₦airaland Forum

mycoolchoice:
I'm truly and indeed blessed by your well researched and scripturally backup points. I wept upon my bed with a divine wisdom tapped into by your humble disposition.

I don't know you but God knows you better and this I love to say you are indeed and greatly used by GOD to bless me today. I kept this writeup page opened from November but read it this day gracefully.

You will forever be remembered by God Almighty for this job wel done in Jesus mighty name!

You're a miracle and a star �

AMEN!

Grace is the divine nature of God in Christ Jesus. It is the expression of the Sovereignty and the Goodness of God.

There are manifold dimensions and expressions of Grace. For example, Here are 7 major expressions of Grace.

1. THE SAVING GRACE _ The saving grace is the first expression of God towards every human being on earth. This expression draws sinners to repentance and to receive salvation. It also empowers the believer to resist and overcome sin and to live a Holy live. It is obtained by faith in the BLOOD of Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11, Ephesians 2:8.

2. GRACE FOR DIVINE HELP/ASSISTANCE _ This aspect of Grace supernaturally release help or provide assistance when a believer is in need. When a believer comes to the end of his wits, connections and resources and realises that he needs God's intervention, when he asks in prayer, help will be provided. Hebrews 4:16.

3. ENABLING GRACE _ This is an expression of God's Grace which empowers or enables a Christian to release his potentials to fulfill God's purpose for him and God's calling on him with great effect. The other "Graces" work for you, but the Enabling Grace works through you. Romans 12:6-8.

4. GRACE FOR DIVINE APPROVAL _ The Grace for divine approval supernaturally makes a person to be preferred or endorsed over other persons, who are, sometimes, more "competent" than you – to carry out a Divine assignment. This expression is usually termed "UNMERITED FAVOUR". Jeremiah 1:5-6, John 1:15, Psalm 135:4.

5. GRACE FOR DIVINE REWARD _ This expression of God's Grace is a supernatural reward given by God to a Christian for his faithfulness, diligence and a lifestyle of being a blessing to people. God pays you for what you have given to others or done for God's Kingdom. Mark 10:29-30, 1Peter 5:10, Malachi 3:10.

6. GRACE FOR DIVINE PROVISION _ This expression is two-dimensional but like the Saving Grace, this expression of God's Grace makes provision available to ALL of humanity, animals, plants, etc without bias. God provides free oxygen, sunlight, rain, fruits and plants, talents, skills, etc to everything and everyone that He created. Matthew 5:45, Matthew 6:26-29.

However, in the other dimension of this expression God makes certain provisions available to the Saints: in marriage, ministry, career, finances, etc. Whatever the believer would need to live on this earth has been prepared for them in the heavenly places already (2Peter 1:3, Ephesians 1:2). Philippians 4:19. 2Corinthians 9:8.

7. GRACE FOR DIVINE PROMOTION _ This is God's impartation of speed, recognition, influence and glory to Christians and the Church of Christ. Isaiah 2:2, Genesis 41:39-45, Esther 6:10-11. Psalm 75:6-7.

Whilst Faith is our own ability to believe, Grace is God's own capability to perform. Grace is given in measures proportionate to our various needs and assignments, with respect to God's mandate on the earth. Ephesians 4:7.

Consequently, GREAT GRACE was given to the Church in Acts 4:33, when the Jewish authorities wanted to silence the work of God through the apostles.

Furthermore, SUFFICIENT GRACE was given to apostle Paul when he prayed to God to deliver him from a personal problem. The Lord Jesus gave him "just enough" that'll suffice for that situation (2Corinthians 12:9).

MORE GRACE is also another degree or dimension of grace which is more than just being enough to effectively deal with problems – and this is given to the truly humble Christian – James 4:6.

Shalom.

TenQ:
Perfectly said: Even Atheists have idols that take the place of God in their hearts.
Remain blessed!

Thank you.

IDOLS – WHAT ARE THEY?

The English dictionary defines idols as; "a graven image or REPRESENTATION of ANYTHING that is REVERED, or believed to convey spiritual power."
In the above definition we can see that idols are not only sculptured images or graphic representations but ANYTHING or ANYONE that is held in UNUSUALLY high esteem – and is often regarded as the perfect reference, the final answer to every thought, idea or concept.
There are FOUR types of idols and FOUR ways humans are affected by them.

1. Idols in the HAND — idols in the hand are those things we have that have effectively taken the place of God in our lives. They include; ungodly hobbies, friends and associates, bad habits, jobs, phones, clothes, TV shows etc.
Idols in the hand are WHAT YOU HAVE OR DO. Mark 10:21.

2. Idols in the HEAD — idols in the head are false beliefs and erroneous doctrines, personal philosophies, ideas and opinions etc. Idols in the head are WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW.
2 Corinthians 10:5.

3. Idols in the HEART — idols in the heart can be our achievements, pride, titles, awards, influence, attitude, talents or gifts. Idols in your heart is WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE. Ezekiel 14:4.

4. Idols in the HOUSE — the idols in your house are those dedications done outside the church of Christ, they can be your traditions and cultures, family shrines or altars, demonic community customs and practises, etc. The idols in your house is WHERE YOU COME FROM. Ezekiel 8:10, Judges 6:25.

These are four ways we allow idols to exist in our lives.

The Bible says "LITTLE CHILDREN, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21." You see, little children can be taken in idolatry, either through video games, social media or partying.
The Bible also admonishes ... "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry." 1 Corinthians 10:14. Idolatry can be abandoned.
Ungodly habits or hobbies can be stopped.

Household idols, demonic customs and traditions can be destroyed.
Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the BLOOD OF THE LAMB, and by THE WORD of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

All it takes to break the power of idols in our lives is determination, repentance, the Blood of Jesus Christ, the Word of God and faith.

