Category Archives: Holy Word

7 Duties of a Christian Father

Posted by Apr 2, 2018 Holy Word, Family Leave a Comment
7 Duties of a Christian Father

A Christian father represents God in his family. But, is that the reality in our homes today? Can the low impact of the Christian fathers cause the high level of ungodliness among the youths today?

It’s a pity that the world would soon crumble, if the Christian fathers did not intensify their child-raising responsibilities!

Today’s message reveals some vital duties of a responsible Christian father, but I would like to share this story with you before I proceed:

“An 80-year-old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 year’s old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window. The Father asked his Son, “What is this?” The Son replied “It is a crow”.

After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the second time, “What is this?” The Son said “Father, I have just told you “It’s a crow”.

After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the third time, “What is this?” At this time some expression of irritation was felt in the Son’s tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff.

“It’s a crow, a crow, a crow”.

A little after, the Father again asked his Son the fourth time, “What is this?”
This time the Son shouted at his Father, “Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times ‘IT IS A CROW’. Are you not able to understand this?”

A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born. On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page.

When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary: –
“Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window.

My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times.

I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for my innocent child”.
While the little child asked him 23 times “What is this”, the Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4 times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.”

 

The duty of a Christian father is not limited to the provision for the needs of his children. But, the following points are also crucial for raising a God-fearing generation:

  1. Introduce your children to Spiritual Drills

Training your children in the way of the Lord is a fundamental role you can’t afford to miss. The success of a Christian father is to ensure that his children acknowledge the Bible as the only road map for their journey in life.

Proverbs chapter 22 verse 6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

2. Follow-Up with your Children

It is good to show your children the way of the Lord. But, it is another duty to follow-up with them. Though, the culture of the land gives children above 18 to live without parental guidance, and this culture is a time bomb for the next generation. It’s unfortunate that many children are misusing this freedom.

3. Call for Fellowship

It is true that some children of Jacob had neglected the way of the Lord. But, their hearts were linked to the Lord again through the family altar (Genesis chapter 35).

A Christian father must not be too tired to sing and pray with his children every day. You are failing if you don’t pray with your children at home. There is Power in Prayers!

4. A Christian father is a Role Model

“You can’t give what you don’t have”. If you want your children to be obedient, gentle, kind, God-fearing and caring, then you must start these practices. Because, you are a mirror to your children, they imitate your reflection.

5. Develop an excellent communication skill

A Christian father must patiently listen to his children. Your kids are exposed to many ungodly teachings out there, and most times they get confused.

When you listen patiently, then your children would be encouraged to tell you more. And the more they speak, the more you guide them in the practical way of the Lord.

The world is morally corrupt today, because the input of fathers in the upbringing of their children had dropped drastically.

  1. Discipline your children

Your kids are bound to do wrongs, but correct them with love. If the culture of the land discourages flogging a stubborn child, then don’t hesitate to punish them through another means.

And give a thorough punishment to the stubborn ones. Teach them how to live in abundance and how to live in shortage. Disciplinary actions should cut across their physical, spiritual, emotional, moral and academic life.

“The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” (Proverbs 29:15)

7. Create Time for your Children

Many children are exposed to online porns, gambling, and occultism, because their father is not around to guide them. A Christian father that works round the clock to earn money is raising his children for the devil.

10 Things A Christian Wife Should Know!

Posted by Mar 24, 2018 Holy Word, Family Leave a Comment
10 Things A Christian Wife Should Know!

I always respect any Christian wife practicing the unique lifestyle of godliness. But, it is so worrisome that the church and society are morally degenerating. The reason is not far fetch! The number of Christian wife is reducing daily!!

God instituted marriage by giving Adam a wife (not wives, and not same-sex marriage), who would be a helper to her husband. The significance of a Christian wife at home can never be underestimated.

Christian wives are the salt of the Christian homes. “If the salt loses its power, it becomes contaminated sand”.

