RIGHTEOUSNESS

 1- Righteousness

Righteousness is right standing with God, coming before God without any sense of guilt or insufficiency. Now, our self-righteousness is not sufficient, why? God demands 100%.

People often wonder why such absoluteness?

At least you are trying your best and you are better than some. So what percentage do you think will be good enough?

Perhaps you will say 70% (a good mark really). So what then happens to the abandoned/rejected lady who struggles to 65% or what should God do with the 30% unrighteousness in you.

It is clear that for the justice of God to be right, righteousness has to be binary, you are either righteous or not. And by our human efforts, WE ARE Not. 

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.[ Isaiah 64:6]

For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws.[James 2:10].

2-Righteousness of God

Knowing that we could never attain to righteousness by our own efforts or strength, God made righteousness available to us by faith in Christ.

Thus we become righteous by believing in what Christ has done.

Is it just? Yes, for Christ was punished without sin and we become righteous by believing in him. And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which [is] from the law, but that which [is] through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

But people are counted as righteous, [Phillipians 3:9]

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.[Romans 4:5]

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. [2Corinthians 5:21]

3 The Righteousness of God is also called the righteousness of faith and it has four parts as enumerated in Psalms 32:1-2.

Forgiveness of sins is the first. In Christ Jesus, our sins have been forgiven. Your past is past, God is not trying to make you pay for it.

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people--free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds[Ephesians 1:7]

And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight![Psalms 32:1-2]

God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.[Colossians 1:14]

4 Remission of sin

Not only were you forgiven your sins, God completely blotted them out. You can come to God with a clear conscience as though you had never sinned.[Isaiah 43:25] There is no condemnation for you nor remembrance of your previous sins. The slate is wiped clean. 

Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."  And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. [Hebrews 10:17-18]

For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.[Matthew 26:28]

5  No reckoning or inputting of sin to your account*

We have been justified in Christ Jesus, there is no record or reckoning of our former sins.

Inputted in our record is righteousness and God will relate with us on the basis of the record. As a Christian you should leave in perpetual joy because your account with God is balanced.

Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.[Romans 4:23-24]

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus[Romans 8:1].

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.[Romans 8:2]

6 Spirit without guile

With the righteousness of God that we have received comes a new spirit devoid of guile and sin. Our spirit has the capacity to do right and please God always. We are not struggling to be righteous. we are righteous and we do what is right. 

Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil.[1John 3:9-10] 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do [Ezekiel 36:26-27].

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.[Psalms 31:1-2]

7 Fruits of righteousness

'You shall know them by their fruits' is a statement by Jesus and it is no less important now. That we have been made righteous is shown by the fruits we bare.

Works of righteousness (benevolence, peace) must be done by a righteous person.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion,and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.[2Corinthians 9:10-11]

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. [Psalms 112:9]. 

The LORD's justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.[Isaiah 32:16]

Grace

Grace is one of the most foundational concepts in Christianity, and is at the center of our faith. Grace is unmerited favour of God towards us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace is getting what we do not deserve on the bill of what Jesus has done. Christ did the work, we received his gift of grace.

'For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift. For while the Law was given through Moses,grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ.' [John 1:16-18]

But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man Jesus Christ, abounded to many [Romans 5:15]

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. [Romans 5:17]

We are saved by grace

The difference between Christianity and most world religions is the very notion of GRACE. Religion dictates what a man must do to be accepted by God, there are rules of dos and donts for you to please God.

But Christianity states the exact opposite, God has done all the work, yours is to believe and you are in.

It often sounds too simple to the learned and educated of this world. Human nature wants to feel entitled, it wants to by some measure earn salvation. But we can't.

It is the free gift of God gotten by grace. Jesus paid the full price for us. And indeed, it is the only way we could ever have gotten acceptance with God. Our best efforts will still be far short of the standard.

Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.[Romans4:5]

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, [2Timothy 1:9]

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it [Ephesians 2:9]

Grace is not a license to sin

The fact that we are saved by grace does not in any way give us the freedom to keep living in sin. It is quite baffling why anyone who has been given free access to God will now deliberately go on sinning.

We live holy lives not to gain God's attention but because we have his attention and love. Grace teaches and empowers us to live right, pleasing the Lord.

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? [Romans 6:1- 3]

Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to Obey? [Romans 6:15-16]

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God[Titus 2:11-14]

Grace is not an enabler of laziness

'If it be of grace then it is not of works' [Romans 11:6]  The works talked about here is works of the law in order to please God. But in terms of works of career or business, grace is given that you might do more and get exponential results.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ brings you to favour before God and man and it also makes you diligent at what you do.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help,coming just when we need it].[Hebrews 4:16]

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.[1Corinthians 15:10]

Humility multiplies grace

You want to see the grace of God manifest abundantly in your life, then humble yourself. Humility is a sure recipe for the flow of grace.