Shalom.

1. In the book of Genesis – the beginning of the creation and ordination of all things, God essentially instituted Holy matrimony – the spiritual union of a man and a woman called ADAM and EVE respectively (not Adam and Eves) when He said that He'll make a SUITABLE HELPER for Adam. Not Helpers. GENESIS 2:18.

2. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his WIFE (NOT WIVES) and they shall be ONE FLESH. GENESIS 2:24.

3. The Bible says, "he that finds A WIFE, finds a good thing..." we are not advised to find wives. PROVERBS 18:22.

4. Moses the patriarch gave guidelines on qualities that a would-be political leader must possess. Among the prerequisites is that the political leader should not marry many wives. DEUTERONOMY 17:17.

5. In the same vein, Christian leaders are also warned to make sure that a man is not married to more than ONE WIFE before he is ordained or given important religious or spiritual title and or position. 1Timothy 3:2.

6. Jesus Christ will officially marry A WIFE – the Church. Even as the Saints are a multitude of men and women, Jesus Christ still refer to us as WIFE. Meaning that in Heaven polygamy isn't recognised! REVELATION 19:7-9.

7. EPHESIANS 5:23: For the husband is the HEAD of the WIFE, even as Christ is the head of the church. Paul, the learned gentleman is writing to the Christians in Ephesus. Logically, in the context of the above verse, if the husband is the Head of his wife, what is a man who married more than one wife – HEADS?

8. MALACHI 2:15: ...THEREFORE TAKE HEED TO YOUR SPIRIT, AND LET NONE DEAL TREACHEROUSLY AGAINST THE WIFE Of HIS YOUTH. This verse is self explanatory – it means that a man should not cheat on his wife – or have "side chicks".

9. 1 CHRONICLES 14:3 "And David [took more wives] at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters."
I saw the post of a notable public figure using the above verse in making a case in favour of polygamy in the wake of the news of a popular Nigerian actor taking on a second wife. He cited few other verses to buttress his point.

Look, that David flouted the ordinance of Moses doesn't make him right. The patriarch Abraham married one apparently barren wife, Sarah. Noah married one wife, Isaac one, Jacob only had two wives circumstantially and that was not his original intention. Peter married one wife, Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist, despite his wife's apparent barrenness stuck to only Elisabeth till old age!

Importantly, Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ in the flesh, was the ONLY wife of Papa Joseph.

10. Lastly but not exhaustively, the Book Of Song of Solomon figuratively and sublimely present to us the role-playing of the quintessential union of Holy matrimony. Christ and the Church are personified and deftly represented in metaphors as Husband and Wife – NOT WIVES.

Shalom.

1. A PLACE OF PRAYER: The Church is a place where God is worshipped and supplications made for the souls of men in the Name of Jesus Christ. Mark 11:17. 1Kings 8:29.

2. A HOSPITAL: The Church is a clinic – a place where the bodies of men are healed and their souls restored. Jeremiah 33:6. Psalms 107:20.

3. A CENTRE OF LEARNING: The Church is a place where knowledge is imparted and minds transformed by the Word of God. Mark 4:2. Isaiah 2:3.

4. A REFUGEE CAMP: The Church is a place of refuge. It's a place where men find succour and rest from the troubles of the world. Proverbs 18:10. Matthew 11:28.

5. AN EMBASSY: The Church gladly opens its arms to people who wish to migrate from one faith to Christianity. Isaiah 2:2.

6. A KINGDOM: The Church is a unique Nation. A people sanctified. A nation which practice the Theocratic system of government. 1Peter 2:9. Revelation 5:10.

7. A MILITARY CAMP: The Church is a body of Holy Warriors – soldiers who are trained and equipped to wage war in the spirit. Zechariah 10:3-5. Jeremiah 51:20.

8. A CULTURE: The Church is a place where people from different climes, having different traditions and customs follow One trend and practice One way of life in Christ. Revelation 11:15. John 14:6.

9. A COMMUNITY: The Church provides a harmonious environment, a place where different races, tribes, language or class live together. Acts 2:42-47.

10. A FAMILY: The church is the place where people from different walks of life address one another as brethren under Jesus Christ the Lord. Romans 8:29. Psalms 133:1-3.

Be blessed.

Kobojunkie:
Those of you who pay tithes/taxes in the name of Jesus Christ deny yourselves sonship with God by your acts of disobedience
As Jesus Christ made clear, the Children of God do not pay taxes/Tithe in His name. So, do we ignore Jesus Christ so we can instead follow the doctrines and traditions of men(and their churches) instead?

You have always contradicted yourself. Nothing anyone writes is acceptable to you – deputy Jesus. You claim to know scriptures but have never believed or agree to any scripture from the mouth of another person. Who are you, really?

CoronaVirusRelo:
Jesus died for everything!


He does not need your money!


You can support God ministry with money, but it’s silting saying you giving God money while a mere man is spending it

True, God does not need "your money"....but His church needs it whilst it's still on earth.

You honour God when you give to His work on earth. It's nothing for God to be ashamed of.

... Isaiah 43:24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

Tboymessiah:
NasoLifeBe !!!

O.P, You mixed the law given to the children of Israelites, the Jew!!! To the way of Christianity..

How do you explain that in the new testament, people sold their property, and brought ALL the proceeds to THE FEET of the APOSTLES? Acts 4:32-37. Acts 2:43-47.

Ananias and his wife, Sapphira died when they brought only a part of the total sum of the value of their property that they sold. Some people would have burned down the church if such a thing had happened in this generation...right? Acts 5:1-11.

If paying taxes and footing sundry bills is a sign of being a true and responsible citizen, then giving offerings and tithes in the church is a sign of a committed and responsible child of God.

Ogunleti01:
You no add Journey mercy (Molo layo Mo bo layo) . That is my present concern with the new church i am attending. The service begins with money and ends with money 1. General offering, 2. Vow 3. Development 4. Tithe 5. Seed of blessing 6. Contribution for Men and women of Faith., 7. Contribution for zonal/regional conference. And your Band anniversary contribution. In all of these i have discovered that majority of the attendees have now become passive. as big as the church is with chairs and everything attendance every sunday is nothing to write home about. The only thing helping is the periodic influx of some corp members because they have accomodation for corp member who wish to stay in the church. The country is putting heavy financial burden on her citizen yet churches are pressing them more with heavy financial commitment.. To me once i pay my offering and tithe which i considered important, every other thing become secondary. I don't want to give anything to God out of compulsion

You have done well to give offerings and tithe. God's truths are not an imposition.

Trutalker123:
Thank you very much for the understanding giving you by the Holy spirit on to the issue of First Fruit.

Right from over 20years ago, as a teenager, through study of the scriptures, I also understood that first fruit is not all of the first but a part thereof.

Come to think of it, if the whole isrealites bring all their harvest (imagine a whole country's harvest given to only one tribe that are fewer in number), where will the Levite keep it?
But when the bring in their parts, there will always be meat in God's house.


You speak the truth. Thank you for your boldness. This is the reason why firstfruit preaching doesn't move me, because I searched the scriptures and it testified it to be so ("search the scriptures for in it ye think you have life. And there are there that testified of me" )

It really troubled my spiritual understanding as well as challenged my sense of logic.

You see, the Bible holds all the answers; it only takes a humble heart and a diligent mind to dig up truths from it.

1. OFFERINGS: there are different kinds of offering and different ways a Christian can give an offering. They're as follows;
a. There is the regular weekly offering called the Freewill offering – 1Corinthians 16:1-2.

b. There is the offering raised for a particular cause or project. This can be in form of donations – Acts 11:29-30. Ezra 2:68-69. Exodus 35:5-29.

c. There is another kind of offering - not involving money but solemn verbal oblation, a kind of worship and thanksgiving made by word of mouth. Psalms 119:108.

"What is the church offerings used for"?

...it is used to maintain the church, take care of the widows, orphans and buy equipment and necessary materials used for worship services. Acts 6:1-3. Leviticus 24:2. Numbers 4:9. Exodus 35:5-29.

2. TITHE: a controversial subject but still very much a relevant aspect of the believer's obligations to the divine government of Christ. The tithe is a tenth of the increase (income) of the believer given in the local church where the Christian receives spiritual nourishment.

This command is not imposed on anyone as this teaching can only be received by committed and faithful believers. Malachi 3:10. Matthew 23:23. Hebrew 7:1-25.

*Should my tithe be given to the poor?
No. Your tithe should be given in your local Church. Deuteronomy 12:11.

* Who receive my tithe? ...Your Pastor. Numbers 18:24.

* What is the tithes used for? ...The tithe is used to compensate the Preacher and his assistants, the ushers, the music department and other church workers. Nehemiah 13:5.

3. VOW: A vow is a solemn promise made to the Lord, in the presence of a priest, to perform a particular act of appreciation if the Lord grants an urgent request. It is much like an agreement, a contract whereby God grants a present need and gets a "reward." Ecclesiastes 5:4. 2 Samuel 15:8. Judges 11:30-40.

4. FAITH SEED: As the term implies, this is an act of sowing spiritual seeds – in the form of money or any thing of value, with expectations of a harvest. Psalms 126:5-6.
This seeds can be sown in a person's life – to receive a particular grace one desires in the life of that individual. It can be sown in a Church, workplace, school etc. This is by no means trying to buy spiritual gifts with money, rather it follows the Scriptures that admonishes; "Give, and it shall be given unto you. Good measure..." Therefore, one gives a "seed" in faith expecting GOOD MEASURE. Luke 6:38. Ecclesiastes 11:1 and 6.

5. FIRSTFRUITS: This is the giving of the first of the Christian's harvest (income) or initial profits from a contract or business venture within the year. Nehemiah 10:35.

Now, this subject is also controversial as people – including believers, reason that, "why should they give ALL their income – especially that of "tough" January, to the church, do they want us to starve!? Honestly, I was even more curious than those believers.

However, I did a thorough Biblical research on this subject and found the answer, at last. Firstfruits was first mentioned by Moses, on the instructions of the Lord, in Exodus 23:16-19, but was stated more clearly in Leviticus 23:10, saying; "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring A SHEAF of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priests..."
Notice the phrase A SHEAF (bundle). The SHEAF is a bundle, eg of yams, maize, wheat etc. In this connection, it is therefore obvious and reasonable to declare that the Lord wasn't asking for ALL the first yields of their harvest (income) but a fraction ( a PART) of it. I challenge anybody to prove me wrong – with Scriptures of course.

6. HONORARIUM (PROPHET'S OFFERING) : This is an act of honour given as cash or gifts to a man of God. A Christian is not advised to host or visit a man of God with empty hands. The Bible says that there is a reward for honouring a man of God. Matthew 10:41. 1 Samuel 9:7. 2 Kings 5:3-16.

7. SACRIFICE: This is the act of giving or offering something very dear, or of very high value to God. It can mean that a Christian give away ALL that he has by the inspiration or instruction of The Lord.
This is the highest form of giving by a Christian.
Where did God command one to give his ALL in the Bible?
1. Abraham and Isaac: Genesis 22:2.
2.The rich young man: Luke 18:22-23.
3. Even God gave His ONLY SON: John 3:16.
I usually tell believers that if The Lord demands YOUR ALL, He wants to give you HIS ALL.

