KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:37 KJV “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. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

We continue with the trial of Jesus by Pilate the governor. After the Lord revealed that His kingdom was not of this world, Pilate then asked further. Are you a king then? The Lord said He was born to testify of the truth. He added that everyone who is of the truth hears Him. In a world that is so diversified, what can be called the truth? One said truth is not absolute, but relative to the kind of knowledge that he or she may be exposed to. Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life. Truth is like light, It must show or demonstrate with no ambiguity. It must satisfy the emotional, mental, physical, and moral needs of men.

Jesus walked this earth over two thousand years ago and anyone who has truly adhered to what he said and did, has experienced true peace, a transformed life, and perfect healing for their sick bodies. I saw cases of various individuals who were addicted to very strange substances. Some were addicted to eating sand, soap, sniffing kerosene, etc. With just a word of prayer, these helpless individuals were instantly freed. They regained control of themselves and led very normal lives. Indeed, the message of the good news of our Lord Jesus is the power of God unto salvation, healing, and deliverance to ALL who would believe in Him. Rom 1:16.

In science, theories, and laws are stipulated after several trials or tests produce the same results. It is

stated that such and such results would be arrived at when certain parameters are available. Men who have responded rightly to the propagation of the message of Jesus have received the same results, over, and over again.

The Lord talked about, those who are of the truth hear him. Who are those that, the Lord was referring to? He meant those who would be sincere, not beclouding their thoughts with all kinds of prejudices, but with the openness of a child who accepts His message. These are those the Lord was referring to. Jesus is the truth and He is THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH.

THOUGHT: COME TO JESUS AS A CHILD AND LEAVE LIBERATED.

FURTHER STUDIES

Mat 18:4 KJV” Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “

John 14:6 KJV” Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:36 KJV” Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”

The trial of our Lord Jesus has lots of lessons to teach us. At this moment, the Lord was asked,  whether He was the king of the Jews. Pilate informed Him that it was His people comprising the high priest and the other religious leaders who had brought him to be judged. The Lord answered Pilate rightly concerning His monarchy. He said, my kingdom is not of this world, less my servants would have fought for me.   The Lord Jesus never failed to acknowledge all situations from the proper point of view. The spiritual always dominates the natural.

The Lord was the best example of one who walked in the Spirit. This simply means living by the dictates of the word of God. The challenges and pressures of this life could not affect Him in any way. The Lord was on top of every issue that confronted Him. The scripture says the spiritually minded is life and peace. This means the moment one allows what God says to influence him rather than what circumstances and men say. Such a one will receive divine life that brings him control over himself and all that prevails around. Peace means not to be scattered but to be at one with yourself despite the prevailing conditions that surround you.

To live victoriously in this world, where Satan has deceived the people of the world, you must renew your mind, and not conform to the ways, lifestyle, and systems of the world, Failure to renew your mind gets you controlled by the god of this world. The story of Daniel proves this fact so well. He refused to pattern his life according to the Babylonian systems. Dan 1:8. In the end, he was ten times better than all the people. God exalted Him in a strange land. May you be exalted in this world as you renew your mind and walk in the ways of the Lord.

THOUGHT: SATAN CANNOT DOMINATE THE MAN WHO WILL NOT SUBMIT TO HIM.

 FURTHER STUDIES

Dan 1:8 KJV” But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Dan 1:15 KJV” And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:34 KJV” Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?”

Pilate, during his trial of the Lord Jesus, came to Him and asked, are you the king of the Jews? The emperor   Caesar was the king of the whole empire, with King Herod the direct king of the Jews. This made such pronouncement as He being the king of the Jews a rather contentious matter that was a treasonable case. In reality, the Lord Jesus is the king and Lord over this universe and not only the Jews. It was in the light of this, that the Lord then asked Pilate,’ Are you saying I am king over the Jews by yourself, or someone asked you to say so?’ Please note that, if Pilate were to have confessed the Lord Jesus as King or Lord, in truth, then it would have set him on his way to salvation.

Pilate said, so because that was what the Jews said to him.  I believe the Lord is asking you today, about the validity of the confession you are saying about Him. If you say Jesus is your Lord, how valid is it? Many people had to repeat the sinners’ prayer at crusades or through personal contact, in which the individual was asked to pray the sinners’ prayer. Out of this prayer He or she confessed that Jesus is Lord or king over his or her life. The Lord asks you today, that how valid was that statement you made that day?

