How To Be a Profitable Saint – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
27 May 2018 | 4:10 am

The life of Onesimus in the Bible reveals much of the transforming power of God's grace and redemption in Jesus Christ. Before his conversion, he was undependable, unprofitable and a runaway slave who had stolen from his master, Philemon. But after his conversion, he became a truthful, dependable and trustworthy believer, who had the privilege of labouring in the work of the gospel with Apostle Paul. Grace transformed him from being a guilty thief to a righteous son who was ready to do restitution.

Paul the apostle surrounded himself with other transformed people, who were profitable to the Lord and the brethren. One of such people was Epaphras, who was faithful in ministry and fervent in the Spirit. Another person was Marcus, who was formerly a failure that became a favourite in ministry. Those who failed in the past should not throw in the towel, but make effort towards improvement to become useful in the Kingdom. Aristarchus was another companion of Paul the Apostle. He demonstrated the fearlessness of true friendship in ministry.

Sadly, Demas, who once stood for Christ, displayed faithlessness, fickleness, foolishness and folly, and fell in ministry. We must never allow dull, weak, lukewarm and lethargic persons around us. Like Luke (the physician, and companion of Paul), we should be focused and firm in ministry. Paul the apostle had confidence in Philemon's obedience to his requests, especially to receive back the transformed and now profitable Onesimus. As believers, at all times, we should be obedient to the word of God and remain fervent, faithful, fruitful and firm to the end.

A truly converted believer who has left the old life of sin is always marked by a turnaround for the new life of righteousness. Regardless of the past years of living in sin and ignorance of Christ, grace, the gospel and His demands, God commands "all men everywhere to repent." When Onesimus met with Paul the apostle, and was confronted with the demands of the gospel and the evidence of the grace of God, he surrendered to the Lord. And "being made free from sin, (he became a servant) to God, (and had) fruit unto holiness."

Realisation of one's sinful state and the eternal consequence of a life of sin lead to confession and repentance, which mark the point of conversion in the life of a sinner. This produces a change of mind and attitude, with resolute decision to follow the Lord. Sinners who are yet to be saved should repent immediately because without salvation, they have no hope of eternal life.

A change happened in the life of Onesimus after his conversion. He became born again and a new creature in Christ; old things passed away and all things became new for him. When a sinner meets the Lord and is reconciled to Him, his new life in Christ is visible to people around him. The guilt, punishment and condemnation that are taken away give him hope of getting to heaven if he dies in the Lord or the rapture takes place. Believers who have benefitted from the grace of God that brings salvation to all men must ensure they stay away from sin. "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not."

Further Reading (King James Version): Philemon 10-19,22,23; Colossians 1:7; 4:12,13; Philemon 24; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:10; Philemon 24,21; Philemon 10,11; Acts 17:30; Romans 6:21,22; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 2:12-19; 5:3-8; Philemon 10; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 5:18; Philemon 12,15,16,20,18,19; Genesis 20:1-10,14; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Luke 19:8-10; Matthew 5:22-24; Acts 24:16; Philemon 21; Romans 6:17; Philippians 2:12; 1 Peter 1:14-16,22; 4:17,18; Philemon 1,2; Colossians 4:15; Romans 16:3-5; Philemon 22; 2 Kings 4:8-11; Job 31:32; Philemon 10-13,20; Colossians 4:7-9; John 17:10; 1 Kings 20:4; 2 Samuel 24:24; Psalm 4:3; Isaiah 43:21; Romans 14:7,8; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15; 8:5; Revelation 4:11.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/how-to-be-a-profitable-saint-part-1/

OLAADEGBU:

Not so fast. Are you ashamed to tell us what you were up to before you supposedly met Jesus alone?

Was initiated into some groups that are not of God, I absolutely renounce them!

OLAADEGBU:

If you say you are for Jesus then tell us how you became a Christian.

When I heard the word of God and give the choice btw heaven & hell!
And not being poor or rich as they preach now!

OLAADEGBU:

Can you do a dissertation or project based only on Google? What happened to the Bible?

Well the simple fact that these preachers preach how to make and not how to please God says alot.
Listen to them do they preach the gospel?

OLAADEGBU:


What I want to know is your experience in the occult, at least we can start from there.

You want to know how I know,
Hmmm that's revealing on its own!

No man can serve two masters!

Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and gaotu.

OLAADEGBU:

Google doesn't always have the answers. Read your Bible.

many people have exposed them online, a lot has comeout about Adeboye!
So if u really are a Christian u cant be with RCCG!

PS
I hope u dont trust the Capstone.

Unless u have a sure foundation based on the cornerstone, the keystone will let u down

Flee these people

chuose:


Was initiated into some groups that are not of God, I absolutely renounce them!

What was the group called, are still you ashamed or afraid to name and shame it?

chuose:


When I heard the word of God and give the choice btw heaven & hell!
And not being poor or rich as they preach now!

Where did you hear the word of God, what word specifically did you hear and who did you hear it from?

chuose:


Well the simple fact that these preachers preach how to make and not how to please God says alot.
Listen to them do they preach the gospel?

Have you ever heard 'these preachers' preach and teach the gospel?

chuose:


You want to know how I know,
Hmmm that's revealing on its own!

No man can serve two masters!

Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and gaotu.

Then tell us how and where you served your occult grand master before you 'changed masters.'

chuose:


many people have exposed them online, a lot has comeout about Adeboye!
So if u really are a Christian u cant be with RCCG!

Are you going by hearsay or by what you personally experienced?

chuose:


PS
I hope u dont trust the Capstone.

Unless u have a sure foundation based on the cornerstone, the keystone will let u down

You seem to have just discovered Google, have fun with it but make sure you study to make yourself approved to God, not being ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Pastor W.F. Kumuyi — How To Be A Profitable Saint (Part 2)

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/how-to-be-a-profitable-saint-part-2/

OLAADEGBU:


Pastor W.F. Kumuyi — How To Be A Profitable Saint (Part 2)

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/how-to-be-a-profitable-saint-part-2/

How to be a profitable saint – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
03 June 2018 | 3:15 am

God requires obedience from all believers. Obedience is the central evidence that we are saved. However, there are people who are obedient in things that are not commanded, such as tradition, suggestions and customary observances in the community.

Apostle Paul, in his letter, pleaded with Philemon to forgive and "receive" Onesimus.

Although God had forgiven him, he had to be reconciled to his master. He was willing to return and make restitution, but had nothing to pay back what he had stolen.

Therefore, Apostle Paul offered to pay on his behalf. Yet, he personally had to go back to confess, apologise and submit to his offended master.

Restitution is not the Law of Moses, as some people think and has not been cancelled. Restitution was required long before the Law of Moses, when Abimelech took Sarah, Abraham's wife, unlawfully.

God revealed to him through a dream that he must make restitution. "Now therefore restore the man his wife… and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die. And Abimelech… restored him Sarah his wife." Restitution is still required today.

To maintain a living relationship with God and be right in His sight, we must make restitution. God emphasises this doctrine. In making restitution, it is alright to do more than is required.

Abimelech and Zacchaeus gave extra, but also restored what was demanded.

For our offerings and services to be acceptable to the Lord, we must ensure that we resolve every pending grievance we have against others and "be reconciled" first before we come to offer before the Lord.

We must ensure that we "have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." We should keep our minds free of anything that anyone will legally, logically, faithfully and truthfully say they have against us.

When we obey God's demands and the indispensable truth of the Scriptures, which our leaders preach, we bring joy to them.

Comprehension of divine ownership makes believers willing to surrender their possessions for the worship of God. The believers of old gave wholeheartedly, because they knew everything they possessed belonged to the Lord.

God owns our life, time, talent, money, intelligence and properties. Therefore, the language of every true believer should be "My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have."

Apostle Paul realised that Philemon understood divine ownership; therefore, he requested that Philemon prepare him a place to lodge on his next journey.

When Philemon eventually read the letter, he readily received, forgave and restored Onesimus.

He also realised that Onesimus belonged to the Lord; therefore, he released him for service. "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself."

As believers, we should live for the Lord and give ourselves to Him without any reservation. "And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."

Further Reading (King James Version): Philemon 10-19,22,23; Colossians 1:7; 4:12,13; Philemon 24; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:10; Philemon 24,21; Philemon 10,11; Acts 17:30; Romans 6:21,22; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 2:12-19; 5:3-8; Philemon 10; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 5:18; Philemon 12,15,16,20,18,19; Genesis 20:1-10,14; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Luke 19:8-10; Matthew 5:22-24; Acts 24:16; Philemon 21; Romans 6:17; Philippians 2:12; 1 Peter 1:14-16,22; 4:17,18; Philemon 1,2; Colossians 4:15; Romans 16:3-5; Philemon 22; 2 Kings 4:8-11; Job 31:32; Philemon 10-13,20; Colossians 4:7-9; John 17:10; 1 Kings 20:4; 2 Samuel 24:24; Psalm 4:3; Isaiah 43:21; Romans 14:7,8; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15; 8:5; Revelation 4:11.

The Value Of Our Great Salvation – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
10 June 2018 | 4:19 am

What makes a difference in the life of a Christian is the forgiveness and pardon he receives, when he repents from his sins and turns to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. That experience of salvation is too precious to be estimated and its value is limitless. It is the greatest gift that God has given to man. And it is a wonderful gift because anyone who does not have it will be of all men most miserable.

Why is our salvation so great? (1) Because of a great experience. Before our salvation, we had no peace; we were in turmoil. But our salvation came with a great experience of peace with God and peace within. (2) Because of a great expense. The price of salvation is so great. It took the spotless blood of Christ to redeem us from sin. (3) Because of a great exchange. Christ exchanged our sin with His righteousness. (4) Because of a great escape. Were it not for Christ’s sacrifice, we would have been condemned to eternal suffering in hell. (5) Because of a great emancipation. We were slaves to sin and Satan without any hope of emancipation, but Jesus died on the cross to set us free. (6) Because of a great endowment. The Lord has endowed us with the inheritance from heaven. (7) Because of a great exaltation. We are lifted from the dungeon into heaven and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (8) Because of a glorious eternity. We are transferred from hell to heaven, darkness to light and from enmity with God to eternal friendship with the Almighty God, all because of so great salvation.

