How Important Is Speaking in Tongues?

How Important is Speaking in Tongues By Kenneth E. Hagin

There is more to being filled with the Holy Ghost than speaking in tongues, but tongues are an important and inte­gral part of receiving the Holy Ghost, since they are the initial evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:4). Also, speaking in tongues is an integral part of the believer’s devo­tional prayer life, for as the Apostle Paul said, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues . . .” (1 Cor. 14:18). I, too, can say with Paul, “I thank my God I speak with tongues.”

In the Church world today, many people say, “Tongues have been done away with, because the Bible says that tongues will cease.” The Bible does say that one day, tongues will cease (see First Corinthians 13:8–12), but that is not referring to this present Church Age. In Heaven, there will be no necessity for tongues, because that which is perfect will have come (1 Cor. 13:10).

There are those who purport

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God is watching over us (Protection)

Gods angels are watching over us

Ps 91:11 ​​​​​​​- NET
For he will order his angels to protect you in all you do.

Matt 18:10
“See that you do not disdain one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Ps 34:7 ​​​​​​​
The LORD’s angel camps around the LORD’s loyal followers and delivers them.

Heb 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Dan 6:22 – NET BIBLE
My God sent his angel and closed the lions’ mouths so that they have not harmed me, because I was found to be innocent before him. Nor have I done any harm to you, O king.”

Zech 1:10
Then the man standing among the myrtle trees spoke up and said, “These are the ones whom the LORD has sent to walk about (patrol) on the earth.”

2Thess 1:7
 and to you who are being afflicted to give rest together with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.

 Heb 12:22
But you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assemblyHave we ever pondered on the above scriptures about God protection over us.

So don't be dreadful of evil: sickness, accident, death, terrorist assaults, or natural disasters in light of the fact that your Heavenly Father adores you and watches over you. 

Don’t just read this and say it is for those in the previous generations before us or those in the bible days. No Gods Word is eternal. This promise is for us.

Angels are one (not all) of the ways by which God does this. God has declared that no malicious, plague or mischance will come upon you or even draw close to your home "for He should give His holy messengers charge over you, to keep you in all your ways".

What's happening in our environment (sickness, disasters, attacks) is not enough proof for us to take our minds off the Word of God. Beloved there are one thousand and one (innumerable) testimonies of God’s protection over us even in this generation.

Let me illustrate this with a genuine story that happened not long in our generation:

A Christian was in his home one day when at the middle of the night, hired assassins/armed robber came to attack him at home. He was terrified then remembered the Word of God (That God’s Angels are guarding/protecting him as a Believer) and then screamed, Oh God, where are my Guardian angels! Suddenly he heard a strange sound on his roof. The sound was so scaring that all the bandits fled for their dear life.

This is a real life testimony that happened in Nigeria. God’s angels are everywhere protecting us. Let us put our trust in his word. He shall give his angles charge over us - Ps 91:11

Confession:

My faith is strong in Jesus, God's Angels are watching over me at every time. No plague shall come near my dwelling.

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Godliness is profitable in all things

(1 Timothy 4:7,8,15 [KJV])

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

For bodily exercise profiteth little [or as the margin says, bodily exercise profiteth for a little time]: BUT GODLINESS IS PROFITABLE unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come....

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

(Ps 103:2 [KJV])

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not ALL HIS BENEFITS:

Godliness is a never a "BARRIER" to success rather it is the path to success.— God’s Word says; Godliness is profitable in all things (1 Tim 4:7).
The scriptures says that Godliness is not only profitable here on earth but profitable after our stay on earth. It is profitable for ever.
Body exercise, money, fame and all earthly things is only PROFITABLE here on this earth. Don’t get me wrong, all these are not bad but they are only profitable for the time being. But Godliness is profitable forever (without end)
Alas! What people call success is not TRUE SUCCESS. They have missed the definition of success; the reason why they think Godliness is not profitable.

What is True Success?

Accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and fulfilling his purpose for our lives.

The True Scenario

To begin with, God is the creator of heaven and earth. He created it with a purpose.
If God has the purpose, then SUCCESS is fulfillment of the purpose (will of God).
We cannot use God for our own purposes; rather we are to follow God Plans and purposes for our lives.
Man is not the creator of heaven and earth, so he does not have the purpose; he is only to follow the true purpose of the creator. Therefore SUCCESS is the achievement of God’s purpose for our life and not the achievement of our purpose for our life.
For instance, If a television is being used as stool, the purpose of that television is not accomplished. Even though the television might be happy, its purpose is not accomplished.
God has a purpose for each and every one of us in Christ Jesus.
In Summary, If the reason for a thing is not accomplished there is no success.

Godliness guarantees the following:

Prosperity - 2 Chronicles 22:5, Joshua 1:8
Promotion – Psalm 75:6-7
Provision – 1 Pet 5:7, Phil 4:19
Protection – Ps 91:4, 91:11
Preservation – Heb 13:5, Ps 91
Peace (True Peace) – Ps 55:22, John 14:27
Happiness, Joy – John 15:11
True Fellowship – Rev 3:20
Good & Perfect Health - Ps 91:10, 2 Kings 20:5, 1 John 3:2
Long Life – Ps 91:16
Among many others

9 Godly attitudes

Walking in Love, Being joyful (cheerful), peaceful, patient, kind, good (e.g generous), faithful, meek and temperate (self control).

(Gal 5:22-23 [KJV])
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

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Please God

Happy New Month to Us all, wishing us a prosperous month in Jesus Name Amen.

Please God

Let’s first consider the difference between righteousness and holiness

Righteousness vs Holiness: Two Separate Things

Ephesians 4:22-24 - AMP:
Strip yourselves of your former nature—put off and discard your old unrenewed self—which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind—having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude; And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, (Godlike) in true righteousness and holiness.
This verse makes us know that righteousness is different from holiness. Righteousness is the right-standing with God you gained when you were saved (born again). The only thing you did to be made righteous was to accept Jesus Christ as your savior and the Lord of your life.

However, Holiness is another area. Holiness is the result of your choices. It's what you do with your time and your actions. It's your conduct. It comes when you make a decision of your will to live according to the precepts of the Lord. In short, holiness is doing those things that PLEASE THE FATHER.

Does God want us to please him?

Answer: Yes, God wants us to please him (A good son will always please the father)

(1Thess 4:1 [NET])
Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and PLEASE GOD (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more.

