It was a horrible and very painful experience. I had thought God was going to shield me from it. I could just see it coming. Previously when I had not fully surrendered myself to Jesus I know what I used to do to avoid such situations, but now… Now having decided on discipleship you expected God to keep you from the shame and embarrassment? Yes! That was the most painful part. I thought if God really accepted me as His own He would not sit back and allow it to happen to me. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he cares for him. After all, he said, 'I am the Son of God,'"Mat 27:43 (ISV). Is that so? Does it not happen to other believers? It’s not that, I mean isn’t it early in the faith for such things to happen to me? I thought this stuff is for mature guys.
No this has happened because God has accepted you as his servant. Whenever God accepts a bond servant what follows next is public ear piercing (Ex 21:6). It’s not a party on earth even though all heaven rejoices. I think you are overstretching the passage. It’s talking about some slave master in the Old Testament, not God. Is that right? Consider Heb 10:32-33(ESV) But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction “After you have been enlightened” indicates it follows soon after you believe. Are you sure it was so soon after their conversion? It was. It is a pattern like in 1Th 2:13, 14(ISV). Notice after they believed the next response was persecution from their own people, just like you. I see. Look it’s an occasion of joy that heaven has marked you out as God’s servant. How blessed are you whenever people hate you, avoid you, insult you, and slander you because of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for your reward in heaven is great! For that's the way their ancestors used to treat the prophets Lk 6:22, 23(ISV). You have been promoted to be counted among the prophets of old. Rejoice beloved. You mean a great reward is awaiting me in heaven? Yes. Jesus intends to sit you down and serve you personally: How blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching for him when he comes! Truly I tell you, he will put an apron on, make them sit down at the table, and go around and serve them Lk 12:37(ISV). So don’t spoil it. Stand firm. Afflictions work out good while our eyes are on Jesus, heaven and the reward. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen… 2Cor 4:17, 18(ESV).
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Monday, 20 August 2012
Priorities of the disciple Week 34, 2012
It’s not only accommodation the disciple is willing to give up... Ah! Many are not going to be pleased to hear that. We can’t please men you know. That’s a number one decision. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ Gal 1:10(ESV). Is that good? Did Jesus offend with His words? Remember Jesus was a dinner guest at a Pharisee’s place and rebuked him. One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also." And he said, "Woe to you lawyers also!” Lk 11:45, 46(ESV). If we bandy words to cause no ripples, and maintain the sensitivities of those asleep in iniquity we can’t be true to Christ.
Try that today and your financial support will evaporate. The priority of the disciple is neither comfort nor riches; prison and troubles wait for me. But I reckon my own life to be worth nothing to me; I only want to complete my mission and finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do Acts 20:23, 24(GNB). You can’t get very far in ministry without funding you know. Ruth might have stayed back in Moab to raise money for Naomi but chose to be with her when accommodation and feeding were not guaranteed. But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God Ruth 1:16(ESV). Sadly for some, living and living well is the goal and priority. Why should they not live well? Even workers in ministry have rights. True, but rather loose God given rights than be a hindrance to the gospel. But we haven't made use of this right. Instead, we have endured everything in order not to put any obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ 1Cor 9:12(GNB).
Is your idea of true discipleship a life of deprivation and lack? No, my dear it is neither a life of deprivation or unbroken excess. So it’s somewhere in between? Don’t you get it yet? I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little Phil 4:12(GW). It is independent of external circumstances and consistent in all circumstances of life. As a true disciple the one and only priority is to please Jesus, come life or death. Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him 2Cor 5:9(GW).
Try that today and your financial support will evaporate. The priority of the disciple is neither comfort nor riches; prison and troubles wait for me. But I reckon my own life to be worth nothing to me; I only want to complete my mission and finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do Acts 20:23, 24(GNB). You can’t get very far in ministry without funding you know. Ruth might have stayed back in Moab to raise money for Naomi but chose to be with her when accommodation and feeding were not guaranteed. But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God Ruth 1:16(ESV). Sadly for some, living and living well is the goal and priority. Why should they not live well? Even workers in ministry have rights. True, but rather loose God given rights than be a hindrance to the gospel. But we haven't made use of this right. Instead, we have endured everything in order not to put any obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ 1Cor 9:12(GNB).
Is your idea of true discipleship a life of deprivation and lack? No, my dear it is neither a life of deprivation or unbroken excess. So it’s somewhere in between? Don’t you get it yet? I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little Phil 4:12(GW). It is independent of external circumstances and consistent in all circumstances of life. As a true disciple the one and only priority is to please Jesus, come life or death. Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him 2Cor 5:9(GW).
Monday, 13 August 2012
The harvest waits week 33, 2012
Can it be that now the labourers are many but the harvest is little? I used to know it was said the harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few. Not so my dear, I assure you the harvest is yet plenteous. Why else would the Lord say "Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! I am with you, and you won't be harmed. Many people in this city belong to me."Act 18:9, 10(CEV). Well I don’t know about you but I have so many workers hanging around with nowhere to go. Do you mean there are no more mission fields; all places have been fully covered? Not exactly, but how can I send them where there are no support facilities, no accommodation... Well why not? Did not the Lord warn those who were to follow He has nowhere to lay His head? As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." Lk 9:57, 58(ESV). Ah, not these workers, not today. If I try that when they see war all of them will turn back. God didn't lead them on the road through Philistine territory, although that was the shortest route. God said, "If they see that they have to fight a war, they may change their minds and go back to Egypt." Ex 13:17(GW).
So the problem is not that the harvest is small but we lack the right kind of workers. Are you suggesting I send out people without caring for them? Are they slaves or what? Shelter is a basic need. May I tell you that those whom God sent, who brought in large harvest where not deterred by shelter or the lack of it? To this very hour we are hungry, thirsty, dressed in rags, brutally treated, and homeless. We wear ourselves out from working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless. When persecuted, we endure1Cor 4:11, 12(ISV). I still don’t feel comfortable sending them out. My dear it’s not only you that is uncomfortable, I believe God waits for the right kind of worker before sending people. Have you read Paul’s statement by the spirit in Phil 2:19, 20(ISV) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon… For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare? He also had people around him, workers he dared not send: For all the others look after their own interests, not after those of Jesus Christ Phil 2:21(ISV). The harvest is still plenteous. If you are not experiencing that the matter is still we lack the right type of labourers. Ever wondered why some townships swarm with churches while the villages lack? You talk a lot; let’s see you give up your house.
So the problem is not that the harvest is small but we lack the right kind of workers. Are you suggesting I send out people without caring for them? Are they slaves or what? Shelter is a basic need. May I tell you that those whom God sent, who brought in large harvest where not deterred by shelter or the lack of it? To this very hour we are hungry, thirsty, dressed in rags, brutally treated, and homeless. We wear ourselves out from working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless. When persecuted, we endure1Cor 4:11, 12(ISV). I still don’t feel comfortable sending them out. My dear it’s not only you that is uncomfortable, I believe God waits for the right kind of worker before sending people. Have you read Paul’s statement by the spirit in Phil 2:19, 20(ISV) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon… For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare? He also had people around him, workers he dared not send: For all the others look after their own interests, not after those of Jesus Christ Phil 2:21(ISV). The harvest is still plenteous. If you are not experiencing that the matter is still we lack the right type of labourers. Ever wondered why some townships swarm with churches while the villages lack? You talk a lot; let’s see you give up your house.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Exceedingly, abundantly, above... Week 32, 2012
It was like my eyes cleared. I had just parted with over a million naira just like that. And the money was not mine. It was my church’s money. It had been raised with a lot of effort; effort in prayers, encouraging people and sacrificial giving. We had been raising money to build a befitting house unto God in the Redeemed Christian Church of God branch I served both as chairman building committee and later as assistant pastor. It was a huge responsibility for me as a junior resident and a young father, but I applied myself wholeheartedly to the task. Now it was handed over to a man with nothing to take back to the church. What had I just done? Had I missed it? Was I misguided? Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding Prov 3:5(ESV).
