SETTING THE STAGE FOR REVIVAL

TRETS 3OCT2019    SETTING THE STAGE FOR REVIVAL

Text: Ps. 85. 1-7, 1 Kings 18.21-24, Habakkuk 3.2, Ephesians 5.14.

Revival is the full restoration of God’s people back to the will, word, the work and the lifestyle of the almighty God. It is should be the ultimate goal of every believer to be in full intimate relationship with His maker but when things had turned otherwise and Christians are looking at the other direction from the will and the word of God, then God looked down in disappointment upon His people. This estranged relationship with God brings devastation, disaster and sometimes destruction upon them. Then God’s people need revival. As we look around us today, every indices within and without signify that we need revival as individual, as a church and as a nation. As we see the worldliness creeping into the church, don’t we need revival? How about the lethargy towards evangelism, does it not concern you?. Think about the fear among God’s people of the ragging waves from the enemy. We need revival. How about our sleeping when we ought to be fervent in prayer. All these and many more shows we need revival. True scriptural revival brings us back to God and His purpose. This in-turn brings His benevolence upon us and the evidence is peace, power, prosperity and in deed posterity. Failure to embrace revival could be devastating as continuation in the state of indifference to God may lead to total abandonment by God which makes His people vulnerable to the attack of the enemy.

Series of Condemnable Practices calling for Timely Revival. Rev. 3.15-19, 1Kings 18.19-21, 1sa. 1.11-17, Ps. 78.41, Amos 5.11, Isa. 40.31

God doesn’t abandon His people without a reason. When we see dryness and poverty in the land, and the land of plenty becomes a place of penury, then there is need to examine the characters and practices in the land, and in deed in ourselves conducts and relationship with God and with our fellow man. Today a thorough examination reveals (i) Lukewarmness to God and His word (Rev. 3.15-17), (ii) Indifference and “I don’t care attitude” to God’s work (Judges 5.23), (iii) Worldliness and ungodly friendship (James 4.4), (iv) Oppression of the poor (Amos 5.11), (v) Pride and arrogance of achievements (Lk. 12. 16-20), (vi)  Blood letting of the innocent (Isa. 1.11-15).

Scriptural Conditions and preparation for True Revival. Hosea 10:12; Joel 2.12-13, Psalms 138:6-8, Isa.40.39-31,

“sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord till He come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12)

In preparation for God’s visitation, we must return fully to righteousness in every area of our lives. We must show mercy and forgiveness to all others. “blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Pride and self- defence must be replaced by humility and contrition. God has promised to revive our spirits and hearts if we yield them to Him ((Isaiah 57:15, Hosea 14:7, Acts 3:19-20). The New Testament affirms that times of refreshing and renewal shall come from the presence of the Lord. “Faithful is He that calleth you who will also do it”.(1 Thessalonians 5:24). The scriptures states clearly that the preparation that God recommends for revival is purely from the heart. Is your heart free from haughtiness and pride and full of humility and lowliness?, Does it tremble in contrition at the word of God? Do you accept your faults and make amends or Do you explain it away? Are you determined in heart to do and to teach the whole will of God? We must be ready to lead a holy and pleasant life and maintain good focus on heaven Rom 12.1-2.

Supernatural Components and proofs of Transcending revival Joel 2.18-21,  Psalm 85.8-13,  Mal. 3.11, Psalm 84.11, Isa. 6.1

When God bring a transcending revival upon the land, everyone will be partakers of its transforming effect. It is a sign of God’s favour and mercy outpoured upon His people and it results into peace, protection and prosperity in the nation. The following are some of the proof of God’s happiness upon His children. (i) There will be express answer to our prayers (Isa.65.24), (ii) There will be joyful workforce in the church among God’s people, (iii) Increase and prosperity in the land (Ps. 85.9-12), God will shield His people and prevent them from the attack of the enemy (Ps. 84.11). Vibrant congregation and happy fellowship. God begin to speak with His people again. Miracles and endless supernatural performance amongs Gods people (Rom. 8.19)  

SETTING THE STAGE FOR REVIVAL

Thursday Revival Message                                                                                 “03-10-2019”

SETTING THE STAGE FOR REVIVAL

Isaiah 57:14-19; Psalms 138:6-8; Romans 14:9

Revival is an experience of divine visitation to an individual that lifts him from a state of spiritual apathy, coldness or near lifelessness to a renewed attention to God and godliness. It revitalizes his spiritual life to seek and to do the whole will of God always.