Romans 12:1 ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE TO GOD, which is your spiritual worship.

Enoch pleased God

Hebrews 11:5 - ESV
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having PLEASED GOD.

The Greek word for pleased in Hebrews 11:5 means to gratify entirely. God was so gratified with
Enoch that he couldn’t wait for him to die to be with him, so he took him. What a pleasing (worship/reverencing) life.

 

What God said about Jesus

This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17) Matthew quotes God through the prophet Isaiah saying, Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, my Beloved in whom my soul is well pleased… (Matthew 12:18; Isaiah 42:1)

How should Christians please God?

We please God by obeying His Word (living by the Spirit). This is not the era where we begin to follow a set of commandments that we can never fulfill; Now we have the Spirit of God (Empowerment/Make Possible Ability) in us to fulfill the law of LOVE.

(Rom 8:8 [NET])
Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.


(Gal 5:16 [KJV])
[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.


(Heb 11:6 [NET])
Now without faith it is impossible to PLEASE him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Romans 8:5
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit".


Brethren, Determine in your heart today to live a life pleasing unto Christ. How will a man say he pleases God without obeying His Word? This is not God-like.

Let’s please God and get ready for a life of glory!

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Not many mighty are called...

1 Corinthians 1:26 - KJV
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not
many mighty, not many noble, are called.

   
1 Cor 1:26-27 -  GWT
 Brothers and sisters, consider what you were when God called you to be Christians. Not many of you were wise from a human point of view. You were not in powerful positions or in the upper social classes.

   
1 Cor 1:26-27 – TLB
 Notice among yourselves, dear brothers, that few of you who follow Christ have big names or power or wealth.  Instead, God has deliberately chosen to use ideas the world considers foolish and of little worth in order to shame those people considered by the world as wise and great.

You may think that you are a nobody, (not wise, not mighty, not noble according to the flesh) or even people might have called all sort of bad names foolish, chicken bone, “Good for nothing bad faced worm” etc

Don’t be discouraged because the scripture says that, those not wise, not mighty or not
noble according to the flesh are a key candidate to be called, for they have nothing to be boastful of.

And when He begins to use you, you will see His glory and power change your life.
.

(James 2:5) - paraphrased
God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith; as sons of God, and inherit the wealth of the kingdom.

There is a popular slogan which says God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called. God does not call those that seem perfect in their sight, No, he calls the imperfect to perfect them.

The Bible tells us Moses was a stammarer (Ex 4:10)
Peter was a fisherman and not a scholar (Matt 4:18-22)
Abraham was called alone and God made him father of nations (Isa 51:2)
Gideon was from the weakest clan in Manasseh (in Isreal) to save the whole Israel from the Midianites (Judg 6:11-16)
Amos from a shepherd to a Prophet (Amos 7:14-15)
Matthew from a tax collector to an apostle (Matt 9:9)
Rahab from a prostitute to a hero of faith (Josh 2:8-21)
Jephthah from the son of a prostitute to a Judge in Isreal (Judg 11)
Among others…

 My Brethren, don’t let anything hinder you from Jesus (your success), when you think that you are weak and small compared to others in the world, then Remember (1 Cor 12:6 – God has not called the mighty according to the flesh). This is when God can use you to do wonders to for Him! Rise up for Jesus!

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Top 10 things every new Christian should know - Part 2

Fact 7: You need to be baptized in Water

 Water baptism is necessary for every Christian. It is the Lord’s command. Peter declared “...Repent and be baptized, every one of you...” (Acts 2:38).

Water baptism in itself does not save you or wash away your sins, but is an act of your obedience in God’s Word.

 Symbolically, it shows that you have died to the old sinful life, and have risen  in the newness of the Life of Christ.

Fact 8: You need to Pray every day

 Prayer is the communication between you and God. Prayer is vital to your spiritual growth. God is your Heavenly Father, and He wants us to commune with each other. Not only will he answer your prayer requests, but as you pray He will provide specific guidance and strengthen us spiritually.

 The scripture says in (1 Thessalonians 5:17) to  “Pray continually,”. i.e every time (without season)

Fact 9: You should tell others about Christ

You have seen the light of God also help others by helping them to see this light. God will reward every labour of Love. Sharing the gospel as a Christian is a command by God (Mark 16:15). Let us be fruitful like Jesus

Fact 10: You need the Holy Ghost Baptism for Service 

The Holy Ghost is described as our Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby.
   
John 14:26 - AMP
 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things…

We need to be baptized in the Holy Ghost for effective witness of Jesus Christ. It is a gift of power

(Acts 1:8 [KJV])
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Extra:

You need to know that Christian living is not a bed of roses.

As it is, we are sons of God, but in a wicked world, Jesus let us know that we will face persecution in this evil world but we should rejoice for he has overcome the world for us. People of this world we hate us, speak evil about us for we are no longer of this world (of their evil deeds).

(John 16:33 [KJV])
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Doctrine of Laying of Hands

The bible has  a lot to say about Laying of hands, but in summary laying of hands is used for the following purposes:

Transmitting of blessings/Ministering a gift
DEUTERONOMY 34:9
9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; FOR MOSES HAD LAID HIS HANDS UPON HIM: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

Transmitting of curses
EXODUS 29:10
10 And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

Healing the sick (Matt 16:17-18)
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Ordination into the ministry
ACTS 13:2,3
2 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.

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Holy Ghost Baptism
(Acts 19:6 [KJV])
And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Summary (Heb 6:1-2)

These 10 can be summarized into 6 headings
REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS- you are saved by faith not works
FAITH TOWARD GOD – trust in God, he is able
DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS – baptism into the body of Christ, baptism of the Holy Ghost
LAYING ON OF HANDS – transferring of blessings/curses
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD – the dead will resurrect to  be Judged
ETERNAL JUDGMENT – God will one day Judge all men,  one to the eternal condemnation and other to eternal life (Separation of sheep from goats)

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Top 10 things every new Christian should know

(Heb 6:1-2 [KJV])
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; NOT LAYING AGAIN THE FOUNDATION OF REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS, AND OF FAITH TOWARD GOD, OF THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, AND OF LAYING ON OF HANDS, AND OF RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, AND OF ETERNAL JUDGMENT.

The greatest miracle/blessing that can ever happen to man is the miracle/blessing of salvation. It is the most important decision ever made by man; It is the beginning of a new life as a new creature (a child of God).