Today’s message reveals the cogent points needed for the success of a Christian wife

  1. You are a Helper

A Christian wife is a supportive agent for the success of her husband. You are not the president of the home, but the vice-president. Don’t be deceived by the culture of the land where the birth-right of men has been sold to the women.

Genesis chapter 2 verse 18: “And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

2. Your Anger hinders the prayers of your husband

God does not joke with a faithful Christian wife. Thus, it is wise to settle dispute without delay, else the home will be in turmoil.

First Peter chapter 3 verses 7: “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

3. Weak sexual intimacy can break your marriage

A Christian wife that is too busy in her job and spiritual matters will ‘lose’ her husband to women of easy virtual. Note: More than 95% of healthy husband like sexual intimacy. So, satisfying the sexual urges of your husband will save your marriage from spirit of adultery and separation.

First Corinthians chapter 7 verses 3: “The husband should not deprive his wife of sexual intimacy, which is her right as a married woman, nor should the wife deprive her husband.” (NLT)

4.  Respect your husband
Not only when he is rich, but also when things are not going smoothly. Your husband will respect you, if you express your feelings in a calm way. The act of yelling, cursing or slapping is unacceptable.

5. A Christian wife influences the spiritual growth

Your influence on the spiritual growth of your family is vital. Research had shown that, women pray more than men, so, keep up your family altar every day.

The spiritual growth in your family implies God’s presence, and zero tolerance for the devil.

6. Inner beauty is the best

A Christian wife should not give herself to the artificial beauty of this world. A worldly wife is so much concerned with makeup, jewelry, expensive wears, artificial hair-dressing, piercing of ears and so on. You have to keep up your natural beauty to avoid falling into the beautiful trap of the devil. (1 Peter 3:1-6)

7. Submission error leads to Conflict!

It is wise for a Christian wife to submit to her Christian husband. This will cut any form of family crisis. Many marriages end up in divorce, because the women claim an unnecessary ‘equal right’. Submitting to your husband does not make you a fool.

Ephesians chapter 5 verses 22 to 23: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.”

8. Lazy Christian wife suffers disrespect

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants.” Proverbs chapter 31 verse 10 to 31

9. Bad Meals cannot make you shine

If you want to win the heart of your husband always, then learn to be a good cook. Don’t give such responsibility to your maid or to the eateries across the road.

10. An evening stroll makes Miracle

A Christian wife should create an outdoor event with her husband. It goes a long way to amend any emotional crack in the marriage.

Can My Personal Conviction Make Me Lose Heaven?

Posted by Mar 19, 2018 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Can My Personal Conviction Make Me Lose Heaven?

Personal conviction in this context is the strong believe you hold-on to for your lifestyle. The first step towards personal conviction involves listening to a statement or observing a practice. The second step requires deep thought about such issue, and the last step towards a personal conviction is making a favorable choice that suits you.

There are lots of unnecessary differences among us in the Christendom. And at a point I wonder if we are all serving the same Lord Jesus Christ? It is difficult to find a ‘common ground’ on many issues springing up in our midst.

The argument among Christians in our generation is so tough that it has become endless. I noticed that a lot of Christians give reasons for their action based on personal conviction. Today’s message will focus on the correlation of the Mind of God and our personal conviction.

Difference between Personal Conviction and Holy Spirit Conviction

The primary aim of personal conviction is to satisfy one’s self, while the conviction of the Holy Spirit is to satisfy God – Two different entities!! I believe you would agree with me that before we give our lives to Jesus Christ, we do things that please us in our own way – personal conviction.

But, when we surrender our lives to Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicts us. (John 16:8) And, the Spirit wants us to please God (not in our own way) with His Strong Opinion.

… Huh!! The clash sets in! …

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth (that contradicts your personal conviction); for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak…” (John 16:13)

For instance, in the early stage of Paul’s new life in Christ, he went through serious issues with his strong opinions. His personal conviction when he was an unbeliever clashed with the strong opinions of the Lord. “For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good… For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find…” (Romans chapter 7).

