₦airaland Forum

Grace Makes All The Difference - Wednesday, January 21st .

Pastor Chris

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10).

The Apostle Paul in the verse above celebrates the grace of God that was upon his life. From the human point of view, he never would have qualified to be an apostle. Nonetheless, he became such an outstanding apostle who laboured for the Gospel more than all the other apostles. He acknowledged the grace of God as the one factor that made all the difference in his life.

It brings to mind the encounter between Gideon and the angel of the Lord in the sixth chapter of Judges. The angel appeared to him and said, “…The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour…Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” (Judges 6:12-14). Gideon, evaluating himself from the natural standpoint, didn’t believe he was a mighty man of valour; he considered the weak position of his family and said, “…Oh my Lord, where with shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15).

However, the grace of God made all the difference in his life. God said to him, “Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). Don’t look at your perceived physical inadequacies; trust in His ability. All that Gideon needed was to believe God’s Word, and be confident in God’s grace upon his life; thank God he eventually did, and as a result, he was mightily used of God to accomplish the deliverance of Israel from the Midianites.

God might have impressed it in your heart to do something for Him, and contrary thoughts may have been rising in your heart, making you feel you don’t have what it takes. But you need to realize that you have already been granted grace in superabundance (Romans 5:17). All you need do is to trust in God’s ability and walk in the light of His grace.

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for blessing me so richly with your Word; I acknowledge your grace that's at work in me, and I take advantage of it in advancing your Kingdom, taking my role as your partner in soul-winning, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ;

Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ;

Romans 5:17
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.)

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 14:13-36,Genesis 49-50
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 8:12-22,Genesis 21

Mimshach is working!

Teach them. Nice music

“Make Things Happen!” - Tuesday, January 20th .

Pastor Chris

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).

The Lord once said to me, “I don’t want something good to happen to you, and I don’t want something bad to happen either.” He said, “If you’re still living at that realm where you still think something good is going to happen to you, then you’re not living a mature Christian life.” So I asked, “What then is going to happen, since I should expect neither good things nor bad things to happen to me?” Then He said, “Make things happen”; “You happen!”

Think about it: Could anything good or bad ever happen to God? Did you ever read in the Scriptures that God was happy because something good “happened” to Him? Or that He was sad because something bad happened to Him? He doesn’t function in such a realm. He makes things happen. In the same way, you’re a child of God, made in His image, born after His kind; you belong in His class. So, you shouldn't have anything “happening” to you; instead, you should be the one happening.

Satan, the adversary, may come around and try to make things “happen” to you but the Bible says you should resist the devil and he’ll flee (James 4:7). He can try all he wants to, but he’s no match for you; you’re superior to him; therefore, he can't make anything “happen” to you. It doesn’t matter how many demons are roaming around, trying to stir your nest; they're not a factor; you have authority over them all in the Name of Jesus.

Being born again, you have the ability of Christ in you to determine what you want in your life. Therefore, never allow yourself to be a victim of circumstances. Keep reigning in life. Apply faith in God’s Word to deal with situations and challenges. Subdue, tame, and rule your world for Jesus Christ. Keep making things happen in the Kingdom of God.

Confession. ..
The ability of God is at work in me; I’m sufficient in His sufficiency. I make great and glorious things happen in my life, in God's kingdom, and in the lives of others, to the glory of Jesus Christ. I’m alive to God, fruitful and productive by the power of the Holy Spirit! Halleluiah!

Further Study:
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; ;

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: Matthew 13:44-14:12,Genesis 46-48
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 8:1-11,Genesis 20

YOU HAVE ALL THINGS IN HIM - Monday, January 19th .

Pastor Chris

For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

The statement above reiterates a fundamental truth of the Gospel—the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. However, as you get higher in the understanding of the Gospel, you discover that He really doesn’t stand away and give you eternal life; He is eternal life. So, He actually gave you Himself.

1 Corinthians 3:21 says, “...all things are yours”; this is so because all things are in Christ, and He’s in you. Therefore, you have all things in Him. When you come to this realization, it’ll change your thinking and prayer life; you won't need to be asking God for things, because He already gave you everything! He already gave you Himself.

