Author Archives: Ekundayo

20 Works of the Flesh You Must Not Do!

Posted by May 7, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Youths Leave a Comment
20 Works of the Flesh You Must Not Do!

Works of the flesh are like an ‘occupation’ that looks attractive to the employee, but the wages paid for it is death. Many years ago, I was engaged in various forms of works of the flesh.

I felt on top of the world when I engaged myself in the works of the flesh. But, I will never forget the night when devil decided to pay me the wages for the works of the flesh I did from my childhood. It was a deadly night, but the grace of Jesus saved me. And the Lord gave me a second chance.

Works of the flesh are also fruits of the flesh, which originated from the feast of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Though, it appeared attractive to the first parent, but the aftertaste was bitter.

It is important for us to check-balance ourselves all the time to make sure that the works of the flesh has no input in our lives. First Corinthians chapter 10 verse 12 says: “Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].” (AMP)

Some works of the flesh include;

    1. Cursing: Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5 verse 22: “…But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”
    2. Divorce and Remarriage: Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5 verse 31 and 32: “…and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”
    3. Fornication: All forms of illicit sexual relationships such as; unmarried partners, homosexual, etc.
    4. Adultery: Extramarital sexual affair.
    5. Uncleanliness: Actions that make the heart impure such as watching porn, reading playboy, harmful thoughts and lustful desires.
    6. Lewdness: Immoral lifestyles, provocative wears and corrupt behavior.
    7. Idolatry: Worshiping images or man, giving respect to worldly things at the expense of God, the Creator.
    8. Sorcery: Patronizing false Prophets for magical handkerchief, oil, water and soap.
    9. Hatred: Strong dislike for a human being. Unforgiving! Jesus says in Matthew chapter 6 verse 14: “But I say, love your enemies!”
    10. Jealousy: Envy towards another person’s possessions.
    11. Anger: Intense fury without love.
    12. Selfish Ambition: Cheating another person or the government.
    13. Heresies: Cooked-up ungodly ideologies for cheap popularity and establishment of new denominations.
    14. Murder: Taking another person’s life without fair consideration.
    15. Drunkenness: Deriving pleasure from alcohol.
    16. Revelry: Lovers of wild parties and merrymaking.
    17. Theft: Taking what belongs to another person without rightful approval.
    18. Deceit: Both ‘white and black’ lies will lead the liars to eternal heat.
    19. Pride: The habit of self-esteem; no respect for God.
    20. Jokes: Foolish talks and jesting to make people laugh is like sitting on a keg of gunpowder. Read Ephesians 5:1-7.

You can also read the following passages for more understanding: Mark 7:21-23, Romans 1:29-31, Galatians 5:19-21, and Colossians 3:5-8.

Characteristics of Works of the Flesh

  1. Easy to do: For instance; the brain might find it difficult to solve a simple mathematics, but the thoughtful brain is always fast to disseminate lies to the tongue.
  2. Works of the flesh is popular: They are widely acceptable in our society and by the government. For instance; the government approves legalized adultery (divorce and remarriage), abortion, homosexual etc. Pregnancy before marriage is not a big deal anymore…
  3. Less Expensive: The works of the flesh is very cheap to do, unlike the fruits of the Spirit, which require strong determination and self-denial from worldliness.

Do not be enticed by the works of the flesh because its outcome is eternal loss of your soul. “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21 verse 8)

Fruit of the Spirit: Spiritual meal for Christians

Posted by Apr 29, 2016 Church, Gospel Evangelism, Holy Word, Word of Faith 2 Comments
Fruit of the Spirit: Spiritual meal for Christians

Fruit of the Spirit is essential for the healthy growth of our spiritual being. It is synonymous to the fruits we eat before or after meal.

The Food Nutritionists explained various micro nutrients in fruits that are essential for the good health of our body. For instance, orange is a good source of vitamin C, banana regulates the bowel and controls obesity, coconut supports immune system to avoid incessant infection in the body. I had tried eating fruits daily and it really keeps the doctor away…

What are the fruit of the Spirit?

I am sure no one will give you the list of avocado or berries!! Fruit of the Spirit includes:

Righteousness; perfect obedience to the instructions of Jesus Christ. Matthew chapter 5 verse 48 says: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect”.

 

Noble; unquestionable character at home and the public

 

Purity; every child of God must have a sinless heart. Leviticus chapter 19 verse 2: “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy”.

 

Love; strong positive emotion of regard and affection to yourself and everyone. John chapter 13 verses 34 says: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another”.

 

Goodness; the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil

 

Tender Mercies; leniency and compassion shown toward offenders

 

Kindness; to be considerate and helpful to the poor

 

Humbleness; no form of pride

 

Gentleness; Not easily irritated and tender

 

Long-suffering; ability to be patient when things go rough

 

Forgiveness; No form of malice or hatred

 

Peace; even when there is war and unwanted circumstances, the heart is not broken

 

Thankful; always filled with appreciation

 

Joy; unconditional happiness

 

Faithfulness; no betrayal of trust and hypocrisy

 

Self–control; ability to resist every temptation

 

My humble questions are: “Do you have all these fruit of the Spirit on your spiritual table? Do you feed on them daily”?

Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 and 23 says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

Colossians chapter 3 verses 12 to 16 says: “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”

The fruit of the Spirit is the attitude of God. If you want to be an heir or heiress of God’s kingdom, then you must feed on the fruit of the Spirit every day. John chapter 15 verse 5 say: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

The benefits of the daily intake of the fruit of the Spirit include:

Acquisition of ‘spiritual antibodies’: Spiritual attacks by the powers of darkness will never knock you down.

 

A healthy spiritual growth: Your relationship with the Lord will be smooth during the tough and happy conditions of life.

 

Regular communication: You will always hear from God, because your spiritual ear will be nourished properly to hear God’s voice.

 

Prevention of ‘Spiritual Cancer’: Your spirit will never be degenerated by the demons for their spiritual use. Your body and spirit won’t be an instrument of the demons.

 

Express entry to heaven: It is impossible for unlike minds to reason together, thus, it is only the human spirit that is adequately fed with the fruit of the spirit can enjoy the feast in Heaven.

 

Revelation chapter 22 verses 1 and 2 say: “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month…”

Differences between Fruit of the Spirit and Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gift is mainly for the benefit of people around the gifted. But the fruit of the Spirit is mainly for the eternal benefit of the person.

 

Spiritual gift cannot qualify you to gain heaven. But the fruit of the Spirit is the character that sustains the salvation of Jesus for your eternal soul into heaven.

 

First Corinthians chapter 13 verse 8 to 10 says: “Love (fruit) never fails. But whether there are prophecies (gift), they will fail; whether there are tongues (gift), they will cease; whether there is knowledge (gift), it will vanish away…”

 

The unbelievers/backsliders can sustain the use of spiritual gifts for a long time, but cannot sustain feeding on the fruit of the Spirit. The taste of the fruit is only palatable to the genuine Christians.

 

You cannot harvest the fruit of the Spirit by your power and no man on earth can sell it to you. Thus, you have to accept God into your life. Confess your sins and repent from your careless lifestyle. Surrender your life to Jesus and His Blood will clean all your sins. Then, the Spirit of God will come into you.

John chapter 14 verse 23: “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

Study the Bible daily and obey the guidelines of the Lord. Your obedience to the Word of God will make you enjoy feasting on the fruit of the Spirit and your eternal life in enjoyment is guaranteed.

Do My Spiritual Gifts Guarantee Heaven?

Posted by Apr 19, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Word of Faith 2 Comments
Do My Spiritual Gifts Guarantee Heaven?

Spiritual gifts are divine attributes given to you by the LORD to attract unbelievers to the gospel. Gifts from the LORD are for evangelism, while gaining heaven is about living a holy life embedded in the Salvation of the LORD.

Today’s message would explain how spiritual gift is not enough to secure one’s entry to eternal enjoyment in heaven. 

What is the Essence of Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given to you by God. The main significance of spiritual gifts is to uphold the expression of God’s love for humanity.

God is the Sole Giver of spiritual gifts. There is abomination going on in some School of Theology and churches where the teachers teach their members the alphabets of speaking in tongues. It is the duty of the LORD to decide the suitable spiritual gifts for you, and He ordains you to exhibit the gifts for the physical or spiritual need of the people you meet.

Matthew chapter 25 verses 15 says: “And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability…”

Which Spiritual Gift is the Superior?

The Lord did not bless us with divine gifts for boastful classification. I discovered that some spiritual gifts are exhibited by some unbelievers too, thus, the role of spiritual gift is different from the role of holy spiritual lifestyle.

First Corinthians chapter 12 says: “…There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit… But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge… faith… gifts of healings… working of miracles… prophecy… discerning of spirits… different kinds of tongues… interpretation of tongues…”

None of these nine gifts is superior because they are been controlled by the same Holy Spirit.

Paul boasted as the chief speaker of tongues confessed that without love the gift is useless. So, everyone must be careful not to bastardize the gift of tongues. First Corinthians chapter 13 verse 1 says: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”

Speaking in tongues had caused a lot of disorderliness in the church, and we expect the presence of God in such gathering?

It is quite unfortunate that the teachings of Paul on spiritual gifts were not obeyed. Many Christians attach superiority to the gift of speaking in tongues. I don’t know if you are aware that Paul prefers the gift of prophecy to tongues.

First Corinthians chapter 14 verse 18 and 19 says : “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”

Spiritual Gifts and Heaven

I won’t hesitate to tell you that the acquisition of many spiritual gifts is not directly proportional to gaining heaven. The false Prophets and Pastors deceived the church with deceptive teachings such as: “Speaking in tongues is the only proof of a genuine Christian”… “Heaven is certain for those that speak in tongue”.

The careful study of the Bible shows that exhibition of spiritual gifts alone is not enough to gain heaven.

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

Your spiritual gifts have significant effect in the lives of people, while your spiritual fruits have significant effect in your eternal life. For instance, a tongue-speaking Evangelist with gifts of miracle and discerning of spirits confessed before the congregation of his many years of adultery. His spiritual gifts were good and at the same time, his spiritual fruits were unholy. Thank God he came back to Christ before it was too late…

I have heard about some ministers who performed various spiritual gifts to bless souls, but their spiritual life is not right with the LORD. Though, I am happy some of them confessed their sins when they discovered that spiritual gifts without spiritual fruits is dangerous to eternity.

You cannot continue to break the commandments of Jesus and expect your spiritual gifts to heal the second crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Someone asked me: “Why do we have a lot of adamant Christians in the Church of this generation?” The answer is not far fetch, let’s read Hebrew chapter 6 verse 4 to 6: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”

For examples;

Judas Iscariot had the spiritual gift of service but his spiritual life was not guided by the teachings of Jesus. So, his greedy lifestyle ended up killing him.

Matthew chapter 27 verse 3 to 5 says: “Then Judas…brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

King Solomon had spiritual gifts of wisdom, knowledge and leadership. But at a point in his life, he abandoned the commandments of the Lord. So, he fell away from the presence of the Lord and his spiritual gifts could not save him.

First King chapter 11 verse 11 to 14 says: “Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, ‘Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant’… Now the LORD raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite; he was a descendant of the king in Edom.”

The church of the Laodiceans was blessed with the spiritual gift of giving. But they worshiped their wealth instead of God. Their spiritual gifts could not save them because the Lord spills them out of His mouth.

Revelation chapter 3 verse 14 to 22 says: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ‘Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…”

Don’t be deceived by the end-time false preachers who spread the erroneous teaching on the pulpits and the internet. Your spiritual gifts only cannot qualify you to gain heaven, unless your physical and spiritual lifestyles are holy and controlled by the Word of God.

How to Get Christian Wealth

Posted by Apr 10, 2016 Holy Word, Gospel Evangelism, Youths Leave a Comment
How to Get Christian Wealth

Peaceful wealth comes from the LORD and everyone wants to be rich! Why is it impossible for everyone to be wealthy? Why is it difficult to lay your hands on the master key that opens the doors of money? You may have questions and I also have questions too. But it does not change the fact that riches comes from the LORD.  

The number of millionaires (in U.S. dollar terms) globally reached 19.6 million, and their cumulative wealth stood at US$74 trillion, according to the World Wealth Report 2020 released by Capgemini, a Paris-based consultancy and technology services firm.

New World Wealth also recorded that not less than 56.2% identified themselves as Christian. I was not surprised about this statistic because it is the fulfilment of God’s covenant to His children.

We measure wealth based on asset and cash, but God’s wealth is not limited to cash and material things. The LORD’s wealth for you also include; salvation, good health, joy, peace, gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal enjoyment in Heaven.

4 Powerful Ways to Get Wealth from the LORD

1. Serve God Faithfully

If you devote your time and strength to obey God’s will, then you will enjoy God’s wealth. Abraham was wealthy in his generation because he obeyed the LORD.

“…the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1-2 

Isaac became the millionaire of his time because he obeyed God. “There was a famine in the land… Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you…

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous.” Genesis 26:1-13

2. Practice Your Talents Daily

When you find yourself in an unwanted circumstance, don’t hesitate to continually invest your talents to the needy. Joseph did not blame God for his wretched life in prison; rather he continued to make use of his spiritual gift (wealth) to help the needy. His stewardship and patience made him a rich man at the end of the day. Genesis 41:41-45

Do not under-estimate the talents God gave to you. The rightful usage of your spiritual gifts can be the potential discovery of your wealth.

3. Solemn Prayers to the LORD

King Solomon acquired wealth from God by praying for wisdom to rule the land. The Lord was highly impressed with his worship and sacrifices. The Lord answered king Solomon’s prayers and gave him riches as well.

“…behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you… And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.” (First King chapter 3 verse 10 to 13)

4. Seek the Kingdom of God

The Lord will never allow you suffer, if you obey the instructions of Jesus Christ. Matthew chapter 6 verse 31 to 33 says: “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Is it a Sin to become Wealthy?

I searched through the Bible and couldn’t find any verse that says a rich person is a sinner, but the worship of wealth is taboo!  The Old Testament has many references to material wealth while the New Testament emphasized on spiritual wealth. So, you have to find the balance!

God made some people rich so that they can take care of the poor. He instructed the rich Israelites to help the poor; “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’” Deuteronomy15:11

When the rich man called Zacchaeus gave his life to Jesus Christ, he shared his wealth with the poor.

“… Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich… Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10

Wealth becomes sinful if it is acquired through occult or dubious way. 

 

Wealth comes from God. It is wise to spend your riches according to God’s instructions and do not invest your wealth in the debauchery of this world.

Resurrection! The Secret of Jesus

Posted by Mar 30, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Gospel Evangelism , Leave a Comment
Resurrection! The Secret of Jesus

Resurrection of Jesus Christ was a supernatural event which completed the hopeful salvation and enjoyment of eternity for every believer. His process of resurrection was incomprehensible and non-scientific.

The enemies of the true gospel found it difficult to believe the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, they bribed the soldiers to spread the false news.

Matthew chapter 28 verses 11 to 15 says: “Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, ‘Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ “And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”

Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that led to the spiritual separation (dead) from God. Genesis chapter 2 verse 16 and 17 says: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.””

But the resurrection of Jesus Christ was God’s plan to redeem us from death. First Corinthians chapter 15 verse 21 and 22 says: “For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”

Is the Resurrection of Jesus a True Event?

During my courtship with my wife I promised to take good care of her and never to hit her at the hottest argument. She had more confidence in me when my promise is fulfilled in the marriage.

Similarly, Jesus predicted His resurrection (which had never happened in the history of man) to the disciples before the crucifixion. Matthew chapter 16 verse 21 says: “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

The disciples had more confidence in Jesus Christ when they saw the empty tomb. They saw Jesus Christ after His resurrection. It was real!! And the resurrection of Jesus gave the disciples the boldness to preach. Act chapter 4 verse 33 says: “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.”

If it wasn’t real, Stephen would not be ready to lay down his life for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 7:51-60).

The Power of Resurrection

If Jesus did not rise from the death, then the salvation of our souls from the power of death is impossible. Devil taught that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross would defeat the salvation of humanity but shockingly, the power of death could not stop the Saviour!

When Jesus Christ got to the kingdom of death, there was a great over-thrown of power. Jesus withdrew the power from death through the authority of the Almighty LORD. So, He rose from the grave because death cannot conquer Him. The sting of Death and the victory of Hades are with Jesus! Hallelujah!!

Hebrew chapter 2 verses 14 and 15 says: “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

Everyone who believes in the resurrection of Jesus Christ will also enjoy the resurrection to heaven.

Paul explained this topic through the Spirit of the Lord in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 51 to 57: “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed… So when this corruptible has put on incorruptible, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”… But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Grace in Resurrection

The plan of God is to reconcile everyone to Himself. He wants us to gain heaven and not to lose our souls to hell. Thus, everyone must tap into the grace of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The prophecy of God’s grace to save us from the bondage of death can be seen in the book of Isaiah chapter 25 verse 8 and 9: “He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. And it will be said in that day: ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.’”

Let your heart merry, because the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the golden prize from GOD for your salvation.