Favourite Bible Shopping lists for Christmas

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Bode Ososami

It is the period for lists … more exactly I mean shopping and gift lists, as malls are crowded with people. Lists are necessary so we do not rely only on our memory for things that are important. Every item on a shopping list has a price, be it a mink coat, Ipad or a Christmas card – and may often require that we forgo something else to acquire that listed as important.

I have compiled my lists …these are thoughts, experiences and principles I would wish to be real in my life and never forget. I look at each list and items as having tagged prices all pleading for a different sacrifice from me … as I remember that Christmas is about Christ who paid for my salvation.

Romans 12 [12:1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Top Ten most Comforting Thoughts in the Bible

We are saved by faith in Christ and not by our works of righteousness
The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sins confessed to Him from which we repent
Death has no sting nor the grave any victory for the saint
God is faithful to supply all our needs according to His limitless riches
The mercy and love of God reaches to the heavens and unfathomable depths … none has ever stretched it to its limit.
Saints are safely kept in the palm of God’s hands … God looks after us.
Christ who has gone to prepare a home for His bride is soon coming back for His own.
God lays a table before us in the presence of our enemies …our cup overflows.
By the stripes on Jesus at the cross we already are healed … Divine health is already our portion
None of God’s children will be forsaken or have cause to beg

Top 7 most joyful experiences/narrations in The Bible

The conception of Sarah when the odds were completely against her bearing a heir for Abraham. God is faithful to do as He has promised you.
Jacob’s realisation that Joseph was still alive and well and prospering. Never say it is over.
The transformation of the mocked and barren Hannah to a mother of many. Wait on God
The marriage of Ruth – a hopeless Moabitess to the kinsman Boaz. Soon you will laugh.
The welcome of the returning Prodigal Son. You can return to Christ and receive a rousing welcome.
The woman at the tomb realises that Christ is risen … the tomb is empty. Jesus is alive
The rescue of Rahab the Prostitute from the annihilation of Jericho and admission into honour. Do not say God cannot use or rescue you.

Top 10 most attacked Principles in the Bible

God wants us to prosper only as our soul prospers … spiritual prosperity – a righteous walk comes first
The debtor is a servant to the lender. Escape the bondage of debt.
Many will profess doing great things in the name of Jesus … yet He will say I never knew you.
There is no greater virtue than knowing God … no higher calling or assignment than worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth
We cannot serve both God and Mammon – we all love one and hate the other.
Without holiness … no man can see God.
God created us for His pleasure and not the other way round
The wages of sin is death
The best and worst are yet to come in God’s Eternity. Heaven and Hell are real.
Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. God does not change.

Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

A New Thing … Reflections in the moment

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Bode Ososami

There I was in the routine and the mundane of life, just getting on with it really. Perhaps in the place where even expectation is diminished, just thankful to God. There has been incredible and timely answers to prayers and there has been many times when the answers did not come or perhaps not in the way or the when…when I expected. But life goes on, the routine, the mundane, the familiar….and then an announcement is made…A NEW THING… ‘what new thing?’ ‘.Oh yes, 2 decades ago…ah ah I remember a NEW thing then’ ‘oh yes I am so happy for others, they are in the NEW thing’ But wait a minute is this announcement for me? Dare I believe, am I hearing right? This is not an announcement but a prophetic proclamation!!!! A proclamation NOW and for ME. I find myself musing, thinking of a family, a particular man, Joseph, Jacob’s son. His father named him Joseph. When it was least expected, Joseph was conceived and born and added on (or shall I say added in, a +)

The name Joseph means add on or increase…as I meditated on his life before becoming Egypt’s Prime Minister, Joseph seemingly was in a place of decrease and decay, he was in a dungeon. It seemed he lived contrary to the prophetic symbolism of His name. However looking at ‘the ways of the Spirit’ constraint and emptying is in line with the process of bringing him to a place of enlargement or fullness . Psalm 105. verses 10-24 remind us of the constraint of the feet of Joseph, until the time of release. Feet released synonymous with agility, movement, relocation.

Similarly the famine constrained the Patriarch Jacob to Canaan. I often wondered how the place of promise and inheritance, called Canaan now ossified into a place of dire famine. Selah! The previous and divine injunction to Jacobs’ Father and Grandfather was ‘not to go to Egypt.’ Egypt in this dispensation has been come a place of providence.

In Egypt Joseph (the DREAM) is alive. When Jacobs’s sons brought back word to Jacob that Joseph was alive, it was subtle but it was A NEW THING! it was clearly recorded in Genesis 45 verse 26b that Jacob’s heart fainted, be believed them NOT. The heart of the man fainted because; his heart had been broken and sorely disappointed, how many nights of agony, or longing for the return of the DREAM…Joseph. Joseph that was a cursor of the future.

In the meantime Joseph had sent wagons and cart loads of provision for the journey of his father and the brothers to Egypt. Goshen was waiting for them…A New place The Bible clearly records that in verse 27 when Jacob saw the carts his heart revived. There is a place for ‘seeing carts!!!’ that is both convincing and reassuring. It encourages faith and its revives the heart. It was an invitation to move out from a place of decrease and decay. Its causes us to do cartwheels, no pun intended!!!!!

So Jacob leaves for Egypt but via Beersheba (Genesis 46 verse 1). Beersheba the place of oath, the place of revelation, and the place where God visits again, and reassures Jacob of the ‘way of the spirit’ is to go to Egypt and the added benediction that Jehovah will make you ‘a great nation there’. A In Egypt God increased his people greatly (Psalm 105 verse24). He added to them, they multiplied; the prophetic name of Joseph was fulfilled in a most unlikely place and a most unlikely time…A New thing

Article contributed by Abby Olufeyimi. Abby is the Parish Pastor of Builder’s House (Redeemed Christian Church of God), U.K

The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Annual Holy Ghost Congress – themed “A New Thing” will hold Dec. 12th- 17^th 2011. Be there. You can also join online to be strengthened in your spirit. See Trailer below for details.

Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Christmas Season Fanfare on Sunday et al.

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Another jolly season is here and many are making preparations to spread tidings of joy in remembrance of the Saviour that was born. Even those who do not see Him as the only way to salvation can revel in social activities and attend services – to embrace the positive merry mood, applaud theatre and music production performance, hear the very best choral and poetic renditions, exchange gifts, light trees etc. Some will of course add the usual humanitarian touch for flavour as they share food boxes and presents to the poor orphan.

The climax is the 25^th. … this year, a Sunday … except that some are concerned that our reunions, feasts, outings and get-togethers conflict with normal humdrum morning and evening devotion – even as churches outdo themselves to make the Christmas Sunday a day not easily forgotten. Many on that day will say our worship is in Spirit and not bound by days, location and venues – and perhaps rightly so, elect to enjoy the company of family and loved ones. Those who sacrifice minutes of kin camaraderie for devotion will not expect to be confronted by anything of much gravity and will instead be compensated with the Pastor’s very best performance. If there is a day that happiness of members count – it is this day.

Granted, it spoils the mood to bring to fore that our appointed modern holiday seasons and worship rituals have mostly pagan origins. These are like consistent and regular “lite” viral inoculations to confer immunity against any invading deeper truths. The challenge therefore is always to restore truths and leverage evangelism to achieve the opposite of what the god of this world planned i.e. be religious as you shop, browse, eat, dance and be merry for this is the season of joy.

Proverbs 23 advises on what to do with the turkey knife at high-status events.

Proverbs 23[1] When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: [2] And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. [3] Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

Our ways are deceived because our measures are often wrong. Indeed our worship is in Spirit but it is also in truth. Our scorecard is God’s commendation.

2 Corinthians 10[18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

For example, Jesus said of the church in Sardis – they were reputed for being alive whereas they were dead. Everyone knew of their church meetings … the excited crowds singing unto the Lord at a fourth jam-packed service … all this, while Jesus holds His nose. The stench of decay is not completely deodorized by the hype of the jamboree. The few at the Sardis Christmas service who receive spiritual life from the shortest message preached on any Sunday only wait for that growing word to be choked at the banquet planned later in the evening. The error of the church in Sardis is still with some today … please read the Open Heavens Devotional “Wrong Measures, False Results”. Traditions ossified by literature like the “Christmas Carol” have embedded the thinking that spending, consumption and mirth is the model of the “generous “spirit.

Some financial advice – do not spend to impress. This is hedonism if not plain waste. Christianity is typified by moderation … and really you do not need another gadget even if Apple thinks so … stick to your budget … the borrower is servant to the lender.

Let the occasion be one for evangelism, focusing on God, giving and spiritual uplifting. Go against the grain … seek God in a different way – let it be a time for urgent restitutions. Know that careful and elaborate preparations have been made by the enemy of our soul to see that once again, the god of this world ravages the souls of men. I recently read ( I recommend you read the linked essay ) of a new evangelical spectrum – from “hyperfundamentalist” to “indifferentists” which I suspected to be recasting what in the book of Revelation Christ termed “Hot – Lukewarm – Cold”. Perhaps what many call a balanced conservative middle-ground positioning was what was commanded to be spewed out. We can determine to be “scalding” in showing the love of Christ and in our giving in the season. It is a wonderful opportunity for many to know Christ as Lord and Saviour. Christ waits to welcome the sinner home.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Annual Holy Ghost Congress – themed “A New Thing” will hold Dec. 12th- 17^th 2011. As part of the yuletide events try something different to set the tone for the holiday season by attending. You can join online to be strengthened in your spirit. See Trailer below for details.

Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Letter to Sister Abby’s Daughter

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Bode Ososami

It does take guts to go completely against the grain by encouraging those uniquely gifted to serve God … remaining single – without sounding like Mother Superior.

We forget, all too conveniently, that Christ was single as well as the most prolific of contributors to the New Testament, Apostle Paul. I published a related article by Brother Gbile on a different Deliverance from Earthwardness . Abby writes to her daughter …

Daughter dearest,

I have not written in a while, you know a proper letter, fold the paper and put it in an envelope (matching envelope please) seal the envelope and place the stamp (correct postage ) in the right hand corner of the envelope (and not up-side-down), letter! I like the world of instant, Blackberry messengers, facetime, twitter, and facebook …but a letter…this will be one of the many I will be writing…it is my pledge to you (nay to myself).

I was at the grocery store today and on offer were instant oats in all varieties and flavours. I settled for the long cooking one, nothing like soaking the oats in water with a pinch of salt (the way your Nana taught me) and then on low heat, simmer, the smell, the warmth…and then poured into a bowl and sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar. It’s the preparation….

And now to your question, ‘Mother give me 5 reasons why I shou1d remain single?’ It’s the preparation

I remember the words of the old Diana Ross and the Supremes song ‘you cann’t hurry love, you just have to wait….’ I may not have 5 reasons but I do know, that you are beautiful, and a treasure and a gift, God’s gift…I know this, but do you know this, do you believe this…at this time of your life you are being divinely prepared, all that you are and even going through is preparing you for LIFE…whether as a single young Lady or a married one

Are you enjoying the preparation or enduring you…are you being the best you? You for your Lord and You for yourself. Your singleness is a gift….a wonderful gift of God’s grace…a time for you to know You, discover you, love you…..and don’t get me wrong I am not saying that you cannot be YOU in a relationship, but so many women go into a relationship looking for the other person to ‘define’ them. I long for you Child to embrace your singleness and for the Lord’s Glory to come through… in every area, the vocation you chose, your creativity, in play and recreation, even in the hard places of life.

Another November, for it was in November my husband died and I too died, died to my ideal life but then came alive again … .and I went on ‘exeat’ to Chelsea yesterday. Popping into my favourite shops, the shop windows are such a delight, not shopping ( I lie, I did buy one or two things) just browsing on Kings Road, hopping on the bus at the Duke of York Square and off again, I treated myself to a cuppa (chai latte with soya milk extra hot and a sprinkling of cinnamon), I bought myself lunch at the Stockpot and I wondered if ‘Johnny English’ was showing yet at the Odeon for I will come and see it alone and laugh alone!!!!! I wondered in Anthropologie bought some soap and browsed through some books, a title grabbed me ‘the Happiness project’ hmmm wonder what that is about? In the middle of musings and browsing it occurred to me I have been a single woman for 15 years; having been previously married for 17 years. Almost half and half, can I honestly look at my 17 years of being married and claim they were better that the 15 years of being single….NO, not better, both gifts…it was Elizabeth Elliot through her writing, (some of the books are no longer in print) books like ‘Loneliness’ ‘Let me be Woman’ that I discovered (funny I read most of her books when I was married, that ‘singleness is a gift’…. and daughter dearest I pray you will fully live, embrace and appreciate your ‘gift’

With all my love always

Mum

(this letter was first posted to http://www.milkandhoneymedia.co.uk/5-reasons-you-should-stay-single/ and is written by Abby Olufeyimi . Abby is the Parish Pastor of Builder’s House (The Redeemed Christian Church of God), a church plant and community outreach of Jesus House (RCCG), England)

“O that my heart was pre-conditioned to seek Thy face! O that my reins would evermore long for Thy presence! O that my mind, my thoughts and imaginations are perpetually fixed on Thee! And my words, my deed, my daily traffic, all completely centred on You.” Prayer by Brother Gbile Akanni.

