This question was asked in one of our Sunday school classes recently.  Can a true Christian be carnal? In answering this question, let’s first define the term “carnal”. The word “carnal” is translated from the Greek word sarkikos, which literally means “fleshly.” This descriptive word is seen in the context of Christians in (1 Corinthians 3:1-3 “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?).  In this passage, the apostle Paul is addressing the readers as “brethren,” a term he uses almost exclusively to refer to other Christians; he then goes on to describe them as “carnal”. Therefore, we can conclude that Christians can be carnal. The Bible is absolutely clear that no one is sinless (1 John 1:8 ^“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”). Every time we sin, we are acting carnally. 

The key thing to understand is that while a Christian can be, for a time, carnal, a true Christian will not remain carnal for a lifetime. Some have abused the idea of a “carnal Christian” by saying that it is possible for people to come to faith in Christ and then proceed to live the rest of their lives in a completely carnal manner, with no evidence of being born again or a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Such a concept is completely unbiblical. James 2 makes it abundantly clear that genuine faith will always result in good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 declares that while we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, that salvation will result in works. Can a Christian, in a time of failure and/or rebellion, appear to be carnal? Yes. Will a true Christian remain carnal? No.
Since eternal security is a fact of Scripture, even the carnal Christian is still saved. Salvation cannot be lost, because salvation is a gift of God that He will not take away (see John 10:28; Romans 8:37-39; “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”;  1 John 5:13  ^“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God”). Even in 1 Corinthians 3:15, the carnal Christian is assured of salvation: “If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” The question is not whether a person who claims to be a Christian but lives carnally has lost his salvation, but whether that person was truly saved in the first place (1John 2:19).

Christians who become carnal in their behavior can expect God to lovingly discipline them (Hebrews 12:5-11) so they can be restored to close fellowship with Him and be trained to obey Him. God’s desire in saving us is that we would progressively grow closer to the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2), becoming increasingly spiritual and decreasingly carnal, a process known as sanctification. Until we are delivered from our sinful flesh, there will be outbreaks of carnality. For a genuine believer in Christ, though, these outbreaks of carnality will be the exception, not the rule.

Conclusion: True Christians are spiritual and not carnal. The danger of the lifestyle of carnality is death. Sometimes, it is a physical death before time – Romans 8:6-7, I Corinthians 11:27-32

Remain Blessed,

Deacon Mike Ben

As we have been told, one of the processes of attaining spiritual maturity is to join the workforce. Workers in Training and Baptismal Classes are currently in progress. Please, enroll and join one of the classes.

Potential Missionaries are invited to register for next session of mission school starting on January 2015. The Campus is Victory Chapel, Magodo.

Digging Deep on Tuesdays is a must for a Christian that needs growth in the spirit. Please, endeavour to always be there

Super Thursday Prayer Programme period remains the same – 7:00am to 9:00am every Thursday.

Texts: Psalm 121, Philippians 2:9-10, Genesis 1:28

Introduction

The name Jesus Christ has been given to the body of Christ for our benefit. God had made an investment with that name for the church. God has made a deposit – the name Jesus – from which the church has the rights to draw from for her every need.

The name has within it, all the authority and power over all powers of darkness and of this world. – Mat 28:18.

1. Jesus name:  a gift from God. – Eph. 1:19-23, Phil. 2:8-11.

We notice that the authority and power was conferred on Jesus’ name after His death, burial, resurrection, ascension and enthronement. This is an indication that the great investment in this name by God is not for Christ Himself but for as many that will believe in Him i.e. the believers.

The moment you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your LORD and Personal savior, you invariably become a member of God’s family and, by implication, everything that Jesus died for, bought and paid through His blood automatically belongs to you. You will have the right access to the Father (God) through Jesus and all the redemptive privileges. John 14:13-14, John 16:23-24, 1 Cor. 3:21-23. The name of Jesus guarantees an answer to every of your need.