***Giving to the poor, however, is and should be a daily work of charity by every believer and shouldn't be seen as something too special, although it is by no means lesser than the aforementioned as the Bible says that those who give to the poor lends to God. Meaning, you make God indebted to you anytime you give to the poor! _ Proverbs 19:17.

Shalom.

LegalWolf:
Thank you so much nocera, May the Almighty God bless you beyond measure. I agree with you that this person called TenQ has a probable chance that he has pride and I am sure you will agree me that that is “unchristianly” right?

Okay, on how I can prove that he is a liar. I think a liar is anyone who tells lies - utter untrue statements with intent to deceive. Before I even go on, please can I ask you just two questions. Firstly, do you agree that the statements :
- Ardo (which means tribal leader) is a Term used by the Fulani for ALL their leaders (not leader) is completely different from this statement

- Ardo is a Term used by the Fulani for their first four leaders?

And again, the other leg of the question is: if it is historically and factually correct that we Fulani have many Ardo’en (plural for Ardo), is it possible that the two statements above can be true at the same time?

Thank you so much for your time sir

Well, I'm not out to prove that someone is lying or is a liar.

Secondly, I don't know very much about the leadership structure of the great Fulani people. Thank you for your commendations.

gladdensir:

Well done!

LegalWolf:
Hi OP nocera,

I have a guy called TenQ and he comes off as a good christian. But he lies a lot. In fact, he tells so much lies that it is nauseating. Do you think being a liar can kill the prayer life of a christian and God detests lying?

Thank you for this question. Inasmuch as God hates lies, that Christian friend of yours could still be a lover of God and therefore prays to Him.

If TenQ has a consistent prayer habit, it means that he could be a victim of the "low self-esteem syndrome" or pride (depending on what things he lies about), and therefore needs help – emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

On the other hand, how can you prove that the things he says are always lies?

phemmyfour:
Wrong interpretation

Excessive eating is not God's habit but it doesn't affect prayers.

There is no link between EXCESSiVE eating and poor prayer life in the quoted link. The scripture was actually talking about rules as regards what to eat and drink

I understand what that scripture is saying, but in the context of my write-up, I had to use it to only buttress a point and not to infer or twist interpretations.

coputa:
You are contracting yourself,the op
Mentioned things that weakens man's ability to pray and not how to pray

Thank you!

Kobojunkie:
NOCERA, Here is a summary of sorts of some of the New Covenant teachings and commandments were given by Jesus Christ where Prayer is concerned - please be sure to read through the Gospels for more information

---

[■ Ask, Seek and Knock, in order to receive, find and have the door opened to you[b]Matthew 7 vs 7[/b]
■ Pray continuously. I.e. don't stop asking, seeking, knocking until you have received, found, and had the door opened to you
Matthew 21 vs 22 & Luke 18 vs 1- 8
■ Avoid vain repetitions because God knows what you want even before you ask Him Matthew 6 vs 7 - 8
■ Always pray in secret and in hiding Matthew 6 vs 6
■ Pray the Lord's prayer-Matthew 6 vs 9- 13
■ Forgive everyone who has hurt or offended you before you pray so your father in Heaven will forgive you your sins- Matthew 11 vs 25 & Matthew 6 vs 12
■ Always approach God in Humility-
Luke 18 vs 9 - 4
■ Believe that you have received what you ask for and it shall be done for you
Matthew 21 vs 22 & Mark 11 vs 24
■ Ask the Father in the name of Jesus Christ
John 15 vs 16
■ If you abide in Him and He, Jesus, abides in you, then He, Jesus Christ, will do whatever you ask in His name John 14 vs 13-14 & john 15 vs 7
■ Pray for your enemies - Matthew 5 vs 44 & Luke 6 vs 27- 28
■ Ask God for the Holy Spirit -
Luke 11 vs 13 & Matthew 7 vs 11

---

As Jesus Christ said, those who love Him are, not those who go around mouthing off what they do, but instead, take who submit to and obey His teachings- John 14 vs 23 - 26.

Wow! And you went through this pain to prove what?

Kobojunkie:
OP, I can assure you that even after following all you have listed above in your own life, you can pray till you are black and blue in the face and God will still not answer any of your prayers. Why?

Because none of what you have listed above has anything to do with that which He in fact commanded of you to do when you pray to Him. As a matter of fact, by pretending you can add your own rules to God's very own everlasting set of rules reading prayer, you sin against God.

Why, I always have my prayers answered by God, that's why I felt I should enlighten and warn fellow Christians against habits that kill their appetite for prayer.

Did I set any rules in my piece?

Pray tell, what are those things [He] asked us to do when we pray? (as you can see – the points that I listed isn't for "when you pray – it's the very opposite!).

Where in the Bible did God [set rules] for prayer?

...and lastly, please how can one sin against God in prayer?

7 THINGS KILLING YOUR PRAYER LIFE.


1. Excessive eating: Eating more than necessary at night will only weaken your body. Romans 14:17.

2. Sleep: You must train your body to sleep less and stay awake. Sleep drain your strength to pray. The truth is, some sleep is an attack. Psalms 13:3.

3. Filthiness of the spirit and soul: Pornography, sex chat and impure thoughts are killers of prayer stamina. Your spirit would always be defeated by feeding it with filthy and erotic content. Philippians 4:8.