It is worth noting that we are not asked to pray for humility, for it is within our powers to humble ourselves. It must be your decision to stay humble in all circumstances.

But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.[James 4:6-7].

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time [1Peter 5:5-6]

The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble [Proverbs 3:34]

There are graces in people

There is the general grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that is given to all believers as has been stated earlier. But there are also specific graces released to individuals in Christ.

Such individuals do certain things effortlessly (Macedonian church) or have unusual insights into some matters (Paul). Recognize and develop it in yourself, and be humble enough to see it in others.

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.[2Corinthians 8:1-2]

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.[2Corinthians 8:7-8]

Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. [Ephesians 3:3]

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.[Ephesians 4:7]

 Grow in grace

We can grow in specific graces. As there are graces on people, each of us can also grow in grace.

We grow in grace through the knowledge of God, the more you learn from God about an area, the more grace is released in that area. Grace is also increased through humility as stated earlier.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him [be] the glory both now and forever. Amen. [2 Peter 3:18] 

 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. [2 Peter 1:2]

 

New Creation Realities

1 For every new birth, there are realities pertaining to that order (family). A puppy has the realities of a dog, an eaglet that of the eagle etc. So when you are born again, there are realities that pertains to you.

The first is you are NEW. BRAND NEW. You are not a refurbished being. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus. God gave you a new spirit. And you have been born into the family of God and your realities are those of your family. Stop expecting the limitations of your previous life to limit you. They are passed away.

You are in Christ now and your life is hid in Christ[Colossians3:3]. That is your reality. You have access to all the blessings reserved for the righteous in scripture because you have been made righteous. So stand on the finished works of Christ for You. 

Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. [2Corinthians 5:17].

For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. [2Corinthians 1:20]

2. Leading through the Spirit of God

As a new creation, God gave us his Spirit to dwell in us and lead us through life. A proof of your sonship is the ability to be led by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14). Don't go through life rudderless, enquire from the Holy Spirit within you what to do and when. For a Christian, new testament prophets are secondary /confirmatory sources not the primary.

But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice."[John 10:3-5].

"There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth... He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. [John 16:12-14]

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"— the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.[1Corinthians 2:9]

3. Peace with and Access to with God

As Christians, we have peace with God. We are not trying to earn his love or acceptance. He is at peace with us. Even when we make mistakes, he calls us to repentance but his wrath is not on us.

Consequently, we have unfettered access to the Father. [Ephesians 2:18] His ears are ever open to our prayers. We can always lift up our holy hands in worship of our king. Glory

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."[Luke 2:13-14]

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.[Hebrews 4:16] Because of Christ and   our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.[Ephesians 2:17]

4. Deliverance from curses, fear and power of darkness

In Christ Jesus, you are seated in heavenly places far above principalities and powers. You have been translated into the kingdom of God.[Ephesians 1:21] You are no more under curses or fears.

The life you have now is the life of God (Zoe) and it is your duty to renew your mind to it through the word of God.

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.[Ephesians 1:19-21]

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus[Ephesians 2:6]

Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have

lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.[Hebrews 2:14] He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed [us] into the kingdom of the Son of His love,[Colossians 1:1

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole." He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus...[Galatians 3:14]

5. Health and prosperity

The realities of the new man includes prosperity of the soul and body. Being blessed with all spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3) and yet resigning to perpetual lack and sickness is contradictory.

Having abundance is part of the realities in Christ Jesus. Divine health and supernatural healing is part of the package. Christ has paid the price, let your soul know it well & keep saying it until you see it.

We're the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health--that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! [3 John 1:2]

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.[Philippians 4:19]

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.[1Peter2:24]

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.[Ephesians 3:20]

You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.[2Corinthians 8:9]

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.[2Corinthians 9:8]

6. Love walk

We are born by love and to love. Love is part of our DNA since God is love. There are no excuses to justify not walking in love. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners and even on the cross, he prayed for his killers.[Romans 5:8]

 You are a love being and you have the capacity to love and forgive those that offend you. Paul was a product of the love walk of Stephen at the point of death.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.[Romans 5:5]

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other...[John 13:34]

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death... This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.[1 John 3:14]

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever.. [1Corinthians 13:4-7]

7. Renew your mind to your realities

The above and many more are the realities of the new birth, but how do we walk in it you ask? It is by renewing your mind to it.

Your spirit is new but your mind is not and it needs to be constantly renewed by God's word. [Romans 12:2] Reset your mindset and thinking with the word.

Meditate on your realities and intentionally confess it to yourself repeatedly.

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. [Ephesians 4:22-25]

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ[2Corinthians 10:3-5]

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. [Romans 12:2]

Salvation

Man was the crown prince of creation. We were made in God's image and given dominion over all creatures.

