Man was God’s idea. Too many of us go around as if we own ourselves; we behave as if we are our own creator, as if we are in control of our destinies.
Man was God’s idea. Too many of us go around as if we own ourselves; we behave as if we are our own creator, as if we are in control of our destinies.
THE task of governance is a shared responsibility between the rulers and the citizens, divinely ordained. This task includes seeing that order, justice, freedom and equity are maintained
One of the prominent resultant effects of this unbalanced brand of the gospel is the new wave called HYPER-GRACE
18 February 2018 – Pastor Toks Oshokoya
THE DEFENSE OF THE GOSPEL
THE NEED FOR CONSTANT RE-CALIBRATION
Dealing With The Age Of Knowledge
The Age Of Knowledge Economy
The Age Of Elevation Of The Gift Of Garb
The Swiftness, And Therefore Ultimate Dependence On Tech & IT
Preparing A People That Will Escape The Trap
This is the Age Of Communication Revolution!
Daniel 12: 4 “…Knowledge shall increase…”
A revolution (Latin revolutio, “a turn around”) is a fundamental change in political power, social dynamics, economic or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time when the population rises up in revolt against the current authorities.
Revolutions have occurred through human history and vary widely in terms of methods, duration, and motivating ideology. Their results include major changes in culture, economy, and socio-political institutions, usually in response to overwhelmingautocracy or plutocracy.
Examples of past revolutions
• Atlantic Revolutions
• American Revolution
• French Revolution
• Haitian Revolution
• Modern history
• Long nineteenth century
• Industrial Revolution
• Risorgimento
The Industrial Revolution, for example, was the transition to new manufacturing processes in the period from about 1760 to sometime between 1820 and 1840. This transition included going from hand production methods to machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes, the increasing use ofsteam power, the development of machine tools and the rise of thefactory system.
Social Theorists say that there have been three industrial revolutions.
The Third Industrial Revolution:
How Lateral Power is Transforming Energy, the Economy, and the World.The fundamental economic change occurs when newcommunication technologies converge with new energy regimes, mainly, renewable electricity.
I believe that it is quash Technical -Communication Revolution – Talking And Knowledge (IT, TECH, etc)
TED, GOALCAST, etc
You become special, celebrated and attract money by being a great Speaker, Orator, Hi-Tech man, Think Liberal Ideas that promise liberties, etc. In fact, you are invited everywhere!
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Romans 12: 1 – 12, 1Peter 3: 15,16
Philippians 1: 1-3
“…inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. ..”
Verses 12-18
“… understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; … more bold to speak the word without fear.
…, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. … earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, …”
1:16, 17 Paul’s circumstances were for the “defense of the gospel.”
He wanted to make a formal presentation of Christianity’s authenticity.
1:19-20 Paul’s final salvation would come through remaining true to Christ in the face of difficulties.
Paul did not expect to be ashamed (lit. “put to shame”). Christians will be vindicated by persevering in the truth.
The Defense in Greek
= ‘apologia’
Strong: from the same as 626; a plea (“apology”):-answer (for self), clearing of self, defence.
ἀπολογία
apologia
Thayer Definition:
1) verbal defence, speech in defence
2) a reasoned statement or argument
A Related Word by Thayer´s/Strong´s Number: from the same as 1G626
“Apologetics” comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning “defense” or “answer.”
Christian apologetics is the practice of giving reasons that support the Christian faith and responding to objections raised against it. Apologetics contributes to the restoration of a view of the Bible as a source of knowledge of its subject matter as opposed to a source of true belief to be accepted by a blind act of the will. Christian apologetics strengthens the church by answering the critics of biblical doctrines and by encouraging the believer’s faith.
John 14:6 “I am the Way, the Truth…”
John 17: 16-18 “…Thy Word is Truth…”
The word “apologetics” derives from the Greek word apologia, which was originally used as a speech of defense. In ancient Athens it referred to a defense made in the courtroom as part of the normal judicial procedure. After the accusation, the defendant was allowed to refute the charges with a defense ( apologia).
There Are Four Functions Of The Calling Of Apologetics:
The first function may be called vindication or proof, and involves marshaling philosophical arguments as well as scientific and historical evidences for the Christian faith.
The second function is defense.
This function is closest to the NT in the use of the word apologia, which is, defending Christianity against the plethora of attacks made against it in every generation by critics of varying belief systems.
The third function is refutation of opposing beliefs.
This function focuses on answering the arguments non-Christians give in support of their own beliefs.
The fourth function is persuasion.
Going beyond convincing people that Christianity is true, but persuading them to apply its truth to their life. This function focuses on bringing non-Christians to the point of commitment.
Practical Research:
A divinely graced person is guided to devour books by atheists and Christians, peruse through scientists and theologians work, and study archaeology, ancient history, and world religions. The stunner is to find that Christianity’s factual foundation is a lot firmer than really believed.
Focusing on science, more recent discoveries have further cemented the conclusions the veracity of God’s Word. For instance, cosmologists now agree that the universe and time itself came into existence at some point in the finite past. The logic is inexorable: Whatever begins to exist has a cause, the universe began to exist, and therefore the universe has a cause. It makes sense that this cause must be immaterial, timeless, powerful, and intelligent.
Physicists have discovered over the last 50 years that many of the laws and constants of the universe such as the force of gravity and the cosmological constant—are finely tuned to an incomprehensible precision in order for life to exist. This exactitude is so incredible that it defies the explanation of mere chance.
The existence of biological information in DNA also points toward a Creator.
History:
History shows that Jesus, and Jesus alone, fulfilled ancient messianic prophecies against all mathematical odds. The New Testament is rooted in eyewitness testimony and that it passes the tests that historians routinely use to determine reliability.
The pivotal issue is the resurrection of Jesus. Anyone can claim to be the Son of God, as Jesus clearly did.
The question was whether Jesus could back up that assertion by miraculously returning from the dead.
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Ephesians 4: 17-24, 1 Corinthians 3: 18-21, Col 2: 18,19
1 Cor 4: 1- 4, 18-20, 1 Cor 5: 2, Romans 1: 28, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 John 4:6, Jude 1: 10
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WHO DETERMINES WHAT IS GOOD and WHAT IS BAD?
Think on these:
Psalm 105:15, Matthew 24: 14, Deut 27: 24, 1Kings 20: 35-37
What is good? Genesis 3: 5-7
Who determines what is good or what is bad? 1 Thess 2: 3-7
Isa 5: 20 -22
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;
that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes,
and prudent in their own sight!
Is Good God? Do we know what is GOOD?
Heb 5: 14, 1 Kings 3: 9
Matthew 16:23 Good Ideas VRS God
Mark 10: 28 Man’s Good Vrs God’s Good
The Reference Point!
Matthew 24 The EndTime Great Deceptions
Proverbs 14: 12 NLT
Recall Lot in Genesis 12!
2 Corinthians 11: 3 I fear for you!
The Garden – Gen 2: 16-17 TEV
25,000 Various species of fruit bearing trees!
The Four Phased Strategy Of Deceit
Phase 1 – Focus on Restraints and Lack
Phase 2 – Negate the Word
Phase 3 – Twist or Pervert God’s Character
Phase 4 – Give the forbidden offer
James 1: 16,17 every good gift
by Evangelist Victor Aina – 28 January 2018
The Scriptures are clear on our responsibilities, as children of God, to our environment, geographical location and our country as a whole. Matthew 5:13-16 says that, we are the light of the world.
The number of believers and local assemblies in Nigeria does not reflect in our structure of governance, this shows that what is popular in Nigeria is a religious expression of Christianity and not the true church. The believers the church in Nigeria produces is a far cry from what is shown in the word of God. How do you explain that millions of people flock our religious gathering yet greed corruption, nepotism, in justice, impunity are on the rise. Unfortunately most of the leaders in government attend our meetings; some are elders and even pastors.
I want to say that God is still concerned about this people. He wants men to do what is right and turn from their evil ways. He still sends His servants to speak the truth to those in authority. In Jonah 1:1-2 God warned the people of Nineveh. Jonah 3:5-10 NKJV
Church leaders as well as believers have the responsibility to speak about the ills in our society making reference to the word of God. As long as they keep quiet the political leaders will think they are doing the right thing. Silence also communicates support for the wrong things they are doing. Luke 12:47-48 speaks of the servant who did not do what his master asked. Jer 1:17-18 – note the need to speak.
This is the time every believer needs to be strong and fight for what is right (do the right thing). This land needs healing. A lot of atrocities are going on in Nigeria – bloodshed, injustice, corruption.
The shepherds have their own portion of the blame, and the believers as well. In Ezekiel 34:1-11 God castigated the shepherds for not being willing to do what is right by their unwillingness to die and take the pain associated with Christ (Isaiah 56:7-12, 1 Peter 5:2) which is actually what makes us to be conformed to His image (Phil 2:5, Hebrews 5:8).
Will the Lord find me worthy to stand in the gap? (Isaiah 59:16 MSG)
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14 NJKV)
3 things here to motivate us
1. The Call of God
2. Conditions for our assembling
3. God’s warning to His people – judgment (Deut 8:19-20)
Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. “As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God – Deut. 8:19-20
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place–unless you repent – Revelation 2:5.
Revelation 2:5 is a word to the church.
A call to repentance
This call is for selected people – note the words “My people.”
God’s reforms supersede economic reforms, it involves a special purpose (2 Chronicles 6:33).
then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this temple which I have built is called by Your name – 2 Chronicles 6:33.
The procedure is to be humble (James 4:6). We need repentance, prayer, patriotism (Psalm 34:17-19). One of our wicked ways that we need to repent of is wilful disobedience.
Steps to a new beginning for our land
i. My people – Isaiah 63:14-19
ii. Called by my name – (2 Chronicles 33:12, 13, 16-19; 2 Chronicles 6:37-39)
iii. Humble themselves, confess their iniquity and that of their fathers (Leviticus 26:40-41; James 4:4-10, v3)
iv. Pray (Jer 33:3, Paul Acts 9:11)
v. Seek My face – to inquire, beg, ask, make inquisition, make request, beseech (Deut 4:29-30, Isaiah 55:6-7; lam 3:40-41)
vi. Turn from their wicked ways – (Prov 28:13; isa 55:7; isa 59:20; Ezek 18:27-30)
vii. Will hear (2 Chron 6:27, 30, 33, 39 NASB)
viii. I will heal their land (Jer 51:9, NLT,KJV Jer 33:6)
Consequences of Obedience
i. God will hear our prayer (Isa 59:1-2, Psa 66:18)
ii. God will forgive our sins
iii. God will heal our land
Consequences of Disobedience
So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. “Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord GOD. – Ezek 22:30-31.
(See also Ezekiel 5:5-13).
This is the time to be strong in the Lord and fight for what is right. A. W. Tozer said, “if we yearned after God as much as a cow yearns for her calf, we would be worshipping and effective believers God wants us to be, if we longed for God as a bride looked forward to the return of her husband we would be a far greater force to God than we are now.”
With what most of our churches are doing today, can we say that we have not failed God?
Does Nigeria need economic reforms or repentance? We need repentance.
The most brilliant man that ruled in Israel (1 Kings 10:23-24) built a temple church for God, impressed God so much with his humility and love for people (1 Chron 10:12; 2 Chron 6:28; 1 Chron 7:6-14), yet he failed God (Eccl 2:1-22, 15 MSG).
God put us here to enforce His will. Watch what you say (Matt 12:34-37 NET, Isa 8:11-13 NASB). Let only God be your fear.
The Lord rules in the affairs of men and He positions leaders. Do we have the right to expect more of our political leaders? Should legislators, executives and judges be held to a higher standard than mere pragmatism? Almost every office holder in the land embarks upon his service by swearing to serve the people, “so help me God.” If they are going to use God’s name we should hold them to it.
God’s requirement of leaders
Govern as unto the Lord (2 Chron 19:4-7)
Walk with the Lord
Fear the Lord, He watches over the affairs of nation (Psa 33:10-12)
Be careful in all they do
Then he set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. “Now therefore, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.”2 Chron 19:5-7
You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which the LORD your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment. “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. “You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you – Deut 16:18-20, righteous judgment.
Romans 13:1-4 MSG reads that rulers do not bear the sword in vain, they should be a terror to evil. Is this the case in Nigeria? We need genuine repentance and a change of our ways
CASE STUDY of King Manasseh
God is angry at sin and disobedience, and this has led to the fall of individuals and even great empires. Sometimes humans don’t reflect on past events in history. Hezekiah, king of Judah, reigned in turbulent times in Judah just like our time, but he loved God and was a very humble leader. 2 kings 18, 19, 20 spoke of his good works, and that God added to his years. But his son Manasseh did evil in the sight of the Lord. He erected the altar of Baal, built high places his father demolished, walked in disobedience to God
2 Chronicles 33:1-19 shows that warning precedes destruction. There will always be warnings and pleading from the LORD before He vents His anger. The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people but they paid no attention. So the Lord brought against them the army commander of Assyria who took Manasseh prisoner – bound him and took him to Babylon. But God is so merciful, when Manasseh cried out to God for help and humbled himself the Lord had compassion on him.
People don’t want to listen to God’s word just like in the days of Manasseh, nobody is listening – lies, cheating, perverted sex, corruption, idolatry.
The church of God called to reach out to the world is silent – no strong prayer meetings to stem the tide of the enemy, no strong Bible studies and discipleship, no strong Bible based evangelism, no Sunday school. Sin has crushed the church and denied the church the anointing to subdue the land.
God is a God of second chance and He is merciful. Genuine repentance is always followed with new life. When God forgives He restores all things, and when genuine repentance takes place, transformation of life takes place. God forgave Manasseh and gave him a second chance. Manasseh acted on the opportunity immediately. He restored back what he tore down. He got rid of foreign gods and removed the images from the temple, as well as altars to idols that he built. He threw them out of the city and he commanded Judah to serve the LORD.
God will forgive and restore if our leaders repent but if they refuse it could be fatal, for God’s anger will descend.
A cry for help
“Consecrate a fast, Proclaim a solemn assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land To the house of the LORD your God, And cry out to the LORD.” Joel 1:14 NASB
SHEMA ISRAEL PART 2: SEEKING THE APPROVAL
By Pastor Andrew Morgridge
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS
The story of 2 Brothers that became the Twin Ministry. It’s about SHEMA – to hear; understand and to do. It’s so important because it is the most repeated warning /admonition in the Bible. From Genesis to Deuteronomy to Paul in Acts 28:28, ref Isa. 6 to Rev. 2 & 3. That’s why God is pointing attention to it.
(1) The Bible says Our God hides Himself (Ps. 30:7 ; 55:1; 89:46; Isa. 8:17; 45:15 – so many scriptures). But He expect us to seek Him out (Prov. 25:2; Lk. 11:2; He is also the righteous judge so in His patience, He talks, advice and even beg you (beseech Eph. 4:1) So that you don’t miss what He’s saying, so that you don’t suffer loss – physically or spiritually. (Jer. 7:25; 25:4: Ps. 96:10-13; Ps. 67:4)
(2) It was His concern to a lost generation of Israelites who died in the wilderness that made Him to give us the book of Deuteronomy where you find the word Hear O Israel. Deuteronomy summarizes the evil deeds of the Israelites and God’s reaction. To prevent a repeat He said haug the word of God the door posts of your home – The Mezzuzah.
Seeing the word daily and respecting the word of God daily was the focus of attention in Part 1.
(3) I’m speaking along the same line, though more expansively in the loss of Simeon and the gain of Levi as we see what it takes to get the approval of God. Simeon is missing in the Blessings of Moses (Deut. 33) His father Jacob also made bad remarks about him on his death bed (Gen. 49:6-7). We will see why and then see why Simeon made the list of those sealed by God in Rev. 7.
(4) Gen. 49:6-7 resulted from Gen. 34. Things to note:
1. Unforgiving spirit
2. Treachery
3. Lack of respect for parent (vs 30; Mal. 1:6-7 (4) Murder (unwarranted)
(5) Truce breaker – An act God hates (Josh.9, note vs 17-20 2Sam. 21:1-9
Simeon’s name is associated to hearing (Gen.29:33 ). But he heard and never acted.
And more importantly he influenced his brother Levi negatively making his father to lump them together, as he cursed them.
(6) Here’s the gain of Levi: God has been known to make promises to people and then confirm that He would do it, as He promised, as a result of the act of that individual. That’s what I call seeking the approval (Gen. 15:1-6; Gen. 18:1-15; Gen. 22: note vs 18
3 people were cursed by Jacob – Rueben, Simeon and Levi. Moses in Deut.33 Blessed only 2. Again in Ps.90 Rueben, was blessed recognising why he did his evil against his father (Josephus
Levi on the other hand redeemed himself by a show of love for God, seeking His glory about sentiments and family ties.
Numbers 25:1-15. Notice: Phinehas killed his uncle (family).
Moses excluded them because it was the Simeonites that led the orgy that resulted in the death of thousands of Israelites.
Levi on the other hand got God’s approval and confirmation for the Priesthood on his family. (Malachi. 2:5-6).
(7) The days of Simeon is here again (2Tim. 3:1-4; Rev. 2 and 3)
The Twin Ministry. We see spiritual Levi in operation but the Simeon spirit is hanging around to influence and take over. We see Dan and how it left God to answer the serpent spirit. Now you see same in Nigeria and we are praying. The Church has a curse of Simeon hanging because they were lumped together by Jacob. Prov. Curses work when you allow it Eccl. 10:8 don’t! Take heed because of 1Pet. 5:8 He keeps trying. The Church is deaf (7 times in revelation 2&3 God said LISTEN). It is also blind (Revelation 3:17-18) in their own world, controlled by Satan.
The enemy is formidable but can be defeated by PRAYER. That is surely not in line with what we have been taught about the prophet generation. But as the Senior Pastor has consistently passed on, in Rev. 11:1, there is a measurement – assessment before Rapture. The altar of sacrifice is part of our requirement for Rapture.
WHERE ARE THE PHINEHAS TODAY – those who will stay the hand of judgement AND ALSO CLEANSE HIS BODY. SIMEON made the list in Rev. 7 because of his “DEATH” – selflessly given himself for his family in the Joseph and Benjamin case (Gen. 42: note 22-24. Providence chose him, but it was timed by God – see the fulfilment of the prophecy of Molech (Matt. 26.)
(c) The Christian Brethren Church