₦airaland Forum

PART 19


After deserting their Master in the garden, two of the disciples had ventured to follow, at a distance, the mob that had Jesus in charge.

These disciples were Peter and John. The priests recognized John as a well-known disciple of Jesus, and admitted him to the hall, hoping that as he witnessed the humiliation of his Leader, he would scorn the idea of such a one being the Son of God. John spoke in favor of Peter, and gained an entrance for him also. In the court a fire had been kindled; for it was the coldest hour of the night, being just before the dawn. A company drew about the fire, and Peter presumptuously took his place with them. He did not wish to be recognized as a disciple of Jesus. By mingling carelessly with the crowd, he hoped to be taken for one of those who had brought Jesus to the hall.


But as the light flashed upon Peter's face, the woman who kept the door cast a searching glance upon him. She had noticed that he came in with John, she marked the look of dejection on his face, and thought that he might be a disciple of Jesus. She was one of the servants of Caiaphas’ household, and was curious to know. She said to Peter, “Art not thou also one of this Man's disciples?” Peter was startled and confused; the eyes of the company instantly fastened upon him. He pretended not to understand her; but she was persistent, and said to those around her that this man was with Jesus. Peter felt compelled to answer, and said angrily, “Woman, I know Him not.” This was the first denial, and immediately the cock crew. O Peter, so soon ashamed of thy Master! so soon to deny thy Lord!

TO BE CONTINUED....

PART 18

But a keener anguish rent the heart of Jesus; the blow that inflicted the deepest pain no enemy's hand could have dealt. While He was undergoing the mockery of an examination before Caiaphas, Christ had been denied by one of His own disciples

TO BE CONTINUED....

Ehiscotch:
This is so overwhelming and eye-opening. Gracias, Eviana.

You are welcome.
I know it's a lot, but I got a scripture passage the other day that reminded me of why I serve the Lord.....

Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee


Not because of "fear" of hellfire destruction or because of the joy of an eternal home, BUT because I love the Lord and what He did for me.
His love for me to endure this what I am quoting in this thread....enduring all of this for "little old me?" Loving me with an everlasting love, desiring to be reunited with me in perfection?
This is where sincere Christians need to dwell on...Christ' love for humanity....
Be blessed

Ehiscotch:
Sooner or later this will happen. As the time draws near persecution deepens and worsens and holding on to the faith becomes difficult.

It is getting difficult to be a true Christian in these times. But God is refining the faith of the elect and we have to let these trials have its full effect (easier said than done, though).

You hit the nail on the head with exact precision and have told the whole truth and nothing BUT the truth.
I can't add anything to this at all.
Beautifully and perfectlly stated....

This is why the separation of church and state was so paramount.

I've learned to "never say never" about what a person will or won't do when backed into a corner or pressured by the majority...especially in the highest and most powerful position in the world.

It is very possible that those measures could be taken....implemented....or imposed. Religious liberty would then be under "assault".

So that would leave the Christian colleges and universities with a decision to make of two
choices:
1). Change the statement and overthrow their Christian conviction and religious liberty

2). Do not accept the change (due to religious conviction) and thereby lose accreditation...which affects the universities and students.

Sounds like a "3 Hebrew boys" (in Daniel 3) or "Daniel" moment could be possible for Christian universities...very serious.
It definitely gives one food for thought.

LordReed:
It's possible and it does happen.

Except for when it pertains to you....?
However, just by you acknowledging that, (which shows a strikingly humane side of you), clearly shows me that there's still that mustard seed of hope....for you in particular.
Hmmm....nevertheless, still praying....

PART 17

SPECIAL NOTE CONCERNING PART 16
(MY APOLOGIES....MADE A MISTAKE IN RE-POSTING AN EARLIER PART)
IF POSSIBLE, PLEASE RE-READ PART 16...IT HAS BEEN MODIFIED



The Sanhedrin had pronounced Jesus worthy of death; but it was contrary to the Jewish law to try a prisoner by night. In legal condemnation nothing could be done except in the light of day and before a full session of the council. Notwithstanding this, the Saviour was now treated as a condemned criminal, and given up to be abused by the lowest and vilest of humankind.

The palace of the high priest surrounded an open court in which the soldiers and the multitude had gathered. Through this court, Jesus was taken to the guardroom, on every side meeting with mockery of His claim to be the Son of God. His own words, “sitting on the right hand of power,” and, “coming in the clouds of heaven,” were jeeringly repeated. While in the guardroom, awaiting His legal trial, He was not protected. The ignorant rabble had seen the cruelty with which He was treated before the council, and from this they took license to manifest all the satanic elements of their nature.


