't use our personal experiences and dreams to explain the word of God. Instead we use the word of God to explain and test every dream we have. Because God given dreams and visions will never be contrary to his word. This is very vital because I have heard and seen great men of God run into error and untimely end of their ministry because of this. I advise people here should go and read about William branham and john Alexandre dowie and this book "God generals". You have to be extremely careful with gifts, if you have them and don't have sound spiritual maturity based on the word of God, you are likely going to crash. Particularly for ministers and prospective ministers here, Please ministry work and gifts are not play play, God gives special punishment to those who lead his flock astray. I have a brother who I warned but didn't heed my warnings like this, that nearly ran into serious problems with demons.
3) the primary business of God in the lives of Christian is to form the perfect image of Christ in them. Christ in you, is the hope of Glory, that's why john said that on that day, we will be like him. And how is that image formed? By continuous interaction with the word of God (2 cor 3:18) . please let's not get carried away from that primary purpose. How many times did you see Jesus or the early christians running about for interpretation of a dream? Lets us take personal responsiblity in the studying the word of God and in prayer to build our spirit man into the same stature of Jesus and leave the stage of seeking short cut everywhere. I'm not saying seeking interpretation for dreams you don't understand about is bad but these things should be rare occurrences.
With every sense of humility, I know a tiny bit of spiritual things and I can say categorically that many things that are posted on this forum sometimes, especially recently are total rubbish, I'm sure Jesus will be shaking his head in heaven at some of them. I know many of us are zealous but let's add knowledge to zeal and not mislead others. zeal without knowledge will lead to a shipwrecked Christianity. As for those that have gift of discernment of spirits I will advise you lay hands on books of Kenneth hagin senior (I believe in visions, How to be led by the spirit of God, he gave gifts unto men, and the triumphant church) and learn from his ministry. This was a man that saw Jesus at least 6 times, saw into the spirit realm, God used him mightily to send the word of faith , yet he maintained a balanced Christianity. I pray God will give us understanding and his grace will keep us.

Great0:
Bro Etidy has been absent for long from this family.
Protection of the Almighty to him and other Absentee-Brethren.

Hey my brother I'm fine ooh. I've just being busy and on a low key. I promise to show up here more often. I think its a general trend with most of us recently.
Let me just add this to exhort us ; the most important thing in our lives is not our marriage, jobs, career breakthroughs , religious works, spiritual gifts and abilities , money and visible success, but the amount of Jesus Christ that has been formed inside us. Regardless of the trials let us cooperate with his word to allow him build the express image of Christ in us. Let that be our rejoicing always . let us seek for the deeper doctrines and maturity that we know Christ and the power of his resurrection. Let us seek to move from the realm of needing a miracle or deliverance but rather be victorious always. Let's labour to enter the rest of the Christ realm. God bless you all.

oyeludef:
Good morning sir. I just decided to go tru dis thread dis morning den i saw dis post. Am sorry for not responding on time. I didn't get d mention.
On issues like this, the best place to dwell is on d side of scriptural balance. Cos there are two extremes to it. One extreme is to throw d baby with the bathwater wch will b counterproductive, d other extreme is to say without it ppl won't make heaven wch is also against the teachings of the scriptures.
According to the book of Heb 6:1,2 the Bible mentions about some foundational teachings of Christ, baptism is mentioned as on of the foundational teachings,repentance from dead works is also another. If we gp with the logic dat says baptism isn't important, den we are also gonna b saying repentance isn't important wch is a lie from the pit of hell. Acts 19:3-6 tells us about a story
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Acts 19:3‭-‬6 KJV. These were individuals, disciples dat had already believed in Jesus cos paul asked dem if dey had received the Holy Spirit since dey believed? Paul didn't just go ahead and pray for them to be Spirit filled, he baptized dem first in water. I believe dis incidence was inspired by the Holy Spirit to instruct us. Another case we could see was d case of the Ethiopian eunuch nd philip. Philip made sure he baptised him in water before the Holy Spirit tiok him away. These all happened during the apostolic age nd not during d time of the law.
One thing with these symbolic instructions in d scripture is dat we don't really understand why we were asked to do dem all we need to do is just to trust and obey. These symbolic instructions transcends our stay here on earth, dey are shadow of wat is to come. Remember Jesus told his disciples on d night of the lords supper dat d next time dey will b breaking bread will b in d Kingdom. Dis means that wat took place dat night was a glimpse of wat will b taking place at The marriage supper of the Lamb in glory. "this do in remembrance of me" wasn't a suggestion but a command. The early church went on with dat practice and it is still instructive for us today.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:42 KJV