Now you can better appreciate why Jesus said, “...take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on” (Luke 12:22). This means, “Don’t bother about anything!” Everything good that you could ever imagine is already yours in Christ. His Word says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3).

God has given you the key to all things, because you’re His heir (Romans 8:17). Hence, there's no need asking or “begging” Him for anything. If there’re things you think you’re in need of, once you identify them, take possession in your spirit. The Bible says He has set eternity in your heart—in your spirit (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means there’s no limit to the extent and reach of what you can possess with your spirit. You have the capacity to contain eternity itself, in your spirit.

Now think about this: If eternity can dwell in your heart, much less the whole world! No wonder the Word says out of our hearts are the issues of life; meaning that you can bring forth anything you want from within your spirit.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me all things in Christ Jesus. I cast all my cares upon you and lay all burdens down at your feet! I rejoice, knowing that you’ve supplied all my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I live in abundance today, and always, celebrating your goodness in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: ;

John 17:10
And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Study Plan: Matthew 13:24-43, Genesis 44-45
2-Year Bible Study Plan: Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 19

Originalsly:
Just curious...you seem to be very passionate about this first fruit offering....help me understand....January salary should be offered because January is the first month of the year. I get that. What if I am paid weekly?...do I offer my first week pay for the year?....or do I offer the first week pay of each month?.....or is my first pay check period the first fruit? Help me bro....the meaning of first is confusing me.

Calculate the bulk,an give it in faith. Remember, it is not compulsory

lastmessenger:
it is not my money at all. My own is to tell those who care that they don't have to be scammed.

I don’t care. If you want to tell them, get to the streets or raise your own brethren. If this is scamming, boy, I'd love to be scammed over and over. I wonder why e dey pain you like this.

First fruit my foot. You want a man who has family to feed to give his whole one month salary to another man. Christians can be very wicked o.

1 Corinthians 2 MSG
14-16The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, [size=20pt]and can't be judged by unspiritual critics. [/size] Isaiah's question, "Is there anyone around who knows God's Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?" has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ's Spirit

To you it's so much silliness and wickedness. To usward, it's an opportunity. One day, hopefully, you'll understand

Meanwhile, it is not compulsory, it is not for babes too, but for those who's decided to put their faith to work. I understand your fears

There’s More To Righteousness - Sunday, January 18th .

Pastor Chris

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God (Luke 18:18-19).

Aside being a gift that we received, there’s more to righteousness. The righteousness of God is also about the goodness of God—His equity. In our opening scripture, Jesus was trying to explain to the rich young ruler about the “goodness” of God, because goodness is about righteousness, rightness, or right judgment.

How can you judge what’s right? How can you judge which way is right, and which way to go in life? How do you differentiate what’s right from what’s wrong? How do you distinguish what has glory from what has shame? How do you decide what’s of God from what’s not of God? How do you determine that which is godly? That’s righteousness!

What does it mean to walk in the righteousness of God? For example, in judging issues and situations, you're not looking for who’s right or who’s wrong; you side-up with His Word! You’re on one side—God’s side of righteousness. Your life becomes beautiful, because you look at the world from the standpoint of God’s righteousness, not man’s opinion.

Think about living your life like that: Everybody is thinking in a certain way, seeing and appraising things from the human perspective, but you’re seeing from, and with, the eyes of God; that’s the beauty and power of righteousness. If you would understand the righteousness of God, it would take away such base things as envy, wrath, malice, anger etc.; all of such demeaning vices will be out of your life, when you don’t see with the eyes of men, but with the eyes of God.

When you consciously live this way, there’ll be an awesome force—a love-attraction in your life that pulls people to you; there’s something about the righteousness of God that captivates men. Recall that we said; it’s about His goodness; when you function in righteousness, you become the epitome of God’s goodness: the expression and representation of how good God is.