Here are top ten things that every new Christian should know

Fact 1: You are saved by faith not of works

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

It is not because you are good that you are saved, it is as a result of God’s overflowing mercy (His unmerited Grace). Every man was born bad (a Sinner/in a condemned state)

Fact 2: You are forgiven but not yet perfect

The idea that you are a Christian and that you can’t make mistakes is not true. You have a new born spirit (having the nature of God) but your soul (mind) and flesh is still that old one. Therefore you have to renew your mind with the word of God (for those God forbidden thoughts are still there) and put you flesh under ( for the flesh is at enmity with God, the desires of the flesh are sinful/carnal desires).

Therefore if we sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous

1 John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous

Fact 3: You have the Spirit of God in you

When you gave your life to Jesus, you received the Holy Spirit into your heart. This is what makes you a part of the church – the spirit of God in you. This is not the same as Holy Ghost Baptism (which is accompanied with the evidence of speaking in tongues). There is the Spirit within (for personal edification) and the Spirit upon (for service, for witness) but nevertheless still the same Holy Spirit.
(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. 

Fact 4: You have received Eternal Life

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

The scripture says that when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and receive him into your heart, you have received eternal life. In order words, when your physical body (earthly tabernacle) wears out and dies, your Spirit and soul will go to be with the Lord to spend eternity with Him! No condemnation (hell) for you.

Fact 5: You must keep living for Christ

You must understand that your salvation is based upon your “continued” relationship with Jesus. He has promised to keep you saved, as long as you keep believing and living for Him.

The Bible says, Christ will one day present us before God, holy and unblemished

“...If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the Gospel” (Colossians 1:23).


(2Pet 1:5-11[KJV])
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
WHEREFORE THE RATHER, BRETHREN, GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE: FOR IF YE DO THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL:
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.


   
2 Peter 1:10-11 - TLB
 So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.  And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The doctrine of once saved can continue to sin and that there is no more condemnation for him is wrong. Living righteously is vital for every Christian, we need to keep living for Christ (Our new master)

Fact 6: You need to Study the Word of God daily

 The Bible is God’s manual for living. Just as you cannot operate a foreign equipment without the manual, likewise you cannot live a victorious Christian life outside God’s Word

 As a new Christian there are a lot of things God want to reveal to you.  God wants to show you his ways, He wants to guide you in this evil world  (The world is wicked, Satan is the god of this world and he wants evil to befall every man). The Father wants to be close to you. The study of the word of God will enlighten your mind and make you know more about God and Jesus.  Studying the bible daily will result in your Spiritual growth (2 Timothy 2:15).

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalms 119:105).



To be continued tomorrow.... THANKS FOR READING

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God cannot lie...

God’s Word cannot waver

The Veracity of God’s Word

(Num 23:19 [KJV])
God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?


Brethren, God’s Word is always true and does not change. It is absolute not relative. God’s word does not change with time, it is timeless. God’s Word can never fail. He can’t say one thing and mean or do another. God is not a politician that will play pranks with his Word. You can rely on God’s Word. It is infallible.

By two immutable things God cannot lie.

(Heb 6:18 [KJV])
That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:


Are you downcast (in a bitter state/depressed mood) because a breakthrough that you have been praying for has not yet come to pass? Perhaps it has taken some time now (days, weeks or even month) and you are asking, "How will I know that I will obtain it?" Abraham faced the same situation and God guaranteed him by covenant (Gen 15:8-21), so that by two immutable things; The ‘INFALIBILITY OF HIS WORD (IMMUTABILITY OF HIS COUNSEL)’ and ‘THE OATH’ God cannot lie.

My brethren, God has bound Himself to a covenant, an irreversible guarantee of His blessings and provision in your life, and it is all for our benefit. THE BREAKTHROUGH YOU ARE WAITING FOR IS GUARANTEED BY AN OATH YOU NEED NOT BE DISCOURAGED!

By Patience inherit the promise

(Heb 6:15 [KJV])
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.


Patience cannot be left out in or Work with God. God is a patient God so we his sons should learn from our father. Patience is one of the fruit of the spirit, It is a virtue. We leave in a world where everyone wants it fast (fast foods, fast everything) but Patience is a key to receiving the promise of God in our lives.

(Heb 10:35-36 [KJV])

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  FOR YE HAVE NEED OF PATIENCE, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Delay is not denial; Let us have patience in our walk with God.

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You Have unparalleled righteousness

2 Corinthians 5:21- KJV
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

   
2 Corinthians 5:21 - TLB
 For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God's goodness into us!

What is Righteousness?

Righteousness is the ability to stand before God without any sense of condemnation, inferiority complex, fear, sin consciousness or anything of such. Righteousness simply means right standing with God.

Should we work to become righteousness?

Some Christians believe that they have to work at becoming more righteous.

No! Righteousness is the rightness with God that springs forth from believing in God.

Rom 4:3 - KJV
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
   
Rom 4:3 - TLB
For the Scriptures tell us Abraham believed God, and that is why God canceled his sins and declared him "not guilty."

Righteousness is a gift from God to us through Jesus. And since it is a gift, we cannot earn it by keeping the law. We can only receive it!

How do we receive this gift?

We receive the gift of righteousness by believing in Jesus as our Lord and savior. We receive it by faith (believing) that Jesus died in our place (for our sins) and rose up on the third day for our Justification. God made Jesus "who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him". So, we are the righteousness of God in Christ. We are as righteous as Jesus is!

Do we have classes of righteousness?

But some of us think that in the body of Christ, there are different classes of righteousness, like we have university degrees – First Class, Second Class, Third Class, Pass and Fail

Some believe their pastor/prophet’s righteousness is – First class, while their own is second class or third class. No wonder they don’t have the boldness to pray to God. They always want somebody else to pray to God on their behalf

That is not what the Scripture says! When God gave us Jesus, He took our place (unrighteousness). So we all (Believers/Christians) have His righteousness (First Class). This means that we are absolutely righteous in God's eyes! We cannot but have first-class righteousness!

At the cross of Calvary, the divine exchange took place. Jesus took our place so that we might become the righteousness of God. He was spotless (without sin), but He was made sin in our place. We did not deserve to be made righteous, but we were made righteous because of what Jesus did for us (Grace).

This is awesome!

What a gospel (good news)!

What an undeserving grace!