Concerning the issue of payment of tithe, the fearful thing with God is dat u don't know His permissive will and His perfect will. Wen u go to Him with questions nd wit an idol in ur heart nd not open mindedness, he will answer u according to dat Idol.
Payment of tithe isn't part of the law but transcends d dispensation of law. Abraham paid tithe to melchisedek nd dat singular act was recognized in heaven dat the blessings of dat act was even given to his great grand son Levi
And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
Hebrews 7:9 KJV.
Jesus is our High Priest under the order of the priesthood of melchisedek according to And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7:9‭, ‬17 KJV. When you tithe, it is important to note that you are not tithing to a denomination or a man of God but to Christ. God knows how to hold His servants accountable as could be seen in d case of the Sons of Eli, they did wat dey wanted with the sacrifice dat the ppl of Israel brought to the temple but dat didn't exonerate d Israelite to stop offering sacrifices. In due time, God dealt with d house of eli. Jesus even recognized payment of tithes as a good work
“It will be bad for you teachers of the law and you Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You give God a tenth of the food you get, even your mint, dill, and cumin. But you don’t obey the really important teachings of the law—being fair, showing mercy, and being faithful. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things.
Matthew 23:23 ERV
“But it will be bad for you Pharisees! You give God a tenth of the food you get, even your mint, your rue, and every other little plant in your garden. But you forget to be fair to others and to love God. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things.
Luke 11:42 ERV
The Pharisee stood alone, away from the tax collector. When the Pharisee prayed, he said, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not as bad as other people. I am not like men who steal, cheat, or commit adultery. I thank you that I am better than this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of everything I get!’
Luke 18:11‭-‬12 ERV
If Jesus came to abolish tithing, den He also abolished adultery as a sin according to luke18:11,12 but u and i know its not true.

Where there is a call for balance is in recognition of the fact that without Christ in the life of an individual, all these good works are just dead works as it is only the blood of Jesus Christ dat makes us righteous before God. Thank you

*clapping* excellent! U took the words out of my mouth. Glory be to the God in the highest who has filled u with such wisdom and understanding and may you continue to grow in Grace sir.
One thing you mentioned in passing which has so great an implication is asking God for his opinion on matters when we have already set up "idols" in our heart. In most cases people who do so get an answer from God which will eventually destroy them.

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV
God is so deep and his wisdom infinite and he's not an entertainer or actor that just say we should do things so we can entertain ourselves or him. All his instructions are very deep, it may appear like a symbolic thing but its usually a foreshadowing of things to come or what obtains in the spiritual realm.
A very good example of this is the blood of sprinkling God introduced to rescue the children of Israel in Exodus 12:1-14 and gave them a commadment to continue this ordinance forever as a memorial in Exodus 12:14. We also see this in exodus 29:16, 20-21. it wasn't until Hebrews 12:22-24 that the mystery was unraveled. That anytime we appear in Zion , which is today represented by the church of Christ (The body of Christ not physical buildings) there is a blood of sprinkling going on in the spiritual realm speaking for us. So anytime the children of God gather, mysteries are taking place that we can't see unless God opens our eyes. That explains one of the reason that everyone that appears before the Lord in Zion goes from strength to strength (Psalm 84:7) we are virtually being serviced inside out spiritually by the spiritual forces at work in Zion.

