₦airaland Forum

tought times ahead

when i read this line

Okechukwu Eze said that “my client has been in his house over the threat of arrest by the EFCC and have been denied the liberty to perform his legislative duties as mandated by voters of Kano central District. ”

i was like...

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Be Full Of Joy - Wednesday, July 1st .

Pastor Chris

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8 ).

Being happy and full of joy is a personal decision and choice that you have to make. Demons attach themselves to people to make them restless, confused, sad, and depressed. Once the devil can knock the joy out of someone, he has that one in a corner. The Bible says, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). That joy is in your spirit; stir it up all the time.

One of the ways to fan the embers of joy in your spirit is fellowship with the Holy Spirit; Romans 14:17 says, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost". Being born again, you're born into Christ; the environment of the Spirit, where there's glory, life, righteousness, peace, and joy. Those who function outside that environment are the ones who face disappointments, frustrations, discomfort, depression, and insurmountable challenges in life! They're easily agitated, bitter, angry, and frustrated, because nothing seems to be working out in their lives. Frustrated people frustrate others; unhappy people make others unhappy; hurting people hurt others.

However, once you come into this alignment with God, synchronized with His will and purpose for your life through the Holy Spirit, your joy will overflow. People would wonder how you're able to remain joyful and on top, in the midst of challenges.

In John 15:11, Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full". The Lord's desire is for His joy to be in you twenty-four hours a day, irrespective of the circumstances you face. He's given you joy that isn't dependent on the happenings around you; joy that flows from your spirit - joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8 ).

Refuse to wear a sad look as though the weight of the whole world is on your shoulders. Jesus has taken your sorrows and He's brought you into His joy, abundance and peace. Philippians 4:4 says, " Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice". This isn't a suggestion, but an instruction from the Lord! Make it a point of duty to always give thanks and be glad in everything, and at all times. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says: "Rejoice evermore". Glory to God forever. Halleluiah!

Confession...
I'm full of joy, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit today! I live in God's presence where fullness of joy and pleasures abound forevermore. My life is the testimony of God's grace and goodness, and I rejoice always in the Lord! Halleluiah!

Further Study:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 15:22-35, Esther 5-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 6:1-11, Deuteronomy 29

He Can Change His Mind! - Tuesday, June 30th .

Pastor Chris

And the LORD changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people (Exodus 32:14 NRSV).

The Bible tells a story in 2 Kings 20 about King Hezekiah. He was deathly ill, and the Lord sent the Prophet Isaiah to tell him he would die. Upon hearing this news, he turned his face toward the wall and prayed, weeping sorely. The Lord spoke to Isaiah, and he went back to tell the king the Lord had heard his prayer, and added fifteen more years to his life. You may then wonder, "Does God change His mind?"

This story doesn't suggest that God made a decision to shorten Hezekiah's life. He was to die on the basis of God's righteousness and laws previously given. He had taken some wrong steps, and God sent the prophet to tell him he would die, because the Old Testament law states that the soul that sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:4). The king however repented and changed his ways, and it became unrighteous for God to continue in that decision, which was based on the previous moral condition. Thus, the Lord actually changed His mind.

This doesn't mean He changes His standards; but it becomes inconsistent with His character to go ahead and punish a man who already repented. Everyone who sins is condemned as the Bible says, but through salvation in Christ Jesus, repentance is possible.

In case you're in a situation, and you want the Lord to change His mind, you have to change first. If you change your state, your way of doing things, then God would, in consistency with His character, also change how He deals with you. The Bible says He gives more grace! Walk in His light and His grace, and you'll find that the favour of God can be multiplied in your life continually, as you walk with Him, pleasing Him.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for enlightening my heart with the revelations of your Word today. I'm synchronized with the Spirit, knowing and walking in your perfect will for me. Through your Spirit, I walk worthy of you unto all pleasing, fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Amos 7:1-6 NKJV Thus the Lord God showed me: Behold, He formed locust swarms at the beginning of the late crop; indeed it was the late crop after the king’s mowings. 2 And so it was, when they had finished eating the grass of the land, that I said: “O Lord God, forgive, I pray! Oh, that Jacob may stand, For he is small!” 3 So the Lord relented concerning this. “It shall not be,” said the Lord. 4 Thus the Lord God showed me: Behold, the Lord God called for conflict by fire, and it consumed the great deep and devoured the territory. 5 Then I said: “O Lord God, cease, I pray! Oh, that Jacob may stand, For he is small!” 6 So the Lord relented concerning this. “This also shall not be,” said the Lord God.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 15:1-21, Esther 1-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 5:27-39, Deuteronomy 28

Take Your Place In The Ministry of The Gospel . - Monday, June 29th .

Pastor Chris

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:7-.

As you study the Bible, you'll find that God never arrogated absolutely to Himself, all the powers of change for human lives. He never told us, for example, that He was going to win souls by Himself. He told us to do that. He told us to heal the sick; He didn't say, "Ask me to do it; or pray for me to do it"; no! He lets us know that it's our responsibility, but we function with His authority. What a blessing!

The Bible says, "And they (the disciples) went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen" (Mark 16:20). This is what is happening in our day! As we preach the Gospel, the Lord confirms our message. Signs and wonders take place!
Get bold for Christ. Preach the Gospel with passion, and as you do, the Lord will confirm His Word with signs following. We have something to give to the world;

it's the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Recall again what the Lord said: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely also give (Matthew 10:. He has given us both the power and authority to do mighty works in His Name and effectively demonstrate the character o the Spirit to our world.