Prayer...
Thank you Lord for the gift of righteousness bestowed upon me. Now, I have your righteousness, which causes me to be always right, manifesting your goodness, nature, grace, and kindness, to my world, seeing things from your perspective, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ;

Romans 14:17 TLB
For, after all, the important thing for us as Christians is not what we eat or drink but stirring up goodness and peace and joy from the Holy Spirit. ;

Psalm 27:13
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 13:1-23,Genesis 42-43
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 7:13-20,Genesis 18

lastmessenger:
As far I am concerned,what you guys do is to bring up a rediculous idea to generate money, then you look for a scripture, twist it and back it up.
I just have a simple advice to give you, always look at what the apostles did or preached so that you won't be fooled. Is it that we present penticostal churches know better than the apostles of Jesus Christ or even Christ himself.
I understand the huge financial expenses which you guys are carrying but the question is, is that what God requires of us today or are we just doing as we like?

lastmessenger:
I wonder how you guys think. Always twisting scriptures. How does Abel's sacrifice degenerate to asking Christians to surrender their first month salary to another.
Do you at all take a look what the real apostles of Christ taught in the areas of given before doing what you are doing. Why must we bring one event tht happened in the past to back a rediculous practice.
Even in practical terms first fruit is not feasible. I am talking from experience.

[size=58pt]Is it your money? [/size]

Your experience don't matter, just like mine does not matter to you. Now, park well make I use POS jooor

lastmessenger:
I am not attacking the church of Christ. I am showing you your foolishness. There is no scripture that says your January salary is your first fruit. Is that hard for you to understand? For Gods sake take up your bible and study for yourself.

Exactly. First fruit is your first and best,given to the Lord. Ask Abel

lastmessenger:
Exactly what they tell you and you tell it to yourself. Am weeping for you.

Weep not child! The hour cometh and is now when you lot will wish you didn't attack the Church of God.

PastorKun:
You mean that you are still falling for the first fruit scam that means you would be a broke ass next month and you might not even be able to afford MB to grace NL. Let me know if you need recharge card, I would gladly send it to you.

I never run dry! try first fruits in faith. Heheheheheh

devil is dancing shoki with your life o

At Rest In Prosperity - Saturday, January 17th .

Pastor Chris

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).

This scripture gives us the key to a life of peace and prosperity; a life that’s at rest in prosperity. That means you enter into it and stay in it; your life is maintained at that realm. Many often ask what they should do so the power of God may work on their behalf to ensure continuing peace and prosperity. The answer is simple: focus your mind—your attention, and emotions—on the Lord. It’s like focusing your camera on a moving object. You have to do it with some diligence and dexterity.

When your mind is focused on God’s Word, you’re guaranteed to walk in peace and prosperity. Your mind is a powerful tool given to you by God for transforming your life from glory to glory. If you’d give the right attention to the Word, it makes no difference the storms that billow against you, you’ll be at rest; your prosperity will not be shaken, despite economic downturns, meltdowns or inflation. The Lord Himself will keep you in “perfect peace.”

The Hebrew word for “peace” in Isaiah 26:3 is “shalom,” which describes the “rest” of God, wherein is prosperity, health, strength, and salvation. You can be as prosperous, successful, and healthy as you ever want to be; the key is yielding your mind to God’s Word. Your mind is the door to your spirit. If you can get the Word of God into your system, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. That’s the secret of the miraculous, and supernatural.

Keep your focus on God’s Word, and divine peace and prosperity will be your experience.

Confession...
I walk in prosperity, victory, and health because I live in God’s Word. I’m literally transfigured into the image that I see in the Word, as I meditate and yield my mind to the tutelage of the Word. Therefore, my attitude, mindset and belief systems are transformed, and my life and character, improved and upgraded, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ;

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 12:22-50,Genesis 40-41
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 7:1-12, Genesis 17

PastorKun:
I hope you are learning.

Kunle o! Free me na!

You are still redeemable sha. Next tomorrow is first fruit service in my church, oya go and hang yourself ... how far the anti tithe tract na?

Reigning By Grace - Friday, January 16th .

Pastor Chris

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)

While there’re many Christians today who are reigning in life and enjoying their glorious heritage in Christ, there’re still those who’re whining, crying, pleading and begging God for everything; toiling and failing, and this ought not to be. As seen in our opening verse, we’re not called to reign by our strength, but by grace through Jesus Christ; we’re sufficient in His sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5 AMP). Halleluiah!