One thing I've noticed about ordinances is that they are only given to God's people, be it the ones given to Jews in the old testament and the ones given to Christians in the new testament. Hence we can not say they are a pre quisite of our salvation, since you have to become a child of God firs before you can do them. but they are however necessary to live a complete , victorous and profitable Christian life.
Another thing about all these mysteries is that they only deliver on faith. Paraphrasing romans 1:16 Paul said that the Word of God(instruction, ordinances, promise e.t.c) is the power of God to save manifested unto them that believe that word. Its faith that turns any word of God to deliver. For example I strongly believe if a born again child of God where to go for water baptism with faith in his heart that he was being crucified with Christ and resurrected with him, that in the spirit realm something will happen to him. We may not be able to explain it or see it , but something more than mere symbolism must have occurred. I was born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit before I ever knew that Jesus actually commanded that all believers be baptized by water immersion (Matt 28:19), so I obeyed it. I have heard stories of people who went for water baptism and unexpectedly got healing miracles from doing it. Spiritual things are so deep, we only know in part now. There so many things that have been given to furnish our Christianity and make it more profitable that can easily be overlooked and discarded because of lack of understanding I pray God will continue to give us more understanding. Amen. I hope to delve into the mystery of the communion later on tonight if time perimits. But let me drop this teaser here first to challenge our thoughts :
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
John 6:53‭-‬55 KJV
This looks more than a matter of doing it in rememberance of Christ . there is something powerful in this mystery.

Oops I'm very sorry , I had a very busy weekend but I just have to start talking about the ordinances today as promised. Lets paraphase the criteria again.
1) It must have at least 2 scriptural witness (comparing spiritual things with spiritual) for in the mouth of at least 2 witness is a thing confirmed.
2)it must be accepted by Jesus and practiced by the apostles because the foundation of our Christianity is on the Apostles and the prophets with Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, 1 Cor 3:11).
So let's fly
The Holy anointing oil :
A little preamble:
The anointing oil is a term used 20 times in the bible. It was instituted by God himself in Exodus 30:23-31 where it was used to consecrate the priesthood and the articles of the tabernacle. it was later on seen in action in several old testament scriptures where it was used to consecrate all the kings of the Jews starting with Saul (1 Sam 10:1).
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
1 Samuel 10:1 KJV
Later on in 1 Samuel 16:3 , we eventually get to understand the power behind the operation of the anointing oil.
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.
1 Samuel 16:13‭-‬14 KJV
That power at work here is the power of the Holy Spirit. The anointing oil is essentially a medium of transfer of the power of the Holy Spirit. IT IS NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT, BUT IT IS A MEDIUM OF TRANSFER OF IT'S POWER. Because the Holy Spirit only came upon the Prophet, Priest and the Kings in Old Testament, Only those personalities were anointed to stand in those offices.
But this brings up a question in many people's heart, because everyone now has the potential for the baptism of the Holy Spirit

IS THE ANOINTING OIL STILL RELEVANT FOR NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS ?
The Answer is a categorical yes by 100% why?
1)Two witnesses
a) Jesus actively practiced the use of the anointing oil in his ministry.
And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Mark 6:7 KJV . WHAT POWER DID HE GIVE HIS APOSTLES? LET'S SEE VERSE 13
And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Mark 6:7‭, ‬13 KJV

From that scripture, we can see very clearly that the healing POWER of the Holy Spirit can be manifested by the anointing oil. If Jesus the author and finisher of our faith didn't accepted the doctrine of the anointing oil he won't have given it to the Apostles for use.
O.k some people will say, well that was before Jesus was glorified and the Holy poured out for everyone that receives him. Well let's take witness 2 then.
b) Apostle James
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James 5:14‭-‬15 KJV
Here we see again the anointing oil being used in the prayer for the sick. But this verse explains further that the anointing oil should be used in the name of Jesus and done in Faith.
Can healings occur without the anointing oil ? of course definitely they can, the Holy Spirit can manifest himself without the anointing oil. He's the Lord of the anointing oil and the reason why it works not the other way around. THIS IS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE HAVE COME TO IDOLIZE THE OIL INSTEAD OF REVERING THE PERSON THAT CREATED IT AND MADE IT WORK.
Does an oil have to be from the geographic land of Israel to make it potent ?
No, are u kidding me ? The Holy Spirit is the person behind it, he's every where, everytime , just take your oil and bless it and use in faith shikena!
Should you pay money to prophets, pastors and co to buy the anointing oil ?
If you have been doing this go and beg for mercy from God oh. The operations and gifts of the Holy Spirit cannot be bought. (Acts 8:18-23) . anyone that tells u to bring money so he can bless an anointing oil for u is a kangaroo prophet.

