The great celebration

Friends,

The Lord is gracious and generous, isn't He?

He has no obligation to make things easier in this life. He is under no contract to make us wealthy, or happy, or healthy. His promise is for eternal life in His presence.

And yet, He delights in displaying His generosity and compassion to His people. He celebrates with us when we exercise the power He has granted us. And even in that celebration, He reminds us that this is but a taste of what is to come.

Luke 10:20 [NKJV]
Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

We join together in praise for the prayers answered, the sicknesses healed, and the demons cast out. But we reserve our greatest gratitude and celebration for the salvation our Lord has earned for us. Without that, nothing else matters.

Be encouraged, Jose

God's Truth

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV)

We watch the world drift away from Godly and scriptural principles and standards with every passing day and the world media make ungodly living and lifestyle a trivial and a no bigdeal issue, glamorizing, repackaging and re-branding the 'lie' for the truth of God. God no doubt loves sinners, He gave His only begotten son for this cause, but He is direct, clear and unequivocal about sin.

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV)

Civilization and generations will come and go, but the truth of God's word stands forever. We must live to uphold it at all times and not compromise it.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Results from Truth

Friends,

It seems as though no one can be believed. News stories, expert opinions, even scientific research. All of it is tinged with an agenda. All of it clouded by the ambition for money and power. No institution is safe from this influence; it has certainly infiltrated the pulpit.

2 Timothy 3:13-14
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them ... [NKJV, emphasis added]

We must persevere in the sound doctrines of scripture. Not because we have judged and found them to be acceptable. Our judgment is pathetically limited and our acceptance is irrelevant. After all, we are the ones deceived by the politicians, the preachers, and the pundits.

No. We persist in these beliefs because their source is infallible. Christ Jesus defined them. It is He who has imparted them to us. Our interpretations will not be perfect, of course. But as we continue to seek the One who is the Truth, the One will transform us.

When that transformation is completed, we will no longer be deceived. We will know and see the truth.

Be encouraged, Jose

Updated Bible study lessons

Friends,

There are new studies posted at Bible Study Audio. The lessons are from Mark, Chapter 9 and from Romans, Chapter 13. I pray you are blessed by them.

I've also added a Facebook "Like" button to the home page in the hopes that using it will help to spread God's word far and wide.

Be encouraged, Jose

Assured Victory

Friends,

The enemy is counting on our surrender. He expects us to be weak and fearful. He assumes that our confidence in the LORD is easily shaken.

But you and I need not live under the assumptions and presumptions of the enemy.

Exodus 15:6
Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power;
Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces. [NKJV]

Almighty God is glorified in victory over His enemy. His enemy is our enemy. And therefore, the Great and Wondrous Lord is glorified and exalted in victory over your enemy and my enemy.

We have nothing to fear, brothers and sisters. The enemy that wants to harm you and me is shattered pieces under our feet. Walk in victory!

Be encouraged, Jose

Seek things above

¹ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. ⁵ Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience
Colossians 3:1-5 (NKJV)

The disobedient and earthly members will always yearn for their own ways, but we must be firm and consistent in the tearing down of every stronghold and bringing every thought, idea, pursuits etc in our life into captivity and submission to the will of God. It cannot be business as usual.

What things do we set our minds on? Things above or things here that will be no more after some time? The things we set our minds on will determine how effective we are in dealing with our earthly members.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Move, don't stop

4 Yea, 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 (NKJV)

The Psalmist puts it succintly, there are seasons of our lives that can be described as the valley of the shadow of death, seasons of dread, uncertainty and vulnerability. The challenging seasons are not ones for rest, inertia, immobility or resignation to fate. To stop and stall is to expedite extinction, that's usually preceded by hopelessness.

In our valley of shadow of death, stalling, stoping, chilling, relaxing, etc isn't an option. We must move on, walk through, run through , etc. His grace will always be sufficent.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

Bring forth Unity

Friends,

There is one promise for all of our Lord's people. He has elevated each and every one of His followers to the same exalted position ... seated at His right hand.

...the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
Ephesians 3:6 [NKJV]

Too often, we exalt some ministries above others. Or we give favor to those who possess worldly credentials. And even more, we too often place our flavor of Christianity above all others, arbitrarily separating ourselves from the believers in the church down the street or around the corner.

Have you done this?
Has your church group done this?

The time is past for separatism in the Body of Christ. We are one Body, and it is time that we treat each other truly as brothers and sisters.

Be encouraged, Jose

Let's get serious

22 “Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, And there be none to deliver: 23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:22-23 (NKJV)

It is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the Almighty God, yet men take Him for granted because He is infinite in mercies and kindness. When the Lord comes against one... who will deliver? who?

Better release your praise, life, substance and all to Him, and get your walk right with Him so that His grace and salvation may not be an illusion but a reality to you.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

When we were the enemy

Friends,

One of the hardest things for a man to do is to treat an enemy with kindness. This is not to turn a blind eye to sin, or to fail to serve the cause of justice. But in every thought, word and deed, we are to obey what Christ commanded ...

