Christmas Without Christ

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV).

 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,... and when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh - Matthew 2:1, 11 (NKJV).

 

Introduction

What is Christmas to you? Many people have different reasons for celebrating Christmas; including time for a holiday, feasting, traveling, shopping, and reunions. However, the main reason for the celebration is normally not remembered, it is now Christmas without Christ. This is very unfortunate and should be corrected in the minds and lives of Christians. This post encourages believers in Christ to focus more on Jesus during the Christmas season since He is the reason for the celebration.

 

Christmas has been turned into different celebrations other than the celebration of the birth of Jesus. So, I ask, "what is Christmas without Christ?" Truly, unbelievers celebrate it without knowing the reason for the season. And the children are more after "Father Christmas", the Christmas gifts, lights, and decorations. Furthermore, people prepare so much for this celebration, yet, most people don't have encounters with Christ as part of the preparation.

What To Do This Christmas

Christmas is the accepted birthday for Jesus Christ, so the celebration should be all centered on Him. When you are celebrating your birthday, the celebration is centered on you. People gather because of you, the preparations are for the people coming because of you, the prayers are said for you and the gifts are for you. Sometimes, people may even ask you what you want for your birthday and they will be ready to do exactly what you desire. Read more...

Shiloh 2022 Update-Covenant Highways

 

Praise God!

Shiloh 2022 is finally here. It’s a time when God will appear to you and reveal Himself to you via the word of God.

So, please tune in today for the Shiloh event hosted by LIVING FAITH CHURCH WORLDWIDE. It's from 6-11 Dec 2022

The theme is “COVENANT HIGHWAYS”. 

Above is the programme schedule for the week. Time is according to the schedule above (GMT+1)

Click the link below and tune in and your life will never be the same again in Jesus name. 

https://shiloh2022.org.ng

 

Read more

 

 

Shiloh 2022 Covenant Highways

 

Praise God!

 

Another Shiloh event is here. It’s a time when God will appear to you and reveal Himself to you via the word of God.

 

So, please tune in from 6-11 Dec 2021 for the Shiloh event hosted by LIVING FAITH CHURCH WORLDWIDE. Time is according to the schedule above (GMT+1)

The theme is “COVENANT HIGHWAYS”. Click the link below and tune in and your life will never be the same again in Jesus name.

 

https://shiloh2022.org.ng Read more...

 

What To Learn From Joseph A Bible Character (Part 2)

 

There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? – Genesis 39:9

 

Successful slave in Potiphar's house

Joseph was a successful slave in Potiphar's house. This was because God was with him and made everything he did prosper. So, Joseph found favour with his master. And when Potiphar discovered that God was with Joseph and prospered everything he did, he handed everything of his to Joseph. After which he only concerned himself with the food he ate. So, God blessed the house of Potiphar because of him. And God blessed everything his master had both in his house and field.

Lessons

• No matter what your position is or where you are, if God is with you, you will be successful.
• If God is with you He can cause you to find favour with your superiors.
• It's wise to always choose people whom God is with for any work you want done. This attracts God's help and intervention over your work.
• When a true child of God is with you, the Lord will bless your household and all that is yours for his sake.

Potiphar's wife's advances to Joseph

Joseph was a handsome man and Potiphar's wife refused to control her lust towards him. So, she kept pressurizing him to sleep with her, which he consistently refused. This was because he considered such acts as wickedness against his master and sin against God. However, one day she was bent on having her way and he too was bent on remaining clean before God and his master. So, in the process, he left his garment with her. This she used to falsely accuse him that he came to rape her. Unfortunately, everyone believed her. Read more...

What To Learn From Joseph A Bible Character (Part 1)

 

 

Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The LORD shall add to me another son.”

Genesis 30:22-24 NKJV

Birth of Joseph

Joseph was born to Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham. His mother, Rachel, had him after many years of waiting. And she named him Joseph because she said that the Lord will add to her another son. This, God actually answered because Rachel had Benjamin, though she didn't live to raise them.

Lessons

There is power in names

Beloved of his father

Joseph was the beloved of his father. This was because he was born in his old age by his beloved wife. And Jacob showered him with much love which angered his elder brothers and made them hate Him. 

Lessons

Never show that you prefer one of your children over the others.

Joseph dreams of greatness.

Joseph told his family his dreams; how he dreamt of his parents and siblings bowing to him. This didn't go well with them. Unfortunately, it made his elder brothers hate him the more. Read more...

Overcoming The Force Of Giving Up

Are you feeling like giving up on that assignment, business, career or relationship? The feeling to quit can be so strong and frustrating; it occupies your whole mind and affects your reasoning. And you think that if you throw in the towel, you will have peace. I can well assure you that quitting is not the solution. This post tells you how to overcome the force of giving up the good.

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ – Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force – Matthew 11:12 (NKJV)

Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men – Proverbs 22:29 (AMP)

Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it – Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry – Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)

Introduction

The feeling to give up most of the time comes when you are starting something newly or you are facing challenges. You need to understand that this is normal. The enemy will always test your faith, strength and courage. The bible says that if you fail in the day of adversity your strength is small – Proverbs 24:10

God understood this and kept telling Joshua to be strong and courageous – Joshua 1:6-9. There are giants on the way to the Promised Land. You must see that you are well able to overcome the giants – Numbers 13:30.

How to overcome the force of giving up

 1.   Confirm the will of God concerning the issue

This is the first step to take. What God has not sanctioned He will not back up. Seek God’s face and be sure you are running on your own lane. If it is of God, relax because you will succeed even if there is a delay. Remember, if God be for you who can be against you – Romans 8:31.

But if you are doing the wrong thing, you need to make a U-turn. As a wise man said, no matter how long you have been on the wrong path, anytime you discover it, just make U-turn.  If you continue then you have signed for unending challenges and frustration, no matter your efforts. Read more...

You Have Need Of Patience To Obtain The Promise

 

As we draw close to the end of this year, I will like to repost this post. We need to consistently remind ourselves that we need the patience to obtain the promise. God bless you as you read this.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you patient? Patience is a virtue everyone needs in this life. However, it is seriously lacking in many people's lives, including believing Christians. Yet, we need the patience to obtain the promise.

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise - Hebrews 10:36 (KJV).

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste - Isaiah 28:16 (KJV).

Introduction

In this present age, people are not patient. They want their answers instantly from God, otherwise, they look for answers somewhere else. Unfortunately, this impatience always leads them down the wrong path, whose end is destruction.

The world has turned into a fast zone without a solid foundation which takes time to build. And they claim to be seeking MIRACLES, when in actual fact what they want is MAGIC. However, God's word has not changed and will not change. For you need the patience to obtain the promise. Read more...

Kingdom Work And Diligence Lead To Great Success

Do you desire great and enduring success? If so, there are things you need to do to experience it. Everyone wants to succeed in life, but to what level you succeed depends on what you put into it. This post emphasizes the place of kingdom work and diligence in the pursuit of great success.

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” - John 5:17 (NKJV).

Then the LORD appeared to him and said: "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father." Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him - Genesis 26:2-3, 12 (NKJV).

Introduction

God desires great success for His children (3 John 2). However, what they do towards its fulfillment determines whether or when it will come to pass in their lives. A wise man said that if you do nothing, you get nothing. It will never rain roses: when we want to have more roses, we must plant more roses. - George Eliot.

Supernatural success is a function of obedience to God and diligence. Obedience to God's instructions provokes His interventions on your behalf and causes Him to prosper the works of your hands (Deuteronomy 30:8-9). In addition, diligence will cause you to stand before kings, enforcing your great success.

One of God's instructions that will fast-track your efforts when you obey it is, "seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first" (Matthew 6:33). This means seeking what pleases God at all times, which includes giving yourself to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4), living like Jesus and soul winning (Mark 16:15, 20). Doing what pleases the Lord will move Him to do what pleases you (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). Read more...

 

What Real Widows Do

 

 

Many widows wonder what they will do now that their husbands are no more around. This I will briefly talk about.

A widow is one who lost her husband to death and is not yet married. Nothing changed in her except the things associated with her late husband.

What real widows do

Now, the word of God says that God is the defender of the widows, and so in this God fully replaces their husband. As such their allegiance is to the Lord, their present sole defender. So, they spend time in supplications and prayers, putting their whole trust in their defender.