Romans chapter 8 verses 1 and 2 gave us a clear picture that Paul quit his previous personal convictions and embrace that of the Holy Spirit.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh (personal conviction), but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Note: A lot of false Pastors with faulty indoctrination misrepresent the statements of Paul written in Romans chapter 7 to encourage a lawless life.

Another example to proof that we cannot mingle personal and Holy Spirit conviction was the case of Peter versus Jesus. Peter had a personal conviction that Jesus cannot be killed, and not to talk about His resurrection.

But, listen to the response of Jesus: “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23)

The Danger of Personal Conviction in the Church

Unfortunately, when some issues such as; dressing, drinking, music, movies, tattoo, cosmetics, body piercing, games, burial ceremony etc. spring up in the church, it is difficult to agree on the scriptural truth (Holy Spirit Conviction).

Many people thought that their personal convictions were acceptable to the Lord, because their Pastors and the Government supported such practices. They expected God to speak from the roof-top of heaven if their personal convictions are ungodly. But, would the Lord do such? The unpleasant situation of the church is not strange, because it had started long ago in the church at Rome.

Romans chapter 1: “…For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (false Preachers)… because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts (personal conviction), and their foolish hearts were darkened…”

“… And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man (different statue in the church)… Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves (homosexuals, tattoo, piercing of the body in the church)…”

Many people claimed that their personal convictions are liberty in Christ. But, it is heart-breaking to know that the quote below is the order of the day in the Christendom:

“…And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge (Holy Spirit Conviction), God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful…” (Romans chapter 1)

You may feel uneasy about today’s message, but I have just said the truth. God will keep watching us; He won’t open the roof-top of heaven!! Many churches have one or more of the features above troubling the peace of the Christendom.

Can Personal Conviction Take Me to Heaven?

Since the primary function of personal conviction is to satisfy the flesh, then it is wise to deny the carnal nature and to embrace the Holy Spirit conviction. Galatians chapter 5 verse 16 to 23 says: “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish…Now the works of the flesh (through personal conviction) are evident, which are: 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…

…But the fruit of the Spirit (through Holy Spirit conviction) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…”

Is Personal Conviction a Private Matter?

When I tried to show some people the scriptural truth against their ungodly personal conviction, they always cut me short and say: “don’t judge me, it is my private matter with God.”

When I preach messages like this, I don’t intend to judge, because I was once trapped into personal conviction. I know the danger attached to staying too long in ones ungodly personal convictions. I thank God for the Spirit of God that opened my eyes to see many things that are not preached on the pulpit again.

My today’s message is not meant to judge anyone, but to open our eyes to the understanding that personal convictions sourced from ungodly belief cannot blend into the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Contrary to popular believe, your conscience is not the author for telling you what is right or wrong. It produces the fruits of righteousness or wrongs that you plant into it.

You may claim that your personal conviction is a private matter, but your lifestyle ministers to people who watch your actions. Since your personal conviction has a strong influence to people, you must look at them to know whether they constitute to a righteous life or they lead you into a life dominated by carnal nature.

Wrong words motivate wrong personal conviction, but the scriptural truth motivates the Holy Spirit conviction in one’s heart. Hebrew chapter 4 verse 12 says: “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.”

Your personal conviction sourced from the human nature might be pleasing to your heart, but it is wise to check and balance your believe with the word of God. There is no controversial issue that cannot be handled by the Bible!!

21 Ways to Avoid Distraction during Prayer

Posted by Feb 24, 2018 Holy Word, Word of Faith 2 Comments
21 Ways to Avoid Distraction during Prayer

Prayer is the communication between God and yourself. But, this process could be frustrated when there is a distraction.

I remembered the story of a father and his son, Jonnie. The father was making a crucial call with his boss, but Jonnie was hitting the table and making a childish noise.

His father got distracted, and hit Jonnie on the head as he continued the phone conversation. There was silence in the room, but when the Father was through with the phone call, he looked back and saw the fainted poor boy.

