KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:51 KJV “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?”

Tactfulness is showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others. The Pharisees had reached a level in their fury against Jesus such that nothing but his death was their desire. Nicodemus, a disciple of Jesus, wanted to find the most reasonable way to talk for Jesus such that the Sanhedrin and the Pharisees would tone down on the decision to have Jesus killed. He used the approach of asking a probing question to stir their pure minds to resign their action. He asked the following question, John 7:51 KJV, Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? Nicodemus had to speak in such a way that he would have made his point for Jesus and also not to attract the fury of the Pharisees. There is a time for everything, as the preacher says in Ecclesiastes 3.

The scriptures is full of instances where some had to act tactfully. When the Lord asked Samuel to go to Jesse’s House and anoint a king for Israel. He acted tactfully. (1st Samuel 16:2&3) He announced he came to worship. He then went on to do the anointing of David. King Saul, had no hint of it, and everything went on without his knowledge or awareness. In Matt 10:16 the Lord said He is sending us as sheep in the midst of wolves and they should be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. Serpents are extremely wise but very deadly. Doves are extremely harmless yet not so wise. The Lord is asking the church to live in this world in a very tactful manner.

We are witnesses of our Lord Jesus and must approach this call with a great sense of affability. A sister was asked by her pastor to start a cell group. One of the people she contacted to join the cell said she was very busy and had no time. The sister remarked that, her cell was actually for people who had no time. The sister eventually became a member of her cell. The Holy Spirit is ever present to help us act tactfully towards all persons.

Ask the Spirit to help you be moderate towards all persons.

CONFESSION

Thank you, father, for the Holy Spirit who leads me in all I do. I treat all persons very moderately. The love of God in me overflows to all persons such that I have a very cordial relationship to all.

THOUGHT: A HEART OF LOVE IS ALWAYS MODERATE TOWARDS ALL

FURTHER STUDIES

Philippians 4:5 KJV” Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

Matthew 10:16 KJV” Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:49 KJV” But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.”

The teachers of the law kept showing their dislike for Jesus by making all kinds of statements. This time they said all those who are ignorant of the law are cursed. Who were they talking to, or about? From their earlier statements these people referred to all those who were listening to Jesus.

 Jesus is the epitome of truth; how could they be with Him and not know the truth? Was it really the truth that all those ignorant of the law were under a curse? What brings a curse on men?

 A curse comes on a man when he fails to obey the word of God.

Deut 28:15. Secondly, one could place a curse on another by speaking words of a curse which may take effect, on the grounds that, that person walks in disobedience to God’s word. Num 23:8 KJV “How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? “. Prov 26:2 KJV “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.”

One could also come under a curse by saying the word of a curse over his very life. Prov 21:18.

Curses may function against an individual because he was in the loins of his father, and so whatever comes on the father, affects him too. Exodus 34:7. In later portions of the scripture, the Lord says each person will bear the consequences of his own actions. Ezekiel 18:4.

We realise that curses come as a result of one’s action against God’s word. Just because one does not know the law, does not make him accursed (If the ignorant acts against the word, then he would be liable for a curse; Hosea 4:6) These Pharisees made a statement to spite Jesus. They said so, out of their dislike for Jesus and the fact that these people were with the Lord Jesus.

Many people make false statements not because of their anger or dislike for any person, but purely because they heard someone say it, without scrutinising the statement to know if it was scriptural, or not. Some also teach false doctrine because they do not consider the scriptures from a broad perspective. They just read one or two verses and they make their conclusions from there.

 Please note that false teachers are more dangerous than false prophets.

Prophetic errors are time bound, and so the error would be known. A false teaching is trans generational, if the truth is not noted by all. It would be carried from generation to generation. May we all take time to go through the bible carefully before making conclusions on certain topics and subjects.

PRAYER

Thank you, heavenly father for the Holy Spirit who helps us in all that we learn. May you open our eyes of understanding to the truth of your word. Help us to be diligent to search the scriptures so we may know the truth always.

