Can a true Christian be carnal? In answering this question, let's first define the term, "CARNAL" which literally means "fleshly." This descriptive word is seen in the context of Christians in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. In this passage, the apostle Paul is addressing the readers as "brethren," a term he uses almost exclusively to refer to other Christians; he then goes on to describe them as "carnal." Therefore, we can conclude that Christians can be carnal. The Bible is absolutely clear that no one is sinless (1 John 1:8). Every time we sin, we are acting carnally.
The key thing to understand is that while a Christian can be, for a time, carnal, a true Christian will not remain carnal for a lifetime. Some have abused the idea of a "carnal Christian" by saying that it is possible for people to come to faith in Christ and then proceed to live the rest of their lives in a completely carnal manner, with no evidence of being born again or a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Such a concept is completely unbiblical. James 2 makes it abundantly clear that genuine faith will always result in good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 declares that while we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, that salvation will result in works. Can a Christian, in a time of failure and/or rebellion, appear to be carnal? Yes. Will a true Christian remain carnal? No.
Since eternal security is a fact of Scripture, even the carnal Christian is still saved. Salvation cannot be lost, {this also is a serious controversial topic in Christiandom but I believe both are correct and can be backed up scripturally but it depends on the perspective you are speaking from- to say a little about that}, because salvation is a gift of God that He will not take away (see John 10:28; Romans 8:37-39; 1 John 5:13). Even in 1 Corinthians 3:15, the carnal Christian is assured of salvation: "If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." The question is not whether a person who claims to be a Christian but lives carnally has lost his salvation, but whether that person was truly saved in the first place (1 John 2:19).
Christians who become carnal in their behavior can expect God to lovingly discipline them (Hebrews 12:5-11) so they can be restored to close fellowship with Him and be trained to obey Him. God's desire in saving us is that we would progressively grow closer to the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2), becoming increasingly spiritual and decreasingly carnal, a process known as sanctification. Until we are delivered from our sinful flesh, there will be outbreaks of carnality. For a genuine believer in Christ, though, these outbreaks of carnality will be the exception, not the rule.
Have a spirit filled weekend!!! Shalom
Friday, October 28, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
HELL?? A FAIR PENALTY FOR SIN??
This is an issue that bothers many people who have an incomplete understanding of three things: the nature of God, the nature of man, and the nature of sin. As fallen, sinful human beings, the nature of God is a difficult concept for us to grasp. We tend to see God as a kind, merciful Being whose love for us overrides and overshadows all His other attributes. Of course God is loving, kind, and merciful, but He is first and foremost a holy and righteous God. So holy is He that He cannot tolerate sin. He is a God whose anger burns against the wicked and disobedient (Isaiah 5:25;Hosea 8:5; Zechariah 10:3). He is not only a loving God"He is love itself! But the Bible also tells us that He hates all manner of sin (Proverbs 6:16-19). And while He is merciful, there are limits to His mercy. "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon" (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Humanity is corrupted by sin, and that sin is always directly against God. When David sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and having Uriah murdered, he responded with an interesting prayer: "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight"" (Psalm 51:4). Since David had sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah, how could he claim to have only sinned against God? David understood that all sin is ultimately against God. God is an eternal and infinite Being (Psalm 90:2). As a result, all sin requires an eternal punishment. God's holy, perfect, and infinite character has been offended by our sin. Although to our finite minds our sin is limited in time, to God"who is outside of time"the sin He hates goes on and on. Our sin is eternally before Him and must be eternally punished in order to satisfy His holy justice.
No one understands this better than someone in hell. A perfect example is the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Both died, and the rich man went to hell while Lazarus went to paradise (Luke 16). Of course, the rich man was aware that his sins were only committed during his lifetime. But, interestingly, he never says, "How did I end up here?" That question is never asked in hell. He does not say, "Did I really deserve this? Don't you think this is a little extreme? A little over the top?" He only asks that someone go to his brothers who are still alive and warn them against his fate.
Like the rich man, every sinner in hell has a full realization that he deserves to be there. Each sinner has a fully informed, acutely aware, and sensitive conscience which, in hell, becomes his own tormenter. This is the experience of torture in hell"a person fully aware of his or her sin with a relentlessly accusing conscience, without relief for even one moment. The guilt of sin will produce shame and everlasting self-hatred. The rich man knew that eternal punishment for a lifetime of sins is justified and deserved. That is why he never protested or questioned being in hell.
The realities of eternal damnation, eternal hell, and eternal punishment are frightening and disturbing. But it is good that we might, indeed, be terrified. While this may sound grim, there is good news. God loves us (John 3:16) and wants us to be saved from hell (2 Peter 3:9). But because God is also just and righteous, He cannot allow our sin to go unpunished. Someone has to pay for it. In His great mercy and love, God provided His own payment for our sin. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross for us. Jesus' death was an infinite death because He is the infinite God/man, paying our infinite sin debt, so that we would not have to pay it in hell for eternity (2 Corinthians 5:21). If we confess our sin and place our faith in Christ, asking for God's forgiveness based on Christ's sacrifice, we are saved, forgiven, cleansed, and promised an eternal home in heaven. God loved us so much that He provided the means for our salvation, but if we reject His gift of eternal life, we will face the eternal consequences of that decision..
No one understands this better than someone in hell. A perfect example is the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Both died, and the rich man went to hell while Lazarus went to paradise (Luke 16). Of course, the rich man was aware that his sins were only committed during his lifetime. But, interestingly, he never says, "How did I end up here?" That question is never asked in hell. He does not say, "Did I really deserve this? Don't you think this is a little extreme? A little over the top?" He only asks that someone go to his brothers who are still alive and warn them against his fate.
Like the rich man, every sinner in hell has a full realization that he deserves to be there. Each sinner has a fully informed, acutely aware, and sensitive conscience which, in hell, becomes his own tormenter. This is the experience of torture in hell"a person fully aware of his or her sin with a relentlessly accusing conscience, without relief for even one moment. The guilt of sin will produce shame and everlasting self-hatred. The rich man knew that eternal punishment for a lifetime of sins is justified and deserved. That is why he never protested or questioned being in hell.
The realities of eternal damnation, eternal hell, and eternal punishment are frightening and disturbing. But it is good that we might, indeed, be terrified. While this may sound grim, there is good news. God loves us (John 3:16) and wants us to be saved from hell (2 Peter 3:9). But because God is also just and righteous, He cannot allow our sin to go unpunished. Someone has to pay for it. In His great mercy and love, God provided His own payment for our sin. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross for us. Jesus' death was an infinite death because He is the infinite God/man, paying our infinite sin debt, so that we would not have to pay it in hell for eternity (2 Corinthians 5:21). If we confess our sin and place our faith in Christ, asking for God's forgiveness based on Christ's sacrifice, we are saved, forgiven, cleansed, and promised an eternal home in heaven. God loved us so much that He provided the means for our salvation, but if we reject His gift of eternal life, we will face the eternal consequences of that decision..
THE REVEALER
Sunday, October 23, 2016
THE REVEALER: ARE THERE 3 HEAVENS??
Bro Paul gave the closest Scripture to there being different levels of heaven as far as I know, which is found in 2 Corinthians 12:2, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.” Some interpret this as indicating that there are three different levels of heaven, a level for “super-committed Christians” or Christians who have obtained a high level of spirituality, a level for “ordinary” Christians, and a level for Christians who did not serve God faithfully. This view has no basis in Scripture.
Paul is not saying that there are three heavens or even three levels of heaven. In many ancient cultures, people used the term heaven to describe three different “realms”—the sky, outer space, and then a spiritual heaven. Paul was saying that God took him to the “spiritual” heaven/realm—the realm beyond the physical, where God dwells.
Scripture does speak of different rewards in heaven. Jesus said regarding rewards, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12). Since Jesus will be distributing rewards on the basis of what we have done, we can safely say that there will be a time of reward for believers and that the rewards will differ somewhat from person to person.
