Category Archives: Church

Christian Children: 13 Ways to Raise Godly Children

Posted by Aug 16, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Family 3 Comments
Christian Children: 13 Ways to Raise Godly Children

Christian children are God’s Army for the next generation. How much training have you given to your children? How ready are the children in the church today?

I noticed that the moral attitude of children in many places across the world is bad. And there is less improvement in the lives of so many Christian children. This scary development breaks my heart, and I would like to share some vital points with Christian parents on this platform today.

To raise godly children is a great challenge. Training a child involves the process of repetition, encouragement, and reinforcement.

The Act of Training Christian Children

It is not all about writing a long list of instructions to your children, but the godly transformation starts with you (the parents).

1. You must live an exemplary godly life.

Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 5 to 7 says: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength… You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

2. Teach your children boundaries, and give them the liberty within those boundaries. That teaches independence, but also self-control and respect for authority.

3. Guide them to know how to read the Bible from their toddler age. The best guide for training Christian children for good character and godly lifestyle are loaded in the Bible.

Second Timothy chapter 3 verses 16 to 17 says: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

4. Don’t irritate your children. Your decisions should be fair. Colossians chapter 3 verse 21 says: “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

5. Idle threats is toxic, for instance: “If you shout again, I will break your …”

6. Spend quality time with your children. It is an avenue for them to tell you all the deceits, confusing statements and seductive approaches they were exposed to during the day’s activities.

7. Be firm as a parent. Don’t bend God’s commandments. Enforce it consistently.

It helps your Christian children to become good ambassadors in the society.

8. Beat your children when necessary.

Proverbs chapter 23 verse 13 to 14: “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.”

9. Correct their mistakes with love and not through public embarrassment.

10. It is not wise to publicly compare the abilities of one child to another.

11. Teach your children the power of music and how to engage in inspirational /worship songs all the time.

12. Jokes and all forms of worldly entertainment should be disallowed. Ephesians chapter 5 verses 1 to 11: “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children… neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks…”

13. Family Altar is essential; engage your children in singing and prayers to the Lord during family devotion.

 

Raise your Christian children in the way of the Lord and you will make the next generation to know more about Jesus. Train your children to be godly and the abominations in the land will reduce.

Is Water Baptism Necessary for the Christians?

Posted by Jul 13, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 4 Comments
Is Water Baptism Necessary for the Christians?

Water baptism is the immersion of a repented person in water as an outward proof of repentance. The process of repentance starts from the mind (soul), to the body (public display) and ends with spiritual transformation.

So, water baptism is the first part of public display by the new person who gives his life to the Lord. Today’s message gives a scriptural description of water baptism, and how important it is to the Christians.

Why Do You Need Water Baptism?

I have seen converts who were shy to tell people around them about their faith in Jesus. And in a short time, they were lured into worldliness again. Water baptism is significant, because it gives boldness to the heart of the new Christian.

If you can boldly come out to take part in public water baptism, then you will find it easy to tell people around you about your new life in Jesus. And It will be difficult for the spirit of shame to depress you.

Is Jesus Interested in Water Baptism?

The first servant of God who practiced water baptism in the New Testament was John the Baptist.

Mark chapter 1 verse 5 says: “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.”

Jesus was not a sinner, but He decided to be a role model for the continuity of water baptism. So, Jesus insisted that John the Baptist should immerse Him in the Jordan River.

Matthew chapter 3 verses 13 to 15 say: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.”

Jesus laid more emphasis on the practice of water baptism when He rose from the dead. Though, some false leaders in the Christendom said that water baptism is not compulsory.

But, that does not change the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ written in the Book of Matthew chapter 28 verse 19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

When is the Right Time for Water Baptism?

If you standardize your lifestyle with the Word of God, and you realized that the result is counterfeit, then surrender your total heart to Jesus for a new life.

Thus, repentance from your sinful lifestyle precedes water baptism. The book of Matthew chapter 3 verse 6 says: “… and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”

Water baptism signifies the time for ‘public announcement’ of forsaking worldliness.

Acts chapter 2 verse 38 says: “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.”

Who can be baptized in Water?

All the scriptural references of water baptism shows that the people immersed in water can differentiate right from wrong. So, water baptism is not for infants or children who can’t distinguish righteousness from unrighteousness.

Any church doctrine practicing water baptism for infants is against the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Where to Perform Water Baptism

Civilization and doctrine of men are changing the significant processes of water baptism. I am not comfortable with the in-door style of water baptism practiced in some churches.

In-door baptism does not take away the shame that makes it difficult for Christian babe to proclaim Jesus publicly. There is no part of the scriptures that supports in-door baptism.

Water baptism is best done publicly in a body of water.

 

Water baptism is pronounced in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). No any other name or ‘incantation’ is acceptable by the Lord.

Since our Lord Jesus Christ allowed Himself to be baptized as an example for His followers. I recommend water baptism for you when your body, soul and spirit are given to the Lord.

5 Ways to Know the Right Christian Church

Posted by Jun 9, 2017 Holy Word, Church 1 Comment
5 Ways to Know the Right Christian Church

Christian Church is all about the group of people and not the size of the building. Church is the gathering of at least two people. Matthew chapter 18 verse 20, Jesus says: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Christendom is the most famous gathering across the continent. It might interest you to know that Australia has more churches (above 13,000) than schools (above 9,500).

Churches in the UK are not less than 50,660 and America has more than 300,000 Christian churches. Nigeria has the largest Christian population in Africa with more than 85 million people.

These attractive statistics should imply an easy choice for new Christian converts to find a right Christian church, but the contrast is the case in many places.

The scandals in many denominations made it difficult for me to recommend a specific church to the new Christian converts. Jesus says that by their fruits you shall know them…

The 5 points below are helpful guides to know the right Christian church to worship:

1. Absence of Statue in the Church

The LORD detests the presence of statue or any image in our homes or in any Christian church. HE said: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth”… (Exodus 20)

Thus, don’t worship in a church that hangs pictures or statue of; ‘Jesus and his disciples’, ‘cross’, ‘Mary’ and so on. Don’t be deceived! Any idol (statue) of Angel, Mary or Peter in the midst of any gathering is a counterfeit Christian church!!

Don’t be deceived by the size and beauty of the cathedral. If care is not taken, their hospitality to you might make you overlook their idolatry practices. They worship idols in a modern way… run away…

2. Zero worship of Mammon

It is unfortunate that many church leaders involve in ungodly fundraising and technical exploitation of their church members. They do this for building projects, acquisition of cars or jets, establishment of colleges and universities (which is not affordable for the poor members of the church).

If you attend a Christian church and you noticed that the leader talks more about how you need to give money for your prosperity, then take your leave. Church that worship Mammon preaches more about accumulation of wealth on earth.

Such leaders shy away from preaching ‘hot’ topics such as; Discipline, Persecution, Sin, Tribulation, Holiness… They are good motivational speakers.

I attended a Christian church sometimes ago and it took the leader more than one hour to receive different forms of offerings from his members. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

3. Absence of Church Politics in Christian Church

You have no business with a Christian church filled with eye-services. Jesus never loved the Pharisee style of worship, such as; praising some church members on the pulpit, allocating special sits for the rich in the church, abuse of positions etc.

For instance, some church leaders award reputable positions (such as Elder, Pastor, Deacon Etc.) to the rich, without considering their spiritual stamina. Such congregation cannot harbor the presence of the Lord in their worship.

James chapter 2 verse 2 to 4 says: “For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”

4. Protocol of Speaking in Tongues

Since the so-called ‘Pentecostal explosion’ about four decades ago, the rate of disorderliness in much Christian church is at the increase. And, the outburst of false speaking in tongues disallowed the presence of God in many gatherings.

Speaking in tongues and Interpretation of tongues are gifts from the Lord. But, the Devil introduced counterfeit tongues to the Christendom. These false tongues cause distractions during prayers and worship to the Lord.

Thus, stay away from the Christian church that does not obey the scriptural instructions below:

“…If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God…” Read first Corinthians chapter 14 for details.

5. Worship with One Mind

The early disciples of Jesus showed the true features of a Christian church as recorded in the book of Act chapter 6 verse 46 and 47: “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved”.

Don’t hesitate to mingle with group of people (the Christian church) that practice the true Love of God in everything they do. God dwells in the midst of people who worship Him in truth and in righteousness.

 

I complained bitterly to an elder that I found it difficult to get a perfect Christian church in the neighborhood. His response astonished me:

“There is no perfect Christian church, but there is a perfect Bible. Church is a place to worship and share the Word of God for spiritual growth.

The Bible is the ‘transformer’ of your life! If the church you attend do anything more than sharing the Word of God and worship to the Lord, then imperfection will set into such church.”

So, my conclusion is that do not lose your faith in Jesus Christ through the scandal you see in any ‘Christian church’ around you. God cares about your salvation in Christ, because that is the only way to gain heaven.

Read your Bible daily and practice the scriptures you read. Share the word of God with people around you, then you’ve fulfilled the scriptures that talks about Christian church.

Note: Your Church attendance does not give you automatic ticket to heaven, because there is no church denomination registered in heaven. So, your major motives of attending a Christian church are to share the word of God, and execute plans on spreading the Gospel to the world.  

Is Worldliness a Sin or a Harmless Lifestyle?

Posted by May 29, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 2 Comments
Is Worldliness a Sin or a Harmless Lifestyle?

Worldliness is the act of doing anything that is popularly accepted by the people in the society. For example; cultural practices, parties, fashion and so on. The act of worldliness contradicts the act of holiness!

A teacher asked a student, “Is the world round?” He answered, “No madam”. “Is it flat?” she asked. “No madam”, he replied. “Well, if it’s not round and it’s not flat, then what is it?” “It is crooked!” he explained. He got it right. The world we live in is crooked.

The lesson you’ll read today focus more on the significance of worldliness and its effect in the lives of people.

What are the Features of Worldliness?

Worldliness is enticing, because every feature in it tends to be harmless, and the doers derive ‘enjoyment’ from such act.

Some features of worldliness are called works of the flesh in Galatians chapter 5 verse 19 to 21: “…adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Hmm! Some preachers deceived us that we are not under any law (law of Jesus), so we can moderately take part in worldliness. The early Christians in Ephesus were also deceived, but Paul advised them not to yield to such sweet talks.

Ephesians chapter 5 verse 3 to 6 has some features of worldliness: “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks…”

The Effect of Worldliness

Since worldliness is any action that separates you from the presence of the Lord, then there is no doubt that the devil is the author of worldliness.

The toxic effect of worldliness is Deformation of Character. It overwrite the right senses of the enticed people. Worldliness blindfolds the right insight her victims. People who give their lives to worldliness do not love to hear that they have some commandments of the Lord to obey. They always argue the true word of God.

First John chapter 2 verse 15 to 17 says: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

How to Overcome WorldlineSs

1. Love God sincerely with all your heart

Jesus says: “…You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37

2. Make up your mind to become a genuine disciple of the Lord

Don’t do the popular things happening around you, except they are found in the Bible as godly practices. For instance; it is a popular trend among men and women to pierce their ears for earrings, and to put on tattoo for beauty and fashion. Don’t join the train! Don’t imitate the celebrities or ‘Christians’ around you doing such.

The Bible should always guide you in everything you do.

3.  Conform to the Holy Spirit

Romans chapter 12 verse 1 and 2 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

I realized that when I failed to hear from the Holy Spirit before taking any action, I stand the chance of 90% failure. The Holy Spirit is the best Teacher you need. You cannot be overwhelmed by the act of worldliness if the Holy Spirit lives in you.

 

Worldliness gives a temporary enjoyment of sinful lifestyle in this world. But, for what profit is it to someone who gains the entire world, and loses the soul to eternal punishment?

The short form of worldliness is sin. Do not love the world and don’t be loved by the world. Thus, the church should stop borrowing the styles of the world to win souls to the Christendom. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1Cor 10:12)

Born Again; How to Process the Ticket to Heaven

Posted by May 14, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Born Again; How to Process the Ticket to Heaven

If you are interested in taking a flight to the kingdom of God, then you will go through the process of born again. The issue of gaining heaven is not limited to confessing Jesus as Savior on the lips.

Do not be deceived by the wrong teachings of the false teachers in the Christendom. They asked the new converts to repeat ‘salvation prayers’ after them and after the short prayer, they told the new converts that they are born again. No! To born again is not by the mouth, but by holy practical lifestyle through the authority of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s message will explain the essence of born again and how to get it done correctly. In a short while, I would like to share the born again story of Gideon Wambua with you:

“Having been brought up in a Christian family, God was not far from me.  From the  beginning, attending church service was part of life.

Growing up, I came to know God as reality… but I had never thought of having a personal relationship with God.

The turning point in my life came in 1995, when I reflected on my past.  It became clear that God was in full control of my life.  It dawned on me that if it were not for God, my life would have taken a different direction.

By then I had graduated with a first class honors degree, but I had no job. It was after listening to a T.V. program, and hearing a testimony of a sister-in-Christ who was really enjoying God’s divine interventions in all circumstances, that I was jolted to reality and I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior – by God’s grace. This meant committing my life to God and letting Him run the show.

It took this simple but very important step (accepting Jesus as my personal savior) to get a job, for I had a job in three days!  God gave me the strength to quit smoking (I had been struggling with this for years).  Surrendering all to Jesus is a lesson I have learned in my born again life.”

What does it mean to be Born Again?

Born again is a new life that involves the transformation of your body, soul and spirit through God’s spiritual grace and power. Jesus’ definition of born again is written in the book of John chapter 3 verse 5: Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

  • To be born of water means water baptism

It signifies that you have chosen to be dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Water baptism is for the New Testament believers. The Holy Spirit led John the Baptist to start water baptism; Jesus did it and likewise the Apostles. Don’t be deceived! If you have not done the water baptism, then you have not start the process of born again.

Matthew chapter 3 verses 5 and 6 say: “Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”

  • To be born of the Spirit means spiritual baptism

You’ll neither pay offerings nor learn speaking in tongues from any pastor or school of theology before enjoying the spiritual born again. Spiritual baptism involves genuine repentance from sins and surrendering your total life to Jesus.

Listen to the response of Apostle Peter to the new converts after his preaching: “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

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.”” (Acts 2:37-38)

If you welcome Jesus into your life, then the Spirit of the Lord will baptize you. So, your obedience to the word of God sustains your status of born again with the Lord. The book of John chapter 14 verse 23 says: “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.”

Is it Compulsory to be Born Again?

It is saddened that many people wants to go heaven, but very few are committed to the great task. Yes! The process of born again is tedious to those who love the world (carnal nature), but it is easy for those who love the Spirit (God’s nature).

Jesus says: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10)

It is mandatory for every Christian to be born again. It is your responsibility to be born again. Don’t fold your arms and expect Jesus to do the transformation process for you. Born again is all about distinguishing yourself from worldly thoughts, polluted culture and unholy practices.

The Grace of Jesus and His Power is abundant for every serious-minded believer.

The faithful attendance to church services and activities (without genuine repentance and Spiritual control of your life) does not make you a born again Christian. To occupy positions in the church such as; bishop, pastor, evangelist, music director, usher etc. does not make you a born again Christian.

The millions of dollars donated to the church without Christ controlling your lifestyle does not make you a born again person.

God loves you and He does not want you to perish. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Your stable born again lifestyle in Christ will save you from hot judgment. And, your trust in Jesus is the code that’ll give you access to heaven. Enough of lukewarm lifestyle!

So, believe in the Power of Jesus, He can save you. Forsake all sins and decide today to live your life according to the instructions of the Holy Spirit. Obey the word of God always and you will enjoy your born again life into eternity.