Question: "Should the title of 'reverend' be given to a church leader

Question: "Should the title of 'reverend' be
given to a church leader?"

Answer: Psalm 111:9 (KJV) states, referring to
God, "Reverend is his name." Some interpret
this as saying the title "reverend" is to be used
of God alone and vehemently oppose any human
church leader being referred to as “reverend.”
The original Hebrew word, though, is not
referring to a title. It is declaring that God's
name is to be "revered, highly respected." The
NIV, NAS, NKJV, and ESV all render the Hebrew
word “holy and awesome” instead of the KJV’s
rendering of “reverend.”
Whatever the case, if you are uncomfortable
using the title "reverend" for a church leader, by
all means, use some other title. In most
churches/denominations, the title of “reverend”
is given to a person who has undergone formal
ministry training and has been examined by
those in church leadership. This is commonly
known as “ ordination .” A “reverend” is a person
who has been formally “ordained” into the
ministry. First Timothy 5:17 states, "The elders
who direct the affairs of the church well are
worthy of double honor, especially those whose
work is preaching and teaching." A godly man
who exemplifies 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and sets a
godly example in word and deed is worthy of
being "respected." Whether or not the title of
“reverend” should be used is a matter of
personal conviction and preference.

Question: "What is a bishop, biblically speaking

Question: "What is a bishop, biblically
speaking?"

Answer: In the New Testament, a bishop is a
person who functions as a teaching leader
among a local group of Christians. The Greek
term episkapos has also been translated as
“episcopal,” “elder,” “overseer,” or “pastor.” All
refer to the same office and are therefore
synonyms.
In the earliest churches, their leaders were
simply referred to as “elders.” For example, in
Acts 20:17 we read, “Now from Miletus he sent
to Ephesus and called the elders of the church
to come to him.” In Philippians 1:1 , Paul
introduces his letter “to all the saints in Christ
Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers
and deacons.” Apparently, there were originally
only two leadership positions in the church:
elders (or bishops) and deacons.
In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul speaks twice
regarding the qualifications of elders/bishops ,
those he considered the leaders of the local
church (also notice that these elders generally
served as teams rather than as single leaders).
In 1 Timothy 3:1–7 we read,
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to
the office of overseer [bishop], he desires a
noble task. Therefore an overseer must be
above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-
minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,
able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but
gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
He must manage his own household well, with
all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if
someone does not know how to manage his
own household, how will he care for God's
church? He must not be a recent convert, or he
may become puffed up with conceit and fall into
the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he
must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he
may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the
devil.”
From this list, we conclude several things. First,
the job of bishop is a noble task. Second, the
job is a limited task (male pronouns and
references are used throughout). Third, integrity
is critical (above reproach, committed to his
spouse, clear-thinking, self-controlled, well-
respected, friendly, not influenced by alcoholic
drinks, not violent or argumentative, not greedy,
caring for his children, and having a good
reputation among the unchurched). Fourth, he
must have the ability to teach. (Deacons, whose
requirements are listed in the next verses, are
not required to have teaching ability.) Titus
1:5–7 shares a similar list for elders, but it adds
the ability to rebuke false teaching. When Peter
wrote to this group of church leaders, he called
himself a “fellow elder” ( 1 Peter 5:1 ).
The earliest writings of the church fathers also
seem to confirm this role of bishops as the
teaching leaders who served alongside deacons
to oversee the church. Both Clement of Rome
(c. 95) and the Didache referred to elders and
deacons from the late first century to the early
second century as the church’s leaders.
Over time, additional layers of leadership were
added to the church. Eventually, the term
bishop came to be applied to a regional church
leader who administered many churches. At the
Council of Nicea in AD 325, the church leader of
each city or area represented his region’s
churches. These leaders were referred to as
“bishops.” Many Christian traditions continue to
embrace this role of bishops today.
However, the biblical teaching is that elders and
deacons lead local churches. The elder was also
known as a bishop or pastor and functioned in
that role. This does not make additional church
leadership roles wrong (to meet important
needs for regional or national leadership among
groups of churches), but indicates that
Scripture points to elders and deacons as the
local church leaders.

Question: "What are the duties of an elder in the church?

Question: "What are the duties of an elder in
the church?"

Answer: The Bible spells out at least five duties
and obligations of an elder:
1) The elders help to settle disputes in the
church. “While Paul and Barnabas were at
Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived
and began to teach the Christians 'unless you
keep the ancient Jewish custom of circumcision
taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.' Paul
and Barnabas, disagreeing with them, argued
forcefully and at length. Finally, Paul and
Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem, accompanied
by some local believers, to talk to the apostles
and elders about this question” ( Acts 15:1-2,
NLT ). The question was raised and forcefully
argued, then taken to the apostles and elders
for a decision. This passage teaches that elders
are decision makers.
2) They pray for the sick. "Is any sick among
you? Let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over him, anointing him with
oil in the name of the Lord" ( James 5:14 ).
Since the elders have to meet specific
qualifications, their lives are godly and therefore
the sin in their lives is minimal and is confessed
regularly; therefore, they are used to pray for
the sick. One of the necessities in prayer is
praying for the Lord’s will to be done, and they
are expected to do this.
3) They are to watch out for the church in
humility. "I exhort the elders who are among
you, I being also an elder and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the
glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of
God among you, taking the oversight, not by
compulsion, but willingly; nor for base gain, but
readily; nor as lording it over those allotted to
you by God, but becoming examples to the
flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall
appear, you shall receive a never-fading crown
of glory” ( 1 Peter 5:1-4 ). Elders are the
designated leaders of the church, and the flock
is entrusted to them by God. They are not to
lead for the pay or the reward but because of
their desire to serve and shepherd the flock.
4) They are to watch out for the spiritual life of
the flock. "Yield to those leading you, and be
submissive, for they watch for your souls, as
those who must give account, that they may do
it with joy and not with grief; for that is
unprofitable for you" ( Hebrews 13:17 ). This
verse does not specifically say “elders,” but it is
talking about the church leaders. They are
accountable for the spiritual life of the church.
5) They are to spend their time in prayer and
teaching the word. "And the Twelve called near
the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not
right that we should give up preaching the word
of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick
out from among you seven men of good repute,
full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may
appoint to this duty. But we will devote
ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the
word’” ( Acts 6:2-4 ). This is for the apostles, but
we can see from the passage above in #3 that
Peter equates himself as an apostle and an
elder. From this verse you can also see the
difference between the duties of elder and
deacon.
Simply put, the elders should be peacemakers,
prayer warriors, teachers, leaders by example,
and decision makers. They are the preaching
and teaching leaders of the church. It is a
position to be sought but not taken lightly—read
this warning: "Let not many of you become
teachers, my brethren, for you know that we
who teach shall be judged with greater
strictness" ( James 3:1 ). The role of elder is not
a position to be taken lightly.

Question: "What are the qualifications of elders and deacons

Question: "What are the qualifications of elders and deacons?"

Answer: The Bible has a clear set of
qualifications for a deacon and an elder and
their positions in the body of believers. The
office of deacon was developed to deal with a
practical issue in the church: “So the Twelve
gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It
would not be right for us to neglect the ministry
of the word of God in order to wait on
tables’” ( Acts 6:2 ). The word translated “wait
on” is the Greek word diakonein , which comes
from a word meaning “attendant, waiter, or one
who ministers to another.” To “deacon” is to
serve. The first deacons were a group of seven
men in the Jerusalem church who were
appointed to work in the daily food distribution.
A deacon, therefore, is one who serves others in
an official capacity in the church.
The Greek word translated “ bishop” is episkopos
(the source of our English word episcopal). The
bishop is the superintendent, the overseer, or
the officer in general charge of the
congregation. In the Bible bishops are also
called “elders” ( 1 Timothy 5:19 ) and
“pastors” ( Ephesians 4:11 ).
The qualifications of the bishop/elder/pastor are
found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 : “Here is a trustworthy
saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer
desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be
above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate,
self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to
teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but
gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
He must manage his own family well and see
that his children obey him, and he must do so in
a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does
not know how to manage his own family, how
can he take care of God’s church?) He must not
be a recent convert, or he may become
conceited and fall under the same judgment as
the devil. He must also have a good reputation
with outsiders, so that he will not fall into
disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” Paul also
instructs Timothy on the things that exemplify
the teaching of a good minister. Beginning in 1
Timothy 4:11 and continuing through 6:2, Paul
gives Timothy twelve things that he should
“command and teach.”
The apostle Paul repeats the qualifications of a
bishop/elder/pastor in his letter to Titus. “An
elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife , a
man whose children believe and are not open to
the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since
an overseer manages God’s household, he must
be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-
tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent,
not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be
hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is
self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He
must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as
it has been taught, so that he can encourage
others by sound doctrine and refute those who
oppose it” ( Titus 1:6–9 ).
The qualifications of a deacon are similar to
those of a bishop/elder/pastor. “In the same
way, deacons are to be worthy of respect,
sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not
pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of
the deep truths of the faith with a clear
conscience. They must first be tested; and then
if there is nothing against them, let them serve
as deacons. In the same way, the women are to
be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but
temperate and trustworthy in everything. A
deacon must be faithful to his wife and must
manage his children and his household well.
Those who have served well gain an excellent
standing and great assurance in their faith in
Christ Jesus” ( 1 Timothy 3:8–13 ). The word
translated “deacon” in this passage is a form of
the same Greek word used in Acts 6:2 , so we
know we are talking about the same office.
These qualifications are simple and
straightforward. Both the deacon and the
bishop/elder/pastor should be a male, the
husband of one wife, of sterling character, and
one who rules his own home in a biblical way.
These qualifications also presuppose that one
seeking such an office is a born-again believer
and walks in submission to God’s Word. The
only substantial difference between the two
sets of qualifications is that the bishop/elder/
pastor must be “able to teach,” whereas
teaching is not mentioned as necessary for
deacons.
The Lord Jesus Himself is called the “ Shepherd
and Overseer of your souls” ( 1 Peter 2:25 ). The
titles are interesting. The word Shepherd is a
translation of the Greek word poimen, translated
“pastor” elsewhere (e.g., Ephesians 4:11 ). This
poimen is someone who tends herds or flocks
and is used metaphorically of Christian pastors
because pastors should guide the “flock” of God
and feed them the Word of God. The word
translated “Overseer” is the same word,
episkopos, used by the apostle Paul in 1
Timothy and Titus.
Clearly, the offices of elder and deacon are
important in the church. Ministering to God’s
people in word and deed is a serious
responsibility for a man to take on, and it should
never be done lightly. A biblically unqualified
individual should not occupy either the office of
elder or deacon; the church deserves better.

Question: "What are the responsibilities of deacons in the church?

Question: "What are the responsibilities of
deacons in the church?"

Answer: In the New Testament, the word usually
translated "serve" is the Greek word diakoneo ,
which literally means "through the dirt." It
refers to an attendant, a waiter, or one who
ministers to another. From this word we get the
English word “deacon.” We first see the word
"deacon" used this way in the book of Acts.
“And the twelve summoned the full number of
the disciples and said, "It is not right that we
should give up preaching the word of God to
serve tables” ( Acts 6:2 ). The men who were
giving themselves to feeding the flock by
preaching and teaching realized that it wasn’t
right for them to leave those activities to wait
tables, so they found some other men who were
willing to serve, and put them in place to
minister to the church’s physical needs while
the elders or pastors ministered to their spiritual
needs. It was a better use of the resources they
were given, and a better use of everyone’s gifts.
It also got more people involved in serving and
helping one another.
Today, for the biblical church, these roles are
essentially the same. Elders and pastors are to
“preach the word…reprove, rebuke, and exhort,
with complete patience and teaching” ( 2
Timothy 4:2 ), and deacons are to be appointed
to take care of everything else. In a modern
church, this might include taking on
administrative or organizational tasks, ushering,
being responsible for building maintenance, or
volunteering to be the church treasurer. It
depends on the need and the gifts of the
available men.
The responsibilities of a deacon are not clearly
listed or outlined; they are assumed to be
everything that does not include the duties of
an elder or pastor, which is to preach, teach,
and exhort. But qualifications for a deacon’s
character are clearly outlined in Scripture. They
are to be blameless, the husband of one wife, a
good household manager, respectable, honest,
not addicted to alcohol and not greedy ( 1
Timothy 3:8-12 ). According to the Word, the
office of deacon is an honor and a blessing.
“For those who serve well as deacons gain a
good standing for themselves and also great
confidence in the faith that is in Christ
Jesus” ( 1 Timothy 3:13 ).

GOD’S FREE OFFER

GOD’S FREE OFFER

Jesus came to make salvation as easy as He could. That’s one reason why the religious leaders of His day wanted to see Him crucified, because their religious system as good as said that nobody could be saved without following their complicated laws, traditions, and religious rigmarole. Jesus taught that all we need to do to be saved is believe that He is the Christ, the Savior, and that we are sinners in need of salvation, and then ask Him for salvation.

We can’t completely understand salvation, any more than we can understand the depth of God’s love, which is why Jesus said that receiving salvation requires childlike faith. “Unless you become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of Heaven.” It’s impossible to fully comprehend either one. All we can do is receive them.

Does a baby understand the love of its mother or father? No, he just feels it, accepts it, and receives it. Even before he understands language, before he learns to talk, he understands love, he feels love, and he trusts his parents because he knows they love him. Likewise, you don’t have to understand everything about God to experience His love and salvation; all you have to do is receive Jesus, God’s Son, as your Savior by asking Him into your heart.

You can do that right now if you want God’s answer to all of your problems and His love and happiness to fill your heart and life with joy and with a new plan and purpose in living. He’ll meet all your needs and solve all your problems. He’s just that wonderful, and it’s all just that simple!

Jesus said, “I am the door” into the Father’s house, the kingdom of God. “If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved.” If you want to get into Heaven, all you have to do is believe that the door is there and walk through it.

Saved and forgiven

Why is forgiveness an integral part of salvation? Because sin separates us from God, and no one is perfect; we are all sinners. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

So-called good people pride themselves on being better than others. “I don’t do this, and I don’t do that!” But it’s impossible to get into Heaven by being good, because no one can be good enough. We all need to recognize and honestly admit, “I’m a sinner like everyone else. I make mistakes. I need a Savior.”

That’s why Jesus died for us, because we’re all sinners and it’s impossible for us to earn or be worthy of salvation. But Jesus was perfect, and that’s why He could pay the price of our sins so God could forgive us. We all need God’s love and mercy to be saved, and we find that love and mercy in Jesus Christ.

Salvation is like receiving a pardon. God has offered pardon to the guilty, and it doesn’t matter how bad you are or what you’ve done. If you believe that Jesus died for your salvation, you will be saved and forgiven. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin,” no matter what you’ve done! “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

You can’t be too bad, but you also can’t be good enough. You cannot save yourself, no matter how good you try to be, because you can never be good enough; you can never earn or deserve salvation. “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Many people are too proud to accept a gift. They want to work for everything they receive. But no amount of good works or anything else can save them. Only Jesus saves! “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Once saved, forever saved

Once you have received Jesus, He will never let go of you. “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” If you have Jesus, then you have eternal life. You may lose your physical life, but never your eternal life!

Salvation is forever. God doesn’t change His mind or go back on His word. Once you’ve received Jesus Christ, you’re going to live forever. “He who believes on the Son has everlasting life.” Right now! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

Jesus said, “I am with you alway[s], even unto the end of the world.” “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

You can have peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to worry about whether you’re going to make it to Heaven. Jesus paid for your salvation once and forever, and it’s His gift to you. Grace plus faith plus nothing—that’s salvation! You don’t have to be good to get saved, and you don’t have to be good to stay saved.

But this doesn’t mean that you can then live as you please. Once you’re saved, you’ll always be saved, but if you wilfully commit sins and don’t repent, you will suffer for them in some way. “The Lord disciplines those He loves.” And once in Heaven, you’ll be rewarded (or not) according to how you lived on earth. Salvation is a gift, but you can keep yourself in line for God’s other blessings, both in this life and the next, by doing your best to live as He would have you live. And if you appreciate that gift as you should, you’ll love and want to please Him in return.

A new you

Jesus likened salvation to being born again. It’s that big of a change spiritually. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Don’t be surprised if you actually feel different and think differently and are happier than you have ever been before!

Jesus’ coming into your life not only renews and purifies and regenerates your spirit, but it also renews your mind, breaking old connections and gradually rewiring you with a new outlook on life and new reactions to nearly everything around you. It’s impossible for you to make such a total change yourself, but it’s possible for God—and it’s possible for you to ask Him for it.

When Jesus comes into your heart, expect things to be different. It may not happen all at once, but as you continue to hunger for truth and take in more of God’s Word, it will happen. You’ll find a change in your spirit, your thoughts, and in your direction. You’ll be happy and overflowing with love, because “God is love!”

—

Romans 6:23 (ESV) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 2:16 (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

1 John 1:7 (ESV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna (Surv.)

What does the husband of one wife phrase in 1 Timothy 3:2 mean?