Finally brethren, the Christian faith is built on the foundation of Apostles and the prophets with Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone. Therefore if we gradually decide to discard anything that was approved by Jesus, The Apostles and the prophets all in the name of fresh revelation are we not slowly slipping into APOSTASY?
If we agree that the anointing oil is acceptable but not essential to the life of a believer simply because the Holy Spirit can manifest through other means, is that not ignoring
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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 KJV
ALL SCRIPTURES (INCLUDING THE PROMISES, INSTRUCTIONS, PRINCIPLES, LAWS, AND ORDINANCES) IS PROFITABLE FOR US AND MORE SO WHEN IT IS IN CONFORMITY WITH NEW TESTAMENT ETHOS.
AS A BELIEVER WE SHOULD BE READY TO ACCEPT ALL (NOT SOME) THAT JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES STOOD FOR. IF JAMES ONE OF THE FOREMOST APOSTLES AND JESUS WHO HAD THE ANOINTING WITHOUT MEASURE SAW THE NEED TO USE THE ANOINTING OIL, WHO ARE WE TO DEBATE IT'S USEFULNESS?

THIS IS MY TAKE CONCERNING ON THE ANOINTING; EVERY GENUINE BELIEVER WILL READILY ACCEPT THE MYSTERY OF THE ANOINTING OIL AND USE IT AT LEAST FROM TIME TO TIME EVEN IF IT'S NOT REGULARLY. ANYONE WHO ACCEPTS IT AND NEVER SEES THE NEED TO USE IT, IS SHORT CHANGING HIMSELF. AND ANYONE WHO PREACHES AGAINST IT IS TEACHING A WRONG DOCTRINE.
GRACIAS, I WILL CONTINUE WITH THE COMMUNION LATER.

I believe this platform is for our learning and as Christians we ought to be open to reasoning as long as its in accordance to the dictates of scriptures. I really love the current discussion on Ordinances like the anointinf oil, communion etc. I think its a good opportunity for us to teach each other. So lets reason together;
Its important to understand the following while studying scriptures
1) It is the Spirit that profits, not the flesh. Every word of God is a mystery. The word of God are Spirit and life. It requires the quicken of the spirit to unravel the treasures in it. THERE IS NO CARELESS UTTERANCE, DOCTRINE , ORDINANCE IN SCRIPTURES. GOD IS NOT AN ACTOR. HE DOESN'T JUST DO SYMBOLISM WITHOUT A DEEPER DIMENSION ,HE'S A SERIOUS PERSON AND EVERY SCRIPTURAL ORDINANCE IS ACTUALLY A MYSTERY IN ACTION.
2) God never contradicts himself, therefore to get the appropriate meaning of every scripture it must as a rule be explained in the light of other scriptures. That's why Paul explained in 1 COR 2:13 that by the helps of the Holy Spirit we are to compare spiritual things with spiritual.
3) Every word of God, every instruction, every doctrine or odrinance and every promise of God is for our profiting in all aspect of life( 1 Tim 4:15, Heb 4:2) , however how much it profits us Is dependent on our depth of insight that's why all though the word fell on good soil ( the right heart), some had 30 fold benefit, some had 60 fold and some an hundred fold according to their depth of spiritual understanding in the parabale of the sower(matthew 13:8,23) Hence to get maximum returns and make maximum use of the redemptive opportunities opened to us in Christ Jesus we need to seek out the revelation behind every ART and ACT of scripture. GOD IS NOT AN ACTOR OR STAGE PERFORMER THAT TELLS US TO DO SOMETHINGS FOR ONLY SYMBOLISM SAKE. TO EXPLAIN SOME OF THE ORDINANCES IN SCRIPTURES SUCH AS THE ANOINTING OIL, THE HOLY COMMUNION AND WATER BAPTISM AS ONLY MERE SYMBOLISM IS TO LOSE THE HIDDEN BENEFITS HE WAS TRYING TO IMPART TO US THROUGH THOSE MYSTERIES. GOD IS NOT AN ENTERTAINER OR AN HISTORIAN, The same communion someone eats as a symbolic act is what heals another person who has a better understanding.
4) The foundation of our Christianity is on the Apostles and the prophets with Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, 1 Cor 3:11) . wisdom therefore demands that anything that Christ and the apostles teached, accepted and practice becomes an integral part of true Christianity. To discard some of those things no matter how trival it may look as only mere symbolism and hence not necessary to do is missing out of the spiritual mystery behind it.