 

Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. And these things command that they may be blameless. - I Timothy 5:5-7 NKJV

 

But those who are not real widows want to enjoy the benefits of marriage while unmarried. They go to men to ask for money and to satisfy themselves. This is a sin and the scripture says that those who do such things are dead while they live. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY–LUKE CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

 

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-12

Hallelujah! Christ has risen as He said. Surely, every other thing He said will also come to pass. Also, note that Peter, who was chosen by Jesus to lead the disciples, was the first to go and check the tomb. Truly, God doesn't make mistakes in His choices. His plan for you is the best for you.

Verse 13-27

May the Lord help us not to be slow in believing the words of God. The scriptures are all about Christ: His mission, power, supremacy, birth, death, resurrection, and return. And now that most of the prophecies concerning Him have come to pass, His return is sure.

Verse 28-35

The Holy Communion (The body and the blood of Jesus) is a powerful meal. And among the great benefits it delivers is the opening of your spiritual eyes. This enables you to have access to the revelations of God. Also, the hearts of the men were pricked because the word of God will never leave you the same way when you receive it.

Verse 36 -42

Christ truly rose again with His body, and not as a spirit. He proved it by eating their food and they were able to touch Him too. Read more...

 

 

 

BIBLE STUDY–LUKE CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

 

 

 

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-12

The chief priest, rulers, and the people told lies against Christ and mocked Him, so it shouldn't be strange to us when people do likewise to us. Also, learning from Christ, sometimes, the best answer is silence.

Verse 13-25

The people rejected Jesus Christ and picked Barabbas as whom they wanted released to them, yet, Barabbas was a rebel and a murderer. Though Pilate and Herod found no evil in Him to kill Him, the people refused to have Him go free. Unfortunately, the world today is still rejecting Christ, who is their Saviour.

Verse 26-31

We should pray for us and our children that they will never be among those who persecute Christ and His followers.

Verse 32- 43

Christ prayed for those persecuting Him, in spite of all they had done to him, leaving us an example to follow. Also, note that no matter what sin you committed, any time you repent and call on God you will be saved. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-6

Truly, your worst enemy is the one who eats with you. As such we should only trust God absolutely, for He is able to deliver you from all your enemies no matter where they are coming from.

Verse 7-13

Christ is able to organize anything for you. This is because everything is subject to him and obeys His commands. Surely, nothing is impossible with God.

Verse 14- 23

Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper (The Holy Communion) and He said we should take it in remembrance of Him. And the disciples obeyed this instruction and were breaking bread daily from house to house. Therefore, it's important that we eat the Lord's Supper daily like the disciples.

Verse 24-30

The greatest is the one who serves the others, just as our Lord Jesus was among His disciples as he who serves. Read more...

 

 

 

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-4

What you give that costs you something, no matter how small, is rated higher than what you give when you give out of your abundance. This most of the time will be a sacrifice to you.

Verse 5-19

The signs of end time include people claiming to be Jesus Christ. This is already happening. So, let's be careful to avoid falling into their traps. Also, great persecution of Christians will occur, including being brought before the judgment seat. But God promised to give us a mouth and wisdom that the enemy cannot resist nor contradict. Furthermore, you will be hated for the name of Christ, but don't give in to them. Rather, patiently follow Jesus till the end.

Verse 20-28

Truly, the end time events will surely occur. This is because the word of the Lord must be fulfilled, and it shall be even as it is written. These end-time events will be such that men's hearts will fail them out of fear and expectations of what was going to happen before the second coming of Christ. The best is to live as if Christ is coming now so that we will not fear or panic when these things start happening. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER TWENTY

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-8

Christ manifested great wisdom here. Truly, you should tune to God for the right words at all times, especially when they are querying you about your faith in Christ. Also, note that Christ didn't tell a lie like the priests, but told them that He wouldn't answer them. Therefore, you should under no circumstance tell a lie.

