@Joagbaje
The concept of righteousness has generated several debates please can you help out on these few questions
# WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
# IS RIGHTEOUSNESS ONE AND THE SAME WITH HOLINESS
# IF NO THEN WHAT IS HOLINESS?
# CAN ONE BECOME MORE RIGHTEOUS OR HOLY AT ANY GIVEN TIME?
thank you for responding it will help alot.

It shouldn't be an issue to see people needing help of whom other people regard as bad or branded as sinners in Church it is an issue because they fail to recognize the purpose and significance of the church as the ground and pillar of truth thus Jesus said
King James 2000 Bible (©2003) Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all you that labor and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
The church his the most suited and appropriate place for anyone needing help

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
Mark 8:36
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall
gain the whole world, and lose his own
life?"

Matthew 16:26
"What good will it be for
a man if he gains the whole world, yet
forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give
in exchange for his soul?"
In the world today it is so sad that we see many people who fail to realize that there is more to life than amassing wealth, obtaining all the fame and popularity there is to grab. What is the value or worth of a man's soul, is it worth trading for the unrighteous marmon.

New International Version (©1984) Zacharial 4:6
"So he said to me, "This is the word of
the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might
nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the
LORD Almighty"

1 Samuel 2:9
"King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
He will keep the feet of his saints, and
the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for
by strength shall no man prevail"
Again and again you we find people who make a boast about their social status, earthly achievements, connections etc but you see for the christian our boast is in nothing without rather its in the Grace of God

When a christian make a boast in the flesh he or she is automatically excluding the participation of God in His or her life.

This is the generation that will fulfill Mark 16:15 because we have all the tools and avenues to reach more poeple than any generation before us could ever dream to have.
Thank God for these tool:
# The internet
# Television
# Radio
# The Print
# Satellite
# Mobile phones/Mobile devices
Until the Church begin consciously to make more practical investment in these afore mentioned tools of mass communication our successes will be limited and our progress retarded.
Also if don't then we leave it at the abuse and misuse of the wicked

l was particularly so deeply touched when l saw the Rhapsody of Realities translated in Arabic and been distributed in Egypt and seeing Egyptians making the prayer of salvation.
It is exciting to see the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ been made more accessable and available to more people over the world. For me the most interesting and fulfilling thought is that more people are encouraged to develop a relationship with the Word of God by providing bible study plans

Joagbaje:

@newmi,
I agree God is not a name.

ok that means we on same the page. My point is basically that God as a
means of reference to the Almighty is not His name rather a description of being and nature and it sounds somewhat distance in terms of relationship but when one recognizes that He can get more personal at that point he or she make conscious effort to know and understand this God on a mire intimate perspective.
God answers to the name of Jesus

@Joagbaje
l stand to be corrected yes yaweh is His name as we find out especially in most of the old testament writings which also contains several other covenant names that He revealed Himself at different times but in this new dispensation does He answer to these names especially when one put in perspective the scripture that says ", God has exalted His word above all His names. . ." and we understand that the Word made flesh bears the name- Jesus so the point is that He answers to the name of His Word.
Thanks
Psalms 138:2
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name"

diluminati:

@newmi,joeagbaje,inedi and co

Did you guys read the bolded line or you choosed to ignore it for your own selfish reasons? Hypocrites!

Perhaps l should refer you to some of my earlier post because that issue was brought up and my simple response was regardless of what or who the object of the giving was the underlining fact remains that in the midst of their severe poverty and challenges they still saw a need to make a GIVING. So l hope that answers your question l didn't ignore the letters on bold presentation

mabell:

@joagbaje,
What about other nations that had their reach out campaigns and distributed hundreds of thousands. Countries like south africa, switzerland, e.t.c. That's excluding the ones printed for nigeria, not forgetting the copies for the blind.

Just some facts with figures perhaps it would help
Nigeria
50 Years, 50 Smiles, 50 Heroes…Celebrating Hope In The Jubilee
Partners of Rhapsody of Realities and brethren from Christ Embassy on October 1st 2010, distributed
20 million free copies of Rhapsody of Realities in commemoration of the 50th Independence
Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They distributed the devotional in 8 Nigerian languages
namely English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Efik, Ijaw, Urhobo, and Igala.
Ghana
Accra, June 29, GNA - The Leadership of Christ Embassy Ghana would on Republic Day, Thursday July
1, distribute more than one million copies of the daily devotional and Bible study-guide: Rhapsody of
Realities, throughout the country.

garyarnold:

If tithing is a spiritual law, then you must tithe spiritually. The opposite of spiritual is tangible, or material. WHY are you tithing tangible or material things (such as money) to satisfy a spiritual law? Doesn't make any sense at all.

