₦airaland Forum

lampardizik:
No,you're rich by default once you're a born again





But you have more because you give

Gbam...

Goshen360:
Again, "poor have the gospel preached to them"...poor in what sense or context? It looks to me as if you guys have mastered a trade or techniques and you're not backing out of it.

In the basic context... Poor... Baje.. Ogbonye...talaka... Etc

[quote author=vfactor post=38749504]

Oh Dad! Now you say what's on your mind and how you feel about the issue. Its better that way than explaining the scriptures to suit your opinion!

I am not against being rich!

But I wouldnt lie to people that Jesus said when they serve God they will be rich in the name of prosperity gospel, cos Jesus never did that!

The gospel is complete package... Wealth is part of it... Like it or not.

Jesus even said riches CAN prevent one from entering God's kingdom.

Hence the topic if this thread.

He even asked a certain young rich ruler to sell off his properties, give the proceeds to the poor and come follow him.

He tested the man... He didn't believe enough.. He still loved himself and his properties more than God.

The bible encourages people to work hard and be content with what they able to make and if they acquire wealth in the process, they should not put their trust in and hope on their wealth (1 Timothy 6:6-8,17).

No doubting this.

Talking about bible heroes being stunningly rich, do you mean men like Elijah, Samuel, Isaiah etc?

If you read well... You'd notice I said something about choice.

vfactor:
Of course you wont read! Just like you didn't read Luke 6:20. I am not Jesus. So I didn't say what is written in Luke 6:20.

You asked whay kind of Gospel would be preached to the poor, i quoted Jesus' words, his gospel to the poor and yet you say i twist the scripture. I didnt even explain any words from it cos it was plain for all honest persons to see. To say you stopped me in my tracks will be the most unreasonable thing to say, cos I didn't put those words in Jesus' mouth.

Just like so many Christians, you only read what you want to from the bible and ignore the ones you don't want to hear! But the truth is obvious for all who seek it!

Look son!... Luke account... Matthew's account etc. They wrote their account of what happened.

Stop wailing, I asked you... Jesus said he 2as to preach the gospel to the poor... You said he said from Luke that the poor are blessed folks, who will have the kingdom of God... Question is, why don't you stay poor so that you'll be blessed and have the kingdom of God?

If you're rich, why not get poor so as to be blessed and have the kingdom of God?

Bible Heroes were stunningly rich, except by choice eg Paul and some apostles/disciples.

If you are poor today, make sure it's your choice and not the devil's maneuvers on you.

Simple.

[quote author=vfactor post=38744544]

You re actually the one whose reference is wrong. You quoted Luke 4:18. And that verse didn't mention poor in spirit. It simply stated poor! Compare it with Luke 6:20 and Matthew 5:3 u quoted and see whose reference is wrong!

In Luke 4:18, I asked you, what gospel (good news) is being preached to the poor? You seem not to have the ability to answer that.

Then you quoted Luke... Saying Jesus said "poor" not "poor in spirit ". I simply stopped you in your tracks and talk you Jesus didn't say the kingdom of God is for the poor... But poor in spirit.

Going by the bolded your bible reference of Matthew 5:3 is wrong.

What is good news to a poor man?

I'll like you to read Jesus words in Rev. 2:9 and 3:17 and understand what kind of riches is important to Jesus and which Christians should pursue! If it is material wealth or spiritual one!

I won't.

You can't grasp this little, I won't go any further with you.

Cheers mate!

vfactor:
Good point! You brought it out just the way I wanted it.

Nay... I caught you lying and trying to twist scriptures.

Therefore if the poor were in spirit

Bible said... "poor in spirit "... It's different from "the poor were in spirit"

, the "prosperity gospel" Jesus supposedly preached would be in spirit and not material wealth. Don't you agree?

2 Corinthians 8:9 kjv
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Was the above talking about spiritual wealth? Have you forgotten that the moment we got born again, we became heirs of God, having all Jesus has, because we're the seed of Abraham?

Meaning the Christian is not the poor trying to be rich, but the rich discovering his inheritance.

By the way I wasn't twisting the scripture, I was only helping my brother to reason on his argument!

Poor in spirit is different from poor folks. Simple.. Your Bible reference was wrong too

Kenny4lyfe:

A simple question as, "What is goodnews to the poor?" don blow into full glare debate.