Adam had close fellowship with God and walked in the wisdom of God. Every thing was perfect…

What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him? Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet: Psalms 8:4-6

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:27-28

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. Genesis 2:19

2. Adam disobeyed God and died spiritually. And what was worse, the entire human race became corrupt. God could not relate with man directly anymore as before. His fall gave the devil the power over the earth and sin ruled.

And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." [Gen 2:17 NIV] 

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.[Gen 3:6 NLT] 

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. Luke 4:5-6

"I don't have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me. John 14:30

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Romans 5:12

Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Romans 5:18

The seed of Adam has already corrupted every man born and preclude him from being a worthy sacrifice.

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. [Romans 5:12 NLT] 

3. The justice of God requires that the punishment must be fully paid but the love of God wants to extend the goodness of God to man and restore him to his rightful place. The seed of Adam has already corrupted every man born and preclude him from being a worthy sacrifice. 

A temporary solution was found. The offering of a spotless lamb/sheep once a year, every year was sufficient to cover man's sin but could not remit sin as the remembrance was there yearly. So on the basis of the offering, God could justly extend his goodness to man.

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship... But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. [Hebrews 10:1-4].

But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.[Hebrews 9:7]

4. God, the Master strategist, had a perfect solution for man's salvation before the foundation of the world and implemented in time.

At just the right time, a virgin conceived and thus bypass Adam's seed. The child was born as a man thus fulfilling the requirement for a perfect like-for-like substitution; hence, Jesus' frequent reference to himself as the son of man.

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.

You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David... 

How will this be, Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.[Luke 1:30-35 NIV] 

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law Gal 4:4

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. [Revelation 13:8 NIV]

5. Jesus was killed the most gruesome way possible without committing a sin nor having the nature of sin.

An innocent man was punished so that anyone who comes to him is declared guiltless no matter how much his/her sins were.

Salvation is the love-story of God paying the price of sin for us.

Justice miscarried, and he was led off-- and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of my people. They buried him with the wicked, threw him in a grave with a rich man, Even though he'd never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn't true. Still, it's what GOD had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he'd see life come from it--life, life, and more life. And GOD's plan will deeply prosper through him. Isaiah 53:8-10

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2Co 5:14-15  

  If that had been necessary, he would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But no! He came once for all time, at the end of the age, to remove the power of sin forever by his sacrificial death for us. And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again but not to deal with our sins again. This time he will bring salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him. Heb 9:26-28

6.  But the story did not end at the grave, dying alone will not have been sufficient to give us life.

He overcame death and rose again from the dead becoming the first born from the dead.

In believing we not only have our sins forgiven and our account wiped clean, we also become a new creature, reborn with the life of God.

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. [1Corinthians 15: 4]

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.[1Corinthians 15:17 NIV]. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.[1Corinthians 15:19-20 NIV]

7. How then does one become saved? It is by believing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and confessing his lordship over your life.

At that point, you are born anew(again) with a brand new spirit that can relate directly with God without any sense of guilt. All records of past deeds are wiped clean. Moreso, you (are able to) receive the Spirit of God.

It is a brand new start indeed.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.[Romans 10:10 NLT] 

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God.[1John 5:1 NLT] 

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.[John1:12 NLT] 

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun![2Corinthians 5:17]

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do [them.] [Ezekiel 36:26-27 NKJV]

Christian Family

Some people have stopped going regularly to our Christian meetings, but we must not stop going there. Then we can help each other to be strong Christians. You should do this more and more, because the *Lord’s great day is coming. You know that the *Lord will return soon. Heb 10:25 EasyEnglish

If this scripture was true in the days of the Apostles, then it is not less of a truth today. More than ever before, we need to pay attention to the coming of our Lord because we are closer to it than any generation before us. The coming of the Lord should drive us to more fellowship with one another. 

The value we placed on our Christian gatherings needs to be restored. From our opening scripture, we see how that even at the time of the Bible, there were already Christians taking spiritual meetings lightly and they were told to stop. You will be depriving yourself of help that you could have received or shared to others when you continue that way.

There is nobody who can successfully live the Christian life in isolation of other believers. We were fashioned by God to be together because that way, we can be strengthened by others who are stronger. It's the reason some Christians who relocate to another State or Country without finding a new local assembly will drift back to their former life.

Going to Church faithfully can literally make you stay from some sinful tendencies. Imagine what happened to a lot of Christians because of the lockdown. Many have become lukewarm and justifying staying away from physical meetings now that lockdown has been eased with the excuse of watching online. As much as technology is there to help us make living better and effective, online technologies cannot take the place of carrying your Bible and notepads and finding your way to Church. 

Truth is, the kind of people we associate with often influence our Christian walk. If you interact more with the world and less with fellow saints, they will rub their ways of living on you. It's the more reason why any Christian that knows that his/her work involves more association with unbelievers should pay special attention to the fellowship of the saints. It's no wonder why you see Christians who join politics loose themselves to the world. 