Christ's very nobility and godlike bearing goaded them to madness. His meekness, His innocence, His majestic patience, filled them with hatred born of Satan. Mercy and justice were trampled upon. Never was criminal treated in so inhuman a manner as was the Son of God

TO BE CONTINUED.....

iamleumas:
"Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner" - Max Lucado
#Naijasermon

Solemn but very true.....

iamleumas:
"When God calls us to leave behind something, it mense He has something better in store for us. Allow him to replace the old with the new today!" - Paige Omartian

#Naijasermon

I like this quote...very true.
I wonder if that is Stormie O'Martian's daughter?

OP,

Realistically speaking, "no" we cannot.
I get what Jonas4190 said and I also like what the poster above me, Jedalord, said.
However, it would take the work of a surrendered heart and the prompting, leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit to change a hardened heart.
We, believers, "plant the seed", and the Holy Spirit "waters it"....to those who desire truth.

All the philosophical, scientific-based, evidence in the world will NOT convince someone who has chosen to rebel and NOT believe by faith (because it has a huge role to play also).

Aside from you (if you are a believer), me and the two guys that I mentioned above (which I assume are believers), the rest on this thread--the "free-thinkers"--have all stated that they cannot be convinced so they want to be left alone.
One has to vigorously fight against and discredit an Authority (despite a certain degree of evidence) when one wants to live his/her life in any way, shape or form without any accountability.

All one can do at that point is to pray for these souls that they experience the Lord in the most beautiful way and surrender before it's too late.
We are to continue preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are open to hearing, praying and studying the Word to learn about Him.

PART 16 (MY APOLOGIES....MADE A MISTAKE IN RE-POSTING AN EARLIER PART)

MODIFIED

Each action of the high priest was watched with interest by the people; and Caiaphas thought for effect to display his piety. But in this act, designed as an accusation against Christ, he was reviling the One of whom God had said, “My name is in Him.” Exodus 23:21. He himself was committing blasphemy. Standing under the condemnation of God, he pronounced sentence upon Christ as a blasphemer.

When Caiaphas rent his garment, his act was significant of the place that the Jewish nation as a nation would thereafter occupy toward God. The once favored people of God were separating themselves from Him, and were fast becoming a people disowned by Jehovah. When Christ upon the cross cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30), and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, the Holy Watcher declared that the Jewish people had rejected Him who was the antitype of all their types, the substance of all their shadows. Israel was divorced from God.

Well might Caiaphas then rend his official robes, which signified that he claimed to be a representative of the great High Priest; for no longer had they any meaning for him or for the people. Well might the high priest rend his robes in horror for himself and for the nation

TO BE CONTINUED......

PART 15

Conviction mingled with passion led Caiaphas to do as he did. He was furious with himself for believing Christ's words, and instead of rending his heart under a deep sense of truth, and confessing that Jesus was the Messiah, he rent his priestly robes in determined resistance. This act was deeply significant. Little did Caiaphas realize its meaning. In this act, done to influence the judges and secure Christ's condemnation, the high priest had condemned himself. By the law of God he was disqualified for the priesthood. He had pronounced upon himself the death sentence.



A high priest was not to rend his garments. By the Levitical law, this was prohibited under sentence of death. Under no circumstances, on no occasion, was the priest to rend his robe. It was the custom among the Jews for the garments to be rent at the death of friends, but this custom the priests were not to observe. Express command had been given by Christ to Moses concerning this. Leviticus 10:6.

Everything worn by the priest was to be whole and without blemish. By those beautiful official garments was represented the character of the great antitype, Jesus Christ. Nothing but perfection, in dress and attitude, in word and spirit, could be acceptable to God.

He is holy, and His glory and perfection must be represented by the earthly service. Nothing but perfection could properly represent the sacredness of the heavenly service. Finite man might rend his own heart by showing a contrite and humble spirit. This God would discern. But no rent must be made in the priestly robes, for this would mar the representation of heavenly things. The high priest who dared to appear in holy office, and engage in the service of the sanctuary, with a rent robe, was looked upon as having severed himself from God.