4. Bad atmosphere: Atmosphere you create and find yourself matter a lot. If you're among prayer weaklings, gossip and carnal believers your prayer fire will die. Gossip and backbiting will frustrate you.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

5. Poor feeding of your inner man. If your spirit man isn't well fed you can't be a prayer champion. You don't listen to sermons, you hardly study the Word of God or Christian articles then your prayer life will be starved to death. John 15:7. Jeremiah 15:16.

6. Worry: No "worrier" becomes a prayer warrior. Kill your worries to give life to you prayer stamina. Philippians 4:6.

7. Distraction through watching TV, addiction to social media and boyfriend or girlfriend syndrome. 2Timothy 4:4. 1 Corinthians 7:35.

Take deliberate steps to work on your prayer life. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Psalms 80:18.

Shalom.

The English dictionary defines idols as; "a graven image or REPRESENTATION of ANYTHING that is REVERED, or believed to convey spiritual power."

In the above definition we can see that idols are not only sculptured images or graphic representations but ANYTHING or ANYONE that is held in UNUSUALLY high esteem – and is often regarded as the perfect reference, the final answer to every thought, idea or concept.

There are FOUR types of idols and FOUR ways humans are affected by them.

1. Idols in the HAND — idols in the hand are those things we have that have effectively taken the place of God in our lives. They include; ungodly hobbies, friends and associates, bad habits, jobs, phones, clothes, TV shows etc.
Idols in the hand are WHAT YOU HAVE OR DO. Mark 10:21.

2. Idols in the HEAD — idols in the head are false beliefs and erroneous doctrines, personal philosophies, ideas and opinions etc. Idols in the head are WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW. 2 Corinthians 10:5.

3. Idols in the HEART — idols in the heart can be our achievements, pride, titles, awards, influence, attitude, talents or gifts. Idols in your heart is WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE. Ezekiel 14:4.

4. Idols in the HOUSE — the idols in your house are those dedications done outside the church of Christ, they can be your traditions and cultures, family shrines or altars, demonic community customs and practices etc. The idols in your house is WHERE YOU COME FROM. Ezekiel 8:10, Judges 6:25.

These are four ways we allow idols to exist in our lives. The Bible says "LITTLE CHILDREN, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21." You see, little children can be taken in idolatry, either through video games, social media or partying.

The Bible also admonishes ... "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry." 1 Corinthians 10:14. Idolatry can be abandoned.

Ungodly habits or hobbies can be stopped. Household idols, demonic customs and traditions can be destroyed.

Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the BLOOD OF THE LAMB, and by THE WORD of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

All it takes to break the power of idols in our lives is determination, repentance, the Blood of Jesus Christ, the Word of God and faith.

Shalom.

In my previous post I detailed 3 categories of "True Men Of God." As I promised, in this post I'll be exposing 3 categories of the fake ones. Here we go;

1. THE FALLEN — 2 Peter 2:15.
The fallen "men of God" are men and women, who were once true servants of the Almighty, but turned around along the way and started serving themselves.

Some reasons can be adduced as to why these preachers suddenly went rogue, fell into sin and lost their glory; money, pride, disobedience, lust – the list is endless. But there's no reason cogent enough to betray the Lord – Micah 3:11.

CHARACTERISTICS

a. They have lost the zeal to convert sinners.
b. They place premium on money, properties and connections.
c. They pray less and have lost the appetite for fasting and vigils.
d. They may be well versed in the Bible but do not live up to its standards anymore.
e. They mostly depend on the prayers of firebrand members to sustain the church.
f. They sew leaves to cover their unclothedness – because they've lost fire, they frequently organise crusades or programs using invited guest ministers, gospel musicians and comedians, and especially prophets, to keep the people still thinking that God is with them.

2. THE FRAUDULENT — ACTS 19:13-16.
The fraudsters are a funny and confused set of people, who being ignorant of the sacredness of the Holy offices of the Christian priesthood, insinuate themselves into the Ministry and make a ship-wreck of lives.

CHARACTERISTICS

a. They are unstable, volatile and easily offended.
b. They have no deep roots in the Holy Bible but merely exhort or motivate people with stories, testimonies etc.
c. They have no true calling of God but assume they do by telling fake dreams, prophecies and experiences they never had.
d. Every new trend is their source of inspiration. Today, they are evangelist, tomorrow apostle – next week they are prophets and so on. Their "messages" carry no power to convict sin but only excite the senses.
e. They have no true Spiritual Head or mentor. They may jostle up to one preacher who they call their "Father" until the preacher stops sustaining them financially -that's the end of their "sonship" – they'll jump on the next available ship.
f. The social media can make an ant seem like a scorpion – these rascals ply their trade on Instagram, Facebook etc, where they inspire false confidence, garner attention, copy and paste messages and prophecies of other men of God and claim authorship.
g. They really crave attention and commendation from people on social media and talk more than the real men of God. Infact, social media is used as a yardstick for measuring their lives and ministry - they practically live there!

3. THE FALSE — Deuteronomy 13:1-3.
These are the highest enemies of the children of God. Demon-possessed agents of darkness, wolves in sheep's clothing, servants of Satan who pretend to be servants of the Light but pervert the true doctrines of the Christian Faith.

CHARACTERISTICS

a. They have a particular colour they ritually adorn.
b. They subtly use the names of celestial entities and or bodies in their worship or in naming their organization.
c. They use mediums such as candles, incense, "angel Michael" oil, perfume, soap, bitter kola, herbs, chicken etc to "pray" for people or seek favour from their god.
d. They preach the Bible in the open but when you go to them for "counselling" you'll be asked to do things not permitted by Jesus Christ.
e. In place of prayer and fasting and waiting on God, they'll ask you to bring money so that they can buy materials which they will use to do "spiritual work" for you.
f. They justify their sacrifices – of pigeons, cats, goats, chicken etc by referring to the scriptures which says "give to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar..."
g. They hate our Lord Jesus Christ.