As a result of this great salvation, we are assured of a glorious life after death. For every believer, every Christian, that era in eternity will be bright, blissful, a great pleasure and of unspeakable joy. Considering so great salvation, we should launch out with the gospel message with passion, spread the good news of the love of God for all of humanity, and influence many more souls to turn to Jesus Christ.

The scripture calls the change of life that occurs when a person turns to Christ as conversion. That conversion in Christ brings a change in soul, spirit and mind. It brings a change of direction and life. Salvation gives us conversion and transformation. The Psalmist acknowledged his sinful nature and prayed to the Lord for real conversion that will affect his mind, thought, life, character and behaviour. Having recognised his depraved state, he asked God to "Create in [him] a clean heart… and renew a right spirit within [him]."

Without salvation, there will be no conversion. And without conversion, we cannot teach transgressors the way of the Lord. Before we tell others about salvation, there must be restoration of salvation in our lives. We cannot tell others about forgiveness when we still feel the guilt of sin. We cannot convincingly show others the way to heaven, when we are not sure of where we will spend eternity. It is after we are converted that we are qualified to "teach transgressors [God's] ways; and sinners shall be converted unto [Him]." Without “turning away every one of [us] from his iniquities," we cannot claim to be truly converted.

The great salvation is a real conversion. It is one, a conversion of our nature. As a dog has a nature of running after its vomit and the swine has a nature that delights in defilement, the sinner has a nature that desires and delights in sinning. But when salvation takes place, there is a complete turn-around. Two, it is a change of heart. With salvation experience, our minds are turned away from evil things. Three, it is a change of soul and spirit. Four, it brings a change of emotion. Five, it ensures a change of attachment. Six, it is a change of desires. Seven, it results in a change of attitude. Eight, it brings about a change of character and lifestyle.

Salvation is God's work. It is a great salvation from a great God through great grace for great glory. However, the sinner and the Almighty God are involved in this great work. On the part of the sinner, there is repentance from all sins, while on God's part; there is regeneration of the person’s heart. While the sinner turns away from sin, God activates His salvation towards the repentant sinner. The sinner contributes repentance and God gives him regeneration.

While sincere confession of sins is required from the sinner, it is in the end, God that does the work of cleansing away the sins. The sinner comes with faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice but God comes with forgiveness and freedom. Prayer is required from the sinner, while God grants pardon and peace. While the sinner trusts and surrenders to God, He gives him transformation and salvation. Further Reading (King James Version): Hebrews 2:3; Psalm 51:12,5,7,10,13; Ezekiel 36:25; Acts 2:36-38,41,42; 3:19,26.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-value-of-our-great-salvation-part-1/

The Value Of Our Great Salvation – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
17 June 2018 | 4:21 am

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him." If we neglect, reject or trifle with the offer of so great a salvation, we set ourselves up for only one outcome: the anger of God. In such a situation, it would be impossible to escape: ⁽¹⁾ Divine judgment. God has done His part by giving us His only begotten Son to die an agonising death on the cross for our salvation.

Divine judgment awaits anyone who neglects such sacrifice. ⁽²⁾ The wrath of God. Rejecting God's Son, the only source of salvation, will bring God's fury on the sinner. ⁽³⁾ Eternal suffering. ⁽⁴⁾ Everlasting punishment. The punishment of our sin was so great. But Jesus bore our punishment on the cross. ⁽⁵⁾ Endless torment. The people who by choice prefer Satan to the Saviour, darkness to light, evil to righteousness cannot escape the danger of endless torment. ⁽⁶⁾ Damnation of hell. ⁽⁷⁾ Pain – the pain of no light, water, peace, love, hope, friend and relief in hell forever. The consequences of neglecting God’s offer of salvation is presented to all today, so that they will fear and repent of all their sins. God has given us the assurance "that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).

There are fearful consequences for anyone that rejects or neglects God's warning. Those who neglected Lot's warning perished in the fire that God rained on Sodom and Gomorrah. Similar fate awaits unrepentant sinners at the end of time. Therefore, the Church must awake to its responsibility and warn sinners about the impending judgment, especially as we see the signs of the end being fulfilled. We should tell them about the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ to take His people home.

We should also let them know that that event, also known as the rapture, will usher in a period of great tribulation – a time of unprecedented suffering on sinners and careless believers who will miss the rapture. We cannot afford to be indifferent or careless like Lot's wife, who saw the angels of God, heard their words yet perished. As beneficiaries of God's grace, we should arise and persuade sinners to confess their sins and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, while backsliders should pray for restoration. God does not want anything – career, job, business, time, etc. – to deprive us of this responsibility to warn sinners to escape for their lives.

God wants us to show enough concern for our neighbours and rescue them from eternal punishment in hell. The people we interact with at home, school, business or workplace should be shown the way of salvation. The Lord is in need of faithful men and women, who will reach sinners with the gospel message. Love for our neighbours, passion and concern in our hearts will make us sacrifice anything in order to rescue them from eternal damnation.

But "If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?" The love of God shed abroad in our hearts should compel us to preach the gospel to our neighbours. God will hold us responsible if we fail to show others the way to eternal life. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him."

Further Reading (King James Version): Hebrews 2:3; Genesis 19:17,26; Jude 5-7; Matthew 23:26-28,33; Deuteronomy 22:5,4; Proverbs 24:11,12; Luke 8:38-40.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-value-of-our-great-salvation-part-2/

Enjoying God's Covenant – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
24 June 2018 | 3:00 am

God promises many things in the scriptures, and not many people ever get to appropriate those promises. The reason is because they are not ready to enjoy the beneficence of the Almighty God. One of those promises is when He said that He would send His Messenger to the earth. But it is only those who are prepared for His coming that will enjoy fulfillment of the promise. We must delight in the Lord by seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness.

From the moment one surrenders himself to Christ and decides to follow Him, Christ's goal is to make him a fisher of men, soul-winner, minister and messenger of the gospel. God has called us to be His messengers to our communities. Malachi and John the Baptist were sent in fulfillment of God's promise to the children of Israel to send them His messengers: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me."

However, the Lord Jesus Christ, specially referred to as "the messenger of the covenant" and the "Lord," is sent to us. He is the One we are waiting for. Jesus Christ is coming again; and He will come suddenly. "And the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come… behold, He shall come, saith the LORD of hosts." As messengers of the Lord, with His Spirit and power upon us, we are empowered to win souls into the Kingdom of God in preparation for His coming. Also, we need to prepare ourselves to receive Him.

Jesus Christ did not leave us in any doubt about what would happen at His Second Coming. He clearly reveals:
(1) The preparation that must herald His return.
(2) That He would serve as the Purifier of the chosen race, the Israelites.
(3) That there would be punishment for corrupted reprobates.

Christ is coming again and we must be ready. In preparation for His coming, we should seek Him in salvation, sanctification, service, sacrifice and surrender (of our time, talent and treasure).

Christ's return is imminent. The signs of the time confirm that He is about to come. Thus, where there is sin, we must turn to the Lord in repentance, make our restitutions and stay righteous in Him as we expect His coming. It is our restoration to the Lord that shows we are getting ready for the time He will come to take home the saints. In ministry, preparing people for the coming of the Lord should centre on turning their minds unto the Lord and not just entertaining them. We must let them know that money, riches, position and the things of this world will not be able to withstand God's wrath, if they fail to accept Christ.

"And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb."

As the Purifier of the chosen race, Christ is working on the Gentiles who are now receiving the grace for salvation and sanctification because these are "the times of the Gentiles." But when the times of the Gentiles will be over, after the rapture, the Lord will concentrate on the children of Israel and pardon, purify, purge and empower them to be His mouthpiece to the rest of the world.

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness."

The times of the Gentiles will soon be over. Those who are not born again must submit themselves to the Lord to be saved before the time runs out, while believers must ensure they faithfully serve the Lord. When the times of the Gentiles are "fulfilled," Christ will come, the Church will be taken away and the great tribulation will take place.

The great tribulation will be like a purifying agent on the children of Israel. It will make them to call on God. Eventually, there will be punishment for corrupted reprobates. Unbelievers, including those who practice sorcery, adultery and those that oppress their workers "in [their] wages," among other sinners, will be punished in everlasting fire.

Judgment is coming! But salvation is available for everyone who will sincerely call on the Lord today.

Further Reading (King James Version): Malachi 3:1; 2:17; Matthew 11:10,11; Mark 1:2,3; Luke 1:72; John 1:6,7; Psalm 110:1; Isaiah 9:6,7; Haggai 2:7; Malachi 3:1-6; Luke 1:16,17; Revelation 6:12-17; Malachi 3:3,4; Luke 21:24; Daniel 12:10; Malachi 3:5,6.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/enjoying-gods-covenant-part-1/

Enjoying God's Covenant – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
01 July 2018 | 4:14 am

God demands that we return to Him and restore all the tithes to His sanctuary. He challenged the children of Israel who had gone away from Him and stopped paying their tithes to "return" and "Bring all the tithes into [His] storehouse." God's challenge was not to condemn them. As children of God, when we are rebuked, we should not interpret it as condemnation. We are often rebuked so that we can please the Lord.

As we fulfil our obligation of tithing to God, we will have our:

(1) Faithfulness rewarded. "prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing."
(2) Fullness received. "There shall not be room enough to receive [the blessings]."
(3) Foes rebuked. "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes."
(4) Fruitfulness regained. "And he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground." There will be a restoration to all the destruction suffered in the past in our businesses and the work of our hands.
(5) Fertility restored. "Neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time."
(6) Favour recognised. If we obey the Lord and duly pay our tithes, "All nations shall call [us] blessed" and the favour of God upon us will be recognised.
(7) Future reassured. "For ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts."

We should not listen to false prophets who claim that tithing is Old Testament teaching; and since it is no longer operational, we can give our tithes and offerings at random rates. They forget that Abraham commenced it; Jacob continued it; Moses commanded it; Christ commended it and none can cancel it. As we liberally give to the Lord, He will give us without measure. However, we must not give below one-tenth of whatever we earn.

Christ taught about tithes. As Christians, He does not want us to be like the Scribes and the Pharisees who religiously paid their tithes but ignored salvation, righteousness, love for God and helping other people, so that we can be part of the promised blessings. Every member of the family must be encouraged to give at all times. When we do these expectantly, God will fulfil His promises because He is not a debtor. Tithes have been commanded to be brought into the house of God and not elsewhere. When we obey the Lord and bring our tithes to the right place, God's blessings will not elude us.

