BREAKING THE PRISON OF SIN AND HABITS

TEXT: Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

MESSAGE
If you've ever been an addict of a vice, you'd understand what I mean. Much as people may think you enjoy that vice, it actually feels like a prison to you. I mean, I was there. I prayed, fasted and wept but the chain was too strong for me. I was desperate till I despaired, yet no hope. Oh what a miserable soul I was. In fact I could relate with Paul when he said, For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death. (Rom 7:22-24). No one else could better paint the picture of my misery than this.

One day, a young man came into my class to preach. I can't remember all he said but I can't forget this one passage he quoted. Romans 6:14. He said sin shallno longer had dominion over me because I live under the grace of Christ. My eyes popped open. I could literarily feel my prison door flinging open. I felt the chains falling. I knew I was free from my habits. I began the glorious steps from my bondage to dominion.

Soon I discovered the reason why I wallowed so helplessly for so long in the bondage of sin even though I had been a christian. I noticed that in had been confessing my sins, my weaknesses and my failures and my life was heading that way. Look the more you confess your sins, the more sin conscious and vulnerable to sin you'd be. I confessed it to God, myself and some few times, to others. When I confessed to God, I didn't know when exactly he'd forgive me. So I'd feel gloomy for days till my conscience was appeased. When I confessed to myself I was disappointed in myself and could hardly receive forgiveness neither could I forgive myself. Many times when I worship, I soon remember that I was a sinner till the hands I raised in worship fall to my breast in self pity and condemnation. When I confessed to others, I felt cheap, stigmatized and riddicled. So the cycle continued unbroken till I found the truth.

So when I discovered that by living under grace, I am free from the dominion of sin, I began to learn more about this grace of Christ. I found out that what grace gives must be appropriated by faith (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:8). I discovered that by Grace God has made me the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2Cor 5:21). I discovered that I was created in righteousness and true holiness (Eph 4:24). I discovered that all my sins have been forgiven and that God has no axe to grind with me (Col 2:13). God keeps no grudge. I knew I now have to appropriate this by faith so I began to confess them.

I declared that I am holy and righteous. Something told me about 1John 1:9. "Are you not supposed to confess your sins to be forgiven" the voice asked. But the Holy Spirit gave me an answer. He said, Confess what God says about your sin, that is the true position of your sin. So I researched on what God says about my sins. God says they were put on Jesus (2Cor 5:21; Isaiah 53:6); they were carried away by Jesus (John 1:29); they are forgiven(Col 2:13); they are remembered no more (Heb 10:16-21). So I began confessing the truth about my sins. I confessed my righteousness and holiness. Soon I noticed that it was getting more and more difficult for me to sin.

Even when I actually sinned, I just thank God for He keeps no grudge, for the intercession of Jesus and for the forgiveness that is provided for my sins. I repent by deciding never to do it again then I'd start confessing the truth about my sins again. I'd tell God that sin can't have dominion over me. I'd declare that I receive forgiveness, sanctification and life beyond sin. That way I walked in liberty from sin.

Friends, ...the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. I have been his student for years and I've just shared with you how he has taught me. You can be wholly free from sin too. Why not register in His school. The first course in His teaching is "denying ungodliness". You don't deny ungodliness by personal efforts. Grace already shows us that human efforts amounts to nothing (John 6:63). The only way is to engage the spirit of faith. You start denying ungodliness by your confession. Start declaring today that you're not a sinner. Say I am righteous. It may not feel that way yet but I am holy. I am perfect. I cannot sin. As you go on this way, your confession will soon be your reality.

Please feel free to chat with me for further assistance, questions or counsel. God bless you

Pst Sam Akpologun

To the Heroes of the Wine Bottle, Write!

The stage was set. the crowd looked on as the hangman's noose hung loosely around his neck. the calm voice spoke: "If you have anything to say, speak now; as you have but five minutes more to live" There was silence for what seemed to be about 40 seconds. then finally he spoke as tears trickle down his eyes:

"I have to die! I had only one little brother. He had beautiful blue eyes and flaxen hear. How I loved him! I got drunk—the first time. I found my little brother gathering strawberries. I got angry with him, without cause; and killed him with a blow from a rake. I knew nothing about it till I awoke on the following day and found myself closely guarded. They told me that when my brother was found, his hair was clotted with his blood and brains. Whiskey had done it! It has ruined me! I have only one more word to say to the young people before I go to stand in the presence of my Judge. Never, Never NEVER touch anything that intoxicates!

Friends, we sometimes take God's instructions for granted especially when it addresses things that give us pleasure or things that have become our habits. However, God's instructions are for your own good. Consider the story you just read and ask yourself, "Must I wait to learn from experience when I can learn from others. God says without mincing words: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise" (Prov. 20:1).There is no gainsaying the fact that so many ills take place because of alcoholism. Hear a poem composed by God Himself to you on this issue:

  

  Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
  Who has contentions? Who has complaining?
  Who has wounds without cause?
  Who has redness of eyes?
  Those who linger long over wine,
  Those who go to taste mixed wine.
  Do not look on the wine when it is red,
  When it sparkles in the cup,
  When it goes down smoothly;
  At the last it bites like a serpent
  And stings like a viper.
  Your eyes will see strange things
  And your mind will utter perverse things.
  And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea,
  Or like one who lies down on the top of a mast.

--Prov 23:29-34

Friends, I do not want to tell you what you already know, both by reading and experience. of a truth, many people try to pretend that all is well with drinking and drunkeness. but deep down within you, you know how miserably you feel when you wake up after a drunken night. I know that once in a while you wish to leave it. The issue has always been the strength to do so. Jesus has made a way. He says come unto me all you that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). This rest is not only rest from percieved demonic manipulations or financial instability, it also includes rest from the harbit of drunkenness and all other habits for that matter.

Now, the question turns on how can we obtain the rest that is in Christ? The instruction is for you to COME. however, you cannot come when you keep on justifying your actions. You cannot come, when you keep on pointing accusing fingers at some other person for your undoing. You must first acknowledge your sins and admit full responsibility for them. This means that you must realize that drunkeness is wrong and from it you need to turn. Furthermore, you must realize that you need help. You cannot come to Jesus when you think you can still help yourself. If you have come to this point, you are almost there. It is now time for you to ask God to forgive you and cleans you from your error. He promises to do just that in the book of 1John 1:9. the moment you ask God to forgive you, He does it without keeping grudge.

Once forgiven, you have to ask him to give you rest from the power of alchoholism. You must pray with sincerity depending only on His grace. He himself has given you the caurage to come unto him to ask for help (Heb. 4:16). When you pray, believe that you have what you have asked for and it shall be yours (Mark 11:23)

One more thing, you have to avoid the company of friends that have not left their habit of alcoholism. You know why, the scriptures says bad company corrupts good manners. 

Now you are enjoined to daily ask Jesus for help every day and you shall experience His rest daily. This is for real. For further counseling and help over any form of habit, call or text 08065264570 or comment on this post. You're blessed.

Beloved, Thanks for reading. Please make sure you check back every Wednesday when new posts come out.


xox,
Pst Sam

Safety in the Storm

I wish to speak to someone out there who is experiencing a storm.

I don't know how you got in there. You might be in a path you felt was right, but suddenly there is a storm. All things don't just feel right. You wake up sometimes sad and you think, "How did I get here?" You may look around and notice that all those you started with have gotten very far ahead of you. Not because you had not boat neither are you such a bad sailor; but the storm has inhibited your movement and now is threatening every aspect of your life. Well, cheer up. I have a News for you. Jesus is coming to you today. He's walking on the very storm that threatens you. the very waves that is your challenge is bringing Jesus to your boat

Once upon a time in John 6, Jesus' disciples felt they knew what Jesus would expect them to do and they did it. Jesus had just gone up the mountain to avoid being derailed from his mission into becoming a physical and political king. But he stayed there for a bit too long -longer than the disciples expected. The disciples were not as bad as the Israelites at Sinai. They did not make any golden calf. They did not sin against the Lord. Rather, they felt in a circumstance like this, Jesus expected them to go to the other side of the lake and they started out to go. But not too long into that journey they experienced a storm

You see, storms don't always arise because you had sinned. You might have thought you heard God before you started out into what you are doing. You might have even heard him - though the storm might be have risen some doubts in your heart by now. Or maybe you did not hear clearly. You just felt it was a noble thing to do for the Lord. Whatever be the situation, But now you are in the midst of the storm. For a while you have done your best on the row. You have done all you know to do - fasting, praying, declaring the word, listening to or reading motivational materials, etc. they don't seem to be working. The situation seem to have turned all your wisdom to foolishness. Well friend, you are not alone

Yes. you are not alone. Just look up and see. Jesus is with you. He said he will not leave us nor forsake us. The disciples suddenly saw Jesus in the midst of their crisis (John 6:19, NLT) . That shall be your testimony in Jesus Name. Suddenly the Lord you are waiting for will appear. You don't need to give up. He can't let you drown in your crisis. He cares too much about you to allow that. You might have set out alone and now you realize how foolish it is not to wait and have the Lord on your boat. Well that is not the end of the road. Jesus is still with you.

The scriptures says in verse 21 (NLT) "Then they were eager to let him in the boat...." The storm has sure achieved a purpose. It has put eagerness in the heart of the disciples. Now your crisis must have sufficiently pummeled you till you are now desperate for God. Hallelujah! The good thing now is that all you now want is all of God. Nothing is satiates you any more. You know it is not by wisdom of men or intelligence. You are hanging on God and him alone. If he will not save, you are as good as dead. Yes that is the mindset needed for an explosive miracle - an accelerated miracle. Seeking God with that type of heart is what God referred to as seeking him with the whole of your heart (Jer. 29:13). With such mindset, you must find God. Then something spectacular happened

When they eagerly accepted Jesus into the boat (KJV says "they WILLINGLY received him into the ship"), A dramatic miracle happened. the storm did not just calm as they had expected and experienced at other times. Rather, they arrived at their destination! They recovered lost time. they reached safety. They achieved their purpose. Friend, it does not matter how long you have been in the wrong. If you will willingly or EAGERLY accept Jesus into your boat leaving all for him, you shall recover. You shall reach safety. You are not too wrong for Christ to correct. You are not too bad for Him to repair. You are not too wounded to be healed. Just turn all your attention on Him. the very storm that buffets you is bearing the Lord to your boat. It is building an eagerness for the Lord in your heart. ALL THINGS ARE WORKING FOR YOUR GOOD - even the storm.

I believe someone is praying right now. You can just start telling Jesus that you surrender to Him. tell him nothing else matter. Tell him you know you are not too embattled to be saved. Jesus I trust in you! I'm not gonna drown in this storm. I might have moved out before time and without you. but you can right my wrong. If there is hope for a tree that is cut down such that at the scent of water it sprouts again, there is hope for me. though I am tried in the furnace, I am coming out as gold. The Lord is listening to your prayers friends, feel free to pour out our heart to the Lord. A prayer from a willing, eager and single heart can not go unheeded.

Merry CHRISTmas

It's been a long debate whether Christmas should be celebrated on December 25th or October or indeed whether it should be celebrated at all. Well I do not want to discuss all that now. All I want to say is, please don't replace the CHRIST with the X. Once the true Christ is whom you are celebrating, we are together. So Merry CHRISTmas and a prosperous new year.

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul?

Introduction

A little drama in our bible study meeting prompted this apologetic. I was in the Youth service some years ago when I first heard the teaching that Peter was the one that would have had the ministry to the Gentiles but because he refused to kill and eat the animals he saw in his trance, he lost it. The teaching seems so popular that it keeps on popping up among bible study teachers and other ministers who seem to understand the scriptures. I learnt that teaching had its origin from a high profile Christian conference (I suppose a ministers’ conference) in which a respected teacher of the scriptures came up with such teaching. Since then, various teachers have tried to use it to back many teachings raging from teachings to keep us from being dogmatic to such teachings as being careful the type of things we do in our dreams. I never gave it much thought even though I had my conviction. However, just yesterday in my church someone asked that question and I think that it is one question too many.

The Question:Did Peter actually loss the ministry intended for him by God when he refused to “Arise kill and eat”

In the book of Acts of the Apostles 10:9-20 Peter was fall into a trance and sees a sheet hanging from heaven. It contains various animals including unclean ones (according to the standard given to the traditional Jews). A voice comes from heaven asking him to kill and eat. He objects to this on the basis that being a true Jew he has never eaten anything unclean. The Lord now tells him not to call unclean what the Lord has cleansed. This is repeated three times and the sheet taken back to heaven. 

Premised on the foregoing, it was then posited that the sheet containing various unclean animals was the ministry to the Gentiles which was intended for but was withdrawn when Peter refused it. Question, what is the basis for that interpretation, the scriptures? But it never says so. It never says that the sheet or the animals therein are the ministry to the Gentiles. This interpretation therefore seems personal and individualistic. Should this lacuna in the source of authority not make us to behave like the Berean Brethren who “searched the scriptures daily whether these things were so”?

It was further posited that evidently the “Not so Lord” attitude of Peter (which first reared its head in Luke 22 when he was seen arguing with the Lord when given a clear prophesy) had not left him. As such it denied him of partaking in such a great ministry. This evidently teaches that Peter never did let go of his argumentative nature. This was intended to teach us that some mistakes become costlier as we grow older in the Lord and as we get closer to Him. That is not a bad one though. But what if God never recorded this issue against Peter as we are told? Would this not amount to making the bible say what it never said?

Moreover, to give greater credence to this point of view, we are told that the loss of the ministry is evidently the reason why we never heard of Peter again in the book of Acts after the Cornelius saga. Rather attention shifted from Peter to Paul. But we should not forget that the writer of the book of Acts of the Apostle, Dr. Luke, was rendering more of an eye witness account (Luke 1:1-4 & Act 1:1&2) . Remember that once Paul was sent on his way to the Missionary journeys, Dr. Luke went with Him. It is therefore only natural that such an intelligent historian as Luke should prefer to write what he saw than writing what he was told. After all that was one of the reasons he went with Paul. He therefore could not have been writing about Peter. This evidently is the reason why attention shifted from Peter to Paul (which is a more probable reason) that the presumptuous and unfounded argument that Peter loss his ministry to Paul.

Now why is that Teaching Faulty? 

Why do we need to give it a second look?

Firstly, it fails to take into cognizance the meaning of a trance. A trance is a type of vision in which the senses of the receptor are suspended for a while and such a person is allowed to look into the realm of the spirit. In such situation the person has no more control over the role he plays in the trance than he does in a dream. Now how many of us will wake up from a dream probably of committing a crime and goes about repenting and asking for forgiveness singing “Just as I am without one plea”? Rather, we ask ourselves what does this mean? What am I suppose to take note of or watch out for. This is because we know that God does not hold such things against us. Now to say that the test which saw Apostle Peter forfeiting such a great ministry was based on a trance in which he had no say as to how he featured, we indict God as being an unfair judge who judges us based on things we have no control over.

The next argument would be that God moves in a mysterious ways His  wonders to perform. Furthermore His sovereignty can make him do as he pleases. This negates the principle that God has standards which when met would produce an expected end. Though our God is sovereign, he has bound Himself by His words. Thus because He does not change nor change His standard that is why we are not consumed. Now that is called Holiness or Integrity. Isaia 45:19 says “I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right” (NLT). Furthermore, in Acts 10:34&35 the scriptures says “…of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons but in every nations he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him” This would make our position worse than those of the Nigerian civil servants for at least they have some bit of job security.  Let us be careful so as not to hold God out as one critical boss who waits for the slightest opportunity—even untenable ones to replace us. We must make sure we that we present God in the right perspective. Remember that the first thing the devil did to Eve was to make Him see God from a wrong perspective. once he did that, Eve began to reconsider God's command because the love of God was occluded from her eyes.

Brethren this type of scriptural interpretation dies the death of individualistic interpretation of the Bible because it does not take other aspects of the scriptures into cognizance. Otherwise, it would have acknowledged that the purpose for the trance was stated in the same book of Acts. Remember that No scripture is of personal interpretation (2Pet 1:20). Thus, with the greatest respect, I humbly submit that this doctrine of Peter losing his ministry to Paul seems to me to be only sensational and lacks scriptural support. The fact that a type of teaching appeals to our emotion does not make it genuine. 

Also, the said teaching tends to lay credence to, or pave way for the erroneous teaching that Paul was greater than Peter—a comparison which even the apostle did not make and in fact forbid us from making them "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" (2Cor 10:12). Even if we were to compare them, Paul’s estimation was that God mightily worked in both of them (Gal 2:8). In fact he used Peter as a yardstick for measuring himself. Whereas Peter also acknowledged Paul in 2Pet 3:15-16.  He did this in the spirit of meekness fulfilling the scriptures that we should prefer  others before ourselves. The premise that Paul wrote much of the scriptures does not form a ground for the claim that he a greater Apostle than even John or Peter for example. Remember that he was given a ministry to the Gentiles and the Gentiles had no treatise. Thus God needed much to be written to us. Paul is thus the obvious tool for that. 

At this point you may ask, “Now Pastor Sam, what then is your position.

Firstly, Paul was never a replacement of Peter in the ministry to the Gentiles because Paul was clearly convinced that God had predestined him for this ministry from birth. He said in Gal 1:15-16 (NIV) “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.” So he was merely called at the appointed time.

Furthermore, Paul stated clearly that the ministry was given to him just as that of Peter was given to him. This was clear to the early church and the church council and it should be clear to us too. He did not pick up another person’s mantle. See Gal 2:7.

Moreover, God confirmed the ministry of both of them with great apostolic signs. (Gal 2:8)

Also, Chronologically the calling of Paul was before the trance Paul was converted at between AD 35 and 35. Meanwhile the incidence of the trance took place around AD 37. Paul was told of this ministry to the Gentiles  at the point of his conversion even before the trance. So he had the ministry before Peter was supposed to have been tested for it by the trance Acts 9:1).

So if the trance is  not to test whether Peter would receive the ministry to the Gentiles then what is the meaning of the trance. 
Let us look into the Scriptures.The same Acts 10 gives the interpretation of the trance in verse 28 thus:

Peter told them, "You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. (NLT). You see, God was about starting a new thing. He wanted to bring in the Gentiles to the commonwealth of Israel. But there was cultural and religious barrier. To break this in the church, He had to convince Peter that the Gentiles are now acceptable by the death and resurrection of Jesus. So God wanted to tell Peter that Jesus who is our peace has broken down every wall and has made us one. Being a pillar in the church God needed to first persuade this strong leader so that his voice could give a strong and credible support to His new and unpopular move in the church.

The importance of this explanation by our Loving Father to Peter was seen in chapter 11 of Acts. Peter was sharply antagonized for entering into a Gentile house. But now Peter was better equipped to teach. His defence was the trance and the impartation of the Holy Spirit to confirm what he learnt by the trance and that satisfied the church. You may wish to read Acts 11:1-18 yourself. 

All these having been said, the question now is why this teaching? Are we just splitting the hair?

Of course not. But we think it is good to avoid and rid the church of all forms of errors in teaching. Some errors came into the church because of the amount of light our sincere teachers had. But we should out grow them when we receive more light. Martin Luther once said that since they were coming form the dark age, it would not be right for God to shed all the light in their eyes at once. He would unveil it gradually. He said that acknowledging the fact that he may not at then know all that God intends to teach His church. But then, we should continually look into the scriptures depending on the Holy Spirit for clearer understanding.

Furthermore, the devil could use teachings like this to give us a wrong or negative perspective of God. you know that perspective matters a lot. perspective gives motivation. If you you have a healthy perspective of God, you will carry out His instructions gladly knowing that He has your best interest at heart. Some persons want to make us "dread" God so we can obey Him out of fear. but fear has never been a good reason to obey God. He doesn't want us to obey Him because we are scared of Him. Rather He wants us to obey Him because we love him. He also wants us to know that He is available for us helping us to succeed in our race. He is not the critical God who we are trying to please without any assistance from Him. actually He is the one working in us whatever good thing we do.

Moreover brethren, The greatest error can arise from the best motive. Therefore, motive is not enough for us to receive a teaching. It must be sound. You see, The slightest error can be the foundation for the greatest heresy. The cults that claim to believe in Christ and use the Bible today all started with the Scriptures but erred at a point.. check them, they make simple mistakes and the were found to be totally out of the way latter. Founding a nice message on a wrong foundation makes it faulty. 

Lastly, The scriptures calls it nobility to crosscheck what we are taught and not just take everything hook sink and liner. We are to test all spirits so we are not victims of error. May God bless His church

Please feel free to make comments and ask questions. you can be sure of an answer. 

Sincerely Yours In Christ
Pst Sam.

How to Position Yourself to fulfil God's Mandate

Brethren I'm back with the much awaited teachings. However brethren we would have to suspend our teaching of "The Battle Instruction Series" because the manuscript was lost when our PC was stolen. However, you have my words on that that same teaching shall come your way soon when we're done with rewriting the manuscript. Suffice it to know that my absence--as all other things--works together for the good of you and I because we love God. Thanks for your patience.

Now for our desire to resume the teaching of God's word via this media and based on popular demand, we brought this your way and we believe you will find it helpful in your striving for mastery. Thank You

Aligning Your Life for God's Mandate
Introduction
A mandate is an order given to somebody to carry out a certain task or duty. When God created man, it was for him to fulfill mandates. He was Predestinated to fulfill the Dominion mandate. The purpose of the creation of man is a culmination of mandates. But how come that today with more than 6 Billion men who are created to fulfill mandate, God seems to lack men to carry out his biding as if there was no man. There is no gainsaying the fact that the mandate was stolen by the devil when man fell. However, Jesus died to give man a new life and by which He raised up for himself a people prepared and zealous for all good works. (Titus 2:14). To that extent, we were, in Jesus, predestinated to fulfill mandates. The fulfillment of these mandates is what determines if we had a fulfilled destiny or not. At the point of creation, God put in us ability to fulfill various mandates in accordance to the data of our predestination. Thus as we live our lives here on earth, God send various mandates per time expecting them to be fulfilled by his children who are invested with the ability to do such.

God calls all men to come unto Him but he does not chose all men to fulfill His mandate. The very concept of choosing shows that the object of the choice must have fulfilled a condition that convinces the one making the choice that it is qualified. Mandates therefore are fulfilled only by the persons that prepare themselves for them This preparation is what we mean by alignment and this alignment is what determines whether or not we are qualified to fulfill a mandate and whether or not we can enjoy continuous relevance to that mandate.

How to Align oneself
The scriptures states unequivocally the prerequisite which must be met before a man can be aligned and made ready for any mandate that the Lord would give. This all important principle is stated in the 1 Tim 2:20-21
 Verse 20
for in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth. And some to honor land some to dishonor.
From the passage stated above, at least three important things are made clear. Firstly, God will not look outside his house for a vessel to use for his holy mandates. He definitely will check in his great house. The vessels that are in the house are the people that are the called of God. Take note that according to the book of Romans 8, they are foreknown by God, predestinated and called by the function of grace, justified by faith, and glorified by the impartation of the Spirit of Glory which is the down payment of the hope of glory (Eph 1:13-14). This is the premise upon which they are vessels in the house of God. Thus those that are not in the house are not anywhere near the first step towards aligning himself for God’s mandate. If a man must be useful to God, he must first be born again.
Never the less, simply being in the house is not enough to make a vessel fit for the use of God in the implementation of his mandate.  For though many are called but not all are chosen.

 Secondly, the vessels are of varied materials. This shows that God has specially designed each person in His kingdom in a peculiar way which is different from the way he mand another, and has distinctly enedowed each person with potentials. However, it is not the material of which a vessel in the house is made that makes it honorable but the use to which it is put. The make up of a person does not determine whether he will fulfill the mandate of God or not. Taking illustration from normal home appliances, Ceramic could be used to make a beautiful plate for serving honorable guests, yet it could also be used as the toilet seat. We are all of various make up so that we can fit for various tasks or mandates,yet it is not our makeup or gifts and endowments that make us fit for the mandate of God.  Then, what makes a man fit for God’s mandate
Verse 21 states:
If a man therefore purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the master's use and prepared unto every good work.
 If a man purges himself…
This goes to show that though the call is collective, the choosing is individualistic. God does not chose a person based on his affiliation to a group of person or denomination. It’s a matter of "if a man”. Next, the man must purge himself. From the foregoing, the scriptures shows that purity of material is what determines its honorable use. It is be noted that the scriptures does not say that if a man is purged from these things. Rather, it says if a man purges himself. This shows that the duty of purging oneself is vested on the man. It is his prerogative and God will not do that for him. Now what are “these” from which the man must purge himself

The Amplified Bible explains it as "what is ignoble and unclean". It goes to show that if a man can purify himself from uncleanness, he would have been aligning himself for the master's mandate. No wonder, the scriptures says, " Remove impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice" (Prov 25:4 MSG). What God intends to purify here is the character (See Rom 5:4 NIV). According to the Message Bible, patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue(what the Message calls Character), keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. It is our character that makes us qualified or otherwise for the mandates of God. No matter who you are, before God commits a mandate into your hands, he must test your character. From Genesis to Revelation, the patter runs unbroken; the foundation of the Lord still standeth sure. We were accepted into the great house totally renewed by the blood of the Lamb of God but one thing was left for us to change. It is our character. From birth, the human deprave nature and the sinful society has taken its toll on the character of a man. They have made it perverse. Now that we are saved, God wants us to wash away the dross from ourselves through the fire baptism.

This is the major reason why God gives us our faith. The scriptures says the end of our faith is the salvation or regeneration of our souls (1Pet 1:9). This is how it works; there are at various times the trial of our faith by the fire of circumstances. We are to exercise our faith by staying by the word of God. This produces in us hope and hope in turn produces character. (see Romans 5:3-4). No wonder, the trial of our faith is said to be of more value than gold (1Pet 1:7). Through many test to which we refuse to yield because of the reverence for our God, we build character which can be defined as the sum total of a man's mode of behavior. This is the salvation we are asked to work out (Phil 2:12) and we are told to do it with fear and trembling

It must be noted that before a man is allowed by God to fulfill any mandate, his character must be tested. The Lord says of Joseph "The LORD'S promise tested him through fiery trials until his prediction came true”. (Psalms 105:19 GW). God is not prepared to give mandate to a person that has a problem with his character. It was until God found in Joseph a consistent way of behavior in his refusal to bow to sin, giving of himself to diligent hard work with all cheerfulness and devotion that God gave him the mandate that made him fulfill his destiny.

A good illustration of test of character can be seen from a story we might have overlooked in the book of  1Samuel 30:1-19. David has just found out that the Amelikites have made an invasion on his camp and carried away all that belongs to his men and himself. God has given him the mandate to pursue overtake, and without fail recover all. They have pursued for about two days and some men are already too tired for the race. Now he finds a man at the verge of death and irrespective of the haste of his mission, his character will not let him abandon the man in that state. He stops to help him. Once he passed that test of character, he is furnished with the information he needs for the fulfillment of his mandate. David had all the anointing he needed for that assignment with the word of God backing him up. However, if he had left the Egyptian in his misguided haste, he may never have known where the Amelekites went and even if he got it latter, it might be too late to recover all for some of the goods would have been spent and some of the women defiled so that the all  that he would recover would have depreciated. The difference between “thus says the Lord”  and “it came to pas”s has always been a test of character

Many times, what we need is just an information which would navigate us to our thrones. And most of the times the information is hidden behind the veil of the test of character. A simple act of kindness, faithfulness to leaders, prudence etc, which can never be imparted by the laying on of hands but by conscious decision to do them are all cost has been what was needed to bridge the gap between those promises and dream s of your destiny and the fulfillment thereof.

Mandates are always here. They are like batons flying in the air. But who is fit to take the baton. One may sometimes wonder why God should so passionately lament "I sought for a man and found none” when there are more than 2 billion professed Christians on earth. Why should Jesus cry out that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few when many times we silently wish that the Lord could just call us into his work. We wish to carry the name of the Lord and like Elijah send down fire and be noted to be the man behind the miracle. We want to be associated with the great move of the Holy Spirit in various dispensations and generations. But God seem to ignore our desires and even strong prayers and yet as if he is pretending, cries out the laborers are few or worse still "I found no one"
It will definitely continue to baffle us until we understand that God has a standard which he cannot compromise. This is because the foundation of the Lord standeth sure. God is not looking for just anybody; he is not even looking for just a Christian.

From the foundation of the world, it has always been so, no matter your endowments, there shall be the test of character. Men have fallen and risen on the scale of character. Lucifer had all the anointing that he needed. He still has them but he is no longer fit for purpose and as such was sent packing. He lost his mandate. Abraham obtained the promise after a test of character. Judas lost his apostolic office because he could not jettison the character of pilfering and avarice amongst others from his character traits.

Though the gifts and calling of the lord are without repentance, choice for the fulfillment of his mandate is definitely with repentance. This calls for caution for though we may be with grace which God will not take back, but a irrespective of our spiritual C.V, we may lose relevance. The fulfillment of purpose is what determines relevance.  Salt is bought definitely to salt meals and to preserve perishable items. But if it no longer salts, it may still retain it look but definitely not its use for, it is no longer fit for purpose. It is then cast away. God has made it clear that “my counsel shall stand and I will do my pleasure”. God is so purpose oriented that he does not mind casting off a man with all his gifts if he lost value for then he will not be fit for purpose.

Eli is a beautiful example. He was called to be high priest after the Aronic order by covenant. Yet when he became an embarrassment to his office, the Lord replaced him. It is the calling of the Lord that is without repentance, definitely not his Choice. The call may remain on a man's life but he may no longer be the Lord's choice for the mission. Remember Lucifer. He still has his anointing but definitely he has lost his mandate in heaven. Remember a host of all others that we have made allusion to. They all rose and fell on the scale of character. Beloved, it takes grace to be predestinated, faith to be justified, and sanctification to be glorified: but it takes character to get aligned to and fulfill God’s mandate.
STAY CONNECTED TO GOD.

Beloved, Thanks for reading. Please make sure you check back every Wednesday when new posts come out.

Yours in Christ,

Pst Sam

Battle instruction No 2: the Helmet of Salvation

Helmet of Salvation

You will soon discover—if you don’t already—as you study the scriptures that salvation is in three folds. There is the salvation of the Spirit, the salvation of the soul and salvation of the body. The first one we get as soon as we give our lives to Jesus. Once you believe in the sonship, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and appropriate them for yourself, the Holy Spirit comes into your spirit and saves it from the power of sin and death. Thereafter, you are supposed to conduct yourself as is becoming of Christian. To be able to do this, you will need to know the will of God and getting configured to be able to do them. You know the will of God and get the right configuration to be able to carry them by getting transformed in your mind (Rom 12:2). This transformation is achieved by learning of Jesus and knowing Him (Col 3:10). Now this whole process of Knowing Jesus and  becoming transformed thereby which helps us to know and do God’s will is called the salvation of our souls because it is the process of redeeming our souls gradually from the decadence that it acquired in its long walk in the old nature. This is a process which is our responsibility. We are to do this with reverend fear and trembling (Phil 2:12).

There is however a third stage of salvation called the  hope of salvation. This is the salvation of our bodies. It is the moment in which our bodies shall be transformed within a twinkling of the eye at the time of Rapture. (1Cor 15:51-57). We have not yet attained it. Attaining it is not a process. However, if we are faithful in making our election sure; if we are faithful in working out the salvation of our souls, Jesus will come and suddenly grant us the salvation of our bodies. This we earnestly wait for as a blessed hope. Now this is what we are to wear as an helmet. The Holy Spirit through the same Apostle Paul clarifies it in 1Thes 5:8 that this hope of salvation out of the three stages of salvation is what our text referred to. The question is why is this our helmet needed?

NEED FOR THE HELMET

There are many times in which the devil will send his darts against our heads—the centre of intellectualism and reasoning. He will ask you why you are not enjoying the things of this world like others. You’d see yourself as though you are denied of the good of the earth. You must be prepared for this dearly beloved. In fact you will see yourself being denied of justice and God says you should simply commit yourself to God. You shall be slapped on the one cheek and Jesus says you are to turn the other—no more revenge. Someone who is not as powerful as you will sometimes make you remember those days when you were in the world. In fact here’s what Jesus says;

"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer,

(Mat 5:38-44 MSG)

In fact to an ordinary man, the expectation of Jesus from us seems unreasonable. You might even be called a fool by the worldly wise man if you are to fulfill these conditions. Some pastors even seem to indicate that Jesus did not mean exactly what He says in the passage we just read. But that scripture is as true as John 3:16. If you must meet these conditions, you definitely need an amour so the devil doesn’t shoot at your head and make your head rule over you. That armor is called the HELMET OF SALVATION. It actually is the hope of salvation. The efficacy of this armor is seen in the lives of the heroes of faith who have gone ahead of us and are now the thick cloud of witness who are watching us as we run our race.

In this great hall of fame we see Abraham, who left his comfort zone and went through the rigors of a sojourner all his life because “he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”  (Heb 11:10)

 We also see Moses who “chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”

(Heb 11:25-26 KJV)

 What about Paul? He says;

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  (2Co 4:8-17 KJV)

Lastly, even our Lord Jesus Christ had a need for this great helmet. The bible says;“They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.” (1Pe 2:23 MSG). the writer of Hebrews—and I firmly believe its Paul—says;

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (Heb 12:2-3 MSG)

 

All these preferred to put on the helmet of faith than the hat of worldly wisdom. They allowed themselves to suffer. They could go through all of that because they had a hope. They knew that the world was not worthy of them. “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Heb. 11:16 KJV)

The hope of salvation is the only means by which we can put up with all that the world throw at us. No wonder we are told to comfort ourselves with the second coming of Jesus (1Thes 4:16-17). Brethren it is our Joy that our salvation is closer than when we first believe. Jesus is coming back again and that is our joy. It is the reason why we can face tomorrow. He says “because I live, ye shall live also.” It is the reason why we can put up with all wrongs done to us for we know that this world is not our home. Though we are in the world we are not of the world. We know that it is the time of the devil and his agents and so men can do whatever they want against us. But our own time is coming when we shall reign as kings forever. What a blessed hope! It gives us grace to put up with so much and still smile. No wonder Jerome could sing Psalms while he was set ablaze for his faith. Record has it that even after his voice could no longer be heard because his vocal cords had gone up in flames, his lips were still moving in prayers. Friend, put on this great armor and you will not yield to the taunts of the world. Join me as we sing and pray:

Thou my everlasting Portion,more than friend or life to me,
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

 

Refrain
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee,
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

 

Not for ease or worldly pleasure, nor for fame my prayer shall be;
Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee.

 

Refrain

Lead me through the vale of shadows, bear me over life’s fitful sea;
Then the gate of life eternal may I enter, Lord, with Thee.

Refrain

 

Beloved, Thanks for reading. Please make sure you check back every Wednesday when new posts come out.

xox,
Pst Sam