₦airaland Forum

@Aremugangan
Jesus said No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for God's kingdom. Luke9:62. That is how concentrated and consecrated the normal christian life is. Service to God doesn't require cheerleaders. Lot had all against him in sodom. Joseph had no encouragement in egypt. Jesus himself lived among 'unbelief'. God's counsel to His children is ' let us lay aside every weight, let us run the race, looking unto Jesus. Fix your gaze on Jesus. There never was a better advice for God's children.

@Thirdborn
Actually, there are christians who still obey God's commands. God knows them that are His. Don't be shaken by the behaviour/attitude of others. Fix your gaze on JESUS. Seek to know and understand and please Him more. As you do that, every other thing will take shape.

It signifies that you're in a whole lot of trouble. You probably have uncarnal scabbies by faith. You need HELP. Fast for 6years and read Psalms 117 and 119 every hour. By 2015, you'll be a different person. Mark those words

Preach the Word EVERYTIME. Good to see many who know, it's time for us to go. Go into the world and preach the gospel. John Bunyan,the author of the classic 'Pilgrim's progress' was in jail for over 10years because he preached the gospel. What excuse do you have not to preach this gospel. Tell them Jesus died for us all.

Actually,I don't think heaven will admit up to 95%,considering the case of Noah and the case of Lot. God's standard is quite competitive.Only God knows the time of the rapture. It's amazing how some believe that there's heaven&prayer& forgiveness but don't believe in the rapture. Simply beats me

@okija
Yes, it's from the Bible, but the chief question would be 'will you believe it even if I quoted the text to you

July 3 Titus 3v8


8. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.



How very true it is that our works do not earn us salvation. All our good works and righteousness are as dirty and worthless as rags, nay, as filthy rags before God. Self-righteousness. That's what Paul the apostle fought against in major parts of his epistles. It is grace that saves us through faith, not works.
No matter how pious, or zealous, tender conscienced we are before salvation, it's not enough to buy us salvation. But after salvation, after being born-again, we are expected to produce fruits of a new life, good works. That's what the same apostle Paul is saying in our Today's passage.
Many have taken grace to mean 'raise up your hand or write your name in church one day, and live as you please for the rest of your life'. If you ask them about why they neglect a good thing, they'll say, "will that one save me?" Well no, it's not meant to. The grace of God is not permission for us to live in frivolity. The grace of God gives us power for good works. Paul himself, who showed you grace is saying "This is a faithful saying, these things I will that thou affirm CONSTANTLY ". What is that? That those that have believed in God be CAREFUL to maintain good works.
Maintain good works. In everything you do, say, think, wear, eat, Is it good? Maintain good works. Is it good in God's sight, or in the Bible's sight, maintain good works. Good works are good, says the Spirit of God, and profitable.

July 2 2Timothy 2v1


1. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.



When you look at life, and the beautiful lives that godly men have lived, you usually acknowledge grace. When you read of, hear of and even experience anointing in the ministry of anointed servants of God, you'll usually concur to the grace of God in the lives of His servants. But do you know that the same grace is available for you?
Sometimes, you hear about the holy and spotless lives of some, and you shake your head in amazement, and you probably say, "Well, he has grace". You too can have grace. That is why you usually share the grace! That the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us NOW and forever more. Oh yes, it can be if you truly believe it when you say it.
The Scriptures tell us that these servants of God are just like us, Elijah was a man subject to similar feelings/passions as we are. Those holy, radiant, anointed and signs following people are just like you. All they've done is to come BOLDLY before the throne of grace, and they found grace as promised. You too can come. Be strong in the grace . Don't turn it into lasciviousness. Don't waste it. Take hold and advantage of grace. You too can be holy, you can be empowered.

July 1 1Thessalonians 1v5


5. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.



Many people go to church, both christians and non-christians, and both saved and unsaved. They all have their differing reasons, at different times, of going to church.
A most popular and to some extent reasonable reason is the preacher. Many of us have our preacher preferences. The unfortunate thing is that many preachers come to you in word only. The majority of preachers have sought to improve their preaching in word. They've become good communicators, they know a lot about diction, phonetics, psychology, rhymes, and great/wise quotes. They are orators and 'fun' to listen to, and millions of people base their worship locations mainly on this.
But the divine standard and pattern is more than word only. It is the gospel in word, or rather our gospel (good news) in word, and also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. The preachers' words should have power to make/produce godly lives, not just to entertain or make you happy and relaxed. It should be in the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, not in error or heresy. And it should be in much assurance, not confusing and dividing the Body of Christ, but in accord with the whole Scriptures. This is the pattern and foundation laid by Christ and His apostles. What do you weigh on the scale?

