Message from Lucifer

20 REASONS WHY MASTURBATION IS WRONG

By Sunday Adelaja

In one of my ‘Ask Pastor Sunday’ sessions, I was asked about the question of masturbation. My initial understanding was that I must give people some relief from the feelings of guilt after the practice of masturbation. So I tried to comfort young people who don’t wish to practice actively the act of masturbation, but yet find themselves having wet dreams.

A wet dream is an erotic dream that causes involuntary ejaculation of semen. This act that happens to almost all men, tells us about the nature of men. It is a proof that the act of releasing semen is natural. It also explains why men are more sexually driven than the women.

When you understand wet dreams it is also easy to understand why masturbation is so popular with men. The way the man is wired is that his semen gathers with time in his sperm bag either he likes it or not they need to be released or used up one way or the other. That is why not all release of semen should be considered as sinful, especially in the case of wet dreams. In my question and answer sessions, I was trying to comfort young men that find themselves in a similar situation not to live in the resultant process of blame or self-condemnation that follows the involuntary ejaculation of semen.

Nevertheless, why do most Christians see masturbation as a sinful act? This was yet another question that followed the previous one in another of my question and answer sessions. I was directly challenged to answer if masturbation is a sin or not. My explanation was that when most people masturbate they have to imagine an image or a partner in their mind, which equals to what Jesus called adultery in the book of Matthew.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matt 5:27-28

When a man lusts in his heart after a woman, he has already committed adultery with her even though he has not physically slept with her. That mental adultery goes along side with masturbation.

The reason why I have decided to write this more elaborate article about why masturbation is wrong is that some people who are not Christians and don’t believe the authority of the Bible asked the question that apart from the Bible saying masturbation is a sin, is there any other thing that proves that the act itself is wrong?

My aim, therefore, today is to give reasons why I believe that masturbation is still wrong even if we are not considering what Jesus said about adultery in the heart. I want to point out to all my readers that there are enough reasons to believe that masturbation is wrong even without considering the fact that it is sinful.

20 REASONS WHY MASTURBATION IS WRONG.

Also read this:  Important Facts You Need To Know About Spirit Husband And Spirit Wife

1. Loss of interest in marriage:
Most men that actively practice the act of masturbation will in time lose the taste for the institution of marriage.

2. Loss of life focus:
The men that actively masturbate tend to think about it most of the time. It is as bad as according to some psychologist, there are men who think about masturbating every 5 minutes making them lose focus on the most important things in life. A man’s thoughts are supposed to be predominantly about his life’s goals, missions and purposes.

3. Feelings of inferiority complex:
In most cases when men practice masturbation on regular basis, they develop feelings of inferiority complex. They tend to think that they are not normal and in some cases, they think they are the only ones suffering from this addiction. They think others are normal while they are not.

4. Late marriages:
They are normally late marriages among people who are addicted to practising masturbation for a long time. They find it difficult to morally get themselves equipped and ready not seeing much need for it. In some cases, they are afraid of the responsibilities that come with marriage.

5. Unhealthy sexual fantasies:
Most people who are involved in masturbation cannot really do without fantasizing. This process of fantasizing could be as gory and pervasive in the mind as it could get. This becomes a problem in marriage when a married man is sleeping with his wife yet in his fantasies he is actually not seeing his wife but other women.

6. The flesh is insatiable:
People involved in masturbation sooner or later discover that the hunger for sexual satisfaction is insatiable. Hence the process of seeking for pleasure always lands such an individual in the most sordid practices of sexual pervasion including soliciting the services of prostitutes and escorts.

7. It brings sexual pervasion into marriage:
For a married man who , to masturbating before marriage, the degradation could continue to the extent of him not being able to be sexually aroused by his spouse. In which case most men have to result to watching pornographic films and pictures while they make love to their wives otherwise they will not be able to get themselves aroused.

8. Masturbation could lead to swinging in marriage:
The height of sexual pervasion that results from masturbation is what is called swinger parties when men who are no more aroused by their partners go to the extent of engaging in sex with other married couples. Even going to the extent of arranging orgy parties for it.

9. Masturbation could lead to sexual fetishism:
A lot of young men go about stealing ladies underwear or getting close to women private belongings so as to use them as an act of sexual gratification. a is as a result of a long practice of self-gratification through masturbation that now looks for a more outward expression. , normally happens to men that lack the guts and boldness to approach a lady. It is a form of addiction.

10. Pornographic addiction:
Most people who practice masturbation end up becoming addicted to pornography because it provides secrecy and it allows for a faster process of fantasy and ejaculation. The problem is that it becomes addictive sooner or later.

Also read this:  What Saraki Stopped Doing Will Leave You Speechless

11. Masturbation leads to horrible sexual pervasion:
People who start out with masturbation have been found to be caught in rape, sex with animals, sadism, sadomasochism and other unthinkable acts. a is because the flesh can never be satisfied. The fantasy and pursuit of sexual satisfaction are endless.

12. Masturbation leads to prostate related diseases:
Most people who are actively involved in masturbation get complications in their later years, because of different complications they have with their health after the age of 40. It might not necessarily lead to prostate cancer for everybody, but it gives enough health concerns to be worried about.

13. Selfishness and egocentrism in marriage:
A person that is used to satisfying himself sexually through masturbation continues to do that even after he is married. The wife will be constantly dissatisfied because the husband is not used to satisfying others but himself.

14. Premature ejaculation:
One of the main problems in marriage for people who have been involved in masturbation is premature ejaculation. Why that is a problem is that when a man suffers from premature ejaculation, the woman in most cases remains unsatisfied which could lead to complications in the marriage relationship.

15. Erectile dysfunction:
When someone engages in masturbation long enough, it gets to a point when you don’t really need an erection to ejaculate and once a man ejaculates he is satisfied but in marriage, this becomes a problem because an erection is necessary to satisfy a partner sexually. It is also necessary for reproduction.

16. Feelings of Guilt and self-condemnation:
One of the most horrible consequences of masturbation is that most people who engage in it experience feelings of guilt and self-condemnation on a regular basis, which is also an indication to us that it is not natural to live a life of masturbation.

17. Depression and gloominess:
Masturbation often results in feelings of depression and gloominess. Most people who are involved in masturbation become moody and closed because they are afraid of sharing their experience with people because of the fear of condemnation and being misunderstood.

18. Inability to build a healthy relationship with the opposite sex:
Most people who are involved in masturbation are so used to living within themselves, they reach agreements with themselves that they often don’t know how to build the complicated relationship with the opposite sex. In a relationship you need to constantly find out what the other person’s interest is. This could lead to men preferring not to marry or even to divorce after marriage.

19. Social and societal awkwardness:
Most such men feel awkward and unaccepted in the society and among their peers. They feel out of place if they don’t have a girlfriend or if they don’t marry at a certain age or they are uninterested in woman. On the other hand, they might feel they are under pressure from the society to get a wife even though they don’t have the interest. They might be pushed into marrying to make children even though they don’t have the love for their partner. They have all sorts of awkwardness due to masturbation.

Also read this:  7 signs that you have an excellent husband

20. Lack of strong will:
The problem of masturbation is an affirmation of the fact that a man has stopped fighting. It is an acceptance of defeat. In most cases when you accept defeat in a particular area of your life, it could go a long way to affecting you in other areas. It now becomes easier to give up rather than to fight.

Conclusion:
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to state here that by this article I am by no means trying to condemn anyone. On the opposite, my intention is to give a helping hand to all men and women that are faced with this challenge. The reason I can authoritatively write about this subject is due to the fact that I was a victim of sexual addiction especially masturbation. I can testify to the fact that God can give victory to anyone that so desires.

I have written a book that is available on Amazon that is called Living Sexually Free for those that are interested, you can get yourself a copy. I also want to let you know that if you are reading this article, you should be on the lookout for another article which is going to be about concrete steps to overcome masturbation.