God rewards every faithful servant who labours in His service. Those who serve God faithfully will be remembered on the final day. When we serve God in any capacity, there are always fruits for our labour. Many people ignore the call to serve the Lord and they consider it "vain to serve God." We must give all in the service of the Lord. God, and not corporations of the world, should be number one in our lives. Those who do not regard the Lord and His demand to give Him a befitting service carry out a dreadful revolt. But the dutiful remnant will be remembered on that final day for the reward of faithfulness.

There will be reward for those who heed the Lord's call with a delightful response. We must realise that whatever we give our time to in this world will be burnt up eventually. Only what we do for Christ will matter at the end of life. The people who refuse to serve God will be condemned "to shame and everlasting contempt," while the wise ones "shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and… as the stars for ever and ever."

Further Reading (King James Version): Malachi 3:1; 2:17; Matthew 11:10,11; Mark 1:2,3; Luke 1:72; John 1:6,7; Psalm 110:1; Isaiah 9:6,7; Haggai 2:7; Malachi 3:7-12; Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20,22; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; Matthew 23:23; Zechariah 8:23; Malachi 3:13-18; Daniel 12:2,3.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/enjoying-gods-covenant-part-2/

Fellowship in God's Family – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
08 July 2018 | 4:11 am

The new birth experience brings the sinner into God's family. Thus, God becomes his Father and he a child of God. The Lord Jesus Christ refers to such people as His mothers, brothers and sisters, for they hear and obey God's word and have been brought into fellowship in God's family. The book of Philippians emphasises various aspects of fellowship. The first chapter emphasises grace, the gospel and God of the grace and gospel.

The combination of these three brings the sinner into fellowship. Without God, there is no fellowship; He is the Father who calls us into His own family by the message of the gospel that emphasises the grace of God. To abide in fellowship, therefore, we must remain in the gospel – the good news of the grace of God. The second chapter emphasises ways of making fellowship work. Therefore, the ingredients that make fellowship work – "consolation in Christ," "comfort of love," "fellowship of the Spirit" and "bowels and mercies;" fulfilment of joy, like-mindedness, "having the same love," "being of one accord" – must be upheld.

Fellowship in God's family is not of the carnal, sensual or even social kind; it is by the Spirit. It is not one-sided, it is reciprocal. In the same breadth, "strife" and "vainglory," which destroy fellowship must give way to "lowliness of mind" and respect for others. In other words, there should be complement, not competition, in God's family. Each member of the family should contribute to the betterment of others in the fellowship.

The third chapter stresses the need to get more and deeper into Christ, as the more one experiences the death of the self-life – self-centredness, self-will, selfish-interests, desires and ambitions – the better for the fellowship. Until the self-life dies, there cannot be genuine fellowship. The fourth chapter, using the language of love and fellowship, underlines another area of fellowship. Appreciation of and affection for one another, use of good language, enhancement of others' self-esteem, etc, are characteristics of those in fellowship in God's family. Paul, the apostle, admonishes that none should be relegated to the background and none should be pushed down to make room, as there is room for everyone.

It is the sacrifice and suffering of Christ that brought us into the fellowship of God's family and fellowship with one another. The sacrifice broke down the middle wall of partition that separates us from Almighty God; it thus, reconciled us with God. Sins separate from God. This calls the sinner to turn away from sin to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When those sins are repented of, there is forgiveness and reconciliation with God and induction into fellowship with God and His family. The Holy Spirit bears witness of this event. From thenceforth, barriers, stumbling-blocks, wall of partition and gulf of separation are taken away as Christ bridges the gulf. The events on the day of Pentecost illustrate clearly this, as those who were saved became members of the body of Christ and fellowshipped with one another including the apostles who were the foundations of the fellowship.

Fellowship brings fulness of joy. Since it was sin that broke fellowship with God in the beginning, sin must be kept out so as to remain in the fellowship of God's family and with Jesus, the means by which we come to the fellowship. It is after forgiveness that we become true members of the body of Christ. When there is opposition, conflict, strife, division, contention, envy or malice in a local assembly, there will be implosion. As there is no competition in the physical body because they have different functions to perform, so it must be in the body of Christ.

Having been called into fellowship, we are to live and uphold the brotherhood in Christ patiently. Competition leads to trouble because we don't have the same but complementary function. Even if someone is pushed down, none can take his place. Therefore, the weak, young, poor, needy ones, and indeed everyone is important in the body of Christ. As parts of the physical body depend on one another, so also the body of Christ. None is disposable but all are indispensable.

Further Reading (King James Version): Philippians 1:1-5; 2:1-5; 3:10; 4:1-3; Ephesians 2:13-19; Colossians 1:12-14; Acts 2:37-42; 1 John 1:1-7; Acts 5:30,51; Romans 12:4,5,15,16; 15:5-7; 1 Corinthians 12:14-25.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/fellowship-in-gods-family-part-1/

Fellowship in God's Family – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
15 July 2018 | 3:11 am

Though fellowship is very important, the Lord cautions against compromise. The character and virtue of Christ such as honesty, open mindedness, righteousness and holiness must be in us at all times as we fellowship.

Sin or satanic characteristics must not be condoned in the guise of promoting fellowship because they destroy its very essence. Darkness and light, good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness cannot mix.

For our fellowship to be scriptural, there must not be any compromise with sin. Rather, there must be complete avoidance of darkness and everything associated with it.

The Scripture commands, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" because God "would not that ye should have fellowship with devils."

The fellowship of God's family is not open to the occult, satanic, demonised, sinful, backslidden people or false prophets. It is for people who are born again; people who love the Lord and the standard revealed in the word of God.

The bond of love in the fellowship of God's family is stronger than the natural tie of the human family. Hence, the ties in the natural family must not be allowed to rob us of the fellowship in God's family.

God warns sternly against compromise. He commands that people who are out to make us compromise should be avoided since they could tamper with our destiny; we must endeavour to keep the salvation of our souls. They should neither be accepted into the fellowship nor allowed to use the Church's pulpit to spread their errors.

Having become members of the family of God, we are to separate ourselves from every perversion of people who seek to draw disciples after themselves. The salvation of our souls made Christ to die and the ministers of the gospel sacrifice to nurture us in the way of the Lord; neither the church nor its leadership can afford to lose you.

Our commitment in the fellowship includes encouraging, exhorting and nurturing one another with the word of God. If any member has a character defect, he should be helped and that will keep him from deviating from the truth.

You are to watch over yourself, your thoughts and people who come to you; avoid those who try to dissuade you from following the path of righteousness. Rather, we should exhort one another daily on spiritual issues, which are weightier matters.

Discussion of ephemeral things is not important compared with fellowship in God's family. We should challenge one another to do better in the Lord. We should check up on one another; be compassionate towards one another. There should be the attitude of pity, courtesy, and politeness towards one another. There must be care for how our actions affect others.

It is our responsibility as those in fellowship to be "…all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."

We must be in unity with other believers of like precious faith. We are to be obedient to God and His word whether those in leadership over us are present or not. Disobedience is not of God and does not promote fellowship.

If you are finding it difficult to obey, it is most likely that you have lost your first love although you are still very busy in the activities of the church. If that is so, "remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Further Reading (King James Version): Philippians 1:1-5; 2:1-5; 3:10; 4:1-3; Ephesians 5:10-12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 Corinthians 10:20; Psalm 94:20; Deuteronomy 13:1-4,6-8; Romans 16:17,18; 2 John 9-11; Acts 20:28-32; Malachi 3:16-18; Galatians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:12-14; 10:22-25; 1 Peter 3:8-12; Philippians 1:27; 2:12-16; Revelation 2:1-5.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/fellowship-in-gods-family-part-2-3/

What Do You Know About God? Part-1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
22 July 2018 | 3:50 am

We need to know God and understand how He works, what He does and how He does it. It is necessary to know about His character in order to live a life pleasing unto Him, worship Him acceptably, relate with Him, pray to Him and expect an answer from Him.

To represent God as preachers and witnesses, live to the glory of His name here on earth and live with Him eternally, we need to know Him. To relate properly with anyone, you must understand the desires and aspirations of that person, his likes and dislikes. As we cannot serve a person acceptably if we do not know him, we cannot serve God acceptably if we do not know Him.

Who is God? What does He do? What does He love? What does He hate? What does He accept and expect from anyone who comes to Him? Knowing the nature and attributes of God is very important if we are to serve Him acceptably.

The Bible reveals God as the Almighty, the Builder and Maker of all things. It also reveals Him as divine, supernatural (no limitation in time and space), eternal and Father of all believers. God is great, good, gracious, glorious, holy and high above all. He is invisible, incorruptible, immutable and incomprehensible. He is just, the Judge of all, King of kings and Lord of lords. He is love, the living God, the Most High God and the One Who is mighty. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, perfect, pure and powerful. He is the quickening Spirit whose voice will raise the dead on the final day. He is righteous and source of all life. He is the searcher of all hearts, sustainer of creation, upholder of saints, the universe and all things.

There is no variableness or shadow of turning in God's character. He will take vengeance on all unrepentant, evildoers. His wrath will burn like eternal fire. He is a wonder to all.

As we understand who God is and become conscious that He measures, evaluates and weighs every actions and inactions, we will be able to please and serve Him more acceptably.

God is immutable. "For I am the LORD, I change not." The word 'immutable' means that God cannot change. God's attributes and character are always the same. His holy and righteous nature does not change with time. He hates evil but loves and appreciates holiness. Because of His unchanging nature, we can approach Him with confidence.

Both the Old and New Testaments reveal that God's nature and attributes are constant. He is still the same God of grace and judgment. While He is merciful to those who fear Him and delight in keeping His word, His wrath and judgment is sure for those who dishonour Him, make light of His word and revel in sin. "I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me forever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed."