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Nine things God wants to do for you

Below are nine things God wants to do for you as written in Psalm 91.

Ps 91:14 - 16 KJV
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:  I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble;  I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Ps 91:14-16 - MSG
14 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.  Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.  I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"

Ps 91:14-16 - NET
The LORD says, “Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him;  I will protect him because he is loyal to me.  When he calls out to me, I will answer him.  I will be with him when he is in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him honor. I will satisfy him with long life, and will let him see my salvation.
 
Ps 91:14-16 - TLB
For the Lord says, "Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in my name.  When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.
  
Ps 91:14-16 - GNT
God says, "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD.
 When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them.
I will rescue them and honor them.  I will reward them with long life; I will save them."

•    Number 1: He wants to protect you - Ps 91:4

God wants to protect you. He is the Great Protector. There is no security in man, money nor in horses (Psalm 20:7), armour cars, bodyguards, dogs etc. God is the ultimate protector. All who trust in other gods will be put to shame – Psalm 16:4. God wants to be your protector

Zech 2:4-5 - NIV

and said to him: "Run, tell that young man, 'Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it. And I myself will be A WALL OF FIRE (PROTECTION) around it,' declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within.'

Ps 55:22 - NIV

 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; HE WILL NEVER LET THE RIGHTEOUS FALL.

•    Number 2: He wants to keep you free from sickness - Ps 91:10

The will of God for us is to be in health. Regardless of our backgrounds, age, statuses etc, God wants us to be whole. John 3:2 further buttresses this point. Sickness is as a result of disobedience to God. He wants us to be in perfect health spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Ps 107:19-20- NIV

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.  20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Ps 103:2-5 - NIV

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits —  who forgives all your sins and HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES,   who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,  who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Also Related:  101 things God said about healing.

•    Number 3: He wants to set you on high (Psalm 91:14 KJV), i.e. give you the best of care (Psalm 91:14 MSG).

 God want the best for us and to set us on High -Jer 29:11. He was the one that raised David from a shepherd to a King, turned Moses from a murderer to a prophet, turned Rahab from a prosptitue to a faith hero, turned Abraham from the father of none to father of many nations. God is the Great promoter (Psalm 75:6).

•    Number 4: He wants to make you a wonder - Ps 91:7

God made Joseph a wonder to his brothers, he made David a wonder, made Solomon a wonder, He is still in the business of making people “a wonder”. He said we are the light of the world, the whole creation is waiting for our (Sons of God) manifestation.

•    Number 5: He wants to answer you when you call upon Him - Ps 91:15.

Yes, God wants to answer us when we call upon him. Below are scriptural examples and promises concerning this.

2 Kings 20:5-6 - NIV

 "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria.

John 13:14 -

'whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,

Jeremiah 33:3 -,

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Matthew 7:7,8

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

•    Number 6: He wants to be with you in trouble - Ps 91:15;

I [will be] with him in trouble. God has promised never to leave us nor to forsake us. He has promised to be with us in trouble he said whenever we pass through water, fire etc. He will be with us . God does not forsake the righteous. He is a PRESENT help in times of trouble.

•    Number 7: He wants to deliver and honour you - Ps 91:15.

PSALM 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

JAMES 5:13, 14

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders...

Ps 107:19-20- NIV

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

   

2 Chron 1:12 - NIV

 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and HONOR, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."

•    Number 8: He want to satisfy you with long life - Ps 91:16

Here God promised solomon long life(1 Kings 3:14).

1 Kings 3:14- NIV

And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you A LONG LIFE.

   

Deut 25:15 - NIV

15 You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may LIVE LONG in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

    Ps 21:4 - NIV

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him — length of days, for ever and ever.

   

Ps 128:6 - NIV

and may you live to see your children's children.

•    Number 9: He wants to show you his salvation (saving power) - Ps 91:16

1 Tim 2:4-5 – NIV

 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5

   

   1 Thess 5:9-10 - NIV

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ps 37:39-40 - NIV

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Jer 3:22-23 - NIV

 "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.  23 Surely the [idolatrous] commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.

These blessings are conditional, only for those that LOVE GOD and put their trust on him.

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5 Steps to getting your prayers answered

Learning to pray effectively is very important as a Christian.  A believer cannot be a success in fulfilling God's purpose in his life if he does not know how to pray effectively according to biblical principles. You will not be able to do exploits as the scripture says if you do not know how to Contact your God.

Step1: Stand on God's Word (His Promises)

A lot of believers pray but only a few pray the right prayers. Only a few make their prayer in line with God's word. A good number of prayers are unscriptural that is why they remain unanswered. For God cannot negate his written word (Bible).
James says people pray so that they can consume it on their lust. This type of prayer cannot get answered.
       
James 4:3- KJV
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ASK AMISS, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
   
James 4:3 - AMP

 [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.

Step 2: Ask whatever you want from God in Jesus Name

Ask
MATTHEW 7:7,8
7 ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Ask in Jesus Name
This is a great key to answered prayer. we should ask whatever we want in Jesus Name. I often read some people pray but not in Jesus Name, some people pray for Jesus Sake. No! this should not be. check the scriptures and we will discover there is no place in the New Testament Jesus said we should pray in his sake, but in His Name.

The prayer is for our sake. you ask God for bread, car, water, house etc. this is for your sake and not for Jesus Sake. You are the beneficiary.

JOHN 16:23,24
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Step 3: Be specific

When you ask a few people after their prayers, what is it they prayed for they are not specific, some prayed a  general prayer, some grumbled in prayer, some complained to God while still some do not know what they want.

Step 4: Believe God has heard and answered your prayer

MARK 11:23,24
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the
sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

The emphasis is on both verses
In verse 23, it says if you believe that those things that you said have come to pass (even without seeing it). You shall as a result of that have it.
In verse 24, the emphasis is where BELIEVE THAT YE RECEIVE THEM, AND YE SHALL HAVE THEM. It did not say when you see answers to prayer believe them. but to believe your prayers are answered immediately you pray without seing the answers to prayer.
For example praying for car, job e.t.c Believe that God has answered your prayer and you have it even without you getting any car or job (in the physical/earthly realm) and you shall later get it. This is FAITH PRINCIPLE (BELIEVE THEN RECEIVE, NOT RECEIVE THEN BELIEVE).