By rending his garment he cut himself off from being a representative character. He was no longer accepted by God as an officiating priest. This course of action, as exhibited by Caiaphas, showed human passion, human imperfection. By rending his garments, Caiaphas made of no effect the law of God, to follow the tradition of men. A man-made law provided that in case of blasphemy a priest might rend his garments in horror at the sin, and be guiltless. Thus the law of God was made void by the laws of men


TO BE CONTINUED.....

PART 11

Judas decided to put the matter to the test. If Jesus really was the Messiah, the people, for whom He had done so much, would rally about Him, and would proclaim Him king. This would forever settle many minds that were now in uncertainty. Judas would have the credit of having placed the king on David's throne. And this act would secure to him the first position, next to Christ, in the new kingdom.


[i][b]
The false disciple acted his part in betraying Jesus. In the garden, when he said to the leaders of the mob, “Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast” (Matthew 26:48), he fully believed that Christ would escape out of their hands. Then if they should blame him, he could say, Did I not tell you to hold Him fast? Judas beheld the captors of Christ, acting upon his words, bind Him firmly

In amazement he saw that the Saviour suffered Himself to be led away

Anxiously he followed Him from the garden to the trial before the Jewish rulers. At every movement he looked for Him to surprise His enemies, by appearing before them as the Son of God, and setting at nought all their plots and power.


But as hour after hour went by, and Jesus submitted to all the abuse heaped upon Him, a terrible fear came to the traitor that he had sold his Master to His death

TO BE CONTINUED.....

PART 10

But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work.

Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified, the event must come to pass. His own act in betraying the Saviour would not change the result. If Jesus was not to die, it would only force Him to deliver Himself. At all events, Judas would gain something by his treachery. He counted that he had made a sharp bargain in betraying his Lord.


Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would permit Himself to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach Him a lesson. He intended to play a part that would make the Saviour careful thenceforth to treat him with due respect. But Judas knew not that he was giving Christ up to death. How often, as the Saviour taught in parables, the scribes and Pharisees had been carried away with His striking illustrations! How often they had pronounced judgment against themselves! Often when the truth was brought home to their hearts, they had been filled with rage, and had taken up stones to cast at Him; but again and again He had made His escape. Since He had escaped so many snares, thought Judas, He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken

TO BE CONTINUED.....

PART 14

The words of Christ startled the high priest. The thought that there was to be a resurrection of the dead, when all would stand at the bar of God, to be rewarded according to their works, was a thought of terror to Caiaphas. He did not wish to believe that in future he would receive sentence according to his works. There rushed before his mind as a panorama the scenes of the final judgment. For a moment he saw the fearful spectacle of the graves giving up their dead, with the secrets he had hoped were forever hidden. For a moment he felt as if standing before the eternal Judge, whose eye, which sees all things, was reading his soul, bringing to light mysteries supposed to be hidden with the dead.
The scene passed from the priest's vision. Christ's words cut him, the Sadducee, to the quick. Caiaphas had denied the doctrine of the resurrection, the judgment, and a future life. Now he was maddened by satanic fury. Was this man, a prisoner before him, to assail his most cherished theories? Rending his robe, that the people might see his pretended horror, he demanded that without further preliminaries the prisoner be condemned for blasphemy. “What further need have we of witnesses?” he said; “behold, now ye have heard His blasphemy. What think ye?” And they all condemned Him
[/b]

TO BE CONTINUED...

PART 13


For a moment the divinity of Christ flashed through His guise of humanity. The high priest quailed before the penetrating eyes of the Saviour. That look seemed to read his hidden thoughts, and burn into his heart. Never in afterlife did he forget that searching glance of the persecuted Son of God.

“Hereafter,” said Jesus, “shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” In these words Christ presented the reverse of the scene then taking place. He, the Lord of life and glory, would be seated at God's right hand. He would be the judge of all the earth, and from His decision there could be no appeal. Then every secret thing would be set in the light of God's countenance, and judgment be passed upon every man according to his deeds.


TO BE CONTINUED.....

PART 9


Yet Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Saviour's lessons. He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon's house. When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

PART 8


When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship, Judas was displeased. He thought that a mistake had been made. If such men as this ruler could be connected with the believers, they would help sustain Christ's cause. If Judas were only received as a counselor, he thought, he could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church. His principles and methods would differ somewhat from Christ's, but in these things he thought himself wiser than Christ. In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work.

The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples.

This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. “Have not I chosen you twelve,” He said, “and one of you is a devil


TO BE CONTINUED.....

PART 12

At last, Caiaphas, raising his right hand toward heaven, addressed Jesus in the form of a solemn oath: “I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God.”


To this appeal Christ could not remain silent. There was a time to be silent, and a time to speak. He had not spoken until directly questioned. He knew that to answer now would make His death certain. But the appeal was made by the highest acknowledged authority of the nation, and in the name of the Most High. Christ would not fail to show proper respect for the law. More than this, His own relation to the Father was called in question.
He must plainly declare His character and mission.




Jesus had said to His disciples,
“Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32. Now by His own example He repeated the lesson. Every ear was bent to listen, and every eye was fixed on His face as He answered, “Thou hast said.



A heavenly light seemed to illuminate His pale countenance as He added, “Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

TO BE CONTINUED......

PART 7


From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed.

His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be
greatest was generally excited by Judas

TO BE CONTINUED......

PART 11

Patiently Jesus listened to the conflicting testimonies. No word did He utter in self-defense. At last His accusers were entangled, confused, and maddened. The trial was making no headway; it seemed that their plottings were to fail. Caiaphas was desperate. One last resort remained; Christ must be forced to condemn Himself. The high priest started from the judgment seat, his face contorted with passion, his voice and demeanor plainly indicating that were it in his power he would strike down the prisoner before him. “Answerest Thou nothing?” he exclaimed; “what is it which these witness against Thee?” Jesus held His peace. “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth


TO BE CONTINUED......

PART 10

Early in His ministry Christ had said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” In the figurative language of prophecy, He had thus foretold His own death and resurrection. “He spake of the temple of His body.” John 2:19, 21. These words the Jews had understood in a literal sense, as referring to the temple at Jerusalem. Of all that Christ had said, the priests could find nothing to use against Him save this. By misstating these words they hoped to gain an advantage. The Romans had engaged in rebuilding and embellishing the temple, and they took great pride in it; any contempt shown to it would be sure to excite their indignation. Here Romans and Jews, Pharisees and Sadducees, could meet; for all held the temple in great veneration. On this point two witnesses were found whose testimony was not so contradictory as that of the others had been. One of them, who had been bribed to accuse Jesus, declared, “This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” Thus Christ's words were misstated. If they had been reported exactly as He spoke them, they would not have secured His condemnation even by the Sanhedrin. Had Jesus been a mere man, as the Jews claimed, His declaration would only have indicated an unreasonable, boastful spirit, but could not have been construed into blasphemy. Even as misrepresented by the false witnesses, His words contained nothing which would be regarded by the Romans as a crime worthy of death

TO BE CONTINUED.....

PART 6

Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.


TO BE CONTINUED......

PART 8

Caiaphas, perceiving the influence that was obtaining, hastened the trial. The enemies of Jesus were in great perplexity. They were bent on securing His condemnation, but how to accomplish this they knew not. The members of the council were divided between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. There was bitter animosity and controversy between them; certain disputed points they dared not approach for fear of a quarrel. With a few words Jesus could have excited their prejudices against each other, and thus have averted their wrath from Himself. Caiaphas knew this, and he wished to avoid stirring up a contention. There were plenty of witnesses to prove that Christ had denounced the priests and scribes, that He had called them hypocrites and murderers; but this testimony it was not expedient to bring forward. The Sadducees in their sharp contentions with the Pharisees had used to them similar language. And such testimony would have no weight with the Romans, who were themselves disgusted with the pretensions of the Pharisees. There was abundant evidence that Jesus had disregarded the traditions of the Jews, and had spoken irreverently of many of their ordinances; but in regard to tradition the Pharisees and Sadducees were at swords’ points; and this evidence also would have no weight with the Romans. Christ's enemies dared not accuse Him of Sabbathbreaking, lest an examination should reveal the character of His work. If His miracles of healing were brought to light, the very object of the priests would be defeated.


False witnesses had been bribed to accuse Jesus of inciting rebellion and seeking to establish a separate government. But their testimony proved to be vague and contradictory. Under examination they falsified their own statements

TO BE CONTINUED.......

PenuelFarms:
Most Christians, outside of the US, supporting Trump began after his election having learnt that he got there through the support of the Evangelical Christians.

In the US, majority of voters are objective, including Christians. Aside the constant disagreements with the Democrats regarding some Biblical beliefs which they hold as sacrosanct, Trump had to organize a meeting with them where shared his beliefs and manifesto which they readily bought into. And that was it.

You hit the nail on the head.....

Michael820:
I know, but can’t God also use Biden too?

