₦airaland Forum

johnpaul0000:
today fixed game won and big congrats to my VIP member, tomorrow game is available with 350 odds to subscribe see picture bellow please is not free and no after payment

U just start work

hoover420:
I took my chances with innjoo and I regretted ever buying a phone that does not have customer service in Nigeria TBH. I would have loved to try xiaomi but like they say once bitten, twice shy!
and pls how strong is the phone cos I know one thing for sure, gionee products are freaking durable!

That's y I said "great phones" innjoo is not one

hoover420:
xiaomi does not have customer service in Nigeria (not sure)
what if the phone I bought for over 90k develops hardware problem,like broken screen, charging port issues e.t.c.
I'll prefer the Gionee m6 since they have support in Naija
my 2 cent

Parts can be gotten from a reputable seller. I've been using xiaomi over a year and I'm yet to have hardware problem, I've broken the screen and got it replaced within a week


What I'm trying to say is, great phones that do not have customer service in Nigeria hardly develop hardware fault... I've never heard of any complain from oneplus, meizu, etc

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 17/2/2017

The Garments of Salvation

Isa. 61:10; Gen. 3:6-7

Adam and Eve were both created in the image of God. When they became sinful, the perfect image was shattered. The first thing they did, was try to fix it. They made clothes for themselves with leaves. It might have made them feel a little better, but it did not really fix the broken image they just had. For the inadequacy they felt did not come as a result of their outward appearance, but from the sin that laid heavily upon their souls. Before we accepted Christ, we all felt the same emptiness and the broken image we inherited and we longed to address this until we accepted the salvation provided by God through our Lord, Jesus Christ. That is exactly what Isaiah is talking about. He says “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…” Prophet Isaiah was pretty excited about these clothes.

Point of Emphasis: For the inadequacy they felt did not come as a result of their outward appearance, but from the sin that laid heavily upon their souls.

Prayer Point: O Lord wash me with Your blood and clothe me with Your garment of righteousness in Jesus’ name.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 16/2/2017

The Danger of Exclusion from God’s Kingdom

Matt. 21:43

Jesus said to them, “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing the fruit of it.” Some of us are on the verge of becoming modern day Pharisees. Because the Pharisees were caught up in religion, and if we are not careful we can get caught up in religion. Religion is all talk, it’s all about saying the right things and looking like you have got your act together. It is about sounding smart and looking sharp. But being a Christian is about serving God with your heart, your soul and your mind, it’s about having fruits in your life. It is about the saving Power of God reversing every negative in your life and forming you into the best advertisement for God’s love that the world has ever seen. Many of us are gradually turning to the modern day Pharisees. We are getting too familiar with the doctrine and probably have spent quite a long time in the ministry and we have started settling on our dregs. Jesus warned the Pharisees and the teachers of the law of the possible exclusion from the kingdom if they did not bear fruits right for the kingdom of God. They only conform physically but their states of mind are at variance to the faith they profess. We need to check ourselves daily if we are still right with God so that we will not assume too much based on the years we have spent and activity level in church. Thereby neglecting the great salvation made available by the shedding of Jesus’ precious blood.

Point of Emphasis: Religion is all talk, it’s all about saying the right things and looking like you have got your act together.

Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, help me to retrace my steps everywhere I have gone wrong in Jesus’ Name.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 15/2/2017

Dead To Sin But Alive To Christ

Rom. 6:10-11

How would you describe the persistence of sin in your life? Many Christians, even though they are sincerely committed to following Christ, continue to live with besetting sins. They continue to feel as if they are powerless to overcome the impulse to act against God’s commands. Nobody is perfect, Apostle Paul says “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” Here it is clear that the sinful habits we find so hard to shake off are not an integral part of us. We are not condemned to sin forever. Instead, Paul insists that Christians can be “dead to sin.” As John Wesley explained it, this means being “freed both from the guilt and from the power of it.” Believers should rely on God’s daily provision of grace to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.



