THE FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE

Welcome to the fourth month of this year and our theme is: THE FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE…Daniel 3 verse 25 …..“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the[e] Son of God.”

                              I PROPHESY TO THE LIFE OF SOMEONE TODAY:

Whenever and wherever the fire of the enemy has been lit for your life, marriage and family, THE FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE WILL APPEAR IN JESUS NAME. 

ANY STRANGE FIRE BURNING FROM ANY STRANGE ALTAR BE QUENCHED IN JESUS NAME. 

THIS MONTH APRIL, THERE SHALL BE DIVINE INTERVENTION ON THAT MATTER IN JESUS NAME.  According to Daniel 3, When the FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE APPEARS:

*THERE IS DIVINE INTERVENTION

*EVIL IS TERMINATED

*HONOUR IS RESTORED 

*SHAME IS TAKEN AWAY

*PROMOTION IS RELEASED

*THERE IS DIVINE PROTECTION FROM THE PLAN DELIBRATELY DESIGNED TO KILL 

*THOSE WHO HAVE VOWED AND THREATENED YOUR LIFE TURN AROUND TO HONOUR YOU.

I PROPHESY TO SOMEONE RIGHT NOW:

THAT STRANGE FIRE ON YOUR HEALTH, FINANCES, MARRIAGE, THE LIVES OF YOUR CHILDREN, ON YOUR BUSINESS, LET THE FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE APPEAR IN JESUS NAME.

Daniel 3:8-12: These Chaldeans were evil observers and reporters, watching you and observing lapses so they can report you. THEY SHALL FAIL WOEFULLY IN JESUS NAME.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had previously enjoyed the FAVOUR OF THE KING. They were SET APART from Daniel chapter 1..these men were favoured and knowledgeable. but in verse 18 “…..But the enemy went to their source of favour to pollute the mind of the King.”

YOU WILL NOT LOSE FAVOUR WHERE YOU HAD FAVOUR BEFORE IN JESUS NAME.  In the face of adversity, LORD GIVE US COURAGE TO STAND FIRM IN FAITH IN JESUS NAME.  THE KING WAS VERY ANGRY AND THREW THEM INTO THE FIRE.

Someone going through a situation right now, where it seems you are bound and trapped and helpless SHOUT THE FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE APPEAR IN JESUS NAME.  THE FIRE OF THE ENEMY WILL CONSUME THEM IN JESUS NAME . When the Fourth man in the Fire appears HE COMMANDS THE ATTENTION OF KINGS ….GOD WILL INTERVENE IN THAT MATTER AND GET DIVINE ATTENTION TO YOUR MATTER IN JESUS NAME.  GOD’S GLORY IS REVEALED WHEN HE INTERVENES…THE KING COULD SEE AND RECOGNISE THE FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE AS JESUS!!!

WHEN THE FOURTH MAN APPEARS, HONOUR IS RESTORED. 

REMAIN BLESSED IN JESUS NAME

SHALOM,

APOSTLE BUSOLA JEGEDE

Preparing for global impact

Acts 1:8 “ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be a witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

But you SHALL RECEIVE power after the HOLY GHOST has come upon you and you WILL be my witness…..

This is the time for you to finalise your Strategic PLANS for this year.

YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN CAN BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

A) GOAL BASED PLANNING…This is the most common….define your goals based on your vision or mission this year.

B) ISSUES BASED STRATEGIC PLANNING…This is planning BASED on issues facing your life, family or organisation e.g. Education of children.

C) ORGANIC STRATEGIC PLANNING…Based on values and vision and can be scooped from year to year. For you to make an impact you must be fully persuaded and personally motivated to achieve your goals this year.

PERSONAL MOTIVATION

1. PHILIPPIANS 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

KILL The ANTS in your life: AUTOMATIC NEGATIVE THOUGHTS. Be more aware of your NEGATIVE self talk.DEVELOP POSITIVE THINKING about your life, health, family and work.

2. POSITIVE PEER GROUP…WHO YOU SPEND TIME WITH IS WHO YOU BECOME

Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ^[a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he ^[b]meditates day and night. ³ He shall be like a tree
Planted by the ^[c]rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

3.FOCUS ON ONE GOAL AT A TIME…….LION TAMER….a chair, whip and a gun….to distract the lion.