That’s not even my problem, my issue is the way they carry him like he’s the messiah and the prophesy must be fulfilled that bothers me.

Most pastors didn’t even do this much for Nigeria politics, they would rather not be involved then why change of heart this time.

Sorry, but I cannot comment on Nigerian politics because I don't know anything about that.
But in reply to the above bold question and statement:

Yes, God can use former Vice-President Biden for His purposes. Meaning God's will can still be accomplished regardless of "who" sits there.
Prophecy involves both positive and negative events that ultimately will cause people to choose whom they are gonna worship...and ultimately usher in Christ' soon and second coming for His people.
While man does make choices here on earth, (being guided by 1 spiritual force or the other), God ALLOWS men to be placed in
positions of authority, and can still be ultimately glorified.

President Trump is NOT the messiah, nor will he ever be..... only Jesus Christ is.
However, good can be accomplished through whatever human instrument.....
I think Nigerian Christians saw some things (stances, issues, statements, actions etc.) that caused them to sway towards President Trump.


When I personally, speak of prophecy, I am not speaking about Israel...so to speak. I think many well-meaning Christians have all sorts of misinterpretations about bible prophecy.
I am speaking about events in the books of Daniel and Revelation....particularly Revelation (which deals with end-time events)..that will come to pass regardless of "who" occupies the presidency.

PART 7

But first of all, an accusation was to be found. They had gained nothing as yet. Annas ordered Jesus to be taken to Caiaphas. Caiaphas belonged to the Sadducees, some of whom were now the most desperate enemies of Jesus. He himself, though wanting in force of character, was fully as severe, heartless, and unscrupulous as was Annas. He would leave no means untried to destroy Jesus. It was now early morning, and very dark; by the light of torches and lanterns the armed band with their prisoner proceeded to the high priest's palace. Here, while the members of the Sanhedrin were coming together, Annas and Caiaphas again questioned Jesus, but without success.

When the council had assembled in the judgment hall, Caiaphas took his seat as presiding officer. On either side were the judges, and those specially interested in the trial. The Roman soldiers were stationed on the platform below the throne. At the foot of the throne stood Jesus. Upon Him the gaze of the whole multitude was fixed. The excitement was intense. Of all the throng He alone was calm and serene. The very atmosphere surrounding Him seemed pervaded by a holy influence


Caiaphas had regarded Jesus as his rival. The eagerness of the people to hear the Saviour, and their apparent readiness to accept His teachings, had aroused the bitter jealousy of the high priest. But as Caiaphas now looked upon the prisoner, he was struck with admiration for His noble and dignified bearing. A conviction came over him that this Man was akin to God. The next instant he scornfully banished the thought. Immediately his voice was heard in sneering, haughty tones demanding that Jesus work one of His mighty miracles before them. But his words fell upon the Saviour's ears as though He heard them not. The people compared the excited and malignant deportment of Annas and Caiaphas with the calm, majestic bearing of Jesus. Even in the minds of that hardened multitude arose the question, Is this man of godlike presence to be condemned as a criminal?

TO BE CONTINUED..........

I do not discuss politics with anyone at all...and all of my family respect my decision and don't press me.
I do not "root" for anyone...regardless of the side of the coin.
One can never know what truly goes on behind the scenes. Sometimes, what appears to be genuine gold could be just baseless metal.
But I respect my country's democratic and free process.
What I know is that I fully respect the "office of the presidency" and would never speak in a negative manner about my president, the vice-president or his cabinet to my own fellow Americans, let alone a foreign country.
I give to "Caesar what is Caesar's" and most importantly, to "God what is God's".
Just as President Trump receives my respect for the office he holds currently, former vice-President Biden will also have my respect for the office come January if all goes as expected.

We don't know why things have occurred the way they have.
What we do know is that our God has allowed it and His purpose will be accomplished ultimately.
It is our duty to PRAY for leaders of our nations.....even if they may appear to not be "deserving" of it.
President Trump and former Vice-President Biden BOTH need prayers.
Prayers (with all due respect) that will lead BOTH men to have a real, sincere, deep, and personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ that people can see...which has been lacking on both ends....regardless of each man's words.