Point of Emphasis: Here it is clear that the sinful habits we find so hard to shake off are not an integral part of us.

Prayer Point: Oh God, my father, I receive your grace to be dead to sin but alive to you in everyday of my life in Jesus’ Name.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 14/2/2017

Willful Defiance And Eternal Separation

Matt. 22:11-13

The king finds a man at the feast not wearing a wedding garment. This gesture was offensive, a sign that the guest is oblivious to the significance of his invitation. Jesus had said that the kingdom would be taken away from the Jewish leaders and given to a people producing its fruits. The wedding feast is an open invitation, but there is a dress code. Everyone is welcome at the table, but the table changes us. Or, to keep with the imagery of the parable, it changes our clothes. If it does not, then we are not truly guests. It is only to be expected that the king will order the man to be thrown out of the banqueting hall. The way the king puts it brings in another dimension to the parable. “Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is not what would literally happen in the world of the story. It is the language of God’s judgment on those excluded from the kingdom of God. It is eternal separation from God.

Point of Emphasis: Everyone is welcome at the table, but the table changes us. Or, to keep with the imagery of the parable, it changes our clothes.

Prayer Point: Oh Lord help me and all my family members to make it to your kingdom in the name of Jesus.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 13/2/2017

The Gates Of The Kingdom Are Open Wide

Matt. 22:9-10; Col. 3:12

When the specially invited guest continually refused to honour the invitation of the King to the wedding banquet, the gates to the wedding banquet were opened wide to all and sundry. It becomes clear here that salvation is not based on ethnicity, education, income bracket, popularity, ministry position, personality type, cultural savy, athletic ability, or attractiveness. For this reason, we should be very careful not to assume that the people most fit for the kingdom are those who look most like us. Though the gates of the kingdom are open wide, the kingdom still has gates and we must enter through them. The kingdom imposes conditions of righteousness on us. We must bear its fruits. We have a particular kind of clothing to wear to the feast. In the words of Apostle Paul, we must put on, “as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility,” and the like. We mustn’t miss this important point — the kingdom of God is a feast. God means to be enjoyed. He is the God of laughter, great provider, and the very help in the time of trouble. In his presence, says David, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). God is calling everybody to His Kingdom because there is a seat with your name on it.

Point of Emphasis: God is calling everybody to His Kingdom because there is a seat with your name on it.

Prayer Point: Oh Lord my father do not let me miss my seat in your kingdom.

I tried to upload the highlights of bayern vs arsenal match on a porn site,they told me they don't accept rape videos

yemzyray01:
please who has xiaomi mi4 touch screen for sale?

Ask the person that sold the phone to u.. He/she may have

LESSON 11 12/2/2017

THE PARABLE OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 33, 35

Devotional Reading: Lk 12:35-40

Topic for Adults: Be Ready At All Times

Topic for Youths: Never Run Out Of God’s Grace

Topic for Intermediates: Will You Be Ready?

Scripture Reading: Matt. 25: 1-13

Memory Verse: Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man is coming. Matt. 25:13 [KJV]

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sun. 12/7/2017

Be Watchful

1 Thess. 5:1-9

Apostle Paul wrote to the brethren at Thessalonica about Christ’s imminent return and to address the misconception on the eternal loss of those who have lost their loved ones. Believers are warned to be sober and watchful, not to allow themselves to be carried away by the excitement and merriment of the moment. Believers admonished to be watchful for the day of the Lord will be unannounced. Also, because there is tendency to relapse and become careless, we need to be sober and vigilant in the spirit, knowing that God has appointed us to obtain salvation by faith in Christ Jesus.

Point of Emphasis: Be watchful so that the arrival of the Bridegroom will not meet you unawares

Prayer Point: Oh Lord, help me to be watchful.

BACKGROUND

In the lesson of today, Jesus used a parable to teach a profound reality about the kingdom of God – the reason why some will be shout out and others will be granted admittance. The Master vividly describes a typical group of ten adolescents. Some were wise while others were referred to as fools. The reason for this classification formed the backdrop of the lesson.



NOTES ON TEXT

PART 1 VIRGINITY – A SYMBOLISM OF HOLINESS AND PURITY (MATT. 25: 1-2)

The relationship between a bride and her bridegroom or between husband and wife is often used to illustrate that between Christ and His church [Matt. 22:2; 9:15; Jn 3:29; Eph. 5:23; Rev. 19:7; 21:2, 9]. In parables, physical phenomena are used to illustrate spiritual or heavenly realities. Hence parables are meant to reveal hidden knowledge or dark sayings, and the essence is for clarity and understanding [Ps. 49:4; 78:2]. A lot of Christ’s teachings about the kingdom of God were presented by parables.

God is holy and righteous. He cannot behold sins in the life of His people and likewise in His kingdom. This is a prerequisite for those who will reign with Him [Isa. 61:10, Rev. 19:6-8]. The lamp represents God’s word and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The bridegroom is our Lord Jesus Christ – the Messiah. The virgins are members of the church waiting for the return of Christ. While the oil connotes the presence of the Holy Spirit, His anointing and His grace [Exo. 29:7, 21; 1 Sam. 10:1; 16:1,13; Isa. 61:3; Heb. 1:9].

Christ used this parable to show the preparedness of the church or individual Christian for His return. Virginity is often used as a symbolism for purity, righteousness and holiness [2 Cor. 11:2]. Little wonder many cultures in the world use white garment as a test of virginity to show that the bride has kept herself pure for her bridegroom. After our conversion, God begins to see us with the righteousness of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which is sometimes viewed as a white garment covering the believers [Dan. 7:9; Mk. 16:5]. This garment is expected to be kept clean and unspotted till we lay our trophies at the feet our Lord. Hence, the virgins in the text refer to those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, who are living the life of holiness and righteousness. These virgins were prepared to meet their bridegroom, but because they did not know the day and at what time he would arrive, they needed to take lamps in case he came at night. Five of the ten virgins took their lamps with extra oil while the other five took only their lamps. The former virgins were described as being wise, while the latter were referred to as fools. Why should a virgin [a redeemed, committed, and service-bound Christian who is living a holy life and eagerly waiting for Christ’s return] be described as being foolish? The foolish virgins were foolish because they did not plan ahead; they did not consider the possibility that the bridegroom might not come at the time they expected.

However, some have interpreted this passage to mean that Christians are the wise virgins, while the foolish ones are the hypocrites in the church who are more concerned about the party than longing for the return of the bridegroom. Whatever interpretation that is given to the details of this parable, one thing that is sure is that it points at our preparedness for the Lord’s return. What really shows whether we’re wise or foolish as Christians is our disposition to the affairs of our souls [Luke 12: 19-21]. Many have a lamp of profession in their hands, but have not in their hearts.

PART 2: KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING (MATT. 25: 3-5)

While the bridegroom delayed in his coming, the virgins all slumbered and slept. The period of this delay represents the space between our conversion as Christians to the coming of Christ, to take us away by death or to judge the world. Hence, this delay presents opportunity for us to reciprocate the love that saved us from sin by rendering service to God in sincerity and purity.

The wise virgins kept their lamps burning, but they did not keep themselves awake. Christians are admonished to be sober and watchful as they await the Lord’s return. Those that allow themselves to slumber, will scarcely keep from sleeping; therefore, dread the beginning of spiritual decays. A lot of Christians grow remiss, and one degree of carelessness leads to another. Believers should constantly examine themselves to ascertain their spiritual state [2 Cor. 13:5; Rom. 8:9,10; 1 Cor. 9:27]. We need to allow the leading of the Holy Spirit and be obedient to His promptings because He is the seal of God upon our spirits to guide us till eternity [Eph. 1:13].