Therefore, take your place in the ministry of the Gospel. Preach the Gospel with boldness.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I rejoice that you counted me faithful to be a minister of reconciliation, and an effective partner with you in evangelizing the world, thus impacting many lives with the blessings of the Gospel, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 14:1-28, Nehemiah 11-13

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 5:12-26, Deuteronomy 27

^^
You just showed the world you don't even know your Bible.

A quick quiz please...

How does a church pay salaries?
Renovation and repairs?
New acquisitions?
New buildings?
Charity?
Crusades? Etc

Offerings?... : How much do you even give? Offerings and tithes at times is not even enough for the work... God still send folks with monies... Because His work must be done.

Let me just slide to the background... And read

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:52-53).

As a child of God, you need to be aware that God has assigned angels to you, to minister, not just to you, but for you. They're at your service: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). So, when for example, you make a decree in the Name of Jesus, your angels enforce it; they see to it that it happens. What do you want done? Give the word and dispatch your angels.

Observe Hebrews 1:14 carefully; it says angels are "...ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" That means they SERVE you. However, they do so under the authority of Jesus; they carry out the things you say in the Name of the Lord Jesus. They don't carry out human instructions. Jesus gave us the power of attorney to use His Name. So, when you use the Name of Jesus, you're no longer using your human authority; you're using the authority of Jesus Christ!

Let's consider the words of the Master in our opening verse. Peter wanted to fight for Him, with his sword, but Jesus stopped him and said, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:52-53).
Jesus was fully aware that if He gave the word, the angels were under obligation to take action! This is for every one of us. He, however, gave us insight into how He was able to command such ministry so easily when He said, "...the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works" (John 14:10).
Angels respond to God's Word (Psalm 103:20). As long as you function within the ambit of God's perfect will, angels will be at your service; they'll be happy to work with, and for you.

Angels At Your Service!

Sunday, June 28th .

Pastor Chris

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:52-53).

As a child of God, you need to be aware that God has assigned angels to you, to minister, not just to you, but for you. They're at your service: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). So, when for example, you make a decree in the Name of Jesus, your angels enforce it; they see to it that it happens. What do you want done? Give the word and dispatch your angels.

Observe Hebrews 1:14 carefully; it says angels are "...ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" That means they SERVE you. However, they do so under the authority of Jesus; they carry out the things you say in the Name of the Lord Jesus. They don't carry out human instructions. Jesus gave us the power of attorney to use His Name. So, when you use the Name of Jesus, you're no longer using your human authority; you're using the authority of Jesus Christ!

Let's consider the words of the Master in our opening verse. Peter wanted to fight for Him, with his sword, but Jesus stopped him and said, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:52-53).
Jesus was fully aware that if He gave the word, the angels were under obligation to take action! This is for every one of us. He, however, gave us insight into how He was able to command such ministry so easily when He said, "...the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works" (John 14:10).
Angels respond to God's Word (Psalm 103:20). As long as you function within the ambit of God's perfect will, angels will be at your service; they'll be happy to work with, and for you.

Confession...
The Lord has sent His angels before me to minister for me daily! As I make declarations of the Word, they're dispatched to establish the words of my mouth and ensure that the words that I speak don't come back to me void. I'm never alone, because the host of heaven is with me always!

Further Study:
Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Luke 1:13
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 13:13-52, Nehemiah 9-10

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 5:1-11, Deuteronomy 26

TheShopKeeper:
Please just for clarification, are we meant to tithe on the income we receive before tax or tithe on the amount after tax?

Tithe of all thy increase... It's a faith thing you know?

WinsomeX:
The tithes and offerings mentioned in Malachi 3 is not the same tithes and offerings collected in our churches today.

1. The tithes of Malachi 3 was meat or food:

Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house...

And scriptures informs us what this food items were:

Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD... 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

These food items were agricultural products: fruit of the tree, seed of the ground and tenth of the herd.

The tithe of Malachi 3 was not money, talk less salary.

2. The offerings of Malachi 3 was not money either. This is what the Levitical offerings consisted of:

Leviticus 7:37 This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;

This verse comes at the close of God's instructions to Moses after enacting the levitical offerings. It offers us quick summary of what their offerings were. There is no "money" offering among any. What the church gives in the name of offerings could best be called collections, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. No one collected offerings talk less tithes in the New Testament. At most they collected a "collection" for a purpose and after that purpose was met, everyone kept their monies to themselves.

come on buddy...don't you get tired of sounding funny?

Modern tithing is a perversion of the Christian gospel and the practice should be discontinued with.

hehehehhehehehe... the church wil keep marching on...tithes are here to stay, shey i showed you pics of Fidelity Bank ATM, such that you can pay your tithe via ATMs? ..the church has left you and your crew behind to keep dragging whether it's meat or food.

If however anyone feels the best way to honor God is to give a tenth of his income, he has not sinned.