THOUGHT:  A LITTLE DILIGENCE IN STUDYING THE WORD WILL OPEN YOU TO TRUTH, WHICH WOULD MAKE YOU FREE.

FURTHER STUDIES

2Timothy 2:15 KJV” Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

John 8:31 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.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:48 KJV ” Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?”

These Pharisees were really prejudiced about Jesus. After suggesting that the officers who returned from not being able to arrest Jesus, were also getting deceived by Jesus, they asked is there any of the rulers or Pharisees who believe in Jesus? How could Jesus attract such a large number of audience and there would not be some rulers or Pharisees among them who will believe in Him. Envy and a negative feeling can blind an individual from seeing and judging rightly.

 Evil feelings corrupt one’s thinking absolutely.

There is an Akan proverb that says “the one who hates you, will dance your dance with a twisted waist”

Dear brother or sister it is a big loss to your personal development to hate another person because he or she seems to succeed more than you. The following scriptures describes the man who envies or hates his neighbour 1Jn 2:11 KJV “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” The man who hates his neighbour is like one walking with closed eyes. It is a form of self-imposed blindness.

No child of God should live by hating or envying another individual, whether a Christian or an unbeliever. We are called to live by faith. Faith means having an assurance and confidence that God is in charge.

Whenever God is in charge, you have no worry over what someone has, does or has achieved. Secondly true faith works by love. With love in your heart there will be no grounds for envy or hatred. Envy makes an individual a slave to the one he dislikes. How miserable it is to be envious of your neighbour, especially if his success is of God, then you would be fighting Got. You must celebrate with every achiever and sincerely thank God for what He is doing in the brother ‘s life.

They asked, is any of the rulers or Pharisees a believer in Jesus? Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are the very two people who immediately come to mind. There were other people of great social status who were saved as well.

THOUGHT: ENVYING ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL IS SIMPLY FOOLISHNESS

FURTHER STUDIES

John 12:42 KJV ” Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:”

Acts 13:45 KJV “But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:47 KJV “Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?”

In Acts 26:24, governor Festus, who was so much informed about events about Christ suffering and the reports of His resurrection, reacted to Paul’s defense of his conversion and activities in Christ, in a rather surprising manner. Instead of governor Festus admitting to the truth said, Paul your much learning is making you mad.

When the officers who failed to bring Jesus admitted that, they could not arrest Him, because He spoke in a manner that, no other man, ever spoke that way. These authorities asked, are you also getting deceived. They knew Jesus was saying and practicing the truth, yet they said the people were being deceived.

In these times many people who know certain truths about Jesus, still fail to admit it and rather keep projecting falsehood. It is a clear fact that Jesus physically hailed from the middle east. He is not an European. Some keep saying ‘black’ Africans are worshipping a white Jesus. This is a clear refusal of the truth.  Our Lord Jesus is neither white nor black.

He is Lord of all and saves all humanity who would believe in Him.

There are some people who have seen the transforming power of our Lord Jesus in some close associates, friends or relations, yet they keep rejecting the truth. Rom 1:21 says ” Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” When men reject the truth they automatically believe a lie.

We all might have heard or encountered people who used to be hard core opposers of Christ, like apostle Paul, but declare that they are converted because they have had a divine encounter with Jesus. People know very well that such people could not be telling lies, yet they stay in their error and reject the truth. Dear one, such testimonies are evidences of truth that demands your positive response, if you have not decided for Jesus.

 The evidences about Jesus’ reality and power are simply undeniable

THOUGHT: APPROACH THE EVIDENCES ABOUT JESUS WITH A VERY OPENED MIND, AND YOU WOULD COME BACK DECLARING HE IS LORD.

FURTHER STUDIES

Acts 26:28 KJV “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

John 5:39 KJV “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:46 KJV” The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”

In the above story, some men returned from not being able to arrest Jesus, whom they were detailed to arrest. When they returned to the authorities who sent them, they were asked why couldn’t you arrest Him. Their answer was, they had never heard a man who spoke the way Jesus spoke. Jesus is a master communicator.