2 CORINTHIANS 10:5
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

A lot of thoughts, imaginations pass through people's mind and prevent them from believing that God can hear their prayer not to talk of answering their prayers. Our thinking/imagination accumulates to form our belief. If we always think/imagine doubt we will eventually become a doubtful person. Let us bring down every imagination, every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Philippians 4:8 advises us to always think on Good things. let us always keep our minds on the positive.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever  things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE, whatsoever things are LOVELY, whatsoever things are OF GOOD REPORT; if there be ANY VIRTUE, and if there be ANY PRAISE, think on these things.

Step 5: Give thanks continually for answered prayers even without seeing what you prayed for (the results)

   
Phil 4:6 - KJV
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.
   
Phil 4:6 -AMP
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
   
Phil 4:6 - TLB

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers.

I recommend having an attitude of praise everyday of our life and in everything we do. Let us put on DAVID'S ATTITUDE (PRAISEFUL ATTITUDE)

Ephesians 5:20
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us also NOTE that: Separation from all known sin cannot be overlooked in order to get answers to prayer. As Christians we have the nature of Jesus and should not make Sin a practice.  If we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us, for it would be sanctioning sin. (Ps. 66:18.)


   

Jer 29:11-12 - NLT

11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

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Things you should not confess

Yesterday we talked about confession, and listed some of the things believers are to confess. Today we are going to list things believers are not to confess and talk about the extremes as regards positive confession.

Things you should not confess

Don’t confess you are unrighteous

Scriptural Reason
you are "the righteousness of God in him" (II Corinthians 5:21)

Don’t confess sickness,

Scriptural Reason
"With His stripes I am healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus "Himself took my infirmities and bare my sickness" (Matthew 8:17).

Don’t confess worries and annoyance,

Scriptural Reason
 Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for me" (1 Peter 5:7).

Don’t confess lack of faith,

Scriptural Reason
God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).

Don’t confess weakness,

Scriptural Reason
 "The Lord is the strength of your life" (Psalm 27:1).
Those that know their God shall be strong and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32).

Don’t confess Lordship/dominion of Satan,

Scriptural Reason
Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
In the name of Jesus you can cast out devils (Mark 16:17)

Don’t confess "I cannot"

Scriptural Reason
 For you can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you" (Philippians 4:13).

Don’t confess lack

Scriptural Reason
 For My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phi  4:19).

Don’t confess fear,

Scriptural Reason
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Don’t confess doubt

Scriptural Reason
"the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1),

Don’t confess you cannot minister to the sick

Scriptural Reason
"they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover

Don’t confess lack of success (defeat),

Scriptural Reason
"God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus" (2 Cor. 2:14).

Don’t confess lack of wisdom,

Scriptural Reason
"Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Don’t confess bondage,

Scriptural Reason
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Jesus has  made you free (John 8:36),

Don’t confess condemnation,

Scriptural Reason
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

Don’t confess loneliness,

Scriptural Reason
 Jesus said,"Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).
you are a temple of the living God (II Corinthians 6:16

Don’t confess curses or bad luck,

Scriptural Reason
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us...that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Galatians 3:13-14).

Don’t confess discontent

Scriptural Reason
I have learned, in whatsoever state (circumstances) I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11).

Don’t confess unworthiness

Scriptural Reason
He hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Don’t confess you cannot Love

Scriptural Reason
"... the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost ..." (Romans 5:5),


What we say is what we have, we POSSESS what we CONFESS.

EXTREMES AS REGARDS “POSITIVE CONFESSION”

Not allowing others to speak, but continually correcting their negative confessions of speech. Even some people nag/quarrel with those that confess negative. This should not be so. Let us correct in LOVE (1 Cor 13). We should not always correct but teach others what to confess and pray for them.
Unscriptural Positive Confessions e.g Being Self Centered in positive confession. As we said in the previous post, God will not honour a positive confession that is tended towards self, but not towards God. Let’s bring souls to the kingdom of God in our confession. Let it be Kingdom centered
Not being Prudent in our confession.

Not everyone is perfect, we should try to WALK in love in whatever we do

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Success: Your Covenant Right

God's will for you is to make you PROSPER (SUCCESSFUL) and it is boldly written in His Word.
   
Jer 29:11 - KJV
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jer 29:11 – The Message Bible
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

SUCCESS YOUR BIRTHRIGHT

At new birth (When you were born again/Surrendered your life to Jesus Christ – entered into the family of God), you entered into a covenant relationship with God. This covenant covers all areas of your life. God has done everything to make you a success. He has made a grand design of success for you.

A lot of God’s people lack the knowledge of THIS TRUTH. They do not know that God has planned and programmed them for success. So they continue to live purposelessly and with a wrong mindset. They do not have knowledge of their success in Christ Jesus. They are in a confused state.
This is the picture of many believers today. They are only serving God; they do not know their right nor have knowledge of God’s blessings for them.

God is not against SUCCESS

God is not against greatness. He is not against prosperity. He is not against success. He is the author of them all. God is the originator of success(Isaiah 45:7). No one is more successful than Him. He is not against your success. He is happy to see you succeed in life.
Galatians 3:13 - KJV

"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every man that hangeth on a tree: that the blessings of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith"

He knows you are a seed of Abraham and so you are an heir of the covenant. The covenant is not for  Abraham’s alone. It is your covenant with God. We call it Abraham’s covenant because he received it on our behalf. But it is yours as much as it is Abraham’s. God will fulfill it to you as much as He was to Abraham. You are a Abraham’s child by faith. You have God’s success covenant.

"Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid, Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but on a candle stick and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" - Matthew 5:14-16

IGNORANCE IS AN INFIRMITY

Ignorance a dreadful disease (infirmity). It can prevent people from accessing their birthright.  Knowledge has a way of affecting and influencing an individual’s personality and well-being. If you do not know something, you cannot use it. You cannot reap what you have not sown. You cannot use knowledge you do not possess. That is why wise men say, "Knowledge is power." This is very true. Knowledge empowers. Here at FaithSuccess, we empower people by giving the right knowledge for development and Success.  Ignorance (the absence of knowledge) kills faster than old age.

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" - Hosea 4:6

If God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, therefore it can be said that people can be built up and delivered from evil by knowledge. Knowledge is very important in this life.  As Believers knowledge of the Word of God is essential. Even in the Secular world, there is virtually any sector in which knowledge is not needed.

Only fools despise knowledge.