Nice way of sugar coating it....Tithes are God's... you give it because God asked for it..it is not optional, however, like salvation, you cannot force all man to accept it... oya start a debate that i compared tithing and salvation... tag it WoF too

However, the church should encourage free will purposeful giving and not mandatory legalistic tithing and offerings.

what church? i keep asking...what has thou done to the body of Christ since you have a concise knowledge of how it show be?

vooks:
I used to be a rabid anti-tithing crusader. I was probably reacting angrily to the lies that had been shoved down my throat with such force and eloquence. Nowadays I don't tithe but this is my take;

1. Tithing your income is not a sin. Nor is Sunday/Saturday/Friday worship. You don't violate ANY of God's Word by doing any of these.
2. Tithing and Sunday worship are no express commandments or commandments of any sort
3. Both tithing and Sunday worship are BENEFICIAL; they inculcate discipline and inject into a Christian's life some form of predictability.
4. Tithing and Sunday worship as Christian traditions rooted in Torah. You will never find any command anywhere to meet on any day but you find Christians meeting on Sabath at first and later on the First Day/Sunday
5. Both tithing and Sunday worship have been abused and used to make believers guilty by ministers. You have some Christians who believe one can't be born again and hold a Sunday job, or skipping Sunday worship is inviting God's wrath. All God requires is regular assembly as per Hebrews with no commandment on the frequency or days. With tithing, all God requires is supporting the ministers of the gospel. No minimum is stipulated
6. Both tithing and Sunday worship are despised by some believers generally who latch on the act that they are no commandment to ignore them with contempt
7. There is shocking ignorance among believers concerning both Tithing and Sunday worship. Many simply assume they are commandments, and they never bother to validate these beliefs from the scriptures. This is why anti-tithers and SDAs easily corner tither and Sunday worshippers. So you may win either argument not necessarily because you are smart or right but because your debater is largely ignorant of the subject
8. Solution to Abuse of tithing and Sunday worship should be proper use and not necessarily disuse

PS: I have used interlaced my response with Sunday worship which was not the subject. This is no digression but to demonstrate similar principles and attitudes underlying both

Cc Gombs,Winsomex,Bidam,PaulGrundy,Goshen360,Ayoku777,esere826,PastorKun,MarkMiwerds,Image123

shall we wait for the anti tithe crusaders?

"Believe Not Every Spirit" - Friday, June 26th .

Pastor Chris

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

In 2 Chronicles 18:21, the Bible tells us that a lying spirit was in the mouths of the prophets to cause them to utter lies. That spirit hasn't died, and because what he did worked, there're other spirits who do the same today. They take over people and make them utter lies without restraint.

That's why it's important that you test every spirit; don't just believe everything; believe only that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise-worthy. Don't believe a rumour; like some would say, "In every rumour, there's an element of truth". How could there be an element of truth in a rumour founded on falsehood? What element of truth was there when they lied against Jesus? The Bible says they hated Him without a cause, and lied against Him (Matthew 26:59).

Such things still happen today! There're still lying spirits. It's the same devil; he has no new tricks. His strategies are the same. If he could be a lying spirit in the mouths of prophets in the Old Testament, you can imagine what he could be in, and do with, those who let him.

He can be a lying spirit in the mouth of children against their parents, or vice versa. He could be a lying spirit in the mouth of a friend or family member against another friend or other family members. He's just that way; he's Satan; the deceiver and manipulator. However, we're not ignorant of his devices.

Follow God's Word, and allow the Holy Spirit guide you in all things; He's the Spirit of truth, and He alone can guide you in the path of truth always.

Prayer...
Dear Lord, I thank you for wisdom that's at work in me, with which I'm led in the path of truth. I abhor falsehood, and I'm firmly established in your Word which makes righteousness manifest in my spirit, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Proverbs 13:5 GNB
Honest people hate lies, but the words of wicked people are shameful and disgraceful.

|Psalm 101:7
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

1 John 2:20
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 12:1-25, Nehemiah 4-6

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 4:14-32, Deuteronomy 24

Speak In Tongues And Interpret! - Thursday, June 25th .

Pastor Chris

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13).

The Bible says Jesus Christ is the embodiment of all knowledge and wisdom (Colossians 2:3); and you're complete in Him (Colossians 2:10). This is what makes it possible for you to know anything through the Holy Spirit. I admonish God's people to speak in tongues all the time, because it's the coded language of the Spirit! It's the quickest way to activate and condition your spirit to receive spiritual information and guidance.

Perhaps you require guidance for something, or there's a piece of information you need; speak in tongues. Go on until you know you've got the guidance or counsel you need, or the information you require. The answer may be given to you in your spirit, in other tongues. In that case, you'll require the gift of interpretation of tongues. This is important because if you can't interpret the answer in your understanding, you may not be able to apply it to your benefit. In that case, you'd have to ask the Holy Spirit to help you bring the message to your understanding in prophetic utterance.

If you thought you were blessed speaking in tongues, wait until you receive the interpretation! The Bible says, "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret" (1 Corinthians 14:13); it's that simple! Ask the Lord in faith for the interpretation of the tongues you're speaking, receive the interpretation by faith and speak it forth in your understanding.

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for the blessing of speaking mysteries and secrets in other tongues, in a heavenly language that's void of earthly and carnal interference. I receive inspiration, strength, comfort, and edification as I speak in tongues even now, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 11:19-30, Nehemiah 1-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 4:1-13, Deuteronomy 23

Kenny4lyfe:
This is a profound revelation of the authority of the man in Christ. Great work @Gombs

Thanks buddy

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not (Matthew 23:1-3).

The Lord Jesus used the illustration above to explain something profound about authority. He instructed the disciples to do whatever the Scribes and Pharisees told them to do, because they (the Scribes and Pharisees) represented Moses. However, He was quick to admonish the disciples not to act like them.