@okija
wonder no more mr. The One who's able to give a body to dust, and a body to what they call zygote is still alive and well. Infact alive forever more. Let me explain to you in the way you'll understand. He's going to give a heavenly body to his saints and a hellish body(built for pain and sorrow) to sinners. This bodies will be available to everyone, whether what remains of your present body is ashes or full alive body. Prepare for that day.

June 30 Psalm 30v5


5. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.



As we come to the close of this month, the Word of God to His saints is clear. It is the promise of peace, and of joy and of Heaven. It's a promise that is sure and steadfast. It will be fulfilled. That's why you want to be a partaker of such a promise.
Today's passage is talking to children of God, saints. Sinners are not children of God, don't remain a sinner. The preceding verse tells us that Today's passage is for the saints of God. Not just the saints of men, or of self. The saints of the Lord. He's telling His saints that God's anger lasts but a moment, a little while. Surely, that's not an address to sinners. God's anger with sinners is not but a moment. It is going to be everlasting. Let's all come into His favour. In His favour is life.
When you come into this life, His life, sometimes weeping may come. It may. There may be problems and troubles and trials. What I'm saying is that whatever challenges and sorrows and troubles you might be facing, it is going, because joy is coming. That is God's Word. The night is far spent, it is almost over. Your morning has come. Joy is coming in the morning. Look at the joy that is set before you. Joy is in the front, ahead, never forget that. Forget the present weeping, endure. Weeping may endure for a night, Joy is at hand. Morning is come.

June 29 1Chronicles29v15


15. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.



Do you know that this earth is not the permanent, abiding home of believers? It is just a phase that comes to pass, our trying zone. It is like the refinery where the gold is tried, so as to come out pure, sparkling and useful.
We believers are to set our eyes and affections on things in heaven, our home. We're to look at the joy set before us and not at the pleasures of the world. Right from the old testament, believers have always known themselves to be strangers on earth, not loving the world but the Lord. It's the same attitude in the new testament. Peter's letter is to beloved strangers and pilgrims.
We all are to always look at this world as not our continuing city, but a phase in our journey. Not only poor or sick believers, but all of us. Believers have Heaven's passport, not earth's. Are you a believer? Are you really a stranger in this world or you're fully accustomed to this world and its systems, and like Lot's wife, having a desire to look back or even go back? Are you looking for the appearing of Jesus to take you home ? Don't dare to 'pitch a tent' towards Sodom.

@post
It's been said to you before that it takes more than the brain's 'wisdom' to understand the things of God. God is a Spirit. You'll understand him better if you seek Him in spirit and in truth. Nonetheless, your question is simply coming out of your prejudice as the verses you've quoted are plain to sincere learners.
Proverbs18v2 says
A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
I'm hoping that you're not, or that you do not remain in the above category.
The Word of God is one, and various passages throw more light on and complement other passages. It's only people who're looking for seeming contradictions that find such. If you take an individual as your friend, you begin to see the great qualities such an individual possesses. But if you take him as your enemy, then everything he does appears to be against you. If he's laughing and chatting with his friends, your thought is that he must be mocking you and saying evil concerning you. That's your position against the Bible. That's the reason why it's usually jumbled to you.
Exodus20v5 has simply revealed a plain truth to us. Children inherit what their parents sow. Poor parents produce poor children and probably generations. Rich parents produce rich children. Sickle parents produce sickle children. Parents who enjoy the love and blessings of God have children who enjoy the blessing and love of God. Parents who are under punishment usually have children who suffer because of their parents. That's the way life is. But every individual can still change things to suit himself/herself. e.g that you're born to a poor family does not automatically mean that you should remain poor and vice versa.
It is this that Ezekiel18 sheds more light on. It's saying you can repent and come out of punishment. You can backslide and come out of God's favour. It happened often to the Israelites in the Bible. We all decide if we want to enjoy God's goodness or face His judgement.
Ezekiel 18v5. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right.
9. Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgements, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God
10. If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any of these things,
13. Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: SHALL HE THEN LIVE? He shall not live:
14. Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like
17b. He shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live
19. Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son has done that which is lawful and right, and has kept all my statutes, and has done them, he shall surely live.
20. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him
And so on and so on. You could read the whole chapter. Pretty clear and self explanatory. May God help you.

