KEY SCRIPTURE: John 4:7 KJV” There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.”

In our previous study we learnt that love for the souls of men is what moves us against every opposition, shortcoming of ours to communicate the good news to others.

 One area that can ignite our love for the lost is to be fully convinced about the inevitability of the gospel.

I mean to come to terms with the fact that, the good news is the only means a man can be saved from eternal damnation. Apostle Paul said the gospel is THE power of God unto salvation. Rom 1:16 The present level of the proliferation of knowledge makes it appear as if, there are other ways for the salvation of men. No, No, No there is no other way for men to be saved. Acts 4:12 KJV “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Without the gospel, man is lost, no matter his academic achievements his financial status, or any kind of human Prowess, one may have, he is lost, and bound for eternal damnation.

 The gospel is the only solution.

There is another subtle impression on the minds of most Christians, that limits the love or passion to communicate the gospel to the lost. This is the thinking that the gospel is always being preached and that people have heard it.

 Noise never means impact, and who is taking responsibility for a fruit that falls to the ground by the impact of the wind, it must be picked up by somebody, lest it will rot. Your personal effort is very important and cannot be neglected.

In order to help others, come to a decision in making Jesus Lord of their lives, you have to start a conversation with them. The following are some questions you can ask which would help you follow up with presenting the gospel to them. You may just start discussing about general matters to get the person engaged with you, then you can bring in your questions that will help you explain the gospel to him or her. These questions are only a few of the countless probing questions to lead into sharing the gospel. You can ask

1. Did you go to church last Sunday?

2. What is your view about Jesus.?

3. What do you think would be the best way to die?

4. What do you think happens after you die?

5. How do we know what is right or wrong?

6. Overall, do you think religion makes society better of?

7. Do you think, overall, religion contributes to, or detracts from becoming a good person.?

8. Do you think people are inherently good or bad?

9. Why do we all assume that we deserve good experiences?

 You may need to use only one at a time of sharing the gospel.

Please master these questions with their follow up line of thought about the gospel. You would find it easier communicating the gospel to as many that you meet with less difficulty.

THOUGHT: THE GREATEST JOY YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF, IS TO FREELY SHARE THE GOSPEL

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 1:16 KJV” For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

John 4:35 KJV “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 4:7 KJV” There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.”

Meeting the woman of Samaria was the reason for all that the Lord Jesus had to go through. His main agenda was to communicate the good news to her and then through her testimony, win the rest of the city. She was very strategic to the Lord. Remember that she came to the well at twelve noon, a time that most people did not go to fetch water. When they met, it was the Lord who begun the conversation. The Lord had gone there, because of her, and so had to do everything possible to win her. He asked her give me some water to drink. The water was not the main concern of the master, it was a means to communicate the real message to her. His aim was to get her soul saved or come to believe in the Lord Jesus.

Approaching a complete stranger is a real challenge to a number of children of God. The challenge is basically, what would this person say in response to what I may tell him? There are many ways of approaching an enquirer to share the good news.  There is the direct approach, in which the Christian may introduce himself and ask for the consent of the enquirer to give him a moment to discuss the word with him or her. This normally happens when you have approached an individual in his or her house. There is also the indirect approach. The indirect approach is normally applied when, you find a neighbour with you in a bus, waiting in a queue or at a shop and so on. One of the ways of the indirect approach is what the Lord used. It is a way of engaging the attention of the one you seek to share the gospel with by asking for a help, like Jesus did. The Lord said, give me some water to drink. You may also offer a help of some kind and then go on to share the gospel with them. Always have a mind to communicate the gospel with as many people that you meet. Take time to pray for the Spirit to prepare anyone you are led to speak to.

The greatest hurdle to overcome is the fear of how you would be received. Always get your mind prepared with the following thought. You are bound to face two different responses.  You may either be accepted or rejected. Be ready for any of the two. The truth is, a higher number of people would be ready to give you a hearing. Starting a conversation is an art that one grows to acquire and master over a time of practice. The most important part is your deep love for the man or woman to come to know Jesus. Love is a fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to fully function on. So long as the Holy Spirit takes charge you would find it more easier approaching and ultimately getting the right message to the one.

 LOVE for the lost is the key.

THOUGHT:  LOVE FOR SOULS IS THE MYSTERY FOR SUCCESS IN WINNING THE LOST FOR CHRIST

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 5:5 KJV “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

2 Corinth 5:14 KJV” For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”

KEY SCRIPTURE Joh 4:6 KJV Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

We learnt that the Lord was leaving Judea for Galilee.

He had to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit in going through Samaria. He was very tired at that time. He needed a place to rest for a short while, so He would continue with His journey. The SUN was also at its peak, since it was the six hour, that is, twelve noon in our days. The high sun made matters worse. It complicated His tiredness. The Lord could not easily carry on with His journey. All that was happening, made him feel very tired, these events were not happening in isolation, the Holy Spirit was orchestrating all the events for His own glorious purpose.

The Lord could have rushed to complain. He never did anything like that. Many Christians would have been asking God, why have you allowed everything to be against me? Some Christians would quickly complain about the least adverse circumstances they face. The scripture said, all things work together for our good. To them that love the Lord. Romans 8:28. Our hearts must continually be filled with thanksgiving. The scripture says the will of God for us in every situation is to give thanks. 1 Thess 5:18. Nothing happens without God’s knowledge. It is not everything He approves, yet He is in the known of all things. When we thank Him, it means we have taken a stand with Him. Thanksgiving creates an atmosphere for Him to create a favorable outcome for us. When we get bitter and refuse to express our gratitude for Him, because things are adverse, we take a stand with the enemy and he creates a very worse end for us.

How do we thank God even when things are not favourable?

Thank the Lord for His perfect love and wisdom. Thank Him for His might that is above all. Thank Him for the fact that everything is working out for your good. Thank Him for the fact that evil cannot befall you, because His word says so. Sing and express your joy in Him. As you keep doing this, your faith will be at it full expressive peak. Something wonderful will surely happen to you. Satan and His devils would be fully placed out of coverage area.

THOUGHT: YOUR THANKSGIVIBG SENDS YOU AWAY FROM EVERY REACH OF THE DEVIL.

FURTHER STUDIES

1Thess 5:18 KJV “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Rom 8:28 KJV “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 4:4 BBE “And it was necessary for him to go through Samaria.”

The Lord Jesus was leaving Judea in the South for Galilee in the North. Samaria laud in between these two towns. The Jews did not normally make the journey by going through Samaria, to Galilee. They used to go around the periphery of Samaria without passing through Samaria. They had nothing doing with the Samaritans John 4:9. This time, God had a work for Him in Samaria, and so He needed to make His journey through Samaria.

Every child of God must be very sensitive to the Holy Spirit. God rules in the affairs of men. He does not have a stereotype approach to everything. On this very occasion the Lord had to send the good news to the Samaritans. The Lord Jesus needed to know what the Holy Spirit wanted Him to do, and then act accordingly. The mistake of most children of God is that   they fail to seek God’s specific instructions on various issues. Receiving a clear leading of the Sprit comes from a discipline of consistently fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit. Following your natural inclination, may easily lead you astray.

On the day God asked Prophet Samuel to go anoint David, he nearly decided to anoint Eliab, the senior brother of David, who was physically well built like King Saul.1 Samuel 16:6,7. The Lord said to Samuel do not look on the outward appearance, for God looks at the heart and not the physical appearance. The prophet nearly erred because Saul, the man God had reject was physically well built. He assumed that was the main qualification for a king.

Many children of God continually make mistakes because they just follow their natural inclinations. Many have considered just physical conditions to choose their partners for marriage, only to regret in the long run. Dear child of God, learn to enquire of the will of God in every situation. The Holy Spirit is our comforter (that is counselor, teacher, stand by, advocate, helper, strengthener and many more) John 14:16. Ask Him each day for His candid opinion on every step. Do not assume that, this is the way we have been going about this thing, and it must always be that way. When you ask for His counsel concerning certain issues, His answer may come as a word in your mind, a very strong impression on your heart to take a particular action, a dream that relates to the question or any way He chooses to speak to you. He can even speak to you audibly. Just be always ready to seek His counsel.

THOUGHT:  MAKE THE HOLY SPIRIT YOUR REAL LEADER, AND AVOID MANY MISTAKES

FURTHER STUDIES

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—”

Prov. 3:5 KJV “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path.

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 4:1 KJV “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,”

When the Lord started ministering, many came to him, and were baptised by His disciples. This raised lots of impressions among the Pharisees. In the days of Jesus, various teachers called rabbis had disciples who followed them. It was a great honour to have lots of disciples. The moment people started flocking the ministry of Jesus, the Pharisees started saying among themselves, “this Jesus is baptising many”. This act of the Pharisees and the reaction of Jesus has two major things to teach us. These are

1. How people develop wrong impression because of lack of verification.

2. Right reaction to a wrong impression.

1. Many people wrongly judge others and hastily make conclusions without verifying the truth. Certain good relationships have been destroyed because of wrong impressions. It even gets worse when people wrongly imagine falsehood about others without properly verifying the truth. The bible says Satan is the accuser of the brethren. Rev 12″10. Devils continually interpret false information about others, especially, those who are very close to you. These Pharisees could have gone beyond what was said about Jesus and visited Him, to know the truth for themselves.

Wrong impressions may come but always maintain a policy never to accept a view or impression, until you have verified the truth about it.

2. The Lord Jesus   responded wisely to the wrong feelings he knew or heard about what the Pharisees were having about Him. (One’s feelings can be expressed through his words) He just went on with His Holy Spirit led program. The bible said He left Judea and came again to Galilee. The growing animosity of the Pharisees could have created an early assault on His life, although He had come to spread the good news to a larger region. Dear brother or sister, do not allow your life to be dictated by what people may be saying, but always follow what the word says about the situation. You cannot determine what or how people may say, or act towards you, but you can always determine your reaction towards them. God’s word is the best and proven way to react towards people who may act wrongly towards you. A further word of advice is that, do not be easily shocked by the actions of others, to the point of breaking you down. Decide that, no matter the actions of others, whether good or bad, you WOULD RESPOND FROM A SCRIPTURAL POINT OF VIEW.

THOUGHT:  LOVE IS THE SAFEST ACT TOWARDS OTHERS AND YOURSELF AS WELL

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 13:10 KJV “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”

Rev 12:10 KJV And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

KEY SCRIPTURE Joh 3:36 KJV “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

Our key scripture draws a clear line between the end of those who believe in Jesus, and those who do not believe in Him. To the man who believes in Him, he has eternal life. The man who refuses to believe in Jesus abides under the wrath of God. He will not see life. The Lord asks, how shall we escape if neglect so great a salvation? Please don’t confuse yourself with philosophy or common sense, you can’t know God by these ways.1Corinth 1:21 KJV “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom (reasoning) knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Our key scripture reveals a very important truth about what we believe. It said he that believes in Jesus has everlasting life. This means we have what we believe. Since Jesus give eternal life, if you believe in Him, then you have that life. This teaches us that, everyone must be careful about what he believes. Fear is believe in a negative outcome of an event. One has a strong fear because he believes something he or she dislikes will come to pass. Now, if you have what you believe, then that negative event you are afraid of, is a real case with you. Your fears is in effect creating that thing into bring. Now let’s consider the real source of Job’s troubles. Job 3:25 KJV” For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.”

Job remarked in the proceeding verse that is, Job 3:26 that “I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” This verse shows what Job actually believed. He believed that trouble had hit his whole family. He believed that he had lost his children, his health and was in great distress. If a man has what he believes, then before those events came into reality, Job had them with him.

 Life is all about the things we believe. Life is Spiritual. The spiritual rules the natural, or what we can see.

To believe is to let your spirit accept the thing.

 It does not matter how big or small a condition may be, your spirit can possess it through believing.

Once your spirit takes a hold of it, it would come forth into the natural. Believing is conceiving. Pregnant women would eventually give birth to what they have been conceiving.

What must we do? Decide to believe only what the Lord through His word has said to us.

 You must violently refuse anything you dislike, that comes to your mind or heart.

Failure to do so will sadly cause it to materialise. I agree with Smith Wigglesworth, when he said I am moved by what I believe, not what I see. Create a better life and a better world by believing the right things of life.

THOUGHT: NOTHING, WHETHER GOOD OR BAD, IS TOO BIG TO COME TO PASS, IF ONLY YOU CAN BELIEVE IT

FURTHER STUDIES

Mark 9:23 KJV” Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Mark 4:24 KJV “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:35 KJV” The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.”

In our last discussion we realised that all that our Lord Jesus obtained, was done for us. As a result of this, all that the father has put in his hands are in effect given over to us His brothers, Rom 8:17. In today’s study we would consider another dimension of our right to have these privileges on earth in our lives.

This is seen in the biblical doctrine of adoption.

The New Testament meaning or use of the word adoption is very different from, the conventional meaning as we know and use it. The new testament Greek word is ‘uihothesia’ and it means ‘ Son placing. We can see this in Gal 4 :1-6. Gal 4 started by saying that, the heir as long as is a child is not different from a servant, but is under tutor’s and governors. When he is of full age he is put in charge of his father’s estate. In Roman culture, a son is passed through training and tutelage until he is at age thirty, when he is fully equipped in the use of weapons to defend his father’s estate, he is then adopted or placed as a son. In this occasion the father announces that his son is now in charge of all that is his. He becomes adopted or given the full right of ownership. The bible said when we come into Christ, we are adopted or placed as Sons.

Gal 4:4 KJV “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Every child of God has received an adoption as a Son. The whole estate of our heavenly father has been put in our hands. Just as He said that He loves the Son, and therefore has placed all in His hands, the Father has also adopted us as adult sons whereby He has placed all He has in our hands.

How do we experience this blessed state and high honour? We must learn from the Lord Jesus.

1. He knew that all things were put in His hands. He lived with a consciousness of having everything in His hands. We must also, have that consciousness.

2. His means of walking in these blessings was to maintain a very strong fellowship with the father. We need to maintain a very close fellowship with the father, in prayer, meditation, fasting and the studying of His word. Fellowship will give us the ability to hear, see and know what to do at each moment so we would experience what He has for us.

THOUGHT:  CHRISTIANITY IS A LIFE OF AMAZING GRACE, WHICH WE EXPERIENCE BY FAITH

FURTHER STUDIES

Ephesians 1:5 KJV” Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”

Rom 8:15 KJV” For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:35 KJV” The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.”

God loves the Son so much that He has given all things into His hands. The Son of God came into this life for one main purpose. He came on behalf of men. He came to correct the error created by Adam. Our Lord Jesus is called the last Adam.1Corinth 15:45 KJV” And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” With the title Adam which symbolises the Father of the human race, the Lord as the last Adam, becomes the father of another kind of human race.

 These are the generations of the saints, of which the Lord Jesus is the first born. Rom 8:29 ” For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that the Son might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

This implies God’s love for the firstborn is replicated to all the brethren. God shows the same love for Jesus towards every Saint. John 17:23 KJV” I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

God loves us just as He loves our Lord Jesus. Our key scripture said He has put all things in His hands. It therefore implies that, all things or all authority has been given to us as well. Rom 8:17 reveals we are joint heirs with Jesus. A joint heir means joint owners. Whatever the Lord has, is also ours. This is not part owners, but joint owners.1 Corinth 3:21 reminds us that ALL THINGS ARE OURS.

The whole scenario is that, our Lord Jesus is God and already had all things (John 17:5). He became a man so whatever He did or obtained could be legally ours as fellow men. (Heb 2:10 &14)

 All that was given to Him, was meant to be ours and so is ours. He obtained them for us.

How should we live?

1.We must appreciate the great love God has shown us through our Lord Jesus.