When a spark of fire is covered by ashes, it needs to be fanned and stirred so as to drop off the ashes and cause the spark of fire to revive again. This is similar to what revival does in a person whose life has been covered by mere religion, materialism and money seeking, pursuit and passion for the trends of a wicked world, position and praise seeking, etc. For such persons, the desire for holiness and heaven slowly gets subdued by the cares of this life (Luke 22:34). Prayer and soul winning soon becomes burdens rather than delights.

Revival becomes imperative as we begin to notice a sad decline in the vitality of our personal devotion and godliness. When downright earnestness, intensity and fervency in spiritual devotion is overtaken by coldness, listlessness, heartlessness and slothfulness, we must cry for revival.

When crave for earthly things begins to compete with our passion for God, for heaven and for souls, then we must seek for revival in all humility and contrition.

1.   PASSION AND PRAYER FOR REVIVAL

Job 29:1-25

“oh that I were as in months past… as in the days of my youth, when the secrets of God was upon my tabernacle; when the Almighty was yet with me….” (Job 29:2-5)

“Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee”

(Psalms 85:6).

For anyone to have revival, the following steps must be taken:

Ø  Perception of One’s Wretchedness (Psalms. 74:9,11 Judges 6:11-13)

We must accept our spiritual wretchedness (Romans7:24;Revelation3:17-18).

When we “see not our signs” of true spirituality, then we are wretched. When God appears to have cast us off, or withdrawn his hand from us, then we are wretched.

Ø  Passion for Revival (Job 29:2-5; Psalms 85:6; Matthew 5:6)

Our hearts must thirst, hunger and pant for God and for revival (Psalms 42:1-3). The desire must drive us back to God continually to see His power and glory in our lives again (Psalms 63:1-3)

Ø  Prayer for Revival (Habakkuk 3:1-4, Psalms 85:4-7)

Prayer for spiritual revival must be:

Sincere and soul-searching

Hot and be from a humble heart

Bible-based and believing.

2.  PREPARING AND PERSEVERING FOR REVIVAL

Hosea 10:12; Psalms 138:6-8

“sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord till He come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12)

In preparation for God’s visitation, we must return fully to righteousness in every area of our lives. We must show mercy and forgiveness to all others. “blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Pride and self- defence must be replaced by humility and contrition. Let’s take note of these:

v  God’s Promise for Revival (Isaiah 57:15, Hosea 14:7, Acts 3:19-20)

God has promised to revive our spirits and hearts. The New Testament affirms that times of refreshing and renewal shall come from the presence of the Lord. “Faithful is He that calleth you who will also do it”

(1 Thessalonians 5:24).

v  Godly Preparation for Renewal (Isaiah 57:14, Ezra 7:10)

The kind of preparation God recommends for revival is more of heart preparation than ceremonial preparation. Look at your heart critically:

    Is it free from haughtiness and pride and full of humility and  

    lowliness?

    Does it tremble in contrition at the word of God?

    Do you accept your faults and make amends or

    Do you explain it away?

    Are you determined in heart to do and to teach the whole will of God?

v  Gracious Perseverance for Revival (Hosea 6:1-3; Luke 18:1, 24:49)

Seeking revival must be done with perseverance. We must:

    Tarry until it comes (Luke 24:49)

    Follow on to know the Lord and He shall come as the rain. The former

    and latter rain

    Ask, seek and knock, believingly until we receive (Matthew 7:7-11)

3.   POSSESSING AND PROMOTING REVIVAL

     Habakkuk 3:1-3; Jeremiah 17:7,8

To possess and promote revival we need the:

ü  Presence of Spiritual Revival  (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

The presence of true spiritual revival and renewal in a person is characterized by the:

    Freshness of spiritual experiences

    Continuity in walk with God

    Efficiency and effectiveness in performance.

ü  Promotion of Spiritual Renewal (Psalms 1:1-3; Isaiah 40:28-31).

         Spiritual revival and renewal is promoted by:

    Daily devotional study of God’s word (Joshua 1:8)

    Regular waiting upon God in prayer – Acts 6:4; Isaiah 40:29-31

    Continued fellowship with people of like precious faith

   (Hebrews 10:25, Prov. 27:17)

ü  Preservation of  Spiritual Revival (John 15:4-7)

To remain in this state we must continue to abide in Christ – the Vine. We must look constantly to him for all strength and grace to keep the revival fire burning.