June 28 Psalm 28v6


6. Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.



God is good all the time. It is so whether you believe it or not. All the time , God is good. He always wantS to answer your prayers. Infact, He said somewhere that you don't have because you don't ask.
The blessedness of God is tied to answering prayers. Every creature acclaims and proclaims that BLESSING and honour be to God forever. Not just forever, but forever and ever. It follows then that if God is Blessed forever and ever, then He answers prayer forever and ever, everytime!
It means you don't have to wait for another watch night service to receive answers to your prayers. You don't have to wait til the congress or convention or crusade or meeting or gathering or retreat comes. You could have your answers NOW . 6. Blessed be God, because he has heard the voice of my supplications. Let Him hear the voice, your voice from today. Don't just think it or meditate it, say it. Some christians just mumble some things and go. Always on the fast lane. They view it that God knows all their requests, so they don't need to waste time. Whose time? Let God the Lord hear the voice of your supplications. Your supplicationS. Expect a miracle when you pray. God remains blessed forever and ever.

Psalm 118v28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
This psalm tells us that God is the God of everyone of His children. He is the God of Jesus Christ. He is our God. we don't need to argue or strife over things with little or no relevance.

@posters
the devil is not the antithesis of God. You are a living proof of the existence and 'busyness' of the devil.

@Igwe
Well God knows best as to why Moses and Elijah were the ones who appeared to Christ at the mount of transfiguration. The reason is not explicitly given in the passage, though some have suggested different reasons. Two reasons I'll re-bring up are these.
1. Some have said Moses represented the Law, while Elijah represented the prophets. i.e the law and the prophets(which make up the old testament) coming together with the new testament Christ.
2. Some have also pointed out to us the reality of the afterlife. There's life after death, not just fossils. Everyone has a soul that is eternal. Many had wondered in doubt as regards the death of Moses. no one even saw his dead body. A similar thing with Elijah who was raptured into heaven. Doubters can be left doubtless as to God's preservation of His own. It's not the way you die or are buried that really counts, it's where you go after death. God takes his own to be with Him, forever safe in the arms of His love

June 27 Acts 27v11


11. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.



The centurion believed the master and owner of the ship, more than Paul. Whao! Had God deserted Paul? No. Was the Holy Spirit not with Paul? He was. But you know, some christians are of the opinion and mindset that when people believe what you're saying, or when people are willing to come to hear what you have to say, then the Holy Spirit is working mightily. The presence of God must be with you. No Sir. It doesn't always follow.
The presence of crowds and zeal is not a measure of the presence of Christ or approval of God.
Today also, unfortunately, there are still multitudes and denominations who believe that their church's owners and masters, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. The epistles of Paul and other scriptures have being explained away. Excuses, theories, theologies, psychologies and philosophies of men now hold in the congregation's hearts than the Word of God contained in the Scriptures. Whose report do you believe as a person today? Don't make the same mistake that the centurion made. These things are our ensamples and admonitions.

June 26 Acts 26v18c



[color=990000]18c. That they might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. [/color]


We come to the third part of this beautiful verse that we've looked at for over three months now. We've been shown of our leaders' duty, why the pastors were saved and why they preach and teach. It is to open our eyes and turn us. To bring us from the power of satan unto the power of God. Sinners are under the power of satan, that's why they do the things that they do.
Some ignorant believers may also perish under the power of satan. But we can receive turning from the power of satan unto God, and finally now, to receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance. Christ has paid for the forgiveness of our sinS. What we need to do is receive it. We receive forgiveness to go and sin no more. That's the reasonable thing, and that's how Jesus gave forgiveness in the gospels, 'go and sin no more forgiveness'.
We then receive inheritance among those that are sanctified by faith. Sanctification, or what some call seperation, holiness, righteousness, is by faith. It takes believing. If you don't believe in it, you can't have it. sanctified by faith . And Jesus wants us to receive inheritance, after forgiveness of sins, with them i.e among them which are sanctified by faith in Him.
All believers have an inheritance to claim. It's what makes the LIFE beautiful. Having the fullness of God. Go for the fullness of God's purpose for you.