2. Live to always please God by doing the word. James 1:24,25

3. Live with a consciousness of a privileged position and never   victims.

4. Always maintain a mind of sufficiency, and so very equal to, or even above every challenge.

5. Maintain a heart of gratitude in every situation for nothing can change what God has done and made available to us.

 Never forget to thank God in every situation, no matter what happens, for all things are yours.

We are in charge.

THOUGHT:  JESUS OBTAINED EVERY BLESSING, NOT FOR HIMSELF BUT FOR US.

FURTHER STUDIES

Romans 8:17 KJV” And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Hebrews 2:14 KJV” Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:34 KJV” For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.”

Apostle John made a very important statement concerning those who God sends on a mission. (The person he referred to in his statement, was the Lord Jesus, yet we have something to learn from it)

He said two main things about those God sends.

1. They speak the words of God

2. They are filled with the Holy Spirit.

These two points are very fundamental yet are the areas that many may find wanting.

 Whosoever God sends receives specific message for the people he has been sent to.

He also needs the enabling of the Spirit to fully give out what the Lord has given him.

 The real work of God is not about doing something for God, but to find out what God has asked you to do, and then doing it.

It therefore demands that, your first task as a servant or one God has called to fulfill his work, is to be with Him so you may know what He is asking you to do. The Lord Jesus put it this way. Joh 15:4 KJV” Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me”. The Lord is our source and our life.

 It is out of what we have received from Him that we send to those He asks us to speak to.

The scriptures present this point clearly in Mark 3:14.” And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,” To speak the words of God we must receive of His words.

The servant of God needs to spend time studying the word of God and praying in the presence of God to be ready to give out what God has given him.  Failure in ministry is when the servant of God fails in his ministry unto the Father.

Many servants of God feel they are wasting time when studying praying, or even meditating on the word. They feel they must get out there and get busy doing the work of God.  Please the real work of God is your time in His presence.

The overflow of your fellowship with the Lord is the ministry to the people of God. It is only in this way that you are able to give the words of God and also receive the fulness of the Spirit for true impact. Never make the mistake of loving to always go out there to do something.

 The question is, who asked you to do what you are doing?

THOUGHT: MINISTRY IS FIRST, TIME WITH THE LORD, AND SECONDLY, SERVICE UNTO THE PEOPLE

FURTHER STUDIES

Acts 20:28 KJV “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

Acts 13:2 KJV” As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:33 KJV” He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.”

The Lord Jesus, testified of Himself in John 14:6, that, He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the father, but through him. John 3:32 says Jesus testifies to what He sees and hears. He is truth personified. The Lord proved in everyway possible that He came from the Father. In John 18:37, the Lord Jesus speaking to Pilate the governor had the following discourse, ”    Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” He said I came to witness to the truth. Pilate asked, what is truth? This is the question on the minds of many.

Now we would answer the question, what is truth?

1. Truth is that which has stood the test of time and remained the same over time, oppositions of all kinds. The good news although men have tried to oppose it, have remained the same.

2. Truth must produce what it talks about. The message given by the master Jesus has produced in all those who believe it. It has brought great transformation. Has brought great peace to those who believe it. Brought deliverance to all who accept it.

3.Truth must liberate. Everyone who accepted the message of our Lord was liberated from whatever bound him.

4. Truth knows no boundaries. It is applicable anywhere, anytime and under any condition. The effect and results of the gospel is the same anywhere, anytime, and under any condition. So long as men believe it there would be salvation.

5. Lastly but not the least, truth is that which comes from the mouth of God. Psalms 119:89,90

In the light of all that is said about Jesus above, what would you do with Jesus? The scriptures said ” But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” It does not matter your background, so long as you believe in Him, you would receive a supernatural nature. Dear one, do not allow anyone to deceive you ,if you sincerely want real answers to the questions in this life, then humbly submit  to the Lordship of Jesus. He is TRUTH.

 THOUGHT: JESUS REMAINS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO THE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES OF LIFE

FURTHER STUDIES

John 8:31 , 32 KJV “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Psalms 119:89, 90 KJV LAMED.” For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.”