As a Christian, you sit on Jesus' seat. Your authority over devils and the powers of darkness isn't based on your ability; it's the authority of Christ. All of nature and creation, including Satan and his cohorts, have been commanded to hear and obey you, just as they were commanded to hear and obey Jesus (Matthew 17:5). Therefore, whatever you tell them to do, they must do! This is a spiritual principle, and Satan and his demons understand it; cast them out, and they'll be gone.

Even if Satan tries to oppose you and says, "You can't cast me out, because you don't have enough power, and haven't prayed enough", your response should be, "I sit on Jesus' seat! Therefore, I order you to come out!"

You have to understand who Satan is; he's the opposer and accuser: "...for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night" (Revelations 12:10). In Zechariah 3, he accused Joshua in the presence of God: "And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan..." (Zechariah 3:1-2). The Lord didn't say to Joshua, "You see now. If you were doing the right thing, Satan won't be here to resist you". Rather, He turned to Satan and said, "The Lord rebuke you!"

In Christ, you're irreproachable. Christ reconciled you in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless in the sight of God. Satan may accuse you all he wants, and fuss about your inability to cast him out, it makes no difference! You sit on Jesus' seat: You're seated together with Him in the heavenly realm - at the right hand of God Almighty - the place of dominion, power, and authority!

How can I upgrade my note 3 to Android 5.0 please.

It is currently on 4.4.2

You Sit On Jesus' Seat! - Wednesday, June 24th .

Pastor Chris

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not (Matthew 23:1-3).

The Lord Jesus used the illustration above to explain something profound about authority. He instructed the disciples to do whatever the Scribes and Pharisees told them to do, because they (the Scribes and Pharisees) represented Moses. However, He was quick to admonish the disciples not to act like them.

As a Christian, you sit on Jesus' seat. Your authority over devils and the powers of darkness isn't based on your ability; it's the authority of Christ. All of nature and creation, including Satan and his cohorts, have been commanded to hear and obey you, just as they were commanded to hear and obey Jesus (Matthew 17:5). Therefore, whatever you tell them to do, they must do! This is a spiritual principle, and Satan and his demons understand it; cast them out, and they'll be gone.

Even if Satan tries to oppose you and says, "You can't cast me out, because you don't have enough power, and haven't prayed enough", your response should be, "I sit on Jesus' seat! Therefore, I order you to come out!"

You have to understand who Satan is; he's the opposer and accuser: "...for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night" (Revelations 12:10). In Zechariah 3, he accused Joshua in the presence of God: "And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan..." (Zechariah 3:1-2). The Lord didn't say to Joshua, "You see now. If you were doing the right thing, Satan won't be here to resist you". Rather, He turned to Satan and said, "The Lord rebuke you!"

In Christ, you're irreproachable. Christ reconciled you in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless in the sight of God. Satan may accuse you all he wants, and fuss about your inability to cast him out, it makes no difference! You sit on Jesus' seat: You're seated together with Him in the heavenly realm - at the right hand of God Almighty - the place of dominion, power, and authority!

Prayer...
I'm seated together with Christ in the place of power; far above all principalities, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. I live in dominion over sin, sickness and infirmities, and every opposing force, accusation or hindrance, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Ephesians 2:5-6
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; ) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:22
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 11:1-18, Ezra 9-10

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 3:23-38, Deuteronomy 22

There're Higher Levels - Tuesday, June 23rd .

Pastor Chris

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1).

There're certain kinds of communications permissible for Christians at the lower level of spiritual understanding. For example, at an evangelical meeting, I might say, "God is going to heal you today", and diverse healing miracles will take place. That statement is a truth, but a lesser truth. I'll explain.

Genesis 1:16 talks about different lights: "And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also". Light stands for truth. So, there're lesser truths and there're greater truths. The lesser and generic truth is that "God is going to heal you". But there's such a thing as being specific. It's like specialization in the academia. At the first level, you're taught the rudiments. As you move higher, you're taught specifics - areas that only the initiated should come into. It's the same thing spiritually.

The more you delve into the Word of God, the more you realize that God is really not "doing" anything for anybody today in the sense that many understand it. He's already done everything He needed to do; He has fulfilled everything in Christ Jesus! So, He's not making any effort to heal you; He's already done it! If you thought, "O God, you're really going to heal me today"; that's a lesser truth.

In certain kinds of meetings, we teach and preach the general truth, so the non-Christians present at such meetings could hear the Word of God, be blessed and receive Christ. But at certain other meetings, we unveil the Word so God's people can learn and put it to work for themselves; we move to the higher classes and show them the reality of God's Word.
Refuse to remain in the lower class, like the Corinthian Christians that the Apostle Paul chided for being carnal.

Rather, transcend the babyhood stage of Christianity. Grow in Christ and increase in the knowledge of God's Word! Grow and function at higher levels, for there's a higher life in Christ!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for enlightening my heart to grasp deeper truths and higher revelations of your Word. I'm inspired to live the transcendent life of glory; I'm triumphant in Christ, always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 Peter 2:1-2
Laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 10:24-48, Ezra 7-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke
3:12-22,Deuteronomy 21

An Inevitable Key For Success - Monday, June 22nd .

Pastor Chris

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men (Proverbs 22:29).

The opening verse shows us a key ingredient for a successful and prosperous life - diligence! Some people find themselves in a regrettable state in life due to their inability to apply diligence in their lives, and in the things that God has called them to do.