Verse 9-19

If you abuse your office, don't do your work, and are unfruitful and wicked to people, then your assignment will be given to another. Furthermore, Christ is the cornerstone and anyone who fights against Him gets either broken or crushed

Verse 20-26

Be careful and sensitive not to fall into the traps of the enemy, especially those targeted against your faith in Christ. On another hand, many people are running with 'Give Caesar what is Caesar's in the area of bribery. This brings them to disobey God. So, always do what is right, and don't use one scripture to justify your evil. Rather balance scriptures with scriptures to get a better understanding of God's will. Certainly, the wisdom of God is greater than the devil's or man's wisdom. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER NINETEEN

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-11

Zacchaeus wanted to just see Jesus, but when he encountered Christ, he repented and gave his life to Christ. And Jesus said He came to seek and save sinners. Therefore, invite sinners to hear the true word of God and they will be saved. This is because when they hear the word (Jesus), they will be convicted and saved.

Verse 12-27

While we wait for Christ's return, God expects us to occupy till He comes. This we do by trading whatever God has given us, which includes our talents and reaching out to souls. Truly, God is a businessman and His main business is soul-winning. And as a businessman, He looks out for profit. So, no matter how little or big what you have is, make sure it yields profits unto God. And to whom who has more is given, and he who claims not to have, the very thing he has will be taken from him. Also, note that you will be judged by your words. So, speak the right words, words that agree with the word of God. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

 

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-8

God expects us to be persistent in our prayers and not give up. And even if it tarries, keep at it because He will surely answer. However, the challenge He may have with you is your faith. So, believe, pray, and don’t give up.

Verse 9-14

Don’t allow your righteousness to turn to pride. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the person that humbles himself will be exalted.

Verse 15-17

You’re to receive the kingdom of God like children, with faith, and in humility; otherwise, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Verse 18-23

If there’s anything you can’t give up for the sake of Christ, then there’s still something you need to do to inherit eternal life. And that is to surrender that thing and follow the Lord.

Verse 24-30

Wealth will be a big hindrance to many people’s entry into heaven. However, it’s very possible for a wealthy person to enter heaven with the help of the Lord. This is because what is impossible with men is possible with God. So, put your trust in God and not in riches. Also, anyone who leaves everything to follow Christ will surely receive all in multiple forms and in the end eternal life. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

 

 

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-4

Offenses will surely come, but Christ admonishes that you should not be the offender. And He added that you should forgive those that offend you. Now, this includes as many times as he or she returns to you repenting.

Verse 5-10

You're encouraged to have confidence and abiding faith in God. For, whatever you desire that is in line with God's will shall be done for you. Also, whatever you do as your assignment, do it without expecting praise or thanks, rather see it purely as you doing your duty.

Verse 11-19

The lepers’ obedience is an act of faith, which is acting on God's word without doubting or questioning the instructions. This is as in the case of Naaman; until he completed the instruction he remained a leper. Also, the passage makes it clear that until you return to give God thanks, you will not be made whole. As such, your miracle will not be perfected. Read more...

 

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER SIXTEEN

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 1-9

God expects us to be wise and smart as the unbelievers are in their own things. But this time, in what is right, using challenges to provoke yourself to strategic ways of overcoming your challenges. This is to ensure that you really make it on earth and not just get by. And also have people to fall back to when you need them.

Verse 10-13

Faithfulness is an important virtue to have if you desire to have true riches and to have your own business or success in life. Also know that you can’t serve God and the enemy at the same time. Surely, you will have to hate one and be loyal to one. So, choose wisely.

Verse 14-18

Let’s have this at the back of our minds that whatever is highly accepted by the world is an abomination before God. So, any time unbelievers are highly celebrating anything, it’s an indication that it will surely displease God. And know that you have to press hard to enter the kingdom because none of God’s words will go unfulfilled. Surely, you have to press, otherwise, you will fall into the trap of the world. Read more...

 

 

 

 

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER FIFTEEN

 

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter.

Verse 4-10

God is longing and speaking for lost souls. And there is joy over one sinner that repents. Therefore leading lost souls to Christ is great before God and provokes celebration in heaven.

Verse 11-14

Many people want to enjoy the pleasure of this world at the expense of their relationship with God. However, there is always a crisis outside Christ. This is because no matter, how much you enjoy the things of this world, one day, the enemy will strike.

Verse 15-19

Any time one realizes his mistakes, he should make a U-turn and return to God. This is a wise decision no matter how long or how far you may have gone away from God. Truly, it will be foolishness if one comes to himself (By the grace of God) and chooses not to return but to continue to suffer. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER FOURTEEN

 

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter to understand better.

Verse 1-6

Human beings are of more value than animals. And it is good to do good when the need arises even on a Sabbath day.

Verse 7-14

It's wise to humble yourself all the time so that people may lift you in due season. This is because humility will attract lifting while pride will provoke the downfall of the person who has it. Also, it's important to help those who can't repay or be a blessing to those who don't have the means to bless you in return. This is because God will then be the one to repay you. And surely, God's reward is more than any human can give you.

Verse 15-24

Heaven is only for those who honour the invitation of Christ to the kingdom. As such, only those who accept Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour will dine with God in heaven. Also, the Father expects His house to be full and He has no discrimination. Therefore, go to odd places and reach out to souls for Christ, for He died for all. However, there is a need for you to apply wisdom when going to certain places. Furthermore, the Lord is looking for those who will be available for Him to use. However, if you're too busy for Him you may miss heaven in the process. Read more... 

 

 

 

 

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER THIRTEEN

 

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter to understand better.

Verse 1-5

Except you repent, you will perish. God forbid, but it's as simple as that.

Verse 6-9

God expects fruits from us: the souls we've won to Christ, lives we have saved by being like Christ, etc.  So, we need to bear fruit to avoid being cut off from the family of God.

Verse 10-17

It's good to do good any day of the week. And God is ever ready to set us free from the hands of the enemy any day of the week. This He will do no matter what people say. So go to Him in faith.

Verse 18-21

The kingdom of God is the lifestyle of God, Lordship of God, and will of God. And no matter how little or hidden it may be, it has great potential to affect everyone around it. For instance, when you preach the gospel of Christ to a community with signs and wonders, light from God's word will drive the darkness away from that community. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER TWELVE

 

Verse 1-3

There is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known, forever.

Verse 4-7

You should not be afraid of any man, who can ONLY kill the body. But fear God, who will not only kill the body but also throw the person into hell. Besides, you are more valuable than birds. So, God will watch over you to protect you. Therefore, fear God more.

Verse 8-12

Be bold to confess Christ before men, so that He will not deny you before His angels. And ensure you don't blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, for it's dangerous to do so. And when you're queried about Christ, don't be bothered because the Holy Spirit will give you what to say at that time.

Verse 13-21

As our Lord Jesus Christ, don't abuse your privileged position of authority and know the boundaries of your authority. Also, know that life is not all about possession, so don't be covetous. Rather lay up treasures in heaven and be rich towards God, for your soul is more important than earthly possessions. Read more...

BIBLE STUDY – LUKE CHAPTER ELEVEN

 

 

 

Please, do watch the video to listen to the reading of the chapter to understand better.

Verse 2-4

According to the Lord's Prayer:

• God has to be your Father first
• Then you kick off with praise
• Pray for His kingdom to be established on earth
• And His will to be done on earth too
• Focus on God's business before you start asking for your desires to be met by God
• Also know that God is committed to your daily meals
• And you should allow tomorrow to think about itself
• Furthermore, you're never to worry, though you should plan well.
• Finally, you must clear yourself of all sins and ensure that you forgive others, for God to forgive you too

Verse 8-12

Ask God until you receive your desires in Christ. This is because if you ask it will be given to you. And when you seek, you will find. Also when you knock, it will be opened to you

Verse 13

Certainly, our Heavenly Father will always do better than our earthly fathers. So, put your trust in Him.

Verse 16-20

You have nothing to prove to the world as a child of God. No matter what you do, they will find faults. So, let no man push you to sin against God. Rather, let your life and works speak Christ and for you.

Verse 21-23

Be strong and fully armed in Christ, who is the strongest of all forces. Otherwise, your weapons can't save you when a stronger man comes upon you. And know that you can't be indifferent; you're either for Christ or for the enemy.

Verse 24-26

It's important that you continuously feed on God's word and follow up new converts. This is to ensure that there's no vacuum in your lives that will attract the enemy. For, the enemy's return to your lives will make you worse than you were before your salvation. Read more...