Well, it may only be valid if you truly accepted Jesus as Lord of your life and are truly living to please Him. There are many today who claim Jesus is the Lord of their lives but live only for themselves. In practice, Jesus is not any Lord to them. To such people, they might still be in their sins. If Jesus is your Lord, then it must be seen in your actions. How valid was the confession of the Lordship of Jesus that you made? Make Jesus your Lord indeed by living to please Him always.

THOUGHT: IT IS NOT ONLY WHAT YOU SAY, THAT JUSTIFIES YOU, BUT WHAT YOU TRULY BELIEVE AND DEMONSTRATE BY YOUR ACTIONS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Matt 7:21 KJV” Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Matt 7:24 KJV” Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:30 KJV” They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.”

We continue with our discussion on provocative words. Words build up or they destroy. One may be set free by a word spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit, and another would be bound, hurt, or even mentally tormented by a word inspired by the devil. Sadly, many are suffering today because of very harsh and unthoughtful words from others. In Matt 16:22, Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, never to talk about dying by the hands of the Jewish leaders. The Lord quickly spoke back to him but addressed His statement to Satan, who promotes love for matters relating to the flesh.

Evil, wicked words are mostly words coming out from the lips of men. How could a husband look at his wife and tell her you would never bear children? (such men normally have children by another woman before their marriage to this one)

A woman kept telling her husband your car will kill you in an accident. This husband was involved in a fatal accident and lost his life. The lady was later so depressed, but it was too late. Satan spoke those words and ended the life of her husband.

The lives of certain children have been ruined by parents who kept judging and condemning their children. Do not expect your child to be a virgin if you should call her a harlot. Stop telling your children it shall not be well with you.

The angels of God or the demons of hell always wait to act on your words depending on who is speaking through you!

How to prevent Satan from speaking through you.

1. Decide you would think through every word before speaking them forth.

2. Meditate a lot on the scriptures.

3. Do not speak words that are not true, insulting, condemning, judgmental, or cursing. Such words should not proceed from your mouth.

4. Every word you speak forth should be the truth, encouraging, inspiring, correcting, educating, scriptural, considerate, and full of faith. Decide to do that always

5. Pray always, asking the Lord to anoint your words to heal, strengthen, and lift up the weak.

THOUGHT: VOW TO MAKE YOUR WORDS HEAL

  FURTHER STUDIES

Prov 15:4 KJV ” A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

Prov 18:21 KJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:30 KJV” They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.”

The Lord was in the court of the governor, Pilate. Since the Jews were not prepared to go into the court of the Gentile governor, he decided to walk out and speak to them. He asked them, what offense has the man done, and the following was their answer: “They answered and said unto him, if he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. “A malefactor means an evil doer. These people answered the governor in a very harsh way.

He knew that, since they brought Him, then He might have done something wrong. That was the reason he asked what particular wrong thing he had done. Pilate got infuriated at their answer and asked them to take Him away and judge Jesus by their law. These people had no definite offense to accuse Jesus about.

Wrong words always give people away into the hands of the law, or their enemies. Even demons take advantage of people and destroy them because of what they say. Prov 15:1 KJV “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” The scriptures say out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Your words are a product of your heart. These people were bitter against Jesus, seeking Him dead, yet they had no particular accusation against Him.

Now, people give out words out of the following state of hearts.

1. An angry heart. Angry hearts speak with pain and seek vengeance: Eph 4: 26:27

2. A judgmental heart: A judgmental heart accuses and condemns. Words like, you are a wicked person, a liar, etc. These are all words judging the individual. If a mother tells his son ‘You are evil, it shall not be well with you’ please you have judged and condemned him Lk 6: Luk 6:37 KJV ” Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

3. A carnal heart: It speaks unscriptural and corrupt words. Its words are full of unbelieve, lust, and lies. Eph 4:29:

4. A loving heart: It speaks kind, truthful, wise, assuring, gracious, forgiving, blessings encouraging, and thoughtful words. Col 4:6 KJV” Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

THOUGHT: A GOOD HEART GIVES GOOD WORDS

FURTHER STUDIES

James 1:19 KJV” Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”

Eph 4:29 KJV “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:28 ISV “Then Jesus was led from Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters early in the morning. The Jews did not go into the headquarters, to avoid becoming unclean and unable to eat the Passover meal.”

Jesus was now sent to the governor for his interrogation and judgment. The Jews said they were not going to the meeting place of the governor because that would make them unfit for observing the Passover meal. The governor as a gentile was considered unclean and they could have nothing to do with unclean one. These people were very strict with God’s laws of sanctity yet they were single-mindedly seeking to crucify Jesus. To them, they were righteous about getting Jesus killed. These people were keen about keeping Holy yet they wanted Jesus killed. They were sincere, yet they were sincerely lost.

Religion always makes heartless followers, who would do anything to defend their religion. True Christianity is not a religion. Religion is a practice in which the practitioners follow certain rules, and observe ordinances so that they would be acceptable to their God or supreme being. Religion is all about self-effort. The result of self-effort is a breeding of self-righteous people who would judge and condemn anyone who they think does not fall within their acceptable standards. These people are prepared to die for their course. These were the people who were seeking to kill the Lord Jesus. These people have a zeal for God, yet they lack the knowledge of the right way to serve God.

Apostle Paul says he prays for his fellow Jewish people, for they have a zeal for God, yet they lack the knowledge of God’s way of making people right with Himself. Rom 10:2,3. They seek to establish their own way of righteousness. God’s way of justifying a sinner is not by works but by faith. Dear one if you are counting on your works or how good you are and not trusting in the finished work of Jesus, then you are still in your sins. The Lord Jesus stands at the door of your heart knocking for you to welcome Him into your life. Turn from the deceit of religion to the reality of encountering real life. Jesus came to give His life, that is eternal life to all who would believe in Him.

THOUGHT: RELIGION BREEDS SELF-RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE WITH HATRED, WHILE CHRISTIANITY RAISES SAINTS WITH LOVE.

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 10:2 3 ISV “For I can testify on their behalf that they have a zeal for God, but it is not in keeping with full knowledge. For they are ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God while they try to establish their own, and they have not submitted to God’s means to attain righteousness.

Rom 3:22 KJV Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:27 ISV” Peter again denied it, and immediately a rooster crowed.”

Our key scripture is a fulfillment of a prophetic word the Lord Jesus gave Peter after he said he would lay his life down for Jesus. This is what the Lord told Peter.  John 13:38 ISV Jesus answered him, “Would you lay down your life for me? I tell you emphatically, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times.” Peter tried as much as he could to prove, the Lord wrong but he failed. All that the Lord said came to pass.

It seemed the Lord’s word was just to prove Apostle Peter wrong. Remember that it is not every event that is created by God. God who knows all things may report about an event, yet it could have been initiated by the devil himself. In this particular case, it was Satan who had sought to destroy Peter and the other apostles because they were all living by the arm of the flesh. Luke 22:31,32 ISV “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has asked permission to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail. When you have come back, you must strengthen your brothers.” The whole event had already occurred in the realm of the spirit. The Lord only told Peter about it. Satan the accuser wanted to destroy the faith of all the disciples at the moment of the arrest of Jesus. Peter could do nothing about it because he was also functioning in the flesh.

This event teaches us the following.

1. Satan keeps making claims accusations and requests to take the people of God captive.

2. If your voice or no one stands to defend your course, Satan’s claims will hold and have his way against you.

3. Doing things by the flesh always gives the enemy an advantage to have his way.

4. Your daily prayer for yourself is very important. Jesus taught in Lk 18:1 that men ought always to pray and not to faint. Failure to pray will be your own undoing.

Now the main thing that upheld Satan’s attack was that Peter and the rest of the disciples were all functioning in the flesh. If they had been living by the Spirit Satan would not have prevailed to the damage he achieved.

THOUGHT: TO KEEP DEFEATING SATAN, LIVE BY, FAITH AND A CONSISTENT PRAYER LIFE.

FURTHER STUDIES

Eph 6:11 ISV” Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the devil’s strategies.”

Eph 6:18 ISV “Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request. Likewise, be alert with your most diligent efforts and pray for all the saints.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 18:25 ISV” Meanwhile, Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. Some people asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples, too, are you?” He denied it by saying, “I am not!”

Simon Peter who was warming himself in the company of some people, while the Lord was been tried. For the second time, Peter was asked, whether he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Out of fear, he responded no. Remember that the Lord had said to him that, before the rooster crows he would have denied him three times.  Could this event have been prevented? Yes, it could have been prevented if Peter had asked the Lord for mercy and divine assistance.

Peter went in his natural ability and failed the first time. He should have quickly broken down in repentance and asked for God’s help, but did nothing like that. I believe he was still feeling guilty. Guilt is a tool of Satan. Guilt means man’s efforts failed. Guilt comes when self-righteousness does not meet its expectations. When guilt stays longer in a man, it condemns him, thereby weakening his ability to honour God’s word. On the flip side, when a child of God acknowledges his righteousness which he has received by faith. He would be able to act rightly in the light of God’s word.

Unfortunately, many children of God enjoy feeling guilty, thinking that, it would easily lead to repentance. Guilt is more or less a worldly or fleshly sorrow. There is a godly sorrow, that leads to repentance. 2 Cor 7:10 ISV “For having sorrow in a godly way results in repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets. But the sorrow of the world produces death”. Peter had a worldly sorrow that made him condemn himself. In that light, he was too weak to face the second test. He failed again, saying he was not a member of Jesus’ disciples.

Once again, what weakened Peter such that he could not face up to the second test? It was guilt that took over his soul. Refuse to give any place to guilt. Accept your error and ask for forgiveness.  Accept God’s forgiveness and cleansing. After, this, know that God has justified you and holds nothing against you.

THOUGHT: REFUSE GUILT, FOR GUILT CONDEMNS; CONDEMNATION KILLS, AND DEATH FINALLY ENSLAVES.

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 8:1 ISV” Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in union with the Messiah Jesus.”

2Cor 7:9 ISV ” Now I am happy, not because you had such sorrow, but because your sorrow led you to repent. For you were sorry in a godly way, and so you were not hurt by us in any way.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:23 KJV” Jesus answered him If I have spoken evil bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?”

During the High Priest interrogations, the Lord answered him, by asking Him to contact the many who heard Him teach, concerning His doctrine. An officer who stood by slapped His face. The Lord asked whether He said anything wrong. If He did not speak wrongly then why did he have to slap Him? This is a man who really had control of Himself. In all His passion or suffering, this was the first assault to be followed by more grievous ones. Many men would quickly respond to such provocation with rage. They would show by an outburst of anger and even with insults. The Lord had absolute control over Himself. Pro 16:32 KJV “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

Proverbs 16:32 describes the comportment of Jesus. He was slow to anger and was able to rule His spirit. The scripture said such a person is better than the mighty and the man that takes over a city. Real strength is not physical but rather one’s ability to hold himself from doing wrong. Many great leaders have been reduced to pieces of bread because they could not control their ego, anger, or pride. They ended up bringing shame and reproach to the ministry.

Apostle Paul said in 2nd Corinth 6:3 as follows ” Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed:” He said we give no offence under any condition. He meant no matter the difficulty he would not act in a way that would dishonor the name of Christ and their office as ministers of God. He said in ALL THINGS he approves himself as a minister of God, in much patience, in afflictions, necessities, and in distresses. Every child of God is a minister or, in a more simple word, a servant or slave of God. We are not masters of ourselves, but representatives of the king of Kings. We must exercise rule over our spirits or inner self to always do things according to what God’s word says. This could be possible by renewing our minds. Renewal of the mind is different from just feeding the mind with the scripture. One may have the whole bible in his memory yet, if the Spirit of his mind is not renewed, he would continue living like a child of Satan. It is when the mind is brought to the place of surrender totally to the reign of Christ, that one could be described as having a renewed mind.

THOUGHT: REAL MEN CONTROL THEMSELVES

FURTHER STUDIES

1Pet 2:23 KJV ” Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

James 1:19 KJV” Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”

KEY SCRIPTURES: Joh 18:20 KJV” Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.”

The Lord Jesus instructed His disciples never to think of what to say when they were summoned before any authorities because the Holy Spirit would teach them what to say (Luke 12:11, 12) In this light, the Lord also depended on the Holy Spirit to answer the High Priest.  This is divine wisdom in action. As children of God in a world predominantly ruled by Satan, we daily need the assistance of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives, especially when we have to answer a hostile world that seeks to overthrow the faith of many.

The Lord was never lost for the right answers on any day of His service on the earth. When these religious leaders brought a lady, who they claimed was caught in the very act of adultery to Him, He made sure His answer was not against the law of Moses as well as found a way to free the poor woman, yet to counsel her never to go sin again. He asked them, which of them had not committed any sinful act before, he should cast the first stone at the woman. None of them threw a piece of dust at her. This was the Holy Spirit speaking through Him.

One aspect of our Christian life is sharing goodness with people. Some may seem to be very defensive and argumentative and even try to pin you down with very difficult questions. In such moments, do not panic, just stay calm, and listen attentively to his questions. Meanwhile be praying in your heart, asking the Holy Spirit to answer your enquirer. He would give you very wise answers which your enquirer would have no further questions to oppose you.

THOUGHT: THE SPIRIT IS EVER READY TO ASSIST US DAILY.

FURTHER STUDIES

Luk 12:11 KJV” And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.”

Luke 21:15 KJV “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.”