 4. ELIMINATE THE NON ESSENTIAL Some things are present and time consuming that are not essential or critical to your goals.

5. CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE

6. SPIRITUAL VALUES

7. GENUINELY LOVE PEOPLE AND BE KIND TO PEOPLE. Jesus loved people from different ethnic and economic background. DESIRE to see PEOPLE thrive.8. HAVE and maintain a Servant-heart. Be humble…..NOT superiority, entitlement. Jesus washed The FEET of the 12 disciples.

8. BUILD a solid team……Jesus did this in Matt 4:18-21. We cannot do everything or be everywhere.

9. EMPOWER OTHERS TO USE THEIR GIFTS…..They will bring in diverse  dimensions of grace

10. MEET THE NEEDS OF OTHERS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

11. BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR TIME NEVER BE REACTIVE

*Know when to fellowship, rest, unwind, spend with family, alone. Recharge and renew

12. BE FORGIVING. This an essential attitude for progress. Be at peace with your brethren and yourself.

Shalom

Busola Jegede

PREPARATION FOR IMPACT

You are welcome to the month of February. Our theme for this month is “Preparation for impact” .

Acts 1 vs 8

“But you SHALL receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you and you will be my witness…..”.

The Holy Spirit prepares us and equips us TO BECOME ready and effective in our life purpose.

This is a very important season and this month is like a HINGE MONTH….a lot of decisions, personal and national, will be decided this month. So many things are hinged on this month especially for us in NIGERIA with the elections coming up in a few weeks.

On the individual level it is time to finalize your strategy for this year as you step out and prepare yourself for GLOBAL  IMPACT.

Equip yourself with whatever you need on your journey this year…..prayers, knowledge, relationships,  healthy living and much more. Your world is waiting to hear from you.

Shalom

The Apostle Busola Jagede

OUR YEAR OF GLOBAL IMPACT- TAKING TERRITORIES

BIBLE STUDY TOPIC: DOMINION MANDATE

TEXT: Ephesians 1:19-23

Memory Verse: Acts 1:8

When God created man, He gave man dominion over everything on earth (Gen. 1:26-28). Unfortunately, Adam fell out of favour and dominion when he disobeyed God. Christ Jesus is the perfect example of God’s dominion restored onto humanity.

To be successful in all our endeavours, we must understand fully our authority in Christ

We must exercise dominion over sin (Rom. 6:14), fear (1 Jn. 1:7), the world (1 Jn. 5:4-5), worries and anxieties (Phil 4:6-7), demons (Eph. 6:10-12), thoughts and imaginations (2 Cor. 10:3-5), failures and setbacks (Micah 7:8), etc.

Here are the principles outlined for you in the acronym: D. O. M. I. N. I. O. N.

D = Discover Your Source Of Dominion. We must understand the exceedingly great power we have through Jesus Christ. Jesus took the dominion from Satan, turned and gave the keys to the church (Matt. 16:18). We are a people of dominion.

O = Obtain Knowledge on the Effective Use of Your Weapons. Just as the conflict is spiritual, so are our weapons (2 Cor 10: 3). Everyone that is going to walk in dominion must value PRAYER,  LOVE RIGHTEOUSNESS and the WORD. Hide the Word in your heart, so that when an attack comes you can use that double-edged sword (Eph. 6:17, Heb. 1:9).

M = Maintain Your Relationship With The Body Of Christ. Christ’s body is a living, moving entity. Stay close to the church (Colossians 1:18). We are in Him and He is in us. We’re in the world but not of this world (Eph. 2:5).

I = Identify Your Enemy. How can you win a battle if you don’t know who you are fighting? Identity begins with knowing who you are and whose you are in Christ. This gives security and confidence to fight the enemy is his territory (Acts 19:15).

N = Never Be Unprepared.  Don’t ever let your guard down (2 Cor. 2:11). You’re devil-proof by the blood of Jesus, so hold on to your weapons and never lay them down. Never take your eyes off Jesus (Heb. 12:2).