Further Reading (King James Version): Genesis 18:23,25; Psalm 99:9; Isaiah 6:1-3; Habakkuk 1:13; John 17:11,25; 1 Peter 1:15,16; Revelation 4:8; Malachi 3:5,6; 1 Samuel 15:28,29; Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 31:2; Hebrews 1:10-12; 6:17,18; James 1:17; 1 Samuel 2:30; Jonah 3:4-10; Deuteronomy 30:15-18; Psalm 119:89.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/what-do-you-know-about-god-part-1/

What Do You Know About God? Part-2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
29 July 2018
4:17 am

When we say that God cannot change it does not mean that He will not forgive the sinner or backslider who genuinely repents of his sin and returns to Him. Neither does it mean that He will continue to be merciful and gracious to those who flout His commandments. He is the God of mercy and justice. "Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." He is impartial, and really have no favourites.

God is so impartial that He cannot punish the father for the sin of the son; neither will he punish the son because of the sin of the father. Those who have given their lives to the Lord and resolve to faithfully serve Him have nothing to worry about, not even the curse from any man.

But many so-called believers who are ignorant of the Scripture lay much emphasis on generational curse, forgetting that "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."

Every individual is responsible for his sin. God has not predestined the salvation or condemnation of anyone, and those who teach such do err. Salvation is personal, and God will judge every man according to his work. "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." Sinners and backsliders can come to the Lord today and receive pardon because He is impartial and merciful, and His love expressed through the Lord Jesus Christ, is so immense indeed.

"The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." The love of God for man is so great. By offering His only begotten Son, He proved His immense love for humanity. "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." The love of God, forgiveness, salvation and eternal life are available for anyone who believes and accepts Christ as Lord and Saviour. His grace is also available to enable us live the victorious Christian life. This is the day of His mercy and love. Turn away from evil and turn to the Lord so that you will enjoy His abundant blessings.

Further Reading (King James Version): Genesis 18:23,25; Psalm 99:9; Isaiah 6:1-3; Habakkuk 1:13; John 17:11,25; 1 Peter 1:15,16; Revelation 4:8; Psalm 119:89; Deuteronomy 24:16; Jeremiah 17:9,10; 31:29,30; Ezekiel 18:1-4,20,30-32; Romans 2:6; Galatians 6:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10,11; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 20:11-15; 22:11,12,17. John 3:16-18,36; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Romans 5:6-10; 2 Peter 3:9.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/what-do-you-know-about-god-part-2/

The Power Of A Praying Church (Part 1) — Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
05 August 2018 | 3:47 am

One of the greatest weapons at the disposal of the church is the mighty name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:9-11). With the church are unfailing promises of God, which are 'yea and amen' in Christ Jesus. Also, is the presence of the Holy Ghost who administers all the resources of the Godhead through the church to fulfil His eternal purpose.

The church is God's agency on earth that demonstrates His love, wisdom and power. The church employs prayer to make effective the word, the name, and the Spirit in fulfilling her God-given goal. God listens to the church. God works within and through the church. He dwells in the Church. Jesus said, "Upon this rock (Himself) I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

When therefore, saints unite in prayer, the power is awesome and the effect is unimaginable. Conversely, the Church stands powerless, bewildered, ineffective and threatened by the religious and political world around her without the instrumentality of prayer. With prayer, the church becomes a formidable force that the adversary cannot subdue.

The early church was a praying church. Our text shows a vivid picture of a typical prayer meeting of the church. Their prayer was founded on the scripture (Psalm 2). They prayed the word. They asked for boldness to preach the word in spite of opposition and that signs and wonders be granted unto them to confirm their word. They prayed to God through Christ and by the Holy Ghost. Their prayer enjoyed swift response from God who answers prayer. Prayer was [is) the climax of the response of the believer to oppression, injustice, persecution, suffering and weakness.

As we examine the prayer meeting of the early church, we shall uncover golden characteristics that could serve as bedrock for prevailing church prayer meeting. The following could serve as blueprint for the church:

(a) Saintly gathering (Acts 4:23; 2:1; 12:5,12; 2 Peter 1:1). The persecuted disciples "went to their own company" and a corporate prayer ensued after their report. The gathering of the church for prayer must take into cognizance men of "like precious faith" since "God heareth not sinners."

(b) Singleness of heart (Acts 4:24; 2:1; 1:14,15; 2 Chronicles 5: 11-14). The fact that "they lifted up their voice… with one accord" emphasizes unity of heart and singleness of purpose required for effectual corporate praying. They were there for the same thing, the one thing.

(c) Scriptural prayer (Acts 4:24-28; Psalm 2; John 15:7). They approached the Lord based on His word. Effective praying employs God's promises. They are never failing.

(d) Specific requests (Acts 4:29,30; 14:3;3:6,16). Amid the storm of opposition, the Church prayed not for the destruction of their foes but for: (i) boldness to preach the word; (ii) healing by the outstretched hands of God; (iii) signs and wonders in Jesus' name. Petitions in our prayer meetings should be specific and in faith.

(e) Spiritual fervour (Acts 4:24,31; John 16:23,24; Jude 20; Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18). They prayed to God through Christ by the Holy Ghost. The prayer meeting was fervent and Spirit-led.

(f) Sure response (Acts 4:31; 1 John 5:14,15). In answering assurance to their prayer, the Holy Spirit was bestowed and power of utterance exercised.

Prayer strengthened the early church just as the Holy Spirit inspired the Church to speak the word of faith, which no one could resist or gainsay. There must be assurance of faith for answer to prayer whenever we gather to seek the Lord.

Further Reading (King James Version): Acts 4:23-31; 13:1-3; 1:12-14; 2:1-4. Acts 4:23-31; 12:12; 13:1-3;1:15; John 9:31; Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 21:22..

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-power-of-a-praying-church-part-1/

The Power Of A Praying Church (Part 2) — Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
12 August 2018 | 3:29 am

The essence of prayer is its result.

It is delightsome to note that God responded to the prayer of the early church to confirm His presence in their midst and in fulfilment of His promise (Jeremiah 33:3).

Today, our God will not do otherwise. "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them."

Though the Lord is the builder of His church, He has given to the church "the keys of the kingdom to bind and to loose."

With utmost assurance of answer to prayer, the church is variously enjoined in scriptures to pray.

The redeemed, with holy hands and pure heart, should in faith take their position in God's presence.

The promises of God cover numerous areas of the Church life.

Whether the problem is emotional, physical, spiritual, matrimonial, or national, prayer is the solution.

Individual members in the church are called to pray, elders should pray and the entire congregations are to pray.

God's promises of answered prayer for the church covers Sinners' conversion (Acts 2:21; Psalm 2:8), Family needs (Acts 16:32), Nations' requests (Psalm 2:8; Romans 10:1-3), People in authority and all men (1 Timothy 2:1-4), Church Leaders (Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:3-4), Church work (Matthew 16:18,19), individual requests (James 5:13), Wrestling territorial powers (Ephesians 6:12,16; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

The gathering of the church to pray must be with a purpose, rather than mere routine activities involving members.

Prayer is a mighty weapon in the church with unprecedented outcomes upon the church, the world and God's kingdom.

Earnest, sincere heart-prayers based upon the word of promise accomplish much, and this includes: (i) God's presence and power (Acts 4; 31); (ii) Embolden the saints to witness (Acts 4:31; 19:8; 14:3; 13:46); (iii) Believers are empowered, for exploits (Acts 2:1-4; 4:33; 1:8); (iv) Growth of the church (Acts 5:12,14); (v) Spiritual strength and maturity (Ephesians 3:14-21; Colossians 1: 9-11); (vi) Prosecution of world evangelisation through mission outreaches (Acts 13:1-3; 1:8; Mark 16: 15); (vii) Healing, signs and wonders (Acts 14:3; 5: 12; 12: 5-11); (viii) God's visitation to release incarcerated saints (Acts 12:5-11; 16:25-27).

The effectual prayer of the church emboldens believers to witness to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, routs the adversary of the gospel work, enhances the spread of the gospel and the process of world's evangelisation, breaks strongholds and renders impotent all man-made laws and edicts hindering the cause of Christ.

Prayer also makes the church grow, glow and gracious, releases imprisoned saints and fulfils the objectives of the church.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-power-of-a-praying-church-part-2/

The Missing Ingredient In Prayer (Part 1).
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
19 August 2018 | 3:55 am

Prayer is one of the most discussed subjects in many assemblies today.

In such assemblies, so much time is devoted to the techniques of prayer.

Despite all that, many still remain defeated, disappointed, depressed and despondent as a result of unanswered prayers.


The major reason for failure is unbelief, while the missing ingredient in their prayer is faith.

Prayer without faith is like soup without salt.

No amount of ingredient will make soup palatable without salt as a savouring agent (Matthew 5:13).

In like manner, no amount of shouting and physical exertion in prayer can bring answers without faith.

The Scripture tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

The strength of a Bible Church hinges on the life of holiness and faith manifested by the members.

This was exemplified by the prayer power of the early disciples.

They obtained wonderful answers to prayer (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-4,37-41; 3:1-6,7-12; 4:1-4,23-33).


In Matthew chapter 17:14-20, Jesus rebuked the faithlessness of His disciples for their inability to cast out a devil.

The father of the demon-possessed boy brought him to Jesus and He cast the devil out of the boy.

The disciples asked Jesus later, "Why could not we cast him out?" And Jesus said unto them, "because of your unbelief" (Matthew 17:19,20a).

Jesus did not only express the reason of failure to His disciples, but also disclosed to them the secret of getting their prayers answered.

Faith is the secret of answered prayer. That was the ingredient that was missing in the disciples' prayer.

"For verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20b).

Faith believes that what God says He will do, He is able to perform (Romans 4:17-21).


God promised Abraham a child; he believed that God would perform what He promised.

Faith means being fully persuaded beyond doubt that God will fulfil His promise. Faith does not rely on human senses.

It means absolute confidence that what God promised is already in your hand before you set your eyes on it (2 Corinthians 5:7; John 11:39,40; 20:19,20,24-29; Hebrews 11; 1, 6).

Jesus told Martha, "If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God."

What are the means to mountain-moving faith? (i) The word of God (Romans 10:8,17; Matthew 24:35); (ii) Association with men and women of faith (2 Kings 2:1-15); (iii) Reading books on faith (Proverbs 27:17); (iv) Listening to faith-building messages and testimonies (v) Utilising and exercising the faith you have at present (Luke 17:5,6).