Refuse to live as a victim in life; you’re called to reign. The word “reign” in our opening verse actually means “to king.” The Greek construction is accurately rendered thus: “…they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall king in life, by one, Jesus Christ.” You’re supposed to be “kinging” in life. This is what some of us have found out; we’ve received abundance of grace, and the gift of righteousness, and as a result, we’re “kinging” in life; we’re living the life of dominion.

Sadly, some people look at us and think we must be doing something strange or wrong for our lives to be so glorious; but how could something wrong produce something so excellent? We’ve only taken advantage of the super-abundant grace that’s available in Christ Jesus.

We’ve all been given grace in abundance: the grace of God that brings salvation—wholeness, preservation, health, peace, deliverance, safety, security, prosperity—and all the blessings in Christ Jesus, has appeared unto all men (Titus 2:11). However, the question is, “Have you received that grace?” It’s those who have “received abundance of grace” that'll reign in life.

This informs why the Apostle Paul charged Timothy to take advantage of the grace of God that’s in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1). Become grace-conscious. Grace is the overflowing of God’s ability at work in your life; it's the glory of God working in your spirit. The grace of God in your life brought about eternal life, righteousness, and oneness with the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “…he giveth more grace…” (James 4:6); meaning that there’s grace for everything and anything; whatever God has called you to do, there’s more than enough grace for it. Therefore, live in, and by, the “grace advantage.”

Confession...
I thank you blessed Lord, for your grace that’s at work in my spirit. Your grace has brought me eternal life, righteousness, and oneness with your Spirit. I take advantage of this grace and live victoriously today and always! Nothing is impossible with me, because my life is the story and testimony of your grace. Blessed be God!

Further Study:
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

James 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:Matthew 12:1-21, Genesis 38-39
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Matthew 6:25-34, Genesis 16

“Worthy Of Him…And Fruitful In Every Good Work” - Thursday, January 15th .

Pastor Chris

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10).

This is so powerful. The Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to pray this prayer for the Colossian Church. Notice the purpose of this beautiful, Spirit-inspired prayer: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

This is God’s desire: He wants you to walk worthy of Him, pleasing Him in all things. That means when people see you, or are listening to you, they’ll testify of His goodness, because you’ve become the expression and testimony of His grace, greatness and love; the expression of His beauty. The Lord Jesus said something that buttresses this in John 15:5; He said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches….” We’re His extension, His beauty, and His glory.

The glory of a tree is in its branches. So if Jesus says He’s the vine and we’re the branches, He’s therefore saying His glory is seen in, and borne by, us. So everywhere you go, you’re showing forth His glory, pleasing Him in all things, and fruitful in every good work. It doesn’t matter what’s been assigned to you to do; you can be productive, effective and fruitful in that assignment. It’s part of our heritage in Christ. When we get involved in anything, it comes outright; growth, increase, progress and prosperity sets in. If that thing was a wilderness before we came, it be comes a “fruitful field,” and the fruitful field becomes a “forest.” Halleluiah!

You're not ordinary; when you arrive in a place, Christ has arrived! That’s the reason you can be fruitful in every good work. When you’re given a responsibility, or an official assignment, don't say, “I don't understand why I’m being asked to do this”; no! Don’t think or talk that way! Rather, see yourself as the right candidate for the job, and go ahead to make it a success.

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for I’m your extension, your beauty and your glory. I will walk worthy of you always, pleasing you in all things, and fruitful in every good work, in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Further Study:
Isaiah 32:15
Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. ;

John 15:4-5
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 11:1-30, Genesis 36-37
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 6:14-24, Genesis 15

PastorKun:
The devil is a liar.