How did the Lord speak?

1. The Lord always spoke the words of God. He allowed God to speak through Him, trusting Him to do so. 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.” The Lord told His disciples not to worry about what to say, anytime their accusers or persecutors arrested them for enquires, but to just trust the Holy Spirit to give them what to say. He also spoke by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

A. Always speak God’s word, or trust God to speak through you.

2. Jesus did not speak as the Pharisee, but spoke as one who had authority. Mar 1:22 KJV” And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.” The Lord knew the father and spoke with lots of assurance and faith.

B. Speak with assurance and faith in God

3. The Lord Jesus knew He was speaking on behalf of God, and so knew God was backing whatever He said. Acts 10:38 KJV How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

C. Speak on behalf of God, knowing He would honour His words.

4. He had no fear for any man, and so was never apprehensive about whatever He said to them

D. Do not be afraid of the faces of men, say the truth, but do not insult anyone.

5. The Lord Jesus did not plead with anyone to accept the truth. He asked Levi to come follow him, without pleading with Him. He knew that following Him was the best engagement a man could find himself.

E. Do not manipulate anyone to believe, trust God to speak to their hearts.

Speaking in the above way to His audience made a very great impact on them. You would also make a great level of impact, if you would follow our Lord’s approach to communicating to your audiences.

THOUGHT: POWERFUL COMMUNICATING OF GOD’S WORD IS SPEAKING BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

FURTHER STUDIES

Jeremiah 1:8 KJV “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.”

Jeremiah 1:7 KJV” But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.”

 KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:43 KJV “So there was a division among the people because of him.”

In our story of the key scripture the people found a great division among the themselves because of Jesus. It is often said by certain people that religion divides us and therefore it must be abolished. This statement may be true concerning other religions, but not, in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Our Lord Jesus presented a non-violent faith.

Mat 5:39 KJV “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Every hostility found among Christians with fellow Christians, or Christians and people of other faith has resulted from their own actions not based on the teachings of our master. Throughout the ages we have had all kinds of aggression, hostilities towards Christ through His body. The believers in the first century were grievously persecuted, and even now, Christians in certain Islamic states, are also persecuted

In our story, the division came because of the envy and evil intentions of the religious leaders. This kind of hostilities were all promoted by the spirit of the anti-christ.1Jn 4:3 KJV” And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” According to this verse there is a Spirit called the anti-christ that raises men to oppose and attack Christ. It is this spirit that lumps up Christianity and all other religions together, to say all should be put away. In these last days the plan of this Spirit is to create a one world religion to totally water down the impact of the Spirit of Christ on the world. What this people claim for having the one world religion is to avoid division and war among religions. The reality of this organization is a motivation by the spirit of anti-Christ. The real target is to silence the spirit of Christ. The spirit of anti-christ does not care about the other faiths. Its concern is the impact of the Spirit of Christ on the world.

Every Christian must be aware of this Spirit of anti-christ. How do we handle this spirit?

1. The first action is prayer. Pray against the influence and the interruptions of this spirit, against God’s agenda. Declare that this evil power will not alter God’s agenda for His people.

2. Develop your faith in God to dominate the activities of this spirit called anti-christ.

3. Make up your mind not to accept this one world religion.

4. Do not respond violently to people who oppose you. Show them love.

5. The church must exercise its faith to bring the power of God to bear against the spirit of anti-Christ.

THOUGHT:  FAITH IN GOD AND FEARLESSNESS IS WHAT OVERCOMES THE ANTICHRIST SPIRIT

FURTHER STUDIES

Rev 12:11 KJV “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Hebrews 11:33 KJV “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:42 KJV “Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?”