The Lord Jesus was humbly diligent; He said in John 4:34, "...my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work". He recognized that His success was in doing the work of the Father, and finishing it. He knew the importance and eternal significance of His assignment, and committed Himself to it with extraordinary discipline and diligence.

There're people who never finish or complete anything that's committed to them; and there're others who are perpetually late to their workplace or come up with excuses for non-performance. Yet, such people wonder why things aren't working out right for them, or why they aren't being promoted. The reason for their predicament is simple: they slothfully ignore the application of diligence in their everyday life. Diligence is a key factor that sparks off true success in you. I'm talking about the God-kind of success; not the world's definition of success.

Diligence brings you before kings and into honour, while slothfulness leads to poverty and obscurity. Diligent people make their organizations more successful and prosperous than the way they met it. That's one of the hallmarks of truly successful people. Become diligent in anything and everything that's committed to your trust.

A close look at the lives of successful men and women around the world, no matter what field of endeavour they belong to, will reveal one common factor in their lives - diligence. The same thing applies to things of the Spirit. As you diligently study the Word of God and apply it, it enriches your spirit; you become successful in your spirit, and your fellowship with the Lord is enhanced.

Confession...
I function with the ability of the Spirit always, not just in my desire and readiness to start up any endeavour, but also in bringing them to excellent fruition. I'm assured of a life of honour, dignity, and glory, because I apply diligence in every area of life. Halleluiah!

Further Study:

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. ;

Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Proverbs 14:23 (MSG) Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 10:1-23,
Ezra 4-6

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 3:1-11,
Deuteronomy 20

The Effects Of Grace - Sunday, June 21

Pastor Chris

WHO, WHEN HE CAME, AND HAD SEEN THE GRACE OF GOD, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord (Acts 11:23).

Luke, by the inspiration of the Spirit, explains in the verse above, how Barnabas and Paul went to visit the brethren, and they saw the grace of God. What does it mean to "See the grace of God?"
"Grace" is from the Greek word "charis"; it refers to the divine influence on the heart reflected in the life of a man. It's the outward expression, or the outworking of an inward divine influence in your heart.

Simply put, it's the inner working of the glory and the power of God in your life that radiates, shines, and reflects on the outside. So, what these Apostles saw was an outer reflection of the inner working of the power, and life, and nature of God in them - they saw the effects of that grace.
You only see the outworking of the grace of God. It's like saying "We saw the wind blowing". You really don't see the wind; what you see are the effects of the wind. The effects could be moving objects or the branches of a tree moving to and fro; then you can immediately decipher that it's a strong wind. You don't see the wind; what you see are the effects!

It's the same way with the description in the opening verse. The grace of God on its own can't be seen until you see what it produces. So, the Lord impresses on your heart, through His Word and the Holy Spirit, and whatever is deposited by that influence, is seen on the outside; it shows or reveals itself on the outside. Then we can say, just like the early Church, "We saw the grace of God on them".

That's why it's important to grow in grace. 2 Peter 3:18 tells us, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...." The word "grow" is taken from the Greek word "auxano"; it means "to give increase to". To grow in grace is to increase in the workings of the power of God in your life. And as you grow in grace, more of the glory of God shines, radiates, and is seen through you. Halleluiah!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the knowledge of your Word that causes me to walk in an overflow of grace. That grace which is the power of promotion, reflects on the outside, producing favour, beauty, goodwill, loveliness, perfections, glory and ability in my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, ;

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 9:32-43,
Ezra 1-3

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 2:41-52,
Deuteronomy 19

Risen With Christ - Saturday, June 20th

Pastor Chris

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1).

When Jesus died on the cross, in the mind of justice, the whole world died with Him, because He died for all men. However, Christianity didn't start from His death, but from His resurrection. When God raised Him from the dead, you were raised together with Him, and you became a new creation, alive to God, with the transcendent life. The new creation is the fruit of His redemption (Romans 8:23).

You've been brought out of death - spiritual death - into life! You came alive with Christ with His resurrection life.
Knowing this, therefore, knowing that you've been raised together with Christ, and seated with Him in the heavenly realms, the Bible says you should seek those things which are above! Have the consciousness of one who's born from above, and is seated together with Christ in the place of dominion, glory and power! Let the things of God, of His heavenly kingdom to which you've been born, mean more to you than the transient things of this earth.

You're not of this world; you're born from above. 1 Peter 1:23 says, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." Jesus is the living Word, and He said of Himself, "I am born from above" (John 8:23)! You were born of the same living Word that came from heaven. Therefore, you too can declare boldly like Jesus, "I am from above!" Have that consciousness. It'll change everything about you, and bring a supernatural perspective to your life.

Speak a different language. Speak like the heavenly man or woman that you are. Refuse to speak sickness, disease, lack, defeat, and failure.

Confession...
I'm born again; born of the Word that came from above. I have the same life from above as Jesus. Therefore, I don't condescend to the patterns and afflictions that ravage the lives of men, but I set my affection on the heavenly kingdom, where prosperity, victory, promotion and glory dwell, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
John 8:23
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

Ephesians 1:21
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 9:1-31,
2 Chronicles 35-36

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 2:33-40, Deuteronomy 18

Prosperous And Influential - Friday, June 19th .

Pastor Chris

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).

The Scriptures chronicle for us Bible characters who were very prosperous; men like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, etc. God had beautiful testimonies about these ones.