Spiritual laws must be fulfilled spiritually, not materially.

funny!!!
What you don't know is that every thing done in the Church of Christ as the ground and pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15) every act of worship, every sacrifice rendered must be done in the Spirit because God is a Spirit and those worship Him must worship Him in Spirit (John 4:24).
God can only be pleased or perhaps l should say that for any act worship or sacrifice to be pleasing and acceptable to God it has to be sanctified by the Spirit which means that the only acceptable means to present our acts of worship be it in cash or kind is by the Spirit.
And Faith is the Spirit way to present our acts of worship because without faith it is imposdible to please God and those that come to God must that He is and that He is a rewarder all them who deligently seek Him.
so you are sweeping and cleaning the church you do in faith, if are giving ur offering or tithes or other charity donation (offerings and tithes are not charity donations) you do it in faith trusting and believing that these acts of wotship are not rendered to man to God and the Lord you will receive a reward.

well who cares to know

There is no other way out of poverty for the one who believes in Christ Jesus other than the most excellence way of GIVING BECAUSE GIVING IS ONE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE LITTLE WONDER WHY GOD DEMONSTRATED HIS LOVE TOWARDS HOW? BY GIVING.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
God demonstrated His announced Love by acting it out in His giving. Isn't amazingly interesting that the scripture in question doesn't just stop at being a mere promisory note rather beyond that an action was undertaken as a vital demonstration of His Love, You see almost anyone can say ". . . l love u. . . " but not many can boast or are ready to make commitments.

nedostic:

@Poster, please educate us more on this. This to me would be the key to unlocking some of the so called puzzles in the Bible.

No wonder the apostles did baptize people in the name of Jesus Christ! I am yet to fully grasp with this because Jesus Christ instructed in the Bible to baptize in the name of the Father,Son and Holy Spirit.

I am yet to find out in the Bible where the apostles or disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ did baptize in the name of Father,Son and Holy Spirit.

Please elucidate. Its an amazing topic for discuss.

Thank you.
l Likewise am yet to find in the scriptures any stance where the apostles baptized people in the name of the Father, The Son and The Spirit. The big questions many have failed to ask is WHAT THEN IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE SPIRIT.
Well the answer is scattered althrough scriptures
for starters we know the name of the Son- Jesus who is the Christ. l don't think anyone would disagree with that inference. Then Jesus spoke at numerous instances how that Himself and "The Father" are oneas well as the Spirit so to baptize in the name of the Father, the son and the Spirit is more or less a an empty pronouncement because the question would still pop up WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE NAME OF THE SON AND THE NAME OF THE SPIRIT

numo86:

@OP, john1:1 tells us that the word(Jesus christ) was with another God in the beginning,
Who was that God
U'v clearly identified that d word accordin to the kjv & many translations is Jesus which was God,
But what is d name of d God the christ was with?,
Was Jesus with himself?,

Chuksxp:

@numo86

Jesus was with His Father.

There is no record that Jesus was with the Father or in heaven prior to His first advent, rather what we find is that in the biginning it The Father, The Spirit and the Word and it is significant that we understand this but you see these lexemes; God, Holy Spirit, and The Word all are not names but a discription of personalities but like we read in John 1 where "The WORD" BECOME flesh note not "JESUS" BECAME FLESH because there was no Jesus as at yet "JESUS" only existed in prophecy. The angel Gabriel appeared and spoke these words to the virgin Mary (Luke 1:31)
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS"
Now 1 Timothy 3:16
"And without controversy great is the
mystery of godliness: God was manifest
in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of
angels, preached unto the Gentiles,
believed on in the world, received up
into glory"
Isn't amazingly explicit that GOD WAS MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH and bear in what we read in John 1 the Word who is God was made flesh now this "GOD THAT WAS MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH WAS NOW GIVEN A NAME ACCORDING TO PROPHECIES AND MORE RECENTLY FROM THE ANGEL NOT THAT HE ALREADY HAD THE NAME OR EXISTED AS A PERSON SEPRATE FROM THE FATHER REMEMBER TRINITY IN LIKE MANNER YOU CANNOT SEPARATE YOUR SPIRIT, SOUL QND BODY AS FAR AS THIS REALITY IS CONCERN, ANYONE WHO SEES YOU IN THE FLESH WOULD BE CRAZY TO REQUEST TO SEE YOUR SPIRIT OR SOUL SEPARATELY.

to marry a person is undoubtable a great thing because there is no better marital bliss than that of marry a man or woman that fears and honours God.

Omo_Tier1:

@crossman, the new kid on the devil's block

For years we have face barrage of attacks from people like you and you know what, We have never looked back! Rather Believer's LoveWorld aka Christ Embassy has waxed stronger.

For years, the church has prretended as though love between two matured adult was heaven made, and many brethren fell by the wayside. But here we are today, a church is turning around this sad event in the church history by getting people in church to celebrate their love, yet some see it as something evil to do!

If the world can celebrate their 'lust' why can't we who are born in love by God celebrate love for real?