In our key scripture, the Jews expressed scriptural truths about Jesus, yet they did not know Him

It is not impossible to find bible knowledge teachers, who are miserable drunkards or even men in collar preaching every Sunday yet they are wife beaters, and may booze themselves to sleep. What is happening here? These people have theoretical knowledge about Jesus, yet they don’ t even believe he truly existed. They may know every Old Testament reference about Jesus as well as what he did and said, yet they are the first to agree with these human right activists who claim that LBGTQ+ have their rights. Such people are liberals who accept the bible as any ordinary literature.

As much as there are those who have a head knowledge about Jesus, there are many who, know him for real. What makes others get to know the Lord in a practical way? Those who know Him in a real manner have submitted themselves to what the word says.

 Knowing Jesus in truth results in encountering the reality of the word of God.

Believing the word in certain cases may sound very ridiculous In John 6, the Lord asked His disciples whether they would leave him as the rest had done. Apostle Peter said. in John 6:68, “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” These disciples had come to believe in Jesus.

 To experience the Lord, you must BELIEVE IN HIM.

Dear one there is s world of amazing encounters when you truly know Jesus.

 Having the knowledge of the scriptures without the Lord reigning in you is a very great illusion.

There are even some who attack other believers on the bases of those scriptures they know. They twist the meanings of the scriptures to their own destruction.2 Peter 3:16. There are also many people who claim to be believers yet they only have a head knowledge faith and not a heart knowledge one. Such ones are also bereft of true joy and the real blessings that accompany those who sincerely believe in Jesus. These people can be described as inside, outsiders. They seem to be within, yet are woefully outside, what a misery. Choose to believe the word from your heart and be a true partaker of the blessings in Christ.

THOUGHT:  IT IS A BIG DECEPTION TO SEEM TO BE IN CHRIST, YET YOU ARE OUTSUDE.BE TRULY INSIDE

FURTHER STUDIES

2Pet 3:16 KJV “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

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

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:40 KJV “Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.”

In our key scripture some of the Jews’ said Jesus is that prophet. Which prophet did they mean? Moses spoke about him in Deut 18:15. Some also said He is the Christ. Some people of our world have great contention about the person of Jesus. Some say He is a prophet like any of the prophets of old. Others say He was a great teacher, miracle worker or a good man. Sadly, some say He is a myth. Well, this aspect is most shocking, inspite of all the historical evidences. There are some world organisations which have tried to force certain relief organization like the World Vision not to attach his name to their activities. It is reported that the world class footballer Neymar of Brazil, was given a clause in his contract with a French club PSG, not to show religiosity, all because the player has always demonstrated openly his allegiance to Jesus Christ

Why such hostilities towards Jesus? Jesus never instructed His followers to be violent towards fellow men.  Jesus even healed His assailant whose ears was chopped off. He healed countless people, He never cursed those who caught Him, humiliated Him so much, and finally killed Him on the cross. The difference Jesus brings to bear on the world is the fact that He resurrected from the dead. He showed Himself alive to His disciples. These disciples proved they encountered the resurrected Lord by also offering themselves to be killed for what they believed. Many people in our time have encountered Him, as He manifested to them. There are countless hard core Muslim adherents who claim they saw Him like you could see your fellow brother.

All who sincerely gave their lives to Him have experienced amazing transformations. Atheists, who claim they is no God have been saved and lives transformed. Traditionalists, intellectuals and non-intellectuals have come bowing to Jesus. Presidents of nations have also found him, and are on cloud nine. Dear one we are talking about a man whose impact on humanity cuts across every nation, colour, race, social status and what have. He is certainly not a myth. He is not a stirrer of trouble or division. What do you say about Jesus? It is your time to experience what these countless millions have experienced. Healings of divers’ kinds, transformed lives, deliverance from all kinds of bondages and indeed no one can break His record. You are the next to enjoy the amazing meal

that many have been enjoying.IT IS NOW YOUR TURN.

THOUGHT: JESUS OFFERS TRUE SATISFACTION, JUST RECEIVE HIM.

FURTHER STUDIES

1Tim 1:15 KJV “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief”.