Meanwhile, I will wish to encourage every man or family that is struggling with this habit to start by stopping to condemn yourself and each other. Make sure you shift your attention from the dominance of masturbation into more relevant topics of life like goals, purposes, missions, etc.

I also want to say that even when you are already free from masturbation, you should not assume that there would not be times when you will experience a low point. The most important thing to fight against becoming addicted. That is you don’t practice it on a permanent or constant basis. If it is only a matter of occasional failure, simply get up, dust yourself off and keep moving. Move on towards your goals, targets and destination in life. When you keep on fighting that way soon you will find out that you are experiencing more and more victory until you eventually discover that it is no more a question of worry or concern in your life.

Spend less time deliberating within yourself or fighting in your mind. Focus on your love for God and on building a closer relationship with your creator. It is my belief that love is stronger than any sin. If your love for God is stronger than for any habit, you are in a safe place.

Source: Sunday Adelaja’s

5 Things Successful People Do (Every Day)

Do you ever wish that you were a little bit more 

successful than you are right now? 

The truth is… many people do! And of course, you most 

definitely can be :)

However, there are certain things that successful people 

do every day to create more success and happiness in 

their lives. 

Want to know what they are?

To create more success in your life, try implementing 

these 5 simple tips:

Tip 1- Start Your Day Early. 

I know what you’re thinking - you do your best work at 

night or you love sleeping in? Well, research shows that 

morning people are more proactive and more

productive. They use this time of the day to focus on the 

things that have priority, and therefore they accomplish 

more!

Tip 2- Move Your Body!

Let’s face it, when we move and stretch our bodies, we 

instantly feel better. This is because movement triggers 

our body to release stress and endorphins. Successful 

people know this and they take their health seriously! 

Whether it’s doing a yoga class, hitting the gym or 

walking your dog, make sure you set aside some time 

each day to be active.

Tip 3- Make Time For Yourself And Your Loved 

Ones.

Successful people value the importance of setting aside 

some time for themselves, disconnecting from all 

technology and enjoying the activities they love most, 

like reading a book, listening to music or spending 

quality time with their friends and family. They know that 

this time is as valuable as working, as it allows them to 

energize and replenish their mind and soul.

Tip 4- Take Ownership Of Your Own Happiness. 

For successful people, happiness is a choice, not an 

external circumstance. They find joy in the simplest 

things in life - a smile, sunshine, a conversation. They 

tend to see the positive in every situation and they treat 

life as the ultimate gift! So make the decision to be 

happy right now! :)

Tip 5- Plan ahead. 

To maximize their potential, successful people map out 

their days, have short-term goals and they also hold a 

clear vision of what they want out of life!

Now as you can see, this is not weird science. It just 

takes perseverance to incorporate these small steps 

into your life in order to make a positive change. 

If you can’t follow all of them right away, don’t stress out, 

take baby steps and incorporate 1 tip each week until it 

becomes a habit. 

DO NOT GET MARRIED Unless You Ask Your Partner These

DO NOT GET MARRIED Unless You Ask Your Partner These 11 Questions!

Some good relationship advice before considering marriage is to take the time to ask questions that plumb the inner depths of your partner’s personality and psychology. Here are eleven questions you can ask to his or her suitability for a marriage partner:

1 – Why do you love me? – This is a questions that lovers have asked each other from the beginning of time, but it does provide real information about their psychological and social needs in a mate. If the focus seems to be on what you have or what you can provide materially in the marriage, you might need to look elsewhere for an authentic commitment.

2 – What are you goals and are you willing to adjust them for the relationship? – This question can reveal what priority the relationship has in the overall life plan. If the individual is more to achieve life goals and expects you to do all the adjusting, it could be an unfavorable sign.

3 – Do you know how to compromise? – Compromise is the essence of a good marriage. A person who shows an inclination to feel “it’s my way or the highway” is not a good candidate for the negotiations and compromises that marriage requires.

4 – What’s your relationship with your family? – A bad relationship with family can indicate issues that could affect the marriage. Similarly, someone is too close to his or her family may be so enmeshed that the marriage may not come first. Relationship counseling can help to resolve these issues.

5 – Why do you want to spend your life’s journey with me? – This answer can tell you about the expectations of your partner and whether relationship therapy might be needed to create healthier expectations about your role in the marriage.

6 – Can you keep the romance alive? – Someone who understands the value of keeping romance alive will actively work to invigorate the relationship over time.

7 – Can’t you work through the rough patches. Someone who dislikes conflict or who cannot work out differences will make a poor marriage partner.

8 – What are your parenting skills? – If you intend to have children, the previous family experiences of your partner can have a significant effect on his or her ability to parent.

9 – Can you commit to grow with me instead of away from me? – This answer can tell you whether the person understands the nature of close relationships and the constant maintenance they require.

10 – Will you continue to grow in the relationship? – A person that continues to have hobbies and interests that are separate from the marriage will make a more interesting and independent partner.

11 – If My Life Is Cut Short, Will You Honor My Memory Forever? – An individual that will continue to hold that relationship in memory as a valuable experience, rather than close the book on it, is likely to make the most of the time you have together.

Which of God’s attributes are above all others?

Question: "Which of God’s attributes are above all others?"

Answer: The question of which of God’s attributes are highest or most important or “above” the others must be answered in two parallel modes. One possible answer differentiates between the attributes of God that are more important for us to understand; but we must also consider whether or not some attributes of God are more important for Him, in reality. Interestingly, when we look at the attributes of God, we find they are all unchangeably perfect, so there is no practical difference in their importance—at least not to God. However, from a human viewpoint, the way we understand God’s qualities has to come in a certain order.

In order to be truly “infinitely” perfect, a being has to be perfect in all qualities. Attributes such as omnipotence and omniscience can only exist in cooperation with each other. For example, a being could not have all possible power unless he also has all possible knowledge. He could not be all-knowing unless he was all-present. And so on and so forth. For this reason, God’s attributes cannot be ranked on a scale of importance as if some were more critical than others to who God is. All of God’s qualities are equally perfect, equally “infinite,” and equally ranked.

At the same time, human beings are not infinite, nor are we perfect. Our understanding has to come in steps and stages. For this reason, certain attributes of God must be understood before we can properly appreciate the others. When all is said and done, the starting point for understanding who God is, from a human perspective, is His holiness (see Isaiah 6:3). God’s holiness means that He is set apart from mankind, that He is something other than we are, in a radical and fundamental way. He is perfection, without a hint of unrighteousness. Before anything else about God makes sense, we must understanding that God is holy—without recognizing this uniqueness, none of His other qualities make sense.

More generally, we need to understand attributes of God that are “beyond” mankind before we can make sense of those more connected to human experience. God’s holiness, sovereignty, and omnipotence, for example, are crucial foundations for our understanding of His other qualities such as love and justice. As pointed out before, God’s perfection ensures none of those qualities are “more” or “less” present in God than the others. But, in order to grasp God to the extent the human mind is able, we can arrange those qualities in a certain logical order. That begins with His holiness, extends to His power (omnipotence, sovereignty, etc.), and then to His personality (love, mercy, justice, etc.).

LOVE GOD, LOVE THOSE HE LOVES

LOVE GOD, LOVE THOSE HE LOVES

(A FRIEND STORY)

The expression “Love me, love my dog” came to life when my wife and I got a puppy—a first for me. We adore Sophie and she adores us. Actually, she adores everyone. She is not only one of those hyperactive toy breeds, but also one that is famously sociable. She starts wagging her tail as soon as a new person enters her world, and within a second or two her tail is wagging the rest of her so hard that she nearly comes unglued. If the new person so much as acknowledges Sophie’s existence, she gets even more excited and eager to “bond.” This is when we find out who loves dogs and who doesn’t.