Let's examine some of these men and what the Scriptures recorded about them, beginning with Abraham. The Bible says he "...was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold" (Genesis 13:2). Then, Genesis 26:12-14 talks about Abraham's son, Isaac: "...he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him".
Then what about Jacob? Genesis 36:6-7 shows us that Jacob and Esau had so much possessions that they couldn't live together in the same place; the land couldn't support their "combined assets" - herds of livestock. So, Esau had to move a considerable distance away from his brother Jacob. God identified Himself with these three great patriarchs. He said, "...I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob..." (Exodus 3:6).

Another character is David. The Bible tells us that he was "...full of days, wealth, and glory. His son Solomon ruled after him" (1 Chronicles 29:28 MSG). These were God's friends, and God's testimony of them was extraordinary. He called Abraham, "my friend" (James 2:23). He called David "a man after my heart" (Acts 13:22). And both of them were very prosperous. What about Job? The Bible says he was the richest man in all the East (Job 1:3).

Being born again, you're the seed of Abraham; an heir of God, and joint heir with Christ. Therefore, prosperity is your birthright. Believe and live in prosperity. This isn't about amassing wealth for yourself until you don't know what to do with all that you have; it's being who God has made you to be; taking your place as a blessing to others. Read 2 Corinthians 9:8 (AMP) and understand God's idea for your prosperity: "...God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]."

Confession...
I'm connected to an endless stream of prosperity, riches and glory. I'll never be broke and I'll never be poor, because I'm an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ! I have inestimable and inexhaustible inheritance in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Further Study:
2 Corinthians 8:9
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. ;

1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 8:9-40,
2 Chronicles 33-34

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 2:21-32,
Deuteronomy 17

The Beauty Of Christianity - Thursday, June 18th .

Pastor Chris

For it has pleased God to tell his people that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. For this is the secret: Christ lives in you... (Colossians 1:27 NLT).

Christianity is the living, pulsating life of God in a human person; it's Christ at home in you. Christianity is divinity at work and alive in and through you; it's the relationship between a human being and a living God.

Christianity isn't a religion at all. Religion is man's work towards God; his ways and efforts to reach out to God. Christianity, on the other hand, is God's work in man. It's a call to oneness with Divinity; a walk with God in righteousness; a call to the transcendent life of glory and love. Colossians 1:27 says Christ in you, the hope of glory. That's Christianity: Christ alive in you.

Someone once said, "I'm now very religious, since I became a Christian"; no! That's a complete misunderstanding of who a Christian is. A Christian is one in whom God dwells; a partaker of the divine nature - an associate of the God-kind. This makes Christianity so sublime! God wasn't satisfied to merely be with or live amongst us, He chose rather to take up His abode in the quarters of our hearts! That's the beauty and glory of Christianity! It's the life of God lived out through you. It's the unveiling of the Living Word in a human life!

Until and unless this becomes your understanding of Christianity, all you have will be mere religion. The essence of Christianity, the reason we go to church, pray, preach the Gospel and do the things we do as Christians isn't because we've embraced a religion, but because we've received God's nature - His life. That's what Jesus brought to us. He made it possible for us to receive eternal life - the indomitable, impregnable, "uninfectable" life of God: "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life" (1 John 5:11-12).

Confession...
I'm an associate of the God-kind, the effulgence of God's glory, and dispenser of His goodness! I'm an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ; therefore, the world belongs to me. Greater is He that's in me than he that's in the world. I'm the glory of God!

Further Study:
Psalm 87:2-3
The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. ;

Hebrews 12:22-24
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 7:54-8:1-8, 2 Chronicles 31-32

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 2:8-20, Deuteronomy 16

sportsmaster:
this thread is only for notice.
When I start the main topic,
we are going to be looking at the following
1)can tongues be understood?
2)who speaks with tongues?
3)can all believers speak with tongues?
4)Understanding what Paul meant by tongues of men and tongues of Angels
5)what really happened on the day of pentecost?
6)were different languages spoken?
7)what are the prophecies from the Old testament concerning tongues?.
what is even Pentecost itself?
9)which group or tribe of people were present on the day of pentecost?
And plenty other questions.

Please do drop your questions so I can study along those lines.

Thanks.
cC Jogbaje,WinsomeX,Gombs,vooks,scholar8200,soye3, and everybody that is interested.

following

Triumphant In The Midst Of Crises - Wednesday, June 17th .

Pastor Chris

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14).

There was as much evil in Bible days, as there is today; the world was just as wicked and dark back then, as it is today. The happenings around the world today, as reported by the media might be terribly agonizing, but the Bible clearly shows that these things are not new: "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

There were economic hardships back then as there are today; there were recessions and depressions. People lived in fear because of terrorism. There were, and are still tricks the adversary uses to suppress and oppress people. In fact, he has no new tricks; he's only got the same old ones that will always fail.

Our God, however, has been faithful throughout all generations. In the midst of the darkness, He has led His children in perpetual triumph and kept His promises. No wonder the psalmist declared, "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations" (Psalms 89:1).

It doesn't matter how much news of doom and gloom is propagated through the media, refuse to fear. Don't panic! 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". Your heavenly Father has been dealing with evil, hardship, harsh economic conditions, wickedness, and terror in the world for long. He's not perplexed as to how to take care of you, and beautify your life.

Read again the inspiring words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:14, this time, from the Message translation: "And I got it, thank God! In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade...." God has ordained your victory, promotion, and prosperity in the midst of recession, economic downturn, inflation, and disaster. He already planned that you'll be a success in this life, irrespective of what's going on in the world around you.

Confession...
Irrespective of the perils and tribulations in this world, I'm shielded and protected; I'm like a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out her roots by the river. I don't know when heat comes. I'm triumphant always in Christ Jesus! I've overcome the world and its systems! Thank you Lord Jesus!

Further Study:
Psalm 37:18-19
The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Psalm 91:5-6
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 7:1-53,
2 Chronicles 29-30

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 2:1-7,
Deuteronomy 15

Think Fresh; Think Success! - Tuesday, June 16th .

Pastor Chris

Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11 AMP).

Part of the reason young people can be very successful, where older people fail, is that many young people don't know enough to be afraid. Most older people know too much; they have too much information about what doesn't work. They remember when they tried something and it failed, and so they become cynical. It's a lot harder to inspire such people to make a fresh move or have a fresh start.

Understand that being old in this context isn't so much about a person's age, but about the state of his mind. Your body might age, but refuse to age in your mind. Think fresh; think success. God loves to use young people, because they think fresh all the time; they easily believe, and are always passionate about learning something new.

It's never too late to learn and be inspired by a dream of success. Even if you're already grey-headed and advanced in years, God can still use you. Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, and at that age, he was still strong and vibrant. The Bible says, "...His eyesight was sharp; he still walked with a spring in his steps" (Deuteronomy 34:7 MSG).

What will you be like when you're ninety-two? I can tell, if you put this message to work: You won't be crying that nothing works. Instead, you'll be the one teaching and imparting faith to the younger generation. You'll be changing lives with the Gospel, speaking in tongues, prophesying, and speaking words of faith by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for stirring my heart with your Word to gain the right inspiration! My mind is anointed to see and accept possibilities. I'm energized and aglow in my spirit to impact the world of my time, through supernatural ideas inspired in me by your Spirit, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Psalms 103:5
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Joshua 14:10-11
And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 6:1-15,
2 Chronicles 26-28

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 1:67-80,
Deuteronomy 14

crusadistic:
is that second man his g*y partner?

Say hi to his mum...

Maybe you'd learn respect afterwards...

volterra:
Well i understand where u coming from. Most times when churches call out first timers , they want to be hospitable to you. Most times pple refuse to come out becos they are shy, especially if its a big church. That said, it's not a sin if u decide not to come out. It's a choice.

Even after he was disobedient? Remember that obedience is better than sacrifice.

Whenever you're ready to marry.

1. Charging Consultation Fee-
Paying certain amount of money before you can see the man of God has become a common practice in many churches nowadays. So many pastors have commercialized deliverance, salvation and spiritual counselling against the Lord’s wish- Matt 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

lies.

2. Selling Some Spiritual Items-
I’m more particular about churches selling holy water and anointing oil in plastic containers and bottles where worshippers are disallowed from bringing theirs but compelled to buy from the church. Let them buy from wherever they choose; your role is to ensure those items are blessed and sanctified.

You'd not understand reasons some churches do what they do.

3. Making Tithe Card Compulsory-
I have no objection to the issuance of tithe cards for those who want it. Some churches have denied
members some privileges because they do not have their tithe cards which serve as evidence to know tithe payers. I, like many others prefer paying tithes anonymously. Someone may be paying tithe regularly having his card checked and signed by the pastor and still feign being saved.

Tithe should be encouraged, not forced. Churches keeping records of your Tithe are only helping you. It's wrong however to deny brethren privileges because they do not Tithe.

4. Setting up too many church societies-
It is unfortunate that church leaders rarely check the activities or attend meetings of these societies. Many have derailed from their essence and a lot of such church societies now run like town meetings, social groups or cooperative societies. Let us cut them to size, review their activities regularly, and ensure prioritization of spiritual events in these societies.

You have no right to tell a church what societies should be or shouldn't. Why not pray about it?

5. Singing and Dancing to Worldly Music-
We really need to watch it here. We listen to hip hops, Rocks etc which are trending and become tempted to copy the rhythm and sometimes lyrics of such music for church use. Many of these songs and dances are not glorifying God so why copying the world? Ladies now twerk and wiggle in sexually provocative styles in churches at the sound of such worldly music. 1 John 2:15 Love not the world , neither the things that are in the world . If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Choirmasters and Music Coordinators pls take note.

Why not let God complain about it? Or has He spoken to you? To the pure, all things are pure... It's in your Bible.

6. Stipulating Minimum Amount for Offering-
Few days ago I was in a gathering and the pastor announced that those who do not have up to a certain amount of money to put down as offering should not bother to come out. This wasn’t the first time I’ll hear this announcement coming from the alter. This approach to collection of fat offerings should not be encouraged in the church. Jesus praised the poor widow who cast just two mites into the treasury because that was all she had [Mark 12: 41-44]. If such marginalization was declared before casting of offering at the temple, the poor widow would not have been able to cast her offering which Jesus acknowledged as the greatest of all offerings. Pastors should stop deterring people from casting their offerings; we do not need to inform them that fingers are not equal. Preach and tell the congregation the benefits of giving bountiful offering to God and let Him nourish His word in their heart and not indirectly telling them, ‘you cannot give the little you have to God.’

You're really getting yourself worked up over nothing. Those called out that met the specific amount did not complain, those who didn't meet the amount didn't complain.. Why you? You don't even know what God and the pastor has spoken about before that event.

7. Organizing sport/game Competitions-
I do not know when sporting became an important spiritual exercise in the church. I once attended a church where a football match between two parishes led to a serious fracas. This later grew to a feud and it took many years for some of the youths and priests to heal the wounds of bitterness sustained during the match. It is more ideal to organize Bible quizzes and competitions which is very much unlikely to sow seeds of discord.

This too?
So, sporting events should be decimated because two teams had a hard time playing fair? So far it does not go against the Bible, all events including arts ( are welcomed in the church... Even boxing and wrestling games.

1 Timothy 4v8 Msg
Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.

8. Letting out Church Premise/Properties for Secular Purposes-
I my humble opinion, it isn’t right to rent out church properties for non-religious [b]activities such as club parties, political meetings etc. [/b]They may violate your rules and you would not be able to stop them until they are through.

You just exaggerated. If you'd said the church is using a public building (which is not theirs), I can understand. After services, other folks tend to use these venues.

9. Organizing Excursions and Sightseeing-
This should be left for our work places, families, schools and any other moderate social groups which we may belong to. Christ sent us to the whole world on a mission assignment to evangelize and win souls to the kingdom and not to catch fun. I have attended an excursion organized by the youth leaders of a church and to be honest, nothing gave glory to God in all we did. In fact, it may turn to an avenue for brethren to engage in sexual immoralities.

What is wrong in organising excursions and sightseeing? Can you show me where in the Bible that is wrong?

10. Inviting Secular Musicians and Comedians to Perform at Church Functions-
I have heard some blasphemous jokes from many comedians lately. It is so saddening that churches invite such performers to anchor programmes and all you hear are disrespectful words against God all in the name of making people laugh. How can you bring a secular musician to the church and expect him to bring down the spirit of God with his or her hip hop or RnB?

So far they do not sing secular music in church, I do not see anything wrong in that. The church should be open to all, even the worse sinners.

The sad part of this your number ten is that a serial fornicator will be the first to want to crucify the church for inviting say Timaya who sang a wonderful worship song.

MizJanet:
Very Silly Post , because something is called an enemy . It automatically means it a person ! Wow , such foolish thinking will means Mathematics is a person since its an enemy of many students.



Religion has really brainwashed you , you need to grow up man .

Can you now answer my question, miss smarty?

MizJanet:
Okay, so how come ur hell comes to an end ,

Hell is a temporary place, like all temporary things, they come to an end.

i thought you guys say it will be eternal ?

You must be thinking wrongly. The lake of fire is eternal... No breaks.

Revelation 20:14

The Devil who deceived them will be hurled into Lake Fire and Brimstone, joining the Beast and False Prophet, the three in torment around the clock for ages without end.

Notice the bold above carefully. Sadly, you fall into the category of those in the above underlined.

Does it make sense to you that hell a place burning with fire , will be casted cast into another fire, so that the former fire can feel pain ?

Read the above red carefully and see how ridiculous your post sound. Meanwhile, thank me for the correction later.

Rev 20:14

Read the above red.... Slowly again.

Religious delusion , so ur god create a spirit named death ?

Who else did? You?

Where in ur religious book is death called a spirit ?

1 Corinthians 15 v26
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

How do you qualify an entity that's being in existence since the beginning of time? Why will an entity that's a condition, like you erroneously implied, be termed an enemy that shall be destroyed?

Meanwhile, Rev 9v11 MSG
They had a king over them, the Angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, in Greek, Apollyon—"Destroyer."

** I know the intelligent ones know death is a condition

Alright, miss smarty... Why do man grow old and die, even though his cells keep reproducing (renewing) all through his lifetime? What took a hold of him? What caused the aging?

NB: Science cannot answer these, why? It's spiritual... Man is a spirit, what affects him always begins with the spirit.

same as sickness is a condition.

Sicknesses are incipient death. Go figure.

Need answers

I just obliged you.

Empowered To Help Others - Sunday, June 14th .

Pastor Chris

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2).

If you haven't made up your mind to enjoy your life, you can make that decision today, because that's God's will for you (John 10:10). He wants you to have good health, to be strong, vibrant, prosperous, and influential enough to help others. You have to be in a position of advantage to be able to lift others, and be a blessing.

One has to be financially influential to make meaningful impact in spreading the Gospel around the world. In our ministry, for example, the tremendous impact we make all around the world, in hosting large crusades and conferences, airing TV programmes etc., cost lots of money. We're grateful to the Lord for empowering us to be able to do all that!

Preaching the Gospel is akin to fishing in a river; it can be done in different ways. You could jump into the water, swim, and try to catch some fish with your hands; you won't get a lot of them that way though! You could also place a hook in a strategic spot in the water, and bait the fish to swallow the bait. You still may not get very many. Another option is to cast a net into the water. With the net, you'll more likely get a haul; a better result. However, it'll certainly cost you more to use the net.

God wants us to be prosperous. Those who got acquainted with Jesus in the course of His earthly ministry became empowered to bless others; they had greater influence, reach and impact in their time. That's what He's done with your life; you're blessed to be a blessing.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the work you've committed into my hands, in reaching the unreached with the Gospel of Christ. I'm unwavering as I put in the best of my resources, time and energy, in the divine task of reaching the world with the Gospel. Thus, I make great impact for your Kingdom, in Jesus' Name. Amen.


Further Study:

1 Corinthians 9:16
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! ;

2 Samuel 24:24
And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 4:32-5:1-11, 2 Chronicles 20-22

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 1:39-56, Deuteronomy 12