John 4:14 KJV “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:38 KJV” He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

The Lord at this point shouted on top of His voice to turn the attention of the practice of pouring water on the sacrifice to Himself. He called on them to know that if they would believe on Him, they would become the very source of water giving out living waters. He used the term rivers of living water. These ones were taking from the pool Siloam, but the Lord said it will be a river which would be flowing constantly through them. The proceeding verse read, (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:39

In John 4:14 the Lord made reference to an experience that believers in Him would have. He said ” But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” The well according to the Lord gives out water unto everlasting life, but in our scripture of consideration, that is John 7:38, it would be a river flowing to bless the world. This could be seen in the Old Testament references like, Isaiah 44:3&4, Joel 3:18, Joe 3:18 KJV.”…., and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.” The rivers of living water which refers to an abundance of the flow of the power of God in His people also relates to the Lord’s promise to His   disciples in Acts 1:8, that says, but ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and shall be witnesses both in Jerusalem Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. This statement is also in direct reference to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. He empowers us with the Spirit to bring His power to bear on a lost would.

One manifestation of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is supernatural utterance given to believers, that is speaking in tongues. From the account of scripture almost anytime the Holy Spirit came upon the children of God, there was a physical manifestation evident to all. This manifestation was the speaking in unknown language. Acts 2:4, Acts 8:17,18, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6. Speaking in tongues also flows from the belly of the one speaking, and not the mind. Anytime an individual prays in tongues for some hours he finds himself in a special experience with the Spirit. The reason for this, is to bring salvation to our would. Ezekiel 47:1-12

THOUGHT:  IT IS A RARE PRIVILEGE TO HAVE RIVERS FLOWING THROUGH YOU, LET IT FLOW ALWAYS

FURTHER STUDIES

1Corinth 14:39 KJV” Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.”

1Corinth 14:4 KJV “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 7:37 KJV:” In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

Many people obtained tangible things from God, through a deep hunger or thirst for that thing. It is that thirst that keeps you sacrificing, striving and moving forward till that thirst is quenched, which is the end target. A story in the bible that comes to mind is the pursuit of Elisha pursuing the Spirit of God on the life of Elijah. I wish to say that the anointing on a person can be transferred to another, if only the receiver is thirsty enough. We have heard stories upon stories of people whose life changed drastically after one encounter with an anointed man of God. The power and ability to take a hold of such a grace is an incessant hunger or thirst in the soul of that individual. The Lord himself said, if you are thirsty then you can drink.

The story of Elijah and Elisha is seen in 2 Kings 2 :1-16. Elijah was leaving the scene to go to heaven. It was Elisha his cup bearer and assistant who was to take over, but it will not come on a silver platter. He had to prove that he really wanted that grace or anointing. They left Gilgal for Bethel, and Elijah, asked Elisha to wait and allow him to go alone. The following was the answer of Elisha to Elijah. 2Ki 2:2 KJV …As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. It was the thirst in the soul of Elisha craving to be satisfied.

 A thirst is like an invisible suction power that attracts its desires and longings to itself.

Elisha resisted every attempt of Elijah to make him resign, why? Because he was thirsty for an anointing that nothing physical could buy. At the end of the day, the man of God asked him, what do you want that I may do it for you? He said, I want a double portion of thy Spirit to be upon me.

Elijah said he’s asked for a difficult thing but, if he should see him when he was going, then he would have it. The bible said, as they went, there was a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, but a whirlwind took Elijah away. The chariot of fire, and the horses of fire came to test him if he would still maintain his passion and keep his focus on Elijah. He overcame all these because of his desire, due to the thirst in his soul. Dear child of God how thirsty are you craving for the thing you are praying about. Are you ready to throw away all obstructions to go for what you want?

THOUGHT: YOUR THIRST WILL MAKE PUT ASIDE ANY HINDRANCE TO ACHIEVE YOUR DESIRE.

FURTHER STUDIES

Hebrews 12:2 KJV “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 3:13 KJV Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.