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 11:22-24; Hebrew 11:1,6. Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 11:22-24; Hebrews11: 1,6; 2 Corinthians 5:7; John 11:39,40; John 20:19,20,24-29; Acts 27:25; Romans 4:18-22; 10:17.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-missing-ingredient-in-prayer-part-1/

The Missing Ingredient In Prayer (Part 2).
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
26 August 2018 | 4:21 am

We have overwhelming promises in the Bible that assure us of moving our mountains, if we manifest faith in God. Nothing shall be impossible to a true child of God, who prays in faith. Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Matthew 7:7,8).

The book of Hebrews is a record of the heroes of faith. "By faith they obtained a good report" (Hebrew 11:2). Abel received salvation by faith, when he offered a better sacrifice than his brother Cain. Enoch walked with God by faith and was translated (raptured, taken from the earth without death) to heaven. Noah built the ark by faith and escaped the flood. Abraham answered the call of God out of idolatry and received righteousness. Sarah received strength to conceive a child at a very old age.

Moses forsook the alluring privileges of Egypt and led the children of Israel out of Egypt by faith. He divided the Red Sea, and Israel passed on dry land by faith. Joshua parted River Jordan, defeated the city of Jericho and commanded the sun to stand still by faith, until his enemies were vanquished. Elijah prayed fervently that it might not rain for three and a half years, and it was so. He prayed again and heaven gave rain. Hannah gave birth to Samuel by faith. The woman with twelve years issue of blood received her healing by faith. The most remarkable miracles that were recorded in the Bible happened because of faith.

Mountains of problems and challenges in life can be moved by the prayer of faith. "Have faith in God" can be paraphrased as, 'have God's kind of faith.' God, in creation, called those things that were not in existence as though they were (Romans 4:17). We are created in God's image. Therefore, we can begin to "call those things that be not as though they were." We can decree a thing and God will establish it for us.

A believer is to have dominion in his environment (Genesis 1:26-30). Nothing should be an obstacle to you. Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done" (Matthew 21:19-22; John 14:12-14; 16:23,24). Faith believes what God says. Through faith, you can move your mountains of fear, defeat, poverty, sickness, disease and failure and they will obey you.

Further Reading (King James Version): Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 11:22-24; Hebrew 11:1,6. Mark 11:12-14,20,21; 5:25-34; 2 Kings 4:18-26; Hebrews 11:4,5,7,8-12,20-23,30-38; Matthew 8:5-13; 9:18,19; Mark 2:2-5,10-12. Mark 11:22-24; Matthew 18:18,19; Mark 16:17,18; Matthew 7:7,8; James 5:13-17; I Kings 17:1; I Kings 18:21-29,30-39; John 14:12-14; 15:7; Ecclesiastes 8:4; Philippians 2:9-11.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-missing-ingredient-in-prayer-part-2/

Praying For Others – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
02 September 2018 | 4:01 am

Intercession is the act of petitioning God or praying on behalf of another person or group of persons. It is the holy, believing, persevering prayer, whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others that desperately need God's intervention.

God has made His servants co-labourers with Him in His vineyard and has appointed them as mediators and intercessors for the lost and needy (1 Corinthians 3:9; Romans, 9:2). He has always been seeking for a man – even one man or woman – to stand in the gap and build a hedge through prayer to turn away His wrath from men. But the search has not always been successful, and He has been disappointed in many generations and with many nations. Hence, where He could not find a man with enough influence to turn the hearts of the people away from sin and back to Him, His judgment had to necessarily follow (Ezekiel 22:30).

What an unfathomable mystery that God should be persuaded by the intercession of human beings to alter and turn from wrath to mercy. God is not an unmerciful deity and is not rigid in His dealings with man, but is a compassionate God, Who delights to be moved by the love, faith and prayers of His faithful people.

The Lord also responds to the prayers of His people and at times, changes His declared course of action, when they sincerely call upon Him and commit themselves to Him and His Will. Our consolation should be that God has not and will never disregard the intercession of His servants as long as hope for redemption remains. Therefore, the best bet for us is to intercede that God will manifest His power and presence for the benefit of mankind.

Believers today must make it a practice to intercede unceasingly for the people on earth (Matthew 6:10). The sinful nature of this world separates human beings from God. It has always been necessary, therefore, for righteous individuals to go before God to seek reconciliation between Him and His fallen creation.

In the numerous intercessory prayers in the Scriptures, God's burdened saints pleaded with Him:

(i) To turn away His judgment (Numbers 14:13-19).
(ii) For forgiveness of sins (Daniel 9:3-19; Acts 7:60).
(iii) For the salvation of others (Romans 10:1).
(iv) For the restoration of His people (Nehemiah 1:4-11).
(iv) For people to be delivered from danger (Acts 12:5,12).
(v) For God to bless His people (Numbers 6:24-26).
(vi) For the sick to be healed (1 Kings 17:20-21).
(vii) For the Holy Spirit's power to come (Acts 8:15-17).
(viii) For effective mission's outreach (Matthew 9:38; Ephesians 6:19,20).
(ix) For effective pastors (2 Timothy 1:3-7).
(x) For the people in authority to govern well (1 Chronicles 29:19; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Anything we know and which the Bible reveals as God's perfect will for His people can appropriately be the focus of intercessory prayer. We must continually cry out to Him and "give Him not rest" until He brings to pass all that He has promised for our good (Isaiah 62:7).

Further Reading (King James Version): Isaiah 53:12; Romans 8:26-27,34; Hebrews 7:27; Acts 12:1-12. Genesis 18:23-30; Joel 2:17; Ezra 9:3-15; Galatians 4:19; Colossians 1:10-11; Romans 15:31; Psalm 122:6-8; James 5:14-16; Ephesians 3:14-17.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/praying-for-others-part-1/

Praying For Others – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
09 September 2018 | 4:17 am

Jesus Christ is our perfect example in all area, including prayer. He engaged in intercessory prayers as a major part of His ministry. Christ's intercession for His people began on earth and now continues in heaven. When the Lord was physically here on earth, He interceded for His disciples and encouraged them to do the same (Luke 18:1). After warning Peter that Satan had planned to sift him as wheat, Jesus said to him, "I have prayed for you that your faith fail not" (Luke 22:32).

Jesus' first words on the cross were a prayer for those who had persecuted Him (Luke 23:34). The "high priestly prayer" recorded in John 17:1-19 provides the best example of an intercessory prayer by the Lord.

One of the earliest and best examples of intercession is where Abraham speaks to God on behalf of Sodom (Genesis 18:23). His plea was with compassion and concern for the wellbeing of others rather than his own needs. Such selfless concern is the mark of all true intercession.

Another good example is the intercessory prayers of Moses, the leader of a nation and a righteous man, who successfully petitioned God on behalf of the children of Israel (Exodus 32:30-33). Daniel did not sit back and passively wait for the promised restoration of Israel to come about (Jeremiah 25: 11-12; 29: 10-14). But he began to intercede earnestly with prayer and fasting for the fulfilment of God's word (Daniel 9:3).

Daniel began his intercessory prayer:

(i) by recognising His faithfulness and love and His covenant and mercy shown to those who love and obey Him. (ii) He then made his confession, identifying himself with the people of Israel who had sinned and rebelled against God. (iii) Then he asked for Jerusalem's restoration not because of any righteousness on the part of Daniel or of Israel, but for the Lord's sake (Daniel 9:17, 18). There is no wonder, therefore, that God responded and demonstrated His great mercy and loving compassion as a God that fulfils His promises.

The Scripture often refers to believers' intercessory prayers and records numerous examples of remarkable, powerful and wonderful results from such prayers. A scriptural example of the power and result of intercession includes, Moses' prayer for Israel. On several occasions, he prayed fervently to God to change His decreed and declared will, even when God had told Moses His course of action.

A good example was after the children of Israel rebelled against the Lord and refused to go into Canaan. God told Moses that He would destroy them and make a greater nation of Moses (Numbers 14:1-21). Moses then took the matter to the Lord in prayer and pleaded for them. (Numbers 14: 13-19). At the conclusion of his prayer, God said, "I have pardoned according to thy word" (Numbers 14:20).

Other powerful intercessors include Elijah the man of God (James 5:16-18); Daniel, (Daniel 9:3) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:3-11). There are also numerous examples of people in the New Testament that prayed and obtained answers: Parents pleaded with Jesus to heal their sick children (Mark 5:22-43; John 4:47,53).

A group of mothers asked Jesus to bless their children (Mark 10:13). A man pleaded for his servant to be healed (Matthew 8:6-13). The church gathered together to pray for Peter's release from prison (Acts 12:5,12). The church in Antioch prayed for the success of the ministry of Barnabas and Paul (Acts 13:3).

If only we will make up our minds to get involved in this privileged ministry, we also will have a share of the showers of blessings that will follow.

Further Reading (King James Version): Isaiah 53:12; Romans 8:26-27,34; Hebrews 7:27; Acts 12:1-12. I Peter 2:21; John 17:1-19; Luke 22:31-32; Genesis 18:23-33; Daniel 9:3-19; Exodus 32:9-14; Luke 23:34; Romans 1:9-10; I Thessalonians 1:2-3; Colossians 1:3,9-12. Exodus 32:11-14; Numbers 11:2; 12:13; 21:7; 27:5; I Kings 18:21-46; Daniel 9:3-23; Mark 5:22-43; Matthew 8:5-12; I Samuel 7:5-11.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/praying-for-others-part-2/

Developing Prayer Potentials – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
16 September 2018 | 4:06 am

Prayer is the only ordained means by which believers communicate with God. In the Scriptures, the activity of prayer or praying is also described in various ways as "calling upon the Lord" (Psalm 17:6); "calling upon the name of the Lord" (Genesis 4:26); crying unto the Lord (Psalm 3:4); lifting up one's soul unto God (Psalm 25:1); seeking the Lord (Isaiah 55:6); coming boldly unto the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16); drawing near to God (Hebrews 10:22) and pouring out one's heart to God (1 Samuel1: 16). Everything about the believer's life centres around the effectiveness of his/her prayer life – his victory in life, success in ministry, influence on society and his reception of heaven's blessings upon himself all depend so much on the quality of his prayers. The believer must, therefore, learn the art of effective praying and pay diligent attention to the development of his prayer potentials for his own good.

Every believer in Christ has great potentials for effective praying which include:

• The indwelling Christ (Colossians 1:27)
• The indwelling Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18)
• God's word (God's promises) in the heart (Colossians 3:16).
• Faith in the living and true God (Acts 27:25).
• The believer's privileged position as a child of God (the father-son relationship) Daniel 6:23.
• His inheritance in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:21).
• The abiding presence of the Triune God (Matthew 28:20; Psalm 91:2; Romans 8:32).
• The "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) of men and women who prayed in faith and received marvellous answers from God scattered all over entire Scriptures.

If believers would meditate on the above facts, in respect of their Christian lives, they will develop themselves to be able to pray very effectively.

Further Reading (King James Version): Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; Matthew 6:1-15. Colossians 1:27; Revelations 3:20; I John 4:4;Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26; John 7:8,1; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 37:31; Luke 2:19; Matthew 28:20; Mark 11:22; Acts 7:25; Hebrews 12:1; 11:1-35.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/developing-prayer-potentials-part-1/

Developing Prayer Potentials – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
23 September 2018 | 4:01 am

The disciples had watched Christ pray effectively. They had seen the practical result of His prayers in His life and ministry. Everything about His life was a great challenge to them. And they had concluded that His vibrant prayer life must have been responsible for all that they were seeing. They, therefore, requested Him to teach them to pray. Christ agreed to teach them without delay. In His teaching on prayer, in this instance and in other parts of Scripture, He proffered some important prescriptions, which helped in the development of their prayer lives.

Christ's model prayer teaches us that effective prayer must border on:
(i) Relationship with the Father (Matthew 6:9,12);
(ii) Reverence for the Father (Matthew 6:9,13);
(iii) Revelation of the Father's will (Matthew 6: 10);
(iv) Requests from the Father (Matthew 6:11,12) and
(v) Righteousness of the Father (Matthew 6:14,15).

It is also important to note that for prayer to be effective it has to be based on:
(i) Faith (Mark 11:22);
(ii) The faithful promises of God;
(iii) Forgiveness (Matthew 18:35), and
(iv) The following facts about the nature of the God we pray to:
The faithfulness of God (1 Corinthians 1:9; Hebrew 6:18);
The goodness and kindness of God (Exodus 33: 19; Romans 2:4);
The mercy and compassion of God (2 Corinthians 1:3; Mark 10:47,48);
The grace of God (Titus 2:11; Exodus 22:27);
The willingness of God to answer the prayers of His people (2 Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 7:7);
The ability of God to do whatever we ask in line with His will (Luke 1:37).

The effectiveness of any believer's prayer is not based on how long, how loud or how laborious or how much emotion is put into the praying. When any believer prays earnestly, bearing in mind all the foregoing, whether it is loud or not, whether it is long or not, it will "avail much" (James 1:16-18).

These passages of Scripture give us an array of saints along with our Lord Jesus Christ who prayed every morning without ceasing, night and day, at midnight, all night, three times a day and importunately. In line with these examples, every child of God and every Church should have a planned programme for personal, family and corporate prayers in the Church.

The programme should be drawn up for:

• Regular praying: Here, there should be
(a) Personal prayer programme. Specific times of the day should be set aside for prayer. Jesus, David, Daniel, Cornelius all had personal prayer programmes (Mark 1:35; Psalm 5:3; 55:17; Acts 10:30; Daniel 6:10).
(b) Family-based Prayer Programme, when the whole family would pray together daily and regularly.
(c) Church-based Prayer Programme. This should be planned for the whole church to pray together at considerable intervals, either weekly or monthly as the case may be. This could involve fasting as the Spirit leads (Acts 3:1).
(d) National Prayer Programme. God has commanded the Church to pray for the nation. As such, individuals, families and churches should have programmes of prayer for our nation (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

• Special Prayer Programmes: (1 Kings 8:37-39; Acts 4:23-31; 12:1-5). Such prayer programmes are to be organised on special occasions during moments of emergencies, where God's special intervention is needed for individuals, for the whole church or for the nation.

Further Reading (King James Version): Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; Matthew 6:1-15. Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; Matthew 6:1-15; Mark 11:22-24; James 5:13-18; Psalm 66:18; I John 3:21,22; James 1:5-8; John 14:12,13; 16:23-24; Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32. Matthew 6:6; Psalm 5:3; 55:17; I Thessalonians 5:17; Acts10: 2; Luke 2:37; I Timothy 5:5; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:46,47; Psalm 119:62; Genesis 18:32; 32:26; Deuteronomy 9:18; Matthew 15:27; James 5:17; Luke 22:41-46; 16:12; Daniel 6:10; Psalm 55:17.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/developing-prayer-potentials-part-2/

The Meaning Of Freedom For All (1)
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
30 September 2018 | 4:13 am

Many people today, yearn for genuine freedom. Some make great effort to attain freedom from want, depravity, inadequacy. Even nations seek freedom from outside control, or subordination to other nations. But in reality, only few people know the essence of true freedom that comes from God.

The best example of true freedom is found in the Book of Exodus in the Bible chronicling the exit of the children of Israel from Egypt, and revealing much concerning God's plan and purpose for every individual, family, community and nation. God broke the Egyptian bondage, yoke and oppression from the Israelites. He is unchanging; He will do the same today. "And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians… behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them."

God hears, sees and feels the oppression of His people by the enemy. He called Moses for the singular purpose of delivering His people from the Egyptian bondage. His purpose in every generation of man is to set His people free from bondage and oppression. His plan and purpose was not just to use Moses to deliver one nation of Israel from bondage but to raise a more righteous and faithful "Prophet" to deliver the whole world. He told Moses: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

This Prophet is Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and Saviour of the world. And as the Lord planned redemption and deliverance for every Israelite from Egyptian bondage so has He sent Jesus Christ to purchase and provide redemption and freedom from sin, sickness and Satan for all men in all ages, the world over.

The description of the bondage of the children of Israel in Egypt is a picture of the bondage of everyone in the world. Egypt is a figure of speech for the world while Israel represents every prospective beneficiary of the redemption that came through Christ. In Egypt, Pharaoh, representing the devil, "did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens." Satan also set taskmasters over every individual who does not know Christ. He afflicts, torments and destroys them. Though satanic oppression and war exist, biological and population growth is multiplying.

The enslavement of the Israelites by the Egyptians was with rigour and unbearable hard labour. "And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour." The situation of the people in the world today is not any different. Many grieve and nurse bitter experiences of oppression and hard bondage. They go through horrifying experiences hard to bear; they are afflicted, tortured and vexed by the wicked in their personal and family lives. Pained to the marrow, they conclude that there is no hope of deliverance.

But sin is the cause of bondage. Without sin, there could have been no suffering, sickness, satanic oppression, or pain in nations. Sin gives the devil the leeway to enter and torment people. Paul the apostle realised this early, and openly relived his past life, which represents that of every sinner. What this shows is that majority of people in the world do not have control over their lives. The devil dictates their speech, actions and experiences, even if they are unaware of this, or openly admit it. Their many resolutions and decisions to turn over a new leaf fail because they lack the grace of God to do what is just and right. For as the Apostle admitted, "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."

A lifestyle of sin and evil is at the root of all the sufferings, pain and bondages individuals and nations experience today. Through sinful conducts and practices come affliction, yoke, curse, poverty, oppression, sickness and broken homes, confusion, social unrest and insecurity, economic crisis and all other problems. Many people know that the way of the transgressor or evil person, or sinner is hard and will end in hell, yet they continue in evil because they are in bondage, and cannot help themselves. But the good news is, there is freedom for everyone.

Further Reading (King James Version): Exodus 3:7-10; Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19; Exodus 1:11-14; Deuteronomy 26:5,6; Romans 7:14-20; 2 Peter 2:14-22; John 8:32-36.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-meaning-of-freedom-for-all-1/

The Meaning Of Freedom For All (Part 2)
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
07 October 2018 | 3:29 am

Freedom from sin for every individual comes only from Jesus Christ, through personal faith in His atoning sacrifice at the Cross of Calvary.
It is to believe that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, and paid with His blood the penalty for sin of all men.

This is the only offering, not your effort or initiative that can appease God on behalf of all men ever born on earth.

For then, Jesus grants the person the grace and strength to shun evil practices and indulgences, and to follow His exemplary life.

Those who believed once, but later recanted, and returned to the corruption from which they were once delivered, make their renewed bondage much worse, like the Israelites who failed to maintain their freedom after returning from Egypt to the Promised Land.

As a result, those Israelites in their backslidden state soon went into fresh captivity in Assyria and Babylon, and were scattered all over the world.

Jesus affirms that, "Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin," but "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

No sinner or backslider can deliver himself from bondage to sin. Every sinner is a lawful captive of the devil. Deliverance from sin comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Moses, the man used by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity, emphasised this truth, when he called the children of Israel to "Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place…"

Set free from sin, the believer needs to constantly remember that the Lord's presence is with him. He must maintain his faith in God, honour and reverence Him and His word as sacred.

After the Lord has delivered and prospered the believer, such a person must not forget God as the Source of his freedom, lest his heart be lifted up with pride.

And anyone who comes to make the believer forget his Redeemer and His word, so as to turn him away from the Lord must be resisted and avoided.

"Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him."

Exalting the Lord as Master, King, Redeemer and Liberator makes freedom a permanent experience.

The Lord will set a person free, if He sees that the benefitting believer will appreciate and glorify Him for it and make Him the most important and unrivaled Personality in his life.

The believer then must not allow any deceiver or detractor to compete with the Lord in his heart. He must be faithful and loyal to Him forever.

The believer's loyalty is not first to his spouse, children, siblings, parents or any religious leader, but to the Lord. He must forget those who seek to compete with God in his life.

He must "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Personal decision is crucial to receiving God's deliverance from sin, sickness and satanic oppression. The Lord has not forgotten or left anyone to perish in bondage.

It is certain that "the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve."

But this happens when the sinner/backslider decides to part with sin, repents of his past life of sin and receives Christ as His Saviour and Lord.

He must also fulfil the condition of daily righteous living and obedience to the Lord.

Liberation, redemption or freedom is promised to everyone. But it is granted to those who call upon the Lord.

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered."

When God delivers from sin, which Satan uses to bind people, freedom from sickness and satanic oppression becomes easy.

Further Reading (King James Version): Exodus 3:7-10; Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19; Exodus 13:3; Deuteronomy 8:7-14; 13:1-10; Galatians 5:1; Ezra 9:9; Isaiah 14:3,5; Job 36:8-11; Joel 2:32.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-meaning-of-freedom-for-all-part-2/

Path To Fulfilment In The Family – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
14 October 2018 | 4:14 am

Many families are battling with tough challenges, some very severe. Because they are ignorant of the solution to the challenges they face, many prolong their pain and suffering. As it turns out, the key to solving family problems is to fear God. The psalmist describes a family that fears the Lord, and enumerates what it enjoys. He says such a family is free from worry and anxiety, problem and oppression, captivity and calamity, disease and death, familiar spirits and famine, hostility and hatred, iniquity and infirmity.

When God raises a family and decides to pour the blessing of freedom on it, what a great privilege that is! When God smiles on an individual and lifts the countenance of His blessing on him; and when God has His favour and promise upon an individual and a family as in the psalm we are examining today which begins with blessedness, what a privilege that is! When the psalmist declares, "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD," he leaves the decision for everyone to be candidate for the blessings that follow: all the blessings mentioned in the chapter are for those who fear the Lord and come under His control.

Upon those who know the Lord, who believe in Him, who love Him, who obey His word, there are great blessings as individuals, as families and the works of their hands. However, there is need for proper explanation and elaboration of what it means to be free as a family. Such deeper investigations are as important and necessary as doctors' medical examination and diagnosis before prescription to their patients.

What are the problems families are wrestling with? When a family member has a spirit of infirmity for a long time, the implication is that he or she becomes the centre of attention rather than centre of activity. And instead of providing for the needs of members of the family, the family finance is channelled into taking care of that person's health because health is a priority. Also, when forces of darkness are battling with a family in unrelenting attacks to the extent that there is a "gall of bitterness" in the family and a brick-wall of resistance against the family, there is a burden of bondage in the family. This might lead to difficulty having children.

Sometimes, it is unequal yoke or partnership with those that do not know God. It is often caused by impatience in the choices people have made in life, with their attendant consequences. Others include the burden of polygamy and backsliding. These burdens further lead to hypertension, restlessness, worry and anxiety, guilt and condemnation, sexually transmitted diseases and even death and eternity in hell, if there is no repentance from sin by such persons.

There are cases where the spouses agree to go astray together as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira. They died in sin without repentance. Husbands and wives who conspire to sin against God bring judgment upon themselves and their families except they repent. Other things that bring burdens upon individuals and families include: (a) adultery, (b) backsliding, (c) contention, (d) debt, (e) envy and jealousy, (f) familiar spirits, (g) guile – deception, (h) hatred, (i) idolatry, (j) joblessness, (k) knocking and nagging of one another, (l) lust and licentiousness, (m) money, (n) naughtiness, (o) oppression, (p) principalities and powers, (q) quarrelling, (r) retaliation and revenge, (s) sickness, (t) tongue, (u) unbelief, (v) violence, (w) worldliness, (y) yokes.

Further Reading (King James Version): Psalm 128:1-6; 144:11-15. Luke 13:16; Acts 8:23; Hebrews 12:15,16; Nehemiah 13:23,24,26; Jeremiah 8:4-6,9-12; Acts 5:1-10; Hebrews 13:4.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/path-to-fulfilment-in-the-family-part-1/

Path To Fulfilment In The Family – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
21 October 2018 | 3:24 am

But it is not all doom and gloom for those families that have made mistakes in the decisions they took or are under the butt of satanic attacks and activities. The Lord has made provision for such families to exit their problems, whatever they may be. Breakthrough starts when the right steps of repentance and restitution prescribed by the Lord are taken by the family.

An instance in the Bible best illustrates this fact. King Abimelech had snatched another man's wife and thus brought untold burden of bondage and hardship, pain and suffering upon himself and his family. "For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife." The burdens of problem, oppression, barrenness, calamity, sickness, challenges, difficulties and heartaches had come to his family in torrents. But the Lord prescribed that the way out was the way of repentance and restitution. God expressly commanded King Abimelech to "restore the man his wife" before his family could enjoy breakthrough. Some people today hop from one prayer house to another, in search of breakthrough for their families. But the solution lies in simple obedience to the commands of God, as Abimelech was directed to do.

Taking Abraham's wife had brought barrenness, calamity, sickness, oppression and heavy yoke upon Abimelech's family. The beginning of breakthrough in a family is when items of idolatry that were brought into the family are thrown out; when all the garments and instruments of secret cults and occultism that were brought into the family are thrown out; when all the maids that have familiar spirits are sent back to where they came from; when relationships with strange men that have married other people's wives, and strange women that have become second wives, are broken; when sinful things are got rid of; when cases of bribery and corruption are dealt with and taken away; when stolen items are restored to their owners; when there is change of heart concerning divorcing the rightful wife because the Lord hates divorce. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

In our present world or quick and insincere rationalisation, these are not easy things to do, especially as people now believe they can continue to live in sin, evil and wickedness, and at the same time, continue to claim to serve God. If there is any offence in the family, there must be forgiveness. This comes when Jesus is deliberately invited into the home through the decision to change the course of their lives and get rid of sin, backsliding, bitterness, anger and evil speaking in the family.

Blessedness in the family starts when every member goes to the Lord to ask for and receive forgiveness of sins; when after the new birth experience, couples begin to repose their trust and confidence in the Lord, instead of man or idols or any other power; when they disassociate themselves from liars that divide families; when they make the Lord their strength.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful … he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." The family that wants to experience beatitudes or blessedness must remain undefiled in the way. When there is willingness to live righteously, when Christ is allowed to rule and reign, when there is a decision to live according to the word of the Lord, the family will be blessed on earth, and there will be that opportunity for members of that family to get to heaven at the end of life.

Further Reading (King James Version): Psalm 128:1-6; 144:11-15. Genesis 20:7,18,7-9,14; 21:9-14; Matthew 1:19,20; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 19:3-6; Romans 7:2,3; Matthew 18:21,22; Ephesians 4:31; Matthew 5:3-12; Psalm 32:1; 40:4; 84:5,7,12; 1:1-3; 119:1-3; 128:1-3; 112:1-8.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/path-to-fulfilment-in-the-family-part-2/

Hope For All Who Believe – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
28 October 2018 | 2:54 am

God is always conscious of the plight of His people. And from time to time, He sends out a message of hope to reassure His children of love and faithfulness and to comfort and encourage them not to relent in pursuing the path of righteousness that pleases Him. The First Epistle of Peter is one such epistle of hope. It was written to believers or saints, who were suffering numerous afflictions in the nations to which they were scattered. These Christians were "scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Capadocia, Asia and Bithynia" (1 Peter 1:1) and were suffering persecution for their faith. They needed reassurance and comfort. So, Peter wrote to them: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." "The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth…might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:12; 1:7).

Through this Epistle, Peter brought hope to the persecuted Christians, so that they would not live "as others which have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). He started by reminding them that God, through Jesus Christ in His "abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope" (1 Peter 1:3). He then encouraged believers to "hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 1:13). As our faith has been in God, he exhorts us that our "hope might be in God" (1 Peter 1:21). We should so trust, love and honour our God that we will "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).

Some writers and commentators have suggested that the Epistle was written to Jews, who were dispersed into parts of Asia Minor. That cannot be true. Gentiles, who had believed were included in the audience. Peter had Gentiles in mind, when he said, "not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in YOUR IGNORANCE" (1 Peter 1:14). Referring to converted Gentiles, he said they were "called out of darkness into His marvellous light: which in time past WERE NOT A PEOPLE, but are now the people of God" (1 Peter 2:10). The Epistle contains a message of encouragement for everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The writer of this Epistle describes himself as "an Apostle of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:1). In his second Epistle, he describes himself as "a servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1). Peter is the Greek form of the name Cephas (John 1:42), which the Lord Jesus Himself had given to the Apostle, meaning "a stone." He was to be a stone, built upon the Rock of Ages, which is Christ (Matthew 16:18). He must have prized that name as the gift of Christ, reminding him always of Christ's promise and urging him to maintain rock-like steadfastness throughout his life.

Though he was always mentioned first in the list of Christ's Apostles, he called himself simply "an apostle," not the first or prince of the apostles, simply, "a servant," "who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ" (2 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 5:1). He was now, in his own words, "clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5).

As a servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, he was sent by the Lord with a message for the Church. The consciousness of being sent directly by Christ gives earnestness, weight, and dignity to the words of Christ's faithful ministers. The readers and hearers must receive his message with reverence and obedience because the Lord had said, "He that heareth you heareth Me" (Luke 10:16). His message is in perfect agreement with that of Christ. He echoes the recognition and blessing of Christ on those who had not seen, but yet had believed (John 20:29; 1 Peter 1:8). He bids us "gird up the loins of (our) mind," even as Christ had said, "let your loins be guided about" (1 Peter 1:13; Luke 12:35).

The Lord told His disciples that He came "to give His life a ransom for many" and Peter reminds us "that we are redeemed … with the precious blood of Christ" (Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18). Many other points of similarity occur between what Jesus had said and what Peter wrote in this Epistle.

Read and compare 1 Peter 2:5 and Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 1:22 and John 13:34; 1 Peter 2:7 and Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:5 and Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 2:12 and Luke 19:44; 1 Peter 2:21 and John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:25 and John 10:11,14; 1 Peter 3:9,14 and Matthew 5:39-41; 1 Peter 3:20 and Matthew 24:37,38; 1 Peter 4:10 and Luke 12:42; 1 Peter 5:2 and John 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:3 and Matthew 20:25-27. Truly, as a servant of Christ, he faithfully submitted to and taught the Master's Word. That is all we, as children of God, ministers of the gospel, are called to do! Jesus only, not our accomplishments or earthly philosophies, is our message.

Further Reading (King James Version): 1 Peter 1:1,2; 1 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; John 1:40-42; Luke 5:3-11; Matthew 4:18-20; 16:15-18; 10:2; John 21:15-17; Acts 4:18-20; 5:29.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/hope-for-all-who-believe-part-1/

Hope For All Who Believe – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
04 November 2018 | 4:50 am

Peter addressed the Epistle to "the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." Who were these "scattered strangers?" Were they Jewish Christians only? Were Gentile believers included? We must remember that Peter’s ministry was not limited to the Jews.
"Peter rose up, and said unto them, … ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe" (Acts 15:7).

