BELIEVERS’ RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Posted on Mar 17, 2020 in General |

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)

Our world is facing a health emergency due to the outbreak of novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It has been called a pandemic. The challenge is due to the effects of the disease on vulnerable populations and the fact that there are no treatments or vaccine currently available for this virus infection.

Since COVID-19’s emergence in Wuhan, China in December 2019, we have seen our world shaken. Fear has been the staple of the media coverage. Cities and nations around the world have instituted lockdown and travel restrictions to combat the spread of this virus. Yet, in the middle of it all, our response is sure. We have a Father God that was not caught by surprise in all of these. Let’s stand against fear, help others, share the good news and keep worshipping Jesus. He is Lord.

We are share the following with our Church last week and on Sunday. They are seven things that we do in the middle of it all:

1. We Walk by Faith

“…for we walk by faith and not by sight…” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

We stand on the Word of God, believing, confessing and rejoicing in the Lord Jesus. The circumstances do not determine what we believe. We believe God’s Word. Hold on to the truth and keep believing and acting on God’s Word.

Another important point is, walk in the faith that you have – not someone else’. Also, do not compel another to do things that you have faith for, if they don’t have the same faith. Bear with one another.

2. We Practice Good Personal Hygiene

One of the simple ways to prevent the spread of germs and COVID-19 is through good personal hygiene practices. An important one is proper hand washing (with soap and water) , before and after washroom (toilet) use, after coughing, before eating, etc.

There are many instructions related to hygiene in the levitical law (Leviticus and Deuteronomy) that God gave the children of Israel to help prevent the spread of disease germs. Some of these include how to deal with infectious diseases like leprosy – thousands of years before modern medical science. So, wash your hands often!

3. We walk in Wisdom

“Jesus answered, it is written, ‘you shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’…” (Luke 4:12; Matthew 4:7)

When the devil tempted Jesus on the highest point of the temple saying “if you are the Son of God, throw yourself down for it is written, ‘He [God] will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone,’” the Lord Jesus recognized the trap of presumption here and responded with the Word of God.

While we remain confident of divine protection over us, we follow Jesus’ example by not unnecessarily exposing ourselves or others to danger. We stand on the Word and are wise.

4. We Pray for Our Leaders and Lands

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

If there has ever been a time the Church should rise in prayer, it is now. Pray for all people including the political and military rulers. Pray that they would make good decisions. Pray that their hearts will be influenced to do God’s will. Pray for the peace and social order to be maintained. This allows for the good news and salvation through Christ to be spread.

5. We Obey the Law of the Land

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)

As leaders and governments respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to obey the law. Now, there are things we may not agree with, but we need to be subject to the authorities, especially where the laws are not asking us violate God’s command. So, follow the government’s recommendations for quarantine etc.

6. We Look for OPPORTUNITIES to Share the Good News

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

With so much panic around, your confidence in God’s protection will be a testimony to all around. Be prepared to share the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ and His love for us.

7. We Fear Not

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4))

We fear no evil.

“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked… no evil shall befall you, no plague shall near your dwelling.” (Psalm 91:5-10)

We have divine protection.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

“Since the children [us, humanity] have flesh and blood, he [Jesus Christ] too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who hold the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)

The Redemption

Posted on May 6, 2019 in General |

O the redemption,

What joy it brings, what refreshing sounds

To the soul that was broken, stranded in a thirsty land

An now because of what Jesus has done

We have access to everlasting life, peace and fullness

O the redemption,

What light it brings, what sweet fellowship

To them that sit in darkness, cut off from partnership with God

And now when my Saviour resurrected,

We have been made lights, and are partakers of the divine nature

O the redemption,

What forgiveness of sins, justification and sanctification

To all men, for all have sinned

And simply because of the precious blood shed for me,

I am forgiven, cleansed and made right with God

O the redemption,

Giving us access with boldness to the Father

From whom sin did separate us

And now that we are joined to the LORD,

We have become one spirit with Him – one nature, one love

O the redemption,

What elevation and enthronement, what royalty

Unto all them that would believe

For once we were slaves, wretched and without hope

But now in Christ Jesus, we are called to reign in life

O the redemption,

what song that comes from my soul, and from my spirit

Songs of the righteous, songs of the joyous,

My heart making melody to my Lord and Christ

For in Him, I have been bought and brought back

And now I live for Him, through Him, by Him and by His faith.