IN LIGHT OF THIS, in subsequent posts I will be talking about some spiritual insights about the Holy Communion and The Anointing Oil with a little discussion on water baptism. I will leave out the issue of tithe for now because its the most controversial.

VIGILANCE! VIGILANCE!! VIGILANCE!!! BE VIGILANT
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour 1 PETER 5:8
PLEASE MAY I HAVE YOUR EYES, EARS AND HEART FOR A FEW MINUTES? I believe this message for the rescue of someone or some people from imminent danger. It will pay you well to listen.
These are observations I have noticed : there is a revival gradually sweeping through the land. A portion of the body of Christ is waking up to its covenant obligations of soul winning and there is an intense battle right now for the souls of men. Has the kingdom of God is laboring hard to see men saved, the kingdom of darkness is also laboring VERY HARD, DOUBLE TIME, DAY AND NIGHT TO SEE people derailed.
IT IS MY OWN PERSONAL CONVICTION THAT NAIRALAND IS ONE SUCH PLATFORMS THE ENEMY IS DEPLOYING TO ACTUALIZED HIS ASSIGNMENTS. THE AIM PRIMARILY IS TO CAPTURE THE MINDS OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN. IT’S ABOUT THE MIND, BE VIGILANT, BE VERY VIGILANT.

LET ME SHARE A LITTLE EXPERIENCE
Over the course of the last few weeks I’ve been increasingly and stupidly too busy to take time to sit down with the word and pray fervently. Most times the excuses even looked good. If it’s not about my secular job of medicine, it’s about the cares of life on my mind: relationship palava, money matters, and career decisions. I mean very serious issues. Wake up early rush to work, do the work for 2, then get home around 8-9 very tired. Then came football season to steal the remaining little time and before I knew it, gradually fasting and prayer became a burden, studying the word became an issue. Because I had started taking of my eyes from JESUS to carnal matters. At the beginning I didn’t sense that demonic influences were in play. But as this weariness became worse and I started to see the void of not communing with the Holy Spirit regularly. The devil switched to step 2 “condemnation, guilt” this cloud was just around me. being a bit enlightened in spiritual matters, I could see the devil at work. It was now a full scale siege of the devil. But I played into his hands by trying to revive myself in the energy of the flesh, which I failed at leading to more self condemnation which further separated me from God. But for the first time in my life, I had a dream and saw Jesus and the dream made me understand what was happening and the kind of battle ahead. All the while Jesus was with me but he wanted me to learn.
I also got to understand that I (and I believe every person genuinely sold out to God) is a prime target of the devil. He can’t do anything to you but he’s always scheming, looking for any moment of laxity to catch you of guard and derail your spiritual connectivity, corrupt your mind and derail you from fulfilling purpose.