Naturally, life is full of troubles. It can be adequately described as a bed of troubles. But Christ has promised to keep us in perfect peace IF WE SET OUR MINDS ON HIM, not on the economic chaos, life problems, corruption in the society etc.

SUCCESS  IS NOT A MATTER OF CHANCE. It has no relevance to your natural background. (Educated parents, connections, wealthy family members etc). POWER is not the key to success, 1 Samuel 2:9 – NCV.

David had success in all his ways, he was not from the wealthiest clan in Isreal (I Sam 18:14)

FAITH BRINGS SUCCESS

"For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea, AND SHALL NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART, BUT SHALL BELIEVE (IN HIS HEART) that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith" - Mark 11:23
It is clear from this statement that faith brings success. The faith being talked about in the above scripture is heart faith not head faith. It is not what comes out of your head that is established, but the one that proceeds from the heart. Paul says, "With the heart, man believeth ..." (Romans 10:10). Not with the head!

You may say I have tried this before but did not get SUCCESS, yes you have tried it with your head not your heart (by faith). Jesus cannot lie (I would call man a liar instead of calling God a liar). Try it now in faith (heart faith) and harvest your Success.

SUCCESS IS YOURS, IT’S YOUR BIRTHRIGHT

Beloved, It is God’s will for you to prosper. God wants you to know that He has destined you for success in all areas of your life. Success is your covenant right.

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Concerning Spiritual Gifts... Part 1

With regard to Spiritual Gifts...

1 Corinthians 12:1-14 (NET)
 With regard to spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.  You know that when you were pagans you were often led astray by speechless idols, however you were led. So I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
  Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are different ministries, but the same Lord.  And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.  For one person is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, and another the message of knowledge according to the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,  to another performance of miracles, to another prophecy, and to another discernment of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.  It is one and the same Spirit, distributing as he decides to each person, who produces all these things.
  For just as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body – though many – are one body, so too is....

1 Corinthians 12:1-14 (KJV)
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

For the body is not one member, but many....

Don't Be Ignorant (Uninformed) of Spiritual Gifts

A lot of people in the Church today are ignorant about Spiritual Gifts.

Paul said by the Holy Spirit to the Church at Corinth, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT" (1 Cor. 12:1 - KJV).

With regard to spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed (1 Cor. 12:1 - NET)..

The Spirit of God through Paul said that He didn't want the Church at Corinth to be ignorant (Uninformed) concerning spiritual gifts, then certainly the Spirit of God does not wants the Church today to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts.

However, a gross ignorance does exist in the church today concerning these things. In some assemblies people know nothing at all about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or even that such gifts exist. They think these gifts have ceased to exist. In other places people know something about the gifts of the Spirit, but their knowledge is very limited.

What are Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual Gifts are endowment given to Holy Ghost baptised believers for the furtherance of the Gospel and exaltation of Jesus. It is an endowment. It is not worked for. God gives to every Holy Ghost baptised believer as He wills. 1 Cor 12

Spiritual Gifts Will Exalt Jesus Christ

Paul also said to the Church at Corinth, "Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led" (1 Cor. 12:2). These people had previously worshipped idols and in this idol worship, motivated by the wrong spirit, they would say a lot of things that were in error.

Church history tells us that some of these people would come into the Christian assembly and when the Spirit of God began to manifest Himself, these people would yield to a wrong spirit and say things under the influence of the wrong spirit.

Some of them would even rise up in the services when the gifts of utterance were in operation and they would say that Jesus was accursed (cursed). And the Scripture says that no one speaking by the Spirit of God would call Jesus accursed.

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the spirit of God calleth (calls) Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (1 Cor. 12:3)

In other words, Paul said that when the Holy Spirit is in manifestation, He will make Jesus Lord. If an utterance gift, that is, a vocal gift—prophecy, divers kinds of tongues, or the interpretation of tongues—is in manifestation, then, of course, it will be clear by what is said that Jesus is Lord.

Holy Ghost Inspired Gifts will exalt Jesus

If the other gifts are in manifestation, they will always uplift the Lordship of Jesus, not the lordship of some man. They will not attract attention to some man, preacher, prophet etc but rather to Christ.

You can be sure that if someone is operating in what appears to be one of the vocal gifts, and calls Jesus accursed or speaks against Him in any way, then he's not speaking by the Holy Spirit.

Then Paul said in First Corinthians 12:3 that no man can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. In other words, Paul was saying that if someone is speaking by the right spirit—by the Holy Spirit—then what he says will exalt the Name of Jesus.

Personal testimony by Reverend Kenneth E. Hagin (of Blessed Memories)

Once in a meeting while I was praying for people for healing, I sensed that someone in the prayer line had a wrong spirit. I knew within my own spirit who this person was before she ever stood in front of me to be prayed for.

When she stepped up in front of me for prayer, I asked her, "Are you a Christian?" She replied that she belonged to a particular church.

I said, "Well, you can belong to any church and still not be a Christian. You have to be born again."

"Oh, I am saved and filled with the Holy Ghost," she said. "Do you want to hear me speak in tongues?" Then she started saying something that sounded like tongues.

I said, "Sister, say this prayer after me from your heart." I prayed a prayer to God the Father and she repeated the words after me. Then I said, "I acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as Your Son, and I acknowledge that He is come in the flesh."
But when I said that, she said, "Jesus Christ is not Your Son and He is not come in the flesh." It was immediately apparent that wasn't the right spirit speaking.

Those tongues she was rattling off—some kind of "gibberish"—weren't given by the Spirit of God. I tried two or three times to get her to repeat that prayer after me. Finally, she said, "Something on the inside of me won't let me say what you said."

"I know it," I said. "Do you want to be free from it?"

"I sure do!" she answered. I cast that spirit out of her in the Name of Jesus. Then I had her pray the sinner's prayer and she was born again. She was then filled with the Holy Spirit and went home speaking in tongues.

This woman was saying, "I am saved, I am born again, and I am filled with the Holy Ghost," but she wasn't at all. People can make a lot of statements, but that doesn't necessarily make them true. When the Spirit of God is in manifestation, He will make Jesus Lord. The wrong spirit won't acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and won't say that Jesus is Lord.

