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How to replicate the victorious life of Christ and access total freedom and dominion

By
Ogba Victor
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0

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 – 

  1. Sin and Flesh 
  2. Evil 
  3. Darkness 
  4. 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:- 

  1. 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. 
     
  2. 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! 
     
  3. 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. 
     
  4. 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)” 
     
  5. 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. 

TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU (Part 2) | Heralds of Revival
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 

  1. 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 
     
  1. 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 
     
  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 
     
  1. 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 
     
  1. 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  
     
  1. 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. “… But I 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.” 

Let Us Return to Righteousness; God is a righteous Judge

By
Ogba Victor
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0

“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: 

  1. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, is known as the “Golden Rule”. 
  1.  “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”, is called the “royal law” 

 
Test for righteousness: 

Since 

  1. 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.  
     
  1. 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. 
     
  1. 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.  
     
  1. 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! 
     
  1. 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? 
     
  1. The way you treat other people’s Children, is it right? 
     
  1. 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! 
     
  1. 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? 
     
  1. 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 
     
  1. 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.  
     
  1. 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 
     
  1. 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. 
     
  1. Leader, how do you treat your subordinates, is it right? How will you feel if your own leader or God treats you likewise? 
     
  1. 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? 
     
  1. 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.” 
     
  1. 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

Let Us Return to Holiness; God is Holy

By
Ogba Victor
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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 

  1. 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.  
     
  1. 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. 
     
  1. 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.” 
     
  1. 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. 
     
  1. 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. 
     
  1. 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.  
     
     
  1. 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.“ 
     
  1. 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.

A Christian must not follow Christ from a distance because he will fall and fail

By
Ogba Victor
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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:

  1. When our going to Church and fellowship is neither here nor there. That is, a lackluster attitude towards attending Church activities.
  2. When we do not pay attention to know the scriptures; to study it regularly and know its value.
  3. When our prayer life is on and off.
  4. When our devotion to God is not stable or consistent.
  5. When we don’t have a one on one relationship with God and His Spirit
  6. When we don’t serve God as He ought to be served. Himself will be far from such worshippers.
  7. 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.

How to serve and find the face of the God of the Church and Bible – With all your heart

By
Ogba Victor
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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!!!

How to serve and Find the face of the God of the Church and Bible – Faithfulness to God

By
Ogba Victor
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TEXT: Joshua 24:14 “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in Faithfulness, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!

From the text we can find Joshua’s principles on ‘how to serve God’. Previously we have discussed on the fear of God and sincere worship. The third one is to serve God in faithfulness.

A faithful worshipper

Faithfulness is a virtue God cannot overlook when we posses it as people who serve and worship Him. He is a faithful God and demands faithfulness from us. “For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.” Psalms 37:28

What then is faithfulness? Take for instance that you had an agreement with someone on a matter. In that agreement, you have a role to play and the second party has his own role to play for the agreement to be established. Your ability to do, and keep doing your own part without wavering is termed your faithfulness.

Another explanation is the case of a promise made. Our ability to keep to our word and promise is faithfulness.

Therefore, faithfulness is a quality of being able to keep to agreement with great consistency, regardless of extenuating circumstances.

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.” Isaiah 42:6

As Christians we are in a blood covenant with God. This covenant was established by Christ Jesus and sealed with His blood.

In this Holy covenant is an agreement; God has His own role to play and we as Christians, have our own role to play. God’s ability to keep His part is the faithfulness of God to His Covenant. Our ability to keep to terms of this holy covenant is our faithfulness to the God of covenant.

We entered into this covenant the day we decided to follow Jesus Christ- the covenant of God to man. And if we call Him a covenant keeping God as some sing and say, we therefore ought to be faithful in keeping our part, knowing that no broken covenant comes without a price.

The Covenant

“This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws (Spirit) in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Hebrews 8:10

God’s part in His covenant with all nations is to provide His Spirit to man. By this Spirit the law of God will be written in men’s heart. By this indwelling Spirit, men will be saved from sin and unrighteousness and the inability to know the judgements of God.

But the spirit does more than conviction and teaching us to live in righteousness. He will also help us to pray, He will help us to worship, help us to live in holiness, cause us to understand the things of God including His word. This generosity of God is revealed in His covenant with all nations.

As for man’s role in this agreement, I Ogba Victor – a bond servant of Jesus Christ heard from the Spirt saying: “Holiness, Righteousness and Obedience.” These three are man’s part to do. And if we are willing and able to do these things at all cost, despite the circumstance, at any time or place, we will be called Faithful before God.

We understand how agreements and covenant works. One has to be faithful to his part so the covenant can remain. Should we fail to keep this covenant and do our part, the repercussion is that God will also not be generous with his Spirit and Grace. The bible says:

“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as faithful to keep his covenant and his testimonies.” -Psalms 25:10

Th passage above agrees that those who keep to God’s covenant, God will show them His mercy and truth. But God will do more than showing mercy and truth, He will keep to His covenant and make His Spirit and Grace abundant. A Christian who has an abundance of God’s Spirit can do so much through Christ Jesus. For the power of God that worketh in us is nothing but an expression of His Spirit.

Again, it is written:

“It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I disregarded them, declares the Lord.” Hebrews 8:9

The nature of God is spelt out in Hebrews 8:9 – He is a covenant keeping God. If we disregard our agreement and break his covenant, he is also liable to disregard and hide his face from us. For we already know that He is a covenant keeping God, He will keep to His word. Jesus Christ said:

 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:15-18

From the above scripture, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to his followers. He promised to come to them even after he is through with His duty on Earth. The world was going to look for Him, but His followers were to continue to experience Him. Then He reminded them of the clause attached to this divine providence of an abiding Spirit; He said: “If you keep my commandments“.

It is very easy today to find Church goers who are not willing to obey the righteous laws of Christ. They still commit all sorts of sin, iniquity and evil not regarding the person of Christ.

How do we think we shall find the face of God living in sin and wickedness against God and against our fellow man? For willfully we break the covenant in utter unrighteousness, un-holiness and in gross disobedience to God. That which He says, “don’t do”, we do. That which He says, “do this”, we don’t do. If we were to be fathers, would we be generous to such children as have no regard for us?

Tell Christians who have the desire to experience and find God that we must repent and return back to being faithful to the covenant we have with God. For unless we repent and return, God’s face will be far from us, and many shall likewise perish.

Obedience to God

We obeyed God when we surrendered to Christ, by this we obtained forgiveness and the indwelling of God’s Spirit. If we want the Spirit of God to remain in us, and for us to grow and well-up to the heights of God, we must live in obedience to God.

By the Spirit we will hear from God, by Him we are regenerated, by Him we grow in grace and knowledge of God, by Him we find God, by Him we build a relationship with Christ. By Him we receive and manifest the spiritual gifts of God. Therefore, figuring out how to keep ourselves aligned for the supply of God’s Spirit should be our priority. And Jesus said “If you obey my commandments, I will send you the Holy Spirit.”

Obedience itself is part of faithfulness to God. To be obedient means that we shall do as we are told, and not do as we are told not to do.

Prayer or living a life of prayer is under obedience to God. Studying the word daily is part of it. Evangelism is part of obedience to the great commission. Running away from lies, deceit, covetousness, bribes, fighting, malice, hatred, slander, envy, wickedness and other iniquities because the bible condemns it, is part of obedience to God.

Sometimes God can use our pastors to tell us things we must do, we must show obedience. Other times God can give us a task to carry out, we must do it without hesitation.

Holiness

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 at all for them not to be exposed. But God is undeniably Holy; “Thy eyes are too pure to behold evil, and thou canst not look on iniquity.” –Habakkuk 1:13

The aim of this series has not changed, these are the ways you will serve God and you will find his face. It is series that searches the heart of men, should you doubt my gospel, ask for a sign from God and do not resist Him.

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, holiness is the beauty of all saved and heavenly minded Christians. As it is written; “without holiness no one will see God.“

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

Righteousness

“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.

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.

It is impossible for the unrighteous man to find God, his prayers are an abomination to God. 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 unrighteousness.

This is how we know that all our works that doesn’t align to the person and judgments of God on 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 unto you”, is also known as the “Golden Rule”.

 “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”, is called the “royal law”

Conclusion

In the exact words of Moses; “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

I also have in three topical series given us what we need to find the face of God; In it is life and death. For we must choose to serve God how He desires to be served or we can’t serve Him at all. We must choose to live or to die.

For it pleased God to declare this when He told me to pray to be able to teach His people on how to serve Him. I have kept nothing back but one important part which shall be for the next article. Nonetheless, any man who serves God in the fear of God, in sincere worship and in faithfulness cannot be rejected by God. He will find the face of the God of the Church and of the Bible.

Amen!

How to serve and find the face of the God of the Bible – Sincere an Truthful worship

By
Ogba Victor
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From our previous article on this series, I made sure to let us understand that there is a way God has chosen to be served; and it is by it we shall be accepted and our voices heard in heaven. This is the truth. It is the secret of men who have been able to find the God of the Church and have experienced His glory and power. Previously we discussed on ‘the fear of God‘ as the number one in the list of how to serve and find God. In this article we shall move on to the second one.

TEXT: Joshua 24:14 “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in Faithfulness, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!

From the above passage we can find the second in the list of how a Christian should serve God. It is to serve God in sincerity and truthful worship.

Truthful and Sincere worship

To serve God in sincerity means that there is no deceit or double standard in our worship of God. It means that we are exactly whom we claim to be, before God and before man, in open and in secret. It also means that the ‘Yes’ of our Christian message, we uphold them; as for the ‘Neys’ we say no without compromise and hypocrisy.

Deceitful worship aims to show the people a different side of what is real about us. It is a case of double standard Christianity where one is a Christian in a particular location, but in another he lives in a way that displeases God. For he mocks the message of Christ before those who are yet to be saved, for he does not live according to the faith he proclaims.

We are in a time when very many Church people are most godly in the Church and before their pastors and fellow membership. They are well dressed, when behaved, saintly, godly and with righteous appearance. However, at home, in secrete, without the public eyes, behind the curtains is another person who lives in negation to what he claims to be; it is called deceitful worship.

Some students are very churchy at home and before their parents. But as soon as they are without their parents and in a student environment, they become as wild beasts living without fear for God. Some don’t even associate with God’s people and the Church anymore. Away from home they show that they truly are for the world, but before their parents and pastors they are pretentious. They are deceivers and the truth is not in them.

We see Pastors who live a lie before the public eye. At home they are ravenous wolves who mistreat their spouse, in public they put on a holy appearance with a cheeky smile and gentle walk. They are manipulators and liars about what they truly are. My God cannot accept this evil.

Anyone who worships in deceit only deceives himself. “For God cannot be mocked: For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal 6:7. If we sow sin and deceit, we shall reap death. As it is written: “For the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23

Christian, who are you in the secret and who are you in the open? In your work place, at home, in your school environment, before your friends, away from possible reprimand, do you represent Christ or are you just like those who don’t know God? This question will help you judge yourself on this matter. For God cannot be mocked.

Some will say: “Listen to what I preach but do not copy my ways.” Apostle Paul rather says: “Imitate me as I Imitate Christ.” If you are not the righteous man people think you are, if you are not the Holy man they think, if you are not the kind and godly man they see, if you are not what you preach and claim to stand for, then you are a liar.

John 4:23 “But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

Jesus seemingly agrees with Joshua and the saints on how to serve and worship God. Jesus reminded his followers that the time has come for the true worshippers of God, that is, those who claim they belong to God and Christ to put away deceitful worship and serve God in Spirit and Truth. For He said: “This is the kind of worship God is looking for”.

Again, he continued: “God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and Truth”. What great things He has revealed to us here.

Many people are whiling away their time. In all the years they have spent in the Church believing that they serve God, they have truly not been able to find God as proof that they serve God in truth.

For there is no one who can serve God in truth, following the sure ways of God who cannot find the face God. Our God has caused us to know His Judgements and how we shall be acceptable to Him.

My mom was in a Church service. As the service was going on, her eyes were opened in the spirit to a few worshippers left in that service. By this, God was showing this woman of God His true worshippers whose name are in the Lamb’s Book of life. Those where his accepted who will also be raptured.

The rest of them in that service are what we call Church goers. They had absolutely no idea that God has rejected their worship and that their names were not in the Lamb’s Book of life although they had a form of religion. Unless they shall repent and return back to the chosen ways of God, they shall be like the five foolish virgins who were part of the chosen of the groom, but were also rejected by Him; with the groom saying: “I do not know you!”

The five foolish virgins could have been part of the pastoral. Some could have been in the prayer department, while some could have been in the band or Choir. Many could have had tongues, while others had money and Tithes to give. Yet the groom who is Christ rejected them. Since they cared not for what is important to the groom, the groom also denied them marriage.

This is the mystery of the parable of the ten virgins. Not all of those who call Him Lord will enter into God’s kingdom, but those who do His will. What is the will of God? That all worshippers of God be truthful and honest with their worship of God.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:21-23

“Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart.”- I Samuel 12:24

Jesus also pointed out the need to worship in the spirit. A short description of Christianity is a spiritual walk with God. From the first day He births us through His Spirit, a true worshipper should begin a living spiritual relationship with God. If there is nothing spiritual about our relationship with God, we must not think that we are walking with God who is a Spirit.

Jesus was inviting the people of God to a worship that is beyond lip service full of physical appearances but lacking spiritual transformation, impact, impartations and signs. Not as the Jews used to have. Their worship of God was in the surface without spiritual ties with God. Only the prophets enjoyed this spiritual walk with God. Jesus was then saying, ‘the time has now come for us to worship in the Spirit also.’

It is only by the Holy Spirit that one can walk with God in the Spirit. Our spirituality as Christians is not like that of the world. But from the womb of the Holy Ghost our spirituality is birthed in Christ Jesus.

A spiritual walk with God comes with spiritual benefits. We get to benefit from the generosities of God made possible by the Spirit of Grace that worketh in us. Part of that generosity is that His Sons and Daughters will be people of the light.

For this then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. 1 John 1:5

Let us understand what John is saying here. Those who dwell in darkness, and also claim to belong to God are liars and deceivers. They are likened to them who has no truth in their worship of God, because God is light and in him there is no darkness.

We must therefore arise and put on light to show that we serve God in truth. For those who serve Him belong to the light and not darkness.

Also, we cannot claim that we belong to God and secretly have idols and charms we use to protect ourselves as some public office holders do. In doing this we are made liars and the truth is not in us. God hates idolatry!

We cannot claim to be saved while we still live in iniquity and wickedness, we are insincere. “For whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John3:9

We cannot preach holiness and live in unholiness, it is insincerity.

We cannot preach that God is love, but live in unforgiveness, malice, strife, hatred, infightings and quarreling, and at the same time claim to serve God; the truth is not in us.

If we are for Christ, then let us be Christlike in deeds, in words, in relationship, in dealings, in secrete, in open and in the dark corners. This is far beyond praying and fasting, it is far beyond singing and dancing. Our tears, emotions and claims to love God cannot substitute that we must serve God in all sincerity; This is the kind of worship He seeks.

The consequence of serving God in hypocrisy of heart.

The sinners in Zion are afraid; Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites: “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” Isaiah 33:14

Isaiah was a Prophet of mighty revelations and word. He saw and wrote on the Past, the Present and the Future things. He foresaw the end of sinners and wicked people who dwell among the righteous congregation. He foresaw the destruction awaiting those who have a double standard worship; preaching and not doing kind of service to God.

They are in Zion and they dwell with those who are destined for the Kingdom. But instead of the helmet of salvation, they have sin, iniquity, evil, malice, hatred, immorality, lewdness, sexual perversions and darkness.

Isaiah said: “Sinners in Zion are afraid; fear has gripped the hypocrites.” While on earth they had no fear for God and was not moved by the judgements of God. They imagined that they could deceive man but could not see that God who sees in the dark cannot be mocked. For the Lord Knows those who are his true Children-2 Timothy 2:19. But now fear has gripped the hypocrites. “Who among us shall dwell in the devouring fire?” “Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” They cry aloud.

This becomes the outcry of sinners in the church on the last day when their deceitful worship will be exposed. For God is not mocked. What a man sows, that he shall reap. If he sows sin and deception, he shall reap death. For the wages of sin is death!

Serve God in Truth and Sincerity!

How to serve and find the face of the God of the Bible – The Fear of God

By
Ogba Victor
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0

A young lady made a post sometime ago on how she had been in prayers seeking for God for about six months if I could recall exactly. When I saw the genuine concern in her writing I sent her a friend request and then messaged her. I had just one job to do, which is to make her understand that there is a way to serve and find the face of God. Such that when we seek Him, we shall find Him; and we shall be certain that we truly belong to Him.

In my years of service to God, I don’t think anyone should seek God for many months without any response unless the seeker is unaligned. No one who seeks God unaligned will find Him. Alignment means we are serving God the way we ought to serve Him. That we are aligned to the plumbline of God and is worshipping God how He desires to be worshipped. Not how we want to do it!

One could have being a Church goer for many years and could have become a deacon, deaconess, priest, church leader, chorister, department leader, but is unaligned. One could stay for many years as a church goer but would never know what it means to hear God speak. Many of them will continue to be defeated by sin and darkness because they do not know, neither do they have the Light from God. They also can never come into true spiritual growth neither will they know the power of God made available to a Christian living for God in truth.

We must not be deceived, the five (5) Foolish virgins of the parable of the Ten (10) Virgins were equally members of the Church. They continued with the Church until the end and they were left behind. This is how many Church people who play religion and serve God in their own way, ignoring the chosen ways of God will not share in the eternal glory, but shall be perish in everlasting burnings. Him who has promised eternal life has chosen a sure way and it was written: “The standard of God remains sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his…” 2Timothy 2:19

A preacher was demanded by God to preach to a Church old timer. The Spirit had told the preacher that the Church goer was not saved. This preacher was hesitant to a preach salvation to this church old timer because he couldn’t imagine that the well known Church goer had no relationship with God. He thought about how the Church goer would take it, and so he left without attending to the demand of the soul searching Spirit.

The preacher was at his home the next morning when he was told that the man God had demanded him to preach to was dead; He cried.

The preacher was looking at the fact that this other man was an established church goer, but God was seeing an unaligned man whose worship was yet to be accepted in heaven. He knew not God all the years of his plight in the Christian Church. He probably had his religious ways, but God had a way He chose and so he wasn’t saved. He must have thought he was serving God, but the service of God was far from Him.

This is how many Church goers are still unknown in heaven despite all their religiousities; because there is a way God has chosen to be worshipped and served. And until we truly serve, we shall also be likened to this established church goer who died without salvation experience.

There is a way to serve God so that your worship will be accepted, and your voice heard in heaven when you call. And it is not by rigorous praying or fastings. Praise and dance with emotional tears cannot substitute it. The longeitivity of years as a believer means nothing here. Our theology and pulpit expertise means nothing here. Our popularity in the church means nothing. Our positions, titles and religious regalia means absolutely nothing. Our giving means nothing until we begin to serve in the way God has chosen to be served.

How to serve and find God

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in Faithfulness, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15

Time came for Joshua to bow to the ways of his fathers. He then gathered God’s people together and began to reminisce on the journey which began from Egypt. As he was concluding his final speech, he enquired of the people of Israel if they were willing to serve God. The people of God replied and said: “Yes! We will serve our God”.

But to Joshua, he knew that it wasn’t just about saying it. He knew that there was a way God accepts and that not all forms of worship and service are able to please God. Then in Chapter 24:14 Joshua like Moses (The man of God) began to state how Israel must serve God if they wanted to be accepted by God. For He said: “Now therefore Fear the Lord…”

Fear the Lord

The fear of the Lord is the first thing that God requires from all who claim to serve God. It is number one in the ‘how to serve God.’ And until we can show that we fear God we cannot be established as people who serve God in heaven.

Abraham the Father of Faith, when he obeyed God to sacrifice his only son according to Genesis 22:12, it was written that God had said to Abraham “Now I know that you fear me“. Thus, God tried Abraham to know if he had the fear of God. He passed and this made God to establish his journey with God. The Faith of Abraham did not go without the Fear of God.

Job 1:18 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

Again, here is a man who served God- Job. God had noted to Satan that Job was a servant of His; this is to say that Job was actively serving God, not as a Prophet but as a follower of the ways of God. Job was blameless and upright. Then God recounted that he was a man who had the FEAR OF GOD in him.

What then does it mean to fear God?

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”- Proverbs 16:6

According to the scripture above, we can conclude that the fear of God is to depart from iniquity. The fear of God is for men to run from what offends the Spirit of God. It is for men to say: “No! How can I commit this wickedness against God?” Until then we are yet in the true service and worship of God.

Joseph could have had fun with Potiphar’s wife and nobody would have known. But when his fear for God was tested he said: “How can I do this great wickedness against God?” This is what it means to fear God. When we shun sin and evil in obedience to God no matter the cost, whether we lose or gain, whether we die or live, whether we are loved or despised, no matter the situation, no matter the condition and no matter the place. This is the demand of God; It is how He desires to be worshipped and served. For He said;

A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? Malachi 1:6

Today’s Church is full of many who claim to serve God but very few men who have the fear of God in them. And for this reason, the Spirit is far from many, for God having called himself a Holy God has rejected the worship of many and the scripture having also said, “Them that despise my command, I will likely esteem.”

So we pray, but God does not answer. We fast, but it looks like God has deaf ears. We cry and he doesn’t respond. We suffer and he is silent. Our voices are unheard in Heaven because God has seen our hearts that we have no fear for Him.

For freely we tell lies to meet ends ignoring that the Bible says: “The Lord hates a lying tongue.”- Proverbs 6:16. Without fear we slander and curse. We fight and do wickedness to one another. We beat and mistreat our wives and husbands. Even the children of other people, we treat with contempt. A time when Church people engage in deceit and fraud; When we fornicate and commit adultery; When Pastors steal church fund’s and engage in politics. When we are full of divorce of which the Lord has said: “I hate divorce!” A time when there are thieves amongst us, and those who mistreat widows and take from the fatherless.

A time when our church people are willing to do anything to make money and gain employment. Ladies sleep with their bosses, men sleep with job seekers. A generation of bribe seeking Church goers. I worked with a man who tried to encourage me to steal from my boss. He was a prominent member of the Church. You can hardly find a faithful stewardship these days even in the Church, both clergy and laity. The sin and wickedness we do are not hidden from the eyes of God.

I was in a bible school where pastors cheat and steal in exams. Some would even write exams for others. These are men who lack the fear of God. They don’t care about how God looks at them, but you’ll see them praying for anointing and power. Of course nothing will be given them. Just like Saul they have shown untrustworthiness in little matters, who shall then give them true riches? For this many cannot be established as Men of God, and some have lost the oil of ministry.

We have shown nothing but contempt to the righteous judgements of God and we have despised His law. Is it not written;

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” Psalm 24:3

If only the pure can stand in the Holy place of God, what do we think, that we will despise God and he will receive our service and be pleased with us? That we will do wickedness and he will smile on our prayers?

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect towards Him.”- 2 Chronicles 16:9

Again it is written:

“With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.” 2Samuel 22:26-27

Are there not deacons and deaconesses who steal Church money? Pastors who misuse Church funds. When Christian politicians steal public funds and Christian lawyers tell lies. When we cheat and do not pay back what we borrow. “The wicked borrow and do not pay back.” Psalms 37:21

Show me a Christian who fears God and I’ll show you a man who serves God in truth. Do we not know that David whom God attested to be a man after God’s own heart had one secret- He feared God! For He said, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed.”

Again, after David was fully established, he said of his journey with God: “He delivered me because He delighted in me. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, And have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His judgments were before me; And as for His statutes, I did not depart from them. I was also blameless before Him, And I kept myself from iniquity. Therefore the Lord has recompensed me for my righteousness.” 2 Samuel 22. There is no doubt David had the fear of God.

The fear of God, to run away from evil, is one of the ways to serve God. That is how to endear your worship to God and cause your voice to be heard in heaven when you call, even in the days of trouble.

We can never be established as true Christians and we shall never find God in our days in the church until we serve God in fear and tremble. His voice we will hardly hear, spiritual gifts we will hardly receive, the manifestations and power of God we will hardly know, until we have been proven to have the fear of God in us.

This is why I and many others have been able to find the God of the Church, talked with God, and have experienced the power of old and of the kingdom to come; having seen angels and Jesus Christ. I had and still have the fear of God in me. It is not about being afraid to talk about things of God or having fear of pastors, but it is about departing from iniquity and evil. Also knowing that if anyone does not serve God in fear, he will not find God all his days on Earth, and he shall not be with God in eternity to come. For while he was on Earth he had no relationship with God.

Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD tends to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Psalm 33:18-19 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on them that fear him, on them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Revelations 14:6-7: Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people. And he said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Fear God!

The principles of all round Christian spiritual growth and advancement plus why you are not growing as a Christian

By
Ogba Victor
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0

Someone asked a question in a group I belong saying; “How do I grow?” This is a very important question one must ask, else one will never come into his true potential as a follower of Christ.

Christianity is a Spiritual walk with God; for God is a Spirit. Spiritual growth is not growing in faith but the all-round growth of our spiritual relationship with God. It involves the development of our Christian spiritualties such that even as our mortal bodies are growing, our eternal bodies/spirit are also growing into the likeness of God.

To understand Christian Spiritual growth we must understand the physical growth process which starts from when a child is born into the world.

A babe at first is born into the world without sight, strength and abilities. It lacks understanding and much intelligence. It lacks developed immune system that can help it fight alien bodies and so needs to be shielded. It needs to be carried and petted. It hardly knows it’s mother or father and cannot speak to them. It doesn’t have teeth and lacks strong bones which shows fragility. It also cannot defend itself.

After birth the babe begins to grow in size, weight, knowledge, strength, intelligence, abilities etc. As the child is growing he learns to speak and converse better. He could start to defend himself, develops new skills and discover his gifts and talents. And the human growth process doesn’t end until death. Even at old age one can increase in knowledge and wisdom.

If we liken this new born babe to a Christian newly birthed or converted, then we will understand Christian Spiritual growth.

A new convert in Christ would be lacking many things as a new babe would. He lacks knowledge of spiritual things. He lacks spiritual wisdom. His Christian immune system could still be questioned. He hardly knows his Father although he believes in Him. He is fragile and could be easily led astray. At this stage his prayer life could be weak. In the area of spiritual gifts he could have none, but if he has an, it would be very much undeveloped and without maturity. In the area of spiritual strength he may have just little. For Spiritual sight, he may have none.

At a stage he will be expected to begin to crawl. At another time stand; at another time walk; and then He should run and help others to run. This is possible only if He is able to grow all the things he lacked at re-birth, and develop the ones that he had at re-birth.

One day this Christian should be able to look back at coming to Christ like a babe and becoming a threshing instrument, a vessel of honour in God’s hands fit for every good work. This is Christian Spiritual growth process.

Therefore, Spiritual growth is a Christian growth process whereby someone who comes to Christ is more established in spiritual faith(Faith that comes from abundance of God’s spirit and not just a mind faith), in the spiritual knowledge of God and his dealings, in spiritual understanding, in spiritual wisdom(Wisdom that comes from the abundance of God’s Spirit), in response to spiritual things, in Christian spiritual warfare, in spiritual gifts, and in manifesting the power of God.

Yes! A Christian was made to be able to wield some levels of God’s power. If we cannot yet produce anything, the problem is with our spirit. It is too undeveloped and has not put on reasonable glory.

Few things we have must note:

  1. As in physical dwarfism, so in spiritual dwarfism.
  2. The length of years one has being in the Church does not relate to his spiritual growth. He could have stayed 50years in Church but still a babe in the spirit.
  3. When one truly grows in the spirit, He is also being drawn closer to God.
  4. Spiritual growth increases our chances of producing spiritual power and manifestations.

What is not Christian Growth

  1. Going from Church membership to the Pastoral is not spiritual growth.
  2. Becoming a Bishop or Church leader is not spiritual growth. This is just mere increase in fellowship ranking/title.
  3. Appointed or selected for a role in the church is not spiritual growth.
  4. Being part of the Church for many years is not spiritual growth.
  5. Belonging to a group or association in the Church is not spiritual growth.
  6. Becoming used to the Church system and you are able to relate with the other membership is not a spiritual growth.
  7. Learning to give huge chums of your money to God’s work is not spiritual growth.

Spiritual growth implies that the things that concerns our spiritual walk with God are being strengthened, sharpened and established. Our spiritual receptacles and discernment has grown. Our understanding of signs are strongly positioned. Our spiritual deposits and gifts become more elaborate and effective. Our spiritual power and sight are developed. Such a Christian gain more power of utterance.

I don’t want Christians to be ignorant that the name of Jesus is more powerful in the tongue of those who are better grown and developed in the Spirit. Principalities pay no respect to titles or position; but men of sizable heights in the Spirit they listen to.

There was a time God used a woman to deliver me from spiritual attack. I prayed and prayed but the forces sustained their attack. Immediately this woman started to pray, they were overpowered. For, she had invested spiritually for many years and had become grown such that her utterance carried more weight than mine at that time. For sometime I wondered why a Prophet with mighty visions couldn’t prevail some dark forces, meanwhile thi woman could. I later learnt that my calling does not diminish that legalism of spiritual growth and spiritual power; they work together.

Therefore was the need to grow as fast as possible so that I can take my rightful place in the spirit.

If a Christian is having dreams or realities of calling on Jesus and the devil or evil one is hard to go, it shows how timid your spiritual life and growth is. If you grow the forces will listen. Below are principles of Christian Spiritual growth.

  1. Be thoroughly saved.
    Let no one imagine that somehow he can begin to grow spiritually until he is truly saved by Christ’s redeeming power. Becoming genuinely born again is the first step towards spiritual growth.

    Many at times preachers and Church people miss this important part. It doesn’t matter how long you fast, it doesn’t matter how long you do religious activities. If you are not truly saved, it is just like you are studying A-level courses without passing primary school. So God could ignore your prayers and fast, especially the ones that are aimed at seeking for greater glory, grace and power. God’s glory is not the right of sinners in the Church or outside the Church. Therefore, instead of fasting and praying to hear from God or to manifest power, let believers who are still been defeated by sin seek God that the yoke of sin may be broken.

    Sacrifice he has not desired, but a pure heart does He seek from us. For He said: Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you- Matthew 6:33.
  2. Growth through Prayer.
    If a Christian has any gift or spiritual deposit or if he can hear from God, his fervent prayer life can help strengthen and sharpen his gifts. His commitment to prayer will cause his receptacles to be stronger such that the voice of God will come more often. Even visions will increase for a praying Christian.

    I do not say that prayer is how to hear from God, but if your ears are already open, a fervent prayer life will cause the voice of God to come more often. Also if you lack spiritual gifts, a fervent prayer life can be used to purchase gifts. I cannot begin to mention how many gifts God gave me in 2021. As I would be praying, He’ll open my eyes in the Spirit to a new gift from Home.

    The promise of God to prune those who bare fruits is not elusive of praying Christians. The desire of God is for the Church and Christians to be in their best shape to enable them prevail. For God told me in 2021 that those whom He shall make use of in this generation are those who are willing to labour for Him. These are the candidates of His mighty power and mighty gifts.

  3. Growth through Evangelism.
    The most overlooked Spiritual growth mechanism is Evangelism. God has used this tool to teach me great lessons as a preacher, that no Church or Christian can grow effectively neglecting evangelism.

    I used to go out to preach by obedience to God. It continued a long time until God brought me to a point that I can foresee where to go. As I pen this, where I’m to begin my next evangelism campaign has been shown to me already. It wasn’t this way until God saw my faithfulness to obey the call to evangelize then he gave me the gift of vision. I soon learnt that all ministries to God and man needs spiritual gifts and graces. We cannot attain those hidden treasures until we show faithfulness in doing them. For to he who has more will be given- Matthew 13:12.

  4. Growth through daily and regular bible study.
    The growth that comes through regular bible study is tremendous. I once read the bible so much that a Spirit entered into me strongly. By that Spirit my mind was set on fire. I started to think my brain was topnotch, but I later learnt that the Spirit came to help me understand the message of my calling. But it didn’t come until God saw my zeal in bible study. For to Him who has more will be given.

    The Angel Gabriel said to Daniel; “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard; and I have come for thy words. Daniel 10:12″

    Let us understand that Daniel first set his heart to understand. He probably set himself apart for this. A decision that prompted God to send the Angel to answer his prayers. He was laboring his heart to understand.

    Can we still find Christians who read the bible zealously, seeking for understanding, knowledge and wisdom of the God of all Ages? Or has our Cellphone, PlayStation and fun times taking robbed us of Angelic assistance?

    Joshua 1:8 says: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

    It is simply impossible for any Christian to have good successful growth without God’s word. The word of God does so much for us, including sanctifying us from impurities that hamper spiritual growth.

    Also, the more a Christian studies the bible, the more He learns and knows more about His God. The bible says: “Those who know their God shall be strong, and do great exploits. Daniel 11:32 ”

    Lastly, there are things and gifts we cannot receive until we can handle them. There are dimensions God will keep from us until we possess knowledge. If not we shall become fools and God’s generousities shall ensnare us. Christian, read your bible like your life depends on it, or you will never grow.
  5. Growth through going to Church and Church activities.

    “And let us not forsake the fellowship that we have among ourselves.” Hebrews 10:25

    We are in a generation where many Christians don’t go to bible classes, night vigils and Sunday service. Many will prefer to play gospel music on Sunday morning. Others will go jogging, family outings, recreations etc. Jesus Christ in His time stepped into the Synagogue to teach the people.

    In attending Church and other activities one has to partake in worship, giving and ministrations. We listen to testimonies, sermons and songs. In the presence of the Spirit and the power of God these things edify God’s people. And where God’s presence is, that place is a potential breeding ground for his generousities. For it is the Spirit that illuminates our hearts on God’s Word; He feeds the spirit man; He helps us to grow. Sitting under the ministration of a genuine servant of God can illuminate anyone, it can increase our faith, it can increase our understanding and sharpen our spiritual gifts. No island Christian can grow much.
  6. Growth through Faithfulness & Obedience
    In the year 2021 God opened my eyes to an unpopular truth. All that God expects us to do, if we are faithful in them, He will grow us to new heights.

    We cannot expect God to increase us in negligence to what is demanded from us. Reading the bible daily, praying without ceasing, preaching the gospel of Christ, attending Church and activities are basic things we ought not to overlook. Other things may include obedience to specific/special assignments or tasks God has assigned to us. Spiritual growth and maturity is only possible by faithfulness and obedience to God.

My advice is for Christians to be attentive to their spiritual walk with God. At the end of the year, let us look back at how we started the year and how we are ending it.

If there were no new gifts, if there were no sharpened spiritual gifts, if our receptacles to God’s voice didn’t improve, if our strength in prayer didn’t grow, if there were no new anointing and graces, if our wisdom and prudency didn’t grow, if our visions didn’t come more often, if our faith was not able to move more mountains, if the spiritualties of our walk with God didn’t grow and produce visible effect on our Christian living, then we have had no spiritual growth that entire year.

May God help us in 2022. Happy New Year!!!

Pre-requisite for God’s deliverance, His restoration power, His help and His returning back to our lives

By
Ogba Victor
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0

Would you want to be made whole? Do you want to be set free from Satan’s bondage? Do you desire to return back to God? Whatever be the response of these questions, if positive, then there is a way to it. There are steps we cannot overlook or boycott if we genuinely desire to be completely liberated from the enemy’s bondage and then return back to God.

Apostle Arome testified of a barren woman who came to him for prayers in order to be conceived of a child. But as they had started to pray, the Spirit of God opened the eyes of men to a balloon pierced with broomsticks; and then the Lord said; Abortion! Abortion!

An evangelist who messaged us on a certain Sunday testified of a man who invited her for prayers. As she was preparing to meet the man, God stopped her from praying for Him. God revealed that the man had been engaged in idolatry, seeking help from traditional altars. Therefore God forbade the Evangelist.

Someone approached me a certain time desiring to be set free from unknown spiritual occurrences. This fellow does not desire the ways of God, but only desire the providence that was promised the Children of the kingdom. I prayed but God did not answer a word.

I was also approached by a certain woman for prayers concerning an issue. I did pray, but God did not answer. In her own case, I knew why God did not answer. Disobedience is as the sin of witchcraft says the Prophet, Samuel. Shall we ignore God’s dire needs and then bring ours to Him for solution? Brethren it does not work this way. For He said to the Jews, “I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer.“

Therefore, I have learnt that God keeps to His word of giving honour to those who honour Him. I have found out that there are principles and pre-requisite for help to come from above. I Ogba Victor, have seen that spirituality is governed by legalities placed by God. And although grace is a master to legalities, yet it is God who has set this legalities and has proven time after time that if we truly desire his deliverance and power we must produce certain fruits.

God is not weak to deliver, and there is no bondage too strong for Him. His hands are not too short to save, and there is no depth of darkness for which His light cannot shine through and quench it; but our sins have separated us from His power says the Lord.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2

I do not buy the sentiment of many when they say God will answer prayers. My bible says that the prayers or sacrifices of the wicked is an abomination to God (Proverbs 15:8).

What God needs from the sinner and wicked is repentance and to serve God in fear and sincerity of heart; and then the light of His countenance shall shine on us. And then we shall ask of Him that our joy may be full.

If He shall honour us in our dishonour of him, we will pride in our evil ways. Men will believe he has approved the wickedness of our hearts.

We must not look light of the scripture that shows how God allowed his people to be defeated in battle. How He refused them his help and how He stopped Prophets from praying, saying to them: “I will not answer, I will not hear thee. For this people have done evil in my sight“. We cannot overlook that we serve the same God of Israel who is Holy and righteous.

If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 7:3

In the Bible passage above, Israel was in same scenario of a people needing deliverance from their enemies but who needed to do the needful for salvation to come.

The Philistines had come up against Israel as they are used to. This time the Israelites where without the ark of covenant because it had been captured. Then they approached Samuel to solicit to God for help. Samuel was a Spiritual man. He knew that deliverance from God had a prerequisite. He was spiritually matured, probably more matured that many of us who would delve into prayers despite the spiritual condition of our flock.

Preachers must learn from Samuel. I’ve seen those who care little about the spiritual condition of the sheep of God. They would try to force God’s hands on the wicked. Nonetheless, the scripture says that the wicked shall not know peace. We must ensure that people have not placed themselves far away from God’s reach. And if we are fully aware of this, we must follow the pre-requisite for deliverance and finding help from God.

Pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. Jeremiah 7:16

It is deceit when the wicked and sinner tries to pray to God for deliverance and help but himself does not care to serve and honour God. Hoping that somehow God would answer and then he shall go back to wickedness. Many at times, those prayers don’t come with answer.

And men of God who try to deliver someone who is not ready and willing to quit wickedness most likely will be hitting a stone against a wall.

I remember praying someone out of a dark place. That same day I had a vision of this very person, she was afraid to come out. Hence it is not my prayer alone that will work. There needs to be a full cooperation of the other party for the prayer to be effective.

Prophet Samuel knew that it was futile trying to get God to help those who are not willing to come under his Power. He then told them plainly- if you want deliverance, if you want help against your adversaries, if you want to overcome, you must:

1. Return back to your God with all your heart.

One must to come to a place of repentance for what has led him away from God, and he must be sorry and show penitence. He has to re-consecrate back to God. The Heart must be involved here because God searches the heart. A broken heart and contrite spirit God will not overlook (Psalm 51:17).

One must not think to himself to deceive the Pastor and Church with lip confession while harboring great evil in his heart. For if I regard iniquity in my heart God will not answer – Psalm 66:18

2. Put away all foreign God’s which we possess

This instruction calls for self-cleansing. Surely we know why we have been separated from God. We must not assume to ourselves that somehow, God can bend his law to us.

I have seen a transgender who claimed to have surrendered to Christ, but never wanted to quite ‘transgending‘.

I’ve also read about a lesbian who repented and wanted to continue in her sin, desiring that God would bend to her. But it didn’t take long for her to figure out that the change was not coming forth, and that God was not yet in her ship. Then she started to seek God, asking for deliverance from the spirit of lesbianism.

It was through this prayer of cleansing that God delivered her. She had dreamt one night that a man pulled her out of a hole. Christ liberated her because she was willing to let go the stuff which had separated she and her heavenly Father. She prayed earnestly with brokenness for about a month until Help came from above.

There can never be full restoration and deliverance until we let go the hatred in our hearts. We must set free those we have held captive. We must forgive others and made peace with those we have wronged. We must confess our sins and do our best to return what we have taken in wickedness. We must purge ourselves of all that offends.

3. Prepare the Heart and Serve God only

After getting rid of all that offends in character, works, possession, and passion, the next step is to decide for sincere service and never to turn back.

It is not always a rosy path to follow God whether as a returnee or newly birth to Christ Jesus. The past may come hunting, the devil may try to give us one last run to see if we truly have divorced him. Times of opposition may come, men will throw punches.

Preparing the heart with the view that nothing will take us back is the third step. The assurance of God is not that the righteous will not pass through tribulations, His assurance is that we will overcome if we exercise patience and trust. Therefore the man that prepares his heart must decide to serve at all cost, and to serve Him alone.

Papering the heart involves prayers and studying God’s word. God’s word is like a mirror to our past, our present and our future. Consulting spiritual mentors and interacting with faithful Christians can help one cross this line.

In conclusion, ‘serving God only’ implies a continuous exercise. There are certain breakthroughs that may not happen immediately. There are certain bridges that does not close instantly. Example include depression and some other troubles of the spirit man.

As soon as we have come to God, He begins the formation stage. It takes fellowshipping with God, studying of God’s word, praying earnestly, listening to God’s preachers and not drawing back from God to fully accomplish them. We must be steadfast, the healing is in His hands. He will be faithful to them whose hearts are perfect towards Him.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

May God grant us wisdom and light in Jesus’ name; Amen!

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