After we had exhausted ourselves believing God and raising as much funds as possible for our building plan valued at millions of naira, we were at 1.5 million naira and could not seem to move forward. So we kept the money faithfully praying and believing God for a breakthrough. A man of God came to our church said, “You have a project at hand which you have not enough money for...” My attention was caught. A solution was surely coming. “What you need to do is to sow this money you now have into the life of a prominent man of God.” He emphasized that man of God was not to be himself. After that we agreed to do what the minister said, and agreed the man of God would be our daddy at Redemption Camp. We purposed to do this seed sowing quickly.
Following inquiries we learned if you wanted to see him without an appointment you had to be at his residence before 6am. We traveled down to the camp and we got there early, before 6am, and discovered others were already there before us. The man of God was having his family devotions. After this he came out to see us. He received what each person had to bring, thanked each one and briefly laid hands on our heads in prayer and moved off. And that was that. I walked away wondering if that was all, and contending with the thought that the money was all gone with nothing to show for it. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…Eph 3:20(ESV)
Nothing happened thereafter for many months. The building of course was stalled. Suddenly the news came down to us. Daddy G.O. was reminded by the Spirit that a certain church in Enugu gave him some money. The Holy Ghost asked him to send it back ten-fold! He checked his records, took note of the church and the money, and sent for us. I was ecstatic! Tenfold increase in less than 1 year. In obedience we had sowed not knowing exactly what to expect. This was fifteen million naira. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap Lk 6:38(ESV).
Emeka is a surgeon living in Enugu, the church building is in progress by the tunnel crossing.
After we had exhausted ourselves believing God and raising as much funds as possible for our building plan valued at millions of naira, we were at 1.5 million naira and could not seem to move forward. So we kept the money faithfully praying and believing God for a breakthrough. A man of God came to our church said, “You have a project at hand which you have not enough money for...” My attention was caught. A solution was surely coming. “What you need to do is to sow this money you now have into the life of a prominent man of God.” He emphasized that man of God was not to be himself. After that we agreed to do what the minister said, and agreed the man of God would be our daddy at Redemption Camp. We purposed to do this seed sowing quickly.
Following inquiries we learned if you wanted to see him without an appointment you had to be at his residence before 6am. We traveled down to the camp and we got there early, before 6am, and discovered others were already there before us. The man of God was having his family devotions. After this he came out to see us. He received what each person had to bring, thanked each one and briefly laid hands on our heads in prayer and moved off. And that was that. I walked away wondering if that was all, and contending with the thought that the money was all gone with nothing to show for it. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…Eph 3:20(ESV)
Nothing happened thereafter for many months. The building of course was stalled. Suddenly the news came down to us. Daddy G.O. was reminded by the Spirit that a certain church in Enugu gave him some money. The Holy Ghost asked him to send it back ten-fold! He checked his records, took note of the church and the money, and sent for us. I was ecstatic! Tenfold increase in less than 1 year. In obedience we had sowed not knowing exactly what to expect. This was fifteen million naira. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap Lk 6:38(ESV).
Emeka is a surgeon living in Enugu, the church building is in progress by the tunnel crossing.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Freedom through bondage week 31, 2012
“I want to be free to do whatever I please! I find your rules restrictive, especially for a young person like me. How am I supposed to enjoy life for goodness sake?” What kind of restrictions are you talking about? “All these your laws on relationships: no kissing, no holding of hands, no staying out late either.” I am not in any way trying to enslave you; I want you to be free to enjoy life. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come 1Tm 4:7, 8(ESV). A lot will go wrong naturally if you don’t keep certain rules. “Is your church different? I know people who allow their own to do that and more. They promise freedom!” I see. Beware of any who gives the impression you can play with sin. By talking high-sounding nonsense and using sinful cravings of the flesh, they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. Promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves to depravity, for a person is a slave to whatever conquers him 2Pt 2:18, 19(ISV).
“Look the birds and bees are free as air. I want to be free too.” These Bible principles of life are the laws of liberty. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey… Jas 1:25(CEV). Even birds must keep to certain rules to fly; they must adopt certain positions for effective flight. “Well I feel I am caged in.” Listen: only in bondage to righteousness are we truly free. The one who feels free to drink and smoke anything sooner than later becomes an addict. How many suffer because of bondage to alcohol, sex and drugs! “I have no plans to be enslaved, just free to do anything, these desires come pretty strong and isn’t it best to give in once a while? And I was not talking about alcohol.” Yielding to the urge for sin depresses righteousness. The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should Gal 5:17(CEV). Anyone who sins becomes enslaved by it: I tell you for certain that anyone who sins is a slave of sin! Jn 8:34(CEV). The struggles you have now will be overcome when you offer yourself as a slave to God and righteousness. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become God's slaves, the benefit you reap is sanctification, and the result is eternal life Rom 6:22(ISV). Do you want a clean free holy life? Become a slave to righteousness.
“Look the birds and bees are free as air. I want to be free too.” These Bible principles of life are the laws of liberty. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey… Jas 1:25(CEV). Even birds must keep to certain rules to fly; they must adopt certain positions for effective flight. “Well I feel I am caged in.” Listen: only in bondage to righteousness are we truly free. The one who feels free to drink and smoke anything sooner than later becomes an addict. How many suffer because of bondage to alcohol, sex and drugs! “I have no plans to be enslaved, just free to do anything, these desires come pretty strong and isn’t it best to give in once a while? And I was not talking about alcohol.” Yielding to the urge for sin depresses righteousness. The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should Gal 5:17(CEV). Anyone who sins becomes enslaved by it: I tell you for certain that anyone who sins is a slave of sin! Jn 8:34(CEV). The struggles you have now will be overcome when you offer yourself as a slave to God and righteousness. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become God's slaves, the benefit you reap is sanctification, and the result is eternal life Rom 6:22(ISV). Do you want a clean free holy life? Become a slave to righteousness.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
The Hired Servant week 30, 2012
Why do you call him that? He served you well. I don’t doubt that he did; but he still is a hired servant. All the features are there. Which features? You pointed out that he served well not so? He was very dedicated and committed and God has blessed him abundantly on every side. He has prospered financially; and has both male and female children. Yes he has received his pay and has retired from service. And when you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty-handed. You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress. As the LORD your God has blessed you, you shall give to him Dt 15:13, 14(ESV).
He is still in church and has not retired. King Saul had retired from service many years even while sitting on the throne. Tell me how available he is for work. And when was the last time he participated in evangelism or led in prayers? He who before was the face of the ministry. These days we have to literally beg him before he comes around for anything. He speaks roughly, and now takes offense easily. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all… 2Ti 2:24(KJV). What activities and recreation are all around him lately? Is it not more and more commerce? Unedifying, suspect and occasionally out-rightly corrupting videos fill his parlour. Hasn’t he retired?
Don’t be too hard on him, he went through a hard time before his breakthrough. In those days he would go all night asking God to settle him, quoting scripture, claiming the headship. It is the hired hand that looks forward to his release date, that craves to be settled. The bondman craves for more service. In the day of his release volunteers himself for permanent service to the master. But if he says to you, 'I will not go out from you,' because he loves you …then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same Dt 15:16, 17(ESV).
So you want him to serve you always, eh? Why should I? Am I not a fellow servant? Was Paul’s pain over Demas selfish? For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica… 2Ti 4:10(ESV). I wish he were running a successful ministry in that business; that he used it as a platform for evangelism, missions support, and mentoring young converts. The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out… Mk 4:18, 19 (CEV).
He is still in church and has not retired. King Saul had retired from service many years even while sitting on the throne. Tell me how available he is for work. And when was the last time he participated in evangelism or led in prayers? He who before was the face of the ministry. These days we have to literally beg him before he comes around for anything. He speaks roughly, and now takes offense easily. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all… 2Ti 2:24(KJV). What activities and recreation are all around him lately? Is it not more and more commerce? Unedifying, suspect and occasionally out-rightly corrupting videos fill his parlour. Hasn’t he retired?
Don’t be too hard on him, he went through a hard time before his breakthrough. In those days he would go all night asking God to settle him, quoting scripture, claiming the headship. It is the hired hand that looks forward to his release date, that craves to be settled. The bondman craves for more service. In the day of his release volunteers himself for permanent service to the master. But if he says to you, 'I will not go out from you,' because he loves you …then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same Dt 15:16, 17(ESV).
So you want him to serve you always, eh? Why should I? Am I not a fellow servant? Was Paul’s pain over Demas selfish? For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica… 2Ti 4:10(ESV). I wish he were running a successful ministry in that business; that he used it as a platform for evangelism, missions support, and mentoring young converts. The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out… Mk 4:18, 19 (CEV).
Saturday, 14 July 2012
The Church's highest title Week 29, 2012
What is the highest title in the church? “The highest title is Bishop. You have the house of laity and the house of the clergy. Distinct among that class are bishops. In today’s church there is no higher title.” No, that is not the highest title in the church. There is a higher title than that. “Oh, I forgot. You mean the Archbishop ,no? Primate? Well Pope then. That is the highest title in the church …” Ha-ha. How wide off mark. Neither Archbishop, Primate, nor Pope is the highest title in the Bible. “Alright, bible eh? All of us are equal in God’s sight. There is none higher than the other.” I agree we are all equal in Christ, but that does not mean we all have the same status. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first Mat 19:30(ISV). Some people will be first and others last.
“Yes, I’ve got it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues 1Cor 12:28(ESV). An apostle is the highest office in the church.” I still disagree. None of these is the highest. I will ask you in another way. Who in the New Testament or church had the highest title, or were most significant? “I guess maybe Paul, or Peter, and they were apostles.” Alright. You don’t seem to get it. Let me show you. Rom 1:1 (LITV): Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the gospel of God . “Eh! It clearly shows I am correct: it is the apostle.” When you have more than one title don’t you put the higher one first e.g. Prof (Dr)? “I agree. But what title other than apostle is in that verse?” Servant. Not only Paul regarded being a slave of Jesus primary and before his apostleship, so also did Peter. Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ…2Pt 1:1(LITV). In every place apostles introduced themselves with both titles, that of being a slave comes first. Even our Lord Jesus Christ has that title: Reach out your hand to heal, and grant that wonders and miracles may be performed through the name of your holy Servant Jesus. Acts 4:30(GNB).
“I would hardly call a servant a title.” Why? “It’s so demeaning, so degrading. A title should lift you up, give you honour, an air of importance.” I see, perhaps you have not heard Jesus’ words to apostles in Mk 9:35(GW) He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, "Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else.” The servant is the highest title; the servant of all.
How do you introduce yourself to God’s people?
“Yes, I’ve got it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues 1Cor 12:28(ESV). An apostle is the highest office in the church.” I still disagree. None of these is the highest. I will ask you in another way. Who in the New Testament or church had the highest title, or were most significant? “I guess maybe Paul, or Peter, and they were apostles.” Alright. You don’t seem to get it. Let me show you. Rom 1:1 (LITV): Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the gospel of God . “Eh! It clearly shows I am correct: it is the apostle.” When you have more than one title don’t you put the higher one first e.g. Prof (Dr)? “I agree. But what title other than apostle is in that verse?” Servant. Not only Paul regarded being a slave of Jesus primary and before his apostleship, so also did Peter. Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ…2Pt 1:1(LITV). In every place apostles introduced themselves with both titles, that of being a slave comes first. Even our Lord Jesus Christ has that title: Reach out your hand to heal, and grant that wonders and miracles may be performed through the name of your holy Servant Jesus. Acts 4:30(GNB).
“I would hardly call a servant a title.” Why? “It’s so demeaning, so degrading. A title should lift you up, give you honour, an air of importance.” I see, perhaps you have not heard Jesus’ words to apostles in Mk 9:35(GW) He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, "Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else.” The servant is the highest title; the servant of all.
How do you introduce yourself to God’s people?
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