I = Imbibe The Spirit of Praise. Learn how to use the weapon of praise. Punish the devil with your praise. God inhabits the praises of His people, so the devil cannot stand where He is being praised (Acts 16:25; Psa. 67:5-7).

O = Obey The Lord Always. Complete obedience to God is one of the keys to a life of dominion. We are ready to punish all disobedience only when our own obedience is perfect (2 Cor 10: 5-6).  Saul lost dominion because of his disobedience, and he was described as a rebellious person (1 Sam 15:11–23).

N = Never Share of His Glory. God wants us to return all the glory back unto Him alone (1 Cor. 1:29). Sharing of His glory will amount to pride on our own part. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Pet. 5:5).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF WOMEN WHO EXERCISED DOMINION

• Deborah— Judges 4: 4-5
• Jael—-Judges 4: 17-21
• Rahab—- Josh 6:25
• Abigail—-1 Sam 25:39
• Proverbs 31 Woman
• Mary Magdalene, Salome— Mk 16:1

Conclusion

Job 10:19

When God sends a word, it is like a seed which should be nurtured until it fruits, else it will dry up and die. The prophetic instruction that the soldiers should pursue their enemies not only spelt haste, it also implies a time-frame. There are prophecies one cannot afford to “stay,” otherwise they lose their relevance. Delay is dangerous when God says, “It’s time to exercise the dominion mandate”.

This is a call upon you and I to rise above mediocrity, sickness, poverty, sin, shame, etc. and exercise our dominion mandate; we must bring honour, glory and harvest to His kingdom. Enjoy that right and dominate in the name of Jesus. As we move into our positions as righteous sons and daughters, we shall establish the dominion mandate everywhere we go in Jesus’ name! “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matt. 13:43, NIV).

Walking with God

Let us look at what it means to walk with God

A. Walking with God means to go in God’s direction.

1. God’s way is clearly marked (1 John 2:6) “whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”

2. God’s ways are always the best way. (Psalm 1) “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” – Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

B. Walking with God means to proceed at God’s pace.

“God’s pace is not to be confused with God’s purpose.”

1. God’s purpose is a deliberate, determined one. (His purpose will be accomplished)

(Isa. 46:11) “yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”

2. God’s pace varies at different times and for different reasons.

“Sometimes Fast, Sometimes Slow and Sometimes Stop (wait)”  like Abraham and Sarah

C. Walking with God means to make progress.

1. Walking with God begins with the first step. (Salvation)

“Before we walk we stand, before we stand we crawl and before we crawl we must be born.” (John 3:7) “Ye must be born again.”

2. The walk with God continues with a series of successive steps after the first step. (Sanctification) .”Growth is normal for a newborn” (Acts 2:42,46) “They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship…Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts…”

D. Walking with God means sharing intimacy.

1. God intimately interacts with human beings. (God initiates)

“Because of Love, God seeks those with whom He can be intimate.”

(Ezek. 11:19-20) “I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.”

2. God allows His Children to share their life with him.

“God wants us to share our hopes, dreams and aspirations; and our frustrations, troubles and disappointments.”

(Jer. 33:3) “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

E. Walking with God means to arrive at a destination.

1. God causes His Children to reach their potential in life.

(Eph. 2:10) “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

2. God causes His own to reach their final destination.

(Heb. 11:5) “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

The Benefits of walking with God

1. It empowers a Christian believer to be more than a conqueror.

When you love God by keeping His commandments, you will be loved by Him, and He will cause you to be more than conquerors through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37). Troubles will tremble at your presence when His presence is with you.

2. Flowing in divine wisdom Christ is the wisdom and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24) and partnering with Him causes you to be sharpened with His wisdom leaving you with greater wisdom than before (Acts 4:13). Partnership with God empowers your insight and correct application of it.

3. Supernatural favour when you take pleasure in God’s business or kingdom matters He will be with you and release divine favour on you. Every move of yours towards the advancement of His kingdom engenders a flow of supernatural favour on your behalf. God was with Joseph and he enjoyed a great flow of supernatural favour (Genesis 39:2-4, 21-22)

4. Flow of signs and wonders partnership with Jesus Christ gives rise to an unbeatable team. No one can prevail against you when God is with you. As you work with God, He backs it up with signs and wonders (Mark 16:20). Paul was a sold out partner of Christ and God worked unusual miracles by His hands, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them (Acts 19:11-12).

5. Supernatural breakthrough Anyone in love with God is empowered to be a pathfinder and carrier of supernatural breakthrough. Permanent partnership with Christ makes you a star forever and ever (Daniel 12:3).

The consciousness of His presence within you in-builds supernatural confidence that leads to breakthrough.

In conclusion, God is searching for a man who will work with Him on earth so that His good will and, not destruction, will be established on earth, Ezekiel 22:30.

GOD’S MASTERPIECE!

Text: Jeremiah 18:1-10

Memory Verse: Isaiah 60:15“Whereas you [Jerusalem] have been abandoned and hated with no one passing through, I will make you an object of Pride forever, a Joy from generation to generation”

AMP.

Keyword

Masterpiece:  According to the dictionary ,  a work done with extraordinary skill; a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement.

Introduction

God’s original intention at creation was to make us a showpiece (an extraordinary piece). However, man fell short of God’s expectation when he dipped his hand into sin. The mercy of God still prevails,  despite the cracks to make us fit into His Showcase. Has our life be marred by sin or some comprising situation, be assured that our Maker is still in the business of remoulding the ‘marred clay’. In this study we shall examine some of God’s showpieces in the Bible that though got cracked but, the cracks got fixed by the Master Builder!

Example of God’s showpieces in the scriptures.

1. Abraham: He boasted of Abraham’s integrity, that it’s worthy of emulation.

Gen 18:17-19.

2. David: After God had rejected Saul as King, He testified of David as a man after His own heart 1Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22.

3. Elijah: God showcased Elijah at Mount Carmel. Baal’s prophets were destroyed while the nation turned to God 1Kings 18:21-40.

4. Peter: Peter who was just an illiterate fisherman became a Fisher of men; Luke 5:1-10, Acts 2:41.

5. Paul: God showcased him as a chosen vessel despite his cracks Acts 9:15-16.

The Cracked but unmendable!

God dropped Saul & Eli being cracked materials.

(a) Saul was disobedient to God’s instructions. 1Sam13:13-14

(b) Eli failed to yield to His warnings about his unruly children hence, he was dropped as God’s effort to mend him did not yield the desired result. 1 Sam 13:13-14; 18; 2:30-33.

(c) Judas Iscariot, his greedy & covetous nature did not allow him see his cracks on time and even when he did, he gave up thinking he was beyond repair.

The Cracked but mendable materials

(a) David was cracked but got mended as a result of a heart which longed after God. 2 Sam 12:7-13.

(b) Peter also got cracked but got mended. He was quick to repent when he realised his errors. Mark 14:66-72. 

What to do when we get cracked:

1. Cry out to God for mercy. The Lord is slow to anger & abounding in mercy. Psalm 51; 103:8-9

2. Desist from backsliding, compromising & struggling with the Holy Spirit. Jeremiah 3:14-22

3. We can get mended when we surrender to God wholeheartedly.

Danger in not surrendering when we get ourselves cracked:

1. Physical Death e.g Ananias & Sapphirah  Acts 5:1-9.

2. Spiritual Death, when we get cracked  and don’t repent/ confess our sins, we stop bearing fruit and face being cut off spiritually.  Rev 3:29

CONCLUSION

We are not beyond repair. Let’s surrender wholly to Jesus so we can get mended and be the Master’s Showpiece!

LIFT IN PURPOSE

Our prophetic word for the month of August was Psalm 3:3  “For thou o Lord are a shield for me my Glory and the lifter of my head”.

It’s our season of divine cover, and God is our shield.

• God is our shield, a form of protection, a defence against the fiery dart and arrows of the enemy. Our God will shield us from our enemies in the name of Jesus.
• God’s shield can be a form of favour. Psalm 5:12. God’s favour will work for you and your families in Jesus name.
• Deut. 33:29 Help is the capacity you need that may be in the hands of someone else. This help takes you from where you are to where you need to be. God will release help for us where we need it in the name of Jesus
• The Glory of God is the very presence of God. His Glory will rise upon our situation in the name of Jesus. Isaiah 60:1
• Job 29:22 Things may be happening to people around you but there is a lifting up. This is the response of a believer. God will lift up our head against shame, debt, sickness and depression in the name of Jesus.

   Lift in purpose. Key scripture Jeremiah 1:5

• You have a purpose on earth. God has brought you here to achieve purpose. There is something more inside of you.  Your life is more than what you think and do. 
• What is purpose? The purpose of something is the reason for which that thing exist. The purpose for your life is the goal , reason, desired result of what you have come to do by God. Before you were born God has already given you a destiny mandate.  Your purpose is your assignment on earth. Jesus had a life description Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 2:34 are examples of the purpose of the saints. Luke 1:13-17.
• They all had theirs written in the scriptures. Discovery God’s purpose for our life should be a paramount assignment and not for making money.  If you are making money and you have not discovered purpose , your not yet fulfilled.
• Align with people who are walking on the same purpose as you are. When you are walking in purpose everyday is fresh. It is about living a life of fulfilment.

Indicators of not walking in purpose.

• Lack of fulfilment despite comfort
• Restlessness
• Lack of impact
• Confusion
• Going round in circles

Discovering God’s purpose should be a paramount assignment. And if you have discovered purpose, walking in it and improving on your walk, living a life of purpose should be your goal. You were not created a man or a woman by mistake. There is a purpose for your gender and your being which had been predetermined by God. So what are Purpose Indicators:

• Having a strong burden
• Experiences (positive or negative experiences can ignite purpose)
• Revelation in the place of prayers
• Talents, gifts
• Dreams of purpose

How to start on the lane of  purpose

• Discover your Purpose
• Organise; Polish and Package your Purpose
• Deploy it for mankind,
• Go for TRAINING in line WITH your Purpose
• Acquire Relevant SKILLS
• Be Disciplined
• Be Teachable
• Be focused
• Be matured
• Improving your self
• Preparation, spiritual, social, emotional, mental and intellectual maturity.
• Position yourself by adding value to your life like new skills
• Recognise potential, have the spirit of discernment
• Do not sway under pressure.

Issues to note when pursuing your purpose

• Your character can jeopardise your purpose
• God can give you a purpose , it is your responsibility to train yourself.
• You may need a job to sustain your lifestyle, when living in purpose.
• Have a balance as purpose keeps you busy.
• You may need a mentor for your life purpose.

Always note that God is a progressive revealer of purpose.

Birthing  purpose may come with a lot of fears , worry, discouragement, disappointment  and uncertainty. This is just like when a baby is about to come out of the womb the mother experiences  pain and discomfort. For that purpose, calling or gifting in your life, you must guard it diligently to fruition and success, because that vision is an assignment from God.

Shalom

Busola Jegede

MULTIPLE ADVANCEMENT

 

 

“MULTIPLE ADVANCEMENT”

Genesis 2:10, “Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads”

I decree that you will experience multiple advancement in your life and move FORWARD and UPWARD in Jesus name.

Genesis 27:28-29, “Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine.
²⁹ Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!”

These two verses can be broken down into the following sub-divisions:

• Dew of Heaven (signifies Blessings of Jacob):

Dew is water in the form of droplets that appears on exposed objects in the morning or evening. Dew is used to water the land. It waters the earth and brings a freshness. It’s not rain, but moisture. In times of drought there is no dew.  Dew cools the earth. May you receive divine sustenance in Jesus name.

 

• Fatness of the earth (signifies Heavenly manure):

It also implies the richness of the earth and fertility. The earth is rich with minerals, precious jewels and heavenly manure.

• Plenty of grain and wine (signifies Provision):

Abundant divine provision to eat and drink. There are different types of lack and hunger; physical, financial, health and spiritual hunger. I decree that you will not suffer lack or hunger in Jesus name.

• Peoples serve thee (signifies Manpower):

This includes people who will believe in your vision. Also, when you set up a business, you will attract good staff.

• Nations bow (signifies International doors):

It also implies business growth and relocations.

• Be master over your brethren (signifies Honor in the family):

This means you will lord over your brethren and God will bless you amongst your siblings.

• Back to Sender Anointing: Those who curse you are cursed and those who bless you are blessed.

 

CONDITIONS FOR MULTIPLE ADVANCEMENT

1. IDENTIFY, HARNESS AND DEPLOY YOUR UNIQUENESS.

LESSONS FROM THE GIRAFFE, TORTOISE AND LION:

a) The giraffe will not cut its neck to make the tortoise feel good

• Do not be insecure
• Do not have inferiority complex
• Do not try hard to please people some will never be content with what they are.      b) 10 lions cannot kill the tortoise but lions can kill the giraffe.

• What is easy for you may be a challenge for someone else.
• You have something that others may not have. Do not envy people. Focus on your uniqueness. The lion can never get the neck of the tortoise but can get that of the giraffe.                                                                                                                                          c) Turtles can swim, but no generation or variation of giraffe can swim. The neck is too long, and the legs are too long. There are things you are wired to do that others cannot do.                                                                                                                                    d) The tortoise can hide in its shell and around predators, but there is no hiding place for the giraffe, it is too big to hide.                                                                              e) The tortoise lays egg but the baby giraffe stands tall right from the first day of birth                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. SHUN BITTERNESS. It reduces your speed and depletes your strength.

• Cut your losses and move on
• Overlook offences and advance. Joseph was disappointed by the chief butler in Gen 40:23. It took 2 years for the man to remember him.                                                                                                                                                                                                               3. AVOID VISION KILLERS AND NEGATIVE SPEAKERS

 

Shalom,

Busola Jegede

 

JUNE BIBLE STUDY – THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST FOR AWESOME MANIFESTATION

TOPIC: THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST FOR AWESOME MANIFESTATION

Texts: John 14:6-17,

John 17:9-11,

Ephesians 4:1-16,

John 17:11.

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of Peace”.

INTRODUCTION

The Lord Jesus emphasised the need for unity among His disciples and encouraged a unified ministration where no one person stands out as supreme or pre-eminent.

He chose His disciples; they did not choose Him.

Christ is the head of the church, and believers are the members of His body. Part of the physical body never exists independent of each other, neither are they ever considered alive when separated from each other.

In Ephesians 4:2-3, Apostle Paul exhorts all to walk worthy of our calling in lowliness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

Note: For anything beautiful to come out of our service to God;

1. There must be an agreement, a bond of unity binding us together.

2. There must be no division. Jesus prayed for us to be one; if we are separated then there will be no body attached to the Head (Christ), hence no manifestation.

What is “Unity” in the body of Christ?

Unity can be defined as; the quality or state of not being multiple, a condition of harmony, and the quality or state of being made one.

Jesus prayed “that we all may be one”, no schism, splits, division e.t.c

“How is that possible?”

We should stand in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. Be bonded with a cord that cannot be broken – “LOVE”

It is possible to have division in the Body of Christ, but we are being warned to earnestly guard against whatever will bring that division through the following:

1. Guard our Reaction; to every action there’s always a reaction!

2. Guard against getting carried away by Position/Title.

3. Be careful of our attitudes towards others.

4. Always seek for peace and love with all your heart!

Things that unite us:

1. The saving work of Christ

2. The essential doctrines from the Bible: Baptism, Holy communion, e.t.c

3. The Blood of Jesus

4. The Word of God

5. The Holy Spirit

6. Goals & Visions

Things that do not Unite us:

1. Aso-ebi (identical traditional uniforms worn to events) does not Unite us.

2. Gossipping, Backbiting, Strife etc

3. Jealousy & Envy.

4. Rivalry & Competition etc

Importance of Unity to the Body of Christ. Acts 16:5

• It gave birth to the church. Acts 1:13-14

• The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost Acts 2:1-4

• Increase in members

• Records of signs, wonders and miracles Acts 3: 1-8

Effects of Disunity to Awesome manifestations

A house divided against itself cannot stand. The church has a gift to unify us, and not to produce envy, jealousy, pride e.t.c

1.  It slows down the work of God

2. It breeds unhealthy competition.

3.  The Spirit of God will not manifest in that kind of place.

4.  An evil altar thrives and prospers in places like that. James 3:16.

5.  No reward at the end of the whole show of self.

6.  It leads to pride and self gratification.

Benefits of Unity:

Matthew 18: 19, Amos 3:3

1. Answered prayers.

2. Awesome manifestation in all areas.

3. Souls are added and remain in the church.

4. Open Heavens.

5. The devil has no hiding place.

6. Rewards at the Master’s feet.

7. Healings and miracles.

8. Signs and wonders.

9. Great move of God’s Power.

10. Long standing issues gives way even if we are at fault.

11. One has a better judgement, e.t.c.

12. Peace, joy, trust and free sharing of bread.

13. More grounds get covered in record  time.

14.  Great messages get shared and lives are blessed.

.

CONCLUSION

The Christian church, as a whole, needs re-examination; we need to look at ourselves and we need to look unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Therefore, we need to seek for unity and work together to further the kingdom of God. The whole point is that we need to be united, not bickering at one another. We need to move beyond the denominational barriers of what separated us to the common ground of what unites us; the Lord Jesus Christ.

Shalom,

Busola Jegede

SERVICE TO GOD – APRIL 2018 BIBLE STUDY

 

Bible Text: Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Memory Verse: John 12:26

 

Introduction:

Service is an act of being of assistance to someone; it is the state of availability for use by the public (Collins dictionary).

 

Therefore, Service to God is agreeing to release ourselves to Him, to work for Him, wait on Him and do what He instructs us to do.

Please Note:

– You cannot serve God without serving man.

– Serving God is a selfless giving of ourselves to Him.

– Your reason for serving God should not be because you are expecting a reward.

– Your service must be borne out of love for God.

– Your expectation should not be to man, but to the God of the man you are serving.

– The outcome of your service to God is that when you serve Him, His presence abides with you always.

 

What does it Mean to Serve God?

1. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

– So, wait for His mercies upon you.

 

2. God gives to each one according to His belief.

–  So, in the place of service, the master knows what you want.

 

3. Obedience is key to service.

–  So, obey God and constituted authorities in the place of service.

 

4. Serving God is a great privilege. We need Him more than He needs us.

–  Man is replaceable, but God is irreplaceable.

 

Keys to Serving God:

1. Be born again and be established in the kingdom.

 

2. Identify your giftings and talents.

– we must learn to respect the giftings of people.

– we must appreciate the service being rendered and where need be, offer commensurate reward for them.

– In some cases, the loyalty of certain special people are complete when they are fairly rewarded.

– Avoid putting a price tag on your service to God. All you have, was given to you by Him in the first place.

 

3. Serve in Love.

– Never serve God grudgingly.

–  avoid serving out of competition.

– A Leader must groom people to take over from them. Continuity is very key in service.

– carry everybody along, even when it us difficult to do so.

– Give room for growth to avoid being burned out.

– Always find the time to refuel.

 

Hindrances to Service:

1. Serving in human strength.

– avoid this, but rely always on the help of the holy spirit.

 

2. Personal burdens such as:

– sickness; looking for man’s approval; prolonged answers to prayers; discouragement etc.

Learn to:

– lay everything  at His feet

– avoid listening to side talks

– you do not need man’s approval, only God’s.

– encourage yourself and others.

– do not be the one that will make others to STOP serving God.

 

3. Fears

– Know who you are in Christ.

– Be confident.

– Rely on the help of the Holy Spirit.

– face your fears and drown it.

 

4. Barrier of Compromise

– Seeking benefits in an ungodly manner.

– Stealing while serving

– Diluting your messages to soothe certain people because they are financier.

– Eye service

– Sexual immorality

– Telling lies.

 

5. Failure to look unto Jesus.

– Trusting in man.

– Believing in our own abilities.

– Being overwhelmed by the situations we are confronted with.

 

Benefits of Service to God:

1. All round protection.
2. Longevity.
3. Answered Prayers.
4. Good health.
5. Promotion.
6. Multiple advancements.

 

Conclusion:

Your service is unto God and not unto man.  In due season you will get the earthly and eternal rewards.

 

Shalom,

Busola Jegede