3. You can overcome in Jesus name.

All believers have the authority to use ‘Jesus name’, which is an embodiment of God’s power and authority. In Acts 3:1-9, Peter did not ask the father to heal the lame man but demanded in ‘Jesus Name’ for his healing and it was so. In Mark 16:17-18, the believers here include true believers, not only Pastors or Evangelists. In I John 5:4, you are declared as an overcomer because of the authority (Jesus name) left at your disposal.

If man says something, it could be doubted, but if God says anything, then it is so. If only you can believe through Jesus name, you can get all things – Mark 9:23.

4. The Spirit of revelation. Isaiah 11:2, Gal. 4:3-7.

To discover your inheritance in Christ Jesus enhances your proper recovery. The amount of comfort and confidence you enjoy is a function of the discovery you made. John 8:32.

Your attention is hereby drawn into the three key words in the above references: The Spirit of wisdom and understanding; the Spirit of counsel and might and the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Every exploit is traceable to insight and foresight – (Dan. 11:32). The Lord gave these Spirits to Christ for an inheritance that might have the right insight and divine revelation for great attainment.

The Spirit of revelation is the same as the Spirit of knowledge described in Eph. 1:17-19. It unfolds the mysteries of the kingdom. It enables the believers to tap into the great wealth store in the kingdom. 1 Cor. 2: 6-16. Through the Spirit of revelation, you shall know more about the promises of God and God in HIS mightiness. Jer. 33:3-6. Daniel made exploit by this spirit – Daniel 2:47. Read Mat. 11:27, Luke 10:22.

The knowledge about Christ birth – Isaiah 9:6, Gen. 3:15, Isaiah 7:14. His life- Isaiah 53:4-7; Zech. 9:9-11 (fulfillment in Mat.21:2-5). Psalm 69:21 (fulfillment in Mat. 27:34). Psalm 22:18 (fulfillment in Mat. 27:35) Psalm 22:1 (fulfillment in Mark 15:34). The things to come were revealed in the book of Revelation by the spirit.

Every believer should therefore desire to possess this spirit which can be achieved by consistency with God.

By Jesus death and resurrection, he brought eternal defeat to satan, stripping him of all his power. Heb 2:14-15. All believers should understand this fact and be conscious that they cannot be trapped by the devil spirits behind sinful acts. It is revealed that we are now God’s righteousness called to show forth His praise – II Cor. 5:21, II Pet. 2:9. The righteousness of Christ made us an overcomer. I John 5:4.

The righteousness of God that shine through you made you to stand clear among the gentiles as it is written in I Pet.2:12, II Cor. 8:21, Titus 2:10. Our righteousness is in Christ, the same truth is taught in I Cor. 1:30.

When you remain under the righteousness of God, you will have access to His power and authority.

6. Anointing – Isaiah 61:1-4,  I John 2:27.

By the reason of anointing, you understand things of God. It does not just come. It comes so that you will be able to do exploits and accomplish those things that seem to be extra sensory perception. Anointing is the outpouring of the spirit that could be said to be divine enabling. It is the empowering of the spirit of God for supernatural accomplishment. For you to have dominion, reign and function and not only function but to distinguish yourself from others, you need anointing. Christ was anointed first and He did exploits; and expectedly, all His faithful believers should do what He did through the anointing which is confirmed in the following passages: Lk 4: 18-20, Act. 4:31, Act. 3:6-7, Act. 16:25-26, Act. 19:6. Isaiah 10:27.

7. God’s divine presence – Psalm 51:11.

The only thing that can make you to depart from God’s presence is SIN – Gen.3:8.  In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy. – Psalm 16:11; and at God’s presence, the wicked shall perish – Psalm 9:3. It is revealed that the upright shall dwell in the presence of God – Psalm 140:13. To dwell in God’s presence is our inheritance and it guarantee us our dominion.

Remain Blessed,

Deacon Wole Bodunde

Text: Mathew 16:19, Matthew 18:18

Introduction

Physical law is no obstruction to spiritual realities especially to those that know their God. Bolts and bars and prison gates open at their volition for Peter the Apostle: Acts 12:8-10. Joshua obstructed nature (Sun and Moon): Joshua 10:10-13. Hungry lions could not devour Daniel in their den: Daniel 6:16-24. Elijah commanded fire to consume stones and water: I king 18:24-38. In human perceptions, these are impossible but really they are realities. It therefore implies that no place can be so dismal, no cave can be so deep and dark, no inquisition cell so hidden and fetid, no fortress so strongly guarded, that a child of God can not find quick and easy access to.

Do you wonder how come those realities happened? It was because the persons mentioned above have the keys and connected to the spiritual realities.

Facts in our Texts

‘Thee’: this is not peculiar to Peter only but to every believer. Mat. 17:20, John 14:12-15, Mark 16:15-20.

‘The keys: This is not a single key. Perhaps, a bunch of keys that the numbers could not be known, but within the measure of your capacity, service and cordiality with God. Key is a symbol of authority-Isaiah 22:22. That is, authority and power to do the works of God. Whatever He (God) binds or looses is the true idea.

Conditions for Connecting to Spiritual Realities

1. Make Christ the centre of your life: Mat 6:33

David said, ‘Truly my soul waited upon God..for Him commeth my salvation…’ – Psalm 62:1-2. Christ said ‘I am the bread of life..’ – John 6:35. The kingdom of God is an embodiment of all power and authorities. Christ said ‘..But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God then the kingdom of God is come unto you’.  – Mat 12:28, Luke 11:20.

Mat. 13:44-46 tells us about what the kingdom of God is like. For you to be able to connect to spiritual realities, Christ has to be at the centre of your life.

2. Live with eternity in view: Mat.6:19-21.

This is related to seeking the Lord’s kingdom. To lay up treasures in Heaven is to be consecrated fully unto God and to help all men who are in need. Mansions and furnishings in heaven are secured from moth and thieves. Apostle Paul gave an advice in Col. 3:1-4, I Cor. 9:24-27. The preaching of the cross is foolishness to those that will perish. I Cor. 1:18.

We understand the zeal of the early Christian missionaries: every congregation was a missionary society and every believer was a missionary, inflamed by the love of Christ to convert fellow men. Apart from converting souls, they demonstrated power in their world then and people recognized them. Acts 5:12-16.

3. Put on the whole armour of God. Eph.6:8-10.

To be able to connect and operate at the frequency of spiritual realities and unlock your spiritual world, you need to put on the whole armour of God.  Truth, righteousness and faith are defensive weapons, while the word of God would give you an edge in attacking. By faith you see God in evangelism and this would be counted as obedience; you must obey completely because it is the same God that gave all the commandments. You need to rely totally on God who is capable of strengthening you. Isaiah 40:29-31.

4. Operate in Higher Spiritual Realm. Eph. 6:12.

Principalities and powers dwell in high places hence there is need for you to operate above them in order to be able to connect to spiritual realities. Psalm 101:1, Deut.12:2-3.

5. Move in the Path of Personal Revival: James 4:4-8.

You are saved by His Grace and once you stand for Christ, daily examine yourself where necessary and make amendment. Speak to the dead things in your life, after all Ezekiel spoke to dry bones and they lived. Ezekiel 37:1-10.

6. Be uncompromising like Daniel and co. – Daniel 3:16-18, Daniel 6:4-17.

7. Move in the path of Holiness by resolving any known conflict, removing any known beset and being faithful. Heb.12:1.

8. Do not sleep like others. I Thes.5:6-7.

Any Christian that will wait to listen to God will not sleep like others. Beside, Christ told a parable in Mathew 13:24-25 which should be our guide.