…Jonnie came back to life, but the father spent a lot of money in the hospital…

Distraction can be annoying, but you have to use the right ways to avoid it. Today’s message will focus more on the solutions to adopt for a prayer that is free of distraction.

  1. Satisfy your Hunger

If you don’t have the ability to hold your hunger, then it is not a sin to satisfy the hunger. A troublesome stomach is a distraction that must be put under control for your prayers to go smoothly to the Lord.

  1. Silence your Phone/computer

If you want to enjoy your communication with the LORD, then you have to disconnect communication with man. It is a game of distraction if you are expecting an important phone call or email while praying to God.

  1. Rent a Private Apartment

The private apartment of Jesus for prayers was the mountain top. Mark chapter 6 verses 45 to 46: “Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.”

Don’t use a noisy venue for prayers to avoid distraction. Locate a quiet place!

  1. Choose the Right Time

A good fellowship with the Lord requires a specific time. So, your right time for prayers is your free time.

For example, the free time for Jesus was in the night, because no distraction from the people could disturb his communication with the LORD.

No thumb rule for the number of hours. If your strength can’t pray for more than 30 minutes, then don’t force yourself for another minute else distraction could set-in.

  1. Know your Audience Factor

For instance, you might get distracted by someone speaking in tongues (without interpretation) beside you during church prayers. Then your audience factor for prayers at that time is zero.

However, if you find it impossible to pray alone, then your audience factor at such moment is greater than one. For example, Jesus experienced both audience factors as recorded in the book of Mark chapter 14 verses 33 to 35:

“And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch…”

  1. Control your state of mind

Proverbs chapter 4 verse 23 says: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

  1. Singing

If you are praying and you got ‘stuck’, then start singing to the Lord. The act of singing eliminates distraction, and it is also a medium for prayers.

  1. Quote Scriptures

Before praying, read the Bible and jot down some helpful verses. When distraction attempts to show up in your prayers, pick your jotter and read the quotes you wrote. Then more prayer points would flow into your brain.

  1. Settle Dispute

You can’t suffer anger and enjoy your prayers- impossible! Thus, take away malice, anger or hostility from your heart. Unholy fear, anger and sadness are strong weapons of distraction.

  1. Discard Prayer Books

Reading prayers that was written by another man cannot make you enjoy a genuine communication with the Lord. I called this a third party prayer of distraction.

Don’t spend your money on prayer books or CD, it is not scriptural. Pastors and Bishops selling such books are only after your money. Open your mouth and pray directly to the Lord and not through prayer books. Jesus says: “Ask and it shall be given.”

  1. Speaking in tongues

Many pastors tell their congregation to always speak in tongues when they are short of words during prayers. Please, don’t fall into such trap.

When speaking in tongues is not originated by the Lord, it causes more harm and distraction. …who knows if the ‘formed’ speaking in tongues are curses from the demons…?

  1. Change Prayer Position

There is no scriptural rule on the right posture for prayers. So, you can kneel down for a while, stand up, sit down or lie down at intervals. For instance, I stand up to pray at night when sleepy distraction sets in.

  1. Fasting

If you have the strength to ‘arrest hunger’, then fasting is a tool that takes care of distractions related to food; how to prepare it or when to eat.

  1. Automatic Conversion

Make a good use of the automation attached to your senses. Convert all thoughts to prayer points. That settles the problem of thoughtful distractions during prayers.

Don’t analyze the thoughts else you get distracted. Once it drops into your heart, then convert it to a good prayer point.

  1. Close your eyes

It is not compulsory, but it works very well for me. I don’t see the lizard chasing after the grasshopper- an interesting distraction!

  1. Comfortable Environment

Prepare a comfortable environment for yourself. For instance, if you are not adaptable to heat and you go to the mountain in the afternoon to pray, then the harsh heat would distract your prayers.

  1. Light your Focus Candle

If you are not focused, then you will sleep off during prayers. You can avoid such distraction by setting your heart towards the goals you intend to achieve by speaking to the Lord.

  1. Open your inner Ear

Prayer is all about communication to the LORD. Thus, you are the encoder and God is the decoder. You will be distracted by your prayers if you don’t listen to the feedback from the LORD.

  1. Pray with Emotion

Feel free to express yourself before the Lord. The Lord is your Creator, He understands you very well. So, don’t be distracted by the way you intend to present your case before the Lord.

  1. Pray in Spirit and Truth

You won’t get distracted by any physical distraction if your spirit clings to the Spirit of God. Jesus says: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (not speaking in false tongues o!)

  1. Rebuke the Voice of the Devil

It is the work of the devil to distract Christians during prayers by saying “Are you sure God will hear you” whenever you hear such voice of distraction in your heart, rebuke it with the mighty name of Jesus and make your faith firm in the Lord.

Valentine’s Day: Is the Celebration for Christians?

Posted by Feb 7, 2018 Holy Word, Church, Youths Leave a Comment
Valentine’s Day: Is the Celebration for Christians?

Valentine’s Day is the celebration of romance. 14th of February is always a spectacular day in the year, when boys and girls, married and unmarried share love in various forms. Valentine’s Day is characterized with red color, exchange of gifts, parties and much of promiscuity among youths.

More harm is done than good in the lives of youths on Valentine’s Day of this generation. Why? And, is Valentine’s day celebration an instruction from the Lord? Who originated Valentine’s day and for what purpose?

Today’s message will expose the truth about this romantic celebration.

The History of Valentine’s Day

A genuine Christian must not join the train of any popular event without scrutinizing the source and motive of such celebration. I searched through some reputable sites and discovered the history of Valentine’s day;

Wikipedia noted that some Christian Martyrs were named Valentine. The Valentines honored on February 14 were Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who was martyred in 269 A.D, and was added to the calendar of saints by Pope Galesius in 496 A.D.

Valentine of Terni was a Bishop, and he was martyred during the persecution under Emperor Aurelian in 273 A.D.

Valentine’s day was first associated with romantic love through Frey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Noel Lenski, a historian at the University of Colorado at Boulder said that the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia from February 13 to 15. The drunken men sacrifice a goat and a dog, and the young women will line up for the men to hit them with the hides of the animal. They believe this will make them fertile.

The practice also involved match-making lottery, in which young men drew the name of women from the jar. The couples will then be coupled up for the duration of the festival.

Pope Gelasius muddled things in the 5th century by combining Saint Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia to expel the pagan rituals. He named February 14 in honor of Saint Valentine as the Patron Saint of Lovers.

But, the festival was more of theatrical interpretation of what it had once been. Lensky added, “It was a little more of drunken revel, but the Christian put cloth on it. That didn’t stop it from been a day of fertility and love.”

What is bad about Valentine’s day?

There is a terrible mix-up during the celebration of Valentine’s day. Some innocent people share cards to their loved ones from a pure heart of love. While some take the advantage of the celebration to lose their virginity, participate in erotic parties and drugs. Uncleanliness, romance and illicit s3x are the order of the day.

Is it right for Christians to get involved in a celebration that is not under the doctrine of the LORD? Jesus says: “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority”.

The bad things about Valentine’s day celebration are:

1. It is an attempt to Christianize an idolatry celebration. But the Pope’s attempt failed and the output was a mess to the Christendom.

“…we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting…” (Ephesians 4:14)

2. Valentine’s day was originally a solemn day for remembering the works of the martyr, not a day for celebration of love. Thus, the present celebration of Valentine’s day is a deceit.

3. The celebration was not a commandment from the Lord; rather it was a doctrine of man. “Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:12)

4. There are high records of immoralities and sexual perversion on this day.

5. Good works of Agape love are uncommon, and the celebration does not glorify the name of the Lord.

6.  Satanists and unbelievers celebrate Valentine. So, we cannot be of equal yoke with unbelievers.

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2Corinthians 6:14)

 

“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.” (Romans 12:2)

Valentine’s Day is not a celebration for the Christians, because it has no scriptural basis. It is widely acceptable by the world, because the outputs on such day are ungodly.