A new Podcast - The Revelation

Friends,

Our Bible study group recently began the Revelation. It is a surprising and amazing opportunity to see what the Lord has revealed. After all, it is the Revelation of Christ Jesus.

You can subscribe to the podcast by clicking on this link: Subscribe.

Or you can listen to the studies by visiting Bible Study Audio.

We hope these studies bless you.

Be encouraged, Jose

Its Time

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:2-4 (KJV)

With the revelation of the son of man comes the manifestation. The seed is sown in corruption and it goes through transformation with the vine coming forth as the source and the branches taking shape in the space of time. Out of the branches comes the manifestation and appearance of the fruits. Many good to the eyes and for edification of the body.

Once we have been revealed by the Lord our Maker, it is time for manifestation, the display of good works and administration of His Kingdom here on earth. In your walk and ways, in your vocation, in your plans, in your home, in all ways, you must manifest to the glory of God.

Be encouraged,

Afolabi

A true light for all mankind

Friends,

We are as different from the world as Light is different from Darkness. There is no comparison. For light is so very much more than the absence of darkness. And in that great difference is a tremendous opportunity.

Ephesians 5:8 [NKJV]
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

As believers, we are more than just a light for a dark and fallen world. We are the very essence of light and illumination and revelation. For as the sun reveals what was hidden during the night, so our words and actions - when they are in obedience to Christ - reveal the sin and decay that is hidden by the world. The world believes that it is okay. The unbelievers are convinced that they have either me the standard of righteousness or that no such standard exists. We know differently, and our walk must exemplify that knowledge.

When it does, we are a living, breathing representation of the Good News of Christ. Don't miss this opportunity! Walk as a child of light.

Be encouraged, Jose

Looking forward

Friends,

The present age is full of all kinds of struggles, hardships and obstacles. We are pitted against a sinister enemy who plans everyday to steal, kill and destroy. But we know that the enemy's days are numbered. And when we experience that final victory, the elders of our church will look upon us and say ...

They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. -- An elder, from Revelation 7:16-17 [NKJV]

When the difficulties of this life become overwhelming, it is helpful re-envision this scene. It is already accomplished. And each brings us closer to the moment that we are privileged to walk in it.

Be encouraged, Jose

He has made it known

Friends,

One of the marvelous characteristics of God is that He makes it possible for us to know Him. While there are things that are yet left a mystery, the Lord reveals much to His people.

The LORD has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
Psalm 98:2 [NKJV]

For those whom God has given eyes to see, we recognize the Lord's righteousness as Christ Jesus. We revealed Christ to be His Son and our Redeemer. He told of Jesus' coming in the words of prophet after prophet. He explained His mission in psalms and in epistles. There was very little hidden from view ... Christ walked in plain sight.

The great mercy and gift this represents is difficult to comprehend. So often, our greatest fears stem from trying to decipher the true path. And here the Lord has revealed it for all to see.

We need only follow Him.

Be encouraged, Jose

Tended by God's Hand

Friends,

In the Old Testament, the Lampstand symbolizes how the Lord illuminates His Word and Law. It was hidden in the Most Holy Place, and gave light to the room in which the Ark of the Covenant resided. It shone on the wall and revealed God's judgment upon Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans (see Daniel 5). When the LORD introduces the Lampstand, He gives specific instructions as to how it was to be tended and replenished with oil by the priests.

Later in the Old Testament, we read that Zechariah had a vision in which the Lampstand appeared, flanked by two olive trees ...

Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?”
Zechariah 4:11-12 [NKJV]

There are no human priests tending the Lampstand in Zechariah's vision. Instead Almighty God has placed, by His Own Hand, two olive trees on either side. The LORD has taken direct responsibility for illuminating His Word to His prophets and His people.

This is an important lesson for all of us who are called to be Christ's followers. No longer can we abdicate our responsibility for discerning the will of God by believing that only "certain" people can understand it. And no longer can "certain" people claim that revelation is theirs and theirs alone. Revelation has been ... and is being given ... by the LORD.

Seek it, brothers and sisters, and hear the voice of Christ!

Be encouraged, Jose