You know the more l read submissions and posts of the likes of this fellow with the ID name- crossman am brought again and again to the realization of the dept and magnitude of their frustration and their lack of a sense of purpose. You see the problem this individuals have which they fail to recognize is that they are people who have lost their inspiration in and for life.
For instance why aren't they talking about the wisdom in the vision (Pastor Chris live) by Christ Embassy which establishes a network of coorperate prayer all over the world at a given time through the internet and other interactive mobile platform thus encouraging a desire and passion for prayer among brethren and other Christians alike who are not members of the Minstry but who participate in the prayer chain of which there are numerous testimonies to build our faith. Here is a man driven by a passionate commitment to amplifying the voice of the gospel of Jesus Christ by seeking more and more means and avenues to facilitate that commitment and a desire to reach the unreached and touch the untouched, yet some who themselves are have repeatedly failed successfully both in their Christian lives (that is if they were Christians in the first place) and in their personal lives

People always look for opportunities to vent their misguided offences let us talk about the socalled love feast na

The Word is God and His name is Jesus who is the Christ

The lexeme God, is not a name in itself for the larger than life being, creator and essence to whom we refer or address rather it is a nominal description of a category or class of being like we have "man" which describes "humans" as a class of being. So in the same way "man" doesn't refer to the name of a person likewise "God" isn't the name of person.
God is Spirit but His name is not "God" rather God is a discription of His person.
New International Version (©1984 ) John 4:24
God is spirit, and his worshipers must
worship in spirit and in truth. "
Now in John 1:1-4 we granted an amazing expose
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Here we are granted an amazing insight into the revelation of the person of God, The Word the bible is God the preceeding verses of scripture refered to the Word using the pronoun "Him" thus implying that "the Word" isn't a thing but rather a person. Consequently, there is only one person in scripture who best fits this description and His name is Jesus "the Christ". The Christ because there are others who go by that name

In addition, there is a striking revelation about the name of Jesus Christ which is that it is A PLACE.
The name Jesus also isn't just numenclature the name Jesus-the Christ is a location, a place, an address
New International Version (©1984 ) Proverbs
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.

Cyber_Word:

SOMETIMES YOU WILL NEED TO STEP BACKWARD TO JUMP HIGHER.

You will agree with me that in a high jump or long jump contest,your stepping backward before you proceed is of great importance.Those that refuse to step back will always perform poorly.In thesame vein,most set backs are simply a stepping back for a higher jump.That set back you may be going through now is not a slow down.It is only a plus if you can keep moving.Job in the bible had a major set back where he lost everything but got more at the end.Even if you may be losing something please do not lose your trust in God.It is your trust in God that converts set-backs to stepping stones.Job 13:15.I see every set back taking you a step ahead in Jesus Precious name.BB-PIN is 21322745

Wonderful and encouraging as this sounds it doesn't agree with promised realiries that the Word of God offers for the Christian. We don't have to step backward to make a big jump in life because for how story like that a just man that shines more and more until the perfect day
King James Bible Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining
light, that shineth more and more unto the
perfect day.

Acts 4:10
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead,[ even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The name of Jesus is more than just a means of reference to a person rather it carries a much more significance than that it is the name of our salvation

zooryzara:

Plastic surgeons strive to improve patients' appearance and self-image through both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
miami plastic surgeon

true but sometime l wonder if it is worth any bit especially for some people who take it to the extreme

dear Jesus Christ l don't think any of these people expected this . . . this is really really sad!

davidylan:

ok lets even agree that this is a valid excuse for pastors of today to fleece the flock. Why do they tell us to "have faith", "hold unto his promise", "speak to our seed", "exercise patience" . . . while we have to empty our pockets for them? Why cant God directly finance His calling on their lives without using us?

Any Pastor who does no give is not qualified and has no right to speak on the subject or make or tell others to give. The pastor is first a Christian and a member of the church before he is a pastor so he should and infact is expected to participate in the living out the life style that he claims the bible teaches.

davidylan:

Secondly, the blessing of God through Elijah came to that woman almost immediately . . . why will God allow someone to give her last mite while telling her to go hungry for months so the pastor can "eat"?

Praise God the reward or blessing for that widow came almost immediately because we are told that the cruise of oil didn't run out and the floor did't finish throughout the duration of the famine well thats was for that widow the bible says one plants another waters but it God who gives the increase not a man. The same bible says

Ecclesiates 11:1-3
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land. (NLT)When clouds are heavy, the rains come down. Whether a tree falls north or south, it stays where it falls.

Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

Galatians 6;9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

davidylan:

I'm not sure the woman of Zarephath would have given her last meal to Elijah if he came riding on a golden chariot with garments of silk and 40 praise-singers in tow.

hummmmmmmmm
that would have been an interesting sight to behold

Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath
1 Kings 17:7-16
7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’”

15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.