Only those works that survive God’s refining fire have eternal value and will be worthy of reward. Those valuable works are referred to as “gold, silver, and costly stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12) and are those things that are built upon the foundation of faith in Christ. Those works that will not be rewarded are called “wood, hay, and stubble”; these are not evil deeds but shallow activities with no eternal value. Rewards will be distributed at the “judgment seat of Christ,” a place where believers’ lives will be evaluated for the purpose of rewards. “Judgment” of believers never refers to punishment for sin. Jesus Christ was punished for our sin when He died on the cross, and God said about us: “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12). What a glorious thought! The CHRISTIANS need not to fear punishment, but can look forward to crowns of reward that he can cast at the feet of the Savior.
In conclusion, there are no levels of heaven, but there are different levels of reward in heaven.
REVEALED BY: AN ENVOY HB.... HAPPY SUNDAY!!
Paul is not saying that there are three heavens or even three levels of heaven. In many ancient cultures, people used the term heaven to describe three different “realms”—the sky, outer space, and then a spiritual heaven. Paul was saying that God took him to the “spiritual” heaven/realm—the realm beyond the physical, where God dwells.
Scripture does speak of different rewards in heaven. Jesus said regarding rewards, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12). Since Jesus will be distributing rewards on the basis of what we have done, we can safely say that there will be a time of reward for believers and that the rewards will differ somewhat from person to person.
Only those works that survive God’s refining fire have eternal value and will be worthy of reward. Those valuable works are referred to as “gold, silver, and costly stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12) and are those things that are built upon the foundation of faith in Christ. Those works that will not be rewarded are called “wood, hay, and stubble”; these are not evil deeds but shallow activities with no eternal value. Rewards will be distributed at the “judgment seat of Christ,” a place where believers’ lives will be evaluated for the purpose of rewards. “Judgment” of believers never refers to punishment for sin. Jesus Christ was punished for our sin when He died on the cross, and God said about us: “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12). What a glorious thought! The CHRISTIANS need not to fear punishment, but can look forward to crowns of reward that he can cast at the feet of the Savior.
In conclusion, there are no levels of heaven, but there are different levels of reward in heaven.
REVEALED BY: AN ENVOY HB.... HAPPY SUNDAY!!
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
YOU WANT TO BE LIKE CHRIST?
God's desire for all who know Him is for us to become more like Christ. We do this by first growing in our knowledge of Christ. It stands to reason that we cannot grow to be like someone we don't know. The deeper our knowledge of Christ, the deeper our understanding of Him, and the more like Him we become. Among other reasons, we are to know and understand Christ so that we will be secure in the faith.
The Apostle Paul reiterates this truth in Ephesians 4:14-16: "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
This fact is repeated once more in 2 Peter 3:17-18: "Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." These passages show us that growing in the knowledge of Christ will preserve us from faith-destroying error.
Of course, knowledge alone will not produce a Christlike character. The knowledge we gain from God's Word must impact our hearts and convict us of the need to obey what we have learned. Romans 12:1-2 tells us emphatically that the process of filling our minds with the knowledge of God not only brings us closer to Christlikeness, but obedience to that knowledge aligns us with the perfect will of God: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God"this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is"his good, pleasing and perfect will."
The natural consequence of knowing and obeying God is that He becomes greater and greater, while we become less and less as we yield control of our lives to Him. Just as John the Baptist knew that "[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30), so the Christian grows to reflect more of Christ and less of his own nature. Luke sums it up best when he describes what Jesus told His disciples: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it" (Luke 9:23-24). The cross was an instrument of death, and Jesus encourages us to take up our cross in order to put to death our old sin nature upon it. God wants us to forget about this world and all its temporary pleasures and be obedient to His Word. Jesus is the living Word (John 1:1), My mentor calls Him THE LIVING LOGOS. And the Bible is God's written Word. Therefore, conforming to the Word of God is conforming to Christ. See 1 John 5:7 KJV
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one...
Some
It is important to realize that becoming more like Christ starts by receiving Him as Savior from our sins. Then we grow in our knowledge of God by reading the Bible daily, studying it, and being obedient to what it says. This process causes us to grow and occurs over an entire lifetime in Christ. Only when we have entered Heaven for eternity with God does this process reach its culmination.