You have a purpose and the enemy is out to stop it. SIN AND CARNALITY is not a matter of whether it pleases God or not. It’s about CORRUPTING YOUR MIND AND MAKING YOU LOSE CONNECTIVITY, LEAVING YOU EXPOSED TO THE DEVIL’S OTHER ATTACKS AND CRASH OF DESTINY.
TO BE CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH, BUT TO BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED IS LIFE AND PEACE (ROMANS 8;6)
YOU ARE A LIGHT OF THE WORLD SENT ON A SPECIFIC TASK TO DISLODGE A PARTICULAR KIND OF DARKNESS, IN A PARTICULAR FIELD OF ENDEAVOUR, IN A PARTICULAR PLACE. YOU ARE SALT SENT TO ADD VALUE. ONCE THE DEVIL CORRUPTS YOUR MIND , YOU ARE A GUNNER. YOU WILL BE TRAMPLED UPON BY PEOPLE.
PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS OF WHAT YOU EXPOSE YOUR MIND TO ESPECIALLY ON NAIRALAND (EVEN IN THIS GROUP). IF YOU ARE A BABY CHRISTIAN I WILL ADVICE YOU EVEN STAY AWAY FROM IT ALL TOGETHER. THERE ARE DEEP SATANIC INFLUENCES HERE. PARTICULAR IN THIS RELIGON SECTION. Particularly even on Christian forums because that’s where it easier to spread poisonous doctrines by mixing truth with a little poison. Be warned. Don’t read everything you see , if you see something that your spirit man repels quickly stop it. BE CAUTIOUS , BE CAUTIOUS. THERE IS A MYSTERY ABOUT WORDS . PARTICULARLY SPIRITUAL WORDS. THE PRIMARY MODE THE SPIRIT REALM INFLUENCES THE PHYSICAL ARE WORDS. THAT’S WHY JESUS SAID “THESE WORDS I SPEAK TO YOU ARE SPIRITS AND LIFE” THE SAME PRINCIPLE OPERATES WITH THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS , THEIR WORDS ARE SPIRITS AND DEATH. THIS IS HOW THEY RECUIT PEOPLE HERE WITH ALL THESE SATANISM, MYSTISM AND ATHEISM. ONCE PEOPLE WITH WEAK OR DEAD SPIRIT READ IT, THEY EASILY CORRUPT THEIR MIND AND DRAW THEM FROM CHRISTIANITY.
I WILL SHARE AN ENCOUNTER I HAD CONCERNING THIS LATER.
THIS IS JUST TO WARN YOU, BE SOBER, BE ON FIRE ALL THE TIME, BE SOBER. IF YOU SENSE ANY LITTLE LAXITY QUICKLY NAB IT.

FORGET ABOUT THAT FINANCIAL ISSUE, THAT RELATIONSHIP ISSUE, THAT HEALTH PROBLEM, THAT BARRENNES PROBLEM, THAT CAREER MATTER, THAT CHALLENGE, PUT ALL THOSE CARES OF LIFE ASIDE, THEY ARE JUST DISTRACTIONS SENT TO DO THREE THINGS, KILL YOUR SPIRITUAL CONNECTIVITY TO GOD, CORRUPT YOUR MIND AND STOP YOU FROM FULFILLING PURPOSE.
THOSE CHALLENGES ARE SERIOUS MATTERS, BUT CONTINUE SEEKING JESUS FIRST AND HIS PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE. THIS IS WERE THE REAL BATTLE IS , OTHER SO CALLED SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGES ARE DISTRACTIONS, CLING TO JESUS AND YOUR PURPOSE FOR YOUR DEAR LIFE, FIGHT HARD TO STUDY, TO PRAY, TO FAST. FIGHT THE FIGHT OF FAITH. FIGHT, FIGHT, BE VIGILANT. FIGHT FOR SANCTIFICATION, IT’S A WAR, FIGHT EVERY FORCES OF DEFILEMENT,
IF YOU STAY UNDEFILED, YOU WILL EVENTUALLY OVERCOME THOSE CHALLENGES. ENDURE HARDNESS AS A SOLDIER OF CHRIST (2 TIMOTHY 1;3), ENDURE IT, YOU ARE NOT LIKE OTHERS, YOU CARRY SOMETHING PRECIOUS CALLED PURPOSE. THE CROWN WHICH IS THE PRIZE FOR YOUR OWN HIGH CALLING IN CHRIST JESUS IS AHEAD, FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN IT.
FLEE FROM THE CORRUPTION, I KNOW IT’S HARD BUT CRY FOR MERCY AND GRACE (HEBREW 4;16) .
BE VIGILANT, BE SOBER AND FIGHT FOR YOUR PLACE IN CHRIST. YOU HAVE OVERCOME IN JESUS NAME .. AMEN