You'll receive a dummy confirmation email. I'm sure that's the answer you're looking for.

June 25 Matthew 25v33


33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.



Today's passage are the words of Jesus Christ, the omniscient and great Teacher. When He said these, he was neither mincing words nor reading tales by moonlight. He was talking about the future seperation. The seperating of the righteous and the unrighteous, the holy and the unholy, the sheep and the goats. Once in a while, i read of 'believers' who pride themselves in not being holy. Well, it's good that you get holy before the coming of the Son of man, Jesus.
The preceding verse says all nations shall be gathered before him. Not all christians, not all churches, all nations. Everybody. And then, He'll seperate them one from another, the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Where will you be seperated to on that day?
The righteous are the sheep, who have sheepishly followed Christ.(i kid you not). The unrighteous are the goats, who have either stubbornly followed, or refused, or not accepted Christ. All sinners are under the goat category. Maybe you're still day dreaming with lines like "no one is righteous, no one is holy". Stop kidding yourself and get on the sheep side. On that day, Christ will set the righteous on his right hand. Join the righteous today. The unrighteous will be on the left, condemned to everlasting punishment.

June 24 2Chronicles 24v16

16. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.



Don't be deceived, God is not mocked. What a man sows is what He'll reap. Many people love to behave like everyone else. That's why they don't get something different from what everybody else is getting. What they get is never enough, because it's what everyone gets.
But uncommon people, with uncommon stand, courage, faith and righteousness definitely receive the uncommon. Jehoiada was a priest, a levite, not a king. They buried him among the kings. Now, that's uncommon! Forever classed among the royals, the greats, leaders.
Jehoiada was a true leader. He had done good in Israel, toward God and toward his house. How Christlike! He went everywhere doing good. Christlike people are great people. Jehoiada the priest actually mentored the king of his time. He was a LIGHT to his generation. You too can receive an uncommon reward. The Overcomer's reward. Overcomers are few, you need dare to be one. You should do good in your community, both toward God and toward your house.

June 23 Acts 23v23,24

23. And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
24. And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.


It pays to serve God you know. You enjoy life the most, even better than people who are seeking this entertainment day and night with money. Someone has said that believers have more fun/joy accidentally than unbelievers will ever have on purpose. And then to think that we are preparing to go to a city full of joy and happiness evermore. It is good to be a child of God.
Look at Paul the apostle here in our text. If God had opened the eyes of the chief captain, he might have seen the angels and chariots protecting Paul's life. But Paul was to have a treat . Even his accusers didn't enjoy this.
Two hundred (200) soldiers were provided for Paul with two hundred (200) spearmen and seventy (70) horsemen. Also, beasts were provided to set Paul on and bring him safe to the governor. It's a serious matter. God will take care of you. He'll favour you even before your so called adversaries. You are the apple of God's eye and He is your ever present help. God does not fail. Stay very close to Him, for at His right hand there're pleasures forevermore.

June 22 Job 22v28


28. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.



A decree is like an official command made by a ruler. Do you recall that children of God are rulers? We are the kings. Our Lord is our King. The King of kings. We are expected to reign in life.
It takes knowledge to reign. The knowledge of God. Knowledge like what is in Today's passage. You will ALSO decree a thing . Don't just stand loafing with arms akimbo, reading and hearing about what others are doing. Our Today's passage is clear and straight. You shall also decree a thing.
Now you must know, or be reminded that the believer's authority is greater than that of the kings of the Medes and Persians. Remember in the book of Daniel, the Medes and Persians had kings whose decrees could not be changed. Well, you're greater than them. The King of kings lives in you. All power is given to Him in heaven and in earth. No one. As in NOBODY can change your decree. Decree a thing, and it shall be established unto you .
It's good you stop just now, and make that decree. Decree concerning your life, your spirit, your soul, your body, your family, your health, your job, your property. Decree today in conjunction with Jesus Christ. The light has come. Light MUST shine upon your ways . Don't walk in the dark no more.

June 21 Acts 21v32

32. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.