Scripture Verses: Isaiah 42:7, Matthew 4:16 & Luke 1:78-79 & Ephesians 5:8; Ephesians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11,17; Colossians 3:15-16; Galatians 2:20.

Sep '18

Contentment and Aspiration

Posted on Sep 5, 2018 in General |

Sep '18

Godliness with contentment is great gain. However, contentment without aspiration is destructive. Contentment without aspiration yields grandiose mediocrity. It is the mother of regression and could be the worst enemy of productivity.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

– 1st Timothy 6:6

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…”

– Proverbs 29:18

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

– Philippians 3:14

I give God praise for where I am today. I am content. I am very content. But see: contentment does not mean I do not have aspirations. Paul said, he forgets the things behind him, and presses forward. That is aspiration! He was content but he was always aspiring.

Religion would have us think that contentment and aspiration are mutually exclusive, but the bible shows us that we need both. We need to be content where we are – in our being, but we need to have a vision. Why, without vision, contentment would mean destruction. It would become complacency.

If you are in debt, you should aspire to get out of debt. If you are sick, you should see yourself getting out of that wheel chair or just getting better. If you have destructive habits, you should aspire to get out of those bad habits. You need to see yourself strong, well, free and productive.

Where there is no aspiration, vision is unheard of and productivity is ridiculed. Where there is no aspiration, the people are simply robbed of dignity and honour. They perish.

Friends, I thank God for your career, your family and every good thing in you life. But I want you to know that if you are not doing well right now, you can do well. If you are doing well already, you can do even better. The key is in vision. Let a desire for creativity, productivity and success permeate your thinking. Step out and begin to live those dreams of yours and you will see honour and dignity flowing out from within you and flourishing in your life.

I am content, but I raise my head to see ahead. There are more adventures ahead. There is more to be done. There are lives to be touched, things to be invented and businesses to build. Oh, there is the good news to be shared. Wow! The future has never been brighter.

Apr '18

3 Things Faith Makes Possible

Posted on Apr 21, 2018 in General |

Apr '18

When you were born into this life, you took a breath of oxygen and have continued to do so non-stop since then. In the same manner, the Christian is born again by faith, and must, of a necessity, live his life by faith. This is why it is important for every Christian to understand the role of faith and how to properly apply it in our lives.

In my study of faith, I can articulate 3 distinct things that faith makes possible:

1. By Faith, We Please God

“For without faith, it is impossible to please God…”

(Hebrews 11:6)

Many of the things we desire and pursue in life, may be possible without having faith. Let’s take for example, someone in financial trouble may work hard to make more money, or work smart to make even more money. He may beg for money or steal it! He can do all of those things without having faith. In fact, there is only one thing that you cannot do without faith – and that is, you cannot please God without faith.

In discussing choices about diet options, Paul even says, “…whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Rom. 14:23).

You may ask, “am I supposed to live every facet of my life by faith.” The answer is “yes.” Just as you breathe oxygen everywhere you go, as a believer, you live by faith.

2. Through Faith, We Understand the Works of God

“Through faith we understandthat the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear”

(Hebrews 11:3)

God created the heavens and the earth. He made the plan of redemption after sin entered humanity. God made His covenant with Abraham, established the nation of Israel and sent the Messiah through them. Christ lived, preached, healed the sick, worked miracles and raised the dead. Christ then took our place on the cross, died, was buried and rose again on the third day. He ascended to heaven, and sent us the Holy Spirit.

All of those and more, are some of the works of God. We understand them through faith.

“Understand? Through faith?”

I know it sounds incredulous. However, let me emphasize that the things of God are closed off to the natural man, who is not breathing the oxygen of a faith life. The bible says:

“But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

(1 Corinthians 2:14)

This is why I am puzzled when churches make it their mandate to speak only in terms that natural men can understand. They are robbing their congregations of an understanding of the works of God at a depth where it can really impact them. Anyone teaching believers the Word of God must “…speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining (or comparing/explaining) spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.” (2 Cor. 2:13).

3. By Faith, We Operate the Works of God

After experiencing the miracles of Jesus when He fed the five thousand with a young boy’s five loaves of bread and two fish, the crowd of people came looking for Him. One question stood out in the ensuring discussion. The crowd asked Jesus:

“…’what shall we do that we may work (or operate) the works of God.'” (John 6:28).

