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.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:31 ISV” The one who comes from above is superior to everything. The one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is superior to everything.”

Who comes from above? Our Lord Jesus came from above. He did not come in the form in which He went up, according to Acts 1:11.

 He came as the word of God that became a man or flesh.

It was the Holy Spirit that formed in Mary His mother. Jesus who came from above is the word and from the Spirit of God. The bible says He that is from above is above all. The word above means superior, greater or mightier. _To be above means He should not be subjected or dominated by those things that are below_ Him.

We said in our discussion above that, Jesus is the word and from the Spirit of God. Every Saint is born of the word and the Spirit. Every Saint also comes from above. To be born again means to be born from above. The word again is the Greek word ‘ anothen’ and it means ‘from above ‘ or from a ‘ higher place’ We as saints proceed from a higher place. This means we are made of a superior product. The following are the source of which we are made.

1 We proceed from God or we are the offspring of God, 1 John 4:4.

2 We were born of the incorruptible word of God.1 Peter 1:23

3 We were created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Eph 2:10

4 We are partakers of the divine nature, and have escaped the corruption in the world through lust.2 Peter 1:4

James the apostle describes our source in the following manner James 1:18 KJV” Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Firstfruits means, the first and the best.

 As people from above, our grounds for victory in this life, is our unflinching faith in our FATHER.

Now God’s word reveals that if we are from above then we are above all. This implies we are superior to Satan himself and every agent of his. (Please meditate on these things) His works of sin, sicknesses and all forms of darkness should not control us. We are privileged to exhibit a very high standard of uprightness and excellence in all we do. Phi 2:15 KJV” That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

We must maintain a consciousness of victory and put away every thought of failure, fear of every form. As one from above, you are a blessing and so make your life blessing to all.

THOUGHT:  THE LORD JESIS THOUGHT OF HIMSRLF AS THE ANSWER AND NEVER A PROBLEM, AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE.

FURTHER STUDIES

2Pe 1:4 KJV ” “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Ephesians 2:10 KJV ” For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:26 KJV “And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.”

Competition, is not always evil. It depends on the context in which it is observed and the way it is executed. Competition among people of God is rather problematic. In our context we do not strive with others, but to fulfill the high calling that God has given to us.

 Those who compare themselves with one another are not wise 2 Corinth 10:12. These kinds of things generate strive, and all kinds of foolish behaviours.

 Please note, there are two kinds of Christians the matured ones, and immature, or the babies and the spiritual Christians. It is the baby or immature ones who worry about the success, advantage or opportunity of others.

 In our key scripture, it was the disciples of John, who came to him, and commented that, the man he talked about was baptising many. Dear brother or sister, be very careful about the comments of the one who seems to express concern for you. They may instigate you to act wrongly. How was John able to overcome the wrong instigation of his disciples. He kept to the principle of God first.  ” John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” John 3:27. John was implying that; I am nothing by myself. Whatever I am is from God and so we do not do any thing for ourselves but to God’s glory. He clarified to them that he was not the Christ and came to honour, prepare the way for Him. He added that, it is rather my joy to see Him fulfill His mission. John added the following humbling statement

John 3:30 KJV “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John expressed that his desire is that, Christ must increase whiles he decreases. This should mark our underlying attitude and principle towards God and His work. Whenever the work of God is increasing through any servant of God, let your joy be expressed unto the Lord. That increase is not unto whoever is in charge of it, but unto Christ. Say with John, “Christ must increase and I decrease”. Stop considering the physical privileges and advantages that may be coming to that man. Rather consider our Lord Jesus who is exalted.

Competition among children of God comes from carnality and spiritual immaturity.

 Let us focus on the more eternal things, than the earthly benefits which will all find their way into the earth.

THOUGHT:  THOSE WHO ARE DRIVEN. BY CARNAL ADVANTAGES ARE NOT WISE TRUE LOVE FOR GOD, WILL KILL EVERY CARNAL COMPETITION.

FURTHER STUDIES

2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV” For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

Luke 17:10 KJV “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

(Do not rate yourself too high)

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:23 ISV “John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People kept coming and were being baptized,”

After John the Baptist introduced the Lord Jesus to the crowd and baptised Him, that day, the Lord left to start His ministry after fasting for forty days. After getting a few disciples, He hit the road doing various things for His Father. He started baptising with His disciples, although He did not baptise Himself. John 4:2 ISV” although it was not Jesus who did the baptizing but his disciples—”This type of baptism was a baptism of repentance to demonstrate to the whole world that, those being baptised had changed the course of their life. As the Lord was baptising John was also baptising at the same time at another location.

John was doing the same thing yet there was no competition because he did it to honour the Lord, and not for himself. In these days we have seen all kinds of competitions among Christian groups. Some compare themselves to others and claim they have more members than the other. There has been instances that a more resourced Church gave a bigger amount for a plot of Land, although the smaller group paid earlier, only to have the money for the smaller group refunded to them. Some have even contracted assassins to eliminate those who are a threat to their honour, glory or what have you.?

 All these competitions are signs of people doing things for themselves.

Dear child of God, stop doing things in the name of the Lord for yourself.

 There is no reward for whatever we do for ourselves.

How do you know you are   doing things in the name of God for yourself?

1. Whenever you seek for an advantage (monetary, fame for yourself) and feel bad because things did not go to your advantage

2. We do things for ourselves when we feel hurt because others have been chosen instead of us.

3. When you desire for breakthrough to prove to others that you are also important. James 4:3 ISV “You ask for something but do not get it because you ask for it for the wrong reason—for your own pleasure.”

4. We work for ourselves when, we are afraid, worried or sensitive that things would not turn out for our good.

5. We work for ourselves when we feel bad that others are praised. and nothing is said to us

Dear one, whatever you gain for yourself, whether money, fame, or what have you, would be left in this life, but everything you did to the praise and glory of God will accompany you into God’s presence.

THOUGHT:  LIVING IS ALL ABOUT GOD, AND NOT ABOUT OURSELVES.

FURTHER STUDIES

Col 3:17 KJV “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Col 1:18 KJV “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:22 KJV “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.”

Our key scripture, says, “after these things”. What things did the word talk about? He was referring to Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus. The Lord was very much involved in both private and public ministries. Nicodemus visited Him, at a night hour. In bible times, there was a twelve-hour day time, beginning from 6am to 6pm.At 6pm it was night, when people went to sleep. Nicodemus came at such a time, yet the Lord had the patience to teach him all that we learnt about in John 3:1-21.

That was a very lengthy discussion yet, the master was very patient to teach him all that he had to know. Acts 20:20 explains the private and public ministries as follows.” And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,”

The scripture in the last paragraph speaks of making every opportunity to share the gospel and the word of God. He said he kept nothing good from any of them, but taught them publicly and from house to house. In the case of Nicodemus, it was Nicodemus who visited Him at His home, yet He taught him so extensively. Let us take time to receive those who come to us, seeking answers for certain questions, and then going out of our way to visit others with the word. After teaching Nicodemus, He left with His disciples to Judea. In Judea his disciples baptized many who came to Him. This was His public ministry.

Every child of God must be involved in both ministries. We must teach people en mass, and teach them on one-on-one basis. In most cases the one-on-one ministry is quite effective. Many of us are not in the front line of our ministries, and therefore may not have great numbers of people to talk to, but we can always have a friend, a neighbour, a relative, or some individual to relate with and share the gospel with them. Apostle Paul said he shared the word from house to house. Get involved with the house-to-house ministry as well.

THOUGHT:  THE FATHER’S BUSINESS, IS SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH OTHERS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Luke 2:49 KJV “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

Acts 20:20 KJV “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 3:20 KJV “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

The righteous are as bold as a lion. They have no skeletons in their wardrobe. There are certain husbands who cannot leave their phones all alone in their bedrooms. They would keep it on themselves and carry it to everywhere they go in the house. They would never receive a phone call in front of their spouses. As the Lord said, these people have something to hide, and so would keep everything in the dark. The scriptures teach us to avoid every appearance of evil. 1Th 5:22 KJV” Abstain from all appearance of evil”. We, the children of God are light. We are called the light of the world. We must naturally love acts of righteousness for that is what we are. Build this consciousness into your being. It was said of Jesus in Hebrews 1:9 as follows   “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

The man who walks in darkness lives under the power of darkness. His acts are always influenced by darkness. Just as the man who loves righteousness is anointed with the oil of gladness, the wicked is also anointed with the oil of sorrow. There is a constant sense of emptiness in the heart of the man who walks in darkness. Now darkness is not just a state, but a personality. Darkness has a kingdom or authority. Col 1:13 KJV “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” The word power in this scripture is the Greek word ‘exousia’ which means authority. Dear one, it is not what you profess to be, but what you submit to that determines who reigns over you.

Please consider the following scripture Rom 6:16 KJV” Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” What kind of works do you experience in your life? Is it peace, victory, health, love for all, kind words, or inner torment, sicknesses, anger of rage, unforgiveness, harsh words filled with insults? Whatever you experience depends on who you have chosen to be your master, whether light or darkness.

 Please note that the man who submits to the Lord Jesus, is a master over the devil and his works.

THOUGHT: LOVE THE WAYS OF LIGHT AND RULE OVER DARKNESS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Luke 4:6-8 KJV “And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”