Revealed By: Jesudele Oluwatosin James #ANENVOYHB #WORDCLASS
The Apostle Paul reiterates this truth in Ephesians 4:14-16: "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
This fact is repeated once more in 2 Peter 3:17-18: "Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." These passages show us that growing in the knowledge of Christ will preserve us from faith-destroying error.
Of course, knowledge alone will not produce a Christlike character. The knowledge we gain from God's Word must impact our hearts and convict us of the need to obey what we have learned. Romans 12:1-2 tells us emphatically that the process of filling our minds with the knowledge of God not only brings us closer to Christlikeness, but obedience to that knowledge aligns us with the perfect will of God: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God"this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is"his good, pleasing and perfect will."
The natural consequence of knowing and obeying God is that He becomes greater and greater, while we become less and less as we yield control of our lives to Him. Just as John the Baptist knew that "[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30), so the Christian grows to reflect more of Christ and less of his own nature. Luke sums it up best when he describes what Jesus told His disciples: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it" (Luke 9:23-24). The cross was an instrument of death, and Jesus encourages us to take up our cross in order to put to death our old sin nature upon it. God wants us to forget about this world and all its temporary pleasures and be obedient to His Word. Jesus is the living Word (John 1:1), My mentor calls Him THE LIVING LOGOS. And the Bible is God's written Word. Therefore, conforming to the Word of God is conforming to Christ. See 1 John 5:7 KJV
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one...
Some
It is important to realize that becoming more like Christ starts by receiving Him as Savior from our sins. Then we grow in our knowledge of God by reading the Bible daily, studying it, and being obedient to what it says. This process causes us to grow and occurs over an entire lifetime in Christ. Only when we have entered Heaven for eternity with God does this process reach its culmination.
Revealed By: Jesudele Oluwatosin James #ANENVOYHB #WORDCLASS
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
WHAT NEXT AFTER GOD SAYS "NO"
Most times we get "yes" responses from God, and we are excited about it. Some other times, we get a "wait" response, we take a chill pill, and still feel good. But at some very crucial moments, we receive a fully-blown capital "NO", Ouch!
NOW WHAT NEXT AFTER GOD SAYS NO? Huh?
Lately, I've been getting series of "yes-wait" responses from God, and I've been like, "Yea, God, I don't mind, I'd wait. Thank you." Not bad right? But just recently, I got a really saddening no, and I didn't handle it quite well. Just so you would learn how to handle a "NO", or better prepare oneself for it, I have by the Holy Spirit come up with this list to help better the moment.
1. Dearie, God had made the best decision in that situation for you. Anything else would have been brutal for you. He knows better than you do, and He made a wholesome choice for you. "Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything." 1 John 3:20
2. God never makes mistake, and He is never late. When Lazarus, Jesus' friend was sick, word was sent to him to come, but then he didn't show up in time. Martha, Lazarus' sister accused Jesus of being late, and that her brother had died. We all know the rest of the story, Jesus raised a dead man of three days. John 11:38-44. God is never late, OK?
3. Be sincere with God and let Him know exactly how you feel about His "NO". For instance, when God told me no, I told Him how hurt I felt, and I needed Him to make me happy. Let Him know exactly what is on your mind, and you would be surprised at how much comforted you would be. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
4. Tell God to give you a gift. Yeeaa! Gifts have a way of making someone feel better. God decided not to give me something, and simply, I asked Him to replace it with something else. I even went the extra length to request something very funny that I wouldn't dare share right now. The point is, get comfortable with God, and be relaxed with your Father. "If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commands" John 14:14-15.
In conclusion, the only person who's got your back is God, so please take and accept His decisions gladly! He loves you more than anybody does, not even yourself. John 3:16
Shalom.
Featuring: GOD'S ORACLE.... She is an Envoy
ADEGBOLA OLUWADAMILOLA
NOW WHAT NEXT AFTER GOD SAYS NO? Huh?
Lately, I've been getting series of "yes-wait" responses from God, and I've been like, "Yea, God, I don't mind, I'd wait. Thank you." Not bad right? But just recently, I got a really saddening no, and I didn't handle it quite well. Just so you would learn how to handle a "NO", or better prepare oneself for it, I have by the Holy Spirit come up with this list to help better the moment.
1. Dearie, God had made the best decision in that situation for you. Anything else would have been brutal for you. He knows better than you do, and He made a wholesome choice for you. "Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything." 1 John 3:20
2. God never makes mistake, and He is never late. When Lazarus, Jesus' friend was sick, word was sent to him to come, but then he didn't show up in time. Martha, Lazarus' sister accused Jesus of being late, and that her brother had died. We all know the rest of the story, Jesus raised a dead man of three days. John 11:38-44. God is never late, OK?
3. Be sincere with God and let Him know exactly how you feel about His "NO". For instance, when God told me no, I told Him how hurt I felt, and I needed Him to make me happy. Let Him know exactly what is on your mind, and you would be surprised at how much comforted you would be. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
4. Tell God to give you a gift. Yeeaa! Gifts have a way of making someone feel better. God decided not to give me something, and simply, I asked Him to replace it with something else. I even went the extra length to request something very funny that I wouldn't dare share right now. The point is, get comfortable with God, and be relaxed with your Father. "If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commands" John 14:14-15.
In conclusion, the only person who's got your back is God, so please take and accept His decisions gladly! He loves you more than anybody does, not even yourself. John 3:16
Shalom.
Featuring: GOD'S ORACLE.... She is an Envoy
ADEGBOLA OLUWADAMILOLA
Monday, October 17, 2016
THE REVEALER: JESUS CHRIST VS CHRIST JESUS
You will notice apostle Paul mostly interchange Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus in his messages.. Now, does it mean same thing or emphasizes different things
It’s a good question and here is an answer or a partial one!
1. About the names: Christ literally means anointed or the anointed one. It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for anointed mashiach , which being transliterated became in English, Messiah. So Christ=Messiah . Jesus, the name Gabriel announced and gave to Mary, means literally The Lord Saves or the Lord is salvation . Jesus is a transliterated from the Hebrew name, Joshua, as in Moses’ most important friend (A whole book of the Bible is appropriately named Joshua which centers on the conquest of the land under Joshua; Joshua was a warrior). So,
Jesus=Joshua=God saves.
2. Christ is less a name and more a title or an office, the Office of the Christ, the Anointed One. Just as if you would meet, say,the mayor, you would called him Mayor which would indicate simultaneously his title because of his office.
3. Christ Jesus is used some 80 times. Jesus Christ is used some 140 times.
4. Jesus Christ is used by the Gospel writers, and the Apostle Paul and in fact it used by most of the New Testament writers. Jesus and Christ are also used separately: Christ, over 500 times and Jesus, some 1,000 times. So either name, Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus, indicates a more full indication of identity of the Holy One of Israel. Both Names are more formal.
5. Christ Jesus is used almost exclusively by the Apostle Paul, and hardly by the Gospel writers. Remember: Paul was originally a devout Jew and Pharisee (see Philippians 3:4-6 ) My conjecture is that the Apostle was emphasizing Jesus’ thorough-going Jewishness as the Son of David and Son of God. This One is the Messiah Jesus, Anointed One Jesus, foretold by the prophets of Israel. So the formal nature of the Apostle’s use of Christ Jesus is suggested by the fact he uses this quite often in his opening greetings in his epistles (letters) to churches and congregations.
6. Jesus Christ has almost become for a lot people the Lord’s first name, Jesus, and His last or family name, Christ. Obviously, it is not! His parents were not Mary and Joseph Christ! It is a proclamation and witness and could be originally, “Jesus is CHRIST” and so shortened. Jesus, the One who restores all things, thoroughly occupies and lives and reigns in His divine office of Christ: God saves, God has anointed, we are saved. He thoroughly inhabited His office through His death and resurrection for sinners and the life of the world.
Author: ANENVOYHB
It’s a good question and here is an answer or a partial one!
1. About the names: Christ literally means anointed or the anointed one. It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for anointed mashiach , which being transliterated became in English, Messiah. So Christ=Messiah . Jesus, the name Gabriel announced and gave to Mary, means literally The Lord Saves or the Lord is salvation . Jesus is a transliterated from the Hebrew name, Joshua, as in Moses’ most important friend (A whole book of the Bible is appropriately named Joshua which centers on the conquest of the land under Joshua; Joshua was a warrior). So,
Jesus=Joshua=God saves.
2. Christ is less a name and more a title or an office, the Office of the Christ, the Anointed One. Just as if you would meet, say,the mayor, you would called him Mayor which would indicate simultaneously his title because of his office.
3. Christ Jesus is used some 80 times. Jesus Christ is used some 140 times.
4. Jesus Christ is used by the Gospel writers, and the Apostle Paul and in fact it used by most of the New Testament writers. Jesus and Christ are also used separately: Christ, over 500 times and Jesus, some 1,000 times. So either name, Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus, indicates a more full indication of identity of the Holy One of Israel. Both Names are more formal.
5. Christ Jesus is used almost exclusively by the Apostle Paul, and hardly by the Gospel writers. Remember: Paul was originally a devout Jew and Pharisee (see Philippians 3:4-6 ) My conjecture is that the Apostle was emphasizing Jesus’ thorough-going Jewishness as the Son of David and Son of God. This One is the Messiah Jesus, Anointed One Jesus, foretold by the prophets of Israel. So the formal nature of the Apostle’s use of Christ Jesus is suggested by the fact he uses this quite often in his opening greetings in his epistles (letters) to churches and congregations.
6. Jesus Christ has almost become for a lot people the Lord’s first name, Jesus, and His last or family name, Christ. Obviously, it is not! His parents were not Mary and Joseph Christ! It is a proclamation and witness and could be originally, “Jesus is CHRIST” and so shortened. Jesus, the One who restores all things, thoroughly occupies and lives and reigns in His divine office of Christ: God saves, God has anointed, we are saved. He thoroughly inhabited His office through His death and resurrection for sinners and the life of the world.
Author: ANENVOYHB
Sunday, October 16, 2016
HOW TO HEAR FROM GOD...... PRATICAL STEPS
Every now and then, people ask me, "how can I know God's will?", "How do I hear from God?". Quite a number of Christians do not know or hear the voice of God, yet God is always speaking. To help us better know how to hear from God, I have by the Holy Spirit, come up with these few practical steps. Actually, these steps are how I myself came about hearing from God, so there may be variations from person to person. But then, these are the basics.
Acts 2:17 "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."
1. GIVE YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST. Ok, I believe, that for you to be on this blog right now, you have an idea who Jesus is right? We give our life to Christ by turning away from our sinful life and facing Jesus. Romans 10:10. Believe that Jesus came and died for your sins and He rose again, therefore giving you victory over death. Acts 3:19.
2. GET A BIBLE. I'm sorry, I know you have a Bible. What I mean is, bring it out of where you have kept it safe! Lol. On a more serious note, you cannot hear from God if your Bible is a file to you. Inside an opened Bible is from whence life springeth forth. John 1:1
3. OWN A DEVOTIONAL GUIDE MANUAL. A devotional guide is a book that guides one to hear God. Examples of devotional guide manuals are "Open Heavens", "Everyday with Jesus", "Our Daily Manna", "Rhapsody of Realities", amongst others. So, try to get a devotional manual. Also, have a notebook and a pen. Habakuk 2:2
4. With 1, 2, and 3 above settled, we can now proceed. As you sit to begin to read the devotional guide, try to say a simple prayer of "Dear LORD, as I want to study you word this day, speak to me in simple words that I will hear and understand, Amen." After the prayer, go ahead to open the devotional manual. But, before you read what is in the manual for that day, I mean the passage there, check out the Bible text and memory verse, then go read them from your Bible.
5. After reading the text and memory verse, just hold on, and wait for God to drop something in your heart. Scribble down whatever comes to your mind in your note. Write down as much as you can, also noting the day, the date, time, and where you are at that moment.
6. Then proceed to read the passage in the devotional guide. Do not be surprised if what God has dropped in your heart is entirely different from what is in the manual.
7. During the day, try to think of that Bible text you have read over and over again. If need be, write it out and put in your pocket as a reminder. This is called meditation, Joshua 1:8. The more you practice this, the better and easier it becomes to hear God.
NB:
* The above is not just a one day affair, it is a commitment of a lifetime.
* You can't just try it in one day and not continue again.
* You should brace yourself up for the task, after all it is you who wants to hear from God.
* Have a "God n Me" notebook, where you write down anything and everything you hear God tell you.
* God won't speak through a closed Bible, you have to always open your Bible.
* Sometimes, you may do everything above and still not here a thing from God, don't worry, it happens. It doesn't mean you should stop altogether, instead pray.
* This is just one of the numerous ways to hear God, there are sure other ways. But for someone who hasn't heard God before or who isn't used to hearing God, this is where to start from.
I really would like to hear feedbacks from you (ayodamola4@gmail.com). Or (jtossy007@gmail.com) Remember, God is always speaking, we are the ones not always listening. Psalm 81:13 Shalom.
Acts 2:17 "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."
1. GIVE YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST. Ok, I believe, that for you to be on this blog right now, you have an idea who Jesus is right? We give our life to Christ by turning away from our sinful life and facing Jesus. Romans 10:10. Believe that Jesus came and died for your sins and He rose again, therefore giving you victory over death. Acts 3:19.
2. GET A BIBLE. I'm sorry, I know you have a Bible. What I mean is, bring it out of where you have kept it safe! Lol. On a more serious note, you cannot hear from God if your Bible is a file to you. Inside an opened Bible is from whence life springeth forth. John 1:1
3. OWN A DEVOTIONAL GUIDE MANUAL. A devotional guide is a book that guides one to hear God. Examples of devotional guide manuals are "Open Heavens", "Everyday with Jesus", "Our Daily Manna", "Rhapsody of Realities", amongst others. So, try to get a devotional manual. Also, have a notebook and a pen. Habakuk 2:2
4. With 1, 2, and 3 above settled, we can now proceed. As you sit to begin to read the devotional guide, try to say a simple prayer of "Dear LORD, as I want to study you word this day, speak to me in simple words that I will hear and understand, Amen." After the prayer, go ahead to open the devotional manual. But, before you read what is in the manual for that day, I mean the passage there, check out the Bible text and memory verse, then go read them from your Bible.
5. After reading the text and memory verse, just hold on, and wait for God to drop something in your heart. Scribble down whatever comes to your mind in your note. Write down as much as you can, also noting the day, the date, time, and where you are at that moment.
6. Then proceed to read the passage in the devotional guide. Do not be surprised if what God has dropped in your heart is entirely different from what is in the manual.
7. During the day, try to think of that Bible text you have read over and over again. If need be, write it out and put in your pocket as a reminder. This is called meditation, Joshua 1:8. The more you practice this, the better and easier it becomes to hear God.
NB:
* The above is not just a one day affair, it is a commitment of a lifetime.
* You can't just try it in one day and not continue again.
* You should brace yourself up for the task, after all it is you who wants to hear from God.
* Have a "God n Me" notebook, where you write down anything and everything you hear God tell you.
* God won't speak through a closed Bible, you have to always open your Bible.
* Sometimes, you may do everything above and still not here a thing from God, don't worry, it happens. It doesn't mean you should stop altogether, instead pray.
* This is just one of the numerous ways to hear God, there are sure other ways. But for someone who hasn't heard God before or who isn't used to hearing God, this is where to start from.
I really would like to hear feedbacks from you (ayodamola4@gmail.com). Or (jtossy007@gmail.com) Remember, God is always speaking, we are the ones not always listening. Psalm 81:13 Shalom.
Written By: Adegbola Oluwadamilola
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