Ins't is amazing that if the setting of this passage had been an event for today there will people who would openly critisize and condemn the prophet Elijah relentlessly and with no form of restrain, tongue lash him and brandish him with many names like they foolishly do todays ranging from calling him a false prophet, a servant of satan, materialistic man of God, anti-Christ, satanist, deceiver etc.
Today we read Elijah's tale and we glorify God for the spiritual sense in the passage and the miracle that followed hereafter but isn't it sad and silly that there are many people who are speaking publicly against Men of God and who have made a carrier out of critisizing Pastors and most of whom "CLAIM TO BE CHRISTIANS" infact some of them even "claim" to be "CALLED OF GOD" TO EXPOSE PASTORS.
THIS IS A MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO THINK IT IS IN THEIR PLACE TO "EXPOSE" PASTORS (as they claim) BY SPEAKING EVIL AND SCANDALOUSLY CRITISIZING MEN OF GOD THAT SUCH SHOULD REPENT.
GOD IS BIG, WISE AND SMART ENOUGH TO HELP HIMSELF SO HE DOESN'T BY ANY DEGREE REQUIRE ANY AID OR SUPPORT FROM MAN TO DEAL WITH ISSUES LIKE THIS AND JUST A NOTE OF KNOWLEDGE, THERE IS NO MINISTRY GIFT OR CALLING AS BEING CALLED TO "EXPOSE" ANYBODY WHETHER THE PERSON IS TRUE OR FALSE-SERCH THE SCRIPTURES. THANK YOU

Pastor Kun:

@newmi
Stop spreading the erroneous poison concocted by oyaks and other fraudsters that christians give their way out of lack as it lacks sound biblical basis.

Please can someone help advice this fella that the more he sends in post the more he exposes his ignorance and a lack of basic bible truth l mean the more he sends the more childish and foolish he sounds, for God sake who is interested in sharing in a personal vendetta and offense you seem to be nursing for someone isn't even aware that someone like you exist with hatred for him.

Pastor Kun:

@newmi
An example of the poor widow who gave her all in the temple that Jesus commended. Did jesus say she would be rewarded financially for her sacrifice?

l can't remember mentioning any specifics with regards to rewards as to what kind or nature it will come but one thing l mentioned as l referenced a quote from Jesus Himself from
Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you. They will
pour into your lap a good measure--
pressed down, shaken together, and
running over. For by your standard of
measure it will be measured to you in
return."
here Jesus only said 'GIVE' we are not told what to give rather we observe the use of the pronoun "IT" which presence the suggestion that "IT" could mean anything but the point is whatever the "IT" is Jesus says "GIVE" then in the same measure you give it shall be given to you. SIMPLE I DON'T THINK THIS IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND BESIDE FINANCIAL REWARDS ARE ONLY A SEGMENT OF WEALTH AND TRUE PROPERITY INFACT THE BIBLE REFERS TO IT AS "SHALLOM SHALLOM-PEACE PEACE OR PEACE AND/OR PROPERITY.

Pastor Kun:

An example of the poor widow who gave her all in the temple that Jesus commended. Did jesus say she would be rewarded financially for her sacrifice?

What is even more interesting in that passage is the thought that Jesus Christ the Master, Lord, Saviour and Love Infinito after recognizing the significance of the widow's giving knowing well that was her last two mites yet there is no record that out of "LOVE", "COMPASSION" and "PITY"
as a caring God, He took what she gave and gave her back or perhaps collected welfare offering/charitable donation for her like what many people would foolishly expect today arguing that Pastors are deceiving people and collecting monies from them even from the poor in the name of God.

God2man:

Thanks,newmi, you are one of those christians that are still on the Lord's side. God bless you. God2man.

Thanks the truth must be told so we will not keep silence

Joagbaje:

@OP
You are correct , solution to poverty is giving. Nice exhortation

Thanks Jo your contributions to nairaland has been a phenomenon. Keep it up.

Pastor Kun:

kindly note that the giving in the scripture you referred to was meant to help church members in jerusalem that were in need.

Very much aware!
THE CENTRAL THEME REMAINS: GIVING!
AND EVEN MORE INSPIRING IS THE FACT THAT THEY GAVE AMIDST THEIR SEVERE LACK, TRIALS AND POVERTY AMD WERE INTERESTINGLY SEEKING FOR MORE OPPORTUNITY TO DO MORE ISN'T THAT AMAZING?

Pastor Kun:

kindly note that the giving in the scripture you referred to was meant to help church members in jerusalem that were in need. The collection wasn't used by a vain pastor to jerry curl his hair or buy excessive number of jeeps and live an opulent life style.

LOL l didn't realize that you have big sense of humor.
We are suppose to be discussing issues that are of paramount significance not kidy talks about jerry curls.
Besides isn't the pastor a member of the church himself? hahahahahah