E tire me too o. Simple question here has got adults going back and forth without a short and precise answer.

this thread is gonna bounce back to anti-tithe issues soon enough!
By the way, has anyone caught a sniff of that anti-tithe tract?
Chai

Hahahahahahhahahaha. Those noise makers made their noises, it's over a year now, no tract.

Pastorkun, drummaboy aka winsomex, and their band failed miserably, and it was appalling.

Frosbel deactivated his account, obviously in shame, and could not provide em tracts. It's an excellent example of "talk is cheap"...yet these folks criticise those who wrote books that's still travelling round the world...yet, they cannot set up a tract production and distribution successfully.

Give Him True Worship - Wednesday, October 7th .

Pastor Chris

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him (John 4:23).

There's something about love; love for God; it makes a worshipper out of you. Love makes you a worshipper, not just a singer. God is not looking for "singers"; He's looking for true worshippers. There's a great difference between a worshipper and a singer. The Bible does tell us about the singers in Israel, but lets us know that David was a worshipper.

Some Christians believe God made them "prayer warriors", and they're wrong, because true worshippers are what He seeks; not "prayer warriors". If they'd become worshippers, they won't need to "war" in prayers. What are they "warring" against in the first place? Is it Satan? He's been defeated. Could it be the world? Jesus said, "I have overcome the world"; and He did it for us.

Perhaps, they're "warring" against the flesh then; but that's also pointless, because Galatians 5:24 says, "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts". When you know this, you won't need to "war" in prayers; you'll rather worship the Lord from your heart —in spirit and in truth— for who He is and for all He's done.

Worship creates the atmosphere for the divine touch of the Spirit in your life. He didn't tell us to worship Him so we could get "something" from Him, or so He could take some glory out of it; no. He wants us to worship Him because when we do, our spiritual eyes are opened to behold His glory.
At that point, you forget about yourself because He's the only One who matters. His glory mantles your entire being and you're transformed in His presence, and lifted to higher levels! The world just seems to melt away; all you see is the Lord as you're absorbed in His love. So, give Him true worship today, and walk in the Word in continual victory.

Prayer...
Dear Father, you've made my life so beautiful; you've crowned me with your glory and filled me with your wisdom, righteousness, mercies and grace. For these, O Lord, I worship you; for you alone are God. You're exalted above the heavens, and your glory is upon my life, and revealed in all the earth. All honour, majesty and power are yours now and forever, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Psalm 29:2
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 1:1-23, Isaiah 44-45

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 4:19-29, 1 Kings 13

Goshen360:
Why you dey answer kweshun with kweshun naw? You already know the answer naw. We preach to the poor by dashing them money isn't it?

How many times did you read Jesus went around dashing poor people monies?

*hmmmm... I'm not saying dashing them monies is wrong o, before you guys develop a new theory about what I typed

vfactor:
You havn't answered my question: Did Jesus preach prosperity?

I did

Well u can preach this kind of gospel to the poor:

Lu 6:20

How convenient it is for you to twist the Bible to get your fallacy out, in full glare...

It's Matt 5:3, and it says
Blessed are the poor in [size=18pt]spirit[/size] : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


Thanks

Goshen360:
Poor in what sense? Abi you wan pretend not to know how scripture use the word poor? If he was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor, doesn't that explain the the context of poor as regards preaching to them or you see Jesus dashing money to the poor ni?

N.B: I'm not promoting poverty but don't be reading your own meaning into scriptures, let them speak for themselves in context except you doing word study and meaning.

What is good news (gospel) to the poor?

Annunaki:
I see you have edited the op.

It's because joagbaje has the same topic on.

vfactor:
Please share!

Luke 4:18 kjv
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

What gospel do you preach to the poor?

Joagbaje:
You misunderstand the message of prosperity. Love of money has to do with worldliness. Prosperity has to do with living above poverty. Which is if the devil . We use our wealth to serve God and others not on ourselves .

It's amazing how folks think that all rich folks have love for money

It's a shame folks cling to envy and needless bitterness over the successes of others.

Annunaki:
The love of money by Oyedepo, Oyakhilome, Idahosa, Okonkwo, Ashimolowo and other merchandisers of the gospel readily come to mind here.

Abundance of monies by other folks should not get you bitter Bro!