THE POWER OF HIS BLOOD

                              POWER  OF HIS BLOOD
EXO 12:12-13
The  power of his blood provides everything we need to live a victorious life ,more also we have redemption ,fellowship ,healing ,cleansing ,protection and authority over the devil through the same power of HIS blood.
None of these can be achieved without the power in the blood of Jesus.
Heb 9:7,Lev 17:11.
1.TOTAL REDEMPTION FOR SINNER THROUGH  THE POWER OF HIS BLOOD.
Exo 12:12-13,Eph1:7,Rom 5:12;Col 2:13-15;1 Peter1:18-19;
There was a price against us that we could not pay but the blood of Jesus redeem us .This blood  after redeeming us, bring us closer to God through fellowship with God .Eph 2:13
Without the blood ,man is far away from GOD his creator .we   have peace of heart through the power of His blood Col 1:20;we are cleanse from the pollution of  sin through his blood. 1John 1 :7
2.THOROUGH RECOVERY FOR THE SICK BY POWER OF HIS BLOOD
PSALM 105:37, ISAIAH 53:4-5
There is power to heal and deliver  all from any attack and sicknesses ,once you have being redeemed by blood of the Lamb,every feebleness will be taken away by the efficacious power of HIS blood.
3.TRUTHFUL REJECTION OF SATAN FOR THE POWER OF HIS BLOOD.
Acts 19:19, Rev 9 -11;
Until we totally and truthfully reject Satan and his belongings and the we hold on to  the power in the blood of JESUS before we begin to enjoy the uncountable blessings from His blood.
It is the blood that satan fears,the devil did not want you to know this because he hate it. 

AT THY WORD

AT THY WORD

Luke 5.5, John 5.5-9, Isa. 55.11

The world is a place of severe warfare, toiling and great challenges. Without God’s infallible and reassuring words, man remains in confusion and great danger in the world. Many troubles of man today would have been averted if we listen to the Lord and obey His unfailing words.  God’s will however for His own children is for them to enjoy their stay here on earth and end up living with Him in His Heaven of rest at the end of their lives. In order to win and conquer in the battles of life, the saints will need to manifest unwavering faith in the ever powerful and unfailing word of God who says in His word “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 need to conquer and to always remain victorious in the face of life’s challenges places a very high value on personal faith and confidence in God’s words. Many of the people who received miracles in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ were people who heard His words, believed His words and acted on the words. Peter (in our text), a professional fisherman, had toiled throughout the night but caught nothing, but when he acted on the Lord’s words of instruction saying At thy word.., his experience changed into exploits (Luke 5.5). The centurion that came to the Lord declared: “...but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed” (Matthew 8:8). Consider the impotent man of thirty eight years. At the words of Christ, he took up his bed and walked (John 5. 5-9) If you too can develop your personal faith and confidence in God, and begin to act upon His words, and always put it into practice, great will be your victory from now onward in Jesus name.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ENJOYING GOD’S WORDS.  Matthew 4. 18-20, 2Cor. 6.17-18, Isa. 1. 18-20, 2 Chro. 7. 14, Exo. 15.26

God’s WORDS are always given to people who have a relationship with Him. To make a promise with anybody, God firstly calls that person out of the general populace into a sincere walk with Him. Before he instructed Peter, He had called him to salvation, and then to service, and to consecration. Peter obeyed the Lord without looking back. He forsook his friends, and sinful partners and followed the Lord. In the way, God is calling everyone today. To come out of sin, worldly affections and sinful pleasures, and follow after Him. Obedience to this call makes God’s words and promises effective in our lives. Other conditions includes total and genuine repentance from all evil, commitment to a sincere holy living and faithful walk with God, consistent growth through His word daily, faith in God as a loving father who can never fail or disappoint. If we obey the Lord and diligently hearken unto Him, we shall enjoy His precious promises if we claim them by faith.