Yeah, he told me CE is a cult, and a den of thieves. He can lie eh! The bad part is you work with him in hilarious ways

seedgreen:
That was not funny Kunle

If you know Kunle, you'd not have bothered

Oyinprince:
Prayer at 12noon and 10pm (Local/GMT) - Wed Jan 14
Posted by PastorChrisLive in PastorChrisLive on 14-Jan-2015 06:54:00
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
For 15min at 12noon and 10pm (Local/GMT), we’ll intercede in prayer specially for ministers of the gospel all around the world. Pray that their hearts will continually be strengthened in the Word, and that they’ll hold unswervingly to the faith, fulfilling the Lord's purpose to perfection. Pray that the churches will be effective in carrying out the work of the ministry committed to them, and they’ll walk in victory over all circumstances, that their lives will continually bring glory to God. Pray fervidly in the spirit. Remember to attend the mid week service today. God bless you.

God bless you.

Spiritual Understanding Through The Word - Wednesday, January 14th .

Pastor Chris

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9).

There's such a thing as spiritual understanding; but sadly, many lack this important spiritual virtue. Many actually function in human, worldly, or carnal understanding. When you talk with such people, you can understand why they reason differently; they only think from the world’s perspective, because they lack spiritual understanding. Spiritual understanding comes by the Holy Spirit, and is granted you through the Word.

In our opening scripture, the word “understanding” is translated from the Greek “Sunesis.” It’s an interpretation; a way of thinking; a mentality. So, the Apostle Paul, in that verse, was dealing with a certain kind of understanding—a revelatory understanding—which the Word of God gives us! This is why you need to stay in God’s Word, studying, learning, and making sure you understand it! This will give you the personality that God wants you to have. It’ll make you spiritually sagacious, insightful, discerning and wise.

Another beautiful part of this is that God isn’t just raising us for this world; all that He’s doing in us—His programming in us through the Word—is for the ages to come. So, if you don't have spiritual understanding, insight into the realities of the Kingdom while you're still in the earth, how are you going to function in the world to come? Therefore, it's important you study the Scriptures with excitement; have a voracious appetite for the Word. Some people may be baffled, wondering why you’re so sold-out to the Word; let them know it's because God’s Word is everything.

With the Word in you, it doesn't matter what you desire in this world; you can get it! God's ultimate desire isn’t to give you a house, a car, a job, or money; what He wants is His Word in your spirit, because with that, you can get or create anything.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit who grants me spiritual insight, and sets me on the right course in life. I walk in righteousness and dominion, having insight into mysteries and secrets of your Kingdom; and I live above the distracting influences of the world, because I live in your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. ;

Ephesians 1:17-18
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 10:24-42, Genesis 34-35
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 6:1-13, Genesis 14

PastorKun:
So how then did you end up being a cec victim?

Similar to Paul's. It may be you one day

Privileged By His Grace - Tuesday, January 13th .

Pastor Chris

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Isn’t it amazing that you’re called of God, and are given extraordinary participation in His Gospel programme? It's such a high and noble calling. None of us “qualified” to be a part of it, except that Christ Jesus gave us the grace and accepted us: “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). How wonderful this is! It's something you ought to be eternally grateful for, because no one has the personal qualification to do anything in the Kingdom of God; it’s a glorious privilege to be called into fellowship with Him, and also carry out the ministry of reconciliation.

Remember that God is so great; He’s beyond our imagination; on our own, we couldn't even approach Him. Think about this: the Jewish Rabbis who copied the Scriptures, had to wash or bath whenever they got to the Name of God, as a purification routine, before proceeding to write the Name. Each time they needed to write His Name, they repeated the same cleansing ritual, because they highly regarded His holiness.

But you know, it doesn’t matter how many times you deep yourself in water; that's not what cleanses you. That’s why Jesus came to give us a new life, because it makes no difference how many drums of water you wash yourself with, it’ll never wash your spirit. And we didn’t need a washing of our spirit; we needed a washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5). That’s what Jesus accomplished for us.

Therefore, be grateful to God, for giving you responsibilities in His Kingdom; you’re privileged to be His partner in soul-winning, to be a part of His agenda in the earth. Therefore, put your best into whatever He’s called you to do. Put your best into serving Him. Serve Him with your spirit and function in love. Let love become your language, your message, way of life, and daily expression.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for counting me faithful putting me into the ministry. With my heart, I serve you diligently and faithfully, and daily express your love and undying affection to the hurting, bringing them into the fountain of your love, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Ephesians 1:3-6
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. ;

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 10:1-23, Genesis 31-33
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 5:41-48, Genesis 13

deborah777:
Just for curiousity to understand CE more. I do not plan to join with them.