9. Listen and obey God’s instruction. Acts 8:26-35.

Remember, Phillip was preaching to a large congregation when he heard from the angel to go to the wilderness. Acts 8:1-25.

Others

Keep yourself in God’s love-Mark 12:30, Psalm91:14. Wait upon the Lord always in fasting and prayers-Isaiah 40:30-31. Be humble-James 4:10, Isaiah 57:15. Fellowship always with fellow Christians-I John 1:7, Eccl.4:9-10, Prov.27:17, Mat.18:20. Submit always to constituted authority- I Tim.6:1-2, Eph.6:1-2, Heb.13:7.

If you are able to fulfill all the above conditions, your spiritual life will never remain the same.

Remain Blessed,

Deacon Wole Bodunde

1. Productive people can differentiate “fake” productivity from
“real” productivity. Sometimes, we put off doing real work in favor of other non-essential tasks. These tasks might somehow resemble “real” work, and thus give us a false sense of productivity. For example, in lieu of doing important tasks, people might attend useless meetings, sort out emails, and chat with coworkers. Productive people know that these things do not really constitute work and know how to avoid them.

 2. Productive people know when to let go of the non-essentials. Should sorting out emails take up an hour of your valuable work time? Do you really need to edit this document five times before you send it to your client? Sometimes, we do non-essential tasks by dint of habit. We need to learn how to let them go. It’s either we get rid of them or allocate them to others.

 3. Productive people do not multitask…or avoid it, especially if they don’t need to. Multitasking is the bane of our generation. The brain is just not wired to juggle multiple things all at the same time. Tasks are meant to be completed one at a time for maximum efficiency.

 4. Productive people know how to schedule their work “blocks.” Most of us are early-risers, with most of our productive time scheduled during the daytime, while some
are night owls. Productive people know how to sync their work blocks around these times of productivity.

 5. Productive people power through boredom. Persistence pays off in the long run. This is what separates productive people from the unproductive ones. Suffering from writer’s block? Well, it doesn’t exist. You need to write something down on paper NOW even if you’re bored and don’t feel like it. Persistence, not procrastination, is the reason why things get done.

 6. Productive people know when to unplug. Yes, too much technology is bad for you. Being connected 24/7 has its perks, but it is really not good for a person’s overall mental health and well-being. Meditate, commune with nature, or just take a little bit of time off from your computer – all of these can really help you increase productivity and jumpstart your way to success.

 7. Productive people have regular sleeping habits. Lack of sleep does not equate to productivity. Your eye bags is not a sign that you’re a hardworking person; it just means that you have poor sleeping habits. Regular sleep (six to eight hours per day, on a constant schedule) has long been scientifically proven to
increase productivity.

 8. Productive people workout. Going to the gym or exercising is always a win-win situation for all. Not only does physical activity release endorphins (“feel good” hormones that can alleviate stress and keeps us happy throughout the day), it also helps us stay in tiptop shape, and contributes to good sleeping habits. And you don’t even have to do backbreaking high intensity either. Even thirty minutes of cardio (walking, running, biking) will go a long way.

 9. Productive people reward themselves. “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy”, as the famous saying goes. Reward serves as incentives for productive work. It pushes us, and drives us to finish tasks.

 10.  Productive people know how to allocate breaks. Breaks are essential for a productive lifestyle. Our bodies and brains are just not meant to work non-stop, so breaks are there to keep us refreshed. Some people need longish breaks after long work blocks, while some can make do with short breaks interspersed throughout the day. In the year of overflow, productivity habit is a call every achievers must not miss but obey.

God bless you,

Bro Sina Seun

More Soulmakeover CDs for Men and Women will be available by Sunday, 16th November 2014. Please, get your copies from Technical Team, Bro Sylvester or the Ushers

Please, be reminded that Deaconess Adeyelu’s Mother Burial will come up on Saturday, 15th November 2014 at Igbotako, Ondo State. The Church Bus will leave the Church premises at 6:30am prompt for Ondo State.