The Nine Gifts Categorized
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE by the same Spirit....(1 Cor. 12:8)

Paul goes on to list nine manifestations or gifts of the Spirit. The nine manifestations or gifts of the Holy Spirit are generally divided as follows:

Three revelation gifts—spiritual gifts that reveal something:

• The word of wisdom
• The word of knowledge
• The discerning of spirits

Three power gifts—spiritual gifts that do something

• The gift of faith
• The working of miracles
• The gifts of healings

Three utterance or inspirational gifts—spiritual gifts that say something:

• Prophecy
• Divers (different) kinds of tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

Very often these gifts work together, as tongues and interpretation work together. But we divide them as they are divided here in 1 Corinthians 12 in order to distinguish them and to talk about them...

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Must Christians Suffer?

Must Christians Suffer?

The Question is Must Christians (Believers, Born-again Saints) SUFFER?

Let us take a study on this

Let us start with Acts 5:41, which says,
 "And they departed from the presence of the council, REJOICING that they were counted worthy to SUFFER (suffer what?) SHAME for his name .

 Philippians 1:29,30, says,
  “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not ONLY to believe on him, but ALSO to SUFFER for his sake; Having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

2 Timothy 3:11,
    "What persecutions I endured, but out of them ALL the Lord DELIVERED me."

Matthew 24:9 tells us that,
“They shall deliver you up to be AFFLICTED and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nation for my name’s sake.”

Matthew 5: 11 says
  “Blessed are you when MEN shall REVILE and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven.”
“revile” means to defame or abuse with language that is disgraceful, reproachful, or shameful. People will say things about you that simply are not the truth.

Take a look at 1 Corinthians 4:12 which says,
 “And labor working with our own hand: being reviled, (how do we respond?) we BLESS, being persecuted (how do we respond?) we SUFFER it: being defamed, (how do we respond?) we ENTREAT it.”

Revelation 2:10 tells to,
 “Fear NONE of those things which you shall SUFFER; behold the DEVIL shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried”
 Notice that it is the devil that brought the persecution.

Romans 8:31 says,
 “If God be for us who can be against us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall TRIBULATION or DISTRESS or PERSECUTION or FAMINE or NAKEDNESS or PERIL or SWORD? NAY, (or as we would say today, Not a chance! No way!) But in ALL these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ”.

 Let us not jump into conclusions from the above scripture verses but let us carefully compare scriptures with scriptures to get out the truth (scripture analysis)

 According to Wikkipedia, Persecution is the systematic mistreatment of an individual or group by another individual or group. An American dictionary defines persecution as to oppress UNJUSTLY, to harass, to treat severely, and to trouble.

Jesus, Paul, the apostles, and the early church all SUFFERED persecution. Therefore should we also as Christians shall SUFFER PERSECUTION from time to time?
God is no respecter of persons, he will always be faithful to honor his word, and what he did for Paul and the early church God will also do for us (Christians on earth now).

 2 Timothy 3:12 says it like this,
 “Yea and ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer (Again suffer what?) PERSECUTION.”

 Jesus also tells us in John 15:20 that,
 “If they have persecuted me, then they will also PERSECUTE you(Believers/Christians).”

In the gospel of John 16:33 Jesus says,
“In the world you (Believers/Christians) will have tribulation, BUT be of GOOD CHEER for I have OVERCOME (conquered) the world”.

Then Jesus tells us in Luke 21:12 that,
 “ They shall lay hands on you(follower of Christ/Christians) and (what) PERSECUTE you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my names sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.”

So then, the Bible makes it perfectly clear from these scriptures which we have just read that we as Christians that there are going to be times that we are going to SUFFER things like persecution and temptations. Yes, there are times in our lives that we must endure SUFFERING for the Lord.
Now if we know that we are going to suffer persecution, then it would be beneficial to know the attitudes we should put on in order to overcome in this persecution.  Likewise  it would be wise for us to know what things fall under this category of persecution.

Overcoming Attitudes - Attitudes to put on while passing through suffering

“But REJOICE, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s SUFFERINGS; that when his glory shall be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
 “Blessed are you when MEN shall REVILE and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven.”
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to REJOICE in the Lord always, and then reinforces it by saying AGAIN I say REJOICE.
We are told in 1 Peter 2:23 that when Jesus was reviled,
 “He reviled not again, and when he suffered, he threatened not; but rather he committed himself to God.”
The Bible tells us in Romans 12:21 that we are to overcome evil with good.

1Peter 4:14, which says,
 “If you be REPROACHED for the name of Christ, HAPPY ARE YOU, for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he (speaking of Jesus) is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

 Isaiah 26:3,4 says,
 “You will keep him in PERFECT PEACE whose mind is STAYED on you, because he trusts in you, Trust you in the Lord forever, for the Lord Jehovah is EVERLASTING STRENGTH.”
James 1:2,3 tells us to do this when temptation comes.

“My brethren COUNT it all joy when you fall into divers temptations KNOWING this that the trying of your FAITH works patience.”

 This is what Jesus did when they crucified him.
     Look at Luke 20:34 which says,
 “Father FORGIVE them: for they know not what they do”

“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them hat curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite-fully use you, and persecute you.”

Note: the Word of God (Bible) assures us that God will deliver us out of them ALL.

Look at 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.
 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of ALL COMFORT. Who comforts us in ALL our TRIBULATIONS, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
However, if we stop right here with our study of God’s word concerning the “Attitude of God” toward suffering, then our adversary, the devil, can use these very same scriptures against us by twisting them and taking them out of context.

Things Christians are to suffer

ADVERSITY--- something that opposes. It is opposite or different in view. [Hebrews 13:3; Psalm 94:13, 13:7]
 AFFLICTIONS--- to give continued pain in body or mind. [1Peter 5:9;  Mark 4:17; 2 Corinthians 2:4, 4:7, 8:2, 1:6; Philippians 1:6, 4:14; Matthew 24:9; James 1:27, 4:9, 5:10,13, Hebrews 10:32-34, 11:25,37; 2Timothy 4:5, 3:11, 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:37, 1:6; ]
BONDS, JAIL, or PRISON--- a confinement. [Ephesians 6:20; Philippians 1:13,14,16; Acts 20:23,24, 26:29,31; Colossians 4:3,18; Hebrews 10:34, 13:30]
CONFLICT--- a struggle, clash, disagreement or opposition [1 Peter 1:2]
DISTRESSES--- extreme pain, mental or physical, to cause pain or anguish, to harass or cause suffering. [Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 6:4, 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:7]
FAMINE--- a shortage, to hunger. [Romans 8:35]
FASTING--- purposely doing without to cause suffering. [Acts 10:30, 14:23, 27:33; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 6:5, 11:27]
GRIEF--- anguish of heart. [1 Peter 2:19]
INFIRMITIES--- is not strong, weakness, feeble, bodily weakness, failing. [Romans 6:9, 8:26, 15:1; 2 Corinthians 11:30; 2 Corinthians 12:5,9,10; Galatians 4:13; Hebrews 4:15, 5:2, 7:28]
LABORS--- physical or mental exertion of a practical nature, to be hampered, to burden. [2 Corinthians 6:5, 10:15, 11:23; Colossians 1:29, 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8]
NAKEDNESS--- without clothing or covering. [Romans 8:35; 1 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 11:27]
NECESSITIES--- pressing need, urgency, and poverty. [1 Corinthians 9:16, 2 Corinthians6:4, 12:10
PERILS--- danger, hazard, exposure to injury, harm, or loss. [Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 11:26 2 Timothy 3:1]
PERSECUTIONS--- to oppose unjustly for holding a belief or an opinion, to harass. [Acts 13:50, 14:2, 8:1, 11:19; Romans 8:5, 12:14; Matthew 5:11,14, 10:21, 5:10; Mark 4:17, 10:30; Luke 21:12; John 15:20; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 2 Corinthians 4:9, 12:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:11,12]
REPROACHES--- object of scorn, to rebuke, to upbraid, to find fault with. [1 Timothy 4:10, 3:7; Luke 6:22,23; 1 Peter 4:14; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Hebrews 11:26, 13:13, 10:33]
REVILE--- defame, to abuse with opprobrious language. [Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Peter 2:23]
SAWED ASUNDER--- cut up into pieces [Hebrews 11:37]
STONED--- to throw stones at to cause injury or death. [Acts 5:25, 7:58,59, 14:5,9; 2 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 11:37]
STRIPES--- severe whipping [Acts 16:23, 33; 2 Corinthians 6:5, 11:23,24; 1 Peter 2:24]
SWORD--- causing death. [Romans 8:35; Acts 12:2; Hebrews 11:37]
TEMPTATIONS---causing mental anguish, enticement to do that which you do not desire to do. [Matthew 26:41; Luke 8:13, 22:40,46; 1 Corinthians 10:9,13; Galatians 4:4; 1 Timothy 6:9; Hebrews 2:18, 4:15, 11:37; James 1:2,12,13,14; 1 Peter 1:6; 2 Peter 2:9]
TRIALS--- testing, affliction, proving. [2 Corinthians 8:2; Hebrews 11:36, 1 Peter 1:7, 4:12; trying James 1:3; try 1 Peter 4:12, Revelation 3:10]
TRIBULATIONS--- severe affliction, prolonged suffering especially of mind. [Acts 14:22; Ephesians 3:13; Romans 5:3, 8:35, 12:12; 2 Corinthians 1:4, 7:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:4]
TROUBLE--- to stir up, to vex, to distress, to bother, to feel anxiety. [Acts15:24, 16:20; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 1:4,8, 4:8, 7:5; Galatians 1:7, 5:12; Hebrews 12:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:6,7; 2 Timothy 2:9]
TUMULTS--- commotion as of a crowd, mental disturbance, uproarious. [2 Corinthians 6:5, 12:20]
WATCHING---prayer. [2 Corinthians 6:5, 11:27; Ephesians 6:18]
Note: Please Note all these things listed above even though we suffer them the are never and will never be God will for us. God will for us is perfection (freedom from lack, hunger, sufferings, labours etc)

Source: www.faithsuccess.tk, www.faithsuccess.org

Things Christians are not to suffer

Sickness - He took away our infirmities - Isaiah (read more on 101 things God said about healing)
Pains - Isaiah 53: 4-5
Diseases - Isaiah 53: 4-5
Accidents - Isaiah 53: 4-5, God want us to be in health and prosper even our souls prosper. 3John 2
Suffer for Wrongdoings - Christians are to be blameless, we are not to suffer for wrongdoings, we are the light of the world and we ought to display a good character and bring glory to his name rather than bringing shame to his name by dong wrong(hatred, stealing, lies, cheating, murder, fornication, adultery, gossip etc)
Natural Disasters - earthquake, hurricane, Storms etc
Note: “natural disasters” are often blamed on God. These awful devastating things are many times falsely called “acts of God”. Christians have wrongly taken this as act of God. NO this is not the will of God for you. God will for you is to be in health. Satan is the source of all evil on earth, mistaken as the attitude of God, because scriptures are often misquoted or taken out of context

Conclusion - Must Christians Suffer?

So the answer to the question is YES AND NO
YES - Christians are to suffer persecutions, labour, trouble, tumults etc
NO - Christians are not to suffer sickness, diseases, pains etc

Prayer/Confession

Thank you Lord for your word that has come to bring light to my soul (The entrance of thy word bringeth light and understanding to the simple) i have known your will and will suffer with you so that I can also Glory with you. I refuse to suffer unduly for lack of knowlege/my personal foolishness. Thank you Jesus for your grace upon my life. Amen

Source: www.faithsuccess.tk, www.faithsuccess.org

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Walk in love

Walk in Love

John 14:15 - If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:35 - By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


Love (agape, charity)

The solution to the world problem is love. Jesus while on earth gave to solution to the problem of the world. the solution is summed up in the following.

1. Love your God with your whole heart
2. Love your neighbour as yourself.

Aside this there is no law (commandment).

Love is both expressive and reciprocal. agape is not love of mouth but love expressed in actions. we can't truly love without showing it.

1John 2:10 - He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

1John 3:18 - My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed [actions] and in truth.


Love is always an excellent choice. when we apply love as the rule in our relationship with others, we make the right decisions. don't follow your mind, follow the law of love.

When we walk in love, we will have a perfect society, a society without evil. This is the will of God.

Millions are being spent on a lot of sectors to achieve a perfect society, but the ingredient of Love (Agape) is overlooked.


The world/ an unbeliever does not have agape. agape is given to man when he gives his life to Christ (Rom 5:5). an unbeliever cannot have this perfect (unselfish) love, it is impossible.

Action Plan: believers let us proclaim the gospel, let us lead people to receive Jesus as their Saviour so as to receive this perfect love (that could make a man die for his enemy), make unbelievers escape the coming damnation and have a perfect society. God Bless us as we do his will.

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