These are some of the questions that do come to our minds often. Temptation, by its very nature, feels wrong. God’s moral law is written in the heart of every human being (Romans 1:20), and when a sinful temptation is introduced, our consciences immediately sense danger. However, the temptation itself is not the sin. Jesus was tempted (Mark 1:13; Luke 4:1-13), but He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Sin occurs when we mishandle temptation.

There are two avenues by which we are tempted: Satan and our own sinful flesh. Acts 5 gives an example of someone tempted by Satan. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, wanting to appear more spiritual than they really were, lied to the apostles and pretended they were giving as an offering the full price of some property they had sold. Peter confronted them: “How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?”(verse 3). In this instance, Peter knew that the temptation to lie had come from Satan. Ananias and his wife both gave in to that temptation (verses 7-10). The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot is also attributed to Satan’s influence (Luke 22:3; John 13:2).

Ultimately, since Satan is the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the father of lies (John 8:44), all evil originates with him. However, our own selfish nature is an ally of Satan. We need no prompting from Satan to entertain sinful ideas. James 1:13-14 says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”

Even though we may desire to do good, we are all tempted. No one is above it, even someone like the apostle Paul. He shared his own struggle of flesh against spirit when he wrote in Roman 7:22-23, “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.”

Temptation is not in itself sinful. It becomes sin when we allow the temptation to become action, even in our minds. Lust, for example, is sin even though it may never be acted upon (Matthew 5:28). Covetousness, pride, greed, and envy are all sins of the heart; even though they may not be apparent to anyone else, they are still sin (Romans 1:29; Mark 7:21-22). When we give in to the temptation to entertain such thoughts, they take root in our hearts and defile us (Matthew 17:19). When we yield to temptation, we replace the fruit of the Spirit with the fruit of the flesh (Ephesians 5:9; Galatians 5:19-23). And, many times, what was first entertained as a thought becomes action (see James 1:15).

The best defense against giving in to temptation is to flee at the first suggestion. Joseph is a great example of someone who did not allow temptation to become sin (Genesis 39:6-11). Although tempted to sin sexually, he did not give the temptation time to take root. He used the legs God gave him and physically fled. Rather than stay in a potentially dangerous situation and try to talk, reason, justify, explain, or otherwise weaken his resolve, Joseph took off. The temptation was not sin for him because he dealt with it in a God-honoring way. It could easily have become sin if Joseph had stayed around to try to match his wits and self-control against the power of the flesh.

Romans 13:13-14 (ESV) gives us a guideline for avoiding situations that can lead to temptation. “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” If we determine to “make no provision for the flesh,” we will keep ourselves out of situations that may prove too tempting. When we put ourselves in situations where we know we will be tempted, we are asking for trouble. God promises to provide a “way of escape” when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13), but often that way is to avoid the situation altogether. “Flee the evil desires of youth” (2 Timothy 2:22). Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:4), but we have a responsibility to pay attention to the direction God is leading us and avoid temptation whenever we can.

Conclusion

God is able to keep believers from falling into temptation if we do nor err. It is hard to gain promotion without examination, hence, temptation is a test we must pass for divine elevation.

Remain Blessed,

Deacon Mike Ben

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD”- Provb. 21:31.

The present heightened insecurity situation, foisted on the Country by the different terrorist groups, makes these reminders most appropriate. 

Moreover, we are all well aware that this period of the year appears to be the time when we need to exercise the greatest of care when carrying out our duties, be it official or otherwise.

Once more the ember months, are usually associated with high crime rate for the obvious reasons of inordinate desires to participate, at all cost, in the end of the year festivities.

Consequently, we are all advised to consider these suggested precautionary security measures, to increase the chances of our remaining safe and secure during this period.

The Tips

• Be extra careful when carrying out your official duties because of the increased activities of fraudsters at this time of the year.
• We should obey known procedures in the performance of our duties as failure to do so could lead into somewhat serious investigation activities.
• Security personnel deployed to various beats within your premises have been reminded not to leave anything to chance in the discharge of their duties. They will be more closely supervised to increase alertness and efficiency.
• Our homes should be securely locked at all times, all entry and exit points should not be left unlocked even for a minute, this will prevent unsolicited visitors from gaining access.
• Don’t leave keys “hidden” outside the home. Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbour or colleague.
• A family dog can be a deterrent to criminals. But remember, even the best watch-dog can be controlled by food or poison. Do not install separate “doggy doors” or entrances. They also can admit small intruders.
• Choose a location that offers the most security. The less remote, the safer your home will be, particularly in a neighbourhood close to police and fire protection.
• Know your neighbours. Develop a rapport with them and offer to keep an eye on each other’s homes, especially during trips
• While at home, you and your family should rehearse safety drills and be aware of procedures to escape danger and get help
• Educate family members and domestic help in the proper way to answer the telephone at home
• Colleagues who frequent relaxation spots should do a lot of looking and a lot of hearing but a lot less of talking especially in the presence of unfamiliar faces.
• Use frequently your rear view mirror when driving to forestall stalking to which some of us may have been victims.
• It is hereby suggested that brethren who commute with their private cars change their routes periodically even when alternative routes are longer or inconveniencing. This may be necessary for security reasons.
• It is further suggested that we should exercise extra care when going through popularly identified “black spots” such as Dolphin Estate, Eko Bridge towards Costain, Iyana-Iba/LASU junction, Oshodi, Fadeyi/ Onipanu, Alapere e.t.c. Where possible alternative routes are available, you may contemplate them.
• For our security and safety, we may consider the possibility of commuting with two or more colleagues since there is strength in number.
• Police record in Lagos seems to indicate that it is not too safe to use the extreme lanes in traffic; we will like therefore to use this opportunity to further suggest that we should avoid them when driving, if possible make use of the middle ones more often.
• It is suggested that brethren should carry dummy GSM phones at all times while driving to mitigate loss of expensive mobile phones and sensitive information therein.
• Always have available monies on your person or car that could be parted with (ransom) to secure your other valuables in case of un-foreseen attacks by hoodlums.
• Remove all tools that could facilitate the commission of crime within your premises, such tools include ladders, empty drums in an upright position
• Take adequate care of your children because of the possibility of kidnapping which has recently become a menace in our society and is rampant at this time of the year. (Be more careful with them at prayer places and avoid leaving them entirely in the hands of house helps and other unreliable individuals.)
• Avoid confrontations with security personnel bearing arms (Security personnel at road blocks.)
• Keep away from scenes of shooting or riots.
• Restrict information about money in your possession and your travel plans especially when answering phones (others, around you, might be listening)
• Please, feel free to share genuine information of security interest with the top Management and the Head of Administration Services, if for security reasons, it might be necessary to pass such information anonymously as long as it is not misleading.
• All are enjoined to be security conscious and comply with all security measures put in place especially on the use of our ID cards while moving around.
• Other safety measure put in place includes, advice to switch off all electrical appliances when not in use and at the close of the day’s work to prevent possible fire hazards. Let us all endeavour to comply with safety arrangement such as the one just mentioned.
• Dress decently and always try to look responsible.
• Avoid making unnecessary calls while driving.
• If you have car make sure your boot is empty except basic tools.
• Avoid giving lift to unknown persons.
• Be patient while you are in check point or traffic jam.
• If you notice any terrorist around you or activities secretly going on around you, kindly leave the area and report immediately to any soldier on duty.

 Conclusion
It is hoped that these tips/ reminders will be found useful in contributing to our wellbeing and determination to remain safe during this critical period.

Jesus is your Security, Trust in Him Because Safety is of the LORD

Thank you.

Deacon, Mike Ben

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