It is evident that the crowd saw a supernatural act and were inquisitive enough to seek to know how to operate in it for themselves. The answer of Jesus Christ is true then as it is now:

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent.'” (John 6:29).

This is the work of God: that you believe! That you believe on Jesus.

Jesus gave them the answer. The supernatural works of God – as we see it in the ministry of Jesus Christ – is accessible by exercising faith in the gift of God, Jesus Christ Himself.

Paul, in his rebuke of the Galatian Christians, chided them for embracing the law, abandoning faith and grace. He asked them a number of rhetoric questions, including this: “So then, does He who… works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?” (Gal. 3:5). This fact was obvious to the Galatians, and should be to you too: miracles are worked when faith is preached and heard.

Peter and John in Acts 3 said the man who was crippled from birth healed at the beautiful gate of the temple was healed through faith in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:1-16).

Many Christians ask, “why we don’t see miracles today like in the Acts of the Apostles?” Here is my answer: we see as much miracles today as we have demonstrated faith for. Read the New TestamentIf you and I would see more works of God, then we must exercise faith. However, it is important to remember:

“faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Rom. 10:17).

Apr '18

The Primary Role of Faith

Posted on Apr 15, 2018 in General |

Apr '18

It is possible to live a long, prosperous and healthy life without having faith. It is possible to have a wonderful marriage and award-winning, well-adjusted children without having faith. It is possible to be sick and recover without having faith. It is possible to be poor and then become rich without having faith. People have done all of these things without ever having faith. However, the scripture is clear the one thing that is impossible without faith.

“For without faith it is impossible to please God.” – Hebrews 11:6

There you have it: it is impossible. Without faith, we CANNOT please God.

I was under the impression that every believer has this understanding as the number one driver of motives and actions. I thought so until I was rudely awakened when I saw fellow Christians quit believing God because of something bad that happened: their spouse left them, they lost a job, a loved one died, they got sick or whatever else. It appears to me that their motivation for faith was lacking an understanding of the primary role of faith, which is to please God.

We are designed to please God and in fact, we find our fulfillment in doing what we are designed to do. However, you cannot really please Him apart from faith. The Hebrews 11 passage in context reads:

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

– Hebrews 11:5-6

Enoch had this testimony, that he pleased God. That is what our life is designed to be – to please God. Again, it is in doing what we are designed to do that we find fulfillment.

This makes understanding faith, its role in the life of a believer and how it works, of paramount importance if you would execute a victorious and successful Christian life.

Every teaching we, and other teachers of faith, have taught on the subject of faith and how to believe God for stuff, is predicated on the expectation that every believer starts out, and is founded, on this truth as a bedrock principle to live by.

To live a life that is worthy of the divine declaration, “this is My well beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” is a work of grace receivable by faith.

For a believer in Christ to pursue life apart from a desire, an orientation, and a daily walk to please God is to make a shipwreck of one’s faith.

Mar '18

Exalt the Word

Posted on Mar 1, 2018 in General |

Mar '18

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any o you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

– Hebrews 4:1,2

Friend, I am glad to tell you that God’s Word is sent to you for your profit. That’s right. What I mean is that the ministration of the Word being preached to you is to bring you into the fullness of God.

That’s the good news, but do you know that as good and as powerful as the Word of God is, it can become unfruitful in people. How can that be? How does it happen? The bible says it is because it is not mixed with faith in the hearers of the Word.

The problem doesn’t just start in one day. No, it’s very subtle. Take the children of Israel for example. Their history is fully illustrated with acts and visitations of God. They are God’s covenant people. Testimonies of God’s greatness abounded from Abraham to the Red Sea, in the wilderness, from the walls of Jericho to David and on and on.

But somehow, the Word of God had become common place with the people. They heard it in their ears, but they didn’t hear it in their hearts. Soon after that – and no one seemed to have realized – they began to detest the Word. They call it a “burden”. “What is the burden of the Lord?” they would ask the prophets. The Word sent couldn’t profit them.

“But Moses, that’s the Old Testament, we know better now.” But, do we?

In the above verse, we are admonished to watch lest we fall into the same predicament. How exactly do we do that?

The first thing is to give reverence to the Word of God. The Word is more real than anything in the natural. It’s more real than your career, education or what have you. That Word is more real than your bank account. Give the Word of God first place in your life. Above all else, exalt the Word.

A heart that exalts the Word is a heart that will mix it with faith. Let’s do just that.