I didn't too!

Synchronize Your Believing With Your Confession - Monday, January 12th .

Pastor Chris

…For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10).

“I believe what the Word says about my healing, prosperity, and victories; but I'm not experiencing them in my life. Oh God, why?” While this very statement rages in the minds of many, yet, the opening scripture gives a clear and unambiguous answer. Recall what we studied a couple of days ago: Making your tongue your own tree of life. Your “tongue-work,” which is your response to the Word, is so important.

Understand this: believing makes you right with God, and that’s wonderful, but that's not enough; you have to make confessions of that which you’ve believed. With your heart, you believe what God has said, but with your mouth you repeat, reiterate, re-echo what He has said; that’s what catapults you into the realms of what you have believed. Thus, to be saved, you don't stop at believing God raised Jesus from the dead; no! You have to confess the Lordship of Jesus over your life.

Your believing and your talking must come together; otherwise, you might think the reason things are working out right for others is because they’re more specially gifted than you are; but no! They've only learnt, and are applying, the principle of synchronizing their believing with their confessions. Act on the Word; make bold declarations about yourself on the basis of what God has said concerning you in His Word: “He has said, that you may boldly say…” (Hebrews 13:5-6). If you believe what He has said, say the same thing with your mouth.

For example, 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Believe it, but don't stop there. Say the same thing because you agree with Him. Until you make that confession, and allow that truth take a hold of your spirit, you'll not walk in the realms of what you’ve believed; the vital experience of righteousness will elude you. So, in faith, you must synchronize your believing with your confessions.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me your Word and for showing me by your Spirit, the quality of life that you’ve called me to live. I believe in the finished works of Christ, and through my faith-filled confessions, I’m walking in the vital reality of my heritage in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
2 Corinthians 4:13
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; ;

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 9:18-38, Genesis 29-30
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 5:31-40, Genesis 12

Victory Assured - Sunday, January 11th .

Pastor Chris

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Having given your heart to Christ, if you suddenly found that you’re being buffeted by all kinds of temptations, persecutions, and trials, don’t cower or allow your faith to dissipate. In the face of such daunting challenges, and seemingly overwhelming oppositions, declare, “I’m more than a conqueror!”

Remember what the Word says: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). So when adversities come, don’t gripe; rather, maintain your composure because your victory is assured. The Lord Jesus made it clear that we would face tribulations, challenges and difficulties, and no one should be ignorant of that. Nevertheless, He assures us of victory all the way.

Isaiah 43:2 tells us, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Notice He didn’t say there’ll not be trouble, no; but that it’ll be of none effect.

Recall the testimony of the three Hebrew boys in Daniel chapter 3: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were thrown into the fiery furnace; yet they came out of the raging inferno unscathed. Before their glorious deliverance, there was condemnation, rejection, false accusation, and hatred. So the story wasn’t only about their miraculous deliverance from fire, but also about the storm they weathered hitherto.

There’re things you might have to go through in life, as you carry out the ministry that the Lord has given to you; endure such with hope, confident that victory is assured. The Apostle Paul, attesting to this, writes, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed…” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

There’re adversaries on every side but in the midst of them all, the Word of God puts you over. Therefore, refuse to fear, for the Lord is with you.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for leading me always to triumph, and helping me win every day, against every odd or adversity. I exercise my authority in Christ, over all the ability of the enemy, and I’m victorious now and always, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study:
Romans 8:37
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. ;

Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. ;

Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 8:28-9:17, Genesis 27-28
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 5:21-30, Genesis 11

Make Your Tongue Your Tree Of Life - Saturday, January 10th .

Pastor Chris

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).