While we are in this world, scripture tells us, we are not of this world and our Christian gatherings have a way of making us live true to this. It's time to go back to Church and return to your Christian service if you have drawn back.

If you have not given your life to Jesus, now is the time to do so. Please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe in you, I believe you died for my sin and you took it away. I believe that God raised you from the dead for me on the third day and I am free now. Thank you Lord because I am a child of God and the Spirit of God lives in me. Amen!

 

Congratulations because you have Jesus in your life. You will need to start attending a Bible believing Church for growth. For more directions, please, contact us via the mail address below:

lothshine@gmail.com

 

Faith In God

Faith is the currency of the kingdom of God. With it, we transact in the things of God.

Faith is based on the word of God. 

NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. Heb 11:1

or we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance. 2 Cor 5:7

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Rom 10:17

2. Faith is toward God

Our Faith must be in God and not things or people or processes. The difference is sometimes subtle. 

What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help, trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers and depending on the strength of human armies instead of looking to the Lord, the Holy One of Israel... For these Egyptians are mere humans, not God! Their horses are puny flesh, not mighty spirits! Isaiah 31:1-3

Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:21

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.  Mark 11:22

3. We live by Faith

The Christian life is a continuous walk of faith. Every thing we do must be done by faith in God. 

Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4

This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Romans 1:17

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." Hebrews 10:38

So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Galatians 3:11

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because [he does] not [eat] from faith; for whatever [is] not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23

4. Faith is based on God's word

Faith is not bold face (agidi) or positive confessions. It is based and must be anchored on God's word revealed to you. Faith starts where the will of God is revealed. 

So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." Luke 5:4-5

I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this,' they do it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" And when the officer's friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed. Luke 7:7-10

5. All Christians have Faith and our faith can grow

When we became born again, we had a measure of faith. It is then our responsibility to grow our faith through God's word and listening to anointed vessels. 

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3

Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand 2 Corinthians 10:15

Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 1 Thes 3:10

6. Faith must be with corresponding actions  

Faith without action (works) is dead. One primary action is you confessing what you believe. There is no silent faith. Also, acting in line with your believe is of paramount importance.

We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. 2 Cor 4:13

So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead). James 2:17

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Heb 13:5  

7. Your Faith needs patience  

Sometimes Christians mistakes Faith for instant noodles. Faith works with patience (steadfastness). It is instructive that the 2 major scriptures that introduce faith were preceded by words on patience. 

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness 2 Peter 1:5-6

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." Hebrews 10:36-38

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. " ... But the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:3-4

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:3-4

Integrity of God's Word

In relating with God, understanding the value and worth of his word is very important. It determines how far we can walk with him.

 God means what he says and says what he means.

Then the Lord said to Moses, "I have heard the Israelites' complaints. Now tell them, 'In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God. That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. And the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground.'' *Exodus 16:11-13*

Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth, Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them. *Isaiah 55:10 -11*

2. Jesus is the word of God

God's word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. 

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him... John 1:1 

So the Word became human and made his home among us. John 1:14

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2

3. God and his word are one

To believe God is to believe his word. The integrity of God is dependent on his word.

I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Psalm 138:2

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. John 1:1

 4. God's word is God's power

Everything God will do in and for you will be done through his word.

For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

who being the brightness of [His] glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high Hebrews 1:3

Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. Acts 20:32

 5. We live by God's word

God's word is the substance of a Christian's life; our values, ideals and actions must be shaped by his word. 

Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3

And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Joshua 1:8

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and [they] are life. John 6:63

6. God's word is for you

God had you in mind when he gave the word. Your identity is defined by it. Your duty is to find your word and meditate on, declare and insist on it.

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:20-21

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

Jeremiah 15:16

On finding God's word, there are general and specific words for you.

All the promises of God are for you (2 Cor 1:20), so while finding and working on your specific word, get a hold of your  known promises and put them on your mouth.

Let's try one now

Lets declare God's promise from Isaiah 60:1-3.

'I arise, I shine; For my light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon me. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over me, And His glory will be seen on me. Nations shall come to my light, And kings to the brightness of my rising.''

And we keep saying it until it comes to physical manifestation.

 7. God cannot lie to you

God is faithful to his word, he cannot deny himself. What he has told you will surely come to pass. Wait for it. 

God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good? Numbers 23:19 

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:13

We often times see 'God cannot lie' as a choice God is making not to lie (like humans).

For instance, if we can all see a white chair and we ask God what the colour of the chair is? If God says blue, then who is correct?

Of course, we will all say God because we want to assume that God must be seeing something in it that we are not seeing (religion).

The truth is all you need to do is to look at the chair again and it will have turned to blue. 

His words have the inherent power to change the colour of the chair to conform with what God says. God cannot lie because his words create what he says.

So hold on to his words it will surely come true for you.