Shun The Love of Money - Tuesday, October 6th .

Pastor Chris

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

As a Christian, it's important for you to understand who you really are. You're not of this world. In the world today, there're many who, against their conscience, will do anything for money. This happens in different forms in many societies, and it may seem normal, but it's wrong.

You're different. When others are running after money and doing terrible and inordinate things for money, seek the wisdom of God: "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold" (Proverbs 8:10). Go for wisdom! Don't let money be your motivation. Money is a tool. If you function in divine wisdom, money will come to you, because money responds to wisdom.

The Word says, "the love of money...", not "the abundance of it", is the root of all evil. Someone can be poor and love money. How do you know you love money? It's determined by how much you or your actions are controlled by money; the desire for it or the lack of it. When someone is willing to do the wrong thing because of money, he's being driven by the love of money that God warns against.

Don't be unjust because of money. Don't deny others what rightfully belongs to them because of your desire to amass more for yourself. The Bible lets us know that true prosperity will elude those who pursue money instead of seeking God's Kingdom and His righteousness.

Maintain a good conscience. It's not what you have in the bank that counts; it's who you are on the inside that really counts. So, consistently develop your personality through the Word. Work on "being", and not on "having", for with who you are, you'll have.

Prayer...
Precious Father, you hold success in store for the upright; and you're a shield to those whose walk is blameless. I'm prosperous and successful in all things, because you're with me; I'm guided by your wisdom, and your infallible truths are my delight and meditation! Thus, I have all that I require for a joyous, successful, and victorious life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Proverbs 3:13-15
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Hebrews 13:5 AMP
Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 4:4-23, Isaiah 42-43

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 4:10-18, 1 Kings 12

Our Righteousness Is From Him - Monday, October 5th .

Pastor Chris

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isaiah 54:17).

Your righteousness is from the Lord. This is what Paul referenced when He said in Philippians 3:9: "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." So, if for instance, you stand against the devil and he says, "I know you; you're not righteous; you can't cast me out"; all you need say to him is, "Shut up devil! I'm the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! Get out, in Jesus' Name!"

However, if you're ignorant of this truth, the devil could deceive you, and even go as far as threatening you, because you don't know what you have. Know who you are and what you have. You're the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Paul said, "I don't want to be found with my own righteousness; my righteousness doesn't count; I want His righteousness!" That's what we read in Philippians 3:9.

It's His righteousness that matters; and that's what you have. Glory to God! Your own human righteousness, which is based on your human perfection, is as filthy rags: "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..." (Isaiah 64:6).

Did you see that? You don't need your own righteousness; embrace His righteousness. Oh! Thanks be unto God for His righteousness! He paid the price: "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:17).
Righteousness isn't something you work for; it's a gift from God. Being born again, you've been justified freely in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24); you've received God's righteousness. Glory to His Name forever!

prayer...
Dear Father, my confidence is in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on my behalf, through which I have been made righteous. Now, I can stand boldly before you, in love and fellowship, without guilt, condemnation, or inferiority! By grace, and through the gift of righteousness that I've received, I rule and reign over the devil and circumstances, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Ephesians 2:5
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 3:12-4:1-3, Isaiah 40-41

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 4:1-9, 1 Kings 10-11

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come (1 Corinthians 11:25-26).

The Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, captures for us the words of Jesus the night He was betrayed. Notice what the 26th verse of our opening scripture says: "For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do SHEW the Lord's death till he come". The underlined word is the Greek "kataggello", which means to proclaim, declare, and make known; to testify! As often as you take the Holy Communion, you're announcing, proclaiming, declaring, and making known the Lord's death. What's the benefit of this?

First is the significance of His blood that He shed for us, which we'll forever talk about. That's the blood that purges you, cleanses you, and speaks for you when anything goes wrong. 1 John 2:2 says, "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." His blood was divine; that's the blood that reconciled us to God and by which we've received eternal life. By His blood, we've been justified and saved from wrath (Romans 5:9). Blessed be God!

When we talk about His blood, we're actually referring to His death. He made a new will —the New Testament. And a will is of no effect until the testator dies. So, we proclaim His death, because we know God raised Him from the dead, that we might live. His death is the testimony of the will that has been ratified, by which we've received all the Abrahamic blessings.

Stand strong in your faith in the blood of Jesus. Through Him, not only have we obtained remission of sins, we've also received justification by His resurrection from the dead. Man's salvation was granted on the basis of His shed blood. Our faith in His resurrection is an absolute faith and declaration of His death: for if there were no death, there would have been no resurrection.

The Significance Of His Death - Sunday, October 4th .

Pastor Chris

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come (1 Corinthians 11:25-26).

The Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, captures for us the words of Jesus the night He was betrayed. Notice what the 26th verse of our opening scripture says: "For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do SHEW the Lord's death till he come". The underlined word is the Greek "kataggello", which means to proclaim, declare, and make known; to testify! As often as you take the Holy Communion, you're announcing, proclaiming, declaring, and making known the Lord's death. What's the benefit of this?

First is the significance of His blood that He shed for us, which we'll forever talk about. That's the blood that purges you, cleanses you, and speaks for you when anything goes wrong. 1 John 2:2 says, "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." His blood was divine; that's the blood that reconciled us to God and by which we've received eternal life. By His blood, we've been justified and saved from wrath (Romans 5:9). Blessed be God!

When we talk about His blood, we're actually referring to His death. He made a new will —the New Testament. And a will is of no effect until the testator dies. So, we proclaim His death, because we know God raised Him from the dead, that we might live. His death is the testimony of the will that has been ratified, by which we've received all the Abrahamic blessings.

Stand strong in your faith in the blood of Jesus. Through Him, not only have we obtained remission of sins, we've also received justification by His resurrection from the dead. Man's salvation was granted on the basis of His shed blood. Our faith in His resurrection is an absolute faith and declaration of His death: for if there were no death, there would have been no resurrection.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I'm forever grateful for the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for me, and through which I've been reconciled to you and now have eternal life. That blood purges, cleanses me from all unrighteousness, and speaks glorious things on my behalf. Every time I take the communion, I announce, declare, and proclaim the Lord's death, which has ushered me into the divine life of unending victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 2:19-3:1-11, Isaiah 38-39

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 3:22-36, 1 Kings 9

You Represent A Spiritual Kingdom - Saturday,
October 3rd

Pastor Chris

And set your minds {and} keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth (Colossians 3:2 AMP).

Do you realize that the Christian ministry is a spiritual ministry? Indeed, it is! The Kingdom of God is a spiritual Kingdom. The Lord Jesus said, "…My Kingdom is not of this world…" (John 18:36), which means He actually does have a Kingdom, except that it’s not of this world. By virtue of the new birth, we’ve become citizens of that spiritual kingdom of God.

This is the realm from which God expects you to function. This world isn’t your permanent home; you’re here only as a pilgrim. According to the Bible, we’re only going to be in this world for a season because one day, the whole earth will be replaced with another one (Revelations 21:1). Therefore, you must set your focus on those things that truly matter, and not on the transient pleasures of this present world. Colossians 3:2-4 says, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

Until, and unless you come to that level in your life where Christ is your focus, you’ll be living an empty life. Let nothing else compete with your love for the Lord. Get to that point where your love for Jesus and attention on the expansion of His kingdom is all that matters to you.

Prayer...
Precious Father, I thank you for the privilege and honour of being a vital member of your spiritual Kingdom. Loving you and living for you is all that matters to me; and I declare my commitment to the expansion of the Kingdom, as I propagate the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Galatians 2:20;
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Philippians 3:20 (GNB): We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven.

1 - Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 2:1-18 Isaiah 35-37

2 - Year Bible Reading plan : John 3:9-21 1 Kings 8

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18).

Prevailing with God in prayer is sacrosanct, and it's really what you need. But you see, if you're going to prevail with God in prayer, and have results from Him, then before you begin such prayer —whether for yourself, somebody else, or about any situation— the first thing is to repent of your sins, peradventure you've not been living right.

There're different kinds of sins that people commit; for instance, it can be the sin of pride and arrogance; if you don't repent of them, you can't prevail with God. The same is applicable to any other kind of sin. You can't prevail with God in prayer, because that sin will be in your heart, and like David said, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).

Isaiah said, "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Christianity is a walk in righteousness. You can't fellowship with God upon your sins; He's a just, righteous and holy God.
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).

You don't have to sin, but if you do, repent quickly, receive forgiveness and live right. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." His Word is a cleanser; it sanctifies and purifies your heart of sin and all unrighteousness. Give yourself to the Word. His Word is the true light to guide you always in the path of righteousness.

Get Rid Of Sin - Friday, October 2nd

Pastor Chris

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18).

Prevailing with God in prayer is sacrosanct, and it's really what you need. But you see, if you're going to prevail with God in prayer, and have results from Him, then before you begin such prayer —whether for yourself, somebody else, or about any situation— the first thing is to repent of your sins, peradventure you've not been living right.

There're different kinds of sins that people commit; for instance, it can be the sin of pride and arrogance; if you don't repent of them, you can't prevail with God. The same is applicable to any other kind of sin. You can't prevail with God in prayer, because that sin will be in your heart, and like David said, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).

Isaiah said, "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Christianity is a walk in righteousness. You can't fellowship with God upon your sins; He's a just, righteous and holy God.
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).

You don't have to sin, but if you do, repent quickly, receive forgiveness and live right. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." His Word is a cleanser; it sanctifies and purifies your heart of sin and all unrighteousness. Give yourself to the Word. His Word is the true light to guide you always in the path of righteousness.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I'm grateful for your love. You've purified my heart to walk with you in righteousness. My life is for your glory, and I walk worthy of you, pleasing you in all things, as I bear fruits of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Colossians 3:5-6
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 1:1-30, Isaiah 33-34

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 3:1-8, 1 Kings 7

Win First, In The Spirit - Thursday 1st October 2015

Pastor Chris

And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day (Genesis 32:24).

Before your victory shows on the outside, you need to win first in the spirit. We prevail first with God, before we prevail with men.
This readily brings to mind the picture of Jacob, when he wanted to return to his homeland with all that God had blessed him with. But then, he remembered there was a problem. He had cheated his brother several years before, which resulted in his seeking asylum in another land. And his brother, Esau, who had become a very strong man, vowed to take revenge against him. So, Jacob had every reason to be afraid.

When Esau heard that Jacob was coming home, he got this army ready to attack Jacob. Jacob knew he was in trouble and could lose everything, including his life, if he did nothing about the situation. So, he decided to “settle” the matter with God. He knew he’d have to prevail with God first, to prevail with his brother Esau. The Bible tells us that the angel of the Lord appeared to Jacob, and Jacob wrestled with the angel all night long (Genesis 32:24).

Now, there’re so many interpretations of that account, but the most significant thing about this experience that Jacob had with the Lord is the lesson on prayer: “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” The angel said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” But Jacob declared, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). This was Jacob, prevailing in prayer!

Hosea 12:3-5 says “ He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.”
It was during this encounter that his name was changed to Israel, leading to a complete turnaround in his life. The angel said, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Genesis 32:28). You see that? He prevailed with God.

Prevailing with God doesn’t mean forcing Him to do something; no. It’s winning first in the spirit! It’s when you continue in heartfelt intercession until you gain the victory in your spirit; seeing and apprehending your victory in the spirit. When you win first in the spirit, nothing in this world will be able to successfully stand against you.

PR
Prayer...
Dear Father, You’ve shown forth the splendour of Your right hand on my behalf! Your right hand upholds me and I’m lifted valiantly above circumstances, triumphing always, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Ephesians 6:10-24
Isaiah 31-32

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 2:12-25 1 Kings 6

We're His Completeness - Wednesday, September 30th .

Pastor Chris

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence (Colossians 1:18).

Everything that comes out of God is God. In John 6:63, the Lord Jesus said, "...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." Everything that comes out of Him has His identity, power, and life in it. Think about it: even the words He speaks carry His life. Now, this doesn't mean everything that comes out of Him is His person, but that they carry His life. It's like the human body: every part of your body, no matter how small, has your DNA, but this doesn't mean every part of your body is you, per se. It's the totality of all the parts that make up your person.

In the same way, did you know that Jesus isn't complete without us? And by "us" I mean the Church. You may never have heard this before; but it's true. We're one with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17); it's the Father's grand design for Him to need us just as we need Him; He's our glory as we're His glory.

Ephesians 1:22-23 says, "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." He's the one who fills everything (Ephesians 4:10), yet His fullness is the Church, which is His body. We're His completeness, and we're complete in Him: "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:9-10).

This should help you understand your importance and relevance to Christ. You're "in Him", and He's "in you". Without you, He can't reach the hurting and the lost in the world. Through you, He's able to express His love to others on a daily basis, and establish His Kingdom in the hearts of men. You're His extension here on earth because you hail from Him. This makes you a world overcome because "...whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world..." (1 John 5:4).

Confession...
The nature and glory of Christ is in me; therefore, I have what He says I have and I can do what He says I can do. No circumstance or situation is insurmountable to me, because my victory is assured in Christ. I'm His glory just as He's my glory. Halleluiah!

Further Study:
Colossians 2:10
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 5:22-6:9, Isaiah 29-30

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 2:1-11, 1 Kings 5

Replenish And Subdue - Tuesday, September 29th .

Pastor Chris

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth (Genesis 1:28).

God made this world, and gave Adam the authority to run it. He placed all things under him, and gave him dominion, to be in charge of everything, living and non-living (Genesis 1:26). When He said to man, "Replenish the earth", the word "replenish" brings to mind some very important thoughts. The beautiful world God created had become a chaotic mass, and He blessed man and charged him to replenish it. To replenish means to refill, refurbish, replace, repair, or restore.

That means something had gone wrong; there was a devil out there who had ruined things, and man was given the opportunity and responsibility to fix it. That's the beautiful life to which we've been called in Christ: a life of dominion, authority, blessings, and control over the world in which we live. We're to tame this world and subdue it.

However, God didn't charge us to subdue one another, in the earth. What He wants from us concerning one another is to walk in love. 1 John 4:7-8 says, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

As you walk in dominion and authority over the world and its elements, over the vagaries of nature, He says, "Love one another." Don't exert undue dominion over others because each one of us is made in the image and likeness of our heavenly Father.

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the honour and privilege of the beautiful life I've been called into: a life of dominion, authority and blessings; a life of control over the world, the forces of nature and the elements of this world. I effectively reign over circumstances, to the glory and praise of your Name, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Matthew 8:26-27
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Mark 11:23
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 5:3-21, Isaiah 27-28

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 1:43-51, 1 Kings 4

Invest Your Time In Spiritual Things - Monday, September 28th .

Pastor Chris

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Time is an asset, which you must learn to invest wisely. Investing your time wisely means investing your time in spiritual things. Moses had this on his mind when he prayed to the Lord to "...Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Each day you live is an opportunity to accomplish so much, but the question is: How well do you schedule your day?

When you wake up in the morning, don't just roll off your bed and stumble blindly into the day. Spend quality time first to fellowship with the Holy Spirit in prayer and in the Word. Ask Him to guide you as you schedule your activities for the day and prioritize your daily activities. Ask Him to help you save time, and you'd discover how much you're able to accomplish for the Kingdom on a daily basis. Then, you'll become more productive, effective and progressive.

Remember that life's got no extra time; so, make every day count by doing only those things that'll advance the Kingdom of God, and improve your life. There're people who have desired for a long time to read the entire Bible in one year but haven't been able to achieve this. Some start but don't complete it. "I usually don't have enough time", they lament, trying to exonerate themselves, but that's not a good enough excuse. Time is a fixed asset; it's only twenty-four hours in one day; so we have to prioritize.

If you were wishing to have more time to study God's Word, the truth is, you may never get it. What you need is to create the time to study the Word, and schedule your prayer times as well, because your whole future depends on it. Proverbs 1:32-33 says, "For the turning away of the simple shall slay them...." The "simple" are those who ignore truth; they ignore revelation and never take spiritual things seriously. They know it's important to pray, but they're too busy to do so. God calls them the simple, and He says their complacent attitude shall make them victims in life.

Don't be like the simple, who would rather do other things than spend time on spiritual matters. Choose always to be spiritually alert so that when the "evil day" comes, it'll meet you well prepared and you'll know what to do.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the guidance of your Spirit in my life, and the wisdom that you impart to me each day. I'm continually yielded to the Lordship of your Word. Thus, my steps are ordered in victory, success, and excellence, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Psalm 33:10
The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 4:17-5:1-2, Isaiah 25-26

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 1:35-42, 1 Kings 3

Disconnected From The Past - Sunday, September 27th .

Pastor Chris

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

When Jesus died, you died with Him; when He was buried, you were buried with Him; and when He resurrected, you also arose with Him into a newness of life. Your past was backdated to Calvary, and your new life started with the resurrection of Jesus Christ: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

Anyone who has received Christ is a new species of being that never existed before. The old man has been crucified with Christ but there's a new man with a new life in his place now. No wonder Colossians 3:10 says, "...put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." In Romans 7:6, the Apostle Paul, emphasizing our disconnection from the past and old ways of life, admonished that we serve God in the newness of spirit: "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."

It doesn't matter who you are, and what you've achieved; what counts with God is that you're born again and thus, have become a new creation in Christ Jesus: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature" (Galatians 6:15).

Until a man is born again, he'll wander in darkness. He'll be affected and limited by his nationality, educational background, environment, earthly lineage, etc. But when you're born again, something new happens. Suddenly, you're brought into God's class of being. All of those factors cease to be the dominant factors of your life, because you now live by new principles of life; you have the nature of God, and live by His Word!

It doesn't matter what you were born with; it doesn't matter what infirmity your great-grand father had. If you're in Christ, you're severed from everything of the past; no more darkness! It makes no difference how terrible your entire life has been; you're in Christ now. Therefore, everything has changed! The past is gone. You have a new life. Walk with this consciousness!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the new life I've received in Christ. I'm a brand new species, with the life and nature of God in my spirit. I'm thus more than a conqueror; I live in dominion over Satan and this world, walking in righteousness, and in the liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Isaiah 43:18-19
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

James 1:18
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 4:1-16, Isaiah 23-24

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 1:24-34, 1 Kings 2

Joy Has Expressions!
Saturday, September 26th - Pastor Chris

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:7-8 ).

Our opening text is an account of events in Samaria when Philip, the evangelist, preached Christ in the city. The power of God's Word prevailed mightily, such that many were healed and set free from demons. The result was that the city erupted in joy. The Bible specifically records that there was great joy in that city.

How do you know that someone is joyful? Through their expressions! Joy has expressions. Laughter is an expression of joy. Praising God —being exultant and exuberant with praise to Him —is an expression of joy. Singing songs of praise in thanksgiving is an expression of joy. The Bible says, "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms" (James 5:13). Express your joy in the Lord.

Joy is one of the fruits of the recreated human spirit (Galatians 5:22); therefore, your joy as a child of God should be independent of circumstances. It shouldn't be based on what's happening to you or around you; it shouldn't have anything to do with what others say or do to you. You can be joyful in the midst of trouble.

Paul and Silas were cast into prison, persecuted for preaching the Gospel. Nevertheless, "At midnight", (it doesn't get darker than it gets at midnight), they prayed and sang praises to God, and the other prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25).

They expressed their joy, and the result was a supernatural jailbreak. God shook up the prison, broke their bands and flung the gates open. They remained joyful in adversity, and gave expression to their joy.

You must learn to give expression to your joy. Always be cheerful and exuberant with praise, knowing that it takes a joyful and happy person to make others joyful and happy. If you're not joyful, you can't effectively preach the Gospel and win others to Christ.

Prayer...
I thank you Father for making my life a bundle of joy and happiness. Your joy in my heart is my strength, and with joy, I draw out prosperity, peace, success, health and other blessings from deep within me today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Job 5:22
At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

2 Chronicles 20:22
And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 3:1-21, Isaiah 19-22

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 1:14-23, 1 Kings 1

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart (Ephesians 4:17-18).


The verses above reveal the dangerous plight of the unbeliever.

He's in spiritual darkness and is alienated; that is, cut off from the life of God. Ephesians 2:3 further refers to them as children of wrath. That means children appointed unto the wrath or anger of God. What a terrible state for anyone to be! Ephesians 2:12 refers to them as "hopeless and without God in the world."

While still a student on campus many years ago, I read this portion of Scripture and it got me thinking. I considered the students on campus that were living without God, and thought, "Dear Lord, how could anyone live in such darkness?

How could they go to bed at night, and live another day without God?"
I was moved with compassion and began to intercede for them: "O, God, don't let them die and go to hell without receiving Christ. Help me to reach them with the news of your saving power, and your eternal plan for all mankind."

I felt constrained to tell them about Jesus, because nothing could be more damning than living without God and having no hope in the world!

This should make you think about your friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbours and associates that aren't born again. They're hopeless in the world, without Christ.

You can't afford to let them keep living without God, drifting farther and farther into the abyss of darkness. Let the hopelessness of their situation compel you to intercede for them. Pray that they'd be delivered from the domain of darkness and the power of Satan unto the glorious liberty of the sons of God. You may be the only one with the opportunity to touch their lives with the Gospel.

Therefore, preach to them and teach them the Word. Tell them God loves them so much He sent Jesus to die for them (John 3:16)..

Contribute your time, effort, and resources to soul-winning. Be known for your passion for the Lord, His Gospel, and the souls of men.

Think About The Lost - Friday, September 25th .

Pastor Chris

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart (Ephesians 4:17-18).

The verses above reveal the dangerous plight of the unbeliever.
He's in spiritual darkness and is alienated; that is, cut off from the life of God. Ephesians 2:3 further refers to them as children of wrath. That means children appointed unto the wrath or anger of God. What a terrible state for anyone to be! Ephesians 2:12 refers to them as "hopeless and without God in the world."

While still a student on campus many years ago, I read this portion of Scripture and it got me thinking. I considered the students on campus that were living without God, and thought, "Dear Lord, how could anyone live in such darkness?

How could they go to bed at night, and live another day without God?"
I was moved with compassion and began to intercede for them: "O, God, don't let them die and go to hell without receiving Christ. Help me to reach them with the news of your saving power, and your eternal plan for all mankind." I felt constrained to tell them about Jesus, because nothing could be more damning than living without God and having no hope in the world!

This should make you think about your friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbours and associates that aren't born again. They're hopeless in the world, without Christ.

You can't afford to let them keep living without God, drifting farther and farther into the abyss of darkness. Let the hopelessness of their situation compel you to intercede for them. Pray that they'd be delivered from the domain of darkness and the power of Satan unto the glorious liberty of the sons of God. You may be the only one with the opportunity to touch their lives with the Gospel.

Therefore, preach to them and teach them the Word. Tell them God loves them so much He sent Jesus to die for them (John 3:16).
Contribute your time, effort, and resources to soul-winning. Be known for your passion for the Lord, His Gospel, and the souls of men.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for enlightening me through your blessed Word on the value of every soul. I pray for all those who're unsaved, my friends, relatives, colleagues and associates, to be delivered from darkness unto light, and be turned from the power of Satan unto God, and become partakers of your righteousness, in Jesus' mighty Name. Amen.

Further Study:
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Mark 16:15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Psalm 67:2 (TLB)
Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 2:11-22, Isaiah 15-18

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 1:1-13,2 Samuel 23-24

Challenges: Life’s Exams For Your Promotion - Thursday, 24th September

Pastor Chris

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

The Christian life is a journey, and in that journey, there’re challenges. These challenges are springboards for your promotion.

Some have thought the moment they became Christians, they would no longer face challenges. Bewildered, they ask, “Why do I still have troubles? Why do I still have problems with my health? Why is it that when I pray, the things I pray about don’t happen instantly?” These and other related questions puzzle their minds from time to time.

If there’re no challenges to your faith, your faith can’t be strengthened. Life isn’t about how smooth things are; you aren’t promoted without the tests of life; that’s what challenges are. God has to let you face certain things so you can exercise your faith and win; and when you do, you’re decorated for more. Never buckle in the day of trouble. Don’t cry. Instead, eyeball the devil and say, “Devil, no matter what you do, I’m more than a conqueror. Greater is He that’s in me, than he that’s in the world.”

Learn from the Apostle Paul who despite the tribulations, trials, and temptations he faced, didn’t buckle under the pressure. Rather, he latched on to the consolation of the Holy Spirit, while consoling and comforting others who were in trouble with the same comfort he had received. That same comfort of the Holy Spirit is available for you today. Therefore, no matter the challenges you face, they’re bread for you. Stand tall and refuse to fear. Keep the Word of victory in your mouth!

You have the comfort of the Word, and the consolation of the Holy Spirit, to go on and win! No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper.1 John 4 :4 says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the strength, comfort, boldness and faith that your word ministers to my spirit. I’m confident to withstand and subdue the challenges that may come my way, conscious that they're the springboards for my promotion, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 5:3
And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Ephesians 1:15-2:1-10 Isaiah 13-14

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 24:40-53 2 Samuel 21-22