₦airaland Forum

Agrogbeide:
that's the spirit bro. I guess you were stunned by that John 10:28.....Lol
It is because of the lifestyles of some Christians that made many came up with the notion that a Christian can lose his salvation, and this is not true. In as much the intercession of Christ never ceases in heaven, so also our intercession as Christians should never cease for carnal Christians and for the world so that all may be united with Christ.
ONCE SAVED IS FOREVER SAVED.
THANKS.
GOD BLESS.

My submission is that we should both be open to let the Holy Spirit give us His understanding instead of further dragging it.
My intention is not to be prove I'm right but to seek the Truth.

Agrogbeide:
I will not explain it as lose of salvation, even if it is lose of salvation we have a sure guarantee which is "WE ARE CLEANSED AND PRUNED ALREADY." Since we are cleansed and pruned already we ought not to be passive but collaborate with the Holy Spirit so that we can bear good fruits.
You don't give more emphasis on one bible verse, chapter or as the case maybe in expense of others. OK pressplay411 how will you explain John 10:28?
AMP:And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand.
Those branches that do not bear good fruits will either experience one or all of the following;
1. Judge and disciplined by the Holy Spirit so that they will not be condemn along with the world,
2. Deliver unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh so that their spirit may be saved on the last day
3. Rejected, burn and draw nigh to a curse(will not be a partaker of the millennium). In this case they will lose their reward but will remained saved.
So Mr pressplay411 instead of looking for who will lose salvation or not let's follow the words of Christ in 2 Timothy 4:2
KJV:Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Thanks.
God bless.

We're all learning. That's what makes us Disciples of Christ.
May the Holy Spirit give us all His Understanding.
I pray we are all saved in Jesus name.
Amen.

Agrogbeide:
God bless you bro.
You skipped verse three of that same John chapter 15.
AMP:You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you]............take note of the phrase "CLEANSED AND PRUNED ALREADY".
Mr pressplay411there is a difference between our SALVATION AND REWARD. Let me throw some lights here in few details.
Salvation is a free gift as a result of God's Grace through Christ Jesus which is activated by our faith. It is a promise that was declared in the garden of Eden after the fall of man and manifested at Golgotha and as a result man eventually connected back to God, although this promise was already effective even before the foundation of the world.
The seal of salvation is the Holy Spirit and this is our guarantee of eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit needs to leave you before you lose your salvation. But have you asked yourself the reason why Christ continue to intercedes for His body? Moreover, the Holy Spirit is not like demons or evil spirits that will leave a body looking for another to dominate. When the Holy Spirit comes He stays permanently and nothing will ever makes Him go away because he that is joined to the Lord is of one Spirit. However we must be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit or else we will face His disciplinary committee squarely.
Reward is what you will gain for living a faithful live in your journey on earth and also as a result of working out your salvation in fear and trembling. Not all Christians will have a reward on the last day but all will have eternal life. This reward is also concerned with the millennium reign. If you examine the revelation of Christ Jesus to the 7 churches in Asia in Revelation chapter 2 and 3 you will discover how He address their sin issues and never threatened anyone with LOSE OF THEIR SALVATION.
1 CORINTHIANS 3:11-15
AMP:For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
AMP:But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, whether it be with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
AMP:The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.
AMP:If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward.
AMP:But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire.
Take note of the words Work, Reward, Burned and Saved.
Take time, pray effectively and study rightly, the truth you seek you shall find.
ONCE SAVED IS FOREVER SAVED.
Thanks.
God bless.

Thanks again.
However, you simply did not explain the bolded.
Verse 3 says we are cleansed from our sins, good. But the bolded, verse 6 says if we do not bear fruit, we are cut off, uprooted from the vine(tree) and burned . I would explain that as Christ rejecting such. I would explain that as losing Salvation.
How do you explain it?

Agrogbeide:
True Talk. And that's why the Church is looking forward to the Salvation of the whole world by faith because this is the will of God.
1 Thessalonians 1:10
KJV:And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come........PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE WORD "DELIVERED".
1 Thessalonians 5:9
KJV:For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,........PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE PHRASE "NOT APPOINTED US TO WRATH".

Why are you always so concerned about Christians losing their salvation?
The race of salvation is NOT TO THE SHEEP BUT TO THE SHEPHERD WHO WILL ALWAYS GUARD HIS SHEEP ON THE RIGHT TRACK. If the prodigal son refuse to come home, the shepherd will kit up and look for his lost sheep. If one coin lose, the woman will sweep the whole house in order to find and get the coin back. Can the sheep or coin refuse their owner when they come Mr pressplay411?
Romans 8:30
KJV:Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.........CAN THE FREEWILL OF MAN ALTER THIS CONCLUDED AGENDA OF GOD Mr pressplay411?

I once was in your shoes bro. It's not easy trying to defend a wrong doctrine with a sincere heart. You will soon see the Light the more you pray and study by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off..... Gloria Steinem.

Same difficulty encountered in Apostle Paul's teaching was also documented by the Holy Spirit through the hands of Apostle Peter.
2 Peter 3:15-16
KJV:And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16
KJV:As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
All Apostle Paul's Teachings are based on the revelation he received from the Lord Jesus Christ on his way to Damascus. Nothing more, Nothing less and Nothing else!!!
This is a clear indication that you are not rightly dividing the word of truth like a true workman. What is "remain a gentile or Jew by faith?"
1 Corinthians 7:17-21
KJV:But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
18
KJV:Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
19
KJV:Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
20
KJV:Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21
KJV:Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22
KJV:For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
Galatians 3:26-29
KJV:For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27
KJV:For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28
KJV:There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29
KJV:And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Never you say gentiles should become Jews by Faith because it an erroneous message.

Any Christian that lives as an unbeliever will be judged and disciplined by the Holy Spirit so that he won't be condemned along with the world, if he persists in that sin he will be delivered unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh so that his spirit may be saved on the last day.
If he dies in sin, he will be rejected, draw nigh to a curse whose end is to be burned and this is the MILLENIAL PUNISHMENT FOR THAT CHRISTIAN BECAUSE HE WON'T BE AMONG THE BRIDE OF CHRIST IN THE 1000 REIGN OF CHRIST ON EARTH BUT IN OUTER DARKNESS WHERE HE WILL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING HIS TEETH FOR 1000 YEARS.............(THE PARABLE OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS). AFTER THE MILLENNIUM THE CHRISTIAN WILL DEFINITELY BE ACCEPTED BY CHRIST JESUS AGAIN WHERE THEY WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN THE NEW JERUSALEM.
You will still find this as a problem, but try and study The Bible along with all the dispensation in it. You can see from the above that a CHRISTIAN CANNOT LOSE HIS SALVATION BUT WILL NOT ALSO GO UNPUNISHED IF HE LIVED A SHAMEFUL LIFE ON EARTH.
A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE.
ONCE SAVED IS FOREVER SAVED.
THANKS.
GOD BLESS.

Amen.
Thanks for your patience and painstaking.
I pray God helps us all.
I'd like you to explain this scriptures to me.

John 15:1-2
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

John 15:5-8
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

solite3:
what do you think salvation mean? God's love is translated to salvation in that he provided the free gift of eternal life to all but only by faith will any receive it.
Yes one can lose his salvation if he does not depend on christ but no he cannot if he depend on christ because God keeps him.
It is God's love that saves and keeps the believer.
A believer can live temporary in rebellion against God but he will eventually come back home to God because God's love draws him home. The prodigal son returned home to his father because he remembered the love of his father.

in this case you do not know what salvation mean.
Salvation does not mean making it to heaven. no where in the bible does salvation just mean making it to heaven as has been popularized today.



If anyone decides to opt out, it mean he was not even saved to start with. There is nothing like i wanted to be saved but later i changed my mind.

Believing is not the problem but what you believed.





thanks for taking your time to reply

Apostle Paul's epistles require Grace to interprete and understand them, lest you conclude that only he contradicts Christ and the other Apostles. He and Barnabbas were sent to Gentiles, while Christ and others were sent to Jews. pauls gospel is very clear only dishonest people twist it to their own damnation.
There is no dichotomy between paul and christ. Christ preached to unregenerated jews using the law of moses to convict and convince them of the of the gospel of grace.
Paul lead by the Spirit preached the gospel to the unregenerated gentiles . There are mysteries christ never revealed because the Spirit had not come. Even the things christ spoke his disciples struggled to understand it.

The gospel is the same whether Christ or Paul or Peter.
The gospel is simple God has given us life and this life is in his Son Jesus Christ.



being a Jew or Gentile does not matter in Christ.
God want us to know the truth and be set free. Shallom

Thanks for sharing.
I believe we share some understanding.
But I simply want to reply your last paragraph that being a Jew or Gentile doesn't matter in Christ.

Christ himself made it clear that it matters. Ever wondered why his ministry was within Jewish territories?

Matthew 15:24
But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

That's his response to a Gentle that besought him tearfully for healing of her dying daughter. He resisted her and wouldn't heal her saying it's not meet (proper) to give her the children's bread (Jew's benefits) until he saw that her faith was so great. Gentiles were not part of his purpose.

Where Apostle Paul preached no Jew or Greek, he was addressing discrimination. Salvation truly is of the Jews. Christ emphasized this.

John 4:22
You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

I truly agree that all scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, but I believe we should know that when Christ speaks, He is God, the Son. His word is the Truth in its purest form.

solite3:
Salvation is the work of God from beginning to end.
Jesus died taking away our sins, his blood was the price for our redemption.

When a man believes in christ, He does so because he is sinner who cannot save himself. He knew he will perish if God does not save him.
His part is to trust God but God's part is to save him.
At the moment he belives on Jesus Christ,
1. His sins are forgiven ( forgiven because of christ shed blood)
2. He is justified (declared righteous on account of what Christ has done)
3.He is regenerated (Reborn spiritually)
4. Because he is regenerated he is already sanctified.(made holy)
5.by virtue of his regenerated state as a new creature he is righteous (partaking in God's righteous nature)
6. He is sanctified continuously through the word of God to reflect the nature of the inner man outward.
7. He is preserved by God. ( this is to prevent him from falling away from Christ)

On the beliver part
He trust on the finished work of christ and accept the gift of righteousness by Jesus christ.
Also the bible admonish believers to continue to work out their salvation.

This is done by reflecting outwardly the santification work of God in him.
More like as God build him up innerly, he reflect it outwardly.
This will be an evidence that he is truly saved.

Note working out your salvation is not same as working for your salvation.
In the former one is working the evidence of his salvation out because he is saved but in the latter one is strughling to attain salvation.

We tend to mistake God's love for salvation.
His love is endless. We can never lose that. He so loves the whole world, even unbelievers too.
But salvation can be lost.

God is a just God. He gave us Free Will.
Suffer me this, would he force everyone who believes in Christ to heaven? What if anyone decides to opt out?
Are you saying once I believe I can't personally choose not to make heaven again?

I intentionally didn't bother commenting on this post because I've exhausted what needs to be said both in the original post and my replies to comments.

Apostle Paul's epistles require Grace to interprete and understand them, lest you conclude that only he contradicts Christ and the other Apostles. He and Barnabbas were sent to Gentiles, while Christ and others were sent to Jews.

It's up to you to decide if you remain a Gentile or you become a Jew by Faith.
There's so much to say but more than enough has been said to deliver us from what we want to hear, so that we may hear what God wants us to hear.

God bless you and us all.

tactius:
It's fiction.....FICTION

And yes, I am a born again Christian...but yes, I know FICTION from fact.

Again, its, FICTION

Modified :I am referring to the television show of course

You are either a very mature believer or not born again.
What do you understand about the parable of the Seed Sower?

Every idea/thought/concept is a seed and your heart is the soil.
What you constantly feed your soil is what you grow into and become.
The entertainment industry (secular world) projects and sells lust of money and sex to the world, hence the world is desperately craving money and sex.
You wonder why you start having uncontrollable erotic thoughts after watching certain music videos or listening to some songs over and over.

I have not watched the series Lucifer but Hollywood for some time now has been subliminally insinuating very dangerous poisons into the hearts of the untaught.
They repackaged vampires, witchcraft, LGBT etc and have made their avid audience become devil apologists.

This is the truth but only those who will hear will hear, and I pray those who do hear become more sensitive to guard their hearts.

akaahs:
I remember the day I clock 30 two years ago. I didnt go out that day, just angry with myself about my journey in life so far, no any reasonable job, no investment to show for it, no kids or wife to lean on, in fact no any tangible achievement. Just a life of misery and the thought of when ll I help myself and others around me but then life has a way of rewarding people who persevere to the end.
Thank God I'm moving gradually.

There's something about the big 3.0 that puts a person on their toes. The Fear of 30 can really be such a burden to bear. What a generation we have found ourselves. A generation where teenagers are making 8 figures in earnings and are transforming the world.
A generation where even a 25 year old career person feels like an underachiever simply because of the Neymars and Wizkids that are his contemporaries.

When I turned 30, I sank into an avalanche of depression. I felt so lost, so underachieved, so disconnected from my dreams and ambitions, so off the radar among my peers. But I was already beyond suicidal. I had decided if not for anyone, at least for my mom, I would stay alive. I couldn't bear the hurt I would hurt her with such news. No, I did not stay alive because of fear of heaven or hell, I didn't believe in that again, I simply stayed alive, thanks to the woman that really is worth all the Mother's Days in the world.

But in the midst of all these misery of turning 30 underachieved, I was humbled. I was tamed. I evaluated my life, and was honest that I had failed on my own.
Some how, in the middle of it, Grace found me and I turned to God for Salvation.
The rest as they say is history. Today, this Psalm is so real to me, because in numbering my days, I found Wisdom when I turned to God.

Psalm 90:12-14
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Return, O Lord!
How long?
And have compassion on Your servants.
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!

SpecialAdviser:
Really? And you claim the area is not okay. Can you justify your claim?
In which capacity?

I travelled with my Igbo colleagues. Honestly I didn't want to comment on the states until they themselves were raining curses on their governors and backward-thinking politicians. Only a few states seem to be getting it right.

The only reason I engaged you was to correct the error in your assertion that Igbo's were getting it right while other tribes weren't. Statistics show the reverse is the case- politically and economically.
Igbo's as individuals are business savvy and progressive thinking. But as a people, it's odd that the reverse is the case. Simply because you do not, as you put it, "worship men." Which has not helped you to be united in one voice. You do not have a Tinubu or a Buhari, who you listen to.
It comes from a place of not wanting to submit to other men.
I hope you see some reason in what I have said.
It is not intended to be a tribal slur but an observation that needs to be changed for things to positively change.

When/If you do get to know me, you will realise I try not to make assumptions, I validate before I share my opinions, so that it comes from an informed position. Otherwise, I'd rather just listen and learn from those who are informed.

Pride has become so rife in the church. How did we get here?
The Body of Christ is supposed to teach the world Humility among the Characters of Christ and Fruit of the Spirit, how have we become so proud?

First, who is the church?
Church refers to us individually (you as a person) and as a gathering of saints (denominations).

We have become proud both individually and as denominations.

Proud over our denomination, while looking down on other denominations. We forget that God does not see any denomination, he simply sees us all as people of Faith, as the Body of Christ. We are all working together for one purpose, to save soulls by manifesting Christ to the World and to establish God's Kingdom on Earth. Every denomination is a part that makes the Whole. One is the nose, one is the eye, one is the ear, one is the hand, one is the brain, etc and Christ is our Head.

Proud in our speech. The way some believers address people and situations both within and outside the chutch is cringe-worthy.

Proud over our achievements, forgetting it is simply undeserved Grace and Mercy of God.

Proud over our knowledge. Puffed up with knowledge. Ever studying but not coming to true knowledge.

Proud over our Pastors. Most even exalt their pastor's teachings and doctrines over the Word of God.

Proud to even associate with the poor. (Classism)

Proud in our Sense of Entitlement. If you don't call some believers by titles or give them special recognition and treatmemt, you have "offended the gods."
Just to mention a few.

It is one thing to have a grateful heart, it is another to have a haughty heart. Beware not to cross the thin line.

I implore us to be like Christ. To be like the Apostles, who had first-hand Walk with Christ and Intimate Relationship with Holy Spirit, yet they were not bragging about it, they were grateful and took it as a Call of Duty to continue the Work of Reconciliation of the World to God, through Christ and not about their selfish desires.
They simply made the gospel about Christ and not themselves.

Pride is very subtle. The proud hardly ever know they're proud. Some times it creeps into a humble heart and makes such forget their humble beginnings.
If people around you say you're proud, chances are you're exhibiting some measure of pride. Please check yourself and pray for unveiling. We all have our blindspots and until it is revealed, we would walk in ignorance of it.

Please walk in the consciousness of Humility and Servitude.
Christ taught us his disciples a vital lesson in John 13, He washed the feet of his disciples. Peter saw it as such a great dishonour for His Master to undertake such a menial servant's task as washing his own feet when by human standard, the reverse should have been the case.
Christ answered him, that if he did not allow him wash his feet, he would have no part in Him.
He told them they would understand what he was doing after they he had done it. Let's hearing from the Master's lips;

John 13:12-17
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

The creature we today call Satan used to be the Morning Star, the Glorious Cherub, He was Perfect! Until iniquity was found in him. Pride crept into his heart, and he was reduced to an ordinary dust-licking serpent. He became the accuser of the brethren.
Isaiah 14:12-17

King Saul was anointed by God when he was humble (little in his own eyes) until pride caused him to raise himself above the prophecy and instruction of God and led him to disobedience and hardened heart.

Apostle Paul had every reason to boast due to the Grace on him but he said if he would boast of anything, he would boast of his infirmities (weaknesses) so that Grace may abound.

I leave us with these humbling words to meditate from the lips of King Solomon in Proverbs 3:34. Apostles Peter (1 Peter 5:5) and James (James 4:6) also reiterated it as a confirmation;

"God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Peace, Grace and Mercy to us all.

ojhandsome:
firstly no one has his or her own interpretation of the bible always allow the bible to explain itself ,,,to understand or correctly interpret the bible u must read the pretext n post text i will advice u start from the beginning of Hebrews... the book of Hebrews was written to the Jews as the name implies not to say we cant apply it today to us as Christians... so if you are reading Hebrews try to put yourself in the shoes of a jew because you and i are gentiles with this understanding the above verses u quoted was referring to the Israelite ie their fore fathers in the time of Moses how after experiencing the power of GOD they still refuse to believe start.... reading from chapter 3 down to chapter 6,,,,when u get to chapter 6 read dwn to verse 9Heb 6:9 do not allow chapters n verses confuse u the bible did not originally come wt chapters n verses it was added along the line to make reading easier

verse 9 says But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
KJV
after the writer has spoken about the isrealites in the wilderness he comes bk to u and i wich is what vs 9 is saying u are not like dem that saw the glory of GOD but hardened their hearts

salvation is a gift righteousness is a gift romans 5 17 u dont work for it once God gives u something he doesn't take it back romans 11;29

eph 1 13 says we are SEALED with the holy spirit

once you are born again you are kept by Jesus he is the one doing the work not

Jude1; 24
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
KJV

see also
John 10:28-30

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.
KJV

hope the explanation is clear ..i call you blessed

I'm glad you have the understanding that there are two categories of people as far as God is concerned. Jews (Believers, chosen people) and Gentiles (Unbelievers).
I am also glad you realised the book of Hebrews is the only epistle Paul wrote to the Jews hence its name (Hebrews). All his other epistles were to Gentiles.

Paul and Barnabas were specially handpicked by the Holy Spirit as Apostles to the Gentiles.
Apostle Peter was so uncomfortable to minister to Gentiles. Even after his trance and encounter at Cornelius' household (Gentile family), the other disciples and Apostles challenged him for even sharing the gospel with Gentiles talkless of making them receive the same Holy Spirit as them, the Jews (God's chosen people).
The Apostles struggled with ministering to Gentiles because, they did not see Jesus do it. It was both repulsive to them and it was contrary to what Christ did.
Why did I bring this up?
We're to grow from Gentiles into Jews by Faith.
You can't be saved and still maintain a Gentile's (Unbeliever's) mentality and way of life.

Because Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour said He was not sent to Gentiles but only Jews. (Israelites)

Matthew 15:21-28
21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

23 But He answered her not a word.

And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”

24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.


What I have come to realise is that a lot of believers mistake God's Love for Salvation.
Nothing can separate us (the world, every human being) from God's Love, but Salvation is of the Jews.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten so, that who so ever believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

SpecialAdviser:
Most of you a so daft in believing that south east is not progressive. What shortens you guys level of reasoning is just shocking. Have u visited Igboland before? Do you know anything about them? You brian is so myopic you don't know how others live. You value which integrity?

For years thieves have been ruling and stealing you dry and am sure you are part of people that demand they should be respected. I'm sure you may be working under one expatriate that is wiping your a.s.s but all you remember is Nnamdi Kanu.

I pity your generation.

I have been touring the East on official capacity since this year, I know what I'm saying.
However, sorry I offended you.

SpecialAdviser:
Mr man, what criteria did you use to determine progress?

I believe you and Kanu have that answer.
I value integrity in people. So if you're honest, you know that answer.

SpecialAdviser:
It always beat my imagination how most northerners without good shoes march out to worship the rich and the influential.

I am proud Igbos do no such thing. I strongly support that house of assembly in Igbo lands criminalize the art of kneeling to greet, lying on the ground to greet or undue hailing of anybody be you a religious or traditional figure. We respect people that do so in their tradition but this is not in line with our tradition. Even in countries that rule the world, this is not acceptable.

Don't worship anyone except God. Nobody should have an excessive power over you. Just honor the elder and your parents. But don't go extra mile. It is called mental freedom. Is called human liberty and helps to build your confidence. It is not by accident that we Igbos dominate business in Nigeria and expanding into other African countries. God created us complexly unique.

Actually, Igbo culture does not respect parents and elders but worships money and power. Hence anyone with money or power is worshipped no matter how young.
I however credit Igbo's for their Diligence.

What you call "worshipping of men" is actually what makes the West and North more progressive than the East. It is what makes others united and you, disunited.

mployer:
Let me explain to you again.
If you draft a 15year old untrained boy to the army and send him straight to fight bokoharam, he will likely die in the battle. When analysts come to view the war video, they will see his tactical errors in the battle field. His death will be attributed to those errors, but the real reason he died is because he is young and untrained.

Such is the case of Saul. Disobedience is visible reason he failed but the main reason he failed is because he wasn't trained and empowered in the field of obedience to God. He was an appointed king not a raised king. He wasn't capable of obeying God because he doesn't even know God personally nor understand Him. All these is because the true call of God was not on him. God didn't start his process, people of Israel did.

The Bible said that even though Jesus was a son, yet He learned obedience by the things he suffered(Hebrews 5:8 ). Obedience is learned through a process but Saul didn't go through it. He didn't suffer anything, so he didn't learn anything.

Jesus was on earth for 30 years just for a 3year ministry.

It took 15 years from when David was annointed to when he became a king. 15 years of constant battle!

Moses was in wilderness for 40 years before he returned to deliver Israel.

Saul came in through shortcut is bound to fail. I would have been surprised if he didn't.

King Saul was a Jew, he was raised to obey and keep the law. However truly he wasn't God's plan for Israel but the people's will. God never wanted them to have a king who will become like a god to them like the heathen do. God simply wanted to be their God, no distractions.
Saying God never anointed him is also incorrect.

So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel? 1 Samuel 15:17

God checks the state of the heart of a man before using him. And all God needs to see is Humility.
This is what Samuel meant by "little in your own eyes."
Humility is so crucial to God because it is what makes one Meek, Repentant, Obedient and Dependent on God.
The Great Apostle Paul used to be Saul.
His name was changed to Paul as a testimony of access to God's Grace.
Paul in Latin means "Humble or Small."
Truly, God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

King Saul would have been forgiven had he humbled himself and truly repented. That's the difference between him and King David.
But Pride/Ego/Self makes one seek the praise of men instead of obedience to God. It makes one covet the blessing (in his case, the throne) over the Blesser.
The throne was also a training ground for him, as it was even for David.

I'm not here to argue scriptures or prove I know anything.
This post was created out of a necessity. The burden of watching a generation so detached from God's heart is too heavy to bear.
If God's intent for Grace is what we have made out of it, should Paul have bothered suffering all he suffered for the Faith? Should he not just live a vain and selfish life of immorality like Grace abusers do?
If God's intent for Grace is what we have made it, suffer me this, why are the most corrupt/sinful people in the world Christians? Because of our erroneous understanding and application of Grace.

Grace is not a downgrade for sinfulness but an enablement for upgrade to an upward call of Christ-likeness.

If you don't share this burden, you should question your understanding of God's Will and His Kingdom.

shadeyinka:
I had divided the incidences into three groups
1. Where our will/Volition is involved
2. Where external but natural occurrence is involved
3. Where the will of a third party affects an individual

The Question is,
Are the occurrences all at the instance(will ) of God?
The second question was:
What then is God's will?

God's will is to give you the free will to choose Him over Sin out of Love. To choose Heaven over Hell. Why will he force you to heaven by believing in Christ? What if you changed your mind that you don't want heaven and you don't want to believe anymore? Is it still your free will?

shadeyinka:
I think you are hearing a different thing from what is being said.
1. We are saved by grace trough faith
(Not by works, so that no one should boast)
2. Our salvation isn't an after thought by God. Before the foundation of the world (the lamb of God had been prepared). Hence to whom God has FOREKNOWN, He PREDESTINED to conform to the image of His dear son
3. If a man claim BORN again and He is NOT a new CREATION, such was NEVER saved in the First Place.
4. Whoever is TRULY saved is given the Holy Spirit as a SEAL until the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit in a person Produces a FRUIT of Righteousness.
5. Of a person delights in SIN, such has never been Born Again. He is going to Hell irrespective of how convincing he is as a Christian.

Anyone who justifies SIN is a child of satan and is NEVER sealed nor redeemed by His Blood.


If there is anything you refute here, let me know

We're saying almost the same thing.
Your point is simply not all who call themselves Christians are truly born again, hence not all who think they're saved are saved.
Anyone who is truly born again, truly repentant is saved and can't lose His salvation. Right?

This too is contestable scripturally. One can truly repent from sin yet iniquity such as pride, mammon, sexual immorality, false revelations and false doctrines, even frustration can lead him to lose his belief and go astray.
That's why the scriptures exhorts us to flee from every appearance of evil-1 Thessalonians 5:22.
It's because we truly have to guard our salvation by putting on the full armour of faith. Ephesians 6:10-18

You do well coming in to Christ.
But since some person(s) helped to win your soul, have you likewise been sharing the gospel to win souls?
If you're grateful for your salvation and you're seeing results of God's workings in your life, should you not share this good news to others?

It becomes a challenge to win souls, if your soul is not truly saved. If you do not have the joy of salvation, how can you have good news to share?

But if, truly you have encountered the saving Grace of Christ, you have experienced the healing Power of God, you have been transformed from an Old nature into a New Creation, oh you can't sit still.
You will announce it on the roof tops if given the opportunity!

Salvation is personal and collective. Your personal Salvation is for the benefit of the World and the Saints.
Unbelievers need to hear your evangelism.
The Body of Christ needs to hear you prophesy the goodness, mercies and mysteries of Christ.

You are not saved to become a bench-warmer or a lone ranger. You're not saved to continue to do things your own way.
You're saved to save others.
You're saved to be discipled into Christ's nature and stature, being equipped under the Ministry gifts; Apostles, Pastors, Prophets, Evangelists and Teachers.
You're saved to walk in Liberty- Fearless and Limitless. Faithful in God's Power in you. Becoming more Loving and Meek. An expression and testimony of the glory of God, establishing God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

shadeyinka:
Sometimes overzealousness will make us negate the scriptures to our own peril.

The implication of what you just wrote is this
1. The sacrifice of Christ and his blood is powerless to save completely. Christians have to augment the work of Christ by works
2. We are saved by works through faith in Jesus Christ.

If anyone be in Christ, such has become a NEW creature (not a washed sinner but a sinner completely TRANSFORMED into a saint). If you find anyone who claims to be saved but enjoys SIN, such might NEVER have been saved in the first place.

You know what Jesus said, "By their Fruit, you shall know them"...does anyone reap mangoes from weed?

Yours is a doctrine of partial salvation!
You believe that Christ only saved us halfway! Is this the scripture?

You forget that God still leaves everyone with Free Will.
The Blood of Christ is able to save you completely but do you still love sin, do you still love the world? You will choose that which you love more, Christ or the World.

He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
John 3:18-21

2.We are saved by Grace to do good works. Christ says that all over the scriptures even in his parting words to His disciples that we have greater works to do, that we should disciple nations! You clearly don't know the Power of the Holy Spirit in you. You think He's for healing your malaria and speaking in tongues only?
Hear what Apostles James says about Faith and Works. Even Paul says we have works to do in some of His epistles. You should be sensitive to the type of Gentiles Paul writes to lest you will never grow in Faith. Paul was addressing works of self righteousness such as circumcision.

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
James 2:18-24

Yinyeon:
Romans 8:39, Ephesians 1:4, Philippians 1:6.
Read these up and try to get the correct interpretation or rather you listen to either Paul Washer, Voddie Baucham, John piper, John MacArthur on this topic and more.

I knew all you will bring are Apostle Paul's epistles.
I also have some for you from the same Paul, Apostle of Grace, your Jesus since you honour his teachings above Christ's and all the other Apostles and Prophets. And we can do this all day.
By the way, Paul exalts Jesus Christ and you simply read the idols of your heart into His epistles, thereby misinterpreting Him.

1Corinthians 5: 1-5
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!
And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.
For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 5:9-13
I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people.
Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?
But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

shadeyinka:
I guess some Christians don't know that God will judge us Christians according to our Faithfulness!

Some will build with Gold, Silver and precious stone while some Christians will build with grass and hay. Some peoples works would be burnt as by fire. Everyone will reap what he has sowed.

God is not mocked!

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Matthew 7:21-23

Yinyeon:
I believe once saved, always saved.
It's Biblically sound to do so.

Kindly share your scriptural reference ma.

shadeyinka:
Sometimes overzealousness will make us negate the scriptures to our own peril.

The implication of what you just wrote is this
1. The sacrifice of Christ and his blood is powerless to save completely. Christians have to augment the work of Christ by works
2. We are saved by works through faith in Jesus Christ.

If anyone be in Christ, such has become a NEW creature (not a washed sinner but a sinner completely TRANSFORMED into a saint). If you find anyone who claims to be saved but enjoys SIN, such might NEVER have been saved in the first place.

You know what Jesus said, "By their Fruit, you shall know them"...does anyone reap mangoes from weed?

Explain the fruits you see in Christians around you sir. Starting with yourself. Are you like Christ?
If you're not like Christ, you're a Tare disguising as Wheat.

By the way, I didn't make up what I wrote, they're all from the scriptures, I simply realised scriptures make little effect when people read their own interpretation into it.
Which is why the same Verse and Story is preached in diverse interpretations by different pastors and believers.
How come?
When we are supposed to have been baptised into the same Spirit and Faith. The Spirit is One, yet we have made it otherwise.

I pray for the Unity of Faith to be restored into the Body of Christ. Then we won't argue scriptures anymore.

AreaFada2:
A lot more could have been done. And can still be done. This is where the youth should focus. Not Afonja & Ipob name calling.
That depends from which perspective one sees it.
Compensation for loss of Igbo people's assets and bank accounts was grossly inadequate. Yes, money was initially tight after the war. But by 1972 oil was booming and by 1973 Gulf crises led to oil price hike. Money was flowing. Udoji award to workers could have been halved. The rest going into more compensation for Igbo people.

Despite the "No victor, no vanquished" declaration of Gowon, the body language and general language of FG showed otherwise.

It took Shagari govt, after 13 years exile to pardon Ojukwu. A major mistake.

There should have been a national conference on Biafra war much earlier. Where all parties can express their views freely. And to find lasting solutions to prevent such secession bids in the future.

Because FG failed to "own" the civil war narrative in a way acceptable to all, various groups now capitalise on that lingering sense of injustice, pain and perceived marginalization.

We cannot deny that some of those who have distinguished themselves the most doing national assignments are and were Igbo people. Like Jaja Wachuku, Jerome Udoji, Prof H. Nwosu of NECON/Electoral Commission, Dora Akinuli, Joy Ogwu, etc. So continued marginalisation is our collective loss.

Civil War Remembrance day would be about tribute to those who perished on both sides collectively? Why would that be a bad thing?
If we have not civilised to the point of doing so without causing problems, then we have a long way to go.

Well said.
Let's blame the body language on bad blood on both sides still healing. We're all humans and learning life as it happens.

But should an attempt to divide the nation be declared a public holiday? That's my concern. Perhaps as you said, it could be a tribute to honour the dead and a reminder of our strength as a unified entity with a better trust and equality.

I pray we get it right some day soon.
Our strength is actually truly in our diversity.

"Once saved, forever safe."
This is unscriptural.
Beware of Tares, false prophets and Grace abusers.
This has made Christians remain comfortable as lone-rangers, bench-warmers, onlookers, babes in the Faith and rebellious believers. Christians have become comfortable in sin and have become the ones establishing corruption and the kingdom of unrighteousness even worse than unbelievers.

Notable believers who lost their salvation;
King Saul in the Old Testament.
Judas Iscariot right under Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour Himself.
Ananias and Sapphira in the New Testament struck dead by the Holy Spirit Himself.

We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We are to guard our salvation with all diligence.

Christ never said we're saved for ever just for believing in him, for demons do too but are not saved. He said, if we love him, we should keep his commands. He said, if judgement comes, will He find Faith? He said people will stray away from the Faith, unbelief will spread even among believers who will fall for false prophets.
Even Apostle Paul never said Grace saves anyone for ever because even He said He was fighting the good fight of Faith, to take hold of eternal life.

The precious blood of Jesus saves all who believe in Christ from being unbelievers and from living a disconnected life from God. Truly Christ refers to unbelievers as the dead, because to be carnal is death.- 1st stage of Salvation.

Discipleship; Learning of Christ. Obedience and Faith in the Words of Christ keeps us Saved. We start growing in the Likeness of Christ, bearing His Fruit and His Nature. We start doing greater works like Christ did winning souls, healing the sick, casting out demons, finding our place in ministry and establishing God's Kingdom on earth etc- 2nd Stage of Salvation.

When we die or are raptured, would it meet us still faithful and doing the works of Christ, keeping our Faith even in the face of Death?- Final stage of Salvation.

Sure these are not transgender?
If they're legit, then we have ourselves a formidable team!

goodnessme1:
Can you tell us the commendable efforts that was made?
What happened to the 3Rs nigeria promise to biafrans(reconciliation,rehabilitation
and reconstruction)

was there any reconciliation?

Was there any rehabilitation?

Did they reconstruct anything in east?

Of course they did. Not to satisfaction but they actually did.
Reconciliation and Rehabilitation is why Igbo's are all over the country carrying out all their civic rights. Except Presidency, and truly that's because Igbo's carry an air of breaking the nation and re-establishing Biafra even at the slightest agitation.
Reconstruction is likewise there, but Igbo's won't be satisfied until they see ports. Which honestly govt is being wise about.
The level of abuse the import and export industry is experiencing (mostly by igbos businessmen) even when it's not in the East is a premonition to the decadence inherent if constructed there.

AreaFada2:
As for pride and Igbo, I partly disagree. It takes a great deal of resilience and self belief to come out of the crushing defeat of Biafra war stronger. It wasn't easy.

Also the republican and relatively individualistic nature of Igbo means they can be rightly proud of personal achievements.

Not addressing the War properly has left unhealed wounds and stifled reconciliation.

It might seem like we have moved on. But we have not. We just suppressed it. What we see now is like PTSD from that war. Affecting us nationally.

I am not Igbo by the way.

Yea. I that has not been properly handled. I read govt actually made some commendable efforts at damage control to unify us again. But what do you suppose govt does?
Honouring it with a Biafra public holiday might actually do more harm than good. Don't you think?

MorufuAtanda:
Na normal thing for Ibo to lead... that's why we should elect them President just as the Italians, British, Polish, Americans are electing them to lead as politicians in those advanced countries.

True, I have always said Igbo's are supposed to be a blessing to Nigeria but for their sense of superiority complex which makes them proud to other tribes.
God blessed Igbo's with Diligence but the devil corrupted it with Pride.

However, not all Igbo's are proud. I have some pretty down to earth ones but their consensus as a tribe exhibits pride.

To balance this stereotype;
Yoruba's are blessed with Humility but no brotherly love. Most Yoruba's die from family feuds.
Hausa's are blessed with Brotherly love but wrong religious choice.

So, we actually are a balanced nation if we start learning from our cultural strengths and correcting our weaknesses.

This is only possible by the Grace of God and Humility of all.

Jayslicky:
Being a wife material is beyond cooking and slicing of okro, for her to be a wife material does she have the listed qualities.
1. Uncoditional love: in a marriage a man wants to be liked, loved and appreciated, just like a woman does, a wife should give unconditional love to her husband physically and emotionally.
2. Honour/dignity: she should be able not to talk negative things about her husband to her family, friends or relatives. She should also be able to avoid fighting her husband or critizing him in front of others.
3. Availability: can she be always available for her husband's company, be there for him when he wants to talk to her. Listen to him and advice him.
4. Respect: can she value her husband opinion and respect his person.
5. Faithfulness: can she remain loyal and comitted to her husband, no matter what, through the good and bad times.
6. Responsibility: can she be responsible in running the household, managing finances and taking of the children.

7. Is she God-fearing, prayerful and able to give good counsel?
8. Does she sexually delight her husband?

When you're trigger-able, you're an easy target.
Self control is the ability to ignore.
Wisdom is truly profitable to direct.

Don't be quick to judge them. You're question is how trigger-happy are you too to offend others?
And how trigger-able are you?

Learn Self Control.

This is very comprehensive and comprehensible.
More Grace to you, brother.