Spiritual Father: Who is your Real and Fake Father?

Spiritual Father: Who is your Real and Fake Father?

According to Jesus Christ our Lord, there is only one Spiritual Father and He is Almighty GOD. We made GOD jealous by calling our Pastors and spiritual leaders Father and the church is presently in a terrible mess.

Is your faith sucking because of the strange news you heard about your spiritual father? Are you disappointed by the attitude of your spiritual grandfather too?

Today’s sermon would give you the right understanding of the title ‘spiritual father’ and guide you to know how to address your spiritual leaders in the righteous way approved by Jesus Christ.

This message is strictly for Christians who respect Jesus Christ’s commandments and not the controversial doctrines of church leaders.

Who is Spiritual Father in the Bible?

The word ‘spiritual father’ does not exist in the Bible, so it came into existence as a title after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ by some leaders including the papacy.

The title ‘Father’ is sacred to Jesus Christ that He referred to the LORD as Father for 213 times as recorded in gospels and acts.

When Jesus Christ noticed the havoc caused by the leaders into the lives of the followers and the victims could not raise their voice because they respect the titles of their leaders so much. Jesus set them free by telling them the truth about GOD who is Spiritual:

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” (Matthew 23:9)

Bible Verses About Spiritual Father

Matthew chapter 23 verses 1 to 12:

“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. “Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.

“For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.

“They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, “greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’

But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.”

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.”

“And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.”

“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”””

What is Jesus saying?

1. The structural setting of Jesus context above is congregational, so calling your earthly parent father is not a sin in this context but calling your pastor your father is a sin in the context above.

2. All servants of GOD in this context must refuse big titles like; father-in-the-Lord and other forms of titles we give ourselves from the time of Paul.

3. All New Testament believers must see themselves as brothers and sisters; no one is big than the other in the church.

4. Any leader who wants to lead the congregate must act like a servant without wearing big clothes, riding exotic cars, sitting on big chairs or asking the church members to build a mansion for him.

5. It might be difficult for the spiritual leaders to accept these commandments because Jesus is changing the trend of worshiping Pastors to adoring GOD only.

Your Mentor is Not Your Spiritual Father

A mentor is someone who advised you and explained the scriptures to you when you are growing spiritually. The popular trend in our midst is to refer to such mentor a spiritual father but it is perfectly wrong. Your mentor can be your spiritual leader but can never receive the title called “Spiritual Father.” GOD is Spirit, so there is only one Spiritual Father for everyone and He is the LORD.

Many of the spiritual leaders who love to be called ‘spiritual father’ justify their disobedience by quoting 1 Corinthians 4:14–15 and 2 Corinthians 12:14–15. But, Paul’s statement in the passages were self-proclaimed and not God speaking the utterance through him.

3 Importance of Having the Spiritual Father

1. When you confess your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your life, then GOD becomes you Spiritual Father who blesses you with His Holy Spirit.

“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.”” (John 14:23)

2. The Holy Spirit would be your counsel every day to guide you on the righteous path to follow.

3. If you give all your respect to the LORD, you won’t suffer disappointment.

 

I got more confused and wonder if many of our leaders are not like the Pharisees. How could I call my pastor or the general overseer “my spiritual fathers” and I hear them refer to God as their “father”. So, who is God to me…my “spiritual grandfather”?

Jesus Christ had clearly told us that we are all brethren and only GOD is our Father. God is Spirit, so HE is the only Spiritual Father!

It might be difficult to change the damaging church doctrines which contradicts Jesus’ commandments, but I want you to meditate on today’s message and act according to the instructions of Jesus Christ by not calling any man your spiritual father.

20 Spiritual Blessings for the Faithful Christians!

20 Spiritual Blessings for the Faithful Christians!

Spiritual blessings from the LORD are immeasurable benefits that cannot be given by man, science or the Devil. No regrets or limitations from the spiritual gains you can receive through Jesus Christ.

Everyone has a spiritual make-up, so you might be wondering if there is any spiritual blessing available for you despite your present situation as a faithful Christian.

Don’t worry! Today’s sermon reveals the major spectacular spiritual blessings you stand to gain if you live in Jesus Christ forever.

Quotes on Spiritual Blessings

I would love to share three powerful quotes by some great men with you. Their words encouraged me so much when I need help:

1. Billy Graham

“May you also remember this thanksgiving not only the obvious gifts that God has given you, but His spiritual blessings, as well. The greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ, and the salvation God offers us in Him.”

2. R. Miller

God does not give His grace as He gives His sunshine – pouring it out on all alike. He discriminates in spiritual blessings. He gives strength according to our need. His eye is ever on us in tender, watchful love, and what we need He supplies.”

3. John Calvin

“The whole comes to this, that Christ, when he produces faith in us by the agency of His Spirit, at the same time engrafts us into His body, that we may become partakers of all spiritual blessings.”

What are Spiritual Blessings?

Spiritual blessings are favour and benefits from the LORD who is the Creator of spirits. The spiritual benefits are rewards from Him given to you as the fruits of obedience to His commands related to your spiritual life.

Examples include; Inheritance of God’s kingdom, forgiveness, wisdom, spiritual growth, God’s grace, salvation and eternal life.

How to Receive Spiritual Benefits

Spiritual benefits are not for everyone but the good news is that the gifts are not restricted to a tribe or country. The following steps are the best way to receive the spiritual blessings:

1. You must accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah sent by the LORD as the last sacrifice to redeem you from the power of sin.

2. Confess your sins and rededicate your life to live like Jesus Christ.

3. Be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ.

4. Your obedience to the word of the LORD in the Bible is paramount.

5. Always share the good news of salvation with people.

“Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” (Act 2:38)

3 Major Spiritual Blessings in Ephesians

Ephesians chapter 1 is a famous passage written by Paul to the saints in Ephesus. Spiritual Blessings in heavenly places means the supernatural gifts that goes beyond human knowledge. Such Blessings in Christ include:

1. Power of Holiness

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” (Verse 4)

2. Gift of Heavenly Citizenship

“Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” (Verse 5)

3. Blessings of Heavenly Inheritance

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” (Verse 11)

20 Spiritual Blessings in Jesus Christ!

Spiritual blessings for you are so many and not limited to the following:

1. Mercy in all ways

2. Peaceful life

3. Freedom from bondage of evil

4. Your name written in the Book of Life

5. Jesus Christ your heavenly Intercessor

6. Victory over fear of death

7. Devil under your foot

8. Divine Knowledge

9. Divine Wisdom

10. Forgiveness

11. God’s Kingdom

12. Power of Resurrection

13. Immeasurable Joy

14. Gift of Holy Spirit

15. Spiritual Growth

16. Eternal life of enjoyment

17. Salvation

18. God’s Grace

19. Glorious Transformation

20. Release of Agape Love

I implore you to give your life to the LORD and you would enjoy all these spiritual blessings mentioned above. Are you ready?

Spiritual Discernment: A Spiritual Gift that Can Make You Great!

Spiritual Discernment: A Spiritual Gift that Can Make You Great!

Spiritual discernment is a gift from the LORD that helps you to differentiate the manifestation of the Holy Spirit from that of the demons, truth from lies and wisdom from foolishness. It is a vital spiritual gift that solves every spiritual puzzle and takes away stumbling stones from your rough way to Heaven!

Would you love to have such spiritual gift? Well, GOD is the only One that can give you and today’s article would explain more about spiritual discernment and how to enjoy it.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all… to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits… But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12)

Why Do You need Spiritual Discernment?

Every Christian has the basic level of spirit to discern but you need the spiritual discernment at the higher level for the following reasons:

1. You won’t be caught by the deadly doctrines in the church today.

2. No more confusion as you run your Christian race.

3. It becomes very easy for you to distinguish the voice of GOD from that of the Devil.

4. Demonic spirits cannot get into you.

5. Spiritual discernment gives you the ability to cast out demons.

6. Your level of wisdom increases tremendously.

7. You would be blessed with the right sense of judgment and direction.

10 Bible Verses to Study on Discerning of spirits

1. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

2. “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10)

3. “Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22)

4. “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrew 5:14)

5. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12)

 10 Ways to Exercise and Develop Spiritual Discernment

The following steps can help you get a higher level of spiritual discernment:

1. Take a firm decision in your heart that you would always be on God’s side in all situation of your life.

2. Pray to the LORD to bless you with the gift to discern spirits.

3. Don’t be selective in your obedience to the commandments of the LORD through Jesus Christ.

4. Stop given excuses for your wrongs and disallow misconception of the scriptures to justify your sin.

5. Say ‘Goodbye’ to friends that does not help your spiritual growth.

6. Read the Bible and meditate on the word of GOD every day and night.

7. Practice the righteousness of Jesus Christ and you would be blessed with spiritual discernment.

8. Steadfast in your spiritual growth because your maturity determines how you can actively use the gift that discern spirits.

9. If you don’t hesitate to represent GOD in the lives of people through evangelism then the LORD would reward you.

10. Maintain a strong fellowship with GOD through night vigils.

5 MAJOR Signs to Know You Have Gift of Spiritual Discernment

1. You can easily know when a strange spirit is around.

2. Your sense of judgment is always godly and impartial.

3. Demons would bow for the glory of GOD in you.

4. Identification of false prophets and their heresies would be very easy for you.

5. You’ll have the boldness to minister during the deliverance section.

Spiritual discernment is a gift from the LORD and you can enjoy it if you give Jesus Christ the chance to dwell in your heart forever.

“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.”” (John 14:23)  

The Lord’s Prayer: What is the Meaning of “Our Father in Heaven”?

The Lord’s Prayer: What is the Meaning of “Our Father in Heaven”?

The Lord’s prayer was the response of Jesus Christ to His disciples who requested for His guide on how to pray. Our Father prayer is significant because it gives a clear picture of the expected relationship between you and the LORD.

Today’s message explains the in-depth meaning of the Lord’s prayer and how to apply the lessons for your prayer life.

What is the Meaning of the Lord’s Prayer?

Jesus’ teaching on prayers as recorded in the book of Luke chapter 11 means a template describing the best way to relate with the LORD and how to ask for the best from Him. The following points highlight the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer;

1. How to worship the LORD,

2. Embrace His Will,

3. Right things to ask from Him,

4. Significance of forgiveness and

5. Deliverance from the Devil.

Lord’s Prayer Verses in the Bible

You can find it recorded in the book of Luke and Matthew chapter 6 verse 9 to 13, but the verses below are written in the book of Luke chapter 11 verse 2 to 4:

“So, He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom comes. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

“Give us day by day our daily bread.”

“And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Is Our Father Prayer a Template for Christians?

Some Bible scholars argue that the recitation of the prayer was strictly temporary for the disciples before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since, the bloody sacrifice of Jesus Christ had wiped away our sins at once, then repeating the Lord’s prayer every day (for forgiveness of sin) would contradict the salvation of Jesus Christ.

However, there are many lessons to learn as a guidance for your prayer lifestyle:

1. “Our Father in heaven”

It is wrong to start your prayers by mentioning the names of angels or by saying ‘god of your pastor’. The safest way to invite GOD to your communication is to call Him by His true name. Since you have a good relationship with the LORD through Jesus Christ, then you are His child and He is your Father.

2. “Hallowed be Your name”

It is good to start your prayers with worship and praise to the LORD.

3. “Your kingdom comes”

This is word of faith that connotes God’s presence in your life and in the place of communication.

4. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

Followers of Jesus Christ are under covenant to live a holy life and to obey the commandment of God only. You are not allowed to live on earth the way your carnal nature wants but your lifestyle must be strictly controlled by the LORD.

5. “Give us day by day our daily bread”

Don’t be worn out about your future plans because you don’t know when you would be called home. And, it is wise to take things easy because GOD is primarily interested in your daily provision.

Jesus says: “…Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble…” (Matthew 6:25-34)

6. “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us”

If you confess and repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ then you are free from the bondage of sin. This implies you don’t need to ask for forgiveness all the time, but if you fail to forgive those that sin against you then the blood of Jesus cannot work for you. Love your neighbour as you love yourself.

7. “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”

This prayer emphasizes the presence of the devil on earth and temptations comes from him. If the LORD leads your decisions every day, then you cannot fall into temptation and sin.

 Is the Lord’s prayer an eye opener to you today? Have you discovered something new about GOD’s expectation from you? Please share your comments with us.

Dead to Sin; 7 Steps to Live a Sinless Life!

Dead to Sin; 7 Steps to Live a Sinless Life!

Dead to sin means that your soul is not controlled by the influence of sinful demons. It is a status of freedom from the bondage of sin.

We are surrounded by sins! Iniquities in the government, society and in many churches controlled by false Pastors or Prophets. I was confused when some leaders who were expected to uphold righteousness told me that no one can be free from sin. Dead to sin looks impossible!

However, God hates sin and does not want us to perish inside the stronghold of sin. He sent Jesus Christ to the world for the last Blood sacrifice to deliver us from the bondage of sin. Can Jesus make you dead to sin?

Today’s message explains the basic steps to take for a sinless life.

7 Ways to Become Dead to Sin

1. Marry the Bible

Going to church, participating in doctrinal rites, pumping your money to pastor for godly forgiveness or rendering service for the progress of the Gospel does not make you dead to sin. The secret code is reading and understanding the Word of God.

2. Make Covenant of Obedience

You cannot be dead to sin if you don’t make covenant with the LORD to obey every word and every instruction from HIM. Your absolute readiness to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ is a strong step.

3. Invite the Holy Spirit

Having confess your sins and choose to give all your life to the LORD to control, the next step is to invite the Spirit of GOD to dwell in you permanently. He releases Power of Holiness to you every time you encounter temptation and you’ll become dead to sin.

4. Don’t Copy the World

Be bold to say ‘No’ to all the popular non-scriptural practices going on in the church and around you. Raise a red card to anyone or any technology that could influence you to live a lukewarm life.

“If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19)

5. Always Ask Yourself

You’ll become dead to sin if you cultivate the lifestyle of asking yourself this question: ‘If Jesus Christ is presently in my situation, what will He do?’ Jesus Christ is in you to give the quick answer and His response will surely make you sinless.

“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.” (John 14:23)

6. Offer Your Body as a Living Sacrifice

Many people could not be sinless because they don’t want any short-term pains or sufferings but they want to enjoy all the worldly deceptive entertainment and acquire wealth and fame by all means.

“For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:17)

7. Timeless Worship

Jesus was dead to sin when on earth because He worship the LORD every day and night. Sin could not have its way into heaven because the angels worship the LORD regularly. Always worship the LORD steadily in your heart and you’ll become sinless.

 

If the LORD told me to preach to the world that HE would forgive any sin provided the sinner is ready to follow HIM, then I believe GOD is not happy seeing anyone in sin. I follow the steps above and I have testimonies every day!

I urge you to follow the powerful ways above and you would surely be dead to sin.