Category: Christian blogs

1. BAPTISM by complete immersion in water symbolizes conformity with DEATH of Christ and He being raised from the DEAD, we also are BORN AGAIN, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD shall also QUICKEN YOUR MORTAL BODIES by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” [Romans 8:11] We are BORN AGAIN members of God’s family, fitted by BAPTISM into the BODY of Christ. We are BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST, members of ONE BODY, no longer to live for ourselves but in Him and for Him [1 Corinthians 12:13] Israel in the wilderness was ONE BODY, “And were all BAPTIZED UNTO MOSES in the cloud and in the sea; … And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that SPIRITUAL ROCK THAT FOLLOWED THEM: and that ROCK WAS CHRIST” [1 Corinthians 10:1-4] BAPTISM of John came much later to gather the harvest of Israel in ONE BODY and Apollos was “BAPTIZED” “… and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, KNOWING only the BAPTISM OF JOHN” [Acts 18:25] Moses and John were “SHADOWS” of Christ, men who stood in the gap till the fulness of God was manifest in Jesus Christ and now revealed in us, “For ye are all the CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST” [Galatians 3:26-27]

2. We are BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST by divine arrangement, “To wit, that GOD WAS IN CHRIST, RECONCILING THE WORLD UNTO HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” [2 Corinthians 5:19] We are reconciled by revelation not by cogitation, it is a MYSTERY; God revealing himself to us in Jesus Christ by preaching of the GOSPEL, “Which NONE OF THE PRINCES of this WORLD KNEW: for had they known it, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED the LORD OF GLORY” [1 Corinthians 2:8] Wherever the GOSPEL is preached, God is present in Jesus Christ, searching all hearts for a man whose heart is open to HEAR beyond HEARING of the ear, “Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR, and KNOCK: if any man HEAR MY VOICE, and OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN to him, and will SUP WITH HIM, and HE WITH ME” [Revelation 3:20] When we open our hearts to the preaching of Christ, our INNER EARS are furnished with GRACE to HEAR and RECEIVE the WORD of TRUTH by FAITH, “So then FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING by the WORD OF GOD” [Romans 10:17] GRACE is tugging at your heart, REPENT and BELIEVE in the NAME of Jesus Christ to be reconciled with God. As many as come to God through Jesus Christ are BAPTIZED into His BODY by FAITH. Go ahead, confirm your FAITH with complete immersion in water, “But when they BELIEVED Philip PREACHING the things concerning the KINGDOM of God, and the NAME of Jesus Christ, they were BAPTIZED, both men and women” [Acts 8:12]

3. We are BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST to take His place in the world, “For even hereunto were ye CALLED: because CHRIST ALSO SUFFERED for us, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, that ye should FOLLOW HIS STEPS” [1 Peter 2:21-23] Jesus indeed SUFFERED in the FLESH, DIED and ROSE the third day and we are BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST to fulfil pattern of His SUFFERINGS, “That I may know him, and the POWER of HIS RESURRECTION, and the FELLOWSHIP of HIS SUFFERINGS, being made CONFORMABLE unto HIS DEATH” [Philippians 3:10] Brethren, we are not called to suffer for indolence or wilful disobedience to constituted authority but in TRIALS and steadfast resistance to SIN, “MORTIFY therefore your members which are upon the earth; FORNICATION, UNCLEANESS, INORDINATE AFFECTION, EVIL CONCUPISCENCE, and COVETOUSNESS, which is IDOLATRY” [Colossians 3:5] We are BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST and DEAD to the FLESH though there be breathe in our nostrils, no longer to live after selfish ambitions but in His WILL, “I am CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: and the life which I now live in the flesh I LIVE BY THE FAITH of the SON of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” [Galatians 2:20] We are tempted, reviled and persecuted for not partaking in pleasures of SIN, yet daily refreshed in HOPE of His imminent appearance, “If we SUFFER, WE SHALL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM if we deny him, he also will deny us“ [2 Timothy 2:12]

4. We are BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST by His ANOINTING, “Now HE WHICH STABLISHETH US WITH YOU IN CHRIST, and hath ANOINTED US, is God; Who hath also SEALED US, and given the EARNEST OF THE SPIRIT in our hearts” [2 Corinthians 1:21-22] ANOINTING is the TRUTH in us, the INCORRUPTIBLE SEED sowed in our heart when we received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and abides forever, “Being BORN AGAIN, not of corruptible seed, but OF INCORRUPTIBLE, by the WORD OF GOD, which LIVETH and ABIDETH FOR EVER” [1Peter 1:23] INCORRUPTIBLE SEED is God manifest in Jesus Christ, the ANOINTED ONE; if any man denies the FATHER in the SON he has no part in Christ. Of such are some who seem to begin well but inevitably fail to finish well, “But the ANOINTING which ye have received of him ABIDETH IN YOU, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same ANOINTING TEACHETH YOU OF ALL THINGS, and is TRUTH, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall ABIDE IN HIM” [1 John 2:27] We are inseparable from Christ by His ANOINTING, SEALED in us by BAPTISM of the HOLY GHOST, that we should not be deceived by the DECEIVER but established in God till the appearance of Christ when we shall be revealed in the glory of SONS of God,  “Beloved, NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see him as he is” [1 John 3:2]

1. Church is God’s EMBASSY on earth, built on the ROCK and “… they drank of that SPIRITUAL ROCK that followed them: and THAT ROCK WAS CHRIST” [1 Corinthians 10:4] Israel in the wilderness knew Him not but to us He is revealed as Christ, “… Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. … for FLESH and BLOOD HATH NOT REVEALED IT unto thee, BUT MY FATHER which is in heaven. … thou art PETER, and UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” [Matthew 16:17-18] Peter means LIVING STONE hewn from the ROCK, the same are we who are sanctified by revelation of God manifest in Jesus Christ, “Ye also, as LIVELY STONES, are built up a SPIRITUAL HOUSE, an holy priesthood, to offer up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” [1 Peter 2:5] We are as dead as stones to this world but alive in Jesus Christ and He in us, that we should walk in the SPIRIT and not after the FLESH, “For the FLESH LUSTETH AGAINST THE SPIRIT, and the SPIRIT AGAINST THE FLESH: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” [Galatians 5:17] CHURCH IN CRISIS is the trauma of a generation caught in perplexing contradictions of FLESH against the SPIRIT, “Are ye so foolish? HAVING BEGUN IN THE SPIRIT, ARE YE NOW MADE PERFECT BY THE FLESH?” [Galatians 3:3]

2. CHURCH IN CRISIS is manifest in apparent inability of present Church structures to subjugate the world, “Now I say, That the HEIR, as long AS HE IS A CHILD, DIFFERETH NOTHING FROM A SERVANT, though he be lord of all” [Galatians 4:1] Church is the HEIR ordained to prepare the way and reign as JOINT-HEIRS with Christ but is presently not better than a servant. Authority of the Church is the ANOINTING of the WORD which we have replaced with doctrines of SELF MOTIVATION, “Is not MY WORD LIKE AS A FIRE? saith the LORD; and like a HAMMER that BREAKETH THE ROCK in pieces?” [Jeremiah 23:29] WORD of God as FIRE consumes dross of FLESH in us and as HAMMER destroy satanic stronghold The entry of the word transforms SINNERS into SAINTS in the image of Christ. CHURCH is in CRISIS, our pulpits no longer turn SINNERS to SAINTS because we  work with CARNAL tools, “(For the WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down IMAGINATIONS, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, and bringing into captivity EVERY THOUGHT to the OBEDIENCE of Christ” [2 Corinthians 10:4-5] We no longer cast down IMAGINATIONS contrary to the MIND of Christ; we entice with a cocktail of mind games, men who are “EVER LEARNING, and NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH” [2 Timothy 3:7]

3. CHURCH IN CRISIS is the unwarranted confusion of a generation that dumped POWER for INFLUENCE, “Having a FORM OF GODLINESS, but DENYING THE POWER thereof: from such turn away” [2 Timothy 3:5] The Church is the arm of God and the WORD His battle axe to pull down strongholds of SIN and deliver captives of the mighty, “… Even the CAPTIVES of the MIGHTY shall be taken away, and the PREY of the TERRIBLE SHALL BE DELIVERED: for I WILL CONTEND WITH HIM THAT CONTENDETH WITH THEE, and I will save thy children” [Isaiah 49:25] The “TERRIBLE ONE” is Satan, his CAPTIVES are SINNERS; instead of warring with the WORD, our battle axe, we flaunt a beggarly mix of social, economic and management programs to make proselytes of SINNERS, “… HYPOCRITES! for ye compass sea and land to make ONE PROSELYTE, and when he is made, ye make him TWOFOLD MORE THE CHILD OF HELL than yourselves” [Matthew 23:15] SINNERS are forged into SAINTS in demonstration of the POWER of God, not by pulpits filled with INFLUENCERS who preach LIBERTY in Christ but themselves are slaves to corruption, “While they PROMISE THEM LIBERTY, they themselves are the SERVANTS OF CORRUPTION: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in BONDAGE” [2 Peter 2:19] CHURCH IN CRISIS boils down to LIFE and DEATH, every church-goer desires to go to heaven but only those who are weaned of the FLESH have their part in ENDLESS LIFE, “For he that SOWETH TO HIS FLESH shall of the flesh REAP CORRUPTION; but he that SOWETH TO THE SPIRIT shall of the Spirit REAP LIFE EVERLASTING” [Galatians 6:8]

4. We are the CHURCH IN CRISIS, who have replaced OBEDIENCE with SACRIFICE, “… Behold, to OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE, and to hearken than the fat of rams” [1 Samuel 15:22] I bear witness of the labour of sacrifices of brethren; unending offerings, long hours in prayer and fastings, camp meetings, vigils and many more yet the TRUTH is not manifest in us. We envy, fight, backbite and the BODY is broken into many factions because we rejected the SIMPLICITY of OBEDIENCE “… I fear, lest by any means, as the SERPENT BEGUILLED Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the SIMPLICITY that is in Christ” [2 Corinthians 11:3] Take note, athletes do not receive medals for training, in the same manner our sacrifices in spiritual exercises are good but have no REWARD until we bring the FLESH in OBEDIENCE to Christ. Let every man resolve the CRISIS within himself, putting away all ”… the hidden things of DISHONESTY, not walking in CRAFTINESS, nor HANDLING the WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY; but by MANIFESTATION OF THE TRUTH commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God” [2 Corinthians 4:2] Beloved, CRISIS within and global instabilities without tell us the appearance of Christ is imminent, “… let us LAT ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, and the SIN which doth so easily beset us, and let us RUN WITH PATIENCE the race that is set before us” [Hebrews 12:1]

1. If any man tell you his FAITH is not TRIED by present global uncertainties, tell him he has no part in GLORY, “… the TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto PRAISE and HONOUR and GLORY at the APPEARING of Jesus Christ” [1 Peter 1:7] Health issues, financial blowouts, social disorder and elements at war with nature among others pile pressure on all, perhaps more on the JUST than the UNJUST, and there shall be no respite till all prophecy concerning this generation are fulfilled, “For NATION SHALL RISE AGAINST NATION, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be FAMINES, and PESTILENCES, and EARTHQUAKES, in divers places” [Matthew 24:7] These things were foretold to STRENGTH us, not to weaken our FAITH, by Him who died for us and dwells in us, “We are TROUBLED on every side, yet NOT DISTRESSED; we are PERPLEXED, but NOT IN DESPAIR; PERSECUTED, but NOT FORSAKEN; CAST DOWN, but NOT DESTROYED” [2 Corinthians 4:8-9] How come we read these prophecies times over, yet are shellshocked by the fulfilment? We are pressed within by FEARS of what lies ahead and without, by failure of human wisdom to restore normalcy, “Nay, in all these things we are MORE THAN CONQUEORS through him that loved us” [Romans 8:37]

2. We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS in Him who wields ALL POWER, Jesus Christ “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ALL POWER is given unto me IN HEAVEN and IN EARTH” [Matthew 28:18] When we came to God through Jesus Christ, His SPIRIT altered the power structure within us, we are no longer slaves to FEARS and WORRY common to men, “For God HATH NOT GIVEN US the SPIRIT OF FEAR; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND” [2 Timothy 1:7] The SPIRIT of Christ in us reconfigures our MIND to LOOK and THINK through the MIND of Christ and are comforted in real time with His PEACE, as it is written: “Thou wilt KEEP HIM in PERFECT PEACE, whose MIND IS STAYED ON THEEE: because HE TRUSTETH IN THEE” [Isaiah 26:3] We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS whose MINDS are “STAYED” on Jesus Christ, undefiled and undistracted by how we feel and see the world around us. Keep a tight rein on your heart, be SOBER and settle your MIND on HOPE of GLORY awaiting us you at the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ, “Wherefore GIRD UP the LOINS of your MIND, be SOBER, and HOPE to the end for the GRACE that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” [1 Peter 1:13] Wean yourself from needless entanglements with affairs of this world, daily anoint your MIND with renewed HOPE and you will not be ashamed, “And HOPE MAKETH NOT ASHAMED; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” [Romans 5:5]

3. We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS in God, who worked out all things in our favour, “DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, MY COUNSEL SHALL STAND, and I WILL DO ALL MY PLEASURE” [Isaiah 46:10] Though world be awash with CONSPIRACY THEORIES, whatever any man, group or government plan in secret, the COUNSEL shall prevail, as it is written: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, THOUGHTS OF PEACE, and NOT OF EVIL, to give you an EXPECTED END” [Jeremiah 29:11] The present climate of palpable FEAR was foretold and must need come to pass; this generation shall indeed pass through the valley of SHADOW OF DEATH but the Lord knows His own “Yea, though I WALK THROUGH the valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” [Psalms 23:4] We have God’s infallible assurances, do not give room to panic and lose your composure as one ignorant of the wiles of the Devil, “Be SOBER, be VIGILANT; because your ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, as a roaring lion, walketh about, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR: Whom RESIST STEDFAST IN FAITH in the faith, knowing that the same AFFLICTIONS are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” [1 Peter 5:8-9] And though the JUST presently suffer probably more than the UNJUST, yet are we MORE THAN CONQUERORS; “… the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have SUFFERED A WHILE, make you PERFECT, STABILISH, STRENGTHEN, SETTLE YOU” [1 Peter 5:10] 

As the days go by, foundations of human wisdom shall be sore tested and citadels of strength demystified as uncertainties morph into frustration.

1. REMEMBRANCE is intrinsic nature of God; the All-Knowing God, watching over His PROMISES to accomplish His PURPOSE, “So shall my WORD be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” [Isaiah 55:11] When the deluge ravaged the earth and it seemed there was no end to destruction of lives and property, God REMEMBERED Noah, “And God REMEMBERED Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged” [Genesis 8:1] God’s faculty of REMEMBRANCE is not limited by TIME; in the 430th year of Israel’s sojourn in Egypt, God REMEMBERED His COVENANT with Abraham and moved to JUDGE Egypt and DELIVER His people, “And God heard their groaning, and God REMEMBERED his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob” [Exodus 2:24] God “REMEMBERS” and every time He does, it is to REWARD the FAITHFUL and JUDGE the REBELLIOUS, and now looms the last time when every man's WORK shall be brought to REMEMBRANCE, “And, behold, I COME QUICKLY; and MY REWARD IS WITH ME, to give EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HIS WORK shall be” [Revelation 22:12] ARE YOU READY? 

2. I call you to REMEMBRANCE in good conscience; recall how we were once without HOPE and enslaved to overbearing LUSTS of the flesh, “Wherefore REMEMBER, that ye being in time past Gentiles, … WITHOUT CHRIST, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” [Ephesians 2:11-12] Recollect the JOY of SALVATION you received when you came to Jesus, the exhortation to forsake SIN and nurture your FAITH in PRESENT TRUTH, “And beside this, giving all diligence, ADD to your FAITH VIRTUE; and to virtue KNOWLEDGE; And to knowledge TEMPERANCE; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to patience GODLINESS; And to godliness BROTHERLY KINDNESS; and to brotherly kindness CHARITY” [2 Peter 1:5-7] If you’ve forgotten any or all of the above, I stir up your memory; recall also how there was no mention of earthly riches or the RAT RACE into which some have fallen and entangled themselves in “PERVERSE DISPUTINGS of men of CORRUPT MINDS, and DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: from such withdraw thyself” [1 Timothy 6:5] How I wish we all REMEMBER and return to the foundation of the Apostles and Jesus Christ, our CORNER STONE. Putting aside all vanity, “… CALL TO REMEMBRANCE the FORMER DAYS, in which, after ye were ILLUMINATED, ye ENDURED a great fight of AFFLICTIONS” [Hebrews 10:32]

3. I call every Steward of the New Testament to REMEMBRANCE of PRESENT TRUTH in discharge of our onerous responsibilities, “Wherefore I will NOT BE NEGLIGIENT to put you always in REMEMBRANCE of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the PRESENT TRUTH” [2 Peter 1:12] Let us look back to former times when we burned with zeal for TRUTH and of conscientious labour of love and make amends, renouncing all works of dishonesty, “… NOT WALKING IN CRAFTINESS, nor HANDLING THE WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY; but by MANIFESTATION OF THE TRUTH commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God” [2 Corinthians 4:2] REMEMBER among others, our conduct as Ministers of the GOSPEL is as important as how we handle the WORD of God; why tell the flocks our God is rich, yet place unending burdens on them to maintain a lifestyle contrary to Christ, “For they BIND HEAVY BURDENS and grievous to be borne, and LAY THEM ON MEN’S SHOULDERS; but they THEMSELVES WILL NOT MOVE THEM WITH THEIR FINGER” [Matthew 23:4] REMEMBER, the kingdom of God which we preach is neither a commercial enterprise nor family business but God’s Vineyard for which Jesus died on the Cross, “For the KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT MEAT and DRINK; but RIGHTEOUSNESS, and PEACE, and JOY in the HOLY GHOST” [Romans 14:17] Bear in mind, we shall all give account of our Stewardship, not to man but to the Lord, “And that SERVANT, WHICH KNEW HIS LORD’S WILL, and PREPARED NO HIMSELF, neither did according to his will, shall be BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES” [Luke 12:47]

4. I have an unction to call men to REMEMBRANCE what Jesus said concerning the season of His appearance; a time of great instabilities and DECEPTION “For there shall arise FALSE CHRISTS, and FALSE PROPHETS, and shall shew great SIGNS and WONDERS; insomuch that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, they DECEIVE the very ELECT” [Matthew 24:24] When those words were spoken some 2,000 years, it was hard to think of global conspiracy theories but with internet and social media, universal disinformation is staple diet. I call the Church to REMEBRANCE of these things; the ELECT will REMEMBER, turn to the Bible for rigorous STUDY and shall not be led astray, as it is written: “Of these things PUT THEM IN REMEMBRANCE, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” [2 Timothy2:14-15] The DAY and HOUR of His Coming we do not know and likewise do not know if we shall be alive or dead at His appearance. Whatever the case, I call you to REMEMBRANCE that we may not be found naked and ashamed at His appearance, “Yea, I think it meet, AS LONG AS I AM IN THIS TABERNACLE, to STIR YOU UP by putting you in REMEBRANCE” [2 Peter 2: 13] if you have not done so, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour today, Amen

1. UNBELIEF is a SNARE and a stumbling block to those who BELIEVE. The father of the oppressed child in Mark 9:24, BELIEVED yet begged to be delivered from UNBELIEF, “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF” [Mark 9:24] In contrast, an UNBELIEVER knows not God and cannot ask His help until He acknowledges Him, “The SACRIFICE of the WICKED IS AN ABOMINATION to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight” [Proverbs 15:8] LEAVEN OF UNBELIEF is corruption of TRUTH in those who focus on the MESSENGER but have little or no respect for the MESSAGE. There is no doubt the Apostles loved Jesus as MESSENGER of GLAD TIDINGS but gave scant regard to His MESSAGE until after Pentecost, “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and UPBRAIDED THEM WITH THEIR UNBELIEF and HARDNESS OF HEART, because they BELIEVED NOT them which had seen him after he was risen” [Mark 16:14] If Jesus so REBUKED the Apostles, how much so the thousands who shouted HOSSANAH at His entry to Jerusalem but missed the day of Israel’s VISITATION, “Let us LABOUR therefore TO ENTER INTO THAT REST, lest any man fall after the same EXAMPLE OF UNBELIEF” [Hebrews 4:11]

2. LEAVEN OF UNBELIEF is as OLD WINE forced into NEW BOTTLES, “And no man putteth NEW WINE into OLD BOTTLES; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the BOTTLES SHALL PERISH” [Luke 5;37] Israel, over the years, had oracles of God but by the time of Jesus’s earthly ministry had strayed to doctrines formulated from TRADITION, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their HEART IS FAR FROM ME. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for DOCTRINES the COMMANDMENTS OF MEN” [Matthew 15:8-9] Their teachers spoke glowingly of God and taught the people His Promises but when He stood in their midst, they denied Him and sought every opportunity to denounce His DIVINITY, “I AM COME IN MY FATHER’S NAME, and YE RECEIVE ME NOT: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive” [John 5:43] By denying who Jesus said He is, Israel rejected the LIVING BREAD from heaven and were stuck with SOUR DOUGH of UNBELIEF, ‘And Jesus said unto them, I am the BREAD OF LIFE: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.  But I said unto you, That YE ALSO HAVE SEEN ME, AND BELIEVE NOT” [ John 6:35-36, 51] Consequently, if any parades himself as a Christian or Minister of the GOSPEL and deny Jesus as God manifest in flesh, he is guilty of UNBELIEF, “For IN HIM DWELLETH all the FULNESS OF THE GODHEAD bodily” [Colossians 2:9]

3. LEAVEN OF UNBELIEF is a constant peril by reason of FALSE TEACHERS, “… even as there shall be FALSE TEACHERS among you, who privily shall bring in DAMNABLE HERESIES, even DENYING THE LORD that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” [2 Peter 2:1] The manner of “DENIAL” is peculiar to the age but the purpose is the same; FALSE TEACHERS draw men away from Christ to a “GOSPEL” patterned after their own likeness, “Having a FORM OF GODLINESS, but DENYING THE POWER thereof: FROM SUCH TURN AWAY” [2 Timothy 3:5] Todays as in the days of Jesus, the POWER of the GOSPEL to change a woeful SINNER to a SAINT remains the MYSTERY OF GODLINESS “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” [1 Timothy 3:16] This is the ROCK on which the Church is built and if by wilful silence or denial teach otherwise he kneads SOUR DOUGH into FRESH MEAL, as it is written: “… Thou art the CHRIST, the Son of the living God. … and UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” [Matthew 16:16-18] UNBELIEF is the reason we have Shepherds who are not weaned from LUST and Shepherds who have no resemblance to Jesus Christ, “… HYPOCRITES! for ye compass sea and land to MAKE ONE PROSELYTE, and when he is made, ye make him TWOFOLD MORE THE CHILD OF HELL than yourselves” [Matthew 23:15] 

4. LEAVEN OF UNBELIEF is STALE BREAD of new age brands of Christianity; silent on God in Christ, loud on “Perverse disputings of MEN OF CORRUPT MINDS, and DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: from such WITHDRAW THYSELF” [1Timothy 6:5] Though they bestride the land as Colossus, they shall fade with the twilight as Pharisees and Sadducees. Remember how Jesus diligently taught His disciples and transfigured before Peter, James and John, yet they succumbed to UNBELIEF of the day, “And he began to teach them, that the SON OF MAN MUST SUFFER many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be KILLED, and AFTER THREE DAYS RISE AGAIN. And he spake that saying openly. And PETER TOOK HIM, and began to REBUKE HIM” [Mark 8:31-32] It got so bad, Peter took Jesus aside to REBUKE Him; we can only imagine what would do to the Church in days ahead, “For there shall arise FALSE CHRISTS, and FALSE PROPHETS, and shall SHEW GREAT SIGNS and WONDERS; insomuch that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, they shall DECEIVE THE VERY ELECT” [Matthew 24:24] As we look forward to Christ’s appearance, let every man ascertain his foundation that we should not run in vain; purging ourselves of LEAVEN OF UNBELIEF  that we are not caught unawares, “… Take ye heed, WATCH and PRAY: FOR YE KNOW NOT WHEN THE TIME IS” [Mark 13:32-33]
 

1. ABIDING CONFIDENCE is certainty of TRUST in God’s PROMISE, “And this is the PROMISE that he hath PROMISED us, even ETERNAL LIFE” [1 John 2:25] CONFIDENCE is evidence of FAITH, in HOPE of REWARD of God’s PROMISE, “But WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM for he that COMETH to God must BELIEVE THAT HE IS, and that HE IS A REWARDER of them that DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM” [Hebrews 11:6] God is not “PLEASED” with those who profess FAITH for a season only to waver and lose CONFIDENCE in Him when things go awry, as it is today, “… DISTRESS OF NATIONS, with PERPELIXITY; the sea and the waves roaring; MEN’S HEARTS FAILING THEM FOR FEAR, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the POWERS OF HEAVEN SHALL BE SHAKEN” [Luke 21:25-26] As foretold, worse instabilities are ahead and every man’s CONFIDENCE shall be tested by unprecedented DECEPTION, “For there shall arise FALSE CHRISTS, and FALSE PROPHETS, and shall shew great SIGNS and WONDERS; insomuch that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, they shall DECEIVE the VERY ELECT” [Matthew 24:24] Jesus did not say Christians would not be DECEIVED but the ELECT, fully persuaded in ABIDING CONFIDENCE, “… STRONG IN FAITH, giving glory to God; And being FULLY PERSUADED, what he had PROMISED, HE WAS ABLE ALSO TO PERFORM” [Romans 4:20-21]

2. ABIDING CONFIDENCE is secured on GOD’S PERSONAL IDENTITY [God’s Personal Identity @ www.voiceoflasttrumpets.com] When God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, he wisely requested for God’s PERSONAL IDENTITY, “… and they shall say to me, WHAT IS HIS NAME? what shall I say unto them?   And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM HATH SENT ME unto you” [Exodus 3:13-14] I AM THAT I AM is not a proper name and the NAME of God is not God, as revealed to Paul, “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” [Acts 9:5] Paul and the Apostles built their CONFIDENCE on GOD’S PERSONAL IDENTITY, so should you and “Beware lest any man spoil you through PHILOSOPHY and VAIN DECEIT, after the TRADITION of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For IN HIM DWELLETH all the FULNESS of the GODHEAD bodily” [Colossians 2:8-9] The revelation of GOD’S IDENTITY is the ROCK of ABIDING CONFIDENCE, a MYSTERY; no man can have it by cogitation, God unveils Himself to those who seek Him, “… for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. … and UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL against it’ [Matthew 16:17-18] Accept Jesus Christ as God and Saviour and be established in ABIDING CONFIDENCE

3. ABIDING CONFIDENCE is as gold that has been tried in fire; our profession of FAITH is the gold  to be TRIED, “That the TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be TRIED WITH FIRE, might be found unto PRAISE and HONOUR and GLORY at the APPEARING OF JESUS CHRIST” [1 Peter 1:7] As the world lurches from climate change to pandemic and the economy spins out of control, it is increasingly expedient of SAINTS to turn to WISDOM of God for ABIDING CONFIDENCE, “For WISDOM IS A DEFENCE, and MONEY IS A DEFENCE: but the excellency of KNOWLEDGE is, that WISDOM GIVETH LIFE to them that have it” [Ecclesiastics 7:12] MONEY summarizes the strength of man and WISDOM, the EXCELLENCY of God to establish and give EVERLASTING LIFE to those who faint not in CONFIDENCE in days of adversity. WISDOM of God is as a threefold cord that is not quickly broken [Ecclesiastes 4:1] One, STUDY to know the WILL of God from Scriptures, when afflictions arise you will be approved, “STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” [2 Timothy 2:15] Be diligent in pursuit of UNDERSTANDING, lining up events with PROPHECY to be established in PRESENT TRUTH, “Through thy precepts I get UNDERSTANDING: therefore I HATE EVERY FALSE WAY. Thy WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, and a light unto my path” [Psalms 119:104-105] Our defense of WISDOM is in walking in God’s revealed WILL, fully persuaded “… that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” [Romans 8:28]

4. ABIDING CONFIDENCE is settled in PAT3IENCE, “For ye have need of PATIENCE, that, after ye have done the WILL OF GOD, ye might RECEIVE THE PROMISE” [Hebrews 10:36] PATIENCE is impeccable proof of ABIDING CONFIDENCE in God; having done what is required of us, we wait for His appearance to receive the PROMISE, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” [Matthew 24:36] While we WAIT not knowing the DAY or HOUR, our CONFIDENCE in Him is strengthened in PATIENCE, But let PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT WORK, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” [James 1:4] Likewise our, PATIENCE is nourished by HOPE in the FEAST of ETERNAL LIFE awaiting us at His appearance, “… EYE HATH NOT SEEN, nor EAR HEARD, neither have entered into the HEART OF MAN, the things which God HATH PREPARED for them that love him” [1 Corinthians 2:9] Beloved, as the days go by, let nothing take away your CONFIDENCE in Him; if any has suffered loss of CONFIDENCE, let him return to the LORD, “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In RETURNING and REST shall ye be SAVED; in QUITENESS and in CONFIDENCE SHALL BE YOUR STRENGTH: and ye would not” [Isaiah 30:15] We are SAVED by FAITH in Jesus Christ, we shall TRANSLATED to be with Him from plateau of ABIDING CONFIDENCE, “… Nevertheless when the SON OF MAN COMETH, SHALL HE FIND FAITH on the earth?” [Luke 18:8]

We are the PEOPLE of God, THE CHOSEN GENERATION, not by GENEALOGY but by His MERCY,  "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the PEOPLE OF GOD: which had not obtained mercy, but NOW HAVE OBTAINED MERCY" (1 Peter 2:10)

1. SPIRITS are in two broad classes. One, ANGELS and sundry SPIRITS known by NAME and PERSONAL IDENTITY, “And the ANGEL ANSWERING SAID unto him, I AM GABRIEL, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings” [Luke1:19] Two, SPIRITS having no FORM or PERSONAL IDENTITY, known by mode of OPERATION, as the LYING SPIRIT in I Kings 22:21-22, “And there came forth A SPIRIT, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. ... And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a LYING SPIRIT in the mouth of all his prophets …” [1 Kings 22:21-22] When Satan fell, so did some ANGELS and sundry SPIRITS and were exiled to our world, ‘And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and SATAN, which DECEIVETH the whole WORLD: he was cast out into the earth, and HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM” [Revelation 12:9] Satan and his cohorts are here, scouting for troops to regain what they lost; the first shot was fired in Eden in preparation for ARMAGEDDON, “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the DRAGON, and out of the mouth of the BEAST, and out of the mouth of the FALSE PROPHET. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to GATHER THEM TO the BATTLE of that great day of God Almighty” [Revelation 16:13-14]  

2. TRY THE SPIRITS and know your true identity, “But ye are NOT IN THE FLESH, but IN THE SPIRIT, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS” [Romans 8:9] Listen carefully, what we HEAR is determined by the SPIRIT in the preacher and by HEARING of the WORD of TRUTH delivered of FAITH from darkness into everlasting GLORY, “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest BELIEVE, thou shouldest SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?” [John 11:40] If you will enter into GLORY, it is your duty to TRY THE SPIRITS  and be sure not to have been sold a dummy, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but TRY THE SPIRITS whether they are of God: because many FALSE PROPHETS ARE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD” [1 John 4:1] The term FALSE PROPHETS is used here to describe those who handle the WORD of God as bait to fish for SOULS in return for GAIN, “But there were FALSE PROPHETS also among the people, even as there shall be FALSE TEACHERS among you, … And through COVETOUSNESS shall they with feigned WORDS MAKE MERCHANDISE of YOU: …” [2 Peter 2:1-3] Measure your PASTOR and his words on the scale of COVETOUSNESS; if he is always goading you to acquire more of this world than of the world to come, he is a MERCHANT of SOULS, “… and DESTITUTE of the TRUTH, SUPPOSING that GAIN IS GODLINESS: from such WITHDRAW THYSELF” [1 Timothy 6:5]

3. TRY THE SPIRITS, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that ANTICHRIST shall come, EVEN NOW ARE THERE MANY ANTICHRISTS; whereby we know that IT IS THE LAST TIME” [1 John 2:18] ANTICHRISTS must not be confused with the ANTICHRIST; the former is here and the latter on his way. ANTICHRISTS are as TARES among WHEAT; they are in the Church but were neither in Christ or He in them, “The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels’ [Matthew 13:39] The one who sowed TARES also watered them to bring forth fruits of BLASPHEMY. Their work is to dispute the PERSONAL IDENTITY of God in Jesus Christ with diverse LIES in every age, until the WICKED ONE should come, “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” [1 John 4:3] ANTICHRISTS hold the line against the TRUTH in their generations, causing divisions and sowing lukewarmness with heretical doctrines of the GODHEAD [Acts 17:29] They foster divisions and denominations in the Church with demonic philosophies of DIVINITY and the FAITH of many are waxed cold by reason vain DECEIT and TRADITIONS contrary to Christ, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” [Colossians 2:8-9]

4. TRY THE SPIRITS, “For WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH and BLOOD, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” [Ephesians 6:12] We are at war against an army of SPIRITS whose modus operandi is DECEIT with ANTICHRIST at the head for final onslaught, “Even HIM, WHOSE COMING is after the WORKING OF SATAN with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them STRONG DELUSION, that they should BELIEVE A LIE” [2 Thessalonians 2:9-11] He is in the wings, waiting to be revealed; when it seem present global instabilities will drown the world, he shall take the stage to restore a semblance of PEACE and draw many to himself including many Christians, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” [Matthew 24:24] The ELECT will not be deceived because they TRY THE SPIRITS and shall not be moved or deluded by great SIGNS, WONDERS or the PEACE from hell, “For when they shall say, PEACE and SAFETY; then SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COMETH UPON THEM, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” [1 Thessalonians 5:3] Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour today, amen

1. It’s new year and many hands are up in prayer for better days ahead. Whatever your new year resolution, God is more interested in your HEART than your desire; He dwells in ETERNITY where there  are no calendars, “For thus saith the high and lofty ONE THAT INHABITETHE ETERNITY, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a CONTRITE and HUMBLE SPIRIT, to REVIVE the SPIRIT of the HUMBLE, and to REVIVE the HEART of the CONTRITE ONES” [Isaiah 57:15] As far as God is concerned today is the same as yesterday what makes the difference is your readiness to WALK with Him. Your age, gender or race does not matter either; Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he received the offer to WALK with God, “And when ABRAM WAS NINETY YEARS OLD and NINE, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; WALK BEFORE ME, and BE THOU PERFECT. And I WILL MAKE MY COVENANT BETWEEN ME and THEE, and will MULTIPLY THEE exceedingly” [Genesis 17:1-2] God has all twists and corners of 2023 and years ahead in the palm of His hand. TAKE A WALK WITH GOD, He will BLESS and see you through days and years ahead, “BLESSED is the MAN that WALKETH not in the counsel of the UNGODLY, nor STANDETH in the WAY of SINNERS, nor SITTETH in the seat of the SCORNFUL” [Psalms 1:1-3]

2. Before you may WALK with God and partake of His BLESSING, take a hard look at your life, your HEART in particular, “I the LORD SEARCH THE HEART, I try the reins, even to GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS, and according to the fruit of his doings” [Jeremiah 17:10] God is PERFECT, those who WALK with Him do so in HEARTS purged of SIN and made PERFECT in Jesus Christ, who is God revealed in frame of man, “… the EXPRESS IMAGE OF HIS PERSON, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by HIMSELF PURGED OUR SINS, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” [Hebrews 1:3] We are made PERFECT not by WORKS of piety but by receiving Jesus Christ as the “EXPRESS IMAGE” of God, who by His DEATH on the Cross paid our debt of SIN. We are PERFECT because He lives in us and we in Him, “I IN THEM, and THOU IN ME, that they may be MADE PERFECT IN ONE; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” [John 17:23] These are hard sayings which many wrestle and SCORN to their own damnation or how shall a man DENY God’s terms of agreement and expect to WALK with Him, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” [Amos 3:3] Whosoever deny God was manifest in Jesus Christ SCOFFS at the integrity of God and can neither PLEASE nor benefit from His FAVOURS, “… for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a REWARDER of them that DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM” [Hebrews 11:6]

3.  When a man accepts Jesus Christ as God manifest in man, our KINSMAN REDEEMER, he is on his feet, but cannot yet WALK with God until he is established in the NARROW WAY, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and BROAD IS THE WAY, that LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and NARROW IS THE WAY, which LEADETH UNTO LIFE, and few there be that find it” [Matthew 7:13-14] BROAD WAY is a form of godliness mingled with INIQUITY, making the gospel ineffective in transforming SINNERS to SAINTS [2 Timothy 3:5] NARROW WAY is total SEPARATION to God, allowing the same POWER that raised Jesus from the DEAD to LIFE to translate us to NEWNESS of LIFE, [Romans 8:11] It is the path of SANCTIFICATION, God in the driving seat of our HEARTS both to DESIRE and DO His WILL, “For it is GOD which worketh IN YOU both to WILL and to DO of his GOOD PLEASURE” [Philippians 2:13] With God in us and zero tolerance for SIN, we are positioned to get the best out of the new year and years ahead. God knows there shall be TEMPTATIONS and TRIALS on the WAY and provided escape routes, “And we know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE” [Roans 8:28] You may experience a fall here or there as common to toddlers, be not deterred, get on your feet and, “… be ye TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” [Romans 12:1-2]

4. Whether it’s new year, new month or new day God’s BLESSING is reserved for those who WALK before Him, “BLESSED is the MAN that WALKETH not in the counsel of the UNGODLY, nor STANDETH in the WAY of SINNERS, nor SITTETH in the seat of the SCORNFUL. … and WHATSOEVER HE DOETH SHALL PROSPER” [Psalms 1:1-3] This new year, I encourage you to WALK WITH GOD in PRAYER and in daily study of His WORD both to be approved and Do them, “…MEDITATE therein day and night, that thou mayest OBSERVE TO DO according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make THY WAY PROSPEROUS, and then thou shalt have GOOD SUCCESS” [Joshua 1:8] Though this year and years ahead are marred with natural disasters, economic downturn and social disorder, be not unduly disturbed or distracted from WALKING WITH GOD; all these and more are signs of imminent appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ to receive His BRIDE, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then LOOK UP, and lift up your heads; for YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH [Luke 21:29] Are you WALKING with God? Now is time to get off your butt, take your place in the NARROW WAY and TAKE A WALK WITH GOD. Remember Enoch, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” [Genesis 5:24]

1. REDEEM means “BUY BACK”, the one who “RESTORES” is the REDEEMER. God told Adam, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, THOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE” [Genesis 2:17] Though they did not cease to breathe, the decree took effect same day they ate the forbidden thing; through SIN man DIED in cruel BONDAGE to him who wields the power of DEATH, “WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; but the GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord” [Romans 6:23] Expectedly, conditions of our REDEMPTION were very stringent; God made the statute and only He could REDEEM us. He did, becoming as us in Jesus Christ that through DEATH He might pay off the WAGES of our SIN, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, HE ALSO HIMSELF LIKEWISE TOOK PART of the same; that THROUGH DEATH HE MIGHT DESTROY HIM THAT HAD POWER OF DEATH, that is, the DEVIL; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to BONDAGE” [Hebrews 2:14-15] No man by reason of SIN or angel on grounds of incompatibility qualified to be OUR KINSMAN REDEEMER, so God became MAN in Jesus Christ, “For as by ONE MAN’S DISOBEDIENCE many were made SINNERS, so by the OBEDIENCE OF ONE MAN shall many be made RIGHTEOUS” [Romans 5:19]

2. Through SIN we were SOLD to him whose boast is in cruel oppression, “And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life” [Job 2:4] We were as Naomi, miserable and without HOPE in persuading Ruth and Orpah to return home, “… IF I SHOULD SAY, I HAVE HOPE, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; …” [Ruth 1:12-13] Orpah went back, but Ruth found HOPE in God who “VISITS” His people to set them at LIBERTY, “… for she had HEARD in the country of Moab how that the LORD HAD VISITED HIS PEOPLE in giving them bread” [Ruth 1:6] Ruth cemented her HOPE in FAITH, leaving everything behind in Moab to abide under the shadow of God, “…  I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and THY GOD MY GOD” [Ruth 1:16] God could not resist Ruth’s FAITH; He raised Boaz as KINSMAN REDEEMER to “BUY BACK” her HONOUR, “Moreover RUTH the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, HAVE I PURCHASED TO BE MY WIFE, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, …” [Ruth 4:10] In like manner, Jesus Christ, as KINSMAN REDEEMER “PURCHASED” us with His BLOOD on the Cross,  that we should no longer be DISHONOURED by SIN but live in NEWNESS of LIFE, “For ye are BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: therefore GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, and in your spirit, which are God's” [1 Corinthians 6:20]

3. We are no longer SLAVES to SIN and DEATH but newly created in the LIBERTY of the SON of God, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD, THERE IS LIBERTY” [2 Corinthians 3:17] His SPIRIT dwells in us and His VOICE like THUNDER reverberates across the globe with the GOSPEL of LIBERTY to those oppressed by SIN and DEATH, irrespective of age, gender, race, or weight of iniquity, saying: “COME UNTO ME, ALL ye that LABOUR and are HEAVY LADEN, and I will GIVE YOU REST” [Matthew 11:28] His REST is in CONFORMITY with His IMAGE, that we should be like Him in all things; He being the FIRSTBORN and we His BRETHREN, “For whom he did FOREKNOW, he also did PREDESTINATE to be CONFORMED to the IMAGE OF HIS SON, that he might be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN” [Romans 8:29] FOREKNOWLEDGE of God  is not “DESTINY” but God knowing ahead who will accept the offer of KINSMAN REDEEMER. And concerning “PREDESTINATION”, God PROMISED us ETERNAL LIFE that we should be SONS to Him in CONFORMITY with Jesus Christ, “And this is the PROMISE that he hath PROMISED, EVEN ETERNAL LIFE. These things have I WRITTEN unto YOU concerning them that SEDUCE YOU” [1John 2:25-26] I must, however, warn you of other VOICES who SEDUCE you with earthly things, promising LIBERTY of things of which themselves are polluted and in bondage “While they PROMISE THEM LIBERTY, they themselves are the SERVANTS OF CORRUPTION: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” [2 Peter 2:19] 

4. Here is the TRUTH, God became our KINSMAN REDEEMER in Jesus Christ that we may become as Him, “Beloved, now are we the SONS OF GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see him as he is” [1 John 3:2] His “APPEARANCE” as stated in the above verse is imminent when we shall be ushered into the inheritance prepared for those who CONFORM to His IMAGE, “… Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD HATH PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM” [1 Corinthians 2:9] Are we BORN AGAIN, let us be steadfast in FAITH; WATCHING and PRAYING to remain spotless until that glorious DAY, “LOOKING DILIGENTLY LEST ANY MAN FAIL OF THE GRACE of God; lest any ROOT OF BITTERNESS springing up trouble you, and thereby MANY BE DEFILED” [Hebrews 12:15] Friend, If you have not received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, the VOICE of your KINSMAN REDEEMER is calling you, “MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, and I know them, and they follow me: And I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” [Joh 10:27-28]

Jesus Christ is the FIRSTBORN not your PASTOR, we are all BRETHREN and as LIVING STONES fitted, "To the general assembly and CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, which are WRITTEN IN HEAVEN, and to God the Judge of all, and to the SPIRITS OF JUST MEN made PERFECT" [Hebrews 12:23]

1. PROSPERITY is the FRUIT of RIGHTEOUSNESS; the seed is the WORD of God which a man receives with unflinching FAITH, as it is written: “But he that received SEED into the good ground is he that HEARETH THE WORD, and UNDERSTANDETH IT; which also BEARETH FRUIT, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” [Matthew 13:23] Take note, the word PROSPER from which PROSPERITY derived was first mentioned in the Bible, when Abraham said to his servant, “… The LORD, BEFORE WHOM I WALK, will SEND HIS ANGEL WITH THEE, and PROSPER THY WAY; and thou shalt TAKE A WIFE FOR MY SON of my kindred, and of MY FATHER’S HOUSE” [Genesis 24:40] From this verse we understand the key element of PROSPERITY to be DIVINE ASSISTANCE in pursuit of heavenly PURPOSE; the Angel of the Lord PROSPERED Eleazar’s way, he got Rebecca for Isaac and the rest is history, “That the BLESSING OF ABRAHAM might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the PROMISE of the SPIRIT through FAITH” [Galatians 3:14] PROSPERITY down through the ages was tied to the BLESSING of the PROMISE made to Abraham and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, but some have  TURNED WAY to their own damnation, “For the TURNING AWAY of the simple shall slay them, and the PROSPERITY OF FOOLS DESTROY THEM” [Proverbs 1:32]

2. PROSPERITY is Christ manifesting ABUNDANT LIFE in us, as it is written: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I AM COME THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE, and that they might HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY” [John 10:10] Listen closely, Joseph, a SLAVE was accounted a PROSPEROUS MAN not for his bank balance but of God in Him and with Him, And the LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH, and HE WAS A PROSPEROUS MAN; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian” [Genesis 39:2] For refusing enticements of SIN, he was thrown into PRISON [Genesis 39:9] In PRISON, he continued to PROSPER, “The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD WAS WITH HIM, and that WHICH HE DID, the LORD made it to PROSPER” [Genesis 39:23] From PRISON, he was lifted to the pinnacle of Egyptian society; so would God do to you according to His PURPOSE, if you faint not in RIGHTEOUSNESS, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP, IF WE FAINT NOT” [Galatians 6:9] Learn from Joseph, PROSPERITY is tied to your SOUL not your possessions. Read this oft misunderstood Scripture again and again, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest PROSPER and be in HEALTH, even AS THY SOUL PROSPERETH” [3 John 1:2] PROSPERITY is the WELFARE of your SOUL not of your businesses “… Take heed, and BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS: for A MAN’S LIFE CONSISTETH NOT in the ABUNDANCE of the THINGS WHICH HE POSSESSETH” [Luke 12:15] 

3. PROSPERITY is not perishable GAIN, as some teach. Those who peddle this perfidious canon are disillusioned with “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and DESITITUTE OF TRUTH, SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: from such withdraw thyself. But GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN” [1 Timothy 6:5-6] I warn you to WITHDRAW from those who entice you with vain PROMISES of earthly RICHES as bulwark of LIBERTY from oppression and sundry vicissitudes of this world, “While they PROMISE THEM LIBERTY, they themselves are the SERVANTS OF CORRUPTION: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” [2 Peter 2:19] They allure you with a show of material wealth to make merchandise of you; if they are stupendously RICH through “FAITH”, why do they extort your meagre resources? They are MERCHANTS OF FAITH and you are chattel, “And through COVETOUSNESS shall they with FEIGNED WORDS MAKE MERCHANDISE OF YOU: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” [2 Peter 2:3] Listen carefully, there is no PROPHECY or PROMISE in the Bible to suggest every Christian should be a millionaire; some of us will have little and others more of the things of this world. Do your best in righteousness and be CONTENT with what you have. Godliness with CONTENTMENT is a VIRTUE, inordinate craving for earthly riches is FOOLISHNESS, “For WE BROUGHT NOTHING INTO THIS WORLD, and it is certain WE CAN CARRY NOTHING OUT. And having FOOD and RAIMENT let us be THEREWITH CONTENT” [1 Timothy 6:7-8] 

4. PROSPERITY is partial instalment of what we shall be at the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see him as he is” [1 John 3:2] You see, it does not mater much what we are right now, if Christ dwells in us; Jesus Christ in us and we in Him is the assurance of BLESSING to PROSPER, as it is written: “BLESSED is the man that WALKETH NOT IN THE COUNSEL of the UNGODLY, nor STANDETH IN THE WAY OF SINNERS, nor SITTETH IN THE SEAT of the SCORNFUL. But his DELIGHT in the LAW OF GOD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a TREE planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his FRUIT IN HIS SEASON; his leaf also shall not wither; and WHATSOEVER HE DOETH SHALL PROSPER” [Psalms 1:1-3] If any man is not firmly established in Christ and in HOPE of His appearance, his hoard of silver and gold amount to PROSPERITY OF FOOLS, “For WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, and LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [Mark 8:36-37] Thus saith the Lord to the Church and as many as are overcome with PROSPERITY OF FOOLS, “Because thou sayest, I am RICH, and INCREASED WITH GOODS, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art WRETCHED, and MISERABLE, and POOR, and blind, and NAKED” [Revelation 3:17] 

WOMANKIND is God's secret weapon. Take note, God put Adam to SLEEP, before He pulled the woman out of him, but not Satan. No matter how well you think you know WOMANKIND, Satan knows her better [Genesis 2:21]

As there is MOTHER'S MILK and FORMULATED MILK in the natural world, so there is SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD and "BABY FORMULA" in spiritual realms; a mixed bag of ...

1. FORGIVENESS may count to some as “FORGETTING”, they are not the same. FORGIVENESS is an attribute of God, whereas to FORGET is MENTAL malfunction. When Joseph saw his brethren after many years, he REMEMBERED their evil work but was not prevented from FORGIVING them [Genesis 50:19-21] Whereas we do not have absolute control over what we REMEMBER or FORGET, in Jesus Christ, we have unfettered power to FORGIVE, “WHO SOEVER SIN YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained” [John 20:23] We have this mandate because God RECONCILED us to Himself in Jesus Christ and we are as Him in this world, “And all things are of God, who hath RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF by Jesus Christ, and hath GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION” [2 Corinthians 5:18] Our PATTERN OF FORGIVENESS is Jesus Christ, who paid with His BLOOD  for our SIN and we are DEBTORS to Him to FORGIVE all those who OFFEND us, “For if ye FORGIVE MEN their trespasses, your heavenly FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU: But IF YE FORGIVE NOT men their trespasses, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE your trespasses” [Matthew 6:14-15]

2. PATTERN OF FORGIVENESS is anchored on REPENTANCE, that is, shedding the OLD MAN to embrace NEWNESS of LIFE, “And that ye PUT ON THE NEW MAN, which after God is CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS and true HOLINESS. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour; …” [Ephesians 4:24-25] Let no man deceive you, REPENTANCE is not a repertoire of words repeated after the preacher, but NEW LIFE occasioned by CONFESSION of SIN to Jesus Christ and receiving Him as Lord and Saviour, “Being BORN AGAIN, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the WORD OF GOD, which liveth and abideth for ever” [1 Peter 1:23] Having made PEACE with God through Jesus Christ, we are instructed by commandment to WALK IN PEACE with all men, that our “GARMENT” be not spotted with resentment in others, so then, “Follow PEACE with all men, and HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD” [Hebrews 12:14] PEACE with all men demands thorough search of our conscience with assistance of the Holy Ghost both to recollect and reconcile with those we OFFENDED in times past or who by our action or inaction bear grudges, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there REMEBEREST THY BROTHER HATH OUGHT AGAINST THEE;  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; FIRST BE RECONCILED TO THY BROTHER, and then come and offer thy gift” [Matthew 5:23-24] Take note, this exercise may involve but not limited to restitution [Luke 19:8]

3. PATTERN OF FORGIVENESS is established on the READINESS of Jesus Christ to FORGIVE without conditions, who in the throes of death prayed for His traducers, “Then said Jesus, FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” [Luke 23:34] The flawless example of Jesus Christ places a burden on us, who were once enslaved to SIN but obtained REDEMPTION when the LOVE of God was revealed in FLESH, “But God commendeth HIS LOVE TOWARDS US, in that, WHILE WE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US” [Romans 5:] The same LOVE was deposited in us when we accepted Jesus Christ, as the FATHER manifest in the SON; the Spirit of Christ dwells in us and the same COMPASSION which was in Him is required of us, “According as he hath CHOSEN US IN HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, that we should be holy and WITHOUT BLAME before him IN LOVE” [Ephesian 1:4] We, therefore, FORGIVE not because the OFFENDER is prostrate and in tears but that we should be blameless of BITTERNESS and unspotted with collateral residue of SIN, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any ROOT OF BITTERNESS SPRINGING UP TROUBLE YOU, and thereby many be DEFILED” [Hebrews 12:15] Notwithstanding, readiness to FORGIVE is contrary to nature and commonly accounted as weakness and or ignorance, but not so; it is evidence of God in us and we in Him, “For it is GOD which WORKETH IN YOU both to WILL and to DO of his good pleasure” [Philippians 2:13] 

4. PATTERN OF FORGIVENESS demands we WALK IN WISDOM to navigate this sinful world and be found unblemished at the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us, therefore, “WALK IN WISDOM TOWARD THEM THAT ARE WITHOUT, redeeming the time. Let your SPEECH BE ALWAYS WITH GRACE, seasoned with salt, that YE MAY KNOW HOW YE OUGHT TO ANSWER EVERY MAN” [Colossians 4:5-6] As long as we are in this body, we must live with ungodly men around us and the meekest of us will be sore tested in readiness to FORGIVE. The preferred way is the instruction of WISDOM, “Behold, I send you forth as SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES: be ye therefore WISE AS SERPENTS, and HARMLESS AS DOVES” [Mattew 10{16] Use your head as does the snake; the serpent has no legs or hand, all its senses are in the head. Learn from experience to avoid people, locations and circumstances that easily provoke you to SIN or OFFEND others. The DOVE is a bird, it feeds on the ground but lives above the fray, that it should not be defiled, likewise, “NO MAN THAT WARRETH ENTANGLETH HIMSELF with the AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” [2 Timothy 2:4] Beloved, the appearance of the Lord, let us embrace Christ’s PATTERN OF FORGIVENESS that we may be found worthy to reign with Him, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be DILIGENT that ye may be found of him in PEACE, WITHOUT SPOT, and BLAMELESS’ [2 Peter 3:14] 

This could be a the LAST TRUMPET; remember, Rahab CALLED who she could, angels of the Lord did the GATHERING, as it is written: “And he shall send his angels with a GREAT SOUND OF A TRUMPET, and they shall GATHER TOGETHER HIS ELECT from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” [Matthew 24:31]