God will punish these ones if they don't repent.

This article will educate the Christian of the characteristics of 3 categories of "Men of God".

There is the GENERAL CALLING of the Saints to priesthood and kingship (Exodus 19:6), and the SEPARATE CALLING of certain people as ministers and spiritual leaders (Ephesians 4:11-13). We are all called to be saints and God's children but not all are called as priests – full-time Ministers, to have spiritual oversight of the flock of Christ.

There are 3 categories of true Ministers – THE CALLED, THE APPOINTED AND THE VOLUNTEER, as well as 3 categories of fake ones. In this post I'm going to describe the 3 categories of true Ministers while in my subsequent post I will describe the fake ones.

1. THE CALLED : This group are the ones who are called and ordained directly by God to minister to God as priests even before they are conceived in their mothers' womb. They're often revealed during times of crisis. LUKE 9:1.

CHARACTERISTICS :

a. Their birth and destiny is often controversial and highly contended by the devil; the devil tries to steal their stars before they're born, or try to kill or destroy them by every means possible. Revelation 12:1-4. Matthew 2:1-20.

b. They are enigmatic; they are rather strange and mysterious. Their life's experiences are abnormal and unusually very difficult. A lot of times people don't understand them – even some great men of God can have doubts or become confused or jealous by their sudden rising. Matthew 3:4, 1st Kings 22:24.

c. They exhibit traits not normal for their age, academic qualifications or status. Luke 2:46-47, John 7:14, Acts 4:13.

d. In many instances their parents are informed by angels or a man of God the identity of who their child will become.
Luke 1:28-31. Judges 13:1-21. Luke 1:5-17.

c. Just before the start of their ministry, they experience Divine visitations by either the Lord Jesus Christ himself, the Holy Ghost, angels or some of the patriarchs from the Bible. Other ministers or believers may have divine revelations or supernatural encounters but the "CALLED" have more spectacular experiences. Jeremiah 1:1-19, Isaiah 6:1-13, Numbers 12:6-8, Acts 9:3-7, Exodus 3 - the popular story of Moses and the burning bush.

2. THE APPOINTED : These are chosen men and women who have shown themselves faithful and capable of doing the work of ministry. They are trained and ordained by the Presbytery or by a senior Minister. Luke 10:1.

CHARACTERISTICS:

a. They are loyal, mature, faithful and proven to be capable, and have been taught and properly trained. Acts 1:20-26.

b. They are approved and ordained by the presbytery or an older minister. Acts 13:1-2, 1st Timothy 4:14.

c. They can be very anointed – but not like the "CALLED". 2 Samuel 23:19. Exodus 4:14-16, John 3:30.

3. THE VOLUNTEER : These are those who have personally dedicated their lives, resources and time to preach and spread the Gospel. Luke 9:49-50.

CHARACTERISTICS

a. They are zealous, serious and passionate for the work of the Gospel. Acts 18:24-28.

b. They carry a lesser measure of the anointing – 2 Samuel 23:19. Matthew 25:15.

c. Their ministry is less influential and limited to certain people, area or group. 1st Corinthians 15:41.

The Lord Jesus is Head of them all and will reward everyone according to their works.

Shalom.

We are all equal in the sight of God", is an expression commonly echoed by many Christians. They argue that the Lord Jesus likened the one who God consider "great" as having child-like character. However, that passage wasn't referring to some position of superiority over other Christians under God – rather the Lord demonstrated to His disciples that child-like traits like humility, modesty and an unassuming disposition are qualities that attracts the commendation of God. Matthew 18:1-4.

On the other hand, the Bible clearly refer to some Christians as having certain levels of ascendancy or seniority over others using terms like "fat cattle", "elder" and "overseers" Ezekiel 34:20, James 5:14, Acts 20:28. These are Christians who have grown in knowledge, understanding and grace in their personal fellowship with God – overtime and occupy positions of RESPONSIBILITY over others in the household of God. Hebrews 5:12-14.

YOU CAN CHECK YOUR GROWTH LEVEL.

So I present to you 7 indices to measure your level of growth in Christ.

1. SERVANTHOOD LEVEL: Luke 12:37.
This level is occupied by a person who was born of Christian parents, probably attends church, but is not yet "born-again". Like the covenant of circumcision, every male child must be circumcised and every female Jew must be born by a circumcised male Jew before he or she can be a part of God's Household - John 3:3-6, Romans 8:9, Galatians 4:7, John 15:15.

2. CHILDHOOD LEVEL: Galatians 4:1-2.
A Christian who is newly born-again. He is in the nursery stage in the Kingdom and is being fed and nursed by older brethren. God opens and starts to implement His plan for his life. 1 Peter 2:2. Romans 8:16. Hebrews 5:13.

3. DISCIPLESHIP LEVEL: Matthew 10:24.
A born-again Christian who has submitted himself to instructors and mentors who guide and teach him the ways of God and the basic principles of the Christian Faith. He develops in moral virtues and strong Godly character. Galatians 4:2. Hebrews 13:17.

4. STEWARDSHIP LEVEL: Luke 12:42.
The Christian who has been entrusted with a position of responsibility in a minor role or station. He leads a group of believers in various departments or units in a local assembly and is accountable to his superiors. The Steward demonstrates a measure of the Anointing. 1st Corinthians 4:2. Ezekiel 34:20-22. Hebrews 13:17.

5. FRIENDSHIP LEVEL: John 15:14-15.
This stage or level of the Christian's growth sees him or her in deeper relationship with God. He has deep understanding and wisdom and more revelation of Christ. The anointing upon him produce results at short notice. Luke 11:5-8. Hebrews 5:14.