Question: "What does the husband of one wife
phrase in 1 Timothy 3:2 mean? Can a divorced
man serve as a pastor, elder, or deacon?"
Answer: There are at least three possible
interpretations of the phrase husband of one
wife in 1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV) . 1) It could simply
be saying that a polygamist is not qualified to
be an elder, a deacon or a pastor. This is the
most literal interpretation of the English
rendering of the phrase, but seems somewhat
unlikely considering that polygamy was quite
rare in the time that Paul was writing. 2) The
Greek could literally be translated as “one-
woman man.” In other words, a bishop must be
absolutely loyal to the woman he is married to.
This interpretation acknowledges that the
original text focuses not on marital status but
on moral purity. 3) The phrase could also be
understood to declare that, in order to be an
elder/deacon/pastor, a man can only have been
married once, other than in the case of a
remarried widower; in other words, a pastor
cannot be a divorcé.
Interpretations 2 and 3 are the most prevalent
today. Interpretation 2 seems to be the
strongest, primarily because Scripture allows for
divorce in exceptional circumstances ( Matthew
19:9 ; 1 Corinthians 7:12–16 ). It is also
important to differentiate a man who was
divorced and remarried before he became a
Christian from a man who was divorced and
remarried after becoming a Christian. An
otherwise qualified man should not be excluded
from church leadership because of his actions
prior to coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ
as his Savior. Although 1 Timothy 3:2 does not
necessarily exclude a divorced or remarried man
from serving as an elder/deacon/pastor, there
are other issues to consider.
The first qualification of an elder/deacon/pastor
is to be “above reproach” ( 1 Timothy 3:2 ). If the
divorce and/or remarriage had no biblical
grounds, then the man has damaged his
testimony in the church and community; the
“above reproach” qualification will exclude him
from the pastorate rather than the “husband of
one wife” requirement. An elder/deacon/pastor
is to be a man whom the church and community
can look up to as an example of Christlikeness
and godly leadership. If a past divorce and/or
remarriage detracts from this ideal, then he
should not serve in the position of elder/
deacon/pastor. It is important to remember
that, even though a man is disqualified from
serving as an elder/deacon/pastor, he is still a
valuable member of the body of Christ. Every
Christian possesses spiritual gifts ( 1 Corinthians
12:4–7 ) and is called to participate in edifying
other believers with those gifts ( 1 Corinthians
12:7 ). A man who is disqualified from the
position of elder/deacon/pastor can still teach,
preach, serve, pray, worship, and play an
important role in the church.

What is the origin of Christianity

Question: "What is the origin of Christianity?"

Answer: "And he is the head of the body, the
church; he is the beginning and the firstborn
from among the dead . . . the mystery that has
been kept hidden for ages and generations, but
is now disclosed to the saints . . . Christ in you,
the hope of glory" ( Colossians 1:18 , 26-28 ).
Discussing the origin of Christianity requires the
review of an intricate story spanning time and
eternity. Instead of a simple beginning, we
consider Christianity's origin from several points
of view. Acts 2 records the birth of the church
at Pentecost. This was indeed a Feast of
Harvest ( Exodus 23:16 ), because a harvest of
about 3,000 souls took place on that day when
the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and
disciples ( Acts 2:1-41 ). Biblically, Christianity is
not a building or religion but the church, or
household of God. It is embodied in Christ and
His people, individually and collectively. Before
time began, the church was conceived in the
mind of God. Then, “when the time had fully
come" ( Galatians 4:4 ), God sent His only son,
"born of a woman, born under law" to be the
church's true founder, foundation, and head ( 1
Corinthians 3:11 ). As the first of the chosen
ones ( 1 Peter 2:6 ), Jesus, the anointed one
(that is, the Christ) died as the perfect
Passover lamb fifty days before the events of
Acts 2. Before that, He prepared the apostles
for three years, giving them the Father's Word
and keeping them in His name ( John 17:12 , 14).
After His resurrection He breathed into the
apostles the breath of eternal life in the form of
the Holy Spirit, who was to indwell them ( John
20:22 ; cf. John 14:25-26 ). They became the
seeds of the new church, which sprouted into
thousands when the Holy Spirit came upon
them, empowering them to witness, preach, and
carry out the mission Jesus gave them. Rising
from the dead, Jesus was the first fruits of
God's Kingdom; ''then, when he comes, those
who belong to him will also rise, never to die
again ( John 11:25-26 ). Thus, Jesus is the one
foundation and source of the church.
The Old Testament had prophesied that a
“shoot” would come from the “stump” of Jesse
(King David's father) and that this “branch”
would bear fruit ( Isaiah 11:1 , 10). Jesus is that
Messiah or Christ. He is the hope of Jews and
Gentiles. "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one
who will arise to rule over the nations; the
Gentiles will hope in him" ( Romans 15:12 ; cf.
Revelation 5:5 ; 22: 16). Peter learned that
Jesus is not merely a human being, the Son of
David, when God showed him that Jesus is "the
Son of the living God." To this, Jesus added
that He Himself is the Rock or foundation upon
which He would build His church ( Matthew
16:16-18 ; see also Isaiah 26:4 ). The building of
the church upon Jesus, the Rock of Israel
( Isaiah 30:29 ), is taught in 2 Corinthians 6:16
(see also Ephesians 2:21-22 ).
Some writers mention that the word for “church”
in the original Greek is ecclesia, meaning “a
called-out assembly” ( εκκλησιαν – Matthew
16:18 ) and that the church is formed by the
“elect” or chosen ( Mark 13:20 ; Luke 18:7 ;
Romans 8:33 ). Yes, the elect have been called
out from the kingdom of darkness, but we have
also been called into God’s family as adopted
children. “The Spirit himself testifies with our
spirit that we are God’s children” ( Romans 8:16 ;
cf. Ephesians 5:1 , 8). We are chosen, but Jesus
is the first of the chosen ( 1 Peter 2:6 ), and He
lives in us as we live or abide in Him ( John
8:31 ; 15:4-9 ).
Christians are individually in Christ even as the
church as a whole is in Christ ( Romans 12:5 ; 1
Corinthians 1:2 , 30). The mystery of Christ and
the church is brought out in Paul’s discussion of
the mystery by which two become “one flesh” in
marriage, in Ephesians 5. There the apostle
writes that “this mystery is profound,” referring
to Christ and the Church ( Ephesians 5:32 ). The
tense of the Greek word translated
“mystery” ( μυστηριον ) is singular. This
grammatical detail shows that in their unity
Christ and the church are one mystery. They
are not a mixture or compound; rather, their
union is like that of a man and woman in holy
matrimony who become “one flesh” or a new
family unit without giving up their individuality
( Genesis 2:24 ). In marriage a couple becomes
legal “kin,” even though they are not blood
relatives as Adam and Eve were. Similarly,
through Christ God legally adopts the chosen as
children ( Ephesians 1:5 ). Because of this, and
because Christ lives in each member of the
church, His spiritual body, He is our hope of
glory ( Colossians 1:18 , 26-28 ). Christ’s presence
in Christians answers Jesus’ prayer in John 17:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for
those who will believe in me through their
message, that all of them may be one, Father,
just as you are in me and I am in you” ( John
17:20-21 ; see also John 17:11 ).
The connection between the words “church”
and “Christianity” is old and complicated, but we
can simply say that Christians do not go to
church; rather, they are the church. Most
disciples who first joined the growing church
were Jews. Like Paul ( Philippians 3:5 ; Romans
11:1 ), they considered themselves Israelites,
descendants of Abraham, to whom belonged the
covenants, the giving of the law, etc. ( Romans
9:4-5 ). They acknowledged the Lord Jesus as
Messiah and God but did not (at first) call
themselves “Christians.” At Antioch in the first
century, outsiders first called the followers of
the Christ “Christians” ( Acts 11:26 ). They
thought “Christ” was the proper name of the
God whom they worshipped, not aware that
“Christ” means “anointed” and that Jesus is the
Christ. As for “church,” some early Christian
writers used this word to refer to the place
where people worshipped (i.e., the church
building). But in the New Testament, the word
translated “church” refers to the “household of
God.” In Ephesians 2:19 , the Greek word
translated “household” is οἰκεῖοι. This plural
form refers to the all those who belong to the
immediate family of God, i.e., those who are
spiritually family in the faith ( Galatians 6:10 ;
Ephesians 2:19 ). As members of this universal
household, Christians have taken root and
blossomed among the various peoples and in
almost every language group in the world.
Now, let’s look beyond history to reflect on the
eternal origins of the church (i.e., “Christianity”)
in the mind of God. Even as God chose Israel
( Deuteronomy 7:6 ; 26:18 ), He also elected the
church in Christ “before the foundation of the
world” ( Ephesians 1:4 ). In eternity past, God
willed that the elect would be saved and made
part of His household by adoption. “He
predestined us for adoption as sons through
Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his
will” ( Ephesians 1:5 ). However, the church born
on Pentecost has not yet realized its ultimate
purpose in its development. The church is not
yet the spotless bride of Christ ( Revelation
19:6-8 ), in accord with God’s purpose for it, as
we read in Ephesians 1:4 : “For he chose us in
him before the creation of the world to be holy
and blameless in his sight.” The fulfillment of
this prophetic purpose which God set forth in
Christ ( Romans 8:28 ; 9:11 ) “to be put into
effect when the times will have reached their
fulfillment” ( Ephesians 1:10 ) does not depend
on “… anything we have done but because of his
own purpose and grace. This grace was given
us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of
time” ( 2 Timothy 1:9 ).
One reason the “visible” church is not perfect is
because within its ranks there are false
Christians. Jesus told the apostles that within
the church there would be a mixture of “wheat
and chaff,” genuine saints and secret,
unrepentant, self-deceived sinners (hypocrites).
Considering that Christ has not yet returned in
power and glory ( Matthew 26:64 ; Mark 13:26 ),
and that the elect have not yet been revealed
as God’s children ( Romans 8:19 ; 1 John 3:2 ),
the mystery of Christ and the church, kept
secret for long ages ( Romans 16:25 ), remains
partially concealed. The unveiling of the church
will not take place until the moment we are
changed, as 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 says. The
real hope for Christians is not that we will be
immortal (the damned in hell will also be
immortal, but they will be without Christ), but
that Christ lives in us now ( Colossians 1:28 ).
This brings us to a final thought about the
church’s present hidden-ness and ultimate
unveiling. We have been redeemed, we are no
longer slaves to sin, and death no longer has
dominion over us ( Romans 6:5-9 ). Nevertheless,
our “body of sin” or “body of death” ( Romans
6:6 ; 7:24 ) has yet to be “brought to nothing.”
We still await the resurrection and redemption
of our sin-stained flesh. This will take place
when the Lord returns for us. Then “we shall be
like him; for we shall see him even as he is” ( 1
John 3:2 ). Then, our glorious, imperishable
spiritual bodies will be revealed ( Philippians
3:20-21 ), and we will no longer be burdened by
what remains of the carnal or sinful mind. Thus,
in a real sense, the church or Christianity in its
perfection, as the undefiled and glorified bride
of Christ, continues to wear a discrete veil, until
she is called to heaven in glory at the marriage
supper of the Lamb. This event is prophesied in
Revelation 19:6-8 , where we read, “Then I heard
what sounded like a great multitude, like the
roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of
thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God
Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and
give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb
has come, and his bride has made herself
ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given
her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the
righteous acts of the saints.)”

How to get your boyfriend to propose to You

In love and want to live happily ever,
but he hasn’t popped the question.
Here are some great tips for how to
get your boyfriend to propose.
Many ladies fantasize about their big day from a very young
age. The beautiful white dress, walking down the aisle,
seeing the man of your dreams waiting for you at the end
– it’s all very romantic! But how do you actually make it
happen and get your boyfriend to propose?
This can be more tricky. If you feel the time is right for you
to take your relationship one step further and get engaged,
that’s wonderful. But often, your partner might be a little
less keen. Proposing is a big step and a huge commitment,
so he’ll no doubt want to make sure that the time is right.
He might just need that little nudge of encouragement to
push him over the edge!
How to get your boyfriend to propose
So, if you want to know how to get
your boyfriend to propose, what should you do? Here are 10
great tips to help him get the message and take the
plunge!

#1 Be cool! There is nothing that is going to make a guy
put off proposing more than if he feels he is being backed
into a corner. This might very well make him run the other
way.
You might be desperate to get married, but you have to
understand that this is a huge and life-changing decision
for him. If he feels totally pressured into it, it’s going to be
hard for him to take the plunge.
#2 Tell
him. While keeping your cool is important, you still need to
make sure that he knows that you want to actually get
married in the first place. If you overdo the cool and casual
approach, he will have no idea that you even want to get
married in the first place, and, therefore, might just not
have the motivation needed to actually pop the question.
If you have been going out for a while, you will probably
already have had a conversation about the future. But if
you haven’t, or haven’t mentioned marriage specifically, let
him know in a mature and sensible way exactly what your
thoughts are on the matter. Then at least he will know
where your head is at.
#3 Don’t compare yourself to others. Just because all your
friends got married two years ago, and you still haven’t,
doesn’t mean that it’s your “turn.” Every relationship is
different, and some people take a little longer to want to settle down that others.
If you keep pointing out to him how everyone else around you is married, he will just feel as
though you are whining at him, which will make him want
to do it even less! This is a really important tip for how to
get your boyfriend to propose.
#4 Don’t give him a choice! Okay, so this might sound a
little sneaky, but by offering him options, you are giving him
a “get out clause” where he can choose not to get married
just yet, if he feels like the time isn’t right.
Don’t make it too open-ended either. Saying something like,
“Do you think we’ll get married in the next 2 years?” is
better because it gives him a timeframe to think about.
#5 Make him feel like he couldn’t live without you. If you
want to know how to get your boyfriend to propose, he is
only going to do it if he really believes that you are “the
one.” Getting him to see that takes time! You need him to
feel like if he ever lost you, he would be completely
heartbroken.
Make sure that he
understands and appreciates everything that you do for him
– but do this subtly. If you can make him realize that he is
so lucky to have you, it will only heighten his desire to get
your relationship locked down sooner rather than later!
#6 Share everything with him. The closer he feels to you,
the more likely he is to want to marry you. If he feels as
though you are the person who he can trust the most in
the world, and someone that he can completely be himself
with – who sees him for just what he is – then he will
surely want to spend the rest of his life with you.
#7 Hang out with married couples. Seeing your friends happily married and still having
fun will show him that marriage is nothing to be frightened
of, and it’ll make him more ready to make that commitment
to you too.
He might be worried that getting engaged and married will
eventually change your relationship, and that might be
scary for him.
Seeing how your married friends are exactly the same will
help put his mind at ease, and it’s another great tip for
how to get your boyfriend to propose. If your married
friends are willing to give you a helping hand by talking
about how wonderful married life is, that probably won’t go
down too badly either! [Read: 20 reasons to get married
and live happily ever after]

#8 Build it up slowly. Don’t go from zero to one hundred –
take things slowly and build up to the point where marriage
is the next obvious step to take. Move in together and see
how that goes first. Then, *providing you are both animal
lovers of course* why not get a pet and see how you get
on with that?
Moving your relationship forward in steps like this will make
it a much easier transition when the time comes for him to
get his head around the idea of proposing to you.
So, if you are still in the dating stage, you might have your
work cut out for you. But don’t worry, you will get there
eventually… we promise!

#9 Be more independent. Having your own life outside of
your relationship is healthy, regardless of whether you are
thinking about getting married or not! However, showing
him that you are an independent woman, and giving him
the freedom to have his own life and enjoy things without
you, will show him that you trust him and are willing to set
him free.
Doing that will only strengthen your relationship and make
him feel more ready to take that plunge and make that
lifelong commitment to you.

#10 Accept his decision. At the end of the day, you can’t
force someone to marry you! If he isn’t ready to commit,
you have to deal with his decision – and there isn’t a whole
lot you can do about it. Don’t have a tantrum, and don’t get
too upset.
It might be that he just needs a little bit more time to get
his head around the whole idea. In the meantime, if the
relationship is worth waiting for, then you’ll know. And if it
is not, then maybe it is time to say goodbye and find
someone who does want to offer you that kind of commitment!
Getting married is a big decision, but an exciting one too. With these tips for how
to get your boyfriend to propose, you are so much more likely to convince him that now is the right time to get down on one knee.

RENEWAL OF SPIRIT

RENEWAL OF SPIRIT

“If anyone is in Christ,” the Bible tells us, “he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” That transformation begins the moment we invite Jesus into our hearts and lives, but it takes considerably longer for us to get into Jesus—to get completely immersed in Him and grounded in faith. The more we do that, the more of our old thoughts and habits pass away, and the more “all things become new.”

What better time than Easter, the celebration of the ultimate rebirth, to get renewed in spirit?

Ask God to show you one or two ways in which you need to change or grow as a person. For example, do you generally have a thankful, positive attitude, or do you tend to grumble about life’s difficulties? Do you set aside time to read God’s Word and think about how it applies to you, or do you fill your spare moments with TV or other entertainment? Do you pray for others who are experiencing hardships, or merely think about them sympathetically? Do you cheerfully give of yourself, or resent the sacrifices you sometimes need to make for the sake of others? Or is there some other area in which you need to change?

Now take a few minutes to commit these issues to Jesus in prayer. “Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.”

It takes time and consistent effort to break old habits, but once you acknowledge the need to change and ask Jesus to help, this promise is yours: “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” As you do your part, He will do His.

—

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV) Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Psalm 51:10 (ESV) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna ( Surv.)

MY AVOCADO TREE

MY AVOCADO TREE

(A FRIEND STORY)

Avocados are one of my favorite fruits—delicious and nutritious. I have various herbs growing on my kitchen windowsill, and decided to use the little remaining space to try to grow an avocado plant.

Following the tips I found online at wikihow.com, I held the seed pointed side up and stuck four toothpicks into the middle section of the seed at even intervals so it could rest half-submerged on the mouth of a small jar filled to the brim with water—and waited. Weeks went by, and there was no sign of life. By all appearances, it could have been a stone rather than a seed! When a month had gone by I considered giving up. Perhaps there was no life in this dull brown seed.

Then a tiny crack appeared at its base. I thought at this point that the seed might simply be drying out, but I was willing to wait a little longer. I changed the water, and a few more weeks passed. Finally a tiny root emerged from the crack. Then another crack appeared, this time at the top of the seed. Slowly but surely a small shoot peeked out hopefully.

Transplanted to a pot of soil, the seed that had appeared lifeless is now growing into a small but healthy plant. Tender green leaves sprout day by day, each growing to several times the size of the seed. This baby tree is proof that there was life inside the seed, despite outward appearances.

As Easter approaches, I am reminded of my avocado-growing experience. How hopeless Jesus’ followers must have felt when they saw Him die on the cross! They watched His lifeless body be carried off and sealed in a stone-cold tomb. They must have felt as though their hopes and dreams were being buried too. I can picture them now, forlorn and seemingly forsaken. Yet hope was not dead! Three days later Jesus would rise triumphant, the victor over death and the grave.

The miracle of Jesus’ resurrection is of course a far greater miracle than my little avocado plant, but what an example that plant is. Even when the outlook seems hopeless, wait on the Lord, and He will work miracles—new life, new hope, new beginnings!

Life after life
What reason have atheists for saying that we cannot rise again? Which is the more difficult, to be born or to rise again? That what has never been, should be, or that what has been, should be again?—Blaise Pascal

—

John 11:25 ESV / Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

1 Thessalonians 4:14 ESV / For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

John 6:40 ESV / For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna (Surv.)

Question: "What is the origin of the Roman Catholic Church?"

Question: "What is the origin of the Roman
Catholic Church?"

Answer: The Roman Catholic Church contends
that its origin is the death, resurrection, and
ascension of Jesus Christ in approximately AD
30. The Catholic Church proclaims itself to be
the church that Jesus Christ died for, the
church that was established and built by the
apostles. Is that the true origin of the Catholic
Church? On the contrary. Even a cursory reading
of the New Testament will reveal that the
Catholic Church does not have its origin in the
teachings of Jesus or His apostles. In the New
Testament, there is no mention of the papacy,
worship/adoration of Mary (or the immaculate
conception of Mary, the perpetual virginity of
Mary, the assumption of Mary, or Mary as co-
redemptrix and mediatrix), petitioning saints in
heaven for their prayers, apostolic succession,
the ordinances of the church functioning as
sacraments, infant baptism, confession of sin to
a priest, purgatory, indulgences, or the equal
authority of church tradition and Scripture. So, if
the origin of the Catholic Church is not in the
teachings of Jesus and His apostles, as
recorded in the New Testament, what is the true
origin of the Catholic Church?
For the first 280 years of Christian history,
Christianity was banned by the Roman Empire,
and Christians were terribly persecuted. This
changed after the “conversion” of the Roman
Emperor Constantine. Constantine provided
religious toleration with the Edict of Milan in AD
313, effectively lifting the ban on Christianity.
Later, in AD 325, Constantine called the Council
of Nicea in an attempt to unify Christianity.
Constantine envisioned Christianity as a religion
that could unite the Roman Empire, which at
that time was beginning to fragment and divide.
While this may have seemed to be a positive
development for the Christian church, the
results were anything but positive. Just as
Constantine refused to fully embrace the
Christian faith, but continued many of his pagan
beliefs and practices, so the Christian church
that Constantine promoted was a mixture of
true Christianity and Roman paganism.
Constantine found that, with the Roman Empire
being so vast, expansive, and diverse, not
everyone would agree to forsake his or her
religious beliefs to embrace Christianity. So,
Constantine allowed, and even promoted, the
“Christianization” of pagan beliefs. Completely
pagan and utterly unbiblical beliefs were given
new “Christian” identities. Some clear examples
of this are as follows:
(1) The Cult of Isis, an Egyptian mother-goddess
religion, was absorbed into Christianity by
replacing Isis with Mary. Many of the titles that
were used for Isis, such as “Queen of Heaven,”
“Mother of God,” and theotokos (“God-bearer”)
were attached to Mary. Mary was given an
exalted role in the Christian faith, far beyond
what the Bible ascribes to her, in order to
attract Isis worshippers to a faith they would
not otherwise embrace. Many temples to Isis
were, in fact, converted into temples dedicated
to Mary. The first clear hints of Catholic
Mariology occur in the writings of Origen, who
lived in Alexandria, Egypt, which happened to be
the focal point of Isis worship.
(2) Mithraism was a religion in the Roman
Empire in the 1st through 5th centuries AD. It
was very popular among the Romans, especially
among Roman soldiers, and was possibly the
religion of several Roman emperors. While
Mithraism was never given “official” status in
the Roman Empire, it was the de facto official
religion until Constantine and succeeding
Roman emperors replaced Mithraism with
Christianity. One of the key features of
Mithraism was a sacrificial meal, which involved
eating the flesh and drinking the blood of a bull.
Mithras, the god of Mithraism, was “present” in
the flesh and blood of the bull, and when
consumed, granted salvation to those who
partook of the sacrificial meal (this is known as
theophagy, the eating of one’s god). Mithraism
also had seven “sacraments,” making the
similarities between Mithraism and Roman
Catholicism too many to ignore. Church leaders
after Constantine found an easy substitute for
the sacrificial meal of Mithraism in the concept
of the Lord’s Supper/Christian communion. Even
before Constantine, some early Christians had
begun to attach mysticism to the Lord’s Supper,
rejecting the biblical concept of a simple and
worshipful remembrance of Christ’s death and
shed blood. The Romanization of the Lord’s
Supper made the transition to a sacrificial
consumption of Jesus Christ, now known as the
Catholic Mass/Eucharist, complete.
(3) Most Roman emperors (and citizens) were
henotheists. A henotheist is one who believes in
the existence of many gods, but focuses
primarily on one particular god or considers one
particular god supreme over the other gods. For
example, the Roman god Jupiter was supreme
over the Roman pantheon of gods. Roman
sailors were often worshippers of Neptune, the
god of the oceans. When the Catholic Church
absorbed Roman paganism, it simply replaced
the pantheon of gods with the saints. Just as
the Roman pantheon of gods had a god of love,
a god of peace, a god of war, a god of strength,
a god of wisdom, etc., so the Catholic Church
has a saint who is “in charge” over each of
these, and many other categories. Just as many
Roman cities had a god specific to the city, so
the Catholic Church provided “patron saints” for
the cities.
(4) The supremacy of the Roman bishop (the
papacy) was created with the support of the
Roman emperors. With the city of Rome being
the center of government for the Roman
Empire, and with the Roman emperors living in
Rome, the city of Rome rose to prominence in
all facets of life. Constantine (AD 272–337) and
his successors gave their support to the bishop
of Rome as the supreme ruler of the church. Of
course, it is best for the unity of the Roman
Empire that the government and state religion
be centralized. While most other bishops (and
Christians) resisted the idea of the Roman
bishop being supreme, the Roman bishop
eventually rose to supremacy, due to the power
and influence of the Roman emperors. When
the Western half of the Roman Empire
collapsed in 476, the popes took on the title that
had previously belonged to the Roman emperors
—Pontifex Maximus . Pope Gregory I, ruling from
590–604, is usually considered the first bishop
to truly wield papal authority.
Many more examples could be given. These four
should suffice in demonstrating the origin of the
Catholic Church. Of course, the Roman Catholic
Church denies the pagan origin of its beliefs and
practices. The Catholic Church disguises its
pagan beliefs under layers of complicated
theology and “church tradition.” Recognizing
that many of its beliefs and practices are utterly
foreign to Scripture, the Catholic Church is
forced to deny the authority and sufficiency of
Scripture.
The origin of the Catholic Church is the tragic
compromise of Christianity with the pagan
religions that surrounded it. Instead of
proclaiming the gospel and converting the
pagans, the Catholic Church “Christianized” the
pagan religions, and “paganized” Christianity. By
blurring the differences and erasing the
distinctions, yes, the Catholic Church made
itself attractive to the people of the Roman
Empire. One result was the Catholic Church
becoming the supreme religion in the Roman
world for centuries. However, another result was
the most dominant form of Christianity
apostatizing from the true gospel of Jesus
Christ and the true proclamation of God’s Word.
Second Timothy 4:3–4 declares, “For the time
will come when men will not put up with sound
doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they
will gather around them a great number of
teachers to say what their itching ears want to
hear. They will turn their ears away from the
truth and turn aside to myths.”

Question: "What is The City of God ?

Question: "What is The City of God ?"

Answer: The City of God is a book written by St.
Augustine of Hippo between the years 413 and
426. Also known as De Civitate Dei, The City of
God is widely considered Augustine’s greatest
work. He wrote the book in response to the
charge by the Romans that the sack of Rome
by the Visigoth Alaric in AD 410 was due to the
city’s inhabitants having forsaken the classical
Roman religion and adopting Christianity.
Augustine set out to answer this allegation at
the request of his friend Marcellinus.
In Books 1–5 of The City of God, Augustine
demonstrates that the prosperity of the state
was not due to its adherence to the old
polytheistic worship, since the Romans had
suffered disasters long before the birth of
Christianity. He also reminds the Romans that
whatever success they had achieved was due to
the providence of God, even though they were
ignorant of Him. In Books 6–10, Augustine
argues that the worship of the Roman gods was
not necessary in order to attain eternal
blessing. The Roman gods could not aid their
devotees in either the temporal or the spiritual
realms; in fact, it was the God of Christianity
who had given them what temporal blessings
they enjoyed.
Augustine’s philosophy of history is found in
Books 11–22, in which Augustine sets forth his
idea of two contrasting cities, the City of God
and the City of Earth. The City of God,
according to Augustine, consists of all human
and celestial beings united in their love for God
and their seeking to glorify Him. The City of
Earth is comprised of those beings who love
only themselves and seek their own glory and
good.
In Books 15–18 Augustine traces the progress
of the two cities through biblical and secular
history. The remaining books of The City of God
present the destiny of the two cities: judgment
comes, and those who dwell in the City of God
will enjoy eternal happiness and those of the
City of Earth will be consigned to everlasting
punishment. The City of God does not address
the role of the Jewish people in prophecy; in
fact, Augustine believed that the church age is
actually the millennium .
The City of God is widely accepted as one of the
most important apologetic works of all time. Its
message is clearly biblical in presenting the
struggle between the spiritual and secular
realms. For those who live in the City of God,
their story is the story of Christianity—their
redemption and salvation from sin through the
grace of God. For those in the City of Earth,
their story is one of judgment and damnation.
These two destinies are clearly presented in the
Bible (see Daniel 12:2 ; Matthew 7:13– 14 ;
25:46 ).
It should be noted that The City of God may
seem, at least to the modern reader, very long
(1,184 pages in the paperback edition), and the
language difficult to understand at times. Those
who are familiar with the history of Rome and
the Middle Ages will have an easier time with it.
That said, the fact that the book is still being
published and read today is testimony to its
timeless themes and applications.

Question: "Are there angels among us?

Question: "Are there angels among us?"

Answer: Throughout Scripture, we see numerous instances in which angels were an integral part of God’s plan. One verse alludes to the possibility of angels walking among us today: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). The obvious reference is to Abraham, whose angelic visitors appeared to him as men (Genesis 18). This verse may or may not confirm that angels are indeed walking among us unawares; “have shown” is past tense, so present-day encounters are not explicitly mentioned.

There are dozens of scriptural examples of angelic encounters, so we know that God can and does use angels to accomplish certain things. What we don’t know for sure is how often angels allow themselves to be seen by people. Here are the basics about angels from the Bible: angels can instruct people (Genesis 16:9), help people (Daniel 6:22), deliver messages to people (Luke 1:35), appear in visions and dreams (Daniel 10:13), protect people (Exodus 23:20), and help carry out God’s plans.

We know that God created angels, and He uses angels in His plan. Angels have a sense of individuality, as some have names (such as Gabriel and Michael) and all have different responsibilities within the angelic hierarchy.

But do they walk among us? If God so chooses to use them in His custom-made plans for us, yes, they absolutely can walk among us doing God’s will. Angels are mentioned in Genesis and in Revelation and witnessed the creation of the world (Job 38:7). God has used His heavenly host from the beginning of time and will still use them at the end of time, according to Scripture. It is quite possible that many people today have met or seen an angel without realizing it.

If angels do walk among us, it is because they are serving a God-ordained purpose. The Bible mentions demons who wander the earth with no purpose other than to destroy (Matthew 12:43–45). Satan and his demonic force can probably appear physically, much like holy angels can. Satan’s purpose is to deceive and kill. Satan “masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).

An important note: angels are not to be glorified or worshiped (Colossians 2:18). They are entities who carry out God’s will, and they refer to themselves as “fellow servants” with us (Revelation 22:9).

Regardless of whether we actually experience angelic encounters, the most important thing is that we experience salvation through Jesus Christ. He is beyond all angels and all humans, and He alone is worthy of worship. “You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Nehemiah 9:6).

How to Cultivate Your Very Particular Set of Skills

How to Cultivate Your
Very Particular Set
of Skills

Knowledge is not skill.
Knowledge plus ten thousand
times is skill. — 
Shinichi Suzuki

I’ll admit it — I’m a sucker for the
movie, Taken. Growing up in the
golden age of vigilante films, I can
spot a good one when I see one.

Taken was a fine exhibition of this
genre. One-man wrecking crews like
Steven Seagal, Arnold
Schwarzenegger and Sylvester
Stallone were once all the rage,
seemingly armed with a never-
ending arsenal of skills that enabled
them to take down entire villages
and cities.
These warriors always had a crime to
avenge and often very personal ones,
at that. This post is not meant to laud
action films but rather to help you
tap into that indescribable greatness
that’s inside of you. Or as Liam
Neeson’s character, Bryan Mills
would say, “Your very particular set
of skills.”
We’ve all acquired our own,
“particular set of skills”, from a
variety of personal, educational and
professional experiences. Bryan
Mills’ skills were acquired through — 
we can only imagine — what was a
long, brutal career working for the
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Chances are, like me, you’re not a
spy. We’re fighting less strenuous
battles, but hardly less consequential.
In our pursuits, we’re developing
skills. We’re thinking deeply about
who we want to be and what values
that will give to our life and to those
we love. We should concentrate
maximum energy and effort toward
building these skills so they become
strengths.
Life Tests Us
There is no innovation and
creativity without failure.
Period. — Brene Brown
Life isn’t easy, in fact, life often
presents us with significant physical,
mental, spiritual and emotional
challenges. On the spiritual side,
we’re tempted in a multitude of ways
to live a life that wars with the inner
core — the true self —  of who we
really are.
On the mental, emotional and even
physical side, all of us will lose loved
ones, and deal with the awful pain
that accompanies those losses. We
endure painful break-ups with
boyfriends or girlfriends, fights that
test our mental resolve and we meet
temporary failure pursuing our
dreams.
As we keep progressing through life,
it only becomes easier to let these
difficult experiences define who we
are. The path of least resistance
emerges as a simple choice for many
people. We find ourselves unhappy
with our circumstances, and we’re
beaten down from setbacks that
weaken our willpower and lead to
complacency. It becomes easy to give
in.
But we must never give in to that
which we know is not right for us.
We need to rise above mediocrity
and disappointment, and come
through the fire, knocking adversity
to the ground. This takes resolve,
courage and self-awareness. We have
to live with self-awareness in order
to avoid repeating previous mistakes.
Once we have gained the value from
our mistakes, triumphs and all
experiences, we’re better equipped
for anything the future will throw at
us.
Complacency is the enemy of
achievement. Adversity will stare all
of us down, time and time again
throughout our lives. The question we
continually face will be: “How do we
respond?” A wise person once said,
“Your desire to change must
be greater than your desire to
stay the same.”
Examine Yourself
“Don’t waste life in doubts
and fears; spend yourself on
the work before you, well
assured that the right
performance of this hour’s
duties will be the best
preparation for the hours and
ages that will follow it.” — 
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The way to continue evolving and
developing your unique, particular
set of skills is to strive for
improvement every day. You have to
have goals in mind for what you
want to accomplish. It’s best to view
your picture in a holistic manner,
taking into account your professional
ambitions and skills, as well as the
interpersonal and life skills you use
each day.
Do you have an idea of what that
picture looks like for your life?
Our personal and professional skills
can always use a boost. Difficult
times test us and shape who we are.
Make sure that you let them shape
you for the better. I encourage you to
write out your current state in the
following four areas of your life:
1) Mental
2) Spiritual
3) Emotional
4) Physical
You’ll be amazed at what you put
down on paper when you’re honest
with yourself. Once you have written
your current state, your mission is to
bridge the gap between where you
and where you desire to be in the
future state.
When I haven’t been happy with my
spiritual life, I’ve made it a plan to
turn to search my soul and ask
myself the difficult questions to
understand why there is a lack of
peace and harmony in my life. I have
turned to my faith, relied on the help
of others, but I have also sought time
alone in solitude for reflection and
contemplation.
When I felt like I was in a rut in my
career, I reached out to trusted
friends and mentors for advice. I
improved my resume, networked
‘like a boss’ and determined what I
needed in order to improve my
skills. When I was having
relationship difficulties or hurting
emotionally, I turned to my family
and friends for comfort and refuge.
Fortunately, they have always had
my back.
The Hunger For More
“Hope is like the sun, which,
as we journey toward it,
casts the shadow of our
burden behind us.” — 
Samuel Smiles
I’ve watched too many successful
people become content with their
own arsenal of skills — regardless of
comparative depth — and then trudge
on, for better or worse, finding
whatever satisfaction and success
they can. This is no way to live. We
should always strive for greater
things and empower ourselves
through inspiration and the desire to
seek greater meaning.
I’ve increasingly developed a
burning desire to challenge my
experiential status quo and hunger
for more. Something more soothing
to the soul — more in line with what
moves me inside and feels like home.
This desire is visualized in my mind 
— imagined and obsessed over and
then put into plan so it will become
my reality.
Connecting this bridge between what
is imagined and what is actionable
will lead to a flourish of excitement
and a horizon of new opportunities.
It’s a matter of you taking your
current state, reconciling it with
where you want to be, and
determining how to do the work to
help you get there in the most
efficient way possible.
Along the way, fears and the voice
inside our heads will occasionally
remind us that we can’t do it. Just
remember that you have your
current and future state analysis to
serve as your guide. When you put in
writing what you need to do to find
self-fulfillment and happiness, you’ll
have a road map that guides and
plots your path, when doubts arise.
We were all born with a particular
set of skills that we are meant to
share with the world. What are
yours?
Live Boldly!
Thank you for reading! Please
recommend my story if you enjoyed
reading. And kindly follow me here on
Medium if you wish. You can subscribe
to my newsletter via my website and
Like my Facebook writer’s page! My
book on Values will be out in Spring
2017. Feel free to contact me for more
details. Keep Going on your journey!

THANK YOU, DAD

THANK YOU, DAD

AN OPEN LETTER BY ANGIE FROUMAN

Dear Dad,
These are some of the thoughts that come to mind as I sit down to write you for Father’s Day. I hope you know how much I love, admire, and appreciate you.
For showing me through your example of giving your life in service to others for the past 37 years, that every sacrifice we make for Jesus and others is worth it—thank you.
For all those times when the outlook was bleak, but you held on and kept trusting Jesus to pull us through—thank you.
For making time, despite your work deadline that day, to help me finish my project for Bible class when I was in the 2nd grade (I still have that booklet!)—thank you.
For not getting impatient over my childish questions and nonsensical conversation starters—thank you.
For all the memorable trips you took us on and for lugging all our extra baggage—thank you.
For the tasty little healthful treats you brought home for us kids, which we always looked forward to and enjoyed so much—thank you.
For being the one to take me shoe shopping and for not stopping till we found the perfect pair—thank you.
For doctoring all those scraped knees, splinters, and maladies of every sort, and for dispensing all that extra attention and moral support in the process—thank you.
For all the amusing and animated tales of your childhood—thank you.
For the bedtime stories, which were always a high point of my day—thank you.
For making me feel safe and secure no matter where in the world we were, just because you were there—thank you.
For all the great basketball and softball games we played together when those were my passion—thank you.
For the times when you had to put your foot down and make me toe the line and abide by our family rules (now that I have kids of my own, I know how tough that is, and how important)—thank you.
For believing in me when it was time for me to spread my wings and fly, but I was sure I’d bungle it—thank you.
For teaching me how to negotiate the rental contract on my first place away from home—thank you.
For being a fun and adventurous grandpa to my kids—thank you.
For those one-on-one times you spent with me, in spite of your busy schedule and long to-do lists, which always meant the world to me—thank you.
Your daughter

—

1 John 1:9 ESV / If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Peter 2:11 ESV / Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

Philemon 1:15 ESV / For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

#HappyWeekend

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna (Surv.)

REAL FATHERS

REAL FATHERS

Every child needs a father or father figure. Especially as he grows older, he needs a father even more than a mother. A father comes into the picture in a big way during adolescence, when the child needs discipline and strength more than ever. Fathers are usually the disciplinarian of the family, whereas mothers are inclined to be a lot more easygoing and lenient, especially if they have to handle the job alone.

A man can start being a good father by taking good care of the mother, even before the child is born. Then he needs to learn to help her with the baby. He needs to realize how taxing it is for her, and he should share the load as much as possible.

Childrearing is not always easy or fun, but if you have real love for each other and the child, you will do whatever is needed. It also becomes easier when you remind yourself what an amazing thing has happened: God has created a new immortal soul and placed him or her in your hands. With His help it is now your responsibility to see that child through this world.

(A FRIEND STORY)

I loved being a parent, and I spent hours at it every day. I fixed bottles during the night when my children were babies, and I fixed them breakfast when they got older. I taught them how to eat and how to dress themselves—all kinds of things. I got a lot of satisfaction out of it and a lot of reward.

I tried to spend at least an hour or two with my kids every day. I started reading them Bible stories as soon as they could understand speech. Of course when they were very small they couldn’t follow all of it, so the youngest usually dropped off to sleep first. I’d read from the King James Version and translate it into the Daddy Version, explaining almost every phrase. Then I’d act it out, and they were just fascinated.

Someday you’re going to be thankful that you had a part in those children’s care and training. You will have helped form another human being. That’s thrilling!
Are you equal to the task? No, but God is, and He will help you if you try!

A Parent’s Prayer
May we so live that all our children will be able to acquire our best virtues and to leave behind our worst failings. May we pass on the light of courage and compassion, and the questing spirit; and may that light burn more brightly in these our children than it has in us.—Robert Marshall

 —

Ephesians 6:4 ESV / Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:21 ESV / Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Malachi 4:6 ESV / And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna (Surv.)

THE POWER OF *I AM SORRY.

THE POWER OF *I AM SORRY.*

*I am sorry,* a short but mighty sentence!

If you wish to live long, don't joke with this short sentence, *I am sorry.* Do you know how many people who had gone to early grave because they neglected the therapeutic power of *I am sorry.*

Most of the troubles in most homes are heightened because wives are too big to say *I am sorry* to their husbands and you can trust the ego of  husbands in saying same to their wives.

Quarrel lingers between friends because no party wants to say *I am sorry.* Each says or asks, why should I be the first to say *I am sorry?* He or she would beat his or her chest and utter the ego phrase, *a whole me!*

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the part of the world where saying *I am sorry* is a hard nut to crack while curses are easily unleashed.

Welcome to the part of the world where people refer to a person who says *I am sorry* in a midst of a rift as a *weaker sex*: one who is not man enough; one who is foolish.

Welcome to Africa where saying *I am sorry* is tougher than forcing a donkey to pass  through a needle hole. 

All of us are victims of this discussion. We have lost valuable assets, money and even lives because of this cheap and affordable sentence *I am sorry.* It simply cost only a breath of speech.

Have you ever wondered why domestic violence is less pronounced in the western world? It is simply because they understand the efficacy of *I am sorry.*

Husbands say it to their wives and even children whenever they err, wives and children do the same  and life goes on fine.

Friends, this is simply a piece to encourage us to cultivate  a habit of saying *I am sorry.* It is difficult but readily affordable.

Learn how to say *I AM SORRY* even if you are right.

If I have offended you in one way or the other, *I am sorry*
My apologies.
👍👍👍👍👍

CONFIDENT CHILDREN

CONFIDENT CHILDREN

Parents who are concerned about their children’s progress at each stage of their development, as nearly all parents are, need to realize what an important role a child’s self-image plays toward that end. Children with positive feelings about themselves, who believe they can succeed, are far more likely to.

Children make their first judgments about themselves and their abilities in the context of their home. Parents can find opportunities every day to develop their children’s self-confidence, which in the long run will help them grow into well-adjusted, well-rounded adults.

Problem solving

Parents are often amazed to discover how capable and resourceful their children are in solving their own problems, with a little guidance. All children encounter problems; that is a necessary part of growing up. It is through dealing with such challenges that they learn problem-solving skills that are essential for success in life. It takes time and patience to help children learn to solve their own problems, but it is a wise investment that will pay big dividends when the children get older, their problems become more complex, and the stakes are higher.

One tendency of parents is to be too quick to fix the problem or provide the answer. That may meet the immediate need, but it hinders the learning process. It’s like the saying: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for life. Teaching problem-solving is more important and more beneficial in the long run than providing solutions. Helping children work through their problems also shows that you have faith in them, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

This is how God works with us. He could solve all of our problems with a snap of His fingers, but instead He usually expects us to reason things through, consider our options, and do what we can before He will step in and do what we can’t. He involves us in working out the solution and brings us along step by step, not to make life more difficult but to help us grow from the experience.

Insecurity issues

No matter how much parents love their children and try to meet their needs, situations will come up that cause the children to feel insecure, and insecurity is often reflected in behavioral problems.

Bad behavior needs to be corrected, but unless the parent understands what prompted it, the correction may hinder more than help. Was the misbehavior the result of natural childish experimentation—a bad idea that seemed good or fun at the time? Or was it the result of insecurity—trying to fit in, impress, or win new friends after moving to a new neighborhood or changing schools, for example? Bad behavior is only a symptom, so correction alone is like lopping off the top of a weed; it will soon be back. Parents need to identify and go to work on the root of the problem, the underlying cause.

Depending on the age and maturity level of the child, try to help the child come to his or her own conclusions by approaching it from the problem-solving angle. That may not be easy in the heat of the moment, but remember, the goal is to correct the problem, not to punish the child. By making a clear distinction between the problem and the child and then involving the child in turning the problem situation into a learning situation, it is possible to build rather than undermine self-esteem, even in what might otherwise seem like an impossibly negative situation.

Not all children misbehave when they feel insecure; some become withdrawn or underachieve. But however the insecurity is manifested, the first step in rectifying the problem is to recognize it, and the second step is to go to work on the cause from a positive angle.

Cultivate mutual respect

Mutual respect strengthens the bond of love in a parent-child relationship. It also engenders unity, obedience, and appreciation.

Respect within a family is manifested through consideration, understanding, thoughtfulness, a willingness to listen, and loving communication. And it works both ways; if you want your children to show you respect, show them respect.

Children learn by observation and imitate what they see. If lack of respect is the problem, it probably started with the child’s parents, peers, or other influences such as TV, movies, or computer games. Minimizing such negative influences is half the battle; setting clear guidelines as to what’s expected and then consistently upholding that standard is the other.

Ways that you can show your children respect include:
* Treating each child as an individual
* Being sensitive to their feelings; putting yourself in their position
* Not belittling them or using sarcasm when they falter
* Not intentionally embarrassing them
* Asking and suggesting, rather than giving commands
* Paying attention when they speak and hearing them out; not being too quick to provide your perspective
* Treating them as though they were slightly more mature than they actually are
* Giving their ideas serious consideration; thinking in terms of how you can help their ideas to work

Avoid misunderstandings

Sometimes it seems that children choose the worst possible times to misbehave, and sometimes it is not so much actual misbehavior as it is annoying behavior. When parents are under pressure, are preoccupied with other work or other thoughts, aren’t feeling well, or are simply not in a good mood, that’s bound to affect the way they interact with their children. Some things that are normally allowed or overlooked—a certain level of noise or rambunctiousness, for example—push the parent over the edge, resulting in harsh words, more severe punishment than the offense actually warrants, or “the look” that sends the message “You’re in trouble” but leaves the child confused.

Children usually don’t see the big picture, so when a parent’s frustrations boil over like that, they often assume more of the blame than they actually deserve, which can lead to even more damaging conclusions—“Mommy wishes I wasn’t here,” “Daddy doesn’t love me,” “I’m no good.”

Avoid such confidence-shattering misunderstandings by catching yourself short of the boiling point and putting the questionable behavior in context. “I would love to hear you sing that song again, but right now I need to concentrate on driving.” “I have a headache, so I’m going to have to ask you to not do that right now.” And if you don’t catch yourself in time, an after-the-fact explanation and apology will set the record straight. By giving the child an opportunity to be part of the solution to your problem, you will have turned a potentially damaging situation into a positive one.

Positive reinforcement

Praise is a superior motivator. Children thrive on praise. It’s more important and more beneficial to praise a child for good behavior than it is to scold for bad behavior.
There are times when admonitions and correction are needed, but by learning to preempt problem situations with praise and other positive reinforcement, you will build self-esteem in your children and find yourself less discouraged, exhausted, and frustrated at the end of the day. It’s a win-win parenting strategy.

The more you focus on the positive, the more things you will find to praise your child for and the less you will have to deal with bad behavior. Praise encourages actions that warrant more praise.

Be consistent, be sincere, and be creative—but be believable. For example, if the child tries to do something new with disastrous results, commend the effort, not the outcome. Or if the ill-fated attempt was meant to be a surprise for you, commend the thoughtfulness. Always accentuate the positive, and make the good memorable.

—

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Exodus 20:12 ESV / “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Romans 13:2 ESV / Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna (Surv.)

*THE ORIGIN, ESSENCE AND SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS OF VALENTINE DAY

*THE ORIGIN, ESSENCE AND SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS OF VALENTINE DAY:*
During the third century, an oppressive Roman Emperor called Emperor Claudius II had made it a capital punishment (death) to worship and serve Christ.
He had decreed the Romans to serve and worship his gods, and deprived the young Roman soldiers of getting married.
But an elderly Christian had stood his ground for his faith and had insisted on serving Jesus Christ and preaching the love of God to the young soldiers.
This was considered treason against the government.
He was arrested, sentenced to death and jailed. In the last weeks of his life in the prison, the jailer (prison commander) who observed that he was very learned and possessed very good Christian character, brought his blind daughter to him to be giving her lessons.
He taught her about God and told her many Roman histories and stories from the Bible. He taught her the love of God. The blind girl got so used to the elderly Christian prisoner. On his last night he left a note for Julia, the blind girl, encouraging her to love God and serve Him. And in ending the note, he wrote: "From your Valentine".
His death sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D.
*The name of this martyr was Valentinus*, a man who died for standing for the Preaching of the Christ and teaching people about the love of God.
So, for his love for God, he was regarded as 'Saint'.
Archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb; an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. During 496 AD, the Pope marked February 14 as celebration in honor of his martyrdom.
*February 14, is known as Valentine Day. But the essence of Valentine Day historically was a celebration in honor of the martyrdom of a devoted preacher, Valentinus, who stood on his faith in Christ against the devilish idolatry decrees of a Godless Emperor.*
*He preached Christ to the Roman soldiers and spread the love for God and humanity when it was a crime to do so. The day he was martyred was declared "Valentine Day". February 14, 270 AD.*
However, the devil has rewritten history today. All over the world, the history has successfully been erased and rewritten the way the devil wanted. The reason for the DAY has been blotted out from people's memory and a minor aspect of the whole story had been blown beyond proportion. The little card note Valentinus had left behind for Julia, her young beloved convert, whom she taught, preached to and prayed for, had ended with: "From Your Valentine".
*On February 14, in the year 270.AD, somebody died for Christ and is now in Heaven, but on February 14, 2017, several people will die spiritual death.*
The Destinies of several young men and girls will be aborted that day, because the devil had changed the reason for the Valentine Day celebrations. He had rubbed off living and dying for Christ and replaced it with living and dying on the bed of immorality.
That day, many young girls and ladies will give their virginity away for a gift of phones, ipads, bags, clothes, and even valueless gifts as little as chocolate, sweet, fried chickens and plates of pepper-soup and salad.
By the evening of this year Feb 14, demons of fornication and adultery will invade our streets and storm our night clubs and hotels to take register of those who are dying soon of STDs, including new candidates who are going to contact HIV and AIDS.
On Feb 14 this year, forces of evil are coming down on adulterated Valentine Day to possess people with the spirit of Rape and drug abuse. Imagine the amount of pregnancy preventive drugs and materials that shall be sold. Harlots will sell that day. There will be Christian backsliders that day....BECAUSE SOME GLORIOUS DESTINIES WILL BE ABORTED ON VALENTINE DAY.
*The story of Reuben, Genesis 35:21-22a:*
21. Then Israel journeyed and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
22. And it happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it.
A strange spirit came upon Reuben, the first born of Jacob, and he went and slept with his father's young wife. Israel heard about it and said nothing. Nothing was heard about it again for many years, and we never heard that Reuben asked for forgiveness or repented or became sober about it and the matter died just like that. Really?
So many events came over it, nobody mentioned it again. He went with the rest of Jacob's children to Egypt; he saw the glories of Egypt. He was welcomed into the palace of Joseph and ate with him in the royal palace. He grew and had many children and everything was going fine for him till the day their father would say the last prayers for them and give them his final decree.
At the point of death, whatever he said was final for life.
He gathered them together for the final blessing and began to bless them all. But he began with Reuben, the first son, who was to be the heir who should carry the highest blessings among the children.
The record was opened to his long forgotten atrocity. He thought it had been swept under the carpet. He thought he was smart and he had had a simple fun. But his father opened his mouth for his final blessing and said: Gen. 49:3-4 (NKJV)
3. “Reuben, you are my firstborn,
My might and the beginning of my strength,
The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.
4. Unstable as water, you shall not excel,
Because you went up to your father’s bed;
Then you defiled it—He went up to my couch.
Though he was the beginning of Jacob's strength, he was supposed to be an epitome of Excellency of dignity and power. He was to be naturally blessed and was born to be a man of natural dignity and power, but....HIS DESTINY WAS ABORTED the day he had "fun" with his father's young wife. So, his own verdict was: *"You shall not Excel"* from a man who was anointed to proclaim a final verdict on the Sons of Israel. Reuben was destined to be a royal dignified personality above his siblings, but for that single night of 'fun' with that woman.
Many people will have a lot of lustful funs on Feb 14, and wake up Feb 15 morning as normal, but the truth is: long after a very hot pressing iron had been disconnected from the power source; it would still be hot for a while, until it begins to grow cold. Some power cable would be disconnected from the power source of some people on Feb 14.
Some young men and women will place their entire life virtues and destinies in the hand of marine agents that night.
Feb 14 evening is a 'Night of Fun', when many men and ladies will slaughter their destinies on the bed of lustful pleasure. By Feb 15 morning it is done!
Destiny Auctioned to a young man or a lady whose future has been mortgaged to the devil.
If Joseph had had a fun with Potiphar’s wife, he would never have got to the palace to see the type of Glory he saw. He escaped that trap which would have aborted his destiny on which so many lives in Egypt and Canaan land, including the lives of his generation unborn depended upon.
There is a great story in *Proverbs 7:6-27*. It is a sad story of a young man on his own "Valentine Night".
He had thought he wanted to have a fun that night, he had thought he wanted to enjoy himself, but crashed his future in a night of fun.
*Proverbs 7:21-23*
21. With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him.
22. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,
23. Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.
I beg every child of God reading this post to send it to their loved ones especially all those whom they know have not known the true meaning of Valentine Day so that their destinies could be preserved for their glorious future.
Dear brethren, Please let's post this write up to our young ones to guide them in escaping the devil's traps on Valentine's Day and pray that the power of God will prevail against the desires of the devil.
May The Lord bless us as we preach the true meaning of the DAY which the[truncated by WhatsApp]