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you
Matthew 5:44, NKJV

Before we were called into salvation, you and I were the enemy that Jesus prayed for. Like all the world, we hated Him. Like the typical unsaved man, we demanded that the Lord come to our aid on our terms whenever we wanted His help. We had no problem using Him one moment, and cursing His name the next.

Yet with all that ...

He persistently called us into His family
He patiently taught us
He graciously forgave us
He rightly admonished us to repent
He willingly died for us

While we were yet His enemy, Jesus loved you and me. Can we do the same today?

Be encouraged, Jose

Bible Studies

Friends,

Our studies of the Gospel of Mark and of Paul's Letter to the Romans continues. You can listen to recent sessions at Bible Study Audio. May these lessons bless you richly.

Be encouraged, Jose

A shout of praise

Friends,

The week is behind us. It was likely filled with a variety of emotions, and its fair share of setbacks and successes. As we enter into Sabbath rest this evening, let us lift up our voice to the great and mighty King of kings ...

O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
Psalm 8:1 [NKJV]

Yes, His name is excellent and His glory fills the heavens.

Be encouraged, Jose

A showcase

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)

The world becomes so much into itself that the simple things of the spirit becomes a challenge to get and understand, but to them that has been set aside, they become divine instruments of glory through which a clueless world is able to make sense and gain understanding of the Son of God. Every day presents divine opportunities to us showcase Christ our Savior to the world.

We must not miss out on this, as the world may lose out on hope if we fail to showcase the Christ in us, the hope of glory. It becomes critical to the body to know how to separate how we feel (our carnal instincts and physical interpretations of issues) from the 'truth and mind of Christ' on all we do, so we won't lose out on the opportunities to make a difference to a clueless world and be a true showcase of love (God).

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The Garden's victory

Friends,

Where are you living today?

Genesis 2:8
The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. [NKJV]

Man was created outside of the garden ... in the wilderness. But he was not meant to stay there. The wilderness is a place of danger, of sin, and of death. The Garden is a place of rest and provision and life. The Garden is where we are headed when Christ makes His return.

Now, we live in a fallen world. And indeed, it often feels like a "jungle out there." But ask yourself ...
Is day-to-day life characterized by fear, anxiety and uncertainty? Or is it marked by peace and assurance and confidence.
Are you buffeted by shame and condemnation? Or do you repent and walk in the freedom of grace and forgiveness?

We are fearfully and wonderfully equipped to subdue the earth, to survive and thrive in the wild reality of daily living. Our equipment is the grace of Christ Jesus. And when we rely on that, we can walk through this fallen world unfazed by its attacks, knowing that a victorious peace is assured.

Be encouraged, Jose

Give love a chance

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
1 John 4:7-9 (NKJV)

The world lost God (love) and have been at odds with itself. Wars, confrontations, hostilities, terror, etc are on the increase because the language of God has been discarded. When love (God) is thrown off in the affairs of men, hatred, mistrust, etc emerges and calls the shot.

Lets let love (God) have its way in our world, then we will see how simple and awesome life is supposed to be. Imagine a world without wars, hatred, discrimination, neglect, and the rest.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

The one debt

Friends,

What do you owe the world?

Some would say that we must focus our attention on conservation and the protection of the planet. Others would say that our obligation is to the poor and downtrodden. And still others would demand that we reach out to the victims of violence and abuse.

Our Lord would not have us turn our backs on the poor or oppressed. Nor would He sanction the abuse of the world over which He has given us dominion.

But does that mean that we owe the world anything but the Gospel of truth?

Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

There are many layers to this simple sentence. Paul admonishes us to be good stewards financially, so that we remain free from the bondage of debt. He admonishes you and me to not enter into agreements lightly, so that we do not put ourselves in a position to be exploited for sin's sake.

But most importantly, we are admonished to remember that the LORD is above every man and institution. Our allegiance must be to Him and Him alone. We do not owe our boss, our planet, or even our government superhuman efforts. We are not obligated to give up our Sabbath rest for them. And certainly, we must not sin in an effort to fulfill their demands.

We do owe them the Gospel. The Gospel is to be spread to every corner of this world, so that every man has the opportunity to repent. The LORD has obligated you and me to preach the Gospel. This is our one true debt, for this is how we show them our love, and the love of Christ Jesus.

Be encouraged, Jose

New Bible studies published

Friends,

More Bible study lessons from the Book of Mark and from Paul's letter to the Romans are on Bible Study Audio for your edification.

Be encouraged, Jose

Seek this

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

In all your gettings and doings, what drives you and what keeps you going? What are you motivated by? Do you just seek the things of life or goals in life? Are these things to gratify self, achieve a certain status, or desire to be accepted socially, politically, etc? Well, the drive to succeed in all we do must be anchored around the scripture above. Only when we are guided and driven by the motivation of seeking this will our toil, efforts, labor, etc be meaningful, fulfilling and rewarding at the end of the day.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi