Mexican Catholics celebrating and praying to Santa Muerte the demon of death
There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is destruction. Proverbs 14:12
The question is, which way is right and does not lead unto destruction and death? It is the way of the Bible which is God’s word.
My brethren in Christ, of whom we are of equal in fellowship; I beseech you to search for God and the true ways of God while you still have life.
And if you have God in you already, knowing it for sure and not just in belief, never not stop spreading the truth, especially to those who worship God in falsehood. For it is hard to think, that a man has lived all his years in the Christian Church, but when he shall die, he be counted amongst the haters of God.
May God judge me if I write these things to bring down any man or Church. May God be my judge if there be another motive other than, that men may know and be cautious about the true ways of the Bible and be not deceived. And also that men in the Church may find God while they still have life.
And I have faith in the Holy Ghost my Master and Jesus my Lord that He would save men from darkness and doctrines of Satan and men.
I have said, that it is when men can no longer trust the unseen spirit God that idolatry sets in. And also, It is the lack of the knowledge of God that causes men to delve into paganism and idolatry even as Church goers who hold unto the Holy Bible.
Brethren, sin, wickedness and evil grows; I tell you the truth- it grows exponentially.
Accept a gay into the Church, and in 2 years there are five(5) – ten(10) gays in the Church causing an even larger number to derail.
Tell a single lie or break the law and you would be telling 10 more lies to help cover it.
Commit adultery and you would soon count the number of adultery and abortions you have done.
Accept a form of pagan worship and you will soon be counting the pagan gods and system in the Church; like wise idolatry. The more we commit these sins, the more we are given away to greater heights of them.
Therefore the only way that leads to life is total abstinence from what is wrong, sinful and unbiblical.
Pope, Catholic leaders praying before Pachamama– a goddess revered by the indigenous peoples of the Andes. She is also known as the earth/time mother.
Many more forms of idolatry and all sorts of wickedness has been brought into Catholicism just because; sin grows to great heights. It does not wake up to vanish, but strengthens itself as long as we remain in it.
Apostle Paul said in Romans 1:20-22, Brethren Read Carefully;
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like [h]corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served what is created rather than the Spirit Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Therefore I am not wrong. When men engage in sin and this time, idolatry, they are given away and taken deeper to these.
1. The worship of Santa Muerte (Demon of Death)
Saint Death (Santa Muerte) being prayed to my Catholics in Mexico.
Called Saint of death by the Roman Catholics and widely known in Mexico, this pagan idol is a representation of death.
Although the Catholics in general and Mexican Authorities have rejected it, it has become difficult to stop men from seeing it as an object of reverence and worship like other idols which they have.
Men pray and seek protection from these things. They seek help from it and from anything visible but from the spirit God who lives above and in whom there is true help and power to overcome death. All this is because they know not God nor do they know His ways. They have grown to believe in protection from what they can see instead of the name of Jesus wherein we have all the protection and support we need.
Such is the truth I speak; that evil begets greater evil; sin begets greater sin, idolatry begets greater idolatry.
This is evil, it is wickedness and God will not overlook. Yes! He will remember.
2. Pachamama Idol Worship
The Pope, Priests and other people kneeling down before Pachamama in a sacrilegious idol worship.
Pachamama is a goddess revered by the indigenous peoples of the Andes. She is also known as the earth/time mother. In Inca mythology, Pachamama is a fertility goddess who presides over planting and harvesting, embodies the mountains, and causes earthquakes.
Brethren observe the trend, prior, it was idols of bible characters but as the years go by, it has entered pure pagan idols.
When men do not put an ancient and biblical land mark, these things are bound to happen.
The Eye of Horus
Egypt is the birth place of witchcraft in the world. And even now, spiritually, the ancient powers of Egypt remains and these things are spiritually discerned.
Horus is an ancient Egyptian god believed to be one of the strongest gods of ancient Egypt.
Illuminati / Satan worshippers. Notice the all seeing eye on their foreheads
His eye is believed to provide protection by his worshippers. It is normally called the ‘all seeing eye‘ or the eye of providence. It has also become a symbol of the illuminati/Satanists and the free mason occult plus the New World Order.
An illuminati announcement. Notice the eye and the triangle on the paper?
These things are not hidden. They are truths visible to all who are for, and belong to the truth.
But the question is, why would these things also be found in a Church of God? Why would men who claim to belong to God have these things amongst them? The pictures below speak volume.
Catholic Church in Poland with ‘Horus Eye’Masonic triangle’ and ‘Horus eye’ in a Catholic churchA Catholic Priest white is robe and cap which has the eye of Horus and the triangle on it.
As can be seen from the Images above, somehow, somewhere these things have become part of the Roman Catholic Church.
Does light and darkness have anything in common? No! Of course not. But Men who don’t have God, men who don’t know God have done this wickedness to deceive the people of my God. A people who does not make time to see with their eyes that there is a biblical standard to the worship of God.
These things where not there from the initial stage of Christianity even of the Roman Catholic. But as I have pointed out, one evil begets another. Because they did not trust God and the Spirits power, they were given out to all depravity of the mind and deceptions by wicked spirits and evil men.
Pagans say the eye of Horus is all seeing and gives protection and providence, brethren, shall a Christian man seek protection from the eyes of a pagan god? Do we not see the level of idolatry and paganism in the present Catholicism? And know we not that God will not pardon men who do these evil things? Yes! He will remember.
Conclusion
Evil begets evil brethren, wickedness begets greater wickedness. We must ask ourselves, if the idolatry and paganism is growling to heights of accommodating satanic elements, symbols and idols, what would be done in 50 years coming if Jesus tarries? Surely it would be hard to think of.
This is a wakeup call with which I would like to close the idolatry episode of the Roman Catholic Church. I eagerly beg all Christian men to run away from idolatry and all forms of unbiblical system of worship, that REVIVAL may happen to us in one Spirit and one Power in Jesus’ name; Amen!
From part one of this series, I told us that there are other highly important things we must consider if we want to be truly blessed by God. In this article is another top requirement from God if you want to prosper.
Now let us see a scripture passage that can aid us in digesting the truth I share.
“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18
I pulled out a bible passage which can help us understand this message better.
Moses in Deuteronomy 8:18, re-installed into the minds of the Israelites, that wealth, and God given riches are as a result of God establishing a covenant He had made with the fathers, which also applies unto them.
So, paraphrasing the text can read, ‘you shall remember the Lord your God, He giveth thee power to get wealth. And this is based on an agreement or a covenant made with your fathers, that he may establish it.’
Covenant is an agreement between two parties. When God enters into a covenant or agreement with man, He gives us instructions of what He wants from us. When we have done what He has said, in-turn, He will fulfill his own part of the agreement. This is called establishing a covenant. And a covenant cannot be established in the face of unfaithfulness and rebellion to agreement.
From the first part of this series, we traced the covenant that yields blessings back to the Abrahamic covenant. God’s word unto Abraham was that he would be blessed, and his generations will be blessed through him, if they will pursue after righteousness before God.
Carefully searching out the scriptures, we will find another word from God on what we must do to make our way prosperous. The word of God does not fail. When God tells us, ‘do this, and I will do this’, it becomes a sure agreement, a covenant word. And as long as men align to it, it will always prove itself true.
In Joshua 1:8, God gave out to Joshua a code, on how he (Joshua) can attain a prosperous rule, and achieve good success. Thus He entered into an agreement or a covenant with Joshua.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Now, there is the factor of preparing for God’s blessings, or maturing to receive divine allotted wealth. This is the hidden word in the instruction which God delivered unto Joshua.
One may ask, ‘How does studying and meditating on God’s word, plus doing it, aid in prosperity and divine blessings and good success’? It is simple! But the answer has two parts.
The Law of God is all about righteousness and Holiness. And we cannot forget the covenant of Abraham. So, by doing the requirements of the Law, Joshua would key into the Abrahamic covenant. And for Joshua to know the righteous requirements of the law, and have it in his heart always, he had to meditate on the word of God daily.
The other part of the answer is the need for Joshua to grow in the knowledge of God. And this is the area we will touch in this article.
Knowing God is the principle of exploring and exploiting His divine graces. One truth preachers whose God is money will find hard to say is that ‘God desires us to know Him more than he desires sacrifice, money and gifts from us.’
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6
And after we have grown in the knowledge of God we can then do exploits with what we know. Put in another way, we need to exploit the knowledge of God for the betterment of our lives.
“But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32
In the knowing of God is;
Knowing His Judgments.
Knowing His dislikes and what turns Him off.
Knowing how He thinks.
Knowing what He truly desires from us.
Knowing how to relate with Him.
Knowing how to obtain His favour, and His help in time of need.
Knowing the righteous and holy ways of God.
Knowing how God blesses and prospers His people.
Knowing what He can do, and what He cannot do.
Knowing the zeal of God, and what drives His walk with man.
Knowing His word, His power, and His glory.
One of the reasons God does not bless us is because we are not yet grown-up in our affairs with Him; we are not matured enough to handle the wealth and riches that come from Him; we are still babes at heart and mind.
Riches can lead astray, but not for a man who has had a good and solid knowledge of God, and has become matured at heart by the things he knows. This was the second thing God was trying to achieve with Joshua.
There was a man whom I knew in his earlier days. He was a Church pianist and a brother in fellowship, until wealth surrounded him. Then his heart was led astray by the never-ending lust that comes with riches. He then began to sleep around with ladies in the church, and he impregnated some. He lost all fear for God, and started to engage in many fraudulent and deceitful means of increasing wealth. For whatever reason it was, he couldn’t be suspended by the Church. With his wealth he bought his way out of disfellowship.
This is a case of a man who obtained wealth without first washing his mind with God’s word, and preparing for it by His knowledge.
Now, God uses some things around us, to show and make us have knowledge of the deepest thoughts of His. This wicked man was the man through whom God opened my blind eyes to the fact that riches can derail men easily. Hence the need to prepare ourselves if we truly desire to prosper by the hand of God.
This brother who fell in the time of riches, could have been saved from destruction if he had good knowledge of God and His word, which has the power to change our hearts and mature it unto godliness. If he had known what he was supposed to know, he would not have stumbled.
The word of God sanctifies us; it prepares us for the blessings of God. Let us take lessons from this – No parent will give his or her child a gift which he or she does not know how to handle. No father will buy a car for a babe in age and mind. No man will give his children what will kill or destroy them. The process of preparing the mind to effectively put to good use the blessings, riches, and gifts we receive comes with growth; and growth is about amassing knowledge. It is not all about age, but maturing in mind.
Thus you can find a full grown adult with a baby’s mindset in handling riches. He cries to God daily to bless the works of his hands, and to enlarge his coast. But he knows not the Lord richly, so earthly riches will destroy his soul.
But knowledge matures the mind. The knowledge of God matures a believer in Christ. Without knowing the ‘whats’, ‘hows’, ‘wheres’, ‘whens’, ‘whys’ concerning our walk with God, we are bound to harm ourselves, and stumble into many great errors. But studying and meditating on the Bible will help us.
I know of a family for which I stood before God, earnestly praying for them to be blessed. One day God spoke to me, saying, “If I will bless this family, this woman (the wife and mother) will act in folly. She will cause her husband to leave the Church.” And as the Lord spoke, He played unto my eyes the vision of this word of truth.
This case unravels the deepest thoughts of the Great Monarch of all ages. He sees the future! And He acts to bring about a good end for those whom He has loved.
For this family, what hindered their prosperity was the lack of growth, the lack of preparation, and the lack of godly maturity. The woman could not handle the wealth they yearn for. This was a family of God, a pastors family. But the wife of the priest knows not the Lord as she ought to know Him; so, God couldn’t open the windows of blessings and prosperity. He has seen that it will bring destruction to them.
Again, a woman was sent by God to instruct a church where I worshiped sometime ago. This church was stricken by great hardship, and they direly asked that the God who blessed Jabez would come and open the doors of blessings and prosperity unto them. But God, instead of blessings, sent a woman of God with the word “Are you prepared for what you are asking for?”
Hence, brethren, there is a preparation and what we must do in order to convince God that we are ready to be blessed and given kingdom wealth. And it is done by growing and maturing in the knowledge of God. And we grow by studying it, meditating on it, and doing what is written in the book of the law. This is more pleasing to God than the seeds and sacrifices we give for God to prosper us.
Now, I do not say that we should seek to know God and stop giving. You do not yet know God if you do not serve Him with your wealth. Giving sacrificially is biblical, and it is required by God. But the corruption is the way giving out money has overshadowed the more important matters of faith, Christian maturity and Christian prosperity. The error is that greed ‘spined’ sermons and empty prophecies have overshadowed the truth of God.
Less than a month after I turned 29, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, ”You have served Me, and from now you will know that serving Me brings wealth.” That soon? Yes that soon and that young!
In the past 4 years I have read the Bible more than 4 times. I now have solid knowledge of God, His judgments, and His word. Riches would not easily cause me to stumble if I continue to grow in His knowledge and graces. Like David, I can also say, ‘Thine word have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against You.’
I remember some years ago when Jesus said to me, ‘you should read your bible everyday.’ May God bless that Sunday afternoon. It was the beginning of my journey of richly knowing God. And in my frequent study of this Book of the Law, I have gotten good knowledge of;
Giving is necessary, but money and seed is not the firsts things concerning God’s divine blessings. You cannot pursue giving while neglecting other weightier matters.
You cannot claim to love and serve God without giving.
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first-fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
Giving that moves God does not start and end with giving in the church or church project. There are those who are put down by conditions of life, we must give them too. As an evangelist I have great need for support and partnership for my crusades and other projects; yet I cannot keep the truth from you God’s people. Even as you give to support God’s work, do not turn blind eyes on the less privileged. The poor and the hungry. If we turn our eyes away from them and only give into Church work or to men of God, we are deceiving ourselves.
How to stay strong in the presence of great riches
Knowing these things and more can enable one to prepare and become ready for seasons of divine blessings and open doors. Not knowing them will make it hard for God to bless us. He cannot afford the error of stumbling because of His providence.
Finally, we must acknowledge that the eternal destination of man’s soul is more precious to God than temporal happiness on earth. That is to say that the soul of man is priceless to God. For this, the Eternal God wants us to enter His kingdom more than He wants to give us riches. If He can secure our eternity with Him, and foresee that we can be trusted with wealth, there is nothing good He will withhold from us in the right season. This truth is also sure!
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
In the Christian church of today, there is an established leprous teaching about the blessings of God. It is a teaching that has corrupted the heart of God’s people, turning them away from God and His word, and leading them into trusting in lies and prophecies that are meaningless.
When there is a way which God has chosen to prosper His people, what is the benefit of prophesying blessings to them? Especially unto those who do not follow the sure ways of God?
In one of our Pastor’s meetings, a leader spoke and said, “These things we prophesy to them are just to make them happy. The only way they can become millionaires is if they work for it.” And then another pastor jestingly said, “it is to avoid heart panic.” Some of the available pastors laughed; but I was stunned that some knew this half-truth, but it is hidden from my people. It is half-truth because indeed, God can scale up the productivity of our labour.
The people of God are largely being manipulated and deceived by many preachers. The holistic truth concerning the way to prosperity is hidden from God’s people. What we have instead of truth is blessings, riches, and prosperity, dished through prophetic utterances; then money is collected, yet we do not ever get blessed.
There is a way that leads to the sure blessings of God. God can enlarge the coast of a man, and give him customers and connections that can scale up his divine provisions. But it is only when we follow His own way, and not the way of preachers, nor our own self-taught ideas.
Deuteronomy 8:18 “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.”
The teaching that money, seeding and giving is the way to obtain the blessings of Abraham is greatly over-exaggerated. This is where the major problem is.
There are matters that outweigh seeding and giving when it comes to divine blessings. And just as knowing the contents of the last pages of a book is not enough to pass an exam on the book, so is how pursuing after one truth of God’s blessings, and ignoring the main matters will lead to failed efforts to walk into divine blessings. This is principally why we sow and do not reap the blessings of God. We have not been told the wholesome truth, and so we don’t know the high ways of God.
And because we lack knowledge, we have acted in folly, and have imagined that God is what He is actually not. Many have backslidden because of the thoughts that God is unfaithful. But it is because we lack knowledge of the workings of God.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” -Hosea 4:6
“The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.” – Proverbs 19:3
I therefore beg, that my readers will follow this series until the end. Because their knowledge of the truth will make or mar their blessings in the God of Abraham, King David, and Jesus Christ.
1. RIGHTEOUSNESS OUR REGISTRATION
Righteousness is the bush clearer; it fertilizes the ground; it breaks the fallow ground for God to begin the act of blessing a man. This is an untold truth. Righteousness is the FIRST requirement by God from anyone who would be prosperous, and be blessed by Him.
Before we get into proving the truth above, let me state clearly why you may not hear this truth from the pulpit.
Number one reason is ignorance. The ignorance of teachers and preachers of God’s word who do not eat the Holy Book before they teach, has cost the Lord Jesus much sorrow. They have taught God’s people from their own great ideas, and have ignored sound doctrine built on God’s word and principles. This is why I maintain that anyone who has not read the entire bible at least twice, is not qualified to teach in a Sunday school class.
The second reason is that very many church people live in wickedness and sin, both clergy and laity. Many of the rich in church are truly unrighteous and wicked.
If one maintains the massage, and teaches that righteousness is the number one requirement to be prospered by God, there is the fear that many who should have given money will draw back. Because men may not delight to sow where they will not reap. So, to keep the income and money flowing in the Church of Jesus Christ, the truth is shielded, and diminished by men who preach to us.
Meanwhile, if the truth were spoken to the people, the unrighteous would suffer momentary hurt, but they would have known the truth that could save them forever. Then, in the long run, they will increase in the fear of God. And in the fear of God, they will pursue after righteousness; turning their hearts to God. In righteousness, men will delight in knowing that God prospers the righteous; and they will no more shrink from giving to God when the truth is preached.
And if the Holy Spirit settles in the heart of the righteous, He will put the love and fear of God in their hearts. And this love of God will overshadow all acts of self, causing them to be willing and obedient in the service of God. By this godly transformation, a believer can give all he has to God whom he now loves, by the Spirit of righteousness.
“… the righteous give without restraint.” – Proverbs 21-26b
Giving to God out of pure love and fear was the mindset of the early church. This mindset made them sell their belongings, and brought it to God. It was this same spirit that drove the spread of the gospel of Christ by many preachers. Righteous men and women who loved God, gave and sacrificed much for His work, including their own lives.
When someone loves, he naturally wants to give, to prove his love. No one, no sermon, can teach us to love God; but by His Spirit of covenant this is made possible. And the only way the presence of His Spirit is established in a man is when we pursue after righteousness (plus holiness and obedience).
And when the Spirit sows the seed of the Love of God in a man’s heart, he becomes a natural investor into God’s affairs.
I give because of the strong relationship I have with God. I love the Lord Jesus, and I want to see His work succeed; I delight in His praise; this is why I give much.
If men of God had known the secret to having members who support God’s kingdom with their resource, they would seek first the kingdom of God, and work to establish His righteousness in the lives of God’s people. This would be his number one task, not prosperity, riches, seeding, or money-compelling sermons. It is God who will bless His people; it is He that gives us the power to get wealth. And the Lord would add every other godly spice into the congregation, including the heart to give to God. Then God’s blessings will multiply much unto any people. For when they sow, they will reap in joy; and one who sows sparingly will reap sparingly. “For God accepts the sacrifice of the righteous, but hates the sacrifice of the wicked.” Proverbs 15:8
And when God begins to prosper His church which has returned to Him in righteousness and sacrificial spirit, the income of the church which shrank before, will once again blossom in increasing value.
Again, if they who were appointed by God to oversee the flock knew the powerful effect of having a Church that fears the Lord, they would invest all their strength in channeling the hearts of their membership towards the God who demands righteousness FIRST, from His people.
But today many men of God only think of the present, and the urgent need to increase the monetary value of the Church and their pockets. When a man of God has this mindset, his God is nothing but mammon. He has become a slave to the lust for riches. But a true man of God is dead to money.
Many pastors and church leaders are not willing to suffer a little loss for the people of God to be saved, and repositioned by the hand of God. They do not want a little downturn in finances, that better days will be put in place for the congregation, which will in-turn prosper them also.
Because we have deserted God’s truth; because we have not preached that God hates the sacrifices of the wicked, and that blessings is on the head of the righteous (Proverbs 10:6); because we have fronted giving money and seed as the principal need of the generous God of Abraham, the people of God has waxed strong in their wickedness, and have not turned from it. Rebellion and unrighteousness has filled the church of God, and many have lost absolute fear for God. And how shall they prosper in wickedness and grave sin against God?
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Today we have members who do what is unlawful to make unrighteous gains. And because they are not told the whole truth, they think that the gains of their increased unrighteousness which will take them to everlasting burnings are the blessings of God; they call it grace when sin yields riches.
And when some have made vile money by deceit and evil ways, they return tithes and seeds to the Church. And although many pulpit merchants may know that wickedness is involved, they gladly accept it, and pray for it to be well with the unrighteous. But it shall be ill with the wicked, says the Lord.
God has prepared a day of recompense for the wicked; a day of sorrow, and and day of mourning. Here and hereafter, he shall reap the gains of his wickedness. The eyes of God is set to do them evil; “For God is a righteous God, and He is angry with the wicked everyday.” – Psalm 7:11
Whether he is sleeping, or eating, or driving, or singing, or dancing in church, or lifting up unrighteous hands, or preaching, or giving seeds and tithes, whatever, wherever, whenever, the anger of God burns against the wicked and the unrighteous.
The fewer faithful men must warn the Church of Christ concerning this.
For if all unrighteousness will lead to damnation, then it is not grace, or the hand of God that enriches the wicked at heart and deed.
The blessings of Jehovah, it makes rich; and He adds no sorrow to it. It will not lead you to destruction, nor will it separate you from God. That riches and open doors that will separate you from God is not a blessing; it is not grace. It is meant to cement your eternal destruction.
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death(even the second death). Proverbs 10:6
A. Abrahamic blessings
I have seen those who teach that God called us out of the world to bless us like Abraham. This is untrue! Abraham was not called out to be blessed. God has the power to bless him right in his fathers house. Just as Job was blessed right there in his own town of Uz.
With Abraham, God wanted a nation, a people, a generation that would fear His name, and to show forth His praises among the nations who knew other gods, that all men many see and know the one true God and His judgments. And Abraham was called out to be the father of that generation that would serve this purpose of God.
God was also going to give Abraham the Holy Spirit by which he shall know his God. So Abraham became a prophet. And Abraham was commanded to teach his offspring the knowledge of God. By this knowledge, the sons, if they will abide in it, will also attain to the blessings and covenants of Abraham. For it is written;
For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” – Genesis 18:19
When God spoke the above to His angel, Abraham was already blessed. What remained was the promise of a great nation that would come from Him. But the number one rule was that Abraham will instruct his posterity according to the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice.
It is my belief, according to the spirit of teaching, that God delayed His promise to Abraham in order to teach His ways to Him first; for Abraham was a pagan before He was found by God.
So, because God was direly looking for a righteous generation, He made their greatness and blessings depend on righteousness and justice. And without righteousness there would be no Abraham’s blessings or any greatness for His offsprings.
All covenants have stipulations, and rules. Abraham’s covenant relied on righteousness.
The Lord’s anger with Israel, for which He allowed them to be plundered and destroyed by the enemies, famine, plagues, and wars, was based on this fact and truth.
And whenever the sons of Abraham failed in righteousness and justice, Abraham’s blessings were held back. Then they were plundered until they lost all they gathered.
At one instance, they imagined that God would accept the sacrifice of goats and sheep, and relieve them of their troubles. But the Lord rebuffed them, saying:
“I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
“For Righteousness shall exalt a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
These, my people, are the true words of our God. This truth is very consistent all over the Old testament. God cannot change from loving righteousness to mongering sacrifice and seed.
Therefore, if anyone wants to connect into the sure blessings of the Abrahamic covenant, tell him that he must register his interest with righteousness. It is God’s first demand.
B. Davidic Blessings
Now the days of David drew near that he should die,and he charged Solomon his son, saying: “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ – 1 Kings 2
Again, here was a man whom the Lord promised to make his generations great and established. But the terms were that his posterity must walk before the Lord God, in truth, and with all their hearts, keeping the judgments of God and obeying His laws. According to King David, by following these instructions, Solomon will be established into the Davidic covenant. David was also a son of Abraham, who prospered because He followed His God in righteousness.
“For a throne is established on righteousness.” – Proverbs 16:12
In his early years, King Solomon followed the God of His father David, and served Him in obedience and righteousness according to the ways of David, and God greatly blessed Him. In the later part of his life, he abandoned God. This evil was instrumental to the division of the Kingdom of Israel. For whenever a covenant is broken, the opposite of the agreement becomes the case.
Throughout the Lineage of David, righteous rulers like Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, who led the nation into righteousness prospered in their reign. Even if they became kings at a hard and cruel time, the hand of God would eventually turn the fortune of the nation around, and their kingdoms were greatly established.
But the kings who did evil in the eyes of God received plundering, famines, wars, and plagues until hard times befell the nation. So it was said in Proverbs 14:34.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people(even people of God).”
The inability of the descendants of David to keep to the Davidic covenant in righteousness and justice brought about the destruction and exile of Israel. The human dynasty of David ended with Zerubbabel. Right now Israel has no King, and no Davidic dynasty to rule. But God had already raised for Himself an everlasting arm in Christ Jesus, the righteous King whom He shall cause to inherit the throne of His father- David; and to His Kingdom shall be no end; for He shall reign in righteousness, equity, and Justice.
C. The Blessings in Christ
When God saw that the sons of Abraham had failed in righteousness and justice, God raised up another Father of Covenant, through whom a new generation of God seekers and God pleasers would be blessed and established. Again, that is, if they will follow the way of Him Who is the Father of the new covenant.
Jesus Christ was this father – the Father of those who worship God through Him. We know that Christ Himself is also a seed of Abraham, and that all Abrahams seeds are to be blessed by following the way of righteousness, justice, and mercy. Therefore, though we are in Christ, nothing has changed concerning our divine blessings from God. It must be tethered by righteousness.
And because the Lord Jesus who was before Abraham, who also established a covenant with him, knows what the Lord needs from all who want to be prospered by the hand of God, He said to His followers;
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
By doing this simple instruction, the promises of father Abraham remains for all the people of God. This is why I said that nothing has changed in how God blesses His people, both Jews and Christians; righteousness is our registration.
Let us cease all these motivational prophecies; for prophecy is overrated! When God has an oracle and instructions concerning His blessings, when He has told us what to do in order to attract riches, prophesying instead of declaring the oracle becomes deceit, and shouting amen to these prophesies instead of doing the word of God is foolishness. “For God is no respecter of persons.” -Acts 10:34. “He has exalted His word above all His name.”- Psalm 138:2.
There was no one prophesying to Abraham when God was blessing Him. There was no one prophesying to David, Solomon, Job, or Joshua when God was blessing them. But by doing what was right in the eyes of God, and by inclining to the judgments of God, the Lord prospered them in whatever they did, and blessed them wherever they turned.
It is the Church of today that has turned blind eyes on the scriptural issues of God’s blessings, and have pursued after prophetic declarations that do not work. Yes! We would all have been millionaires judging from the many prophetic declarations we receive at almost every Church gathering.
Corrupted by the lie that blessings are obtained by giving money, we have neglected the full oracle of divine blessings and prosperity.
True, it is more blessed to give that to receive. But the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to God; we must first preach to them. We must teach the wholesome truth of God. By this, the flock of Christ will attain their true blessings and remain sanctified.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11
“The righteous will flourish like the date palm; They will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” –
“The Lord knows the days of the upright, And their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” -Psalm 92:12
“Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, For they shall eat the fruit of their righteous labour.” Isaiah 3:10
Proverbs 10:6 “Blessings are on the head of the righteous.”
I hope to have convinced us beyond doubt that the FIRST, and most powerful instrument of our blessings as Christians is our righteousness before God. Therefore, let us seek FIRST the kingdom of God and its righteousness; that all other things shall be added unto us.
“Gold and silver are tested by fire, and a person’s heart is tested by the Lord.” – Proverbs 17:3-13
“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart” – Deuteronomy 8:2
“So that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:7
I have figured out a secret that I would love to share with God’s people. I saw this secret in the bible, and by the anointing, the light shined on me. And now I understand the world we live in and how it was set up by God to test and proof men who will enter into the Kingdom of God. I have seen the true issues of the eternal destiny of a believer and the unbeliever. I have seen that all our years on earth, we are being tested by fire.
“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart.” – Deuteronomy 8:2
The truth is that, all through ages, all through times, this earth and stage has been a field of great test. It was established so by the wisdom of God. Our test is so great that it is likened to fire. And as fire consumes impurities, and refines precious metals, that is how the great test of all mankind consumes many, and condemns them to destruction, while refining others, and preparing them for their future inheritance in God’s Kingdom.
If you care about eternity, you must not be carried away by circumstances which surround you, whether good or bad, it is all a test. Put in another way, you must not allow the good you own, or your ill situation(s) make you rebel, or become lawless, God is testing you.
Those whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life since the foundation of the world will be carried away by the fire protocols of this present age. They will forget that all creation is in fire-groaning, moving towards eternity, and waiting for God to reveal His tested and trusted sons.
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:10
Look at this scripture above. Jesus was telling the Philadelphian church that an hour of trial is coming upon mankind, but He was going to keep them out of it. For this promise to be possible, it means that that Church must cease to exist.
We might think that it is the Antichrist tribulation, but it is not. If the time of trial which Jesus spoke of was the antichrist’s lawless days, there will be no need to promise a Church that stopped existing like over 1600 years ago that He would preserve them from the antichrist tribulation that is yet to come up till now. For God already knew that the Philadelphian Church would not see the Antichrist years. Unless the test He meant was close to them, and that He was going to push it beyond their span of existence.
Now, let us look at the Old Testament and see how Israel was tested by God in their journey to the promise land, and how God continued to test them in Canaan. Take a look at these scriptures.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. Exodus 16:4
“And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” Deuteronomy 8:2
“Who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end.” -Deuteronomy 8:16
“I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, 22 so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the Lord, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not.” Judges 2:22-22
“And they were left, that He might test Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of the Lord, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.” Judges 3:4
The scriptures above will ring huge bells in the mind of those who devote time to know the word of God firsthand. It will also help us understand the trueness of the message of this post.
God began to test the Jews right from the beginning of their walk with Him. He tested them for faithfulness, and for trust. He tested their obedience, and willingness. He tested their ways, and knew what was in their hearts.
In some cases, He used good times to test if they will become carried away by the blessings and providence of God; if they still will be willing to humble and obey Him. In other cases, He tested them with lack and want. He willfully allowed them be in want, just to see if they will be faithful and trust in Him till the end. God also tested if they will decide to turn away from Him, His word, and His ways in times of difficulty and confusion.
In all these tests, Israel continued to show that they were not worthy of being called God’s people, and that they were not deserving of the rest of God.
Let the situation of ancient Israel echo also for the times we live in. In our days, situations and conditions of life still floor many in this field of test. The gracious blessings of the rich has cause many to stumble into pride, haughtiness, wickedness, and destruction. The low level of many has led them into prostitution, stealing, and other diabolical means of survival. But it was all a test.
For very light reasons, Christians fail the test that was put before them by Go. Many have done great evil in the sight of God, thereby sealing our eternal destiny by our failing to stand firm for Christ. We have forgotten that this place is not a permanent home.
From the scriptures, Job showed that he understood this mystery when he said:
“What is man, that You should exalt him, That You should set Your heart on him, That You should visit him every morning, And test him every moment?” – Job 7:17-18
Apostle Paul knew this mysterious truth also. In 1 Corinthians 3:13, he wrote to builders of God’s people, reminding them that their work- the sheepfold of God which they labour to build, will be tested by fire. And we know that we are all the work of one builder or the other. Therefore, Paul is saying that God will test us all with fire. Not in heaven, but right here on earth is the test.
Peter, the apostle was not ignorant of the testing of a Christian man. For he said: “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” – 1 Peter 1:7
Faithfulness is the test. God will test if we will be faithful, no matter what, till the end, or even until death.
God will test us with hunger and lack. He will test us with riches and times of plenty. He will test our deeds when others have more than us. God would want to know if we will follow after envy, jealousy, strife or maliciousness.
God will test our reaction when the world and society is against us, against our faith, and against our beliefs. In that time, are we going to remain faithful to the pilgrim’s cause, and stand up for Jesus and His word, or are we going to become cowards and choose the world?
In America and many societies, very many, even men of God has failed to stand up for the truth of God when their beliefs are questioned by the godless society. Thus, many have been defeated by the testing that was meant to establish them as elects of God.
Priesthood is all a test; a very great proofing. When God calls a man, He begins to tests if he will sell his soul to the corruption that seeks money and wealth. The corruption that masters deceitful ways of turning the gospel into a money making scheme. Those who would rather make the people happy instead of daggering their hearts with the word of God. The corruption that lays aside the truth that saves and washes God’s sheep, and those who tell lies on the pulpit for gains, who also carry the message of Christ in covetousness. God will test them.
Many priests were tested, and they proved why their names were never written in the Book of Life from the foundations of the world.
Yes! God has saved you oh priest. But why would He not take you up to heaven? He first wants to test if you are worthy. Then He called you into in vineyard to test what was in your heart, and it didn’t take long before you proved Him right for testing your ways o priest.
As a Christian, our loved ones many have abandoned Christ. Then God will use them to test if we will love them more than Him. If we will desert Him for the sake of our children, parents or loved ones. It is all a big fire test. And very many are failing! Many believers in America and other nations have already failed.
If God gives you a wife or husband, He begins to test your faithfulness to His judgments on marital relationship. When He gives you a child, He tests your willingness to bring up the child in the fear of God and according to His righteous ways. He gives you a parent, He will also test your obedience and regard for his word on parental/child relationship. If we fail in His test, we have also proven not worthy of his kingdom.
If as a parent, having done your best, yet the child rejects wisdom, God will not judge you. But if you contribute to the wickedness God sees in your child, by not bringing them up according to the ways of God, to fear Him and do what is right in his eyes, then you have failed the test.
When God gives you a leader, He will test your heart, to know if you will be a faithful follower, or one who is a rebel. If He makes you a leader, a religious leader or secular leader, He will test if you will put on pride, if you will mistreat those you lead, or if you will humble yourself before Him and His judgments. He will test if you will be fair, if you will lead in equity, if you will show mercy, and if you will do justice.
In your days of testing as a leader or head, God will purposefully cause you to see funds, and He will test if you will steal church funds, project funds, or public funds.
Leadership is a big test; it has cost many the kingdom of God. Many become leaders and forget the God of their humble beginnings. But God was only testing them with leadership. He already knew that they would fail, but He needed to prove why their names where not written in His Book of life, so He tested them, and they proved Him the God who knows all things from the beginning.
If God should give you wealth, He will also test your loyalty to Him with your wealth. He will know if you will be supportive of the work of God, and lend to those who are in need of help. Or if you will watch His work crumble, and the less privilege suffer, while you live in a tall castle. God will test what is in your heart; do not fail!
If you are a ‘faithful and blameless Christian’ and God allows you to become sick and sorrowed by oppressions, He is trying if you will depart and seek help where there is no help. He will see if you will wait for Him no matter what, even if he delays and death comes. He will be proved right for writing your name in His Book or not writing it.
There could be many unanswered prayers and reason to backslide. But for what reason? It is a test of patience and trust. This is the time God will test what you will do. If you will continue to obey, if we will continue to pray, if you will continue to seek and wait for Him.
Finally Christian, remember that these things are fire-protocol tests. If fire is easy to pass through, it will be easy to pass through these great tests. We are tested in every stage and level of our lives on earth. And you will hardly figure it out that God you are being tested, and that you are already failing. But be ye firm, and do not fail your God!
For narrow is the way that leads into eternal life, and a few will enter into it. It is not because many will not see the way, it is because, when they will face the tests of the narrow way, they will fail.
There is a Book in heaven containing the names of those who will be saved at the end of all times. Even those who will be born tomorrow, those who will make it through the narrow way, and pass the tests, their names are already printed on that great Book. God has foreknown that they would be relentless in the struggle to enter into God’s kingdom, and that they would pass all the tests they would face. So He wrote their names on His Book.
If we have already failed God, it simply means that our names were never written in that book. God already foreknew that we would not submit to Him.
But today, if we read this post, and will decide to turn back to God, pursue after Him, and hold on till the end; if we will decide to pass all our remaining tests, it means that our names were written in the Book. God also foresaw us making a U-turn and deciding to stand for Him till the end. The choice is yours!
“And he who stands firm to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13
“Do not be afraid of what you will suffer. Listen! The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will be in trouble for ten days. Be faithful even to death. Then I will give you the crown of life.” Revelations 2:10
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:31. “For if we would judge ourselves [using scripture to recognize our shortcomings and correcting our behavior], we should not be judged.”
Text 2: Revelation 13:8. “And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Very many of us would ignorantly say: “Do not Judge me, you are not God, let God be the judge”. It is a saying that looks to ward off possible godly counsel, correction and instruction against the ways we have chosen that is against the ways of God.
But there is a truth we must know. The truth is that we that have obtained the law have also been judged by God. Both sinners and the righteous have been booked for death and life respectively.
Revelation 13:8 “And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
The names of those who will pass the judgment of God and enter into eternal life are in the Book of Life. Heaven rejoices in anticipation of their glorious home-coming and their future reign with Christ. They are the saved who are living a holy (Isaiah 35:8) and righteous (Matthew 13:43) life unto God. They are remarked for having the fear of God; they have also kept themselves clean (Psalm 24:3). These people will undoubtedly inherit the kingdom of God. This is what the Bible teaches, right from the beginning to the end of it.
We know that the word of God is where the idea of heaven, hell and judgement comes from. And if these are true as we have already believed (for we have seen and tasted that our God is the almighty), then we must also open our eyes to see that the word of God has mapped out certain kind of persons as those who will inherit the kingdom promised by God.
Again; ‘if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.’
If the Book of Life means condemnation for those whose name are not found in it, our main aim as Christians must be -to live in a way worthy of this Book. This is the only way to pass the judgment of God. If we are not living in a way worthy of it, our names cannot be written in it. It means that we are already perishing. Do not wait for God’s judgement to know this. Turn back while you can!
Those who say they belong to God must stop resisting godly reprimand and preachers of truth, heaven and hell, waiting for God to judge them. Open the bible and see how God judges the works of men, that is how we all will be judged on the last day.
Test your deeds using the written word of God and know if your will escape eternal damnation. For the Judgments of God and how he will judge sinners, the wicked and those who corrupt the earth are not hidden from us. They are bold in the scriptures. For this, no one would be of any excuse.
If the bible says that those who practice what we do shall enter into heaven, it means that we shall live. But if the bible says that those who practice what we do will not enter into the kingdom of God, let it be known that on that day when men shall stand to give account before the great God, we shall likewise perish without mercy. Because mercy ends when we die!
It will not matter if we are of the Church or of the world. For by the word of God, all men shall be judged. If we already know what the word says, then we have known the outcome of the judgement of Christ.
“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of iniquity!’” – Matthew 7:23
“He that rejects me, and receives not my words, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48
Jesus said it Himself. The very words He preached, the words of the prophets and apostles, the word of God is our sure judgement. It is inevitable!
Let us not think that there is a different handbook by which God will judge us on the last day, let us not think that God will bring new judgements to the judgment seat of Christ. It is the bible, the law we already know and have refused to be corrected by it, same words, same law, same judgements will be used to judge us on the last day.
What then should we do today? We must first judge ourselves truthfully, for God is not a partial Judge. Today we must allow ourselves to be told the truth that hurts so that we can be saved for tomorrow. Our main text says, ‘if you judge yourselves today and turn from that for which you are judged by God’s word, you will not be judged on that day.’
Turn! People of God, turn this day! Turn from sin and iniquity; turn from wickedness and all unrighteousness. For there is no other judgment apart that that which you have heard before, – ‘that the wages of sin is death (even to the second death).’
Some truths we must not dismis about the judgements of God
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18
“For unless a man is born again, he shall not see the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8
“No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:8
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
In conclusion, do not come into judgment hoping to pass it. Open the bible and know if you will pass it or not. If the bible condemns you today, you will be condemned on judgment day. We have already been judged by God, we who have received and heard the law.
Text: Jeremiah 8:18-21: “When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me.
“Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? Is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities?
“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
“Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?”
Many years are gone from when Jeremiah the man of God prophesied to Judah. Many centuries are gone since he made a remarkable prayer and lamentation. He made a strong statement which echoes through many generations of the people, even the Christian Church. And we cannot afford not to understand this lamentation against the people of God.
Jeremiah – The weeping prophet of Judah
God sent Jeremiah on a rescue mission to his own people. Israel had already been removed, and destruction was not far from Judah. Because God did not desire that Judah should also perish like Ephraim, He sent Jeremiah to do a Back to God evangelistic outreach.
Jeremiah worked in many tears and in great pain which earned him ‘the weeping prophet’. His calling denied him of many privileges of his youthful years, yet he was full of great distress. Many times, he was threatened and conspired against. At a time, He tried to shut his mouth, but he could not resist God for long. For he was a watchman in Judah; seeing destruction like a tide coming upon Judah, warning the sons of men to turn back to God and be saved was his duty.
Howbeit, after many years of outreaching his people and trying to convince his people of the need to return to God, Jeremiah wept and wrote a lamentation in Chapter 8:18-21. But for the sake of this article, our major concern is verse 20.
“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20
This is to say, from the first day of his outing was a time set. A time of expectancy and mercy; a time for forgiveness, healing, salvation, and a returning. God was waiting, judgement was coming, and time was ticking fast. The last days, the day of the Lord’s anger were not too far.
But for many years the Jews ignored the call to turn from their wicked ways and return to God. Then at a time, grace and mercy elapsed and judgment became inevitable. God had decided that He would neither relent nor forgive, but utterly destroy Judah.
The appointed times later came to an end; the summer time allocated for Judah to be redeemed from destruction also ended, but Judah did not return, Judah was not saved.
Babylonians invaded Jerusalem in 597 BC. And in about ten more years they totally destroyed Judah, Jerusalem and the temple. The destruction closed the chapter of Israel and Judah just as Jeremiah warned them would happen should they continue to be stiff necked and not turned back to God.
This powerful saying of Jeremiah still echoes strong for the people of the nations and the Church of God.
From the first day we came to Christ was a time also set for us. Some of us grew up in the church. From the first day we were dedicated before God was a time allocated, and the clock started to tick on us.
In that time is an expectation; in that time is a demand. For us to be born again, for us to find God, for us to know Him and have a vital contact with Him. In that time, we are supposed to be formed into the image of God in holiness and righteousness. In that time, God expects us to rack up spiritual might and knowledge to enable us face the challenges of the night and dark days that will come upon the earth and cause many to fall. In that time, we are supposed to experience God beyond the letter and what the pastor is saying. In that time, we are supposed to have our names eternally stamped in the book of life.
Yet! From that first day till now, many of us are still unsaved. For the Holy Spirit has revealed, and still reveals that many of those who belong to the Church are going to hell. For the summer is ended, the harvest is past, time is running out, yet we are not saved.
Having spent years in the Church, many of us do not even understand what it means to be born again. Many do not know God; many have not experienced Him. Many still do not know ‘the tellings’ of the Spirit. The knowledge and power of the Kingdom to come we still lack. The life of Christ is yet to be formed in us, so we are still being defeated by sin and darkness. But darkness should not have conquered us if we pursued after what we were called to pursue.
For we have sought after many things, pursued many frivolities like titles and positions, appointment and role, singing and dancing plus other secondary matters which has little or zero weight in the light of eternity with God. But that which is most important for why we are in the Church, we are yet to have. The summer is passing, the clock is ticking, eternity beckons, judgment approaches, hell rejoices, but many of us are still not saved.
Very many Church goers have died in the condition of not being saved. I cried bitterly when God caused me to know that many of us are perishing. Oh! How I cried deeply that noon.
Our Churchiness and everything we chase after means nothing if we do not find God while we are still in that time frame appointed to us. But how can we find Whom we are yet to seek with all our hearts? How can we know Whom we do not draw close to?
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” -Jeremiah 29:13
Now, to those who are dead and cannot come back to listen and seek Him, the harvest is past, and the summer is ended.
But for us that live, the summer end also approaches very fast. Time is ticking, many are dying every day, and the question is, ‘Are you are saved?’ Church goer, have you found Jesus Christ or are you just whiling away your time in many religiosities that do not matter? Are you born again? Have you experienced God beyond the letter? Is the nature of Christ formed in you? And is your name in the Book of Life? We must tremble much if we cannot answer a bold yes to all these questions.
For many, the summer has ended. For others, it will take some more time, then comes the end of the time allocated to them. Let us endeavor to be certain of our salvation. We must not delay in doing the things that is required of us, and we cannot afford to pursue what is not vital while we are still in the summer. Lest, we shall cry that the harvest is past, the summer is ended and we were not saved.
Text: Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The life Jesus promised us His people is one that is abundant in freedom, peace and joy. The promises of God are overwhelmingly rich and magnanimous that when resounded, we shall think to ourselves that all should be well with a Christian. The opposite is actually the case most times. The reason is because many do not yet understand how we can enter into the victorious nature of Christ.
The will of God from creation is for man to replicate His abilities and nature. For this, man was made in the image of God. And God said to Adam and Eve: “Be fruitful and dominate.”
Howbeit, God’s people find it hard to produce the very nature of God and His Christ which characterized by dominion and victory over –
Sin and Flesh
Evil
Darkness
The world
Over all these, Jesus our Lord who is also our Father had victory and dominion.
Over sin: Jesus Christ was declared sinless by Isaiah’s prophecy and the New Testament (2 Corinthians 5:21). His human nature couldn’t overcome Him.
Over evil: Christ had supreme dominion over evil. He cast out demons by command; they bowed, listened and obeyed. No power could withstand Him in His days. And although there were evil and evil people in the world, evil could not conquer His goodness. And Himself said, “Whoever believes in me will do greater than these, because I am going to the Father (John 14:12).”
The sad reality is that many of our Churches, Pastors and Christians cannot overpower small evil Spirits. And as for evil, it has long conquered many among us.
Over darkness, Jesus is the Light of the world. For Light shines in darkness and darkness cannot not comprehend, nor defeat His Light. When Satan approached, Jesus said: “For the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. (John 14:30)”
Over the world, Jesus lived in dominion. The world here is all organized forces that fights against the knowledge and worship of God. This includes Satan, Demons, agents of darkness, the wickedness of men, sin and death. For He said: “In the world you will have tribulations/trouble, but fear not! For I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)”
If Christ had all this dominion and victory, then the following questions may be rightly asked:-
Why do many believers find it hard to overcome sin after coming to Christ? Twice have I been asked a similar question. Truly there are many testimonies of those who believed with their heart, and power for sonship came upon in them. But it is also true that many believers still live under the bondage of sin.
One of the questions came from my cousin. He asked why it is hard to become whom he wants to be despite numerous times of surrendering to Christ. The other question was from a stranger. He asked, “Why do we still sin?” That is to say he is finding it hard to stop sinning despite his belief. There is an answer to this question.
Why are many of us still very much plagued much by insurmountable troubles despite the promise of abundant life? Today we see that many Church people suffering mental health challenges and depression. Why do many not have dominion over these things? Surely joy and peace are part of the abundant life package!
Why are many believers still in bondage? For the captives of the mighty and preys of the strong men were supposed to be set free by the power of the Cross.
Do we not know that many Church people dwell in darkness? Jesus is the Light of men, I’ve tasted and seen that He truly saves from darkness. But there are very man of us who still soul travel, astral project, and are bound in various spiritual societies. Yes! Many Church people have become Children of the night. It is not supposed to be this way, but many of us are ignorant of the truth, so we remain bound. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)”
The summary of these questions is, why are we not able to be victorious like Jesus our Father and Lord? Sin, flesh, evil, troubles, darkness and the world still have many of us by the neck, leading many of us into eternal damnation.
The answer to these questions is gotten from the text Matthew 11:28-30
Firstly, Jesus said to the people: “Come unto me all ye that are heavy ladened and I will give you rest.” This call is likened to the initial call unto Christ; for men to come and receive rest and freedom from sin, evil, darkness, depression, life billows and eternal damnation.
This message is for those who have passed this level. That is to say, I write to the Church of God; to those who have answered the call to come and follow the Lord Jesus.
But one could visit a barber’s shop and leave without shaving. For him to get a haircut, he needs to reason with the barber on the cost of getting a haircut. He needs to pay for it and then sit on the barber’s chair to show readiness, and then he can be saved. Similarly, one can be in the Church, have many titles, do many good works, but is yet to be saved.
A Man of God visited a good Churcher. While preparing to leave, the Holy spirit spoke to this man of God concerning the very soul of the good Churcher. The Spirit said: “He is not saved; preach to him.” The Man of God was very hesitant because this was a good Churcher who should have been saved. Unfortunately, he finally left without doing what he was told to do.
In the morning, the man of God got a message that the man he refused to minster to has died. It was late, but he cried much anyway.
Here is the wisdom of God in Jeremiah 8:20
“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!”
When we go to Church, we are like those in a barber’s shop. The true expectation is that we will be shaved and made clean. But the harvest is coming, the end of time is almost here, many of us are still on the pursuit of many things that matter not, without seeking genuine salvation which is what truly matters. Therefore, many are not saved; and very many have died yet unsaved.
The call of Christ is only the first step. Those who stop in the first level of this call cannot experience total freedom and victory in the areas of their lives. Even if the yoke if sin is broken at instant sanctification, there needs to be progressive work of God in a man life until he is made like our God and Christ.
Hence, Jesus gave us the second command: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly at heart; and you will find rest for your souls.”
Thus, the rest Jesus promised was only possible to those who do the second command. Those who only come to become Churchers or church people will miss the main package.
A Farm Animal Yoke
The yoke of Christ is the teachings of Christ. To take them up and bind it on our necks is the second command of Jesus Christ. A farm yoke is not meant to restrict freedom, but to direct an animal according to wishes of the farmer. He wants to Lord us, and the proof that He Lords and directs us is that we do His word and practice His teachings.
Then Jesus continued: “Learn from Me; for I am meek and lowly at heart; then you will find rest for your souls.” This means that it is not just the teachings of Jesus, we also have to learn from Him. That is to say, we must observe, study, learn and imitate His ways.
Apostle Paul had a secret to his victorious Christian life. For He said: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)”
Therefore, if a believer truly wants to come to true dominion and victorious nature of Christ, he also has to know and live by the teachings of Christ as it is in the Bible. “Do not be hearers or readers only, but also doers of the word. (James 1:22)” Secondly, He must replicate the life which Christ lived. By His ways the Apostles of Christ lived in victory. The early Church also lived by this way and they had dominion.
What we learn from the life of Jesus Christ
His Holy life We have to live a holy Life unto God. Holiness is separating ourselves from sin and consecration unto God. Holiness is the nature of the Victorious God. The Victorious nature of God is therefore made possible for men if they will also put on Holiness like God. From this post you can see what Holiness is about.
When a man is Holy, he shows faithfulness to the covenant of God. Therefore, God will supply more of His Spirit of might, of Wisdom, of Grace, of knowledge, and of Power. By this Spirit we shall conquer many deficiencies of our mortal flesh and human nature.
Likewise, if we are found wanting, we shall also lack His Spirit. By this, it will be very difficult to overcome sin and to replicate the dominion made possible by the Spirit of the covenant. It is written; “Be Holy as I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
His Prayer Life If there ever was a man who should not pray, it was Jesus Christ. But Jesus was a prayer warrior. He spent nights on top of the mountains praying. The bible says He interceded for the men. Apostle Paul learnt this and he wrote: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17).
Nobody is greater than his prayer life, no church can ever be greater than their prayer life. God cannot work mightily and be glorified among the gentiles until men begin to burn incense of prayer and praise. (Malachi 1:11) The Holy spirit said to me, “God’s power comes when men pray and praise.”
So, imagine a prayerless Christian and a dead Church wishing to become victorious and to dominate the powers of the world of evil, sin and darkness, it is impossible. “Men always ought to pray and not faint.” Luke 18:1
His Knowledge of God’s word Jesus Christ was a man of the letter and of the Spirit. The Sanhedrin asked themselves, “How does He know the law when he never received training for it?” When Satan came to tempt Jesus, He didn’t speak in tongues, he didn’t pray, He only said “It is written…”
The knowledge of God’s word is a killer weapon for a victorious Christian life. Jesus used it to conquer Satan. David used it to overcome. The word of God guided Joshua to become a prosperous and great leader. It helped Hezekiah align to God. It also sustained the kingdom of Josiah in righteousness.
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” -Psalm 119:11
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” – Psalms 119:105
There is no Christian who desires victory over sin and the world who jokes with his bible. There is no one who desires a perfect communion with God who does not make the word of God (both to read and to listen) a priority. Because God relates with us based on His word and not our emotions.
Myself was born again while I was reading the bible. The Spirit of God illuminated me and I broke out from the bondage of the flesh.
I did get to the point- ‘The things I don’t want to do, I see myself doing theme.’ In those days the Spirit caused me to read the letters of Paul with great openness. Then I stumbled upon the text “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Then, with great joy I died to flesh. For something instantly happened to me and I knew it.
The word of God sanctifies a man; it heals us from our inability to know God. It heals us from our inability to replicate His very nature. If we Joke with it, we will never become victorious Christians.
“For He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them out of their destructions.” -Psalm 107:20
I’ve also come to learn that many believers don’t have victory and dominion because they don’t know the word of God. They don’t know the provisions of God for them, and they are highly ignorant on how to access the free gift of God. So, they remain in bondage and chains of sin, Satan and darkness.
A generation of believers who don’t strive to have personal knowledge of the scripture cannot live and walk in dominion like Christ. Likewise, a generation of Pastors who only know to preach money, seed, sacrifice, destiny helpers and prophetic declarations cannot lead victorious men. The teachings of Christ must come before all these. In those plain bible truths lies the power of God made available for the victory of His people. “For you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.“ John 8:32
His Missional living Missional living is to live in a way that our life speaks to others about God. Like doing the work of a missionary with your way of life. Such a life glorifies God before those who don’t know God.
Our Christianity must speak and shine before others. Men must see us and know Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the word, a city built on a hilltop (by God).” That is what we are!
The Apostles and the early Church were observed by the gentiles, and because of the kind of life they lived, the gentiles gave them the name ‘Christians’; meaning people like Christ.
Meanwhile, some Churchers need to convince the world that they are for Christ Jesus. It is because from the judgment of men they are nothing like Christ; but instead, they are like those to whom they were supposed to be a light unto. These Church goers talk like unbelievers, act like them, dress seductively and sultry like them, sing their kind of songs, fight, curse like them, lie and cheat like them. These are those group of Church people who deceive themselves saying: “Christianity is a thing of the heart.” For this, they put on a sinful lifestyle which glorifies the world of sin and Satan the lord of it.
But, from the beginning of times to the revelation of the end, the people whom God calls his own, He has also told, to live in a way worthy of Him. To live in righteousness and in the fear of God- which is to depart from everything that is sinful. To put on holiness and not to copy or become like the word.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.(Romans 12:2)” So, God is not only interested in our hearts. Our works, deeds and acts are very much part of our service to God.
If we are like them(unbelievers), why and what do we preach to them? Why should they take us and our God serious? Thus, we have those who bring shame and disgrace to God and the gospel. No difference between the perishing and them. Instead of being like Christ in missional living and being a light to those who don’t know God, they share in Satan’s agenda to destroy the word with sin.
I remember my years in the Higher Institution. Surrounded by people whose life dishonor God, yet my light shined out to them. I ensured they knew for real that I was different.
One day, some persons decided to try and see if I was genuine by tempting me with a beautiful lady, but I passed! One of the reasons I was victorious over sin and flesh like Christ was because I lived a missional life. For it became very difficult for me to begin to fall for what I lived against. I couldn’t become a hypocrite before them. I couldn’t bare to disgrace and disregard my God after shining light for so long.
And because I lived for God before those who don’t know Him, God gave me grace and strength not to fall before them. “For He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” -Psalm 23:3 “For He who has more will be given.” -Matthew 25:29
Finally, we must know that as people of God, “…You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
He Set His heart on Pilgrimage When the heart is set unto pilgrimage, one desires nothing but what is worth eternal life. To set our hearts on pilgrimage is to live as pilgrims on earth, ever longing for the end of our cause, and looking forward to be united with our eternal Father in a better home. It will help a believer to be careful of deeds that can cause him to lose the crown of life. It will also help him to be faithful and devoted.
Jesus had this mindset when He said to Peter, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. (John 4:33-)” Again Jesus said: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4)” No one who has this kind of mindset entangles himself with worthless things but with things that are of eternal value. Thus, he shall have victory over the lust of the eyes and cravings of men.
Paul also had this mindset when he wrote in Hebrews 12:1 saying; “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
We will beat envy, strife, jealousy, in-fightings, hatred, covetousness, the love of money, malice, and many other sins when we set our hearts on pilgrimage. For we are eternal vessels moving on to eternity. This earthly journey, no matter how sweet or bitter, is a temporal one. Some have just 20 years to spend here; some 30; many won’t see 40; 50 is enough for some; if God favors a man, he may see 70. Nonetheless, eternity is an endless stay. One cannot afford to end up in hell pursuing things that are eternally meaningless. Therefore, we must set our hearts on pilgrimage like Christ.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
He was meek and lowly hearted Meekness is a rare quality such that even the finest of men may not be able to produce it, but by God. Meekness is a quality that includes – gentleness, long-suffering, humility, mildness, submissiveness, yielding, patience, poor in spirit, not willing to get vengeance for yourself etc.
By meekness can the peace of Christ become our portion. Shabby attitude believers are always liable to sin and be made to sin. but in meekness we will learn to leave a quiet and peaceful life, serving God and loving one another.
1 Thessalonians 4:11: “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.”
My yoke is easy; my burden is light
The yoke or burden God puts on a man is to be aided by the power of the Spirit. It is not meant to restrict but meant to guide to full usefulness unto God. No man can please God unless the Spirit empowers Him. And we know that God is willing and benevolent in giving his Spirit to His faithful ones, who takes his yoke and binds it on their neck. When we have done this and allowed the Sprit to be our guide, we will come to realize that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
sin kills, sin destroys. Darkness kills, darkness destroys. The word is full of things that bring men down to depression and mental health issues. “… ButI came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
By saying His yoke is easy, it does not mean that the Christian journey is a roller coaster and fun packed journey. But if we allow Him, if we will be willing and obedient to Him, if we will put on the garment of faithfulness, we will be helped much by the Spirit.
I have seen how much the Spirit can help us if we are willing and obedient. Yes! I have tested of the power of that helps a Christian achieve victory. For it is “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,‘ says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)” “For by strength shall no man prevail. (1 Samuel 2:9)”
Let us be careful to learn that we cannot be helped by God until God sees willingness and obedience to take His yoke upon us and to learn from Him.
Again;
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
“I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.” -Isaiah 28:17
Righteousness is the plumbline of God, it is his measuring tool with which he measures those he will accept their worship, service or sacrifice. This is why it is written: “The prayers of the righteous avails much”. But for the wicked it is written: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD.”
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17
Let us consider that Paul first mentioned righteousness as what God’s kingdom is about. Righteousness is the quality of being right or justifiable by God’s standard in our works and deeds. It is the quality of aligning our works according to God’s judgements. The bible agrees that the judgements of God is righteous in Psalms 119:7.
Many dictionaries define righteousness as what is morally right, but that definition is half baked as long as God is concerned. The ways of God and that of man are not the same. “That which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15. Thus, the Bible defines righteousness as what is right in the eyes of God. It doesn’t matter if men approve of it or speak evil of it; the word of God and His judgements are the standard for Christian righteousness.
I’ve seen believers who don’t want to hear about righteousness and producing works that align with God’s standards, but want to be part of God’s kingdom. Nonetheless, it is impossible for the unrighteous man to find God; his prayers are an abomination to God.
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.
It is impossible for the ungodly and immoral to ever have a relationship with Jesus who is called the King of Righteousness. If He is called the King of righteousness then let us acknowledge that He cannot Lord the unrighteous.
This is how we know that all our works that doesn’t align to the person and judgments of God concerning how we must live is evil no matter how men see it; and that by doing those works we shall not be acceptable by God. “For God is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.” -Psalm 145:17
The righteous judgments of God are put in two rules:
“Do unto others as you would have them do untoyou”, is known as the “Golden Rule”.
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”, is called the “royal law”
Test for righteousness:
Since
The way you treat your husband or wife, is it right in the eyes of God?
How we talk to our wives or husbands is a test of righteousness. We cannot continue to beat-up and mistreat our wives and expect to be acceptable unto God before whom we made an oath of faithfulness. It is a sign of the lack of fear of God. God cannot tolerate such wickedness from any believer. The wives themselves who do not submit to their husbands but treat them with contempt do not have fear for God. God hates violence and he cannot support divorce. He said “I hate divorce.” Why not we allow peace to reign by being submissive and having the fear of God?
A husband ought to ask himself, ‘this thing I do to my wife’, if she does it to me, how will I feel? And a wife should say, ‘this way I treat and talk to my husband’, is it approved of God? And if I were to be a man, will I be kind to such deeds? This is how the righteous think.
A family at war, God hardly answers their prayers because He sees wickedness in them. Only the prayer of the righteous (Those who do what is right to others) avails much – James 5:16. God did not look light on the Israelites when they violated their wives in unrighteousness. He shut the heavens against them, and accused them of doing what is wrong to their wives.
Malachi 2:14 “Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
Malachi 2:15 “But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore, take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.
The way you treat your Children, is right before God?
Can a parent offend and do unrighteousness to the Child? Yes! I have seen a young boy vexed with his mother because she curses him all the time. Let her place herself in the boy’s shoe and see if she would gladly receive cures from her own parents.
A child was reportedly found in the night hawking at night. Not minding her age and security situation, her parents sent her to hawk at night. This is unrighteousness. Children should not be provoked or abused. They should be protected and handled with utter care, knowing that what they see adults do, they will also do.
This is in no way standing against disciplining and correcting a child even with strong measures. There is always a limit that when crossed, can become unrighteousness. By this, starving Children to discipline them is wickedness.
But this is not limited to young Children, but also adults. Parents should not provoke them or push them into sin and evil or cause them harm and great unhappiness as many parents do today. If you wouldn’t want your own parents and God our heavenly father to treat you likewise, do not do it.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Colossians 3:21.
The way you treat your parents, is it right before God?
Similarly, Children must obey, respect, honour and regard their parents. If as a young man or young woman, you wouldn’t like your own children to treat you in same manner, do not do it to your mother or father.
Another truth in this matter is that God will not be displeased if as a Child, you disobey your father or mother to do wickedness, sin or evil in His sight. As long as the judgments of God disapproves of it, do not obey that godless instruction, do not honour it.
The way you treat your workers, is it right before God and his judgements? If you were and employee and treated in same way, would you like it? If God treats you same way, will you be pleased?
Why should a Christian employer remove part of the money he should pay a labourer? Why should you cheat a worker of his pay? Do to others as you want others to do unto you!
The way you treat your daughter in-law, son in-law or their families, is it right before God? If your own Child is treated in a like manner by his/her in-law, will you be happy? Or if you were treated that way by your own in-laws, how would you feel?
The way you treat other people’s Children, is it right?
What about your house help, the way you treat him/her is it right? Will you be glad if someone treats your own child in like manner?
Many who maltreat their house helps are very much part of the Church of God. It is wickedness to treat a Child with contempt and heartlessness because the child is less privileged. God will remember, He is on the side of the downtrodden, He will soon bring his judgement on the wicked master. ‘There is no peace for the wicked’ says the Lord. Return, turn from this evil!
How you treat your servants and apprentice, is it good? It is wickedness not to settle someone who has put in sweat for you; it is evil to work against the good of your servants. God is our master and we expect him to do us good, but why do we do our servants evil?
Any curse laid on you by anyone who has sacrificed sweat and blood for you, and you mistreat him, is highly potent. But why would a Church goer do this wickedness? If another did it to you or your children, how would you feel?
The way you treat your brother, sister and brethren from same parents and relatives, how does it reflect the nature of God?
Very many households and families are in infightings and disputes. Many at times, it is those who claim to belong to God that is the cause of the trouble and disputes in the family. Selfish gain, foolish pride and pursuit, plus lack of the fear of God is the cause of family disputes. But before you treat your own blood in wickedness, ask yourself, this thing I do to my own blood, is it right before God? You grew up together, shared memorable times together why the strife and evil heart?
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalm 133
Member, what you are doing to your pastor, is it right? We see those who rebel against the Pastor’s authority and work against the success of the pastor in the Church. How would you feel if you were a Pastor and another begins to fight your progress?
Many at times we see those who speak to their pastors with contempt and arrogance. ‘Why were you not afraid to speak to Moses my servant in this manner’ God asked Mariam and Aaron before striking Mariam with Leprosy. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram also challenged the authority of Moses and was struck by God. They went down alive into the grave, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. God does not enjoy rebellion against the Pastor or Church leadership.
Righteousness is that we respect and honour the servants of God especially our direct pastors; But do not worship them. With proper channelling of complaints, we can express our grievances and get desired justice. For God does not delight in a place of infighting and quarrelling.
Pastor, Church leader, the way you treat your members is it right? If your leader treats you same way, how will you feel? Why should a Pastor be the reason why the Church of God scatters and the membership join other Churches? But God will remember this great unrighteousness against Him and His Church!
“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore, thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23
Pastor, the way you are treating your fellow minister and pastor is it right?
At a time when senior ministers mistreat the junior ones. But the senior was once a junior, how would you feel if you were treated that way in the early years? And if you faced same treatment and did not like it, why do you also treat another with so much disregard and contempt? Thereby filling the Church with violence and division. It is evil; it is unrighteousness against God who has appointed you both as servants.
If we have no regard for the person of men, shall we also despise the person of God? But it is those who call themselves men of God that will do this act of wickedness.
Leader, how do you treat your subordinates, is it right? How will you feel if your own leader or God treats you likewise?
Follower, how you treat your leader is it right? If God makes you a leader tomorrow and you face same show of disrespect, rebellion and wickedness, will you like it?
How you treat the less privileged, widows, fatherless and motherless is it right? Do you mistreat and subject them to oppression because you know they have no voice and cannot to fight for themselves?
‘I will repay’ says the Lord. Proverbs 11: “God will not let the wicked go unpunished.” Whether he be in the Church or out of the Church; as the scripture says, “There is no peace for the wicked.” Indeed, He has appointed a day to repay the wicked who will not ask for the ways of the righteous and walk in it.
Proverbs 22:22-23 “Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; For the Lord will plead their case and take the life of those who rob them.”
What about the rich who oppress the poor with their money and do wickedness to them? Zechariah 7:10 “And do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’
There cannot be a return to God unless we also return to righteousness towards God and to our neighbours. Without righteousness our prayers and sacrifices of praise and offerings will become abominable to God, and God hardly answers it. Fir the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much –James 5:16. For God is far from the ungodly; but he hearkens to the prayers of the righteous -Proverbs 15:29.
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not – Psalm 15:1-4.
“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:12
Holiness is a subject many fear to preach and of which many believers never want to listen to because the Holiness of God testifies that man is guilty and needs to be saved. The Holiness of God eposes the evil in the hearts of many, even the strong is made weak in the light of His Holiness. Therefore, many people prefer not hear it as not to be exposed and their ego brought low. Nonetheless we cannot regard man over God. God is Holy; He is set apart. And His demand is that we be like Him in Holiness.
“Leviticus 19–20: ‘Be Holy for I Am Holy’”
Holiness is the quality of becoming separated, dedicated and consecrated unto God. It means to put on a white and spotless robe. It is an attribute of God. Therefore, when a man is holy, he is simply copying God. He talks like God, he lives like God, he relates like God, his appearance is like God, what delights God delights Him, he is conformed into the image of Christ and God. God is Holy!
But now, we that are covenanted in the Holy Covenant of God has obtained the Spirit of grace which helps us overcome our weaknesses. Therefore, to holy unto God should be the lifestyle of all saved and heavenly minded Christians. As it is written; “without holiness no one will see God.“ Hebrews 12:14
Therefore, we have to be holy and godlike in appearance, in speaking and conversation, in our relationships with friends, families, loved ones and enemies. We have to be holy in our works and deeds, in character and integrity, in our desires and preferences which includes our career pursuit/source of income. In all areas of our lives, we must show consecration and separation, and that we belong to God with all our hearts.
All our religiousness, legalisms, our outward show of spirituality, great preaching and teaching, great singing, fervent tongues and extravagant giving cannot by any means substitute Holiness. One could have all these but would still be rejected by God. In God’s kingdom, holiness has no substitute.
“For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.” – Leviticus 19:2
Areas of Holiness
Holiness of the mind: A holy Christian should not just be purged of sin in the flesh, but also in his thought and mind. There are thoughts that should not be in the mind of a holy believer. Thoughts of wickedness, lust and sinful imagination show unholiness and corruption of the mind.
Holiness of the Eyes: A true Godlike believer ought not to fix his eyes on what is unholy. The way God looks at evil must be how we see these things. The world may view it differently, but the judgements of God is the standard for us. Therefore, a Christian set apart to God cannot afford to cannot watch pornography and nude pictures, it is unholiness with the eyes. We cannot look in lust of either male or female as the world do.
For the eyes Is the window to the heart and mind. Whatever goes through it enters into the subconscious man and corrupts his thoughts. One is tempted to fall into sin whose thoughts are corrupted from what the eyes have seen.
A young man was caught in homosexuality, when interrogated, it turned out that it was his eyes that led him into the abomination of the Sodomites. He saw it on the internet and gradually he became part of the gay abomination. Similarly, a lady confessed that whenever she sees a dog, that she gets into lust for bestiality. It all started when she began to watch bestial pornography; then this unclean spirit entered into her. If she practiced holiness with the eyes, she would never have been destroyed by the weapon of Satan. Be ye holy; Yes! keep your eyes holy.
Holiness of the tongue: Lies and deceit, slander and backbiting, gossip and curses are not the ways of a holy Chistian. By the standard of God these things are unholy and sinful. No Holy Chistian does business with lies and deceit, for God hates a lying tongue.
Psalm 59:12 “By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter.”
Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
Holiness of the Ear: Oh! Be careful little ears what you listen to, because the ear is a door to the soul as is the eyes. The questions are: The things I listen to, is it holy or unholy? How exactly does God see them? Does He approve of it? Since we are Christ-like (Christian), will Jesus listen to this?
A computer acronym says: “Garbage In; Garbage Out”. What we feed our soul and mind with is what will come out of us. Holy things produce a holy person, unholy things produce unholy person.
As a Christian who grew up in the Holiness Pentecostal movement, I learnt the teachings of men who put on holiness like a robe. These were men who had a living relationship with God, and by their teachings I also have found and seen Jesus. I have received many angelic visions and some visitations. Once, I was in my sitting room and an angel came and called me out, then he took me down and showed me the plan of God to cleanse His Church.
The present corruption of our Christianity cannot allow us to know and experience the true power and grace of being a Christian. Those who do not yield to holiness cannot experience God because He is Holy, and he demands Holiness from all who will desire to walk with Him.
The teachings of Holy Men who mentored my relationship with God I give back to this generation. Worldly music and those that glorify sin, immorality and not God is not of God and not for those who desire an intimate relationship with Christ. Don’t play them, don’t listen to them, don’t have them on your phone. Apostle Paul says; “Do not copy the world.” Do not be like them, nor act like them, nor talk like them, nor follow their ways.”
Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
If we must return to Holiness, we must also return to making a godly choice of what we listen to. Total separation to God is what Holiness is about. For if we are for God, we must be for God alone.
Holiness of the Hands: Holiness is also found on hands of those who do not steal or covet their neighbour’s goods. Those who have traded fighting and violence for peace and godly living is holy with their hands.
We cannot pickup someone else’s money on the floor and keep it to ourselves as many do today, it is unholiness and evil. The owner could be in a painful search for it, it could be his only means of survival. Should we not do to others as we wish them to do to us? Is this not the Golden Law of Christ? A church goer who takes what is not his own is simply a thief, and one who does evil with his hands is still in death. None of them shall take part in the kingdom of God because they wilfully break the commandments of God.
Holiness of the feet: There are places a holy Christian cannot be found in. A set apart believer cannot be found where sinners dine and wine and live in sin. There are parties and events a Christian should attend and there are those he must run away from. A place where wickedness is done against God is not for a Holy Child of God. There you feed your soul with the lewdness and wickedness of men, and many have fallen from been yoked together with the wicked.
A Christian should never be found in a prostitute brothel relaxing, it does not speak godly of us. And one seeing us may misunderstand us and we may cause the weak to fail and fall. We also cannot visit shrines or traditional worship centres unless if it be to destroy the things of darkness.
Holiness in the Heart: Malice and hatred are sins of the heart. “He that hates his brother is in darkness” – 1 John 2:11. At all cost we must forgive and seek to be forgiven; for no one does not offend another at some point in time. Unforgiveness is a sign that the very nature of God is not yet formed in us; it is a sign of an unholy and stained heart.
I know a way that has helped me to forget and forgive others no matter what. When it looks unbearable then I cry to God to help me overcome a grudging heart. Heaven is far more precious for one to lose it over an insult or mistreatment. Let it go!
Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.“
Holiness in Choice and preference: I do not aim to please men, if my aim was to please men, I would not be a follower of Christ. Therefore, I cannot shy from telling it all as I was taught by God’s spirit although it displeases many.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4
Holiness in choice and preference imply that before we decide, in whatever we want to do, we must set God before us. Our preferences should respect the person and nature of God; for ourselves are also like unto Him if we are Holy. Our Choice of words, relationships, marital affair, business, associations and career pursuit must showcase our allegiance to His Holiness. Thus, there are professions a holy Christian cannot do no matter how lucrative it is. We cannot help immorality and evil to strive in our society and claim to be for God. No way! No one can serve two matters at same time, Jesus said. You cannot serve both God and money. Indeed, you serve money if for money you despise the Lord your God. You cannot promote the things of Satan Oh! Christian. We were established by God to declare His praises and show forth His glory and priests of Zion. Should we then glorify sin and the works of Satan for the sake of meeting ends?
1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
A Church goer can work anywhere, but a Holy Christian or believer cannot work in a brothel? For what has light to do with darkness? I have seen a self-acclaimed pastor producing worldly music. How can a believer produce music that defiles the soul of his and another? It shows gross unholiness.
Holiness is the standard for those who desire to be in a contact relationship with God, there is nothing else that can guarantee that. Not even fervent prayers can bring man close to God, not his giving and sacrificial offerings. Indeed, God does not desire burnt offerings over obedience to Him as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22. Therefore show me a man whom God delights in and I’ll show you a Holy man. If we must return to God and experience Him like the worshippers of God in the Bible, we then must return to total Holiness; without which no man will see the face of God.
Text: Matthew 26:58 “But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.”
One thing is clear, the nearer one approaches an object, the clearer it becomes in your sight. For instance, if one has a book but is at a distance, he can see the prints but cannot see the letters. Hence, he cannot know what is written it the book. He needs to come closer to the book to make meaning out of the prints.
Children can only produce the character of their parents when there is a close contact with them over a period of time. Closeness and proximity are strong agents of mentorship, discipleship, parenting and followership.
Distant parenting and mentorship will end in failure very often. Parenting and mentorship often requires more than just instructions and rebuke. For parenting to be successful, the child has to see for himself the life pattern of the parent. Words of instructions may not abound, but what people see with their own eyes stays for long. By living together, the child can tell whom his father is in truth.
We have the same proximity phenomenon in fellowshipping with Christ. The closer we are to Christ, the more it is possible to be like Him, know him, imitate him, fellowship with him, hear from Him, successfully represent Him, speak for Him, the more we understand his nature and judgments.
There are many Christians who don’t yet understand that if we truly desire to replicate the life of Jesus Christ characterized by dominion over forces of evil, absolute holiness, boldness, humility, steadfastness and loyalty to God even to the point of death, we cannot afford to follow Christ Jesus at a distance.
An adage says, “One whose feet are not in a river cannot be drowned by the river.” For water to drown a man he has to be close to, and in the water. For us to be drowned by the Spirit of God and the triumphant nature of Christ formed in us we cannot be at a distance from God, we cannot follow Christ at a distance.
Distance from God implies that we are far away from God, far from what he is doing, far from where he is and his things. And it is easier to backslide being far from God. It is also very easy to fall into many sins and temptations.
There are some who are neither here nor there. They are like a pendulum bob switch, they are often ‘on and off’ from God. Such switch cannot power anything. And nobody can use a switch that goes on and off on its own, be it man or God.
Jesus Christ lived with his disciples, He walked with them, He talked with them, they ate together, they slept together, they saw Him react to situations. By this contact relationship they had many divine experiences, saw many miracles, heard many sermons, and received many impartations that would be hard to let go even if Christ should be taken away from them.
You see my brethren, the truth with many backslidden Christians is that they could not get enough to keep them steadfast in faith. They probably had some religiosities here and there, but what they ought to know and have they couldn’t get. There is hardly anyone who is fully equipped in experience, grace, word and who continues to get more who will deny Christ. But for us to be equipped and continue to be equipped we must be in a close and contact relationship with the Spirit of Jesus Christ like the Apostles were with Christ.
The proof that Christ’s mentorship of the Apostles worked well was shown when Jesus was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Thomas said: “Let us go and die with Him.” John 11:16. By this we know that the faith budding in the Apostles had become stronger than the fear of death.
Again, Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “I will never leave you, even though all the rest do!” He went ahead to declare that he could die for Jesus. Peter’s convictions were soon tested after the arrest of Jesus. The Scripture sates: “But Peter followed Him at a distance.”
From a distance Peter couldn’t look upon the strong face of His Master anymore. From a distance he couldn’t speak to, and hear from His Master who could have strengthened and kept him going. From a distance he began to see the strong arm of God upon his master and how Jesus was treated with contempt. Then his heart failed him.
He had always sat and dinned with his brothers and Christ, but on that day, because he was at a distance from his brethren and his Lord, he sat down with sinners. Suddenly he felt alone and defeated. His psychological muscles failed him and his convictions were overpowered with great fear. And then, thrice he denied and swore to never knowing Jesus.
There are many who have backslidden, and some have betrayed Christ just like Peter because they will rather be with unbelievers than fellowship with the Church and with Christ, such people are at a distance. So, when temptations come, they are swept off their feet.
Following Christ at a distance
To follow Christ at a distance is shown in:
When our going to Church and fellowship is neither here nor there. That is, a lackluster attitude towards attending Church activities.
When we do not pay attention to know the scriptures; to study it regularly and know its value.
When our prayer life is on and off.
When our devotion to God is not stable or consistent.
When we don’t have a one on one relationship with God and His Spirit
When we don’t align to what God is doing in the present.
We only harm ourselves with this kind of lackluster Christian life. The only thing we will get with this style of following Christ is that we will hardly seek and find the face of a God at distance. We will hardly know the person and true nature of a God at distance. We will hardly replicate the nature of whom we don’t know. Many sins and temptations will conquer us. Darkness will overtake such worshippers. The victorious nature of God will be hard for distant followers to replicate. By this, many spiritual battles will overcome us, and many will eventually get tired and backslide.
“Those who are far from you will perish…” -Psalms 73
When you are asked why a Christian has backslidden from the faith, tell them that he/she followed Christ at a distance.
TEXT: Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.”
There is a food made for men; there is food for those who want to be separated from the crowd in God’s heart. There is meat prepared for those who desire to be unicorns among goats; there is a call to go extra-mile, this is the basics of this final article on how to serve and find God.
Having already known the way to serve God which is in fear of God, in truth and in faithfulness, let us also know this day that God also delights in those who serve Him with all their hearts, with all their souls, with all their minds, and with all their strength.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” – Matthew 22:37
Above is a call to go extra mile; a call to do more than the normal. It is a call to diligent, persistent, generous and obedient service to God. Apostle Paul says in our text: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and love.”
There are people who look at others in the worship and service of God. They seem to grade themselves based on other people’s lack of seriousness and un-hearty worship of God.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
I was talking to a youth about his commitment to Church activities. His response showed that he was comparing his careless service with those who were more careless than him. He thought he was doing well not knowing that in God’s standard he was a failure; for God delights in a serious and dedicated worship. That same day, I had a vision where he missed out and the door was shut against him.
Again, you can find people who serve God without any seriousness of heart. They are on and off with God and the Church. No dedication, no seriousness, no diligence, no commitment and no sacrifice.
God is seeking men who will put in time and labour, heart and soul, mind and skill, strength and resources in the service and worship of God. This attracts a special reward and grace. It can endear someone to God more than his mates.
Parents love their Children who please them more, and are naturally quick to respond to their needs. This is also the nature of God who Fathers all mankind.
Cain had a nonchalant attitude towards his worship and service of God. He never wanted to do his best for God, he wanted to be allowed to put in whatever is good to him. Hence, his sacrifice and worship were rejected.
“And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If you did well, would you not be accepted?” Genesis 4:7
Abel had a different spirit. He gave all his best, and his sacrificial service was accepted.
It is not all service that God delights in, the Great God will not accept all worship from us. Jesus said “Love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” And it is with a faithful and an obedient service that we can show that we love God.
It is with all willingness and every fiber of our souls that we serve God best. We can call it sacrificial worship; others may call it unreserved service. The delight of God is when we show total commitment and love, without holding back anything, just to please God in whatever He has chosen that we do for Him.
I know of a man of God, not the kind of today’s pastors who have no sacrificial service in God’s vineyard. In his days in the pastorate, he made sure that his church never lacked prayers on Friday nights. Whether the people showed up or not, he would keep the fire burning. For this he never lacked a growing Church.
Once, his helper was poisoned. He cried out to God and the Lord responded like the days of old when He showed His mighty strength among men. The evil woman who had poisoned the little boy died and rodents ate her corpse. For he was dearly loved by God because he put in all his strength on the service of His God.
Jesus Christ showed a hearty and soulful service to God when He said to His disciples: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). Food or no food, Jesus had one desire – the will of God. Unlike today when we find every slightest reason not to attend Church meetings, evangelism and prayers. We have every reason not to labour for Christ and do God’s will, although we know His delights.
Again, Jesus he gave up His life for the sake of God’s purpose and obtained a name greater than any other name. He was a selfless Lord, refusing to withhold anything, even His own life for sinners and His Church. Are we able to replicate this selfless and unreserved service, or shall we continue in carelessness and excuses?
Apostle Paul said of his labour in service for Christ: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. -1 Corinthians 15:10″.
No wonder he became greater than them all. He did not overlook the grace upon His life, but rather laboured more exceedingly. And when Agabus and the Church tried to stop him from going to Jerusalem, he said: ” I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13
Brethren this is called unreserved worship and service unto God.
I have read about the prophets, there is none who showed devotion and resiliency in prayer like Daniel. He prayed for his people and Jerusalem three times every day. He prayed in the good and bad times. And when it was a taboo to pray, Daniel chose to die rather than stop interceding for Israel. All his heart, life and soul was invested in his service and worship of his God. He showed the kind of commitment many Church people lack towards cooperate prayer. When the Angel of God came to him, the Angel called out to Daniel saying “O Daniel, man greatly beloved.”
How I wish God would send His angel to tell me of His love for me. Daniel was greatly loved by His God.
Finally brethren, God is looking for sacrificial worshippers who will labour for him without looking at others. Youths who will give their youthfulness to be used to advance the Kingdom. Men who will give in their resources, time, mind and soul to see that the Church returns back to Glory Days and does not continue to die. These are the kind of people God is looking for, and He will show them greater love and favour. Apostle Paul said: “For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name.” Amen!!!
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