6. SON-SHIP LEVEL: Romans 8:14.
The is a very strong believer. One who has completely submitted himself to Christ and accepted Christ's preeminence in every aspect of his life.
He commands greater degrees of power and exert greater authority. He speaks for the Father and has deeper insight, revelation and enjoys more grace in Christ. Luke 15:31. Luke 11:11-12.

7. LORDSHIP LEVEL: 1st Peter 5:1-3.
This is a Christian who has totally given himself as a sacrifice to God. He has the deepest level of relationship with God and demonstrates EXTREME power and exerts the greatest authority that ordinary men can only imagine about. He carries the highest possible degree of the Anointing and great grace and is like Moses whom God told that he'll be like God to Aaron! (Exodus 4:16) - John 3: 34, Acts 4:33. These ones in this level are called FATHERS - and are very few in the world. 1st Corinthians 4:15. John 21:15-17.

Hallelujah!

Now you can measure your growth and know your spiritual level in Christ.

So – what level are you occupying currently?

F. A. S. T

F: FAITHFULNESS _ This is the quality of being loyal, reliable and trustworthy. This virtue is looked out for in people by corporate executives, business owners, spiritual leaders and government officials.

A career coach told me once that; "there is money and vast opportunities in this country, but people in power are looking for who to trust."

A: ACCOUNTABILITY _ This is a quality of being responsible - answerable and able to render accurate and honest account of entrusted property, business or position.

This virtue, when seen in a person is admired and is of great value to people of every class of the society, every organization and every department of the nation's institutions.

S: SUBMISSIVENESS _ This is an attribute of meekness and obedience. No boss, leader or master will tolerate a stubborn and disobedient employee, follower or servant respectively. Rebellion is a disaster anywhere it is found.

Submissiveness is the foundation of strong marital relationships, where spouses yield easily to their partners needs. It is the bedrock of firm political organizations, business establishments and religious institutions, etc.

T: TEACHABILITY _ No one can tolerate a person who wouldn't take advice.A person who claims to "Know It All" is a big turnoff anywhere!

Being teachable is the quality of personal development and self improvement. A member of staff who enhances his capabilities is always considered for promotion. A sportsperson who increases competency will earn for himself top competitive opportunities, etc.

These qualities or virtues improves on one's personality, character and credibility, and propels those who possess them to the very pinnacle of their career or profession.

~ Sosochi Patricks is the Founder/President of Triumph Commission International ~

1. IGNORANCE : Many Christians do not know what God through the Lord Jesus Christ has done for them whilst some have incomplete understanding of the finished work of Christ. This is a barrier to Divine Healing. Isaiah 5:13. Hosea 4:6. John 8:32.

2. UNBELIEF : Another name for this condition is called DOUBT. Doubt stems from not trusting the efficacy and the excellency of the Power of God. One cannot receive Divine Healing in this state of mind. Matthew 13:58. Hebrews 3:12-13.

3. UNCONFESSED SIN : You cannot receive from God if you are living in sin. Secret and unconfessed sins pose a serious challenge to God's healing. James 5:16. Psalms 19:12. Proverbs 28:13.

4. UNFORGIVENESS : This is a major hindrance to Divine Healing. It is also a door through which demons enter into people's hearts and afflict them - with God's permission! Matthew 18:33-35. Inasmuch as one needs forgiveness one also needs to forgive. Infact according to Matthew 6:12, " it is in our forgiving others that we are forgiven". Mark 11:25.

5. IDOLATRY (Occult involvement) : Those who practice or patronise witchcraft and witches, 'spiritualists', witch-doctors (Juju) and fortunetellers (false prophets) CANNOT receive Divine Healing. This includes people who use spiritual items such as 'good-luck charms (Kayamata), talismans, zodiac signs (Isaiah 47:13) and more recently - phone apps such as the ones that tells you about yourself, your qualities and even sometimes using your pictures to show you how you'd look like in your old age! I call those apps "digital witchcraft ". I mean – you don't need an app to tell you who or what you are! The Bible says that you are ... Fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalms 139:14. Exodus 23:24...32.

NB: Medical scientists and doctors are men and women created by God and endowed with special abilities to provide cures and remedies for diseases and pains. Their expertise must be respected and appreciated. But there are certain ailments which utterly defy every known cure and medication.

There are also cases which medical science cannot diagnose the disease or ascertain the cure, this is when the omnipotency of God's Power is manifest.

There are infallible and undeniable proofs of Divine Healing in the Body of Christ - the Church everyday, and it is the right of every TRUE BELIEVER in Christ. Psalms 107:20. Shalom.

Happy new month Friends. February is remembered worldwide as the month that contains the date Lovers celebrate love.
In my last post, I promised to treat the boldly written question above which has caused a lot of worry and confusion in many people's minds, and has perplexed parents, family and friends of people who have come of age but are not showing signs of getting married anytime soon.

In the case of a few, they have never been approached by a member of the opposite sex for a serious relationship. To some, it could be a series of failed relationships, and some others could be that of broken promises while yet others could be as heartbreaking as a called-off wedding at the 11th hour!

I will give you the Biblical answer to this curious phenomenon.

PLEASE READ —
MATTHEW 19:11 — But he (Jesus Christ) said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, except they to whom it is given. 19:12 For there are some EUNUCHS, WHICH WERE SO BORN from their mother's womb: and there are some EUNUCHS, WHICH WERE MADE eunuchs OF MEN: and there be EUNUCHS, WHICH HAVE MADE THEMSELVES eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

1. From the verses quoted above there are some men and women who God, in His Supreme wisdom and Divine Sovereignty has made unable to marry. Don't be too surprised if you happen to meet someone who is generally not interested in a relationship and never seems to be worried about getting married. This people are VERY FEW and rare. The Bible says they are made so from their mother's womb.