I’m about to make a larger point, but before I do, another little story that I think most parents will be able to relate to. When my children were small they acted, well, childish. They whined and cried over the littlest things, spilt more food and drink than they swallowed, broke stuff out of clumsiness and curiosity, and as soon as they were old enough to understand boundaries, began pushing them. I loved them anyway. They could be annoying, even aggravating, but they were only children, after all, and this was all part of the learning, maturing process. Plus they were mine. What really annoyed me was when others let their annoyance show. “Love me, love my children.”

In that context, the connection between the two rules for life that Jesus said encompass all the rest—love God, and love others1—becomes clearer. “Love God, love those He loves,” which is everyone. If we truly love God and believe that He created us in His own image, as the Bible says, we will love and respect each of His creations enough to try our best to understand and accept him or her—faults, foibles, and all.

—

Matthew 7:12 ESV / “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Romans 12:10 ESV / Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Philippians 2:3 ESV / Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna

How to Have a Quiet Time as a Couple

How to Have a Quiet Time as a Couple

Phylicia Masonheimer

I’ll be honest: Josh and I have probably tried eighteen different “quiet time” formats in the last two years. It’s hard enough finding time for your own devotions; add another person’s schedule and the variables are endless!

Despite the difficulty, we continue to make an effort in this area. Whether you’re dating or newly married, pursuing God together is the surest way to build a strong relationship foundation. If you’re dating, spending time in God’s Word as a couple will strengthen your resolve for purity. If you’re married, regular devotional times will transform your attitudes toward one another. It’s no wonder the Enemy targets couples with distraction and busyness every time they sit down to pray!

Josh and I haven’t “arrived” in this area, but we’ve found some things that work. Despite three years of inconsistent work schedules, moving three times, and balancing work, home, and a baby, we’re proof that a quiet time is possible if you’re intentional about it. The following four principles are very simple, but it’s the simplicity that makes them work.

DESIGNATE A TIME

When we were dating, our “quiet time” was usually before each date. We found that reading and praying together strengthened the Spirit’s voice in our hearts when we were tempted to compromise. Every time we struggled with purity, we hadn’t spent time seeking God together. We hadn’t sought His protection over our hearts and minds. Even if we were getting together to watch a movie or eat out, we tried to make the first thing on our agenda a prayer time.

Once married, quiet times actually became harder. We worked two different shifts, we both traveled on business, and there were many weeks where the only time we saw each other was at bedtime. We realized it was more important to have the devotional time than to have it at the same time each day. Rather than saying, “We’ll pray together at 6 AM each morning,” we decided day-to-day what time worked best.

In some seasons, we read and prayed at night, when we were for sure together. In others we’d get up together and read over breakfast (which is what we do now). Find a time that works for you both.

It’s worthy to note that it is not “usurping leadership” to remind your boyfriend/husband of your commitment to meet God. That accountability will be very necessary. If he continues to be negligent about pursuing the Lord, 1) if you’re dating – ask yourself if you are actually equally yoked; 2) if you’re married, pray that God would transform his heart and give him a spirit of leadership. I have seen this prayer answered many times over when Josh was not leading as much as I’d wish. Rather than nagging, ask God to motivate him to step up.

PICK A PASSAGE

Josh and I have used a few books and devotionals to guide our quiet times, but we prefer to use the Bible itself. While devotionals provide some structure, they don’t get you in the Word of God – the seat of God’s power and influence.

Right now, Josh and I are doing my New Testament reading plan each morning. We take turns reading a passage using different versions of the Bible. This gives us a different perspective and promotes conversation.

If you’re just starting out, pick a small book (like one of the NT epistles) and read it in chunks. Don’t rush; you don’t need an end date. If you want to discuss verse by verse, do so! What matters is that you are in the Word together.

ASK QUESTIONS

My favorite Bible study method is SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. If you’re a couple who needs structure, this can be applied to any passage you read. It can also give you a groundwork for questions.

There is no such thing as a dumb question about the Bible. As you discuss the passage, any questions you can’t answer should be written down for future research (or better yet, research them together during your quiet time!). This doesn’t have to take long. Two or three questions will get you thinking deeper about the passage.

It’s important to engage with the text and with each other. Our temptation is to simply read the words and check “quiet time” off the list, but that’s not the purpose of it. For God to change us through His word, we need to “camp out” in it. This doesn’t mean you’re having an hour devotional time. Just make sure the time you have is completely focused on what you’re reading.

ENGAGE YOUR CHILDREN

Even if you don’t have kids yet, consider this habit of a couple’s quiet time as an investment in your future family. If you’re unable to make it a habit as a couple, it will be ten times harder with kids!

Now that Josh and I are parents, devotions take more effort. But we try to model this practice in Adeline’s view, and even include her in our study. At thirteen months old she may seem too young for what we’re doing, but the mere act of involving her creates an environment of discipleship.

One of my favorite resources for beginning discipleship is Addie’s Say and Pray Devotions by Diane Stortz. This book provides structure to a family “quiet time” while being age appropriate for babies. Each page contains a one sentence “devotion” and a short Bible verse. The illustration is pertinent to the devotional subject, and each object on the page is labeled so the child can learn new words. Adeline loves this book and I love reading it to her. It is a creative way to get her accustomed to God’s Word without going too far above her head.

Head over to my Instagram to enter a giveaway to win a Say and Pray Devotional for your baby or one you know!

ALWAYS CONCLUDE WITH PRAYER

Finally, always conclude your quiet time with prayer. Josh and I actually break this up; we read in the morning and pray together at night. Since Josh leaves for work right after we read together, we found it was better to pray before going to sleep. We’re guaranteed to be in the same place, and we can reflect on the passage we read throughout the day.

I know praying together sounds trite. Of course you should pray together – you’re a Christian couple! But honestly, how many of us truly make time to do this? Prayer is not so much about us as it is about God: Exposing our hearts to His transforming power. You cannot speak to God and remain unchanged. That’s why every Christian relationship needs prayer.

Don’t be ashamed of small beginnings in this area. Like I said: Josh and I are works in progress in this area! You will never get to a devotional plateau, with no more to learn about God or the Bible. What matters is that you try.

How to Grow Strong in Your Faith

How to Grow Strong in Your Faith

by Mark Altrogge

In Romans 4, Paul tells us Abraham “grew strong in his faith” and urges us to walk in Abraham’s footsteps. To believe like he believed. How do we do this?

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:18–21)

Look to God’s promise not your circumstances.

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations (18)

Abraham’s situation looked bleak. God promised him multitudes of descendants, but the only problem was he was well past child producing. “He considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old).” He also considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. Not only was Abraham almost 100 years old, but Sarah his wife was very old, and she had never been able to have children her whole life. How are they going to have children? If Abraham had based his hope on his circumstances he would have given up. But In hope he believed against hope—God’s promise gave him hope in his hopeless situation. He put his hope in God’s promise, not his circumstances.

We may feel hopelessly unrighteous. We may feel like God could never forgive us for the sins we have committed, that he would never accept us. But we must not look at ourselves, just like Abraham didn’t look at himself, but like Abraham, we must believe God’s promise of grace. He counts me righteous in Christ!

Our teenager may seem hopelessly lost. Our finances may be out of control. We may lack direction for our lives. Our marriage might be frustrating or our church might be a mess. Look to Jesus Christ! Don’t look to yourself. Look to the promise of the gospel—everyone who believes in him shall be saved. Look to his promises to draw near to those who draw near to him. Promises to hear and answer our prayers.

Give glory to God

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (20–21)

Abraham strengthened his faith. Here’s how: “He grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God.” Begin to give glory to God—start thanking and praising him for his every promise. Thank him for saving you and declaring you righteous in him. He has promised to be with us when we pass through the waters and walk through fire. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He has promised that nothing will be able to separate us from his love. He has promised to give us everything we truly need to glorify him. He has promised that we can do all things he requires through Christ who loves us. Praise him for these things!

We can look to our circumstances—it may not LOOK like God is being faithful. It may not FEEL like God is with us in these waters. It may FEEL like he has abandoned or forsaken us. We may not SENSE his love. But WE MUST NOT WAVER CONCERNING THE PROMISE OF GOD! Rather, we grow strong in our faith as we GIVE GLORY TO GOD, as we are fully convinced that God is able to do what he had promised.

In Ps 43 the Psalmist says “Why are you cast down O my soul? Hope in God for I shall yet praise him.” Keep thanking God, keep praising him in faith in the midst of your hard times. Say, “Jesus thank you that you are with me. Thank you have promised that your steadfast love never ceases. Praise you that your mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.”

Growing stronger in our faith is not complicated. Look to God’s promise and glorify him. So, what are you going to believe today—God’s word or your circumstances? God’s promises or your feelings? God’s bedrock pledge of faithfulness or your wavering emotions? Walk in the footsteps of Abraham and strengthen your faith.

Is Grace a License to Sin?

Is Grace a License to Sin?
The question “Is Grace a License to
Sin?” has presented itself in the form of
numerous questions and statements in the
past, such as the following:
Does preaching Grace lead to a
careless lifestyle?
Won’t people run out and sin
recklessly if they get too “deep”
into the Grace message?
We can not preach Grace to a
new believer because they are
not mature enough to be trusted
with such freedom yet.
Taking the Law off believers gives
them a license to sin.
All these statements fly straight in the
face of what the Bible teaches about
Grace:
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that brings
salvation has appeared to all men, 12
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly in the present age.
(KJV)
Firstly let us consider how Grace
influences a person’s thinking. When we
comprehend what the message of Grace is
all about (how God pardoned the sins of
the whole world (Hebrews 10:17),
abolished the written code of the Law
(Colossians 2:14), set people at liberty to
live free from the fear of judgement and
punishment (1 John 4:18), how believers
are encouraged to have boldness when
approaching God (Hebrews 10:19-21), that
we can be confident that God will never
be angry with us ever again (Isaiah
54:9-10) and many other truths like these),
it is clear that a proper understanding of
these issues will in fact not encourage a
person to want to sin, but rather inspire
such a person to be more thankful towards
God for all He has done, to live a life
worthy of the sacrifice made by Jesus and
to deny ungodly conduct as stated in Titus
2:11-12 (above).
Mostly the arguments and questions
against the Grace message, such as the
ones we mentioned above, come from
people who are not necessarily afraid that
they themselves will be deceived into
wanting to commit more sins, but their
arguments are for other “weaker”
Christians who in their opinion do not yet
have the “maturity” to handle the
responsibility that comes with such
freedom. Therefore they encourage that
the truth of the Grace message be taught
with a healthy dose of Law mixed in to
warn these “weak” Christians against the
perils of sinning. How ironic isn’t it then
that the Bible teaches us that sin doesn’t
increase through Grace, but rather through
the Law:
Rom 5:20 God’s law was given so that all
people could see how sinful they were. But
as people sinned more and more, God’s
wonderful grace became more abundant
(NLT).
Grace actually came in and covered the
sins that were made more abundant
through the Law!
So for someone to say that Grace is a
license to sin, it simply serves to expose
such a person’s ignorance to what Grace
actually means and stands for. It reveals
that they don’t understand that the power
of the Holy Spirit inside a believer
(reminding them of their complete 100%
righteous standing before God) is an
infinitely stronger empowerment for “good
behavior” than threatening someone with
the Law. As a result the legalists can all
relax and come to terms with the fact that
the Holy Spirit can be trusted with the
transforming work in the life of a believer:
Phil 1:6 being confident of this very thing,
that He who has begun a good work in you
will complete it until the day of Jesus
Christ. (KJV)
Nobody appointed us as each other’s
moral policemen, so how can we ever try
to assume that function?
A good response whenever we hear
someone ask “Is Grace a licence to sin?”,
is whether a fear of punishment is their
only motivation for doing good. We do
good works and live a moral lifestyle
because we WANT TO (the desires of the
Holy Spirit working in and through us), not
because we fear the consequences if we
don’t.
The truth is that Grace can never be
reduced to an “acceptable” level to
compensate for the insecurities of
legalists. Due to the extreme nature of the
Law, Grace needs to be preached in its
purest form as well in order to free people
from the poison of “works based”
mindsets.
Check out this awesome article by Bas
Rijksen: Should you be careful not abuse
Grace? NEVER.

Question: "What is the baptism of/by/with fire?"

Question: "What is the baptism of/by/with fire?"

Answer: John the Baptist came preaching
repentance and baptizing in the wilderness of
Judea, and he was sent as a herald to announce
the arrival of Jesus, the Son of God ( Matthew
3:1-12 ). He announced, “I indeed baptize you
with water unto repentance, but He who is
coming after me is mightier than I, whose
sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit and
fire” ( Matthew 3:11 ).
After Jesus had risen from the dead, He
instructed His apostles to “…wait for the
Promise of the Father which you have heard
from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but
you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not
many days from now” ( Acts 1:4-5 ). This promise
was first fulfilled on the day of Pentecost ( Acts
2:1-4 ), and the baptism of the Spirit joins every
believer to the body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians
12:13 ). But what about the baptism with fire?
Some interpret the baptism of fire as referring
to the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit
was sent from heaven. “And suddenly there
came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing
mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where
they were sitting. Then there appeared to them
divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon
each of them” ( Acts 2:2-3 ). It is important to
note that these were tongues as of fire, not
literal fire.
Some believe that the baptism with fire refers to
the Holy Spirit’s office as the energizer of the
believer’s service, and the purifier of evil within,
because of the exhortation “Do not quench the
Spirit” found in 1Thessalonians 5:19 . The
command to the believer is to not put out the
Spirit’s fire by suppressing His ministry.
A third and more likely interpretation is that the
baptism of fire refers to judgment. In all four
Gospel passages mentioned above, Mark and
John speak of the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
but only Matthew and Luke mention the baptism
with fire. The immediate context of Matthew
and Luke is judgment ( Matthew 3:7-12 ; Luke 3:
7-17 ). The context of Mark and John is not
( Mark 1:1-8 ; John 1:29-34 ). We know that the
Lord Jesus is coming in flaming fire to judge
those who do not know God ( 2 Thessalonians
1:3-10 ; John 5:21-23 ; Revelation 20:11-15 ), but
praise be to God that He will save all that will
come and put their trust in Him ( John 3:16 )!

Question: "Should a new believer be baptise immediately?

Question: "Should a new believer be baptise immediately?"
Answer: In the New Testament, new Christians
were often baptized immediately after
confessing Jesus as Lord. Should churches
continue this practice today? Two issues need
addressed. First, can new believers be baptized
immediately? The biblical answer is a definite
yes.
Three thousand believers were baptized on the
same day they believed when the church began
at Pentecost ( Acts 2:41 ). The Ethiopian with
Philip was baptized the same day he believed
( Acts 8:26–38 ). Paul (then Saul) was baptized
about three days after experiencing Jesus on
the road to Damascus ( Acts 9). Acts 16:15
shows a woman baptized the same day she
believed. Acts 16:33 notes the Philippian jailer
and his family were baptized the night they
believed. The first 3,000 people added to the
church were baptized ( Acts 2:41 ), and Jesus
commanded His followers to baptize other
disciples ( Matthew 28:19 ). Baptism is clearly
something expected of every Christian, whether
or not they are baptized immediately.
The second issue to address, however, is
whether a new believer is required to be
baptized immediately. Some churches argue
against spontaneous baptisms due to past
examples of people being baptized without a
true understanding of the meaning of salvation.
To prevent confusion, these churches offer a
class or other instructional time to help each
person understand these issues prior to
baptism.
Historically, during the third and fourth centuries
the theology of baptism continued to shift in
church practice. Originally, church instruction
took place after baptism. However, as different
heresies started to confront the church,
believers were increasingly given specific
instructions before being baptized. By the fourth
and fifth centuries, several weeks were required
to teach catechism before baptism. Because no
direct command is given in Scripture regarding
the length of time required between a person’s
confession of faith and his baptism, there is
freedom for each church and its leaders to
develop the best practice for their particular
congregation.
Though there is no requirement regarding
immediate baptism, there seems to be a clear
emphasis on closely associating a person’s
confession of faith and baptism. Therefore, a
church would do well to keep the space of time
between a person’s confession of faith and
baptism as short as possible. Further, many
churches do not allow a person to partake in
communion, become an official church member ,
or other important aspects of church life until
after baptism. These factors further add to the
importance of holding baptisms for new
believers in a timely manner.

Question: "What does the Bible say about being a good parent?"

Question: "What does the Bible say about being a good parent?"

Answer: Being a good parent can be a difficult and challenging venture, but at the same time can be the most rewarding and fulfilling thing we ever do. The Bible has a great deal to say about the way we can successfully raise our children to be men and women of God. As a good parent, the first thing we must do is teach them the truth about God's Word.

Along with loving God and being a godly example by committing ourselves to His commands, we need to heed the command of Deuteronomy 6:7-9 regarding teaching our children to do the same. This passage emphasizes the ongoing nature of such instruction. It should be done at all times—at home, on the road, at night, and in the morning. Biblical truth should be the foundation of our homes. By following the principles of these commands, we teach our children that worshiping God should be constant, not reserved for Sunday mornings or nightly prayers.

Although our children learn a great deal through direct teaching, they learn much more by watching us. This is why we must be careful in everything we do. We must first acknowledge our God-given roles. Husbands and wives are to be mutually respectful and submissive to each other (Ephesians 5:21). At the same time, God has established a line of authority to keep order. “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3). We know that Christ is not inferior to God, just as a wife is not inferior to her husband. God recognizes, however, that without submission to authority, there is no order. The husband's responsibility as the head of the household is to love his wife as he loves his own body, in the same sacrificial way that Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-29).

In response to this loving leadership, it is not difficult for the wife to submit to her husband's authority (Ephesians 5:24; Colossians 3:18). Her primary responsibility is to love and respect her husband, live in wisdom and purity, and take care of the home (Titus 2:4-5). Women are naturally more nurturing than men because they were designed to be the primary caretakers of their children.

Discipline and instruction are integral parts of being a good parent. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Children who grow up in undisciplined households feel unwanted and unworthy. They lack direction and self-control, and as they get older they rebel and have little or no respect for any kind of authority, including God's. “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18). At the same time, discipline must be balanced with love, or children may grow up resentful, discouraged, and rebellious (Colossians 3:21). God recognizes that discipline is painful when it is happening (Hebrews 12:11), but if followed by loving instruction, it is remarkably beneficial to the child. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

As a good parent, it is important to involve your children in the church family and ministry when they are young. Regularly attend a Bible-believing church (Hebrews 10:25), allow them to see you studying the Word, and also study it with them. Discuss with them the world around them as they see it, and teach them about the glory of God through everyday life. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Being a good parent is all about raising children who will follow your example in obeying and worshipping the Lord.

4 Ways to Deal with Temptation

4 Ways to Deal with Temptation

Everyone faces temptation, but the truth is, very few people know how to deal with it effectively. That shouldn't be the case, and it doesn't have to be the case for believers. Below are some very simple and effective ways to deal with temptation, and if you'll put them into practice, you'll come out a winner.

#1 Fail to Plan and You're Planning to Fail

No one gets up in the morning and prays to fail when faced with temptation, but many people get up each morning and fail to plan for what the Bible says we will all certainly face. So, first and most importantly, you must be prepared.

#2 Seek the Lord Through His Word

When Satan throws temptation your way, if you're not already prepared, it's too late and you'll probably lose the fight. But when you're full of God, there's little room for temptation. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity for overcoming temptation.

#3 Praying in Tongues

Praying in tongues builds us up on our most holy faith. This is a powerful gift and a great way to counter temptation-we need to use this gift of speaking in tongues to stir ourselves up, or we risk sinking to the bottom. Speaking in tongues also confuses the devil, so next time you're faced with temptation, pray in tongues!

#4 Know Who You Are

When Satan tried to tempt Jesus, he began two of the three temptations with the words, "If thou be the Son of God." Many people have missed this point. The real temptation was Satan's attempt to get Jesus to doubt who He was. Knowing your identity in Christ is one of the greatest defenses you can possibly have against temptation. Jesus answered the devil with "it is written"-this shows that the Word helps you know who you are in Christ and therefore resist temptation.

Temptation will come, but it's hard for the devil to deceive you when your mind is stayed on Christ. Satan can only work with what you give him, so don't give him any space in your mind. The Word is powerful--use it. Jesus countered every temptation of the devil with the Word.

Allow us to help you gain the victory with Andrew's in-depth teaching on dealing with temptation by visiting the link below.

FALLING

FALLING

(A FRIEND STORY)

When I was a child we played a game in which we would each stand straight as a board and then try to fall backward into the strong arms of an adult who was waiting to catch us. It’s strange, but no matter how many times I’d seen it done or tried to do it myself, it was still difficult to keep from bending my knees or doing something else at the last split second to try to break my fall. Not chickening out took a certain “letting go” that went contrary to my natural reasoning and reflexes. It took complete trust in the one who was catching me.

In the Christian life we often use the expression “leaning on Jesus,” or, as the old hymn goes, “leaning on the everlasting arms.” The picture is of one leaning on Jesus for support while passing through life’s difficulties. I’ve done a lot of “leaning” in my life. And I have found Jesus to be strong and stable, full of strength and comfort. I leaned hard on Him through several long and difficult years when my husband battled a life-threatening illness. I leaned harder still when I walked the difficult road of cancer myself. But there was never a time that He wasn’t there to lean on. Even when the road was too difficult for me, He lifted me up and carried me.

There recently came another time in my life that was so difficult it left me despairing again. The night had closed so dark around me that I couldn’t see Jesus or feel His presence. I knew He was there, somewhere, but why did He now seem distant from me? I pictured myself reaching out, grasping at air, searching for His love and strength. Then, in answer to my deepest prayer, I heard His tender voice tell me, “The reason you haven’t been able to see or reach Me is that I’m not in front of you. I’m right behind you. My strong arms are around you, holding you from behind. All you have to do is lay your head back on My shoulder and rest. Don’t reach. Don’t struggle. Don’t try so hard to find My presence. Just lean back and rest in My everlasting arms.”

The peace that filled my heart was so complete that it entered every fiber of my being. During the difficult months that followed, I leaned on Jesus like never before. It’s hard to explain, but it became a different type of leaning, somehow more complete.

Then my circumstances became more difficult still. I developed a chronic, debilitating condition, and at times pain took its toll. It was during this low time, when I had no strength of my own, that I heard Jesus’ gentle voice again, telling me, “Fall back! Just trust Me completely and fall back into My arms—like the game you played as a child.”

The experience seemed very real as it played out in slow motion in my mind. I felt myself standing in the middle of a blustery storm, atop a mountain of woes. I spread my arms wide open, leaned back, and fell with total abandonment, total surrender, total trust. Slowly I fell out of the realm of trouble and storm and into Jesus! I felt the soft landing envelop me with love. I found myself floating in a beautiful, dark stillness, dotted by tiny stars. I would call it space, but this place was not empty. It was alive, and the very nature of it filled me with courage and faith.

I felt it lift me up, up, up, high above the mountains. I felt the fresh, cool wind blow in my face. Riding on the wings of the wind, I was flying! I thought of the verse, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). I felt joy return to me, and my spirit receive new strength. It was refreshing and exhilarating!

Then I heard His voice speak again. “This is your place of freedom. When your body is held captive on a bed of suffering, let your spirit fly. Just fall. Fall on Me. Let yourself go and fall.”

Suddenly “leaning” took on a whole new meaning. In falling I learned to completely let go and fall—not onto but into the everlasting arms. What a wonderful experience!
Science with all its knowledge and experience hasn’t come up with a pill for true inner peace that transcends any circumstances. There is no magic potion for a soul lost in hopelessness, no tonic for a spirit crushed under the weight of an unbearable burden.

I have been there, and I have found that peace. Though my outward condition remains unchanged, inwardly I have been healed—healed of an inner pain more difficult to bear than pain itself. I am free!

—

Romans 10:9 ESV / Because, 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.

Romans 5:12 ESV / Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Luke 14:23 ESV / And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna

HOW MUCH DOES A PRAYER WEIGH?

HOW MUCH DOES A PRAYER WEIGH?

How much does a prayer weigh? The only man I ever knew who tried to weigh one still does not know.

Once he thought he did. That was when he owned a little grocery store on New York’s West Side. It was the week before Christmas of 1918 when a tired-looking woman came into the store and asked him for enough food to make a Christmas dinner for her children. He asked her how much she could afford to spend.

“My husband was killed in the war,” the woman answered. “I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.”

The man confesses that he was not very sentimental in those days. A grocery store could not be run like a breadline.

“Write it down,” he said with a huff, and turned to attend to other customers.

To his surprise, the woman pulled a piece of paper from her pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to him over the counter. “I did that during the night, while sitting up with my sick baby.”

The grocer took the paper before he could recover from his surprise, and then regretted having done so. What would he do with it? What could he say?

Then an idea came to him. Without even reading the prayer, he placed the paper on one side of his old-fashioned weight scales and said, “We shall see how much food this is worth.”

To his astonishment, the scale would not go down when he put a loaf of bread on the other side. And it still didn’t go down as he added more food—anything he could lay his hands on quickly, because people were watching him. His face turned redder the more embarrassed and flustered he became.

Finally he said, “Well, that’s all the scales will hold. Here’s a bag.” And he turned away.

With a little sob, the woman took the bag and started packing the food, only stopping to dry her eyes on her sleeve from time to time. The grocer tried not to look, but he had given her a big bag and couldn’t help but see that it wasn’t quite full. Without another word, he tossed a large cheese down the counter. Had he let down his defenses enough to actually look at the woman, he would have been rewarded with a timid smile and look of deepest gratitude.

When the woman had gone, the grocer examined his scales, which had worked fine for the previous customer. He never figured out how or when it had happened, but they were broken.

The grocer had never seen that woman before, and he never saw her again. But for the rest of his life he remembered her better than any other woman that ever came into his shop, and he always kept that slip of paper with her simple prayer: “Please, Lord, give us this day our daily bread.”

—

Psalm 34:17-20 ESV / When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Philippians 4:19 ESV / And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV / But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna

GOD’S DELAYS ARE NOT DENIALS

GOD’S DELAYS ARE NOT DENIALS

Question: I’ve been told that prayer is a sure thing—that when I pray, God will answer. Why then do some of my prayers seem to go unanswered?

Answer: Each of us has experienced disappointment when things didn’t work out the way we wanted them to, and if we had prayed for that outcome that didn’t happen, we were doubly disappointed—first because we didn’t get what we wanted, and second because it seemed God had failed us.

Even when there are obvious, logical reasons why something didn’t go our way, we wonder why God didn’t make it happen anyway. After all, if He’s God, He can do anything, and if He loves us as much as the Bible says He does, why didn’t He? At times like that, it’s easy to hold it against God for not answering prayer.

Of course, it’s not right to question God in that accusing sort of way, as though we know better than He does. It is good to ask Him where things went wrong, however, because that will help get better results next time.

The first thing to bear in mind is that God never fails to do what’s best for everyone involved, and He never goes back on the promises He has given in the Bible. We, on the other hand, can and do fail sometimes. Also, because He’s given us free will, God is often limited in how He can answer our prayers by the choices we or others make.

When prayers seem to go unanswered, some good questions to ask yourself are:
· Was my request motivated by unselfish love and concern for everyone involved?
· Did I believe and claim promises from God’s Word?
· Did I put feet to my faith by doing all I could to bring about the desired result?
· Was God unable to do what I asked because of the choices of others?
· Was it perhaps not yet God’s time to answer, or not His plan for me?
· Is it possible that God’s “other” answer will prove better in the long run?

God’s Delays Are Not Denials
God always answers our prayers, but not always right away or in just the way we expect Him to. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes He says no, and sometimes He says wait. There are a number of factors that affect the process, including you and your situation, God and His will, and the situations of others involved. You don’t control the outcome completely, others don’t control it completely, and God has specifically limited Himself not to control it completely, which is, of course, one reason why prayers don’t always get answered right away. But when the conditions are right for the result God knows is best, He will answer. So never doubt for a moment that God is going to answer. Trust Him and thank Him for the answer—even if you don’t see it immediately!

—

John 15:7 ESV / If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 6:44 ESV / No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

Luke 18:1 ESV / And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna

*12 KINDS OF PASTORS TODAY*

*12 KINDS OF PASTORS TODAY*

*INTRODUCTION*

If we are to bring back the *glory, honour, respect* and *sacredness* of the Church, we must start with *Pastors.* The condition of the Church today is a direct result of *the quality of Pastors* the Church has produced over the years. Every Sunday, tens of thousands of Pastors mount the pulpit to preach and talk to people. *They have different motives, characters, habits and believe.*  They display various *personality traits.* While some are happy, others are hungry; while some are joyful, others are sad; while some are positive, others are negative; while some are honest, others are deceitful. While some are saints, others are chronic sinners and while some are real, others are fake and charlatan.

In my years of *researching, teaching* and *interacting* with Pastors, I have come to discover *various kinds of Pastors.* I hope Pastors will through this teaching discover *who they really are,* where they stand and reposition themselves.

*The Place of Pastors (Jeremiah 3:15).*

Pastors must be Men of God, true, genuine, godly, relevant and transparent. They must be called, commissioned and  commanded by the Lord. They must be God’s men in God’s place at God’s time. Pastors are crucial to the life and vibrancy of the Church. *The Church cannot rise above her Pastor.* God will not do anything in the absence of the Pastors. The conditions of the Churches today are simply a reflection of the kinds of Pastors leading them.

*Kinds of Pastors Today*

I have come to discover 12 kinds of Pastors that are visible in the Church today. *Though not all,* but these twelve represent majority of Pastors leading Churches today. I hope you can find *who you are* among these twelve descriptions.

*1. BUSINESSMEN PASTORS* (1 Timothy 6:35; Isaiah 56:10,11; 2:14).

*Description:* They are businessmen and women who see the ministry as *avenue to make money.* They function as the Chief Executive Officers of their Churches. The Church is run with business principles. Their major emphasis is *money, finance, prosperity and how to make it.* They are in absolute control of everything.

*Basic Motive:* Gain and profit. Their programmes are targeted at *how much money is realized.* They are using God’s name, the Church and the Bible to make money and enrich themselves.

*Demerits:* No heaven-mindedness, disciples and godliness. *They breed Christians who are greedy of gain, profit-oriented, thieves and crooks. They engage in lying, fantastic promises and spurious prophesies.* They apportion *Church position* to the highest bidder.

*Way Out:* True repentance, freedom from financial lucre and restoration of balanced truth to the church. Business Pastors have brought *much bad image* to the Church.

*2. FUNKY PASTOR* (2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Jeremiah 6:13)

*Description:* Worldly, carnal, ungodly Pastors *who watered down the gospel to please people.* They dress anyhow and they allow anything in the Church. They are immoral and sex-maniac who take advantage of people. Their messages are the *Church liberty, ministry on the broadways, easy way to heaven* and making you somebody in life.

*Basic Motives:* Keep the people happy. Don’t offend them by telling them the truth. They exert influence and power over people *in order to get their money.* Youth and  young people enjoy these kinds of Pastors.

*Demerits:* No mention of sin, evil, hell or righteousness.  *Their focus is miracle, blessing and  breakthroughs.* Secular talk shows are allowed. Immorality, extra-marital affairs and pre-marital sex are overlooked all in the belief that God is a loving God. Funky pastors have brought much shame to the Pastoral ministry and their name.

*Way Out:* Genuine repentance and restitution, or else…

*3. VOCATIONAL PASTORS* (Ezekiel 34:2, 3)

*Description:* They are in the ministry, *not as a result of God’s call, but by the call of men.* They see pastoring as a hobby. They love the honour and respect being given to Pastors. *Tribal sentiments, ethnic bias, connection to authority, wealth, status and oratory power* are what was used to make them Pastors. Educational qualifications and greasing of palms also figure here.

*Basic Motive:* To rule over others and to be seen and respected by them. No vision, purpose and  commission from the Lord. They therefore lord themselves over the people, *using threats and  position to oppress those who are genuinely called.*

*Demerits:* They are not concerned with anyone or the Church once their position is secured. They lead Church backward through *secular management systems.* They don’t train, develop or empower  anyone. The Church is always malnourished and spiritually weak under such Pastors. Their ministrations are always devoid of God’s power and their sermons always make people sick. *Vocational or honorary Pastors have caused much havoc for the Church today.*

*Way Out:* Seek the face of God as to His plan for your life, resignation and functioning where God wants you.

*4. YESTERDAY’S PASTORS*

*Description:* They are called by the Lord, but *they are not in tune with the moves of God today.* They are holy, godly and righteous  but they are trapped in *yesterday’s ways* because they are ultra-conservative. Old tradition, dogma and doctrinal correctness is their forte. They spend only on their *one gift* to lead the Church, they detest learning and change.

*Basic Motive:* To survive and bring back old time religion. They are therefore prejudiced against growth, change and new strategies. They are good in hymnals, bell-ringing and order of service that has become routine and lifeless  today. Their relational skills are weak and very low.

*Demerits:* Lack of vision, purpose and direction in the Church. The work is backward; they are confused because changes that have occurred have left them behind. They therefore experience crisis, breakaway, stagnation and  backdoor losses.They do everything in the Church because they don’t trust anybody. They are skeptic of people and change. Pastors of yesterday usually don’t know the new moves of God for today; because they are too busy looking at yesterday.

*Way Out:* Change, personal growth, disabused mindset and new focus of the move of God today.

*5. POLITICAL PASTORS* (Jeremiah 10:21; Jeremiah 23:11; Micah 3:11)

*Description:* They were once Servants of the Lord, but are now backslidded. *They no longer have time to preach, pray, nourish people and prepare them for heaven.* All their time is taken up with meetings upon meetings. They have become servants of the people. Bad friends, economic hardship  and strange teachings have changed them.

*Basic Motive:* To make it, *either by force or by fire.* They therefore engage in Church politics. They become cunning, crafty, arm-twisting and they can speak from both sides of the mouth. Their strategic closeness to Church authority make them to determine the transfer, promotion, discipline  and suspension of other Pastors that are many times better than them. Character assassination is their modus–operandi.

*Demerits:* Their Churches always suffer because they are not always around due to frequent meetings. *They are spiritually dry, unable to get fresh insight from God* and the Church suffers spiritually. They get involve in scandals which they use for their *political manouvering* to cover up. Political Pastors needs to return back to the Lord, or else…

*Way Out:* Remember where you have fallen, repent and return back to the Lord. Stop Church politics and concentrate on the primary job of pastoring, leading, nourishing andpreparing people for heaven.

*6. OCCULTIC PASTORS* (Revelation 2:20,24: Revelation 3:9)

*Description:* These are the people who have no business being in the ministry, but they are there all the same. *Some are former occult practitioners* who claim to be born-again, while *others are herbalists and magicians* who decide to hood-wink people by modernizing as Pastors. They live double lives. They appear to eat at the Lord’s table but also deal with the devil in secret. They use means and demonic power to perform spurious miracles.

*Basic Motives:* Their motive is gain, power and control over people. They therefore use candles, coconut, incense, salt, kolanut, sponge, soaps, special baths and native roots as “prayer support.” They engage in fake vision, false prophecy and spurious miracles. They read the sixth and seventh books of Moses. They are usually polygamous  and womanizers.

*Demerits:* Using other means to ‘Jazz’ up the work so that crowds can come; people under bondage and oppression; making people sure children of hell; immorality thrives; witchcraft and calamities in Churches; people dying and losing their destiny in such Churches. Oppressive air of bondage will be thick. No form of godly spirituality among the people. *Occultic Pastors will always be exposed by their traits and they will lose their ministries sooner or later.*

*Way Out:* True repentance and knowing the Lord afresh, turning away from synagogue of Satan.

*7. SHALLOW PASTORS* (Zephaniah 3:4)

*Description:* These are proud, garrulous, self-centered and self-willed Pastors. They are islands; too busy to attend conferences or seminars or listen to anybody’s tape. They believe that everyone should learn from them but they cannot learn from others. Their anointing has grown to the extent that they don’t need to read the Bible everyday, have time of prayer and fast unto the Lord.

*Basic Motives:* Their motive is to succeed in ministry financially, materially and  socially. They therefore spend Church money to buy *expensive shoes, clothing, cars and properties.* They have nothing to really give to people spiritually. *They thrive on stories, noise, demonstrations, pushing people and mimicked styles and  prophecies.* Their sermon dwell on their worth, wealth and fame.

*Demerits:* People are fed half truths, lies, motivational talks. They are always on the move, have nothing really to share and give to the people. The people are therefore largely unsaved, canal, sinful, ungodly and religious. They therefore move away to where the grass is green and the water is still. Shallow Pastors will always lose serious Christians to other Churches.

*Way Out:* Return to the Lord, load yourself and prepare to feed people with balanced diet of the Word.

*8. MINISTRY PASTORS*

*Description:* These are ministry-focused Pastors. *They are committed to and consumed by the work of the ministry.* In their order of priorities, ministry is number one and everything else takes secondary position. *These Pastors neglect their families, children and personal lives* in the name of doing ministry. Their children are wayward, bitter, uncatered for, angry and unconverted. Their wives are miserable, frustrated, neglected; feel cheated and lonely.

*Basic Motives:* To fulfill their ministry irrespective of anything or anybody. Their desire is to prove themselves and the readiness to neglect everything for the ministry. *They move from crusade to  revivals, from prayer mountains to special seminars.* They are too spiritual to play, pray, enjoy and relax with their wives, children and family,  because sinners are perishing. They are always in a hurry.

*Demerits:* They experience divorce, have wayward children, unsettled homes and unfulfilled ministry. Their wives become demonized or engage in extra–marital affairs due to frequent absence and lack of care. *Pastors that give ministry the number one priority above their God, home and personal development will always experience crisis, breakaway and being forsaken by the Lord.* Lack of peace, progress and tranquility, both in the Church and personal lives will always be the outcome of the mistake of putting ministry before God and your family. Ministry Pastors will always experience burn out and frustration in ministry.

*Way Out:* Return back to the Lord. Make your God and family as number one and two, and ministry as number three.

*9. SICK PASTORS* (Revelation 3:14-19)

*Description:*  physically okay but *spiritually sick.* Sick because they don’t know the Lord, they are sinful, ungodly, evil, immoral and wicked. Though they sometimes find themselves leading large congregations, yet, they preach the Jesus they have not met. They only use their spiritual activities to cover their spiritual nakedness.

*Basic Motives:* They don’t know why they are in the ministry. They want to be like the Jones and  Joneses. They are copycats. They struggle with sin, evil and low self-image. They take out their anger, sin and frustration on the people. *They are sick because they lack basic leadership skill.* They are sick because they are not good examples and role model to follow. They are sick because they operate under curse and  disobedience.

*Demerits:* Destroyed lives of people under them; carnal, covetous, stinginess, unforgiving spirit, and readiness to curse and destroy people who dare question their ungodly activities. They usually kill Churches and cause stagnation by making the saints to sin and backslide. Sick Pastors will always produce sick Churches that will find growth very difficult and stagnation very easy.

*Way Out:* Repent, seek the Lord, apologize and do a new work.

*10. WOUNDED PASTORS*

*Description:* They have experienced back-stabbing, disappointment and calamities in ministry. Their work has dealt them a hard blow. Through some mistakes and  ignorance, they have been wounded in ministry. They are therefore bitter, sad, hurting and hateful in the ministry.

*Basic Motive:* Vengeance, retribution and survival. They have been wounded by sin, devil, people, partners, colleagues and  members. Some have lost wives, husbands, children, names, properties and health in the course of doing ministry. Some have deep pain due to betrayal by mentors, leaders, associates and spouses. And the wound is fresh and new.

*Demerits:* Bleeding hearts, hurtful feelings, lack of trust, discouragements, frustration and quitting the ministry. They don’t help anybody in the ministry again and they are always skeptical of people’s intentions. The unforgiveness in their hearts hinder the flow of God’s spirit in them. As long as you don’t allow the Lord to heal you, your Church will always suffer the hangover of your wounded heart.

*Way Out:* Release the past; handover your hurts unto the Lord and march on in faith. Forgive and  forbear.

*11.  TECHNOLOGY PASTORS*

*Description:* They are Pastors on the move, who are always on the fast lane of life. Moving from city to city, nation to nation,  making money at the expense of the souls under them. They spend weeks away from the Church. They junket from place to place in the name of doing ministry while the Church at home is dying and scattering. They monitor by means of audio and video messages of sermons.

*Basic Motive:* Money, pleasure and properties. They use God to better their lot in life. Their living standard is above the income of their Church. They always travel for ministration and business deals. While traveling, they continue to monitor the Church through phone, emails, websites, phone-in-conference. They use these technologies to conduct services on Sunday and at vigils. In some cases, they stay permanently abroad and control the Church from there.

*Demerits:* Their associates are not trusted; they are given responsibilities without authority. The Church goes through turmoil, murmuring and lack of care, nurture and  empowering. Such Pastors lose their Churches, their people and they eventually capitulate to the God of mammon, pleasure and fame. They lose their God and their ministry. *God usually replace them with capable people* who have a heart for things of eternal value.

*Way Out:* Genuine repentance, restoration and rediscovering the basic purpose of ministry.

*12.  GROWING PASTORS*

*Description:* Very few, but these are Pastors after God’s heart. They are called and commissioned by the Lord. They pursue a god-given vision.They display high integrity, character, godliness and a heart for things of eternal value. They are not perfect, but growing everyday. They are balanced, learning,  open to change and full of the Holy Spirit.

*Basic Motive:* They desire to make impact for God. They want to see lives, families, nations and cities transformed for the Lord. They have no personal empire to build; rather they want to extend the frontiers of God’s kingdom throughout the whole world. They see ministry as opportunity to serve, help and empower others. They de-emphasize money, gain and pleasure.

*Strengths:* They  invest in people; sharpen their  leadership skills; maintain good relational skills; work over their weaknesses, build godly character; empower, equip and enable others to rise up to their highest potentials. They are not threatened by the gift of others. They speak the truth with grace and seek to disciple everyone for the Lord. They ensure that the Church is built on the truth, undiluted and balanced Word of God. They Pastor growing Churches where the people are genuine Christians that continually grow in the things of the Lord. They raise leaders and equip them to carry on the work of God.

*Results:* Good, great and growing Churches that will go on to affect things positively for God.

*CONCLUSION*

From these descriptions of twelve kinds of pastors, you can see that *only one* can really lead the Church to true and sustainable growth. This is the reason why majority of our Churches are sick, stagnant, crisis–ridden and are dying today because they are being pastored by the wrong kind of pastors.

*Where are you?* You can repent and change today to be a growing Pastor in all ramifications so as to lead the Church into the future.

*SOURCE Pastor (Dr) Francis Bola Akin-John.* He is the President of *International Church Growth Ministries.* www.churchgrowthafrica.

Thank you.

BOUNDARIES

BOUNDARIES!

Sexual immorality is on the increase all over the world. Adultery is fast becoming the norm and men of God are also joining the club. Married women are not left out, many are having secret lovers and emotional affairs are becoming the order of the day.

The rate at which immorality is increasing is alarming! It is spreading fast into every nook and cranny and children are also being initiated into the club. It's no news that 4, 5 years old kids now have sex with each other. Staying sexually pure these days is becoming a Herculean task.

One of the reasons people fall flat into illicit sex is over confidence. The stupid belief that you can be free around the opposite sex and nothing would happen!

A lot will happen! One of the ways you can stay sexually pure whether married or single these end time is to set strict boundaries. If you are too careless around the opposite sex, you will fall flat on your face! That is the truth. The ealier you believe this and work on it, the better. You can't be careless around the opposite sex and hope to stay sexually pure, set boundaries!

There are some people who can't be your friends, raise the standard. Any body can call you names, that's their headache, you have your destiny to protect. As a rule, I don't make friends with liars, gossips and jealous women. They make life so complicated. If you believe in illicit sex, we can't be friends, period!

Monitor your chats. Don't allow anybody send you flirty messages, no matter how innocent it sounds, warn them and if they refuse to stop, block them!

Limit the hugs and touches. Don't get used to hugging opposite sex. If you must hug, let it be both male and female. If your hugging anointing is only for female or only for male, just keep your anointing to yourself,  it is not unto edification .

Don't cling to pet names (except your close family members and same sex friends), it doesn't make any sense. Pet names turn the opposite on, if you don't know that, know it right now.

Be sensitive to attractions. Don't be naive around the opposte sex, know when a man/ woman is sexually attracted to you and move back from that person. If they focus too much on your physique and body, they are sexually attracted to you, move back.

Know when you are sexually attracted to someone and move back. It's perfectly normal to have chemistry for someone. Marrying the greatest man on earth or the most beautiful, virtous woman in the universe will not automatically stop you from being attracted to someone else. Know when the thought of another man/ woman get you excited and move back.

Don't jump at new relationships. Give it time. Study the person, know what they stand for, see if your core values are compatible, if not, move back!

Leadership attracts all kinds of people. If you are a leader or you are gifted, talented or intelligent, the opposite sex will show more interest in you, be careful whom you allow to get close to you.

Accepts gifts with care. Men don't joke with their time and money. If he spends so much time and money on you especially when you do not ask, he may one day ask for sex. Stop begging men for money. Work with your two hands and raise your standard. Men will respect and honour you for it.

Work on your marriage. Fix the problem as soon as possible or else you get attracted to someone who gives you what you lack in your marriage, adultery is the result.

Be prayerful, be watchful. Jesus says "watch and pray that ye may not fall into temptation..."

Don't stay with the opposite sex in a dark or lonely room.

Don't counsel the opposite sex on a bed in a lonely room.

Avoid provocative dresses and pictures. Let your spouse advice you on what is okay for you.
Mind the pictures you post on the social media, if it is getting unecessary opposite sex attention, delete it.

Don't visit the opposite sex alone, it doesn't make sense.

These and more are the things you need to do to stay sexually pure in this 21st century.

People may laugh at you, it doesn't matter. They may call you a neurotic, old school, psychotic, fanatic, over sensitive or paranoid, don't give a damn! Your destiny is too precious to waste on the altar of sin. Avoid friends who make fun of holiness and make friends with people who appreciate purity and holiness. You will not fall in Jesus name. God bless you, cheers!

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