Hello friends , I think we have to realize that not everyone has the capacity of hearing and accepting the truth. Even Jesus didn't come to save everyone . That statement is the truth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified (praised and gave thanks for) the Word of God; and as many as were destined (appointed and ordained) to eternal life believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Jesus as the Christ and their Savior). Acts 14:28 amplified version.
Acts 2:47 KJV: Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
So it's as many as should be saved that will be saved. God's will is that all should be saved according to 1 Peter 3:9 .but that's just his will, he won't force his will on people. This knowledge is vital.
When we see some people who are just hell bent on being agents of confusion and are unrepentant, we should just ignore their comments like they don't exist and leave them to the Holy Spirit who is able to convict and convert them. Some people are not ready to reason scriptures with you. We should just avoid them and not let them derail this thread. Thanks brothers and sisters.

Why people pray a lot and their problems get worse?
I'm sure a lot of us have noticed people and many churches who pray a lot, praying with intensity and yet get no result. In fact in most cases things become worse. Well let me explain one of the principal reason this happens
Anytime you take your eyes from Jesus and the faithfulness of God as the reason why God must bless and answer you in prayer and look to your Works (Fasting, intensity of prayers, good deeds, tithings and many more), you have given extra motivation and committed the devil to remind GOD of what you have not done and what you have done wrongly (Rev 12:10 , he's the accuser of the brethren). And because you have overlooked the Grace of God in Jesus Christ, you have limited his ability to be your defendant at the court room of heaven . It's like telling your lawyer, he should shut up and let you defend yourself in court . This is why people Lose their case at the court room of heaven. God being a just judge (Gen 18:25, psalms 94:2) then passes a judgement that is going to be a punishment commiserate to the offense you committed. Have you seen why so many people pray a lot and their situation gets worse ?

When you get to the throne of Grace approach with this mentality. First greet and hail him (every child does that to his dad before asking something big) then proceed with this mindset " daddy I know I they mess up ,but baba no vex, ha baba Abeg no look that side lol, no look my work at all, them no pure Instead baba forgive me because of Jesus *at THIS POINT LAWYER JESUS TAKES OVER (CASE WON Already ), then proceed by reminding God of his promises and commit him to answer you because Jesus has qualified you for them not your works, this part is important. Then end the prayer with thanksgiving. Thats how you win all the time. I have so many testimonies abouy God's faithfulness when I look to him.

Psalms 130:3
If You, Lord, should keep an account of our sins and treat us accordingly,
O Lord, who could stand [before you in judgment and claim innocence]?
If God will not keep record of our sins, why are you keeping records of your small good works and boasting (yes it's boasting, check Luke 18:9-14) Before God in prayers?
(digressing a bit now) Some people have a ledger for all the good deeds they have done in their mind, they can't do good out of a free heart expecting nothing back. Thats hypocrisy not love. The Bible warns that let love be without hypocrisy in Romans 12. In case your pastor has to motivate you before you pay your tithe and ofofferings and the reason why you do them is because of the blessings attached to it just ask for mercy because you're putting a curse on yourself without knowing. The motivation for doing good deeds and obeying God must firstly be because we love him. If you love him, those things become natural to you. Remember it's the heart God judges. When God sees your heart doing good as a lifestyle with or without compliments or getting anything in return and it doesn't bother you, it stirs him up to bless you.
Let your eyes be fixed on Jesus and his faithfulness (not your works) always in prayer and you will never be disappointed.