Enjoy related video by John Piper …

John Piper interview from women's katoomba convention from kcc on Vimeo.

Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Worship of Angels – Do not do it.

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Bode Ososami

On a short trip with my wife and kids in the UK and with much time on my hands I find myself often seated browsing the TV stations especially the religious bouquet seeking inspiration but instead finding myself perturbed … it seems a family film at the local Odeon will be more settling and I have asked my little boy to chose a safe film for all of us to see. But in my spirit I am led to warn about an ongoing and prevalent worship of angels that has flooded the networks…worship of who?

I will not be the first to be alerted and personally hindered from false worship. John the faithful disciple of Christ who was trusted to receive and share the Revelation of Christ, the last book of the Bible, also a rare example of unusual stability and longevity as a Christian worker. Worship of angels is genuinely heartfelt, comes from a well meaning heart and is closely associated with truth as angels can reveal truth … but it is not worship of God. If John needed correction, you and I may as well.

Revelation 22[7] “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” [8] I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. [9] But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” (NIV)

In the last days, worship of angels will become very prevalent. Angels are powerful superhumans with awesome intellect, talent and in touch with deep wisdom. They can be so impressive, like the erring John we can believe we are in the presence of God. More scary is the truth that a third of them are fallen and employed by the anti-christ.

I saw a documentary on a late music icon strong on religious themes linked to several spiritual gurus and heard many of his devotees convinced that his birth and death years ago was accompanied with signs. His spell-binding talent, unusual performance success and interest in the paranormal suggests an angelic “entertainment” presence of a different dark kind. But then there are awesome gatherings where revelation, deep truths, amazing wisdom and intellect combine to create another worship experience …these “intellect and wisdom” angels reveal impressive truths. In addition the love of money – and the obsession with financial “success” will facilitate bowing before the knees of mammon….a busy angel known to have a very large and growing following.

How then can we recognise worship of angels? True children of God will be hindered, warned and not allowed to worship angels. There are many things that only serve us excellently well such as money, music, the arts, intellect and wisdom that are not sinful but should not be permitted to keep out the presence of God … any adulation in the absence of God can be angelic worship. The presence of the Lord either in the Old and New Testament either before Isaiah, Abraham, Ezekiel or John is often accompanied by a:

sense of God’s holiness and man’s sin, the cleansing and the atoning blood of Christ that gives access to the throne of mercy as opposed to a feeling of anything goes.
desire for sacrificial service, submission and obedience conflicting with our agenda and natural leanings. “Here am I send me, use me Lord for your glory” is our cry…a sense of assignment and commission.
forgetting of self (achievements and disappointments) and eyes lifted up to God, filling us with a sense of the gratitude, glory, joy and majesty associated with admission into eternity.

John was impressed, shown wonderful things and heard deep truths, but warned not to bow at the feet of the angel revealing the truths … reminded to “Worship God”.

Lord, as you hindered every false worship for John – helping him, help me to worship you in Spirit and in Truth, and not be impressed into deception. Expose the worship of angels that your children may please you. Do something new in my life as I worship God. Amen

Enjoy Video below by John Piper.

John Piper interview from women's katoomba convention from kcc on Vimeo.

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

God Knows your End

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Psalm 41 [9] Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. [10] But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. [11] By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

As good as the beginning of your life, family or project may be, its end is far more important to God. It is good to start the Christian race, but Heaven is more concerned about how that race will end. Acts 15:18Acts 15:18
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

WP-Bible plugin says God already knows how you will end your journey right from when you embarked upon it. This is so because God is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending (Rev. 1:8Rev. 1:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

WP-Bible plugin).

According to Ephesians 1:35Ephesians 1:35
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

WP-Bible plugin-, everything concerning you had been settled by God before the creation of the world. Some people think they are where they are today as a result of certain events which took place many years before, or as a result of the meeting of their parents. That’s far from the truth! Even before God created the world, He knew and had planned that you would be born at a particular time to fulfill a definite purpose.

This is why you can never take God by surprise: He already knows what you are capable of doing throughout your life time. While coming to this world, the Lord knew that somebody close to Him would betray Him. “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Ps. 41:9Ps. 41:9
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. mine...: Heb. the man of my peace lifted...: Heb. magnified

WP-Bible plugin). The betrayal of Christ was prophesied in the above scripture.

Satan was free to choose who he wanted to do that assignment. Initially, he fixed his heart on Peter. Peter was Satan’s target to fulfill that scripture but somehow, because he had become too close to Jesus, another meeting was called where the tempter was asked to pick another person for the job. Jesus prayed for Peter but it was not recorded that He prayed for Judas. Every evil plan that has you at the centre shall fail.

Have you slipped from the path of righteousness? Have you betrayed the Lord like Judas? The Lord will have mercy on you and restore you in Jesus name. Have you been a victim of betrayal in the Christian faith? That makes you more like Christ. If your most trusted friend has turned against you, hold fast to the friend that never disappoints -the Lord Jesus. He will see you through to a successful end. You will end well. Hold on to Jesus the Ending, to give you an expected end.

Thank God for sustaining me up till now. Lord, give me more grace to live for you.

Culled from Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

The Story behind “Perfect Fall Wedding : The Coming of Christ”

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Get your copy at BN.com

A fourth book has typical challenges in the sense that one begins to feel somewhat jaded and must recover perspective as though indeed there is something else coming that is yet to be said as it should. “Three” in the Bible is the number that denotes perfection …the revelation of God in the Trinity. Four is three plus one … that which proceeds from His complete perfection and that must be His creative work. “Four” is emphatically the number of Creation;

The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). The sun, moon, and stars completed the work, and they were to give light upon the earth which had been created, and to rule over the day and over the night (Genesis 1:14-19Genesis 1:14-19
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: the day...: Heb. between the day and between the night ¹⁵ And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. ¹⁶ And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. to rule the day...: Heb. for the rule of the day, etc. ¹⁷ And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, ¹⁸ And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.

WP-Bible plugin).

Perfect Fall Wedding is therefore perhaps more creative than previous works. It is not a book about true or false predictions. The metaphor of marriage and a love letter from the groom to His bride was for me the very best canvas with which the creative agenda of the Godhead could be completely and thoroughly understood. Indeed there are snippets in the Bible to help us deal with every challenge and truly the Bible can be a prosperity book, a government manual, a guide for ethics, a cure for social maladies and even more…but this is like Peter being shown where to find the fish but after invited to come and dine only to discover prepared bread and fish was hot and ready waiting …his fish search irrelevant.

In my few years of teaching, and I have taught extensively the contents of this book, I have not found a picture so familiar and easy to relate to and understand and yet so compelling to tie the plans of God together as the marriage of the Lamb does –from before time into Genesis to Revelation and the after-time. I have not found imagery so vivid to explain heaven, hell, eternity and judgment as that of a wedding. The joy of purification, having dominion and remaining apart is no more hard to appreciate or seen as drudgery when this is understood as part of preparations. Also I have not known any other ceremony with more prearrangements, colour and style. God created us with a style and flourish that is uniquely His – through this metaphor we catch some glimpse of it. The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is but nothing compared to what God has laid out.

Why the obsession with “Fall” … the season of the feast of Trumpets which I have said in the Book foreshadows the Rapture. We know the significant events in the calendar of God did not merely occur they were announced by prophetic fulfilment of feasts as given to Moses in Leviticus. But the Bible warns us not to relax in the winter, spring and summer and expect to be set for His coming in the Fall. More importantly a saint unprepared for Him anytime will not be prepared even at a given set time…noting that preparation is given to the Bride – a grace she receives, but cannot originate. The chosen bride will without doubt be prepared.

The book is not about how to live a happily married life, but it does emphasise divine directions as it pertains to marriage ordained by God and not man. Marriage is therefore always a spiritual and theological issue and not a civil construct. This book is not remotely new revelation – only that present day readers I suspect peep in the word nervously … finding right answers to trivial questions … rather than be given to diligent study and examine research, context and previous interpretations allowing the Holy Spirit to guide. Also the great achievement of post-modernism is to suggest to a world with itching ears that Biblical truths are nothing but plain fantasy. Only crazy people will believe in a millennium reign of Christ with His saints. Existentialists will call this book – a mere piece of futurism and an escape from reality due to inability to cope with today’s challenges.

The key aim of Perfect Fall Wedding is to help the preparation of the bride – the Church – chosen from the foundations of the world. The bride will glow with joy browsing through the chapters and will keep her letter. Many others, atheists, non Christians will feel a tug in their heart – a call to return to what has always been there – back to your husband , your maker. But some will read and feel excitement, entertainment, annoyance, a thrill, a sense of fantasy, amusement, outright disgust, unbelief and anger –like someone devouring the contents of a letter written to another and wondering …what utter nonsense.

Isaiah 54 [5] For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Interested readers can find more details in the online information kit download. Also Two free e-books of the author are being offered with purchase of a copy. (To obtain the bonus e-books you will need to enter details of purchase on the online form and you will be auto-responded with download password/instructions).

(See PRWeb.com press release)

Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

The Rapture and another Harold Camping Prediction

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Click to buy at BN.com

Many are hoping that Harold Camping will be ignored once again as he predicts that October 21 is the date of the rapture. What is surprising is that even as has made previous predictions that did not happen, many will still take his predictions seriously.

Perhaps this is because they have not read for themselves what the Bible says about this most important event. Most are ignorant on the prophecies and the clarifications given by Christ even as there is agreement that the signs proving the time is near are being fulfilled.

Matthew 25[13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

We remember that Camping, founder of Family Radio Network, had earlier predicted that Judgment Day and the Rapture would occur on May 21, 2011. But when spring passed without a Rapture, Camping stood by his prediction but tweaked it somewhat to say it was not a “physical” Rapture.

Is Camping doing as much harm as many imagine? Except to the media crazed societies who find billboards more compelling than spiritual guidance or who have been told that the Bible is a “good” book of half-truths and mystic cryptic codes waiting to be deciphered. For those who would study the Bible and care to understand and love its truths, Camping’s predictions will perhaps not be given the slightest attention.

Well it will soon be October 21…only three days away.

In the Introduction of the new book “Perfect Fall Wedding:The Coming of Christ” , Pastor Samuel Olonode had written :

“There are many events that will usher and mark the return of the Bridegroom. Some will take place before the Rapture and Millennium (the 1000 year reign of Christ in earth) . . . and some after. Some take place on earth and some in Heaven. The imminent return of Christ should constantly be on our mind and we should be watchful. We cannot set a date as some do, because no one but God knows precisely when.

The Rapture takes place to mark the end of the Church age. This Church started at Pentecost, after Israel rejected her Messiah and it has continued till today. For more than 2000 years now, God has been calling out saints from all over the world, those that will constitute the bride of his dear Son. Presently, there is nothing hindering the Rapture . . . so we are to be ready to meet our Saviour in the air at any moment.

As soon as the fullness of time of the Father is complete, God will order the angels in Heaven to sound the trumpet, to alert the saints on earth. The next thing is that our Lord Jesus will appear in the clouds; then the dead in Christ of all ages will arise in the mighty power of God, and be joined together with their souls receiving their glorified bodies. After this, the saints which are alive will be caught up to receive their glorified body and meet with the Lord in the air. The Rapture is for those in Christ . . . a select group who are classified as believers of all ages. These ones are those who lived their life for God and expect the coming of their Lord. Are you one of such? How often do you reflect on the coming of Christ? Are you expecting Him? Are you prepared?

The purpose of Rapture is to take away the Bride of Christ, and to deliver them from the outpouring of the wrath of God. It is also for the believers in Christ to obtain their reward at the Judgement seat of Christ. And behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev 22:12Rev 22:12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

WP-Bible plugin. Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9-102 Corinthians 5:9-10
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. labour: or, endeavour ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

WP-Bible plugin.

The Rapture is the event that precedes the Marriage of the Lamb in the Heavenlies. The Raptured Church is the “Bride-to-be”—there will be great rejoicing with great angelic singing and shouts of joy as the bride arrayed in fine, clean and spotlessly white linen—the righteousness of the saints, is presented without the slightest wrinkle. After the marriage there will be a special banquet and we see the Lord Jesus breaking the bread and we will drink wine with Him who was slain for our sins—in a final communion supper. What a glorious event it will be.”

As October 21 passes, I urge you to again . . . remember Christ is coming . . . be prepared . . . for you have not been appointed for wrath. Repent now. Confess your sins and return fully to the path of holiness. Soon your Husband . . . He will come . . . for you….and if He comes before then … It is also well.

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Pragmatism and Fighting the Monster of Corruption

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Bode Ososami

The monster has not come for games. It has studied the battlefield and watched the protagonists closely for centuries and is deft in laying out tactics to remain unvanquished. This monster understands well three vital things which it uses to maintain his grip.

Pragmatism is the real religion of many professors of ethics and many are simply as motivated to material comforts and/or prominence as any other. Pragmatism means we must do our best to secure a reasonable and practical conclusion on matters in front of us – doing of course our best given the circumstance. Everyone bribes and can be bribed … most with money, others with honour and elevation and almost all with compliments, attention and recognition.
Morality for most is not absolute and the context will determine the case. Every case can be argued and we need to probe the context to establish truth. Truth can be true in a case and untrue for another – depending on who is presenting it or arguing for it. It is the end that justifies the means ….and this creates different scenarios and possibilities – enough to sustain every evil action. The best minds can argue decadence to be right. Everything can be contextualised.
It seems all dread inconvenience, bad news, shame, loneliness and lack more than they fear the hell that they preach about … if they still truly believe it. Most will only have pragmatic perspectives presented and will eschew rather than help people grapple through real ethical dilemmas. All like good news and worship happy endings.

Corruption is not new. Indeed at its height, the Roman Empire was the most impressive human administration the world had ever seen. Roman legislation was indeed effective and is still the basis of the legal code of many countries. Yet, many have said it was corruption that hastened Rome’s downfall. The Romans were experts in juggling a corrupt judicial system and knew how to play the cards of the law as was required. They were the ultimate pragmatists.

Acts 24 [22] And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. [23] And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. [24] And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. [25] And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. [26] He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

The apostle Paul suffered under corrupt Roman officials. Felix, the Roman governor recognized Paul’s innocence but hoped to be bribed by Paul to secure his release – after all this was only the pragmatic solution to enable Paul have the freedoms he needed to preach and do the work of God. An ally in Felix would also have been most helpful. What practical value will an incarcerated Paul confer? “ None “ says the positive pragmatist. Surely, Felix deserves some consideration for his kind intervention.

Instead of bribing Felix, Paul spoke about “righteousness and self-control.” Felix expecting a more practical discussion was incensed and had Paul retained in prison. For many what the monster demands is not money, but our services or an assent to evil or a quiet silence – anything to secure our freedoms from the bonds of the gospel and the love of God which restrains us. But we are yoked to Christ and must do as the Holy Spirit commands … in this our coast is supernaturally enlarged to do even more.

What is pragmatism? This is how Steve Jobs would have defined it.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” (1955-2011)

But this is how the Bible describes the voice speaking in our hearts…Jeremiah 17 [9] The heart is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Paul is not perfect and surely did not plan, when his life was interrupted on the way to Damascus, for a ministry in the prisons of Rome or to be crucified like a criminal, but the bonds of the gospel to which he called himself a slave demanded it.

The monster of corruption offers a wealthier, longer and healthier life, perhaps an opportunity in the lush courts of Felix to preach … but all that – did not affect Paul. Perhaps even though Paul did not dent the corrupt order, he saved his destiny and his soul – continuing in a pitiable incarceration from which he penned most of the New Testament.

The monster of corruption and injustice notes the identity of Paul, isolates him from his team and leaves him alone, waiting to hear of his eventual death and ignoring his tears in the sad corridors of a dark jail as he penned his works.

To my friend reading this post – be strong and courageous; continue to stand for truth. There is a new anointing in Christ not to be overcome by corruption. You will laugh last…all your private tears will soon be completely wiped away.

(Adapted from a real scenario and dedicated to the reader silently and privately suffering for battling the monster of corruption)

Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

How to Burn without Burning out.

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Many believers are exhausted, tired and feel burnt out but know that the fire of faith must keep burning. I found this article by Gbile Akanni most useful to help understand Bible perspective on how to keep aglow – very different from other views which can relax our guard.

What does the Bible say on perpetual burning for God?

Lev 6:13Lev 6:13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

WP-Bible plugin “The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar;
it shall never go out.”

1Peter 4:7r 4:7
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

WP-Bible plugin “But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”

Leviticus 6:8-13Leviticus 6:8-13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ⁹ Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. because...: or, for the burning ¹⁰ And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. ¹¹ And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place. ¹² And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. ¹³ The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

WP-Bible plugin details the law of burnt offering unto the Lord, the procedure for keeping the altar aglow even through the dampness and coldness of night. These contain gleans of principles for my heart as I seek to keep the altar of my own heart aglow! These are the protocols of perpetual burning. Lord may you grant me peace of mind to keep strictly to these protocols of hosting the fire of heaven perpetually within my soul.

Four things stand out there for me to keep my light burning. Four things there are that I must do, if indeed I desire a perpetual burning! I must . . . .

1. Pack Out My Ashes!
First, the ashes of past burning must be packed out, else it will only serve to dampen my fresh burning. I must leave the past in the past, if I will ever keep my fire burning; past success, past achievement . . . yet past failures and past weaknesses. That which is past is past. Focusing on the past will only stop me from fresh prospects in God.

Father, may I see no reason to be pre-occupied with the ashes of my past burning. Even if I’ve had exploits, it was by You. The elder, Paul chose to forget the things which are past, so as to press on to what lies ahead. I might have given You some fat offerings, or serious consecrations but those have already been burnt up. I need to face my current state. Only old men dream mere dreams, I will offer you something fresh while I am young. Memories of past wonderful encounters with You will only form idols in my mind now, and dampen my present quest for You. Oh teach me Lord, to pack my ashes aside!

2. Feed My Fire!
Next, some fire wood must be fed into fire chambers for the fire to be sustained. Fresh wood, daily set in order, to keep the flames ever fresh, ever current. Fresh logs of truth and twigs of understanding gained from spiritual insight into the word is the age long fuel that keeps God’s Candle burning. Oh that I may befriend my Bible and cherish the truths and principles hidden therein. It was the sweet psalmist of Israel that cried “O that my ways were directed to keep Thy law. Father, this I pray!

On the other side, the blowing and fanning of prayer and intercession has been known of old to spread the fire all over the heart and keep it warm and sizzling. Prayer, in spirit and in truth, blazing through my spirit in known and unknown tongues and cutting through the every debris and blanket cast by living in this evil and apostate twenty-first century is what my soul must have to keep a burning!

Father, I need help to watch unto prayer . . . In thanksgiving, worship, praises; the burning fuel from tons of supplications, petitions, intercessions and advocacy I must now be enabled to supply generously and consistently at your altar. So Lord, draw me nearer. For happy is the man whom Thou causeth to approach unto Your throne. Lord, hear my cry! Let the deep call to the deep and my soul be energised by tongs of fire from off Thine altar!

3. A fresh Sacrifice On My Altar!
Thirdly, the object of sacrifice – the burnt offering itself should be laid in order on top of the altar, to be consumed by the fire of sacrifice; thus yielding a sweet smell unto the Lord. Next, Lord, I see the need to present a new sacrifice upon Your altar. Every day demands fresh consecration and offering of myself, my time, my body, talents, money, my love; as a burning sacrifice upon your altar. I cannot appear at your altar empty – handed, with no sacrifice at all. What object will the fire consume then? Even some lusty idols I hold to in prayer, I must now release, in the faith that your will for me is better. Even at this junction, may my perpetual cry agree with the Hymn writer of old . . .

If Thou wouldst call me to resign
What most price I, it never was mine
I only yield Thee what is Thine
Thy will be done!

4. Be Sober And Be Watchful
Finally and most importantly, the fire upon the altar must never go out; night or day.
I must now be sober – clear-minded and self-controlled. Never permitting clouds upon my mind, nor ever allow myself be double-minded in the place of prayer. Earthly passions, anxiety and lack of focus will normally weigh a man down even where he seeks to please God. May my loins be girded and may my light forever burn! Amen!

Should I be enabled to follow these Your clear injunctions, should I fulfil these spiritual protocols for perpetual burning, then surely my fire will never go out. Help me therefore to keep Thy law.

Originally Published as Protocols for Perpetual Burning by Gbile Akanni. Gbile Akanni posts articles regularly on living seed.org.