OUTLINING THE RICH EXPRESSIONS OF GOD’S WORDS.   2 Peter 1. 3-4, Ezek. 36. 25-30,

God had spoken and is still speaking to us through His Words today.  When God directs and leads His children, there is sure confidence that the result will be successful. God’s promises through His Word give assurance of exploit and extra-ordinary breakthrough in our enterprise. Therefore, knowing these promises, believing and acting on them makes us constantly secured in times of danger and disaster. It also produces intimate relationship and trust that He is leading and fear is vanished away. Some of His expressions include Adoption, Salvation, sanctification and Spirit baptism  (John 1.12, Ezek. 36. 25-30), Abundant provision (Phil.4.19, Eph. 3.20, Job. 22. 23-25), Answer to prayers (Isa. 58.9, Ps. 50.15, Jer. 33.3),  Promise of overflowing Blessings (Deut. 28.2-12), Calmness and comfort in trouble (Isa 54. 11-17, Ps. 23.4), Defence in time of battle (Ps. 20.1, Job 22.25), Dominion over all oppositions (Judg 5.13, Isa. 58.8) , Deliverance from evil (Ps. 41. 1-2, Ps. 20.1-4,), Enlargement of Coast (Gen. 17.6, 22.17), , Enemy to our enemies (Exo. 23.22), Fullness of Christ, His grace and riches (Col. 2. 9-15, Eph. 4.13), Fruitfulness  (Gen. 1.28, Gen. 17.6, 28.3, Lev. 26.9, Ps. 128.3, Isa. 29.17, Jer. 23,3, Col.1.10),  His  Goodness and Grace, (Jer. 31.14, Exo. 33.19), divine Guidance and direction (Isa. 58.11, Ps. 32.8, Isa. 42. 13, 16),  Holiness and heaven (John 14.3, Lev. 19.2), Protection, Preservation and Promotion (Ps. 91. 1-16), Healing and Health (Ex. 15.26, Ex. 23.25-26), Eternal Life (Titus 1.2, 1 Jn 2.24-25) and many more

 OBEDIENCE TO GOD AND PRAYING THROUGH HIS WORD 1 Kings 18.36, Luke 5.5 ,  James 5. 13-18, Matt. 15.22-28, Mark 10. 47-48, Mark 11. 22-24

Every believer has the privilege to claim God’s in exhaustive promises according to his or her need. And every one who has need has a promise of God he can claim in scriptures. All who prayed and claimed His promises are delivered and their requests are given. All we need is to manifest faith in God, knowing that His promises are yea and Amen. Elijah was in the face of a battle, but with confidence he prayed according to God’s word saying “And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.”  And immediately, God answered by fire. Peter acted upon Christs’ words, and he received a net-breaking miracles. The Canaanite woman came to Jesus. He knew God will never reject any one and in spite of the opposition and discouragement of the Christ’s disciples, she waited until she received answer to her request. Blind Bartimeus also received his sight due to persistent prayer of faith. Whatever your problem, you need to constantly maintain your stand on God’s unfailing promises through faith. He will never fail you.  God’s promises are dependable, available and always powerful enough to move all your mountains. Tonight pray fervently like Jabez and claim the promises of the God of Israel. You shall receive answer to your prayer in Jesus name.   

FAITH TO DO EXPLOITS IN EVANGELISM

MIRACLE AND REVIVAL PROGRAM, MAY 2019.

Day 2. Adult Seminar 1, 

FAITH TO DO EXPLOIT IN EVANGELISM FIELD

Daniel 11.32, Mark 16.17, Acts 8. 4-7, Heb. 11.6

Faith is highly important for the success of a believer’s life and ministry particularly in the field of evangelism. To manifest exploits in any field of endeavor, we must trust God beyond the religious man whose thinking is simply to receive from Him. The believer’s knowledge of God must integrate the Christian into the divine principles of partnership with Him in all things. Living to please God is therefore fundamental to our success in the evangelistic field because, without God, we can do nothing. Therefore, he that must do exploit in bringing souls to Christ must yield his life and heart to Him in total consecration to His work of soul winning and must depend completely on His ability to bring souls to the kingdom through the soul winner. We had been mandated to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature in spite of the oppositions and persecutions in the world. There is, therefore, a strong need for faith to be manifested by the believer to overcome the deceits and flatteries of Satan in this end time, and to manifest courage against all hindrances until souls are won into God’s kingdom.

ESSENTIALS OF FAITH FOR EXPLOITS IN EVANGELISM

Heb. 11.1-2, 6, Acts 6. 2-3, Isa. 40.31, Luke 24.49, 1 Thess. 2. 7-10.

Faith is a great factor in our walk with God. Without faith, we cannot please Him as the invisible God must be trusted and regarded as faithful and worthy of our worship and obedience. The evangelist must, therefore, have experienced the saving faith in Christ. He must be truly converted and manifesting faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Secondly, He must have manifested faith in the Lord for the sanctification of the spirits.   Life of holiness and righteousness must be a visible Character of such a believer without compromise. He must be of a good report at home, and at work. Thirdly, he must be a man of passion for God and compassion for sinners; and must be ready to sacrifice self for his faith in the conversion of sinners. Also, he must be a man of selfless persistent prayer whose interest is mostly to get sinners broken down for conversion. Lastly, he must be filled with the Holy Ghost as his principal partner, listening to God and taking directives from Him in all his ways.  Having these qualities, he must be obedient to God’s word and God’s will at all times manifesting humility in the fear of the Lord.

EXERCISING FAITH FOR EXPLOITS IN PLANNING FOR EVANGELISM.

Planning is required in all projects including evangelism because failure to plan is planning to fail. However, to have a successful and heart touching evangelistic outreach, there is a need for strong faith manifestation. The Devil is ready to frustrate every effort of soul-winning if not adequately planned with a high level of faith. There are several reasons why evangelism could be delayed or postponed but faith in God for success and planning, with faith in the support of the Almighty God, produces exploits without stress. The various stages scripturally necessary include the following: (i) Preparation by faith (Proverbs 24.27, Ezra 7.10) Evangelism requires adequate preparation. To bring souls into the kingdom can never be done by accident. Therefore, prepare adequately by choosing your available time of the outreach, (b) choose your evangelism method such as bus evangelism, Operation Andrew, crusade, etc, (c) Choose your topic of the presentation and prepare your outlines or key points available, choose all the relevant support people and even the venue of your outreach. (ii) Prayer of faith – Psalm 2.8, Acts 4.29-30, Mark 16. 17-18. Prayer is very crucial to any success in soul winning. To snatch a soul from the Devil is not possible without an effectively focused prayer. This should be directed to various aspects of the outreach – to melt and prepare the heart of the sinners, to lose the sinners from the hold of Satan and set his captives free, to protect the soul-winner from the attack of the enemy, to back up the evangelist with Pentecostal power and anointing to break every satanic yoke and agenda etc.  (iii) Preaching by faith. 1 Cor. 2. 1-5, The message that will turn sinners to righteousness must be direct, focused and preached in faith. It must be prayerfully directed to the sinner to reveal his sinful practices and uphold God’s love for him and God’s readiness to forgive him. Such a message must not be apologetic to the sinner but be authoritative to emphasize the urgency of his salvation and the danger in his delay. It must also introduce the sinner to an assurance of safety and security in Christ and the hope of eternal life in Jesus. (iv) Persistent in Follow up through faith. John 21.15-17, Follow up of the newly converted souls is as important as the preaching itself and it must be done with faith in God to establish the new converts. We must never be tired in this exercise but be persistently visiting them until they become established in the faith and preserved in the fellowship. All these required adequate planning so that the enemy will not subtly frustrate our efforts.

EXPONENTIAL FRUITFULNESS THROUGH EXPLOSIVE EVANGELISM

Isa. 52.7, Mark 16.15, John 12.32, Jonah 3. 4-10, Matthew 9.35,  Acts 8. 5-8, John 14.12

When we adequately prepare by faith for evangelism outreach, it is certain that exponential fruitfulness shall be our portion as the Lord had promised. Jonah, though initially disobeyed and later repented, preached to the Ninevites and the whole city repented and turned to the Lord. The same happened when Philip went down to the city of Samaria, he brought great joy to the city because a multitude of the people believed and was converted. This is a confirmation of Christ’s declaration that “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me”, However, today He had promised us of the power of the Holy Ghost to back us up. This brings exponential fruitfulness on our evangelism. All we need now is to pray for the power and faith for exploit in this field for the Lord.

  

  

RADIATING THE GLORY OF CHRIST EVERYWHERE AND EVERY TIME

RADIATING THE GLORY OF CHRIST EVERYWHERE AND EVERY TIME

.

          Matthew 5.13-16, Philippians 2. 14-15, Isa. 61.1,

The presence of Christians is to bring savour and brightness into this dark wicked world through our lives and the impact of our relationship as followers of Christ. As Christ radiated the glory of God in the world, so also the Christians are supposed to radiate the glory of Christ in this evil world. We supposed to be shining forth the glory of Christ in our communities, shining the light of the gospel to the darkness of our society. Furthermore we are to sweeten our neighborhood as salts with the grace of God in us. Not only are we to preach to them but also to demonstrate the power of the gospel through our lives of gentleness, love, kindness and purity in spite of the pollutions and selfishness of the society. This shall however bring glory to the name of the Lord and win souls into the kingdom, but careless believers and compromisers shall definitely loose their grace and be cast out into punishment and perdition. Therefore let us walk and work while it is day for the night cometh when no man can work. We are “to do all the good we can, to all the men we can and with all the time we have so as to gain all the souls we can for the Lord”, we will never lose our rewards in Jesus Name.

THE CALL TO RADIATE CHRIST’S GLORY IN BELIEVERS Matt. 5. 13-16, Phil.2.15, Matt. 18.3, John 8.12, Matt.5.9, John 9.5, Gal. 5.22-23, Col. 4.6. 1 Peter 3. 1-4.

As believers, we are called to radiate the glory of Christ through our lifestyle everytime and everywhere in the community we live in. Believers are therefore characterized as salts and light in that they are to be good examples to the world around us. As salt is inevitable in everyday life, so also are we to be in this sorrowful and callous world. And as light brings sanity and direction in the darkness, so also are to be to our confused society around bringing the light of the gospel to them. This can only be done through our life, love and light in the community we dwell. However, to be a true believer that will exemplify Christ, then we must firstly be converted, be born again and give our lives totally to the Lord (Matt. 18.3). Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (Jn. 8.12, Jn. 9.5) and except we first come to Him, we cannot be light in our community. Then we need to fully consecrate our lives to Him as our Lord and Savior bearing the fruits of the spirit everywhere we go.  We must also allow “the words of Christ” to be the lamp of our feet, dwelling in us richly so we can truly illuminate the light of Christ to the world. And fully give ourselves to spreading His words of salvation in our community through our lives and messages. It’s only then we can truly bear the following characteristics of Salts and Lights in the world around us. (i). Salt as a seasoning agent, preserves food items from decay and corruption. When we come in contact with sinful people, our stand should be made known to them that sin is deadly and destructive. Sooner or later, they will get convicted anytime they see us and by so doing, we shall preserve the community from further decay. (ii), Salt sweetens and flavors. We as believers should, through our interactions and relationship, speak to comfort the discouraged and the weary ones showing to them mercies and kindness in order to win them to the Saviour Jesus Christ (Col. 3.12). We should also demonstrate kindness and love in distributing to the necessity of all the needy around us (Heb 13.16). Also, note that salt is one of the least ingredients in cooking; we must so humble ourselves to others so that the grace and the glory of God can be realised in us (Phil. 2.3). Our lives should be characterized by the message of hope to the hopeless world. Moreover, salt is white, symbolizing purity. We should remain pure from the pollution and corruption of the world. (Rom. 12. 2). Furthermore, as lights in the world, we must be leading the people around us to Christ always through the word of our mouth and the work of our hands. Our preaching bears more power when we show godly character (Phil. 2.15), As Christians, the life we live will either point the unbelievers more to the Lord or farther away from Him.

CONTRADICTING CHARACTERS OF BELIEVERS AGAINST CHRISTS GLORY. Matt. 5.13, Ephesians 5. 3-5, 1 Tim 1.16, Matt. 25.1-13, Rev. 3. 14-19.

It is unfortunate that instead of being a shining light to the world, many so-called believers are merely slothful and lukewarm church-goers. They only profess to be Christians in name but indeed, they are far from Christ. These are those who had lost their savor and are good for nothing other than to cast them out to be trodden under foot of men. If a seasoning like salt loses its savor, it’s of no value anymore. A Christian who makes no effort to influence its community positively have no value to God and no good to man.

Slothful and lukewarm churchgoers are of various categories, but none of them is good before the Lord. Some are coming to the church but had never repented of their sins nor forsake them, while some others who claimed to have been born again had backslidden in the heart through worldliness and affection to the world. Others are in the categories of indifference and slothfulness that are never bold enough to declare their stand for Christ. These people do not have the grace of God in them to live as salt in the world nor shine as a light in their community. They had allowed their salt to lose its savor through carelessness, prayerlessness, worldly attractions, business pursuit or talkativeness. Many are neither hot nor cold but are just “Christians in name only”. They, therefore, stand the danger of being cast out from the presence of the Lord. Examples of such are Ananias and Saphira, Judas Iscariot, Korah, Datan and Abiram etc. These were people who were renown in the church but had lost their savor. Apart from being rejected, their prayers would not be answered, they lost the favor of God, and they lost the presence of God in eternity. Christ prescribed a remedy for the church in Laodicea was repentance. Only true repentance and faith in God can redeem such people from the calamities and restore them into the household of grace to shine as a light in the world.

CONSEQUENCES OF REFLECTING CHRIST’S GLORY. Matt. 5.16, Acts 8. 5-8, 2 Kings 2.19-22, Ps. 112.9, Matt. 25. 31-40, Isa. 60.1-22

The consequence of radiating the gospel light to the world is very great. The people around us in the community will be edified by our good loving works and the name of the Lord shall be glorified. Secondarily, God looks at us as obedient children who are appreciative of His blessings and He gives us more. Principally, we enjoy the peace and eternal joy from the Lord within us, and then we are able to pass the salt around to others. Our communities shall, therefore, become happy and joyful, ready to hear the gospel. In the same way, we enjoy the light of the gospel and we are able to send out the light to others in darkness. Consequently, revival begins in our communities. The salvation of souls will be much easier. The power of the Holy Ghost will be at work. The working of miracles will flow easily and many closed doors will continuously be opened for breakthroughs. In this atmosphere, our churches will grow rapidly and many souls shall be added to the local churches. Even the faith of discouraged believers will be lifted up and the fellowship will be warm and dynamic for the Lord. In all these, the name of the Lord will be glorified. Phillip shined as light in the city of Samaria and brought great joy into the city. We also should steadfastly endeavor to shine in our community for God’s glory. Elisha applied salt to the source of the bitter water river and prophesied prosperity and sweetness to the land, and the poverty was gone (2Kings 2.19-22). We also as shining lights can speak the word of God by faith into the problems of our community and peace, prosperity and possibilities will emerge in every corner. As such, the joy and jubilation of salvation and power of God shall spread throughout our land. In the end, we shall reign with the Lord in eternity. Believers! Arise and Shine, for thy light has come.Isa. 60.1

IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?

IS THERE NOT A CAUSE? 

Text: 1 Kings 17. 4, 8-11, 16-18, 23-29, 45-50. Daniel 11.32

Every problem of man has a definite purpose. God allow challenges and problems in the life of His saints to reveal the courage and capabilities in them as champions or to reveal to them their purpose in life. Problems are inevitable in life but through these trying times, God makes His own to triumph. Indeed, it was a troublous time for Israel in the days of Saul when the Philistines and their champion Goliath threaten Israel and cause them by his god, defying the God of Israel. David quickly realized the ultimate purpose for his coming to battlefront at this time of the war against the slight of his brother and he declared! Is there not a cause? Meaning: Is there not a reason for my life? Is there not a purpose for me to be here at this time? Is there not a purpose for which God used my father to send me to the camp at this time when this uncircumcised philistine is defying our God? David was stirred up by the inner trust and confidence in His God whom he knew intimately, and who had delivered him before this time. His knowledge of the Almighty made him waxed strong in the face of the opposition of his own brother and most importantly at the challenge of the Philistine. He eventually did exploit because our God, who can never fail, rose up to help him (and Israel) in this trouble. This same God is still alive today and He is the very present help in trouble. All we need to do is to identify the prevailing problems confronting us as believers and bring the same side by side with God’s ability and potency, then the challenges shall melt away miraculously. David still had to use the sling and stone (which was obviously inspired of God) against this Philistine, this same God will inspire you and direct you as to what exactly you will do to conquer the Goliath in your life in Jesus name.

Realizing the Purpose of Problems among Saints.  1 Samuel 17. 1, 4, 8-11, Proverbs 26.2, Jeremiah 29.11, Jonah 1. 1-16, 1 Peter 1. 6-7, Mark 4, 37-41, John 11. 1-4, 40; John 9.3  

God never allow any challenge or problems to His children without a reason. Unfortunately, because of the limitation of our understanding, the believer looks disappointed. However, understanding God’s purpose in every situation, particularly of trials and troubles, gives us assurance of His presence and confidence in His power to deliver us from all troubles. In life, there are two discoveries that are very necessary for a Christian namely personal purpose in life and purpose of things (situations and challenges) he is passing through. In most cases, the believer’s purpose in life determines the problems and challenges he faces. A clear understanding of these factors makes the believer to know how to act or react appropriately in the face of troubles and trials. The question is, Why am I here? Why am I a Christian? Why am I passing through these situations? Is there not a cause? Is there not a reason? What is God’s purpose for allowing this to happen to me? Some of these challenges sometimes come because of these reasons: (i) To reveal personal errors and bring the believer to repentance and back to the realization of God’s purpose. This happened to Jonah and the prodigal son  (Jonah 1. 1-16), (ii)  To prepare us and equip us for His service (1 Peter 1. 6-7), (iii)To prove God’s omnipotent power in us and through our situation (Mark 4, 37-41), (iv)That God’s name may be glorified in the situation. (John 11. 1-4, 40; John 9.3)

REASONABLE  PEOPLE WITH PURPOSE  IN SCRIPTURES.  1 Samuel 17. 29, Jeremiah 29.11, Acts 7. 20-29, Acts 7. 20-29, 1 Samuel 17:29, Esther 4. 13-16, Acts 5.29, Phil. 3.8, Matt. 28.19-20, Acts 20.24.

God doesn’t do anything without a purpose. He created man in His image for a definite purpose of His worship and praises. He sent Joseph to Egypt as a slave to form and to preserve a nation through Jacob. He called Abraham out of Luz to fulfill and preserve His redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ. Moreover, He made the disciples to be scattered by persecution so the gospel can go to the uttermost part of the world. Is there not a cause? Yes, God always has His reasons for everything. He is the Omniscient God. However, He also has specific plans and purposes for specific individuals like you and me. We also need to discover God’s purpose for our lives so we can give attention to this unique assignment earmarked for us. Some biblical characters are good examples for us today. (i) Moses was miraculously preserved in Egypt and made to be trained by Pharoah in all the understanding and knowledge of the Egyptian laws, science, and management, but later had to be sent by Providence to the back of the desert as a fugitive. Was it not for him to learn patience and prepare him for human leadership? (Acts 7. 20-29), Joseph discovered his purpose in Egypt  and this made him deal kindly with his brethren though they taught they had done wickedness to him (Genesis 45. 5-7), David, had initially been anointed secretly by Samuel, he had fought secretly against the bear and the lion and killed them, then in our text today suddenly realized his purpose of coming to the battlefield at this time, even though unplanned and criticized by his brothers he declared “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29). Esther needed Mordecai to charge and challenged her of the present terrible situation of the Jews in Shushan before she discovered her purpose in the palace (Esther 4. 13-16). In the New Testament, the disciples (Peter and John) faced fierce persecution before the Jewish leaders and commanded them not to speak of Christ anymore. But they had been with Him for years, seeing His miracles and attending to His convincing doctrines, and he had commissioned them to go and preach the gospel. They quickly discovered their purpose and said “we ought to obey God rather than men”. Paul the Apostle said Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. He gave all in his power to preach the gospel. (Phil. 3.8) In Scotland, John Knox seeing the decadence of the society and knowing what God had done through him, He knelt and prayed, “Give me Scotland or else I die”. People with discovered purpose are men of vision, they are people who can meditate on their path in life and know how God deals with them. They know their God intimately and they get directives from Him regularly. To discover your purpose, you must be born again. You must key into God’s plan for His children to live a holy life always. You must also submit yourself into the corporate purpose for which Christ died for the world preaching the gospel to every creature. This is the reason for which we are left here on earth, to proclaim His name everywhere.

Reviving Personal Purpose through Prayer and Supplication. Jeremiah 29. 11-14, Gen. 32.24-30, Ps. 139.23-24, 2 Kings 6.17, 2 Kings 6.6, Acts 4. 24-31, 2 Corinthian 10.5.

Every believer must discover his or her purpose in life, and renew this day by day through prayer. Such are fervent prayers that are focused on specific intention, that God should open the heavens and pour out revelations of His greatness upon oneself. Jacob was meant to be a great nation and to inherit the Abrahamic covenant, but he needed to seek God’s face in prayer for this to be fulfilled (Gen. 32. 24-30), such must be a prayer of self-examination (Psalm 139. 23 -24), It must be a prayer of repentance and restoration, It must be a prayer of God’s revelation of all hidden secrets and discovering of lost potentials and possibilities (2 Kings 6.17, 2 Kings 6.6), It must be a prayer of revival of Pentecost where the Holy Ghost fire will come back again upon His people (Acts 4. 24-31), It must be a prayer of breaking down all barriers to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives, It must also be  a prayer of pulling down all strongholds contending against us in our families and our homes (2 Corinthian 10.5)