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Time To Wear Your Dress

September 9, 2018 Pastor Andrew Morgridge Spiritual Growth

by Pst. Andy Morgridge (2 September 2018)

 

If I ask you, who are you, I know I will receive different answers ranging from I’m a doctor to I’m a teacher…but you will only be partially correct because the man/woman that God created is of 2 dimensions. God made him twice – God created and then formed man.

 

Man was both created and formed. Both of these words are important and are distinctively different in the original Hebrew language. The word created is from the Hebrew word bara which means to create from nothing. And the word make is from the Hebrew word asa which means to form from something that is already created. Therefore, man is the integration of parts that were created from nothing and things that were already made. Hence the original man was physical and spiritual. Why the creation / making of the Garden of Eden? To create an environment of holiness that God could come to, to fulfill the eternal purpose for creation. This mystery describes the production of man’s spirit-being directly from the Spirit of God, thus making man a composite of the nature, attributes, and characteristics of his source, which is God, the Creator Himself. This truth is critical when discussing the spirit of dominion in mankind. It is also noteworthy at this point to understand that the word for “source” in the original Hebrew is the word Abba which we translate as “father.” This is why God is considered the “father” of all mankind. He sourced us all and thus we possess His nature and likeness.

Man was made in God’s image. The word image here is not referring to physical likeness, but is translated from the Hebrew words tselem and demut, both meaning essential nature, copy, characteristics, and essence. This denotes that man as a spirit being is an expression of God’s moral and spiritual nature and his attributes make him “god­like,” and place Him above and beyond all earthly cre­ation. In essence, man was created by God in the god-class and was given the responsibility to exercise that quality as God’s agent on earth.

God created man. This word man is important because it does not refer to gender as in male, but was the name given by the Creator for the species of spirits that came out of His spirit. In essence, man is plural in tense – and was the name given to the spirit species. It is also essential to note that spirits have no gender and thus man is neither male nor female but pure spirit – that’s the original man (Gen. 1:27 – the man and female…), but sadly people cater only for the physical, to the neglect of the spiritual. And we need to correct this as we journey towards our promised land – God demands of this.

In Joshua 1:8 the words “your Way” are from the Hebrew word Drehk which means – mannerism, conversation.  (See also Jn 14:6 WAY).

Phil. 3:17-20 speaks of CONVERSATION which is national identity, citizenship. Citizenship is a particular kind of dressing. To the Yorubas it’s Agbada, Buba & Sokoto, Buba & Iro. To the Ibos it’s Ankara down and lace up. To Deltas it’s Georgette.

God made Israel as the prototype nation and He gave Israel a particular kind of cloth to differentiate them from others (Deut. 22:5,11,12;). Other places in the Bible where people have a particular kind of dressing are:  Joseph who had a coat of many colours showing that he was the one his father loved the most (Gen. 37:3 ); Tamar had a colourful robe just like all the king’s daughters who were virgins (2 Sam. 13:18-19).

God also went on to say, I don’t like confusion, please maintain the standard I have given. Is this easy? No. because people and environment have made us into who we are today. By the fall of man in the garden of Eden we all became subject to the whims and caprices of the devil and were by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3).  Whatever is shaping us as unbelievers, or for the Christian outside the word of God is patterned after the devil, for the Bible says in 1 Jn. 5:19 “the whole world lies in wickedness.” And this we see in everything around us: schools don’t emphasize morality; neither do many homes. 90% of programmes on T.V. are bad and don’t point you to God. The same for the Internet with its pornographic sites available to all and sundry. Peer pressure has pushed many into sexual immorality, violence, drug addiction and various other negative vices.  We indeed live in a mad, mad world where only under the shadow of the Almighty God can one make a headway or live a stable life.

That’s why in the New Testament we are instructed to put off the old man/nature (Eph. 4:22-30; Col. 3:8-10) and to put on- to sink into clothing. The Greek word translated to “off” means to put away (literally or figuratively): – cast off, lay apart (aside, down) put away (off). It’s time to drop carnality  (Rom. 6:8, 1Cor. 3:3). By disobedience Adam changed dresses. He lost his covering.

Sometimes we don’t call sin “sin” as the sin that we know is the breaking of the 10 commandments. But you need to see the 3 different meanings of sin in Greek to understand why you need to take heed. Running through the definitions shows that sin is missing the mark of relationship with God (Gen. 17:1)

Now to the timing and the dress we are expected to put on, which carnality is preventing us from wearing, it is the garment of the priest. God gave a standard for dressing and He commands us to maintain this standard. the Priests in Old Testament had different kinds of garments – they were garments to wear to take out ashes and another set of clothes to wear after taking out the ashes from the burn offerings.

See the dressing of High Priest –

  • The stones set in the shoulder plates. 6 names of the tribes each – 12 tribes – Isa. 9:6 showing that the government is our responsibility.
  • Same names but now on OUR HEARTS – we are to be emotionally/passionately involved in intercession – Not academic or mundane.
  • The bells and the pomegranates arranged alternatively on the hem of the High Priest’s garment show sound (from the bell) and fruits. Today all we see is “sound,” people saying “I am a Christian” but have no fruit.

To be priests we need to die to self to enter His presence. ONLY DEAD MEN ABIDE IN HIM. To be dead in Christ and to live for Him starts from the day you got born again. You are to live for Him everyday (1 Cor. 15:31, Gal. 6:14 Rom. 8:36-37, Rom. 12:1)

  1. Our real ministry now – God wants us to do the same for others. See the Ministry of Gideon (one who cuts down) that found fulfilment in Jesus, that found fulfilment in us (Luke 3:8-9; Isa. 61:1-3 as against Luke 4:18-21)

 

  1. The key word in salvation is REPENT. But repentance cannot take place till something happens to your heart. Acts 2:37 used the word PRICKED. It means KATANUSSO – to pierce thoroughly or figuratively to agitate violently.

That can only happen when a spiritual warfare has taken place on someone’s soul and the prince of this world has been de-throned.

See Matt. 11:12; Mt. 12:28-29; Mk. 3:27

 

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Taking What Has Been Given

May 9, 2018 Pastor Noel Abdullahi Spiritual Growth

Both on the local and international scene, the realities that we are in the last days cannot be gain said.

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His Woven Seamless Coat

May 4, 2018 Pastor Afolabi Oladele Christ, Holiness, Spiritual Growth

By Pastor David Nkenchor – 29 April 2018

 

Bible Reading: John 19:1-24. (Matt.27:35; Luke 23:34)

The High Priest garment similitude – Ex. 39:1-… (22-24)
Significance of High Priest / seamless garment = PERFECT.
Implying,- No patch, No adjustment, Not fitted, Not joined together –

1 Cor. 5:6, Gal.5:9 “A little leaven …”,
I Jn. 2:15-17”Love not … world …
Matt. 6:24 “Ye cannot … mammon”
– PERFECT High Priest
– PERFECT Righteousness of the Lord which He has bequeathed unto us – Rom. 5:1; 8:1-2 (The Msg.)
– PERFECT PROTOTYPE, Sinless life in the body – Heb. 10:5, Jn. 1:14, Rom. 8:3; 1 Jn. 5:18; Rom. 8:29 “firstborn among…brethren”

Mk. 15:34, 37, Luke 14:25 – Israel observed the Passover at the 3rd hour (morning sacrifice / oblation) and 9th hour (evening sacrifice / oblation – time for slaying the Passover lamb) so Jesus our Lord Jesus Christ hung and gave up the ghost consecutively. Perfectly replacing the old priesthood with the eternal priesthood.

Ex. 28:2, Lev. 21:10-12b – Shortly after, Caiphas the High Priest tore his garment (perfect righteousness), temple veil rented in twain Mk. 15:38), confirming the end the old and confirming the establishment of the new, living and eternal priesthood. – Heb. 10:20-22 – While Caipas’ was torn, Jesus’ was preserved
Dt.19:15; Mt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1 “In the mouth of … established”

WHY TEAR / DIVIDE HIS OUTER GARMENT BY SINNERS?
– Our (self) out-borne righteousness remains as FILTHY RAGS and MUST be done away with by the instrumentality of worldly trials/temptations – Is. 64:6
– Except our righteousness exceeds … Pharisees” – Mt. 5:20,
Heb.13:10-11 “we have an altar…tabernacle”

WHY ALLOW THE VILEST OFFENDERS (Soldiers) GO AWAY WITH HIS SEAMLESS COAT?
-That the scriptures might be fulfilled –Psa. 22:1-18 (16-18)
– As the prodigal son (Lk. 15) He demonstrates His love by keeping our garment in expectation of our home coming
– As Gentile dogs (Mt. 15:23-28):
1. He left an indelible witness of our salvation in our hands. Jn 1:12-14, and
2. He ultimately made THE PROVISION for our salvation
Rom. 5:6-8 “while yet sinners…”,
Mt.18, Lk. 19:10 “for the son of man is come…lost”

WHY WAS HIS SEAMLESS GARMENT CLOSEST TO HIS SKIN?
Col. 3:23-24, “and whatsoever…”
Mt. 6:4,16,18b”secret works, open reward”
While our thought, intents and inward contemplation/transformation might not be seen by the public, God sees, weighs and rewards.Heb. 4:12, ISam.2:3b.
What will MY ULTIMATE reward be?
Our seamless garment (righteous works in this earthly tabernacle) e.g. faith, holiness, forgiveness, good works, et.c, enviable as they are while serving as THE HIGHEST WITNESS to the world MUST give way as we adopt / get transformed and translated into our incorrupted and immortal heavenly home call. 1Cor. 15:51-54.
LET US THINK ON THESE THINGS AND REJOICE IN THE HOPE OF OUR SALVATION.
Shalom

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Growing Through The Pains Of His Grace

May 3, 2018 Evangelist Victor Aina Spiritual Growth

by Evang. Victor Aina – 8 April 2018

TITUS 2:11-14

We all know now that trials do not necessarily means God has forsaken us.

They come as a part of daily life’s circumstances trials are part of God’s permissive will.
1 Pet 4:12-13 count it not strange.
1 Pet 1:7 trials of your faith much precious than gold that perisheth
Jams 1:2-4, 12, Blessed is the man that endures temptation. The problem we face we either defeat or develop us depending on how we react or respond to them 1 Cor. 11:23-33.
“If you love the Lord your problem was sent to you by him for a purpose – Rms 8:28

Some way God uses problem in our lives
1.​To direct you: Sometimes God must get fire under you to get you moving Jonah 2:2-10. Jonah ran to Tarshish, was caught in a storm and swallowed by a big fish before he obeyed God.

2.​God uses problem to inspect you: Job & Abraham
​Job: The Lord giveth the lord taketh away blessed be the Lord Job 2:3-10,he thanked God in his problem.
Abraham was asked to offer Isaac , He did not complain Gen 22:1-12 LB

3.​God uses problem to correct you
Some lesson we learn only through pain & failure. Sometimes we learn the value of some things by losing it.
In Ps 119:71-73 LB David said afflictions taught him to pay attention to God’s  laws. With all the wives he had, he still ran after Bathsheba, killed Uriah and lost his joy of Salvation Ps 51:1

4.​God uses problems to protect you: there’s a story of an accountant who refused to lie on the tax return should of His company and was fired. A year later, the organization was exposed and he was not part of people sent to prison. Joseph said to his brothers what you intended for evil God has used for good (Gen 50:20)

5.​God uses problem to perfect you: When you respond correctly to your problems, they build your character. Your relationship with God and your character are the only 2 things you take to eternity.

​Paul’s  suffering built his character (Rom 5:5)
2 Cor 12:7-10, Thorn in the flesh- my grace sufficient

SOURCES OF TRIALS
a. Natural result of circumstances i.e sickness, flood, fire out break
b. Persecution from other people – Jn 15: 18-21, Mt 5:10-12,i.e The 72
c. Satan permitted by God Job 1:6, Job 2:3-7
d. Gods proving Ground – Zech 13:9 – God tries us so we may know him better
e. Self-made trails – are the hardest to bear (Seed & harvest – David)

The point is God is at work in your life even when you don’t recognize or understand it, unless we suffer with him, we cannot reign with him.

He puts strenght in us (Job 23:6), Jesus learned obedience by suffering (Heb 5:8-9), His character was perfected by suffering (James 1 2-4)whom the Lord loveth the chastised (Heb 12:6)

Sometimes it takes trials to break the bands of the world off us. Trials after trials, test after test.
To rebuke and reprove: To reprove is to expose with a view to correct, chasten does not mean to punish – Job 18 & 19. It means to discipline Heb 12:5-11

He permits, crosses, cross road and junctions, he always does that to perfect us for his service. God uses this to purge our character (Job 42:1-10)

Job throughout that book – boils, all his children died, even his friends said hath sinned and ran him down – did not offend God.

1 .What to draw from this is that when we are gong through trails His love for us has not changed a bit.
2. He is molding us into Christ-like character. Jer 18:1-6
If everything comes lazy what are we overcoming 1 Jn 4:3-5

Benefits of trials
• Loyalty and faithfulness – Brings us face to face with the decision whether we are loyal to God or not
• Test of our Humility – If He is the Lord indeed we will, wait on Him and Hope in him. It teaches us to be like Paul,” who said your grace is enough for me 2 Cor 12:9-10.
• Test of our Love for God – Can we love God just as much, after we have passed through trails just as we did before – Rm 8:35-39 who shall separated us
• Test of our courage – Satan sometimes threating us by making great show i.e by sickness, sometime he makes things look dark, face them boldly by the word of God.
• Test of our steadfastness – It teaches us patience, whether we really trust in him or we will jump out of the pot 1 Pet 4:12-16, 19 ,commit the keeping of your soul. There is no short cut – Titus 2:11-14

Some costly assumptions Lk 2:41-50 NKJV
vs 41 & 43, First parents then later Joseph and Mary this means, we are individually responsible for letting Jesus have His place in our lives.
Vs 44 They suppose he was in the company ,don’t base your relationship with God on assumption or peoples experience make it personal that is why some fall.
Lk 9:23 – If any man not a group individual
Spiritual experience has become company experience to some people, this means that something is wrong. Some has made themselves also the custodians of the Holy Spirit.

When you have nothing to say about your life and personal walls with Jesus, it means something is wrong.
• How many things have you enter into with assumption thinking the master is there no wonder you have lost your peace, no wonder you can’t cope with the challenges of this world 1 John 4:9 is the greater one in you
• Samson’s case Judges 14:1-3
Vs 1 – He decline, sink, taken, down to Timnath passion for women, starts innocently, beautiful woman, nice shapes…. In Jdgs. 16:1 Harlots
• I believe there are other beautiful sites in the land, than going into an harlot . He has now moved from Timinath to Gaza the headquarters of the city.
• We can see lust of eyes Judge 16:14 meet Delilah, it was not Delilah that killed Samson, it was what he liked that he refuse to ask for Help about .Rom 2:15-16 LB, 1 Tim 4 :16 LB Samson seems to see only women
• Hasty decision, Judges 14:2 – Marry her for me, Prov.. 14:29, Ish 52:12 Isah42:2. Don’t be too hasty in your decision. Law of Nazerite – Numb 6- Consecrated separated to God Samson = Shim-Shone, shimshon = the sun, sunlight Mtt 5:14.
• A desire for self pleasure Judge 14:3 self can never please God 2 Tim 2:3-4 please the one that sent you 1 Tim 5:6 she that liveth in pleasure, is dead alive.
• Despiser of Godly counsel Judges 14:6,8,9, when a man is about to be cut off, devil deceive him, to hide in the secret, Satan threw in dankness, A nazerite is not supposed to touch dead things, not to talk of eat from it sometimes we break personal consecration and hide from people that can help us.

This is a trick of the enemy to destroy you Mary thinks and assume spiritual gift is a sign of spiritual authentication very wrong. Rom 11:29 gifts and calling.
a.​Samson was still removing gates of city after sleeping with harlots God’s gift and calling are without repentance (backslider can still manifest the power of GOD,Matt 7:21-22)

b.​Ate honey from a dead carcass, sin is infectious, He gave people around him honey 2 Tim 2 :19-21
– Do you build anointing to make yourself a name, he is only carrying out a random raid in His own interest, not rooting out the philistines
– Anointing many flow for a time, but once it cease to promotes Gods interest, it begin to fade away judges 16:19-20.

c.​But he rose again Jdgs 16:28-30, He killed more in one day then all he killed in 20 years.

Some of us may have jumped out of pot because of the heat, instead of patently waiting for him. To bring out his image in us.
Or we might have been using his grace for self interest. He wants us to grow to his stature and fullness that is why he is working in us. Eph 2:8-10 grace NASB/NLT Eph 4:11-15 growth through (5 fold).

Are you sure he is with you or you a living on assumption some steps in Luke 2:44-50 NKJV

1.​Insist on making your relationship with Jesus a personal experience Lk 2:44, they assume he was with the crowd. What some do is follow the crowd and teleguided by them no natural fire in your heart. Call him back today.

2.​Do not Act in Haste, Be truthful to yourself don’t pretend to be who you are not (Hypocrisy) 1 Cor 4:1-6 NASB NKJ 1, Tim 4:1-2, 1 Kgs 17

3.​Repent seek, and follow Jesus only on his terms Mtt 11:27-30 NASB

4.​Turn back to where you have erred, go back to that point where you missed it, in your spiritual journey, we are in a race.

​Go back to your personal quiet time, reverence for the word constant fasting and prayer, separation and personal vigil, evangelism, hospital visitation pick it up don’t wait a day longer, the grace is available today. Lk 2:45-46. Mary and Joseph turn back again the went back to Jerusalem no other Agenda, but just to seek for Jesus.

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Slaying The Dragon Of Carnality

March 20, 2018 Pastor Afolabi Oladele Holiness, Sermons Transcripts, Spiritual Growth

Slaying the dragon of carnality: Making sure the good does not blind you to the best

Preacher: Afolabi Oladele

Texts:
Ps 40: 6 – 8 (NLT); Luke14:15; Isaiah 5: 8-10; 1 John 2:15-16; James 4: 4; 1 Corinthians 1: 3; Ps27:4-6; Matthew 28:18 – 20; Luke 12:42 – 48; Luke 15: 4-7; Philippians 1:12-17; Ephesians 3:8 – 10; Acts 20: 22-45 ; John 10:20; Ish 50; James 10; John 10, Luke 13; and Galatians 6.

Summary of Message:

We need to watch out for the situations or things that makes us focus our attention more on the present than on our destiny and our eternity. 1 John 2:15-16 states, Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

The best that God has for us is in relation to the Kingdom of God and not our current circumstances. James 4:4 says, You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

We need to put God first, this should be our desire as it was David’s, even a busy King’s desire was to only to put God first as seen in Ps 27:4-6 – The one thing I ask of the Lord- the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.

When this becomes our desire as it was Paul’s also, we will see that Grace is already available as seen in 1 Corinthians 1: 3 says, May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

As the church of God, in order to be balanced, we need to stand on two legs. We teach and are taught the word of God but do our lives evangelize to the world?

Matthew 28:18 – 20 states that 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Luke 12:42 – 48 states,

And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

The servants in this text knew and understood their roles as ministers. They knew the mind of their master and they knew that he had a goal, the goal of reaching a number of completion. In the same way, we need to ask ourselves, do we know the mind of Christ, do we know His goal and do we work towards it?

 

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

luke 15:4-7

The parable of the lost coin and sheep, were all aimed at reaching a complete number, reaching the goal of the master.

 

Paul was so driven by the goal of the master that he did not mind sufferings or insults. We need to do our part in reaching God’s goal. Let our lives reach out to those around us.

In order to reach God’s goal, we must learn to live a sinless life; working towards dropping our sins and leaving them for good. God wants us to delight in him and share this same delight with the world not living religiously. Ps 40:6-7 (NLT) 6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand— you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.7 Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: 8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” for your instructions are written on my heart.”

 

What sorrow for you who buy up house after house and field after field, until everyone is evicted and you live alone in the land. But I have heard the Lord of Heaven’s Armies swear a solemn oath: “Many houses will stand deserted; even beautiful mansions will be empty. Ten acres of vineyard will not produce even six gallons of wine. Ten baskets of seed will yield only one basket of grain.”

Isaiah 5:8-10

 

Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!”
In the times we are, we are seeing that the things of this world mean nothing and the only delight a child of God will have is the joy of looking forward to meeting Jesus. Luke 14:15

Points to Ponder:
– What am I doing in pursuit of living a sinless life?
– Do I know God’s goal and am I aligning with it?
– Is my life ministering/evangelizing to the world?
– Lord help me let go of any good that is distracting me from the best you have for me.

Prayer Points:
– Lord, help me live a sinless life and not just a religious one
– Lord, help me tap into the grace available to live a life for you

 

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Crucified With Christ Part 2

March 8, 2018 Pastor Andrew Morgridge Holiness, Spiritual Growth

By Pastor Andrew – 4 March 2018

 

How long will God condone carnality? Answer, till it injures you.
Don’t cut off people’s ears, they need it to hear – Peter and Malchus (king or kingdom representative). You can carry your carnality – knife with you without Jesus complaining, it doesn’t mean He approves (JN. 18:10-11). You get to a point when you are supposed to know better – Paul in 1Cor. 13:11; Eccl. 10:16.
2 extreme cases where God spoke up (Ex. 4:21-25: Num. 22:22-32. Num. 31:8, Josh. 13:22).

 

We live in the age of prophecies fulfilling, yet we gloss over them, instead of using them as the standard to measure our walk with God. 2Tim. 3:5 is one – people will have a form of godliness. As we long as we are in the latter/perilous times, the spirit will come after anybody that wants to practice Christianity. So first, there is a spirit of “form of godliness” roaming seeking whom it may devour. We need to live with that daily! What’s the meaning of the word “form” and what is the meaning of the word “godliness”? that should help us to pin it down.
Form – mere (not real), semblance – something that resemble something – not the original.

Godliness is reverence, respect, piety towards God, holiness.
A “semblance of holiness” or 90% holiness is not acceptable – because what we call holiness is actually the nature and character of God (Hab. 1:13; Heb. 4: 14-15; 2Cor. 5:21). We are not better than old Israel that God sentenced to captivity for their sins. See His comments against them in Ezek. 36. 1 –

Yahweh
In the ancient world, names communicated something about a person’s character. See Ex. 3:12-14. In Ex. 3:15 Ex. 6:3.
Name discussed (Gen. 11:4 2Sam.7:23 Prov. 22:1). Name is SHEM i.e. fame, glory, reputation, memorial, monument. Strong: An appellation as a mark or memorial of individuality – by implication, honour and authority.
How do we meet His standard to maintain fellowship with Him that will take us to the Promised Land? There’s the crossing of Jordan in front of everyone before you get to the Promised Land. What is Jordan? Understanding this will help us. It means to descend, sink, to subdue, run down, to bring down – all from YARAD the root word for YARDEN which means one going down – descender. See Gen. 11:7; Gen. 26:2; Gen. 18:20-21
Crucified with Christ is total and true Christianity (Gal. 2:20; 1Cor. 2:2; 2Cor. 5:16;)

Character Upgrade
Because we live in Satan’s World
• Eph. 2:1-3
• Ps. 58:3
Those who serve the Lord must not bring in what they have, rather, their character must be suitable for the Lord’s use. This is possible only after you have gone through the process of refinement – character upgrade like Abraham and Moses.
• See Col. 3:10; Rm. 13:14; 1Cor. 13:11; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:14

 

Inside Egypt
The Exodus, note He didn’t tell them they were going to the Promised Land; He said, let my people go that they may worship me” (Ex. 4:5).
And here, the Lord began to lay a condition for heaven: unless you worship God in spirit and in truth (live to please Him John. 4:26) you don’t deserve heaven, the City of God. Also, by this statement God was questioning their knowledge of Him and their faithfulness – consistency. The desert and the hardships would unveil their nature.
You need to understand that the Lord will not use the things of man alone. Your talents or other forms of endowment by themselves are not useful to Him. They can only be useful to Him if He is the one using them – telling you what to do and what not to do. That was the first lesson Moses learnt, in the burning bush episode where the bush was burning but it was not consuming the wood.
God was showing him that He does not need what he has. He had been a general and a state builder in Egypt; these characteristics were of no use to God by themselves. God had to unlearn him – drop the nature of Egypt so that He could fill him with godly qualities needed for the job at hand.
• 2Cor. 4:7
• 2Cor. 3
Our person must have been dealt with by the cross. (Matt. 16:24-28)
(1Pet. 2:21)

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You Sobriety & Stock Taking

December 28, 2017 Pastor Yomi Omolayo Spiritual Growth, Stewardship

Pastor Yomi Omolayo

• Sobriety is Holy Spirit assisted life. When your life is being controlled by the holy spirit, you cannot but live a sober life. A life that is controlled by Christ is already living in sobriety.
• Without sobriety, it is difficult to fight the good fight of faith.
• Sobriety predisposes me to live sacrificially (Leviticus 1:1-9; 1 John 1:6-8).
• Sobriety goes with watchfulness. You cannot separate watchfulness from stock taking. When it comes to taking stock, the word JUDGMENT is very important. It always require sobriety to judge.
• Sobriety activates hearing and seeing in the spirit. It takes sobriety to see and hear what the spirit is saying.
• Sobriety activates sound judgement and evaluation. You need sound judgment to evaluate things around.
• Be careful of patterns and convincing evidences that are not enough to judge your brethren. It is only God that has the final say.
• Every relationship is a platform for discovery. If you understand how to evaluate yourself, you will understand how to evaluate others in line with the scriptures.
• You need revelation concerning your spouse on how to deal with him/her.

• The conformity we are called to is the conformity initiated by the holy sprit (Romans 12:1-5 (NLT, MSG, AMP)

• There are 2 Greek words translated “conform” in the New Testament. They are – SUCHEMATIZO and SUMMORPHOS
o SUCHEMATIZO (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:14) – means to fashion oneself to the the pattern of the world; Being outwardly conformed; A transitory change; Superficial fluctuation of conduct.

o SUMMORPHOS (Romans 8:28-29; Phil.3:21) – means having the form as another; A change initiated from the inside outward.

o METAMORPHOO (Romans 12:2) – means “Amazing change of a lowly, unattractive and destructive worm into a beautiful and environmental friendly butterfly.”
o This is our story, the story of redemption.

o A mind that is not being renewed will never approve God’s will on any matter (Romans 8:6-9).
• GOOD/ACCEPTABLE/PERFECT WILL OF GOD
• It is the knowledge and practice of the will of God that brings sobriety, spiritual growth and Christian maturity.
• What fuels our faith is the knowledge of the will of God, not just the letters of the scriptures.

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Finishing 2017 Strong & Well

December 28, 2017 David Nkenchor Holiness, Spiritual Growth, Stewardship

Pastor Dave Nkenchor

Generally speaking, Nigeria and her residents, especially true believers had it tough this year. We want some time-off from this excruciating and less-exhilarating year. Many just can’t wait to say “Good-bye 2017”.
This calls for some serious consideration, as:
– the grounds get more certain and slippery (2Tim 2:19 TLB, 2Pet. 1:19/Psalms 73:18, Jer.23:12 – “Wherefore, their ways shall be as slippery) ways…”
– both atmospheric-pressures seeks to engulf more, and, (Rom. 8:19, 22-23 / Is. 5:14)
– heaven and lake of fire beckons with offers of immeasurable worth. (2Cor. 2:9; 12:3-4, 1Cor.13:9-13 2 “for we…in part… I am known/ Rev. 20:14-15 “hell and death…of fire”)
Since God measures life by time, and time is mainly measured in years, we can conclude that our lives are measured by the years we live.
“The way one finishes the year often determines the way one runs through the New Year”; so, let’s intentionally strive to finish 2017 strong and well.
– Eccl. 7:8 + Heb. 3:14 – “For we are made partakers of Christ… unto the end;”
– Matt. 10:22, 1 Cor. 1:8 – “… who shall also confirm our faith unto the end…”
Year-ends for individuals and families usually signify time for:
1. Relaxation and Celebration After the Travails of The Year
2. Reflections (Looking back)
3. Stock-taking (Objective assessment)
4. Evaluation of Values (Thorough check on governing/guiding principles)
5. Plan for Consolidation or Termination (Build-upon or do-without)
6. Setting Goals and Priorities (Core targets)
7. Strategizing Execution (How, when and where)
These steps apply to Godly and non-Godly, spiritual and sensual, eternal and ephemeral pursuits.
4 MAJOR EVENTS IN THE 12th MONTH / YEAR-END:
– Nebuchadnezzar – Dan 4:1-33
Why wait till year-end?
vs. 29. He took stock, got lifted in his heart and incurred WRATH.
– The Rich Fool – Luke 12:18-20
He tool stock, was lifted in his heart and incurred WRATH – LOSS OF LIFE and DAMNATION?
NOTE: Jewish harvest is at year-end/12th month/Spring – Ada