Many in our Today's society have come to hate punishment of evil. They frown at judgement. They perceive judgement as unnecessary and unfair.
How wonderful it will be, if in ALL things, we obey the injunction of the scriptures to let our moderation be known unto all men. It is godly to be moderate. The Word of God is moderate. God Himself is moderate. Some people's judgement is in excess, sadistic and unwarranted. Extreme. On the other extreme, many people's philosopy of judgement and punishment today is too mild. Spare the rod, spare the rod policies have led to increase in crime and violence all over the world.
There's a lot of rebellious and hardened chumps all over. That's why we need judges, the law, police, soldiers etc. That is why the Day is coming when God will judge the whole of humanity. There are a lot of people around us whom the Bible describes as 'unreasonable and wicked men'. We need authorities to keep them in order.
In our Today's passage, we see an example of such people. "When they saw the soldiers, they left beating of Paul ". I'm continually suprised as to why some people, in an attempt to sound spiritual, question the use of security men by christians. What happened in our text was that apostle Paul was in the city of Jerusalem, gentler than ever. His crime was that his assailants saw him. Then the next thing that happens is that they drew him out of the temple and went about to kill him. Thank God for the high rank military officers (the chief captain, centurions and soldiers) who showed up. He'll have just become 'gone too soon'.
Jesus Christ said we believers are sent as sheep in the middle of wolves. Therefore i.e because of that, be wise and yet HARMLESS. May we be wise. Foolishness is not a prestige in the kingdom of God.

June 20 Acts 20v27

27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.


ALL the counsel of God! All of it. The complete. Not 10%, not 50%, not 70%, not 90%, not even 99%. ALL . Declaring the whole counsel of God i.e the will and word of God. I believe this is where many of our spiritual leaders have not done well.
The early church leaders could boldly say like Apostle Paul, 'I have not kept back or hesitated, avoided to preach to you all the counsel of God'. Believers have become very weak and incomplete Today because they love to be one-sided, a cake not turned.
While there're some who are vast and established in only prayer, prayer, deliverance, fasting, yoke breaking, generational whatsit, there're some others who are engrossed only on healing, miracle, expansion, dominion, prosperity. There're those whose doctrine is solely giving to God, to church and co, sowing and reaping. There're others who all they know is giving to the poor, and organising charities and fundraisings.
God's plan encompasses ALL , not some of His counsel. Do you receive the whole counsel of God where you worship? Get me right. I didn't ask that, are you satisfied with where you worship? I ask, Do you receive the whole counsel, ALL the counsel of God where you worship? May God's will be done in earth as it is done in heaven.

June 18 Proverbs 18v20

20. A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.


The Bible informs us that the tongue is a world. A world on his own. It is another universe of possibilities. In other words, it can make you or break you.
There'll be less trouble, fighting and wars if we didn't abuse the use of the tongue's world. Think about all the fights and disagreements and misunderstandings that you've had, they've being mostly as a result of what somebody said. But the mouth can be put to better use.
Our Today's passage shows us that a man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth. If you sow good words, you'll be satisfied. The mouth plays an important role in your progress and prosperity.
Hardly will you see a very rich man who is dumb i.e who cannot speak with his mouth. Your mouth can 'take you places'. Your lips can fill you. Invest good words. Speak words of blessings to yourself and to others around you. Speak praise to God. Learn to make your world a better and satisfied place.

@SirJohn
Life boy goes to mexico Part 4.
[b]Grab your copy NOW! [b]

Of a truth, You sleep too much.

You sleep too much.

June 16 Romans 16v17

17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.


Many of us know that we live in a time where it appears that people are wiser than themselves. Much knowledge makes them mad, so to say. If we could humble ourselves and heed these simple, easy warnings in Today's passage, backsliding would reduce. Discouragement will become a thing of the past.
Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine of Christ and avoid them. i.e Know them and avoid them.
Many believers today are blind and not ready to mark these people. They ignorantly say 'judge not, judge not'. But then, they'll not hear or speak with/to or evangelise 'total' unbelievers, most of whom are usually plain ignorant and foolish. They'll rather listen to and discuss with snakes and deceivers in the name of 'judge not' and united fellowship. The Word of God today is saying "mark them, avoid them . Don't be careless, watch!

I'm doing fine, my sister.
I meant to say that most of the large churches are 'divided' into smaller units which they call house fellowships or cells. This small units also hold their meetings in some house. Some have their priest/pastor as a member of the cell, led by another person.
Like I said, I believe it is misunderstanding. There's no need for the large church to condemn the small church, or for the small church to feel holier than the large church. We are members of the same body if we believe.