PART 3: THE ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDEGROOM (MATT. 25: 6-13)

The Bible has taught that the coming of the Lord will be sudden, like a thief in the night. The waiting of the virgins in this text came to an end when, suddenly, there was a cry of the arrival of the long awaited bridegroom. The virgins all got up from their slumber and trimmed their lamps. Unfortunately, the foolish virgins’ lamps were gone out because the oil in their lamps got exhausted. The day of the Lord will be a day of search and inquiry; and it concerns us to think how we shall then be found. Failure to be ready when the Lord comes is to be shut out from His presence and kingdom. Those unprepared cannot borrow from those who are. Someone else’s salvation, purity and preparedness cannot be shared. Preparedness must be personal. In our world, a mischievous person can use someone else’s certificate to secure an employment or a job or even start a business but such will not happen in God’s kingdom. There will be no chance for impersonation.

Those that take up short of true grace, will certainly find the want of it one time or another. The foolish went out to get some oil for their lamps and before they return the bridegroom had gone in with the prepared. The truth is, there is a time to buy oil, and there is a time to trim your lamp and burn the oil. Those that have most grace, have none to spare; in fact, the best need more from Christ. Don’t delay in seeking God’s face for His grace and anointing upon your life; this will not suffice when you should actually appropriate it.

The infilling of the Holy Spirit in our lives should be daily and continuous – you need to pray and study God’s word daily, and allow Him to fill you for the day, knowing that yesterday’s strength will not suffice for today’s battle [Isa. 40:31]. Finding salvation requires more concentrated efforts than most people are willing to put forth. Obviously we cannot save ourselves no matter our good works. The efforts we must put out to enter through the narrow gate is earnest desire to know Jesus and diligently striving to follow him wholeheartedly whatever the cost [Luke 13:24, 25]. In order to prepare for Christ’s return, you need to 1] give your life to Jesus if you haven’t done so, 2] start fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit daily by studying God’s words and prayer, 3] begin to practise strict obedience to God’s instruction, and 4] be sober and watchful as you continue in God’s service, eagerly expecting His return.

The parable concludes by giving a stern warning to believers to keep watch because no one knows the day or the hour in which Christ will return. We cannot decide for God since the door will not be open forever. Because of carelessness, many will not be prepared when the Son of man comes. Consequently, they will miss out on the blessings they had hoped for all through their years in God’s service.



CONCLUSION

The lesson of today warns against thoughtlessness, carelessness and indifference. In the parable, some of the girls were thoughtful, hence they prepared for the future by taking extra oil. However, others were foolish, because they did not consider the possibility that the bridegroom might not come at the time they expected. The bridegroom delayed in his arrival, but in due course he came, and then there was no time to make preparations. The foolish girls were locked outside the house and had no further chance of going in to the wedding feast. Because your soul is of inestimable value to God, Christ’s return may have been delayed so that you will not miss out in His kingdom. Therefore surrender your life to the Lord and get ready for His return. Remember that the door will not open forever!

QUESTIONS

What is the significance of the items mentioned in the parable?

Why were the five virgins described as wise, while the others were referred to as fools?

How will you contrast the preparation of the virgins for their bridegroom with the preparation of the church for Christ’s second coming?

How can Christians make sure they don’t run out of God’s grace?

How can we prepare ourselves for Christ’s return?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 11/2/2017

Keep Your Lamp Burning

Lk. 12: 35-40

In Christ’s teaching on the level of preparation and alertness that is required of believers, another dimension is added to it in today’s passage. Jesus said believers are to get ready, like a solder on guard, with their lamps burning so that they can welcome the bridegroom whenever he comes. Lamps often give direction and clarity which is why David referred to God’s word as his lamp. Indeed the word of God is a lamp and a light that shows the path, exposes the works of darkness, and darkness cannot overcome it (Ps. 119:105; Jn. 1:5). Also, lamp is used as a symbolism of the Holy Spirit who searches the heart of believers and acts as a witness in their lives as well. Any life whose lamp has been put off or a church whose candle stick has been removed, like some scholars believed happened to the church at Ephesus when they refused to hid Christ’s warning, is a church that has lost the witness of the Holy Spirit. Such a church will only become a mere social gathering over which the Holy Spirit had written the word ‘Ichabod’. Don’t allow anything or anyone to stuff out your lamp; you must keep it burning. If you do, you won’t grope in darkness.

Point of Emphasis: The word of God is a lamp which you must treasure, memorize and keep aglow in your heart.

Prayer Point: Give me oil in my lamp and keep me burning o Lord!

Don't know what made me click on this thread but thank God I've learnt something and will still learn. There is something about me I don't really understand, it's not that I'm depressed or something but I love to know about the depressed, I want to support, I want to be with dem but unfortunately I don't see any one to help. A friend of mine has been faced or seen many people facing some challenges but the advice or the support he gives them is not really ok for me. I'll tell him some things (though I wish I was the one they came to meet) that might help and he'll be like, "viki, I no ft come and die... Every man for himself". And I don't want to walk up to them and help, not to look like someone who doesn't mind his business. Now, or most times I just stay on my own with my music. No worries.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Fri. 10/2/2017

Continue To Grow In Grace

2 Pet. 3:17-18

Two days ago we shared from this same passage of the scriptures. Verse 17 begins by saying since we know all these things; “What are those things?” These things are mentioned between verses 1 and 15. Since we know that there will be scoffers at the last days, that a thousand year with men is like a day with God, that Christ’s return will be sudden, that God has not forgotten His promise of destroying the present world with fire, and that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation, how should these information or knowledge sharpen or prepare us for His kingdom? It’s often said that wisdom is the application of knowledge. Therefore, any knowledge or body of knowledge that doesn’t culminate into wisdom is not profitable to whoever lays claim to such knowledge. Since we know all these things, we need to live as wise people, as we discussed earlier this week. In addition, a profound warning is given in this passage. You need to be steadfast as you lay hold on the word of God tenaciously, while you continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ Jesus.

Point of Emphasis: Don’t allow anyone to make you fall from your steadfastness

Prayer Point: Oh Lord, continue to uphold me with your mighty power

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 9/2/2017

How Long Can The Oil (Strength) You Have Carry You?

1 Kgs. 19:1-8

The story of Elisha here, who peradventure was taking the last lap in the purpose of God for his life, reminds us of our journeying to our eternal home as Christians. Elisha was apparently overwhelmed by his misconstrued understanding of God’s faithfulness to those who serve Him. He therefore demanded for death after God had wrought unparalleled miracles by him, and while waiting, maybe to be killed by an angel, he was to receive the final strength that will enable him to carry out his last assignment in God’s service. Elisha was encouraged to take in enough food (strength) because of the daunting task ahead of him. Beloved, it’s cataclysmic wadding our ways through the world that crucified our Lord! You need God’s strength too. Interestingly, God still serves meals up till today. What determines the quantity you take in, among others, are your obedience and patience to wait at the table. As you call at the meal table of His Word and meditate prayerfully on daily basis, you will experience the sublime strength and power that will enable you to live a successful and victorious life in Jesus’ name (Amen).

Point of Emphasis: Yesterday’s meal is not sufficient for today

Prayer Point: Oh God, help me to always depend on Your strength

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING



Wed. 8/2/2017

God Is Not Slack Concerning His Promises

2 Pet. 3:1-10

A lot of Christians grow remiss concerning their souls as they age in the church. In this passage, the Bible focuses on those who scoff at the idea of Christ triumphant return and the final judgment. Such scoffing may be out of ignorance of God’s word, or it may be deliberate disdain. In either case, believers should know that the antidote to heresy is the sincere teaching and application of God’s word. The Bible made allusion to the destruction of the first world with water; so then in similar fashion, the present is reserved for fire. God is not slow in fulfilling His promises of bringing final destruction upon this present world, but He doesn’t want you and me, your family members, your friends and colleagues, and your neighbours to miss out in His eternal purpose of redeeming the whole world. The scriptures have told us that Christ’s return will be sudden; perhaps, when the world least expect Him. Now the bottom line is this, since you have all these information, what new leaf are you supposed to turn in your life in order to prepare for His return?

Point of Emphasis: The long suffering of our Lord is salvation

Prayer Point: Oh God, don’t let me fall into apostasy

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 7/2/2017

Live Circumspectfully Each Day
Eph. 5:15-17

God expects His children to walk each day as wise people, not as fools. But the question is “How do fools walk”? The fools walk as if they’ve got all the time in the world to themselves; they procrastinate on the time to answer the call of God to salvation and to the ministry; and they are thoughtless, careless, and opportunity wasters. On the other hand, the wise understand that their time on earth is a leased asset, so they make judicious use of every opportunity that comes their ways – opportunities to serve God, be kind and assist those in need, encourage someone, preach the gospel, climb higher on career ladder, get richer, etc. In fact, the only independent variable on earth is time and that is why everyone who is wise must continue to redeem the time, i.e., make the best use of it. In addition, the wise are those who try to understand and fulfil the plan and purpose of God for their lives daily, particularly as used in the context of our passage today, as the early Christians were earnestly awaiting the second coming of the Lord. Of utmost relevance to believers today is the need to be more circumspectful as the second coming of Christ becomes more imminent.

Point of Emphasis: Walk as wise, not as fools.

Prayer Point: Oh Lord, help me to make the best use of every opportunity that comes my way.

Please guys, who knows any sure company I can have my industrial training?.. I study electrical electronic engineering.. Please

Please guys, who knows any sure company I can have my industrial training?.. I study electrical electronic engineering.. Please

emmanuel1990:
keep them coming.

No problem boss

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 6/2/2017

The Kingdom Lifestyle

Eph. 5: 1-11

In teaching about the kingdom of God, the scriptures clearly set forth the conditions for admittance into the kingdom since it is the will of God that everyone accepts His offer of salvation and enters the kingdom. So God did not hesitate to reveal to humanity the kingdom lifestyle. As seen in today’s passage, every heaven bound Christian needs to stare clear of all forms of sins such as uncleanness, covetousness, idolatry, foolish talk and jesting, etc. A covetous man makes a god of his money; places hope, confidence, and delight, in worldly good, which should be in God only. Christians should carefully consider the content of their talk. We have no reason to use obscene language and jokes. Sins must be dreaded and detested. Rather the kingdom lifestyle is love, righteousness, goodness, etc., as listed in Gal. 5: 22, 23.



Point of Emphasis: If you cannot practise the kingdom lifestyle on earth, you won’t fit into heaven

Prayer Point: Oh Lord, help me not partake in unfruitful works of darkness but to expose them by the light of God in me.

LESSON 10 5/2/2017

THE PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD WORKERS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 27, 150, 237
Devotional Reading: Matt. 19:23-30
Topic for Adults: Complaints and Craving
Topic for Youths: No Preferential Treatments
Topic for Intermediates: At my level i am ready to work for God
Scripture Lesson: Matt. 20:11-16

Memory Verse: For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Eph. 2:8-9) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS

Sun. 5/2/2017

God’s Grace Is For All

Matt. 20: 8-16

The parable in our text illustrated all categories of people that are called to work in the vineyard of God. Some people joined Christian service early in lives and served all their life till the end. Some start to serve in their mid-life while some others start only in the twilight of their lives. Each one should consider it a privilege and glory to be a co-worker with God. Our calling is by His grace and mercy. No one should consider that he merits the reward (by works no man shall boast) which God will give. He gives His gifts as He chooses.

Point of Emphasis: God has the right to give His gifts as He chooses.

Prayer Point: Thank you for counting me worthy in serving you.

BACKGROUND

Peter asked from Jesus, ‘We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?’ (Matt. 19: 27). Jesus dealt kindly with Peter’s stated question that all who had forsaken all would have a special reward. Shortly after this, Jesus made another wonderful statement; ‘Many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first’ (vs. 30). He went further to tell a parable that puts this principle in story form. He affirmed that both latecomers and old-timers in the faith come into the kingdom the same way, not by works but by grace.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: THE MASTER’S CALL (MATT. 20: 1-7)

Jesus began His story by comparing the kingdom of heaven to a householder that went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. The first group of workers agreed to work all day for one denarius. This was the Roman standard wage for day labourers (Lev. 19: 13, Deut. 24: 14 – 15).

The householder went out in the third hour (9am); sixth hour (12noon); ninth hour (3pm) and eleventh hour (5pm) and he saw others idle in the market-place. He ordered them to go into the vineyard and work. He promised to pay them “whatever is right”, not of a specific wage unlike the first group.

Of course in His kingdom, God keeps on calling people to His work all the time. This story tells us that some people serve God all through their life time, while others engage in God’s kingdom at midlife or later on. All are paid the same wage – the salvation of life.

These are what the parable illustrated :

The parable seems to take account of the entire scope or history of salvation
The vineyard – the world or the church
The labourers – different classes of Christians
The hours – different ages
The penny (a denarius) – salvation
The householder – God

PART 2: A FAIR REWARD (MATT. 20: 8-10)

If the householder is God, the steward must stand for His son, Jesus, who came to the ‘vineyard’ (the earth) in His father’s authority. The steward is told by the householder what ‘hire’ or ‘wages’ to pay – just as Jesus came not to do His own will “but the will of Him that sent me” (John 6: 38). Notice the order in which the labourers are paid (vs. is the same as (19: 30) – the last are first and the first last. Ordinarily, those who had been hired first would have been paid first.

We can now ask what the wage of a penny or a denarius stands for. What God, the owner of the vineyard gives His workers is ETERNAL LIFE – SALVATION. This gift is what is ‘right’ (vs. 7) not because we earn it by working in the vineyard, but because it is the reward graciously decided on by the righteous householder, God. All are called to salvation (Matt. 11: 28, Jn. 3: 16, Rev. 22: 17).



PART 3: WORKER IS ANSWERED (MATT. 20:11-16)

‘Goodman’ (vs. 11) is the same Greek word translated ‘householder’ (vs. 1), so we are to understand that he stands for God, not the steward (Christ).

The murmuring is because the late-comers have been made ‘equal’ to the first-hour servant even though they worked only one hour and in the cool of the day.

Since the wages stand for salvation, we can understand the justice of the vineyard owner (vs. 13). God does not give a great deal of salvation to those called to the kingdom early in life, a little less to those called at noon and only an hour’s worth to heaven to His eleventh-hour servants.

Salvation is God’s gift. Shall we quibble about who receives it? If so, we must be prepared for others to quibble about our having received it – for all workers in the vineyard are given salvation out of the free and sovereign grace of God, NOT out of hours worked or honours won. Human pride and self-seeking go unrewarded. God’s generosity knows no bounds. Trusting God to be fair, workers in the kingdom can be rest assured that their labours are not in vain.

CONCLUSION

God offers His gift of salvation to all people. A way to picture this in our minds is to think of God calling men, women, boys and girls on the phone. If someone is calling you or me on the phone, we have a choice to pick up the phone and answer it, don’t we? We can stand there and look at the phone while it rings and never pick it up to find out who is calling and hear what they have to say. It is the same with God’s call. When a person answers God’s call to be saved, He gives him a job to do Matt. 28: 19 – 20. Each person is created with abilities to do the work. No one knows how long they will be on this earth before God calls them home to be with Him. Believers will be rewarded by God not by work they do for Him. The greatest reward is to hear the words ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’.

QUESTIONS

What is the meaning of the statement, “The last shall be first and the first last”?

What was the usual daily wage for a labourer working in the vineyard during this historical period?

What examples do you have of God calling people to work in His kingdom vineyard?

What kind of things keeps people from going to work for God?

In what situations have you been forced to grow spiritually by being treated in a way that seemed unfair?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS

Sat. 4/2/2017

Eleventh Hour Grace

Matt. 20: 14 (NKJV)

Jesus told of a farmer who hired daylabourers; some at 6am, some at 9am, some at 12 noon, some at 3pm and some at 5pm, an hour before quitting time. Amazingly, he paid them all the same wage. When the complaints started flying, the farmer said, ‘I wish to give this last man the same as to you’. You say, ‘Nobody pays a day’s wage to an hour worker’. God does. Deathbed converts and lifelong saints enter heaven by the same gate. A last minute confessor receives the same grace as a lifetime servant. It doesn’t seem fair. The workers in Jesus’ story complained too. So the farmer explained the prerogative of ownership (vs. 15). The thief on the cross proves that when you request grace with dying breath, God answers his prayer. Eleventh hour grace means that if you are able to read these words and respond, it’s not too late.



Point of Emphasis: God is not a man that He could be partial.

Prayer Point: God of mercy don’t let me miss opportunity with you.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS

Fri. 3/2/2017

God Is Fair To All

Jam. 2:23

Many people enjoy throwing a pity party when troubles come. Raising an angry fist, they shout to heaven, ‘that’s not fair, God’. Well, thanks to God’s goodness and mercy that He isn’t fair. If He were, we’d all be sunk. Think about it. We all sinned – every one of us. God’s word says sinners deserve condemnation and death. The fair thing is for God to give us eternal punishment starting now. We are all destined for eternal separation from God if He is fair. But for all our sakes, He isn’t. God actually operates on the other end of the continuum. God says, “You deserve punishment, but I’m going to bless you instead. I’m going to pay the penalty for your disobedience – the debt you cannot pay. As a result, you’ll win a prize you didn’t earn – SALVATION” Rom. 3: 23.



Point of Emphasis: For our disobedience, Jesus paid the debt we cannot pay.

Prayer Point: The work of salvation shall not be in vain in my life.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS

Thur. 2/2/2017

You Can’t Save Yourself

Eph. 2: 8 (NKJV)

The salvation of one is basically the gift of God! When one is drowning and a life guard is trying to save you, it’s a mistake to try and assist him. At first, this might not seem like a problem; after all we usually encourage people to help themselves. But when you are failing around in deep water, you get tired easily, and sink faster (could you also drag others with you). That’s why a life guard will tell you to stop struggling and trust him. Similarly, God doesn’t need your help to save you! The Bible says, “He took our sin…” God is not impressed with our good works. “Filthy rags” for that matter! (Isaiah 64:6)

Point of Emphasis: Your works are worthless as far as salvation is concerned.

Prayer Point: Oh Lord, have mercy on me, I’m not fit.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS

Tue. 31/1/2017

Be Committed To The End

Jn. 21:15-16

Peter followed Jesus Christ for almost three and a half years. During this period, Peter had given up his fishing business for the work of the Gospel. After Jesus had been crucified, buried and resurrected, Peter got disillusioned; because Jesus was no longer physically around to direct the affairs. He abandoned his first commitment to the gospel and went back to the fishing business. Jesus had to come back to re-commission him for the job. What are the things happening in your life that is making it difficult for you to carry on with the work for which you have been called? Note, no one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Please, hold on.

Point of Emphasis: The proof that you love Jesus is your commitment to the Gospel.

Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, help me to always focus on you.

GrandMufti:
Vosquare are you in lag?

No sir

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS
Mon. 30/1/2017

All Things Are Possible For God

Matt. 19:23-30

Money, in itself, is not evil. There is a way in which it influences man that it takes over the owner’s life if permitted. Those who love to become rich at all cost eventually become slaves to money, thereby forfeiting their chance of getting into heaven. However, the person that has been fully conquered by God will not put money first in his life. His attitude will be of total dependence on God. He may have worldly riches, but God takes the first place in his life. It is this dependence on God that makes it possible for the person to get into heaven. The grace comes from God to maintain one’s proper relationship with God.

Point of Emphasis: Don’t let the love of money send you to hell. Be careful.

Prayer Point: Oh Lord, give me the grace to maintain proper relationship with you.