– David, a man after God’s own heart – 2Sam. 11:1-12:10 (1Kings 15:5)
COUNT THE SEQUENCE:
Wrong position (straying) – seeing – looking – inquiries – processing feedback – sending messengers – taking her – her coming in – lying with her – her return – processing her message of pregnancy – deciding on 1st plot – sending for Uriah – discussion with Uriah – sending Uriah home – Uriah’s query – deciding od 2nd plot – getting Uriah overfed and drunk –deciding on 3rd plot and Uriah’s death – death-sentence letter to Joab – sending Uriah back to battle – receiving new of Uriah’s death – 4th plot – fetching for her – her becoming his wife. – 24 STAGES!!! What great lessons to be learnt.
NOTE: This does not diminish David’s value in God’s sight one bit, as he has repented and received pardon, but, it sure flawed his spotless record, provided for and set on course troubles in the Davidic lineage and remains canonised in the Holy-Bible for our example; SELAH.
Just a little leaven – Gal. 5:9 Can one take fire in bossom…go on hot coals and feet not burned? – Pro. 6:26-27
LESSONS:
“I am not as strong as I assume”
My ease/relaxation must be confined within Godly boundaries
Remain on guard, the tempter, adversary, devil is still @ work
Idleness and being at wrong places, tend to make us yield to the power of temptation and the flesh over God’s grace upon us.
The bed of sloth often proves the bed of lust –MHC

– Esther Est. 3: 7-15; 8:12; 9:1
Why did Haman wait till year-end to decide on his plot against Israel?
Why wait till first month/new year to circulate plot?
As our Lord and God seeks this time to be for sober reflections, thanksgiving and sharpening our spiritual edges for times ahead;
The adversary – devil seeks it for unbridled passion (fun! fun!! fun!!!), discontentment and sensualisation going forward.
This underscores our need to be more alert and watchful against devil’s devices this season. Rev.3:2 (Be watchful…),
2Cor:2:11b – (…for we are not ignorant… devices)

10 NUGGETS FOR FINISHING 2017 STRONG AND WELL:
Psalms 1:1
1. Be true to yourself. Case of Samson is instructive.
2. Remain watchful unto prayers
3. In addition to prayers, stay in God’s presence by walking in the Spirit. Like the Jews in Esther’s days, this year-end fasting meeting, is a good in-road
4. Bond with family, especially spouse. Pro. 6:26. Pro. 5 & 7 woman, Delilah, and the hunting man, lurks
5. Atmospheric pressures are strong and crucial. Watch your steps, activities and company (internal and external) this season
6. Be grateful and thankful to God and men
7. While praying and believing God for the good things as promised, like father Abraham, set affection on things above
8. Like a true Soldier at the hottest part of battle, beef-up your guard / discipline (2Tim. 2:3; Gal 5:1)
9. Propagate the gospel of Christ anywhere, everywhere, anytime and as occasion serve thee. Rom.:1:16; 2Tim. 4:1-2
10. Complete abstinence as much as possible cannot be over-emphasised – (1Thess 5:22)
SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE STILL STRONG AND WELL, Shalom.

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Eternity In Sight

December 28, 2017 The Christian Brethren Church Heaven and Hell, Sermons Transcripts, Spiritual Growth

Pastor Uche

TEXT: PSALM 23:1, GENESIS 4:1-6, JONAH 3:10,4:1

• No matter how sincere in whatever you do, if eternity is not your focus you MUST miss the mark.
• Who you are to God matters and not what you do for God.
• IF God is your shepherd of what value are you to God?
• Your Character matters to the Kingdom.
• God is not interested in your offering, but in you.
• You cannot be bitter and be better.
• God is not a God of promises, but a God of principle.

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