Unfortunately, several scoffers out here, especially there in Nigeria, via Nairaland (of 2 groups: one secular and the other non-secular), seem to be rejoicing about one man's downfall and another's rise, and castigating a large percentage of people who identify as Christians because of an apparent strongly-held, sincere faith that they showed pertaining to the outcome of my country's elections.
Also as seen even here on this section, lots of agitators exist, who are so happy to see what they "think is the destruction of Christianity".
I cannot speak to the mockers and scoffers. I can only pray for them sincerely that one day before it is too late that they surrender to Jesus.
It is only the Holy Spirit that can break through a hardened, demonically possessed, stony heart.

On the flip side, I find it humbling and gracious in a way, that sincere and genuine Christian foreigners would be so invested in another country's leader.
That means that they were trying to view the election from a spiritual angle--one in which they felt the candidate (on one side) with the more "spiritual" side would be victorious, if I have interpreted that correctly.
Christians, this is to you.
I want to encourage you to not give up. Nothing (regardless of what may have or may not have happened ) has taken The Lord by surprise.
Think about the hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".
Prophetic events that will usher in Christ' second coming will happen regardless of "who" is in the seat of presidency.
Trust should NOT EVER FULLY BE PLACED IN "MAN".

Let us not forget what happened when the children of Israel demanded for a human king, when it was God Himself who wanted to be their "king" (1 Samuel 8:1-22).
They cried and cried until they received King Saul (who was appointed...or allowed by God) the right to rule over them.
We know what ultimately happened to King Saul....who began correctly, but later apostasized and lost his soul. (1 Samuel 28) shares some of his later fatal choices.
He will, unfortunately, not be in the kingdom of Heaven.
Placing trust in God and having believed in something so heavily (that did not yield the hoped for/expected end) does not make you a loser, nor should you lose your faith.
Signs and wonder are for the unbelievers...it is they who must see a specific sign in order to believe.

Remember to be like the (3) Hebrew boys to King Nebuchadnezzar when they were told to worship the image that directly conflicted with their obligation to the Heavenly Creator :
Daniel 3:15-18 (KJV)
15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Reminder: They DID NOT forget their Creator...to whom the utmost obligation was theirs to give...regardless.
Their trust was fully in Him.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) says,
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


Psalm 75:5-7 (KJV)
6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Proverbs 15:3 (KJV)
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.


Psalm 118:8 (KJV)
8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

Be Encouraged.......there are a ton of hymns that can help strengthen you!

PART 6

Christ had said nothing that could give His accusers an advantage; yet He was bound, to signify that He was condemned. There must, however, be a pretense of justice. It was necessary that there should be the form of a legal trial. This the authorities were determined to hasten. They knew the regard in which Jesus was held by the people, and feared that if the arrest were noised abroad, a rescue would be attempted. Again, if the trial and execution were not brought about at once, there would be a week's delay on account of the celebration of the Passover. This might defeat their plans. In securing the condemnation of Jesus they depended largely upon the clamor of the mob, many of them the rabble of Jerusalem. Should there be a week's delay, the excitement would abate, and a reaction would be likely to set in. The better part of the people would be aroused in Christ's favor; many would come forward with testimony in His vindication, bringing to light the mighty works He had done. This would excite popular indignation against the Sanhedrin. Their proceedings would be condemned, and Jesus would be set free, to receive new homage from the multitudes. The priests and rulers therefore determined that before their purpose could become known, Jesus should be delivered into the hands of the Romans.

TO BE CONTINUED........

PART 5

Christ's oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world offended Judas. He had marked out a line upon which he expected Christ to work. He had planned that John the Baptist should be delivered from prison. But lo, John was left to be beheaded. And Jesus, instead of asserting His royal right and avenging the death of John, retired with His disciples into a country place. Judas wanted more aggressive warfare. He thought that if Jesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more successful. He marked the increasing enmity of the Jewish leaders, and saw their challenge unheeded when they demanded from Christ a sign from heaven. His heart was open to unbelief, and the enemy supplied thoughts of questioning and rebellion. Why did Jesus dwell so much upon that which was discouraging? Why did He predict trial and persecution for Himself and for His disciples? The prospect of having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ. Were his hopes to be disappointed? Judas had not decided that Jesus was not the Son of God; but he was questioning, and seeking to find some explanation of His mighty works.


TO BE CONTINUED.......

I have sooo many once I actually started liking hymns and really grasping the meaning of the words...the story behind them.
Since I have to pick only one, it would be "Master , The Tempest is Raging".
What a powerful, powerful song.
Runner up: "A Mighty Fortress"---equally as powerful.
I get chills each and every time I hear or sing these hymns.

So sorry, but I've got to add a 2nd Runner Up: "The Glory Song"