Using your mouth rightly is a vital key that unlocks the blessings of salvation in your life! Stressing the importance of this, 1 Peter 3:10-11 says, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” Though your tongue is small, it controls everything in your life; with it, you can chart your course in righteousness, dominion, success, and prosperity. There's no situation that can’t be changed, and no wound in your body that can’t be healed, if you'd make your tongue your own tree of life by declaring God’s Word over your life and situation.

The word, “wholesome” in our opening verse is translated from the Hebrew word, “marpe,” which means healing and health. A “wholesome” tongue, therefore, is a tongue that’s curative, a fountain of life, because it's filled with the Word of God!

Speak God’s Word; speak health, wellness, and life to your body; that’s what your mouth is for. Your mouth wasn’t given to you merely for eating and drinking; its greater use is for controlling your life. Your present position in life is the result of your “mouth-work.” Matthew 12:37 says, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned,” letting you know that you’re to regulate your life with your tongue: What you say is what you get!

Often times, there’re those who wonder why the circumstances of their lives, and their experiences, don't seem to align with the wonderful blessings and provisions of the Gospel, despite being born again for several years. The reason for this dilemma is that they haven’t made their tongue their own tree of life.

You can be anything you want to be, have anything you want to have, and achieve anything you want to achieve within God’s perfect will. The key is in regulating your life with your tongue, making your tongue your own tree of life!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for your grace that has brought salvation to my spirit. With my mouth, I keep on proclaiming that all the blessings of salvation—health, prosperity, safety, wellness and wholeness—consummated by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, are my present-hour possessions and vital realities of my daily existence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
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. ;

Proverbs 6:2
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 8:1-27, Genesis 25-26
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 5:11-20, Genesis 10

His Liquid Love · Friday, January 9th ·

Pastor Chris

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:8-9).

Pastor Chris
The message of Jesus Christ is encapsulated in one thought: It’s about His liquid love, His life, forgiveness and righteousness. His love is liquid because it flows. The Bible talks about the love that the Father poured out lavishly—like water upon all men—through Christ Jesus. Such extraordinary love did He express and direct towards us, that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He didn’t die for us because we were living right; no. He did it while we were yet sinners. That’s love indescribable; liquid-love extraordinaire.

When you understand this about Jesus, about His life, who He is, and the fact that He gave His life to save you, then you’ll understand what God thinks about you; how He values you. His vicarious death defines your value. He thought you were worth His life; so He gave His life in your place. This shows that you’re as valuable to the Father as Jesus is. No wonder the Lord Jesus, pouring out His heart to the Father in prayer, wanted the world to know that the Father has loved us even as He had loved Him (John 17:23).

How inspiring it is to know that Jesus gave His life, so that you may have it. The life you ought to live now should be the life of the Son of God; live His dream. Paul boldly declared in 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." Living by the faith of the Son of God means you’re living His dream; you’re living what He saw and thought that you could be, for which reason He died for you! What He saw in His mind about you: What He thought, what he wanted; His dream of what you could be!

Don’t live a lesser life. Live God’s dream, remembering His liquid love towards you. He thought you were valuable and special, wanted you, and gave Himself for you.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for lavishly pouring out your love on me, demonstrating that I’m worth the life of your Son Jesus. Therefore, I’m motivated to reach out to sinners and win them to Christ. I’m compelled by your love to preach the Gospel to them, and turn them from sin unto righteousness, and from the power of Satan unto you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Ephesians 3:17-19;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

1 John 4:8-10
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 year Bible reading plan: Matthew 7:7-29 Genesis 23-24
2 year Bible reading plan: Matthew 5:1-10 Genesis 9

You’re Extraordinary - Thursday, January 8th .

Pastor Chris

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).

Have you ever imagined the fact that the creator of the universe resides in you, in His totality? The Holy Spirit beautified the heavens. The Bible says, “By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens…” (Job 26:13). This awesome Third Person of the Godhead made everything in the universe; yet, He chose to live in you. Think about it. 1 Corinthians 3:16 states clearly that you’re the temple of God, and that the Holy Spirit lives in you. Have you ever considered why? It’s because you’re important to the Father.

God made it so, for the Holy Spirit to live in you, because you’re important to Him and He wants you to be just like Him. He gave you His Spirit—the same Spirit He has—to live in you and make you fulfilled in life and full of joy, such that anything you get involved with will be full of glory; so you can be a success in anything and everything.

As a child of God, you’re the unveiling of the person of the Holy Spirit. He expresses Himself through you. He talks to you, and also talks through you. He leads and guides you; yet, He moves you; He propels you in the way that you should go: the way of righteousness. He's such a unique and awesome personality. If you're born again, be glad about the Holy Spirit; He’s the beauty of Christianity. He's the glory of your life. Acknowledge this about Him always, and live with that consciousness.

Step out with confidence, every day, and reach out to your world with the Gospel of Christ, knowing that the One that’s been called to go along with you is the greatest of all. He’s made you invincible and extraordinary, a super being indeed!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for leading and guiding me in life by your Spirit; I go forth in confidence today, knowing that I’m backed by deity. My life is full of glory and I succeed in all endeavours, because the Holy Spirit is the essence, beauty, and glory of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
John 14:16-17
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ;

John 15:4-5
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 6:19-7:6, Genesis 20-22
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 4:12-25, Genesis 8

italo:
Just to mention that Justification doesn't mean the justified wont sin.

He can sin.

Justification also doesn't mean the justified doesn't have to do anything else in order to go to heaven.

He does.

I see some people up there saying the opposite.

You sure you're not the one missing it?

Hiswordxray:
Someone who is justified is not a sinner but is Holy, righteous, faultless blameless in the sight of God (Col 1:22 & Eph 1:4)
Someone who is in Christ can never sin because there is no sin in Christ (1John 3:5&9).

This is hard meat bro...alot of folks would struggle to understand this. Break it down please.

italo:
This one is making sense.

Bidam too. I think this is covered. But a little scripture that changed my mindset forever on what Jesus by God did for us. How He so loves us!

Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Once you're declared righteous (the moment you got born again) by God through Jesus Christ, you can stand boldly before God without guilt, condemnation or inferiority, because you are now God's righteousness in Christ Jesus. Meaning, after being justified by faith, we received the gift of righteousness, therefore we now have th ability to do right things ie sin no more.

But we err and sin, but that doesn't make us sinners, sinners do not hav the nature of God in them, and so, when we sin, because we have being justified, our advocate, Jesus will b there for us. But Paul asked, do we then continue in sin because grace abound?

The Fullness Of The Blessings Of The Gospel - Tuesday, January 6th .

Pastor Chris

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:29).

Could this be possible in the earth? Can a man have, and walk in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel? Emphatically yes! We just read it. Paul, as he planned his missionary journey to the Roman Christians, via Spain, was convinced he’d be carrying in him, and with him, the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel. This is extraordinary. It completely debunks the erroneous and religious belief that as long as we’re in the earth, we can never have the fullness of God’s blessing.

It’s important for us to understand the greatness and infinite wisdom and power of almighty God; He’s the author and creator of “fullness.” This was what gave the Apostle Paul the audacity of faith to make such a bold declaration of the Word. He walked in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ, and hoped to visit the Christians in Rome to impart the same to them.

What does this mean to you even now? Are you aware that you can, and should, walk in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ? The very thought of it, the understanding of it will completely revolutionize your life. Consider Peter; He also understood this and functioned accordingly. No wonder he declared that we’re associates of the God-kind (2 Peter 1:4); we belong in God’s class, and should therefore live with this consciousness.

John, writing to the Church, said, “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” (1 John 4:4). These men understood what it meant to walk in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ; they knew what Christ had made us and they spoke and lived accordingly. The Bible says, “Of His fulness,” talking about Christ, “have we all received…” (John 1:16). You received the fullness of God’s blessing when you received Christ, because Christ is EVERYTHING! Walk in this light, for the fullness of God is in Christ, who is in you.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the revelation of your Word to me; my life is improved! I’m a partaker of the divine nature. I live in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ. I’m joined to the Lord and that makes me impregnable and more than a conqueror, winning everyday by your grace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. ;

John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 5:21-48, Genesis 15-17
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 3:10-17, Genesis 6