The Epistle itself witnesses to the general character of its message. There is no allusion to the Law of Moses, an omission, which would be surprising if the Epistle were addressed exclusively to Jewish Christians.

Passages such as 1 Peter 1:14; 2:10; 4:3 show that the Lord sent Peter with this message of hope to us, the Gentile Christians, as part of the Church that He is preparing for a fruitful life on earth and eternal bliss in heaven.

The word "strangers" in 1 Peter 1:1 is used metaphorically as in 1 Peter 2:11 and Hebrews 11:13 to represent all true believers in Christ, who are dispersed here and there among unbelievers in different parts of the world. Strangers are temporary residents in a foreign country.

Christians are citizens of another country, members of another nationality. We belong to "a better country that is an heavenly" (Hebrews 11:16).

We must keep ourselves separate from all entanglements of the world, keeping ourselves apart as oil from water. We must always live in the consciousness that we do not belong to this world. We are "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Hebrews 11:13).

We are not of this world, as our Lord and Master Jesus Christ was not of this world. Our governing principles, motives, ambitions and pursuits must not be of this world.

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." The elect are those who are chosen. "Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). Certainly, man is free; he is given the power of choice (Deuteronomy 30:19), he is commanded to repent and believe (Acts 17:30; 16:31), and he is held responsible for not believing and obeying to be saved (Matthew 23:37).

Salvation is offered to all; God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Yet God knows what each man’s choice will be, because "known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world" (Acts 15:18).

"Through sanctification of the Spirit." Supposed "election" or "predestination" without sanctification will meet with eternal disappointment. The Bible tells us that, "without holiness no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).

This holiness or sanctification is the heavenly-mindedness that fills the believer with strong and deep love of God. It rules his heart and leaves no room for sin in his heart or life. No power of man can effect this complete change of heart, it is the peculiar work of God.

Sanctification makes us fit for unbroken fellowship with God, the Holy One. God reveals to the saved, the chosen, "the elect," the surpassing beauty of Christ, so that the heavenly vision kindles the flame of divine love in his soul.

That love so dominates his heart, and spreads itself through the heart, driving out all law and earthly desires, lifting up our souls to God. The sanctifying influence of the Spirit results in unquestioning, implicit obedience to God.

Obedience is the work of the Holy Spirit: for the "fruit of the Spirit is love,…" "and if a man loves Me, he will keep My words" (Galatians 5:22; John 14:23). Whatever experiences you may be going through as a Christian, never forget that God loves you, and He cares about your plight.

Further Reading (King James Version): 1 Peter 1:1,2; 1 Peter 1:1; 2:11; Hebrews 11:13-16; John 17:14-16; Psalm 119:19; 2 Corinthians 5:6; Acts 8:4; John 15:18,19; 1 Peter 1:2; Matthew 22:14; 23:37; John 15:16; Acts 15:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Acts 20:32; Romans 15:16; Hebrews 13:12-14,20,21; 5:9; 12:24; 2 Peter 1:2.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/hope-for-all-who-believe-part-2/

God's Demand For Holiness – Part 1
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
11 November 2018 | 4:13 am

The single, unchanging demand of God from all His children in all ages is that we should be holy. He commands us to "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." If we are going to see Him or remain in eternal fellowship with Him on the last day, we need to maintain holiness of life and heart. Without holiness and its virtues, we will not be able to see God. True holiness leads to the following virtues or goes with the following components:

Humility
Obedience
Love
Integrity
New man
Entire consecration
Self-denial, and
Separation from the world.

Possession of these virtues is the only thing that can qualify us to see God, to do His will on earth and to live with Him in eternity. Pride, disobedience, hatred, unfaithfulness, old sinful nature, lack of consecration, self-indulgence and friendship with the world will hinder anyone from seeing and dwelling with God. While repentance and faith in the cleansing blood of Christ make us clean, restitution for our past wrong deeds removes from our hearts guilt of offences committed against fellowmen.

In all ages, God has always demanded holiness of heart and life. There had never been a time in history, when He tolerated or excused sin in any form. God has the same expectation and condition for all His children in all ages and in all climes, irrespective of church affiliations. His holy nature demands holiness from those who worship Him. Holiness of heart and of life remains His call and demand for anyone who wants to follow and serve Him on earth and dwell with Him in eternity. The Lord wants us to be sanctified and purified – that is what holiness means. He says: "sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 20:7).

Any marriage, job, interaction, relationship, friendship, plan, thought or attitude that can diminish or destroy the seed of holiness in our lives cannot be the will of God for us. "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." Any activity that can decrease our thirst and hunger for holiness in the church is never the will of God. We do not become holy because we want to please man, but because God is holy and requires holiness from all His saints. Whatever people may do for or against us, the Lord's injunction remains: "be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). The reason He has called us out of sin, the world of darkness and evil is so that we might live a righteous, pure and sanctified life. He can make us holy, if we will commit and consecrate ourselves to Him.

Further Reading (King James Version): Hebrews 12:14; Isaiah 33:15-17; Psalm 101:4-8; 24:3,4. Leviticus 11:45; 20:7, 8; 1 Thessalonians 3: 4, 7, 8; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Peter 3:11-14

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/gods-demand-for-holiness-part-1/

God's Demand For Holiness – Part 2
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
18 November 2018 | 4:15 am

To be sanctified, we must consecrate ourselves unto the Lord. God commands believers to be separate from unbelievers in the areas of business, marriage, friendship, etc. He commands us to abstain from worldly practices. Believers should not be in league with non-believers. We must cut off everything that can decrease or destroy holiness, and lay everything on the altar of consecration unto the Lord. Therefore, "let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

The Lord wants us to be so consecrated unto Him that we will not compromise with the people of the world. He wants our devotion and consecration to Him to be thorough, total, unrivaled and perpetual. He wants it to be such that nothing can take away from us.

Consecration means offering ourselves, our lives, our ambition, etc., to God, not only for today but forever. Consecration brings into us the consciousness of God's presence. It makes us to live in full consciousness of God's watchful eyes. It makes us to live in the consciousness that the Lord sees everything we think, say and do, whether in the secret or in the open, everyday of our lives. This knowledge makes us to commit ourselves to doing His will at all times. Christ-like holiness is practical, not a theological thing.

God demands that whatever condition we find ourselves in life, whatever privileges we enjoy, we should remain consistent in holiness. Answers to our prayers will only come as we remain holy and righteous for the Lord. Men, as well as women are called to live a consistent holy life in the sight of God: "the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands" (1 Peter 3:5).

Christian women are not supposed to be nosy, backbiting, nagging or noisy. Rather, they are commanded to be meek, quiet and submissive to their husbands, but only as long as their husbands' demands are in conformity with holiness. To see God's face at the end of our lives on earth, the Lord demands that we should be holy all our days.

Further Reading (King James Version): Hebrews 12:14; Isaiah 33:15-17; Psalm 101:4-8; 24:3,4. Leviticus 11:45; 20:7, 8; 1 Thessalonians 3: 4, 7, 8; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Peter 3:11-14; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 7:1; Romans 12:1,2; Psalm 118:27; Luke 1:75; Psalm 15:1-5; Luke 1:5, 6; 1 Peter 3:5, 4, 6-12; Hebrews 12:14-17

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/gods-demand-for-holiness-part-2/

The Christian And The World
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
25 November 2018 | 3:17 am

The Lord Jesus Christ makes everyone who comes to Him an uncommon and extra-ordinary Christian. During His earthly ministry, all sincere seekers who came to Him received miracles. Sinners received forgiveness; the blind had their sight restored; the lame walked; the sick were healed; the afflicted and oppressed were liberated and the dead were brought back to life.

The Lord has not changed; He remains the same today. Hence, there should always be a proof of our encounter with Him. God does not want any of His children to remain stagnant in life. So, He wants the believer to come up higher and experience the spectacular. For this to be possible, the believer must understand that he is different from those he lives and relates with. He must recognise his position and inheritance in Christ. With Christ and the Holy Spirit indwelling him, he cannot be limited by any power or force on earth "because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

The Lord requires every prospective beneficiary of His promises to be:
(1) A converted Christian – conversion from being a sinner to a child of God and conversion from being a weak believer to a conqueror.
(2) A covenant Christian. As an heir of God and joint-heir with the Lord Jesus Christ, the believer is a covenant-child.
(3) A connected Christian – always connecting to heaven, the throne of mercy through Christ.
(4) A consecrated Christian – willing to surrender all on the altar.
(5) A continuing Christian and;
(6) A conquering Christian.

Fulfilling these conditions make uncommon Christians obey uncommon commandments.

Moses and the Israelites were able to cross the Red Sea because they obeyed an unusual commandment. The walls of Jericho collapsed because Joshua and the children of Israel obeyed an uncommon commandment from the Lord. At the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, there was a supernatural provision of extra wine because the disciples obeyed the uncommon commandment of Christ. Uncommon miracles, healing and deliverance come by absolute obedience to the uncommon commandments of the Lord.

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." Personal obedience to the Lord brings uncommon blessings into the life of a believer. The need for implicit obedience cannot be over-emphasised if we must enjoy all that the Lord has in store for us. To receive our promised blessings like Abraham, we must not allow fear of the unknown, doubt and uncertainty to hinder us from obeying the Lord. Believers need to emulate Abraham's lifestyle of complete obedience. So, "ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn… Look unto Abraham your father… I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him." Our obedience to the Lord must be borne out of personal conviction and resolution to follow Him to the end without minding what the world thinks or says about us.

If Christ is really our Saviour, we must be prompt in our response to His Lordship. Apostle Paul was prompt in his obedience to the Master's call. "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace… immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood."

Therefore, nothing should deter us from doing the will of God. His will may not please us or people around us, yet we are to obey Him. Our motives and actions must be guided by what pleases only the Lord.

As believers, perpetual obedience to the Lord entails that we serve Him at all times till the very end. We must dedicate all that we have, all that we are and all that we are going to be to the Lord. As followers of Christ, we must demonstrate unreserved commitment and loyalty to Him. Christ did that which pleased His heavenly Father; He never contradicted Him either in word or action. So, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."

Further Reading (King James Version): 1 John 4:4; Hebrews 11:8; Isaiah 51:1,2; Psalm 119:60; Galatians 1:15,16; Philippians 2:5.

https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/the-christian-and-the-world-part-1/