2. There are some which were made "eunuchs" of MEN. Yes. This statement here carries a lot of answers to this problem in this present age — especially here in Africa — or, more closely, here in Nigeria! In our local parlance it is termed "My Village People". Well, in this case, you're not far from the truth. You see, One can be in bondage of different kinds for many years as a result of a number of factors - four of them are spiritual, while another four factors are natural, or self inflicted. The spiritual ones are :

a. An Evil Dedication; One's parents could have decided to offer up their child to a deity for service or for protection. LEVITICUS 18:2.

b. Witchcraft Spell; One could be under a spell or a curse. NUMBERS 22:6.

c. A covenant or even an act of rebellion or a case of abuse of a spiritual authority can have dangerous consequences. Genesis 20: 3 and17-18. 2 Samuel 6:20-23.

d. A man or a woman can also be hindered from getting married by a mysterious phenomenon called "Spirit Wife" or "Spirit Husband". These spirits are real. The English dictionary refers to these spirits as "Incubus" and "Succubus" (please check it out). When these spirits afflict or possess their victims, they make life miserable for them. They are very jealous in nature and as duck try to vehemently fight against any attempt at their victims' marital ambition, while those who succeed in getting married are candidates of a broken home, distasteful marriage or barrenness and chronic failure in their financial condition, to mention but a few.

The Bible gives us insight into how spirit beings can actually have sexual interests in human beings and even procreate through them. Genesis 6:1-4. This topic alone can fill up a whole volume of book.

Of the spiritual causes, one needs to be spiritually delivered.

The natural ones are —

a. Pride — This may be due to one's physical beauty, wealth, affluence or influence. This character trait is a prime turnoff for potential partners. If you go ahead and marry a hopelessly proud man or woman, your life will be as miserable as one who married a demon.

b. Immaturity — An immature woman or man cannot sustain a relationship talkless of initiating marriage proposals. He or she just wants to be free of any commitment while going on dates, eating out in restaurants, attending parties etc. They generally don't know what they actually want in a relationship!

c. Disability – Don't get it wrong, many physically challenged people do get married everyday, but sadly, not all of them, who are of age and wants to get married are married.

d. Stupidity – These one are generally dirty people, having multiple sexual partners, date married people, have "Sugar Daddies and Mummies", commit or encourage abortions anyhow etc. They have bad records of flirting and sexual scandals. Their reputation denies them a stable relationship that may lead to marriage.

Of the natural causes, one needs to repent!

3. And there are some which have made themselves eunuchs - for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. There you go. As concise and succinctly stated.

They are known as Priests, Monks, Nuns etc, who have decided to take the oath of celibacy in order to effectively serve God. It is a great sacrifice.

The great apostle Paul said that he chose to remain single for the Gospel's sake and even urged people to emulate his idea of celibacy, 1 Corinthians 7:7,8 - so it is not strange if that lady you're "tripping" for, or that guy you're admiring is not showing any interest or reciprocating your love advances or marriage proposals. Sorry, brother or sister might have just taken the oath!

Now, another question asked all the time is; "how do I know when I am ready or ripe for marriage. I will give you one universal sign for both men and women alike;

STRONG DESIRE : The desire to be with the opposite sex or to marry, gets stronger. Very strong! Now, don't get it wrong, when I say that you desire to BE with the opposite sex, I don't mean cohabitation. Cohabitation for an unmarried man and woman is WRONG!

Rather, I'm referring to companionship. Before God created Eve He said "it is not good for a MAN (not boy) to be alone. He then went ahead to form the woman (not girl). So maturity (physical, mental and psychological maturity) is also a factor. 1 Corinthians 7:9.

Feel free to email me for questions, counselling and sharing your thoughts.

Thank you.

Happy New Month Friends.

We do not put confidence in the promises of man.
We do not repose our trust in the unpredictable and corrupt nature of our social institutions.
We do not believe everything that we see, hear and sometimes feel.
We sometimes even doubt our own selves!

A nation is historically a community of people bound by a common language, ethnicity, territory, economic life and psychological make-up, while a country is loosely, a geographic/political territory hosting several nations. The feasibility of a country to be one united geographic, political social and economic entity of different nations is their establishing a contract that recognize their differences, properly distinguish their boundaries, legally ascertain their rights and privileges, judiciously outline penalties for infractions and socially promote their well-being, etc. This document is called The Constitution.

But one thing is missing in my definition of a nation - Religion. This is the belief of spiritual reality accompanied by practices and rituals associated with the belief. This I would say, greatly informs the attitude of one nation against another as history - both ancient and modern, have consistently shown. It has shaped boundaries and thoughts, altered original intentions and affected the way a people think.

Nigeria is not an exception.

I am not too much of a political pundit, or social champion but I know well enough the negative impact of radical beliefs and extremist views, and the far reaching consequences of professing and propagating and violently imposing fundamentalist ideas from a single religious sect on non-adherents of that religion.

From an unbiased mind, and sincere research, this is the underlying cause of the distrust, lack of confidence and the volatile situation in our dear country.

But, is there hope?

Many will have varying and opposing views in answering that question. I cannot give you a yes or no answer either but I know that a secret to living peacefully in a community, neighborhood, nation or country is to respect the MORAL VALUES that one's neighbours holds sacred. Religions are distinctive in their respective ways but moral values are much more similar.

If we cannot tolerate the religious beliefs and practices of our neighbours, surely we can respect that which we all share a common concern for.

On this note I can safely whisper -

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIA.