KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 10:38 BBE” But if I am doing them, then have belief in the works even if you have no belief in me; so that you may see clearly and be certain that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”

Identification, according to the Advance learners dictionary, is the condition of having the identity of a person. Jesus’ statement revealed He had the identity of the Father. This drove the Jews to arrest Him with force and even stone Him. They explained that , He is a man and makes Himself God. According to Rom 8:29 we were predestined to be conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus, so that He becomes the first born among many brethren. In Rom 8:1, the scriptures reveal again that we are joint heirs with Jesus. These verses and other scriptures suggest our oneness with Jesus. This makes us share whatever He had. If the Father was in Him, then we also being in Him are in the Father, and the Father is in us.

We see this in Col 3:3 that says, ” For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” These verses reveal our identification with the Father just like our Lord Jesus. We therefore deduce from our definition of identification earlier, that, we have the identity of the Father. This is the mystery of Christianity. It is the height of demonstrating the great grace and mercy that our heavenly Father has shown us.

What is the implication of this to us?

1. In appreciation of His love for us, we must also dedicate or commit our whole being in loving Him unreservedly.

2. We must cast away every fear of any kind, knowing that nothing on the earth, under the earth, or in the heavens can harm us. We are the modern-day living ark of God. Please read 1 Samuel chapters 5& 6.

(THE Ark which represented God’s presence, destroyed Dagon, the god of the Philistines, and afflicted the whole of the Philistine people. That is who you are. Your presence is a threat to every opposition.

3. Dedicate your life to represent God, in sharing the truth of His word to all, as well as exercising His authority over every evil condition, in the lives of men.

4. Commit your life in a whole hearted service in His house. You could be among the cleaners, an usher, a chorister, an instrumentalist, an Intercessor, or any role that you choose. Do not be a bench warmer, in the house of God. Do some service unto God.

What brings one into all these realities?

Spend moments meditating on the whole message so that it would take hold of your mind and drive you into action.

CONFESSION

I thank you, my heavenly father, for your love and power shown me. I am also dedicated to you, to whole heartedly serving you, and to be a blessing to my world.

THOUGHT: APPLYING YOUR PLACE IN CHRIST, MAKES YOU A STAR FOR GOD.

FURTHER STUDIES

1Sam 5:4 KJV” And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him”.

Phm 1:6 KJV” That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 10:38 KJV” But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him”.

The Lord Jesus expressed the importance of one’s works, being the ground to know who he is. Jesus’ works also proved that ,the Father is in Him, and He is likewise in the Father. What is the evidence that you belong to Jesus?

There are a number of factors that proves that one belongs to Jesus.

The first factor is, what you believe about Jesus.

The following are the truths about Jesus that makes you belong to Him, if you hold to them.

1. You must believe that Jesus is God, who became man to die for us. This is a very important point. His blood can only wash our sins away, if only, he is the perfect one and also the highest sacrifice for all humanity. It can only take God to be that sacrifice. John 1:1, 14, 29 (You are not saved, if you do not believe Jesus is God)

2. Believe that He died for your sins, which were washed away by His blood, and that He  rose again  on the third day.1 Corinth 15 :3&4

3. You have accepted Him as your Saviour and confess Him as your Lord. Rom 10:9&10

The next evidence of belonging to Jesus, is producing fruits of righteousness. Phil 1:11 BBE “Being full of the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

1.You walk in holiness and in the fear of God. Titus 2:12

2. You walk in love towards all men. Love is the perfection of the law. Love produces humility, faithfulness, joy and kindness.  Rom 12:9, 10. You manifest the Christlike life in all you do.

3. You also fellowship with others who believe and practice these things. Heb 10:25

Lastly you live in anticipation of the second coming of Jesus.

1.You maintain the hope of the rapture of the church

2. You Live and do all things, in daily expectation of the coming of Christ

3. You share the truth of the gospel with all men. This must be done in all urgency and commitment.

4.  You demonstrate the power of God, in the healing and deliverance of the oppressed (It is not all men, who have the insight to operate in this area)

If your life testimony is what has been said above then you would be very fruitful unto the Lord, and would make real impact in the lives of many.

CONFESSION

Thank you, heavenly father, for saving my life and giving me a witness in my walk of faith. I believe in the deity of Jesus, and have made Him Lord of my life. I live in submission to the Holy Spirit, as I walk in holiness, love for all men, and always expect the coming of the Son of God.

THOUGHT: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS ALLOWING JESUS TO LIVE THROUGH YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 12:9 KJV” Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good;Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”

Tit 2:12 KJV “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 10:37 KJV “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.”

Every tree is known by its fruits. The Lord established this fact in his time. He did the works of the Father. The Lord manifested the works of the Father in the mighty miracles He demonstrated, His wisdom in answering His critics could not be contested. His love for all and His concern for every one of the needs of men. He made sure that those who had been listening to him, for a number of days without eating were fed, because He loved them, and would not want any go home hungry. All these were the works of God.

What works are you also exhibiting as a child of God? Every child of God must demonstrate selfless love towards all men. It is also very normal for a child of God to reveal the power of God in his life. Every child of GOD has the grace to bring healing and deliverance to his fellow men. Now, hear what Jesus said  about you in Mat 5:16 KJV” Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” He wants God glorified.

Why should we manifest the nature of our Father? Our presence here is to point men to God. We are pointers to God. Just as signboards point seekers of venues to various locations, we represent those, purposely located here on earth to make men see God. It is rather unfortunate if a child of God should live in such a way that reveals the enemy. If the Christian should be telling lies, quarreling with neighbours, or living any carnal life, then he has lost knowledge of why he or she is here, in the first place. We are here to show forth the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.1 Peter 2:9.

What works are you manifesting to a lost world? You are a mistake if you live like the world. If you have believed in Jesus, you can’t be a mistake, refuse any negative image about you, and accept that you are light, and you must shine. Stop feeling bad about yourself and stand up boldly saying I am the salt of men; I would make life taste sweeter for many.

CONFESSION

I give all glory to my heavenly father, who has translated me from darkness into His kingdom of light. I reflect the glory of my heavenly kingdom to people in this world. As a heavenly citizen , I  lead men from the bondage of this world to the liberty of the  children of God. Glory be to God.

THOUGHT: YOU ARE REALLY LIVING, IF MEN GLORIFY GOD BECAUSE OF YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

Eph 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.”

Joh 9:5 KJV “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world”.

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 10:35 KJV If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

The Lord concluded our key scripture on the note, that ‘ the scripture cannot be broken. This statement, as much as it talks about the faithfulness of God’s word, also speaks about the authority of the word. It establishes the fact that the word of God is superior to every operation, all laws, and systems.  Everything is subjected to the word of God. John 1:3 KJV” All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” If all things were made by the word, then it suggests that the word is superior to everything. Heb 1;3 states that He upholds all things by the word of His power.

Now according to Heb 4:12 ” For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. The word of God holds supremacy in,

1. The spirit realm
2. The soulish realm
3. The body of a man
4. The minds of men
5. The hearts of men

Heb 4:13 says the word has everything under its control. It says nothing is hidden from its sight or impact

If the scriptures are unbreakable, why does it seem to fail in the lives of some children of God? The Bible shows us that men by their traditions may render the word ineffective. Mark 7:13 KJV” Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”

The other thing that makes the word ineffective is when it is not mixed with faith in those who hear it. Heb 4:2 KJV” For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Although God’s word cannot be broken, it can be rendered ineffective by the two main issues we have discussed above.

Heb 4:2 KJV For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Dear one, resolve not to allow the normal beliefs and practices of men to supersede what the word says. Give no place to unbelieve and nothing would be unachievable to you.

CONFESSION

God’s word is above all laws, systems, and rules on this earth. I stand on the word, without wavering, and I give no place to any traditions of men. My life goes forward and upwards only, to God’s glory.

THOUGH: REST IN THE WORD AND YOU CAN NEVER BE MOVED.

FURTHER STUDIES

Psa 119:89 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.”

Psa 12:6 KJV” The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 10:35 KJV “If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;”

The Lord went further to explain why men could be addressed as gods. He said, He called them gods, whom the word of God came to.  God’s words are not ordinary words but à living personality. It has a very potent transforming power. It is the word when permitted to take a hold of us that, fulfills the work of making divine beings out of us.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.”

It is very assuring to learn that God’s word can catapult a man from an ordinary human plain to a supernatural person. Prophet Ezekiel said “And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.” Ezekiel 2:2 Jesus said the word of God is spirit and life. Dear one, no matter the challenge that may confront you, be assured of an enabling ability from the word of God. Give the word that needed attention. This may take the form of meditation or acting in line with the word of God. You are sure to come out triumphant.

The Bible tells us to labour, or to be diligent to enter into our rest. Heb 4:11 One common challenge of life is anxiety, due to the myriads of distressing issues that assail man all the time. Many are carrying loads of burdens on their heads and shoulders. This is not your portion. The advice from God is to be diligent with the word. The Holy Spirit says the following after Heb 4:11. He says,” For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb 4:12 Dear one, give a new attitude of absolute dedication to God’s word. Your life would only be made better. Come to God’s word as one sitting right before God and receiving His word, as a life-saving instrument.

CONFESSION

God’s word is divine. I read it, believe it, meditate on it, and practice it. I always receive a new lease of life as I give myself wholly to the word of God. I profit and others around me are also blessed. 

PRAYER FOR YOU.

I pray for you today, being a special day in my life, that the word you have received today will transform you totally, from a failure to success, from a sick person to a man full of vitality, from a life of shame to one of significance and glory. Receive a rain of God’s blessings and favour. I command Every closed door, that should lead you into fulfilment, to be opened to you today. Stay blessed. Amen

FURTHER STUDIES

1Ti 4:15 KJV” Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”

Heb 4:11 KJV” Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

KEY SCRIPTURE; Joh 10:34 KJV “Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?”

When the Jews wanted to stone Jesus because He said He was one with God, and in their interpretation, He made Himself God. Jesus did not stay on that subject but related the topic to them. He quoted Psalm 82″ I have said, Ye are gods, and all of you are children of the most High.” As children of the most  high, they are God’s. Now, dear child of God, if God is your Father, according to John 1:12, 13, then the Lord says you are a god. This means you have supernatural potential.

In Psalm 82, the psalmist made the following remarks about these sons of God, who are called gods, ” They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.” These people are supposed to be powerful, impact-making beings, yet because of ignorance, everything is out of course. In verse 7 he said” But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Lack of knowledge is the undoing of many children of God.

I ask why is there so much ignorance in these times and age of knowledge. Please get this point very clearly, listening or hearing is not that which gives knowledge to an individual. It is what you believe that you get to know. Many hear, read and listen to so many preaching, yet only a few know the truth. You may hear an information or a word but when you believe it, then have you received it.  It is those who have received the message who have it.

CONFESSION

Thank you, heavenly father, for the truth of your word. I do not only hear your word, but I believe it, and I practice what it teaches. Indeed, that my life is a blessing in every day. Amen

THOUGHT: WE ARE BORN INTO THE DIVINE FAMILY BY THE WORD.WE LIVE IN IT BY THE WORD.

FURTHER STUDIES

Joh 1:12, 13 KJV” 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

2Pet 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.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: John 10:30 KJV” I and my Father are one.”

Some people of other faiths or some Christian cults have asked, where in the gospels did the Lord Jesus say he is God. I believe the statement He made in our key scripture, says it all. In the very next verses, the Jews who understood the meaning of that statement, took stones to stone Him. They said the following, Joh 10:33 KJV” The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God”. The meaning of that statement meant He was God. This is what it meant to them and that is indeed the meaning of what Jesus said.

The following, is the reason, Why the Lord, did not say directly that He is God?  Philippians 2: 5& 6 says ” Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: The scripture added that He made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a   servant and was made in the likeness of men. The Lord became a man so He could die for all men that were lost in their sins. As a man, He could not say directly that He was   God. He had to depend on the Holy Spirit to do all that He had to do.

 In John 17:5, the Lord prayed before He was crucified and said the following.” And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”  This verse clearly shows that He originally had the same glory as the Father. He prayed and said, Father, glorify me WITH THY OWN SELF. He added,’ the glory I had with you before the world was. The phrase, ‘with thy own self’ fully suggests oneness and equality. This scripture is the conclusion of the matter.

PRAYER

Thank you heavenly Father for  sending  your word as the Son of God, who saved us through His death. We are most grateful for your love for us. I pray that all would know that Jesus is God and the only Saviour of mankind.

FURTHER STUDIES

1Jn 5:20 KJV” And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life”.

1Ti 3:16 KJV” And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 10:28 KJV “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.:”

In today’s discussions, we take a further look at the security of the believer’s salvation. This is a very important subject to be very clear about , less one can overlook certain truths and conclude that since we have received eternal life, then nothing could alter this life. Another group of Christians teach that eternal life  in the Spirit of the Christian. They teach that, it is the body or the flesh that commits those mundane acts of sin. Those acts does not affect what happens to the Spirit of that individual. Is this the case?

Let’s consider apostle Paul’s caution to the Galatians not to use their liberty for an occasion to satisfy the flesh. Gal 5:13.it says;

” This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” If the child of God consistently lives in the flesh then the flesh is his Lord. You are a servant to whom you obey. There is a conflict for Lordship over the child of God That is, the Spirit and the flesh. Gal 5:17 KJV “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” The rule of the flesh leads to death. 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?”

Now, what is death in the context of the above scripture.? Remember that salvation means receiving life. Death in this context is an absence of spiritual life. It is not one act of sin that brings death, but when the child of God makes it his lifestyle. Jas 1:15 KJV “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death”. The word ‘ finished’ in the Greek ‘ apoloteo ‘means ‘ to bring quite to an end’ or complete.  Now, why should a child of God give place to sin, for it to complete its work in a believer? The Christian is called the righteousness of God 2nd Corinth 5:21, and sin should not have a place in you. Your place in Christ makes you an alien to the flesh. The flesh is a no-go area for you. Rom 8:9. Dear child of God, do not think that sin is only in the flesh. According to the scripture when it has finished it work in you, it would rob you of divine life. Give it no place. You do not know when it’s work would be finished.

CONFESSION

I am saved, that is I have received eternal life. This life gives me the ability to lead a righteous life. I, therefore, do not make any occasion to the flesh. My life is on an upward direction. Living always to please the Lord, for that is my real nature.

 THOUGHT: JESUS DIED TO BREAK THE POWER OF THE FLESH OVER US.  KEEP THE FLESH POWERLESS OVER YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

Rom 8:9 KJV “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

Rom 8:13, 14  KJV” For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God

KEY SCRIPTURE; Joh 10:28 KJV” And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

The Lord continued on His statement concerning His sheep. After talking about them following Him, He says that He will give them eternal life. He added that His sheep would not perish, and also no man, devil, or power will be able to pluck them, out of His hands. Jesus is talking about the fact that no devil can be able to pluck one who has received eternal life from His hands. This is a word assuring all children of God of the security of their salvation. This issue brings along a question that many Christians keep asking. When one is saved, is He forever saved, no matter what he or she does?

I know the Lord meant a child of God cannot lose his salvation because of any external power. I do not think this covers one’s choices and actions. Some Christians make claim to this verse and do whatever they choose, saying their salvation is intact. Let’s consider the following scriptural statements.

1. Rom 8:12 KJV” Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
2. 1 John 5:16 KJV” If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.”
3. Heb 6:4, 6 KJV For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
4. 4 Gal 5:21 KJV” Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

There are a number of scriptures that address this issue but space will not permit me. The last scripture said it all, that is, those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Please note that this letter was written to Christians. Dear child of God, your salvation is secured in the sense that, no devil seeking to deprive you of heaven, can stop you from making it to heaven, yet if you allow yourself to be influenced by these demons to act against the path of righteousness and you continue living that way, then the scripture says, those who live that way, would not inherit the kingdom of heaven.  

CONFESSION

Thank you, heavenly Father, for my salvation. Indeed, no man or power can pluck me out of the hands of the master. I also live such that I do not become a reproach to Christ to make me unqualified to be accepted before God.

THOUGHT: IF YOU ARE SAVED, THEN STAY SAVED

FURTHER STUDIES

Phi 2:12 KJV “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

1Co 9:27 KJV “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Joh 10:27 KJV” My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

The Lord said to the unbelieving Jews that, they do not believe Him because they are not His sheep. He added that His sheep hear His voice and they follow Him. Dear child of God, it is one thing to listen to God, and it is another thing to hear His voice. Hearing proceeds from an attitude of being teachable. Psalms 25:9 KJV “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” Remember Jesus said cast not your pearls before swine. Matt 7:6. The swine is not a teachable creature. It would always go back into the mud. The man who has no ready heart to do the voice of the master, will not receive any word from the Lord.

Now let’s consider some of the technicalities of hearing the voice of God. I mean a specific word from the Lord, for a special moment. How do we differentiate the voice of your mind, that of the devil, from the voice of God? The voice of the devil has the following characteristics: It is full of,

1. Lies

2. Creates fear

3. Promotes the flesh or self.

4. Accuses others

5. Opposes the word of God and faith.

6. Half-truths

7. Strange suggestions through the mind.

8 They make the heart lose its peace if followed

The voice of the human mind or the flesh has the following characteristics.

1. Self-centered

2. Looks to things that are seen and humanly logical

3. Fears to lose things for God

4.  May take a stand for God, but not ready to go through with Him

The voice of the Lord normally resonates with the written word. Those who are diligent in the word normally hear His voice. A renewed mind can easily hear the Lord. The Lord also speaks to those who fellowship with Him, in prayer as well as fasting. 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.”

The Lord said they follow Him when He speaks. Now do not follow any good word that lands in your mind. Check every word you hear with the peace that shows up in your heart after a particular word has come to you. Following the Lord means being obedient to what He says. The Lord also said He knows His sheep. The word know carries the idea of oneness and association. It means He is ever present with His sheep to assist them in all that they do.

CONFESSION

The Lord knows me. He is always with me. I hear Him when He speaks and I do what He says. His mighty hand helps me every way. My way is made glorious and peaceful.

THOUGHT: IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE, AND IT IS A BLESSING TO DO WHAT HE SAYS.

FURTHER STUDIES

James 1:24 KJV” For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”

Mat 7:6 KJV” Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”